𝗔𝗠𝗢𝗡𝗚 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗥𝗨𝗜𝗡𝗦 (DARYL DIXON X READER)

Chapter 5

Woodbury had been your sanctuary for so long, but now you were standing at the gates of the unknown. The place had its flaws, sure, but it was home nonetheless. Now, with your backpack slung over one shoulder, your sword in hand, and a holstered pistol—just in case—on your hip, you were walking away from that home, stepping outside again. Your clothes were looking torn and stained with blood and whatnot, and anyone who saw you now would believe you'd been dragged through hell and spit back out.

As you waited by the gates, you felt someone approach before you heard the voice.

"You sure about this?" Crowley's voice was concerned as he came up beside you.

He was one of the Governor's most trusted men, the kind of guy who'd slit a throat without blinking twice but would give you his last cigarette if you asked. He'd always been like a big brother, someone who watched your back, though he wasn't really disciplined and always found humor in the worst possible situations.

You turned around to face him, trying to show some confidence, but all you could manage was a shrug. "As sure as I'll ever be."

Crowley frowned. "This mission, it's all kinds of fucked, you know that, right?" He leaned in closer, whispering. "I don't trust that plan as far as I can throw shit."

You knew exactly what he meant. The Governor was a manipulative son of a bitch, no doubt about it, you thought to yourself. But he had a way of getting into people's heads and making them believe in his words, and you weren't immune to it either, but mostly out of fear. Still, there was a part of you that knew Crowley was right. This mission was like a game of poker, and the stakes were high.

"Doesn't matter what I think," you said, trying to sound nonchalant, but your voice betrayed you. "I've got a job to do."

Crowley sighed, running a hand through his hair. "You don't have to do this, you know. There's always another way. Or some other idiot to do it."

You shook your head, not wanting to talk further about it. "Don't care. I'm doing it."

He opened his mouth to argue, but before he could, you both heard the sound of boots on the ground coming closer. Martinez stood at the gate. He wasn't showing concern, but annoyance. Maybe he was still pissed about the things you'd said earlier, about how you were happy for Merle to have found his brother, even if only for a little while. But Martinez wasn't your problem now.

The citizens of Woodbury had gathered to watch you go. They were scared for you, sure, but there was something else there, too. Gratitude, maybe. Or was it hope? Hope that you'll succeed, or maybe hope that you won't come back and stir up more shit. Either way, they stared at you in a way that felt judgmental. You weren't exactly the hero type, but you were all they had right now.

Milton, meanwhile, wasn't there, which wasn't surprising. He wasn't one for saying goodbye, or maybe he just couldn't bring himself to watch you go all over again. You two had your disagreements every now and then, but he was one of the few people who didn't look at you like you were just another weapon in the Governor's arsenal. Part of you wished he were here, if only to give you some kind of nod or a quick hug, but the gates were opening, and there was no turning back.

Suddenly, the Governor walked beside you as you stepped out, but instead of looking at him, you looked at the dry leaves on the ground, since, despite it being summer, many of the trees were bare, like life had been sucked out of them along with everything else.

"Hey..." The Governor's voice broke the silence. "Come here. Listen to me..."

He pulled you close—too close—breathing against your neck as he rubbed your arms. "If something goes wrong or the situation gets too complicated, come back. We cannot afford to lose you. I... cannot afford to lose you."