Chapter Thirty Nine
Almost as quickly as Daryl had been presented to me, he was taken away again. The town erupted into shouts and cries for death but it seemed barely audible with the muffled ringing in my ears. I couldn't take my eyes away from Daryl and his gaze seemed to be shared between Merle and myself. I watched as the Governor paced around the pair, speaking words that I couldn't quite make out. There was a devilish glint in the man's eyes and once his eyes gazed over in my direction, his face lit up into a smirk.
One cut nod at Martinez and I was dragged away again, my feet following his lead at their own accord. My mind was too busy comprehending the situation before me. Daryl was in Woodbury. He was the Governor's prisoner too. The Governor knew that Merle was a potential traitor. Surely the three of us would face our imminent deaths now? This was not good.
All too quickly I found myself sat in the same wooden chair again in the same God awful room. I barely recognised what Martinez was saying to me, all I could think about was Daryl's face when the hood was removed - he looked so vulnerable, so confused, so scared. I wanted to run to him, to embrace him and apologise for everything bad between us. But I had been dragged away from the scene and I did not know what was happening with the Dixon brothers right now. What had the Governor ordered for their fate?
"You comfy enough, darling?" Martinez drawled, leaning down and grinning in my face. I regarded his face thoughtfully for a moment, holding myself together and attempting not to flinch as his dirty breath tickled my cheek.
"Could I make a suggestion for a redecoration in here? It's getting awfully tiring to be cooped up in here and staring at the same dingy walls for hours on end." I muttered in return, trying to keep my voice strong. Martinez smirked and patted my head. I shied away from his touch but he only chuckled a throaty chuckle.
"I'll be back later. When I do come back, be prepared to answer my questions." And with that, the man left and I was alone with my thoughts again.
A torture in itself.
I wasn't sure if Daryl's appearance in Woodbury was part of Rick's and the other's plan but, judging by the memories of the hunter's face, it didn't seems so. The terrified expression seemed too real to fake and I wasn't sure how allowing Daryl to become a prisoner could possibly aid their attempt to get us out of the town. It seemed the plan had failed somewhere along the way. Though surely Rick and the others were still nearby? They wouldn't just leave, not now that Daryl had been taken too. Rick wouldn't leave the hunter behind - Daryl was pretty much his second-in-command, a much too valuable asset to the group to be forgotten. Considering myself though, I wasn't sure how valuable I was to the group, most certainly not as important as Daryl to save, but surely enough to receive a similar regard. Rick surely wouldn't leave either of us behind? Not to the hands of the Governor?
My mind began to dwell over the thoughts and as time passed I grew wary. Why hadn't they come back for us? Doubts began to set and I wondered if they had abandoned the rescue mission altogether now that one of the most able of the group had been captured? Had they returned back to the prison? I felt the fear overwhelm me at the idea of being left to the Governor's assets. I didn't want to think of what he'd do to Daryl and Merle now, especially not when I recalled that devilish glint in his eye from the arena.
When Martinez returned, I was almost thankful to see him. I could perhaps attempt to gather some information from the man about the state of the Dixons? The man strolled into the room, closing the door with a resounding slam, that I was adamant to admit I flinched at, and took a seat across from me. The table had been returned into my room and Martinez leaned forward, observing me with a thoughtful frown.
"What have you done with them?" I asked, breaking the silence. Martinez raised an eyebrow.
"Who?" He asked with a malicious smile. "The Dixon brothers?" I swallowed hard and remained unresponsive. "They ain't dead, don't worry. The Governor wants to keep them alive a little longer. That out there tonight was a show for the people. He's all about the dramatics, is the Gov." Don't I know it.
"They're not giving you too much grief, I hope?" I replied coolly. "They're not good with people." Martinez smirked.
"Let's cut this shit out, huh?" Martinez began. "We've been here before, sweetheart. You know what I'm going to ask you."
"And you know what I'm going to say in answer to your questions." I returned with a mutter, never straying my gaze. "I will not tell you where they are." Martinez smirked.
"Your friends have killed a lot of people tonight." Martinez told me and the information didn't phase me. "Let me tell you, sweetheart, there's an extremely long queue of people who would more than happily return the favour towards your redneck friends." A pause and I thought this over. A threat? "Merle and his brother aren't in such a great position at the moment and neither are you. It's in your best interest, as well as the brothers', if you just tell us where the rest of your group is." I swallowed back the lump in my throat, trying to ignore his words and their impact. "I'll make this easy for you, sweetheart. Answer the question; or we'll hurt your boys." I let out a chuckle.
"I don't think you really know the Dixon brothers very well." I muttered. "I doubt anything you and your friends do to them will have much of an impact. Especially not compared to what they'll do to you afterwards." Martinez chuckled.
"Like I said, they're not in the greatest positions at the moment." He informed me evenly and I raised an eyebrow.
"And like I said, you don't really know the Dixon brothers very well." There was a muse of silence between us as we regarded each other thoughtfully, each of us contemplating the other. Despite trying to remain strong as a front, I knew their threats were true and I was fearful of the Dixons' safety. I tried to convince myself of my own statement - these people would have a tough time if they wanted to truly hurt the brothers. This comforted me slightly. "I want to see them." I stated suddenly, an unintentional impulse. I bit my lip, regretting the words but trying to judge Martinez's reaction. A small smile appeared one the man's face and he shook his head once.
"No." He merely stated and I frowned.
"You let me see them then I'll consider answering your questions." I told him. Martinez shook his head.
"I'm not falling for your bullshit." He told me. I shrugged. Worth a shot. "How about we remove Merle's other hand and bring it in for you to see? Would that soften you for questioning? Or maybe we'll take away little brother's? So they match?" I swallowed hard and tried not to goad to his threats. Martinez leaned forward. "I wonder which one you care for the most." He muttered suddenly, causing me to start slightly. "Which one's pain will hurt you the most." I tried not to react as the man's eyes devoured mine.
"Let me see them." I said slowly.
"Which one would you like to see?" Martinez countered coolly and I narrowed my eyes. I wouldn't heed to that one.
"How can I be sure that they're alive if you won't let me see them?" Martinez shrugged.
"You don't." He muttered.
"Then how can I know that your threats are even considerable?" Martinez laughed.
"You just have to trust us, sweetheart." It was my turn to laugh.
"Like hell I will." Martinez sighed dramatically and slowly got to his feet. As he cracked his knuckles, I tensed and the fear rose again.
"That attitude of yours, darling, is going to get you killed one day."
And that was the last words I heard before Martinez took a swing at me, connecting hard with my jaw. The force wasn't particularly strong but I was so overwhelmed with exhaustion and the throbbing pain that I allowed the darkness to take over me again.
"I'm getting really sick of you people using me as your personal punch bag." I muttered through a cracked jaw when I finally resurfaced again.
I jostled it a little, not liking the sound as it clicked loudly and I heaved over to spit the vast amount of blood that had gathered in my mouth. A dark chuckled echoed in the room and I hesitated in the moment of numbness before straightened up and eyeing the man across the table from me. It was then that I realised my hands weren't bound together anymore, though this didn't fill me with much comfort. Was there a reason for this lack of restraint?
The Governor slouched in the chair, drumming his fingers methodically on the table top. His eyes burned into mine and I hated the glint of evil in the man's eyes. I was starting to miss Martinez's presence - at least he was just a mere brainwashed goon. And not the brain behind the whole machine. The evil behind it all.
"Where'd Martinez go?" I asked, slowly.
"He's got things to do." The Governor told me. "And back to your earlier comment. If you'd comply then we wouldn't feel obliged to use you as our 'punch bag'." A slight smirk finished the sentence and I scoffed at his sincerity. "We've got a lot of things to talk about, Ruby." I raised an eyebrow.
"We do?" I muttered. The Governor nodded slowly, leaning forward.
"Well, first off I'd like to talk about how you're still alive when I ordered you and Michonne to be killed?" He muttered nonchalantly. "And I'd also like to know where our good friend Michonne actually is?" I swallowed hard before replying.
"Turns out Laurent wasn't the right man to send for the job." I told him. "And as for Michonne, well, how should I know? I'm here, with you." The Governor raised his eyebrow before nodding thoughtfully.
"I suppose you're right about Laurent, I knew that was a long shot." He told me, evenly. "I guess it was more of a test to see where the man's loyalties actually lay." I scoffed.
"Well, they lie with youdon't worry. If it wasn't for Merle then he would have carried out your orders, like a good soldier, without any problems and we wouldn't be having this conversation." The Governor chuckled a little.
"Yes, Merle was going to be my next question." He regarded me for a moment and I tensed under his scrutiny. His calmness unnerved me. What was he planning? "I'm confused at how easily the man's views have been swayed, I didn't see it coming, I will admit. Merle was one of my best men. Laurent too actually." The Governor shrugged as an after thought. "But in one night I've lost them both, thanks to you."
"Well, I'm truly not sorry about that, I can assure you." The Governor chuckled and shrugged.
"Martinez will just have to step up." He replied with a slight smile. The conversation was too easy to be considered normal. I didn't like it. "I'd like to know how you came about having so much influence on a man like Merle though. Because I doubt you very much charmed him with your looks. He doesn't seem the kind of man to be swayed by a beautiful woman." I raised an eyebrow.
"We all have our secrets, you know that." I countered with a frown. "Take Penny for example." The way his jaw tightened alerted me that I had hit a soft nerve. I paused, not liking the dark expression that fell on the man's face. It wasn't as if I didn't want to upset the man by talking about his recently deceased daughter - I couldn't care less for his feelings - though I feared for the brothers' and my own safety if I angered the man before me. All of a sudden he composed himself and the Governor narrowed his eyes as he studied me.
"You haven't met Milton have you?" He asked suddenly. I started a little before shaking my head once. "He's the town's scientist, I suppose. Ever since we secured Woodbury, I've had him working on finding a cure for the infection. He's a smart man with impressive ideas. Though none have succeeded as of yet." There was a thoughtful pause.
"Pretty sure you didn't have a zombie-daughter last time I was with you." I muttered, breaking the silence. The Governor shook his head.
"After you overrun the camp, I led the group to my hometown; to try and see if Penny and my wife were still alive." A pregnant pause. "I brought Penny to Woodbury with me."
"And your wife?" I asked, hesitantly.
"I couldn't find her." The Governor replied before narrowing his eyes again. "I intended to use the cure on Penny, I intended to save my daughter. That's why I've done all this. And you and your sister-" He cut himself off, leaning back and observing me with a terrifying expression. "You took her from me." I swallowed hard, shaking my head.
"You're telling me that you've raped countless women, tortured many men and women alike, killed so many survivors for the intention of curing your daughter?" I scoffed. "Don't feed me that crap. You're just a sick bastard and using your daughter as an excuse won't do anything." I paused, studying the now seething man briefly. "We've all lost someone in this new world, but not all of us have turned out like you." The Governor smirked.
"I'll take that as a compliment." He muttered and I shrugged, in an attempt of carelessness.
"Whatever helps you sleep at night." I countered, trying to remain steady as the man's demeanour altered considerably.
"Let's talk about the younger Dixon then." The Governor began and I tensed immediately at the mention of Daryl. I quickly tried to cover up my reaction but the Governor noticed it and his smirk deepened. "You seem mighty friendly with both brothers. Though it seems a small world, huh?" I didn't answer and the Governor studied my reaction. "I guess you can tell they're related, they've both got a temper on them." Another pause. "Though the younger one seems more controlled?" I steadied my breathing. "What's his name again?"
"Daryl." I breathed in reply and the Governor hummed with acknowledgement.
"Daryl." He nodded. "Yes, he certainly is an interesting character. He's got a lot to say where you're concerned." I raised an eyebrow at this, trying to act careless, though inside I was aching at every word. "He's made some very colourful threats against my men if they so much as touch you again. Reckon he's out for blood after he saw you at the arena." The Governor laughed maliciously. "Oh yes, he's very protective of you." I forced a smile and shrugged. "Merle's somewhat the same, though his threats don't seem as meaningful. Oh no, it seems that baby brother is the one who cares for you the most." A pause as the Governor leaned forward. "Now I wonder which one you most care for? I wonder which one's pain will strike you the hardest?" I shook my head once, willing him not to harm either one of the Dixons, let alone the one I knew I cared for most of all.
"Please don't." I breathed, all strength and resolve lost. I was practically begging now. "Don't hurt him." The Governor studied me thoughtfully for a moment, a sickening grin on his face. I willed the tears not to break and tried to hold eye contact with the sick man before me. He wasn't one to show your weakness too, though I wasn't doing such a great job at hiding mine at the moment.
"You know what my opinion of love is, Ruby?" He asked, finally. I shook my head in reply after some hesitation. "That it's the most dangerous ammo a man can have against another. Allowing yourself to fall in love, will only make you weaker. Jessica is a prime example of this." My heart ached slightly at the mention of Jessica - her death was still a blow to me and I closed my eyes to draw in the tears and compose myself. When I opened them again, the Governor appeared to be waiting for me to control myself before continuing. How gentleman-like of him, I thought, bitterly."Your sister made the mistake of falling in love and look where she ended up. She died a coward who betrayed her own blood." He shrugged. "I can't imagine why you're upset over her death, not after what she did to you."
"Because she was still my sister." I muttered, exhausted. "That will never change. You made her into what she became. I can only pray now that she's in a better place, now that she's away from your venom." The Governor scoffed.
"You should gain an award for your sibling loyalty, my dear. Most people would have given up on such a lost hope as Jessica." I shrugged.
"Well, I guess that doesn't make me most people." I countered and he nodded in agreement.
"Back to the matter at hand, now that we've swayed quite away from the main topic." The Governor began. "I'd like to know where your group is." I rolled my eyes, tiredly at his request. When would these people take the hint? The Governor studied me for a moment before shrugging. "No? Alright well, I thought I might express my concern at some of the members of your group then. During the battle, a man in an almost prison-looking jumpsuit was seen." "Prison-looking jumpsuit". Oh God no. I masked my face from all emotions as he continued. "He wasn't one of our men, so he's obviously yours. Now, I'm quite confused as to why you apparently have an escaped convict amongst your numbers. Is he not a threat to you?" His tone was too careless, too calculated.
It was then, studying the glint behind his eyes, that the observation of this 'man in a prison-looking jumpsuit' had told the Governor a lot more information than I cared to give him. Perhaps this observation had actually cost us gravely? I tried to remain steady, despite the inner turmoil, and merely stared back at the man. If he hadn't already made assumptions, I didn't want to provide him any information to make them.
"He's a reformed man, I assure you." I muttered in reply. "An excellant cook too." The Governor didn't speak for a moment, merely tilted his head as he observed me. He seemed to try and delve through my gaze, to get to my mind, my secrets. His gaze unnerved me and I couldn't help but shy away slightly. Perhaps a bad move? The Governor smirked and resumed his slouched position again.
His demeanour altered from their devilish glint to something much more terrifying, something that sent me ill through to my core. The change was so instant that I was startled for a moment, not liking the way he eyed me up and down, lingering a little bit longer below the neckline than I wanted him to. When he met my gaze again, I felt the dread rush through me.
"You know," He began, his voice suddenly husky. "Now that Jessica isn't alive and here to tell me to 'go easy' on you, that alters my perception on things." A pause, one that sent a terrified shiver through me. "You see, your sister's orders were the only things that kept you from the same treatment as Michonne. But now that your sister is dead-" He trailed off and I began to shake with fear. Please God no. "Stand up." His voice was a monotone order. The tears overwhelmed me now and I shook my head in response. His eyes narrowed. "Stand up."
There was a threat behind his tone and I hesitated before rising slowly to my feet in compliance. Never before had I felt most obliged to become obedient. Never had I been struck with this much terror. I wanted to throw up, I wanted to scream, I wanted to try and run. All I could do though was stand before the man, allowing him to scan his eyes up and down my body, and wait for him to speak. His observing gaze sent me ill.
"Remove the shirt." His next order was one that almost let the first sob out.
I shook my head again, feeling more against abiding this order. I recalled Michonne's treatment and how calmly she had taken it. I wanted to have her strength, her resolve, but I couldn't control the fear that was overflowing and for the first time during my capture, I didn't feel restrained to remain strong for these people. My eyes burned into his, pleading with him to stop, begging him to just beat me senseless instead. Though what I got in return was a darkened expression.
"Remove the shirt." He ordered again and again I shook my head. I expected him to perhaps act physically or reiterate his order, but instead he glanced towards the closed door behind him and called; "Bring him in!" Just then the door opened and one of his goons entered, dragging with him a thrashing Daryl. I couldn't help the tearful gasp at the sight of him.
In his short-lived capture, Daryl had obviously taken a hard beating. His face was bloody and scratched, some of his clothes were ripped and he stumbled a little when he was brought into the room. His hands appeared bound behind his back and a cloth gag was tied around his mouth, preventing his muffled words from being heard. The youngest Dixon set eyes on the Governor for a moment, a heavy glare on his face before he noticed my presence in the room. Once he did, his expression altered to one of pain and sincerity. I opened and closed my mouth wordlessly, wanting to say something to him, wanting to apologise and confess so much to the hunter, wanting to rush forward and embrace him - telling him that everything would be alright. But I couldn't. Instead I merely stared back, trying to express all I could through my terrified gaze.
"Remove the shirt or I'll remove Daryl's head." The Governor spoke stoically and the man restraining Daryl produced a large knife and held it to the hunter's throat. At the request, Daryl's eyes widened and he turned to me quickly, shaking his head and attempting muffled words. A sob bit my throat and as a thin bead of blood slid down Daryl's throat, I undid the first button. I would rather endure the Governor's torture than see Daryl hurt. The fear for my own safety almost evaporated instantly upon the danger of Daryl's.
Daryl screamed through his gag, struggling against the man who held him in vain. His eyes burned into mine as he urged me to stop but I had soon undone the final button and carefully shrugged the shirt from my shoulders, letting it all to the floor. The idea of my almost bare chest made me tense and I avoided eye contact from each man in the room. The humiliation was thick and I hated how the silence drew out as the men observed my body.
"And the bra." The Governor's resounding tones sent Daryl into another frenzy and I closed my eyes, willing to wake from this nightmare. Instead of arguing now though, I reached behind me to unhook the offending item and comply to his wishes. I opened my eyes and glanced briefly at Daryl - attempting to apologise to him with my saddened gaze - before allowing the bra to fall beside my shirt, to which I avoided the hunter's darkening eyes. Now with a completely bare chest, I attempted to cover up, holding my hands over myself in an attempt to keep some decency.
The sound of the Governor's chair scraping caused me to flinch and I glanced terrifyingly at the man as he now stood from his chair. He eyed me evenly before turning to Daryl and his restraint.
"Take him next door." He ordered, carefully. "Make sure he's secure. I want him to listen to this." His last comment was sickening and I bit back the sobs as Daryl was pulled from the room. Don't leave me, I wanted to beg. Daryl's struggling body battled viciously but the man who held him had the upper strength and dragged him to the door with even ease. Daryl's eyes met mine, his expression one of horror and something else. I stared back, trying to remain strong in that last moment before the door was shut and I was left alone. With him.
For a moment, he did nothing. Merely stared at me as I attempted to avoid all eye contact. Then I heard the heavy sounds of his footsteps moving around the table towards me. With each step, I tensed and flinched. I tried to keep my focus on the table top and its intricate grooves. I tried to think of something else, anything but this.
I thought of Sophia, of Carl. Their happy faces as they play with Toby blissfully in the grass compound of the prison. Our prison. Our home. I thought of Lori, beautifully pregnant and glowing. I thought of the baby she was carrying and wondered if she's had it already. I wondered if it's a girl or a boy. Judith or Henry, I wondered? I thought of Rick holding his newborn baby, of Carl looking at his little sibling for the first time. The family image of the four of them together, so calm and loving one another. An image that I longed to possess one day. I thought of Daryl and his caresses and his protecting nature of me. I thought of all his rare smiles and all the times we've laughed together. I thought of the time we kissed and wondered if perhaps we'd ever get to kiss again-
But suddenly I felt a cold touch lingering on my shoulder, grazing down my back, and I couldn't think of anything else but what was happening in that very moment. My heart pounded loudly in my chest as his touch lowered right down to the bottom of my back and lingered there longer than I wanted. I shivered. His breathing sounded close and hoarse, heavy in breath and burned against my neck. I swallowed back the bile as it rose, closing my eyes as his other hand reached out to run through the strands of my hair. Stop, stop, stop, stop. I pleaded again and again.
Though I felt him behind me suddenly, his hands running their way up and down my back and shoulders before he took my forearms in his grip. In a strong tug, he had pulled my arms away, exposing my chest, and with one hand he held my wrists together behind my back and I felt truly trapped. I felt too terrified to move and couldn't focus on anything else. He brushed my hair aside, freeing my neck, and I hitched a sob as I felt his cool lips press against the skin. With one hand holding my wrists together, I tensed when I felt his other snake sickeningly along my exposed stomach, his touch so cold and unwanted, before slowly moving up towards my chest. I bit my lip, tasting salt against my tongue as the tears cascaded my cheeks, reaching my lips.
After a few horrifying moments, I was suddenly forced down and my face planted against the wooden top of the table. My hands braced the surface, now free from his grip and I grimaced at the sound of him unbuckling his belt. Stay strong, Ruby, stay strong. And then-
The door to the room opened with a slamming clatter and I jumped at the noise. The Governor's grip against my hip tightened and I couldn't see who had entered the room though I eased at the pause.
"What do you want?" The Governor demanded through gritted teeth.
"You're needed, Gov." Martinez's voice spoke and I felt myself shake under the Governor's power.
"I'm busy." Was his hissed reply. A hesitant pause.
"There's a lot of trouble up here, people are getting agitated. They think another attack is coming. They're demanding answers." Martinez replied and the silence drew out for a moment.
"Fine." The Governor sighed and I felt myself almost collapse with utter terror and exhaustion when his contact disappeared and I heard him move back around the table. I dared not move and remained still, my breath harsh and uneven. Suddenly though, I was pulled up by my hair and the Governor's face came into view. "I'll be back later to finish this, don't worry." He muttered, smirking sickeningly, before letting go of his hold on me and walking out the room with a marching stomp. Martinez lingered for a moment, observing the scene he had interrupted and I almost saw pity in the man's eyes before he left too and I was alone again. Though I was thankful for it.
Once the door closed, I collapsed onto the floor, curling up inside myself. My skin still burned from his touch and I felt sick at the thought of him touching me, of what he intended to do to me. I wrapped my arms around myself, not bothering to hold back any tears now and freely sobbed. Humiliation, terror. In desperation, I rubbed my neck where he'd planted his sickening kisses, attempting to remove them from memory. I tried to do this with the touches on my shoulders and the places I could reach on my back. The memories still lingered though and I crawled tiredly over towards where my shirt and bra had fallen and tried to put them back on again. To hide myself from him.
I got as far as the bra, though began to struggle with the sleeves of my shirt - my brain not functioning as it should now - before I heard the sound of the door opening again and I froze in panic. In desperation I tried to struggle into my shirt, to hide my body and shrink into myself again. Footsteps approached me and I dared not to look up at the intruder. I was scared I'd look up and see him back again. They stopped beside me and boots appeared in the peripheral of my vision. I froze then, staring at them and feeling nothing but terror. No, no, please no-
"Ruby?" A voice asked, hesitantly, one so familiar and one that made me start and think for a moment. I recognised that voice. Slowly, I raised my gaze as the person crouched down in front of me and couldn't deny the shock when I set my tear-glazed eyes on the man before me.
"Rick?" I breathed, eyeing the man and willing him to be real. He stared back with a look of pure horror and in and instant his hands reached forward. Though he acted so suddenly that I shied away, falling away from his approaching touch. Rick froze at my reaction and his expression hardened before he shook his head.
"I'm not going to hurt you." He urged, softly. "It's me, Rick. I would never hurt you." I lingered upon ever word, easing myself into the man's presence and began to realise that I trusted this man. This man would not hurt me. When Rick reached forward again, I flinched but didn't back away. Carefully, Rick straightened out the shirt I had been struggling into and helped me into it again, buttoning it up for me with an expression delved of pure control.
"Are you real?" I breathed, frowning at him. How had he got here? Surely he couldn't have just walked in? Rick finished buttoning my shirt for me, to which I noticed his hands were shaking like mine, and he met my gaze before his eyes softened with sadness. He nodded.
"Yes, I'm real." He told me. "And I've come to get you out of here." Carefully, he rose to his feet and brought me up with him as he did. I swayed when I was on my feet again and braced myself against Rick to steady myself. I gripped his shirt, feeling his body beneath it and willed it to be real and not some sick figment of my imagination. "C'mon, let's get you home."
In that moment I didn't care if the Rick before me was real or not. His words rose my spirits and in his presence I felt safe again. Numbly, I nodded and vaguely recalled allowing the man to lead me out of that dingy room. For good, I hoped. The rest of it was lost to exhaustion, though somewhere along the way I remembered someone - maybe Rick, maybe Daryl? - telling me that everything would be alright.
And I believed them.
I was alone again, when I woke up. Something I was getting pretty used to now. Though instead of waking up bound to an uncomfortable wooden chair, I found myself sprawled out across something that seemed a little bit more comfier. At first, I remained still, eyes closed, and merely considered this sensation and wondered if it was a another trick of the Governor's.
At the thought of the man, I shuddered and subconsciously curled into myself. His touches still lingered and burned on my body but above all I was thankful that my endurance didn't step up. If Martinez hadn't have interrupted it would have done- I didn't want to think of that. Instead, I thought of how I hadn't endured that torture that I had anticipated and instead considered my situation again and wondered if Rick and the others were going to come back for us soon.
-Wait, Rick?!
My eyes opened almost instantly and I was met with something unusual. It took me a moment to realise that I was curled up on what seemed to be the back seat of a car. One that seemed very familiar now that I thought about it. Slowly, I eyed the interior before me, before raising onto one of my elbows to try and take a look outside. Pressure on a sore area caused me to wince a little and then suddenly there was movement in the car with me and a head poked around the front seat.
"Oh good, you're awake." Andrea beamed. I eyed the woman curiously, was this a dream? "I know it's a stupid question but how are you feeling? We've all been worried, you kinda blacked out on us for a moment back there." I didn't reply, merely stared at the smiling woman with apprehension. As my response remained silent, Andrea's smile faded. "Ruby?" Carefully, I sat up, ignoring the pain.
"Where am I?" I asked, breathlessly, memories flooding back to me. "The Governor- he's coming back later! He said he's not finished with me! What is going on-?!" Andrea shushed me quickly, her hands reaching toward me to calm me down. Her touch made me flinch but I soon soothed into it and I stared at her, warily. Her touch seemed too real to be a part of my imagination.
"Listen to me, Ruby." She urged, softly. "You're safe. You're not in Woodbury anymore. I need you to calm down for me though before you hurt yourself." I eyed the woman before me. Safe? Not in Woodbury? It then dawned on me.
"You're- you're real?" I breathed, eyes widening. Andrea nodded slowly and before she could react I had flung my arms around the woman in so much relief. I was safe, Andrea was real, I wasn't in Woodbury anymore. I closed my eyes, fighting the tears of happiness from flowing. I had cried far too much already. All at once, the horrific memories of the Governor's torture were drowned out; I was safe and away from him now. When I pulled away, Andrea was beaming again, though another thought struck me. "Daryl, Merle-?"
"Outside." She informed me, gently, with a smile. When I opened my mouth to speak, she cut me off again. "They're fine, don't worry. It's you that everyone's worried about." I nodded once before feeling the overwhelming urge to see people, to see my family. As if reading my mind, Andrea turned away to get out the car. She was by my door then and had opened it for me.
I struggled to manoeuvre myself out, my body throbbing with pain. Though Andrea was on hand to aid me out and once my feet hit the steady floor, I began to regain my balance again and I assured Andrea that once I had resumed standing, I could take the rest myself. She backed away, providing me with space as I eased myself back into movement again and stumbled forward, looking around for the others.
The others were stood a little way from the car and appeared to have been in debate about something, though right now they had stopped to observe Andrea and me. There was four of them; Rick, Glenn and both Dixon brothers. I had to pause for a moment, studying each one of them and trying to grasp the idea that I wouldn't wake up any time soon in that same dingy room with the Governor stood over me, realising that this was all just a dream. A sick nightmare more like.
Rick was the first to break away from the group, striding towards Andrea and me. I had mastered standing by the time the leader reached me and eased into the hug he engulfed me in, one that was careful from his end - which I was thankful for.
"You came back for me." I whispered into his shoulder, loud enough probably only for Rick to hear. He didn't reply for a moment, merely pulled back and smiled at me.
"We're all a family and that's what family does. We take care of one another." He informed me and I smiled tearfully at him. He gave my shoulders one last squeeze before standing aside. Glenn then engulfed me in another hug and I thanked the Korean boy quietly, mildly surprised by his contact. When the boy pulled away, my attention was averted to the Dixon boys who still remained standing a bit away.
Merle appeared to have received a few injuries from the Governor and his group, though looked apparently uncaring about it. He still remained tough looking and stared back at me with a slight smirk on his features. I wouldn't have had it any other way.
"Ya one tough bitch, darlin', I'll give ya that." Merle called, nodding appreciatively. "Ya should be proud of my girl, Officer Friendly. She didn't take any of that asshole's shit. Learnt from the best, of course." I raised my eyebrows at the man, noticing the way Rick and Glenn seemed to be glaring at the older Dixon and how arrogant looking Merle appeared in return. I should have known. Despite the knowledge that Merle Dixon was going to prove to be a hindrance to the group now, I still grinned at the man with equal joy of seeing him alive.
My attention moved to his younger brother, who appeared motionless beside him. My smile faded when I met his gaze and memories of when I last saw the man flooded back. Humiliation and terror flooded back to me. Unconsciously I drew my arms around myself again an action that appeared to have gone unnoticed by the others apart from Daryl and Rick. Daryl's jaw hardened and his eyes burned with loathing - though I knew the loathing wasn't directed at me. The intense hatred behind the man's gaze terrified me for a moment and I shied away glancing at the leader of the group, who was staring at me with a unreadable expression.
I remembered then what Rick had seen, the state Rick had walked in on when he found me. His gaze implored mine for a moment and I knew he had so many questions he wanted to ask, though he shook his head once and I looked away. The intensity behind his gaze was much like Daryl's - though the hunter's was much darker. It seemed both Daryl and Rick had jumped to the same conclusion regarding the Governor's treatment towards me. And judging by everyone else's equally unmoved expressions, it seemed that only the pair of them knew.
"Where's Michonne?" I asked, quietly, trying to break the silence that was become awkward for me as each second passed. For a moment, I felt terrified for my friend's safety and turned to Andrea in dread. She smiled in reassurance.
"Maggie and Axel took her back so Herschel could check her over." She told me and I sighed in relief, nodding my thanks. At least Michonne was safe. At the mention of Axel though, memories came back to me. I turned to Rick again.
"I think he knows." I told the leader, who raised an eyebrow. "They've been questioning us, wanting to know where you guys were. Neither Michonne nor I have told them anything but I think he knows where we are."
"How?" Glenn asked, quietly. I glanced at him then briefly to Merle. Though I trusted the older Dixon, I wasn't sure if blurting out our location was a decision Rick wanted. We were currently out in the open, parked at the side of a long empty road and, I gathered, far away from the prison. I turned back Rick with a questionable expression and the man regarded Merle thoughtfully.
"What's with the look, Officer?" Merle muttered, folding his arms across his chest.
"I'm trying to work out if we can trust you." Rick replied, coldly, and Merle narrowed his eyes.
"Ya gotta be kiddin' me!?" Merle cried. "You bastards leave me on a roof, to get eaten by a load of geeks, cause me to cut off my own hand 'nd you're the ones who got trust issues?!"
"There was reason we handcuffed you to that roof." Rick reminded the man, evenly. "You might be a danger to the group. You're not exactly the kind of man who seems willing to take orders either."
"Unless it's from the Governor." Glenn muttered, glaring at Merle. "How can we even trust that you're not hisman still?" The man in return glared back and made a move forward. Daryl stepped in front of him though, quickly, and Merle backed off.
"Ya assholes don't know nothin'!" Merle snarled.
"We know that you were in cahoots with a complete psychopath." Andrea countered, hands on hips. Merle's glare turned on her.
"Hey, I didn't know what he was like-"
"Bullshit!" Glenn hissed suddenly. "You knew exactly what he was like and you let him do this to Ruby!" Merle started forward again, his face of thunder. Daryl shoved hard on his brother's chest.
"Lay off!" Daryl muttered, eyeing his brother warningly. Merle pointed a finger towards the Korean boy.
"If it weren't for me, Ruby wouldn't be standin' here so ya better shut ya trap, Chinese!"
"I'm Korean." Glenn muttered, folding his arms across his chest.
"Whatever! Ask Ruby if ya don't believe me!" Eyes fell on me then and I felt obliged to nod numbly.
"He's telling the truth." I breathed, unable to find my voice to say more. Merle laughed triumphantly.
"Ha! See! Ya assholes need to get ya facts straight 'nd lay off the accusations!" Merle countered, his comment directed mostly towards Glenn.
"Well, if you weren't such a jerk then maybe we'd actually believe you." Glenn muttered.
"Yeah, I'm the jerk!" Merle said, smoothly. "Yeah, I'm the one who leaves people handcuffed to roofs, leave them to die-"
"Oh, give it a rest, Merle!" Daryl cried, suddenly, turning on his brother. Merle in turn stared at Daryl in shock. "Ya got yourself handcuffed up there because ya were bein' an ass! Ain't anyone else's fault but ya own. We came back for ya but ya were already gone. What the hell were we supposed to do, huh? Search Atlanta for ya? You were the one who left!"
"Ya takin' their side on this?!" Merle snarled, stepping dangerously towards his brother. I noticed Rick and Glenn reach towards their respective weapons subtly. "They ain't ya kin, man! They ain't ya blood!"
"Yeah, well, my kin, my blood, left me behind!" Daryl retorted. "Why do ya gotta make everythin' so difficult? Why can't ya just step back 'nd think?!"
"Think 'bout what, Baby brother?" Merle asked, frowning. "Think 'bout how thankful I am that ya pal, Rick, came to save me? Man, if ya hadn't been kept in the same room of me, I would 'ave been left behind in Woodbury. These people ya keep defendin', they don't give a damn 'bout me, little brother-"
"'Nd you don't give a damn 'bout them!" Daryl countered. Each brother was seething and I noticed the way both pairs of fists had been curled up dangerously. I swallowed hard, wondering if a physical confrontation between the Dixon brothers was really needed right now. Apparently Andrea was thinking the same thing.
"Can't you have your domestic another time?" She muttered, cutting in any reply Merle was going to say. "We've got other things to worry about right now." Her statement reminded me of what I needed to tell the group and I turned to Rick again.
"Are we taking him with us, Rick?" I asked. Merle scoffed.
"Don't I get a choice in this?" He hollered.
"Shut up." Daryl muttered. Rick remained thoughtful for a moment, eyeing the older Dixon with scrutiny.
"If we let you come back with us, you listen to our rules." Rick ordered, sternly. "You're going to be kept under guard at all times and you don't go anywhere alone. Understand?" Merle rolled his eyes.
"Jesus, ya startin' to remind me of the days I went to prison, man!" Merle muttered, not understanding how close to the truth his statement was.
"If you come back with us, that means you fight with us too." Rick added, evenly. "Against the Governor." At this, Merle smiled.
"Officer, that's the part of this arrangement that I agreewith." Merle replied with a smirk. "I call first dibs on the bastard."
"Get in line." Daryl muttered, earning himself an easy smirk from his brother, which he returned - a contrast to the pair squaring up against each other a few moments earlier.
"So, you understand our terms?" Rick demanded, firmly. Merle sighed.
"Yeah, yeah, whatever. I'll happily play prisoner!" I raised an eyebrow when Rick glanced my way and the man sighed and nodded. So Merle would be trusted for now, it seemed.
"The Governor mentioned that he saw someone in a prison jumpsuit." I explained, quickly. "He tried to question me on it, asked me if we had an escaped convict in our group. But I think he knows, Rick." The leader nodded, a disheartened look on his face.
"This is why we should have left Axel behind." Andrea muttered, folding her arms across her chest. So Axel was the offender in the jumpsuit - though it obviously was an unintentional mistake on the man's behalf. Not one we'd hold against him?
"We have to head back, prepare for an attack." Rick ordered. He hesitantly glanced at Merle, his gaze still wary, before stating that we go now. To which we were all bundled into the familiarly horrible looking Hyundai. One that I was so very glad to see though.
Rick drove us back, his speed worryingly fast, though no one commented on it. I winced at each sharp corner, my wounds pulling on me, and Rick would throw apologises back to me whenever my groans reached his ears. Andrea, who was sat beside me, would send me worried glanced every now and again, to which I'd assure her I was fine. Rick stated I'd be taken to see Herschel as soon as we returned home, to get checked out.
"'Nd where exactly is home, Officer?" Merle called from the back, where he and Daryl were seated together. Instead of replying, Rick rounded a corner and the prison came into full view. I remained in awe for a moment, completely overwhelmed with the sight of the prison again. I couldn't express the happiness I felt for seeing it again. "Well, shit." Merle muttered in the back and the man fell silent for a long time afterwards.
Sasha and Axel were on hand to open the gates for our approaching vehicle and Rick continued through the compounds until we reached the yard, to which he pulled the car to a halt. Andrea helped me out the car and remained with me until I had gathered my balance. When I had steadied myself though, a small figure collided into me and instead of caring about the pain, the only thing I could feel was overwhelming joy as a familiar little girl cried into my shirt.
"I was so scared!" Sophia cried and I willed the tears to remain hidden. "I thought you wouldn't come back!" I stroked her hair, trying to soothe her tears.
"I promised I'd never leave you, darling." I replied, quietly. "I will always come back."
The next to approach me was Tyreese and Sasha, the siblings taking it in turns to greet me again. Axel muffled a 'welcome back' to which I beamed at the man in thanks. Carl hugged my middle, much like Sophia had done, before taking the little girl's hand in his and smiling up at me.
"I took care of her for you, while you were gone. Both her and Toby." He told me, proudly, and I beamed at the little boy as he peered up at me from under his sheriff's hat. I met his father's gaze, who smiled at me in return then, and I thanked the boy for taking care of them both in my absence.
Then suddenly, an unusual noise caught my attention.
A cry. A baby's cry to be exact.
Approaching the group was Maggie, a bundle of blankets in her arms. She was smiling down at the bundle with a fond smile, whispering words to it that didn't reach our ears. She glanced up as she neared, smiling a little at me. Slowly, unsure, I approached the woman and met her half way. Carefully, she brushed the blankets aside a little to reveal it's contents.
A baby. Staring up at me with unfathomably large eyes, so innocent to everything going on around it. It seemed to be a physical being of perfection and I stared in awe at the little infant in the Greene daughter's arms. The baby murmured a little, flailing its little hands out and hitting Maggie gently on the chin.
"She's gonna grow up to be a lil ass kicker." A voice murmured from beside me and I glanced up to see Daryl staring down at the child. I didn't even hear him approach.
"She?" I asked, still staring at Daryl. He met my gaze then and his eyebrows burrowed. There was so many things he seemed to want to say. Though right now didn't seem appropriate. Instead, I smiled softly at the man and he nodded once in return.
"Her name's Judith." Maggie told me and I turned back to the girl with a smile. Judith. Just like Lori wanted. Wait-
"Where is Lori?"
(Author's Note): I haven't had chance to look this chapter over thoroughly so apologises for any mistake. I'm currently going through each and every chapter and trying to alter all my mistakes - doing a bit of house-keeping ;) So I'm sorry if updates are a little thin in between!
I hope this chapter came out alright, I'm a bit wary of it. Especially with the Ruby/Governor incident. And how Merle is acting in this chapter. And Daryl. God I'm just hesitant about everything! What I will ask though of you guys - do you want Lori to be alive? Of course, I've left it to go either way and I've got both ideas planned, I'm just interested to see which way you guys will sway!
Thanks for the reviews, they mean a lot! Please tell me what you think of this chapter! :)