A/N: Okay, I hope you like it; I haven't made a decision on who Riley is going to end up with; you all have some awesome ideas and now I'm a little overwhelmed. After reading this chapter though please let me know if your ideas, or thoughts have changed. Also just let me know what you think about this chapter; I did something I didn't think I was going to do in this story but I kind of like it, if you don't though let me know and I'll make changes. So as always please review and leave your suggestions. Thanks so much again for all the support on this story; it truly means a lot!

Chapter 21: Falling Slow

'Lizzie turned and watched as Riley lowered her bow, Riley looked above Lizzie's head to see Herschel run and collect the air bag, he then turned and quickly retreated back to the cell. Riley turned her attention back to the little girl. "you didn't have to do that" Lizzie started tears falling from her eyes "he was listening to me" Riley shook her head "God Lizzie I thought you understood….he wasn't a God damn dog, he wasn't listening he was trying to eat you". Before Riley knew what was happening the twelve-year-old was running full speed, knife drawn, she lunged at Riley. Riley however was quicker and either out of instinct or gut reaction she was able to grab the girl's hand before the knife reached her chest. Both girls fall to the floor. Riley turned Lizzie's hand around and slowly lowered the knife into the young child's stomach. Lizzie cried out in pain as the knife went in lower, blood started to pool around the wound. Lizzie then whispered something and Riley's eyes narrowed. She shook her head and looked at the girl…what her eyes held would be a shot in the dark for anybody to guess; pity, sorrow, disgust. Riley let go of the knife pulling her gun back out from the back of her jeans, she brought it down to Lizzie's forehead "they're not different…they're dead" were the last words Riley spoke before pulling the trigger.'

Riley sat against the wall her arms resting on her knees her bloody hands dangling, slow drips of blood that had not yet dried dripping to the stone floor below. Carl slowly walked up the stairs; Daryl watched ready to move forward as well until Rick placed a hand on his shoulder and simply looked from his son to his daughter. Daryl grunted in response and bit at his thumbnail

Carl reached the top of the stairs and slowly approached Riley, when he did he leaned against the wall and slid down. From the corner of his eye he saw Riley staring straight ahead, her eyes held no remorse, no regret. The best way Carl could describe it is that it almost seemed like even though the situation was awful and the outcome was not wanted it needed to be done, that's what they held he figured out….toughness the toughness to make the difficult choices and live with them….'choices must be made' in this very moment he knew that the old Riley had returned with a vengeance

After a moment Riley looked over at the boy, he held the stare for a while until it became to intense for him and he looked away down at his father as he whispered with Daryl and Herschel. Riley followed his eye line and saw the three men down below. She reached one bloody hand forward grasping the pole in front of her, she hauled herself up and with a sigh and a shake of the head as she glanced at Lizzie's body one last time she made her way towards the stair.

"where are you going?" Carl called out walking after the girl

Riley didn't stop but continued down the stairs "to get cleaned up" she then halted about halfway down looking up at Carl with a smirk she added "and go see Judith"

As Riley walked towards the men she stopped and looked at Herschel "I was wrong about being nice…it doesn't get you killed…" she glanced up at Lizzie's dead body "being stupid does"

The early morning came and went, Riley had gotten herself cleaned up and changed. She was now just sitting in her cell; after seeing Judith she was going to head out and help clean up the mass of Walkers. Riley looked at her crossbow and then down at her boots; she didn't regret what she did it needed to be done; if anything this was a wake up call for her. The world had changed, people had changed, things had to be done. They might not always be easy or feel right but in all honesty was there really a right and wrong decision anymore…no it was life and death you do what you need to do to survive... plain and simple.

Riley stood and swung her crossbow over her shoulder, she walked out of her cell and down the stairs, as she descended she saw Beth sitting on one of the table tops reading a book; Beth glanced up as she heard someone coming down the stairs, seeing it was Riley the book dropped from her hands and she was on her feet rushing towards the girl. Riley saw Beth running towards her and a smile graced her features. Beth stopped short and stared at Riley tears filling her innocent blue eyes; after a moment of just taking her in; Beth threw herself into Riley's body embracing the girl tightly.

"I'm so glad you're okay" Beth mumbled into Riley's neck

Riley wrapped her arms around the girl and sighed "what do I keep telling you Beth; nothing can kill us…plus I have too much to live for now"

'Riley had taken watch in the guard tower, it was the night after the run from the Big Spot and Riley enjoyed sitting in the quiet it gave her time to sort some things out. Riley turned her head away from the black fields as she heard someone open the latch door and climb inside; she was shocked to see Beth but welcomed the company of her friend. "I brought you some dinner" Beth's soft voice broke through the stillness. Riley smiled at the girl as she took the bowl of rabbit meat and returned her eyes to the fields. Beth watched Riley from the corner of her eye, pretending not to look at the girl she had started to fall for; she wasn't sure why she had these feelings for Riley but she couldn't deny it any longer. She had used Zach to see if it was something real or just a passing girl crush. She knew it was real however when Riley had told her Zach hadn't made it back from the run while she felt sad and sorry that a young man lost his life she was happy that she could now focus on Riley alone. "you gonna sit" Riley cut through Beth's thoughts "...what..." Beth asked confused on where she was for a moment. Riley laughed at the girl and Beth's cheeks turned a light pink color "are you going to sit" Riley spoke each word with that Dixon smirk that drove Beth crazy. Beth sat beside her and looked out among the fields. She took a deep breath and knew it was now or never and she wouldn't live in a world where any day you could die and not let the people around her know how she truly felt. "I like you Riley Dixon" Beth spoke so rushed she didn't even understand her own words. When minutes ticked on and Riley didn't respond Beth got worried and was about to stand and leave when a small cold hand landed on her lap covering one of own small cold hand. When she glanced up she saw that Riley wore that smirk, that made her heart melt the blonde girl smiled as well. That night the two girls sat in the guard tower enjoying the quiet holding hands'

Beth pulled away from Riley and quickly looked around the cell block, she then did something that the two had only ever done, in the confines of their own cell ….she kissed Riley Dixon.

Beth felt Riley smile into the kiss which made her smile. Beth never knew she could be this happy while the threat of death was so near, but the girl she loved was healthy and alive and it seemed like things were finally going to start to settle down, they could live like this. 'I can live like this' Beth thought sighing into the kiss as well

When Beth pulled away she smiled at the girl and felt her cheeks heat up. She pulled Riley back into a hug "I love you Riley Dixon"

Riley pulled Beth in tighter "love you too Beth Greene….love you too"

Beth felt a sudden pang of fear "promise you ain't gonna leave me"

Before Riley could answer Rick appeared from his cell holding Judith. Riley and Beth pulled apart and Riley was in front of Rick in a blink of an eye; Judith held her tiny arms out for Riley and Rick smiled handing the small child off

"hey little one" Riley mumbled leaning her forehead against Judith's; Judith smiled and pulled on the braid that lay over Riley's shoulder

Riley looked up at Rick and then over to Beth "you mind holding her for a minute" Beth walked over and scooped Judith into her own arms, smiling at Riley as she did

As Beth walked away to play with Judith on the blanket in the corner Riley called out

"Beth"

The girl turned and raised an eyebrow

"never" was all Riley said before walking into Rick's cell the man following

Beth watched the two disappear before looking down at Judith "I love that girl" she mumbled to the smiling baby

Rick watched as Riley sat on the bunk and stared up at him with her blue eyes

"I did what I had to dad; she was a danger to us all. She...she thought the Walkers could be changed could be reasoned with. I…I thought I had got through to her made her understand. She would have died in this world, she wanted to become one of those things she asked me…." Riley paused flashing back to Merle and his yellow eyes "she asked me to wait, to not hurt her brain to wait and she would show me what I didn't understand….I couldn't have her here with Judith and Carl, she was too unpredictable" Riley finished rising to her feet "please don't hate me"

Rick looked at his daughter and saw for the first time how much alike they were. She may not be his kid but she had his heart. She had done exactly what he had done with the Carol situation. He pulled Riley into a hug as he saw her eyes fill with fear

"I could never hate you"

He felt Riley relax at his words "you did what was best for the safety of your family; Lizzie…some people can handle this world they learn, they grow, they adapt… she wasn't one of them"

Rick kissed the top of Riley's head before pulling away "go and see if they need any help out there"

Riley smiled at her dad and was about to head out when he called her name. She halted at the doorway and looked back

"I'm glad you're okay"

The way Rick said the word okay, spoke more than one meaning; Riley smiled "me too"

As she walked out of the cell she saw Daryl leaning against the wall; he had heard it all. He walked forward and threw an arm over her shoulder "you did the right thing"

Riley looked up and smirked at her brother "when have I ever done the wrong thing"

Daryl pushed Riley away and chuckled at her statement; 'Riles is back' he thought as he watched his sister walk quickly over to Judith giving her one last kiss on the head. Beth looked up and noticed Daryl was watching. The hunter smirked to himself he knew what was going on between Beth and his sister; he was okay with it he liked how Riley finally found someone who loved her, respected her and would do anything for her. He also knew Beth would bring back the human side of Riley would let her see the good in this shit filled world; let her know good and descent people do still exist

"just kiss her already…God you think we're all back in high school or something" he called out before heading towards the cell block door

Beth's face turned beet red and Riley laughed at the girl brining her lips down to Beth's "later Beth" she chuckled out as she too ran over to the cell block door

"later" Beth mumbled

Riley walked outside and saw Michonne loading Walker bodies onto the farm trailer. She walked over pulling her gloves on as she went; she then grabbed the legs of one as Michonne walked over and grabbed the arms. Together the two swung it in to the trailer bed

"heading into the woods to burn them, want to tag along"

Riley looked between Herschel who was already sitting in the trailer to Michonne and smiled

"why the hell not, can try to bag a deer while we're out there" she replied with a grin

Riley turned looking for Daryl or Carl when she spotted the sheriffs hat she called out

"hey Woody, tell dad and Daryl I went with Michonne and Herschel"

Carl looked up at the voice of his sister and rolled his eyes

"yeah yeah yeah" Carl spoke rolling his eyes "nice Toy Story reference"

Riley laughed as she jumped into the middle seat of the trailer Michonne climbing into the driver's side "got to keep it fresh"

Carl smiled at the girl and waved the group off as they drove down the road and out of the gates Maggie pulling it open for them.

The rest of the afternoon was spent trying to repair any damage that had been done during the fence collapse as well as cleaning out cell block A. Beth had left Judith with a nice girl named Avery so that she could go out and help Maggie down by the fences. Riley had told her to show what she was made of; that she was more than just a babysitter that she could be a go to person and wasn't just some weak and naïve farmers daughter.

'Beth sat next to Riley as the girl worked on fixing a busted string on her bow. She loved to watch Riley, the girl was as perfect as you can get…even in an apocalypse the girl still looked hot. Beth turned away she couldn't look at her anymore for fear she wouldn't be able to stop herself from doing something. "you know you should show everyone what you're made of" Riley said cutting through Beth's inner thoughts. The girl turned back looking at her; Riley looked away from her crossbow bringing her eyes to match the blue ones of Beth "show them you're not just someone here to watch the kids…you're an important part of this group…you need to let them see that" Beth looked from Riley down to her hands that sat in her cross-legged lap. "I'm not you or Maggie, I'm not strong enough…brave enough" Riley gripped her bow tighter "bullshit" she hissed out "you're strong and brave, what the hell did I tell you….one day someone is going to look to you for support and strength and you'll shock them all" Beth raised her eyes, she quickly turned them to the cell door to see that the curtain they used as a divider was closed "you're too good to me Dixon" Riley smirked "come on Beth be serious…promise me you will; I don't want them to see you as weak cause you ain't" Beth smiled and nodded, she then slowly grabbed the crossbow off of Riley's lap and placed it carefully on the floor "what you doing" Riley spoke so softly it was almost missed "repaying you for being so good to me" Beth replied just as softly'

"Maggie" Beth called as she got closer to her sister and the fences "can I help"

Maggie looked up from pulling away a tree stump and smiled at her sister "sure" the green-eyed girl replied. Beth smiled and ran over helping to remove the tree that was no longer helping to support much of anything.

"So you and Riley Dixon huh?"

Maggie watched as a wide smile crossed her little sister's features at the mention of the Dixon girl

Beth looked up and laughed "so everyone knows"

Maggie grinned and nodded her head "we wanted to give you guys sometime to make sure it was real; Riley has…" Maggie paused and looked up and towards Carl and Rick who were cleaning up the mess in the courtyard "…been through a lot, she's finally starting to come back, we were all worried for a bit…" Maggie returned her eyes to Beth

"does Rick know….daddy" Beth questioned also turning her eyes away from the man and boy slight panic in her voice; she wasn't sure if Riley was ready for people to know

She watched as Maggie nodded her head "their happy; said you would be good for her…the two of you should tell them though…"

Beth nodded her head "I'll talk to Riles when she come back….I'm sorry I didn't tell you"

Maggie simply shook her head and smiled "it's fine…I think it comes with dating a Dixon, you just don't talk about it; their very…" Maggie stopped searching for the right word "…complex people"

Beth laughed and shook her head "complex yeah that's the word" Maggie looked at her sister and laughed as well

"I'm just happy for you Bethy…I'm glad you're happy"

Beth looked at Maggie "thanks…I didn't think you could be this happy in the world we're living in; but things are coming together aren't they" Beth finished glancing down at Maggie's wedding ring

Maggie followed her eyes and smiled "I guess they are"

Together the two sisters finished up and then moved to the courtyard to help the others continue the slow process of trying to rebuild their home and community

Riley stood leaning against the trailer as Michonne poured some gasoline over the bodies and then lit a match; making the hundreds of Walker bodies turn into a red, and yellow ball of fire.

"best we stay a bit and keep watch; hate for a forest fire to take us down now" Herschel spoke with a grin

Both women nodded letting small chuckles escape their lips. Herschel looked from Michonne to Riley, Michonne had beg Herschel to ask what everyone else was too scared to ask. She knew how the Dixon's were they were private people but the rumors and game of telephone was becoming to much…she needed to hear it from the girl herself.

Herschel smiled and looked at the hunter as she readjusted some strings on her bow

"so you and my daughter huh?"

Riley froze all movement and stared at her crossbow so hard that her vision started to blur

"ummm….I…we…you see" Riley rambled

Herschel started to laugh which caused Michonne to laugh as well. Riley's head shot up and she looked between the two, eyebrows knotting together

"it's okay sweetheart…we know…we all know"

Riley's eyes widen and she looked back out into the forest

"I'm happy for you two" Herschel began "you both will be good for each other…we didn't say anything because we know how private you are…we wanted to give you both some time to figure this out"

Riley raised her eyes to meet the blue ones of Herschel a wise old man who she was happy was in her life, she didn't always like what he said but it was always true, always supportive, and always right.

"sorry we didn't say anything…with everything that happened…" Riley stopped "she's a great girl…she…she…"

Herschel cut her off "I know" he slowly whispered. He knew what Riley was trying to say; he too struggled with the words when trying to talk and describe the love her had for his wife; the love and respect and need of the person too strong that it makes no word the right word.

Riley looked at the old man "I won't let anything happen to her"

Herschel was overtaken by the look Riley gave him; he knew in that moment she spoke the truth; Riley Dixon was back and she was more badass, more changed and more determined then ever.

Michonne looked at the girl and smiled she was just as happy as everyone else for the two girls. It was nice to see relationships blossom in a world where that should be obsolete.

Before anyone could ask anymore questions the sound of a twig snapping alerted them all. Riley quickly raised her bow and Herschel his gun, Michonne had one hand on her sword. Then from behind the trees appeared the Governor, gun also raised and pointed at Herschel. Riley looked at Michonne and Herschel from the corner of her eye, she wouldn't take the chance of doing anything; not with Herschel's life on the line. Slowly the three lowered their weapons and the Governor made his way over

The Governor let a small smile grace his lips "nice to see you again" he spoke looking at everyone in turn "let's go for a little ride"

The afternoon continued and things were shaping up well. The courtyard had been cleaned and lists were being made on supplies that were needed to not only fix what was broken but restock what was used. Beth was sitting on one of the picnic tables with Carl; her legs was bouncing up and down and she nervously bit down on her bottom lip

"they should be back by now don't ya think" she questioned looking over at the boy

Carl smiled at the girl "they probably stayed a bit to make sure the fire was contained….missing her already?"

Beth looked over at Carl and saw the sly grin he wore "how long have you know"

"since everyone else" the boy answered looking out down the gravel road

Beth wasn't sure if she should say something she knew the relationship Carl and Riley had

"its cool" Carl spoke out "you make her happy I can tell…if Riley's happy so am I" Carl then stopped and looked at Beth eyes narrowing a bit "but if you hurt her…"

Beth cut him off by holding up her hand and smiling "ain't gonna happen…I love her Carl…"

Carl looked into Beth's eyes and saw the sincerity behind her words. He nodded his head "good"

"so you're really not worried" Beth softly spoke as she looked back out into the trees

Riley, Herschel and Michonne were taken to where the Governor was now leading and brainwashing another group of people. The three sat side by side in a RV waiting for him to return.

Riley looked to Herschel sitting on her right and saw the slight worry behind his light blue eyes, Michonne Riley noted looked pissed off. She had given up her search for the Governor and was now internally kicking herself.

"he won't win" Riley spoke looking between the two people

Herschel gave a small smile to the girl, Michonne looked at Riley from the corner of her eye

"I'm serious Michonne…in the end he will die; we may end up broken and even back out on the road, but he'll die…he'll get what's coming to him and we'll push on"

Herschel opened his mouth to speak but was cut off by the trailer door swinging open. In walked the Governor. He slammed the door closed and then looked from Michonne to Riley to Hershel.

"it's been a long day you should eat" he spoke as he threw what looked like a breakfast bar onto Herschel's lap

Herschel looked down at the bar before turning his attention back to the Governor

"you want the prison is that right? For you and your family, your people?"

Riley looked at Herschel from the corner of her eye; did he really think he could reason with the man

The Governor looked up at Herschel "I want the prison yes; I have some important people I want to protect. I have a family now…a little girl"

Herschel smiled at this "family is an important thing to have especially in this world…how can you displace one family in your want to protect another….we could all live together; Rick is a changed man, he'll see reason"

"you're a wise man Herschel" the Governor began "but no…it won't work"

The Governor then turned handing back towards the door

"how can you look at me; father to father and tell me you're going to kill my daughters to save yours"

The Governor turned one hand on the latch of the door "simple" he spoke then he slowly turned his head and looked at the man "yours aren't mine" with that the Governor pushed the door open and walked out, it slamming shut behind him

Riley looked at Herschel and saw the fear, turning her head to look at Michonne her eyes held nothing but anger and hate

I won't let anything happen to her….I won't let anything happen to them

Beth had moved inside and started to prepare lunch for everyone; truth be told she needed to keep busy, the thought of her father and Riley out there made her nervous

Carl sat at one of the tables watching and flipping through a comic book

"so…." Carl began "how did the two of you make it official"

Beth smiled as she worked on cutting up some carrots.

"why are you asking….why are you so interested?"

Carl closed the comic and walked over picking up a carrot and popping it into his mouth

"Riley is a little closed off; all Dixon's are if you think about it…how'd you break though?"

Carl watched as Beth smiled at the memory "I just told her, she was quiet for a long time I thought I had messed up and ruined our friendship completely but then she grabbed my hand and had the classic smirk on her face and that was that….I don't know why I waited so long, missed out on that one" Beth laughed, she then stopped and a frown tugged on her lips "when she was sick…I couldn't tell anyone…I couldn't act worried or scared…I don't know what I would have done if…" Beth paused and swallowed the lump forming in her throat "I think I would be lost without her"

Daryl and Rick had listened in on the conversation from the level above; both men looked down at Beth and let a small smile fall upon their faces, Beth was good for Riley and Riley was good for Beth. The men were happy that they found one another. Rick decided to make their presence known and walked down the stairs, Daryl followed after grabbing his crossbow from the floor

"what's for lunch" Rick spoke as he approached the two

Beth turned and smiled "I thought they would be hungry when they get back"

Rick smiled at the girl, he could feel the panic and fear radiating from her body

"they'll be back soon, and then we can have a little chat"

Beth looked at Rick and felt the heat rise to her cheeks

"it's okay Beth; your with a Dixon…their…" Rick paused and looked over at Daryl

"their what?" the hunter asked a grin tugging on his lips

Rick laughed "a little complex"

Before anyone could say anymore the prison shook and plaster and rock fell from above.

"what the hell was that" Rick yelled out

Everyone ran out of the prison and towards the fences that overlooked the fields. Maggie, Sasha, Tyresse and Bob joining them. The sight before them made their blood run cold. They looked among each other before turning their eyes back to the field… there standing on a tank surrounded by other trucks, cars and people holding guns and rifles was the Governor

"come on down here Rick…we have some things to talk about"

Rick gripped the fence with his hand and lowered his head with a shaky breath he returned his eyes to the Governor

"I don't make decisions anymore…we have a council now…they run this place"

The Governor smiled and looked down at a man who was standing by a truck. Everyone watched as the man opened the door

"okay then" the Governor spoke out "is Herschel on the council…"

Panic filled their bodies as Herschel was pulled from the car; Beth and Maggie gripped the fence as well tears filling their eyes

"dad.." Rick heard Carl breathe out

"how about Michonne…"

They all watched as Michonne was pulled out next and brought over to kneel beside Herschel. There was a pause, Beth looked over and saw the fear in Carl's blue eyes. Everyone knew Riley had been with the other two, and with a smile on his face the Governor yelled out

"or how about little Riley Dixon…is she part of the council"

Rick's vision blurred for a moment "I don't make decisions anymore."

"you're making the decisions today, Rick. Come down here. Let's have that talk" the Governor called up to him

He looked over at Daryl, he brought a hand up and squeezed the mans shoulder. Daryl tore his eyes away from his sister and looked over at the man he called a brother. Rick then peered behind him and saw Beth with tears rolling down her cheeks. He turned his attention to his son placing his hand on the back of Carl's neck he rubbed it for a moment; with one last look and nod at Daryl, he opened the gate and walked down the long rocky path.

Once Rick reached the bottom he looked between all three members of his family; his eyes lingering on Riley the longest. Her blue orbs looked back at him; he wouldn't let anything happen to her…

Rick looked at the people around the Governor his eyes landing on a girl with her hair pulled into a pony tail.

"you…you in the ponytails. Is this what you want? Is this what any one of you want?"

There was a man standing inside the tank who responded to the question before the girl could even figure her own thoughts out

"what we want is what you got. Period. Time for you to leave, asshole." the man yelled out, causing the Governor to smirk

Rick didn't let the man rattle him, he looked again to Riley, and Herschel and Michonne his family…his life

"listen Rick I come with a tank, and I'm letting you just walk away…I say you have about three, four hours of light left" The Governor spoke starting to get fed up with Rick's lack of understanding

Rick simply shook his head "we have children some of them sick….we're not leaving"

The Governor shook his head and clenched his jaw he jumped down off of the tank and held his hand out, the same man who pulled the members from the truck handed him Michonne's sword. The Governor held it in his hands before walking over and standing behind Riley; he brought the sword down lining it up on her neck.

Rick looked at his daughter and her blue eyes held tears and cried out for him to do something

"Look, I've fought him before. And after, we took in his old friends. They've become leaders in what we have here. Now you put down your weapons, walk through those gates... you're one of us." Rick began looking around the group "We let go of all of it, and nobody dies. Everyone who's alive right now. Everyone's who's made it this far. We've all done the worst kinds of things just to stay alive. But we can still come back. We're not too far gone. We get to come back. I know... we all can change."

Herschel smiled at the man's words "it can work you know it can"

The Governor stepped away from Riley and raised the sword off her neck, he took a couple of steps to his right; it was almost as if he was drunk. He was now standing behind Herschel and Riley watched from the corner of her eye, hoping that her dad had gotten through to this man, she watched as the Governor looked at the sword and then back at Rick

"liar" he mumbled before bringing the sword down slicing into Herschel's neck.

Oh Man; I hope you like it. I feel like this chapter is truly horrible... I hope you like the Beth/Riley thing going on; one reader (and sorry I'm drawing a blank on your name) mentioned something about maybe they become more than friends and for some reason that really stuck with me. I hope it didn't seem forced, or abnormal. I think it might help add to Riley as a character as well as Beth. I also have no idea where I want Riley to end up, so I'm still open to ideas…I liked the time Daryl and Beth spent together, thought it added to their characters as well as the time Rick and Carl spent together alone….we'll see maybe I'll have Riley meet up with them after those points. Anyway please review and leave ideas and thoughts. I'm feeling really bad about this chapter so I apologize if it sucks.