Penance (Book One): Daryl Dixon x Sage Wilson

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Day three.

Day three in this prison and I think I've maybe slept 40 of the 72 hours I've been locked up in this chamber. I wish I could just never sleep again at this point, but there was nothing else I could do. Every-time I tried to thin out the twine using the bed frame, they would come in and replace it catching onto my plans.

I knew Andrea was okay, considering hearing her curse out whoever entered her room. She was to the right of me next door. I would scream, but a part of me hoped if I got to Merle's soft spot and mentioned we were with Daryl he would show us mercy. That or he absolutely despised his brother and would just feed us to the sharks at that point. But what sibling, even if there was rivalry, would not have a soft spot for anyone?

Mickey even had one for his brother, considering how evil and calloused he was as a person all in all. I sigh, trying to not let me eyes play tricks on me in the dark. The concrete surrounding me had patterns, lines, and I could have swore my insanity saw figures or heard voices. I was just alone. In my head and in a dark isolated room.

I just knew I was glad Daryl got out of there, saved Carol. Even if he were looking for me after, we both knew I'd find a way to take care of myself. There was no reason to abandon a recently widowed mother behind when she couldn't even comprehend sanity as of the moment.

If Woodbury was a town, we had to be by other civilizations. There had to be some sort of stores or supply warehouse nearby- how else would they travel within a reasonable proximity? Gas stations were low and most vehicles were sucked dry already. It just made sense. Which would also make sense if Rick stopped nearby in this area- and hopefully not here. This isn't anywhere where Lori would want to risk bearing a child or raising Carl. They showed no mercy and lived in a militaristic manner. They go all gung ho on everyone and think it's okay because they're wearing the clunky boots.

I suddenly hear a heavy metal door creak, and a light emerge from behind a shadowed figure. The light turns on and my eyes seem to suck into my head, feeling pressure from the sudden change in atmosphere and lighting.

"Well, well.. did you behave enough?" I knew it was Merle by the sound of his raspy, condescending tone.

I squint as I see him walk over to me, twirling a pocket knife in his left hand, considering his other was.. ceasing to exist.

"Did you behave?" He repeats as he bends over looking me in the eyes. I glare, but refuse to speak. There was no way in hell I'd let a man speak to me like that again, especially with the way Mickey would.

Merle sighs, slapping his leg and putting the knife to the red twine. "You're free to go. Governor's orders; but you need to report to town hall with me, so we can get you some basic training."

My hands finally relieve themselves, forgetting how to work as they lazily flopped down on the bed. They tingled with a numbing and burning sensation, and my shoulders felt almost bruised. My arms forgot how to be arms.

I sigh as I try to squeeze a fist and wiggle my fingers, sitting up and watching Merle cut the other ones by my feet. I look at the shot wound which had old crusty and bled through bandages.

"You want me to train on this?" I raise an eyebrow. Merle looks at me and smirks. "You assholes shot me and expect to get right on the battle field as if my arms weren't restrained for three days? As if I hadn't eaten in three days?" I tilt my head, trying to intimidate.

"Woah woah, sweetheart. Wasn't me who shot ya; but orders are orders. I'm just the bearer of bad news." He puts his hands up as I try to find balance on the ground.

"Don't call me sweetheart, Asshole," I hiss. Merle laughs in response, walking towards the door with me following him in a limp. Everything was wobbling, every limb and every muscle. I felt weak, but there was no way I was going to show that to the Big Man.

Merle and I walk outside, the bright light of the outdoors making the front of my head throb. My eyes were still not yet adjusted to light, and even worse just the air of the atmosphere. It didn't smell of dust, just pure emptiness now.

I look around as crowds of people surround us, holding building supplies or tools. I look behind them and see a tall steel gated wall, rusted and reinforced with long boards and nails. There were two men perched on top of the wall, snipers and walkie talkies in hand. I look behind me, seeing women and children digging at dirt and planting. The men and their teenage sons were building on the wall, cleaning guns, or mending to a building.

"This is Woodbury," Merle gestures proudly with his arms out.

"Looks like a labor camp," I murmur.

We approach a tall brick building, laced with wooden doors. It used to be a town hall, which was evident.

"This is town hall. Governor's headquarters, as you may." Merle looks back and climbs up the stairs, as I try to regain more balance and follow behind him.

He lifts the heavy door and I walk in behind him, seeing wooden floors covered with vintage carpet and dusty painting. We go up another flight of stairs which entered in an office-like room, which definitely belonged to someone in authority.

I look to see the man I had met in my cell, facing forward in his chair with his hands folded across his desk.

"Here she is, Governor." Merle nods and turns around, giving me one last smirk.

"Well you sure aren't as feisty as the other one,"he says with a smile.

"Andrea? Where is she? Is she okay?" I hope her mouth didn't get her killed.

"She's fine. Training, just like you'll be." He stands up, walking around his desk and over to me. He stood at least 7 inches above me, and his stature was broad and intimidating. A condescending smile grows on his stubble filled face, as he puts a finger under my chin. I try to resist looking down, but he lifts up more.

"You follow my orders, you don't get killed. You try to betray me or plan to escape, you get killed. Is that heard?" He raises an eyebrow.

"Aye-aye, Asshole." I say sarcastically. He glares at me, with a warning look. "What? You didn't say I'd get killed for telling the truth," I shrug.

He shakes his head, smiling. "I knew you'd be a little spunky. I like that," he scratches his chin, turning around and looking out the big windows to the left.

"Meet Merle outside of the building. He will start you off."

I glare him daggers, trying to bite my tongue. But instead I hesitantly oblige and follow orders. I knew if Rick or Daryl were here, they'd tell me the exact same thing. I'm not here to get killed, I'm here to get out.