Chapter 29: Trace


DPOV


~2 months ago~

Few days back, I came across a horse. One that looked a lot like the horse myself and Kat had borrowed to look for Sophia. I missed Kat. Even though I didn't know her as well as I would have possibly liked to. She was pretty, sweet, funny, smart but such a stubborn girl.

Shaking my head, I pulled myself out of my thoughts and began to look around. Finding a small doll that resembled the one that Sophia had, I frowned and froze for a moment. This was when I saw Rick come up behind me. Stopping to look at me and place his hand on my shoulder. "Hey," Rick spoke softly.

"Sorry," I spoke to him as I shook my head and walked to open up cupboards. He lifted the doll and placed it back after examining it. He slowly walked up beside me and looked at me.

"I know you're thinking about what happened on the farm. I want to say...thank you," he tells me softly which made me look up at him curiously. What is this man talking about? Is he really trying to get into my mind? Absentmindedly, I was biting the inside of my cheek.

"I did everything I could...I sometimes think...if I could have maybe done something more. Yet...that doesn't bring back either daughters. Not yours. Not Carol's," I tell him giving him a view of my more vaulnerable side but knew I could trust him enough with seeing a speck of it.

"We know Daryl. You would have done everything you could to protect Kat...Sophia. Things happened and...we respect you for that. You're a good man Daryl," Rick told me. If only he knew about what me and Merle had planned if he wasn't cuffed to that roof. I would have disappeared without a trace...


Present day...KPOV

"We're not leaving," Dad growled as he looked to us, we were all gathered in the cell block. Trying to find a solution to this 'Governor' problem. We had tried to get back to the others but there was simply too many walkers surrounding the fields. Wandering aimlessly as they would spot us and get close to the fences.

"We can't stay," Hershel demanded. Not this again...seems to me everywhere I go there are arguments.

"What if there's another sniper? A wood pallet won't stop one of those rounds," Maggie spoke up. Making sense as bullets would easily dig through with enough force, time and ammunition. We need something solid.

"We can't even go outside," Beth said as she looked around the group. Merle was locked up in the cafeteria, dad thinking this would be the best idea as he was safe but not inside with the rest of us.

"Not in the daylight," Carol mumbled, making a small remark. Not even at night. Walkers get more dangerous at night.

"Rick says we're not running, we're not running," Glenn defended my dad's point of view. Respecting Glenn for standing up for my dad but knowing better it wasn't just because my dad said so. Glenn didn't want to leave.

"No, better to live like rats," Merle growled as though he knew it all. Then again...he does know the Governor better than me. Better than any of us. He's worked along side him for God's sakes.

"You got a better idea?" dad asked him a little demanding to see what Merle would come up with. Maybe trying to be slightly sarcastic or teasing towards the other Dixon.

"Yeah, we should have slid out of here last night and lived to fight another day. But we lost that window, didn't we? I'm sure he's got scouts on every road out of this place by now," Merle told us which made me think about the Governor a little more. I don't think he's lying but...I doubt the Governor's men would be staying out there all this time.

"We ain't scared of that prick," Daryl growled as he was pacing around a little. I was holding onto Judith, rocking her gently as she was sucking on her formula. Giggling softly at her plump small face, her hazel eyes crossed as she watched the bottle wiggle in amazement.

"Y'all should be. That truck through the fence thing, that's just him ringing the doorbell. We might have some thick walls to hide behind, but he's got the guns and the numbers. And if he takes the high ground around this place, shoot, he could just starve us out if he wanted to," Merle informed us.

"Let's put him in the other cell block," Maggie said as she got a little aggitated and annoyed with Merle's presence. Her hands wrapping a piece of cloth around tightly.

"No. He's got a point," I defended Merle. Knowing that what he may be saying is hard to swallow but I could tell he was telling the truth. After all I've heard and witnessed...something is wrong with the Governor. What...I don't have a clue what it is.

"This is all you. You started this," Maggie shouted at Merle as she went to look directly at him.

"What difference whose fault it is?" I asked a little irritated with all the arguing.

"What do we do?" Beth asked a little worried as she walked down the stairs, to get to her dad and sit beside him.

"I said we should leave. Now Axel's dead. We can't just sit here," Hershel said directly at dad. "Get back here!" Hershel shouted at dad as he saw my dad begin to walk away without answering any of our questions.

"You're slipping, Rick. We've all seen it. We understand why. But now is not the time. You once said this isn't a democracy. Now you have to own up to that. I put my family's life in your hands. So get your head clear and do something," Hershel demanded. Dad stopped and looked at the man. Their eyes glued to each other. Dad changed the weight of his feet, looked down, gulped and looked back up at Hershel. Without another word, dad turned his back and walked away. Leaving the rest of us behind.


CPOV

When dad left, we were all discussing what was going on. Going over to Kat and Judith, I told them that I was going to check up on dad. Kat gave a nod and kissed my cheek. Telling me to be careful and allowed me to go after dad. "You shouldn't be out here," dad said as I walked up behind him to stand beside him.

"I'm a good shot," I informed him. Knowing that I was a good shot since the day I had to kill Shane. Sighing, I pulled off my hat and looked through the peep spots we had. Looking between the spaces of the boards and seeing the walkers clawing at the fences.

"Yes, you are," dad agreed as he too looked between the spaces. I don't think mom would want dad mourning her this long. She would want him to pull himself together. For the rest of us and especially now that Kat is back with us.

"Hey, Dad?" I called to him, knowing that what I was about to say was probably going to get him really angry. That maybe he would get mad or...well...with this state, no one knows what's going on with him anymore.

"Yeah?" dad answered me as he checked around the sides and kept a look out for snipers or walkers.

"If I say something, will you promise not to be mad?" I asked him as I turned my head a little to look at him. His head turned and he looked down at me. Curious and his eyes on me for a few moments before he answered.

"I won't get mad," dad answered, reassuring me that it was all fine. That we wouldn't have an argument and that he wouldn't hate me. Please don't hate me. I'm doing this and saying this for your own good.

"You should stop," I said as I didn't look at him. Looking down to focus carefully on what I was about to say.

"Stop what?" he asked me quickly. Not allowing me process to explain what he needed to stop. His hands clutching at the fences as he looked into the distance.

"Being the leader," I told him firmly. "Let Hershel, Kat and Daryl handle things. You deserve a rest," I told him as I knew he trusted the ones I named. His eyes were glued to mine, watching my every word and movement. Focused on me and only me. Without another word, I turned away, put on my hat and walked into the cell block. Returning to Kat, Judith and the others.


KPOV

I was stood taking watch, I was staring numbly at the graves. Noticing the 'L' and 'K' graves were meant to be me and mom. Frozen, I was startled to hear footsteps come closer to me. The cool breeze touched my skin softly, but the presence that followed this person was almost overwhelming.

"I wish...sometimes...I wish I was there with her. I was fighting so hard to get back to you guys. To get to mom, Carl...dad and now...Judith," I started to say. Pouring out my soul to someone who would barely let me see theirs. "I come back to have my mom replaced by a sister. A family that...I now have to protect not just from walkers but...the Governor," I tell the person beside me.

Looking to him, I saw his shoulders were slack as he held a gun in his hands. A change of view seeing as he would always carry a crossbow with him. His blue eyes fixated on me as I spoke. Now that I looked up, he kept his orbs on me. "Must be tough. You know...Carl thought it was the best option to have you burried beside your mom," Daryl's rough voice informed me.

"He was right. Sadly...I'm not dead," I mumbled as I clutched at the fence and felt my heart ache. I was loved so much that...they allowed me to be burried beside my mom. To not just comfort her but...make the others feel comforted to know that we were together in heaven and symbolized in the earth.

"Sadly? You're mistaken," Daryl mumbled as he made a sort of sarcastic laugh noise escape him. This made me look at him curiously for a second but he just looked away and towards the distance. Possibly at the walkers that were clawing at the fence.

"I mean...I'm glad I'm alive but...mom died thinking I was too. She wasn't the best wife but...she thought my dad was dead. Seeked out for comfort. Found the wrong person to turn to. She should have leaned on me more but...maybe I reminded her of dad too much," I said with a small shrug as I kept my eyes focused on the two crosses that symbolized myself and mom.

"I will only remember her for the good things. Even her struggles are good because...it makes her more human. She would give me hugs...kiss my cheek and she just...knew how to care for me. She may have not seem great to you guys but...she was always a good mom," I informed him with a small nod, more to myself than to anyone else.

"I remember when she would come home and find me getting ready to go out. Especially on the rare occasions I would go out at night. She would tell me I was such a boy. That she wished I was more feminine. That I would always wear a T-Shirt, sneakers and some pants," I tell him with a small giggle, shaking my head at the memory.

"I remember going out one night and she was sat at the table eating a snack. Her eyes on me as she would look at me with that little smirk she would wear. She would tell me 'Kat...there you go again. Out with your friends and wearing the same things. Except...now you're wearing tight jeans, a different colored shirt and heels.'" I said immitating my mom's voice and noticed that Daryl was watching me the whole time I spoke of my mom. Lowering to smirk to myself. Remembering my mom and her beautiful, teasing smile.

"She would act like she hated what I wore but...I knew she understood me. That I was never going to be an average girl. I mean...I would shoot guns, I did archery and learned how to fight. She didn't hate it but...she was a good mother. She respected my choices and always thought of my safety first," I spoke softly with a small smile. "She told me..." I said as I gulped back the lump that was in my throat.

"She told me she was proud of me...always. That whatever I did...she would be proud of me. She saw the good in me, even if I thought I was bad at times. She cared about us. She knew how to make me smile, how to-...you know what she would do whenever I felt a little nervous or angry?" I asked him, turning my head to look at him. His eyes were glued to me. Curious as to what I was about to say.

He shook his head at me rather than verbally answering my question. "She would take my hand, gently caress it with her thumb and press her lips to the back of my hand. She knew that this was something that soothed me. She knew me better than I did," I said with a small sigh. "I'll live on her memory in a positive light and tell Judith what our mother was like. Be the mother to her that we both lost," I said, promising myself and Judith this as I looked to the fading light and nod to it.

"I'll never be like my mom but...I know she would want me to look out for our family. To do everything and anything I could to protect them. I will always do what's right. Even if it could cost me my life but...I wouldn't mind. If it saves my dad, sister and brother. Saves you guys...what's my life worth without all of you?" I asked him and took a deep breath. Looking at Daryl I could tell that something flickered behind his eyes. Without another word, I went inside and took my turn to rest. Going to Judith and spending some quiet time with her.


DPOV

"Take watch. Eyes open, head down," Rick said as he looked to Maggie. Nodding, she walked off and left to take watch after I had returned. "Field's filled with walkers. I didn't see any snipers out there, but we'll keep Maggie on watch," Rick informed us as he looked to to each of us.

"I'll get up in the guard tower, take out half them walkers, give these guys a chance to fix the fence," I said as I walked closer. Kat was up the stairs with Ass-Kicker in her arms. It was weird to see her holding a baby, much less her mom's baby...but she looked...different. More...womanly. Not that silly girl who was out in the woods almost getting raped and coming back like she didn't just go through what she had.

"Or use some of the cars to put the bus in place," Michonne suggested as she got closer too. Kat was watching us as she would rock little Ass-Kicker. Rick's eyes glanced up too for a second and I saw him look at me from the corner of his eye. Shit. Head down Dixon.

"We can't access the field without burning through our bullets," Hershel informed us. Who said anything about bullets? Let me, Merle, Michonne and Kat go out there and I'm sure we can clear the field in no time.

"So we're trapped in here. There's barely any food or ammo," Glenn said as he looked to us. He was pissed off with me ever since Merle was around. Actually...he was just pissed off with Merle. Which made me pissed off with Glenn.

"Been here before. We'll be all right," I said as I gently raised my hand to rub at my stubbly chin. Wiping away the food I had munched on with the others only moments ago. Carol had brought me some food as the others decided to gather around together in the cafeteria and eat silently.

"That's when it was just us. Before there was a snake in the nest," Glenn growled at me which made me tense up. Here we go again...about Merle. Does he ever quit?

"Man, we gonna go through this again?" I asked him a little pissed and irritated that he would still want Merle out after all he's done for me. "Look, Merle's staying here. He's with us now. Get used to it," I informed him. Stating a fact that not even Rick could change. No him...then well...I'll get really pissed off and maybe leave again.

"Hey," Rick said firmly as he went to grab me. To try and calm the pair of us down. Knowing that I was probably the most dangerous out of me and Glenn.

"All y'all," I growled as I dodged my arm away from Rick's reach. Leaving to go up the stairs. I could still hear them. Kat's eyes looked at me for a moment as I walked past her and Ass-Kicker. Why is my life so fucked up right now? All this stress, confusion and anger. It's doing none of us any good.

"Seriously, Rick, I don't think Merle living here is really gonna fly," Glenn's voice warned Rick as I could hear them from the cell that I had entered. Going to take a piss and to hopefully calm down.

"I can't kick him out," Rick growled at him.

"I wouldn't ask you to live with Shane after he tried to kill you," Glenn shouted at Rick. Difference is...it wasn't Merle who wanted to kill you. He was under the command of the Governor's. Don't they see that?

"Merle has military experience. He may be erratic, but don't underestimate his loyalty to his brother," Hershel's warm voice spoke kindly but firmly.

"What if we solve both problems at once? Deliver Merle to the Governor. Bargaining chip. Give him his traitor, maybe declare a truce," Glenn suggested which made me grit my teeth together. What the fuck is with him?


KPOV

"Dad...I need to go make a run. One that might involve me being away for a few days...maybe hours," I spoke up as I had placed a sleeping Judith in her makeshift cot. Her mouth was slightly parted as she breathed. Her small chest rising and falling. A peacefull look on her face which made me smile at her.

"No. You should stay. We'll never be able to leave with the Governor getting closer. Not just that but...we need you Kat. What if he gets here and you're not. We need every able body," dad said which made me sigh and look at him. Walking down the steps, I looked to Hershel, Michonne and Glenn who were all around us.

"Dad. I'll be back as quick as I can but this is something I need to do. Trust me," I told him with a look in my eye that told me he knew it was important. He can tell I need to do something. That I wouldn't be saying this if it wasn't important enough.

"I'm scared you'll disappear from me...for good," dad told me which made me sigh and shake my head at him. His hands reached up and cupped my face delicately. Covering his hands with mine, I slowly pried them away from my face.

"I won't dad. Nothing's killed me yet," I tell him with a soft expression, his at one point tense one softned, taking my hands he kissed them gently and pulled me to him in a warm hug.

"Fine...but you're taking someone with you," he said into my ear as he swayed us slightly, my arms wrapping around him as my hands clung to his back.

"I'll come with you," Michonne volunteered which made me pull away from her and shake my head.

"No. You need to stay here. You're safer here...besides...you're still not completely recovered since the trip to Woodbury," I tell her as I pulled away from dad and looked at her. My voice stern but reflected all the care I had towards her.

"I'll go," Daryl's voice said surprisingly as he walked along the top of the stairs and looked down at the group of us. Glancing up at him, I looked to dad and waited for his answer to this. Can he trust Merle to behave without Daryl around?

"It's settled," Rick said with a nod to Daryl. So...I guess I'm going on a run with Daryl as my protector. Why do I feel safe but slightly nerved by this thought?


DPOV

"Thanks for coming with me. You didn't have to," Kat told me after she had prepared all her things and I was already at the bike, preparing it for us to leave. Slinging her backpack over one shoulder, she made sure none of her arrows slipped out of her quiver.

"Come on. Let's go," I tell her as I ignored her small thanks. Revving the bike, I looked to her and saw her climb behind me. My crossbow was placed in the trunk, safely kept and allowing Kat to wrap her arms around me. "Where to?" I asked her when I felt her small but strong arms slither around my waist. I held back a shiver at her touch but kept my body tense as to not show how her proximity affected me.

"The farm," she told me which made me feel curious as to why she wanted to go back there. Ignoring any questions, I decided it was best not to pry into her own business but to do as she wished. She has her own reasons, I won't judge or think anything of it. It's her choice. Not mine.

We rode all the way to the farm, thinking of how risky this could be seeing as we could possibly get attacked by another herd, I saw that there weren't many walkers roaming around. It was sunset when we reached the farm. Getting off quickly, Kat grabbed her machete and drove it into a walker's skull.

Hopping off the bike, I secured it to the ground and pulled up my crossbow. Shooting at a walker I grabbed my arrow and saw Kat slice a walker's head off. Bending over, she dug the end of her machete into it's head. Ending the walker for good. Seeing the farm, we saw the door and windows were sealed shut by boards.

Kat grabbed a hammer that was by the door. Pulling out the nails, she dropped the boards and I placed them in a neat pile quickly. Keeping my eyes glued for any walkers that came close as she worked on the door. When the door opened, she stepped in slowly and kept silent. There were no walkers inside thankfully and it looked like how we left it. Only that there was dust that covered the surfaces.

Getting in, Kat wandered around and found the candles, placing them on the desk she rummaged for matches and placed them on the table. While I was searching for anything we could use, or take with us, I saw Kat enter the bedroom and search inside. Seeing her, I noticed her taking out a book. The album.

The way Kat stood frozen on the spot. Her fingers grazing the cover, on the cover there was a picture of her, Rick, Carl and Lori. They looked happy. It was on a birthday of Carl's. Judging by the big cake and the fact that he was sat in front of it. This made me look at her intently. Her slightly tanned skin glowed in the soft amber shine of the setting sunlight. Her bright blue eyes were hidden behind her long lashes and eyelids, gazing down at the photo. Her fingertips running along the curves of her mother's face.

Kat's pink lips were in a sad smile. Her hair short but in soft curls along the sides of her face. She looked angelic, the sun creating a golden halo to envelope around her figure. Her blue eyes flashed up at me as she realized I was watching. Clearing my throat, I gave her a nod and told her it looked secure and safe.

Kat pulled out another few albums and stuffed them into her backpack. Walking over to the door, I pulled the boards into the room and grabbed a few nails that were around. Shutting the door, hammer in hand, I nailed up each board inside and when I was done, I turned to see Kat stepping around the house. Looking at it, probably remembering the times in the house with our group. With her mom. It made me sigh and look down. Placing my things in a corner of the room, I looked to her and watched her as she lit the match and set the candles to burn.

Not using many but enough so that we could see where we were walking. It was already night when I saw Kat's fingers glide along the guitar we had left behind. She smiled at it, strummed a random note and giggled. The sound was calming as it made me smirk a little. Putting a straight face, I saw her move to sit down. Her eyes examining the guitar as we ate the food she packed silently.


KPOV

We were in the dinning room, I was leaning against the wall as we tried to get some sleep. We had been silent all through this trip to the farm. Daryl didn't question me nor did he judge me. He was being kind and I could tell he understood why I was here. Why we had to return. To retrieve the albums and possibly take the guitar along with us.

Silently, I shivered and felt the slight cold of the night air as the windows were broken but the boards kept the walkers out. Daryl was leaning against the wall, his leg propped up slightly. He saw my shiver and tremble of breath. With a small grunt, he got up to his feet and walked to another room. Staying where I was, I saw him come back with a blanket in his hands.

Offering it to me, I looked up at him and saw how his blue eyes looked directly at me. They were kind, his expression soft and sweet. Taking this moment to look at him, I saw how he had changed. His muscles were more prominent. He was stronger. His hair was longer and his scar from the time at the arena was healing quickly. His eyes were bright as he stared at me. Taking it from him gently, I thanked him softly, the corner of his lips twitched and with a nod of his head, he walked back to his spot and sat down.

Smiling, I wrapped myself up in the blanket and saw how he looked to the distance absent mindedly. He's probably missing Carol...or his brother. Or both. Leaning against the wall, I decided it would be more comfortable to lean down and rest my head against my bag. Using it as a pillow, I slowly drifted into a deep sleep...

Waking up, we munched on what was left and opened the door. Exiting, we found one or two walkers clawing at the windows. Killing them, we made our way to the bike, taking the albums and slinging the guitar to rest on my back. I got behind Daryl and wrapped my arms around him again. The feel of his body against mine, the smell of his skin, it was soothing and slightly intoxicating in a strange way.

He smelt of the woods, of a musky scent and sweat. Behind it though, I smell the soft aroma of pine trees. Eventually, we got back to the prison and were greeted by the group. Hugs being given to me by my father and brother. Taking Judith into my arms whenever she cried and calmed her like I would see my parents do with Carl.


CPOV

"Psst. Something weird out there," I tell Maggie as I saw a walker being followed by someone. I couldn't tell who it was but was surprised to see that the person behind it had blonde hair. Is it the Governor?

"Andrea. Get your dad and the others," Maggie said after a few minutes looking at the person who followed the walker in the distance. Andrea? Holy shit. Running back inside, I saw everyone was either in the cafeteria, in the cells or standing around checking the ammo or supplies.

"Andrea's here. Come quick!" I told them and this was when everyone grabbed any weapon they could find and rushed outside with me. Kat had given Judith to Beth as she took a gun and rushed out, by the balcony, following everyone's lead and keeping away from the yard.

"Go," dad growled at Merle to go forward.

"Clear!" Merle said as he rushed forward, looked around to see if anyone was following her or planning to ambush us.

"Are you alone?" dad called out for her to answer. Paranoid that she was secretly working with the Governor and against us.

"Open the gate!" Andrea shouted at him as she got closer towards the gate.

"Are you alone?!" Dad shouted once again. Demanding an answer from her. Pressing his back against one of the fences.

"Rick!" Andrea screamed a little surprised of how my dad was like this. He's trying to protect us. Even from Andrea.

"Open it," dad shouted to Merle as he opened the gate enough to let Andrea pass though. "Hands up! Turn around. Turn around now!" dad shouted as he gripped Andrea's shoulder and pushed her against the fence, her back to him.

A walker got too close, which scared Andrea and made her scream. Dad was checking her for weapons and pulled her away from the fence before the walker could get her. "All right. Get down, on the floor," dad ordered her as she got to her knees. "I asked if you were alone," dad growled at her as he got to her level and checked her for weapons further.

"I am," Andrea told him. Dad took of her backpack and threw it to the floor, away from her and out of her reach. Maggie searched inside of it. Giving dad a nod to tell him that Andrea was in fact not here to kill us.

"Welcome back. Get up," dad told her as he lifted her to her feet. She was on the ground, hands up in surrender and her hair was a mess from possibly wandering around in the woods. Killing any walkers that might of noticed her and sweat covered her body.


KPOV

Walking back, I slowed down as I saw Andrea. Standing there, her hair was a mess, she was sweating and she looked like she had the fright of her life. Slowly we got closer to each other, falling into each other's arms as we held each other close. "Andrea..." I whispered into her ear as I held her.

Pulling away, she cupped my face and smiled. "I'm glad you're safe...and with your family," she said the first part at me. Her blue eyes kind. The second part she glanced around us and saw the others. Her eyes landing on Carl and Rick. Giggling I reached up and kissed her cheek, happy to see her with us and safe.

"I'm just glad you're with us now," I tell her truthfully. She doesn't need to be at Woodbury. She should be here. With the people who truly love her. With the people she belongs with. With her family. With me and Michonne. The three of us together again. Putting our differences aside.

Pulling away, I saw Carol walk over and pulled Andrea into a hug. "We thought you and Kat were dead," Carol whispered to her sadly as we all looked to each other. Andrea is like a sister. As is everyone in this group. They're my family. They always have been and always will be.

"Hershel, my God," Andrea said as she noted he was alive and without a leg. She pulled out of Carol's embrace and looked around at all of us. "I can't believe this," she said as she looked around at the prison. "Where's Shane?" Andrea asked which made my dad shake his head. "And Lori?" she asked as she looked between me, Carl and dad. None of us spoke up.

"She had a girl. Lori didn't survive," Hershel informed her a little sadly.

"Neither did T-Dog," Maggie spoke up after her father spoke.

"I'm so sorry. Carl. Rick. Kat, I-..." Andrea said as she looked between all of us. Looking down, I gulped and couldn't face to look up at Andrea. After all this hard work to get back to my family...I find my mom dead. Andrea must be as devestated as I was. "You all live here?" she asked a little stunned.

"Here and the cell block," Glenn answered her blankly.

"There?" Andrea asked which made me nod. "Well, can I go in?" she asked me. I was about to say yes but dad stopped her from stepping any closer to where we all slept.

"I won't allow that," dad growled at her as he stood in her way.

"I'm not an enemy, Rick," Andrea said stubbornly. I believe her. But...I sense she's not completely our friend either.

"We had that field and courtyard until your boyfriend tore down the fence with a truck and shot us up," dad told Andrea which made her look at him a little shocked.

"He said you fired first," Andrea tried to explain what she had heard. So the Governor is a murderer and a liar...great. What redeeming qualities.

"Well, he's lying," dad told Andrea coldly.

"He killed an inmate who survived in here," Hershel informed Andrea.

"We liked him. He was one of us," Daryl said which made me frown. I didn't know Axel that well but...he was harmless towards me. He seemed close to Carol compared to anyone else.

"I didn't know anything about that. As soon as I found out, I came. I didn't even know you were in Woodbury until after the shoot-out," Andrea told them as she looked around to see everyone's face. To tell them all the truth.

"That was days ago," Glenn said to her coldly. Why are we all targeting Andrea?

"I told you, I came as soon as I could," she told them a little exhausted from all the arguing and targetization. I get the feeling the Governor has been holding her back so that he could attack us the way he did. He had this all planned. I don't like this one bit. "What have you told them?" Andrea asked Michonne as she looked to Michonne's leaning figure.

"Nothing," Michonne said as though she was being innocent. It wasn't working and Andrea could tell as she slint her eyes at her. We were all such good friends. Now we're enemies?

"I don't get it. I left Atlanta with you people and now I'm the odd man out?" Andrea asked them all a little stunned that she was being isolated in this crowd of once friends of hers. I decided to take a few steps closer. Dad's hand went to pull me back but I forced my arm away from his grip. I won't let Andrea stand this alone.

"He almost killed Michonne and he would have killed us," Glenn stated to her coldly.

"With his finger on the trigger! Isn't he the one who kidnapped you? Who beat you?" Andrea shouted to Glenn as she pointed up at Merle. "Look, I cannot excuse or explain what Philip has done. But I am here trying to bring us together. We have to work this out," Andrea said as she was on the verge of breaking down.

"There's nothing to work out. We're gonna kill him. I don't know how or when, but we will," dad said to her, menacingly. As though he was ready to kill the Governor himself. Right here. Right now.

"We can settle this," Andrea pleaded but no one spoke. Andrea sounded helpless. Speaking for a lost cause. This is driving me crazy. I can't take it any more.

"I'm sick and tired of this arguing. Ever since I got to Woodbury...all it's been is arguments. Between Andrea and Michonne in Woodbury over the town and Governor. Now here against each other. I don't know why we can't all just get along?!" I shouted. Fed up with how everyone was treating each other. Standing up for what I believed in.

"You guys want to keep arguing...fine! Leave me out. I think this is all just...pathetic. I believe Andrea has nothing to do with this. Or Merle. Merle was under the Governor's command in order to survive! Just as you have been under the command of my dad! There is no difference in that setting," I growled at them as I held my ground.

"The only difference is...the Governor is clearly completely lost and looking for revenge. I understand you want to keep fighting in order to be safe here. For Judith and Hershel but...I won't allow for the Governor to pull us apart. God knows we get ripped to shreds out there by walkers alone! We don't need it in here between ourselves either," I tell them and turned my back with a shake of my head. Feeling the sensation that I had whenever I wanted to cry but held it in.


RPOV

When Kat left, I felt my heart sink. She's right. But I will do whatever it takes to keep my family and the group safe. Especially if it means killing the governor. I won't allow for Kat to suffer any more. Or for anyone else to suffer under his hand and manipulations.

"There is room at Woodbury for all of you," Andrea tried to plead when she was certain Kat was no longer around to hear us.

"You know better than that," Merle grumbled dryly to Andrea.

"What makes you think this man wants to negotiate? Did he say that?" Hershel asked her, sounding slightly hopeful but doutful at the same time. None of us are sure what the man really wants.

"No," Andrea said solumnly.

"Then why did you come here?" I asked her a little angered. What is the point of her being here if she's not here to help us?

"Because he's gearing up for war. The people are terrified. They see you as killers. They're training to attack," Andrea said with a horrorfied look in her eyes.

"I'll tell you what. Next time you see Philip, you tell him I'm gonna take his other eye," Daryl growled at her. Sending the Governor a message.

"We've taken too much shit for too long. He wants a war? He's got one," Glenn said sternly. He's just pissed about what happened with Maggie...doesn't surprise me. I'd be the same if it was Kat or...Lori.

"Rick," Andrea said as she turned to me. Thinking that I was the perfect voice of reason or simply knowing I was the leader of this group. "If you don't sit down and try to work this out, I don't know what's gonna happen. He has a whole town. Look at you. You've lost so much already. You can't stand alone anymore," Andrea pleaded with me.

"You want to make this right, get us inside," I suggested to her. Stepping in front of her since she had given me her back.

"No," Andrea said firmly.

"Then we got nothing to talk about," I growled as I left her.

"There are innocent people!" Andrea shouted after me as I walked away. We too are innocent...as innocent as this world can allow us to be.


CPOV

Kat was sat with me, we were looking at the albums she had retrieved from the farm. The ones we had left behind. Laughing we looked at the pictures and remembered the times we spent together. As a family and before this whole mess. Before walkers roamed the earth.

Dad slowly walked inside, his eyes were sad as he looked to us. A small sad smile forming on his face as he saw us sat on the bed looking at the pictures. Kat looked up and patted the space beside her. "Hey! Do you remember when we went to the farm?" Kat asked as she laughed softly.

"Oh. Yeah! Wasn't that when mom got so mad at us for coming back home covered in mud and soaking wet?" I asked her laughing as I remembered mom's face when she realized me and Kat had been feeding animals and got too close.

"Mad?" Dad asked with a small chuckle as he sat beside us. The photo showed me and Kat in our clothes soaked and mud covered. Bright smiles on mine and Kat's faces. Mud covered our faces and hands. "She was more than that," dad told us with a bright smile.

"She pulled us by our collars and threw us into the bath," Kat said as she laughed. Mom's eyes, face and words flooded my mind of that day at the farm. When we got home and all through the car ride back she was telling us off for anything and everything.

We spent the rest of the time looking through the album, laughing, looking at each other sadly and cuddling each other after we shut it. This is how we should remember mom. As the woman we loved and lost. It's normal and what mom would want is for us to move forward. I'm glad Kat got this back. That she's alive. It will all get better. I know it will. Love will mend us.


KPOV

"You can't leave without meeting Little Ass-Kicker," I told her as I was cuddling Judith in my arms. Her fingers were playing with my necklace and it made me giggle. Taking her fingers, I saw then wrap around mine and grip tightly.

Andrea made a sound of pure bliss to see the baby. "May I hold her?" she asked me and this made me giggle.

"Of course," I tell her as though she was being stupid for thinking I would deny her holding her.

"Oh," she whispered softly as I slowly lowered Judith into Andrea's arms.

"Got her?" I asked her and she slowly nods at me.

"I got her," Andrea informed me as I saw the small bundle of a baby cradled in Andrea's arms. "Oh, look at you," Andrea cooed to Judith lovingly. "Let me guess. Daryl named her 'Ass-Kicker,'" Andrea stated and this made me laugh.

"That's not really her name," I tell Andrea. "Judith," I revealed to her which made her smile at me then look down at the baby adoringly.

"Judith," Andrea repeated after me. The name rolling off her tongue and settling to be comfortable to her. "Hi, Judith. Oh, how precious are you?" she asked Judith as she rocked her for a moment. "What happened to your mom?" Andrea asked as she looked up at me.

"During a C-section. Maggie. Carl had to-..." I said trailing off. Knowing that Andrea could tell the picture how I was describing it and by my facial expression.

"Oh, my God," Andrea mumbled as she looked at me like she wanted to hug me...or someone. Thankfully, she had Judith in her arms. That way she can comfort Judith more than I really need.

"T-Dog died leading Carol to safety," I informed Andrea.

"And Shane?" Andrea asked me with a curious look.

"Dad killed him. The night we left the farm. That whole Randall thing was a lie. Shane tried to kill my dad," I tell her which made he look at me a little shocked.

"Shane loved your dad," she said as though that was reason enough for Shane not wanting to kill my dad.

"Shane loved my mom," I tell her which made her sigh and look down at Judith.

"Your dad's become cold. Unsteady," Andrea informed me. I already know this Andrea. Believe me...I do.

"He has his reasons," I say defending my father. "The Governor, you need to do something," I tell her as she slowly placed Judith back into my arms.

"I am," Andrea said as though she was trying her hardest. She is but...she needs to push a little harder.

"No, you need to sleep with him. Give him the greatest night of his life. You get him to drop his guard. Then when he's sleeping, you can end this," I told her. Giving the best advice I could. Gently placing Judith back in her cot, I lead Andrea out to the others. Exchanging a look with Beth as she took over looking after Judith.

"Thanks," Andrea said to dad as Glenn pulled up in a cop car for Andrea to take. At least she doesn't have to battle it out with walkers like she did when coming in here. She's safer now. I'm glad of that. Dad handed her the backpack he pulled off of her and gave her the car keys. "Can you spare it?" she asked curiously.

"Yeah," dad answered cooly. We all stood there for a moment. Andrea's eyes scanning each of our faces.

"Well, take care," Andrea spoke as she climbed into the car and got herself comfortable.

Dad handed me back Andrea's gun and clip. Walking to her, I called her name to her. "Andrea. Be careful," I pleaded of her as I handed her back her things.

"You, too," Andrea said as she clutched my hands. Pulling herself up a little from her seat, she kissed my cheek and gave me a sad look. I'm going to miss her. I hope she's going to be safe. I don't want to lose her. Especially not to the Governor.

Without another word, Merle opened up the gate for her and Andrea drove off. After we knew she was gone, we all walked back inside. I lingered a moment longer as I thought of Andrea and said a silent prayer for her. That God can show her the way. Let her see the light. Let her have sense.


RPOV

"Some reunion, huh?" Daryl asked me as I stood beside Hershel, Judith sucking on a pacifier in my arms. Kat was teaching Glenn how to strum a song. A song I knew all too well. Lori would be so proud of her. This was Lori's favourite song.

"She's in a jam," I told them as I looked away from Judith for a moment. Hearing the others laugh as Kat would teach Glenn how to play the song. His fingers muddling but slowly getting better.

"We all are. Andrea's persuasive. This fella's armed to the teeth. Bent on destruction," Hershel informed us. No doubt about that.

"So what do you want to do?" Daryl asked me curiously.

"We match it. I'm going on a run," I inform them which made Daryl nod at me.

"I'll head out tomorrow," Daryl volunteered right away. No. No. No. You're staying here. I'd feel better if you stayed.

"No, you stay here. Keep an eye on your brother," I told him which made him look at Merle in the far distance. He was leaning against the door, looking at Glenn and Kat as she would teach Glenn how to play the guitar we had left at the farm.

"I'm glad you're back, really, but if he causes a problem, it's on you," I inform Daryl of my plan and warnings as to his brother and him.

"I got him," Daryl told me, nodding and agreeing to my settlement.

"I'll take Michonne," I inform them.

"You sure that's a good idea?" Daryl asked me a little worried for my safety.

"I'll find out," I spoke firmly. If she saved Kat...surely she will save me too. "And Carl. He's ready," I said as I was looking at Judith but glanced up to look at Carl. He was smiling as he looked at Kat teaching Glenn the song she knew how to play so well. "You hold it down here," I tell Daryl. Giving him control while I was away.

"You got it," Daryl agreed. Suddenly, Glenn had finally mastered the song and Kat began to sing in that soft, sweet voice she was graced with. If Lori could see her now...


KPOV

Glenn had finally learned the song and I was ready to start singing. It was Mom's favourite song. The song I would play for her and the one she loved me to sing along to. It was the song I had once sang for mom and dad as they danced under the stars on their anniversary. Carl was there to witness it. It was Be Alright by Lucy Rose.

"It's taken me a while to tell you. Exactly how I feel inside. The words, they seem so simple right now. But they took a while to find," I sang softly. I could hear Maggie murmer that it was the song mom would sing herself to sleep. Not only for herself but for the baby. Everyone stayed silent as I sang and Glenn strummed.

Carl walked over to me, held his hand out for me and I had to laugh. "And is this what you call love, love, love? This is what I'm thinking of," I sang out as I took his hand, stood up and placed his hand to rest against the small of my back. His hand holding mine as I raised it to start slowly dancing. He smiled at me as he tried to lead but we just went with the flow of the song.

"Because I knew. That you would be alright. And in my heart you would stay a while with me. And we danced until the morning light. And you said to me, you said we'll be alright. And we'll be alright. Yeah, we'll be alright," I sang but was surprised to see dad tap Carl's shoulder. Carl pulled away from me and was then replaced by dad.

"Please don't tell me you have moved on. Just give me one chance to explain. My feelings are still here and growin'. They're new to me and I'm still learnin'," I sang sadly as I knew this was how mom was possibly feeling since the whole situation with Shane happened.

"And is this what you call love, love, love? This is what I'm thinking of. Because I knew. That you would be alright. And in my heart you would stay a while with me. And we danced until the morning light. And you said to me, you said we'll be alright. And we'll be alright. Yeah, we'll be alright," I sang sadly as me and dad danced. His hold on me was gentle. His expression sad as he leaned over and pressed a soft kiss to my forehead.

"Is this what you call love? And is this what you call love? And is this what you call love, love, love? This is what I'm thinking of. And is this what you call love, love, love? This is what I'm thinking of," I sang. Dad whispered into my ear how proud my mom would be of me right now. It made me want to cry but I stayed strong. For myself, my family and for mom.

When the song was finished, Glenn kept strumming softly. I didn't know if it was because he liked the thought that he could now play a song I had played for years, or because he just didn't know the song was finished. Dad pulled away, his hands in mine before he walked away to his cell. In the distance, I saw Daryl holding Judith and I didn't know if it was the song, the dance or simply the way he looked but...I felt a shiver run down my spine and my knees buckle at the view of him.

His strong arms holding Judith closely to his chest, slowly rocking and his eyes on me. The way he looked at me, made me feel as though I wasn't even here. That my soul was bared to him and only that. My chest rose and fell quickly as my breathing sped up. His blue eyes gleaming bright in the light of the moon. Judith in his arms...suits him.


Hope you liked this chapter! Questions for this chapter: What do you want to happen? What do you expect will happen? What did you think of this chapter? 5 reviews please! Now...time to answer to previous reviews from last chapter!


EastDenise: Maybe. We'll see! Hopefully I have enough talent to write it.


Guest: Here you have it! Hope you liked it!


likeawitch: I hope I have enough talent to write a good love scene! We'll see how it plays out!


Caity6991: We'll see what I decide. I might do a love scene. Just...not too soon! Much love honey! xox


casper6six6: Here you have it! Glad you love it!


redangel2463: Haha! I doubt it would be that soon! We'll see what happens!


An Amber Pen: Here you go!


Panboa: Well...I already know when they're going to kiss but...it will be a very slow process to get to that point. It might be romantic as it won't be Daryl kissing Kat! OOPS! SPOILERS!


kayley . docherty: Seems to me everyone wants it! We'll see. Only if I get a treat for being such a good author and treating you all to one!


Until the 5 reviews and next chapter...

Much love!

HeroJustInTime90 xx