Blue Kitsune: Hey gang welcome back to another Through the Shadow I Rise, as today is Halloween and I know readers love a good old treat, I decided to post the next chapter for you and hope you enjoy. Also again give thanks to my beta friend Melrose437 who fix the issues but all and all Read and Review!

Also, the Animagus Poll, don't forget to vote on what two (three if I get enough votes)

Thestral – 2

Nundu – 1 (but might change to another creature if anyone thinks it could be different as long as it has four paws and is strong)

Dragon – 4 (0 Hebridean Black/ 1 Norwegian Ridgeback/ 1 Peruvian Vipertooth/ 2 Hungarian Horntail)

Phoenix - 1

Disclaimer: Blue Kitsune does not own Walking Dead or Harry Potter, just the right to this story and the reverse gender of Harley (Harry) Potter

Chapter 02:

Nothing Beats a Good Ol' Fashion Reunion With A Side of Much Needed Smackdown…

Coming up on a few hours passing since they left the overpopulated walker infested city, it left them outside the vicinity while they continued to place as much distance as possible between them and there. The sun was setting right in front of them, turning the sky a rosy-orange as they drove along the windy trail of open roads. Merle was in the passenger seat beside her, their stomachs now full of good food and he took this opportunity just to sit back and enjoy the ride with his new lady companion. Well, she and the others on board what she liked to call the 'Marauder's Legacy' which made him crack a smile at such title, knowing that it would seem weird to christen their RV with a name.

Though Merle had to admit, the way this thing seemed to almost glide with sheer velocity like some sturdy vessel at sea with her at the steer, controlling this steel beast on the open road.

He glanced at her from the corner of his eyes, seeing her looking out ahead after he told her to keep on heading straight as that was where the camp should be as long, as they hadn't up and packed yet. Though Merle doubted Daryl would leave until he had a chance to come looking for him and hoped that once he got there that he still was still in camp, along with that cockeye sheriff and black asshole.

He had a few choice words to say on the matter as well as give them a boot to the gut for the sheer hell of it. They didn't talk much other than to make a few comments if he asked something or said anything just because it was too darn quiet for his taste. Not wanting to put the radio as he doubts anything would be on other than static to hear. The owl, Hedwig what kind of name was that he thought to himself, made to take its place behind Harley, sitting on top the headrest and turning her head now and then to glance at Merle, watching him with narrow beady eyes.

Out of everyone in here, that annoying creampuff was one to hold a grudge and not that he would apologize for calling it a flying rat. If anything, he was the one who got the brunt of the exchange thanks to those fucking claws of hers and swearing to himself as he saw Hedwig digging them now just to let him know she'd do it again too if she got the chance.

"So, any ideas how far this clinker can go for without running out of fuel?" He had his eyes on the gauge but noticed that the meter hadn't changed while she was behind the wheel.

She shrugged, "Got enough to get us to wherever we need to be. I made sure to get some in before I found you." That was the most extended thing she said to him. He figured that they were fortunate to have gas still since they still had some ways to go to get to the camp.

"Huh, you don't say?" he shrugged seeing it was getting quite dark and knowing it would be better to start again fresh in the morning. It seems Harley thought the same herself as she pulled up to the side and went to turn the engine off. "So, ready to call it a night then?"

He was and having to stifle a yawn that he had though turning to her and giving her a wink, "Sure am darling, I swear that bed up there is good, but I'm sure the company is even better with you in it." She gave an unladylike snort in his direction, "Get your mind out of the gutter there you dirty old perv, just because I only have one bed, doesn't mean I'm letting you try anything with me in it. Trust me I won't hold back to take you out or tie you down if I have to."

"Easy there, honey, I'm not the kind to go forcing myself onto a woman unless she wants me to." Harley rolled her eyes and then went to go to grab some clothes before heading to the bathroom. With the door shut and most likely locked for her own given privacy, Merle took the chance to lie back and turned to the other company in the room, that mutt Siri was it? But it was close enough he thought to himself.

"So what do you think there bud, she interested or what?" The dog said nothing, just gave him a deadpan stare before trotting to where his mate was and cuddling up to her.

"Figures." So much for man's best friend but since it wasn't his dog he let it go, though would have been nice to have a guy siding with him. He heard the door open and saw Harley coming out, wearing a blue-silver jersey that fell to her hips and saw the tell-tale skimpy short under them. She saw he was staring at her and crossed her arms before saying, "Don't get any funny ideas in your head about this. These are my good pair, and I prefer not wearing the heavy kind of nights like these."

Plus, she wasn't one to give a damn about anyone seeing her in these and figured that Merle would keep his grubby hands to himself. But just in case, she had used a compulsion charm which would see to it he didn't try anything while she slept.

"I said nothing." He held his hands in mock defense but saw her roll her eyes at him, "There's an extra toothbrush for you to use and some sweats I left in there. Figured you'd want to go and take care of your own business in there if any."

"Well much obliged then. Can't help wishing I could do something to return this wonderful hospitality you're giving here." He got up and walked to use the bathroom to relieve himself before seeing the pants that she left for him. He hadn't guessed she would carry around men's dud unless she had a fella in her life but had seen no evidence that indicated she had any before he showed up which kept getting stranger and stranger in his book.

"Whatever maybe she was hoping for some nookie-nookie somewhere and finding the only person 'sides myself wasn't her idea of a romantic hookup." Ah well like he said he wasn't going to put any pressure on her unless she was interested in having some fun. Besides he was sure tomorrow they'd reach camp and see where that goes.

He took the chance to brush his teeth and then slapped water to his face before he exited and went to join her upstairs.

She was lying on the right side with her back to him and barely stirred as he came over and slid in beside her. The lamp was near him and moving to switch it off before lying down with his head hitting the pillow and close his eyes to the sudden darkness.

He didn't know how long he was asleep for but Merle had been something of a light sleeper, especially when one had to worry about any intrusion in camp. At first, he went to reach for his gun before waking Daryl but when he felt nothing there and scowling as he realizes this wasn't his tent and the person next to him wasn't his brother.

He listens, finding it wasn't the shuffling groaning that he used to hear from those undead fucks, no the sound was of someone crying out, terrified and hurt and realizing it was coming from Harley beside him.

"…Get him, he only just gone through…." He turns to see Harley whimpering to herself, whispering yet being so close could make out what she was saying. It seems she was in the throes of a bad dream as she had her face all scrunch up and was gripping the sheets tightly in her hand. He could see the knuckles turn white and her body shaking as she seems to be struggling with whatever nightmare she was having.

"We have to get him, we-we can't leave him…" A single fat tear rolls down her cheek and saw another joining it and landing on the pillow below her. Merle had no idea what to do considering he wasn't sure what to think other than doing what he did when Daryl was a brat and sneak into bed when he had a case of the night terrors.

Damn me and my stupid conscience. Merle made to slowly reach out, putting his hand on Harley's shoulder and trying to wake her but she wasn't budging. "Hey hey wake up, it's not real, it's a dream, c'mon."

Usually, that did the trick, but he saw it didn't so it look like it was time for plan B then. He just hoped she wouldn't freak and as he pulled her towards him, holding her gently and waiting until the shivers had mellowed out some and her breathing became less shallow.

Well that work, he wasn't sure if he should let go but then found she had moved to press herself against him and snuggling her head into his bare chest. He could feel the soft mounds under that shirt and had her groin near his clothed pelvis region.

So close and breathing in that sweet scent that was lingering on her, her hair like lilac and some other flowery essence that girls like to use. He never did understand why they go overboard with their perfumes but Harley, her scent was all hers and having to resist the urge to moan as she leaned into him like that.

Jesus hop-popping Christ, he was not sure whether this was intentional or this being some test to try his ever-growing patience on the matter. But judging by the serene look on her face and guessing she wasn't aware of it, so he decided to let it slide for now.

Merle had to keep mini Merle under control knowing that was damn near impossible as it was like trying to prevent a dam from overflowing when he had a hot babe like Harley rub up against him in his arms.

He had to keep his thoughts to a bare minimum, hoping she doesn't try to grind up like that and to have her wake to morning wood right there.

Think non-sexy thoughts, think of old granny's in their bathing suits, think of ugly face bitches that forget to shave themselves down there or had crabs in their bushes...

Merle kept doing this until he felt the blood flow start to wane and knew he would be flaccid and not tempted to try anything else unless he thought of something else to provoke the beast down below.

He made to close his eyes while trying not to let the feeling of her body get to him though it was wishful thinking on his end.

Damn this was going to be a looong night. Merle inwardly moaned while going to lie and tried to catch some much-needed z's while Harley remained unaware as she was having no more bad dreams that evening.

~W~A~L~K~I~N~G~D~E~A~D~H~A~R~L~E~Y~P~O~T~T~E~R~

Merle woke to something in the air smelling good and opened his eyes, wiping the sleep out of them, though came to regret it a few seconds later as he saw the owl hovering over him, staring before squawking loudly, "Ween! Ren!"

"Great just you now shoo, get!" He tried to ignore her, but the bird kept making that hissy fit noise, almost like an annoying alarm clock and finally had just about enough of her.

Merle chucks the pillow at the owl which missed by a couple of inches and swore the bird was laughing as he got up and groans while moving to stretch his arm, hearing them make that popping sound as he did.

Damn flying nuisance, he was cursing to himself as he stood up and went to go downstairs.

He saw Harley in the kitchen cooking by the stove with some slice of toast frying in the pan with butter on them.

She must've taken a shower, seeing her looking clean and refreshed with her hair still slightly wet and slicked back as it was. She wore the same jeans as before but with a black cropped top with a rock band emblem though never heard of these 'Weird Sisters' yet too busy eying the V-neck that gave him a good eyeful or the small piercing around her navel, a silver stud with an emerald to match her eyes.

Her hair was pulled up into a messy ponytail and saw she was humming and recognize the song to be one of Aerosmith's. He stood there listening to her sing 'Dream on' while she whipped the oatmeal and threw a couple of berries into the mix.

That song was one of his all-time favorites as well his brother's while growing up as Daryl love hearing Steven Tyler bleating out and probably memorized the words to every song ever written by him. She must've heard him coming as she turns around to find Merle by the last steps, scratching his head and muttering about stupid birds and such.

"Looks like someone woke up finally, hope you're in the mood for some breakfast though I'm about finished here we do have some toast and jam all set up."

"Yeah, fucking starving I could go for some grits and cooked chicken if you don't mind deep-frying that fatty over there." He gestured to the perched Hedwig eating some bread scraps on her perch. He grabbed an empty mug that was sitting out to dry and poured a fresh cup of joe that she had laid out brewing over the stove.

Taking a small sip and then sitting down in the empty booth while she went to grab two bowls and carried the food towards the table.

He noted that the others were already digging in their chow as Sirius and Remy munching away while the pups were sharing what looked like a giant pan eating their food she laid out for them to share.

Hedwig was gobbling something down, swallowing it in one gulp and Merle saw was a rodent she caught when she went outside that morning. She was a predator by avian nature that like her food to be a little bit alive and wiggly.

Merle gave the owl a deadpan look before saying, "If you are trying to put me off my food, think again, birdbrain."

Hedwig squawked seeming miffed as if that tactic was supposed to make him queasy. She would have to do better than that to throw Merle off his game.

Harley was letting her coffee cool while taking a couple of small bites of her breakfast and looking to Merle who went to do the same as he much at the piece of toast with the strawberry jam she had set out for them. "So how much further you think we are from this camp of yours?"

Merle swallowed his coffee and thought it over, seeing how it took them six hours to get to that town, an hour and a half just to rummage that department store and guessing that with how far they got last night, maybe two, two and a half give or take. "Still got ways to go sugar but we'll get there no worries. Though you better let me do the talking for ya sugar."

"Why thank you but I'm a big girl, and I can very well handle myself no worries."

When they finished and Harley was busy putting the dishes away, Merle went to hop in the shower to get cleaned up. He was not one to complain about washing up at the lake with the other dudes back at camp, though bathing in icy water and having his balls freeze was not something he wanted.

He stepped under the nozzle, taking in the room temp spray and proceed to scrub his body and hair with the non-scented soap she had in there.

He saw to it to be quick about the shower before changing into his old duds and coming out to see she was ready to get back on the road again. They were making some good progress on the way, but within an hour of driving, Harley saw something that got her attention given that they should be the only ones on the highway.

"Hey what's that?" He saw it too, another vehicle coming down on the other lane and getting a better look, saw it was a massive white van and recognizing it to be one of theirs. Merle had a guess and saw that it as a good chance it was them and turn to Harley to let her know.

"Heh, looks like the Cavalry has arrived. Slow it down there would ya, don't want them to pass us yet." He grumbled out.

She did, putting the brakes on and killed the engine. They saw the other vehicle doing the same until they were just a few inches from each other on opposite sides.

Merle got out first and with a wide grin on his face as he took in who was there and coming out as well, "Well well lookie who it is, howdy sheriff, I bet you weren't expecting to see little old me now were you?"

He could take from their gobsmack states that they were surprised and a bit relieved to see he was alive. Before the sheriff or any of the others could say anything, they heard the back of the van open, and another came out and walked towards the front.

This one had short light brown hair and had a bit of a scruffy beard on his chin and lip, wielding a crossbow in hand and marching towards the Sheriff with a ticked off look on his face.

"Hey what's the damn hold up here, what you got to take a goddamn piss or something?" He seems both confused yet very much exasperated, wondering why they stopped before he saw Merle who couldn't help giving him a cocky grin when he noticed him there.

"Hey Darylina, didn't expect to see you among this sorry posse? Now, how's about a hug for your big brother."

Daryl said nothing though didn't need to as he had run over and was giving him a tight bear hug as he was glad to see him alive and in one piece. After the two brothers got the chance to enjoy this short-lived reunion, Daryl stepped back and had to ask what the hell happen.

"They told me you were still in Atlanta, that darn son of a bitch said they left you cuffed on the roof so how did ya escape and when?"

"Yeah about that, I'd like you to meet the person who saved my bacon." He put his arm around Daryl's shoulder and forcing him to turn and see Harley leaning halfway out of the driver's window staring at the two brothers and gave a half-hearted salute when she saw them looking her way.

"This hot piece of ass here goes by the name of Harley; you know like— "

"A Harley Davidson yeah we get it, thanks for the obvious ref there Merle. I'll be sure to remember that next time, cause the next person who asks who you are, I'm going to call you 'old perverted geezer who can't keep his yap zipped for the life of him, ' and we see how you'd like that." Harley quipped from her place in the Rv.

Those that were staring at this newcomer, 'Harley' and surprise that Merle instead of giving her any crass for it just said, "Well honey you can call me whatever you like as long it's from your sweet lips to my ears. You know you can't resist me."

Harley put her hand on her right forearm while lifting her fist to him, "Up yours."

He laughed again, and everyone could swear that the two seem to be flirting or mostly Merle as he seems to like to rile her up with his words, though Daryl could tell she wasn't too bothered and she gave as good as he did in return.

Usually, a woman would have just slapped Merle and then huffed away, cursing him while leaving a red handprint on his face to remember her by instead of her number.

He then turns his attention to her, trying to understand better why Merle seems taken by this young woman. He saw her shaking her head and rolling her eyes at him as she sensed he was just teasing her just for the hell of it.

Rick was glad to see that Merle was okay, though more concerned about getting the weapons that were still back in the city. Even though the two brothers were okay now, he had to bring everyone back to the critical matter at hand.

"Well it's good to find you are all right but unfortunately we can't head back to camp, not yet anyway cause we have to go and get the guns that are there and bring them back with us."

Harley had hopped out of the motorhome and hearing what they were talking about and turned her focus to the sheriff and the others.

"Hmm, you mean that large burlap sack with all the firearms we found lying out in the open before we left? I was wondering what to do with all them, though was probably going to use them to take out any walkers that got in my way if the Marauder here didn't plow them over."

She stroked the side of her vehicle inwardly smirking, thinking she needed to thank her 'friends' who had the good sense to pick up whatever was left in that area and bring it back to her before she had it stashed away in the other compartment before bringing Merle aboard.

"You have my guns." Harley's green eyes zoom in on him and cross her arms over her chest, lifting her breast just a smidge and those noticing she wore no bra under her top but didn't need the support, to say the least on the matter.

"Technically they're my guns since they were left out in the open and given that nine-tenth is the law around here and there was no name tag to dictate they belong to you in any way, in layman's terms anyone who finds gets to keep the said property."

"In other words finders keepers your loss sheriff!" Merle couldn't help himself as he relishes the look on Rick's face and feeling some small sense of satisfaction even though he had not known that she found them or had them in her home the last he checked.

So, either he didn't look that hard enough, or maybe she had a secret compartment with them and other supplies. He was half tempted to ask though considering she might not want to tell him after she caught him snooping in her studies yesterday. Plus he didn't want the others to hear and only trusted Daryl to keep his mouth shut as just his brother knew to do so.

But still, he was intrigued to know, same as the sheriff as he looked like he was startled to find out someone beat him to the punch. If it had been Merle, he wouldn't be giving them any, except for Daryl as blood was thicker than water and the rest could fend for themselves or get bent as he preferred the latter in any case.

Rick was starting to get aggravated but tried to go about this as calmly as possible as he didn't want there to be any fighting amongst them as he seen enough before and knew how the last one turns out.

"Look frankly I don't want to start any problems, and I think it would be better if we just try to resolve this as we shouldn't be going against one another since we share the same dilemma."

Harley seems to understand what he was getting at, but then she was also still a bit on edge as she thought of earlier. She removes the glasses and places them on top her head, making everyone see her eyes staring at the lot of them.

"Hmm, you don't say but let me ask you this: what kind of sheriff in all his infinite knowledge decides to leave a man cuffed on a roof, especially where the sun is high in the sky and is a blistering 79 degree.

If the Walkers didn't get him first, heatstroke would have, and frankly, you would have to live with that on your conscience though then I would wonder if you do have one as I wouldn't have let my worst nemesis die like that!"

"Look it wasn't his fault, I drop the key and we—" But T-Dog immediately found himself having to back away when Harley turn her eyes on him. He flinches and taking a step back and was behind Glenn who didn't approve being his meat shield from a very agitated Harley who looks like she wanted to pop him one in the face.

The only ones not bothered were the Dixon as Daryl could understand where she was coming from on the matter. He too had felt the same ire she had back at camp and now someone else giving them a tongue lashing which he thought was intense coming from such a firecracker like herself even though she barely knew his brother but still…

Merle, on the other hand, was somewhat enjoying this as this was the best goddamn entertainment he had for a long while. She was indeed giving them bastards two four and knew that she was not one to pull punches on them.

"…and considering you could have done something that wouldn't have left him a sitting duck. Yeah, you thought that by locking the door to keep the walkers from getting to the roof was smart, but you also unintentionally trapped him on the roof with no way to get back down."

Also, it doesn't take a genius to figure that it would only take a dozen or more walkers to break it down.

She looked at each man in turn who thought of what she said and realizing in a way she was right that it could happen and feel more guilt weight down on them than before.

"Oh here's another scenario: suppose he did get the cuff off, by say amputating his hand and then having to find an alternate escape. The way it goes would lead him back down to those waiting for him like a bunch of hungry sharks that gets the scent of blood and then be a feeding frenzy right there. And even if he hadn't, he's bleeding, and he won't make it back to camp in his condition, so what then? Hmm, can anyone tell me what will happen to him in this case?"

Seeing her words had finally hit head-on, she was ready to make the final stretch.

"Now from what I understand you guys don't see eye to eye, but I'm assuming out of you lot, they're the only ones who know how to hunt and track game around here better than anyone else. And I imagine they also take care of those Walkers since most of you don't look like the kind who do this for a living I imagine. But if any of you ever and I mean ever consider thinking of doing what you did to anyone else, you better pray I don't find out because trust me you will not like it at all is that clear!"

With her little piece said, she walked back to lean against her RV and shot a glance over to Merle, letting him take the floor. She could tell her speech had made a profound impact as the sheriff still reeling over her words and she giving him food for thought on what kind of situation they left Merle in.

Having someone other than his wife give that sort of argument like that and also realizing that he had endangered one of these people who were in the same boat as him.

For Christ sake, he was a sheriff whose sworn duty was to serve and protect and shouldn't have done what he did back there.

And in some sense, he had caused that bit of ruckus showing up without being aware of how hazardous it was and that he might have died back there if not for them saving his life.

"Look I'll say I wasn't trying to do you harm, but you were kinda out of control and even though it wasn't our intention to leave you like that. Perhaps we could make up for it and let bygones be bygones."

He hated to admit that she was right and if any of those likely events he would have to live with the knowledge that he left a man to die. Rick was a man of the law, and even with all the crazy shit, he should have taken the higher road and be the better man.

Merle wasn't buying into it but figure it was the best he could get out of the bastard although he would have loved to knock his teeth out some.

"Fine but I demand me and my brother get to pick some weapons for ourselves, same for sweetcheeks here as she was the one who did most of the work getting this stuff for ya and would be unfair that she didn't get a share of the booty."

He turns to Daryl and finding he had no problem with that considering she saved his brother's life, and they owe it to her to get something out of this. Rick found that there was no room for arguments and turning to where Harley was and nod to her, "That sounds rather reasonable, Miss Harley?"

"It's Black to you and yes just give me a sec to go and get them." She disappeared into the RV, leaving the group to turn to Merle who stood there smirking before T-Dog had to say, "Hey look, about what happened, you know it wasn't done on purpose, and I'm—"

"Nigga just shut up and keep as far from me, so I don't have to pound you in the ugly face again 'cause trust me I'm tempted to if anything."

Merle would have done so if not for the way Harley handle the situation and having watched her rip into these pussies, seeing what a bunch of limp dicks they were with their tails between their legs while she came down hard on them and not afraid to show some bite to it.

Women can be downright scary when they want to be that was downright true but Harley, she was not one to hold back on anything and found he kinda dig that in a woman. Seeing a gal with a fiery personality and was not one to give a damn what others think. Harley seems the type to be able to take on the big boys without minding that she got her hair out of place or break a nail.

That was the sort of women the Dixon liked best: a wild spark that was quick on her feet and smart as a whip.

Nothing else was said as Harley came back out with the loot, all the guns there and ammo included.

"Anything else Sheriff or is this the part where you ask me to bend over and allowed you frisk my ass." She was only teasing but watching the man bluster and flushed along with the others who were now eyeballing her for good measure, probably thinking she was on the same crack as Merle.

But Harley was not far from the finish as she was putting the man off his game and using it to get back at him for Merle.

"You can't always be too sure Sheriff, and you look like you want to see that I'm not packing any other heat on me other than my girls here. But oh don't worry I promise these won't bite although I wouldn't try the one downstairs cause the last guy who tried to cop a feel, wound up getting his family jewels remove via a spork and then shove up his ass."

Okay, that last bit may have been exaggerating as it wasn't a spork but a piece of wood with a specific severing charm she came up with that ends up having not just his jewels but his dick lodge in the attacker's throat thanks to that handy spell she perfected for such an occasion. It was pretty resourceful as it kept many of the others from taking that as soon as word spread on what she did and that many males tend to back off from a girl when she castrates a male's prize possession and ensures that they can't be put back on or grown again via magic.

Merle couldn't hold it back any longer; he was gasping for air as he saw the look on Rick's face and now the color of a sundried tomato. Same with that Chinese kid who couldn't help it as he saw her showing them off in such a manner that no decent woman would consider, but Harley was not what you would call normal and hear Merle chuckle in the background made her smile inwardly.

"You, oh you're a riot to have around you!" Daryl said nothing though was smirking as he saw Officer Friendly looking to be in an awkward position and finding he was being put in place by this newcomer just then. She let them drop before crossing her arms to lean against her vehicle as she watched them from the side.

Rick was slightly taken aback by her affront and overwhelming attitude but finding that he didn't want to cause any more issues. Especially after what happen yesterday now in their heads and doubt Merle would let them leave her behind and they would be dead right. He would give them hell as he liked being around her and sure his brother would do the same siding with him.

Rick was scratching his head sheepishly even though the blush had yet to diminish as of yet. "Um it's just, well you're not from around here are you?"

Harley had to keep from rolling her eyes hearing that rhetorical question was thrown out in the blue and even Merle had to think that was the most stupid question to ask given the rather obvious as anyone could tell that she wasn't a local from her accent.

"Yeah, I was born outside these waters but I'm a US citizen, been one for three years here and that's it." She wasn't ready to talk about her previous life back home, and the two brothers caught on the way she held herself and her eyes turning flat it told them that she was hiding something. She lifted the bag and slung it over her shoulder, even though Rick was about to say they could take them off her hands.

"No, I think I'll keep a hold on them seeing that I rather think of it as my guarantee that you don't try anything as you did with ole' Merle here."

Before Rick could say something, swearing they would not do such a thing, but Harley would not have any of that.

"Think of this as an insurance policy for not just me but the Dixon here. I don't go out of my way to waste getting nothing but to show I'm a good sport, you can take a couple with you, along with ammo but the rest I hold onto in the meantime."

Nobody made any further comments, seeing that there was no point trying to renegotiate as Harley was watching and so were the Dixon with Daryl standing beside his brother with his quiver drawn and showing he would shoot first before they could fire.

While Rick and the others were getting back in their vehicle, Daryl walked over to where Harley and Merle were as they were heading for the RV.

"Hey, any chance I could bum a ride with you instead of them. No offense but I'm still mighty miffed by what they did to my brother and figure you know that shit."

Plus, he wanted to be sure if this Harley chick wasn't going to try anything even though it seems Merle was okay but if he so much as indicates she was trouble, best to give him a hand.

Harley didn't see any problem and shrug, "Sure hop in, there's always room on the Marauder just hope you don't mind the company back there, but I suggest you stand outside for a minute?" She saw the younger brother blink and seem perplexed by what she said and somewhat confused by what she was asking him to do.

"Um, why?" Merle could see where this was going and said nothing while watching as his brother opens the door and see two huge wolves that were standing guard at the entrance and looking at him with sudden wariness as they note the person that was trying to get in.

Daryl stare at them, feeling a lump come up in his throat then turning to Merle who gave him a 'Don't look at me, she's the one with the motorhome,' glance before having his focus onto Harley herself.

Just then something flew out, and Daryl felt it landed on his shoulder and turning his head to find Hedwig staring at him with a steely look in her eyes.

Now, this had to be the weirdest thing that ever happens to a Dixon before which was by far the strangest in Daryl's book. He found himself having a staring contest with the snowy bird, assuming it was trying to judge him and see if he was worthy of boarding the RV.

He thought it ridiculous but then given this he doubts he would be let on unless she gave the final vote on the matter. He didn't break eye contact while using his one hand to slip into his pocket and pull out the piece of meat he'd been saving and holding it out for her to see.

"Hey, sweet thing want some squirrel jerky?" That seems to do the trick as Hedwig zoom in on the tasty morsel in his grasp and before he could blink, snatched it with her claw and gobbles it down in two bites. As soon as Hedwig had finished eating before turning her attention to him once again, Daryl then saw her gaze no longer full of suspicion but now saw her reaching out to rub her face against his cheek, head-butting to show her full on appreciation.

"Ah…your welcome?" Harley who had witnessed the whole thing and saw Daryl had made a good impression on her familiar and knew was going to come to him for more of those if he had any.

Harley reached to pet Remy who step aside and then looking once more to the other Dixon brother who turns his focus to her and saw Harley was watching him as well.

"You don't have to worry about these two; it's Hedwig you have to be watchful with cause if anyone tries to do me harm, then they'll have to face her wrath and trust me she's not one to hold back for no one. Just ask Merle here?"

"You got that right…" He grunted still smarting over that encounter and not too pleased that the bird was cozying up to his brother just like that. Daryl thought that explained some things, noting the new scar on his older brother's cheek but then witnessing Hedwig who spun her head and hissed, showing she held great contempt for him and the feeling was mutual from Merle's side.

Daryl somewhat amused yet making a mental note not to do anything to piss the bird off considering he hates to wind up like his brother or worse, especially with those two watchdogs standing there ready to attack.

Good thing there was also some leftover meat and always carries it on his person when he needs to.

Daryl felt the owl take off and realizes he's allowed to come aboard. He shot another glance in Harley's direction, seeing Hedwig on her shoulder and she reached to stroke her chest before getting inside.

He had to admit there was something about her that sorta perk his interest just a notch and in a way. It was kinda refreshing to be with someone who wasn't as a total nuisance like those at camp.

Her given attitude show she was not one to take shit lying down and also seem like she might have the guts to take on the Walkers unlike the girls at camp who just look like they'll shriek and faint and leave it to the men to take care of business.

He stepped inside the RV and Merle joining him before shutting the door behind them while Harley got up in the driver's seat ready to move on out as soon as the truck ahead made a U-turn and went to follow right behind them towards camp.

Blue Kitsune: Well I hope you all enjoy that and keep on reviewing and I'll be sure to post a new one when you guys show the love. Again Happy Halloween to all those alive as well as Undead! BWAHHHAAHAHA!