Chapter 001

The brightness of the morning sun shines down upon the small camp, as we are all scrambling about to finish our daily chores. Beads of sweat roll down my forehead due to the hot summer weather, as I continue to chop up firewood with an ax. Bringing the rather large ax over my head, I quickly slam it down into the log in front of me - cutting it in half. Pushing the cut logs off of the tree stump, I replace it with another one that needs to be cut. Most of the time I keep myself busy with cutting logs and shaping sticks into arrows, as I leave the other ladies work for the other females in the group. All of my life I had done a man's job, whether it was fixing cars, hunting, or fixing up houses for that is what I had been taught.

It had been a lot harder for me to learn the ropes of all of the things my father had taught me, for I live in a world of silence unlike everyone else. All of the other people had the luxury to hear the beautiful melodies of the birds, a baby's cry, or even the annoyance of evening traffic. Whereas I was stuck in a world of silence, unable to hear all of the chaos that surrounds me. Feeling a light tug on my belt loop, I quickly avert my attention to the leash that is attached to it. Spotting the black and white Husky that I've learned to love since I was eighteen, I watch as she looks off in the distance and wags her tail happily. Millie only acts like that when one of my two childhood best friends, Daryl and Merle Dixon whistle to gain her attention.

Following her icy blue gaze, I am instantly greeted with a cheeky grin coming from Daryl Dixon. His tanned skin glistens with sweat, as he had been busy gathering firewood for our own makeshift fire. Unlike my hazel eyes, his were a beautiful shade of blue that reminds me of the clouds before a storm. He even has sandy brown hair that only seems to get darker the more he is out in the sun, which doesn't bother me any - for it just makes him more attractive. Daryl motions for me to walk over to our tents, which only causes me to nod in understanding. Turning to look for anyone to take my job, I instantly spot someone by the name of Jim, who happened to join the camp a few weeks after the Dixon brothers and I did.

Instead of attempting to make noise to gain his attention, I tug on Millie's leash as I begin to walk over to him. He is currently busy trying to help an elderly man by the name of Dale with his jacked-up RV. Once I reach the older man, I tap his shoulders, which causes him to look over at me with a raised brow. "Yes, Katherine?" He questions slowly, as makes sure that I can read his lips. Thankfully my momma had taught me to read lips when I had been younger, as well as to communicate with sign language. I moved down to the ax in my hand and toward the unfinished task that I had been doing, hoping that he would understand.

"She's asking you to finish up her work, Jim." Dale suddenly cuts in after a moment, as he had walked up behind Jim which had caught my attention. He must've seen the confusion that was written all over Jim's face. "Oh," Jim says once he realized what I had been trying to say. He quickly nods as he takes the ax from my hands. "Yeah, I'll finish it up for you." Before I can even thank the man, he is already walking to the firewood to chop it up. Which causes me to look at Dale with a small smile.

"Thank you, Dale." I sign appreciatively, which only causes the much older man to wink at me. He reminds me a lot of what a father should be from all of the books I've read. Tugging on my leash once more as I start walking toward the tent I share with the Dixon brothers, I watch as Millie happily follows after me. Ever since the summer months have rolled around, I keep the service animal vest off of her so she doesn't overheat - but that doesn't seem to bother her, as she still continues to do her job. Upon reaching the tent, I untie Millie's leash from my belt loop to allow her to do other things besides guide me. Walking to the fire pit that isn't too far from the tent, I quickly sit down between the two brothers.

"Nice of you to join us, Kat." Merle jokes after he had gained my attention to look over at him. Rolling my eyes at the much older man, I grab the cigarette that was rested between his lips. Placing it between my own lips, I take a small drag from it before I pass it over to Daryl. Exhaling the nicotine that once filled my lungs, I prop my aching legs onto Merle Dixon's lap. "What did you all want me over here for?" I question, as I glance between the two brothers. The two brothers exchange glances before they both look back at me with raised brows.

"Merle's goin' into the city tomorrow morning," Daryl explains, as he motions toward his older with an eye roll. It was clear to me that he didn't like the idea of Merle going into the city with the others. "And I know you've been dyin' to go huntin'. So, would ya like to come with me later?" Looking away from Daryl, I glance over toward Millie who happily eats her dog food. It would be nice to finally get away from camp, considering the last three months have been nothing but doing chores. "I'll come along. I'll see if Lori can watch Millie for me," I conclude, as I turn to look over at Daryl with a slight smile. "I'm sure the kids would love to play with her, as much as she'll love it."

"That sounds good," The youngest Dixon states happily, as he grabs Merle's cigarette from him. Watching as he takes a long drag, allowing the nicotine to fill his lungs, he then exhales. "Get yourself ready and meet me over there in twenty." Grabbing what is left of the cigarette from Daryl, I smile innocently as I begin to walk off. Taking the last drag from the cancer stick, I toss the bud to the ground and step on it. Looking around the came, as I pat my leg to gain Millie's attention, I grab her leash once she had trotted over to me.

Spotting the rather long brunette hair of Lori Grimes, I notice that she is sitting at a picnic table that isn't too far from camp with Carol Peletier. The two of them are sitting next to their children, who seem to have school books in front of them. Even in the events of the world ending, the two mothers still think that education is important. Clutching Millie's leash in my palms, I suck in a deep breath as I begin to walk toward the two families. Unlike Daryl and Merle, I have attempted to be nice and friendly toward the others since we'll be staying with them.

It is clear to me that nobody here likes the two Dixon brothers, and frankly, the two of them have brought it upon themselves. Merle is constantly hopelessly flirting with all of the women, whether the women are taken or not. He even tries to make snide and sexual remarks to them, which typically end with me smacking him upside the head. The much older man also doesn't try to hide the fact that he hates Shane Walsh, due to his job profession the former deputy had. And the amount of racist jokes and remarks Merle has said, definitely makes me ashamed to know him.

Daryl is much different than his older brother is, and for that, I am overly grateful. Despite Merle, Daryl tries to hide in the shadows but helps out occasionally with hunting for food and doing what they call the manly work. He also shares a dislike for Shane, and frankly, we all do. The deputy can definitely be a bit of an asshole and likes to try and play leader, but he just makes everyone hate him instead. Once I reach the table, I tap on it in an attempt to gain the attention of the two mothers, Carl, and Sophia. Carol and Lori instantly look toward me with friendly smiles on their faces.

"Would you ladies be kind enough to watch Millie for me?" I question as nicely as I can muster, as I continue to keep my own smile on my face. Luckily Lori knows sign language due to her late husband. "Daryl wants me to go hunting with him tonight. Carl and Sophia can spend the evening playing with her, I'm sure she'd enjoy it." Seeing the smile on Carl's face growing wide, I knew right then and there that he understood me. Lori probably teaches him sign language in their spare time. "We'd love to watch Millie," Lori informs slowly, just to make sure that I understand what she is saying. "You and Daryl be safe out there now. According to Glenn, it's gotten really bad."

Nodding my head in understanding, I allow her to take Millie's leash from my hand. Bending down to interact with my dog, I instantly run my fingers through her fur before I scratch just behind her ears. Millie begins to wag her tail as she starts to lick my face, causing me to smile down at her. I hate the fact I have to leave her here, but the last time we took her hunting with us - she scared away all the wild animals. Standing to my full height, I wave toward the Grimes and Peletier family, before I start to walk back toward the tent I share with Daryl and Merle.

If I'm going hunting with Daryl, I'm definitely going to need to get my weapons out. The only weapon I carry on me while I'm in camp is my hunting knife, in case one of those dead freaks stumble their way into camp. I keep my handgun and bow inside the tent to make sure they stay safe. Pushing the flaps of the tent aside, I walk inside and instantly sit down on my sleeping bag. Grabbing my handgun, I check the magazine to make sure it is fully loaded.

Once I realize that it is, I quickly place it in my holster once I click the safety on. Then I grab my quiver of arrows and strap it to my back, so it is easily addressable for me to grab them while hunting. Grabbing my bow, I carefully place it over my shoulders before I grab a hairband. Once I am all set and ready for the hunting trip, I pull my hair up into a tight ponytail before I grab a drawstring backpack. Exiting the tent, I begin making my way to the RV that is still being worked on by Dale.

Giving the older man a slight nod, I walk into the RV and begin searching through the cabinets. Knowing that Daryl and I will be gone for a couple of nights, we'll need at least a couple of cans of food and two water bottles. Spotting two cans of peaches, I quickly stuff them into the bag, before I stuff three cans of sweet corn into the bag as well. Stepping out of the RV, I walk to the cooler next to it and grab two water bottles - one for me and one for Daryl. Slinging the bag on my shoulders, I look in the direction of the tree line near the tent, I spot Daryl standing there waiting for me.

Waving a goodbye toward Dale, I instantly begin to walk in the direction of Daryl. I always enjoyed the hunting trips I took alone with Daryl, as the two of us always had a good time. We make it a competition on who can catch the most squirrels, and who can spot the most deer. Plus I enjoy hunting with him because we can spend quality time together. We get to enjoy the beauty of the nature that the woods bring, as it also gives us comfort and familiarity. It also helps us clear our heads when we are frustrated about something.

"Ready?" Daryl asks as he holds his crossbow effortlessly over his shoulders. Instead of replying, I only nod my head and smile toward my best friend. His stormy blue eyes seem to fill with happiness instantly as if the oceans waved had finally crashed to the sandy shores. His sandy brown hair flows softly in the humid breeze, as he turns on his heels and starts to walk into the Georgian forest. Glancing back toward Merle Dixon, he winks in my direction and smiles before waving me off.

Shaking my head a bit at the much older man, I return the wave before I start following after Daryl. The tall trees soon engulf the two of us in their warm embrace, as we quietly continue forward. Overgrown bushes surround us, brushing against our exposed skins gently. Sitting high in the trees are birds, as they seem to greet each other happily. I can only imagine the melodies they are chirping in the afternoon air, which must be so beautiful for Daryl to hear. Looking over at my best friend, I notice that his muscles have relaxed.

He no longer looks tense as he would back at camp, around the others. His shoulders are now slumped as he keeps his stormy blue eyes alert. He carries his crossbow in front of him, as it is already equipped with an arrow - ready for an animal or the undead. Slowly taking my bow off of my shoulders, I grab an arrow of my own before equipping it along with my bow. Looking away from Daryl, I begin to look around the forest for any animals.

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The stars dance in the dark sky above us, as Daryl and I continue our trek in the woods. A rope of half a dozen squirrels is tied to my backpack, weighing the strings down on my shoulders painfully. But I choose to ignore it as I push myself forward after my best friend. Keeping my bow and arrow pointed in front of me, in case of any animal or upcoming threat, I keep my hazel eyes alert. Being aware of my surroundings had always been something that I was good at, which gave relief to everyone around me.

Over the course of our hunting trip, Daryl and I barely made any communication. The two of us remained silent as we continued to look for animals. And as much as I enjoy hunting without any form of communication, I long to hold one with the man that walks next to me. For we haven't been on a hunting trip with just the two of us in a couple of years. Our hunting trips always contained pointless banter, unspoken contests, as well as jokingly calling each other names.

But now it's nothing but walking and firing our weapons at animals, so they can be our next meals. Everything is a meal for something these days and that is such a terrifying thought. All of the wild animals are feasting off of each other and the earth, while we humans are trying to feast off of them to survive, while both humans and animals are food for the undead. At this point, everything on earth is fighting for survival, whether we want to or not. I remember the fear that had been embedded in me the day the dead rose in Georgia.

I remember the fear I felt when I first came across one of the dead people walking, and how dozens of them crowded the front yard of the cabin. My heart had been beating rapidly, as I had carried Millie to Daryl's old pickup truck. I remember how my blood ran cold when I saw them carrying uncle Jess into the cabin, as he had been bleeding out of his neck from a bite. The look that had been on the brothers' faces was enough to make me feel the need to panic then. That was definitely something I don't want to experience again.

Feeling a calloused handgrip onto my upper left arm, I quickly come to a stop as I look over to see who had grabbed me. Daryl stands next to me with his index finger to his lips, before he points out in front of us. Rolling my eyes at his for telling me to be quiet, I look in front of us to see why we needed to remain silent. My eyes grow wide at the sight in front of me, as my heart begins to hammer in my chest. A small herd of the dead freaks roams in our path, as they act as if we are not here.

I look back toward Daryl, wondering what we are supposed to do. He carefully places his crossbow up against a tree as he pulls out his hunting knife before he motions for me to do the same. Placing my arrow in my quiver, I place my bow next to Daryl's crossbow so I know that it won't break. Grabbing my knife from my sheath, I nod in Daryl's direction as I realize what he is wanting to do. He is wanting to take out this small herd, so it doesn't get back to camp.

Sucking in a deep breath to try and calm my beating heart and pending anxiety, I step forward as I clutch my knife in my right hand. Gaining the attention of one of the undead freaks, I quickly plug my knife into the base of its skull. Feeling its blood splattering against my skin, I scrunch my face up in disgust as I retreat my knife. Gripping the knife tightly, I turn around to repeat my actions on another of the undead. Spinning on my heels, I kick one of their knees out from under them, before I bring my boot down on their head.

Bile soon raises in my throat as I feel the undead freaks skull crunch beneath my foot, but I push past it as I continue to put down more. Spotting one that was coming up behind Daryl, I instantly grasp the tip of my blade before I toss it in its direction. Daryl ducks as he sees my knife barreling toward him before it finds itself between the eyes of a freak. He quickly nods toward me in appreciation, as I grab an arrow from my quiver. Turning around, I duck as one of the freaks had gotten too close, before I football tackle it to the ground.

Jamming the arrow through its eye, I pull it out before I repeat the action to make sure it's dead. Leaving the arrow in the skull of the dead, I grab another as I run to the past freak standing - before I put it out of its misery. Breathing heavily from the amount of cardio I had just done, I grab both of my arrows and the blood off on my jeans. Placing them back in my quiver, I turn to look at Daryl as he pulls my knife from a freak's skull. He then walks over to me and places it in my sheath, before his eyes scan my body for scratches or bites.

"Don't worry yourself, Daryl, I assure you that I'm fine." I sign tiredly, before allowing my hands to fall to my side. The man looks down at me since he is much taller than me, a brow is raised in a challenging manner. Rolling my eyes at his protectiveness, I hold my arms out for him to scan properly. His calloused hands wrap around my arms carefully, causing a tingling sensation to occur. Something that happens often every time his body comes into contact with mine.

"See, I told you that I am fine." I state proudly after he notices that there are no scratches on my body, causing him to roll his blue eyes. He crosses his arms over his chest, as he seemingly scoffs at my words. "It never hurts to check, Kathy." Daryl replies before he turns on his heels and starts walking toward his crossbow and my bow. Following after the grown man, I roll my eyes at his words although he has a point. This hunting trip is gonna be a blast.

----Word Count: 3,531

Hello, everyone!

Welcome to the first chapter! It is definitely a filler type of chapter, and probably won't be as long of a chapter of those following episodes will be. But I hope that won't matter in the long run, because I enjoy making chapters for this story!

What are your thoughts on this chapter?

What are your thoughts on Katherine and her relationship with Merle and Daryl Dixon?

How was your Halloween?

If you dressed up for Halloween, what/who did you go as?

Lots of love,Crimson Rose