I do not own TWD or it's characters.

Stepping outside, she allowed her eyes to adjust to the bright sunlight. Glancing around, she didn't immediately see Dan, but she saw her brother. Walking over to him, she waited patiently while he finished telling a member of their community what needed to be done.

"Hey, Jude. What's up?" Carl asked. Since she just arrived, there was no way he would ask her to pitch in. Judith shrugged.

"Was looking for Dan. Know where I might find him?" Jude glanced down at her boots, a little nervous to be talking to her brother about a boy she liked.

"He's out in a scouting party. Should be back by nightfall." Judith's face fell. Not wanting to sit around and brood about it all day, she figured she could hunt. It'd at least keep her mind off of things.

"Mind if I go hunt? Maybe catch us something for dinner?" Judith asked. Carl nodded, his mind already occupied with the man approaching them.

"Yeah, that's fine." Carl turned and entered into a discussion about the garden with the man. Judith walked back to the house and grabbed her bow and quiver. She didn't see Daryl around, so she headed out on her own. Heading south out of town, she kept quiet, looking for signs of animals. In the quiet of the forest, her mind wandered.

There was a community of bad people. Not too far, either. This had to be dealt with, and soon. Having just got back, she wished to be able to spend a little time with Dan, but she knew Daryl and her would probably need to leave first thing tomorrow morning. Chewing on her lip, she pondered this. How would Dan react to her going back out again so soon? It's not like there was much choice on the dating front. She could end up alone forever if things didn't work out with Dan. She rolled her shoulders, easing some of the tension. She could be alone, she supposed. Sure, she'd rather have someone to spend her life with, but she didn't need it. It wasn't necessary. She had her brother, her mom, and her aunts and uncles. She wasn't alone, per se. Sometimes it felt like it. She was so much younger than everyone else. It was really nice to have someone her own age around. But it wasn't necessary. She shouldn't dwell on it.

Pulling her string back, she loosed an arrow, watching the rabbit die instantaneously. She tied it to her belt to join the other rabbit and the squirrel she caught earlier.

Her thoughts kept returning to Dan. She really wanted him to like her. All of her. Including the part of her that wanted and burned for revenge. It was more than revenge, certainly. These people were a threat to their community. They had to be dealt with. But these people were also responsible for her dad's death. His death still gnawed at her heart after all this time. They had to pay.

Dan would just have to understand. Realistically, her and Daryl were the only people capable of handling this situation. Sure, Glenn and Maggie could help. They'd survived since the beginning of the turn. They weren't helpless. But Maggie was pregnant. She didn't need to be putting herself or her baby at risk. And Glenn needed to stay alive for Maggie. Out of everyone in the group, her and Daryl were the most disposable. She laughed at the thought. No way would she use that argument on Dan or her brother! Her mother could help. But she needed to heal. Her and Daryl could do some reconnaissance while she healed, then the three of them could take the group out. Giving up for the day, Judith headed back to the group. The sun was nearing the horizon when she walked into the new community. A fire was already going in the center. She saw Dan immediately. Dropping the kill off with Maggie to skin and skewer, she walked over to Dan. He enveloped her in a hug, pressing a kiss against her temple.

"I'm really glad you're back," he whispered into her hair.

"I'm glad to be back," she whispered back, knowing she'd be leaving again soon. The doubt and concern must have been in her voice. Dan pulled back to look into her eyes.

"You're going back out." It wasn't a question.

"Yeah. Have to."

"Why?"

"The group who did Hilltop was part of a larger group. Much larger. Daryl and I are gonna need to scope it out. These people pose a threat to us."

"Why you?"

"Who else? Daryl and I are the best trackers. Anyone else would get in the way."

"Including your mom?"

"She needs to heal. I'm sure she'll join us once she's better."

"I don't want you to go."

"I know. I'd really like to not have to go. I wish this situation wasn't here. But it is. These people are responsible for my dad's death and they're a threat to our community. They have to be dealt with. Unfortunately, I happen to be one of the best qualified to do something about it."

"I know." He heaved a heavy sigh. "When will you leave?" Judith shrugged.

"Probably first thing in the morning."

"So soon?"

"We have to take care of this as soon as possible." Dan nodded. Judith saw Daryl approaching them. "I need to talk to him real quick."

"I'll go get us a spot. Come sit with me for dinner?" She smiled up at him.

"Of course." She watched Dan walk away for a minute before turning to Daryl. He was scowling.

"Talked to your mom," he said, chewing on the side of his thumb.

"And?" Judith prompted when he didn't immediately continue.

"She won't tell me anything."

"Why not? We need to take care of this."

"Swhat I said. She insists on going with us. So she won't tell me nothing until she's well enough to come with." Judith cursed softly under her breath. "Watch that mouth, Lil Asskicker." She smirked at him.

"I'll talk to her later. We gotta keep at her. Or go blind."

"Don't like that idea."

"Me either. But she knows I'd do it. So maybe it'll make her talk."

"Maybe. I'm gonna bring her dinner. Sit and talk to her again. We'll see." Judith nodded, watching him walk away. Frowning, she turned to look at Dan. He was sitting on the ground away from the group, two plates of food in front of him. Walking over, she sunk down beside him. Grabbing her plate, she began eating.

"Everything okay?" he asked, noticing her mood.

"Dunno. Mom's being difficult."

"She doesn't want you going out again. It's what moms do. They worry."

"I guess. We'll go out anyway, though. Would just rather have her input, is all."

"Still planning on leaving in the morning?" She saw the hope burn in his eyes. Swallowing down the regret, she answered him.

"Yeah, I think so." He looked slightly crestfallen, but perked up immediately.

"We'll just have to make the most of tonight," he said with a smile.

"You're okay with this? You don't hate me?" She asked. Fear trembled in her heart, waiting for his answer.

I would love some feedback from any of you who reads this. If you have an ideas or suggestions, throw them out to me! This chapter was a little hard, because I was trying to figure out where to go with it. I think I have the next few chapters figured out, but I'll need to come up with more problems for the community and Judith if I wanna keep this going. So if you have any ideas, please let me know! Thanks guys!