A/N Thank you everyone! Daryl was really collecting the goods.
Is that Michonne who just removed the guy's head?
Let's check it out.
Missing You
Daryl and the woman with the sword stand motionless as they stare hard into each other's eyes. He still has a throwing grip on his knife, could let it fly at any time. The woman still has the sword firmly grasped in her hand, the dead man's blood dripping from it and onto the cabin's wood floor.
Neither of them feels a need to break the silence as they take each other's measure, gauging whether the person across from them is to be trusted, and determining what their next step will be. When it comes to those things the woman has the advantage, she's been watching him for a long time.
It's when the cannibal's head begins to reanimate that the pair suddenly springs into action. Daryl throws his knife, piercing one side of the dead man's brain, at the same time the warrior woman is plunging her sword deep into the back of the walkers' skull, and the woman snarls, "I guess he's gone for good now."
Daryl spits the words out, "Yeah, good riddance ya muther fuckin' weirdo."
On that they turn to each other, and he offers, "I'm Daryl, who the hell are you?"
"I'm the person who watched you at Woodbury. I saw you climb the wall and I watched you take out those two soldiers. That's when I knew the end was coming for the governor and his fake suburban paradise."
She's piqued his interest and his curiosity, "Oh yeah, you were there, why's that?"
There's no reason not to tell him everything, after all, she's about to ask for his help, "A friend of mine was living there with that asshole who called himself the governor. I was trying to get her to leave but I didn't have any luck. I hate to say it, but she didn't want to leave the comfort of it, and she was convinced she had some kind of sway over him. She liked living in that big house of his in his perfect fake town. It seemed to be what she needed, to pretend life could be like it used to be. She liked having a man too, and she deluded herself into thinking they were a team. She just couldn't see the truth, the governor wasn't the man she wanted him to be. I knew though, at some point he would toss her aside."
"So where is this friend a yours now?"
The woman scoffs, "She figured it out near the end, just before you and your group arrived, and once the dust settled she wanted to go back with her old family at the prison, but they wouldn't have her. Rick Grimes didn't trust her." She points the sword at the dead man's head, "She ended up at Terminus with this bastard. She has a way of going from bad to worse when it comes to men, and there are plenty of bad ones available."
He knows exactly who she's talking about, the blond woman. He saw her pleading with Rick. He has bigger questions right now though, "Who is this guy and what the hell's Terminus?"
"This guy is Gareth. Him, his brother and his mom run this big and very well organized community called Terminus. They continuously announce their existence over short wave radio, inviting people to come join them. There are signs plastered everywhere too, on the highways all around Atlanta and probably other places too. Over and over it's the same message, 'Sanctuary for all. Community for all. Those who arrive survive.'"
Daryl shrugs, "Yeah, well I'm sure that sounds good ta folks. Everyone's try'n ta find a safe place ta stay. So they get there, and then what happens? They just kill em and eat em?"
She smiles at his casual directness, "In the end, yes, but it's a kind of prolonged agony where they keep them confined in shipping containers while they fatten them up on things like powdered milk. Then they're slaughtered and butchered like cattle."
Daryl can feel his blood start to boil, "Fuck that shit."
She shrugs and says, "The whole operation probably began out of desperation, although I've never been hungry enough to eat my friends. Anyway, now they've simply become cruel and vicious cannibals, and there's a whole fortress of them."
He's quiet, thinking all this through before he asks, "So, your friend got together with this guy here, then I came along n killed his brother, now you killed him, but where's your friend?"
"She was one of their meals and that's why I'm going to kill them all. Just because this asshole is dead that doesn't mean they'll stop."
Phew, he shakes his head in disbelief, then asks, "You think you can do that by yourself?"
She smiles at him, "No, and that's where you come in. I want your help fighting, but I could also use a helper who has access to a massive amount of explosives. You had those at Woodbury, so when I saw you in the subdivision I decided to start following you. At first I thought you might lead me to your dynamite stash, then I figured out you were just scavenging."
"You were there? At the subdivision?"
She smiles, "I was. I'd been staying in one of the houses for a couple of days studying the routes to Terminus and trying to decide which is the most vulnerable entrance, and what would be the best way to catch them by surprise."
Daryl's not convinced it's his fight, "Listen, I get it. I'd like ta kill em all too. They're sick bastards, but I got a family waitin' on me n I'm anxious ta get home to em."
"Oh I knew you must have a family. How could I possibly miss all the baby equipment you're hauling around." She can't resist teasing him, "You must be quite the man to need all that."
He laughs at her implication, but it also turns him a little red, "I just claim two a the kids, a boy and baby on the way. My brother's got two tiny ones, twins born not long ago." Why is he telling her everything? She hasn't even told him her name.
Then she hits him with it, "I watched you take the little boy from Woodbury. He's your son now?"
"Shit, you're just everywhere, ain't ya?"
"I don't want to be. I want them to take me in at the prison. I want a home, but because I was close with Andrea, they don't trust me. That's one of the reasons I want to blow up Terminus. I know for a fact Rick Grimes is worried they're coming for him and his family. I want to take that worry away, destroy Terminus for him so he'll let me stay at the prison."
"Sounds smart. What's your name, anyway?"
"Michonne."
"So Michonne, what's in it for me? Say I get ya explosives, and we blow that fuckin' place ta smitherins, you win, you get a home, I get nuthin' except bein' away from my family for another week or two."
"I'll tell you what you get, you get to help end a threat to you and your family, a threat to the people at the prison, and the threat to me and hundreds of people we don't even know," she smiles adding, "In return, I'll help you with whatever you need, like that woodstove and getting that thing in the back of your pickup. With the two of us, it'll be easy. I can help you scavenge all the baby stuff we can fit in that pickup too. I even know a place we can get more kid stuff."
He know she's got to have plenty of strength in those chiseled arms, and he's sure could help him get the woodstoves loaded, but fuck, he can't stand the thought of being away from Beth and Jamie any longer. He recognizes his feelings for what they are, he's fucking homesick.
Still, is rushing home what's best for his family? He thinks on that long and hard. Mostly the part about those cannibals being a threat to them. Yeah, those dirty bastards have to die. "A'ight, I need at least two a these stoves, but I'd like more if we can make em fit."
She doesn't disagree, but suggests, "Let's be realistic. We don't want to haul a pickup full of baby furniture and woodstoves around Georgia, besides with a full pickup bed, where would we put the explosives? How about we unload everything right here, right into this cabin. Nobody who wants a high chair is coming here to get one, they wouldn't find this place anyway. So Daryl, you have my word, when we get done blowing up cannibals, we'll come right back here, load it all up and you'll go home. Hopefully I'll go home to the prison."
It makes sense, the most important thing would be protecting his family from a potential threat, and not just him and his family, but his friends at the prison, and that includes Dale. He'd never forgive himself if he didn't help and one of these crazy cannibals did something to Dale.
"A'ight, let's get the pickup unloaded. Maybe we can get this done in a hurry n I can get back ta my family."
"I hope so."
"What about your rig, what're you drivin'?"
"I'm on foot."
"No way." She just shrugs and smiles. He doesn't question her further. Now that they're doing this he's just anxious to get started and get done.
Between them they quickly have the pickup unloaded and they're ready, but as she gets in to the vehicle she questions, "You're bringing your dog?"
"Hell yeah I am. I ain't leavin' her behind for some walker ta eat," then he looks at the dog while giving her a quick neck rub, and the name becomes clear, like magic, "Am I Jill?"
"Jill? That's an interesting name choice for a dog."
"My male dog's named Jack, get it, Jack n Jill."
She smiles, "I do get it. Cute." This man is exactly who he appears to be.
00
Michonne is convinced he's the one who can help her finally break free of the nomadic life she's lived since the world ended, and settle into a group. At first she liked the freedom of being on her own, and there were so many camps that went bad, Michonne actually felt she was better off on her own, and safer.
It's interesting to observe the way that life and people have evolved since the early days of the turn. Now that it's been a while a few things have gotten better, there's much less chaos and people have a clearer understanding of what they're up against. It's not all good though. What there seems to be now are more of these megalomaniac bastards, like the governor and Gareth, who manage to lure in the lost and desperate and destroy what's left of their lives. That's why the prison is so appealing, those are good people.
The last time he went to the construction complex he was sure it was the last time he'd ever be there, yet here he goes again. He's not shocked by that because what he realized a while ago is, in this crazy fucking world he has no idea what's going to happen next.
Main roads, back roads, all of them seem to be clogged with the dead and with abandoned vehicles. Daryl does take advantage of one traffic jam, he and Michonne grab the gas cans from the bed of his pickup and start filling them with the gas they're able to siphon from the wrecks.
They also have to stop a couple of times to do more killing than he'd like. He's just so tired of fighting these dead assholes, but then, they have no choice. One thing he doesn't mind is watching Michonne with her sword, holy fuck, the woman is an artist with that thing, and a real killing machine. She never seems to get scared or flustered either.
They make it to the construction site with about half an hour of daylight left, and quickly begin loading what's left of the dynamite into the bed of the pickup. When that task is complete they go in the main building. He knows his way around and quickly finds the tarps, "We gotta cover that stuff up. It won't be worth shit if it gets wet."
He wishes they could make some of those Molotov cocktails, those things were badass, but construction companies don't stock bottles or jars. Oh shit, wait. He remembers now, that guy, Morgan was his name. They always joked about him being a do-gooder but everyone pitched in with his causes. One of them was easy enough, they all contributed their glass pop and beer bottles. Any that were redeemable. Morgan would cash the bottles in every few months and give the money to the local animal shelter. Let's see, yeah, they stored them in a big bin by the freight delivery door.
While Michonne holds the light Daryl climbs in the big bin and digs through, finding the biggest of the bottles, like quart sized beer bottles and there are even a few glass milk bottles.
The pair set up shop in the employee commons where there are a couple of benches and picnic type tables for lunch and breaks. They've got the bottles and they found cans of highly flammable acetone, and a big box of red shop rags to complete their cocktails. As they assemble the rudimentary weapons, Daryl notes, "These things are volatile, it's gonna be dangerous for us just drivin' with this shit in the truck."
Michonne doesn't want to get blown up any more than he does, and suggests, "I saw a couple of small equipment trailers. We could use one of those to haul them. That way if there was trouble at least we'd have a little time to jump out of the cab and run."
"Good idea, and I could put the trailer ta use later too." Then he makes his suggestion, "I got another idea too. I don't think we should leave the folks at the prison outta this battle. We'd be better with help, and I'd bet some a them might wanna come along. The more the better and with more of us we could blast the shit outta these guys from every angle. Whaddya think?"
"I think yes. That way Rick Grimes will know for sure, I'm on his side."
They do what they can, grab a couple of hours sleep, and at first light they load the trailer and start for the prison.
00
They stop several yards shy of the prison gate and Daryl asks, "Ya ready?"
She has steel in her eyes, "More than ready. Let's see what they say."
Rick spots them as they pull up to the gate, orders it open and as soon as the pickup and trailer clear the fence the gate is shut, locked and the keepers are back to killing the walkers who, as always, congregate around the fence.
Rick's all smiles, happy to see his old friend, but his brows knit when he sees the woman and he asks Daryl, "So what's going on?"
As mean and ornery as Rick sounds about the woman, and no matter that she's scowling at the sheriff in return, Daryl sees it and he feels it, there's some kind of electricity passing between these two. Huh, but wait, he's got a wife. Lori.
Daryl instructs Michonne, "Just lemme talk ta him."
He tells the dog , "C'mon Jill," and jumps from the truck, and Daryl and Rick begin slowly walking toward the prison, Carl runs up with a baby girl in his arms, "Hey Daryl!"
Daryl claps the boys' shoulder and says, "Hey yourself Carl, how ya doin'?"
In the honest way kids have, Carl tells the visitor exactly how he's doing, "My mom ran off with Dad's best friend and she just left me, Dad and Judith here. So I guess I'm not doing too great, but I'm all right."
Fuck.
Daryl glances at the kid, then at Rick and says, "I'm sorry ta hear that guys."
Rick looks shook and quickly tries to change the subject, "So what brings you here and what the hell are you doing with Michonne?"
Daryl's more than happy to change subjects, "I think we need ta sit and talk about this one Rick, you n whoever your most trusted are. Me and Michonne got a plan." He looks to Carl and asks, "Ya mind watchin' the pup?"
The boys' smile is huge, "Sure. Me and Judith will."
Maybe it's because Rick has so recently been burned, he thinks it's something it's not, and as soon as the kids are out of earshot he asks, "You and Michonne? What about your wife?"
Daryl's confused, "What about my wife?" Then he realizes, "Nah, it ain't like that. My family's just fine. Me n Michonne are partners in sumthin' else. C'mon, let's talk cuz, I'm in a hurry ta get back ta that wife a mine."
They meet in what was once the officer's lunch room in the prison. There are a couple of bookcases and some plaques on the wall, and a big round wooden table with plenty of chairs. Ignoring the chairs, most of the group remains standing. There's Rick, Daryl, Abraham Ford, Carol, Aaron, Jesus, Tyrese, and they've included Dale. Although no longer a warrior, Dale is an excellent source of wisdom.
The group is aware of the threat the hunters at Terminus pose. They've already spent long hours discussing what their best course of action is. They know that just like with the Woodbury group, the prison family is outnumbered and outgunned.
Daryl makes his point, "Ya saw what I drove in here. I've got all that's left of the dynamite, and me n Michonne made a shitload of Molotov cocktails. I've watched that woman in action against a buncha walkers and she's one badass fighter. The leader of the cannibals, that asshole Gareth? I watched her slice his head off, and when she did, she saved my life."
He turns all of his attention to Rick, "The woman wants you to let her in your group. She'll do whatever she's gotta do ta earn your trust. Let's go fight them cannibals while ya got her n me here ta help, cuz if ya don't wanna do it now, I'm goin' home ta my own family."
Rick seems reluctant to fight another war, Dale wants a firm battle plan, and Carol and Abraham are gnawing at the bit to go blow the place up right now. Daryl's wishing his brother was here, between those two and Merle they could probably handle the whole battle themselves. Everyone else could just sit around drinking coffee and waiting for them to come home.
Carol surprises everyone when she says, "I know where there's a big storage unit full of illegal fireworks, the good professional kind that really blowup, and have the potential to do a lot of damage. It would take us most of a day to get there and get back with them."
Abraham excited and wants to know, "How do you know about this place?"
"Ed used to spend a month's pay on those damn things every year for the 4th of July. He had to have the biggest and most dangerous display in the county."
Daryl has no idea who Ed is, or was, or whatever, but Abraham voices exactly what Daryl's thinking, and Daryl smiles because although he wouldn't say it himself, Merle sure as hell would, "So fireworks were like a penis extension for him, huh?"
She doesn't miss a beat, "No, I think what made him feel like a man was beating up women."
Abraham responds, "Well that dick licker." Then suggests, "I'm ready to go now, whaddya say you n me head over and get the fireworks?"
She nods, "Sure thing."
Rick speaks, "Okay, you two go, but get back as soon as you can. Let's plan on strategizing tomorrow and going into battle the next day. Is everyone on board with that?"
They all agree and Rick states, "Okay, tomorrow morning, right after breakfast we all meet back here and hammer out the plan."
Daryl says, "Yeah, well ya oughta invite Michonne in on that strategy meetin'. She's got a map of the place and seems ta have a lotta knowledge about what goes on there. It's be smart ta take advantage of that."
Rick shrugs, "All right, let's you and me sit down with her right now. I'll go get her."
Daryl shakes his head, "Nah, I been sittin' down with her long enough. You sit down with her. I'ma go talk ta Dale, grab a shower and hit the sack."
Once in bed all Daryl can do is think of his wife, their little boy, the baby to come, and the home they've made on the mountain, and how badly he wants to be back there with them.
00
It's been almost two weeks and Beth has started to lose hope. She scolds herself for that, "Have a little faith, it's Daryl. He can survive anything," but my gosh, it's so hard to keep a positive outlook.
She keeps herself busy with all of her many projects. Her windowsill herb gardens are doing so well, it's amazing. She's already dried a lot. All the jars and lids are clean and covered and ready for when they start canning crops. The greenhouse looks downright lush and she's so happy, it appears it will be a big success.
Although Merle is diligent in his efforts, she's still not sure how the crops in the field will do, but she remains very hopeful about the potatoes and onions.
If Daryl isn't home by Thursday, Merle says he's going out for the day to try and get some game. Hopefully it will be deer, but he'll harvest what he can. Turkeys, sage hens, geese, whatever. They're going to need a lot of meat to get them though until next spring. Maybe even beyond.
There were a few ripe strawberries in a little pot on her kitchen windowsill. Beth has nurtured the tiny plant along and watched as the little white strawberries grew and turned a beautiful shade of red. She and Jamie each had four of the berries for dessert last night, they took the rest to Merle and Frankie. It made her smile to see their reaction.
Yesterday Jamie and Jack made a terrible mess. The water spigot near the greenhouse leaked enough to make a good-sized patch of mud, and the two of them decided to roll around in it. The little boy looked so guilty when she said, "Oh my gosh Jamie, what did you get into?" But the site of their boy covered in dirt and mud reminded Beth of her husband, and it made her miss Daryl even more. She didn't think that was possible.
What she has so carefully tended, and prayed so hopefully for, is the lemon tree that she has growing in a pot placed in the corner of the greenhouse. She knows that if it does bear fruit this fall it won't be much, it will have to mature another year or two. That's okay, she'll be patient, and she won't mind having the tree living in their house this winter. She has just the spot for it in their new bedroom, right in front of the window. The importance of the tree is far more than a few lemons, if she can get a lemon tree to produce in these conditions, what other types of fruit might she be able to grow?
Beth makes herself busy in the greenhouse while Jamie helps his Uncle Merle in the field. Even as she looks around, and in spite of the beauty and all of the small successes they've enjoyed, and knowing she has the unfaltering love of her family right here and now, Beth's thoughts turn dark.
What if he never comes back? What will she do? She can't stand the thought of it, but she knows she would do just what Daryl would want her to do. She'd keep taking care of Jamie and loving him with all of her heart, and the new baby when he or she arrives. She'd have her hands full, my gosh, Merle would have his hands full too. But they'd manage. They would have to because surviving would be the best way to honor Daryl.
That night, like every night, Beth hugs her husband's pillow and silently cries herself to sleep.
00
A/N Aw, Daryl needs to get home. Please leave a comment. The chapter photo, including a very cute shot of Jamie, is on my tumblr blogs gneebee and bethylmethbrick, please have a look. I'll be back next week with more of The Man on The Mountain and I hope you'll be here too. Until then remember, I love you large, xo gneebee