Sure, it's been about three weeks since they arrived at Alexandria, and the group has settled in very well. They are slowly getting used to life on the inside. However, everyone is on high alert, since they know that this is only a matter of time before the dead catch up to them.
I go outside and see Daryl working on his motorcycle. I happily ran over to him.
Daryl notices her and stops what he's doing. He looks over at her with a grim smile. "Hey there Ae. How you doing?"
“Hey, D! I’m good, how are you doing?” I smiled using my nickname for him too since he used mine.
"Pretty good actually. Just putting back together my bike after it broke down yesterday."
He gets back to working on it, but keeps talking to you. "So, what are you up to?"
“I was wondering if you wanted to go on a supply run with me. Michonne taught me a new sword technique I wanna try out,” I said casually.
He stops working again.
"A supply run? With you? Sure thing, kid. Why not?"
Daryl gets up, but notices that you're trying to change the subject.
"Hold on a second. Michonne? You've been learning swords from her?!"
“Yeah, you didn’t know?” I chuckled. “C’mon, you know me. I want to learn everything I can when it comes to weapons and surviving.”
"Heh, I guess I shouldn't be surprised either. Michonne has always been an excellent teacher, you'll do great. I could also show you how to shoot my crossbow too if you want."
Daryl's tone changed, it was serious.
"But I'm coming with you. I know the area better. That's final."
“Yeah! I’d love to learn how to shoot a crossbow! And of course, I enjoy going on supply runs with you the most,” I smiled happily.
He smiles back, still a bit serious.
"Good. Follow me, we don't have time to waste. We'll take a few minutes to get you familiar with the crossbow. And then we'll head out."
Daryl starts walking back to the garage, motioning for you to follow him.
I eagerly follow.
He leads you to the garage. You see all kinds of vehicles, but he specifically goes to the far corner. You see his crossbow on a bench and he gets it for you.
He hands it to you.
"This is called a crossbow. And the arrows are called bolts. Do you want a demonstration first or shall I let you try it out?"
“Can you show me please?”
He nods. "Sure. This is the bolt."
He grabs one of the bolts for you. "This is how you load it."
He slots the bolt into the crossbow and pulls back the string.
"It's a bit stiff at first, you need strength to load it."
He hands it to you. "Try it out."
I smiled and loaded it fairly easily. He looks surprised.
"I expected more struggle than this." But doesn't say anything else and waits for you to fire it.
“Why are you so surprised? I have pretty good arm strength, ya know using swords and all the surviving we have to do,” I laugh. Then I take a deep breath and shoot at the target.
He smiles at the confidence. "True. But I guess I'm the kind of guy who still thinks of you as a little kid. It's good that you are developing your skills."
You successfully hit the target.
"Nice shot, kid."
“Thanks,” I smile a little then sigh. “Dad still thinks of Carl and me as little, too. At least that’s how he acts. But we’re not! We’re teenagers now, and he taught us well. On top of that, you, Michonne, Glenn, and the others have taught us so much too.”
He nods. "You're right, you're not little kids anymore. This world has grown you up, made you stronger and smarter than people your age. And yet, we still want to protect you. You'll never know how scared we get when we see you out there, especially with walkers."
He laughs nervously. "We just want what's best for you, you're like a family to us. Which is why we train you as hard as we do."
I smile a little and set the crossbow down. “Thanks, Daryl. You guys are like family to us, too,” I said as I hugged him. He hugs you back.
"I know. I wish it hadn't taken us this long to realize that. But we are a family now and I never want to forget that."
He steps back. "I have to make a short radio call. We'll head out right after."
You notice that he's nervous, as if he's awaiting bad news.
I nod a little. “Okay, is everything alright?” I asked gently.
You see a flash of hesitation on his face before he answers you.
"It's fine. Nothing I can't handle."
He doesn't sound convincing though. You've gotten close enough to him to see through his rough personality. He's scared about something.
“D…come on. I know you. You can tell me what’s going on. Just as I know I can tell you everything too,” I try to encourage him gently.
He sighs. "All right. But you have to promise me something."
He looks you in the eye, the seriousness of his tone surprises you.
I nod. “Of course.”
He takes a deep breath.
"I just got a message not long ago. One of the watchtowers on the perimeter fell."
You see where this is going.
"And I lost contact with the people on the tower."
“Then let’s go investigate! We can do the supply run after.”
He was expecting this. He's not happy about it. "Fine. I know it's what you want and it is important, but I want you to stay close to me and pay attention."
He's a lot more protective of you now.
I nod. “Of course, I promise.”
"Okay."
He starts walking towards the gate, you follow closely behind him.You see him check his bow and then put it around his back. He also grabs a pistol and some ammunition. He seems worried.
"Let's just hope it's nothing serious. It couldn't be walkers, right?" He glances back at you.
“Yeah, no sweat. Whatever it is, we got this,” I reply, trying to be optimistic as I grab my sword.
He nods. "Hope so..."
He walks up to the gate and radioes at the people to open it, since it is still closed. As the gate opens, he grabs his walkie talkie and calls out.
"This is the front watchtower. Copy me? This is Daryl, do you copy?"
No answer.
"Damn it! All right. Keep your weapons at the ready and be careful."
You can hear his anxiety getting the best of him.
I nod. “Hey, it’ll be okay. No matter what, we’ll figure this out and get through it,” I said as I put a gentle hand on his arm, noticing the anxiety in his voice.
He smiles at you.
"I guess I needed that. Thanks."
He grabs your hand and you see the tension and anxiety slip from his face. You walk out of the gate and notice that some of the Alexandria guards are outside, including Aaron and Morgan. You see Carol going outside from the house and Daryl nods at her. She nods back, still a bit worried.
I stay right by his side and follow him.
ns 15.158.61.8da2
