Daryl's Precious Gem (Daryl Dixon FanFiction)

20: Target Practice

Wake up.

I jolted up in bed and gasped for air as I searched the dark room. My body was covered in sweat and the poor clothes I had fallen asleep in were drenched! One hand rested on my chest trying to control my breathing as the other held onto my knife for dear life. That's when I heard a creek of a door downstairs.

I slowly crawled out of bed and tip toed to the door as quietly as I could. Cracking the door open, I peaked into the dark hallway. All the lights were off which made it very eery. Daryls door was closed so I eyed downstairs while quietly sneaking over to the bathroom. I checked behind the door and then the tub/ shower. It was clear. Next, I carefully walked down the steps and eyed the house with caution. A faint noise sounded from the kitchen as I neared the bottom of the steps. I leaned against the wall and peered around the corner into the kitchen to see a dark figure. I crouched and quietly scurried to the couch as the person continued making small noises.

Once close enough I stood up and held my knife out ready to fight whoever it was. Before I could say anything a woman's voice caught me off guard.

"I know you're behind me."

"Who are you?" I furrowed my brows in confusion.

The figure turned around and slid off her mask, "It's me."

"Jesus Carol!" I hunched over.

"I was hoping you'd wake up." She smirked at me.

"So you could scare me?!"

"Shh," She hushed me. "I'm here to take to you to retrieve your weapons."

Immediately I zipped my lips and listened to her. I snuck up stairs and retrieved my katana and leather jacket before quietly returning downstairs and tying up my boots. Carol and I snuck out the back door and followed the fence line around to the solar panels.

Carol halted as she turned to me. "You'll need to climb over to retrieve the weapons. I'll throw this rope to you once you climb on top of the panel that way you can slide down. Then you'll just need to climb back up once you've found the guns."

"Won't someone see me?"

"Glenn and one of the other men from here are on guard. Glenn knows what we're doing so he won't say a word."

I mentally rolled my eyes. I was never good at rope climbing in gym glass which I regretted, especially in this moment.

"You can do this." Carol whispered to me. I exhaled slowly as I climbed up the solar panel and carefully made my way to the highest point. Carol then threw me one end of the rope while she tied the other to a sturdy tree. Hesitantly I climbed over the wall and tugged on the rope to make sure it was secure. I let out a shaky breath as I slid down the rope and swiftly landed on my feet. My eyes scanned the forest before I made my way to the pile where we hid the guns. I grinned as I found them right away!

I slung the 30-30 over my shoulder and then placed the revolver on my belt. A walker growled as it staggered towards me. Without hesitation I stabbed it in the head and did my best to guide its rotten body to the ground without making a sound. I cleaned off my knife and slid it back onto my belt before climbing up the rope and over the wall. I wish I had been this strong in gym class, I thought.

Carol smiled as I tossed her the rope and slid down the solar panel with ease.

"You make it look easy!" Carol patted my shoulder as she hid the rope under a bush. We carefully made our way back to the house and came upon a bench by the end of the cul-de-sac.

"Sit with me." Carol instructed as she patted the spot next to her. I reluctantly sat beside her as we stared at the moon.

"I like sitting out here. It's so quiet and peaceful." Carol said softly. "Reminds me of when the world wasn't a complete wreck."