A/N So, the graphic scenes i warned you about last chapter probably won't be as bad as i originally antipated, because i don't want to lose any of my audience. i hope you guys enjoy this chapter :)

Daryl's POV

They were so close to Atlanta. Another days journey, at the most. He didn't know what they would find there, and he didn't care. Beth was there, and he'd go to hell and back if it meant he could save her.

He was hit with a sudden longing to be near the pretty blonde. There was no way to describe how she made him feel. She cast a shining light on the shadows he was surrounded by - shadows of his past, both pre and post apocalyptic. It was almost like she was protecting him, by getting him to talk about them. "If you talk about what's hurting you, you take away it's power to continue doing so," she'd told him one day after he'd told her some of his past.

He needed Beth as much as she needed him. Just hang on, Greene. I'm coming.

"Now when we get into the city, i don't know what we'll find," Earl said before they left early that morning. "We know Atlanta was overrun. What we don't know is how bad, or which areas were hit worst. Some we'll be able to rule out immediately, but others might take scouting through."

"Whatever it takes," Daryl muttered back.

"When we do find out where she is, we'll need to come up with a plan to rescue her - and Anna, if we're lucky," Emily added.

"I got a plan," Daryl told her. "Go in. Shoot anyone who tries to get in my way. Get Beth. Get out. Leave this damn place behind."

"We can't just go rushing in," Earl protested. "We can assume these men are well armed and supplied, and won't let one of their 'treasures' go without a fight."

"Alright," Daryl said. And with that the three adults, joined by Josie and Max, began the final stretch to Atlanta.

After they had walked for a few more hours, the group began to see the outskirts of the city. It was eerily silent - Daryl didn't hear any noise what so ever. At least no walkers were around - yet - to fuck up their plan.

"So, it's time to get down to specifics. How we goin' to do this?" Earl asked. "Daryl, she's your girl. It's your call."

Daryl got stuck on the words your girl. Was Beth really his? The two had grown close back at the prison, but had never really discussed their relationship. Maybe they would have if the prison hadn't been attacked, if Hershel hadn't been killed at the hands of the Governor...

Thinking of Hershel - Beth's dad - brought on a whole new bout of guilt for Daryl. Though he had not necessarily approved of the connection, Hershel trusted Daryl to take care of his baby girl. Just like he trusted Glen to care for Maggie - Beth's older sister.

I've failed them both, Daryl thought. He'd let Hershel down by letting Beth get taken, and failed Beth by not protecting her. No, that's not true, he told himself. I'm going to save that girl if it's the last thing i do. I'm not going to let her down again.

"I thought of somethin' on the way here," Daryl replied. "Everyone listen up."