The Ranger

Chapter Six: Arrows?

Timeskip 1 Year Age-18

Over the last year, life has been interesting; living in The Kingdom has proven to be interesting. Ezekiel had requested that I try to remain a mystery to the people of The Kingdom, so I continued to go by Ranger and always wore my cloak. Most people only ever saw me when I was either returning or leaving. I was also well known for bringing meat back every time. I had also earned Ezekiel's trust enough to be allowed into his inner circle, not that anyone other than them. Even then, Jerry was the only one who could see my face. So, I was an enigma to almost everyone except Ezekial.

I also stopped a couple of different groups of saviors that had come sniffing around. I have yet to make it back to the report. I also got to know Jerry and Jesus, who I could reliably call friends.

Meeting with Ezekiel

"I already know where they are," I said, cutting off the debate. I can be in and out in an hour and have the place cleared," I told him. We had been debating how to attack the savior stronghold they had set up near Hilltop. "It's too risky, Felix. I can't send you in there alone. If you want to do this, you need to take others," he told me.

"Ezekiel, you know I've been trained in infiltration and silent takedowns; I can't take a group of regular people without training. They need to be taken out before they attack Hilltop or Gregory pussy's out." I exclaimed. He sat back for a minute, silent. "Okay, fine. If you truly think you can do it, then do it," he told me. "Thank you. If I leave now, I can get there in two days. I should be back in four, five at the latest." I told him. He stood up and looked at me. "Remember Felix; you are one of the reasons Negan hasn't gained a foothold here. Don't do anything stupid, anything stupid, and get yourself killed." He told me, "Will do your Kingness." I said to him and smirked before walking out.

Outside the savior hideout

I sat outside observing the watch rotation and their numbers. I counted about seven different men. Moving silently, I pulled my bow out, drew and notched an arrow, and felt for the wind, but there was none, so I picked my targets one, two, and three. I took a breath, released my exhale, and fired. My bow moved as I drew another arrow and let loose as the first hit my target in the chest, killing him. Again, I fired as the previous arrow hit home, and I moved, repositioning myself with the other four in my line of sight. I repeated my earlier actions when I heard Halt's voice, "Lesson one, always be on your guard." I scoffed; these people had no form of discipline; it was laughable. I moved out of the shadows as I slung my bow on my back. And I freed my blades from their sheaths on my sides.

As I entered the building, I kept my ears peeled for any sounds. I swept the building, but there wasn't anyone there, and it looked like there hadn't been anyone there for a while. I had a bad feeling, and as I heard the sound of several trucks pulling up to the building, it got even worse. I crept to a window and slightly moved the blinds, and I was blinded by a sudden flash of light as the trucks surrounding the building turned on flood lamps.

"I know you're in there; come out now, and I might let one of ya live." a voice shouted. He thinks there are more people. I waited, thinking over my options as they shouted again, "Ya got till the count of three, or my guys light you the FUCK up." ah, this is the famous Negan I've heard about.

"One," I heard multiple guns being loaded.

"Two"

"THR-" "I'm coming out!" I yelled as I opened the door and walked into the yard in front of the building. I stepped forward until I looked straight at Negan.

"Excuse my French, but who the fuck are you?" he asked, pointing a bat with barbed wire wrapped around it at me; he was wearing a red scarf, a white tee shirt and a black leather jacket, and black jeans.

"People call me Ranger," I said.

He looked at me for a second before busting out laughing, "Oh my god, that's so stupid. You gotta be one of Ezekiel's boys, right? Only one of them would call himself "Ranger." He mocked doing air quotes when he said my name. "Go ahead and tell the others to come on out," he ordered me. It's just me."

"Oh really? Alright then, boys, light it up!" he shouted, and all his men started firing into the building. I stood there unmoving as they all emptied their magazines.

"Dwight, take some men and do a sweep. And you," he gestured to me. "Lose the hood, now," he commanded. I reached up and pushed my hood back and stared Negan in the eyes.

"God damn, you're a kid." he said, obviously surprised; Dwight came back out, "All clear, boss, it's just him." "Well, I'll be damned. So you came here expecting a seven-on-one. Do you have a death wish?" he asked me. I looked around at the dead bodies and raised my eyebrow at him. "I was expecting more, honestly," I stated calmly, shrugging. "It wasn't too hard." Negan looked around the bodies and looked at me, then my bow and quiver. "Arrows? Why not use a gun?" he asked.

What is this dude's deal? I killed seven of his men, and he's acting like this is a job interview. I narrowed my eyes. "They make too much noise, attracting walkers and people, and it's a better stealth weapon," I said pointedly, looking at the dead men and back at Negan.

"I'll give you two choices," he said, sucking his teeth. "First, join me and help me take down The Kingdom. Or you can refuse option number one, and we take you back with us forcefully, beat and torture you until you break and beg me for the chance to prove yourself," he said menacingly, pointing that damn bat at me again.

"How about you-" "And option two it is." he cut me off as something hit the back of my head, and everything went black.

Edited 05/14/2024