Double Crossbow (Daryl Dixon) [The Walking Dead]

Chapter 78 ↣ With the red string?

"An invisible red thread connects those who are destined to meet regardless of time, place, or circumstance. The thread may stretch or tangle, but it will never break."

-Chinese Proverb

↣ ↢

Kathryn

The bike was loud, so I didn't immediately notice the quiet that loomed around the front gate of Alexandria. I peered over Daryl's shoulder. No one greeted us.

Was there no one on watch? Again?

I made to stand and investigate when the gate ripped open, revealing Sasha. Her eyes were wide and wild and my heart shot into my throat. She beckoned us in. I was thrown off balance as Daryl accelerated.

"There!" Sasha yelled, pointing further down the block.

Daryl sped off, the tires squealing a bit. I hunkered down behind his back as we flew through Alexandria. I squeezed my eyes shut. Whatever happened we could handle it.

How long had we been gone? Was Glenn's group back?

Daryl was turning in a sharp circle. My eyes flew open as I threw my weight in the same direction as him. A crowd of faces was jumping out of our way-too quick to identify, but probably not walkers. Then Daryl was skidding to a halt.

Rick was on the ground. Pete on top. Both red with blood and anger.

"I think he knows," Daryl called, killing the bike.

I was already standing, shoving Daryl's bow in his hand, and running into the fray. "Move," I barked at the onlookers. They skittered away. I dropped my own bow to the pavement causing Pete to look up just as I plowed into his chest, causing us to tumble away from Rick.

Pete landed on his back, and I heard the air leave his lungs as I came down on top of him. He coughed, blood spewing onto the pavement.

I tried to pin his hands, but only managed to grab his right one. The left went for my throat, but I dropped my chin and bit down on his hand.

"You bitch," he wheezed.

Daryl yelled from somewhere behind me. "Don't touch 'er if you wanna keep that hand, doctor."

Pete's gaze moved over my shoulder.

"What are you gonna do?" Pete seethed, trying to buck me off of him.

"I ain't gonna do shit," Daryl snarled. "But Kathryn will."

Daryl was enough of a distraction that I was able to grab the knife from my boot and place it under his chin. He stilled. More scared than angry now.

"Rick, what are you doing?" Deanna screamed behind me.

A gun cocked, and I turned around now. Rick was pointing a gun at Deanna. I sighed and got off of Pete, staying crouched on the ground next to him. He made to sit up, but one look from me and he was laying back down.

"What are you gonna do?" he yelled back. "Kick me out?"

"Put that gun down, Rick," Deanna said, hands raised in front of her.

Rick paused for a long moment, looking at the group of Alexandrians in front of him. I looked around the group. Michonne was making her way around the circle. Daryl's gaze flickered between Rick and me. Jessie was sobbing. Carol held one of Jessie's sons behind her back. And Carl stood with...

The girl was his age with long raven hair. Her face was leaner than I remembered, but it could be... She was staring at me, unblinking, and the ground began to sway.