A/N: So I hope you like this chapter, it moves around a bit again, this will probably happen for a few more chapters just because there is so many different things happening within the group. Let me know what you think. I said this in the last chapter but I'm starting to doubt myself and what and how I'm writing; so let me know what you think your reviews and input seriously help.
Chapter 8: Demons
Sixteen year old Riley sat in the back booth of Harrisons watching her brothers closely. In front of her sat a grilled cheese sandwich, fries and a lemonade. Since she was eight years old this has been the meal that the waitresses made for her. Harrisons was home for the Dixons everyone knew them, liked them and respected them, and everyone there was protective over the youngest one. The back booth was theirs and whenever Riley ran away from home her brothers would find her here. Now she sat with her untouched meal watching Merle has be had drink after drink. She kept careful count and watch over him. Daryl who sat next to his older brother was still nursing drink number one Riley observed; she didn't understand why they drank when they saw how it made people become. She thought it was their way of escaping, but there had to be a better alterative. Daryl glanced up from his drink and looked at his older sibling, he then took a peek behind them to where Riley sat. He noticed that she had her eyes focused on Merle and the many glasses that occupied the bar counter in front of him. He slowly turned back around poking Merle in the ribs "What you do that for baby brother" Merle spoke with a little slur in his word. Daryl cocked his head in the direction of the booth and Merle looked over. He saw the look on Rye's face and how her eyes where on the glasses around him. He looked down and shook his head. Without saying anything he stood up and walked over to his baby sister. He pushed into the booth beside Riley, whispered something in her ear, which she gave a nod to, he then kissed her temple and stood up. When he returned to the bar, Daryl looked over to him then back to his sister who had picked up a piece of the grilled cheese and was now eating. He never understood how Merle got through to Riley so easily and how he made everything better so quickly.
Daryl stood by as Riley made her way into the forest, he watched until she disappeared among the trees. He looked down biting his thumb nail 'I wish you where here Merle' he thought.
Once the Walkers in the barn were handled and everyone thought they could have a bit of time to process everything a whole new problem arose. Beth was in some sort of shock and would not or could not respond to anything or anyone. Maggie ran around trying to find her father who now seemed to be missing. Maggie was with Rick and Glenn in Herschel's bedroom, before he left to wherever he went he packed up his wife's clothes. There was also a flask on the desk, Maggie spoke out saying that he had stopped drinking cause of their mother and the children, but after today she assumed he went down to the local bar. Rick seeing the fear and panic in Maggie's face agreed to go and bring him back. Glenn wanting to get back on Maggie's good side volunteered to help. Maggie told them how to get to the bar, and then she was off back to Beth's side. Rick and Glenn hopped into Carols hatchback and took off in hopes of bringing the old man home.
Riley sat down leaning against tree, she kept her eyes and ears alert but she couldn't be more far away. 'Once a killer always a killer' she thought to herself. 'How could you let this happen…she was a little girl and yet you left her thinking she could find her way back…you're such a, a, a…' the thought trailed off in her mind, what was she…a fraud. She acted tough and strong but truly she was a scared little girl with daddy issues, and because of it a little girl was bit and turned.
In the distance Riley heard light footsteps, she knew Daryl would follow her. Sure enough a few moments later he sat down next her. He didn't say anything just stared out into the brown and green that was the Georgia forest.
Daryl didn't turn his head but peeked at his sister from the corner of his eye. 'what would Merle say if he were here' Daryl thought, before he could up with anything Riley broke the silence.
"You know what Merle told me once.." she trailed off still looking at the trees around her. Daryl took another peek at her waiting for her to continue, she hasn't mention Merle a lot lately and Daryl didn't want to bring him up.
Before continuing Riley raised her crossbow and shot a squirrel that had started to climb up a tree. Daryl didn't even see it. She rose and walked forward. As she picked up the squirrel she thought about her oldest brother and all the little things he told her over the years. There was one thing though that stuck out more then the rest
"He said….in this world Rye bread there are people who let their demons win, they let them consume them and turn them into people that hate themselves and the world around them, don't become one of those people" she trailed off talking more to the tree in front of her then to Daryl.
Daryl kept his eyes on the girl before him not sure what to say, he never heard Merle talk like that, but then again his relationship with Riles was different. It wasn't until she turned around and spoke so calmly that Daryl's heart stopped "The thing is…I think their winning" and with that she walked pass Daryl, through the trees and towards the farm. Daryl sat for a moment. His heart aching; Riley was slipping and fast, he needed to do something.
Rick and Glenn found the bar and located Herschel. Only trouble was that Herschel didn't want to leave. Rick however once again pulled a heart warming speech from his back pocket and Herschel finished the last sip in his glass flipped it over and stood up walking with Rick and Glenn to the door ready to get back to his duties. One problem though other people.
Riley arrived back at the farm with Daryl a few feet behind her. He keep a close eye on how she walked and where she was headed. She walked towards the RV, approached the door and took a deep breath. Daryl watched as she opened the door and disappeared inside.
Daryl concerned for his sister decided she needed to be away from these people for a bit. He went over packed up their tent and both of their belongings and headed down near Herschel's sables, 'being near the horses will be good for Riles' he thought.
Riley walked into the RV and shut the door, Carol was sitting near one of the windows but looked up at the sound of someone entering. When she saw it was Riley she wiped her face and stood up. She approached Riley and Riley unsure of what the woman would do flinched away.
"Oh sweetie…" Carol spoke softly "I'm so sorry…I know you did everything you could, I shouldn't have…Sophia loved you, the two of you shared something" Carol paused, eyes wide, unsure of if she crossed a line; when Riley didn't move or blink Carol continued "shared something that no little girl should ever experience and she looked up to you, I'm sorry for the way I acted" the older woman finished. Riley stared back, and gave the woman a nod. Carol pulled Riley into a hug and whispered in her ear "it wasn't your fault" she then pulled away gave the girl a small smile and sat back down. Riley watched Carol for a moment then exited the RV.
Rick, Glenn and Herschel were busy trying to figure out how to get out of the jam they currently found themselves in; two people had entered the bar and proceeded to try and figure out where they were staying, Rick knowing he needed to protect his family and the safety of the farm did what he thought needed to be done before it was done to them. He lifted his gun and shot both men. Once he checked in with Herschel and Glenn they once again tried to make their getaway. That was until the other members of the now dead men's group showed up.
The new found members called out for their friends, when they tried to enter the bar Glenn pushed his way in front of the door, which drew attention that wasn't needed. Rick being the noble man shouted out
"they drew on us" Glenn looked over to Rick shaking his head. A plan was made for Glenn to sneak around back and hopefully find an escape path. That was easier said then done. Glenn was shot at and barely missed getting hit, dodging behind some trash cans before it was too late. Rick called out for Glenn and once seeing the man was okay and just in shock they made a mad dash for the car. They were a few feet away when the sound of a young man crying out in pain stopped them. They all turned and saw a boy about eighteen with his leg impaled on a fence pole.
Riley exited the RV and saw Carl sitting on the porch. The boy seeing her got up and quickly ran over throwing himself into her arms. She returned the hug finding it easy to hug him. He looked up over the rim of his sheriff's hat
"are you okay Riles…with everything"
Riley looked at his bright blue eyes; everyone knew Carl loved Riley and she loved him just as much.
"I will be buddy… I will be…how are you?"
Carl glanced down and said "I'm good…I was scared though when you walked off… I don't want anything to happen to you" Carl said looking back up.
"Ain't nothing happening to me Carl, I'm a Dixon remember plus, I can't leave you…you're my brother" Riley spoke with a smirk. Carl's face broke out into a huge grin "You mean it" he asked. Riley nodded and pushed his hat further down his head. Lori who had been standing on the porch overheard the exchange and smiled to herself.
Riley looked at where her camp should be and noticed it was moved. She told Carl she needed to check on Daryl but would see him at dinner.
She slowly made her way over to where Daryl sent up the camp
"What's this" she questioned as she came to a stop in front of the motorcycle
Daryl glanced up from sharpening some arrows.
"I thought it would be good to get away for a bit. After everything that has happened, plus those people keep asking me to go out looking for their people"
Riley wasn't sure what to address first, sure it would be nice to have a little distance, but what if something happened and they were too far away, she needed to be close for Carl. She would deal with that later though
"Well first their people are our people too, and who asked you to do what now" she finally spoke
"The officers wife…guess he went into town looking for the doc, and he's not back yet."
"Rick….he's out there" Riley flipped out pointing in some random direction. She didn't wait for Daryl to reply and took off back to the farm. She got there just as Lori was getting into a car
"LORI" Riley yelled. The woman stopped and Riley rushed over
"I'm going to look for Rick" Lori started but Riley was already making her way to the passenger side and jumping in the car "I'm coming….let's go".
The car ride was silent until Lori looked over at the young girl "Carl really took a liking to you" she spoke with a smile, she watched as Riley's lips turned upward smiling at the mention of the boy
"Carl is…he's a great kid, I love him and I want you too know I'll always be there for him". Lori nodded her head. Knowing the words spoken were honest and true. She debated if she should tell Riley what only Rick Glenn, Maggie and unfortunately Shane knew, she took a deep breath
"maybe you can help look after this one too" Lori spoke while taking one hand off the wheel and placing it on her stomach. Riley looked over confused on what Lori was talking about, but when she saw where her hand was placed, she couldn't help but grin. Lori was pregnant.
Lori took a quick glance at the girl and saw her smiling. "I…Lori… this is great news, I'll do whatever…I'm really happy for you" she finished. Lori chuckled at Riley's ramble and nodded her head. "Maybe Herschel can teach you a thing or two and you can help deliver". Riley's face paled 'because of you my wife is dead' Riley quickly shook her head, tried her best to smile and replied with "that would be awesome"
Lori then reached for the map and as she did she heard Riley scream "look out" before the car flipped over and darkness over took her.
Rick stood beside Herschel trying to determine what should be done about the boy
"can you remove his leg from the pole?" Rick questioned
"not sure…might be easier to just take the leg off" Herschel said looking at the wound
"no no no no not my leg" the boy cried
"guys…whatever you're going to do, do it" Glenn hissed as Walkers started to seep into the area.
"We should leave…there's nothing I can do here" Herschel spoke looking down ashamed he was speaking the words he was. Rick looked at Herschel and knew that he too didn't want to leave the boy behind no matter how dangerous trying to help him would be; that would have to be addressed later.
Rick looked between the Walkers and the boy
"sorry" he spoke before lifting the boy's leg and pulling it through the pole
Back at the farm everyone was just sitting down to dinner, when Carl noticed two empty seats
"we can't start without my mom or Rye" he said putting his fork down.
"has anyone seen them" Shane asked
"I saw Riley a little bit ago, we talked in the RV" Carol spoke up
"Lori asked me to check in on Carl" Andrea finally spoke "said something about looking for Rick"
"Well I bet Riley went with her, you know how close they are; I'll check in with Daryl though" and with that Carol was off.
Daryl was sitting on a log roasting the squirrel that Riley had caught earlier when he heard someone approaching. He glanced up to see Carol standing there
"what you want" he mumbled out
"have you seen Riley, we can't find her or Lori" Daryl's head snapped up 'not again' he thought
"Lori probably went looking for that husband of hers" Daryl quipped but then he stopped breathing
'Rick…he's out there' damn it why didn't he think. Riley admired Rick saw him as a father figure, the father she wished she had
"shit" Daryl spoke and then rushed by Carol running to the farm house. As he reached the steps he saw headlights zooming pass him and exiting the land.
"Shane is going to go bring them back" Andrea spoke. Daryl gave a nod but inside he was worried that once again Shane was at the helm in a rescue mission this time though it involved his sister.
"Lori….Lori open your eyes come on please" Lori heard the voice and willed her eyes to open. Once they did they came in contact with wide blue orbs. "Oh thank God…come on we got to get out of this car" Lori looked up and watched as Riley kicked out the window and climbed out, she then ran around to the drivers side and pulled the door open. Riley was too busy trying to help Lori she didn't notice the Walkers until Lori screamed, she reached down pulled her hunting knife out of her boot and sunk it into the eyeball of the male Walker, before it could sink its teeth into her. She then pushed the male Walker into that of the female one bringing all three to the ground. While the female Walker was trapped Riley ripped her knife out and slammed it into the forehead of the remaining one. Riley stood, took a breath and returned to helping Lori. Lori looked over at the girl. She was concerned how easily Riley took down both Walkers almost like she was on autopilot. She made note to sit with the her at some point and help Riley through whatever was troubling the young child's brain
Once Lori was out of the car the two women began walking down the street. Riley must of asked Lori a hundred times if she was okay, if she felt any pain in her stomach. Lori assured the girl she was fine and the two continued on. All of a sudden headlights appeared and the two ran for the tree line not sure if this was friend or foe. The car stopped and they heard "Lori" hissed out, it sounded like Shane so the two crept out and sure enough Shane came forward. He went to Lori first making sure she was safe then turned his attack to Riley
"Why'd you let her do this huh?" he whispered yelled in her face
"Stop" Lori said placing herself in-between the man and child. "It was me, I was going to go alone, when she came….and we're still going we need to get Rick" Lori turned pulling Riley with her
"He's back" Shane spoke. Lori turned "is that the truth" she asked staring Shane down. He gave a nod and she took his word. Riley however didn't believe it, if Rick were back why hadn't he come. Shane shot her a look and she went against her judgment and followed Lori to the car.
Once back at the farm, Carl ran to his mom embracing her. She told him she was fine and then asked about his father. Carl gave his mother a look and she knew that Rick wasn't back. She turned to Shane and with fire in her eyes spoke
"You little…"
Shane cut in, "I needed to get you back safely…the baby"
"Your pregnant" Carl's voice spoke with glee
"Why don't we get her inside and check to make sure she's okay" Carol said standing on the steps
The four people walked inside, Riley turned and came in contact with Daryl's chest. Before she could react his arms were around her pulling her into him. She returned the hug and mumbled "sorry" into his shirt
Daryl kissed the top of her head and sighed
"I should be sorry, I know how you feel about Rick and…I should have helped" as he finished Riley pulled away looking up at her brother she grinned "you like Rick too" Daryl gave a smirk and that was enough of an answer for her.
It was decided that by first light if Rick, Glenn and Herschel weren't back Daryl and Shane would go track them down. They were just about to leave when the sound of a car coming down the dirt road stopped them all. The car pulled up and the engine cut off. Rick opened the door and Carl immediately took off throwing himself into his fathers arms. Glenn and Herschel coming out next; Maggie took off as well but instead of going to her father ran into Glenn embracing him with a smile. As everyone was checking in making sure the men were okay Riley noticed movement in the back of the car
"Who's that?" she spoke out pointing to the car
Rick looked up and over at her, as everyone else also looked at the car. Rick let out a breath
"That's Randal" he spoke
I was going to keep going but I thought this was a good place to end. Next chapter will be deciding what to do about Randal, maybe Dale's death and the showdown between Rick and Shane. So I want to know should Riley go along and finally deal with Shane and all the crap he's been pulling. Also should Riley get left at the farm but make it too the highway on her own? Sorry as well if it's starting to feel a little rushed, kind of excited for them to reach the prison. Review!
