*This chapter picks up about three months after the last one. This is also a VERY long chapter...sorry. I didn't mean for that to happen but it did so yeah. Hopefully, you guys enjoy it! Season 3 of TWD should be starting after the next chapter which will bring a whole new story line. Reviews are great! Enjoy!*


The weather is finally warm again. Trees bud with fresh life as that cold winter frost dissipates. The Georgia woods boom with the rustle of tiny creatures waking from hibernation. I twirl the twine around my finger, letting it fall away and then retying it again. Rick planned to rest for a few hours, give everyone a break, and Daryl and I took it as a chance to get some fresh meat. We trek quietly over the thawing earth. The silent release of Daryl's crossbow sounds, making a thump as it impales the creature. He snatches up the furry white rabbit and we continue on.

The past three months have been rough. The group we met at the gated community wasn't lying about having others. About twenty minutes after the shoot out two cars showed up, men piling out of the vehicle. I'm still trying to wrap my head around how we got out.

I still have this fucking mark on my arm, the burn a pale pink against my sun kissed skin. Even after all this time, I'm still trying to rack my brain for answers. Ghosts can be invisible and leave marks, but there weren't any cold spots. There are angels, but never in my life have I seen an angel go invisible. I know they can speak to you without actually being there, but does that mean they can also physically touch you? And why would an angel want to save me? Cas said he couldn't protect me, so no other angel would, right? The Winchester's and I weren't exactly on the best of terms with the winged community.

Daryl stops in his tracks, raising his crossbow, and letting an arrow fly. The bolt tags the fluffy-tailed squirrel square in the back, pinning it to the trunk of the tree.

"Stop thinking," his southern voice calls out as he retrieves his kill. "You're head's gonna pop with all that crap."

"But what if those thoughts are about you?"

He turns towards me, lips pressed into a thin line, "Yeah, but they ain't."

I shake my head. He knows me better than I know myself sometimes. "Should we head back?"

Daryl looks up to the sky before nodding. It's around noon and we've been gone for close to an hour. I'm sure Rick is starting to get anxious.

"You still obsessing over your arm?"

"Yeah," I answer tiredly, wishing I had my damn journal or John's journal, anything that could give me peace of mind.

"Whatever it was, it saved your life," Daryl comments with hidden gratitude.

But why am I so special?

We break through the edge of the forest, spotting the others gathered around the red Chevy talking. Rick nods at us as we join them, looking over the map they're discussing.

"It's a small town with a few homes, nothing too big. My college roommate grew up there. I spent a summer with him and his parents. There might be some things we can scavenge, maybe even crash the night," T-Dog explains with a hint of sadness at the mention of his friend.

"It's worth a shot," Glenn adds hopefully before looking to Rick.

His blank face is calculating, watching Lori out of the corner of his eyes. She's pretty far along now, her belly distended. Hershel is constantly checking over her, making sure she's taking the vitamins we scavenged and eating enough, both of which are difficult to have every day. We're coming up on the end of her pregnancy and we still don't have a place secure enough to give birth, let alone raise a child.

"We'll head out after we eat. T-Dog you'll lead the way," he orders.

Daryl and I leave them while Rick finishes discussing the trip with T-Dog. I help the hunter skin and gut the animals, giving them to Carol to cook up while the others sit around and wait. Carl's nose is stuck in the black notebook I gave him.

"How did you learn this?" He moans frustrated as he drops the journal in his lap.

I smirk, wiping my hands clean of animal blood, "I had a gruff old man who wouldn't let me have my coffee until I learned it."

"Who?"

"His name was Bobby," I answer, sitting down on the hard ground next to Carl. "He used to tell me that my hard head wasn't only meant for being hit. I told him that I disagreed and in return, I had to do push-ups while reciting this exorcism as he piled these books of lore on my back."

I look over my handwriting in the book, knowing that I've made the old man proud. It's my new journal. Everything that I can remember is in there; exorcisms, spells, ingredients, different monsters, anything that could be useful. They pass it around every day, studying it since we don't really have time to sit down and teach the material properly. Besides when we do get one, I'm trying to teach them basic self-defense. They need gun training the most, but it's too risky. Not to mention we don't have the ammo.

I'm impressed, though. These guys weren't kidding when they said that they wanted to help fight this war. They practice what I teach them, improving every day. Carl, Beth, and Carol have surprised me the most. It was rough in the beginning, but they are quickly turning into real fighters.

"You're lucky I'm not like that," I smirk, pushing the sheriff's hat down over his eyes. He swats at my hand, picking the notebook back up as I help him learn the Latin words.

Lunch comes and goes and as promised, Rick has us on the road as soon as we're finished. T-Dog takes the driver's seat and I don't complain as I pull myself up into the truck. The rumble of Daryl's bike roars as he leads the way. My ride with T-Dog is silent, both of us lost in our own heads.

Please let this place be safe.

Everyone is worn to the bone spending day after day searching, sleeping with one eye open. It's beginning to take its toll. Dark purple circles hide beneath everyone's exhausted eyes. I don't remember the last full night of sleep I had. My nightmares are incessant, only making it harder to get the rest I desperately need. Even when Daryl sleeps with me, I still wake up two to three times a night with bad dreams.

We just need one break. That's all. One day to catch our breaths without feeling like danger is breathing down our necks.

A yawn escapes me and I can feel the exhaustion crashing over me. My eyes droop as sleep tries to pull me under, but the motion of the car is soothing like a rocking chair. I try fighting it, but it's a losing battle. A stifled yawn leaves me as my eyes close, plunging me into a land of unknown.

"Come on," I whine, pulling on Sam's sleeve. He shakes his head, an amused smile on his lips.

I lay my head on the bar looking up at him with big eyes, "Please, Sammy."

He drops the smile putting on an annoyed face, "If I do, will you leave me alone the rest of the night?" I stood upright, pulling him off the bar stool.

"I don't make promises I can't keep."

Sam rolls his eyes but follows me nonetheless to the open space of the bar. Dean dances with Jo, the two of them laughing loudly. It's been a long night at the Roadhouse. Ellen stands behind the bar with a tight-lipped smile as she dries a glass. There are a few other patrons at the bar, but nobody seems bothered by us. I throw Sam's arms around my waist and rest my arms on his shoulders as the next song blares from the speakers.

"See this isn't so bad," I comment as we sway back and forth.

"I hate dancing," he deadpans.

"Oh cheer up, Winchester. Our lives don't have to be all gloom and doom. Let loose just this one time and I swear to never make you dance again."

His hazel eyes debate the proposition briefly before he suddenly spins me around. I squeal in shock and then burst into laughter as I fall into his chest. A hearty laugh leaves Sam too and we continue our dancing, throwing spins and twirls into our random moves. My eyes slip shut as I listen to his laugh and the rest of the bars laughter. I sway my body to the simple beat, letting it swirl around me, trapping me in an infinite loop of this moment.

"I'm trying to protect what I keep inside, all the reasons why I live my life," I sing under my breath, falling back into Sam.

The moment is no longer about laughing, as I let the words wash over me, sinking down into my soul. Sam spins me around once more and I feel weightless. My life spins away from me like an unraveling spool. He pulls me back, resting his hands on my hips. I lean forward, wrapping my arms around his waist, laying my head on his chest.

'Definitely, too much to drink.'

But who cares? With the way we live, don't I deserve a moment of drunken bliss?

"I say all you demons go back to hell, I'll save my soul save myself," I sing along, continuing to hum the melody even after the song finishes. Sam eventually pulls away, looking down at me with those soft eyes,

"You okay?"

I sway on my feet slightly, the alcohol finally hitting me. I mumble the last part again, still lost in the musical trance. Sam sighs before sweeping my legs out from under me, cradling me in his arms. I can still feel the rhythm in my bones as he carries me to the back spare bedrooms Ellen has.

He lays me down on the bed, undoing my shoes as I drunkenly harmonize to the absent music. I chuckle to myself, staring up at the white ceiling.

"Sam?"

He grunts, pulling off my boot, "Yeah?"

"Do you think I can go to Heaven?"

His movements halt as he looks down at me with confusion, "Do you think you can't?"

I let out an audible sigh, throwing my hands down on the mattress, "I think I'm too fucked up to end up there."

My eyes drift shut, a soft blanket draped over me and I curl up into it. Fingers push my messy strands out of my face. "You'll make it up there," Sam mumbles, pressing his lips against my forehead.

The door clicks shut and I hear Ellen outside the door. "Is she okay?"

"Yeah, just too much to drink," Sam answers, a brief silence falling between the two.

"That girl is one of a kind, I tell ya. It's a damn shame she got pulled into this life."

I'm shaken awake, glancing out the windshield to the group file out of the cars. T-Dog hops out of the truck and I follow, stretching my stiff limbs as I meet up with the others. The streets are littered with garbage. Paper, boxes, clothes, wrappers are scattered about the ground. Messages for loved ones decorate some of the homes.

"T-Dog, Glenn, Daryl, and Aria, you're with me. Maggie and Carl, I want you two to keep watch back here. If there's trouble, you know what to do," Rick orders, getting a quick nod from everyone before the five of us head out.

I pull my machete from the sheath at my hip, stationed at the back of the group while Daryl and Rick lead us down the littered street to a dusty gray home. We gather on the small porch before following the hunter into the home, the door creaking open with a whine.

Daryl goes right, T-Dog and Rick upstairs, and Glenn and I go left. The morning sun illuminates the house, showing off the blood decorated furniture and walls. We creep through the home silently, minding the knocked over tables and random things strewn about. The place is a definite mess, but not the worst place we've walked into.

A pained filled cry rips through the silence along with the unmistakable screech of furniture moving about. I'm moving to the right side of the house, panic filling my veins as I skid into the kitchen. Daryl's pinned down on the table, fighting to block the man's vicious hits. All I see is Daryl and I move quick, knife in hand as I grip the guy by his hair, yanking him back as I press my knife to his throat.

He goes still as I press the blade tight to his carotid artery, growling menacingly in his ear, "Make one move and I spill your blood all over this floor."

Daryl recovers quickly, grabbing his crossbow and aiming it at the man. I hear the others behind me, Rick questioning, "Everyone all right?" I don't answer him, focused on the man's body so I know if he's going to make a move.

"Aria?"

The man tenses in my hold, trying to twist around and I kick the back of his knees, letting him fall to the ground roughly.

"I told you, asshole. Don't move."

"Your name…is your last name Redford?" He grunts and the air in my lungs stills. I draw my gun, stepping in front of the man with Daryl right behind me, shadowing me as I press the barrel to the stranger's head.

The guy is a blonde with deep chocolate brown eyes, sporting a thick beard. His skin is covered in dirt and grime, his clothes worn thin. His mouth drops open, eyes widening in shock,

"Holy shit, it's really you."

"How do you know me?" I snap unfazed by the man's surprise.

His face falls, uncertainty painting his features, "You don't remember me?"

"She asked a question, jackass," Daryl snarls, stepping closer to me. People who know my name are bad news and he knows that.

"It's me, Luke. Luke Carter. You hunted with me for a year.

I see it then. Take away the beard, dirt, and add a worn Patriots cap and it's him. But it can't be. Everyone from my past is dead.

"Christo," I whisper, watching his eyes if they'll glaze over in that glossy black.

His face scrunches in confusion, "What? I'm not a demon, Redford."

It's not enough proof, though. I grab his arm, drawing the demon knife across his skin. Luke yanks his arm back, hissing, but there was no demonic reaction.

"Jesus Christ, Aria. I'm not a fucking demon or whatever!" he barks, clutching at the wound on his forearm.

"You expect me to just take your word for it without testing?" I fire back, holstering my gun as I try to wrap my head around this situation.

Luke shuts his mouth, pulling a bandana free to wrap his arm. Glenn and T-Dog are at the open door, guns aimed as I realize Luke wasn't alone. T-Dog hauls the guy to his feet, dragging him out into the open and I recognize him immediately.

"Kyler," I greet, seeing that distinct scar on the left side of his face from his first encounter with a shapeshifter. It ran from his left temple down to his jaw, the thing trying to cut his face off.

He manages a pained smile, clutching at the arrow protruding from his shoulder, "Aria."

Rick and the others are watching me and the two strangers in confusion, their weapons still raised. Luke gets to his feet, looking between me and his best friend, "So you remember him, but not me?"

And without thought, my fist slams into his jaw, knocking the prick back a couple of steps because this asshole fucking hurt me and I never got to properly beat his ass for it.

"What the fuck?" he hollers, glaring at me as he works his jaw. Everyone's guns raise, aimed for Luke, but I ignore them, growling at the man with fire in my eyes,

"You know exactly what that was for you, douchebag."

Kyler laughs lightly, diffusing the rising tension, "You want me to hold him down, Redford? Maybe get a few more hits in?"

"I'm good," I answer dismissively, holding that dark stare. Kyler was a good guy; a regular hunter just helping people and looking for peace in the shit life. He slept around a lot, but he wasn't a dick to women. He just didn't know how to commit.

Regret weighs on the man' shoulders, words apologetic, "I know that I fucked up that night, and I'm really, really, sorry. But there's no reason to hold grudges now. There aren't much of us left anyway."

He's right. What happened four years ago doesn't matter now. It's all about survival now. Besides I got a good punch in, that's all that matters to me. I breathe out a heavy breath, pacing the kitchen floor as I try to digest this.

"Aria, are we good?" Rick's watching me unsure of what is happening and so are the others.

Daryl is tense, trying to keep his face blank, but I can see the anger aimed at Luke. He doesn't know about what happened. I don't exactly like talking about my love life because it's a short sad list. All Daryl knows right now is that this guy hurt me and that's enough reason for him to hate the guy.

"We're good. You can drop the weapons."

Everyone relaxes a bit after that and I shake my head, looking between the two hunters, "I can't believe you two are alive."

They crack a smile. "Aww come on, Redford. You know I taste funny," Kyler jokes, earning a snicker from the others.

Rick steps forward stretching his hand out to Luke. "Rick Grimes," he introduces as they shake hands; Glenn, T-Dog, and Daryl introducing themselves.

"So where are the Winchesters at? Last I heard you were back working with them," Kyler asks.

The air grows somber, heads bowing as I keep my gaze averted, "They didn't make it."

"Sorry, Aria," Luke apologizes truthfully and I shrug my shoulders, pushing the pain away.

"Shit happens."

A long silence comes over us before Kyler breaks it. "Well, if you don't mind I got an arrow lodged in my arm here. Think you can patch me up, Doc?"

I glance at Rick. It's his call in the end. We don't have tons of medical supplies and they don't know these guys. Just because I do doesn't mean I get to make the call. He nods, though, giving me the okay.

"Is this place safe?" I ask the two, wanting to get something out of this if I'm going to patch Kyler up. That's how it has to be nowadays.

"We've been here a couple of days, gathering supplies. I've only seen a few creepers around. Nothing that's hard to handle."

Rick steps in, asking for permission to let us stay. Luke looks to me hesitantly. It would be one thing letting me stay, but a group of people he doesn't know? Daryl shot his friend, I can understand the apprehension.

"They're my family." That is all he needed. Hunters know what family means.

He sighs, nodding, "There's a house about two blocks away we've been staying. It's boarded up and pretty secure. Even got a couple of things set up in the yard to protect it from creepers."

Rick nods in thanks before ordering Glenn and T-Dog to get the others. Luke wraps an arm around Kyler, supporting his friend as they lead the way. It's a short walk and the house is easy to spot. It's not big, but it's right on the outskirts of town by a river and the woods. The whole house is surrounded by cars, a protective enclosure.

"The whole block was littered with cars. Clever isn't it?" I roll my eyes at Kyler's stupid smile, scrutinizing the wall. It looks secure but it won't keep walkers out forever. They are smarter than we give credit.

The only way in is through a small gap they left between the cars, one you have to be very careful walking through unless you want to get caught on the license plates. Rick and Daryl are studying the setup as we enter the small yard, already thinking of ways to better secure it.

I look over the one story home, noting that all the windows are boarded up, a single board missing in each window so they can have a lookout. The blue paint peels off the shutters and as we enter the home, an old musty smell fills my nose. It's not terrible and there are no blood stains on the walls or couches. Luke and Kyler head to the kitchen, Kyler settling down in one of the chairs. Rick and Daryl stand in the entryway of the kitchen as I go to the injured hunter. His green shirt has a small amount of blood, but I know that the bleeding will only get worse when I remove the arrow.

"Hope this isn't your favorite shirt," I comment, ripping the t-shirt sleeve open as he snorts weakly. I take another look at the wound, hoping there isn't too much damage on the inside.

We wait in silence and I glance at Daryl, noticing him and Luke watching each other. A weak sigh leaves me. I never thought I would have to deal with my ex being in the same room as my current boyfriend. Guess people are right when they say never say never.

The familiar rumble of Daryl's bike sounds outside and Rick and Luke go out to meet the others. Kyler rests his head on the table, groaning at the pain in his shoulder and I pat his back in reassurance before walking up to Daryl. He stares down at me as I grip his chin turning his face to see the bruising from Luke's attack. I brush my hand over the tender skin, resting my hand on his cheek gently,

"You okay?"

He nods, biting his lower lip and I know he's lying. But now's not the time to get into it. He wants to know about Luke and I'll tell him later, but until we're settled and sure we're safe for the night it's going to have to wait.

Everyone piles into the home and Daryl and I split, going where we are needed. Hershel and Carol bring me the medical supplies and I start grabbing what I need. Carol gets the needle threaded and gauze ready while Hershel and I work on the sight of the wound, cleaning it out.

"Okay, this is gonna hurt like a bitch," I forewarn, placing a firm hand on his shoulder and on the shaft of the arrow. Kyler gives a sharp nod, his lips pressed into a thin white line.

"On the count of three…One…" and I pull the arrow as hard as I can. Kyler yelps in pain as the arrow comes out with a squelched pop.

"Should have known you don't know how to count," he hissed, slamming his head on the table top.

I smirk, sewing him up and wrapping his shoulder nicely. "Stitches come out in a week," I inform, cleaning the utensils and putting them away.

"Do I get a get better soon kiss?" he asks jokingly, his face dotted with sweat, a smirk on his lips.

"In your dreams, Abrams," I retort, helping Carol and Hershel finish packing up. I lean against the wall, watching as the two leave.

"Thank you," Kyler calls to them.

"You're welcome," Carol says, squeezing my shoulder as she leaves.

"How long have you been with them?"

"Since the beginning. There used to be a lot more of us, but you know how that goes." He nods, that lost look on his face as he remembers his own loss.

"How did you and Luke end up in Georgia?"

He sighs, running a hand down his worn face, "I don't really know, to be honest. We've been moving from place to place, looking for answers, helping whoever we can, and just trying to survive. We were on a hunt in New Jersey. Turned out we walked right into the middle of this shit. We got a group of people out in time before they bombed the city."

"And how many times have I had to save your ass since then?" Luke questions in teasing as he walks in.

I glance outside the kitchen to see the others in the living room, talking as they give me a few minutes to get caught up with these guys.

Kyler lets out a soft laugh, a slight edge of pain on his face, "If I remember correctly it was me saving your ass."

I roll my eyes at the two, "Haven't changed a bit I see."

Kyler shakes his head with a silly smile, "Nope." Luke settles back against the kitchen sink, opposite me,

"But you have." That playful air dies as I drop my gaze, sighing,

"Yeah."

Things are a lot different than four years ago. So much has happened to me that I can never go back to who I was, and I wasn't even a fun person when I met these two. I was a fucking wreck.

"I mean, I know you were going through shit when we were together, but I don't know… there's something darker in your eyes."

I nod, picking at the dirt under my nails. Truthfully, I don't want to talk about it. The group has been patient with me, letting me spill the details of my secret life at my leisure. Luke and Kyler though, they know my story, at least, Luke does. But after what happened between me and him, I don't think I want to really open up about the shit that's gone down.

"It's been a busy four years," I explain dismissively, and the two nod, knowing not to push. I said it all with that simple explanation anyway. Silence comes over us before I break it,

"Have either of you run into any demons?"

Both frown, glancing at each other. "No, I sort of thought they disappeared along with the rest of the supernatural," Kyler voices, brows cinched together.

"Have you?" Luke asks with a newfound curiosity.

I nod, "Twice, once at the beginning, right after the boys passed. Two of them got me. Then six months ago, we got attacked by a group. The leader turned out to be a demon looking for me."

"Why are they looking you?"

"I don't know, but I know they're being ordered by Crowley."

"The King of Hell?" Kyler asks, surprised.

"That would be him."

The two of them soak up the information, gears turning in their heads. "Do they know?" Luke points out towards the others in the front room.

"Yeah," I sigh. "They know most of it."

They don't know it all. What if Crowley finds you? How are they going to protect themselves?

A heavy breath leaves me as I push off the wall, "Which I need your help with."

"Whatever you need," Luke offers instantly.

"You say that now," I mumble under my breath. They might not want to help me after what I suggest. "You wouldn't happen to have ingredients for summoning a demon by any chance?"

"Why?" Kyler asks with skepticism. But Luke knows, pushing off the counter, shoulders bunched in anger.

"Are you kidding me?" he snaps, quieting down when the soft conversations in the other room cease.

"How else do you expect them to learn to fight one?" I hissed back. They need to know just what demons are capable of. Daryl's the only one who has seen one in action, but the others have no clue.

"The same way we learned Aria. Trial and error," Luke shoots back.

"The demons they'll be fighting are going to be a lot stronger and I will not take the risk of these people dying."

"So, you're going to do a demon summoning ritual and just hope that the one that shows up will play along nicely?" Kyler questions fiercely.

"Oh, give me some credit. I'm not fucking dumb. I know one."

Luke scoffs at me, "What makes you think this demon's not going to fuck you over?"

"Trust me, she won't."

"Let me go, you black-eyed bitch," I growl as an oversized gorilla of a man drags me through some abandoned warehouse.

He leads me towards a set of doors where two demons stand as guards. They step aside, letting us in and I continue to struggle but it's to no avail. I'm a prisoner.

The room we enter is actually a narrow hallway with random doors lining the way and I try to keep from panicking.

'It's okay. You'll get out of this. Sam and Dean are probably on their way.'

At the end of the hall, another demon stands on guard. The more demons I see the more I realize how fucked I am. Not only did Crowley kidnap me, he also had an entire fucking army guarding the place.

The demon stops me at one of the doors. It's a thick metal one with nothing on it. He pulls it open and shoves me inside. I stumble at the force he used, ready to turn on him, but the door slams shut.

The space is small, only a bit bigger than a jail cell. A window the size of a cracker box is the only source of light. There's a toilet in the corner, but no sink or mirror. Sitting on the floor by the wall are a few blankets and a pillow.

"How thoughtful," I mumble sarcastically before sitting down on the half-assed bed, planning. Except I've got no fucking clue as to how I can get out.

I watch the light in the room turn from a bright yellow to a dark orange as the day goes on. There's nothing but silence for hours except for the voice in my head, going over every possible scenario I can think of.

"Don't touch me," a female voice snarls. Several sets of footsteps sound in the empty hall before the door next to mine opens.

"Oh, look a personal five-star hotel room. So, which one of you brings me my lobster and steak?"

I shake my head as I recognize the sarcastic voice. The door slams shut and the steps fade away, leaving me once again in silence.

"Meg?" I call out, hoping she can hear me.

"Oh, goody, a roomie." I can't help but smile. Sure she is a bitch and tried to kill us once or twice, but she's changed. She's on our side now.

"Any idea what your sweet king would want?"

"I don't serve that Scottish prick," she growls. "And no I don't know what he wants. I'm assuming to have somebody to eat tea and crumpets with."

"Shit, kill me now. I'm a coffee drinker," I comment back.

She lets out a quick short laugh before silence sits over us.

"You know we're not getting out of this alive?"

I sigh heavily. The thought has crossed my mind throughout the day.

"I think somebody's coming to get us."


The group stares at me like I'm crazy, which I guess I am.

"You want to summon a demon and then have us fight it?" Lori asks with disbelief. They all look weary and it isn't from just waking up.

"Do you trust me?" I question, fed up with this conversation. Time is limited. The others nod their heads.

"Do you think I would intentionally put any of you in harm's way?" They shake their heads, each of them knowing how far I was willing to go for them.

A heavy breath leaves me as I explain again, "I know this demon. Trust me that she will help us." But the group remains apprehensive despite my reassurance. I'm not going to complain, though. No one is in an uproar and that's all that matters to me.

I turn to Luke and Kyler as they pull the items out of the bag. Grabbing the chalk, I start on the summoning, drawing out the symbol before placing the candles around the sigil. Luke puts all the ingredients in the bowl and sets it over the symbol. All is set for the spell now, except for one thing.

The tiny ball in the spray can bounces against its metal enclosure as I shake the spray paint can, drawing a black devil's trap on the floor. I trust Meg, but I'm also not taking any chances. Kyler hands me a box of matches and I strike it, watching the small flame as Latin words fall from my lips. The bowl erupts in a bright inferno as I drop the match in, my eyes glued to the devil's trap.

One second it's empty, and the next my demon friend show. She looks exactly the same, except she's sporting blonde hair. Meg faces the group, terror etched into their stoic faces. I can practically hear her eyes roll in her head before she turns on her heels to face me.

"What could you possibly want from me?"

"I need your help," I answer honestly.

"Obviously. It's not like any of you calls or writes to catch up," she retorts, taking a good look around as her brows come together. "Where are Rocky and Bullwinkle and Clarence?"

"Dead and MIA," my voice blank as Meg's dark brown eyes flash with quick sadness before fluttering away.

"Sorry, this apocalypse hasn't done the world any favors," her words sincere before she stuffs her hands in her dark gray leather jacket, getting to the point. "So, why do I have the honors of gracing your presence today?"

"Are you still on our side?"

She rolls her eyes, "How many bullets have I taken for you?" I can't help but smile, remembering her doing exactly that outside Sucrocorp.

"I could use some of your demon expertise."

"Still Hell's most wanted?" She asks, quirking an eyebrow at me.

"When was I not?" I mumble, freeing the demon knife as I scrape away the spray paint to release her from the trap.

Tension fills the air so thick it could choke you. Everyone tenses as she steps free, looking over the group. They hold themselves, keeping their emotions hidden, showing no fear. Meg turns to me, giving me a devilish smile before making her way towards them, walking with deliberate steps as if she is a judge. Luke and Kyler shift uncomfortably at her close proximity to the others. She's silent, studying each individual closely like she's trying to pick the perfect specimen. The others act brave, but the unease rolls off of them in waves despite their masks.

"You want me to toss them around a little bit is that right?" Meg questions, smirking as she comes to a stop in front of Glenn, "Maybe even get inside and show them what hell really is?" The others pale at the thought, Luke and Kyler stepping forward, but I ignore them.

She's testing them, seeing what their fears are, but I ease them, commenting, "And risk losing that meat suit you love so much?"

"Good point," she answers distracted, staring down at Glenn and getting in his personal space.

He refuses to back down, though, keeping still as she gets right in his face. And just like that, her eyes flicker to that haunting obsidian color, making him jump back from her. Meg laughs, patting Glenn on the shoulder as she saunters back to me, the tension easing.

"When do we get started?" she asks with a hint of eagerness, and I shake my head at the demon, looking to the others,

"Whenever they are ready."

Maggie rubs Glenn's arm soothingly as he regains his composure, everyone looking at each other, silently deciding whether they are ready. Rick looks to each of them, finally meeting my gaze and nodding his head. They're ready to learn what it takes to fight in this war. I just hope they understand what they have gotten themselves into.

We move some of the furniture, making room for people to fight and observe, but also so that no one gets severely injured. This is just practice and that's how it's going to stay. I address the others, explaining exactly is going to happen here,

"I know that we've been working on fighting on our own, but fighting me is different than her. She's going to fight you like she would any hunter, which means she's fighting for her life." I turn to Meg, holding her gaze, my words harsh,

"You hurt them more than you have to and I'll send you right back to Hell."

Despite everything I've been through with the demon, I wouldn't hesitate to kill her if she pushed her boundaries. We may have been through shit, but she's still a demon. I trust her only because of what she did for me while Crowley and Oriax had us.

She just rolls her eyes, brushing my threat off, "Can we get this show on the road, captain?"

I give her one last pointed look before letting her have the stage. Kyler and Luke stand on the other side of the room opposite each other while I remain close to the group. The hunter's eyes are solely focused on Meg, weariness in their gazes.

"So, who's first?"

Meg looks around at the group waiting for a brave soul to step up. Rick steps forward and she looks him up and down, sizing him up.

"Let's see what you got," she baits as she circles him, coming to a stop in front of him. That's when Rick lunges forward with a quick right hook. Meg takes the hit, unfazed as a smirk frames her face, "Nice hit."

And it's all over for Rick then because he doesn't know her speed. She surges forward, the ex-sheriff managing one more hit before she grips him around the neck and slams him down into the hardwood floor, knocking all the air from his lungs.

Luke and Kyler edge closer to Meg, displeasure written all over their faces. Lori and Carl push off the wall as Rick tries to catch his breath, the others even ready to jump in and fight Meg. But the demon gives him a moment before extending a hand down to him. Rick takes it and she hauls him to his feet, turning to face the group,

"I'm stronger than you. I'm relentless when I want to be and I will not tire. You want to beat me you better be clever and quick."

The others watch the demon, disheartened and wearier of facing her. They just watched their fearless leader go down in less than a minute. It doesn't exactly build confidence, but her words help. At least, they know what to expect. Rick goes again before finally being able to get an advantage over Meg.

After that the others go, each one going until they can't anymore. Meg goes easy, but even then they struggle, all ending up on their asses. She's stronger and more practiced. T-Dog gets a tear springing shot to the nose, Glenn gets a knee to the stomach that takes the wind out of him, Maggie gets her legs swept out from under her, and Beth gets a fist right to the face. Everybody has held their own quite well, but Daryl is doing the best.

Meg's got his arm pinned against his back and the hunter brings an elbow back, nailing her in the ribs and gaining the upper hand. It doesn't last long. She kicks Daryl back and then she flicks her wrist, sending him flying back against the wall, pinned there by that invisible force. Daryl fights it, but it's useless. I bite my lip, knowing Meg wants to go farther, make that force feel like your lungs are being crushed, but I stop her. After what I've been through, it's hard to watch others be pinned like that.

"I think that's good, Meg." She glances back at me, freeing the hunter. "You all fought well today," I reassure the group as they lean back against the walls of the room in exhaustion, nursing their aches.

"How about you, captain? Want to show them how hunters and demons really fight it out?" The demon questions, looking fresh faced and eager after the practice.

I shake my head. This isn't about showing off. I don't want to the others to compare. It's not about who is the best, it's about being good enough to have a chance.

"You want them to be prepared. Then they should see just exactly what I can do." Meg makes a point, though. I summoned her for a reason and that was to show these guys what kind of opponent a demon is.

"Yeah, Aria. Kick her ass," Carl encourages, earning disapproving looks from his parents while me and the group fight to hide our grins.

"Fine," I relent, rolling up my long sleeves and pulling my hair up into a topknot. "Same rules as earlier, all right?"

Meg rolls her eyes, readying herself, "Quit stalling, captain, and take your shot."

With that I move; throwing a fist as Meg blocks it, the two of us an even match. I duck, avoiding a fist to the face and catch her in the gut and nailing two solid hits to her ribs. Meg blocks my next jab, catching me by my shoulders and sends me flying across the room. My back collides with the floor, air whooshing from me.

Daryl, Luke, and some of the others push off the walls worried as Meg continues to advance, a hostile air surrounding her. She's no longer playing nice like she was with the others. This is a real fight, one that is about to get real nasty because Meg's doing exactly what I asked of her; showing them what she is really capable of.

The demon is front of me before I've caught my breath, her fist balling in my shirt as she yanks me forward. I slam my head into hers, both of us falling back as my head throbs. Slowly, I get to my feet, but Meg is already up, gripping me tight as she drives her knee up into my stomach. Again, the air is knocked out of me, dropping me down to my hands and knees. I hear the others murmuring in concern, catch anxious feet shifting back and forth as Meg lifts my head up, slamming her iron fist into my jaw.

"Enough!" Luke hollers, Kyler and him pushing off their wall.

Two more punches and I taste blood, the others no longer seeing this as a practice round. They advance and before Meg can think of hurting them to prove a point; I block her next hit and punch her square in the gut. My body aches, nerve endings firing all over my body, but adrenaline is filling my veins, my training kicking in. We go back and forth blocking one another's hits until Meg slams me back against a wall. She moves back and somehow the bitch grabbed my hunting knife off me. She swipes at me, just barely missing and I grab her arm, spinning her around so that she's pinned to the wall. I knock the blade free and stumble back as she head butts me.

Meg grips me tight, throwing me into the wall once more and this time, the drywall breaks as I slip to the floor. My head throbs like a damn jackhammer, a smirk on the demon's face as she squats down in front of me. She thinks she has won, but I sweep my leg out, knocking hers out from under her. I jump on her, pinning her to the floor before pressing the demon knife to her throat.

The air is sucked from the room as I hold that dark stare, our breaths ragged. A smirk finds its way to her split lip as she relaxes under me, "Hunter wins."

I snort as she pats my arm, sheathing the demon knife in my boot as I help her to her feet. Tension fills the room, so thick it makes the hair on my arms stand. The hated glares aren't even trained on me, but I can still feel them. We both wipe our bloodied faces, silence hanging over us.

"Crowley's got every demon out there looking for you," Meg blurts, running her tongue over the split in her bottom lip. I nod solemnly at the news.

"Any idea why?" I ask, hoping to get some answers to the long list of questions I have.

"I've been hiding from all demons ever since we got out."

A defeated sigh leaves me as I stare down at the floor, the left side of my face throbbing.

"Why's that, huh?" Luke snarls accusingly.

Meg glares at the hunter viciously, barking, "Why don't you let the grown-ups talk?"

"Why don't you tell me why you continued on when we told you enough?"

"Because I don't answer to little ants like you."

"Back off, Luke," I warn, stepping between the two. He looks at me like I've got a second head.

"Did you forget what she is?"

"Did you?" Meg fires back threateningly.

"Enough!" I snap with a finality that makes Meg straighten up. My gaze turns to Luke, Kyler right behind him. "You agreed to this. If you don't like it, then walk away. I know it's not easy to watch this. I know. But sooner or later this will happen."

My bruised fists clench tight at my sides as my voice drops low, "You have no idea what Oriax and Crowley are like. You can't even comprehend the evils they will do and then make you watch. You thought I changed. You have no idea, Luke."

He shuts up after that, but he isn't done. His eyes are burning holes into my back while I focus my attention back on Meg. However, the demon is moving around, playing with the summoning supplies. She reappears and disappears a few times before tossing me the final product; a hex bag.

"It should keep those two of your trail, along with any others. My advice, run and don't stop. What he did last time is nothing compared to what he'll do now. You're the one that got away, again."

Her words send a shiver down my spine and bile burn my throat. The fact that he is still looking for me only makes this whole battle more dangerous.

All I manage is a nod with regards to her words. Meg starts towards me, stepping back into the devil's trap, looking over at me, "If you find Clarence, tell him he still needs to show me what the pizza man taught him." She winks and with a snap of a finger she's gone.

I rub the back of my neck tiredly. My head hurts; the taste of blood still in my mouth.

"What the hell is wrong with you?" Luke barks, looming in front of me.

"You wouldn't understand what that was all about," I remark dismissively, walking away. The group doesn't either, but they understand now that there are things in my life too complicated to explain.

Luke grabs my arm roughly stopping me, "Hey, wait a damn second."

"Take your hand of me," I growl lowly, letting each letter drip with venom.

He drops his hand, moving a step closer and I catch movement in my peripheral. Daryl's moved from his spot at the wall, T-Dog, Rick, and Glenn behind him. The hunter's fists are white with rage, murder in his eyes, and I can only imagine the self-control that he is emanating at the moment.

"Why are you acting like this?" he asks, confusion etched into his features. But the concern is what makes my blood really boil.

If he cared so much he wouldn't have done what he did.

"What is this really about, Luke?"

An incredulous laugh leaves him, "Seriously? I spent an entire year with you and you just expect me to not care anymore?"

"Grow up. You lost your chance," my voice still dark, wavering on threatening.

"I know that, but…"

"No, Luke, there is no 'but.' I've moved on. Now you need to."

With that I walk out, leaving the hunter speechless. I head to the bathroom, lighting one of the candles in there as evening plunges us into darkness. My reflection flickers with the flame's shadows, the dirty mirror showing the nasty bruises painting my skin. It's not the worst I've had. The left side of my face is tinted a faint purple with speckles of red from the broken capillaries in the skin. Tomorrow will be worse. A soft sigh leaves me as I grab a washcloth and wipe the blood from my mouth.

"You all right?" The southern voice questions from the doorway.

I give Daryl a big smile, wincing as the bruised muscles are stretched, "I'm fine, Dixon."

He steps into the bathroom, leaning against the wall behind me, watching as I wipe the blood away. He's chewing at his thumb, that ocean gaze settled on me, wanting answers.

"You want to talk about it?" I ask with a sigh, putting the towel down and turning to him.

"Nope," he answers dryly.

My brows rise in question, knowing he's lying because whatever questions he has, he's afraid of the answers he'll get. "Are you sure?"

Ocean eyes meet mine, but no words come. He chews at the inside of his cheek as he crosses his arms over his chest. I wait patiently until he breaks the silence.

"You and he were together."

"Yes," I answer, despite his words not being a question. Daryl's body goes taut. "I was in a bad place and he was a distraction. After a while, I developed some feelings for him. I opened up, got hurt, and left."

"How long?"

"Close to a year."

Daryl nods, the growing strands of his hair falling into his eyes, "He still cares about you."

I hold that intense stare, shrugging, "I don't. If you think that I have feelings for him, you're wrong. All he is to me is a friend, just another hunter who I worked with."

The last thing I want is for Daryl to think that there is anything between Luke and me. That spark died the minute he turned away from me. All that's left inside of me is anger at the man and his actions. I care about him as a friend and that is all.

Silence fills the space between us, Daryl ending it after a few minutes. "He touches you again, I'm breaking his arm," he finally mutters and I smirk.

The gentle voices of the group are a hum in the background while the home grows darker, only a few streaks of sunlight left in the home. Daryl pushes off the wall, reaching for me as his hands land on my hips, leaning down to press those rough lips to mine in a tender kiss.

"Nobody touches you but me," he murmurs against my mouth.

I smile up at him, stealing another kiss, "Yes, sir."

He deepens the kiss, tongue stroking my bottom lip as he presses me into the counter. My heart pounds in my chest, breaths growing short as Daryl's actions become needier. Those calloused hands roam up my shirt, drawing a moan from our locked lips, tongues fighting as the room grows hotter. He presses his hips firmly against mine, his thick cock rubbing against me as we both groan at the contact.

Someone clears their throat uncomfortably and Daryl and I jump away from each other. Rick stands outside the door in the hall, trying to hide his own blush while Daryl and I turn beat fucking red.

He clears his throat again, "When you're ready, Lori and Carol are warming some cans for dinner."

I tuck a loose strand of hair behind my ear, nodding, "Yeah, we'll be there in a minute."

Rick smirks knowingly and leaves as quickly as he came.

"Well, that was awkward," I comment offhand while Daryl takes a quick peek around the hall before shutting the door.

And then his mouth is back on mine, devouring me, making me forget about dinner and anything else that is outside this room. Those strong hands grab at the back of my thighs, lifting me up on the counter, his mouth attacking my neck as his hands trail back up my shirt, palming my breasts through my bra.

"Seeing you kick ass like that was the hottest fucking thing," he growls in my ear and I laugh, letting my man drown me in ecstasy.


Three days have passed. Luke and Kyler have started to integrate with the group, already fitting in. Every day we train and dispatch walkers that come to the wall of cars. The two hunters have been a big help with the others. Every hunter has their own experience, tactics, and having that right now is benefitting the group greatly.

And despite my critics of Luke and Kyler's car enclosure, the thing has held up well. It's allowed a chance to do gun training without worrying about walkers stumbling on us. That opportunity has been the best yet. Everyone is excelling. Carol picked up the technique quickly and Carl is outstanding. The kid is a natural.

The only issue is some of the others have begun to settle, embracing this small comfort that the home bring. It's the only danger. Rick and Luke and Kyler have both talked about moving soon. Even they know this isn't a permanent place.

The sun warms the icy chill that has settled in my bones over winter. I watch from the sidelines as the group does some more gun training, observing their stances and making small corrections when they are needed. Each person gets four shots a day in order to conserve the little ammo we own.

"Rick asked if we wanted to join your group," Luke comments, coming up beside me.

It doesn't surprise me. The two are valuable assets and they get along well with the others. Despite things being awkward between Luke and me since my blow up, we all mesh together. It's only Luke and Kyler and if there is anything I have learned is that the bigger the group the better chance of survival.

"What did you say?"

"No thanks."

His answer catches me off guard, "Why?"

Luke just shrugs his shoulders, looking over the creek that runs through the backyard. "Kyler and I have survived this long together. What we've been doing has worked for us. Rick wants a place to settle and, honestly, as long as we keep moving, it makes it easier to forget that this world is dead and I can still pretend I'm a hunter."

A frown pulls at my lips. I can understand why he said no, but part of me wishes he had said yes. After everything that happened, Kyler and Luke are still my friends and I want them to be safe. It just feels like them going off on their own is a bad decision.

"That's really what both of you want?" I ask, meeting those dark brown eyes.

"Yeah, it is. Aria, your group is close and so are Kyler and I. It just doesn't feel right being with your group. It's been me and him for so long, it's all we really know."

I nod, knowing that feeling all too well. When I hunted with the two, I felt out of place. For five years I was with Sam and Dean, and after Sam jumped into the pit with Lucifer riding shotgun nobody could fill their places.

A peaceful silence drifts between Luke and me, Rick's coaching voice filling the air in between the crack of gunfire. My attention drifts, landing on Daryl who is on the other side of the yard, watching the woods behind the line of cars. The ghost of smile tugs at my lips as I watch the hunter, his crossbow held firm in his grip, senses honed in for the slightest hint of danger.

"Are you happy with him?" I don't fight the smile that frames my face, feeling that warmth in my chest spread throughout me.

"Yeah, I am." Luke grins and I almost expect there to be a hint of pain behind those chocolate eyes, but all I see is true happiness,

"Good."

"Aria!" T-Dog yells from behind me, making my stomach drop to my feet as I turn to see him running full speed towards me. Fear fills his face and I'm already freeing my knife and gun. "Herd," he hollers in a quick explanation, running passed me to warn the others.

But most of them heard him and are already moving. Luke and I share a quick look before the both of us are sprinting to the back door of the home. Everyone swarms the home, grabbing all our supplies, moving out fast. I head for the front window, searching for the horde and what I see makes my spine go rigid with fear. There's more than I can count, a sea of corpses stumbling down the street, straight for us.

"Rick, we need to go now!" I holler, moving out the front door to take out the walkers that are at the front of the pack.

The cool metal of the handle of my gun is reassuring in my grip as I squeeze the trigger, taking out as many as I can, trying to keep the vehicles clear for the others. One goes down, but another is right there to take its place. Before I know it, my clip is empty, walkers beginning to slam into the car barrier. I reload as gunfire sounds behind me.

Luke and Kyler and Daryl are the last ones of the house, the others moving the far end of the yard, hurrying over the hoods of the vehicles. Walkers pull themselves over the cars, landing in the yard, and I quickly realize that we need to leave now.

"Go! Get out of here, we'll cover you!" Luke hollers as he and Kyler took the stand against the horde, coming to the same realization as me.

I meet that dark stare one last time, nodding before Daryl and I take off towards our group. Glenn and T-Dog are at the front of the group, helping everyone over the cars while Rick, Daryl, Maggie, and I shoot at anything coming too close to us. Stealing a look over my shoulder, I see Kyler and Luke still fighting, but it's clear they don't stand a chance. I fire at the ones getting too close.

"Luke! Kyler!" I holler as Hershel is the last one to climb over.

The two back up towards the home, Kyler's voice ringing out over the deafening snarls, "GO!"

I can't leave them, though, not to this fate.

"Aria!" Daryl yells, waiting for me as Rick slides over the hood of the car.

You can't help them.

I fire one last shot before turning away, telling myself that they are still alive.

Daryl pulls me up and over and we all circle up, working our way to our vehicles. But walkers are coming from all corners, practically being swarmed.

"Get to the cars!" Rick hollers and chaos ensues as we all start running, trying to cover those who need it.

Daryl moves up front while I stay in the back with T-Dog. Lori stumbles in her steps, her belly so large she nearly goes down. That small misstep is all that is needed. I watch it all play out; see the walker reaching for her blind spot, jaw wide open for the bite.

It's all a blur, a split second choice that changes everything. I shove Lori forward, the barrel of my gun pressing against the slimy skin of the dead corpse as those rotting teeth sink in my forearm. Brain sprays into my face, the walker collapsing to the ground before I even realize what just happened.

This is not happening.

I barley glance at my punctured skin, hardly recognize the oval ring of red holes piercing my arm.

I can't die.

I push my long sleeves down, hiding the mark as I continue to bring down these monsters, more brain and blood painting my skin and clothes.

This can't be happening.

"Come on!" Glenn calls as he smashes his hatchet into an eyeless walker.

The roar of Daryl's bike cuts through the deafening roar of the dead followed by the other cars. I jump into the bed of the truck, slamming my hand on the top of the cab, "Drive!"

I stumble forward as the truck lurches, accelerating. Walkers trail after us, the once protected home swarmed by the dead. Tires screech, the truck taking a hard right, catching up with the others and I slide down the cab, watching the walker's feeble attempts to keep up.

Pain radiates up my left arm and I roll my sleeve up, my throat tightening. The bite is still there. The skin around it turning an angry red as the infection starts festering in my veins. Tears flood my eyes as I tug my sleeve down, letting the fresh blood paint the fabric. This is it, my end. After all, I've been through; I'm going to die because of a damn walker bite.

"We have to promise that we won't turn into one of those things, no matter how hard it is, we pull that trigger."

Void, all emotion being sucked into a black hole inside me. Everything I thought I could never have, I got, and now it's going to be torn away from me. The tears fall down my face as I realize what I'm about to lose, what Daryl is going to lose.

I can't let him do it. I can't let any of them.

There's no way I will make any one of them put me down. They don't need to carry that burden. Fire pulses through my veins, eating its way up my arm into the rest of my body. My temperature rises, beads of sweat dotting my skin. No matter how I feel, how weak I get, I have to be the one to pull the trigger.

Please, God? After all, that I've done, please don't let this happen.

I'm not fucking ready to die, to leave these people who have become my new family. I'm not ready to lose Daryl.

"Protect them, understand?"

Cas said they had to be protected at all costs. They still need protecting. They need me.

No, they don't. You did your job.

A sob bubbles out me and I cover my mouth to keep from screaming. The truth is the others are strong. They can survive without me, but I don't want to let them go.

The truck bumps along the dirt country road and I clench my jaw shut, riding out the waves of pain. My energy wanes, life being sucked from my body slowly as fatigue settles in hard.

I can't let them do it.

Six words repeated over and over like a damn prayer. I won't let them see me like that, risk them not being able to do it and I hurt them. It's not an option.

The world passes by in a blur as we travel farther and farther away from that town. I looked up, knowing this is the last time I will ever see a blue sky. The clouds fly over us like strings of cotton, the sun shining down on me and warming my chilled skin. All of this will be my last; last car ride, last view of the wind in my hair, and it rips me to shreds inside.

"I can't lose you."

My heart shatters, Daryl's words replaying over in my head. The tears stream down my face in waves, breaths ragged with fatigue and so many other emotions. Never in my life have I been as afraid as I am right now. Death was never a fear of mine. It was something I accepted because I knew it could come at any day. I either died saving Sam and Dean or I died saving an innocent from monsters.

But now it's so fucking different because for a long time I didn't want to live. It's not like that anymore, though. I've got Daryl and, god, I've never wanted something more than I've wanted him. Except this virus is happily coursing through me, killing me with its liquid fire, and taking away everything that I want.

A car horn sounds and the truck slows, moving to the side of the road, miles from that town. My heartbeat sounds in my head, doors opening and closing. I'm not ready for this. I stand, my legs unsteady as I wipe my face, sucking in a deep breath.

The jump down from the truck bed is excruciating, my bones feeling brittle as glass while my arm throbs like a fucking bass drum. Their relieved voices carry on the wind; the routine questions filling my ears. One's that I can't answer truthfully anymore.

My hands shake, my heart thundering as I gather with them; keeping my head down as I try to find the courage to do what is right and praying that this is not fucking real.

"Thank you. You saved my life back there," Lori appraises, placing a hand on my shoulder, making me look up. This is it. The virus is moving rapidly and I need to say goodbye.

I grip Lori by the shoulders, looking her in the eye firmly, "Listen to me. I need you to promise me that you will stay alive, that you will raise that baby with all the love in the world, that you will protect Carl from this dark world. Don't let him grow cold. He's too good for that. And promise me that you will fix things with Rick. You two need each other. Yu can't let something so small ruin what you two have."

Lori stares at me dumbfounded; confusion and fear beginning to fill those honey hues, "Why are you saying this?"

"Lori, promise me, please?" I beg, trying to hide the waver in my words.

She nods, placing a hand over her belly, "I promise."

The group's watching us and I can feel my racing heart in my throat, the tremors growing stronger.

"I need you all to know," my voice cracking, a tear spilling down my cheek, "That I love you guys. You're my family and I'm so proud of every single one of you. You're all going to survive. You're going to find that place and thrive." Uncertainty paints their features, not understanding but they will soon enough.

"What's wrong?" Rick questions fear heavy in his words, but I can't say it.

So, I turn to Carl, squatting down to his level, his forehead creasing. "I need you to promise me something, bud."

"What is it?"

I grab his hand; placing the demon knife in his, holding his father's matching ice blue eyes, "Promise me that you will remember everything I taught you. Okay?"

"Why are you making me promise this?" his eyes wild with worry, another tear slipping down my face.

"Just promise me, Carl."

"I promise," he whispers as a tear slips down his face because now he's starting to get it, just like the others already are too. I pull him into a tight hug, his skin like ice against mine.

My legs barely finish straightening before I'm being gripped tight; Daryl frantically searching me for what he knows is already there. "Where?" he growls as I feebly try to stop him.

"It doesn't matter," I whisper, staring down at his booted feet.

"Where?!" he shouts again, hands grabbing at my arms and I finally stop him, holding his wandering hands still. But it's too late because now he knows where it's at, the wet fabric a dead giveaway in his grip.

"No." And I squeeze my eyes tight at his devastated voice.

Fuck, fuck.

Tears stream down my face as his forehead falls against mine, his frame trembling. "No…no, no," he gasps, and I can't decide if I feel like I've been lit on fire because of the virus or because this is how painful it is to say goodbye.

My body is giving up, shutting down, and I need to do this now. I touch his cheek, the rough stubble of his beard rubbing against my palm, "I love you, Daryl. Don't forget that."

He shakes his head, holding me tighter. I bite my lip, fighting the sob as I pull away from him, "Goodbye."

"Aria!" The others call to me, but I don't look back as I walk as fast as I can away from them.

Just keep walking. There is nothing more to do now. You need to keep your promise.

So, I continue to force one foot in front of the other, lazily making my way over the brush and fallen limbs. All I hear is the blood rushing in my ears, focusing on trying to make my body cooperate for just a little longer.

A cold hand grabs me from behind and my heart leaps into my throat until I look up. Instead, more tears spring to my eyes as I meet those red-rimmed ocean eyes. "Daryl…" I croak, but he shakes his head and I don't bother arguing as he wraps an arm around my waist to help me walk.

It's not before I have to stop, my bones like pencils trying to hold me up. "Here," I breathe out, looking around the forest to find is alive with life, the insects and critters singing their songs.

Daryl sits me down and I kneel, letting my head hang heavily as I try to pull in enough air to fill my lungs properly. I free my gun, checking my clip and seeing one round nestled perfectly there. I can't help the snort that leaves me.

How perfect.

"You don't need to be here," I whisper as Daryl kneels in front of me. I don't want him to watch this because he already blames himself. He doesn't need to replay this moment over and over in his head.

"Yeah, I do," his words thick as he grips my chin tenderly, those ocean hues holding mine as he presses his lips to mine.

Tears fall as he tries so desperately to pour everything into our last kiss, his hand weaving into my hair to hold me tight to him as he rests his forehead against mine. His eyes are screwed shut, lips trembling, and his grip tightens on me like he can hold me back from the inevitable.

"You have to let me go," I croak, barely holding back the sob as he shakes his head stubbornly. But every minute the virus grows stronger pulling me closer and closer to what awaits me on the other side.

"You have to, Daryl."

Those dark ocean eyes that cut through me and make my heart flutter open and I swallow hard, resting my hand on his jaw. A tear slid down Daryl's cheek, running over my skin, "I love you."

"I love you too."

This is the last time I will feel at home because that's what Daryl is to me. He's my home and again I've got to say goodbye.

Drawing in a deep breath, I grab my gun from my lap, pulling the hammer back until that awful click rings out.

"I'm sorry."

"Aria."

The gun falters in my grip. I open my eyes expecting to see Daryl, but the hunter is standing, grabbing someone I thought I would never see again. Cas is yanked towards Daryl, the hunter snarling, "Save her."

You're hallucinating. No one is coming for you and you're wasting your time.

"She doesn't need to be cured," Cas states firmly, his face a blank like a hunk of marble.

"What do you mean?" Daryl fires back fiercely. "She is bit!"

"She is immune."