» Time Is Dancing « | » Carl Grimes «

» WRATH PT.1 «

The End Is Really Fucking Nigh

I wasn't sure how useful a sword would be in a battle like this, but that didn't stop me from strapping it across my chest bravely. It had always been there for me when I needed it, I couldn't just leave it behind.

There was a light knock on the doorframe and I spotted Rick through the mirror, his eyes cast low as he fumbled uncertainly with his fingers.

"I can't ask you to stay, because I know you won't listen." He wandered over, his hand clasping his belt when he reached me. He pulled out a shining silver gun, his Colt Python, the one I had seen hundreds of times in the years since I met him. He pressed the cool metal into my palm, my fingers instinctively curling around it. "It's never let me down. And neither have you."

I met him in the middle for a comforting embrace, my face burying into the fabric of his jacket. It was warm and soft and everything I needed right now. We both knew anything could happen today, but that's why we were going. One way or another, this was the end.

The gun was secured on my belt along with my sharpened knife, the sheath bouncing on my leg when I sat down. All I ever wanted was for this war to end, but I was starting to realise what would come after. Peace, happiness. A new life that I wasn't sure I could live without-

My watery gaze drifted to the wooden dresser that held folded clothes and tatted books. Sitting on top, the brown material worn with years of use and care, was a hat. But it would never be just a hat. It would always be his hat.

I swallowed a hard breath, the air struggling down into my lungs. My eyes clamped shut, an overwhelming sense of loss drowning me with my thoughts.

'Don't cry. Not here, not now.'

My hand darted towards the dresser, fingers curling around the sturdy fabric and resting it comfortably on my head without a second thought. I considered it as something extra to protect me.

I came face to face with Enid once I eventually walked out of Barrington house, the bustle of the atmosphere spiking my adrenaline immediately. Everyone had a job to do today, and we were too desperate to back down.

My arms wrapped around her in an intense hug, squeezing as hard as possible as if to soak in the feeling.

"You'll protect her, right?" I asked, watching her direct the children into the trailers. We couldn't all be in the centre of battle and Enid was one of the responsible few who volunteered to look after those who couldn't do it themselves. And that included Judith.

"I promise." She smiled softly, her eyes full of hope. She came in for another embrace, knowing it could be our last one. Goodbyes were hard, but missing the opportunity was something completely worse.

"I love you, okay? I'll see you soon." My fingers tightened around hers briefly before I wandered off, my mind switching to survival mode. No distractions, no emotions, nothing to get in my way-

"Cool hat, bro." My focus was broken by a booming voice, kindness in every syllable. I turned to find a familiar face, Jerry from the Kingdom, grinning widely at me. I nodded with appreciation, flicking the brim with an acknowledging gaze. Maybe I could afford to let a little emotion creep in.

»« »« »« »«

So far, Gregory had provided us with much needed intel, something I wouldn't admit unless I had to. The map said there was a Savior crew on the road and sure enough, there they were.

Well, not for long.

It took less than a minute to take them all down, the tool screwed to my gun silencing the shots as they cut through the nearest enemy. I didn't like thinking about the people I killed, or even looking at them for too long after, but this person intrigued me. Blood leaked from his throat, onto the gravel and through his messy blue hair, tinting it a dark brown.