The End Of My World

Chapter 48

Chapter 48 
Rick, Daryl and I moved quickly through the woods, our boots crunching against the frosty ground. The plan was simple: head out early, find supplies, and make it back to Alexandria before nightfall. It was a routine we had grown accustomed to.
We stopped at the edge of an abandoned gas station. The place looked quiet, but we all know better.
Rick scanned the area. "Let's check inside. Might be something useful."
As we approached, a sudden noise from behind made me freeze. Rick turned sharply, gun raised, while Daryl seemed to instantly aim his crossbow. I felt like I was moving through mud as I carefully made my way to face the noise. A man stood a few yards away, casually adjusting the strap on his backpack. He was tall and slim, with long hair and a beard. His clothes were surprisingly clean for someone wandering the wasteland.
"Hey there," the man said, raising his hands in a gesture of peace. "Didn't mean to startle you."
Rick narrowed his eyes, his gun steady. "Who are you?"
"Name's Paul. But my friends call me Jesus."
Daryl snorted, unimpressed. "Ain't nobody here your friend."
Jesus smiled, unfazed. "Fair enough. I was just passing through. Didn't think anyone would be out here."
"Mhm" I hummed softly. Rick didn't lower his weapon. "What do you want?"
"Nothing," Jesus replied. "Just looking for supplies, same as you. There's a vending machine around back. I was about to try my luck." Rick exchanged a glance with Daryl, I just shook my head. Nope, no, nuh uh, no thanks, this is a bad idea. Something about this guy didn't sit right.
"Keep your hands where I can see them," Rick ordered.
The Jesus man complied, but as Rick and Daryl began to move closer, he suddenly took off, sprinting toward the gas station.
"Damn it!" Daryl growled, chasing after him, myself not too far behind.
Jesus was fast, I'll give him that, darting between the pumps and disappearing around the corner. Rick followed rounding the building, him and I found Daryl wrestling with Jesus near the vending machine.
"Got him!" Daryl barked, pinning him to the ground. Jesus didn't struggle. Instead, he looked up at them with an almost amused expression. "That really wasn't necessary," he said. Rick kneels  down, searching the man's backpack. He found a few cans of food, a water bottle, and a knife. Nothing that suggested he was part of a larger group.
"Where's your group?" Rick demanded. Jesus shook his head. "I don't have one. I'm on my own."
"Bull," Daryl muttered.
Jesus sighed. "Believe what you want. I'm just trying to survive, same as you."
Rick stood, motioning for Daryl to get up. "Let him go."
"What?" Daryl looked at Rick like he'd lost his mind, honestly I wouldn't be surprised if he had. "He's not a threat," Rick said, his voice firm. I scoff as Daryl reluctantly stepped back, but he kept his crossbow trained on Jesus. "The hell, Rick?" Jesus got to his feet, brushing himself off. "Thanks for that." Rick pointed his gun at him again. "We're taking the food. And if I see you again—"
"You won't," Jesus interrupted, raising his hands. "I'll be out of your way." But as we turned to leave, they heard a loud bang. Spinning around, they saw Jesus holding a firecracker in one hand, a grin on his face. "Sorry, can't let you take everything," he said before taking off running.
"Son of a—" Daryl growled, bolting after him.
The chase was chaotic, weaving through the woods and over a nearby hill. Jesus was quick, but I'm relentless. When I finally caught up to him, Jesus tripped over a tree root, falling hard to the ground.
I wasted no time, pinning him down. "Stay down!"
Jesus laughed breathlessly. "You guys don't give up, do you?"
Daryl pulled the backpack off Jesus's shoulders. "You're damn right we don't."
This time, Rick tied Jesus's hands before dragging him back to the truck. As they shoved him into the back where crates and crates full of food sat. This was the jackpot, Jesus looked at them with that same infuriating smile.
Rick slammed the door shut. "We'll see about that."
"What in the world are we going to do with this much food" I look at Rick.
"This will be able to feed our entire group" I mumble. Daryl hops off the truck and walks up to my pacing form. His ruff bare hands grab onto my exposed shoulders, I stop abruptly, looking up and into his ocean eyes. "We'll figure someth'in out to do with that scum bag Ari." His perfect lips tracing up into a soft smile. The butterflies begin whirling in my stomach as I gaze into his eyes. I mentally sigh in satisfaction, "Yeah, yeah," I mumble. "If I may comment" Jesus says, "I'm a recruiter and we really need your help"
"Who is we" I tilt my head, "My group, theres these people called the saviors who have been terrorising our group and more"
"Lets back track a sec what doya mean more" Daryl growls our clearly not believing the tied up loony Jesus man.
"I know its hard to trust anyone but please trust me and let me take you to my group"
"I don't trust him Rick" I say turning around to face the pacing Rick. "Lets take him home and let the others decide, I'm too tired for this shit" his hand sliding down his face.
"Agreed" Daryl huffs