A/N: Enjoy!
A loud clap of thunder excites the walkers, riling them up as the creatures start to leave the canopy of the forest and creep their way farther onto the field. There isn't much time left. For every second that passes, the grotesque monsters gather in tighter formations, gaining ground on the church a half mile from where they stand. The vast numbers are bigger than anything their group has dealt with before, and the worst of it is, they don't even know it's coming.
In a desperate bid to warn the others and save themselves, Beth and Maggie run across the slick earth and through the puddles of mud that pool on the ground at their feet. They run through the tall blades of wild grass that scratch at their arms and legs, but never once do they look back. Maggie yells, "herd!," out over the storm, and in her haste to get back catches her foot on a fallen log hidden amongst the brambles. Her body lurches forward, taking Beth with her as she falls, and knocking the gun from her sister's grasp.
Maggie lands in a tangled muddy heap on the ground, while Beth rolls quickly onto her back. She frantically looks up in search for her gun, and is shocked to discover two large walkers descending upon her. The grotesque monsters bare their rotted teeth, clinking them together as they eye Beth up for their next meal.
Seconds passed like minutes as she tries to recall everything she has learned. Everything the hunter has taught her. She bides her time and thinks back on Daryl's words. "Everything is important, so stay alert. You can't rush what will happen in its own time. Rushing will only get you killed. Wait for your opening, and in the meantime... just Breathe."
With Daryl in her head, Beth lays perfectly still. She keeps her back flat to the earth and slides the knife from its resting spot at her hip, positioning it outward so that the hilt sits just above her pounding heart. "A little bit longer now," she tells herself. "Just one... more... breath."
The second the walker leans forward, Beth snaps out her leg and connects with the soft gooey flesh of the creature's abdomen. It stumbles back, giving her just enough time to get to her feet and take the offensive. Pouncing like a cougar attacking her prey, she swiftly lunges forward, plunging her knife down deep into the creature's decaying skull. Then she spins around and slashes it through the neck of it's friend.
"Bang!"
Startled, Beth jumps back at the sound of the gunshot. She feels the blood that spatters across the back of her arms and shirt as a walker she didn't even know was there slumps to the ground behind her. Shaken, Beth looks up to see Rick running through the field towards them.
Immediately he glances down at Beth's handy-work, and gives her a pat on the back. "Beth are you ok?"
She can't seem to quell her shaking limbs. She hadn't even seen that walker. "I'm fine," Beth lies. How could she not have seen it. Shuddering to herself, she doesn't even want to imagine what would have happened had Rick not been here.
"Glad to hear it."
Beth scoops up her gun while Rick helps Maggie to her feet. "Man that was close. Carl and I were on our way back from checking the snares when the storm blew up. We heard Maggie call out. That's when we turned and saw the walkers. Carl's gone back to the church to warn the others. Maggie, can you run?"
"Yah, I'm fine."
"Good! Cause there won't be much time once we get there. They're already getting closer."
Michonne sees them coming and swiftly opens the gates for the threesome as they barrel towards her, panting and out of breath.
Knowing that Rick's first thoughts will be for his son Michonne answers his question before he can ask it. "Carl is safe. He's helping Abraham gather supplies. I'm glad you guys are back. Abraham and the others have gone to get the riffles."
No sooner does she speak the words, then Tara, Sasha, and Bob come flying through the main doors of the sanctuary, followed closely behind by Rosita and Abraham, each of them armed to the teeth and ready for war. Abraham hands off the last three riffles to Beth, Maggie, and lastly Rick, giving the man a solid pat on the back. "Glad you three decided to join the fight," he says with a smirk. Beth can see the relief in his face though. Abraham was worried.
Rick scans the area. "Where the hell is Eugene?," he shouts out over the thunder. Rick knows the guy's a liability, but a necessary one. Ever since learning the circumstances surrounding the scientist's blood and a possible cure, Rick among other things, has taken it upon himself to protect Eugene. They all know he isn't a fighter. Hell, he couldn't shoot a walker if it were tied to a tree. Add to that a complete lack of athletic prowess and it's pretty clear that this is a man who needs protecting.
Surprisingly, Abraham doesn't seem the least bit worried. In fact the large red-headed man lets out a laugh so loud that it rivals the thunder booming above them. Once again he claps Rick hard on the back. "Relax. The two of us have cooked up a little surprise for ya'll. Thought it a might excessive when he brought up the idea weeks ago, but the man is a fucking genius so who am I to argue with him. He's up there right now with your son."
All heads turn, following Abraham's index finger that is pointed to the highest part of the church. Sure enough, Eugene and Carl can be seen standing at the top of the bell tower. Carl looks to be riffling through a large duffle bag on the steeple floor, then stands and hands something to Eugene.
With every second that passes the threat becomes greater.
On the ground Abraham's military training takes over, and he orders the rest of the group to hold their position and wait for Eugene and Carl to give the signal. His surly attitude annoying Michonne. "How long are you going to have us wait?" she exclaims. "Till the walkers are pounding on the walls. Sorry, but Numb-nuts up there ain't exactly been reliable in a fight! Does Eugene even know signal? Do you Abraham? 'Cause you sure as shit haven't told any of us?" She knows if they're going to have any chance at all against a herd this size, urgency will be key.
"Darlin', if this works out the way he promises, you'll know the signal when you see it."
Daggers shoot from Michonne's eyes as she flashes the soldier a dark warning smile. "Fine, we'll do it your way, but you ever call me darlin' again... you won't have to wait for a walker to get you."
Rick disguises amusement at Michonne's harsh words, by clearing his throat in an ever serious manner. Disagreements aside, they have run out of time and are left with no other option. As terrifying a thought as it is, the ball now rests entirely on Eugene's shoulders.
While waiting Beth thinks on something her Daddy had told her long ago. "Miracles are rare but they do happen. They just don't always come the way you expect. Sometimes it's the weakest and the most unlikely of people that become the hero. Sometimes all a person needs is for someone else to believe in them and have a little bit of faith, and it can elevate a person to do remarkable things."
/
Carl looks up from the duffle bag and hands Eugene a self-sealed food can labelled Lima Beans in big bold print across the front. "So what is this stuff anyway?"
Eugene takes the can from the teenager and smiles back at him. "Just a few household ingredients mixed in the proper proportions."
"Like a bomb or something?"
"More like a small hand grenade. Seems people don't have much need of disinfectants in the new world. Found enough stuff in the church down there to blow a small hole in the world, if you know what you're doing that is."
"And... And you know what you're doing... right?" Carl can't help but worry. His dad's down there, and so far this man had demonstrated himself to be a complete idiot when it comes to battle tactics. Carl can't recall a single time since meeting Eugene, in which he hasn't run from any and all danger, leaving the others to fight his battles.
Eugene peers through the rainfall, placing the can into a homemade wooden slingshot. "Relax little man. This is all about mathematic trajectory." Carl scowls at the demeaning remark, but not wanting to distract the man from his job, fails to comment on it. The scientist holds a finger high in the air, testing the direction of the wind current, then with both eyes open, takes aim and quietly counts back, "three, two, one." Eugene releases the band, and the can sails clean through the air. Only then, does it occur to the man to yell, "Duck!"
The tin can lands in the center of an undead cluster. The explosion is immense, and the effect it has is simply astounding. Carl can't believe his eyes. "Holy shit!" The teenager shouts. His grin so wide it nearly reaches his ears.
The stunned group stares up at the tower in both astonishment and surprise, but before they can utter a single cheer undead body parts begin to rain down upon them, littering the earth around them with blood, guts, and limbs. The blast nearly takes out the entire first wave of the herd. Then Eugene yells "Duck" once more. This time before firing the can.
The group doesn't hesitate, immediately curling in on themselves behind the stone wall so as to protect their vital organs from the blast. Once again Eugene strikes dead center of another cluster and once again walker parts go flying.
"All clear! Move out!" Given the go ahead, Michonne grabs her sword and jumps to her feet. Stealthy as a ninja she glides through the gates, advancing on the scattered walkers that remain in the field. She makes fast work of it, slicing her way through rain drops and walkers alike. The others follow her lead and start to head out.
Beth is one of the last out from behind the wall. She tries to stand, but is suddenly light-headed. The bang of the explosion reverberates in her ear drums, and she fears she may soon pass out. An arm without a body attached lands at her side, and just the sight of it has her stomach to twisting. She can taste the bile as it burns up the back of her throat, but not wanting to appear weak, she forces it down. Her brain is spinning, and her balance off kilter as stumbles to get to her feet.
Witness to it all, Rick lays a compassionate hand on her shoulder. "Beth, why don't you stay here and take watch. You've been through a lot today already. Make sure you grab some water too ok."
"No really, I'm fine." Beth turns to make her way onto the field, but Rick stops her flat.
"I've made my decision Beth. You're not fine. Its most likely dehydration. The others can handle it out there." Rick's tone is soft but firm. He motions in the direction of the church and gives her an understanding smile.
Beth hates the thought of standing idol when her family needs her most, but deep inside she knows Rick is right. She hasn't eaten much of anything today other than a few small crackers and some jam, and after all the running earlier, Beth really has no choice but to concede to Rick's suggestion. "Yah, it's probably best. Someone should be here to keep watch for Glen and Daryl anyway."
Rick nods his head and smiles knowingly at the petit bonde. "Ok Beth, you do that." She thinks she hears a mild hint of amusement in his tone, but Rick is already heading toward the field by the time she's processed it, and his words cause a sudden warmth to build in her cheeks.
"What?" she throws after him.
"I'm sure he's fine Beth. I'm sure their both just fine." Rick doesn't turn around, but he emphasizes the word both a little to prominently for Beth's liking, and she can practically hear the smile on his face, leaving her feeling exposed and self-concious.
Tara walks out from behind the building moments later holding two half-full water bottles in her hands. "Here, thought you could use this." Beth nods eagerly as she glances down at the bottle, then takes a large swig of the clear liquid.
"Rick send you?" The liquid feels glorious as it runs down the back of her throat.
"He did," Tara smiles sheepishly .
"Well, thank you." A few more sips and Beth begins to regain her focus. The dizziness, all but gone. She takes one large last gulp of water and then settles in on watch duty.
For the next hour, she stands quietly observing her family, as she keeps a careful look-out for any unforeseen danger. She watches as Carl stokes the flames of the bonfire that will soon burn the bodies of the dead. She watches as group members haul walkers off the field one by one and stack them like logs along the stone wall. She even watches Michonne as she hunts down strays still roaming the outer property line.
As time ticks on, Beth lets out a worried sigh. Daryl and Glen really should have been back ages ago, and she hopes against hope that they will get back soon.
Their group has been so lucky today, it almost feels wrong to pray for one more thing... But Beth does just that as she looks out over the destruction that could have ended them all. Then she looks beyond it, down the small dirt road that she has faith will bring back the man she so desperately wants, needs more than oxygen in her lungs.
Beth thinks back to their time alone, smiling for the way he was with her then. She misses that time. Misses the way his hands brushed against her arms so lightly that it left her questioning whether he'd touched her at all. Or the nervously heated gaze of his steel-blue eyes as he glided them over her body like she was something to eat. It was so sexy. But now... now it seems only a concern for her well being that drives his brooding stares. Maybe it's just that he's unsure on how to cope with their new situation. But what if she's wrong? She's never felt this way for anyone before. It scares her to think he might not feel the same. Either way, Beth has come to the difinitive decision that upon Daryl's return she is going to find out. Life is too short. Today has been a reminder of that, and Beth is resolute in the knowledge that she will not waste one more second of hers, uncertain of Daryl's feelings.
She is just about to help her tired sister drag another walker to the fire, when a brief flicker of light catches her eye. Straining to see through the haze of smoke, she spots it again, then hears the faint sound of an engine in the distance. Relief wells up inside her as tears form in her eyes, and before Beth can even determine the shape or colour of the car she's grabbing for her sister hand and shouting. "They're back, they're back!"
Beth quickly tries to compose herself when she see him get out of the car, but it is of no use. She knows full well how awful she must look, and how her appearance is only going to cause him to worry.
Daryl slams shut the car door and loosely slings the crossbow over his right shoulder. His eyes trained on Beth as she stands a ways back on the porch, watching as his long strides carry him to her on silent feet. Beth is his light, he knows that now, and he needs her to know it too. Beth is everything good in his world and after today, Daryl needs to see that light reflected back at him through her angelic blue eyes. He is desperate for it.
Beth's heartbeat quickens as the hunter approaches. There are so many things she needs to say, but right now all she can focus on are the flexed muscles of his massive biceps. She catches a hint steel-blue peek out from under thick brown locks, and can't help but notice the way the firelight enhances their beauty. It's in the determination of Daryl's stride however, that draws her gaze lower. Beth focuses on his loose fitting pants, and how they ride just above his narrow hips as he moves. How do they even stay, she wonders. This will never do. Somehowshe has to control her thoughts. She has to breathe.
Daryl is focused, driven on by one thing, and one thing only as he walks through the gate and wall that surround the church. He doesn't stop to greet the others that gather to welcome them home. He just needs to see Beth, be around her. His legs carry him up the steps of the veranda two at a time, and when he is but an arms length away from where Beth stands, Daryl suddenly stops. Nervously his eyes connect with hers, and the moment they do, all oxygen leaves his lungs. Daryl just stands there, staring through long lashes at this beautiful woman before him. He is mesmerized... "Just Breathe."
"Breathe..." Beth tells herself, staring back at him in bewilderment. Why on earth did he stop. She was positive he was going to hug her just then. At the very least ask if she was ok, but not this.
Daryl's words turn to vapor as his eyes settle on the angel in his midst. There are so many things he wants to tell her, "Beth I missed you like crazy!" There are so many things he needs to express. "I don't want to be without you no more. I know I haven't always been what you needed. I just wanted to give you time... time to heal... time to adjust." Alas... all of the words Daryl practiced in his head become a jumbled mess in his mind the moment he needs them. All the words Beth so desperately wants to hear get caught in his throat and he is rendered mute. Awkwardly Daryl stands there, waiting, hoping like hell Beth will fill the void where he had failed.
He seems to be studying her, but why? What is he searching for? As more time ticks by, the level of Beth's discomfort increases. She feels her heart sink into her stomach as she realizes this must be the answer to the question that has plagued her thoughts. Surly if Daryl felt anything more for her than friendship, he would say something, do something. Yet here they stand... face to face, and he is just staring, torturing her with his soulful eyes, and no matter how hard she tries, she can't seem to brake the tether that holds her gaze to his.
"Are you ok?" She asks nervously.
Daryl's heart melts, causing the lump in his throat to grow larger. Slowly he nods his head, focusing his eyes harder, pleading for this perfect woman to read his thoughts. Why the hell can't he speak? What the fuck? All he needs to do is form a few words and she will know. Right now he'd settle on a few damn syllables. Maybe then he and Beth could be like they were before. When he was happier than he had ever been in his entire life. Just breathe damn it! Just breathe!