I don't own the Walking Dead or anything or anyone having to do with it. I am simply borrowing the characters. I also don't own Save today by Seether. This is an extremely AU two shot maybe three shot idea I randomly came up with while reading spoilers.

Daryl could feel the cold damp of the pavement as it penetrated the knees of his worn jeans the cold winter evening air slicing through his flannel and vest as he starred down at the yellow road lines underneath him. The cold was slowly seeping into his weary bones and traveling up into his spine as he bowed his head his shaggy dirty hair covering his eyes and all the emotions buried in their depths. He didn't dare to make eye contact with the monster that was currently pacing before him and his family as they kneeled like supplicants in the middle of the road. In the murky evening light the moon provided just enough illumination for him to make out the absolute fury on Rick's features as he kneeled next to him. On his other side Michonne was as still as a statue and although he could not see them the hunter knew that Glenn, Maggie, Abraham, and Sasha were kneeling in similar positions.

Daryl cursed his aging body as his lower back began to ache from holding himself absolutely still for so long. Only half paying attention to the raving lunatic who was pacing before them all Daryl caught bits and pieces of the maniacs spiel. It appeared that Negan, or at least that's who he introduced himself as earlier, was more than a little ticked off about the deaths of some of his men, saviors he called them. As he paced before them his boots making a rhythmic tap tap on the pavement he expounded in great detail about his displeasure. Quite frankly Daryl was tired of hearing the psychotic bastard's monologue and he just wished he'd get on with whatever he had planned. Tuning the man out again Daryl wondered briefly how a simple trip to Hilltop had gone so absolutely wrong. He never should have let Rick take watch when he knew how tired the other man was. This was on him and he'd never forgive himself for that.

Daryl was ripped from his inner musings back to the cold hard reality in front of him as Negan good naturedly announced, "Now one of you is going to die. To even the score and to prove to you once and for all who's in charge here ."

Well fortune favors not the young

Spoken words and songs unsung, right?

I never learned from my mistakes

I guess I don't have what it takes, right?

I wish that I was strong, that I could walk away

All this time I've lost, I feel the cost repaid

The archer's heartbeat picked up at the pronouncement knowing that it was going to take a miracle to get the group out of this situation intact. They had faced long odds before but, currently they were weaponless and surrounded by a horde of Negan's men. Again he cursed himself for having let this happen. It seemed to him that he'd been enveloped in a fog for longer than he could remember. Ever since he had lost HER and with the fog had come a debilitating numbness. When the fog had finally dissipated it had been replaced by an equally crippling anger that had transformed him into someone he didn't know…into Merle. His anger had made him rash, sloppy, and careless and inevitably it would cost someone their life this night. Maggie had tried to warn him before they left Alexandria that his behavior was out of control, that he was letting his grief run away with him, that it would pass if he'd let it, that SHE wouldn't approve of what he was doing to himself and everyone around him. That becoming Merle of all people was no way to honor HER. Maggie had been right and the crushing weight of his guilt reminded him that he had not learned from his mistakes that he had not been strong enough to be the man that SHE had thought him to be. He had wasted so much time and now in the wee hours of this bleak winter night someone else besides HER was going to pay for his weakness with their life. Her death was on him and now someone else's would be as well.

The realization froze Daryl's heart in his chest as Negan announced gleefully," Now who's it going to be do you think." He stop in front of Rick before musing," Not you. You're the leader of this rag tag group of misfits. The whole point of this endeavor is to enlighten you."

From the corner of his eye Daryl could see Rick glaring at the psychotic man with the barb wire covered bat as he sneered angrily, "You won't get away with this. I'am gonna make you pay."

Negan just laughed however as he moved to stand before Daryl, "What about you boy," the big man laughed reaching down to grab the hair at the back of Daryl's head effectively forcing him to look up. Meeting Negan's eyes Daryl simply bared his teeth at the man growling like a cornered wild animal. Appraising him thoughtfully for a moment he murmured, "No not you. You might be useful even if you are the big man's right hand guy."

Suddenly releasing Daryl's hair causing the hunters head to snap back down painfully Negan continued down the line swinging his bat as if this were all a great big game. Passing on Michonne and Maggie, proclaiming that he didn't kill woman, the hulking would be murderer finally came to a stop in front of Glenn.

Daryl was once more staring at the cracked pavement underneath him as he heard Negan pronounce, " Now you your perfect."

His head snapping up Daryl narrowed his eyes as Negan examined his would be victim. Nodding his head the big man explained quite nonchalantly, " Your obviously an integral part of the group, although why I don't know you look pretty useless to me and you killed one of my men earlier. I watched you do it."

So save today, the secrets that you prayed for

And wait, cause we deserve it so much more

So save, the secrets that you prayed for, awake

I'll see you on the other side

"He was threatening my wife," Glenn spit out through clenched teeth defiance written all over his face, "he deserved what he got."

"Yes your perfect," Negan snarled back," you disrespectful little bastard I am gonna enjoy beating your head into a bloody pulp."

"No please," Maggie began to cry," please don't. I am pregnant. Please…..my baby….my baby needs a father." By the time she was done pleading Maggie was in hysterics. Glenn was defiantly trying to shush her and Rick was threatening every type of revenge that he could think of. There was complete chaos with everyone yelling including Negan who had devolved into nonsensically cursing at everyone as he wildly spun his bat in his hand. In the midst of the emotional turmoil surrounding him an odd sense of calm suddenly settled over Daryl. Staring at Maggie as she pleaded for Glenn's life with tears streaming down her face Daryl wondered how he would have responded if he's been given the chance to do the same for HER. If he'd had the opportunity would he have begged, pleaded, cried, and tried to bargain. In the end it didn't matter because it had all ended in a split second and he had never had those options but, he had them now. Maggie was carrying HER niece or nephew, a part of her in some small way. He hadn't been able to save HER but, he could save this part of her, and make sure it grew and thrived. He could do that for HER and maybe …maybe if he played his cards right he would be able to be with her again. He knew without a doubt where she had gone and he could only hope his final sacrifice would please the man upstairs enough to reunite him with her on the other side. In the midst of the screaming, yelling, crying, and cursing Daryl opened his heart and prayed. For the first and only time in his life he prayed, simply asking to be forgiven, to be granted redemption enough to be reunited with HER.

As a calm finality stole over him Daryl raised his head his eyes locking on the psychotic man with the bat who was currently screaming in Glenn's face. "Hey asshole," Daryl announced with deadly calm his tone cutting through the chaos and effectively ending it. When Negan's head swung in his direction Daryl smirked sadistically," Ya ever wonder how those asshole friends a yours got blown ta bits in the middle a the road?"

When Negan's eyes narrowed Daryl knew he had the man's attention.

"Daryl don't," Sasha gasped as the leader sauntered back in Daryl's direction.

Ignoring Sasha Daryl kept his gaze locked on Negan a taunting grin plastered on his features. "What would you know about that," the leader drawled as he strolled to a stop before Daryl.

"I know," Daryl mused arrogantly baring his teeth," that I blew those bastards into little tiny pieces with a rocket launcher and that if I had one right now I'd do the same to you."

Insanely the hunter realized that he had been hoping that his taunt would infuriate Negan enough to bring immediate retribution. He was willing to sacrifice himself but, he wasn't beyond admitting that he just wanted it to be over. He didn't want to have to anticipate his own death. For a split second Herschel's face flashed before Daryl's eyes and he wondered what the older man had been thinking as he waited for it to end. Biting his lip the hunter momentarily prayed for enough courage to go out like Herschel, to go out like an honorable man.

Instead of erupting however, Negan surprised Daryl when he examined him more thoroughly for several long moments. Stepping back he cocked his head to the side before announcing, "You my friend have a death wish. You're willing to be the sacrifice. How honorable of you but, it isn't really about honor is it."

Daryl just glared at the other man defiantly as Rick started pleading next to him. Turning momentarily to glare at the sheriff Daryl snarled, "Shut up Rick," before locking his eyes back on Negan.

The big man laughed heartily before turning to Rick," Your lieutenant is right Rick. You'd best shut up before I decide that one sacrifice isn't enough. Your pretty little pregnant brunette's rubbed me wrong and while I don't normally make examples out of woman I might be persuaded to make an exception. I might need to add her to my list as well."

Turning back to Daryl Negan mused thoughtfully," Man like you doesn't just volunteer to die bowman. Who'd you lose? Who are you protecting?" Striding back down the line the leader laughed callously," Is it possible that the pretty little brunette is doing you on the side. That baby really yours? Maybe your selflessness is simply a byproduct of guilt."

"Fuck you," Daryl snarled angry that the psychotic man had figured out why he was offering himself. It was out of guilt but, not the kind he was thinking. Daryl owed HER and if this was how he could repay her than repay HER he would. He would save Glenn and ensure that her family stayed as whole as possible.

Strolling back towards the hunter Negan mused as if suddenly bored," I honestly don't care why you have a death wish bowman. I need a victim and you're as good as any." Coming to a stop before him Negan raised the bat and as Daryl waited for the inevitable blow he realized two things. One that they lied when they told you your whole life flashed before you when you died. It most certainly did not. The only image currently flashing through his mind was HER face that long ago night in the funeral home after SHE had asked what changed his mind and he had been too cowardly to offer more than a "Hmmm". Secondly he realized quite unemotionally that apparently he would be able to have as much courage as Herschel because as he glared into Negan's evil face he refused to look away. He would not give this psychotic bastard the satisfaction of knowing that he was afraid. He was absolutely terrified but, as HER name spun through his mind on loop he just hoped it wouldn't hurt for long. He was ready to see Her again, ready for peace, ready for this to all be over.

As Negan's bat began to swing towards his head the cacophony of yelling voices around him was suddenly overwhelmed by the sound of squealing tires as a mustang came to sliding halt just feet from them. Daryl's eyes were still locked with Negan's as a desperate female voice screamed "Negan no damn you wait a minute."

A tortured soul have I become

It keeps me safe and leaves me numb, right?

Cause in this dream I'm wide awake

The one I love I did forsake, right?

I wish that I was wrong, that you'll come home again

All this time I've lost, I'll never find again

When the big man turned his head away from Daryl his bat dropping to his side for a moment Daryl cut his eyes in the same direction as Negan turned towards the car. His whole body froze instantly, as he saw the lithe blonde who had exited the vehicle striding towards them a bow slung over her shoulder and pistol strapped to her thigh. Her blonde hair was harshly scrapped back into a tight braid and her skin tight jeans were shoved into combat boots. Her purple flannel shirt was covered by a battered leather jacket and the rather obvious scars on her face stood out in stark relief against the flawlessness of the rest of her features. As she hastily strode towards them Daryl wondered if he was already dead. Had Negan actually swung that bat? Had his end come so quickly that he didn't even feel it? Was she here to take him home? He had prayed for this to happen but, he hadn't actually believed that it would.

The numb calmness that had enveloped him fled at the gasp from beside him. Apparently Michonne was seeing the same thing he was and looking around him he saw the shocked looks on everyone else features. Either SHE had a doppelganger or she was actually here standing in front of them. The group was shocked into silence but, SHE did not appear to have that problem as she sauntered towards the deranged leader of the saviors.

"You promised me I could have a pet out of the next group," SHE wheedled somehow looking both insanely innocent and like the worst kind of sin all at the same time, "and you owe me."

"Ahhh songbird," Negan replied," I know but, I was so eager to get this over with and you don't really want any of them trust me."

Coming to stand before the kneeling group she went toe to toe with Negan as she demanded, "I do want one and you promised," lowering her voice some so that only those closest to her could hear she snarled," I saved your sorry ass and you promised. I am calling in my marker."

"Come on honey," Negan attempted to wheedle affectionately, "you don't need a pet Beth darling you can have me. All you have to do is ask. Why would you want one of these pathetic excuses for a man when you've got a real man right here? I can make you sing more than just songs baby girl."

"Because," Beth declared with a toothy feral smile, " I don't share, I don't fancy being part of a harem, and I am a warrior you can't do without." Turning cold eyes upon the kneeling group she declared harshly," You promised me Negan. You said any one I wanted. Are you breaking your word?"

Suddenly appearing to deflate some the big man muttered," Nah song bird you know I don't break my word. You want one of these pathetic assholes fine. Pick but, do it quick we need to hurry this show along."

"Fine," Beth muttered smiling coldly at Negan before moving to stride through the group. Making a show of weaving through the group they all remained motionless. If Daryl had to guess the rest of the group were all as surprised and overwhelmed as he was. Incredulously he watched her as she gracefully but coldly examined them all. How was she here? She was dead. They all knew that she was dead but, yet she wasn't somehow.

Coming to a stop before him Daryl looked up into her cold emotionless face. Just minutes before he had been praying to be reunited with her. Not even in his wildest imaginings could he have foreseen the way in which, his prayers would be answered.

Her eyes still locked with his Beth muttered to Negan with cold finality, " Him I want him."

"Aww come on song bird," Negan all but whined at her pronouncement," he all but volunteered for this. I don't wanna have to go through the trouble of picking someone else. Just pick," the big man gestured around towards the group, " the big red head he looks like he could figure out his way around a woman and how to please her. This ones all dirty and washed up and he has a death wish anyway. He won't please you right. Just let me put him out of his misery."

"No," Beth practically shouted with steel undercutting her tone," I want him. Would you deny me," she demanded stalking towards Negan.

Looking between Beth and Daryl the big man finally shrugged seeming to lose interest as he muttered," Ah what the hell does it matter. Big man is gonna lose his lieutenant no matter what this way. You want him have him."

Then reaching down to grab Daryl by the back of the collar Negan hauled him unwillingly to his feet as he all but threw him to Beth. "Here he's yours now let me finish," the leader all but snarled as he headed back towards the rest of the group.

Daryl was still frozen in shock as Beth reached out to grab his hand in hers. Once again he wondered if he were really dead and if this was actually hell until her soft warm fingers closed around his own icy cold appendages. A familiar shock of awareness flooded through him at the touch and as the numb iciness receded his eyes flew to her face. Beth however, wasn't looking at him. Her eyes were locked on Negan a blank cold expression fixed on her features as the big man wandered down the line.

When he paused momentarily at Glenn again Daryl thought he felt the minutest tensing of Beth's fingers but, he couldn't be sure because very quickly Negan began moving again.

Coming to a stop before Abe Negan announced gleefully," Sorry big guy I tried to convince her you would be the better choice and alas I am sure you would have much preferred that outcome."

The psychotic head of the saviors had barely spoken the last syllable of his statement when his barb wire covered bat was suddenly connecting with the side of Abe's skull.

In a heartbeat of time the red head collapsed against the pavement as blood, tissue, and teeth went flying. Everyone was screaming and without even thinking Daryl made to rush Negan as the psychotic man continued to beat Abe to a bloody pulp cursing and taunting the group the whole time.

"No," Beth hissed not even looking at him as her fingers tightened around his own. His gaze flying to hers he saw that her frozen expression had not changed even a bit as she hissed at him again quite desperately under her breath ," No."

Daryl stood frozen locked in horror as he watched his friend and fellow survivor die a gruesome death that had originially been intended for him. Even Beth's miraculous presence could not pull him back from the insanity that he was witnessing. His stomach churned and he thought he might be sick. Sasha and Maggie were wailing and Glenn was outwardly crying. Rick was screaming at Negan to stop but, the man was obviously overcome with bloodlust.

It was Beth who finally brought an end to the violence when she demanded with icy authority," Negan that's enough don't you think. I am fairly certain he's dead already. You might as well leave them something to bury."

Covered in blood and gore and grinning like he had just won the lottery Negan actually appeared to blush as he apologized to Beth, " Sorry songbird I forget how much you hate this kind of stuff. You're right I made my point." Then turning to Rick he continued, " I am sending my people to Alexandria and Hilltop starting in two weeks. From now on anything you have is half mine and anytime I send my people to collect I expect cooperation. If you don't cooperate….well let's just say I'll have to teach you all another lesson."

When Rick just glared at him Negan offered a toothy smile before turning to Beth," Come on songbird. Take your pet and head back to camp. I'll see you later. Gonna make sure our new friends here get back on the road okay."

As Sasha scrambled through a pool of blood to get to Abe's mutilated body Daryl felt Beth pulling him towards the car she had shown up in. Still absolutely frozen and unable to react the hunter allowed her to steer him towards the vehicle.

Disconnectedly Daryl heard Rick screaming his name and Negan harshly telling him that Daryl was gone and that he needed to get over it and then Beth was demanding," Get in."

Woodenly he did just that as Beth did the same and started the mustang's engine. She had driven about a mile before she turned off on a side street and killed the lights and engine. Daryl had barely moved since had had gotten into the mustang frozen in shock and horror and completely overwhelmed.

Not even turning to look at the blonde he demanded under his breath in a whisper quite angrily his eyes fixed on the road ahead of him," What the fuck was that Beth." Then louder yelling as he slammed his fists into the cars dashboard over and over, " What the fuck Beth. What the fuck was that. I just watched my friend get his skull beaten in with a mother fucking baseball bat. You were dead damn it. I left you in that firetruck and you were dead. Now you show up alive with some psychopath who beats people to death with baseball bats."

Eventually turning to look at her Daryl got his first look at Beth without her emotionless mask in place. Her blue eyes were huge in her pale face and tears gathered in the corners threatening to spill out at any moment. Her lip trembling as her hands clutched at the steering wheel she ground out her voice full of her own pain and anger, " What the hell were you thinking Daryl. He would have done that to you. He would have used that bat on your skull. You volunteered for that? I heard what he said that you volunteered. What the hell were you thinking? I almost didn't get there in time. I had no idea that was going down tonight. I knew they had been watching you guys but, I had no idea that it was going down tonight until I got back to camp after a hunt."

Her words finally penetrating some of the haze clouding his brain Daryl latched on to one part of her statement. "What do you mean you knew they had been watching us Beth? What the hell is going on here. I need a damn explanation and I need it now."

Fiddling with the keys in the ignition for a moment Beth finally looked back up at him as she agreed, " I'll explain everything to you back at camp but, we have to get back. Negan will be expecting me and I can't just take off with you right away. He would get suspicious. I have to take you back and when we're at my place we can talk." A hint of pleading entering her voice she continued, " I know your confused Daryl. I know your whole world has gone topsy turvy tonight but, I need you to trust me. I need you to follow my lead and to trust me. I promise I will explain everything but, in the meantime you can't do anything stupid. Promise me."

Staring at the blonde apparition before him Daryl was tempted to pinch himself. A very logical part of him reasoned that he must be dead because none of the last half hour could have realistically happened. He was dead and Abe was alive out there somewhere scooping up his brains off the road. However, much Daryl wished for that to be true he knew it was not. Releasing a deeply troubled sigh he finally agreed," Fine. I suppose I owe you after what I let happen to you at Grady but, darlin you better have a damn good explanation for what happened and what the hell is going on."

Starting the car and pulling back onto the road Beth sighed, " Well I have an explanation but, I don't know that you're going to like it and as far as you owing me you don't. I had my reasons for what I did tonight and I'll tell them to you once we get back to my place. But you don't owe me if anything it's going to be the other way around."

Daryl was left contemplating exactly what that meant as Beth drove silently through the early morning darkness. Just over the horizon the sun was trying to come up and as the first pink streaks of dawn shattered the darkness the hunter felt the stirrings of emotion other than anger for first time in a long time. He wasn't sure what was going on or what was coming next but, as dawn came so did hope. The bleak blackness of night was finally fading and with dawn came endless possibilities.

I was reading spoilers for the season finale and I got this very Au and very dark idea for a two or three shot story. I plan to have it finished very quickly and the second part should be posted by tomorrow. I know I should be working on Recapitulation and Moments and I promise I will get there soon I just have to get this out of my brain first. As always feedback is always appreciated and very much encouraged. Please feel free to review and let me know what you think of the story so far.