Chapter 42: Separation


KPOV

~3 months ago~

"Hey," I heard Michonne's voice call after me, I didn't stop to look at her and I didn't stop in my tracks. Instead, I kept walking but I slowed down so she could catch up. "Kat, what's wrong?" Michonne asked me, catching up and walking ahead so she could look me directly in the eyes.

"Nothing," I told her, not wanting to bother her by involving her in my family feuds. "It was only a disagreement I had with my Dad," I informed her briefly, not giving her all the details but knowing that it would be enough to make her either back off, or push me for more answers.

"What about?" she asked me a little curiously, her eyes staring at me as I kept walking towards the cell block, sighing and taking in a deep breath. How did I know this would happen? She cares too much, sometimes I'm thankful, there are other times...I wish she didn't care so much.

"Carl," I said bluntly. "He says that Carl looks up to me," I revealed to her what we were disputing about. "I of course, told him that he was being stupid and that Carl didn't look up to me. He looks up to Dad," I stated and felt a sudden relief, as though a weight had been lifted off my shoulders.

"You're right," Michonne agreed, nodding and keeping up with me as we walked side by side. "He is stupid," Michonne insulted my Dad, making me laugh a little but I knew she didn't mean it as an insult. "But so are you," Michonne said which suprised me.

"What do you mean by that?" I asked Michonne a little confused as to why she would say both myself and my Dad were stupid for thinking such a thing about ourselves. Along with the topic of Carl and who he could possibly look up to.

"Well, for a first...Carl looks up to everyone," Michonne said, her eyebrows raised in the playful way which made me snort from the laughter I was holding in. "Have you not noticed his height?" she pointed out to me which made me shake my head at her. "It's kind of normal for him to look up to all of us," Michonne concluded which made me stop to look at her.

There was a playful gleam in her eyes, one that was pure teasing and playfulness by her expression. "Oh, ha-ha," I spoke sarcastically, rolling my eyes and nudging her with my arm, bumping into her and making us both walk. Her laugh echoed, as her smile grew and her eyes shone from her silly joke. She's trying to make me laugh. This thought made me smile, as I knew she was only being a good friend and was trying to make me feel better.

"But, Carl does look up to you, except it's not only you," Michonne began to make key points of her thoughts. "Carl looks up to both you and your Dad," she informed me with a small smile, her head would turn to face the front and then to me. "His sister for her strength to keep fighting, even if there is not a lot of hope left in this world," she explained the point about me, which made me think over her words and if this could be the reason Carl would admire me.

"Your Dad because well, Carl would know but, from what I can see...it's for his leader skills," Michonne said which made me think over her words. It was possible, but Dad had stopped being a leader a long time ago. "Carl is inspired to be both his sister and his father," Michonne said to me, making me stop and look at her directly in the eyes. "Both strong survivors," she told me which made me smile. Maybe she has a point...


Present day...DPOV

Beth was sat silently, there was a fire burning that we had made, I didn't speak and I didn't want to. Staring into the flames, all I could see was the flashes of those that we cared about die. Hershel's beheading would appear, but the one that was in a loop was the slaughter of Kat. Seeing the Governor take pleasure in stabbing her, his teeth gritting and Kat helpless beneath him. The tear that fell from my eye would threat to build and create more. A sudden emptiness clouding my thoughts, my heart beating but I couldn't feel anything. I was numb. At first, I wanted to break down, I wanted to kill everything, I wanted to die. Seeing Beth, she made me realize that she was vulnerable, that she would need protecting and that at this point, it was all I was good for. Saving one person at a time.

Even if I was terrible at protecting people. Because of me...Kat died. Merle died. Rick. Hershel. Carl. Everyone. The only person I had left was Beth, she was the only one I knew was still alive and I didn't know how to cope. We had been running, fighting and surviving for hours. Finally, we would catch a break from time to time, only to continue surviving the best we could. The blaze from the fire, the warmth it provided and the sense of nothing made me feel like I was only in darkness. I was then pulled back into the present, when I heard Beth's small, slightly irritating voice calling out to me. "We should do something," she suggested. "We should do something," she repeated, speaking firmly and making me glance at her from the corner of my eyes. My knees hugged to my chest as I had my legs tucked and head bowed.

"We aren't the only survivors," she said, sounding as though she was actually convinced that what she had said was true. "We can't be," she continued, determined to get some type of reaction out of me. "Rick, Kat, Michonne, they could be out here," she spoke, making my heart stop and drop at the mention of their names. People who were close to me, real close and...now they're dead.

"Maggie and Glenn could have made it out of A block," Beth said, hopeful that either of them had survived out of the broken prison we escaped from. We barely got out of there ourselves, how is anyone meant to have escaped that. It would take a God damned miracle, I can tell you that much. "They could've," she tried to convince me, but I had already looked away and continued to stare into the fire.

"You're a tracker," she pointed out as though this was something that would help us. Everyone is either dead or walkers. She needs to stop poking her nose into trying to find out if anyone survived. I know for a fact that Kat and Hershel didn't survive. "You can track," she said as she got to her feet, ready to go searching for the others. "Come on," she tried to encourage me to get on my feet, attempting to get my hopes up. It ain't workin' sunshine.

"The sun will be up soon. If we head out now, we can-..." she drifted off, she was rocking on her feet, anxious to get moving and to go hunting after people who were already dead. Doesn't she get it? No one survived. Merle didn't survive the Governor, Andrea, that Mittens dude, Hershel...Kat. They're all dead. "Fine," Beth finally said, giving up on me. "If you won't track, I will," she said stubbornly, pulling out my knife from the ground and making me get to my feet. Putting out the fire, I picked up my crossbow and followed after her.


KPOV

Slipping on a top Michonne had found, I couldn't help but snicker lightly and wander around the house. My stab wound had been bandaged and cleaned up a little, with thanks to Michonne helping me with the task. Stepping into the room, I heard Carl's soft laughter which made me smile. It was something I hadn't heard in a while. "Do you have something to say about my extremely comfortable and attractive shirt?" Michonne questioned Carl who was sat with two extra bags of cereal, one was almost finished and he had four bowls out. One for himself, one for me, one for Michonne and another for Dad.

Carl kept his eyes on Michonne while she rolled up her sleeves, I hadn't yet entered the room but I could hear and see what was going on by a mirror that was in the hallway. "No, no, no," Carl disagreed with Michonne's question. Michonne's shirt was overly big, she had to tie a knot around her back to make it tighter and roll up the sleeves because they were too long on her. "It looks great," Carl commented playfully. "Oh, you missed a..." Carl pointed to Michonne's shirt, seeing her head bow while she did up a button.

Entering the room, Carl looked in my direction and smiled. "What about my top?" I asked him as I gave him a playful twirl. The style of the top would have been something I would wear on a hot day, back when the world wasn't infested with flesh eating dead people. It was a huge, white flowy top and it had a massive cat with blue eyes on it. It looked ridiculous, which was one of the reasons why I wore it. Considering my top was up to dry, sown and to be worn once it was dry.

Carl looked me over, his chuckles were sweet and youthful. Making me smile and giggle from his reaction, when I spun to face them, Michonne's smile widened and her eyes turned to slints from how wide her smiled had grown. "Cute," Carl commented which made me shake my head, giving a small pose, I placed my hands on my hips and jutted my hips to pretend to be a model. Carl laughed, Michonne snickered and I swore I could hear Dad's small chuckle from the other room.

"Very," Michonne agreed, nodding and as quick as a flash in her response. Swinging my arms and torso, I watched as the fabric flowed and swayed with my movements. Having enough of it, I shoved the floaty, huge parts of the fabric into my pants and pulled it a little, letting it create a bag and smiled at Carl who watched me amused by my actions.

I glanced between Michonne and Carl, flashing a smirk to the pair of them. "Michonne picked it out for me," I informed him with a giggle. Giving Michonne the credit, making her bow playfully and Carl laugh by doing so. He needs to feel free, to be a kid sometimes and to let go of all the fear. Enjoy the moment, laugh and be happy. We go through misery the other 80% of the time.

Carl glanced at me once again, chuckling while pushed my t-shirt in and I moved around the dinning room, looking for what we needed and the supplies we had. "Suits your name," Carl commented, I knew he was being polite but that he was giving me a scarcastic remark, making me giggle and shake my head.

Michonne sat down beside Carl, he was at the head of the table and the pair were already filling their bowls with cereal. "Wish we had some soy milk," Michonne had said, making me smile softly to myself as I knew she had an obsession with the drink. Don't get her started on this Carl, please.

Turning around, I had placed three bottles of water on the table and sat down beside Carl, his eyes curious and wrinkled along the corners from his infectuous smile. Flashing one of my own, I glanced between them and giggled. "Seriously?" Carl asked her, his tone was one of speculation and amusement.

Michonne stopped pouring her cereal, passing me the bag and I filled my bowl while glancing up from time to time at the pair of them. "Yes, seriously," Michonne spoke clearly while her voice would swirl from a low note to a higher one towards the end. "Have you ever tried it?" she asked him, which made me smirk as I already knew his answer to this question.

Carl's expression had changed from one of amusement to one that screamed 'she has two heads' towards Michonne, making me giggle and shake my head. When Michonne stopped speaking, he looked between me and then to Michonne, remembering his story and how silly it was. "My best friend in third grade he was allergic to dairy," he stuttered, reminding me of the more childish, silly natured brother I would wake up to. Wow...so much has changed.

Michonne was trying to encourage my brother, giving him a small "Uh-huh," and nod. Carl's eyes were wide, in this kid like look, reminding me of old times and of the times that he would be so crazy. A reminder of my purpose. That I needed to protect him, but be there for him at the same time. He's still a kid, living in such a fucked up world.

Carl gave Michonne a small smile, his eyes glancing around the room, I saw a little hint of a mischievious look in them and I knew Carl was going to say something really stupid. "And every day he would bring this soy stuff to lunch," he continued his small anecdote. "I tried it," he trailed off a little.

Michonne was curious, by the looks of it she would have been on the edge of her seat, but she wasn't Carl and she wasn't the same age as him either. She was only playing along, which made me giggle and glance down at my bowl. My spoon collecting the cereal while I ate quietly. "And?" Michonne continued to edge him further.

Carl's curving smirk told me he was going to say something false to Michonne. I knew the pair of them well enough to know we were all playful together. He was always making jokes while Michonne would play along and I would tell the true version of the story. "I threw up," Carl lied to her, making both myself and Michonne smile widely while Carl laughed the adorable laugh I missed hearing. It's the one I call 'goofball-Carl'.

Michonne and Carl's smiles warmed my heart, after all the shit we had been through, this moment seemed perfect. I tried not to laugh too much, in case I pulled the stitches, I had to be careful. "Oh, yeah, right," Michonne said, knowing that Carl could be a little hyperbolic at times like these.

Smirking, I raised my spoon and kept it at a distance away from my lips. "Believe me that's a lie," I inform Michonne of Carl's false information. "Carl tells me everything," I pointed out, giving Carl a little nudge which made him smile at me and chuckle. "It's why I'm your sister," I informed him, winking and smiling at the pair of people who always knew how to make me smile. What would I do without these guys? I already know the answer...I'd lose it.

Carl blushed and laughed softly. "All right, all right," Carl gave up, surrendering to his lies and the truth I gave. "Besides, you're not just my sister, you're my best friend Kat," Carl said to me, our eyes meeting and my heart stopped a second. He knew how to pull at my heart strings, even after all the shit we go through, all the silly arguments we would have and yet, we were still so close to each other.

"I almost threw up. But I was like, ugh," he changed the information to make us laugh, his face and impression of throwing up made me and Michonne laugh at him. Ever the silly Carl. Carl too laughed, but then sighed, possibly remembering the way the soy milk tasted. "It was so gross," Carl complained. "I mean, literally, I would rather have powdered milk than to have to drink that stuff again," Carl was exagerating.

At this point, we all had huge smiles on our faces. Myself and Michonne were laughing all while Carl had his rant about how bad soy milk tasted. It wasn't that bad. I had to have it, considering that was the first thing Michonne would find on runs. Back when it was me, Michonne and...Andrea. "I would rather have Judith's formula-" Carl slipped up, his expression suddenly changed. My spoonfull of cereal stopped it's journey towards my mouth and clatterd to the bowl.

"I'm gonna go finish my book. I have a couple chapters left," Carl mumbled quickly, making it almost incoherant for us to understand. His voice was quiet and quick, a low volume that made it hard to form a sentence, a word and I was unsure as to if he was holding back tears. Shit. Rapidly, he got to his feet and stormed up the stairs. My heart dropped, Michonne's expression was one of sadness, she was silent and I didn't know if I should be thankful in that moment.

Getting up, the memories of Judith flooded me. My heart dropped, not just for Judith but for all of us. We had all been affected by Judith's loss. It was all...surreal. It was only a few days ago I had her in my arms. So small, so sweet and quiet. My baby sister. My baby girl. I couldn't hold it, the memory of her and wound of losing her was still sore. I hadn't come to terms that she had in fact died, I didn't want to believe it and it was heartbreaking. Judith was more like my daughter than a sister, I had nurtured her, fed her, dressed her and would sing her songs while rocking her to sleep.

My heart smashed into a thousand pieces, the stinging from my tears building made me turn my back to Michonne. The salty liquid slid from my eyes and down my cheeks, rolling in waves as I clasped my hand to my mouth. Not wanting anyone to hear me cry, but I couldn't hold it. I was snorting, sobbing and my body quivered like a leaf. The lump in my throat kept getting tighter, it was almost suffocating me and making me all but drop to my knees.

I then heard Michonne's footsteps draw closer to me and stop beside me. "Hey," her voice was soft, her hands resting on me. One was on my shoulder, giving me a small squeeze and the other was on my waist, she stood beside me but a little behind. As though she was cautious. "Are you okay, Kat?" Michonne asked kindly, I couldn't help but wipe my tears and nose from the snot that was running from my sobbing.

Sniffing, I kept rubbing my tears and snot. Not wanting to be crying for too long, but I knew that the ache in my chest over Judith was real. She's dead. She's someone I failed. Someone I promised I never would. I'm so pathetic. Why do I even try to keep everyone safe? "Yeah, just...shit," I told her, feeling my vulnerable side slowly shut and seal itself off from her. "Give me a minute?" I asked, looking at her slightly by turning my head to glance at her over my shoulder. "It'll pass," I tried to convince her, patting her hand on my shoulder and offered her a tight lipped smile.

Michonne's gulp was audible, making me frown and bow my head. "All right," Michonne agreed, slowly she let me go and walked away. Giving me some space, I heard her sit down and I couldn't help the soft sob that escaped me involuntarily. "I'm here if you need me," she told me softly. I cried for a few moments, staring at the ceiling and trying to regain my composure. All I could keep thinking was: I failed you mom. I failed Judith. I'm a failure...

Sniffing, I wiped at the dry tear stains that had been slithering down my cheeks and down my neck. When I felt I was dry, I nod to myself, I still had my back to Michonne and gulped. Preparing myself, I regained my composure and put the mindset of my 'sisterly-best-friend' and turned to face Michonne. "Yeah," I mumbled, preparing my voice, willing to be strong and I headed up the stairs to confront Carl. This has to happen.


DPOV

The birds were screeching above us, circling and the sun had risen high in the sky. We had been walking for hours, I didn't think that Beth was doing all of this because she actually had hope that they were alive. I believed she was doing this because she couldn't sleep, she didn't want to think about all that had happened and needed to keep her mind off of her father, his death and the fact everyone we either loved or cared about had died during the Governor's attack. Finding a trail, I saw something that looked like tracks and marks of people sitting on the ground. There was also a small blanket like mark, making me think of-. No, she couldn't be alive. Lil' Ass-Kicker had no chance of getting out of there alive.

Getting onto one knee, I began to check to see how long ago this was, brushing leaves away and blowing down at the ground, checking to see how many people it was and where they were heading. Beth crouched down beside me and looked down at the ground, checking the marks on the ground and was staring at it from over my shoulder. "Could be Luke's. Or Molly's," she said, making predictions of who it could be. No, it looks like there was one adult, maybe Tyreese, two smaller feet...maybe the girls? Mika and Lizzie.

"Whoever they are, it means they're alive," Beth said, making a prediction and making me want to laugh. The girl has such high hopes, these guys have no chance of surviving out here. Not one hell of a chance. Looks like there was something here, but it was hours ago. It's not like they were here moments ago, that way we could have caught them, but like I said. No chance in hell.

"No," I finally spoke, shaking my head and examining the scene further, trying to make out who it could have been. "This means they were alive four or five hours ago," I informed her, telling her how long and fresh these marks were. Not very hopeful, but she keeps this up...and she'll be disappointed for the amount of time either of us have left to live.

Somehow, my words had offended her and she got to her feet, walking away and going deeper into the woods. Following the faded trail the markings made, standing straight, I readjusted my crossbow and followed after her. I was ready to give up, but I knew Hershel would want me to take care of his little girl if I could, I can and I would. "They're alive," Beth said before she had stormed off, her tone was one of anger and at this moment, I couldn't care less if she hated me for telling her the truth.


KPOV

"Hey," I called to Carl, knocking on his door and seeing him sat on the bed, leaning against the door frame, I watched as he removed his gaze from the book and up to meet my stare. "Mind if I come in?" I asked him politely, remembering my manners and wondering if he would deny me entrance to his 'room'.

"No, you can come in," Carl granted me permission, he kept the pages opened but he placed it face down onto the bed, keeping the page he was on, so he could continue to read when I would leave. "I forgot to say," Carl began as I walked over to the space he made for me to sit on. "You look better, healthier," he pointed out to me, complimenting me in this weird way while I sat down beside him. The pair of us had our legs up, our backs pressed to the wall and it was much like when we were younger, back at home and when everything was normal.

"Yeah, I'm feeling better but..." I said, running my fingers over the wound that was now sealing itself, but it still would hurt whenever I would move in a weird way. "Still hurts like a bitch," I infromed him and he frowned, his eyes were on me and on the wound I was tracing with the buds of my fingers.

"I can imagine," Carl agreed, taking in the information and nodding his head. Making me smile at him and then glance to my side, to where I had been cut only a few days ago by the Governor. "What's wrong?" Carl asked me, concerned as to why I was here and what I would possibly be wanting to talk to him about.

Sighing, I slumped into my seated position a little more, body relaxing and my eyes shut momentarily. "That's actually what I've been meaning to talk to you about," I said as I turned my head to look at him, curious as to what was happening to him the other day. The day he had been angry at Dad, today and his little moment when Judith's name slipped from his lips.

"It's nothing," Carl mumbled, looking down and staring at his hands in his lap. It made my heart sink, rather than letting it swim, it fell like a rock in water. He looked so lost, like he had been placed into a situation he didn't know how to get himself out of. Can't he tell that I want to help him?

"Carl, talk to me," I pleaded, sitting up a little and trying to gain eye contact from him. All he did was stay silent, shaking his head and his bottom lip jutted out a little as he would keep his eyes glued to his hands. "We don't keep secrets, remember?" I reminded him, knowing how our relationship was like and how we could talk to each other about anything and everything.

Carl sighed, his shoulders fell and his he looked like he was desperate, crying out for help silently in the frustration he was enveloped in. "I know but, I don't want to talk about it," Carl informed me which made me feel terrible. We've always depended on each other, it's like a secret, silent pact we've kept towards one another. Why is it suddenly stopping? Are we truly that broken?

"Fine, then tell me, what was the other day about?" I asked him, keeping my voice firm and I was ready to call him out. Carl's head turned to look at me, his brows furrowed, forming a straight line and making me stare at him. "When you were having a rant at Dad, saying how bad of a leader you thought he was," I informed him, reminding him of the speech me made for our unconcious father. "What was that about, Carl?" I asked him lightly, not wanting to make it seem like I didn't want to know. I wasn't challenging him, I just wanted him to say things that he could get off his chest.

"You heard that, I suspected as much," Carl nods, speaking more to himself than to myself, he turned his head and looked away from me. "It doesn't concern you Kat," Carl told me as though it didn't. You're my brother Carl, everything about you concerns me. Always will and always has. Doesn't he realize that yet?

"Yes, it does," I spoke firmly at him. "He's our father Carl, now tell me...why are you angry with him?" I tried again, questioning him and hoping he will talk to me about it. "What do you have against him?" I asked Carl, knowing that this would be the thing to make him speak. Dad expected Carl would have something against him.

"He just...I don't know Kat," Carl said, sighing at the end and making me frown at him. He tried to explain himself, but I sensed he was holding something back, and I wasn't sure if it was for my sake, or simply because it was overwhelming him ways I couldn't see. "I blame him for many things," Carl told me which made me inhale deeply before sighing.

"You blame him for Mom's death?" I asked Carl, thinking of one that Dad had told me a long time ago. He didn't look at me, his head was bowed and he simply nod his head at me. "Can you tell me why?" I asked him, hopeful that he would tell me what he was thinking. I'm not mad at him, but I can't help him if I don't know what's going on in his head.

Carl turned his head, meeting my gaze and allowing blue to clash with blue. "It's a long story," Carl told me, not giving me much of a lead, but knowing it was something he was struggling to tell me. "Let's just say, if he had killed someone earlier...Mom would still be alive," Carl informed me, summerizing his thoughts. Ah...I see now.

"You also hate Dad because of the Governor, don't you?" I questioned him, our eyes were still locked on one another as we discussed our thoughts and feelings. "You blame him for Hershel, for the others that might have died back at the prison, don't you?" I asked him curiously. "You think, that if Dad had killed the Governor when he had the chance, they would all still be alive right now," I concluded, wondering if this was the mindset my brother had.

Carl pursed his lips, nodding he looked away and bowed his head once again. His crystals stuck on the laced fingers on his lap. "You always did know me so well," Carl said which made me feel a sense of pride for knowing Carl, but a sense of sadness for the hate Carl inflicted on Dad. You're my brother, my blood and best friend. Of course I know you.

"Yeah, I do," I agreed, I too looked ahead and kept my chin up. Shuffling back, I kept wriggling until my back hit the wall and a sudden thought popped into my head. "Do you blame him for what happened to me?" I asked Carl, my head no longer resting against the wall and my brows furrowed in curiousity towards my own question.

"Kat, I blame him for almost everything," Carl told me truthfully, which made my heart sink for our father. Shit. What has happened? I didn't know Carl had so much hate for one person. I wonder if he's ever hated me for something. Maybe I should ask...but now is not the time.

"Carl, what happened to me, wasn't Dad's fault," I began, making him look at me while I spoke and our eyes connected in the seriousness of the moment. "I chose to go running after him. I chose to save Dad back at the prison. I chose to chase after Andrea. I chose to go back to Woodbury that day," I listed off my decisions that Carl may have believed were all Dad's doing. "Dad has no control over my decisions," I told him. "Just as he has no control over yours," I informed Carl as I gave him a small smile.

"I guess," Carl spoke with a small shrug of his shoulders. "Do you think he'll forgive me for everything I've done and said?" Carl asked me with sad, big, blue eyes. His face smooth but his eyes showed me everything. He's worried Dad hates him for his thoughts towards him. I feel like there's something he's not telling me.

"He will, but may I suggest something?" I reassured him, bumping my shoulder with his in a playful manner. Carl stayed silent, a quick and furious nod of his head told me to continue what I was saying. "Don't talk about us when we're unconcious, it's not fair to leave us in the dark like that," I told Carl lightly, but knew it was something serious and it would be serious if he had told us this while we were all awake.

"I won't," Carl said with a small twitch of one side of his lip. Giving me a quick, side smirk and kind look in his eyes. "I promise Kat," Carl said as his eyes held my gaze, showing me that he meant what he said. "I love you Katherine," Carl said as he cuddled into my side, wrapping my arm around him and holding him to me.

Carl's head was resting on my shoulder and at the top of my chest, I tried my best to comfort him and felt my heart skip a beat at the sound of his caring words. "I love you too, brother," I told him truthfully, pressing a kiss to the top of his head and relaxing into this atmosphere for a few more moments. Getting to my feet, we exchanged goodbyes and I allowed him peace so he could finish the chapters he wanted to read.


RPOV

I was looking around at things in the kitchen, I had to busy myself after hearing what had happened in the dining room. First of all, it started happy and full of youth. From both Kat and Carl, it was like reliving the life we had left behind all those years ago. Hearing Carl talk about Judith, hearing Kat's cries, it made my heart shatter as their father. I didn't know what to do, not for them and not for myself. "Thank you," I thanked Michonne as she stalked into the kitchen.

"I heard them laughing in there. Almost forgot what that sounded like," I told her truthfully, the last part was mostly a mumble to myself. They sounded so full of life, like they were actually happy. Even if it was for just a moment. "I can't be his father and his best friend," I said, speaking about Carl this time, rather than Kat. She would pretend to be strong, that it gradually became her. I still worried for them, because I knew Kat would eventually break down when we least expected it. Carl just held things and would burst at random moments, turning cold or distant. It's just how they both deal with things. Deal with loss.

"Kat somehow manages in being three things to him at once these days," I said, I would always think Kat was remarkable, she always was and would suprise me with how she matured so rapidly. "A mother figure, his sister and a best friend," I listed them off, rummaging around in the drawers. "I honestly don't know how she does it," I told Michonne, baffled by how Kat was able to be so many roles and figures for Carl at the same time.

Michonne leaned against the door frame and gave me a sympathetic smile. "I don't either," Michonne agreed with me, giving a single shrug of her shoulder. "But sometimes, I can see the struggle for both of them," Michonne told me which made me understand what she meant after a few moments of pondering. They both don't know how to handle these roles Kat plays. I think they get confused sometimes themselves.

"That's why he needs you too. They both need you," I told Michonne, my eyes flashed up to look into her dark brown eyes. Our gazes fixated on one another as we both took the silence as a welcoming time to think. "I know that's a lot to throw at you. So if you're ever feeling like you need a break-" I tried to sympathize with her, knowing that my children were handfulls and that she may need her space from time to time.

Michonne's voice was as quick as a whip slicing through the air. "I'm done taking breaks," Michonne had interupted me. "So what's the plan?" she asked me, but before I could answer she continued and glanced around the room. "This place, is it home or just a stop along the way?" she asked me curiously as our eyes met once again.

I didn't know what I wanted to do, but I knew that she wanted us all to be safe. I knew it the moment I saw her reaction to Kat's return to Woodbury, to how she cared for me, Judith, Carl and all the others back at the prison. "Well, let's-...let's just stay here while we figure it out," I suggested, unsure of what was good and what to do. We'll see where it leads us.

Michonne crossed her arms, nodding and smiling at me slightly. I knew she was concerned for both Carl and Kat. Along with myself and our safety. Michonne was a good friend, someone we could trust and she had proved it over and over again. "Well, we'll need more supplies," Michonne made the suggestion. "I'll go with Carl and get some," Michonne had already made the decision.

Suddenly, Kat entered, rounding the corner after running down the stairs quietly. It was something she had learned to do, seeing as there were nights she had sucessfully sneaked out when she was a teen. "I'll come, too," Kat offered, she looked peaceful which made me worry but relieved that she had gathered herself once again. She's strong, but it's only because she feels she has to be.

Michonne looked between me and Kat a little surprised. "You were both unconscious yesterday," Michonne informed us, as though we both didn't already know what had happened to us. I know I was unconcious, as for Kat...I didn't know that. Or at least, I hadn't noticed or asked.

I shrugged, picking up a water bottle and beginning to unscrew it. "We're awake today," I informed her, not affected by the fact she had tried to make me and Kat look weak. We were injured. Kat almost died because of me, but she's alive and well. See? She's standing and breathing.

Michonne moved to lean against the drawers and desk top once again, giving me a look and I knew it was one of judgement. Possibly towards the health of mine and Kats. "We need you both strong," Michonne said, adding emphasis to both 'both' and 'strong'. "Just rest. Just one more day," Michonne's voice was soft and gentle. One of kindness, almost a mother like tone that she held for the pair of us. "Both of you," Michonne suggested, her eyes darting between myself and Kat.

Kat walked over to me, she had looked better than the day she had gotten stabbed. She did have a minor limp, possibly from the impact of the knife driving into her side. When Kat came over to me, she took the bottle and sipped it a little. She then handed it back to me, turning to Michonne and offering her a raised eyebrow. "And when did I ever listen to your advice?" Kat questioned Michonne.

Michonne sighed, rolling her eyes and tilting her head to the side whilst she stared at Kat. "Only when I would force you to do as I said," Michonne told her in a flat tone. "And even then you didn't listen to my warning," Michonne explained as though Kat was someone no one could negotiate with. No. She can't be negotiated with. "Is she always this stubborn?" Michonne asked me, her brows creasing and a small, teasing smile forming on her face.

Chuckling, I watched as Kat looked shocked at Michonne, as though she was insulted. But that changed, hearing Kat's laugh and a smirk forming along the lines of her lips. "Always," I told Michonne, knowing my daughter and how hard headed she was. It's something she got from me.


DPOV

We had been walking for at least another hour and a half, seeing the tack lead towards a few fruits the children could have eaten. I saw that there was a few squished and stepped on grapes, possibly indicating that they had stopped to eat and were spooked by something. Their trail leading further into the woods. "They picked up the pace right here," I said pointing to the grapes that were laid out on the ground. "Got out in a hurry," I told Beth, stepping closer to her and staring down at the marks that lead us to where they had ran. "Things went bad," I predicted for her, knowing it wasn't a positive thing to say but it was the most accurate truth I could give her about the children we were hunting.

I could feel Beth's eyes trail along my frame, possibly giving me an evil look and I didn't care. Not like I ain't been looked at like that before. I was that redneck prick that everyone would of called trailer trash before. I ain't proud, but I don't need to be liked by her. "Wouldn't kill you to have a little faith," Beth commented with a hint of judgement in her tone.

"Yeah, faith," I said a little dryly, agreeing with her sarcastically. "Faith ain't done shit for us," I pointed out to her. "Sure as hell didn't do nothing for your father," I told Beth, knowing it was probably a low blow and possibly making her think I was the biggest jerk she ever met. Faith did nothing for Lori, or Sophia, or Andrea, or Hershel and certainly not for Kat. I heard her spin quickly to look at me, making me swing my torso to look at her and I felt regret in the words I had just said. What the hell am I doing? She didn't say shit like that when she heard Merle died.

Somehow she sensed that I had said that on impulse, not thinking twise before I opened my big trap and let those words spill from my mouth. I sensed she could see the regret and sorrow in my eyes, turning she began to pluck at the grapes and stayed silent. "They'll be hungry when we find them," Beth said, staying hopeful and this was when I decieded to pull out a rag for her to place the grapes in. Sighing, I took a few steps towards her and nudged her arm, offering her the rag and keeping my distance. Without a word, she took the cloth from me, turning away from her and wandering towards where the children had ran off to. Keeping track of the trail, so that we could follow it and hopefully catch up with them.


CPOV

Dad, myself, Kat and Michonne were all heading out the house, Kat had somehow convinced Dad and Michonne that she would come along for the run. Kat was hardly well enough to take care of herself, all she kept doing was looking out for us and now she suddenly wanted to leave. "How long you think you'll be?" Dad asked us, Michonne and Kat turned fully to look at Dad.

Michonne looked down at the bags we held in our hands. We all had two each, Michonne had a huge sack that was mostly for camping or travelling, whereas myself and Kat held bags that would be used for shopping. "Fill a couple bags, shouldn't be too long," Michonne said, as to reassure Dad that we'd be back in no time. Dad looked in pretty bad shape, considering he still hadn't changed his shirt yet.

Dad looked between me and Kat, his eyes averted from us and to his raising wrist. Staring down at his wrist, he read out the time and peered up at Michonne from under his lashes. "It's 8:15 now," Dad informed us, making me look to Kat and kind of wish she wasn't here. Why doesn't she stay and rest with Dad? She needs it.

Dad kept his focused on both myself and Kat. Kat looked steady, she was better than yesterday. She was limping all over the place and by what I gathered, she was falling in and out of conciousness. Which, of course had me a little worried for her. "We'll be back by noon," Michonne spoke determinedly, nodding to Dad and giving him a tight lipped smile.

Dad listened in on Michonne's words, nodding and pulling out his Colt from his holster. "All right, you both follow her lead," Dad ordered us while he handed me his gun. Taking it, I would avert my eyes from him and nod towards him. Unable to say anything, I felt a flash of guilt, as me and Kat spoke about him and since then, I felt like I was the bad guy. "You understand?" Dad asked us both, his eyes were focused on me and I slipped the gun to be tucked into the back of my pants.

I judged by Kat's lack of a verbal response that he took both mine and Kat's possible nod as a sign that we would follow Michonne's orders. "Hey," Dad's voice tried to gain my attention and it was achieved when my eyes were met with his. "Everything okay?" Dad asked me curiously as we focused our gazes on one another.

I didn't know what to tell him. Erm...no? I just had a huge go at you because we're both as fucked up, disappointing and failures to one another. We both failed Mom, Kat at one point and now...Judith. Yet, instead of actually being angry with myself, I chose to be angry with you. Now, we're all to blame and I feel guilt for being so stupid. "Yeah, I'm just...hungry," I said quickly, making up some excuse to get him off my back.

Dad took my lie as though it was truth, but something in his eyes told me he might not of completely believed me, but decided to go with it for his own good. "All right," Dad said, glancing back to Kat and Michonne, his eyes finally landing at me. Dad leaned over, placed a kiss to Kat's cheek and lightly rested a hand on each of us. One was on the small of Kat's back and the other tapped my shoulder blade. "I'll see you three in a couple hours," Dad greeted us off, allowing us to turn out backs and step down the stairs. Walking away, we felt him wait at the top of the stairs until we were out of sight.


RPOV

Carl was holding something back, Kat was keeping something hidden and I had never felt more lost in being a father than I had in that moment. When I turned to look at the three of them retreating from the house, I nod and head into the house. Shutting the door, I pressed the couch against the door once again and suddenly felt winded, a pain from the fight with the Governor was like a flash of white pain. Sudden and fast. Taking a seat, I breathed and focused on solely that.

When I was prepared, I headed towards the stairs and into what looked like the parent's bedroom, stepping inside, I saw a pile of what looked like clothes ontop of the bed. Edging closer, I felt a chuckle escape from my lips and realized it was more than simply clothes. There was a note placed above it, the hand writing was distinct and I could read it and know who it was instantly. Kat. The note said: Here, fresh shirt and pants (if you want). Some fresh bandages. You know what to do. Love, Kitty Kat xxx

Smiling at the note, I placed it back down and gathered up the clothes. Heading into the bathroom, I fixed myself up using the bandages, alcohol she had left and used some of the water to clean my face up a little. Pulling on the fresh, white t-shirt and pants, I wandered through the halls and grabbed a book that looked interesting enough to make me fall asleep. Checking the time, I saw it was almost half past nine, placing the watch on the bedside table, I laid onto my back on the bed and began to read. Eventually, I fell asleep and relaxed into the comfort of the bed.


CPOV

Michonne, myself and Kat had all gone into a few houses, most of the time we were all silent and getting to work in finding supplies we may need for a trip or for if we would stay. "Find anything good? Candy bars? Comic books? Crazy Cheese?" Michonne questioned me as she looked down, her smile wide and one that would have made me smile in return, but not after this morning. Not after Judith. Not after Kat's talk.

"Huh?" I asked Michonne baffled, clueless as to why she was asking me these pointless questions and I simply didn't feel the need to talk. I've spoken enough for one day, and that was only with Kat for what could have been ten or fifteen minutes.

Kat's laugh rang out like bells and it was a sweet sound. "Oh no, don't get her started on Crazy Cheese," Kat warned me after my confusion, Kat and Michonne exchanged smiles as they glanced to one another. Can't they just leave me alone? Can't they tell I don't want to talk?

Michonne suddenly pulled out a can of...great. Crazy cheese. "Bam, Crazy Cheese," Michonne announced which made me sigh internally. "Found it still sealed and everything," Michonne declared which made no difference to my life what-so-ever.

Kat giggled, the sound of it was beginning to get irritating and I didn't want to sound rude to either women at my sides. "Michonne loves her Crazy Cheese," Kat told me and laughed at the end, Kat shook her head at her crazy friend and gave me a small nudge.

"You're right, I do," Michonne agreed, laughing herself and smiling towards my sister. Kat was somehow reaching my pace, a part of me wanted to slow down so she wouldn't hurt herself, but another part of me didn't care. She chose to come with us. Now she suffers the consequences. "Now I'll be nice and let you, Carl, have the first pull," Michonne said as though I would have the honor in doing such a thing, offering me the can and smiling down at me.

"No, thanks," I grumbled, not wanting to interact with anyone and waved it off, like it was nothing. Can't they get the hint that I'm not in the mood for fun and games. I don't want to talk and I don't want Crazy Cheese.

Michonne slowed down a little, Kat didn't and I had to slow down a little. I didn't want to force Kat too much, but I didn't want to let her off easy. "Are you sure?" Michonne asked me curiously, her brows were furrowed and she stopped on the spot, her raised arm holding the Crazy Cheese dropped at my decline.

"I'm fine," I tried to reassure her, my eyes darting between Kat and Michonne. Hoping that the pair of them would leave me alone and catch the hint. I don't want to talk. And can they please stop asking me if I'm okay?!

Michonne was lagging behind, I had decided to continue walking and stomped up a small grass hill, Kat attempting to keep up and Michonne not following Kat's failed example. "You don't seem fine," Michonne spoke up and made me stop dead in my tracks.

"I'm just tired. Okay?" I said, making up yet, another excuse. Can't they just get off my back? I don't need to explain myselfs to them or anyone. Suddenly, as I walked away, Michonne caught up and began to squirt a little too much Crazy Cheese into her mouth. When she got in front of me, she began to hiss and shake her head at me.

Michonne's expression changed as she realized I wouldn't give her pleasure in hearing my laughter. They're trying to make me forget, but I can't simply forget about all that we've lost. All because of Dad and the Governor. "I'm sorry," Michonne apologized as she followed me towards another house that we could check for supplies. "I'm not very good at making boys your age laugh," Michonne spoke as she stopped in front of the front door, peered inside and knocked on the window.

I felt guilt once again, she was trying to make me happy and I was possibly disappointing Kat by acting like a brat. Why don't they just stop trying? I've stopped caring about death and walkers. My Mom and baby sister are dead. I only have my Dad and Kat to keep me alive. Only because they want me to stay alive. "I was laughing. Inside," I told her as she glanced at me before she continued knocking.

Michonne continued to knock, waiting for any walkers to make their way towards us. It was something we had learned from Daryl, something that stuck with all of us and it helped us to see if there were any walkers lurking around inside. "Toddlers find me funny. Two, three-year-olds," Michonne spoke while she knocked and I saw Kat's expression change drastically. Confusion colored my expression but shock colored mine.

"What do you mean toddlers?" Kat spoke up, stealing the words out from my mouth. Did...no. Did she? Michonne had children and we're only finding out now? If there were anyone who would have known, I would have put my money on Kat who is Michonne's supposedly best friend.

Michonne turned so she was facing both me and Kat. "I had a three-year-old son," Michonne informed me with a small sigh. "And he happened to find me extremely funny," Michonne concluded, throwing the point more to me rather than to Kat. Michonne then opened the door and stepped inside.


KPOV

Finding out only now, had me a little worried and my head was currently swimming in millions of questions I had for Michonne. When the door opened, Michonne was the first person to walk in and I followed in after Carl entered. Michonne stalked in further to the room and made sure the coast was clear of walkers within the room. "We need food, batteries, water, in that order," Michonne began to bark out orders to us, opening a cupboard and making myself and Carl a little baffled by the sudden slap of her history and the drastic change of her becoming our boss.

I crept closer, Carl followed me and we both stood behind Michonne. By the expression on Carl's face, he too had many questions for Michonne to answer. "Why didn't you ever tell me you had a kid?" I asked her a little shocked and hurt to only be finding out this about her now. We've known each other for so long, yet she never felt the need to tell me her past? I told her everything about me. Andrea told us both everything we needed to know about herself.

Carl spoke up, the pair of us had the same mind set, both of us firing questions at her. "What was his name?" Carl asked.

"Did you have any others?" I asked Michonne, taking the hint from 'toddlers' which is plural, meaning there must have been more than one interaction with a toddler. Could she be talking about Judith?

Carl jumped up to ask another question, by Michonne's expression and how quickly she tried to escape us and how her back had tensed under the leather and white shirt she wore. "Were you married?" Carl asked her.

Michonne moved away, her back was to us and suddenly she faced us. "Okay," Michonne began with a soft sigh, her finger raised as to stop our questions being fired at her. "I'll answer one question at a time, one room at a time, and only after we've cleared it," Michonne instructed us, as though this was some type of game. "You two got that?" Michonne asked us and I stayed silent, nodding as the pair of us agreed silently to this game of hers. She's got to be kidding me...I'm not a three year old Michonne.


RPOV

Captured in a dream, I felt a sudden sense of alert run through my body. My body and mind were fighting against one another, there was the sound of men and the door opening. The voices of men were all rough, whereas in my dream it was peace. Kat, me, Carl, Judith, Lori and everyone back at the prison. All alive, happy and surviving in harmony. There was suddenly no walkers, just a bright light and then...ahhhhh. The sound of a scream, pulled me out of my dream and into reality. People had broken in and possibly killed someone.

My heart was beating ten times faster, my mind racing and my body beginning to sweat. I got to my feet, grabbing everything that could give away my presence, I had to dodge a man that had wandered up the stairs, picking up the watch, I noticed that Kat, Carl and Michonne would be here soon. Ducking down, I hid beneath the bed and tried to stay silent. Shit. They're going to catch me. They're going to catch me. I just know it. Staying very still, I then realized there was the waterbottle still resting on the bedside table, just as I was about to go get it, someone walked out of the room and headed down the stairs.

Taking the bottle, I stayed beneath the bed and felt my body quiver. To my surprise, the man wandered into the room and started to search the room I was in. If I stay very still, he'll go away and hopefully never return. The continuous sound of ticks and tocks made me frantic. My fingers fumbled, my heart hammering and sweat dripping off from every inch of my skin. Pressing onto the face of the watch, I waited for the ticking to stop and felt relief when it stopped making a noise. I tried to keep my breathing even and quiet, so that the man wouldn't hear, a sudden skip of my heart happened when I saw the blood on the shoe of the man. His feet moving indicated he was getting closer to me, to the edge of the bed and I kept my eyes on him.

My hands shook, my skin was on fire and I could hardly breathe. When the man slumped onto the bed, I adjusted myself to press tighter to the ground and held in the groan of pain in my side from the sudden push. The sudden sound of the leader's voice gave indication that these men, I wasn't sure how many were all going to be staying under the same roof we were. My forehead dropped to touch to floor. I need to get out of here. I need to stop Kat, Carl and Michonne from getting inside here. They could get hurt, or worse. I need to alert them. I need to make sure they don't cross paths with these men. How the hell am I going to get out of this mess?


KPOV

Carl carefully stalked into the room beside me, his arm resting on the top of the head rest of a dinning chair. "What was your son's name?" Carl asked Michonne, we had finished clearing a room together and worked as a team in order to get it done quicker.

Michonne was stood, her head tilting to make her look up at a painting on the wall. "I said after," Michonne said, as though we hadn't cleared the rooms we were in only moments ago.

I decided to help my brother and back him up. "Well, these are actually two separate rooms and we already cleared that one, so..." I spoke up for him, pointing at the rooms we had cleared together as a team and as a trio.

Michonne turned to look at us over her shoulder, her expression was one of sadness but one that showed me she was still happy. "Andre," she said bluntly. "His name was Andre Anthony," she informed us. Nice name. "Make sure there isn't a box of cookies hiding in there," Michonne said as she walked away, her hands behind her back and pointing to an area we hadn't searched.

Giggling, I knew what she was doing and I thought I might as well play along with it all. "Go," I nudged Carl playfully, smiling and watching as he ducked down and checked. Pulling out the cookies, he passed it me and I caught it. Struggling a little, it fell to the ground and I groaned while picking it up. Slipping it into the bag and following Carl who followed Michonne closely.

Carl then looked to me and then to Michonne. "Did you have any other kids?" Carl tried to slide in another question, but I knew Michonne and she wouldn't agree to giving him extra information without following our deal.

Michonne kept walking, I could hear it by her footsteps. "Rules of the game, my friend," Michonne boomed along the corridor, her voice echoing so that myself and Carl could hear. I had to stiffle a giggle and smiled at him.

Carl was shoving sweets into his pockets and I could see the excitement along with the curiousity burning in his eyes. "So? Did you?" Carl asked her, but Michonne scoffs and I sensed she didn't have many more children. Only the one.

Michonne stopped by a painting, staring at it like she did other. Maybe she finds comfort in the flower? "You know, you could be a spy," Michonne suggested. "Or a cop," she said as though this was a compliment to Carl. Michonne then sighed and turned to look at us. "No. One was enough for me," Michonne informed us. "And Andre was a handful, like you," Michonne teased Carl, poking his chest and making me smile. They're sweet together.

Carl chuckled softly, a light blush colored his cheeks and I had to giggle at how he reacted to how Michonne was speaking to him. "Does this hallway count as a room?" Carl asked her curious. Oh come on, now he's just trying to find anything as a room so he can use up more of the questions he has for her.

Michonne turned her back again, looking at another painting on the opposite side of the wall. Shrugging her shoulders and giving a pursed lip smile at the thought. "If you can find something we can use," she suggested and I smiled, giving way for Carl as he checked around the hall for us.

Carl searched and then came towards us, holding up a painting and planting it to our feet. "This is the only thing I could find," Carl told us and offered it to Michonne. "Does it count?" he asked her, passing the painting and making me smile at the two of them.

Michonne glanced at the painting that was covered before leaning it against her frame, her body curved so she could use it as support. "Technically, yes," Michonne agreed and I laughed mentally. This is silly. What can a painting do for us? It's not like we can sell it for some money like back in the day.

Carl's approach was calculated, he was careful and I could sense he was giving maturity in this question. "So? How long has it been?" Carl asked her, I didn't want to ask questions or interupt either of them. Knowing Carl would ask questions, then I would be able to question her further.

Michonne took a deep breath, I could feel that this was really taking a toll on her, one that was making her feel vulnerable. She doesn't have to do this. But I'm not complaining either, she has the choice to do so or not. I just don't like her feeling vulnerable or forced. "It happened after-" Michonne said, licking her lips. "You know, after everything happened," Michonne said not meeting our eyes and shrugging, a nervous twitch about her.

Carl took in the information, staying silent and letting Michonne cool down for a few seconds. "Does Dad know?" Carl asked her curiously, my lips pursing and head bowing. Awaiting the response that would come from Michonne.

Michonne was quick to answer Carl. "Never told him," she told us and I knew she was telling us the truth. "Never told anyone till just now," she answered us which made me feel priveldged to know this about Michonne.

Carl gave her a kind smile, one that told me he too felt special for her telling her this piece of her past. "Your secret is safe with us," Carl said which made me want to laugh, simply because of Carl's innocence and ignorance. He didn't know what this was, but took it as a secret. The sensation of being young...

Michonne pursed her lips into a tight smile, I knew she thought the same as me and thought nothing of what Carl had said. "It's not really a secret," she told him, making me look at her with sad eyes. She's relating herself to me and Carl after losing Judith. This is what it is...isn't it?

I decided it was time to cut in, giving Michonne a small nod and a sweet smile. "It's still safe with us," I reassured her, trying to not make my brother look silly but also backing him up. Michonne sighed and before she could rip the material covering the picture, I stepped closer to her. "I see what you're doing with him," I spoke to her. "You're making this into a game, keeping him focused and reminding him he's still a child," I said, not wanting to touch on the fact she wanted us to relate to Judith and her son Andre.

"Kat," Michonne began, sighing and looking at me directly in the eyes. "You are a child too," she informed me as though I hadn't known this information already. Which, I hadn't. "I know I treat you like one sometimes but, you need to remember that it's okay to feel vulnerable sometimes," she told me, she was letting us go into the real reason we were doing this. "I see how you put on the brave face and stay strong for your family," she told me with some type of admiration in her eyes. Or so I believed.

I laughed softly, knowing she had caught on to my act and how I would react to certain things. "I never did like feeling vulnerable," I told her, feeling slightly sick to my stomach. She knows me so well, it makes me wonder if my brother and father think the same as her.

"I can see it sometimes, I've known you for more than a year. I can tell when you're afraid, when you're losing it," she told me, knowing she would of observed me, as I knew this was something she would do. "It's normal," Michonne told me with sympathy laced in her voice. "We've all lost so much," she reminded me, making me feel empathy for her. Judith was like my own daughter.

"Yeah, but sometimes I hate feeling like a failure," I told her, feeling my body tremble and tears begin to build. My voice wobbled as I spoke, knowing it was something personal and I knew I was letting my most vulnerable side show to her. Hating people seeing me cry, I began to laugh sadly.

"Is that why you put others first?" Michonne asked me, as though she was realizing something from an analysis. "Before yourself, of course," she told me as though she needed to clear this fact up. Damn. She's smart.

"I'm guessing Carl told you about what happened with the supplies, Dad and my wound," I stated rather than asked, there was no need to ask because I saw the glimpse she made to my side. It's either the patch up, or the moment I went after Dad and got hurt only to try and save him.

Michonne stayed silent for a few moments, the pair of us staring at one another as we listened to Carl shuffling around in a room. "He didn't have to," Michonne told me softly, making me purse my lips and nod. "I know you well enough," she told me with a wide smile, it was warm and loving. Making me laugh shortly before I bowed my head and looked to my feet. She really does.

"True," I agreed aloud. I took a few moments of my own before I looked up at her, our eyes connecting while brown and blue collided. "Which brings us back to that topic," I began with a tight lipped smile. "Why didn't you tell me any of this?" I asked her, taking another step towards her and my head level to hers.

Michonne blinked a couple of times, her eyes were staring elsewhere but I knew she was thinking over her reply. I felt her deliberation and it made me feel more so connected to her. I've lost Judith, who is more my daughter than a sister. Michonne has lost her son, we've both lost our loved ones and friends. Family. All of them. "I didn't feel the need to tell anyone but-," Michonne began and had quickly cut herself off.

Her eyes met mine, but she quickly averted them and glanced away from me. "What?" I asked her, curious to know what she was about to say and I felt as though if I were on a chair, I would have been on the edge of it. Something is making her hold back. What is it? She then looked up at me, throwing me a pursed lipped smile and kind, sad eyes.

"I was losing myself again," Michonne said after a long sigh. "I was so close to leaving you guys and I was about to continue walking this world alone," she had revealed to me which made me feel a little unhappy with the fact she would want to travel alone. "I was losing it, because I was scared I would find you guys and find you all dead, or as walkers," she explained while I gulped and listened to her, my eyes showing her sadness but love. "Like when I found my boyfriend and our son dead," she continued to explain herself which made me feel sorrow for her.

Taking a few moments, the pair of us stayed silent and focused on our breathing. I felt so connected to Michonne in that moment, we had both lost so much and we still continued to carry on. We had been through so much, but she was always someone I admired. A woman who had kept going, even after all she had lost. Andrea, her son, her boyfriend and maybe more. "I'm sorry Michonne," I sympathized with her.

Michonne sniffed, a tear had escaped her eye and rolled down her cheek, a small laugh left her lips and it was only then, I had realized we were both crying. "I know," she told me with a nod and sad smile. "I'm glad I've finally told you guys," she spoke, making me giggle and wipe at my own tears, our exchange was one of mock happiness but mutual understanding in our pain and overwhelming sadness.

"I'm glad you finally opened up to us," I told her honestly, pleased to be able to say we now knew each other better. That we truly were, of course, best friends and always would be. Michonne is like a sister. She is my sister. Regathering ourselves, Michonne began to tare at the material that sealed the painting and revealed it to us. Lifting it so we could examin it, I felt vile rise and bubble in my stomach, surprise on both of our faces as our eyes caught sight of the painting. Jesus Christ...


DPOV

Both myself and Beth had followed the trail, finding ourselves in a small section of the woods where walkers were laid out on the ground, dead. Something caught my eye, on the leaves of a plant, there was blood. It wasn't fresh, it was dry and it wasn't walker. The color of it was too bright to be walker blood. "What?" Beth's small voice asked me as I examined the leaves.

"That ain't walker blood," I informed her, knowing full well that walker blood was of a darker, black color. Human blood was more of a red, so there was no doubt that someone had been injured during the travel. With that amount of blood, it looks serious and it could be lifethreatning to whoever was injured.

"The trail keeps going," Beth said hopeful, she stepped over the walkers and searched for any sign of where they could have travelled. "They fought them off," Beth said as though she knew what she was talking about. The amounf footprints on the ground told me otherwise, because there was no way they could of survived that many walkers chasing after them.

"No," I disagreed with her almost instantly. "Got walker tracks all up and down here," I informed her, pointing at the ground using my finger to indicate what was going on in my mind, judging by the tale the marks were telling me. "At least a dozen of them," I tell her. A twig snaps in the distance, walking in the opposite direction, I heard the familiar sound of a knife being pulled out and then the rustle of leaves.

A snarling walker took hold of Beth from behind, she struggled and gasped at its sudden jumpscare, wriggling out of his grasp as best as she could. I raised my bow and tried to aim, taking a few steps closer and all I could get was Beth in the way of the walker. Dropping my crossbow, I grabbed the walker by the back of his shirt and threw him to the ground, getting on top of him, I held him down and waited for Beth to get her knife out again.

The pair of us panting as I rolled onto my back, the walker above me and growling up at Beth, she drove her knife through his skull and saved me. Throwing the walker off me, I shuffled away from him and got to my feet once more, picking up my crossbow and trying to regain my breath. "Come on," I grumbled under my exhausted breath, walking past her and following the trail that we could only guess was the one of the children.

Making our way towards the trail, it ended when we found a train track that lead towards the distance. Seeing a group of walkers munching on the corpses of people who were once survivors, people that were once like us, alive and fighting against what was eating them. Killing them, I saw Beth stare down at the same object I was. A small boot, one that symbolised a small child's shoe. My heart sank at the thought. Carl, Ass-Kicker, Molly, Luke, Mika, Lizzie...this could have been any of them. If it were given the chance, but this was definately not Carl or Ass-Kicker.

The view was heartbreaking, walking away, I began to walk along the train tracks. I had left Beth behind, she stood there staring at the boot wide eyed, then she began to cry and her entire body shook from it. I didn't know why she was crying, maybe she thought of her Dad in the same position, maybe even her sister and all those we loved. Or maybe her heart was with the children, all I knew...was I needed to take care of her. She's the only trace of family I have left. We're family. I can't leave her behind, so I'll protect her as long I can.


NPOV

The painting had scared the two women as they stared down at it. The painting had been destroyed, red and black lines covered it and hid the woman with brown eyes, a side plait and yellow sunflowers behind her. Red crosses covered her lips while 'no's were painted around her, it was a hidden symbol the women had yet to discover. Their breathing was uneven, eyes wide and their hearts hammering against their chests. A thumping sound made the women jump, more alert than they once were whilst they stalked their way towards a room. Michonne's fingers danced along the hold of her Katana after she lowered the painting and placed it beside the door, to rest against the wall beside it, all while Kat's hand curled along the hilt of her machete.

Slowly, they were closer to the room and examined how silent it was, they had entered a small hall which looked much like a small entrance to a children's room. Michonne had took the lead, opening doors and entering them cautiously. Opening the next door, Michonne sighed and leaned against the door frame, allowing Katherine to gain access beside her while they looked into the room. It was a children's play area, both of the women's hearts sank as they entered the room. Kat's mind wandered to the thoughts of her sister, the one she had presumed dead and her heart ached.

All Katherine Grimes could think of was Judith, how she had wanted a room much like the one she was in at the moment, filled with toys and resources she could learn from. Kat wanted to teach Judith many things, how to talk, read and write. Along with many more, Kat had seen a future for her sister, but it was all lost to Kat now. Michonne's heart had sunk because of the memories of having a room similar to the one she was in, filled with books and toys for her son. When she would sit with Andre, play games with him and teach him new things. She missed her son, just as Katherine had missed her sister who felt more as her daughter than a sibling.

Michonne was the first to spot the door to the next room, there was a sign hung on the handle which made both Katherine and Michonne curious and cautious. Entering, the pair's mouths plummeted to the gound, along with their hearts. Their beathing shook, Kat's eyes had pooled with tears at the sight that she had taken in. Processing it all. A group of children, a family were all decomposing, on beds and dead. They looked as though they had all died of starvation and eventually, bullets were their last meals. One on the chair, two to a bed each and Michonne's tears flowed out of her eyes, along with Kats as they stared at the pink room filled with corpses.

The sudden sound of Carl's footsteps coming closer made the women jump and run out of the room, prepared to hide this room from Carl. It was a room they knew, Carl wouldn't and didn't need to go into. It would scar him. Katherine thought. I can't read him that well, but if he saw this...he might become suicidal. Michonne had thought, unsure what would happen to the boy, but not wanting to take the chance of it becoming a suspicion that was truth.


CPOV

Running towards them, I felt something twist in my gut. Some sensation I wasn't sure was either suspicion or worry. I ran towards the room we hadn't yet checked or cleared, finding Michonne and Kat shut the door quickly. "Michonne? Kat?" I called to them as I made my way to them. "Everything okay?" I asked, realizing how they both pressed their backs to a door, trying to block it from my view and only making me curious.

Kat was the one to speak up, both herself and Michonne looked as though they had either seen ghosts or people who could have died in the room. "Yeah, it's fine," Kat's voice shook and her eyes were a little red, which was only possible if she had cried a little and tried to hold back the tears as hard as she could.

I felt slightly insulted at the thought they would take me a fool. "There's a baby in there," I concluded, juding by how both Kat and Michonne looked and how they both sniffled from the tears that may or may not have escaped their eyes. Something is very wrong.

Michonne was the one to speak this time. "It's a dog," Michonne had made up a quick excuse, but the thought of a baby in the next room made me feel a pain in my heart. Much like when I thought I had lost Kat. Why would Kat put herself in that pain? Seeing a dead baby in the other room? Is that why she doesn't want me to go in there?

"Dad let me name her," I told them. "I named her after the teacher that saved you Kat," I had revealed and reminded Kat, unable to look at either her or Michonne whilst I spoke. "I thought you were dead, I didn't want to name her anyone who had died, but I knew I wanted it to relate to you and Mom," I said, remembering the time Kat was almost killed but was saved unexpectedly by my teacher. "Maybe-...maybe her and Andre are together somewhere," I tried to be kind, surprised I would say something like this after how mean I was to Carol about Sophia and talking about God.

Whever they are, I hope they're happy and safe. Michonne was the one to sniff last, Kat was silent and her eyes were on her feet. My blues scanned the pair and I caught how they were both sad but thankful for me saying a thing like I had. "Come on. It's almost noon. Your Dad will wonder where we are if we're late," Michonne told us, leading us out the door and out of the house. Heading back to Dad.


RPOV

Convinced that the man above me was fast asleep, I was about to leave when a man climbed up the stairs and had not noticed me. Entering the room, he and the man above me had argued over the bed and said something about 'claiming' the bed which left many questions in my head unanswered. Both men had argued and suddenly began to fight, grunting as punches were fired and landing on one another. Groaning invaded my ears, when a sudden thud made me go back into panic mode. The coughs of a man being chocked, made me stare at him as the other man was being chocked on the floor in front of me.

"Len! Len, stop! Stop, Len! Stop!" the man pleaded to the man he was clutching while he chocked. The so called 'Len' wasn't giving up, the other's eyes glued on me and he was attempting to alert Len of my presence. The panting of Len told me the other was out cold. His eyes rolled to the back of his head, his body limp and his breathing was heavy but quiet. Len insulted the man before he jumped onto the bed and began to rest above me. The bed creaking while he got comfortable, I felt myself relieved for a moment but I was then back to panick mode. I need to get out of here.


DPOV

We kept walking down the road of the trail tracks, until we headed into the woods and silently moved. Neither of us in the mood to speak, I had to wait for Beth to stop her crying, all for us to continue our journey to wherever our feet led us. "We should make camp for the night," Beth suggested, finally taking her determined approach again. Has she always been so full of spirit? And high hopes?

Finding a spot, I stopped and began to gather the things we needed for a fire. "We'll go looking for supplies in houses tomorrow, bright and early in the morning," Beth suggested as she helped me gather the supplies needed to start a fire. "This would be a good place," Beth nods, as though she needed to agree that this was stable enough for us to spend the night. It's as good a place as any.

"Whatever," I grumbled, starting the fire and pulling a few squirrels off the string I had them on, we had gone hunting while we wandered the woods and we were lucky enough to catch a pair of squirrels. One each would be enough for us, skinning them and cooking them over the fire until they were ready for us to eat. The stars shone above us, but when I would have once stared up at them, I prefered to stare into the heat of the fire that blazed. Pondering in my own thoughts.


RPOV

From where I was, all I could hear was the snoring of the man above me, the bouncing of a ball downstairs and the breathing coming from the unconcious man in front of me and from myself. Slithering out from under the bed, I carefully got to my feet and was surprised when I heard the sound of the two men in the same room as me being called. Hastily, I rushed to another room, to the one that Carl was in whenever he ran upstairs to read. The man who was bouncing the ball, sounded as though he may or may not have been their leader. Judging by how he was acting towards the two men in the other room, I believed he could be the leader.

Hiding behind the wall of the bookshelf, I was surprised to see the man enter the same room I was in. Bouncing the ball, while glancing around the room. My eyes glued to his arm the appeared out the frame of the door, the ball bouncing from the window back to him and making me tremble in both fear and adrenalin. When he grew bored, he stepped away and continued to bounce the ball on the floor. Walking out the room, leaving me alone and I tried to think of a way out. Windows. I tried every window in the room I was in, but none of them budged.

The sudden screamed of 'Claim' made me more panicked. What the hell are they claiming? Next thing I heard, was the sound of them men talking about women sharing a house. They were curious as to if they were lesbians, and if they were going to come back. That was when I remembered Kat and Michonne's shirts that were out to dry. Both being washed and on a line. Fuck. No way is any of them hurting anyone I care about. Especially not my Kitty Kat and Carl.

Picking up a trophy, I stalked closer to the door and tried to find another way out. Two of the men were making their way down the hall, making me shrink away to hide somewhere and turn the corner to see them head down the stairs. The leader and...the other man who hadn't been chocked. Rushing to the bedroom, I felt more panicked as they began to discuss who the girls could be with, why they would leave their shirts, how they smelled and some more claims being thrown.

Going towards the room, I saw that the man was still unconcious. As I was close to entering the room, I thought twise and rushed to the bathroom when I heard footsteps coming up the stairs. What I wasn't expecting was the man I saw sitting on the toilet when I entered and shut the door. Using the trophy, I smacked him in the gut with it and was suddenly pushed against the drawers under the mirror and sink. Grunting in pain as I hit a weak spot on my body. Using a belt, I turned to face him and ducked out of his hold. The belt wrapped around his neck, I began to choke him.

Bringing us both back, we struggled against each other, until I dropped us to lay on the floor and I kept my hold tighter around the belt. Successfully chocking him and kept doing it until I knew he was no longer breathing. Panting, I dumped him to one side and moved to take his coat, shoes, along with his gun and escaped through the window. When I was leaving, I had left the door opened a creak, knowing it could be used as a distraction and the walker version of the dead man on the floor would eat the other men inside the house. The men were all chatting as I dropped down, sneaking my way around the front entrance, I was ready to run when I heard a door suddenly open. A ball bouncing along the floor alerted me it was their leader, he was out and he was not the friendly type.

The man spit and began to whistles, all before I heard the soft sounds of him rattling a spoon in a can made me feel panick "Come on," he mumbled, which echoed my mental thought. The sudden snarl of a walker had spooked the man, while one man screamed. I knew that the man I had killed, must have now reanimated and attacked one of them. It was in good timing, because I saw Kat, Carl and Michonne make their way towards the house. Gunshots were being fired while men were shouting, quickly the man had ran inside and I chased after Carl, Kat and Michonne.


KPOV

"Go! Go!" Dad had shouted to us, only as we came closer we heard the shouting and gunfire. Making myself, Dad, Carl and Michonne take our bags full of food and run away from them. Feeling the pain in my side not sting as much as before, but it did hurt slightly if I had applied too much pressure on my side. Dad had explained to us what had happened, what he heard and whatever else he could tell us.

"Well," I sighed out, after hearing the story and we had relaxed a little. Travelling once again on foot, towards whatever place we wanted to go and taking out time. "Guess we lost those shirts," I spoke, Carl was beside me and Michonne was to my other side. Dad was at the far end, beside Michonne and smiling towards us three.

Carl lowered his head, his hat was big on his head, but it suited him and I liked how it looked on him. My little Depudy. "Yours was a nice top," he told me which made me giggle, raising a hand, I had it free as Dad had offered to carry one of the bags and the one that was like a sack for Michonne. Michonne carried one of the bags that Carl was carrying, all of us having at least one hand full, if the pair weren't.

"Thanks," I told him, resting my hand on top of his cap and shaking his head playfully. Making him squirm and laugh a little, his laugh wasn't like before, but I knew he was trying. Can't blame him for being like this, I just wish I could make him always happy. Guess we can't always get what we wish for.

Dad's face hardened as he spoke, I knew he felt as though he were to blame for the close encounter, but it wasn't anything none of us could handle. "We'll find other clothes on our runs," Dad said as he stared at the road ahead of us. It's not like he could of prevented them breaking into the house. At least he stopped us from going into that trap.

"I hope so," I grumbled, sounding like a whiney teen in my mind, but knowing it was something I had to get off my chest. Hopefully, it would get Carl to laugh a little. "I don't plan to keep this cat shirt on forever," I said as I glanced down at the top I was wearing, feeling ridiculous with it on. If Daryl, Andrea and Mom could see me now...

Carl chuckled, Michonne's eyes were light as her smile was wide and eyebrows raised in the playful way she would look at me. "Even if you do look fabulous in it?" she questioned me teasingly, but her tone was one of a serious matter. She's so silly. Guess that's why I love her so much, she gets our sense of humour.

I simply had to giggle out our stupid exchange. "No matter how fabulous I look in it, I want a shirt I actually feel comfortable in," I explained, I felt my eyebrows dance while my smile was plastered on my face. "This isn't my style," I remind them with a shake of my head, making the three of them smile and look around before we continued our journey.


NPOV

The four of them, the father, the son, the daughter and friend were all heading down a train track. They were silent for the most part along their travel, but there were times they would stop, eat something and talk about something. Random moments, they would swap bags so they weren't carrying heavy things for a long amount of time. Carl had slipped his hand into the bag and pulled out the can of cheese Michonne had eaten from earlier. "Crazy Cheese?" Carl had asked Michonne and the others hopeful, he didn't like all the silence between them. Silence meant they were all thinking of something.

Rick was still thinking about the men they had left behind, wondering if they would be a threat or if they would go the other way. If they would track, or give up finding them. Michonne was either thinking of her past, of her son and boyfriend, or of how everything had changed. Kat was visioning her sister, her mother and the blonde friend together. The image gave the blue eyed girl pain, it had given her sadness and a sense of joy. She knew, wherever they were, they were happy and safe. Carl would think of his sister, of his dark thoughts and of how he was a failure. How he was always so mean to both his family before they died and when he would blame them for others mistakes.

Michonne kindly declined with a smile on her face, Carl began to shove the cheese into his bag once again. Zipping it up, while Michonne, Rick and Kat had all seen something of interest. A map. Trains would pass a certain way, the message clear and it could be a safe place for the four of them to go to. Sanctuary for all. Comunity for all. Those who arrive, survive. Terminus. This was what was written, it was what it offered and what it they had read. Either it be true or false, it was something the four of them were considering.

"What do you think?" Katherine had asked her father curiously. Awaiting what he would say, the three of them all watching Rick as he began to peel off his bandage. It had been a week since his fight with Tyreese, so he was confident that his hand was healed enough to not need the support of the bandage.

"Let's go," Rick had spoken once he had met the gazes of blue eyes and brown ones. "Let's go," he repeated, sure that it was the right thing to do and place to go. Rick was only wanting the ones he had with them safe, if this was a place they could find it, he had to take the chance. Michonne was pleased as long as she had the three with her, so she wouldn't lose her mind and humanity. Carl was curious, but he only wanted to be safe, to have a place to rest his head and not lose his family to walkers or evil people. He needed sanctuary. Kat knew, all she needed was her family, without them she wouldn't survive. The four of them didn't need to say much else, Rick had thrown away his bandage and they all walked along the path of the train tracks. Towards Terminus.


DPOV

It was dark, we were sat there silently, finished eating the squirell and I had licked my fingers clean, wiping it along my pants and staring into the fire numbly. "I'm going to go do my business behind a bush," Beth alerted me, but I didn't look up at her, I kept my gaze on the blaze. "Don't be too worried, I have my knife with me," she said as she got to her feet and patted her holster which held her knife. "I'll stay close," she told me before scurrying off to do her business.

Taking this advantage, I pulled out a piece of paper from my back pocket, unfolding it and pressing down the creases from it, I glaced at the square I held in my hands. The image was one that pulled at my heart in ways that made me want to break down, just as I had when I lost Merle. Blue eyes stared back at me, a bright smile illuminated her features, the curves of her face and the dark color of her hair made me frown. Tears building in my eyes, blurring my vision and making me sniff.

A few tears escaped, the feel of the liquid trailed along my face and down my cheeks. Her beauty, her voice, her presence was no longer there. She was no longer breathing. The one who was in the picture, was none other than Katherine Grimes, except, she had black hair rather than her natural brown locks. Everything else was her, the curls in her hair, the smile on her face, the blue of her eyes, every unique feature of hers that I had studied either from afar or when I would be close to her, it all was there. In the picture and in my memory.

Deliberating, I wanted to throw the picture into the fire. I was close to doing so, but as I stared at the picture, I could only remember every moment I had spent with her. Every emotion I had felt with her. When she held my hand for the first time. When she touched my hand to get up onto the back of the truck. When she was playing in the water with her brother. When I saw her in the room with an unconcious, shot Carl.

When she had ran towards me in my terrible state searching for Sophia. Her face when she would smile at every joke I would make. Her laugh whenever she was around Carl and her Dad. Her attitude towards her mother's death. How she cared for Judith. How she would tell me her secrets and past. When we would have each other's backs. Her eyes when she would smile. Her eyes when she cried. When I saw her break down in Rick's arms. All the bad. All the good. It flooded me in painful waves, in waves that I didn't know how to control as I stared at the picture. Then, there was one quote that echoed into my head, one that Kat had told me Andrea had said to her. The pain doesn't go away. You just make room for it.

"Daryl," Beth's voice suddenly alerted me, she had ran over to me quickly. Just as rapidly as Beth appeared, I folded up the picture and slid it into my back pocket once more. Keeping it, rather than throwing it into the fire. Beth's expression was one of worry, her bright blues wide in the light that shone on her face. "Walker herd, heading out way!" she whispered to me panicked, getting to my feet, I picked up my crossbow and began to kick at the dirt to get the fire out.

"Come on," I growled at her huskily, she helped me to get the fire out and we began to run. Pushing, shoving and manouvering to get out of the sight and away from walkers. It all felt like it was in slow motion, running and surviving. The thoughts of Kat surrounding my mind, echoing in my thoughts and taking hold of my senses. Her words echoed repeatedly. The pain doesn't go away. You just make room for it. Which is what I had to do, in order to keep Beth safe, I needed to keep Kat in my memory but I needed to make room for the pain of her loss, along with need of protecting Beth. I'll keep her in my memory, in my heart and I'll keep surviving, because that is what Kat would want me to do.


Hope you guys enjoyed the chapter! Updates will (hopefully) be weekly. I will be working on this story and two others. Both will be Sons Of Anarchy stories. One will be called Reaping What Was Sown, about Abel and returning to Charming to find out who his father was. The other will be a Jax/OFC about Opie's sister returning to Charming (It will be called 'The Sons Princess'), with secrets of her own and dealing with all the shit the motorcycle club deals with, along with family problems that start to stir (this story will start before Season one, but it will continue on with some tweaks to the story). I hope to get support there if you enjoy my writing or the show. We're going to switch it up a little today!

This time, I will ask 5 questions and you can leave me 5 questions (ABOUT THE STORY OR THE CHARACTERS) to answer in the reviews or PMs. Which ever you decide, I'll answer them either in the next chapter, or in the PM inbox.


P.S, I want 5 reivews and I'm starting the next chapter now, but I will be working on a few other projects, so expect the chapter uploaded in the next few days or next week. If you review quick enough, I may reconsider and make the chapter come out sooner.


1) What did you think of this chapter?

2) What would you like to see more of?

3) Do you think I am doing Daryl's character justice?

4) Top 5 moments and suggestions.

5) Do you like how I follow the original plot of the show, but add the few twists to add more to the story? For example, the idea of adding the people from the care home in season 1's heads in the fish tanks the Governor had back in Woodbury.

Reply to reviews!


Fangirl1510: Here you have it dear! xx


psychovampgurl: Yeah, no summaries. Way too much. I felt Kat wouldn't suddenly be on her feet so quickly, it was good to give Carl some independence. It had to be done. We'll see what I do with Glenn and Kat, maybe in the future. She wasn't captured, she didn't kill anyone (YET) but I have something a whole lot bigger planned. As for Karyl kiss, not yet. Season five, my friend. I like the idea of distance, but I'll be using something similar to that in a different way. You'll see.


EastDenise: Definately will have to wait for that, dear. Didn't get captured, didn't need to go rescue her and well, we've also had a little bit of Daryl in this chapter. Her fixing herself was harsh, but I know a thing or two about doing this type of thing. It shows she's resourceful, but she's selfless which can be a problem when it comes to wounds like she has. She could become worse if she hadn't treated it when she did.


LoneWolfAtHeart16: I'm very happy to hear you enjoyed that chapter. As for Daryl and Beth, you've seen what he's been like. He's a dick, but he's a little distant because the pain is too real right now. He'll start warming up to Beth, just not in the way you'd expect. Thank you for that compliment, I work rather hard to get these chapter done quickly and to the best of my ability. I enjoy replying to reviews, just as much as I enjoy reading them dear! x


redangel2463: Not yet, dear! Glad you liked the family drama. Here's your update.


Guest: 1) Of course, I felt it needed to be done as everyone was curious as to how Kat would recover.

2) I don't want to stray too far from the story, as it is crucial for character development for all the characters. I hope you can understand that. I have the trouble with the word 'vulnerable' as there are so many aspects and versions of it. Depending on the person's view as to what is and what is not vulnerable. Kat is character that doesn't tend to show vulnerability, as she prefers to have those moments alone or not have them at all. Vulnerability can be being taken care of, being saved in a dramatic-lifethreatning moment, making a mistake, crying and breaking down. Kat is very unique as she has grown as a person throught her life, along with the world and how life is now. For example, she is only wise because of her experience, knowledge and the time she had spent with Hershel who had taught her multiple things that are medical, along with life. She's strong because she has always had to put on a brave face, but sometimes, she is screaming and crying inside. She got that strength as a trait she learned off her mother. She's got lots of other traits from other people, but that will be explained further if you ask for it. Kat and Carl do have their arguments, possibly not all the time, but it's mostly over silly things, they will have arguments in the future, but I don't want them constantly at each other's throats, or cuddling and happy with each other. It's not true, but arguments that are pointless won't be shown. They will have something to argue about, but that will be in future chapters.

3) We'll have to wait and see!

4) Currently, I don't feel like Kat knows she's in love with Daryl. She knows she has feelings for him, that it's attraction and emotional. She likes him, but she doesn't know if she loves him yet. Daryl is in denial, but he knows he cares for Kat more than he possibly should. He's realizing he loves her, but he won't admit it. I enjoy Glenn and Kat moments, they seem like a good friendly pair when they aren't trying to protect each other's backs. I agree with your points. I hope these moments between Kat and Michonne were good and to your expectation. They do know a lot about each other, but they have their 'secrets' as Carl had put it. I agree with your points on Kat and Michonne. Carol and Kat are like an aunt/niece relationship to me, as they both have the same mind sets and they get along really well. There's also something in the back of Kat's mind, but she does feel guilty about Sophia still and she sees herself as though she owes Carol because she was the reason Sophia is now dead. As for Maggie, I agree and I'll try and add that in future chapters but currently, Kat is more of a private and personal person. It's just who she is.

6) I agree. Completely. No recaps. As for the multi POVs they won't be happening as often now. Only if there is a crutial scene that needs the multiple POVs.


Until the 5 reviews and 5 questions about the story and characters...

Much love!

HeroJustInTime90 xxx