The Dead Shall Rise

A Harsh World

A/N This is my first attempt at a fanfic. I hope it's good enough for y'all. *fingers crossed* ENJOY!!!!

I sighed as I took down another walker. I really thought I'd find help Atlanta. But I was wrong. There were walkers everywhere. I barely made it out of there alive. I rode in on my dirt bike and stayed long enough to sipher some gas and find some food. I took down two walkers that got in my way. When this first started happening, it was hard for me to kill those that used to be family, friends, and neighbors. One of the walkers I took down had been my cousin Joanne. I took her out with grim satisfaction knowing that I had rid the world of one more walker.

I headed out on the highway. I passed a car that looked like it used to say something on the back windshield. All I can make out is the name Sophia. I mentally shook my head. I felt sorry for those that have lost people. I smiled at the irony. I lost everybody and I don't know how to feel about that. I can only remember bits and pieces.

The winter was harsh. I don't know how I survived. I almost died multiple times because of exhaustion. I'd go days without food and my mind would become fogged. That's when the walkers were able to almost get me. I finally got hungry enough that I ate a can of dog food. I'm just glad that my mind was so messed up from exhaustion and starvation that I didn't taste it. I lost half of my pinky finger on my left hand because of frost bite. I managed to save the others.

The winter made me even tougher. Sometimes I stopped and think about what I used to be because that was the only thing that was really clear and never faded. I used to actually care about people.  Well, the people that really knew me. Only few knew the real me. The rest saw a person that liked knives and romance novels. I know, that's a weird combination. I did like them. Well, I still like knives. They come in handy nowadays. I have a knife tucked down in each boot, a knife strapped to each side of my belt, I keep one clipped to the inside of my bra, and I have three foot sword.

I also have bow. Tears gathered in my eyes as I remembered how I got it. I'd wanted to learn how to shoot a bow after watching The Hunger Games. My boyfriend had suprised me by getting me a bow and lessons for my birthday. I swiped angrily at a tear that had escaped. I thought to myself, No! I am stronger than this. My emotions don't rule me. I control them.

I sighed. I knew what I'd become. That doesn't change it though. I didn't want to go back to the way I was and be hurt over and over. The wall around my heart kept me from hesitating and kept me from caving in to the grief. Both kept me alive.

I busted down a door and quickly stepped out of the way in case any walkers were waiting inside. Nothing. I swept in and swiftly surveyed the room. It was a store. I gathered all the dry foods that were left and that would fit in my backpack. I shut the door and double checked for walkers. I found a sleeping bag in the camping section and made a makeshift bed in what used to be the manager's office. I sunk my teeth into some jerky. I ate just enough to dull the ache in my stomach. It's good to ration because you never know when you'll have your next meal. I laid my bow and arrows on one side of me and my sword on the other. Then I fell into a light sleep.

I was awakened the next morning by the sound of a door banging open and voices. Voices? It'd been so long since I'd heard voices that at first I didn't grasp what it meant. I quickly stood up and picked up my bow and arrows and my sword. I put my sword in place at my waist and my arrows on my back. I slung my backpack over the opposite shoulder of the arrows. I snuck up to the door and quietly cracked it open. Well, quietly until it squeaked.

The two people stopped what they were doing and turned towards me. I ducked behind the desk. A few seconds later I heard the door open all of the way. I peeked around the corner and saw them looking for me. One of them pointed towards the desk. Ah, crap. I'd be found out. It wouldn't be such a big deal if I knew what kind of people they were. Some people were more dangerous than the walkers.

I was focused on the one in my field of vision, the one with the crossbow, so I didn't know the other was behind me until I heard the cock of a gun and a cold voice that said, "Don't move."

The one with the crossbow quickly closed the distance. He looked at me and then to the person behind me. He said, "Put that gun away, Glenn. You're scaring her."

I heard the gun cock again and I assumed that meant that it was safe for me to move. I stood up fast and had my sword out and against the man's throat. I looked him in the eye and said, "Don't ever draw on me again."

He looked behind me and said, "This one's yours, Daryl."

I heard Daryl chuckle. "Put the sword down, sweetheart. He ain't gonna hurt you."

I pressed the sword harder against his throat for a second, only long enough to draw a small speck of blood, and then put it away. He rubbed at the wound. He said, "She lacks manners, I see. Is she family of yours?"

"Hey, that ain't funny."

"Don't get your redneck panties in a twist."

"Shut up. What's your name, sweetheart?"

"M-my name?"

"Yeah, your name. You do have a name, don't ya?"

"Yes."

"Well, what is it?"

"That ain't none a your business."

The Asian asked, "Are you sure she's not family? She sure does sound redneck enough. And she's got a bow."

"He ain't my family. They're all dead."

"Where are you from, sweetheart?"

I just stared at him. To be honest, I wanted to be stubborn just for fun. I rarely ran into people and those that I did either died or tried to kill me. He sighed. "Well, I guess she's just not a talker. Guess that's better than a walker. Let's go, sweetheart. That is, unless you want stay by yourself?"

They walked out and finished gathering supplies. I watched from the door of the manager's office. When they were done, they headed back out of the store. At the door, the one that called me sweetheart paused and looked back at me. I definitely didn't want to be by myself. I inclined my head slightly and took a step towards him.

*****************Read*****Me********************

Again, this is my first attempt at a fanfic. I'd appreciate all of the votes/comments that y'all could give. If I get enough feedback, I'm thinking about putting it in the Watty Awards for 2013. So please please please vote and comment.

xoxo

Werewolfgirl13

P.S. I tell me if it deserves to be in the Wattys along with your comment.