Chapter 21: Sanctuary
RPOV
~16 years ago~
"Hey Kat...doing homework?" I asked her as I walked into the kitchen, Lori was at work still and Kat was sitting down on the dinning room chair, leaning over her work and looking at it frustratedly.
"Yeah...I'm struggling," she answered me, her cute little face was contorted in confusion and frustration. Her blue eyes sad and as though she was close to giving up. Chuckling I shook my head at her. Remembering that school work wasn't easy.
"Best thing to know is...to keep trying and sooner or later you'll get it. You just need to keep at it and eventually you'll figure it out," I tell her and she looked up at me, her blue eyes bright and her small face stretching into a smile.
"Can you still help me?" she pleaded, batting her eyelashes and her brown curls falling around the sides of her head perfectly. Her cute small face making my heart warm up and my smile stick to my face.
"Of course," I agreed and sat down beside her. Chuckling at how she could easily get me to do things with one simple look. How she always convinced me of doing things I may not have done with other people. She knew how to pull at my heart strings...
Present day...RPOV
It had been 8 months. Running, keeping ourselves safe and trying to get by through the winter. 8 months that...Kat had died or never showed up. She had to be dead. There was no other explanation. It had been so long and Lori was looking as though she was about to give birth any moment now. Daryl had been supportive of every decision I made, always by my side and protecting me from anything that could cause me harm.
Carl seemed...tougher. He knew how to use the gun and wasn't afraid of walkers anymore. He grew a friendship with Beth and...slowly we moved on from Kat. I still missed her. Every single day. Trying to do what would be right by her and keeping her machete for when I needed to use it. Which was often enough. No one mentioned her name after we found the machete back at the farm. Not since that day had we thought of her so constantly.
The days got easier when it came to thinking about Kat. There were moments that I knew she would have been proud of me, her mom and Carl. Of the group as a whole. How we didn't argue and just worked as a team, keeping each other safe and always moving forward. There were moments I thought of her and frowned or smiled. As a father...you just had to miss your child. Especially your first born.
Getting ready to scavenge, we decided to go house to house and find shelter even if it was for the night. I assigned Carl, Daryl and T-Dog to help me clear the house. The others were to wait and keep the roads clear of walkers while we searched the house. Daryl frightened me slightly but we kept clearing the house of walkers. Carl went to look for food or any other supplies, Daryl and T-Dog went upstairs to clear it of any walkers, while I helped bring in the others.
Maggie and Glenn moved the bodies to one side and we all gathered into a room. Carl came in with some canned food and sat down. All of us were hungry, our food supply was low and we needed to find something to eat. Checking the windows, watching out for walkers and finding non coming so far. I walked over picked up the can and checked the date and what it was. Dog food. No way are we going to be starving enough to eat dog food. Never.
Throwing the can against the wall, I walked back and looked around me. Daryl was plucking at an owl he had killed and the others just looked at me sadly. Carl looked down with...disappointment and I just looked to each of them. Knowing exactly what I wanted to say. "Psst," T-Dog called to us as he looked out the window and we saw walkers coming closer to us. Rushing out the back door way, we ran to our cars and drove away.
"15. You're on point," I tell Carl as I looked to the distance. We had parked on the road by where we first spent the night, we had been gathering supplies, doing whatever we needed to in order to survive and it was never easy. We had to be smart about things.
"We got no place left to go," T-Dog said as Maggie pulled out the map and rolled it out on the car. Showing us the places we had marked on the map to show us where herd, the places we raided and the zones we knew were safe are. Looking down, I had to agree with T-Dog to an extent.
"When this herd meets up with this one, we'll be cut off. We'll never make it south," Maggie said as she examined the map, everyone were at their posts and doing what needed to be done. Carl was watching out for walkers as was Beth and Lori was sat in the car.
"What would you say? That was about 150 head?" Daryl asked as she walked towards us. During these past few months, Daryl became a respectable member of our group. A solid member of our family. He was always looking out for us even if he did stay silent most of the time and used words to communicate more to Carol than to any of us.
"That was last week. It could be twice that by now," Glenn discussed as we all looked down at the map. Examining it I saw what everyone was talking about and stayed silent. Taking into account of what everyone thought and trying to figure out a good enough route.
"This river could have delayed them. If we move fast, we might have a shot to tear right through there," Hershel spoke as he looked to the map and pointed to where he believed we shout go. Hmm...
"Yeah, but if this group joins with that one, they could spill out this way," T-Dog said as he pointed to the map, showing us what he spoke of and making me nod. Seems a little more risky than usual these days...
"So we're blocked," Maggie concluded as she sighed and looked down at the map. All of us fell silent and studdied the map for a few moments longer. There are too many walkers and too many areas we've searched...
"Only thing to do is double back at 27 and swing towards Greenville," I suggest, showing them the way on the map and looking to each of them. They all seemed to more or less agree with it and kept their eyes on either me or the map.
"Yeah, we picked through that already. It's like we spent the winter going in circles," T-Dog pointed out to me which made me feel slightly mad. He really believes I don't already know this? Where else can we go that hasn't already been marked on the map?
"Yeah, I know. I know. At Newnan we'll push west. Haven't been through there yet. We can't keep going house to house," I said to them as I looked to each of them. Hopeful with this plan and sure that there would at least be something to find there. "Need to find someplace to hole up for a few weeks," I said as I looked up to see Lori in the car. Thinking of her and the baby.
"All right. It cool if we get to the creek before we head out? Won't take long. We got to fill up on water. We can boil it later," T-Dog asked and explained as he prepared the things he needed for the trip. Nothing else better for them to do...is there?
"Knock yourself out," I agreed with him subtly. I was about to walk away and talk to Carl. To make sure that there were no threats lurking around and was stopped by Hershel. There were things we couldn't control during this struggle. Hunger, danger, thirst, our skins tanning and most obviously...the growth of our hair. Lori had always placed her hair in pony tails, much like how our daughter did and Carl's hair was reaching his shoulders slightly.
My hair had become longer and curlier, my skin more tanned and my muscles grew tighter. Hershel grew a beard and longer hair. My beard was beginning to grow but it was still stubbly. The heat in this time was unbearable with the fear and constant fighting making us sweat more than we needed to.
"She can't take much more of this moving about," Hershel told me which made me look to him and stop in my tracks to look at him. As though I didn't already know that Hershel. I did and I haven't forgetten Lori being pregnant thank you very much.
"What else can we do? Let her give birth on the run?" I asked him and looked to him. His blue eyes were caring, a sea like blue not the same blue that Carl or...I did. Ours were a light blue, almost like baby blues and bright. Hers was always bright, filled with life and shone like crystals. I miss her...
"Do you see a way around that?" Hershel asked me his eyes directly looking into mine. His hand rested on my shoulder and gave me slight comfort. What is there to see? The map told us there was no safety anywhere...especially not for a baby and for a birth to happen.
"Hey, while the others wash their panties, let's go hunt. That owl didn't exactly hit the spot," Daryl suggested as fixed up his crossbow. Agreeing, we headed out into the woods and followed a train track, hunting down some squirrels and a few rabbits. We soon came across something that made us stop and stare at it. A safehaven..."That's a shame," Daryl commented as we looked out to a prison. Its fences high and walkers roaming along the outside and aimlessly on the inside. That was when I got a plan...
"Watch the backside," T-Dog commanded as I cut a hole through the fence wide enough and tall enough for us all to get through with clippers. One by one they slipped inside and looked around. It seemed secure enough to hold and to keep us safe.
"Got it," Lori spoke as she ushered others to go in and then climbed in herself. T-Dog was one of the last ones to go in, he took guard and watch for any walkers that got too close.
"Hurry. Hurry!" I told him as I held it open for him, he turned around and quickly got inside with the others. Squeezing through, I got inside and Glenn began to wire the hole up so that no walkers could enter through were we did. To keep us safe and to not allow anything to make its way through.
Running along the sides of where we came, Daryl ran ahead and clutched to his crossbow in one hand and his quiver in the other. Inside the quiver were his own makeshift arrows that he had made. When we reached the gates, I looked towards the field and saw the greatest thing to relieve me. "It's perfect," I stated as I looked to it. It was safe and the perfect place for us to call home.
"If we can shut that gate, prevent more from filling the yard, we can pick off these walkers. We'll take the field by tonight," I encouraged them when I turned and looked at them. Telling them of what could happen if we all worked well and in a team.
"So how do we shut the gate?" Hershel asked me curious as to how we would take over this land and make it ours. It would be perfect for Lori to have her baby. Safe. Secure. Guardered by the fences and...it's...we could do a lot with this place. Could fortify it. Make it our home...
"I'll do it. You guys cover me," Glenn told us as he figured out a plan for himself. Wanting to take the hard task for us all and put himself at risk. Shaking my head, I had to think of another plan that I knew would work and would guarantee that no one would die.
"No. It's a suicide run," Maggie said protectively. The pair really did grow together. They were strongest when together and always showed their love to each other in front of us. Not all the time but they had their moments. She really cares about him and he her.
"I'm the fastest," Glenn explained, reminding me of the time I was trapped in the tank and the time we went back for Merle...with my daughter. She was always so brave and strong. Always risking her life in order to save others. A hero. An unforgettable one. She would want us to find shelter. I know she would.
"No, you, Maggie, and Beth draw as many as you can over there. Pop 'em through the fence," I said as I pointed to each of them. "Daryl, go back to the other tower," I said as I pointed to the one I spoke of. "Carol, you've become a pretty good shot. Take your time. We don't have a lot of ammo to waste," I explained calmly as I looked into her eyes. "Hershel, you and Carl take this tower," I said and pointed to the tower above us.
"All right," Carl agreed as he turned and headed for the tower with Hershel following closely behind him. He's turned into a strong little warrior. He's no longer afraid and...he knows how to look out for himself. I'm proud and I know his sister would be too...he's grown up over the past few months...she would have been 20 by now.
"I'll run for the gate," I said as though this was a death sentence for me. Fear shook me slightly, Maggie, Glenn and Beth began to bang on the fences, drawing the attention away from me and towards the three of them. Taking them down from the fences, I waited for enough of them to pass by and gave Lori a nod for her to open the gates.
Running along, I shot down any walkers that were too close or would cause me any threat if they noticed me. Almost getting grabbed by one of the walkers, I saw a bolt fly across the field and land in a the walker's head. Right between its eyeballs. Looking up, I saw Daryl hold up his crossbow from the guard tower and gave him a nod. A small smile on my lips.
Running closer towards a gate that led to the jail cells, I heard a gun fire and almost shoot me. It hit the ground as I backed away and made me look up. "Sorry!" Carol shouted down at me, no time to respond I continued to rush towards the gate and kicked down a walker that tried to get out.
Locking the gate with what they handed me and ran towards the tower that stood by it. Shooting down a few walkers, I got to the top of the tower and heard Daryl shout out "Light it up!" and we all began to fire at any roaming walkers. Slowly, one by one they all fell and the field grew quiet. I felt joy from this moment, bliss even and hope.
"Whoooo!" I could hear T-Dog's laughter and cheer as everyone else said their own thoughts on it all. We all felt free and safe in this new place. Today was a good day. A very good day and we got lucky. Checking walkers to be certain they were dead, we then decided to set up a fire and eat the food we still had and had hunted earlier.
LPOV
We had all worked together into pulling the bodies away from the fields and pushed the flipped over truck to block the entrance from any walkers that were clever enough to open the gates. It was dark out and we had cooked up the squirrels Daryl had found earlier with Rick on their hunt. "Mmm. Just like mom used to make," Glenn said as he threw away the bone he had finished eating.
"Tomorrow we'll put all the bodies together. Want to keep them away from that water. Now, if we can dig a canal under the fence, we'll have plenty of fresh water," T-Dog informed us which made me want to smile. My daughter would have loved this. To see us triumph over the dead and work as a team like we did.
"The soil is good. We could plant some seed. Grow some tomatoes, cucumbers, soybeans," Hershel spoke as he examined the soil that were between his fingers. He sounded full of hope and happiness.
"That's his third time around. If there was any part of it compromised, he'd have found it by now," Hershel spoke as he looked to Rick who was walking along the fences, checking to see if any of them got in and kept walking around. Rick had been cold towards me...as had Carl. Especially when they both found out that I was there when my daughter had been taken down. That I saw it.
I felt as though they blamed me for it. They didn't understand and believe me when I told them I wanted nothing more than to go out there and save her. That I was going to do everything I could to have saved her but...it turned out to be too late and impossible in the end. Rick had been...cold since he lost both his best friend and daughter. He wouldn't speak. Just give orders to us all.
Carl grew silent. He would listen to his fathers commands but he would never spend time with me. He would only sit beside me whenever we ate and would kill off walkers as though he had a hidden anger towards them. He probably thinks of them as though they were the walkers that killed his sister.
"This'll be a good place to have the baby. Safe," Beth told me as the fire crackled in the soft night air. The sounds of crickets invaded my ears as I thought to myself. Smiling to the girl kindly but looking blankly into the distance, pausing the meal I was eating and placing my hand to rest onto my bump. She would have wanted to be here for all of this...for the 8 months she had been dead and missed the moment of her sibling showing...
DPOV
"It's not much, but if I don't bring you something, you won't eat at all," Carol said after lifting her up, she had placed the plate on top of the tilted truck and stood beside me atop it. The night sky was dark and filled with stars. The air was humid and made me look to Carol.
"I guess 'Little Shane' over there has got quite the appetite," I joked sarcastically and truthfully. Eating the food off the plate Carol had given me, I looked to the sky and then to her. Not bothered of her seeing me eat like this seeing as she would be the one to bring me food and spend time with me.
Carol and I got close. Not just from the whole Sophia situation and of what happened in the farm. She just was good to be around, she was kind and light hearted at times. She worried but it was natural to worry in a world like this. She was someone I could confide in and someone I cared about. As though she were family. 8 months does things to people. Makes us grow, understand and respect people.
"Don't be mean," Carol giggled and then looked towards the group. "Rick's gotten us a lot farther than I ever thought he would, I'll give him that," she sighed as we both thought of Shane. Shane was so stubborn, he would of ended up killing the Greene family and kept the land for his own keep.
"Mm-hmm," I agreed as I thought of the time in the farm. Of Sophia...of...the other Grimes. Of all the shit we went through there and how everything changed since then. Not only had Rick became our leader but...he turned cold and emotionless at times. The whole Grimes family were affected by the death of the girl Grimes. All of us were affected.
"Shane could never have done that," she said which made me look to the group. They were all sat by the fire, Rick was walking alongside the fences and never moved from them. Keeping his eyes on the walkers and fences incase they broke or got through a hole we didn't see. The others seemed to be relaxing under the stars and by the warmth of the burning fire.
"What's wrong?" I asked Carol as I saw her shrug and roll her shoulders slightly. As though she was in pain from something. It made me worry about her and curious as to why she was moving her body like this. Did she get bit? Did she break something?
"It's that rifle. The kickback. I'm just not used to it," she told me as she tried to reach the spot that hurt her. Rubbing at it and squeezing it as though that would help it. She's probably just sprained it or worked it a little too hard.
"Hold on," I tell her as I placed the plate to one side and sucked my fingers clean. Gesturing for her to get closer to me, she turned her back on me and I rubbed at her shoulder. Massaging it and feeling her tense muscles un tense under my fingers. "Better get back," I tell her when I knew her arm was better enough for her to go.
"It's pretty romantic. Want to screw around?" Carol joked. She was always like this. It was harmless fun and I didn't take it too seriously. She's just a friend...family. I don't see her that way and...I don't think I ever could.
"Pfft," I said as I looked to her and then back down to the floor. "I'll go down first," I suggest to her as I went to get to the ground first. So that I could assist her and so that she wouldn't have to work her arms too hard after her telling me she hurt her arm with the gun.
"Even better," Carol teased as she made the suggestion sound dirty. Dirty woman. Very dirty. Who knew this could come from her like this? Oh well...it's all fun and games with her. Silly, stupid woman.
"Stop," I told her, not growling at her but keeping my voice stern so that she knew that the jokes had to stop. My cheeks burned in the darkness but I was glad that she couldn't see it. Getting to the floor, I carefully helped her down and we both made our way back to the others by the fire.
LPOV
"Bethy, sing Paddy Reilly for me. I haven't heard that, I think, since your mother was alive," Hershel suggested, reminiscing in the past and the fact she supposedly sang. Much like my daughter did too. She was so...gentle and sang every word as though she meant it...and at times...she did.
"Daddy, not that one, please," Maggie pleaded, possibly by the song choice or by the fact it might not have been suitable for this moment in time. No one knew exactly but we sat there waiting to see what they would agree on.
"How about 'Parting Glass'?" Hershel suggested again and this made Beth look up at him slightly confused and shyly. Wide eyed like she didn't want to sing that song out of fear of something. What could she be afraid of?
"No one wants to hear," Beth spoke as though she was declaring a statement. This made me look to her sadly. Reminding me of how shy my daughter would get whenever I would ask her to sing for me or perform on her guitar. She would always do it in the end...so couragous...my little girl.
"Why not?" Glenn asked his voice curious and his eyes expectant. As though he wanted to hear his sister in law sing for them. To forget the horrors we had faced over the months and to enjoy in the moment we had here of peace.
"Okay," Beth agreed, looking to Carl I saw him watching her, his eyes slightly blank and staring at her but...right past her at the same time. Could he be thinking about his sister too? About how she sang him to sleep sometimes when he would have nightmares? Of how she would sing for us when we asked her to?
"Of all the money e'er I had I spent it in good company...and all the harm e'er I've ever done, alas it was to none but me. And all I've done for want of wit to memory now I can't recall, so fill to me the parting glass good night and joy be with you all," Beth sang. Her voice sweet and soft.
"I had some," I said as Rick tried to hand me his food. Filled enough to feel my small but huge stomach burst. I couldn't eat any more and I knew that Rick had to eat too. It wouldn't be fair to eat his food and leave him with nothing in the end. He needed food just as much as I did. He wouldn't eat until I at least took a piece of the meat and when I did, I placed it down on my dish and he moved his plate away from me.
"Oh, all the comrades that e'er I had, were sorry for my going away and all the sweethearts that e'er I had would wish me one more day to stay...but since it falls unto my lot, that I should rise and you should not. I'll gently rise and I'll softly call 'good night and joy be with you all'. Good night and joy be with you all..." Beth sang with the help of Maggie harmonizing with her. Making them both sing beautifully. Rick watching them as we all were gathered around the fire. Silent and listening to the two girls sing. A smile would play on my lips at the thought of my daughter.
"Beautiful," Hershel praised his daughters, caressing Beths back and smiling to the two of them. My eyes drifting to look at Carl and Rick. They both seemed to be drowning in their thoughts. As though they both wanted to stay silent or to burst out and say what they wanted to.
"Better all turn in. I'll take watch over there. Got a big day tomorrow," Rick told the others as they all looked at him slightly confused and exhausted. T-Dog sat up from his laying down position and looked to Rick, expecting answers and clearer explanations.
"What do you mean?" Glenn asked Rick as he looked to him. We were all confused as to what Rick meant by that. As to what he had planned and in store for us. I hope it isn't something that can get us all killed.
"Look, I know we're all exhausted. This was a great win...but we've got to push just a little bit more. Most of the walkers are dressed as guards and prisoners. Looks like this place fell pretty early. It could mean the supplies may be intact. They'd have an infirmary, a commissary," Rick tried to convince us of his new plan and possible outcome.
"An armory?" Daryl asked as he got closer to us. He seemed to have become a great asset to our group. One of honour and honesty. Of concern and security. He gave us safety and was the right hand man to Rick since the death of Shane. Everyone had their part to play for Rick by how he treated us.
"That would be outside the prison itself, but not too far away. Warden's offices would have info on the location. Weapons, food, medicine. This place could be a gold mine," Rick informed us as he kept his hope alive. Looking down I could sense Carl did the same thing too. My daughter would be proud of her father.
"We're dangerously low on ammo. We'd run out before we make a dent," Hershel said as he looked to Rick as though this was a suicide mission. It would be...can still be if we aren't careful and let everyone rest up the way they should. We're all exhausted, all this running and now this...we're as safe as we could hope to be.
"That's why we have to go in there...hand to hand. After all we've been through, we can handle it, I know it," Rick encouraged us, keeping us hopeful and looking towards our goal. To get these supplies and the shelter we needed. The shelter we deserved after all the trouble we went through. "These assholes don't stand a chance," Rick said as he looked down at Carl. A smile playing on Carl's lips.
"Psst," I called to Rick as he began to walk away from the group and head back to go guard the fences. "I appreciate everything you're doing...and we all do, but it's been a death march and they're exhausted. Can we just enjoy it for a few days?" I ask him as I looked to him, he stopped and turned to walk back to face me.
"Baby will be here in a few days. There's no time for a picnic," Rick whispered back to me, his eyes dark and dull under this light. He seemed to be looking at me with that cold expression that was now plastered on his face. We rarely spoke, it was always orders and commands or small talk.
"No, but it's time to get the house in order," I inform him, encouraging him to find us somewhere safe for me to give birth to said baby. Staying out here...so close to walkers and yet safer than it was out there...it wouldn't be easy for us all and I wouldn't feel safe.
"What do you think I'm doing?" Rick asked me as he got close to my face, growling slightly as he questioned me. His eyes glaring me down as though I was being stupid and looked to me incredulously. I seem to always get things wrong now...
"Your absolute best," I tell him and he just looks to me. I tried to sound as supportive and as kind as I could. As encouraging as I could be in this situation and with these decisions he was making by himself mostly. It was getting hard since I didn't know how to answer to him these days without feeling like I failed him, disappointed him and angered him all at the same time.
"Don't patronize me," Rick growled at me unhappy with my answer. What else could I say under that pressure and to that question?! I don't know how to talk to him without being intimidated or feeling a little hurt after our talks.
"I'm not. I'm just saying the baby is about to be here...and we need to talk about-" I spoke to him as I cradled my stomach and followed him. He was walking away from me and kept his back to me. Ever since our daughter died he had turned cold on me, gave me a look in his eyes that told me I was to blame about everything. About Shane. About...her.
"About what?" Rick growled at me, knowing about the fact that our daughter may have came out naturally but that Carl was a c section. That if we were to have another child. That if I were to fall pregnant again, it could me having to give birth the same I did with Carl. As we were warned by our doctor who had studdied me and took care of me.
"Things we've been avoiding-" I went to tell him as he turned to look at me. Anger clear in his voice and stance. He wasn't pleased at all. When I said this I felt as though there was more to this conversation than just talking about the baby. About Shane...and our daughter. About all that has happened. Not to mention Rick hadn't shed a tear for either of their deaths.
"You want to talk? Talk to Hershel. I'm doing stuff, Lori. 'Things.' Isn't that enough? I'm still here," Rick growled at me and reminded me of the things we hadn't said. He hadn't told me he loved me in so long...but...I don't know if he felt that any more. I simply don't know.
"You're right. I'm sorry," I agreed as he stared me down. Shying away from his gaze. He became so aggressive and cold towards me and some of the others. He tried to keep himself happy for Carl and to keep the others hopeful. But we could all see it on his face. Arguing with him was tiring. As I said this he gave me a nod and walked away. A few tears escaped the corners of my eyes as I gathered up my emotions and returned to the others.
RPOV
"Ready?" I asked as I prepared the gate that led to a court to the cell blocks. Opening it up, Glenn, Daryl, Maggie, T-Dog and I headed inside. Killing off any walkers that got too close. "Daryl," I called out to him so that he could wander off a little and kill a walker.
"We may need that!" T-Dog shouted to me as we all gradually killed off the walkers that were in the yard. T-Dog ran out from our formation and went to pick up some sort of cop shield. When we all got back to our formation, we killed off walkers in our team and kept pushing forwards.
"Almost there," I told them but reaching a guard tower, I opened the door and looked around the corner. There was another gate which kept walkers in but was opened and we hid behind the guard tower, out of their sights. A few walkers in guard suits came towards us. Daryl tried to shoot it with his crossbow but it didn't work. "Daryl!" I shouted as I pushed a walker guard down and ran towards the gate.
The walkers were attempting to get out but I kicked one down and Daryl helped me to secure the gate. Shutting it and locking it so that non could escape. "Seen that?" I heard Maggie say after killing a walker with a scream. Her eyes wide as she realized a new trick in killing the walkers.
Following her example, I grabbed one that had a type of gas mask and ripped it off him. While it laid on the floor, the gas mask being ripped of it's face pulled it's skill along with it and showed me it's skull. Shoving the machete into its head and waiting for it to stop moving, slowly all the guard walkers were dead. "Stop," I said after I got to my feet. The stench rising to my nose and making me scrunch my face up in disgust.
"Well, it looks secure," Glenn said after we all checked to see if we got every walker and checking for any more possible surprises. Finding non, we all gathered around and talked things over. Agreeing with his words more or less.
"Nothing will lead to that courtyard over there...and that's a civilian," Daryl said as he pointed to a walker woman that laid on the ground. Cleaning my machete a little, I felt my fingers run along the familiar blade. Thinking of how Kat would always take care of it and how she sadly didn't take care of herself. 8 long months.
"So the interior could be over run by walkers from outside the prison," T-Dog pointed out, leaning against a pillar and looking towards the group of walkers we had kept inside behind a gate. The others stayed outside the gate, along the fields and watched us from the distance.
"Well, if there's walls, then, what are we gonna do? We can't rebuild this whole place," Glenn pointed out. Glenn was right on this. Even if we had the materials...we wouldn't have the time and exact knowledge on how to fortify this place as it needed to be. Also...it would be too dangerous.
"We can't risk a blind spot. We have to push in," I tell them and pointed to a cell block. Walking towards it, I walked quietly and nudged for Daryl to open the door, preparing my machete. When the door squeaked opened, nothing came towards us and it was silent. Pushing open another door, we shut the door behind us and walked into the cell.
The first thing we saw was a room that we saw was a cafeteria and a guard perch where they could watch the criminals. Checking the room, I looked up at the perch and saw that there was blood stained on the window. Walking up, I checked the perch and found that the guard hadn't turned. He only shot himself, taking the keys, I showed them to Daryl and this was when I decided to go back down.
Opening up the gates, we slowly walked in and saw that some of bodies that laid in the jail were shot down. Seeing Daryl up the stairs, I followed after him and we both heard a noise. A clang of the jail bars. Heading towards it, we jumped a little at the two walkers in seprate cells reaching out for us. Gurgling and growling to grab a bite out of us. Killing them both, we decided it was safe enough to let the others in and to bunker down for the night.
The others pulled the bodies from the cells and piled them into a corner. "What do you think?" I asked them as I was making my way down. Lori and the others all walking in, checking the cell block and looking around slightly amazed.
"Home, sweet, home," Glenn teased as he carried some stuff towards different cells, placing them in either the cell or to plant them on the ground. He was helping the others as they all walked in and checked to see what it was like.
"For the time being," I spoke, reminding them that we didn't have to stay if it wasn't safe and if they didn't find this place as to what they wanted. It seems safe enough for a few days...maybe if we're lucky for a long enough amount of time to look after the baby.
"It's secure?" Lori asked as she looked around the cell block, checking the cells and looking at me slightly surprised. Why does she always question me? It makes me feel like I do nothing right to her. That maybe she prefered Shane here instead of me and...
"This cell block is," I answered as I pushed aside my thoughts. Looking at Lori and how she cradled her stomach. How she cradled the baby. It's going to be here soon. I needed to prepare for it. So that it was safe for the baby and so that we could have the supplies that were needed.
"What about the rest of the prison?" Hershel asked as he held onto his things, looking at me with curiousity and interest. He could be thinking the same thing as me. That this is the perfect place for the baby and that maybe we would need to find some supplies to make sure the baby stayed alive. Along with Lori.
"In the morning, we'll find the cafeteria and infirmary," I inform them all, knowing that everyone heard me and wouldn't deny me. Playing the part of the leader does that to a group. It wasn't a democracy anymore and the only way we would survive is if we listened to one person and not all do as we pleased.
"We'll sleep in the cells?" Beth asked me as she looked at a cell, disgusted and slightly worried. What? Is she afraid of being in a cell? It's as safe as we could ever be now in this fucking world. It would be safe for the baby and its sure as hell safer than the farm.
"I found keys on some guards. Daryl has a set too," I tell them, so that they knew exactly who they would have to go up to. So that they could get the keys and if they wanted to, they could now be safe and locked up in their cells if they asked either of us. Trusting Daryl felt easy seeing as he was always by my side and supporting me.
"I ain't sleeping in no cage. I'll take the perch," Daryl said which made Carol smile up at him. Her eyes gleaming and watching Daryl as he walked away. Walking towards another perch that was where a guard would look after the prisoners.
"Come on," Carol called to Lori as she walked away and headed up the stairs to sleep somewhere possibly close to Daryl. The two had grown very close to each other. Closer than what friends should be. It wouldn't surprise me if they were actually dating. They come across more like that than they did as friends.
"Thank you," Lori spoke softly a she went to reach out and touch me. Ignoring her gesture I shrugged my arm and shoulder away. Moving to walk out and check the outside again. To make sure the gates and fences were locked. That there were no walkers around and no weak spots where walkers could get through...
CPOV
"Pretty gross," Beth said as she got in and looked around at her cell. Blood was splattered all over one side of her wall and the beds seemed old and worn out. Like they had been used for so long but weren't comfortable or functional to use or sleep in.
"Yeah, remember the storage units?" I asked her as I chuckled to myself lightly. Beth was a good friend of mine. She was really pretty but...she sadly was nothing like my sister. K...she knew how to look after me and how to make me smile when I felt down. These days I kept going because I knew it was what she wanted me to do but...no connection will ever be as strong as the one I had with her.
"It's actually-...it's actually comfortable. Check it out," Beth told me as she sat down and jumped on the bed a little, testing the springs and looking up at me with her sea blue eyes. Dropping my stuff by her bed, I looked up and was touching the bed, checking it and almost about to climb up to rest on it.
"You find your cell yet?" I heard Hershel's raspy voice asked behind me. It scared me a little and made me jump. Turning to look at him, I grabbed my stuff and put on a brave face. Trying not to look suspicious as he looked at me.
"Yeah, I was just making sure Beth was safe. See you tomorrow," I answered Hershel and stuttered a little. Looking up at Hershel and then to Beth as I walked away. Leaving them to be alone and found another cell to be by myself. To sleep alone like I would have to do sometimes. Especially after my sister died.
"See you," Beth answered as I left. I missed my sister from time to time. Especially whenever I would hear dad sounding hopeful or when small things she used to do would show up in different ways. Like last night with the song. It was soothing but...it reminded me of my sister. How she would sit in my room and sing me to sleep or strum her guitar and sing me a song I would request. I miss her...so much...
NPOV
The room that three women were hiding in grew quiet. Too quiet for comfort. Only two women were in the abandoned shelter. The woman holding the Katana was on edge, walking closer and her sword ready to be pulled out. She walked closer to the room where she heard movement, close to killing her blonde friend but relaxed when she realized it was just that. Her friend.
The woman was releived but was soon tense when she heard movement shuffle closely. It may have been silent to some but the Katana weilding woman it was loud enough for her to become alert again. As the footsteps drew closer, the woman's heart was pounding and her body alert, ready to pull out her sword and kill whatever it was that was coming towards them.
When the footsteps got closer, the figure of someone came towards them and from out of the shadows. The Katana flew out, steady in the woman's hands and went to slice at the person's head. At the end of the Katana's blade was a brunette, blue eyed and slightly shocked woman. Her hands up in surrender as she took a step back away from the Katana's possible blow if she hadn't been careful. The two looking to each other stunned and trying to relax from the tension they had felt.
KPOV
"Jesus...relax Michonne. It's me," I said as Michonne kept her sword's tip close to my neck and my hands were raised in surrender. I had kept my hair short, I would cut it whenever my hair grew too long and I became good friends with these two companions.
Michonne had taught us a lot. How to sneak around, how to scavenge correctly and how to defend ourselves with a number of walkers. It was mostly because we all would work independantly but I would always do something they didn't after every raid. I would leave a message for my family. Telling them I was here and that I was still alive.
Michonne was a quiet type, a lone ranger type of girl and could get out with her quick mind and skills. My skin was more tanned than it normally would be, a soft brownish glow on my skin and my curls were still soft and long but it was short. The tops of my hair was straight and half way was where my curls began. My muscles grew from the meat that I used to have. I wasn't fat or chubby but...I wasn't as built as I was now.
Not only did my muscles grow, but so did my skills and my mental state. If I ever got into tight sqeezes, I knew what to do and got out quicky, if there weren't many walkers roaming around where I was searching, I would kill them silently and distract them in different ways so I could kill them easily. This is what I had to do in order to get some water for an ill Andrea while Michonne found some medicine.
"What are you doing out here?" I asked Andrea who was laid on the ground, her eyes looking tiredly up at the sun. Michonne slipped her sword back into its place and we both looked down at Andrea. Her eyes were shut and her fingers clutching to a scarf like poncho Michonne had found on one of her scavengings.
"I needed some light," she told us as I gently assisted her to get to her ass. So that she was sitting and not laying down as though she was ready to die. Michonne pulled out some pills that were in a sachet and showed it to Andrea.
"Take this," Michonne said as Andrea opened her mouth and allowed for Michonne to feed her these tablets. Opening my bag, I pulled out a fresh bottle of water and handed it to Michonne who was crouched down in front of Andrea. Michonne took it from me slowly and tilted it so Andrea could drink up and swallow the tablets.
"How is it out there?" Andrea asked as she looked up to the two of us. Her blue eyes tired and dry looking from the illness she had caught. Her face was covered in glossy sweat, one that would cling to your skin in your infected by a flu like state. It worried me to see Andrea look like this. So helpless and weak.
"Same. It's quiet," Michonne said, I stayed silent and unsure of what to say to her. I was glad it was Michonne because I didn't like the thought of telling Andrea of the small herd that was coming our way. That we would need to evacuate the building and head somewhere else.
"You're lying," Andrea suspected when she saw Michonne not look her in the eye when she spoke. My heart pounding and struggling to find words of comfort. This was Michonne who had to deal with this. Not me. I can't lie to her. We've all been through so much together. I don't want to have to lie to Andrea like Michonne was...
"We should go in a few days," Michonne tried to reason, to slightly hint that yes, there were walkers coming but that we could last a day or two more. That we needed to in order to protect Andrea and to gather enough supplies. To make sure that we didn't run out on anything at any time.
"They're coming. Both of you should go," Andrea growled at us after coughing a little. She had become ill after a harsh winter. This spring/summer heat wouldn't help her with her cold and it made me sad. Since the farm got overrun, the three of us grew close because we had each others backs but because we all understood each other. We had a mission and I wasn't going to leave either of them behind.
"No," I said quickly which made Andrea and Michonne look at me. My voice stern and almost authorative. When I spoke like this it always reminded me of my dad. How he acted like our leader for us at Hershel's farm and when I would order Carl to do things in order to be safe. I miss them. I'll see them soon enough.
"We said we would find my family together. We're not splitting up...and we're certainly not leaving you behind," I told her reminding her of the day we left the farm and argued in the area where my family had took the supplies we left for Sophia. That we weren't going to split up and that we were going to find my family together. The three of us. 8 months...mom must be close to having the baby.
"I'll hold both of you back. Go. I can take care of myself. I saved both your asses all winter, didn't I?" Andrea coughed out at the end and Michonne just patted her back, went to give her some more water and Andrea just slapped the bottle away. Spilling water all over the place. "I won't have either of you dying for me. Good soldiers won't leave your posts. Screw you two," Andrea grumbled at us. Ignoring her insulting type comment, I sat beside her and tried to ease her stress a little.
"We'll go in a few days," I repeated Michonne's words, looking up to meet Michonne's brown eyes and see that she showed me kindness in her stare. That we both agreed and would do anything that was better suited for Andrea's heal and life.
"If we stay I'll die here," Andrea whispered up at the two of us, her sweaty face and ill like features made me feel sad. Looking up at Michonne, the two of us gulped as we looked to each other. We knew what had to be done...so we took the walkers Michonne kept chained and headed out.
RPOV
"Not bad," Daryl said as he looked down at the new found equitment we had gathered from the guards and other drawers that we had scavenged. Placing them all on the table and other things we could use to protect our skin by covering them with strong materials the guards used.
"Flashbangs, CS Triple-Chasers. Not sure how they'd work on walkers, but we'll take it," I say as I picked up objects, checking them out and saying their names to the others. Pretty good stuff...and if we use them well...they might be a good thing to use to assist us in our searchings.
"I ain't wearing this shit," Daryl grumbled as he picked up a helmet and we all saw the gloop fall out of the helmet he tilted. All of us pulling distrubed faces and Daryl just dropped the helmet back onto the table, looking to us and wiping his hand along his pants.
"We could boil 'em," T-Dog said as he picked up a glove and the same gloop fell out of it. Stepping away from the gloop and shit that came out of it. The rotten smell making me feel like throwing up and I kept it in. As to not seem weak and clearly disturbed.
"Ain't enough firewood in the whole forest. No. Besides, we made it this far without 'em, right?" Daryl growled out, pointing out the facts and making me agree. If we're smart, skilled, work as a team and fast...we can handle the walkers. Especially if we all don't stray too far from the group and stay in our tight formations.
"Hershel," Carol called to the elder man I allowed us to join in our searching of the supplies we would need to gather. Not only had Carol gotten close to Daryl, but also to Hershel and Lori. Seeing as no one knew what was to come in the future and since the argument between Carol and Lori, they appologized and stayed close together.
"Everything all right?" I asked curious as to what she would want Hershel for. We were waiting on Glenn and Maggie to wake up to get the search started. Hershel went to follow after Carol but Carol just looked at me and gave me a small smile.
"Yeah. Nothing to worry about," Carol said as though it was meant to reassure me. She's probably taking Hershel to Lori to talk about the baby. Lori must have listened to my words of advice. I don't want to know what her worries are about the baby. I have my own worries and things to deal with. We need to gather supplies and other stuff for the baby. Before it comes which could be any day now.
LPOV
"It's the baby. I think I lost it," I tell him, rubbing at my pants and feeling my body shake. I was terrified that the baby could be dead and that any moment we could all die. That there were questions un answered and that could possibly lead to a terrible fate.
"You haven't felt it move?" Hershel asked me as he looked to me curiously, worried and leaning in to look at me. His eyes searching mine but I looked away from his gaze. Unsure of what to say to him.
"Nothing...and no Braxton-Hicks. At first I thought it was exhaustion or malnutrition," I say trying to keep myself hopeful but feeling it crumble at the thought of the baby dead inside me. That I wasn't providing for it like I should have and that I could die any second.
"You're anemic?" Hershel asked me curiously, it sounded more as a statement rather than a question. Well...what else could this be? Is it really that obvious or is it just my worry and that no one understands what's going on in my mind?
"If we're all infected, then so is the baby. So what if it's stillborn? What if it's dead inside me right now? What if it rips me apart?" I asked him feeling my nerves unsettle me, my eyes tearing up and my nose sniffling.
"Stop. Don't let your fear take control of you," Hershel warned me and it made me frown. Fear is always a presence in this new world. It follows us no matter where we go and who we are. I can see it on everyones face at different times and moments. We all fear.
"Okay. Then let's say it lives and I die during childbirth," I suggest to him, stating all the possibilities and knowing that I don't know how to prevent my death from this. Doctors told me the next child I had would most likely be a c-section. Meaning I would probably bleed out before having my baby come out of me and before they could save me.
"That's not going to happen," Hershel said firmly which made me laugh a little. So hopefull and strong...how could he possibly know what will happen to me during the birth of my child? What do I do if that happened? What would we do?
"Why not? How many women died in childbirth before modern medicine? If I come back, what if I attack it? Or you? Or Rick? Or Carl? If I do, if there is any chance...you put me down immediately. You don't hesitate, me, the baby if we're walkers, you don't hesitate and you don't try to save us. Okay?" I tell him and asked him questions, not allowing him time to answer them. Worried for the safety of those that I love.
"It might have been better if-" I went to say thinking about the rough times that had come and gone. Yet the tougher times were still to come. I know it won't be easy to keep a child safe in this world. It wasn't safe for...my daughter. It barely is safe for Carl and it won't be safe for even the baby.
"If what?" Hershel asked me, edging closer in curiousity, wanting to hear what I had to say and looked to me with kind eyes. He's always so calm and kind towards me yet...it's going to happen to all of us. We're all going to die and there's no stopping it. Espeically in this cruel world.
"I'd never made it off the farm," I revealed to him my thoughts. My mind flashing images of what happened that night on the farm. Of those moments that I held so close to me. Of my daughter. Of her death and the pain I had felt when I lost her. The same time I had lost my husband and son...
"You're exhausted, frightened," Hershel told me kindly. Making me nod and agree with his words. Too right. I'm exhausted about everything and...we're always frightened. Every one of us even if we try and hide it...it's still there.
"Yeah, that's true. My son can't stand me...and my husband, after what I put them through..." I say as I thought of my daughter. How I didn't help her and how rough we had been towards each other. I feel like they hate me and...I honestly hate myself.
"We've all been carrying that weight. All winter," Hershel reminded me as I looked down, feeling the sadness come back to me like a fresh slap. They hate me. Blame me for my daughter's death. I don't blame them. I left her there even if it caused the most painful hurt to invade my heart.
"I tried to talk to Rick. He-" I spoke, my voice trembling at the thought of every time Rick would reject me of my words. Ignoring the suggestions of us talking to one another about what happened. He hates me for it and...I can never bring myself to talking to Carl.
"He'll come around," Hershel encouraged me, trying to reassure me with his lies and making me force a smile on my face. Tears began to fall from my eyes and rolled down my cheeks. My poor baby girl...
"They hate me. Rick's too good a man to say it, but I know. I put him and Shane at odds. I put that knife in his hand. I left K...I left her at the farm," I say remembering all that had happened before winter came. When we had lost so much. People that we cared about and loved.
"You know who doesn't give a shit about that? This baby. Now let's make sure everything's all right," Hershel said which made me laugh a little. Wiping at my eyes and looking down at my stomach. She would want me to care for myself and for this baby...she was good like that. Hershel then examined me and checked to see if everything was okay...
RPOV
"You won't need that. I need you to stay put," I tell Carl as we looked to him and saw him trying to put on the helmet. The others buckling up their vests that would have saved them from bullets. Carl looked at me stunned and slightly annoyed by this.
"You're kidding," he grumbled agrivated with the fact he couldn't join us. It has to be done. To keep him safe and the others. Especially since we have too many men going further in trying to help me find the supplies we would need in order to survive and save lives.
"We don't know what's in there. Something goes wrong, you could be the last man standing. I need you to handle things here," I tell him as everyone looked around and gathered their things. Some were listening in and watching our exchange of words.
"Sure," he agreed and I smiled at him. Handing him the keys, he slipped his hat on and probably felt the responsibilty of keeping the others safe on his arms. He wants to become a man, he needs to learn that it's others safety as well as yours. That this life isn't just about doing what's brave. It can cost you your life...just like what happened at the farm...to his sister.
"Great. Let's go," I tell the others as we all began to walk out towards another part of the cell. Looking up, I saw Lori leaning against the balcony and looking down at me. Her eyes soft and sad. Her expression tired and slightly loving. I don't know how I feel about this...
Taking the helmet, I followed after them. Locking us out, I looked to Carl and kept moving. Daryl unlocked the door and we walked in. It was dark. Flashlights shone down at bodies. Ripped. Dead. Decomposing. There was a spray of the can against the wall to mark the way, when there was a sudden scream. A female scream. "Sorry," Maggie apologized for her startled moment when she bumped into Glenn thinking it was possibly a walker.
Walking down corridors, Glenn marked the way back and we kept moving. Rounding a corridor we saw a group of walkers head towards us, snarling and growling as they followed us. "Go back. Go back! Move! This way. Come on, this way! In here!" I shouted as we ran away from walkers that seemed to be coming from every corner. "Where's Glenn and Maggie?" I asked once we were safe and hidden, keeping my voice quiet enough for the others to hear.
"We have to go back," Hershel told us as he looked to us and was clearly worried about his daughter. Which way do we go? I don't recall seeing any of the sprays coming this way. Just the sound of my pounding heart and the growling of shuffling walkers.
"But which way?" Daryl asked as we shone our flashlights to the ground, so that we could see each other and not alert the walkers that we were in here. All of us crouched and thinking of ways to get out and waiting for the walkers to roam past us.
"Maggie? Glenn?" Hershel called as we sneaked around the corners and checked for walkers. Looking for Glenn and Maggie, softly calling them as to not attract walkers again and cause them to notice either groups. Keeping closely together and listening out for any echo.
"Rick?" I heard Glenn's voice call to me ever so faintly. Trying to follow the voice, I could hear more voices calling out and then the sound of a body thumbing to the ground. The sound of skin ripping and then the screams of an elder man. Looking around I couldn't see Hershel following us anymore.
"No!" I screamed as I ran to him, the others following and seeing a walker eating at Hershel's leg. Shooting it, I ran towards Hershel and kneeled beside him. Maggie soon appeared with Glenn closely beside her. Hershel was in shock and pain. Maggie was crying and worried for her father. Lifting Hershel up, we kept moving as walkers came running to the sound of my gun.
"Back. We're blocked! We have to go back! Go! Go!" T-Dog shouted as we ran back and towards another corridor. There was a double door with cuffs locking them. Ordering T-Dog to open it, he broke it off and opened the doors for us. "Get in!" he shouted and we dragged Hershel inside.
"Shut the door!" I ordered Daryl as I slowly lowered Hershel to lay on the ground. "Hold him down," I instructed the others as I examined the bite by pulling up the legs of his pants. The bite was too deep and his vein was ripped out. Slipping off my belt, I tied it around his leg and tried to stop the bleeding. "All right. Only one way to keep you alive," I say as I began to chop off his leg just below his knee.
"Oh...he's bleeding out," I said, throwing the leg to one side and watching as the blood poured out of Hershel's leg. His eyes shut, face pale and his body limp in Maggie's arms. Daryl looked to me but his eyes quickly glanced above my head. Watching whatever was behind me.
"Duck," Daryl whispered as he looked towards both me and the others. Hershel fell silent and his breathing was heavy. He no longer wriggled or cried or groaned since I chopped his leg clean off. Blood covering us and the floor.
Daryl lifted his crossbow and looked behind us. His stance was tense and angered. Defending us and protecting us while threatening the others with the way he showed himself to those who were behind us. "Holy shit," a voice whispered as someone possibly looked at us...
What do you think so far? What would you like to see happen this season? Can I have 5 reviews seeing as I have been super nice and put up a lot of chapters during this festive holdiay? Just 5 reviews people. Please.
Anyway...next chapter will be focused on Rick's group and the new threat which is of course...the prisoners. I hope you enjoyed this chapter and are having a lovely holiday if you are! 5 reviews and I'll post the next chapter as quickly as I can.
Now...reply to review
Caity6991: You are constantly reviewing! Thank you very much dear! Yes...Kat separating from her family is going to really harden her. With Andrea's illness she's going to be very swayed with her mission to find her family and her loyalty to her friends. You'll see soon! Much love dear!
Until next time...
Much love!
HeroJustInTime90 x
