» Time Is Dancing « | » Carl Grimes «

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Overcrowding Still Exists, Even In The Apocalypse

Merle was the latest addition on the long list of people we lost. Daryl didn't say much when he came back to the prison, trying to keep his sadness inside. But he lost a brother, his last tie to the world before. He depended on Merle his whole life and now he was gone.

"Because of him, we're gonna win this. He gave us a chance." I gazed up at Daryl from my seat on the lowest step. He was sitting a few steps higher, cleaning his crossbow like nothing had happened. "This plan is gonna work."

My packed bag lay at my feet, holding everything from Sophia's doll to the loose socks in the bottom. Me and Carl were placed in charge of the 'Protection Squad', as Glenn called it. In other words, we would wait outside the prison with Hershel, Beth and Judith while the others fought the Governor. I had come to terms with the fact that I wasn't needed here, but Carl wasn't the same.

"Yeah. Thanks, kid." I was slightly surprised when he hugged me goodbye. We had hugged before, but it was always me first with him reluctantly following. Maybe something had changed with him.

I picked up the bags and took them outside to the car, throwing them in the trunk. Carl's own bags slammed against mine as he tossed them in, the frustration never leaving his face. Rick had asked me to keep an eye on him out there, worried for his son.

I breathed out a sigh, watching my breath become visible in front of my eyes, swirling into the air then disappearing. I rubbed my hands together, tucking them inside the poncho. The sun still shone brightly, but it wouldn't be long until winter came around again.

We may have lost Merle, but Michonne was still on our side. She was the reason I accepted Merle on my personal list of losses. He let her free on their journey, driving his car into a warehouse full of the Governor's men and shooting several of them down before being killed. I would consider that a hero's death, even if he wasn't quite one himself.

"Annabelle, right?" She wandered over from where she leaned against the wall.

"Uh, it's just Belle." I smiled, my eyes squinting at the sun. She breathed out a laugh and nodded.

"So, I'm going to be here, and you're going to be out there...I guess I'm not going to need this for a while," she drew her sword from its place on her back, sheath and all, "you mind holding onto it for me?" She held it out, handle first. This was the coolest thing I had ever seen. I took it and pulled the strap over my head, getting it comfortable.

"Thank you." I excitedly told her. I didn't want anything bad to happen, but I would've loved the chance to use it, just once.

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"I got this one." I swung the sword at the walker, misjudging it slightly and only taking off the top of its head. I was aiming for its neck. Either way, the sword not only looked cool, but it was extremely practical.

I turned and saw Carl leading the others through the forest, keeping an eye out for any movements. The car was hidden in the trees and we were making our way out on foot. I could hear the gunfire from the prison but tried to ignore it. There was nothing we could do from here. It was heavy, mixed with growls and explosions. If the plan worked, we would have a lot of cleaning up to do.

There was silence for a long time and I tuned my ears in, waiting for the inevitable firing to start again. Sure enough, it came, along with the sound of alarms and screams. I smiled inwardly. The plan was working. The Governor's men were being forced out, the fear of walkers and death driving them away.

"Come on, we should get back to the car." I whispered over my shoulder after watching for a while. It looked like it was over.

Carl led us and I took the back, keeping watch over the surroundings. I didn't even see the boy run over until I heard the click of Carl's gun, quickly spinning and doing the same.