FALLING APART daryl dixon

t h i r t y - t h r e e - this isn't a democracy anymore

They all headed towards the woods, everyone with their weapon in hand, some loading their guns as Shane talked.

- I saw him head up through the trees that way before I blacked out, I'm not sure how long - He spoke while talking. Alycia decided to stay behind, walking slowly, trying to pick up the signals, just like Daryl taught her.

- He couldn't have gotten far - Alycia spoke, making Glenn look at her, and Rick Grimes nodded his head.

- Alycia's right, he must be exhausted - Rick agreed with his kid.

-But he's also armed - Glenn told the obvious part.

- So are we - Rick reassured and then looked at Daryl. - Can you track him?

- Nah, I don't see nothing - Daryl told him, his eyes glued to the floor and back at Alycia.

The man didn't really understand why she had to come with them. Why couldn't she just stay home. The kind of danger that made Daryl Dixon stay on high alert.

- Hey, look, there ain't no use in tracking him, alright? He went that way - Shane spoke up, making Alycia furrowed her eyebrows at him in confusion, which he noticed. - We need to pair up. We spread out, we just chased him down. That's it.

- Kid weighs a buck-25 soaking wet - Daryl turned to Shane. - Ya trying to tell us he got the jump on you?

- I'd say a rock pretty much evens those odds, wouldn't you? - Shane said defensively.

- Alright, alright, knock it off - Rick spoke up, and then looked at Daryl. - You, Aly and Glenn start heading up the right flank. Me and Shane'll take the left, and remember, Randall's not the only threat out there. Keep an eye out for each other.

Alycia shared a small look with Glenn and nodded her head.

- I think Aly should come with us, so we can keep her safe - Shane spoke up, making Daryl Dixon turn around once again and give him a glare.

- Why? - Daryl asked.

- I don't think you both can keep her safe, it's better with her father, anyway...

Rick and Alycia shared a look. Both of them didn't quite understand what that meant, but they had a silent agreement at that moment, Shane was up to something. And it's better for her dad to be there for her, than her to be alone.

- It's alright - She looked back first at Daryl who looked worried as fuck, then at Glenn who had a worried look. - I'll go with my dad. and we'll catch up.

- Are you sure? We work better together - Glenn tried to argue.

- I know, Peaches. But Daryl got your back, and I'll have dad's - She explained fast.

Every single cell in Daryl's body was telling him to keep her near him, but he knew that it'll look strange, and that one thing was sure, Alycia Grimes could take care of herself, and she would never leave her father's side. She looked up to him. They had a connection, and everybody knew it.

Darkness had fallen quickly, owls were hooting and the crickets were louder than ever. The night was cold, almost unforgiving, every time Alycia Grimes would let out a breath she could see the hot air out of her mouth became a mist. The girl kept in pace with the two men that were with her, always on alert. Looking between her father and Shane, something was wrong, she could feel it.

- You say he got you with a rock? - Rick asked again.

- That's what I said - Shane confirmed.

- Inside the shed? - Rick asked one more time. Shane nodded. - Because that door was shut when T-Dog rolled up.