Daryl had gathered little branches and dry, crumbly leaves to light the morning fire before Anna woke up. A white mist was settling across the outer fields where they were camped, it looked eerily calm and a person would not have guessed the world had dead people walking around in it. It was beautiful to look at. Daryl pulled out a cast iron pot from his motorbike saddle bags. He had gone for a walk earlier to the river and collected some fresh water. Daryl put the pot of water on for her coffee. He had some sugar on hand because he knew Anna liked her coffee sweet. The little things count for a lot. Daryl picked up larger twigs and chucked them in to the fire. For the first time since Merle went missing, he didn't feel so alone anymore. It was like as if he had a sense of purpose with her. Samson stood, wagging his tail and looking back to Daryl. Daryl didn't have to look back because he knew it was a friend. Rick was walking across the field with a plate of food in his hand.
Daryl didn't say anything to him, standing there and watching Rick with his eyebrows scrunched together, his head raised a little. Rick saw the way Daryl was standing and he raised his empty hand in peace, stopping a few metres away from him "I am just here to make sure Anna gets something to eat. Beth said her favourite fruit to eat was peaches. Hershel gave me some chicken soup with extra vegetables to get some nutrients in to her".
Daryl scoffed, raising his eyebrows because he couldn't believe the sucking up from the group "You all sucking up to her now? Do you really think a little bit of food will prove you all are sorry?" He chucked a large log into the fire in frustration and sparks from the fire flew up in to the air "Think that is good enough? You…"
Rick raised his hand, interrupting Daryl "Anna is not going anywhere. You have got to understand. I thought I was doing what was right by the group. But I now know it could have been one of the worst decisions that I would have made if it came to be. It will always come back to haunt me. We need Anna with us to survive. She is part of this group and is family now to us all now, whether some people like it or not".
Daryl was like a cat, standing there ready and alert. He was staring Rick down, taking his hand off his knife. He stood aside, allowing Rick to enter their camp "I don't know when Anna will be up and about. She had a real rough night sleep because of nightmares because of what happened last night".
Both men sat down on the log, Samson lying down in front of Daryl. Those three were really thick as thieves. "I reckon it would be a good thing if you are the one to give her the food. It would mean more if you were to, rather than me. Anna hates people being the messenger and would rather you be the one to tell her something because she hates gutless people" Daryl demanded.
Rick looked at the tent "I can wait for her until she gets up"
The birds were chirping and flying about in the trees, dancing between the branches. The light from the morning sun was streaming through the top vent, only providing just a small amount of warmth. The winter chill was settling into the air, making Anna hide even more underneath her sleeping bags. Without even looking around, she knew Daryl and Samson weren't in the tent because she felt cold, she was always warm when they were in the tent together. Anna closed her eyes and taking a big, deep breath to try and calm her anxiety that was building up inside of her chest. Doing all that she could to gather the courage to lift herself up "Come on, Anna. Get up. You need to get up. Have your moment, get yourself up and going. Stop crying and get your ass up" she told herself.
Anna heard Daryl bickering outside and Samson whining. Anna opened her eyes, blinking away the tears and let them fall freely down her cheeks. She didn't want to cry outside because Rick would feel sorry for her and try to baby her, telling her everything would be okay. Acting like the over protective big brother he has grown to be for her. She took one final deep breath and wiped away the tears, sitting herself up. Anna pulled on a pair of black skinny jeans and her shin high leather boots. She pulled down the sleeves of Daryl's thick flannelette and put her leather jacket over it. Looking around, she found the oversized beanie Daryl had found for her and put it over her messy hair to hide it after a rough night of sleep. Her braid was falling out and she couldn't be bothered brushing it. Not that it would matter, Anna never even brushed her before the dead started to walk the earth. She laughed to herself, her mother would be rolling over in her grave right now if she knew what state her hair was in.
Anna stepped out of the tent and the cold breeze blew hard into her face, making her cringe. She hated the wind that came with winter. Samson padded forward to his owner, whimpering and pawing at her feet. Anna leaned down and patted him behind the ears, he licked her fingers. She smiled, feeling just a little better with herself "I am going to be okay boy, you don't have to worry about me now" .
Daryl sat up straight, crossing his arms and looking at her. Anna could feel Daryl's eyes and avoided him by looking to the ground. He always seemed to be able to look right through her and to know what is running through her head, reading her like a book with open pages. Rick, being the gentleman he was, stood up from his seat when Anna got close to them. There were dark circles underneath her eyes with small creases, her cheeks were red raw from wiping away all of the tears and her eyes felt like she had sand in them. Rick felt accountable for some of her pain. He took a few steps to her and took her in to a hug. Rick pulled her in a little tighter, doing his best to pull the broken girl that was in pieces back together. He closed his eyes, composing himself "You are not going anywhere away from the farm Anna. You won't ever be forced to leave this group like you had been, never on my watch".
Anna squeezed her eyes shut as hard as she could, holding her breath and trying her best to choke back a sob, squeezing Rick tighter "Thank you. Thank you so much".
He pulled away from the hug and he took out a clean handkerchief, wiping away the fresh tears and gave the handkerchief to her "I know you don't like to see you cry. We are holding a funeral for Dale this morning and I know he would like for you to be there".
"Okay" She smiled, wiping her face once more.
"Hershel and Beth sent me out with some peaches, chicken soup and bread. They happened to have told me they were your favourites. There is also an open invitation for you both to move into the house later on in the day. It would put my mind at ease if you did".
Anna looked over at Daryl, who was sitting down on the log with Samson. He nodded at her and turned to face Rick "We will see you at the funeral and pack up our stuff. We will be up at the house after it"
Anna was staring down at her food, her stomach turning at the sight of it. Daryl could see she was struggling, he sighed and sat down next to her "Just take a little bite at a time. You need to keep your strength up".
She took a big deep breath, her fingers were shaking a little while took a spoonful of the chicken soup. Daryl watched her warily as Anna closed her eyes, taking big, deep breaths. Anna felt the uneasiness bubble up in her stomach, shaking her head "Oh god" she whispered, her hand flying to her mouth.
Daryl took the bowl out of her hands, sitting it down on the ground. He helped her turn around "Just let it all out Anna. It is not going to help you trying to hold it in".
"I hate throwing up" she cried and scrunching up her face, trying to fight back the urge to throw up but it was no use. Anna leaned forward, emptying her stomach onto the ground. Daryl held her hair back that had fallen out of her beanie. "You don't have to see this." She said between purges.
He rubbed her back in small circular motions "I am not going anywhere Half Pint".
The cramps in her stomach subsided enough for her to sit up straight, she lifted her head up with her eyes kept closed and taking steady breaths to try and calm the bubbles in her stomach that were bouncing around. "I am alright. I am alright"
Daryl picked up the bowl of soup, the peaches and got them out of her way. He picked up a bottle of water and a clean rag, handing them to her "Could have fooled me because you look like shit at the moment".
"Thank you. You are such a charmer" Anna took a sip of water. She called Samson over and he crawled to her, whimpering "Everything will be okay" she said to them both.
Daryl pressed his lips together, hanging his head down low. His hair fell over his eyes and he looked down to his feet. His shoes were stained with walker blood and caked with swamp mud. He looked back up at Anna and couldn't help but worry about her. Anna was blinking fast because she trying to stop herself falling asleep and seeing Dale again. Daryl could see Anna was trying to hide the pain and guilt of it all. He really didn't know what to say to her or how to help her properly and if he did say something, it could be the wrong thing and set her off the edge. He covered the food back up and put in their tent.
He stepped back out of the tent, just about to tell Anna she didn't have to go while everyone was there. But he stopped and he instantly felt proud of her. Anna was standing up straight and tall. She attempted to smile, nodded at him and turned around with Samson close to her heel. Daryl sighed, noticing his breath was a little white when he breathed. He ducked into their tent, grabbing her black soft leather gloves and her scarf. He picked up his cross bow, slinging it across his back and ran to catch up with her. Daryl had to smirk a little when he was walking beside her. Anna was rubbing her hands together, trying to keep them warm "Wouldn't happen to be cold would you?" He handed the gloves to her without saying another word and then wrapped her scarf around her neck, nudging her a little as they walked "What would you do without me"
She rolled her eyes at him, pulling one glove over her good hand and very gently over her injured hand, "Today I would probably freeze to death."
Daryl nodded his head "Then again it would be quiet for me like it was before you came here. Dear god I miss those days. I got to hunt by myself the way I liked and I got to have the sleeping bag to myself…" Anna thumped him in the ribs, "Ow! Would you watch it with those bony hands".
Daryl rubbed his side, pretending he was hurt. Anna rolled her eyes at him.
"Jack ass. You deserved that one" she muttered, leaning down, picking up a stick for Samson and throwing it with her good arm.
Anna looked up, her face dropped and the colour drained from her face, leaving her pale. Her chest was tight and her breathing was fast. Impulsively, Anna grabbed Daryl's hand, her only form of a safeguard from the anxiety and stress that she was feeling. Daryl looked up and saw that everyone had already gathered around for Dale's funeral. He pulled her aside and behind a tree, away from the curious eyes of the group. Daryl had to try and compose her before they reached them. Daryl thought hard, thinking what the hell he was to do. One thing came to mind. He kept a hold of her good hand and he gently held her other hand, squeezing them both sympathetically. Daryl really wasn't sure what he was doing, or if it was going to work but he had to try something to get her to compose herself. "Hey, hey Half Pint. I need you back here with me. You need to breathe for me. Tell me what is wrong?"
Anna's kept blinking, her eyes red rimmed and sore. Each blink felt like there was sand etched into her eyes still, feeling herself go in to a daze. "The last person's funeral that I went to who was alive and not a walker, was my mom's"
"Anastasia Hendricks." This caught Anna's attention, Daryl has never used her whole name before, "You have to be the most kick ass female I have ever met in my life. But you need to pick yourself up, dust yourself off and go to Dale's funeral. You need to do it for yourself because you have a god awful flaw in this shitful world and that is you have a big heart who cares too much for others. You feel pain more than everyone else. If you don't go to the funeral and not give yourself a chance to say goodbye, you won't ever be able to let go of that feeling that you have in your gut there right now"
Anna could feel the tears that were threatening to fall. She tilted her head back, taking in a small breath and all that Daryl said. She locked eyes with Daryl, letting go of his hands "Okay, let's do this"
He tapped her shoulder "There's my girl"
Anna stepped out from the tree. Kneeling down and scratching Samson from behind the ears.
Rick smiled, nodding to the two as Anna and Daryl got closer. He felt relieved Anna ended up coming to the funeral. Rick knew Anna would never forgive herself if she didn't take her last chance to say a proper goodbye to Dale. Anna has a heart of gold, one that was too big for the world the way it is now and it could be her down fall.
Daryl and Anna reached the group, just standing a little away from everyone. T Dog gave her a small nod , giving her a sympathetic look. Carl went to walk to Anna, but Lori held him back into her arms and giving her a pointed look. Anna's shoulder's slumped in frustration, Daryl put his hand on her shoulder and squeezing it "Don't you worry about her, the kid loves you".
A cold, brisk wind blew past them all, wisps of her tickled her face. The air was frigid, even though Anna had, layers upon layers of clothing on, she still felt the cold in her bones. Anna looked up to where the sun was in the sky and she could tell the days were getting shorter. Winter had well and truly arrived. Anna screwed up her nose, hating the ache that shot through her wrist and she turned it in small circles to increase the blood flow.
It didn't go unnoticed by Daryl and she could just feel his eyes glaring down at her, rolling her eyes to herself "I'm fine. Stop worrying or you will give yourself a heart attack" she whispered, looking straight ahead but at nothing in particular.
Daryl shook his head, her stubborn nature irritating him a little "Coulda fooled me. You know, I have never met someone who is as stubborn as you, not even my own brother" he whispered, looking down at her. "That is saying something".
Rick cleared his throat, looking down at the ground and taking a deep breath to start the eulogy for Dale "Dale sure could get under your skin. He sure could get under mine. Because he wasn't afraid to say exactly what he thought, about what he felt. That kind of honesty is rare and brave. Whenever I wanted to make a decision, I would look at Dale and he would look at me with that look he had. I am sure we have all see it one time or another. I couldn't always read him but he could always read us. He saw people for who they really were. In the end, he was talking about losing our humanity. He said this group was broken. The best way to honour, him is to fix it, to set aside our differences and pull together. To stop feeling sorry for ourselves and take control of our lives, our safety and our future. We are not broken, we are going to prove him wrong. From now on, we are going to do it his way. That is how we honour Dale"
The group broke apart and Rick went to them. He put his hand on her shoulder, tilting his head a little "Glad to see you decided to come. Dale would have loved having you here".
"I could just hear his voice if I didn't"
There was a smile there, Rick knew it wasn't a real smile but at least she tried. Since Anna had come to the farm, she had been a little bright spark and that little spark had dimmed a little "I have got T Dog, Shane and Andrea going out on to patrol the fences for any weakness.'
"I wanna go." Anna voiced, wanting to feel more useful.
Rick put his hands on his hips, feeling a little uncertain if Anna should be out with Andrea and Shane. He knew there was friction between the three and with what happened the night before, he knew her temper could be fuelled even more "You sure that would be a good idea?"
Daryl stepped forward, nodding at Rick to stop babying Anna. He knew she hated it "Don't worry, I will keep my eye on her and make sure little Half Pint here won't break any more noses"
Rick looked at Anna, the little brunette had blurry and red rimmed eyes from all the crying and looked tired beyond belief. In all honestly, Anna felt she was passed tired and couldn't be bothered dealing with Andrea and Shane. There was going to be no fights or bitchy comments, well at least not on her part anyway. She couldn't speak for the other two "I promise I won't break any noses and I will keep my mouth shut."
Well that was different for Rick, taking a step back from Anna and feeling concerned for her. Normally she would bite back, her stubborn nature always bubbled to the surface "Anna, you don't have to go out there today. No one would outcast you if you wanted to have a rest in the house"
She coughed, wiping her nose with the back of her sleeve "If I stay I will drive myself insane with thinking of what could have been if I was just five more minutes faster last night. I may have a fractured wrist but I still have one good hand that I can use and not just for a mean right hook."
"There she is" Rick put his hand on her shoulder, giving her a soft look "Alright. But make sure you look out for yourself out there today. But could you please do me a favour. l will get you to leave Samson behind, Carl needs the cheer up. The poor kid blames himself for what happened last night and I don't know why ".
Anna nodded, agreeing "Of course. Go on Samson" nodding to Rick. The dog closed his eyes, groaning and hanging his tongue out, stood by Rick's side and together started walking back to the house "Don't go straining that wrist"
"Yes Richard!" she yelled out.
Rick just shook his head as he walked away, laughing. He was starting to feel like an older brother figure for her. It felt good to have a sense of family again. They all had lost loved ones in some way or another by this sickness. All of them should have died of old age, in their bed being nice and warm. Would any of them live until that age? Would all of them even live until tomorrow?
"You sure you wanna head out with everyone today?" Daryl asking her a little nervously. "No one would blame you if you didn't want to go. Even if they did have something to say about it, they would have me to deal with. I will rip their heads off with whatever they had to say about ya" Daryl knew he could say that without her getting upset with him babying her too much.
"I am going to go out there because I want to make myself useful. But before we head out I just wanna say something to Dale if that's okay? No one else but you is around right now, so I can say what I wanna say without stepping on any toes . You can stay or I can meet you by the car? Whatever you want to do, all up to you" She didn't want to make him feel uncomfortable.
Daryl pretended that he was thinking about but in reality, he was never going to leave her "Nah, I think I will stay. Knowing my luck I let you walk back, you will trip and break that other wrist of yours" Daryl looked up, watching her warily. He really did like to stir her and he saw a little glint of old self again come again to the surface. "Go and talk to the old man. You will feel a lot better after you do. That conscience of yours can't go with things unsaid or resolved"
Anna sniffed, taking a moment to gather her thoughts the best she could. But how does a person do that? She turned, nervously setting one foot on front of the other towards the pile of rocks. Daryl knew Anna was taking her time, delaying it as much as she could because she was scared.
Anna reached the grave site and the tears fell silently down her face. The grief was overwhelming, unbearable for her to handle "So here I am old man. You were just about the only person who could see through my big tough act and see my tears even if they weren't there. I am so sorry, Dale. I am so sorry I couldn't get to you and save you. If only I was just that little bit faster. Just a minute more. You wouldn't be buried in the ground".
It was as if there was a gaping big hole in her heart and it felt so heavy in her chest, finding it painful to even to take a breath. "But I promise you that I will make sure this group will end up okay in the world the way it is now and in the future. I will make sure they become no longer broken and be the group that I know they are. You don't have to worry about anyone of them because I promise I will protect them the best I can. You have a good soul Dale and I will make sure your memory lives on in this group. You have my word until the day I die and even after death"
Daryl didn't need to hear any of it to know what she would have been saying to Dale and it made him feel nervous, anxious even. The last person's safety he felt like he was responsible for was Sophia. Anna was easing herself back off the ground with her good hand, struggling a little and it made Daryl contort his face, cringing. No one should have to struggle as hard as she does with such little everyday things. To fight each day just to be able to live to the next. Anna reached him, patting him a little on the back. Looking a little defeated, broken down but with her shield up "You ready to head out red neck?"
He knew how to bring her spirits back up and rev her up. He solemnly nodded, looking at her from the corner of his eye with a small smirk on his face "Yeah. Someone has to make sure you make it back to the farm in one piece. I don't want officer friendly on my back because his precious little golden child got a scratch on her or her hair was out of place from her braid"
Anna's mouth dropped, playfully smacking him in the arm "If I recall you were the one that told me to make sure my hair was all tied back into a braid. I seem have always had the two of you wrapping me in cotton wool at some point or another"
"Yeah, well it is about time someone does it for you. Got a lot to catch up on that matter with what you have missed out on before all of this"
They were almost at the truck, she stopped "You won't always be there Daryl. There will be a time where you won't be able to be there to save my ass"
Daryl felt the blood drain from his face, his colour a little pale. His muscles tensed up, stopping dead in his tracks. The thought of that made him feel sick in the stomach and he found it hard to look her in the eyes, looking ahead to the ute "Like hell I can't try to be. I better make damn sure I do it properly when I am here"
"Daryl." she muttered, closing her eyes and rubbing her temples. "Don't you put that sort of burden on yourself. I know you, something happens to me and you never would be able to forgive yourself. Look at how the world is now. The possibility of…" she trailed off without finishing that thought.
Daryl finally plucked up the courage to look her in the eyes. They weren't quite as bright as they used to be, dark circles under eyes, the whites not as white. He wanted to protect what was one of the only decent, good people "I ain't losing anyone else I care about from this group. Until I am dead and cold, I am going to protect you. Nothing is going to happen to you while I am around. I can promise you that"
T Dog stood up to the edge of the back tray "Hey short stuff, how are you holding up?"
"I have seen better days." Anna passed her cross bow up to T Dog and he set it down.
"Yeah. I think we all have. You look tired, sweetheart. You need to rest more, you sure you wanna head out there today?" T Dog admitted.
"Tough luck with that happening anytime soon, for any of us. We all need a good rest" Anna put her hands on the ute and couldn't lift herself up on the back. Daryl shook his head, putting his hands on her waist and boosting her up on to the back "You aren't going to hurt your hand even more".
The car rolled forward a little, jerking forward suddenly. Anna gasped, feeling herself fall forward, losing her footing and slipped on some mud that was on the flat tray of the ute. T Dog was quick and pulling her in to his arms.
"What the hell, man?" Daryl growled, waving his hand up in the air and tapping the side of the car. "Where did you learn how to drive?"
T Dog called out "You have got to be more careful"
Shane smirked, leaning his head out of the window "Sorry, the hand break is a little weak. I will give it a service once we get back. Ya'll alright back there? No broken bones?"
Shane was looking into the rear-view mirror, tapping the steering wheel of the car and tilting his head to look at Andrea "Someone needs to take care of the problem. This can't keep going on the way it has been lately"
Andrea looked out through the back window of the car to Anna and then back to Shane. She smirked, her eyes black and her nose purple where Anna had hit her "She is going to regret even coming to this group. Make her wish Dixon never found her out in the woods that night"
Shane twisted the keys in the ignition, starting the car up "You got that right. No more little miss golden child. Everything can go back to the way it was before she came here"
Daryl and Anna were ahead of everyone, looking down at the tracks on the ground. Anna noticed some muddled prints that lead over a wooden log. She whistled to Daryl, pointing to the direction of the prints. Daryl walked behind her and he was impressed by her skills. Even though Anna was physically and mentally exhausted, she still moved light on her feet, leaving no tracks that he could see on the ground. She saw such obscure tracks that even Daryl didn't see them until Anna had pointed them out to them all. Anna was an even better hunter and tracker than Daryl. If Anna wanted to disappear, she could do so with only a small amount of effort and they would never be able to find her.
They came out of the clearing, seeing about five walkers feeding on a cow. Anna raised her cross bow, whistling to get their attention. She looked down the sights of her cross bow, the sun shining in her eyes and the cold wind blew strands of her hair across her face. She exhaled, shooting a walker in the eye and it dropped to the mud. Shane walked past her, spinning the shovel in his hands "Nice shot there, Half Pin."
A bolt shot past Shane's ear.
"Yeah, well Daryl is an even better shot. "Anna leaned down, taking the arrow out of the walker.
Anna held onto the strap of her cross bow, lips pressed together and brows furrowed. She sighed, watching on as they all took turns to beat the walkers. What sort of people are they turning into? She made a promise to Dale and she was going to keep it. Daryl took the first kick, looking up at her. She was standing there, staring at them with the same sort of all-knowing look Dale would have had on his face and it got to him. Daryl caught her eye and with that look Anna had, he stopped the kicking of the walker and stood back from the others. How did she do that? With just one look and she could stop a person in their tracks.
Shane pulled the car up, Anna looked up and could see Rick, Hershel, Maggie and Beth.
"Guess they are all moving into the house now?" Anna muttered getting up, walking to the edge of the truck, sitting down on the edge.
Daryl looked up, chuckling to himself because there Carl was with Samson, running up to meet Anna.
"Not my fault just about everyone loves me " she bragged, smirking and looking at Daryl from the side of her eye.
Daryl looked at her, crossing his arms "Yeah? Just about everyone. But I am stuck with you so I have no choice in the matter…"
She scoffed, rolling her eyes at him "Please, I know you would be bored without me"
"Anna!" The young boy was a little puffed, holding his side as he got to her.
Worry filled her, pressing her lips together but had to smile when Carl raised his hand for a fist pump. She couldn't stay even semi angry for long with the kid. She raised her first, returning his fist bump. Samson was getting impatient, waiting for his owner to give him his pat. He was sitting, but his front paws were dancing about "Were you boys behaved today?"
Carl smiled, his hair was almost to his eyes and she took note to give him a haircut "Of course we were. I gave Samson a wash today! And after that, I taught him to shake hands! Can I show you? We have been training real hard all day to make sure we got it right by the time you got back. We wanted to make you proud of us"
"Of course you can. But we got to be quick because your dad has everyone together" Anna absolutely adored Carl to no end, she looked up to see Lori giving her the evil eyes and this triggered Anna's anger. If this is what made Carl happy, then so be it. Anna was feeling like a smart ass, giving Lori a wave, not taking her eyes away from hers "You know what Carl, you take your time to show me what you need to. We got all of the time in the world. I think your dad would be proud of the work you have done with Samson"
Daryl had his arms crossed, shaking his head at her. Anna shrugged her shoulders as she approached Daryl "You can't help yourself can you?"
"That woman needs to pull the stick out of her ass and needs to realise what actually makes her son happy. I know Carl needs all of the cheering up he can get after what happened last night, hell, we all need it. Samson won't leave his side now, he never left mine when my mom died and going through the grief. Dogs have a special sense when it comes to these things. Besides, I have you watching my back. I know I will be safe" she whispered
"Yeah, well a man can only do so much. I need all of the backup I can get when it comes to you because you are hell of a handful" he replied.
Rick the rubbed bridge of his nose, leaning on one of the cars "I don't know, fifteen people in one house? It will be a tight fit"
"I wouldn't say fifteen people Rick, Anna is only half person' T Dog joked.
Anna pulled a face, poking her tongue out and sticking her finger up at him.
"And miss makes up with for the rest of it with her heart. I have never met anyone so stubborn in my life" Glenn commented.
"Ya'll are ganging up on me?" Anna protested.
"Don't worry about how many people we will have in the house, with the swamp and the creek drying up" Hershel said glumly.
"With fifty head of cattle we might as well ring the damn dinner bell" Maggie exclaimed.
Hershel admitted, "She is right, we should have moved you in a while ago."
"Alright, let's move each of the cars and facing the doors and facing out towards the road" Rick instructed.
It got Anna thinking as well, they are all never safe and she thought up of an idea "Rick, can I put a thought out to everyone?"
"Of course you can, you know that. The table is yours to hold" he told her.
"While there are walkers around, we are all never going to be safe and that is a sad fact of life. We need a backup plan if being on the farm doesn't work out for us. What if we each have a pack in a car just in case we have to get off the farm real quick? There would be nothing worse than getting caught off guard and having to make a run for it with no supplies to survive on. We all need to be prepared"
Rick never had thought of that "And we should have a spot to meet at, just in case we get split up"
"I was thinking the same thing, Rick. How about we meet on the high way? Somewhere clear where we can see whatever is coming and be able to make a quick getaway if we need to. Even if we see each other a long way off, we can follow them in the direction"
"How about the spot where we left the supplies for Sophia maybe?" Daryl added.
Rick is a natural born leader, it was wearing him a little thin, evident with the lines appearing on his forehead where he was always frowning "Alright, that sounds like a plan! Let's make sure we have a look out at the barn and the wind mill. It will get us a good view of the sidelines of the property. Anna and T Dog, I want you two to patrol the perimeter and keep track of the people coming and going. Samson will be able to track if there has been any walkers around"
Anna nodded and T Dog draped his arm over her shoulder "What about standing guard?"
"I need you, Anna and Daryl on double duty"
There was one pair of eyes that Anna could feel burning into her. She turned her head, looking directly at Shane. The look on his face, he wasn't happy that Rick trusted her more than him.
Andrea approached Rick "What about patrols?"
"Let's get this area locked down first. Shane will allocate shifts while Daryl and I take Randall off site and cut him loose. I am leaving Anna in charge while we are out, she will keep things in order while I am gone"
Anna's eyes widened a little, looking around at every one "Of course, Rick"
Shane scoffed, licking the side of his mouth, where there was a cut. He stuck his hands in his pocket, looking sideways and then to Rick and Anna. His hands were clenched in his pockets. He did not want to believe a word Rick was saying "Back to that now?"
Rick put his hands on his hips, running one hand over his mouth and turned to face Shane "Taking Randall out first time was the right plan but poor execution"
Shane scoffed, shaking his head "That is an understatement"
Rick cocked one eyebrow, putting up his hand to Anna who was standing with Daryl and stepped towards Shane "If you don't like the new plan with Randall or Anna leading this group while in my absence, I suggest you swallow it and move on or part ways", he challenged Shane. Knowing he'd never leave.
"You know Dale's death and the prisoner are two separate things right? You wanna take Daryl as your wing man and have Anna as your number two, be my guest. A lot of good that will do you" Shane replied.
"Alright then" Rick said without even looking him in the eye and walked away from Shane.
"Sure" Shane replied almost sarcastically.
Hershel pulled Rick aside before he left. Wanting to be out of earshot of the group.
"I can see why you aren't taking Shane with you, just so you know I have no more patience where he is concerned" Hershel warned Rick.
"Shane is turning of a new leaf", making excuses for him. Wanting to believe what he was saying for himself.
Hershel gave him a pointed look "I can see why you want Anna as the leader of your group while you are gone. That young woman has a head on kind heart and a good, sensible mind to go with it. I know she wants what is best for the group. That's the difference between her and Shane."
The sun was glaring down into Rick's eyes, making him squint his eyes and shield them from the sun with his hands, "It makes more sense that way. In the small amount of time I have known her, I know I can rely on her and trust her"
Anna was just ahead, about to approach Daryl on his bike "Anna! Can I talk to you for a second?"
Anna shielded her eyes from the sun with her hand "What's up Rick?"
"When I am out with Daryl, help Hershel keep an eye on things around here. Shane has a habit of letting things get out of hand, especially when he is all worked up. I need to make sure each time I leave the farm, all hell doesn't break loose".
"Shane needs to understand it is what Rick and I say and not whatever he wants"
"Neither of you have to worry, I will make sure it all stays under control. Keep on worrying the way you are, you will never get rid of those wrinkles that are on your forehead there" Anna pointed out.
He looked at her with pointed eyes "Yeah, yeah, yeah. You just make sure you keep a leash on that attitude of yours while Daryl and I are out. Promise me. No more broken bones on anyone, you hear me".
Anna was going to say a smart ass comment as she would but she saw the look in Rick's eyes and knew not to "I promise, officer friendly".
He ruffled her hair, pushed her along "Yeah, yeah. Move on will you. Make sure you have everything you need packed in to Daryl's bike"
Anna rolled her eyes at him, pushing herself away from him "Yeah, yeah. I had better get going".
Anna was a little unsure of Rick leaving her in charge while he was gone. Her brows were pressed together, kicking the dirt as she was walking. A lot of the group wouldn't be happy she would be in charge.
"Everything alright? What did Rick want?" Daryl was leaning on the handle bars on his elbows, biting at his finger nails. The sun glaring down into his eyes.
"While you and Rick take Randall out, Rick is leaving me in charge with Hershel on the farm. Says he wants me to keep an eye on Shane, keep track of where he comes and goes"
Daryl leaned back, sitting up right "Well that makes sense, you are the only person here that Rick thinks that can handle it all while he is gone. However, you make sure you watch your back with Shane and don't go anywhere alone. You see him do something he isn't meant to do; you go and get T Dog or even Glenn"
Daryl leaned forward again. He looked ahead; making sure everyone had made their way to the farm house. He shook his head, getting up off his bike with a sneaky look on his face.
Anna looked at him weirdly "What are you doing?" she whispered
"Play along." he muttered, turning her around and pretended he was fixing her cross bow but handed her his small hand gun, she got what he was doing and took the gun, tucking it in to the back of her pants.
"If that asshole tries something while Rick and I are gone, you better make sure you use it. I don't care if he ain't breathing when we come back"
For once Anna didn't fight him, seeing the look on his face and she knew he was being serious "I won't let anyone know I have it".
"I have your medical stuff in the bags on my bike with your stuff. You didn't have much, so it all fit in there," he told her.
"No worries." she answered, walking ahead of him.
Daryl started the bike "You don't want a lift?"
"Nope, can't stand motorbikes. Never really learnt how to ride them properly," she admitted.
Daryl sneered, shaking his head as he sat down on his bike "What about when you save the three amigos in town then? You telling me you didn't know how to ride a motorbike"
"Oh that is a fluke, never been on a motorbike before. I only ever watched my father and brother. They are the ones who taught me how to hot wire a car too if I ever lost my keys to my car"
Daryl closed his eyes, groaned and ran his hand over his face; she was going to be the death of him. She had gone out and saved the three men on a whim, bringing them back home. Daryl started his bike, rolling past Anna and shaking his head at her. Of course, she had a smirk on her face, poking her tongue out at him.
Anna laid out both her and Daryl's sleeping bags and pillows in the corner of what was the games room. No one else was in here and she knew Daryl liked to be away from the others. There was a knock on the frame, she looked up and saw Carl standing there looking a little sheepish "Hey Anna"
"Hey little man" She untucked her legs and leaned back against the wall. "Come here and talk to me. Tell me what is on your mind"
Carl nodded aimlessly, wiping his nose with the back of his hand and sat down beside Anna. Samson yawned and crawled to sit down beside Carl "If I tell you something, promise me you won't tell my parents?"
She felt conflicted, absentmindedly patting down his hair "I am not sure if keeping secrets from your parents is a good idea. But I will go to your dad and tell him whatever you need me to".
He reached into the back of his trousers; Anna peered back and saw Carl took out a gun. She gasped, taking it from him and hiding it under sleeping bag and sat her pillow on top. Her gentle eyes a little more stern, causing a little crease between her eyes "Where did you get that?"
"I took it from Daryl's bike bag. If he knew I had took it, he would kill me. Could you sneak it back or something? I just know he won't get angry at you."
They were sitting there, together and both grieving Dale. Anna knew she had to take it easy on the poor little kid "What were you doing with it anyway?"
He sniffed "Dale. It is my fault he died"
"Now, why would you say that? Dale got bitten by a walker"
"I saw that walker. I saw that walker and I was going to shoot it."
"It was stuck in the mud. I was throwing rocks and stuff at it. I was going to do it, shoot it right in the end. It got free, came after me and I ran away. If I had done, maybe Dale would still be alive"
"None of this is your fault. Now you don't worry about Daryl, I can handle him. He won't get angry at you. I will go and talk to your dad as well. But you are going to have to talk to him; you can't keep this a secret".
Carl hesitated for a second, thinking. "Thank you Anna and I promise I will talk to my dad".
"Good, I know you are smart young man" she praised him.
"Would it be alright if I can work with Samson on his training some more?"
"Of course you can my little prince" Anna smiled, putting her hand on his cheek, leaning forward and giving him a chaste kiss on the forehead.
He gave her a hug, knowing her arms would always be there when he needed them. Anna always made everything better "I love you Anna"
She closed her eyes, pulling him just a little tighter into their hug. In such a small amount of time being on the farm, these people have become her family. Hearing those words, come from Carl's mouth gave her lump in her throat "I love you too".
Rick was leaning over a map and Daryl was listening to what he had to say, "We will take him out to Senoia. An hour there, an hour back give or take. We will lose the light but we will be half way home by then." Rick reassured Daryl.
Daryl stood up straight, seeing Anna walking out of the house after setting up their new sleeping quarters. "This whole pain in the ass will become a distant memory. Good riddance" He sat back down, trying not to look back as much as he wanted to.
"Carol is putting together a pack of rations that should last him a day or two'
Rick looked on, tapping their map of the veranda "That thing you did last night…"
His eyes were squinted, looking up at Rick "There is no reason you should do all of the heavy lifting"
He nodded to himself, tapping map in his hand "You cool with all of this? Anna taking care of everything back here at the farm and he being in charge of everyone. I know what happened, she took a heavy hit last night," he asked him.
Daryl nodded. "I don't see you and me trading hay makers on the side of the road. She is a lot stronger than ya'll think, been through hell and back before even dead people started walking around. She can handle it. Anna is the best person for the job, apart from you, to take care of this group so you can trust her. She puts herself aside and wants what is best for everyone before herself"
The little half pint walked up to them, her cheeks were a little pink from the wind burn "Speak of the devil, damn girl looks like a popsicle. What the hell is she going to do in the dead centre of winter? " Daryl muttered.
Rick had to hold back the smile at Daryl's habit with Anna "How was setting up the new beds?" Rick asked, sitting down on the front porch seat.
"I just finished with the help of Carl," she said looking around to make sure no one but the three of them were around. She reached in to the back of her pants, brought out her gun Daryl gave her and the gun Carl had and handed it to Daryl. He looked it over in his hands "Where was my gun?"
She felt conflicted, turning to Rick, she said, "Carl took it from Daryl's bike. He was out in the muddy swamps and ran into a walker. It got loose, Carl got scared and he ran. It was the walker that killed Dale. He gave it to me inside earlier on because he was scared of how you two would react"
This is why Rick wanted her in charge, he trusted her to make the right decision for all of those involved "Thank you, Anna"
She tucked her hands underneath her arms, trying her best to get rid of the chill "For what it is worth, I think Carl should have a gun. He needs to have one on him. The world is a dangerous place and I know he can handle it, he just got scared is all. He can't be scared of a gun because that could get him killed. He just needs to be taught properly"
Daryl held out his gun, looking square at Anna who screwed her nose up at him "The little person has a point. The kid can't be scared"
Rick took the gun from Daryl, holding it in his hand. It felt guilty, wrong even for Carl to go to Anna and not him or Lori. He really did latch on to her as soon as she got to there. He stepped forward, giving her a hug and a kiss on the forehead. "Thank you, Anna. I will go and have a talk with him".
"And tie up those shoe laces young lady" Rick called over his shoulder, his arm pointing to her "Don't want you tripping over and breaking that other hand of yours"
Anna's mouth dropped her nose scrunching a little and not quite believing it "God damnit" she whispered, leaning down to tie her shoe laces. "I swear you both have eyes in the back of your head, I can't get away with anything with you two around"
Daryl nodded his head, picking the dry flaking white paint off the railing and standing back off it "We all have to where you're concerned. You are a bullet at the gate sometimes"
She had finished tying her shoes picked up a small rock and being cheeky, threw it playfully at his legs. Anna got up off her knees, her trousers covered in dirt and blood stains "I had better for my round of the farm. The sooner I do, the sooner I can get out of this cold weather. Winter has come early for us this year and I am freezing my ass off out here, even with all of these layers on".
They walked down the steps, stopping near his parked bike. He looked down to his feet, a nervous habit he had when he didn't know what to say, "Yeah, make sure you be careful out there. Don't you go too far where no one can hear ya yell if you need help"
Anna saw the worry in his eyes he liked to hide but she saw through it, playfully punching his arm "What do I have to keep on saying, you don't have worry about me"
She walked away, her cross bow bouncing a little on her back. Daryl watched her walk away, shifting on feet and feeling nervous about her going about by herself "Not one scratch you hear me?" he yelled out after her.
Her shoulders slumped backwards, turning around and saluted him with a smart ass look on her face.
"Damn girl" he muttered.
Anna was feeling good, decided to go and visit the grave of her brother and father. However, when she got there, her tracking eyes saw two set of tracks. They weren't too old either, one was smaller than the other and right on top of each other. She had a feeling who it was, looking back to the farm and saw she had gone too far "Damnit" she cursed. If she left now, she could lose them and so she walked further into the woods.
The sun was getting lower in the sky, shadows stretched across the ground. Anna was light on her feet, only leaving small imprints left in the mud. Her prints were unique, no one could move like her in the woods and if someone knew her, they'd know it was her as plain as day. She was a long way in to the woods now, looking up saw blood high up on a tree. Anna reached out, touching it "What the hell?" murmured, looking at it closely.
Her hand was slammed into the tree and it hurt, making her cry out in pain and dropping the gun to the ground. The pain rippled through her arm and her cross bow was pulled away hard from her. She didn't have to turn to know who was trying to kill her, hell he had wanted to do it as soon as she got onto his bad books. Anna twisting away from him, using her small size against him. He hit her in the cheek, a stabbing pain going through her jaw and into her neck, making her lose her balance, falling to the ground. With brute force, he stomped hard down onto her knee. At this stage, the adrenaline was pumping through her body and her body was shutting down, blocking out the pain. Anna tried moving, scrambling on her back away but Shane shook his head at her, sneering and leaned over her small body. He puts his hands around her neck, slowing tightening the hold on her neck "I am going to leave you to die here and no one will know where you are or be able to find you" he whispered, looking down at her. He tilted his head, a crazed look on his face "The walkers won't get much of a meal off you but I guess it is better than one of them eating us. This is what happens when you try to interfere with this group and try to undermine me"
"You could never be a leader with your head so far up your ass" she spat at him.
He was white with anger, picked her up by her throat and slammed her hard into the ground, giving her one final hard blow to her face. He stormed off, chucking her cross bow in a large bush. She was blinking slowly, seeing white patches in front of the eyes.
T Dog walked to the shed where Randall was, feeling relieved all of this mess would be soon behind them "Yo, Randy", banging his hand on the door "The governor called, you are off the hook".
He put in the combination of the lock, pulling it away and opening the door. Looking in, and there was no Randall. Stepping in, he looked around just to check and he wasn't anywhere to be seen. T dog rushed out "Aww hell no. Guys!" he yelled.
Rick and Daryl came running from the car "What's going on?" Rick yelled.
T Dog shook his head, lip pressed together "Randall is gone"
Daryl growled and pulled the door open, looking in and around and went back outside, his eyes scanning his surroundings. Everyone else came running from the house, all shocked and scared but no Anna. She was meant to be finishing off her patrol of the farm. Rick was inside, kneeling down on the ground and studying where Randall had been held, trying to find some evidence to what happened.
"What's wrong?" Lori asked, scared and with Carl at his side.
Samson ran from Carl side and straight to Daryl. Samson dug his nose in to his hand, whimpering, "Where's your momma boy? I told her not to go off wandering by herself".
Rick came out from the shed "He must have slipped the cuffs".
"Is that even possible?" Carol wandered, worried.
"It is when you have got nothing to lose? Where is Anna? Everyone else is here but her"
"Rick!" a voice yelled out from the trees.
Everyone turned, seeing Shane emerging from the woods. Samson started growling, crouching low to the ground.
"What happened?" Lori yelled out.
Shane lied, "Anna took Randall, I found her tracks. She killed Randal, armed and is dangerous".
"Are you okay?" Carl asked.
"I am fine, the little witch snuck up on me and clocked me in the face" he lied again.
"Everyone get back in the house, Daryl and Glenn come with me," Rick ordered.
"Just let him go. That was the plan wasn't it, let him go. Anna isn't quite right, don't be angry at her" T Dog muttered.
"Give me that gun!" Shane said to T Dog and took it from his hands.
"We were meant to let him go far away and not on our front door step!" Rick bellowed.
"Don't go out there! You don't know what could happen!" Lori interjected.
"Rick turned away, only looking over his shoulder "Everyone go back inside, lock all of the doors and stay put"
Daryl looked on the ground, searching for any signs of Anna or Randall. Samson was ahead of the four men, sniffing the ground and turning over leaves and rocks. Daryl looked sideways at Shane, not trusting a word that came out of his mouth. He looked up at the sky, it was getting dark and his breath was white.
"She headed out of the trees that way before I blacked out"
"They wouldn't have got far. Randall is in pain and hobbling. Anna is only a small person and could only get so far"
Rick shook his head, pointing at Daryl "Can you track either of them?"
"Nah, I can't see nothing" he said agitated.
"Look, it ain't no use tracking either of them. She went that way! We pair up and we chase them down"
"You tell me a girl that weighs barely more than a hundred and ten pounds soaking wet, five foot tall and with a busted hand got the jump on ya" Daryl stared up at Shane, tired of his bull shit and lies. He has had it in for Anna from the very beginning Anna came to the farm and Daryl was feeling troubled that Shane had finally got to her. It made his stomach swirl in uneasiness.
"She socked me in the face with a rock man, I would say a brick would even those odds out"
"Alright, enough. You and Glenn head up the right flank and Shane and I will head up the left. Remember Randall and Anna are the only enemies out there. Watch out for each other" Rick ordered them, which stopped the bickering.
It was night, an icy fog had settled and it was hard to see even just a stone throw in front of them. But Daryl kept his cross bow ready, studying every rock, branch or leaf that was on the ground. Samson stopped in his track and sniffed the ground, turning over leaves with his nose. He started whining, sitting up, his paws twitching and alerted Daryl. Slight relief spread across Daryl's face, reaching Samson and gave him a pat on the head "Good job boy"
Daryl reached out his arm backward to Glenn, his eyes not leaving the tracks "Give me a light"
Glenn turned on the torch, fumbling a little at first and handed it to Daryl "Do you really think Anna took Randall and did that to Shane?"
Daryl shone the light around where they were, signalling Samson to go on "You and Anna are friends, right? What do you think?" Glenn added.
There was silence between the two "Yeah, that's what I thought. There are only three people I know on this farm for sure who have never taking a liking to her. If Anna wanted Shane down and out, she wouldn't just smash a rock into his face. He wouldn't have made it back to the farm. If she wanted him dead, he would be dead" informed Glenn, who shivered at the thought.
He pointed the light ahead, following Samson's trail "There are three sets of prints here, Anna's are behind the two older set of prints."
The crickets were loud, leaves crunching underneath their shoes. Samson found a tree, balancing on his back legs and jumped up, pawing the tree. Daryl quickly made his way there, shining the light up the tree "There is blood there" And it was the same height as Shane.
He looked down, completely ignoring how cold the air was for him. Looking for Randall or Shane wasn't his number one priority anymore, he was looking for Anna "Shane's prints are right on top of Randall's, this isn't random. By the looks of it Anna found the same tracks as we did, these are her prints right here. Thank god she was wearing her hunting boots"
Daryl kept his emotions in check, trying to keep calm and collected and pointed the torch to the left "By looks of it, there had been a dust up between…"
Glenn was wide eyed, looking around and he was scared. He bumped into Daryl, putting up his hands up. Daryl looked back at him and forth, twice "Sorry, sorry".
Some leaves were scattered, revealing the dirt underneath and there was some branches broken "Like I said, looks like there was a dust up between someone right here"
Daryl's breath got caught in his throat, he clenched his teeth. He saw a strap lying on the ground , it was from Anna's cross bow. He went straight to the bush behind it and found her cross bow caught up in the bush. "God damnit"
"This is getting weirder and weirder" Glenn said, looking at Anna's cross bow. He definitely knew something was wrong because Anna never went anywhere without it.
A branch snapped not too far from them and they quickly hid behind a tree. Daryl peeked from behind the tree, seeing a figure lurking. He chucked the torch to Glenn, taking another look from behind the tree. Daryl had his cross bow up, ready to fire when the person got close. Glenn stepped out with his axe, the torch pointed up and Glenn froze. Randall had turned in to a walker, snarling at him and lunged for Glenn, knocking him to the ground. Daryl fired a bolt but it missed. Randall growled, turning, lunging on to Daryl and trying to get his teeth into his neck. Glenn grabbed Randall from behind, pulling him off Daryl, taking his axe and striking Randall in the head.
Daryl tapped him on the chest, proud of Glenn "Nice one. Thanks"
He put his cross bow across his back, reaching for the torch and taking a closer look at Randall "He got his neck broken" He pulled him over, taking a closer look at his body "And he wasn't bitten either"
Glenn leaned in on closer "Yeah, none that you can see"
Daryl shook his head, pointing at his neck "Nah, I am telling you he died from this"
"How is that even possible?"
There was a groan from a walker behind them, adrenaline helped them both to get up quick. The right leg was bent at an odd angle and it could barely hold itself up. Daryl pointed his cross bow at it, shooting a bolt that flew just past it's head. A small gasp came from the walker, it wavered a little on its feet "Not dead! Not dead!" it hoarsely whispered, with one arm raised up. "I'm not a walker"
Glenn and Daryl looked at each other, nervous. The voice was cracked, but there was something about this person that made Daryl lower his cross bow.
"You seriously need to work on your aim red neck because that shot was terrible" The colour drained from Daryl's face, his eyes widened and his breath got caught in his throat. Glenn turned on the flash light to the person's face. His eyes focused more with the light and realization waved through him. He knew that smart ass sense of humour from anywhere, no one had one like her "Anna?" And he almost shot her!
The adrenaline was leaving her body, knowing she was safe now. Her body started to relax through a mixture of relief, exhaustion and pain when her legs finally gave way. Daryl rushed forward, skidding to the ground and taking a hold behind her back. "We seriously need to stop meeting in the woods like this… It's becoming a force of habit and I ain't fond of it to be honest cause it sucks"
Daryl motioned Glenn to shine the light over her to check her injuries before they went back. Glenn shined the light on her face, showing two big bruises. Her neck was a dark purple and her throat swollen "Oh my god" Glenn whispered. "Shane did this to her?"
"How did all of this happen?" Daryl asked, steadying himself and getting up off the damp, muddy ground.
"I saw some tracks, I followed them. I found the tree with the blood on it. He knocked the gun out of my hand and hit me square in the face. He ripped my cross bow from my back, kicking my knee and knocking me to the ground. He stomped my knee again for good measure to make sure I wouldn't get up" She stopped talking when a wave of pain pulsed through her knee "strangled me then lifted me up by my throat and slammed me into the ground. Left me almost unconscious for the walkers to finish me off because he wanted me to feel when they tore me apart. Shane did his best to make sure I was going to die, he thought he got away with it"
"Alright, we need to get you back to the farm and have Hershel look at you" Daryl told her.
"What are you going to do?" Glenn asked.
"I am going to kill the bastard"