Surviving an Endless War

"I said who the hell are you?" the man repeated as he stepped closer to us and the dead deer.

"I might ask you the same question." Zacky slowly put his hand by his side so he would have easy access to the gun that was holstered to his side. I put my hand on Zacky's shoulder warning him not to do anything stupid.

"Do you know how long I've been trackin' this damn deer?"

"I'm sorry but my wife if the one who brought it down. Now leave us with our kill." Zacky said stepping in front of me.

"Like hell. I've been lookin' for this fucker for almost 10 miles!" I bent down next to the carcass and pulled the man's arrow from it's shoulder before tossing it over to him.

"Find another one. We got here first." I said glaring daggers into the stranger's soul.

"Daryl!" A voice called out before a man in a sheriff's uniform came into the clearing, "Put your weapon down man. You know we don't harm the living!" The man the sheriff called Daryl lowered his crossbow and strapped it back on his shoulder.

"I'm sorry for Daryl. He can be a little over-possessive with his kills. I'm Rick Grimes and you are?"

"I'm Major Blaze Rossi and this is my husband Zacky Baker." I said introducing us as I shook Rick's hand.

"It's very nice to meet you. Are you the only ones around here?"

"No there are more of us just a few miles through them trees. We're staying in my aunt's old home." I informed him. Zacky gave me a confused look as to why I was telling him. I wasn't sure myself but maybe it's just only them and they need a place to be or something.

"Is it big enough for others? Our group has been sleeping out in the woods for days with barely any food left and it gets pretty cold during the night."

"How many are with you?" I asked out of curiosity.

"There's 10 of us if you include Daryl and I."

"10? Damn we thought we were the only ones left. I mean we haven't seen anyone for miles except for the biters." I said in amazement.

"Dude, why are you tell them all this shit? We don't know em'." I watched as Rick turned to his companion and whispered something in a hushed voice that I could barely make out but by the look on Rick's face I knew he was telling him to be quiet.

"So do you mind bringing all of us in? I mean I would understand if you didn't want us too."

"We've been searching for other survivors ever since this whole world went to shit. We would be glad to have you. Zacky, go on back to the house and let everyone know what's going on. I'll lead them back to house once everything is settled at their camp." I said and Zacky grabbed my hand.

"I won't leave you alone."

"Zacky, I can handle myself and you know it." I said and he nodded. He gave me a quick kiss on the lips before heading in the direction of my aunt's home. I followed Rick and Daryl through the woods and to their campsite. I looked around at the different tents that were set up and I could hear a baby crying. A few people looked towards us as we walked over to a young woman who was holding the crying baby to hush it.

"Is she being fussy?" Rick asked the younger woman.

"Has been ever since you left. I've tried everything I know to calm her down but I guess she just misses her daddy." The woman handed the baby over to Rick and he cradled the small child in his arms. The cries of the small child instantly hushed and she shook her head.

"Who's this?" An older gentleman who was sitting next to the young woman asked.

"Oh this is Major Blaze Rossi. Major Rossi, this is Hershel Greene and his youngest daughter Beth but this bundle of joy is my new daughter Judith." I shook the hands of the older male and young woman before turning to the cute baby. I couldn't help but smile but as I took in her features, I couldn't help but wonder where her mother was but it's not my place to ask.

"Are you alone Major?"

"No. My family is housed up in my aunt's home a few miles into the woods and please call me Blaze. I haven't been in the service for quite a while." I explained and he nodded.

"Blaze is going to let us stay in her aunt's home for a while until I can figure out where to go."

"That's very kind of you." Hershel said with a single nod of his head.

"It's my pleasure. I mean ever since the world went to shit, we've been trying to find more people. I was beginning to think that we were the only ones left in the world."

"We thought that also. So Rick when does the young lady get to show us our temporary home?" Hershel asked as he closed his bible.

"I need to talk to the rest of the group first and get her introduced to everyone. Then I'll see what they think about going to her home." Hershel nodded in understanding and Rick led me away from the father and daughter. The first people we came to were a young boy and 2 women. One of the women had short brown hair and looked to have had a rough time dealing with this world and the other woman was an African American woman cleaning a sword.

"Carol, Michonne I'd like you to meet Blaze Rossi former Major in our armed forces." Rick said introducing me.

"It's nice to meet you."

"Same to you. I just want you to know that you and everyone else are invited to come to my aunt's home for as long as you like. Who's this handsome young man?" I said turning my attention to the 11 year old boy.

"This is my son Carl. Say hello son."

"Hi." he said extending his hand for me to shake.

"Hey Carl it's a pleasure meeting you." I shook the boy's hand and he smile up at me.

"Are you really going to let us stay at your place?"

"That's right and don't worry about the people I have in my group. They may look intimidating but they're just big ole teddy bears." I whispered to him before winking. His smile got bigger and I could tell he was up to something or maybe even planning something. I know the look all too well because of that crazy lovable giant named Jimmy. He always gets that mischievous look on his face when he's planning to do something and his usual victim is poor Johnny but it's very hard not to laugh when he gets him really good.

"When are we leaving, dad?" Carl asked his father impatiently.

"Soon son. Stay with Carol and help her with those clothes." Carl sighed lowly as we walked away. I couldn't help but shake my head as we made our way over to an Asian male and yet another young woman.

"Hey guys, I'd like you to meet Blaze Rossi. She's been ever so kind in letting us come to her place for a few days. Blaze, this is Glenn and Hershel's eldest daughter and Glenn's fiance, Maggie."

"It's nice to meet you." I said shaking their hands.

"How many are in your group?"

"Including me there's 14 of us and fixing to be 15 in a few months." I said mentally counting everyone.

"OH you're having a baby?"

"No my sister is. Her and her husband have been trying for months before this all started but she recently found out that she's pregnant." I explained to Glenn.

"My dad's a doctor. Maybe he can help out with your sister's delivery."

"That would be very much appreciated. Thank you." I said smiling.

"Why don't you two head on back to your tent and get everything packed up and ready to head out. I'll let everyone else know as well." Rick gestured towards me to hold the baby and I gladly took her from his arms. I need a little bit of practice for when Payge's baby comes. I looked at the little baby as she slept quietly in my arms as I walked around Rick's camp. She needed a bath in the worst way and come to think of it everyone in the group did. They must have been on the move so much that they didn't have time to wash. Some of the clothes they wore were tattered and torn and I knew they could use some more. Maybe I can talk Zacky into going to town with me and getting some clothes for them. We need to go into the town anyway and get things so it shouldn't be a problem. I'll need to make a list of things to get that's for sure.

"I'll take her Blaze." Beth said and I gently placed the bundle of joy into the arms of the woman. I watched as the people packed up everything and placed them into the few cars that they had. I looked over towards Rick as he talked to Daryl while he was filling up the tank of his motorcycle. I knew he didn't like the idea of coming into our home but everyone else agreed on it and I believe this is what's best for this small group of people.

"Hey Blaze!" I looked over towards Rick's voice and he motioned me over. I sauntered over to him as he put the last of his things into his car.

"You'll be riding with me so you can show us where the house is."

"Sounds good. Is everyone ready to go?" I asked and he nodded. I got into the passenger seat of his vehicle and we were on our way.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Zacky's POV~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Once I had gotten back to the house, I let Payge know first that we ran into some other people and she was just as excited as Blaze was. It really seemed like I was the only one who was slightly leery about bringing others into our family but if this is what Blaze thinks is best...then I have to go along with it. I know it will take some doing but I'm willing to get to know everyone that comes to this house. I sat outside on the porch with Payge as we awaited the arrival of Blaze and this Rick guy's group. It didn't take long before I spotted several cars pulling into the driveway. I grabbed my weapon and went over to the first car that stopped which happened to be the one Blaze was riding in. I know it will be weird having a bunch of strangers in the house but Payge is so sure everything will work out for the best. I just hope she's right.