𝐩𝐫𝐚𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐞 » shane walsh

twenty five. never let down your guard

But Athena was strong, she knew how to protect herself and she'd be dammed if she was going let her guard down — even for a second.

And with that she left him stood all alone while she went to find Daryl.

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Feeling the bumps of the horse moving felt all to familiar to the former farm girl, she knew how to handle a horse as easy as a flower knew how to bloom. It was like second nature. Although she didn't have the safety of the farm' fences to protect her, what with being out in the open world, she did find a sense of comfort. Besides, she had Daryl to protect her if anything god forbid went sideways.

Athena needed this. She needed time to think. She needed time to come to a decision. Being out in the woods seemed peaceful yet you never knew when a monster would emerge with snarling teeth and a huge appetite — hiding in between the trees. Fortunately, Athena had picked up a few things by simply just surviving and having two trained police officers as apart of their group. She wasn't one hundred percent confident with guns and needed a few tries to hit her target but she knew how to use one.

One thing she did know for sure though — always aim for the head.

Even though Daryl was considered an outcast in the group due to his brother Merle and his antisocial behaviour, Athena found herself comfortable in his presence. He never over stepped or spoke out of turn when it didn't involve him. He was the exact company she needed right now. Someone who would leave her to sit in silence and not pressure her to speak. After all, Daryl wasn't particularly the talkative type and wouldn't delve into your personal feelings.

"So what's this I've been hearing about a chupacabra?" Athena asked inquisitively with a small chuckle "Heard you talking to others earlier about seeing one?"

"That's right. Saw it out in the woods, dripping blood and running around looking for more food. Scary son of a bitch I'll tell you that." Daryl asserted, convinced by what he saw. Athena couldn't help but let out a another chuckle, causing Daryl to scowl "Quit your laughing, I know what I saw."

"No-no I believe you." Athena nodded with a faint smile, her chuckles dying out. "So do you think we'll see anything from up here?"

Daryl glanced around, looking for an opening that would give them a clear view "Hope so. If Sophia was around here we'd be able to see which way she went. If we see which way she went then I can track her, since where it takes us."

"Good idea." Athena agreed "I just pray we find something that gives us a good lead. I think the group could do with some good news."

"You and me both." Daryl paused in thought, leaving a comfortable silence between "Is that why you're out here? You thinking you can help find something that'll give the group hope."

Athena focused on the trees in front her, breathing out a small huff through her nose "I guess. I just want something that'll give us a sign that Sophia's okay. No good me sitting around talking about the weather. I guess in a way I needed to get away from the group for a couple of hours. I'm not used to having a big group of people to care for, it was always just my grandfather, my best friend and I. Think I just needed some space from it all."

"Sounds like me and my brother. Was always just us as kids until Merle left on his own. Getting away from the group...I get it. "

Athena found comfort in his words. She knew people like Daryl before the apocalypse. Loners who had no choice but to provide themselves — it's why they turned to drugs to help them get through the hard days. Athena didn't know whether that was Daryl's thing but it definitely was Merle's. Daryl was a good person compared to his brother, he just found it hard to be apart of something bigger, just like Athena. It was why she found herself sitting alone more times than she could count back at the camp in Atlanta — it was easier that way.

"Woah." Daryl muttered quietly, pulling the horse to a stop "You see that?"

The brunette followed his finger as he pointed to the bottom of the creek. As she peered over the edge from her position on the horse, Athena could vaguely see a small doll laying in the water covered in dirt and grime. It resembled Sophia's doll. "Is that Sophia's?"

"I'd say so. I'm gonna go check and see if I can pick up her tracks. You stay up here and watch the horse, we need it if we're gonna keep looking." Daryl instructed

Athena nodded "Okay. I'll cover you incase any walkers show up."

As Daryl made his way down the steep hill to the bottom of the creek, Athena kept her hand on her gun that she had tucked into her belt just incase a dead one jumped out unexpectedly. The young woman used her other hand to stroke the horses main as she watched Daryl intently. He picked up the doll and looked around to quickly check for any trace of Sophia but it came to no avail. Athena took advantage of the height and scoured the lining of the trees that surrounded the creek down below, narrowing her eyes to look intently. She didn't want to miss anything that could show them where Sophia had run off to.

"I think that's all we're gonna find. It's a good start. Come back up..."Athena bellowed to Daryl from the top of the hill "We'll keep searching."