A/N: As a warning, I have a week left before I'm away for holidays for a fortnight, so as of Saturday, no updates. But hey, if I get inspired you have a few days yet. :) I just don't know what the hell to do!

12.

Daryl felt like shit.

Not just physically, but the fact that Carl was out there drawing walkers away while he was laid up there like a pussy, taking care of the baby.

And the truth was, he couldn't do anything to help Carl.

He heard rustling and Carl quickly emerged from the trees. He rushed over to them, looking worried. "I managed to lose them but probably not for long. We need to go."

"You need to go."

"We have to go, Daryl."

"Take your sister and go. Back towards the prison. If anyone's looking for us, you gotta head that way."

"We're not going without you."

"Kid, I'm gonna slow you down. ..."

"I'm slow..."

"I'll get you killed. I can't save Judith, but you can. And you have too."

"You're not just giving up..."

"I'll head back to the car. I can't make it on foot. But if I have to lay low for a bit, wait for a chance before I get out of here, then I can do that. But I can't keep up the pace. Guv'nor messed me up inside and it's hurtin' real bad. 'kay? I'll head back to the prison, and I'll meet you there, right?"

Carl nodded reluctantly. He took Judith and her bag, left Daryl with the medical supplies and Daryl watched the kid go. He disappeared into the darkness.

He left the bag of supplies on the ground as he hauled himself up, grabbing only the painkillers and swallowing a few to try and numb the pain.

He had no need for the rest of the bag.

All he needed to do was make sure Carl made it

And the only way he could do that was to draw the walkers after him.

He still had the gun Carl gave him and he fired twice, leaving a gap hoping Carl wouldn't panic and think that Daryl had taken the easy option of opting out.

He then headed back in the opposite direction to Carl.

He heard a walker growl somewhere in the darkness. "C'mon you piece of shit!" he shouted out.

oOo

Tyresse was about to head back to the others when he heard the gun shots coming from the woods.

The others could be in trouble.

Sasha and Karen would have to hold the fort. He needed to see what was happening.

oOo

Carl found a spot that was fairly secluded to rest.

The walkers had been drawn away, he quickly realised that Daryl had done that and worried that in the state he was in, Daryl wouldn't make it.

And then he remembered the flares he'd been given by his Dad.

If they were in trouble, he should set them off. He cursed himself for not remembering about it until now and grabbed them from the bag. He just had to hope that there was someone left at the prison to see the flares.

TBC

A/N: Seriously... I don't know what to do with this story... I could just kill everyone with a giant super herd? Maybe... I don't know. Your guess is as good as mine. :D