I've been hooked on this show for a few weeks now, having caught up for the season 2 premier. And I can't wait for tomorrows new episode! So this is sort of a test chapter, sort of a filler to get it started. I've had the idea in my head ever since i started watching and loved Norman Reedus as Daryl. Who doesn't, right? :) So feedback would be lovely if you want me to update. I will tonight if I get any comments :)

Chapter 1

The sun was above, waving at me with warmth through the window. I leaned back against the side of the truck, letting out one final deep breath before my shoulders dropped from its tense composure. The echoing car alarm sounded from behind us until the red car drove past, the Asian driving, hollering as if he had been liberated.

Everyone laughed, and I couldn't help chuckling along with them. It's weird how things work out. A stranger blowing off bullets in the street, calling our death sentence at the worst possible moment. Then the same man turned to be our one ticket back to camp. It was almost too good to be true.

But the city was rolling farther behind us, and soon enough I could hear the gravel and dirt under the truck tires as we drove along the path back to camp. Everyone already felt like family, with the way we look after one another. Well, excluding Merle, who we couldn't help but leave behind. With the key lost, there was nothing left to do. Daryl would through a fit when he finds out.

My thoughts drifted to the man with the crossbow then, just as the truck pulled to a stop. He had left before we did, hunting I suppose. His dear was all he could boast about to me, how he was close to shooting an arrow through it's neck. Daryl had a twisted sense of humor, if you were lucky to ever get close enough to see it that is. In a way, I had this good fortune.

I looked up from my hands then, trying to erase Daryl from my mind until the time came to face him. I watched the way Andrea hastily scrambled out of the truck, to Amy no less. And how Morales did the same for his family.

A sigh escaped my lips and I slid to get out, taking my book bag with me. It was really the only reason I volunteered to go to the city. To stock up on medicines and supplies of course, but to get other things. Back up snacks and water, a few paperback books and useful batteries. I found everything I was looking for, even though it gave me an earful from Andrea for straying from the group to get it in the first place. She'll thank me latter when she wants a granola bar or bag of chips.

I held back from cringing when I began to walk to the others. A sharp pain ran up my ankle with every step, but I didn't want to draw attention to myself for something minor. I stopped abruptly when I saw Carl and Lori hugging Rick. They were in tears and it wasn't hard to put the puzzle pieces together. A ghostly smile crossed my face then, astounded like the rest. I bit my bottom lip though, when it began to quiver. A swelling feeling drew up the back of my throat and I knew it was only a matter of time before my eyes were completely watery from the sight. I'd give anything for my younger brother to still be alive.

I kept my head down, making sure not to make eye contact with anyone as I passed. I set my book bag down by the trailer.

"You okay?"

I risked a glance at Dale but nodded reassuringly. "Fine."

"You're limping." The old man stated the obvious, causing Shane to turn to me with his skeptical, hard eyes.

"I just took a fall. Nothing to worry about." It was put bluntly, but I needed to get away.

As soon as I was out of eyesight, I whipped my green eyes with the back of my hand. The light wind brushed back my black hair from my face. It felt nice, like the breeze was comforting me. I only slowed when the round lake spread out ahead of me. The lagoon was a clear, beautiful turquoise, home to fish free from the worry of walkers.

I sat on one of the large rocks, gazing at the calm water. This spot just out of Atlanta was perfect. We could see the tops of the buildings up higher, but it was out of reach and reserved from the walking dead. Well, so we predict and hope. We set up camp and it turned out to be a haven so far. Aside from the food and water shortages from time to time, we had enough to look after ourselves.

I don't know how long I sat there. Enough to let a few silent tears roll down my face. It was silly, thinking of Logan now. It had been only us at first, when the apocalypse first broke out. Our parents were already walkers, mom having broke out in a fever early and dad quickly following. So we took the car and left. We were fine for the first few days, until I ran into Daryl Dixon and his brother. The last person on Earth I ever thought I'd see again. And now he's the only one I truly know. Everything turned to shit then. Merle of course being an ass like always. It was him and my brother against three walkers, and while Logan was loyal and covered his back, Merle didn't return the offer.

So I'll show no sympathy for the fact that we left him handcuffed to the roof. Of everyone, he deserves it.

It was a miracle that we stumbled upon the rest of the group after that, even though Daryl was reluctant in joining them in the first place. Sometimes I wonder why he did so.

I inhaled the absence of sound, pushing the past away. By the time the sun was setting, I was already making my way back to camp. Shooting a smile at Dale's worried gaze, I took my book bag and got in my tent. I wasn't hungry, though the others offered. It was quiet, with the sound of a few crickets in the bushes singing lullabies. I liked quiet, but it also meant Daryl wasn't back. If he was, he would have picked a fight by now. A small part of me prayed he was okay, but he wouldn't need it. He could take care of himself.