» Time Is Dancing « | » Carl Grimes «

» THE WORLD BEFORE PT.3 «

Down, Down, Down

My horse slowed to a trot as we made our way down the path, Daryl's bike stopping just ahead. Through the cloud of dust I could see a few familiar faces- Connie, Kelly, Jerry, Magna- from Hilltop. I tensed when the large man smothered me in a bear hug, the gesture full of a warmth and comfort that I didn't prepare for.

"Hey, kiddo." He muttered sympathetically, a weak smile on his face as he pulled away. "It's good to see you."

I returned the hug briefly once I relaxed, nodding shortly as a greeting. "You, too." I replied, my words barely audible. They were drained of my usual excitement and kindness, but he didn't seem to mind. All he did was give me a firm pat on the shoulder before following the others through the trees.

"Let's get to it. Screw these freaks." Magna stated sternly, her eyes full of determination as we set off. "I say that in Siddiq's honour."

That's who I was here for, that's what I wanted to fight for. Destroy Alpha's horde, kill the woman herself, and maybe then I could figure out my shit. Like what I was supposed to do without Siddiq, and how my future had suddenly been flipped upside down. That was a whole other mountain I needed to climb, a terrifying Everest compared to the mole hill I was facing right now.

It was dark before we knew it, a light mist hanging in the chilled air as we found ourselves just a few metres away from the border. Wooden spikes stood six feet tall, but they were no longer the threatening barrier I used to see them as. All they meant to me now was the knowledge that we were getting closer and closer to our goal.

The pure anger and adrenaline caused the shiver the deflect off my skin, my foot stepping across the line with no hesitation. That bitch had no idea what was coming for her.

A wild force of nature, an unstoppable being designed to install fear in it's victim's hearts- me and my sword and a whole lot of bones to pick.

»« »« »« »«

Aaron told us about the Whisperer he had been talking to, the one who told him exactly where the horde was. Maybe it was wrong of him to trust anything she said because we finally arrived at the suspected area to find absolutely nothing.

A field, long and dry and empty, stretched in front of us for miles. The early morning sun sparked off the fading blades of grass from between brittle branches, making it so much clearer that there was definitely a lack of walkers here.

"Damn it!" My father yelled, storming back the way we came with a scowl on his face. The irritation passed over the group like a sharp wave, washing over my expression and twisting it into something sour.

Aaron stopped him, his forehead creased apologetically. "This doesn't mean Mary lied to us, alright? They were protecting this place." He defended, glancing back at the absent horde.

"This was a waste of damn time." I told him with annoyance, my hand hovering over my blade with anticipation. I was hoping I would've had the chance to use it today. "I'm leaving."

I spun on my heel sharply, taking off in the direction of the trees with a gait of determination. I would find the horde, even if it meant I was out all day.

The dry forest floor crunched behind me as Daryl approached, his hand gently tapping mine to get my attention. "Why don't you slow down, huh? We got no leads, you don't where you're going." He advised lowly as the others followed close behind.

I shook my head insistently, keeping my eyes on the trees around me. "The horde's gotta be somewhere. If Aaron was right and Alpha moved it, they can't be far." I stated harshly, pushing leaves and twigs away from my face as they snapped over my cheeks.