Glenn

I've never been a First Teacher before. I've helped train a few new Immortals but not on my own. Of course Daryl Dixon isn't an Immortal yet. He's a potential Immortal with great potential. If I had designed my ideal Immortal he'd look like Daryl. He's only an inch or so taller than me with broad shoulders and strong arms. Also good legs and a nice butt. I peeked when we changed into dry clothes. He's quiet and listens more than he talks. His eyes are quick and watchful. The blue color is a bonus. Maybe being his mentor is a bad idea because there's a different relationship I'd rather have with him.

Daryl is taking the knowledge of Immortals as well as can be expected. He witnessed a Quickening when I took Shane Walsh's head. We both sensed Daryl's presence and warned him off but he didn't leave. They usually don't. A secret sword fight is too interesting to pass up.

Daryl had the typical reaction later: he thought he was mistaken or hallucinating. He doesn't show much of what he's thinking so I missed him deciding I was crazy. They usually think they're the one going crazy but it makes sense with the dead walking that he would assume someone babbling about Immortals was insane.

I killed myself to prove my story. You always have to. No one takes that final step to belief without seeing it happen. I've died a dozen times since First Death. I've only killed myself four of those times and three were to escape a situation. This is the first time I did it as proof.

Daryl hasn't said anything since I told him he's like me. It's a lot to take in so I keep my mouth shut – I can when I have to – and let him think it through on his own.

Daryl finally speaks: "I haven't died."

"No, you're not technically an Immortal yet."

"What happens if I don't die?"

"Everybody dies. If you live long enough to die of natural causes like old age, that's it. You never become an Immortal. It wouldn't be much good if the elderly became Immortals. The weak get picked off fast. That's why there are fewer female Immortals and almost no children."

"Kids can become Immortal?"

"Yes, but obviously it's not a good situation. They can rarely defend themselves. If they manage to stay alive long enough, they become masters of deception. They play on sympathy, like saying they died in a car crash a few months ago that killed the rest of their family but really they could be decades or even centuries old. Quite a few Immortals have fallen for their innocence and wanted to protect them. Instead they lost their heads while sleeping. If you meet a twelve-year-old boy named Kenny, don't turn your back on him or close your eyes while he's around. It would be best to take his head immediately but not many Immortals are that cold. I wasn't the first time but I won't hesitate if I see him again."

"Jesus! If that's what I got to look forward to, I'd rather live to a ripe old age and just die."

"But that probably won't happen. You're more likely to be bitten but you won't die or turn. If mortals see it, they'll think you're immune and take you somewhere like the CDC. Doctors will study your blood and make a vaccine. It won't work because you're not human but they'll keep trying. You'll be a lab animal. Or maybe a survivor will kill you. We've got a good group at the quarry but there are always people who turn on each other at times like this. If you get killed you'll have to disappear to keep the secret or risk having someone find out what you are. The wrong kind of person doesn't take kindly to someone who can die over and over again."

"You're saying there's no good way out of this."

"Exactly. Best to accept it." I pause. "How old are you, Daryl?"

"Thirty-six."

"You're in your prime and at your peak physically. You don't have to decide right away but you should consider making your First Death happen soon. You'll need training."

"What kind of stuff?"

"You have to learn to fight with a sword or some kind of blade. Your choice as long as it can be used to cut off a head. Then there's the history of who we are and what we do."

"Homework?" Daryl sounds disgusted.

I can't help smiling. "It's not written down. I tell you things and you ask questions and we talk about it. It's pretty interesting and I think you'll remember but there's no test to pass."

Daryl looks serious. "I got a brother at home."

Uh oh. Family relationships are always tricky when you become an Immortal.

"Will Merle be Immortal, too?"

I wish I could be optimistic but I can't lie to Daryl. "It's very doubtful. I haven't heard of it happening. The closest relationship I know of between Immortals is Connor and Duncan MacLeod. They're clansmen three generations apart."

"So they're Scottish. Dixons are Scottish."

I hate to crush Daryl's hope but realistically the chance is about zero. "Being an Immortal isn't hereditary. In fact it can't be because Immortals are sterile before and after First Death." I hope Daryl didn't dream of having a family.

Daryl hitches one shoulder with indifference. "Wasn't planning on kids anyway. I don't like …" Daryl reddens and looks down.

He could have been about to say he doesn't like children but why would that make him flush? Is it possible he doesn't like women?

"Are you homosexual, Daryl?" I pick up the colloquial language of each generation and culture easily but I've never gotten used to 'gay' because it meant something much different when I first learned the word.

"Yeah," Daryl mumbles. "Is that a problem?"

Hell no, it's the best news I've heard in a while but I don't say that out loud.

"Of course not. I am, too."

Daryl looks up. Something flares in his eyes as they meet mine. Interest? Enthusiasm? Excitement?

It's too warm in here. I feel hot.