Chapter 2

Daryl Perspective

Daryl glared on at the brunette in Rick's arms. He noticed on the right side of her face a thin white scar running from the bottom of her jaw, to the top of her collar bone. One thing was for sure she was fearsome, but there was also something off about her. She had called Rick brother, but it was only up close that you could now tell they were related. They had the same eyes. The fresh memory of the brunette's staring into his own brought chills down his spine. They were cold and empty when she looked at him during their little stand-off. If he'd even blinked he was sure she would've shot him. Glancing round to the numerous bodies lying around the camp he headed for his pick axe and moved to check the perimeter. He didn't want any more surprises.

...

Amber's P.O.V

Rick pulled away and placed her dog tags back in her hand. Smiling down at his sister he spoke softly, "You saved them. Thank you." Before the young soldier had a chance to answer, the wailing of a woman near an RV tore through the air. Gently patting Rick's arm she moved out of his touch. "Go be with your family Rick. We'll talk later." Rick nodded and made his way back to Lori and Carl. Glancing over to the woman, Amber watched on as she held onto a young girl's body. Cast my blue eyes down she began to wander through the camp, placing her dog tags back around her neck. Amber had no desire to stick around while they mourned. After all, she was just an outsider intruding on something so personal to them.

Climbing through the trees she retraced her steps back to her pride and joy. Still standing where she'd left it, the bike was a reassurance to her. No matter how bad things got or how much the world around her seemed to change, that bike would always be where she'd left it. Rummaging through the old backpack she started to check if there was enough ammo left, or if she would have to scavenge for more. The soldier found plenty of rifle rounds but probably needed more for the pistols soon.

...

Shane's Perspective

Once checking the perimeter of the campsite, Shane headed back into the main area of the campsite. He saw Rick making his way back to Lori and Carl, but there was no sign of the young woman who had appeared during the attack. Scanning the area he just caught a glimpse of the long haired brunette heading down the dirt track and decided to follow after her. Careful not to make any sound Shane weaved through the trees, finding her standing by her bike.

On closer inspection she seemed pretty harmless to him. She wore black skinny jeans and black army boots, along with a black leather jacket over a royal blue tank top. There was a sniper rifle slung around her back and two pistols, one at the left side of her hip and the other on her right leg. All of which were covered in blood stains. Shane moved closer, placing each step carefully before her voice made him freeze. "Can I help you?" Her voice cold as she turned around, crossing her arms in the process.

Shane rubbed the back of his neck, "Just wondered where you're going that's all."

Tilting her head to the side, she raised one eyebrow at him, "Is that right?" she questioned.

Footsteps drew their attention to Rick walking towards them. "She's a sight for sore eyes isn't she?" Rick laughs. Shane frowns before looking back to the woman, finding the same look of confusion cross her features as she stares at Rick. "You remember my sister right Shane?" Rick questioned.

Both snapped their heads to each other open mouthed. Shane studied her face but there were only the eyes that reminded him of the young girl he once knew. "What you're... little Amb?! No shit!" Shane laughed and grinned at the girl he once knew.

….

Amber's P.O.V

"Been a long time Shane. Jesus... look how old you two look!" the twenty eight year old chuckled.

"Hey less of the old! Not exactly the plump faced girl we last saw either you know." Shane teased. Her mouth dropped slightly.

"What's that supposed to mean?!" she spat as she glared at him. His eyes shone as he laughed.

Rick laughed at the bickering, a common sight when they were kids. "Come on you two, only been together a few minutes and you're already winding each other up. Shane, me and you are on watch. Everyone's turned in to get some rest. Amber you make yourself comfortable. I will need to talk to you later though, but that can wait." With a slight nod Amber started making her way towards the camp fire. The younger sibling wasn't looking forward to this talk, not one bit.

...

Getting closer to the camp fire Amber noticed the redneck slumped against one of the logs making arrows. Slowing her pace she decided to sit opposite him. Lifting her tired hands to the fire she smiled as the warmth flicked against her skin. In the corner of her eye she caught him glancing towards her before concentrating on making the arrows once again. Swallowing the lump forming in her throat, Amber wrapped her arms around her body. "I... I'm sorry, you know, about earlier, pointing my gun at you. Just caught in the heat of the moment, sort of thing." The reply came back in the form of a grunt, then a nod from the redneck. Turning her attention back to the crackling fire she closed her eyes and lifted her face towards the sky. A cool breeze swept across her face as she looked back down towards the fire. The sniper caught the redneck watching her again. Blinking at him to make sure she wasn't imagining things she smiled, "Name's Amber".

Again there was no answer as he looked back down to his arrows. Trying to ignore the awkwardness she noticed a small canister at his side. Remembering how she had stumbled across the camp in the first place she licked her parched lips. "Is that water by any chance?" she asked quietly. His eyes looked towards her instantly as she pointed to the canister at his side. He pauses for a second before throwing it over the fire. Catching the cool metal in her hands she undoes the cap. "Thanks," she said briefly before letting the cold liquid drip onto her tongue causing her toes to curl. Taking a few gulps Amber made sure to leave just over half and tightened the cap closed again.

Pursing her lips she stood and turned on the spot, looking around the camp for a place to sleep. A few feet behind the redneck she found her gaze resting upon a tree beside a tent. There weren't any bodies or blood around the area so it would be a decent enough place to get some shut eye. Walking up to the redneck Amber placed the canister down at his side. "Thanks again, I needed that."

Making her way towards the tree she heard a gruff voice, "Daryl."

The brunette paused before looking back at him, not sure if she was hearing things. He had his back to her still as he focused on his arrows. Amber smiled to herself, "Nice to meet you Daryl". Turning back and carrying on towards the tree she soldier took her rifle off at the same time. Lying against the rough bark, she placed the rifle to her side and then rested her hand on the pistol in her holster. As Amber let her mind go blank her eyes began to feel heavy before sleep eventually took over.