Chapter Forty Two
Doubt was slowly creeping in through the walls of the prison, over-whelming its inhabitants. Mostly in the form of Andrea and her persistent arguing on the matter.
A couple of weeks had passed since Michonne and I had returned to the prison again and the group had strongly anticipated an almost immediate attack from Woodbury. In the time of waiting, we had spent it building up our defences and piling up our supplies, taking a stock take. Vehicles had been stocked up and ready to abandon the prison if needed, Herschel had even taken the precaution to preparing Lori incase she needed to be moved in a rush - a risky business, but one that needed to be considered. So far though, nothing had happened. The waiting was climatic.
As the days passed though, Andrea began to question the situation more. Initially she had been the one to argue against Rick's decision, so no one in the group was surprised when the blonde continued to argue her thoughts on the matter.
"Why hasn't he attacked by now?" Andrea demanded Rick one day. The man, himself, seemed to try and control his anger for a moment before turning to the woman calmly.
"I don't know." He replied, slowly, seemingly hoping the conversation would drop. Of course, Andrea wouldn't let it.
"It's strange how he hasn't attacked already. Surely the best idea was to attack us when our defences were down, not now when we've been able to prepare?" Rick shrugged half-heartedly - he had already responded to this question before and judging by the man's face, he was getting tired of Andrea's questioning.
"He's probably preparing, like us." Glenn answered for him. "We did take out a few of his men when we raided the town. They're probably recovering, like us, and planning their next move."
"Either way, it's good for us." Daryl muttered under his breath. Andrea's lips pursed together and her eyebrows burrowed. She seemed ready to argue some more, but Rick had already walked away and was making his way toward the security room to visit his recovering wife.
I understood Andrea's doubts, as it did make sense - surely the Governor's best move was to attack us when we were weak and not allow us to gather together, gain strength? If he had attacked as soon as Michonne and I had returned to the prison, then it would have been fair to say that we wouldn't have stood a very strong chance. But now. Now, we had a fighting chance. Michonne's physical injuries had all healed and the majority of mine had too. Apart from the occasional soreness in my chest and the scars and bruises on my body and face, I was feeling physically a lot better. Though I wasn't sure if the same could be said for Michonne's and my mental health. It was something neither of us had really spoken about and since speaking to Lori and Daryl on the first couple of days, I had kept it all to myself too and tried to ignore all feelings when I could.
One day though, Rick ordered for a small group to make a round outside, check the defences, the 'battle stations' (Merle's term) and just overall see if any improvement could be made. While the small group did this, the rest would remain in the cell block and either continue with stock taking or rest - if they needed to. The obvious suspects were chosen; Daryl, Merle, Axel, Glenn and surprisingly Michonne were the ones who joined Rick on the patrol. I was then appointed on watch in one of the towers to keep an eye out while the six down below were busy. I was given a radio which was connected then to two more - Rick and Andrea holding the others, the latter inside the security room in the cell block.
The sniper rifle that had been given to me was in my hands as I leant over the tower railings. Down below, I observed as the six of them slowly examined our defences, discussing tactics and various other things no doubt. I noticed the bounding, four-legged figure of Toby racing aimlessly around the group. I smiled fondly at the sight of him, how free he seemed and considered all that I had been through with the dog.
Over the time in the prison, Toby's presence had dulled into the background for me. He was rarely by my side anymore and had taken to Sophia's and Carl's company more than mine. I didn't question his motives though. Having spent so long alone with me, I wasn't surprised the dog had broadened his search out amongst the group. I felt slightly ashamed that the dog, who had been a faithful companion from the very start of the outbreak, had been almost forgotten it seemed, though I knew that it wasn't because I didn't care about Toby anymore. Now that we had found others, we felt no need to keep to our own solitude, having spent so long alone, I relished stable human contact. And after spending over nine months with these people, it didn't seem we could get more stable!
Taking in the German Shepherd from my vantage point, I smiled fondly again at the memories we had had together, times alone trying to survive, to meeting Sophia, returning her to her mother and right the way to where we found ourselves now. People had come and go throughout this new apocalyptic world, but Toby had not. Maybe recently I hadn't acknowledged his presence, but that didn't mean I appreciated the dog any less. I had survived this new world because of Toby and I was glad that my four-legged friend had found a place at the side of the hunter of the group. He would still sleep in Sophia's and my cell at night anyway, even if he didn't remain constantly by my side anymore.
I raised the rifle and rested it on the top of the railing before looking down its scope and scanning the tree line. There was some movement, though it appeared to just be either walker activity or the shrubbery moving in the slight breeze that began to tickle the skin. It was a nice day, I noted mildly.
"What's happening out there then?" Andrea's voice asked over the radio. I ignored her question for a moment, keeping my sights down the scope and taking in the growing number of walkers that were beginning to gather at the prison fences. It wasn't an over-alarming number, the fences would most definitely keep them at bay anyway. But it was a number that I took note of.
"You're not supposed to be talking down this unless there's an emergency." Rick's voice suddenly called down his end. I snorted to myself, apparently the leader was still pretty pissed at Andrea's insistency. I could practically see the man's glare in his voice.
"I'm just curious, Rick." Andrea replied, sickly sweet. There was silence down both ends for a moment.
"See anything up there, Ruby?" Rick asked and I took my sight away from the rifle scope to glance to where those on the ground were gathered.
"Nothing." I confirmed after briefly scanning the area. "I was wondering though, Rick. Do we plan to do anything with the walkers outside?" There was a pause and I noticed how the group below had turned to observe the growing dead outside the fence of the prison. "I just think it could become a problem soon."
"Merle thinks we could use them to our advantage when the Governor attacks, they could take out a lot of his men for us." Rick responded after a moment of seemingly debating it with the others.
"If." Andrea muttered from her end. "If he attacks."
"When, Andrea. When." I responded, shortly. She didn't know the Governor and his ways like I did. Like Michonne or Merle did. I too was getting pretty tired of her irritating habits.
The line went dead after that and we each went back to our respective jobs. I continued scanning the tree line, while also watching the group below too. The rifle in my hands was heavy, but I had gotten use to the weight. Since Shane's lessons, I hadn't been able to put his teachings into much practise and I was afraid that I had forgotten all he taught me. Standing in the tower again, though, with the rifle in hand, it all came back to me. All his wise words, his tips, his useful instructions. Though Shane had grown into a darker being than he was before, I couldn't deny that the man was a good teacher and was thankful that I could try and remember the man for his teaching than the last moments of the man's existence when he tried to kill his best friend.
The group below made their rounds and I observed them from above, once more, taking in each of them before moving my gaze back to the tree line. It was becoming a routine now. Check those below, scan the tree line. Check those below, scan the tree line. This time however, instead of concluding that everything was just as it was before, an odd movement caught my eye. I paused my eyes on a particular spot, trying to stare harder to divulge the unusual movement I had caught sight of. It was far too quick for a walker and I hesitantly peered down the sniper scope, trying to spot anything else between the trees.
Then, Toby started barking.
My stomach plunged at the resounding noise of my faithful companion barking excessively, his gaze set to the same spot that had taken my attention. I had grown use to the dog's ways of alerting danger on our time on the road and the urgent barks Toby was making now, was enough to send dread through me. The group below didn't seem to take notice of the dog's actions. I noticed Michonne had paused and was staring at Toby, though didn't seem to make any move to question the dog's motives. The others seemed to think that he was just barking at the walkers outside.
"Ruby, ya mind tellin' ya mutt to shut it?" Merle's voice called over the radio, apparently having taken the walkie-talkie from Rick. I raised my own radio, ready to alert the others of the danger, when suddenly a gun shot echoed out.
Toby let out a strangled yelp and the barking ceased. I watched in horror as Toby's body hit the grass floor of the compound. Those below stopped, shocked by the sudden action and we could only watch in horror as a pickup truck slowly emerged from between the tree line and a sickeningly familiar figure got out the passenger seat.
It's him.
Before anyone could react, the bullets started flying.
I watched from above as the six below scattered quickly, getting to cover so they were out of the firing line. I took one moment to compose myself, pushing the sight of Toby's still body to the back of my mind. I'll mourn for my fallen companion later. The others needed me. Shane's teachings were quickly at the front of my mind and I readied myself down the scope. Rick and the others were firing back now and what could only be described as a small battle was occurring below. I scanned the tree line in my scope, trying to get a clear sight of the Governor, but he seemed to have placed himself in a position where that was near impossible to get at from the tower.
"Damn it." I cursed under my breath and quickly aimed for one of his goons. I took a deep inhale, holding my breath as Shane had instructed me to - to steady the rifle - and took a shot.
The goon fell dead, his body hitting the forest floor. Though I didn't celebrate - I had just killed a living human being after all. I couldn't stop to consider this though as suddenly bullets laid into the guard tower I was in, apparently the aim had been turned towards me now they knew I was up here. I yelped slightly as glass in the tower behind me shattered and I ducked quickly, diving to the floor.
"What the hell is going on out there?!" Andrea's frantic voice called over the radio, just audible over the flair of bullets.
"We're under attack, what the fuck do ya think, blondie!" Merle's voice hollered over their end of the radio. The radio crackled and hissed for a moment before Rick's voice suddenly took over the walkie-talkie. "Andrea, tell Herschel to get Lori and the kids ready. Get Maggie, Sasha and Tyreese up and armed. We need you lot out here!"
The bullets directed at the tower seemed to have died down, so I scooted nearer to the edge to continue my sniping. I succeeded in injuring one man - shooting him in the shoulder - before I took in their numbers.
"Rick!" I quickly called over the radio. "I don't think this is the main attack." There was a long pause and I glanced down towards where Rick was crouching behind one of the defence posts, gun in one hand and radio in the other, held close to his ear. "There's too few of them and if what Merle says is true about their numbers, then surely there would be more of them if this is supposed to be the full fight they're supposed to be bringing?" In Rick's pause, I took the advantage to try again for the Governor, though ended up smashing the windscreen of his pickup. His stare turned to the tower and I noticed a sickening smirk as he muttered words to the man next to him. The next thing I knew, more bullets hit the tower and I ducked again to avoid them. "Fuck!" I cursed as a bullet skimmed the railing just above my head.
"Ruby, you alright?!" Rick's frantic voice asked. I chuckled bitterly over the radio.
"Fantastic thanks!" I muttered.
"How many are there?" I quickly glanced across the tree line, counting quickly.
"Less than a dozen. If that." I replied, noting how one man fell suddenly, an arrow in his chest. Curtsy of Daryl.
"Andrea, you and the others stay in the cell block. Get everyone ready to move if necessary. Merle says he's all for show so this might just be a warning. Keep everyone in the prison, understood? I'll call if I need anyone else." There was a tense pause.
"Alright, Rick. Be careful." Andrea's strained voice replied.
The walkers outside had become a problem to the Governor's group, just like Rick had suggested, and they seemed to be battling them too now, working to our advantage. From above, I took in how Michonne was making pretty rubbish use with the gun she had, just as she had informed us all. She seemed like she was trying to aim for the Governor but failing miserably, bullets bouncing off his truck and not even getting close to him.
Suddenly, the sound of a sniper rifle echoed out and I frowned when I realised it wasn't mine. I glanced across the horizon, trying to find the sniper of his group before the radio crackled again.
"Ruby! The guard tower, take him out! Now!" Rick hollered quickly.
I looked towards the guard tower opposite me and stared in confusion as one of the Governor's goons seemed to have managed to get themselves up there. They had injured Axel, it seemed, as the man was crouched down next to where he and Merle were covered behind and holding his leg. I took a moment to consider the scene before taking aim and firing. It struck the guard tower, just by the man's head, but it was enough to diverge his attention to me. Shit. I watched as he took aim and quickly tried to reload my own rifle. Trust now being the time it needed to reload.
"C'mon." I muttered. My hands were shaking and I struggled to load and cock the rifle. A bullet sounded out, though I quickly rolled out of the way before it took a lethal blow at me. Instead pain shot down my side and I knew the bullet had just struck me. No time to think about that though. Now that I had the upper advantage on him, I took aim and made sure the shot counted. One bullet and the man fell. His body almost fell off the side of the tower and I took the pause to glance down at my side. Blood. "Damn it."
Suddenly, everything went quiet. Bullets stopped firing and everything went eerily still. The Governor's group had made a pretty good job at keeping the walkers at bay, apparently the dead weren't as much of a hassle for them as we had hoped. Attention was diverted away though as an odd sound seemed to be approaching the prison. The six below seemed just as confused as I did, though when I looked at the Governor down my scope, I felt my stomach lurch at the sickening smirk on his face.
A bread van then came into view, rounding the corner and heading at a rapid speed towards the prison. What the-? It was coming for the prison.
Unsure on really what its heading was, I decided I didn't care and quickly took aim at the windscreen, taking a shot. The glass shattered though the driver still kept the speed up and was still driving straight for the prison. Another shot, though I realised that the driver was wearing body armour and my bullets were useless. Then-
The van drove straight through the prison gates, snapping them off their hinges and sending both sets flying. It flew into the grass compound before coming to a slow halt in the middle of the field. The six below didn't move and I was equally as confused as they seemed to be. Whatever it was though, it was not good. Then, the back door fell open and walkers just piled out. Oh fuck.
There was a short burst of bullets as the Governor let out a round from his machine gun, before the man got back into his truck. The rest of his group seemed to filter away and the driver of the bread van quickly scampered, following his group as they retreated from the battle. Leaving us with the chaos.
"Get out of there, Rick!" I hissed down the radio. Those below quickly kicked themselves into action.
Michonne had taken her katana into hand now and was making quick work of approaching walkers. More and more just seemed to come though and with the now lack of gate, more walkers staggering in from the outside at this new prospect of food. The number was over-alarming now and I began work at picking them up from my advantage above, helping the others get to safety. Rick got inside the yard first, making sure no walker staggered inside after him and made anything worse than it already was. Glenn and Michonne followed afterwards and the Dixon brothers lagged behind as they helped Axel to his feet and made his way through the crowd of growing walkers. I attempted to make a path for them, but a sight before me stopped my heart for a second and I was unable to do anything.
At first, I thought it was just a trick my eyes were playing on me. The previously still form of Toby suddenly began to twitch - visible even from my vantage point above - and there was no deceiving once apparently deceased dog rose to his feet. Apparently now alive.
I grinned, laughing heartedly at the sight before me. He was alive. My faithful companion was fine. Or so it seemed. The dog stared around him for a moment before suddenly taking off at a staggering pace towards where the Dixon brothers were helping Axel into the yard. I immediately believed that the dog was just getting himself to safety, following the other's lead, though my smile suddenly began to fade when I took in the dog's form.
The force of the hit he had taken, had pretty much split through his entire side, gouging out a horrifically deadly hole in the side of the dog's thin body. He shouldn't have survived that sort of hit. No way he would have-
I felt the urge to warn the others, as they were too preoccupied with the threat of the walkers that they didn't assume that Toby's approaching form was a threat too. That was until he had reached them and had sunk his teeth into Axel's leg. The man let out a piercing scream as the dog ripped away practically the entire lower half of his leg. The Dixons looked on shocked and both staggered under the strain of the attached, snarling, apparently dead-dog.
Conflicted, I could only watch the scene before me. Michonne and Glenn were aiding the Dixons in keeping the walkers from them as Merle and Daryl tried to haul Axel away from the dog. Toby's teeth seemed to have devoured Axel's entire leg by now and walkers closed in on the distracted pair. Axel's blood-curdling scream was enough to wake me from my resigned state and I quickly took aim with my rifle.
A single gunshot rang out and Toby's body fell limp again, this time for good. Tears soaked my cheeks and I watched on, defeated, as walkers over-powered the pair and as they realised that Axel's hope was lost. In one last bid of compassion, Daryl took aim with his crossbow at our fallen friend's head and ceased the pain. Axel's screams stopped short.
With nothing left now, the brothers retreated into the yard, Rick and Glenn closing the gate behind them and securing it tightly. Walkers pounded against the meshed fence but we were safe from them, for now. There was an eerie sort of hesitation as nothing happened between us all. Everything that had happened was just relaying over and over in our heads.
The Governor had attacked.
Toby was dead.
Axel was dead.
The compound was overrun.
Slowly, I heaved myself to my feet, with the help of the railings. I glanced quickly over the tree line and realised that the Governor probably wouldn't strike again that day. Merle was right, he was all for show. This was just the introduction. He'd allow us to greave the losses, take in the casualties and attempt to our establish ourselves again. Before striking again.
A wave of pain overcame me for a moment and I glanced down at my side, taking in the blood that soaked my shirt. I lifted it gently, hissing a little, and took in the damage. Thankfully the bullet had just skimmed my side, nothing too fatal. Rick would no doubt send me to Herschel for it, but it seemed obvious that I'd pull through. Gathering my rifle, I began to make my way down the guard tower and to the others below.
"-Piece of shit!" Merle was cursing when I left the guard tower and made my way other. I wasn't sure who he was addressing, but he looked positively seething. They all did. Glenn was the first to notice me, double-taking at the sight of the blood that soaked my shirt.
"Er, Rick?" Glenn quickly shook the man's arm and diverted his attention away from the compound and towards me. The leader turned, a heavy glare on his face, before his expression softened, eyeing up the blood.
"Don't worry, it just skimmed my side." I assured them all. "I'll go see Herschel when we go back inside." Rick nodded once, turning back to the crowd of walkers on the other side of the fence.
"Axel-" Glenn trailed off, the sound of the man's name striking a cord throughout the group. "We can't even bury him." A considerable amount of the walkers inside the compound were already making quick work on Axel's body, my stomach wincing at the sight of our friend's inners being ripped apart and clawed at.
"Like I said, this is only the start." Merle muttered. "Those weren't his full numbers. So that means, he's still gotta throw the army at us. Ya sure ya ready for that, Officer?" Rick eyed the man, evenly, before looking away and turning towards the overrun compound. The man seemed unable to talk for a moment, though the sound of the radio cracking cut through the group.
"What's happening up there, guys? The bullets have stopped, is everything alright?" Andrea's voice asked quickly. The radio in Rick's pocket remains untouched and I raised my own to reply.
"The Governor and his men have gone for now. Show's over." Some show…
"Is everyone alright?" Her voice seemed desperate now and no doubt everyone else that remained in the cell block were gathered around to listen. This time, Rick answered for me.
"Axel's dead, so is Toby." Rick responded shortly. "The compound is overrun with walkers, the main gates have been destroyed and we've lost access to one of the guard towers including the security that the fences provided. And on top of all this, Ruby's been shot, so Herschel better be ready to treat her, because we're heading back inside. Sasha and Tyreese, come out; you're on watch." A pause. "There's your attack, Andrea. You happy now?" Instead of waiting to see if Andrea would respond, Rick handed the radio to Glenn and marched towards the entrance into the prison. The rest of us paused, watching our leader retreat and glancing awkwardly at each other. We swiftly followed him though, a morbid feeling over-whelming everyone.
Another comrade had fallen. Another was added to the list.
Herschel got to work quickly on my wounded side, expressing that it wasn't much to worry about. Apparently I was right about the bullet just skimming the skin. The old farmer removed any shrapnel residue before wrapping a bandage in place, telling me that he'd have to change it to stop infection but otherwise I would live. I could only smile weakly in return before leaving to rest. I was exhausted to say the least. Those who had also had to fight were also resting too and the others took it in turns on watch while everyone resumed full health again and slept.
Rick gathered a group discussion as soon as, it seemed, I woke up. Everyone gathered in the main area, besides Lori and the children, who were in the security room, and Maggie and Glenn, who were on watch. At first, no one spoke. All eyes were on Rick as we all anticipated the man to start, though he seemed hesitant. Finally he sighed.
"We thought we were ready." Rick began slowly. "We thought we were prepared. Yesterday's events told us otherwise." He paused, looping his thumb through his belt. "What happened yesterday wasn't even the brutality of what's coming our way, yesterday was just a taste of what's to come."
"Axel lost his life because of it." Andrea muttered, her eyes downcast as the leader glanced harshly at her. "I don't understand why we're still here. If that's only a 'taste of what's to come' then why are we still sticking around?"
"No point in runnin' now." Merle replied, shortly. "Gov's probably got patrols all around this place by now. Ain't any way we're gettin' out of this prison without a fight." Andrea stared incredulously, as did many others at this revelation.
"So, that's it then? We're trapped in this God forsaken place, just waiting to be executed?" She asked, eyeing Merle and Rick. The former shrugged, while the latter remained silent.
"If we run now, we'll be gunned down. His boys on the road are no doubt ordered to kill anyone who tries to pass by. The only chance ya got, blondie, of runnin' from this place is runnin' when the bullets start flyin'. Most of the Governor's men will be occupied in the fight, so ya can get out easier that way." Merle shrugged. "That's if ya plan on runnin'." Andrea took in this information and nodded thoughtfully.
"Or we can stand and fight." Rick added, holding his stance strong. "We still have a chance against these people. Yes, we lost Axel, but we won't let that mistake happen again. Next time, we'll be prepared for what he throws at us."
"We've lost the compound, Rick." Andrea returned, calmly. "You said it yourself, that makes us a tower down and the entire field is overrun with walkers which sure won't help us a great deal. All they succeed in doing, is trapping us in here." She held up her hands, halting Rick's response. "I just think we should consider another option to fighting with these people."
"Ya wanna propose a truce with these people?" Daryl muttered, sarcastically, folding his arms across his chest. "We could all live happily in Woodbury perhaps? I hear they're hospitable." Andrea sent the younger Dixon a glare.
"Fuck you, Dixon-!"
"Watch ya mouth when ya talk to my brother, blondie-!"
"Hey guys?" Glenn's voice cut through all further remarks, as he spoke through the radio that connected him and Maggie to the cell block. The walkie-talkie sat on the table beside Rick and the leader reached forward, taking the device with a frown.
"Everything alright, Glenn?" He asked. My stomach filled with dread at the thought of another attack. So soon?
"I think you guys should come outside, Rick. You're going to want to see this." He didn't sound terrified or in danger. He merely sounded confused. Rick glanced around at the group with a frown.
"Better go see what the Chinamen is talkin' 'bout." Merle muttered, ready to move out the cell block, patting his younger brother on the back as he passed him. Daryl rolled his eyes at the man.
"It's Korean, asshole." Daryl responded, which only earned himself a replying snort.
"Herschel-"
"I'll stay with Lori and the children, Rick." The old man nodded, already making his way up the stairs. Rick smiled gratefully at the man before everyone moved out quickly.
If it was an attack, then we were all wary but accepting. We may not be ready but judging by the looks on some of the faces, people were accepting the fight. Andrea's face trembled amongst the rest, but she still followed everyone out. I could at least give her credit for her loyalty to the group. The walk outside was filled with terror and with each step I knew it mounted heavier. What we would find outside left an ambiguous feeling amongst the group and though no one spoke, the feeling was communal. Was this to be the final battle? Would this be what decided each of our fates?
I found myself at the back of the group, hissing to myself when my recent wound tugged a little. Daryl lagged back with me, glancing at me when my strangled hisses of pain caught his ear. He would raise an eyebrow and I would smile in return, assuring the man that I would be fine. We walked in compatible silence. I snuck myself glances up at the hunter when he wasn't looking and I silently pondered over what Merle had brought to my attention. "It may be too late by then." As much as I hated to admit it, the man was right. Suppressing whatever feelings I thought I had for the man beside me until after the threat had passed could wind up being a decision I would regret. One of us perhaps might not make it out. Neither of us maybe?
Any courage to bring the subject to Daryl's attention however was cut short as Rick led the group out into the open air and all thoughts were pushed out of my mind then. Focus. I gripped the sniper rifle in hand, ready to rush to one of the towers if ordered to. Glenn was on the ground, standing in the middle of the yard ready to greet us, Maggie appeared to still be up in the guard tower. The young Korean quickly rushed over and leapt to Rick's side, a curious look on his face. There didn't appear to be any danger.
"Glenn?" Rick urged, his eyes darting around cautiously, his hand on his gun belt hesitantly. Glenn glanced over his shoulder toward the gates that separated the yard and the overrun compound.
"A couple of men are approaching the prison, one of them is armed though we're not sure about the other one. He looks pretty weedy, to be honest." Glenn explained briefly. "We've checked the area and it just appears to be them."
"The walkers will take care of 'em." Daryl pointed out, nodding to the compound that held over three dozen walkers by now. Glenn shook his head once, turning to Rick again.
"I think I saw one of them in Woodbury, Rick." He muttered, making the leader to suddenly. I saw Rick's jaw harden as he turned back to everyone quickly.
"Andrea, get yourself in that guard tower. Glenn, get Maggie and get yourselves to some substantial cover. Ruby, Merle, Michonne and Daryl, you're on me. Tyreese and Sasha, follow Glenn and ready yourselves." Rick quickly ordered. Without a moments pause, Glenn had rushed off to get Maggie and the siblings scampered, leaving the four of us that Rick instructed to stay with the leader.
Rick marched quickly towards the gates and we followed obediently. I was confused for a moment, wondering why Rick had not ordered me up into one of the guard towers, but followed the small group quickly.
"Michonne, Daryl, take care of the walkers gathering at the gates." Rick muttered and the pair got to work.
"What's the plan, Officer?" Merle asked, tightening the strap to his bayonet.
"See what they want." Rick replied.
"'Nd kill 'em?" Merle sneered, earning himself a scowl from Rick. The suggestion wasn't argued though and I shied away when Rick turned my way.
"Get ready to run for a tower if necessary. I'm keeping you on show so if the Governor's watching then he can't have the satisfaction of thinking you're dead." I nodded slowly, frowning at the man's logic, but remaining by his side.
Michonne and Daryl had cleared out the majority of the walkers gathered at the gate and now the approaching pair were visible as they neared the yard gates. I wondered how on earth they had managed in through the compound, but then saw the pet they dragged along with them. A walker, with no arms or jaw, was dragged along, bound by the neck. It staggered obediently forward and in its presence the rest of the dead in the compound appeared to ignore the prospect of food that was passing them by. Curious? I recognised one of them instantly and staggered back a little, reliving memories. Martinez. Rick glanced down at me, a concerned expression, and I nodded once in return.
"They're from Woodbury, alright." I informed the man. Rick's expression darkened with understanding and he marched closer to the gate. Glancing up at Merle, I saw the man's face hard as a stone, as he set eyes on Martinez and his companion.
Martinez's friend was just as Glenn had described him; weedy. He looked far from capable of managing himself and stumbled aimlessly as Martinez led the way toward the yard gates. The man's eyes darted at the dead around them, behind his glasses, and I knew that the man was probably wishing to be anywhere else but here right now. I hadn't seen this man at Woodbury.
"You gonna let us in?" Martinez hollered when they reached the gates. He and his companion backed up against the fence, waiting for a reply. Rick eyed them suspiciously.
"Why are you here?" Rick asked, firmly. Martinez snorted.
"Let us in, man, we ain't got time for talking right now!" His plea seemed desperate as the pair's ticket through the compound seemed to be waring off now as several walkers seemed to have sussed them out and were eyeing them hungrily.
"Rick?" I muttered, cautiously, wondering if the man would willingly allow the men to get torn to pieces before our very eyes.
A part of me wished he would, Martinez especially. Though no part of me was surprised when Rick nodded once at Daryl and the hunter opened the gates quickly. Martinez and his friend fell back into the yard and scrambled for safety as the dead attempted to close in. Michonne secured the gates again and all so quickly, the Dixon brothers had both men pinned to one of the fences and weapons were discarded quickly.
Martinez appeared to be taken by surprise so Merle was able to take his weapons from him without too much trouble. When the man got his bearings though, he took a swing at Merle, but was tackled to the ground by the older Dixon and had landed himself a fist in the jaw. His companion was much more compliant and allowed Daryl to frisk him and discard the single gun he had before brushing himself down afterwards.
"Nice to see you too, Merle." Martinez muttered through his sore jaw. His eyes glanced around before they landed on Michonne and I. "Ahh, girls! Good to see you again!" Daryl raised his crossbow instantly and held the butt of it against the man's head. "You not going to tell me how you've been, Merle? Suppose we've got a lot to catch up on-"
"Get to it, spit fuck." Merle hissed. "The fuck ya doin' here?"
"We're here to deliver a message from the Governor." His nameless friend supplied. Merle scoffed.
"Ya still the Governor's fuck buddy, huh, Milton?" Milton? I recognised that name - the Governor had mentioned a Milton, a scientist who was trying to cure Penny, I think. The man, Milton, eyed Merle with distaste.
"The Governor wishes for me to deliver the message to the leader of the group." He informed us, his eyes darting amongst us, lingering amongst the three men as he tried to distinguish the dominant one between them.
"I'm the leader." Rick declared, his jaw hardening. Milton nodded once.
"He wishes to set up a meeting between the pair of you." He continued, addressing Rick solely now. "To discuss the situation that we've found ourselves in. He wishes to spare any unnecessary bloodshed." A pause. "We don't want to start a war with you people." There was a communal scoff.
"Then what was that yesterday?" Rick demanded, harshly. "You attack our prison, kill and injure our people, destroy our security? If that's not you wanting to start a war then what the fuck was that?!" Milton swallowed involuntary and glanced awkwardly at Martinez. The man shrugged, carelessly.
"I didn't know about that." Milton tried, slowly, his eyes narrowing as he met Martinez's gaze again. "But I suppose the Governor wishes to solve the situation before anyone else is killed. We can come to an agreement."
"Man, you 'nd I know that's the biggest bullshit ever." Merle muttered, folding his arms and stepping dangerously close to Milton. "Ya suggestin' that the Governor is willing to call a truce?"
"We've lost people too. Your people have killed a lot of good men of ours." Milton argued, though shied away from the man's heavy glare. "He just wants to keep the safety of his people secure." Merle scoffed.
"You're the ones who started this." Rick hissed. "You're the ones who took our people!" Martinez's eyes turned to me instantly and he stared long and hard before bowing his head in almost shame. "I think you have made it pretty clear what your intentions are after yesterday-"
"Yesterday was just a warning." Martinez piped up, eyeing the leader harshly. "Just to show you what you're up against. So you don't blindly go into this war with the falsehood of thinking you'll actually win." Milton grimaced slightly before coughing awkwardly to attempt to clear the growing tension.
"Tomorrow at noon." He began. "There's an old mill - Merle should know where I mean." The man in question nodded briefly. "The Governor wishes for you to attend," He nodded to Rick at this. "He'll talk to you alone. You're able to bring along two others for security if you wish. Only two others though. The Governor will do the same and will attend with Martinez and myself." Rick's eyes narrowed at this request.
"How do we know we can trust you'll uphold your half of the agreement?"
"You don't." Martinez shrugged. "But we don't know if you will either. But that's the deal we're giving you."
"That's it?" Daryl muttered, eyeing the pair. Milton nodded slowly, glancing around the yard.
"Judging by the look of your defences, I think this is an offer that you should seriously consider taking." He stated, slowly.
"We can hold our own, thank you." Rick sneered and Martinez snorted.
"Like you held your own yesterday too?" He countered, sarcastically. The butt of the crossbow jutted against his head and he eyed the hunter darkly. "You people are dreaming if you think that your childlike defences and fake-army tactics will stop us from killing every last one of you. You're starting a fight, you cannot win."
"Leave us to be the judge of that." Rick muttered.
"Well, unless you're hiding an entire army in there then I think you've got cause to be concerned." Martinez replied, glancing around. "I see you've got- what- ten people out here. Is that everyone?"
"We've got plenty more inside, don't ya worry." Merle sniggered, a smirk on his face when Martinez looked his way. The Dixon seemed to hold his own well behind the lie and Martinez's cocky demeanour faltered a little.
"It better be plenty, because that's what you'll be needing." Martinez muttered in return, both men squaring off against on another.
"We best be heading back now-" Milton made to leave, though the blade of Michonne's katana was suddenly thrust into his face. She eyed Rick, hesitantly, awaiting an order from the man. I watched as Rick contemplated his options; he could easily just kill the pair of them now - two less to worry about. But Rick didn't seem to have will to do it, I noticed as I took in the man's expression. Milton and Martinez seemed wary as they waited for the leader's reply but relaxed when Rick nodded once at Michonne.
Merle looked ready to protest and made a point of holding tightly onto Martinez's weapons when the man demanded them back. Instead, Merle returned the man's single knife back to him.
"We'll be keepin' the guns. Could come in handy in the near future." Merle smirked, throwing the semi-automatic rifle to his brother to keep hold of. Martinez seethed at the man, but didn't argue. He wasn't exactly in the position to argue anyway.
"What shall I tell the Governor?" Milton asked, slowly, glancing at Rick. The man shrugged, an attempt of carelessness.
"That we'll consider the offer." Rick replied and Milton nodded.
"If you don't show up then he'll take that as an initiative to engage in this fight." Milton informed him, raising an eyebrow in an attempt to scare our leader. Rick in return just nodded.
"Yeah, I got that." He sneered. Milton seemed conflicted for a moment, glancing between the small group of us, seemingly wanting to say something else. Michonne answered for him and urged him towards the gates. Martinez hesitated before following, sending a heavy glare at Merle.
"Perhaps, we'll see each other again, Merle?" He sniggered. "Maybe I'll take your other hand for a sovereign?" Merle scoffed.
"Maybe I'll take ya head? Got a nice spot above the fire that would suit it nicely." The Dixon brother countered. Martinez glared once more at him.
Before Martinez left, he paused and turned to me. I was startled by the sudden pitiful look that stretched across the man's face and I couldn't help the memories that bulged at the sight of Martinez. The beatings that he had inflicted, the torture that he had interrupted-
"I'm sorry." My eyes widened at the confession that were barely spoken from the man's lips. I was in shock. He's sorry? "I'm- I'm sorry for what he did to you. I didn't know that he was going to-" Martinez cut himself off, swallowing hard and glancing at Milton hesitantly before turning back to me. "I'm sorry." With that, the man made his way towards his friend at the gate and readied his knife as Michonne prepared to let them out.
I was in complete daze for a moment, not truly grasping that Martinez, the man that had inflicted a large proportion of my beatings at Woodbury, had apologised to me. I knew exactly what for. Glancing to where Michonne was opening the gate for them, I was glad she was out of earshot. She had had it worse at the hands of the Governor. Though obviously Martinez was ignorant to her treatment.
Though, just because Michonne was not in earshot, didn't mean that the other three weren't. I glanced at Merle first and wasn't surprised to see the confusion behind the man's gaze - he had no idea what had really happened in Woodbury. I would no doubt get bombarded with questions later down the line for it now. I then noticed how tightly clenched Rick's fists had become and when I met the leader's gaze, I saw the over-whelming darkness behind them as I knew he was jumping to assuming conclusions again. I should set him straight on the matter, soon. Daryl's reaction was the one that pained me the most. I glanced awkwardly at the hunter and saw only the conflicted, self-loathing behind the man's gaze. He blamed himself, hated himself a thousand times over. No doubt, Martinez's apology had set him into doubt again about what had actually happened. Just seeing the three men and their reactions, over-whelmed me and I had to quickly leave their presence, not even bothering to explain myself.
I just needed to leave.
"Oh and girl!" Martinez's voice hollered, stopping me short. I glanced over my shoulder, hesitantly. "Sorry about killing your dog too." Toby, oh God, Toby. Michonne quickly shut the gate on them and made quick work at securing it again.
At the mention of Toby, and the over-whelming memories that began to cloud me, I began to close in on myself. Burning, itching. I wrapped my arms around myself, trying to rid the ghost touch that lingered down my back and the sickeningly cool touch of his lips on my skin. God, I felt revolting, disgusting. The images of Toby's dead body followed on, then the way he returned to life again and caused Axel's death. No matter how hard I tried to think, I couldn't rid the last images of my faithful dog out of my mind. I urged myself to remember him as my side-along companion that had followed me throughout the outbreak, but could only see the demonic creature that ripped Axel's leg apart with its gnashing jaws and led to the man's horrific demise.
"Ruby?" Michonne was suddenly before and her face swam into view, though she appeared too close for comfort. I felt her attempt to grip my arms, to steady me, but I shoved her away quickly, suddenly feeling the full force of claustrophobia. Her contact didn't help either, they just reminded me.
"Don't touch me." I urged, desperately, staggering back from her. She frowned, though didn't make another move at me. Immediately, I felt horrendous. Michonne's ordeal had been worse than mine and here I was breaking and crumbling, while she remained strong and together. She understood this feeling though. She must understand this feeling of self-disgust and self-revolt. For it was all that clouded my mind.
Over Michonne's shoulder, I saw the others observing the exchange curiously. Though I found no patience for their sympathy. I sure didn't deserve it. So I quickly, reached for my side and muttered something about seeing Herschel before rushing back inside the prison, in need to clear my head.
What could only be described as a ball of fur bounded towards me and I let out a yelp of surprise as the tiny thing jumped up onto my lap. Immediately the puppy began to lap at my face, its bristly tongue tickling my face, and I couldn't help but giggle like a deluded child.
"Your birthday present." Mark - my boyfriend at the time - informed me from the doorway. He observed the assault with a fond grin of his own.
"It's mine?" I muttered, astonished. This little creature was mine now?
"Technically, it's a he." Mark muttered, crouching down in front of me run a hand over the puppy's head. "It's a German Shepherd, got him from a lad from work. His dog just recently gave birth and I had been hounding him about buying one of its pups since I found out she was pregnant. I got first pick."
"I can't believe you got me a dog for my birthday! Thank you so much, Mark!" I gushed, kissing the man on the cheek before returning my affections to the puppy in my lap. Mark merely laughed.
"Yep, he's yours to keep." He informed me. "You got a name for him? Because I've just been calling him 'puppy' for the past week." I lifted the dog's head and examined it as he stared up at me with big, round eyes. There was a brief hesitation before the puppy attacked me again, lapping up my cheek with its tongue. It was adorable.
"Toby." I confirmed, finally. "His name is Toby." Mark grinned and patted the puppy - newly christened Toby - lightly on the snout and gently turning to dog to face him.
"You better take care of her, Toby, you hear." He urged with a smile. "She's very special, so you better look after her."
"You better look after her."
And that's just what Toby did. He complied obediently to Mark's wishes, even when the pair of us have separated and had gone different ways. Toby remained obedient to the man and became a faithful, almost guardian to me. And now he was gone.
I had goaded to Herschel's fussing and had allowed the man to take a look at my wound again and readdress the bandage. By the time he had finished, Rick and the others had returned inside and Michonne and Tyreese had taken watch over from Glenn and Maggie. I made all attempts to avoid the others, keeping myself in Lori's and Herschel's companies in the safety of the security room and only ventured out when I wished to rest on my cell.
The next morning, I found that it was my turn on watch duty later on that day. With Daryl. I had deceivingly ventured out earlier, not waiting for the hunter, and only informing Rick that I was going to relieve Michonne and Tyreese from their duty. The man had observed me with concern before nodding and telling me he'd inform Daryl when the hunter woke.
I was so caught up in my turmoil of thoughts that I didn't even process the dishevelled state of Michonne and Tyreese when I found the pair, how flustered they both seemed at my early arrival. I hadn't even noticed that Tyreese's shirt was inside out until I watched the pair retreat inside and I noticed the man's label clearly. Huh.
I found myself, however, standing in front of the yard gates, looking out across the overrun yard. No walkers were gathered around the gates and I guessed it was due to the boredom of waiting. They hadn't cottoned onto my presence yet so I could stare out across the compound without being disrupted.
My eyes lingered on the remains of Axel's body - nothing more than just a mess of blood and bones now; the walkers had sure devoured everything they could from him. The sight made me sick, even more than I already was. His last, echoing screams haunted my dreams the night before and I couldn't rid the horrific plunge of my stomach as I saw the whole thing unfold before me. Watching from the sidelines now, days on, the attack two days previous seemed to relive itself again. Gunshots echoed in my ears; screams, orders, the sounds of the radio crackling. It was like I was there again.
The sniper rifle I had brought with me, rested in my arms and was a heavy weight - a heavy burden. It was Shane's rifle, Rick had informed me that it seemed more fitting that I'd take ownership over it, rather than Andrea. Apparently Shane had informed Rick that he was quite impressed with my quick learning and had even admitted that I was one of his better students. Fancy that. Though that didn't outweigh the fact that the weapon I held, was a dead man's gun.
The last bullet I had fired from this rifle too, had been to cease the life of a creature who had been by my side ever since their youth as a puppy. Pulling the trigger of Toby sent a heavy feeling against my chest and remembering that scene before me only made my heart clench again. I had cried plenty since Toby's death. I had seen Sophia and Carl cry too, the pair devastated at the news of their pet's death. Thankfully, everyone had left out the part about me putting him down when telling them what happened to him. I didn't think I'd be able to face their hurt expressions if they knew what had really happened. He had died being a valiant mutt, Daryl had informed them.
Toby's corpse had been chewed at too, and seemed only a tuft of fur, bones and some inners left. That was all that was left of my old friend.
I registered the footsteps that approached me, but didn't need to turn around to know who they belonged to. They stopped beside me and nothing was said for a while, though I knew that there appeared to be a growing tension in the space between us.
"Merle 'nd I had a dog once." Daryl began, slowly. "Scrawny little Wolfhound, he was. Used to scare the kids of our neighbourhood, 'cos he was a mean lookin' son of a bitch." A pause as Daryl chuckled briefly. "Wouldn't hurt a damn fly though. We used to take him out huntin' with us, trained him to track 'nd beat. Pretty smart dog."
"What was his name?" I asked, glancing up at the hunter. There was a small, distant smile on his face as he relived the memories.
"Duke." He informed me, meeting my gaze. I returned a small smile to him.
"As in, The Dukes of Hazzard? How am I not surprised?" Daryl snorted and shook his head.
"Ain't 'cos of that." He told me. "Merle found him on the streets; Duke was a stray. That was just on the collar. Merle wanted to name him Lucifer or Satan; just to piss of the neighbourhood even more. But I said it would just confuse him, so we kept to Duke."
"Lucifer? Satan? How very typical of him." I muttered and Daryl nodded in agreement. There was a moment of silence and Daryl bowed his head.
"Duke got old though, he grew weak." He began, carefully. I knew where this was leading. "We'd still take him out huntin' with us; whenever we tried leavin' him at home, he'd just whine. He didn't like gettin' left alone. But I think we tired him out pretty quick, pretty soon." A pause. "One day, we were out on a hunt 'nd we stopped to rest. Duke laid down to rest too 'nd just-" Daryl swallowed hard. "He just didn't wake up." The hunter met my eyes and smiled sadly. "It sucks, I know." I let out a bitter laugh, one that was laced with tears.
"I feel silly crying over a dog." I admitted, wiping the straying tears. Daryl shrugged.
"Don't be." He murmured. "Toby was a smart dog. 'Nd I thought Duke was smart, though I reckon Toby took the top prize."
"He took care of me when we were on the road, Daryl." I breathed. "He was the only thing that kept me going and now he's gone." Daryl didn't reply for a moment.
"Guess we owe that dog a thousand thanks for keepin' ya safe 'nd bringin' ya to us. But I suppose now you've got other things to keep ya goin' now? Toby may be gone, but ya will be alright." A pause. "Won't ya?" I met the hunter's gaze, one full of intense scrutiny and imploration.
Other things to keep me going.
I smiled softly at the hunter and nodded, glad that the insecurity behind his gaze disappeared when I did. Bravely, I reached out and curled my hand into his, relishing his warm skin and surprised myself by not flinching at the instant of physical contact. Daryl raised his eyebrow briefly but squeezed my hand back, his lips upturning a little at the corner.
Together, we stared out across the compound in silence, hand in hand. I tried to surpass the remains of Axel and Toby and tried to push away the thoughts that had been clouding me the day before. With the warmth of Daryl's hand in mine, this was an easy task. Involuntarily, I found myself leaning a head against Daryl's shoulder, in need of the comfort. Daryl didn't shy away and we merely continued in an understanding silence.
Toby was gone, yes.
But I'd be alright.
(Author's Note): This one is a little later than usual! No excuses really, I'm just a rubbish author! :) Thank you all for the reviews for the previous chapter, the response was great! Please tell me what you think of this one.
Yes, most of the inspiration for this chapter comes from the episode 'Home' in the series - with the Governor attacking the prison, driving the van in etc, but hopefully my take on it was a little different. My action writing is pretty poor so sorry about that!
Axel's dead! And Toby! Dear Lord, I bet most people had forgotten about him! ;) I know that I've probably dramatised Ruby's reactions to Toby's death a lot more than I have any human death, but considering that she has been with Toby since the very start, I really think his death would hit her hard. I know what it's like when a pet dies (especially a dog) and I've hopefully divulged some influence from experience. Don't worry though, she won't be moping too long, but I think Toby deserved a little bit more consideration for his death.
A huge shout out to Lupe Rouge who has created more work for this fiction and to carniwhore who has also created some amazing work for Loginquitas. The links to these and all of this fiction's fanwork are on my profile. I urge you to take a look! Thank you to those who have created for this story, you're all amazing.
Again, thanks for the reviews and fingers crossed I'll have an update up ASAP. What did you guys think of the latest installment?