So this will probably be the longest story I've ever written. How long will it be exactly? I don't know, but I hope people enjoy lengthy fics. As usual, a volcanic eruption of thanks to stacycoonan, angelicedg, heatherrk, DixonShipster, Smidget, mhustler, Joise, Sophia, beba20000, MrsRoseReedus, kristelalugo, Anara , Ela1980, Tania Ibarbia, asseylum, rckyfrk, Lulu Martin, kevkye, malzateb, MamaDCB, Twiheart0124, Dixongurl , Katarzyna88gb, brady66, An Amber Pen, gwenstacy, guest, maryjanewatson, engineergirl86, jcolunga96, Reignashii, StephMcG, and DarylDixon'sLover for your wonderful feedback messages! Now for the next chapter!
Chapter forty five:
For the first time that day, Daryl Dixon took notice that the young, dark haired girl was no where to be seen. Not that Penny Blake usually made herself known, tending to stay off to the side, preferring to sulk in the corners or saunter behind the group, but clearly now she was absent completely. Andrea looked around distraught, desperation evident in her gaze as she moved around the church, calling out the girl's name as others began to do the same. Yet, despite the efforts, Daryl could already begin to tell that Penny was far from ear shot at this point.
"When did you last see her," Rick inquired, looking to the woman as Andrea pinched the brim of her nose.
"I don't…I don't know," she mumbled, shaking her head in disbelief. "Tommy's been ill today. His stomach's been bothering him so all of my attention's been focused on him. Penny usually does so well at watching herself. When lunchtime came around, I just thought she…" her voice trailed off. "I never considered she'd run off. Not like this."
Daryl looked to Beth, eyes meeting the worried gaze in his wife's expression as the sheriff nodded thoughtfully in response to Andrea's statement. They had only just gotten back from their run, the archer wanting nothing more than to spend some well earned time with his spouse as Rick called for the attention of the group. All turned to face the leader, some-like Merle-less willing as the former officer began to speak to the able bodies in the open room.
"We'll go out in groups," Rick spoke aloud, nodding to Andrea. "Cover as much ground as we can. Maybe about a two mile radius or so around the church. Penny couldn't of gotten that far. Not at her age." He paused, eyes flickering over to Hershel. "Couple of us can stay here, wait and see if she comes back. Maybe we'll get lucky in that sense. Ain't no tellin' at this point."
"Damn kid's lucky if she ain't gone an' got herself bit by a rotter," Merle scoffed. "Got fuckin' brains the size of peas."
"Shut up, Merle," Daryl hissed. "Ain't nobody asked you."
The smile faded from the eldest Dixon brother's face as he watched his brother silently. Daryl glared back, ready to retaliate if the chance called for it when he felt Beth's touch. Her fingers were warm on the inner part of his wrist, the pressure slight against the thrum of his pulse. His stance relaxed, shoulders slacking as he gazed towards his spouse. She offered him a small smile, though the concern for Penny was clearly evident in her gaze. Even more so that she was unable to journey along to help. Milton would surely advise against it and Beth was intelligent enough not to try to argue it at this point. Not when someone else's life was on the line.
"Promise me," she said quietly. "That you'll be safe."
"I ain't gonna do nothin' stupid," he muttered.
"Daryl," she warned.
"I promise," he mumbled, ignoring Merle's snide remark as he did. "You ain't got to worry about me."
"I'm your wife," she remarked. "It's my job."
The archer hesitated for a moment and then, slowly, leaned forward and pressed a chaste kiss to the corner of Beth's mouth. It had been awhile since they had kissed, even longer since he had been the one lead it. When he pulled away, the faded pink blush on Beth's cheeks was just visible enough against the sunlight to catch his eye before Rick whistled for all outgoing members to gather at the front door. Daryl squeezed Beth's hand one last time, his fingers lingering on hers for a moment before he dropped them entirely.
"I'll be fine," he promised. "You jus' worry bout yourself."
She merely nodded, exhaling softly as she forced a thin smile onto her mouth. "Find her, Daryl," she replied. "Bring her back safe."
His eyes caught the glint of the wedding band on her ring finger, a token of their marriage that he had only just begun to process. He nodded, taking a step back as he shifted his bow from his shoulder. Most of the crowd had fallen back to Rick's side, a few choosing to stay behind to watch the children. Taking one last glance at Beth, Daryl went to join the others, finding himself placed into a group with Abraham and Joan as they set off into the woods heading west.
"How none of us didn't notice a fucking ten year old practically waltzing out of the church in mid day," the woman commented, trudging along side the two men. "Seems like it would be something obvious, but clearly not."
"It don't matter now," Abraham muttered, his gun positioned in his hand as he moved. "Just gotta find her and bring her back safe. Christ knows how long she's been gone." He looked to Daryl, eyes studying the archer curiously. "You're awfully silent. Somethin' on your mind?"
"No," Daryl muttered, not too keen on having a conversation with either of the two parties. "Jus' feel like been quiet s'all."
"Missing your woman?" Joan questioned, snorting softly as she peered over towards Daryl. "You two don't really seem like the type of couple I'd expect, but I'm not one to judge," she waved her hands. "Beth struck me as a curious sort of gal when we met. I'll give her that much."
Daryl ignored Joan's statement, grateful that Abraham chose not to comment as they continued along their makeshift path, calling out for Penny every few moments. The wind was beginning to pick up the further they went, casting leaves and branches over their heads. The archer kept low, avoiding the falling debris as he kept his eyes peeled for the young girl. The sooner they found her, the sooner he could return to Beth. He was owed some time with his wife, whether anyone was willing to give it to him or not.
"This is why you keep a damn eye on your kids," the soldier grumbled, adjusting his weapon in hand. "Rosita and I would never let any of our girls outta our sight for too long."
"Thanks for the parenting advise, Red," the woman replied. "I'll make sure to keep that in mind when I pop out a couple dozen rugrats."
If anything good were to come out of this experience, Daryl had to give Abraham credit for not losing his head over Joan and her snide remarks. The soldier merely frowned at the woman, keeping his distance as they moved along. The land grew stepper as they began to climb a hill, Abraham calling out for Penny as they paused momentarily to listen for a response. As expected, there was none. Not that Daryl even thought the girl would do so if she had, in fact, tried to run away.
"Maybe the others found her," Abraham muttered, grazing towards the top of the slope. "Or she was smart enough to turn back."
"Perhaps," Joan commented. "You suggesting we turn back?"
"It ain't a bad idea or nothin'..." the man mumbled, itching the side of his face. "Just to check..."
Daryl knew well enough that both Abraham and Joan were just assuming the best case scenario at this point. With how the world was, such was never usually the case. His mind traveled to Beth, to the thoughts of their unborn son. If it had been Wyatt who was missing, he'd sure as hell wouldn't dare let anyone give up until the boy was found. Exhaling through his nose, he looked towards the top of the hill. A few miles more. He could do that.
"You both go on back," he mumbled. "I'm gonna keep lookin'."
"Beth's going to worry," Joan answered after a moment's pause. "You sure you don't want to come back with us? Just to check and-"
"No," Daryl interrupted. "If she's still out there, I'm gonna find her."
Joan and Abraham exchanged looks but finally relented. The soldier moved past Daryl, clamping a hand on the archer's shoulder as he went. Daryl watched as they walked down the slope together. The sight of his two companions growing further in his line of vision until they completely disappeared. He exhaled, cracking his knuckles before adjusting his bow. He was going to find Penny, even if it took hours.
Dead leaves crumbled underneath the man's shoes as Daryl moved up the hill, taking a breather once he reached the top. The trees had become more sparsely populated, breaking slightly to reveal the glow of a grey sky that loomed above. In the distance, Daryl could make out a field. The colors of grass golden and brown from age and cold. For a moment, he decided to take a seat, letting his bow rest against the forest floor as he gazed out over the forest.
It was quite peaceful once one forgot about the dangers that lurked behind every corner. He began to lose himself in his thoughts. Time slipping through his fingers as he looked forward tiredly. He was so caught up in his train of mindless thought, that he didn't even notice the sound of footsteps behind him, nor the hand reaching out to touch his shoulder.
"Daryl?"
The archer whipped around, his hand reaching to grasp his hunting knife as he came face to face with Beth. She gazed at him in bewilderment, a hand resting on the swell of her stomach as she took a step back in defense. Daryl's stiff position relaxed once he took notice of who it was, concern and relief crossing his features simultaneously as he let his hand fall back to his side.
"Jesus fucking Christ, woman," he hissed. "I coulda killed you! What the hell are you doin' out here anyway?!"
"I came to find you," Beth replied, her tone slightly defensive. "You've been gone for hours. I was growin' worried. I thought maybe somethin' had happened to you."
"And you thought it'd be a good idea to get yourself into the same trouble if it had?" Daryl growled, more angry at the fact that she had snuck up on him than anything else. "You shoulda sent someone else."
"Clearly," she answered, her tone somewhat cold. "I'm glad to see you're alright."
Daryl climbed back to his feet, towering over his wife. Beth stood her ground, her arms folded over her chest. Sometimes he could be an asshole, but mostly it came with good reason-or he was particularly drunk. As he opened his mouth to say something, he saw a look in Beth's eyes that caused his lips to immediately close. Fear and anguish had suddenly crossed her features, her gaze seemingly staring past him and towards the scene below them.
"Beth?"
She merely pointed to spot down the hill a ways. Daryl turned, looking in the direction she was signaling. There, in what appeared to be a ditch, tangled in rusted barbed wire, was a small figure. It moved slowly, growling against its restraints. Hair matted with blood and skin torn, the archer could still make out the walker's features. His stomach dropped as the glazed over eyes met his, her teeth barred as she attempted to lung for him despite being trapped amidst the fencing.
Penny.
So yes, Penny is dead. It was about time someone died to be honest. Feedback is greatly loved and appreciated! Um...if this story gets up to 1988 reviews today (so 40 reviews for this chapter), I'll post another chapter tonight. Otherwise keep an eye out for either tomorrow or Saturday! Also I'll do a love scene next chapter maybe. It just didn't fit in this chapter. Anyway, hope you enjoyed! Until tonight or tomorrow! -Jen
