Another two parter chapter. I'll probably post the rest tonight. Okay, I know it's been four days since I updated and I am so sorry. I was actually going to go on an unannounced hiatus, but decided against it. If you guys love this story, then I shall continue it for I love it too! I just need to get over the ruts and bumps and push through this writer's block! So iPod's back! A wave of gratitude to DarylDixon'sLover, Dixongurl, SirensCalling, sillymommy2010, kristelalugo, Peeca151, malzateb, Guest, ledanna, Joise, Ela, angelicedg, brady66, Anara, Tania Ibarbia, lulu52, DixonGreene010, staceycoonan, maryjanewatson, Serialkillingyou, blesdirishangel, MamaDCB, Guest, boothandbones4ever, SilentFlame13, and An Amber Pen for your wonderful, motivating messages of feedback! Now for the next chapter!

Chapter thirty three: Part One

"Daryl."

The archer's eyelids fluttered open, vision focusing to reveal the setting of his old attic room. Oxygen filled his lungs as he heaved, confusion and disbelief intertwining in his mind as a hand on his chest gently traced the old scars and faded tattoos that laden it. Beth. She peered up at him, her eyes full of love and friendliness, hair slightly tousle as she continued to stroke his skin gently. He wanted to sit up, to move, but for some reason, his body refused the action.

"Where..." he muttered. "This ain't..."

"Your dreamin'," she soothed, her voice quiet. "It's okay."

"I saw them," he mumbled, meeting her gaze with such a look of desperation. "I saw them take you."

"Who?" Beth inquired, her eyes falling to his chest. "Who took me?"

"I don't..." he paused. "I ain't know...it all happened so fast."

He exhaled, allowing his head to fall back on the pillow as Beth hummed softly. The familiar scent of dust and aged wood filled his nose, almost as if he were truly back in Hurndon. Beth's hair fell against his skin, tickling the dark hairs of his forearm as she remained focused on his various imperfections. The real Beth hadn't ever touched him in this way. Even in intimacy, they had never gone as far as to cuddle.

"You're hurt," Beth murmured. "It's gonna hurt when you wake up."

"But I gotta," he replied. "I'm gonna find you."

"Stay," she whispered, her hand applying pressure to his chest. "Don't go."

It seemed like such a welcoming suggestion. Here he was safe. Unaware. Untouched by the world. But the more he gazed at Beth, the more her expression got distorted. She blurred, her once beautiful features seeming to melt like water spilling on a painting. The room was caving in on itself, the comfort disappearing as a searing, white light began to flood his vision, tugging him mercilessly back to the realm of consciousness.

"Daryl!"

The name rang in his ears, aching in his temples as he slowly peeled his eyes open. Carol, face smudged with dirt and blood, hovered over him with a look of anxiety masked across her features. He blinked, every inch of his body seeming to scream in protest as he forced himself to sit up right. Glass and stone cut across his arms, leaving thin, red lines in their wake. Head spinning, he met Carol's stare, breathing in and out as oxygen began to repump through his lungs.

"They took her," he managed to utter. "I...Beth..."

Her name felt dry on his tongue, his thoughts throbbing of the moments right after the accident. The others, they were unimportant right now. Grunting, he made himself stand up, picking away at the stray shards that had lodged themselves into his skin. The scene around him was disastrous at least. Children crying, comforted by parents who keenly looked over their every inch for injuries. A few of the group members stumbling about, helping those who needed it.

"Daddy?" Maggie called out, the eldest Greene sister's face twisted into a look of utter fear and desperation. "Has anyone seen him?"

"Beth," Daryl exhaled, moving to where Rick stood amidst the rubble. "They took 'em."

Rick turned, his own face scratched and torn in the accident. He eyed Daryl, inhaling deeply before looking to the others. Abraham strolled forward, blood trickling down his nose and into his red mustache. Behind him, Rosita crouched with their daughters, all seemingly unscathed by the accident. The soldier brushed Daryl aside, pointing to the road with a gesture of urgency.

"We need to get away from here now," he stated. "Those people-those bastards, Christ only knows when they're gonna come back for the rest of us. We need to get outta here now!"

"I ain't goin' no where," Daryl interjected. "Not until I get Beth back!"

"She's as good as gone," Abraham hissed. "She and the one legged man, we have no idea how far they went!"

"Fuck you," Daryl growled, shoving the man in his chest. "You wouldn't be talkin' shit if it were your wife or one of your kids!"

"Easy," Rick exclaimed, stepping between the two angered individuals. "We don't leave our own behind."

"So we're just gonna be sittin' ducks, is that it?" Abraham nearly shouted. "The fuck I'm gonna put my family at risk again. I don't remember puttin' you in charge, and I'm as sure as hell beginnin' to think that maybe it's time we have a reelection-"

"I'll go."

It was the confident, but quiet input that had the men turn around. There, standing there with a look of solemnness, was Carol. She adjusted her weapon in her hands, glancing toward the other figures. Daryl eyed her curiously, watching as she stepped forward so that they now stood in a circle.

"Daryl and I will go," she said. "Figure out where this place is. We'll communicate it somehow. Get back to you. Set up camp deep in the woods and try to hold it for as long as you can. There are cars all over this road. At least one of them has to have some gas left in it. Road only goes straight, not much we can do but follow it."

Carol didn't owe neither him nor Beth anything and yet, she was willing to risk her life to save a girl she barely knew. An act Daryl took as a true sign of friendship. He looked to Rick, nodding his head in agreement as the sheriff considered this new option. Exhaling, he glanced towards the others, knowing that most wanted nothing more than to bring their families as far away from probable harm as possible.

"I got some radios," he mumbled, nodding to Carl to step forward with his backpack. "Not sure how long the batteries will last, but it's somethin'."

Daryl nodded his head, inhaling deeply as the sheriff fished the set from the satchel. He handed on to the archer, meeting the man's gaze as he continued to keep his hand on the device.

"When you find 'em," he muttered. "You let us know and we'll come."

Daryl nodded, pocketing the device as he spoke. "You ain't gotta tell me twice."

Rick gave a shake of his head in response, taking a step back as Carol moved beside the archer, nudging him with her shoulder. He looked at her, her mouth forming a small, humorless smile. Inhaling, he adjusted his bow over his shoulder. It was going to be a long day.

Feedback's greatly loved and appreciated, it really keeps me writing! If this gets a decent response, I'll post again tonight. Maybe throw in another bethyl dream sequence. Anyway, hope you enjoyed! Until next time! -Jen