Disclaimer: A nod to the genius Robert Kirkman for creating this wonderfully dark, post-apocalyptic world. I do not own or have rights to any of the characters/plot of this series. I'm simply a fan indulging in my post-apocalyptic fantasies.4

...

Beth fell to her knees utterly exhausted.

"Again," a voice barked from behind her.

"I…" Beth breathed, "I jus' need…"

"Again," the voice persisted.

Leaning forward, her vision swam as black dots skated across the dry, cracked ground beneath her. Placing her hands down onto the warm dirt and pushed herself back to her feet. Michonne stood across from her, wooden sword raised in a defensive position, waiting for her to pick up where they had left off.

Bending down to pick up the wooden-blade-contraption Eugene had built for her to substitute as her forearm machete, Beth struggled to stand upright. Her limbs refused to cooperate and it took her a considerable amount of concentration to slide her right foot back into the stance Michonne had drilled into the past week. Every day they had met at sunrise and trained until sunset, only stopping to eat lunch when the sun was at its highest point in the sky. While Beth felt none of the pain she was sure her body had endured, she still felt the exhaustion that seemed to extend deep into the very marrow of her bones.

"Again," Michonne reiterated softly.

"This is stupid," Beth spat as she began going through the forms Michonne had taught her.

"Learning to defend yourself?" Michonne replied smartly.

"No," Beth growled, using her arm to block an oncoming strike, "Us being here when we should be at Hilltop helping Rick."

Michonne lunged and it was all Beth could do to dodge her attack.

"Rick can handle himself," Michonne retorted, dropping to the ground and catching her boot across Beth's ankle.

Beth squeezed her eyes shut and felt the air forced from her lungs as her back abruptly came into contact with the ground.

"I'd be more concerned with yourself if I were you," Michonne stated as she stood over Beth's prone form and extended an open hand.

Beth grit her teeth and slowly slid her elbows against the gravel so she could push herself into a seated position.

Michonne kept her hand proffered; waiting for Beth to grab ahold. Sighing in exasperation, Beth reached up and allowed herself to be pulled to her feet. Dusting off her jeans, she felt the and slow, deadening sensation that she had become accustomed to after exerting herself slither down her neck towards the tips of her fingers.

"You're lasting longer," Michonne commented and Beth followed her line of sight to see she was wiggling her fingers subconsciously.

"It's always gonna' happen," Beth tightened her hand into a fist, willing to feel the pressure of her fingers against her palm.

There was silence between them as the wind blew the fallen leaves across the flattened ground they had taken to training upon.

"We should take a break," Michonne suggested quietly.

Beth nodded and made her way toward the back wall of the stables where she'd dropped her bag that morning. She'd managed to only fumble on her feet twice before plopping down against the wooden structure that contained Alexandria's most valued creatures. Michonne sat a few feet down from her and was already rummaging through her pack. Beth followed suit, pulling out some bread and a canteen of water.

They didn't speak while they ate, as was the case with most meals, but there had been a question nagging Beth for the past few days that she wanted answered. Finishing her bread and saving the remainder of her water to last her the rest of the day, Beth returned to canteen to her pack and rested her elbows against her bent knees.

"Hey Michonne?" Beth began cautiously.

"Yeah?" Michonne answered almost immediately.

"Can I ask you somethin'?" She continued more certainly.

"You can ask, but I'm not sure I'll answer," Michonne replied with an unfamiliar lilt to her voice and Beth looked over to see her smirking.

Smiling, Beth looked up at the clear, blue sky and watched as a cloud slowly cast a shadow over them while passing in front of the sun.

"What's tha' real reason you were so adamant 'bout trainin' me?" Beth asked as the rays of sunshine filtered back through the sky.

She felt the warmth of the sun cascade across her face as the cool autumn breeze chilled her sun kissed skin. She waited patiently for Michonne to respond, hoping that she wouldn't be given the same mechanical answer she'd been fed a week ago.

"Back when we lived in the prison, you were sheltered from everything that happened outside of those concrete walls. You took care of Judith and helped with the other kids. You'd help the ladies in the kitchen, or offer to do the laundry, and you never once complained," Michonne's voice sounded distant as she spoke, "You pulled more than your weight making the prison into a home and you always made sure we had everything we needed when we went out on runs."

Beth turned her gaze away from the sky to look over at Michonne. While she had grown accustomed to hearing about the life she didn't remember, it was still bizarre to learn such intimate details about herself according to each person's perspective.

"When Maggie was captured by the Governor, you were the first to volunteer to go out and find her. If Judith needed something, you'd offer to go out with the runners and get it rather than just shoving the request off on someone else," Michonne continued, "but we never let you leave."

"Why not?" Beth found herself asking before she'd even processed her question.

"You were safe; you were still innocent to the depravity of the world," Michonne explained bitterly, "Your dad wanted to keep you from the true horrors happening outside of those walls. We learned that it wasn't the dead we needed to fear. Those who had survived were worse…so much worse."

Beth's eyes fell from Michonne's profile and turned towards the metal walls that separated them from the world Michonne described. Although she could picture no one other than Morgan as her 'father,' she felt a soft of longing for the man Michonne mentioned. Through her interactions with people from her past, she'd caught herself occasionally wishing she could remember what her life had been like before.

"We got too comfortable," Michonne's voice interrupted her thoughts, "We never thought the prison would fall and when it did, we weren't prepared. We had a plan, but nothing went the way it was supposed to. We all got separated-"

"I got out with Daryl," Beth offered what little she knew of when the prison fell.

Michonne nodded and elaborated, "He told me he taught you some things; basic tracking, how to wield his crossbow, and some simple traps. He wanted you to be able to defend yourself."

The more Michonne revealed; the more things began falling in place for Beth. Michonne might've been proficient of concealing her emotions, but the tightening around her eyes and the quiver in her voice clearly displayed her guilt.

"I had every opportunity to teach you what I knew, what had kept me alive, but I didn't. I don't know if training you would have made any difference or not. You might've been able to keep yourself from being abducted. You might've been able to take that cop out without getting shot. Things might've still happened the way they did, but we'll never know because I didn't try," Michonne stated through grit teeth, "We can't shelter people from this world and we can't count on others to be able to protect us from everything. People have to learn to defend themselves or this world will destroy them."

Beth listened intently; hanging on the older woman's every word. Michonne had always come across as cold, calculating even, but now Beth had a better understanding of the turmoil hidden beneath the sword wielder's stoic mask. Daryl had felt guilty for losing her; for not protecting her. Michonne's guilt stemmed from doing nothing when she could have made sure Beth was more prepared for life outside of the walls they believed would keep them safe.

"You never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory," Michonne's words were spoken barely above a whisper, but Beth was deaf to everything outside of the older woman's voice.

They sat in silence, staring up at the lone cloud floating across the sky. Letting the words sink in, she had slowly come to the realization that Michonne was being hard on her not only to amend a regret from her past, but to also insure Beth continued living even if she considered themselves strangers to one another.

With a newfound respect for her instructor, Beth stood and moved to stand in front of Michonne. Extending and open hand, much like Michonne had done earlier, Beth smiled, "Come'on. Break time is over an' you promised t'teach me more forms today."

She only had to wait a few seconds before Michonne took her hand and the two of them made their way back to their training grounds.

…

Daryl slumped in the chair he'd been occupying for most of the afternoon. The sun was beginning to set and he had yet to hear from Rick on the radio. They had agreed to contact at first light, then again at dusk and while the sun hadn't completely set, Daryl felt himself growing more and more impatient.

Lacing his fingers together, he pressed his knuckles against his lips as he bounced his right foot against the wooden floor. He wasn't sure how long he'd been sitting there; glaring at the empty room before him, but the orange hue was barely visible through the sky when the sound of someone entering the front of the building broke his thoughts.

"Go on in, sweetheart," he heard Sherry say from outside the doorway.

There was a 'click,' followed by one of the double doors beginning to open to reveal a very dirty, very brightly smiling Beth.

"What tha' hell happened t'you?" Daryl said, abruptly pushing himself out of the rolling chair and rising to his feet.

"Michonne taught me 'ah couple of new techniques today," Beth replied as she glanced down at her appearance before turning her attention back to him, "I went by your house, but you weren't home. What're you still doin' here?"

"Rick hasn't checked in yet," Daryl answered gravely and glared down at the radio sitting in the middle of Rick's desk.

"How late is he?" Beth asked as she moved across the room to stand next to him.

"Late enough," Daryl replied, "He usually checks in when the sun's 'bout half set."

He could see Beth glancing out the window from his peripheral vision.

Daryl had a million different scenarios playing through his head as he calculated exactly how long it would take him to get to Hilltop. He had a 'go bag' packed and ready at all times and he had made a habit out of keeping the gas tank in his bike on full. All he would have to do was run to the house, grab his backpack, and he could be on his way in less than ten minutes. He could scout ahead, assess the situation, and then radio back to Dwight so he could assemble the masses.

"Maybe…," Beth's voice rang from beside him, "Maybe he's jus' busy or somethin'."

Daryl's focus strayed from the radio to Beth's sparkling, blue eyes.

Reaching up, he gently pushed a strand of golden hair that had fallen loose from her braid behind her ear. His hand lingered on her cheek while his eyes danced between the both of hers.

"What's gotten into you?" He couldn't help the skepticism in his tone.

The Beth with him now wasn't as naïve as the girl he'd known three years ago. This Beth was a realist. She placed her faith in very few people, she had a clear grasp of the dangers that lurked outside their walls, and she never allowed herself to truly feel safe in Alexandria. She wasn't devoid of hope, made apparent by her assuredness that Morgan would recover after their attack in the woods, but he had never heard her say anything remotely optimistic for someone else's sake.

"I jus' learned ah' few things today," she answered vaguely with a shrug.

"Like what?" Daryl's fingers ghosted down the side of her face as his hand returned to his side.

"That I shouldn't be so quick t'judge someone," she murmured, sliding up on the corner of the desk in front of him.

Daryl drew his eyebrows together, waiting for her to continue, but she ignored his gesture and changed the subject.

"We shouldn't worry yet," she expressed while removing her pack and dropping it to the floor beside Rick's desk, "You're always tellin' me how you an' Rick have survived all these horrible situations."

Daryl nodded and dropped his chin to his chest, glaring down at his boots.

He knew Beth was right. Their group had always managed to survive whatever ghastly situation they'd found themselves in, but Daryl had always been with him…or at least stumbled upon him when things were about to get worse. This time, Rick was in Hilltop with Maggie and Glenn while he was stuck in Alexandria, holding down the fort in Rick's stead. He knew he was needed behind these walls, but he couldn't help but think he'd be of more use if he'd gone with Rick.

"Hey," Beth's small, calloused hands cradled his face and gently forced his gaze away from the floor to where she was sitting in front of him, "Rick can handle himself, right?"

"Yeah," he rasped in agreement.

"If we haven't heard anythin' by midnight," she continued, "I'll go t'Hilltop with you."

Daryl smirked and stepped closer, "How'd you know I was plannin' on goin'?"

"'Cause it's what you do," Beth's half-smile rivaled his own, "If you think people you care about are in trouble, you're always tha' first to volunteer t'go help 'em."

One of Beth's thumbs brushed against the stubble that had grown across his jaw line while the other rested next to his lips. The smile had fallen from her lips, her eyes were locked on his, and he could tell she was waiting for something.

"Think you've got me all figured out, don't cha'?" He whispered hoarsely; running his hands over her dirt covered jeans to rest against the belt at the hem of her pants.

Pulling her closer, her knees brushing against the outside of his legs, he leaned forward a nudged her nose with his own.

"I think I'm gettin' there," her voice wavered as her lips brushed against his with each word she spoke.

"An' what about me?" He asked, placing a soft kiss to the corner of her mouth before pulling back to stare into her eyes, "Think I know you?"

Beth blinked and Daryl felt his anticipation growing.

"I think you're getting' there," Beth rephrased with a small smile, "You know me better than anyone else."

Daryl kept the distance between them for a moment longer before his grip on her hips tightened and he pulled her against him. Her hands slid into his hair while his inched up the underside of her shirt. Her lips moved against his and he felt her shiver as his calloused hands explored the soft skin of her back. He hissed when her teeth sank into his bottom lip, causing his grip to tighten and to instinctively press himself tighter against her.

"Daryl," she said his name breathlessly.

"Yeah," he pulled back long enough to reply before pressing his lips to the underside of her jaw.

"We should…" she began, tilting her head back as she spoke.

"Yeah?" He questioned as his lips trailed down her neck.

He felt the vibration of her hum against his lips as he kissed his way back up her neck towards her mouth. Her fingers abandoned his hair and it was only when he felt a rush of cool air against his skin that he realized she had unbuttoned his long-sleeved shirt. Her hands left trails of fire across his skin as she slid them down his chest, over the toned muscles of his stomach, and stopped at the button of his tattered jeans. His jeans loosened around his waist and Daryl immediately froze.

"Daryl?" Her voice exuded her concern.

His hands slide from her back, landing on the edge of the desk where he braced himself.

"What is it?" She asked; her voice sounding a bit stronger than a moment before.

"Nothin'," he shook his head and lowered his forehead to rest against her shoulder, "It's nothin'."

"If you don't want to-"

"Oh I do," he interrupted, "Its jus' that on top 'ah Rick's desk, when anyone can walk in on us, isn't exactly how I imagined this goin'."

He felt her fingers brush against his stomach and he had to clench his teeth to keep himself from acting upon his urges. After a few moments, his jeans regained their place around his hips and Beth's warm hands encircled his waist.

"So…you've imagined it before?" He could hear the smirk in her voice.

Chuckling, he lifted his head from her shoulder and stood to his full height. He vainly attempted to hide his embarrassment whilst a warm sensation slowly crawled up the back of his neck and across his chest.

"Yeah," he lifted a hand to rub his neck, trying to relinquish some of the heat, "A couple 'ah times."

Beth's smirk widened.

His embarrassment was quickly forgotten when he realized the content of their conversation.

"Wait…how d'you know about-" he began, but was interrupted when a voice crackled over the radio.

"Daryl?"

"Fuckin' finally," Daryl sighed as he picked up the microphone and pressed the button to reply, "Glenn?"

Immediately releasing the reply button, Glenn's voice came back over the radio, "Yeah, I'm here."

"What tha' hell man?" Daryl hissed into the mic, "What took y'all so long? Where's Rick?"

There was a long pause before Glenn replied, "We met with Alpha earlier today."

Daryl's eyes flashed up to Beth's face. Her face had gone totally blank, the color slowly draining from her skin, leaving her looking ashen and frail.

"We gave her back her daughter, Lydia," Glenn continued, "Some bad shit has happened to her Daryl. I'm talkin' the kind of stuff that would send people to prison."

Daryl's grip on the mic tightened and he could hear how ragged Beth's breathing had become.

"Carl and her...they got close. Really close," Glenn continued, "He argued with us for nearly an hour, wanting us to keep her at Hilltop, but we've got the rest of the community to think about."

"Glenn," Daryl could hear the microphone creaking under the strain of his grip, "What happened?"

"Rick went to go talk to Carl about Lydia and we couldn't find him," Glenn's audible sighed rattled through the radio, "Rick went out looking for him, but we're all pretty sure he went after Lydia."

Daryl glanced back up at Beth, who gave him a perceptible nod.

"I'll be there in an hour," Daryl replied, shutting off the radio and setting the mic down on the wooden desk.

"I've gotta' grab some stuff from my house and I'll be ready t'go," Beth said as she hopped down from the desk.

"Hell no," Daryl countered, "The Whisperers want you dead. I bring you with me; I might as well jus' hand you over to 'em."

"So you're gonna' leave me here?" Beth furrowed her brows and crossed her arms over her chest.

"There's no way I'm lettin' you anywhere near them," Daryl proclaimed, "Dwight'll look after ya'. You'll be safer in here than you will be out there."

"It's not your decision t'make," Beth objected, "I'm not stayin' here and letting you go out there by yourself."

"Have you lost yer' damn mind? Did you not hear what Glenn said?" Daryl's voice rose an octave, "The Alpha is at Hilltop. She wants you dead."

"You don't think I know that?" Beth threw her hands up in the air, "I told you. I'm tired of runnnin'. I'm not doin' it anymore. Rick's life could be in danger this very second and we're wastin' time here arguin'."

Daryl clenched his teeth, silently fighting a mental battle on whether Beth would indeed be safer in Alexandria or with him, where he could keep an eye on her. He could always bring her with him and have her stay behind, with Maggie, inside the walls. However, he quickly dismissed the thought, knowing Beth would refuse to let him face any kind of confrontation with the Whisperers while she hid in safety.

"You leave me an' I'll just follow you anyways," Beth raised her chin defiantly.

"Fine," Daryl relented grudgingly, "I'll wait for you at tha' house."

"Morgan will want t'know where I'm goin'," she announced tentatively, "and if I tell 'em, he's going to wanna' come with us."

Daryl braced his hands against Rick's desk and exhaled, "I'll have Michonne pick him up. She'd kill me if I ran off without 'er."

"Okay," Beth sounded slightly relieved, "I'll see you in a few?"

"Yeah," Daryl nodded, pushing off the desk and straightened his back, "Jus' take what ya' need."

Beth rolled her eyes, "This isn't my first trip outside tha' walls, ya' know?"

"Right," Daryl half-smiled, "Jus' habit."

Beth gave him a sad smile and took a step towards him, "We'll figure all this out."

"Yeah," Daryl groused sardonically.

"Hey," Beth's hand came to rest on his cheek, "I mean it. We'll get there. We'll find them."

Daryl's eyes fluttered shut as she wrapped her arms around him. His hands, dangling loosely at his side, rose to rest against her back ever so softly. She gave him a squeeze and he tightened his hold, placing a kiss on the top of her head.

Pulling back, she blinked up at him, "I'll tell Morgan what's goin' on and I'll meet you in 'ah few minutes."

"'Kay," Daryl replied and release his hold.

Gathering their belongings, Daryl followed Beth out of Rick's office and onto the front porch. Beth gave him a quick peck on the cheek before they went their separate ways. Having his essentials already packed, Daryl went straight to the house in which Michonne was currently residing. The quicker everyone got packed, the quicker they could get to Hilltop and find the Rick and Carl.

…

Daryl pulled his motorcycle off the road near the gates and stopped. Turning to help Beth step off, he shut off the engine and lowered the kickstand. Tilting the bike on its side, he stepped off his bike and turned towards the gates, looking for Dwight.

"Yo, Cooper," Daryl called up to the catwalk.

"Daryl?" A younger man with an Australian accent questioned.

"Yeah," Daryl replied, "You seen Dwight?"

"Yeah mate," Cooper replied, moving towards the ladder and climbing down to the ground, "He ran home for some dinner. Should be back any minute."

"Alright," Daryl nodded and took to leaning against his bike while they waited.

The sound of gravel crackling under rubber had Daryl looking up to see Michonne and Morgan pulling in behind them in Michonne's SUV.

"You want them t'wait for us?" Beth asked beside him.

"Nah," Daryl glanced past her to see Dwight slowly making his way back to the gates with a plate of food in his hands, "Tell 'em we'll catch up. Only take 'ah sec t'fill him in on what's goin' on."

"'Kay," Beth murmured and walked over to Morgan's side of the vehicle.

"What's up?" Cooper asked, signaling for the gates to be opened when Michonne flashed her lights.

"We're goin' t'Hilltop," Daryl replied, lifting a few fingers in a mock wave as Michonne drove past them.

"Somethin' happen?" Cooper questioned as he nodded to Michonne.

"Carl's thinkin' with tha' wrong head s'all," Daryl grunted in response.

"Ah," Cooper seemed to understand the gist of Daryl's comment, "How long you think you'll be gone?"

"Not sure," Daryl replied with a shrug.

He felt a pressure against his side as Beth leaned next to him on the motorcycle.

"You gonna' take the main road?" Cooper inquired before adding, "We haven't been sending out patrols, but I reckon it's clearer than the back roads."

Daryl eyed him for a moment before replying, "Yeah. I reckon it is."

"Well I'd love to stay and yabber, but I've got to go check the south wall," Cooper finished, clasping Daryl on the shoulder, "Take it easy."

"You too," Daryl answered.

"Cheers mate," Cooper removed his hand and turned to the blond beside him, "Good to see ya' Beth. Don't let this cheeky bastard get himself killed out in the bush."

"I won't," her statement sounding more like a question than a reply.

When Cooper was out of earshot, Beth turned to him and said, "I don't think I'll ever get used t'hearin' someone talk like that."

Daryl smirked.

"Hey man," Dwight called with a mouthful of food, "What're you doin' here? You ain't gotta' shift on the wall until later this week."

"We gotta' go t'Hilltop," Daryl cut right to the point.

"Shit," Dwight cursed, "What happened?"

"Rick and them met with Alpha. Gave 'er back her daughter," Daryl explained briefly, "Then Carl ran off and they think he went lookin' for her. 'Parently the two of 'em have a thing. Rick's out there lookin' for 'em."

"Teenage boys and their fuckin' hormones," Dwight grumbled before sounding more concerned, "Wait…you're takin' Beth with you?"

"She refused t'stay behind," Daryl groused in reply.

"Sounds about right," Dwight smiled over at Beth, "Alright. So what d'you need me to do?"

"Keep this place on lockdown 'til we get back," Daryl answered, "I'll have Maggie radio you 'soon as we get there. Morgan and Michonne already left."

"Yeah," Dwight acknowledged while taking another bite of sausage, "Seen 'em drive past."

"We should be back in a few days," Daryl continued, "'Ah week tops."

"We'll be fine," Dwight waved his free hand, "You do what you need t'do. I'll make sure this place is still here when you get back."

"Thanks brother," Daryl felt an invisible weight life from his shoulders, "Radio if ya' need anything."

"Will do," Dwight replied, "You two be careful out there. We ain't had anyone goin' out on patrols. Roads are likely t'have some walkers on 'em."

"We will," Daryl assured and turned to life his bike of the kickstand.

"Beth," Dwight continued, "You take care 'ah him, you hear?"

"I will," Beth's sincerity filtered through her tone.

"Take care of yourself too," Dwight added.

"For fuck's sake Dwight," Daryl grumbled, swinging his leg over the seat of his bike, "We're traveling forty miles down tha' road. Not like we're movin' halfway 'ah cross the country."

"Yeah, yeah," Dwight sighed, "I know. Shit's different now though. Those bastards out there are vicious and you two have big ass targets on yer' backs."

"We'll be careful," Beth soothed before he could reply, "If somethin' happens, we'll handle it."

"You be sure that you do," Dwight answered in a fatherly tone.

Daryl rolled his eyes and lifted his foot to jumpstart his bike.

"We'll see ya' in 'ah few days," Daryl called over the rumble of the engine.

Dwight nodded and took a step back.

Letting off the brake and twisting the throttle, Daryl guided them through the gates and outside of the safety Alexandria's walls provided.

Beth's arms tightened around his stomach as Daryl opened the throttle wider and they increased speed. Adrenaline pumped through his veins and only when they had both Rick and Carl back at Hilltop safe and sound would he allow himself relax. With the wind wiping across his face and nothing but darkness in front of them, Daryl shifted gears and the engine of his bike echoed the emotions roaring in his chest. Leaving a trail of dust behind them as the thundered down the road, Daryl concentrated on maneuvering his bike to avoid the walkers stumbling down the road.

Michonne's taillights cut through the darkness ahead of them, but Daryl couldn't shake the sense of foreboding that came with their approach to Hilltop. He had no idea where to even begin looking for Rick and Carl, they were leading Beth and Morgan straight to the very people who wanted them dead, and he worried for Alexandria's safety with his absence.

Slowing down to dodge another walker, Daryl inhaled the sweet, night air and focused his thoughts. First they would talk to Maggie and Glenn, ascertain the approximate location of Alpha's camp, and find Rick and Carl. He could stick to the trees, stay in the shadows, and keep Beth out of sight. If he could do the both of those quickly enough, they could get back to Alexandria. Feeling less anxious, Daryl twisted his grip on the accelerator and pulled past Michonne.

With the sound of his engine echoing through the woods, Daryl removed his left hand from the handlebars and brought it to rest over Beth's, still wrapped around his stomach. Unclasping her hands, she threaded her fingers within his and he felt her chin rest atop of his shoulder. They'd get to Hilltop. They'd find Rick and Carl. They'd get everyone back safely or they'd die trying. It was as simple as that.

As Hilltop came into view, Daryl felt his stomach tighten, and he could barely make out of the words Beth murmured against his ear.

"Ready or not Alpha…here we come."

…

A/N: Sooo…I'm still alive….YAAAAY! Lol. I know this chapter is long overdue, but between work, after school activities, being mom, and finding time to relax, it's been a struggle to find time to write. YES I am going to finish this story. Updates may be sporadic with lengthy periods in between, but I'm not going to stop writing.

Also many have sent me reviews asking about when I'm going to post For the Ones You Protect (Book 3 of the For the Ones trilogy). I have started on it, but I'm not posting anything until I finish H.O.P.E. I also have to finish Sometimes When Things Go Wrong. So you can expect H.O.P.E. to be around 30ish chapters, maybe more, maybe less, and once it is finished, I will begin pouring all my writing into For the Ones You Protect! It's been a long time coming, but I promise, I will write it!

*On to chapter notes! In the earlier chapters, I said it was 'about 'ah days ride to Hilltop.' That is on horseback/wagon. Daryl is taking his motorcycle. I doubt this would confuse anyone, but I just wanted to specify those little details in case anyone is like me and goes back to cross-reference things in a story!

*Reckon is Australian slang, much like we use here in the south, for think. So while it is a southern expression, it has a synonymous meaning in Australian. Just with an accent! : )

*Stay and yabber- Aussie slang for stay and talk.

*Cheeky bastard- bastard is actually generally used as a term of endearment while cheeky is used for someone with a smart mouth. It's also seen in many British texts/movies, but usually in more a derogatory capacity.

*the bush is any underdeveloped area; ie. forest.

No I am not Australian (born and raised in Texas), but I have friends who are and used what I've heard them say as reference to Cooper's conversation. Cooper is a character for earlier chapters. He came to Morgan and Beth about their first patrol outside of the walls.

I'm on Spring Break this week (perks of being a teacher) and I've already started on chapter 19! I can't promise I'll get it posted by Sunday, but I'm going to try my best! Hope you guys enjoyed this and I'm sorry it took me so long to get it posted! Send me some love and let me know what you thought of the chapter!