A/N: Sorry for the delay. I lost total motivation for a bit so this chapter might be a little weak. I'm also thinking about my new story Parenthood. I'm really excited to start writing that but also drawing a blank on what I want to characters name to be and where I want the story to start off. If you could help me that would be awesome I'm thinking it's going to be a daughter so what should her name be; I like names that you think belong to a boy but are also girl names too. Also I might skip ahead to when they leave the CDC? Thoughts? Anyway on to this chapter. Again I apologize if its not up to par, but it should get better I promise. As always review please it helps in the process and lets me know if what I'm doing is any good.
Chapter 13: Welcome Back
The group ate quietly no one really speaking. The only sound came from the occasional babble of the baby being held in Riley's arms. You could tell by looking around that the group was still trying to come to terms with what just transpired. Daryl kept a close eye on his sister. She knew how to play the game; hiding how she truly felt, putting on that brave face, telling others what they wanted to hear. Daryl knew all the games, he too played them just as often, maybe just not as well.
Daryl looked above Riley's head and caught Rick's eye. The leader gave the hunter a nod but before he could speak out Maggie beat him to the punch
"Riles, Glenn and I are going on a run today….you should come" The green eyed girl spoke looking at her blue eyed counterpart. Maggie loved Riley like a sister, the two getting along extremely well. Riley's eyes shot up from looking at the infant to Maggie.
Riley looked from Maggie to Glenn and smirked "it has been a long time since the three of us went out…hasn't it Glenn" at that Maggie busted out in a fit of giggles as Glenn bowed his head, his cheeks heating up
'Where the hell is that boy of yours' Riley spoke to Maggie as the two girls walked down an isle of a local superstore. 'Who knows…probably found some comic books' the farmers daughter replied. The two girls turned down another isle and came directly into view of Glenn…dancing. Somehow he had found the music section and there was still an iPod that worked. Glenn was totally unaware of his new audience until he did a spin that turned him around and face to face with the two girls who were desperately trying not to laugh. Glenn slowly stopped his movements and pulled the headphones from his ears 'well well well Maggie looks like we have our very own footloose star' Riley said with a sly smirk spreading across her features 'who knew our very own pizza delivery boy was actually a tiny dancer' Maggie could no longer contain it and grabbed her sides as laughter overtook her body. Glenn dropped the iPod and walked forward picking up his discarded backpack 'not a word' he spoke lowly to the girls as he passed.'
Riley looked back to Maggie and nodded her head "I'm in" she smiled. Maggie's smile widen and she turned to Glenn grinning.
After breakfast everyone stood around the table going over the list of supplies that the trio would try and savage. Riley looked up and spotted Carl sitting off to the side.
"I'll meet you guys by the car" she said looking at Glenn and Maggie and then walked over towards the boy
"you want anything cowboy?" Riley asked the boy as she approached
"yeah…for you not to go" Carl replied back; looking up at her and locking his blue eyes onto her small frame
"Carl…you know I wouldn't go if I thought there was any chance in hell I wouldn't make it back right?" Carl looked down but then slowly nodded his head.
"ok then…I ain't going anywhere remember we're a team; now I ask again do you want anything" Riley looked over at him. Carl stood and walked towards her and embraced her tightly in a hug
"just for you to come back" he mumbled out. Riley pulled the boy closer to him
"always" Riley spoke softly
Carl pulled away and with a sly grin added "and maybe a Spiderman comic" Riley smirked and pushed the boy away from her
"go check on your sister loser" Riley said with a laugh. Carl laughed too and with one last hug walked towards Beth's cell who was trying to get the baby to sleep.
Riley made her way out of the prison and towards the car; she was stopped though by her brother calling out to her and approaching from the side "Rye….be careful yeah" Daryl spoke lowly. He would be lying if he said he wasn't worried about his sister. She was still not back to her normal self and she looked dead on her feet.
"this will be good for me; being out with Maggie and Glenn it….it will be good" Riley said as Daryl pulled her into a hug
"love you Rye bread" Daryl murmured into her hair as he kissed the top of her head
Riley pulled Daryl in tighter "love you too" she then pulled away and with one last Dixon smirk ran towards Maggie and Glenn hopping in the car and waving out the back window.
Daryl watched as Axel opened the gate allowing the car access to the outside, before shutting it and blocking his view. With a sigh and a rub of the eyes he turned and headed back inside determined to find Carol…he knew she wasn't dead there weren't enough facts that would let him believe that.
When he entered Rick approached him "hey think you could take Carl with you; help keep his mind off Riles being out there and…and ya know" Rick asked his eyes floating towards his son who just emerged from Beth's cell.
"yeah you got it" Rick gave Daryl a pat on the back and then headed towards the courtyard to meet Axel and deal with the stack up of Walker bodies. As Daryl walked closer to Carl he saw Herschel make his way out after Rick. Daryl admired that old man, always looking out for others, always with advice and words of wisdom; you may not always like what he has to say but you better listen because there is always a message.
"Carl" Daryl spoke out grabbing the young boys attention "you want to help look for Carol?" the boy glanced around
"your dad says its okay" Carl looked back over to Daryl and nodded his head "sure"
Together with the help of Oscar they made their way towards the tombs.
Once in the darkness they slowly began their mission. Daryl glanced down at Carl every now and then seeing the defeat and emptiness in his eyes. Daryl knew that Carl had already heard the story but he decided to tell him again this time from his point of view
"I know you know about my mom" Daryl spoke looking into a room and then closing the door again
Carl nodded his head "died while giving birth to Riley"
Daryl nodded his head "yeah…you know when it first happened I didn't understand… how could something as small as a baby kill someone." Daryl took a pause not sure if he should continue. He knew how Carl felt about his sister and this part was something Daryl didn't even like to think about anymore
"in the beginning I couldn't….I couldn't look at Riley. I didn't want to hold her, see her or anything. I couldn't understand how Merle loved her so much from the start. This girl killed mom I would think, how can you love her. I wanted to shout this all in his face. He didn't see how life had changed in that very moment." Daryl stopped and glanced down at Carl trying to gage his reaction; when all Daryl got was Carl's focused look on the area around him he continued
"I..I think I hated my sister, and then I hated myself for hating her. I realize now how stupid that was. Sometimes I think Riley knew, she always got along better with Merle. Merle could always get through to her. She would listen to him without fail. Now…now I'm trying to make up for what…what I don't even know, lost time, lost memories, trying to make up for hate." Daryl stopped and reflected on everything he just confessed.
Carl spoke out never taking his eyes off the hallway in front of him "your right…it was stupid. I could never hate her. She's a baby. She's my blood…she's part of my mom in the end all we'll have is each other. I would and will do anything for my sisters". Carl hissed out the last part, and without a glance at the older man next to him made his way further into the darkness. Daryl stopped short and watched Carl's back as he stopped to peek around a corner.
Daryl was scared of two thing in that very moment one; had he messed up telling Carl this, would he report back to Riley and two; how could he have ever been so stupid here was this boy living in a world where the dead came back and ate you and he still had more common sense then Daryl. Riley was blood and Carl was right in the end all he had was her. He was officially the worst brother ever.
Glenn was behind the wheel while Maggie sat next to him, Riley sat in the back looking out the widow. Maggie turned in her seat and looked at the youngest Dixon "I'm glad you came" she said with a smile. Riley took her eyes away from the blurring trees and smiled back at her friend "me too" she replied looking at Glenn through the rearview mirror. Glenn smiled at her "I didn't think Daryl would let you come"
"yeah well Daryl can't control everything I do" Riley smirked back "he ain't Merle"
Glenn's smile flattered at the mention of the oldest Dixon, Riley noticed "hey it's okay maybe one day we'll cross paths, who knows right"
Glenn nodded his head and put his eyes back on the road not convinced that Riley was okay with the fact that her older brother could very well be dead… or worse
Daryl was sitting against a wall picking up and twirling around Carol's knife he had found it on the ground. He now knew that Carol was alive. He sent Carl and Oscar back and was now just sitting thinking about everything and nothing. There was a door in front of him where a bang would sound from every few seconds.
'Daryl walked into his dark house, it was weird since he knew Riles should be home. 'Maybe she ran away again' he thought. He made note to head over to Harrisons if she didn't return in an hour. He walked into the kitchen and opened the fridge; he was just about to pull out the jug of milk when a knock from above made his hand freeze and his eyes glance up. Thinking it was only the pipes he continued on and grabbed the jug, he then walked over and made a bowl of cereal. Daryl was walking towards the living room to sit and relax in front of the TV for a minute before his father arrived home most likely drunk and pissed off when another knock sounded. Daryl knew there was no way he would be able to ignore it, so he placed his bowl down and headed towards the stairs. As he climbed them the knocked sounded again. He stopped and listened, he waited for about a minute before it happened again, it sounded like it came from the closest located by the bathroom. Daryl walked towards it and his hand hovered over the handle. He waited and then the knocking happened again. He gripped the handle and turned, the sight before him made him want to throw up, cry, and kill someone all within the same moment. There in the corner of the closest was Riley, she was bleeding from the mouth, had the forming of a black eye but the worst part was that she was naked. Daryl grabbed a sheet from the top rack of the closet and placed it over his little sister. Riley looked at Daryl through her one good eye; Daryl dropped to his knees and scooped her up. "don't tell Merle" was the last thing she said before she passed out.'
Daryl could no longer take the bang of the door, he jumped up throwing his crossbow in front of him. He then took a deep breath and swung the door open. He was about to let an arrow fly when his eyes adjusted to the new light pouring into the dark room,he let out a low chuckle bent down and looked right into the eyes of Carol
Glenn, Maggie and Riley had arrived at the store. Glenn stopped the car and everyone got out. Glenn walked over to the trunk and pulled out a pair of pliers in order to cut the lock on the store front. The owners must of thought that one day they would return and locked up before heading out into a world that would and never will be the same.
Maggie stopped him and looked at both him and Riley "it's a beautiful day" she said looking at both of them and then glancing at the bright blue sky above them. They all smiled; Glenn reached over and kissed Maggie before snipping the locks off the door. As he pushed it open all three ducked for cover as birds where released from their own indoor prison and flew away over their heads. Riley looked over to Maggie and smirked.
"hey Glenn grab that duck" Riley spoke seeing a bright yellow toy duck on the floor. It looked soft and like something the baby could not only play with but chew on.
"for real" Glenn asked. Riley just gave him a look and he quickly bent down to retrieve the stuff toy.
The small group had finished their hunt and were happy with what they were going to bring back to their family. Riley even managed to find a comic for Carl and a semi melted Milky Way. She was happy that she was able to bring something back to the boy that meant so much to her.
Riley was at the front of the car, flipping through the comic book while Maggie and Glenn were doing one last sweep. When they exited they looked for Riley and smiled when they saw what she had discovered. Before either could get her attention they heard from behind them "well well well"
Even though Riley couldn't see the owner of the voice she knew who it was that spoke out, she slowly placed the comic in one of her jacket pockets before swinging her crossbow to the front of her body. She very carefully crept her way towards the forest in order to come around back. As she did she heard Glenn breath out
"Merle"
The distinct sound of her brothers gravelly voice rang out and if she had any doubts that it was truly Merle they vanished when "hey Chinaman" was drawled out
Glenn took a quick glance towards Maggie and then an even quicker glance to see if Riley was aware her assumed missing brother was here in the flesh.
"Merle" Glenn spoke again looking at the redneck. In one hand he held a gun the other hand well that was a different story. Glenn knew he cut off his hand but its what was in the place of that, that truly made Glenn nervous. Merle had a knife of some sort attached to a metal plate that was held onto Merles forearm.
"hey hey hey" Merle spoke to Glenn "you might want to lower that gun of yours"
Glenn looked to Maggie then back to Merle "you lower yours"
Merle laughed that laugh of his "come on now man don't you remember we go way back, you can trust ol' Merle" he replied with that smirk only a Dixon can give.
"I just want to know about my little brother and sister is all"
Glenn not sure if Riley knew Merle was here was nervous that if she did she would tell Merle where the group was located. Glenn had no idea what Merle has been up too, if he had another group if he would rob them blind. He may trust Daryl and Riley but this Dixon…he never gave Glenn a reason to trust. Riley's words from earlier rang in his ears 'Daryl can't control everything I do…he ain't Merle' Glenn knew he had to act fast
"Their fine there at camp not to far from here" Glenn's voice came across shaky something he hoped Merle didn't pick up on
Merle looked Glenn over and then put his eyes onto Maggie "you part of the group now?"
Maggie looked from Glenn to Merles bionic arm she nodded her head "your brother and sister are fine"
"prove it….take me to them" Merle spoke waving his knife arm in the direction of the car
Glenn looked from Maggie to the car 'where the hell was Riley' he thought
"I can't do that Merle…you wait here and I'll go back and tell them, they'll come here and meet you" Glenn was trying to reason with him he couldn't let anything happen to his home or his family
"come on" Merle started up again
Merle then felt something poke into his back
"the man said no"
Merle raised both arms and watched as his baby sister walked around to the front of him crossbow still raised
"Rye bread" Merle said softly.
Riley looked into Merles face "hey Merle" she spoke out just as softly
She then walked backwards towards her friends.
"Daryl... where's Daryl" Merle asked pissed that once again he let their baby sister go out without him
Riley looked over to Glenn "back at camp up the road a bit" she spoke not taking her eyes off Glenn she had to make sure he knew that there was no way she would slip up
"where is this camp up the road…the only thing up the road is the prison" Merle asked making his way over. Riley raised her crossbow higher
"it's none of your concern" she spoke out. She had never talked back to Merle but all thoughts went to Carl and the baby. Merle may be her brother but its been a long time and who knows what Merle has been up to.
"Riley, Riley, Riley" Merle said but before anyone could react, Merle had Riley's crossbow on the ground and his homemade knife hand at his sisters throat.
"see what you made me do" he yelled out "you Chinaman get into the car, you too pretty girl or you'll have to go back to your camp and tell Daryl that his baby sister died because of you."
Glenn looked over at Riley her blue eyes gave nothing away, Glenn wasn't sure if she once again shut down in this moment he did however see her mouth 'just do it'. Glenn though never sure if he made the right call on anything wasn't sure if she meant just do it and get in the car, or just do it and let him kill me. Glenn wasn't about to let her die so he walked over to the car and got in. Maggie followed shortly after. Then Merle pulled Riley with him and got into the back seat but before he did he whispered in her ear "never again Rye bread…never again" Riley's eyes shut and for the first time in her life she was scared of her older brother.
Rick and Carl were sitting out on the catwalk. It was the first time they took watch together. They knew the baby was safe being cared for by Beth 'only till I come back' Carl remembers Riley telling Beth as the blond girl smiled. Everyone knew how Riley felt about the baby. That was how Carl knew she would return if not for anyone else the baby.
Rick looked out over the field until Carl spoke and brought his attention to his son "the Dixons are good people" Rick smiled at this statement
"yeah they are" Carl glanced up and saw his father smiling this too made him smile "now you have a brother...and I have two sisters" Carl chuckled out.
Rick thought about what his son said and grinned it was true Daryl had become like a brother to him and Riley was Carl's first sister. Rick was taken from his peaceful thoughts when Carl shot up and pointed to what looked like a woman limping her way through the Walkers towards the fence. Rick and Carl took off and where in front of her in a matter of minutes.
Rick and Carl glanced around the woman as Walkers ambled by and knocked into the fence. Carl noticed that the unknown woman was holding a red shopping basket.
"what do we do dad?" Carl questioned his father looking over at him. Rick gripped the fence and then hissed out "we help"
The woman was starting to become noticed by the Walkers, she dropped the basket and whipped out a sword she set to work slicing into the Walkers left and right. Carl was thrown the keys to the gate by his dad and unlocked it quickly. Rick watched as the woman collapsed to the ground. Once the fence was open Rick stepped out taking out two Walkers before making his way towards her.
Carl ran over to the shopping basket picking it up; when he glanced inside his heart beat quickened and fear filled his body. Inside was two containers of formula, and a stuffed toy duck
Carl didn't have time to fret, he quickly turned and followed his father back inside the fence, locking the gate back up and followed as the woman was carried inside the cell block.
Merle had Glenn drive to a place he called Woodbury. Once there; Glenn, Maggie and Riley were each placed in different rooms within the same section of what would be called an underground work station.
Glenn and Maggie were each taken to their rooms by two different man, one Merle called Martinez and the other Lyons. Merle said that he would deal with the blond.
Merle pushed Riley into the room and slammed the door behind him "Riles" Merle breathed out. Riley spun on her heels "don't Merle"
Merle looked over at his sister "why couldn't you just tell me" the brother asked with pleading eyes
"it's been a long time Merle, things are…different now there are people important people I have to…need to protect."
Merle saw the look behind her ocean blue eyes and knew that something had happened; there was a change in her she wasn't the same little Rye bread.
"Riley…" Merle began before a knock sounded on the door. Merle huffed out a breath and rubbed his eyes "WHAT" he yelled at the door
"Gov needs you" was all that was said. Merle looked back at his sister "I'll be back Riles"
Merle put his hand on the door knob "I love you Rye bread; I would never hurt you... you know that right?"
Riley nodded her head "I know Merle; I know since the beginning...always and forever" Riley ended with a small smile. Merle returned it, opened the door and walked out
Riley looked around the room, there was a table and chair so Riley walked over and sat down 'this could take awhile' she thought
Rick had brought the woman into the outer cell block and kneeled down beside her. The woman opened her eyes and attempted to reach for her weapon; Rick however got his hands on it faster and moved it aside.
At this point; Herschel, Beth and Daryl had also join the small group. Carl stood still on the steps placing down the basket; 'go check on your sister loser' was the last thing she said to him. He could hear his heartbeat in his ears as he glanced up and listened in on his fathers words.
"how did you find this place…and why do you have a carrier full of formula?" Daryl's eyes snapped over to Carl and the basket.
"it was dropped by an Asian guy and a pretty girl" the black woman spoke out. Daryl's heart stopped she only mentioned one girl. Rick picking up on this asked the unspoken question
"only one girl?" the sheriff asked
The black woman's eyes snapped upwards "no there was another, small pretty little thing but feisty, looked like a regular tough as nails redneck" her eyes wondered on to Daryl "no offence" Daryl didn't really care Riley was alive that's all that mattered.
Rick made note that when speaking about Riley the woman's eyes seemed to hold an air of curiosity and excitement
"who took them?" Herschel asked worried about his daughter and other family members
The woman's eyes flashed red "the same son of a bitch that did this" she then moved her hand to a bullet wound on her thigh "this guy he…he's trouble. Has a place called Woodbury calls himself the Governor. Real Jim Jones type"
Rick looked over to Daryl "they got weapons, they military?" the hunter spoke
"They got supplies let's just say that its well stocked" the woman replied attempting to sit up a bit.
Rick looked at the wound "we can fix that, then can you help us find this place. Find our people?"
The woman looked over at the group while she kept herself guarded and wouldn't let much emotion shine through her eyes she felt something for them and their taken friends. The woman nodded her head.
Rick looked to Herschel who asked Beth to fetch his supplies. Daryl then turned to Rick
"hey your gonna want to see this"
Rick stood and picked up the sword "I'll hold onto this for now" and with that he walked out following Daryl. Carl locked the entrance to the block and walked after his father.
When Daryl stopped in front of a cell. Rick looked at him, Daryl simply jerked his head in the direction of the cell and Rick walked in. What he saw made tears spring to his eyes and he fell to his knees
Carol sat up from the bunk and Rick pulled her into a hug. Daryl explained how he found her and what she must of went through. Beth then walked by with the baby in her arms. She headed towards the cell and Carol looked over to Rick who bowed his head, Carol pulled him into another hug, before looking down at the little bundle.
"where's Riley…I'm surprised she let the baby out of her sight" at the mention of her name Carl walked from the cell and over towards the room that held the answer to that question. Daryl saw and followed him over. Both watched from the gate as Herschel finished up
"we'll get her back…you best believe"
Riley sat in the room with her hands clasped over her head. In the next room she heard Glenn screaming in pain. He was being beaten. For Riley that wasn't the worst part. She knew Glenn was tough, he would pull through and make it out on the other side. It was the person that was doing the beating that made it that much worse….Merle.
The room went quiet and then she heard Merle say he would be back and he hoped Glenn would have some answers. A few minutes passed and then she heard footsteps they stopped in front of her room and then slowly the door opened. In walked a man who looked like he could be a teacher, a mayor maybe who knew all Riley could tell was that he was well groomed and looked healthy for living in a Walker infested world. Merle followed in after the man and closed the door.
"Hello Riley, Merle says you're his sister" Riley looked from Merle to the man and slowly nodded her head no reason to lie when Merle was in the room.
"they call me the Governor and I was hoping we could have a little chat" he walked over to the table and sat down in the chair opposite her
"I hear you have a group? If you tell us where they are we can help them. Bring them here. We have enough room enough supplies. They would be safe here, Merle also said your brother is part of the group it would be great for you all to be together again wouldn't it" Riley looked over at Merle who nodded his head
"I can't do that"
The Governor stood up "I see…well we'll just have to find another approach" He then walked over to the door and called over Martinez; a thirty something Spanish man entered the room. The Governor whispered something in his ear and he nodded. Martinez left the room only to return a moment later with rope and a gun. He then pushed Merle into a chair and held a gun to his head.
The Governor picked up the rope and walked over to Riley "I wanted to do this the easy way, the right way but you…you wanted it the hard way " He then walked behind her and tied her hands together
"stand up" he spoke harshly. Riley locked eyes with Merle and saw the fear and panic. Riley pushed the chair back and stood
"so you can follow directions…" the Governor then reached in front of her and starting to unzip her jeans. Riley locked eyes on Merle but when she saw the look they contained she lowered her head and studied the table.
Riley's pants were pushed to the ground and she stood there in her underwear. She heard Merle make a move to stand up but then Martinez spoke "One move and I shoot her" It grew quiet for a moment and then she felt the hands on the waistband of her underwear as they were removed from her body. She was then pushed down onto the table her head hitting it so hard it bounced up once. She then heard the sound of another pair of pants being unzipped and then she shut down
'Riley walked into her house it had been another lousy day. All she wanted was for Daryl or Merle to come home and maybe go out hunting. Her grandfather had gotten her a new crossbow she was dying to try out. All thoughts though left her mind when she heard the sound of a beer bottle being thrown above her head. It crashed into a million pieces and some left over beer dripped down on her head. She then lifted her eyes and came face to face with her father. He was clearly drunk maybe even a little high. He grabbed her by the ponytail and flung her on the ground. Everything after that was a blur, the next thing she remember was waking up naked in the towel closest and knocking whenever a surge of strength came her way. It must have been a few hours before Daryl arrived home and found her. If Riley remembered anything from that day it was the fear that Merle would find out and kill their father. If he did that Merle would end up in jail. Riley couldn't let that happen she needed Merle. He was everything to her'
Riley wasn't sure how much time had passed but she finally returned to the present when she heard the sound of a zipper being pulled and her underwear returned to her body. Next the pants were pulled up and her hands were untied.
Riley kept her body on the table unsure of if she could stand fully up without fear of passing out. She slowly raised her head though when a voice cut through "you have anything to say now?"
Riley looked up and saw Merle with tear filled eyes, like most Dixons however the tears wouldn't fall. Riley kept her eyes on Merle as she answered "NO"
After that everything happened so fast. Riley was flung from the room and into a wall. A few moments later Glenn and Maggie were also thrown in the room. Martinez held a gun to Riley's head as the Governor held one to Glenn's
"Someone better say something or they die"
Maggie's eyes filled with tears here were the two people who meant the most to her with guns to their heads
"the prison" she cried out. The Governor lowered his gun and Martinez followed.
"impossible it was overrun the last time I checked"
Maggie who still had tears running down her face shook her head "we cleared it out"
"we" the Governor asked "how many are we"
"eleven" Maggie spoke. The Governor nodded his head "glad to see someone has some sense around here"
As he walked by he placed a hand on Riley's head "sorry it had to come to that" but the sick grin on his face made Riley's skin crawl. He then continued out the room calling Merle and Martinez after him. Merle looked over at his baby sister a look of pain crossing his features, but he turned and walked out following his leader
The three friends slid down the wall. "sorry" Maggie mumbled out. Glenn shook his head and pulled Maggie closer "its okay we'll figure it out". He then turned and looked over at Riley; who was staring at the wall ahead and not saying much
"you okay" Glenn asked and placed a hand o her arm. Riley jerked away "fine" her voice sounded empty and hollow. Glenn picked up on how Riley was sitting awkwardly and nudged Maggie who also looked, her yes filled with new tears and Glenn knew that something had happened in that room. He also thought back to what the Governor said to her before he left 'sorry it had to come to that' what the hell did that mean
Rick, Daryl, Oscar and the woman whose name they learned is Michonne arrive at the gates of Woodbury. Michonne led them around back but then says there is something she has to do and disappears.
Rick, Daryl and Oscar start their plan and head towards where Michonne said prisoners are taken. They take out a few Woodbury people along the way, but all that matters to them is getting their people out of here.
What felt like hours pass before sounds of gun fire could be heard. Glenn, Maggie and Riley all jumped to their feet. Smoke then filled the room and arms pulled at their bodies. Through the smoke they could see Rick, Daryl and Oscar. Together they all ran from the room and out into the streets of the town. Once out in the open a plan is made to get out of Woodbury and back to the cars.
They stop behind a building for a moment to take note; Daryl uses this time to check over his sister "you okay" he questions holding her face in his hands. Riley pulls out of his grasp, not making eye contact she replies "fine Daryl" and then walks over to Rick and peers around the building. Once the coast seems clear they make a run for it. Daryl however doesn't follow. He remembers something Michonne said before they headed inside. Merle was here, was this Governors right hand man. Daryl needed to see his brother and get him out of here. He needed his family to be whole again. He needed Merle for Riley.
Once outside the gates everyone looks around making sure everyone was accounted for. That's when they realize that Oscar is missing. Maggie explains he was shot. Rick then notices the absences of Daryl.
Back inside Daryl is blindfolded and dragged somewhere. All he hears is shouts and chatter
Merle looks up as the Governor throws him to the fighting pit. The Governor has a piece of gauze covering his right eye. He then goes on to explain that their quiet little town, their community has a traitor
"I failed you all" he starts walking in a circle and then looks out into the crowd. "I'm suppose to be your leader…look at me" he gestures to his eye "some leader huh can't even protect myself. The thing is its hard to stay safe when your living with a traitor. That's right there is a traitor among us" he speaks as mumbling starts to foam in the arena "that traitor is someone I called a friend a loyal…our traitor is none other then Merle Dixon"
Shouts start back up, as Merle looks around unsure how to get out. A man is then dragged into the area with Merle. The blindfold is ripped off Daryl's head. Merle locks eyes with him
"you wanted your brother, now you got him"
Merle looks around and then speaks up "I'm going to show you who a traitor is" he then sucker punches Daryl "my loyalty lies here with you" and then again he kicks his brother in the gut. Once Daryl is on the ground Merle gets on top of him. Daryl punches back but when Merle leans back down he whispers "stay with me on this one baby brother, we're getting out of here"
It was an hour before Daryl and Merle arrived back at the cars. Along the way they stumble across Michonne who helped them sneak out of Woodbury and arrive safely.
Glenn was the first one to speak out "NO…he is not coming with us" Glenn struggled to stand up. "he beat the shit out of me" He shouted out. Rick walked in between Glenn and the Dixon boys.
"he's family" Daryl broke out
Glenn shook his head and looked down at the ground he then snapped his head and looked over to Rick "your family...mine is right here and back at the prison...you really want him sleeping in the cell beside Carl, the baby, Carol"
"hey hey hey" Daryl said his voice raising in volume "my brother ain't no rapist"
Glen huffed "well his buddy sure is" Maggie's eyes snapped to Riley and then quickly to Merle who was also staring at his sister. Riley however made no movement or reaction to the words just spoken.
"either Merle comes or we all go" Daryl spoke locking eyes on Riley
Riley who had been staring into the forest raised her eyes to meet those of her brothers
Rick looked from one Dixon to the other "Daryl it doesn't have to be this way"
Daryl looked into Rick's eyes this was the man who showed his sister what a real father was suppose to be like and what a real brother could be like.
"No Merle no us" and then he walked towards the trunk of the car to get out his backpack and supplies.
Riley watched unsure of what to do. Sure Daryl and Merle were her brothers her blood but then there was Carl and the baby…the baby.
Once Daryl had all his supplies he threw his backpack over his shoulder and held onto his crossbow
"come on Riles" he spoke out glancing over to Riley who stood motionless
Riley looked from Daryl to Merle then over to Rick, Glenn and Maggie.
Merle then cut through "Rye bread come on" Riley blinked once and looked at Merle. She then slowly reached into her pocket and pulled out the Spiderman comic she walked over to Rick and handed to him. Rick looked down at the girl and pulled her into a hug "you don't have to go" he spoke lowly in her hair. Riley pulled away and with a sad smile replied
"I do…I have to be there when they find out" and with that she turned and gave a small wave to Glenn and Maggie before grabbing her crossbow out of Daryl's hands and following him into the forest.
Thoughts?
Next Chapter: Daryl finds out what happened at Woodbury; Merle finds out what happened at home. Carl's POV on Riley not coming back, maybe Andrea shows up and Rick might have a meeting with the one eyed monster
