Between Arrows and Hearts - Daryl Dixon

The search

"Everybody takes a weapon."

The whole group was gathered around the car as Rick laid out an arsenal of blades across the hood —the knives Carl had found the day before— since everyone except T-Dog and Dale were heading out to look for Sophia, Rick decided it was best to make sure everyone had a weapon.

"These aren't the weapons we need." Andrea's voice cut in, irritated. "What about our guns?"

Shane shot her a hard look. "We've been over that. Daryl, Rick, and myself are carrying. We don't need people popping off rounds every time a tree rustles."

Cass and Glenn ignored the argument and approached the car at the same time, trying to grab the same knife. A silent laugh passed between them as Glenn snagged it first, flashing her a smug grin. Cass made a face and looked over the rest, scanning the selection like she was picking out shoes.

Then she saw it. A machete that was easily twice as big as the one Glenn had grabbed. Her eyes lit up as she picked it up, and with a grin, she raised it to show him, clearly pleased she'd gotten the bigger prize. Glenn smirked, twirling his knife for show.

Daryl outlined the plan, his voice gruff but clear. "The idea is to take the creek up 'bout five miles, turn around, and come back down the other side. Chances are she'll be by the creek. 'S her only landmark."

Rick added. "Stay quiet and stay sharp. Keep space between you but always stay within sight of each other."

As Rick spoke with Dale about the RV, Shane made his way over to Cass. His eyes narrowed as he looked her up and down, taking in the oversized machete in her hands. "Be careful with that." He said. "You sure you don't want a smaller one? Might be easier to handle."

Cass rolled her eyes, the condescending tone on Shane's comment grating on her. "I'm not stupid, Shane," She replied, irritation clear in her tone. "I'm not gonna end up stabbing you by accident."

Turning away from him, she leaned toward Glenn and whispered. "If it happens, it'll be on purpose." Glenn stifled a laugh, giving her a quick bump on the shoulder.

"I'm going with you." Carl's voice cut through, drawing Cass's attention as he stepped forward. She quickly approached him. "You need people, right? To cover as much ground as possible."

"If he's going I'll go too." Lottie added, a determined look on her face as she glanced at Daryl for approval.

Daryl barely missed a beat. "Hell nah. Ya stayin' with Dale and T-Dog." He said, voice firm.

Cass bit her lip to keep from laughing. It was a bit of an unspoken rule. When Daryl told Lottie to do something, she listened, no questions asked. And though it drove Daryl nuts, she'd been trailing him like a little shadow all day.

Lori turned to Rick, shrugging. "Your call. I can't always be the bad guy." She said with a resigned smile, her gaze shifting to Carl, who looked hopefully from one parent to the other.

Rick exchanged a glance with Dale, and Dale shrugged."Well, he has all of you to look after him. I'd say he's in good hands" Dale said with a knowing smile, leaving Lori and Rick momentarily speechless.

 "Okay. Okay. But always within our sight, no exceptions." Rick finally relented, earning a triumphant grin from Carl.

Cass caught Dale's quick wink at Carl and had to suppress her own smile. Meanwhile, Lottie had sidled up to Daryl, hands on her hips.

"I'm braver than Carl! I was alone for two days!" She argued, pushing back as Daryl looked like he was starting to lose patience.

"If Carl goes, I don't see the harm in Lottie tagging along." Cass jumped in, trying to help.