Hi Readers!

First of all, I am flabbergasted at how many followers and favorites I have for the story. Thank you all! I know I said I wasn't going to post over the weekend, but I guess you can't help it when the muse bug bites you. I hope you enjoy the new chapter!

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Somewhere in the end of all this hate
There's a light ahead that shines into this grave
That's in the end of all this pain

In the night ahead, there's a light upon this house on a hill
Living, living still, their intention is to kill and they will, they will
But the children are doing fine, I think about them all the time
Until they drink the wine and they will, they will, they will

Somewhere in the end we're all insane
To think that light ahead will save us from this grave
That's in the end of all this pain

In the night ahead, there's a light upon this house on a hill
Living, living still, their intention is to kill and they will, they will
But the children are doing fine, I think about them all the time
Until they drink the wine and they will, they will, they will

I am not afraid, I won't burn out in this place
My intention is to fade and I will, I will

In this house on a hill
The dead are living still, their intention is to kill and they will, they will
Keep your children safe inside, out of pocket, out of mind
Until they drink the wine and they will, they will, they will

"House on a Hill" by The Pretty Reckless

On Borrowed Time

PENELOPE POV

It was finally dark out. They had moved Quinton's body to the back of the RV, much to Penelope's relief. She didn't want to look at him constantly. She had been anxious and worried and scared, all rolled into one giant bundle of nerves. Her leg hadn't stopped bouncing up and down in hours.

"Stop," Ned whispered gently to his daughter.

He laid a hand on her knee and her leg became motionless. She shrugged her shoulders, "I can't help it."

He patted her knee reassuringly, "We'll get out of here, don't worry."

She couldn't help but grin, "Jacob always wondered where I got my optimism from, must be from you."

He chuckled as he stared at his daughter, shaking his head, "I still can't believe it; finding you like this."

Penelope reached across the table and squeezed his hand, the feel of his rough and weathered hands taking her back to when she was a little girl. He squeezed back firmly. Looking at her solemnly, Ned said, "I ain't leaving again, hummingbird."

Ned let go of her hand before quietly moving over to the door. Silently, he peeked through the window before turning back to her, "Looks like everyone's out for the night."

She tilted her head, "How can you be sure?"

Sighing, Ned returned to the table and picked up the rifle. Looking down at Penelope, he said, "I used to be with them."

Her mouth fell open, "What?!"

He held out a hand to her, trying to keep her calm, "I left days ago after I found out they were doing this shit. Point is, I know how these guys work. They may be mean sumbitches but they ain't exactly smart. 'Specially with Quinton dead."

Ned rubbed his beard in contemplation as his thoughts drifted to the younger brother, Owen, "Wonder where that little shit of a brother of his is; Owen usually ain't far away from his brother."

Penelope visibly flinched at the mention of Owen's name, and it didn't go unnoticed by Ned, "What?"

She shook her head but Ned wouldn't ignore the signs, he had seen them before, "Penelope Claire."

She laughed at the use of her full name and looked at him nostalgically, "Been a while since I heard that."

Ned cocked his head, waiting for her to speak. She played with a strand of hair, looking away from her father, "Owen's dead; I killed him."

Ned's brow shot up to his hairline, "Explain that to me, sweetheart."

When she didn't lift her head, Ned reached out and tilted her chin up, "Come on now."

She sighed, "I was with a man named David and two boys, Travis and Ben. Owen raided our camp and…was sending me back to his camp with some men…"

Ned breathed harshly through his nose, his hand gripping his rifle tightly, "And?"

"I managed to get away and went back to camp for the others. We almost got away but Owen saw us. He started choking me and…touching me….I shot him."

Ned reached out and touched her cheek, rubbing his thumb against her skin, "I'm sorry."

She reached up and laid her hand over his, "I survived."

"And you'll survive this," Ned said firmly.

She nodded, "I know."

Ned lowered his hand and adjusted his rifle, "I want you to stay here until I get your friends."

She jumped to her feet only to stumble against the table, her banged up leg sending pulses of pain down to her toes. She fell forward and leaned on her good hand. Ned looked at her concerned, "How long you've been like this?"

She sighed, "Few days."

"You got any meds in you? Anything for infection?" he asked concerned.

She hesitated but shook her head, "No."

Ned looked down at her thigh and could see she was bleeding through the bandage. He knelt down and lifted the bandage to look underneath. Penelope yelped and pushed his hand away, but he still saw the signs of infection; red swelling around the wound and discharge.

He looked up at her, "Honey, we have to get this taken care of."

She shook her head, "We have to get the others first; besides, I don't have any medical supplies."

Ned growled before rising to his feet, "Then I best get to it then."

Penelope moved to stand but Ned firmly pointed down at the seat, "You sit your butt down, Penelope Claire."

She fell back down into the seat and held her hands up defensively, "Fine! I'll stay here."

He gave her a smirk and said, "You can be my lookout."

She rolled her eyes, "Fine Daddy."

Ned gave her one final look before heading for the door, looking through the window once more, "Be ready to run, baby girl."

She nodded, "Be ready to keep up, old man."

Ned chuckled, "Smartass."

LEE POV

He stood against the wall as he watched the others around the room. Clementine sat on the floor with Duck, both kids silent as they huddled together. Carley was sitting at the table with Katjaa, talking quietly with worried expressions on their faces. Kenny stood next to his wife, arms crossed as he glared over at Lee. Lee looked away from him, knowing the man was still angry at him for siding with Penelope and Ben. Across the room, Lilly sat on the bed, staring over at her father who was pounding on the door, screaming.

"OPEN THIS FUCKING DOOR! LET US OUT! OPEN THIS DOOR!"

"Dad!" Lilly cried out, giving her father a pleading look, "Calm down."

Larry turned around and pointed at Ben accusingly, "This is all your fault! You brought those people here!"

Ben, sitting on the floor next to the bed, jumped to his feet and stepped back as Larry advanced on him, holding his arms out defensively as he looked at Larry with fright, "W-What? No! We were trying to get away from them!"

Mark stepped towards Ben, pulling him back away from Larry, "Back off man! He's just a kid!"

Larry pointed his sausage-like finger in Mark's face, "You stay out of this, asshole!"

Lee pushed off the wall and stood next to Mark, keeping Ben behind them. Looking up at Larry, Lee said, "Leave him be, man. All this fighting isn't going to do us any good. We have to work together."

Kenny scoffed and turned to him, a look of accusation on his face, "Ha! Working together? You and your buddy Mark sided with two strangers over your own group! Now you want us to work together?!"

Carley rose from her seat at the table and looked at everyone with impatience, "We don't have time for this! We have got to get out of here! They're going to kill us!"

Lee sighed before nodding, "Carley's right. We have to find a way out of here."

"Well what do you suppose we do, Lee? The door's locked and guarded on the outside, not to mention we're on the second floor with a straight drop to the ground, so we can't climb down!"

Lee held back a comment as he looked over at Kenny. He shook his head before looking at the others, "Look around, maybe there's something in here that can help us."

Larry snarled as he approached Lee, "Like what?! There isn't a damn thing in this room that can help us!"

Lilly stood and laid her hands on her father's arm, "Dad, you have got to calm down!"

Larry looked at his daughter, "I am calm!"

The large man turned and began banging on the door again, screaming, "OPEN THIS DOOR, YOU ASSHOLES!"

Lee rolled his eyes and turned back towards Clementine when suddenly, Larry began gasping in pain. He looked at him with concern as he saw Larry grabbing his chest, a look of pain on his face, "Oh god…"

Lilly's eyes widened as she watched her father fall to the ground, "Dad!"

"Shit!" Kenny cried, rushing over to look down at Larry.

"He had a heart attack!" Katjaa cried.

Lilly fell to the floor and began pressing up and down on her father's chest rapidly, "Come on dad…"

Kenny shook his head, "He's dead."

"No he isn't!" Lilly yelled, looking up at Kenny with a heated glare, "I can bring him back!"

Clementine looked with wide, frightened eyes as she watched Lilly try and resuscitate her father. Duck, standing next to her, looked over at his own father, "Dad?"

Kenny looked over at his son with a look on concern on his face. Turning to his wife, he stared at her before his face contorted into one of anger. Looking down at Larry's unresponding body, he said, "If he's dead…"

"He's not dead!" Lilly cried once again.

Kenny turned to Lee, "You know what has to happen, Lee."

Lee felt Clementine rush to his side, burying her face against his back, clinging to his shirt. He looked at Kenny uncertainly, "Kenny…"

"Think about it. You saw that poor bastard earlier. How fast he turned!"

Lilly looked at him sharply, "What are you saying?!"

Kenny gave her a look of remorse as he said gently, "Lilly, I am truly, truly sorry…but in a few minutes, we're gonna be stuck in a locked room with a six foot, three hundred pound seriously pissed off dead guy!"

Lilly looked up from her father, glaring at Kenny, "Fuck you! We can bring him back!"

She looked at Lee, pleadingly, "Lee!"

"We'll mourn later, but right now, we have to keep him from coming back!"

Clementine cried out, "No!" as she realized what Kenny was wanting to do.

Lee laid a hand on Clementine's head softly as he turned to Kenny, "Lilly can still stave him!"

"I wish she could," Kenny said, shaking his head, "But that man is dead! You both know what happens next!"

Trying to reason with the man, Lee said, "Kenny, try and understand…"

Kenny's eyes glared heatedly at Lee, "We have got to deal with this! Remember what Ben said? We got to destroy the brain! Lee, you've got to have my back!"

Lee looked between him and Lilly before approaching Lilly, looking over her shoulder at the unmoving Larry, "Is he breathing at all?"

Lilly shook her head as she continued to push up and down on her father's chest, "I-I don't think so…"

Lee nodded as he held out his hands, "Okay, let me take over! Keep checking his pulse."

Kenny shook his head as he watched the man he called friend take Lilly's side. He turned and his eye caught the useless television resting on a dresser. Looking over at Larry, he thought of what could happen any moment.

Lee began pressing up and down on Larry's chest, counting as he did, ignoring Kenny as he starting complaining, "Are you fucking stupid, Lee? He's gonna turn! You're putting us all at risk you son of a bitch! Worthless!"

Lee barely had time to move as the heavy television set was dropped on top of Larry's head. Blood splattered across the floor and across Lilly's face as she screamed at the sight of her father's head being smashed in.

Lee looked up and saw Kenny standing there, looking down with only slight remorse, "I'm sorry…"

Jumping up, Lee stared at the man in shock, "KENNY! What the fuck?!"

"It had to be done," Kenny justified.

Lee pushed him backwards, "You don't know that!"

The loud cries coming from Clementine caused Lee to turn to her and saw her staring down at Larry in horror, her eyes streaming with tears. He knelt down in front of her and pulled her into a hug, "Don't look Clementine, don't look."

She buried her face on Lee's neck, crying loudly as the image of Larry's smashed in head was burned in her mind.

Lee pushed her back to look at her face, "Hush now, I need you to be strong. Think of something hopeful."

She sniffled, "Like what?"

"Somewhere safe, where no monsters can get you," he said soothingly.

"We're gonna get out, right?" she asked.

Lee opened his mouth to respond when the sound of something hitting the door caught everyone's attention.

"What was that?!" Ben cried out.

The door shook once again as something was thrown against it. Everyone stared at the door as the handle was jiggled.

"Get back!" Lee cried out as Carley stood too close for his liking.

Carley jumped back, along with everyone else as they stared at the door. A moment later, the door opened and the barrel of a rifle peaked through, followed by a man they hadn't seen before. He was tall with a bit of a gut. He wore jeans and a plaid shirt with a vest over it. His hair was a dull brown color with a matching beard.

The man looked at them with a stern and intimidating gaze, not saying a word as he bent down and pulled something into the room. Everyone looked on in shock as the man pulled the guard that had been standing outside into the room. From the look of it, the masked man was dead, his head tilted in an unusual angle.

The man dropped the body and nodded towards the open door, "Come on then,"

He turned and walked outside, leaving the others in the room to process what had just occurred.

"What the hell?" Kenny asked, looking at the open door.

Lee didn't wait as he grabbed Clementine and picked her up. On the way out the door, he called out, "Let's get the hell out of here!"

Lee stepped outside carefully, looking around the motel. He looked down below and couldn't help but keep Clementine from looking. Down below he saw the bodies of at least five man lying dead around the RV. They had stab wounds through the eyes.

Looking at the strange man, he held Clementine tightly as he asked, "Who are you?"

The man gave Lee a look of impatience, "We ain't got time for a meet and greet. There's still a couple of these guys around. We got to get out of here before they decide to wake up and find us standing here with our breeches down!"

The man motioned for him to follow, "Come on, we got to get down there, Penny's waiting."

Clementine looked at him wearily, "Penelope's okay?"

The man's stern face eased slightly and he gave the little girl a gentle smile, "Yeah, sweetheart."

He looked at Lee, "You coming or not?"

The man turned and silently made his way towards the stairs. Lee looked behind and saw the others slowly stepping out of the room.

"Holy shit…"Kenny said, staring down at the dead below.

Lee followed the man down the stairs, holding Clementine firmly in his arms. He could hear the others following behind. The man made for the RV and knocked before calling out, "Penny, it's me."

The door opened and Penelope looked out, a look of relief on her face at the sight of everyone standing outside the RV, "Thank god."

Everyone piled into the close quarters of the RV, shutting the door behind them. Penelope found herself being wrapped in a hug by Ben. She wrapped her arm around his neck and patted his back soothingly, "It's alright, everything's okay."

Lee turned to Kenny, "You almost had this thing running, right?"

Kenny sighed, "Yeah, but…"

"I got a truck," Kenny was interrupted by their savior.

Lee looked at the man, "You do?"

The man nodded, standing next to Penelope.

"Just who are you, man?" Kenny asked, looking at the man.

Penelope looked up at the man with a smile, "This is my dad, Ned Wise."

"Your…?" Ben asked, surprise on his face.

She nodded before wincing and touching her thigh. Ned took her by the arm and forced her sit, "You need to stay off your feet, sweetheart."

Ned turned to the group crowded around in the RV, "Truck's not far, we could make a run for it."

"Why the hell should we trust you?" Lilly suddenly asked, having been silent since her father's death only moments ago.

Ned shrugged his shoulders, "You don't. Hell, stay here and die for all I care. I'm only concerned with my daughter. But if I were you, I'd get as far away from these men as possible. They ain't the kind you want to be around."

Lee looked down at Clementine, still in his arms. He had to do what was best for her; she was all that mattered. Without hesitation, Lee looked at Ned and nodded, "We'll come with you."

"Me too," Ben said urgently.

Mark nodded as he stood next to Lee, "I'm in."

Lilly wiped at her face, her father's blood smearing slightly, "We'll leave with you, but once we're far enough, don't expect us to stay."

Ned shrugged, "Whatever lady"

Penelope turned to Ben and squeezed his arm, "You okay?"

The teenager looked down at his feet, "I guess."

Ned swung his rifle over his shoulder, "We better go before the others wake up."

Everyone began gathering supplies around the RV, anything they could find. Penelope looked out the window and could see their bags and weapons lying in a pile, "Looks like they were scavenging our stuff."

Ned looked out over his daughter's shoulder, "We'll grab it on the way."

Turning to the group, Ned said, "Let's go."

Leading the way, Ned held out his rifle as he stepped down from the RV. Penelope stepped out after him, limping and nearly tumbling down when her leg gave out. Ben, coming out behind her, steadied her, "Are you okay?"

She winced but gave him a shaky smile, "Yeah."

He let go and followed her over to the pile of supplies and weapons. Penelope spotted her bag and hatchet lying on the ground. She swung her bag over her shoulder and gripped her hatchet in her hand.

Ned came up behind her and chuckled at the sight of the hatchet, "Nice choice."

She shrugged, "You're the one who taught me how to throw one."

"That I did," he said confidently.

Everyone rushed over and began picking up bags and grabbing guns. Kenny, Mark, and Lee began sifting through the bodies of the dead raiders, searching for anything useful.

Penelope looked down and saw a small purple backpack, tossed to the side. She picked it up and looked inside. There were crayons, paper, some water, and a walkie talkie. Looking up, she saw Clementine approaching her. Smiling, Penelope held out the backpack, "This yours?"

"Yes," Clementine said as she took it from her, "Thank you."

Penelope smiled at her politeness. Ned walked over and looked down at the little girl gently, "Sorry you have to see all this, honey."

Clementine looked over at the bodies and said, "We'll be okay, right?"

Ned nodded, "Won't let anything happen to you, I promise."

Clementine gave him a small nod, "Okay."

After everyone gathered supplies, they began making their way out the gate quietly. Ned led the way across the street into the trees. Ben helped Penelope get along as she had difficulty moving with her leg. Sweat trickled down her face from exertion.

After a while, Ned stopped and said, "We're here."

Looking around, they spotted a military convoy truck in the distance. When they reached the truck, Ned helped Penelope and the children get in while the others piled into the bed of the truck.

Looking over at Penelope sitting next to him, Ned took her hand and squeezed, "Told you we'd be fine."

She squeezed back, "I know you did."

Ned started up the truck and began driving towards the road, the truck bouncing slightly as it rolled on to the road.

As they drove, Penelope felt pressure on her side. Looking down she saw Clementine slumped against her, fast asleep. Looking across form her, she saw that Duck and fallen asleep against the door, his mouth hanging open as he snored.

She chuckled before she let out a yawn and blinked her eyes. Seeing this, Ned looked at her and said, "Get some sleep."

She looked over at him and smiled sleepily before resting her head against his shoulder, "I missed you."

He kissed the top of her head, "Me too, hummingbird."

NED POV

He had been driving for hours, putting as much distance between them and Quinton's group as possible. The sun was beginning to rise, the faint glow of the sun peeking through the trees. He had thought of taking them to the cabin but realized it was still too close to Quinton's men for his liking. He didn't want to risk them finding the cabin or them. As long as he had Penelope, he didn't care where they were. Besides, he had to find his son. If Penelope was still alive, he had to believe Jacob was too.

The sound of pounding on the hood of the truck caused Ned to look out the rearview mirror. He saw Lee waving his hands, trying to get his attention.

Ned stopped the truck and looked out the window as he saw some of the people getting off. Looking over at Penelope he couldn't help but furrow his brow in worry at the sight of sweat sticking to her skin. Reaching out, he felt her forehead. Shit.

She was burning up. Looking down at her thigh he cursed, it was starting to yellow with infection. They had to find medicine, and fast.

Looking across his daughter, he saw the kids were still out. Ned looked out the window once again when he heard his name being called. He saw Lilly, Carley, Kenny and Katjaa standing on the road, "What's going on?"

Kenny stepped forward, crossing his arms, "We're getting off here."

Ned raised an eyebrow and looked towards the bed of the truck where Lee, Ben, and Mark still remained, "I take it you're staying?"

Lee nodded, "If you'll have us."

Ned shrugged, "I ain't got a problem with that."

He looked down at Kenny and said, "You sure? Where you going to go?"

Katjaa walked around the truck towards the passenger side door where she gently roused her son, "Come on Duck, we've got to go."

"What about Clem?" the boy asked tiredly.

Katjaa rubbed her son's head gently, "She's staying with Lee."

Duck frowned slightly, "Do we have to leave?"

Katjaa stepped down from the truck with Duck and rejoined Kenny, "Yes, sweetheart."

"Okay," the young boy said sadly.

Kenny placed a hand on his son's shoulder as he looked over at Lee, "This is goodbye then?"

Lee nodded, "I think it's for the best."

Ned looked back at Lee, "We best get going, we need to find some meds for Penny; she needs that leg taken care of!"

Lee nodded, "Right, there's a small town not far from here; there may be a pharmacy or something."

Ned started up the truck again before looking down at the five people leaving, "Y'all be safe."

Carley waved her hand while the others began walking down the road. Ned shook his head, "Idjits."

Outside, in the bed of the truck, Mark turned to Lee, "What's wrong with Penelope?"

Lee shrugged, "Ned says her leg's infected. We need to find her medicine."

Ben shook his head, "This is bad."

Lee laid a hand on the young man's shoulder, "She'll be alright, Ben."

Mark nodded, "We'll find something."

Ben looked down, his face forlorn with worry for his friend, "She's gotta be okay."

Lee looked over at Mark silently, pity for the young man shared between them. Lee looked inside the truck to see Clementine still fast asleep, her head against Penelope's side. He rubbed his face as he tilted his head back, looking up at the sky as it zipped by.

RICK POV

Dawn broke out over the city in the distance. It had been three days since he had come back from Atlanta with Daryl, Glenn and T-Dog, and more than a week since he had lost Penelope. They had decided to leave after their camp was attacked by walkers; Jim was bit but Rick didn't want to give up on him. They were heading to the C.D.C.

But Rick couldn't just leave without at least trying to warn Morgan and his boy. Sighing, Rick sat on his knees as he pressed down on the walkie in his hands, "We're moving out, leaving the quarry. If you heard me yesterday, you may be coming here. If you are, we'll be gone by the time you arrive."

Rick paused, releasing his finger off of the walkie, waiting for any type of response other than static before continuing, "I'm leaving a note and map behind for you taped to a red car so you can follow our trail."

Thinking of Jim, Rick said, "We're heading to the C.D.C. If there's anything left, it's got to be there, don't you think?"

There was hope in Rick's voice, or at least a forced hope when he said this, closing his eyes tightly as he gripped the walkie in his hand. Licking his lips, he continued, "Morgan…I hope you were right about that place…I need you to be."

NED POV

"Come on baby, wake up…." Ned shook Penelope's motionless body frantically, her head tangling limply against her chest.

It had been Clementine who noticed Penelope's condition. The little girl had woken hours ago and had grown concerned when she couldn't wake Penelope, wanting to talk to her. She had frantically looked at Ned, telling him she wouldn't wake up.

Now, here he was, trying for over twenty minutes to wake her up. Lee, Ben, and Mark stood outside, watching on helplessly.

Looking over his shoulder, Ned stared at them with wide eyes, "She's in shock…I think."

He pressed his fingers against her neck, "Her pulse is racing and she's got a fever."

Clementine pulled on Lee's hand, causing him to look down, "What's wrong with Penny?"

Lee looked down at her before shaking his head, "She's not feeling too good, Clem."

"Is she gonna die, like Larry did?" she asked sadly.

Ben and Mark looked at her with surprise but said nothing. Instead, Lee got to his knees and held the little girls hands firmly in his, "No. We're gonna do everything we can to help Penelope."

Clementine gave him a watery smile, "I'm glad; Penny's nice."

Ned brushed the hair sticking to Penelope's skin away from her face, "Lee, this town you said; how far is it?"

Lee stood and walked over to Ned, looking over his shoulder at the near catatonic Penelope lying across the seat of the truck, "Maybe ten, fifteen miles? If we leave now, we may make it before it gets dark."

Ned looked down at Penelope and shook his head is dismay, "I can't lose her, not after I just found her."

Lee laid a hand on the older man's shoulder, "You won't, and we'll get her what she needs."

Ned nodded before climbing into the truck, "Best get back on then, I'm gonna haul ass so hang on to something back there."

The others, hearing Ned, headed towards the bed of the truck. Lee helped Clementine inside before grabbing Mark's hand as he pulled him up.

Ned shifted gears and stomped on the gas, sending the truck in a lurching motion before regaining control on the road.

"Damn," Mark cursed as he stumbled backwards, landing on his ass.

Ben looked into the truck and saw how still Penelope was, "I don't like seeing her like that."

"None of us do," Mark said, sitting next to him, "But she'll be okay once we find her some medicine."

Looking at the former soldier, Ben said, "But what if we're too late? What if she turns?"

Mark raised a brow at him and said, "Are you always such a pessimist?"

Ben raked his fingers through his hair, "I just…I've lost a lot of people…"

Mark patted him on the shoulder, "We all have, man."

Clementine looked over at Ben and said, "Think of something hopeful."

Lee's lips curled into a smile as he looked down at her. Ben looked at Clem with confusion, "What?"

"Somewhere the monsters can't get you," Clementine explained, as if it was the obvious thing to do.

Ben said nothing but looked back inside the truck and continued to stare at the motionless Penelope.

They continued to speed down road until suddenly the truck came to a stop. Curious, Mark stood and looked ahead. He slumped against the hood and rubbed his eyes under his glasses, "Damn it! Just what we need!"

"What is it?" Lee asked, standing as well.

His eyes widened at the sight of the road flooded with abandoned cars and trucks, possessions sprawled out everywhere in chaos, "Oh my god…"

"How are we gonna get through?" Ben asked, standing behind them.

The driver door opened and Ned jumped out. Looking up at them, he said, "We're walking from here."

The others watched silently as Ned pulled Penelope out from the truck and held her in his arms, her arms limp and her head leaning against him as he shifted her weight. Looking at them, he said, "Somebody come get our shit."

He turned and began walking between cars, careful as he carried Penelope through. Everyone moved at once, trying to climb down from the truck. Mark was the one to get Penelope's back, handing Ben her hatchet, "Hang on to that."

Ben looked at the hatchet in his hands uncertainly and with discomfort, "Sure."

Mark slung Ned's rifle over his shoulder as he ran to catch up with Lee and Clementine, Ben right behind him.

"Look at all this," Mark said breathlessly, shocked at the sight around them. It was like a ghost town of cars, a graveyard.

Up ahead, Ned was struggling with Penelope in his arms but he kept moving. He kissed his daughter's head, murmuring words to her, "Stay with me. Please stay with me, Penelope."

They walked silently through the cars, making their way down the road. Lee looked up ahead at Ned and couldn't help but feel sorry for the man. He didn't know what he do if something happened to Clementine.

The sound of a snarl caused everyone to stop.

"Shit!" Ned cried, walking backwards, "Walker!"

Mark ran ahead of Lee and aimed the rifle at the walker who was stumbling towards Ned. The older man looked at Mark, "It's a silencer; shoot goddamn it!"

Mark took aim and pulled the trigger, sending the walker to the ground.

"We've got to get off the road," Lee said, looking down at the walker, "It's too dangerous, too open."

Ned readjusted Penelope in his arms, looking at her placid face, "It's quicker on the road, though."

"But walkers…" Ben started, only to be silenced by a cold glare from Ned.

The man started walking again, calling out over his shoulder, "Don't matter where you go, boy. Walkers will be there, least on the road, you see 'em. They could be hiding anywhere in the woods; blending in with the brush and trees."

They continued walking, making their way down the road. The cars grew slimmer and slimmer in number until it seemed the road was clear. They came to a turn off in the road and stopped.

"Which way, Lee?" Ned asked, looking at the man with sweat running down his neck.

Lee sighed and shook his head, "I don't know, maybe there's something closer down the dirt road?"

"A house, maybe?" Mark offered, adjusting the bags on his shoulders.

Lee shrugged, "Maybe."

Ned looked down at Penelope and noticed her lips were trembling, her fever was still going strong and she had yet to make a sound. Looking down the dirt road, he sighed, "Guess we'll find out."

They made their way down the dirt road, heading away from the tree line and into more open land. Soon, fences sprang up along the road with wide open fields. In the distance, a white structure could be seen. It was a house.

"Thank god!" Mark said happily, seeing the farm house as they grew closer.

They came closer to the house cautiously until they stood in the drive belonging to the farm house. Looking at the mailbox, the name Green was etched across it.

"Think anybody's here?" Ben asked, looking around the still preserved house.

"It looks like the outbreak never even touched this place," Mark said in awe.

Ned looked at them tiredly, "Let's see what they got."

He began walking down the drive, followed by the others when the door of the house sprang open, revealing a handful of people. In shock, everyone froze and stared at the inhabitants of the house.

A tall, white-haired man stepped forward. He wore overalls and a clean white shirt, his face clean-shaven. A stern look was on his face as he stepped down from the porch, his eyes fell on Penelope in Ned's arms, "What you do want? Who are you people?"

Ned swallowed in his dry throat, pulling Penelope closer, "My girl…she's sick…"

"Was she bit?" the man asked.

"No," said Lee, stepping forward. He help Clementine's hand as he stood next to Ned, "She's got a real bad infection, on her leg."

"Can you spare anything?" Mark pleaded.

The man eyed the rifle on Mark's shoulder before his gaze drifted back to Penelope. He walked closer until he stood in front of Ned. He reached out and pressed the back of his hand against her forehead. He frowned and looked down at her slinged arm and injured leg, "She's burning up and I do not like the look of that wound."

"Can you help?" Ned begged, staring at the man for mercy.

The man looked up at Ned before moving to the side, "Bring her inside."

Ned sighed in relief and quickly made his way into the house, passing the other inhabitants of the farm; a rather large man with a smaller blonde woman, a young man holding a baseball bat, and two young women; one had long blonde hair and the other had short brown hair.

The brown haired woman led him into a room to the side and motioned for him to lay her down, "Just put her here,"

She gave him a sympathetic look, "We'll take care of her."

Ned's arms cried in relief when the weight of his daughter left his arms. She was a tiny thing, barely a hundred pounds, but carrying her for miles didn't help. He sat on the side of the bed and ran his hand over her face, "Everything's gonna be okay, baby girl."

The young woman looked on as a father tried to comfort his daughter, crossing her arms as she felt a pang in her chest.

Outside, the old man had forbidden weapons inside the house, "You can leave your things out here for now. You look like you could use something to eat. Patricia can make you something if you'd like."

Mark looked at the man with gratitude, "That would be amazing, sir."

The man nodded before turning and entering the house. They did as he asked and left their things outside before following into the large house.

The young blonde girl stepped forward and said, "I'm Beth, it's nice to see people after all this time."

She looked down at Clementine and offered a smile, "Hi there."

Clementine returned her smile and said, "I'm Clementine."

The older woman, Patricia, motioned for them to follow her into the kitchen. When they seemed to hesitate, looking towards the room where Penelope was taken, she said, "Don't worry, Hershel will take care of her. Now come on and get something to eat."

Before they could take another step, however, a loud and gut-wrenching scream filled the house, coming from the room where Penelope was taken.

THANKS FOR READING, PLEASE REVIEW

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Chapter Eleven - Sanctuary