"Lilliann, can you come outside?" Rick asked, entering the small cell block where Lilliann, Daryl, Amber and Merle were talking.
"Sure, Rick." Lilliann got to her feet slowly and brushed some dust off her worn out jeans before following the man through the prison. "Why do you want me to go outside?" Lilliann asked, her words echoing around them in the small hallway.
"I think I saw something and I know your way of seeing can make sure if it was my imagination or not." Rick said, stopping by the gates. Splicers groaned and moaned while trying to push past the gates to feed their hungry stomachs.
"Ok, just a second." Lilliann closed her eyes and made sure her feet were squarely on the ground. Her sight adjusted to scan three feet longer without wasting as much ADAM as before. "What exactly am I searching for?"
"Anything that isn't a walker." Rick's rough voice caused the girl to carefully open her blind eyes.
"Sorry Rick but I can't sense anything." Lilliann stated, feeling Daryl's fingers brush against the back of her arms.
"Alright, thank you. Daryl, I need to speak with you and Hershel." Rick turned on his heel and stalked out of the room. With a quick kiss on the top of Lilliann's red-head, Daryl followed after the leader.
"Well cupcake, that's a pretty cool talent you got there." Merle claimed, Lilliann heard his back hit the wall and the soft tapping of his bladed arm hitting the concrete behind him.
"Her ability is none of your business, redneck." Amber spit the words out towards the man and Lilliann caught the faint sound of Michonne unsheathing her sword.
"Wow, calm down there sugar. I was just complimenting your blind friend for actually having a use."
"Amber calm down, he is Daryl's brother." Lilliann whispered to her friend, though she wasn't shocked when Amber didn't begin to relax.
"I don't care if he's some sort of God, I'll put him in his place if needed." Amber said, her voice full of venom.
"Lilliann, I think Carol needs some help with the baby. Let's get out of here." Michonne offered, grabbing the red-head by the arm and dragging her out of the room.
Great, thanks Michonne. She fucking left me all alone with this damn redneck AND she took Lilliann with her. With a heavy sigh I opened my mouth to excuse myself but his words left before mine.
"Your friend really likes my lil' brother doesn't she?" he asked, his voice slightly slurred from the countless drops of alcohol that flows through his blood.
"Yeah and from the looks of it Redneck likes her back." my arms folded over my chest and my glare never let up as he continued the conversation.
"Its gets pretty lonely out by yourself."
"Maybe that's because you're by yourself."
"Don't be all sarcastic on me Blue Eyes. I'm just tryin' to have a nice lil' conversation." While rolling my eyes I decided to take a seat, granted we were going to be here for a while.
"So are you really THAT interested in your brother's love life?"
"Nah but I thought it would be a great ice breaker."
"An ice breaker?"
"Yeah, you know you're pretty easy on the eyes." Merle claimed, his eyes slinking up my body. I felt a harsh shiver down my spine and the tiny baby hairs on the back of my neck stand on end.
"Merle?" the voice sounded distant but was drawing closer until Rick busted though the door.
"Yeah Officer Friendly?" Merle asked, his gaze flicking between me and the sheriff.
"I, I gotta talk to you. Alone." the last part was directed at me and he didn't make it subtle either. With a direct glare and a flick of his head towards the door, I got the hint and stood to leave.
"Come on, let her stay. Could be interesting." Merle said, a smile on his lips.
"Fine," Rick sighed.
"So what's so important, Rick?" I asked, sitting down once again.
"We might not have to go war with the gov'nor."
"What? How?"
"He wants to trade. No war as long as we bring him Michonne."
"That's all? So I'm guessing that you're too weak and you want me to do it?" Merle asked, gaining himself a deadly glare from me.
"We can't do that. That sinks lower than feeding someone to a pack of Splicers."
"I understand that." Rick claimed, his gaze downcast.
"Listen Blue Eyes, it's not the first time I killed a person. I know what to do and I sure as hell can do it."
"But you won't because its wrong." my voice was beginning to raise to a yell, slowly.
"But it sure is easy. So I will."
"No, you can't." This is another human life he's talking about. How can he be so ok to end it?
"You gonna stop me, Blue Eyes?" Merle asked, closing the space between us. I could smell, almost taste, the whiskey radiating out of his pores and clothing. I was thankful that I was taller than most people so Merle and I were actually eye to eye during this stare down.
"Trust me, I can."
"Really? Are you so sure about that?"
"Fucker I will kill you. Just give me a reason to think-"
"Enough you two!" Rick shot between us, pushing me away from the redneck.
"Calm down Rick."
"Yeah Officer Friendly, we were just talkin'. Hey maybe she wants to come with me." a snicker escaped Merle's lips and I was sure my cheeks blazed red.
"Why would I want to do that?"
"Because you like me Blue Eyes, don't you?"
"Merle, you are fucking disgusting." My hand reached out for the door but it slammed shut as Merle blocked the entry way.
"Just come with me and see how easy and mindless it is."
"Move." I tried to step past him but the asshole blocked the path.
"Just say you'll tag along."
"If it gets you to move then I will." with a smirk Merle moved out of the way and allowed me to leave. "Damn it what the hell did I just agree to?" I asked myself as I headed down the hallway. After taking several turns I ended up in the spacious room that we kept our food.
"Amber, are you alright?" Carol asked, walking down the steps with a tiny infant in her arms.
"Yeah, I'm fine just angry." I said, watching as the older woman laid the child on the cold metal table. She then proceeded to undress Judith and dispense of the foul smelling diaper.
"Well if you need to talk I'm here." With a smile Carol redressed the child and set her in the makeshift crib, where she slept soundly.
"Thanks Carol, um have you seen Lilliann?"
The wind shifted around the decaying bodies of the Splicers while crazy yells and clatters rang through the yard. With a deep sigh Lilliann felt the various vibrations of everyone as they tried to distract the Splicers while Daryl and Glenn prepared for the war.
"Lilliann, are you alright?" Beth asked, setting a gentle hand on the girl's shoulder. The sudden touch caused the blind girl to jump away with an apologetic look on her face.
"Sorry Beth, I must've been spacing out. What did you ask?"
"I asked if you were alright. What's on your mind?" Beth asked, sitting down and patting the cold cement for Lilliann.
"I'd like to sit and chat, Beth, but I have to go find Amber. Sorry." Lilliann excused herself and stalked off towards the prison. She was near the wall and heard the faint steps of Daryl approaching behind her. "You know you can't sneak up on me." she smiled, turning to face him.
"I wasn't tryin' to sneak up ya." His arms snaked around her chest as he pulled her towards him, never wanting to release her.
"Sure you weren't." Lilliann teased, bringing her face close to his.
"Daryl? Daryl." Rick joined the young couple and broke them apart before their lips touched.
"Yeah, Rick?"
"what's wrong?" Lilliann asked.
"I can't find Merle or Michonne." Rick said, ignoring Lilliann's question.
"I have an idea where he might be..." Daryl said, breaking away from Lilliann and leading them towards the prison.
"What's going on?" Lilliann asked a ran behind Rick and Daryl through the numerous halls. Daryl broke open a door and Rick grabbed Lilliann before she was able to run into them.
"He was in here last time I talked to him and by the looks of this he dragged her here." Daryl said kneeling down and picking something up. After he showed it to Rick he tossed it back onto the ground and waited for Rick's reaction.
"He must've taken her. I talked with Hershel and I was going to talk to Merle." Rick said, pacing around the room.
"Well looks like you decided to late. He's already gone." Daryl claimed.
"What's going on?" Lilliann said, finally raising her voice. Both men turned and stared at the girl. Their eyes glimmered with appreciation for Lilliann's blindness since their faces registered that they had forgotten that she was there.
"The Governor gave us a proposition. We give him Michonne and he leaves us alone." Rick explained.
"So you just told Merle to take Michonne to him? That man is crazy, you do know that?"
"I know, now. But when I asked Merle I thought I was doing the right thing but now we have to find Merle and stop him."
"Well then let's go Daryl." Lilliann said, heading towards the door.
"Wait you're not going." Daryl said, with a light laugh in his voice.
"Yeah I am. You can track and I can sense if they're near by." Lilliann claimed, already heading out the door.
I can't believe I'm here. I shook my head back and forth while following Merle and his captive victim, Michonne, down the street. Merle had tied Michonne and had her basically on a leash as he slung her sword around his chest.
"So why are you here, Amber?" Michonne asked, sending daggers my way.
"I have no idea."
"She's here cause she couldn't get enough of me." Merle claimed, licking his lips.
"I think I just threw up a little." I sneered, causing a light giggle from Michonne.
"Well look at this guy." Merle said, handing me Michonne's leash while he took care of a Splicer. The corpse fell to the ground with a hard thud as Merle turned on his heel and strolled back to us.
"This is going to be a very long walk." I sighed.
"Tell me about it." Michonne joined.
After about an hour of walking we came across a motel with abandoned cars littering the lot. Merle once again handed me Michonne's leash only to grab it out of my hands and tie her to a post while he fiddled with an old car. I leaned against the dusty surface until the wailing sirens of the alarm busted my ear drums.
"Dear Lord, Merle! Shut it off!" I yelled over the alarm.
"You might want to hurry. We've got visitors!" Michonne called, whipping her head around.
"Shit she's right!" I quickly reached over the car and grabbed Michonne's sword. After releasing the blade I held off as many Splicers as I Merle worked with the one good hand he had and I believe he had to use his teeth to twist some of the cords while Splicers marched into the area. Finally the redneck was able to start the car and turn off the horn; I ran to Michonne and quickly untied her so she was able to get in the back seat.
"Let's go!" she yelled to the man as he closed the door.
"Shut it, I just got in the damn car." he yelled back as the vehicle jolted forward. My head slammed against the door then against the seat as he raced down the dirt road.
"You could be a little bit more careful you know?" I asked the man angrily. My anger only burned more in my chest as I saw his grin widen into the sleek, teeth missing smile he wore so carelessly around.
The next few miles were driven in complete silence, apart from Merle chuckling every once in a while. I gazed out the window, watching the trees, grass and Splicers zip by. A light breeze blew into the car from the windows Merle and I had cracked open, thankful that the car had electric windows. A group of birds exited a tree and flew into the sky as the car slowly creeped to a stop.
"What's going on? Michonne asked, both of staring at the man in the driver seat.
"Its simple, this is as far as I'm taking you." Merle claimed, leaning over into the back seat and cutting the wires that were wrapped around her fingers. He then handed her her katana.
"What do you mean this is as far as you're taking me?"
"I got somethin' that I gotta do and you two don't need to be around when I do it."
"Merle you're making no sense." I said, wrapping my fingers around the door handle.
"Get the fuck out of the car already! Damn." Merle said, waving us away. Michonne exited as fast as she could but I couldn't bring myself to leave him alone. "Well Blue Eyes, you gonna leave old Merle alone?"
"No." I said, more to myself than to him, my fingers unwrapping from the handle.
"What?"
"I said no. I'm not leaving you alone in this world. You could get attacked by Splicers or the Governor and his men."
"I'm gonna take care of the Governor and his men missy and I don't need you there. It could be dangerous." He added with a mumbled.
"What? You're worried about me? I can take care of myself."
"I know you can but dealing with the Governor. Listen I dealt with him before, Hell I worked for the man. I know what he's capable of and its going to be too dangerous for you." Merle stared deeply into my eyes and for the first time since I met him I truly believed that he was actually having a serious conversation. The smirk was completely off his face and every wrinkle from years of stress and drug abuse showed through his features.
"You're not coming back, are you?" I asked quietly, my words barely above a whisper.
"I'm gonna protect my lil' brodder and his lady friend too."
"Merle, you...you're planning a suicide mission. A fucking suicide mission! Do you know how devastated your brother's going to be?"
"Listen Blue Eyes, Daryl and I didn't have the best childhood ever and I know he's going to miss me but he has that Laurie girl."
"Her name is Lilliann."
"Right, right, Lilliann. He's got Lilliann now and I know he likes her a lot mostly cause..." his words trailed off as if he didn't want to say what was about to roll off his tongue.
"Cause?"
"I shouldn't say. I hardly know her. I could be wrong for all I know."
"Merle, you are about to go and fucking die. The last thing you can do is say what's on your mind."
"Oh really?"
"Yeah really. It's not like you haven't before."
"Well I already forgot what we were talkin' about."
"Whatever you totally remember."
"Eh, I might but then again I might not." Merle said, the smile back on his face while he started inching forward again.
"Just tell me."
With a deep sigh Merle dove into a story about his past.
"Daryl, Daryl where are you going?" the red-head frantically chased the man, her bare feet aching with pain with every step. Normally they don't hurt but the ground had chunks of shattered glass and rocks with carved themselves into her flesh with every step.
"I gotta go after 'em." Daryl said, his voice stern with determination.
"Not by yourself. How do you possibly think you can find them?" she asked, stopping behind him to catch her breath.
"I'm one of the best trackers in this prison. Shit I'm a better tracker than Merle." Daryl waved his arm around, toward the other side of the fence.
"So? They might not be walking. I can help you."
"No Lilliann, its way to dangerous out there for you."
"I can protect myself you know." The two lovers glared at each other until Daryl broke and looked down at the ground.
"Fine, but stay by my side and if there's trouble you run." he said, taking her by the arm and running towards the fence.
Merle dropped me off a few blocks away from where he was suppose to go. I watched as the man put an almost empty bottle of whiskey to his lips and drive away, not even a wave goodbye. After the car's lights disappeared down the road I slipped into armor and chased him. Jumping from house to house, keeping to the shadows and out of sight. I knew he was too drunk to notice the slightest movement but I wanted to make sure he had no idea I was trailing him.
After a few minutes I watched as Merle turned the car's radio as loud as it would go to atract all the Splicers in the area to him. The fuck is he thinking? I thought silently to myself as I watched the car slowing inch forward. A few feet away I could make out the tiny figures of The Governor and his men. Merle stumbled out of the car and let the Splicers push it the rest of the way. He then crawled into a tiny shack and set up his base.
The first few shots rang through the tiny area, drawing even more of the dead. The Governor's men fought off as many as they could but with most of them being killed off by Merle, they were easily taken over. Of course the man Merle was after was no where to be seen. But he was just here a second ago. My mind and heart raced as I ran towards the shack Merle holed himself in.
"Merle?" I screamed into the dimly lit area.
"Well look at who it is. Hey there Blue Eyes." Blood was spilling out of Merle's mouth and he clutched at his side with three fingers. First he lost a hand and now two fingers, what else is he going to loose?
"Who the hell is this?" the man turned around and faced me, blood drying on his bottom lip and chin. He held a small pistol in his right hand, his finger on the trigger.
"This is the bitch that will end your life." Merle laughed then coughed up some blood from his lungs.
"Oh is she?" the man smirked and raised the gun to my head.
"Hey now, we ain't done you asshole! Don't you dare lay a fucking finger on her, you got me?" Merle spit the venom at The Governor and glared at him with intensity that I had never seen.
"So eager to die you piece of filth?" The Governor turned back to the crippled man, the gun still raised.
"No!" I leapt towards the man as the gun shot off, the bullet went right through him. I was too late, I realised as I hit the ground on top of the murderer.
"Too late Blue Eyes." My head whipped up and I rushed to Merle's side.
"Oh god, we have to stop this bleeding before you die." I pressed my hands against the wound.
"Its too late darlin', didn't you hear me? I'm gone, my business done. Just tell my brother I'm gonna miss him and he better protect Lilliann. He should protect her with all his body, just as I did for you." Merle smirked at me with his lopsided grin, the grin I didn't even knew existed. It was so nice to see and I wish I could take a photo and look at it on days that I'm sad. "Before I go though, I got one favor to ask."
"What is it, Redneck?" tears rolled down my eyes as I stroked his cheek, feel the tiny hairs on the back of my fingers.
"Don't let Daryl see me as one of them. Please."