What's Next

Chapter Forty Seven 🦋

Val's POV:

It was nightfall by the time we finally made it back to Alexandria. But something wasn't right. "Dare..." I muttered. Seeing the turmoil that had taken over our home. There were walkers everywhere. They had overrun our home. The road we walked along. The closer we got I could someone struggling. Glenn. "Fuck Glenn," I muttered worriedly. It took for one look to be shared between the four of us and we knew what we had to do. I could see Maggie up in the tower, panicking. Trying everything in her power to keep Glenn alive from the distance she was at. I took one split second look to Daryl, knowing that I would be doing the exact same if it was us out there instead of Maggie and Glenn.

Sasha and Abraham had hopped out, climbing to the roof of the truck to gain higher ground. Shooting every last one of the walkers that surrounded Glenn. It was only a moment of safety, but it gave the rest of us the clearing that we so desperately needed right that second. "Can you open the gate?" Abraham called out.

"Appreciate it, pal." He remarked, followed by a chuckle. Soon clearing out more walkers, due to more drawing near thanks to the gunfire.

Glenn had opened the gate, allowing Daryl to pull up next to the tower, letting Sasha and Abraham to help both Maggie and Enid to safety. Hearing the passenger door open, I looked over seeing Glenn climbing in. "What the hell happened?" Daryl questioned, I could hear the worry in his voice that he so desperately tried to cover up. "I don't know. I just got back." Glenn answered, trying to catch his breath.

"Listen.... We can- we can lead some of them away, but they're scattered."

"No, it's way too risky and there is way too many for that." I state, immediately shutting down Glenn's idea. "Val's right. We get 'em all together. Won't have to lead them all away." Daryl adds. I already knew what Daryl could've been planning and he didn't even have to say the right words. I already liked where he was going with it.

**

We reversed up to the water that was within the community. Glenn hopped out, soon followed by Daryl. "Wait here." He instructed.

"what? No way, let me help." I tried to argue. He just shook his head at me. "I won't be long. Its only for a few minutes sunshine. Please just wait here. So I know that yer safe." He pleaded. For the first time in a while it wasn't an argument that roared between us. He was genuinely worried. His guard being brought down with a few simple words. His tough act disappeared while he pleaded with me. "Okay fine. Please just be careful. I know you're not going far. But I'm still going to be worried." I sighed. He nodded his head, leaning over to give me a quick kiss on the lips before he jumped out of the truck, closing the door behind him.

I knew he was only going to be behind the truck, pouring gas into the water. But I just couldn't help but feel so vulnerable without him next to me. That was the reason I was always putting up a fight. It was always for my own selfish reasons, but I could never stop myself.

The others were there killing every walker that started to get close, allowing Daryl to do what he needed to without too much worry.

It wasn't long until it was finally time to complete the last part of Daryl's plan. He was on top of the truck with the RPG, while the rest of us sat cramped inside the cab. Abraham was behind the wheel, driving the truck far enough away from the gasoline filled water, but still close enough that Daryl could still have a good shot.

I heard the fire begin to roar, I watched for a second as the walkers that had invaded Alexandria make the journey to the fire infested water. Distracted by the bright roaring flames. Within a split second I was out of the truck with my knife in my hand. Stabbing each and every walker that came my way, keeping close by Daryl just as he wanted me to.

We all kept going, continuing to each and every last one was dead on the ground. Only getting to stop once it was daylight.

Daryl was in the infirmary finally getting patched up, as I walked through the door to go see him everyone else gave me a sad expression, like they knew something I didn't. "Hey you," I greeted with a soft smile as I walked in seeing Denise stitching up the wound on Daryl's shoulder. "hey sunshine," he spoke softly, it was as if something was bothering him. "what's wrong?" I questioned, quickly becoming worried.

"I think you should ask Michonne." He stated, nodding his head in her direction. I turned to look back, seeing Michonne standing at a doorway holding my niece in her arms with sad expression on her face. I turned my attention back to Daryl, giving him a nod and a quick kiss on the cheek before I made my way to Michonne.

"Michonne..." I said in a soft tone, trying to not let my worries get the best of me. "Oh hey Val..."

"What's going on?"

"I think you should see for yourself Val." She explained, directing me into the room. I only took one look and saw my brother by carl's bedside. I walked over to get a better look at my nephew, noticing the bandage around his head immediately.

"No..." I cried softly, dropping to my knees as my emotions got the best of me. Rick looked at me with sad eyes, making his way over to me. Crouching down next to me, pulling me in for a hug. I just let the tears stream down my face.

**