Bitten ( Daryl Dixon / The Walking Dead Fanfic )

Chapter 16

I walked around the deserted small town aimlessly, occasionally kicking any empty bottles that lay in my way. This place reminded me of the cowboy towns from movies, hell, it seemed like an empty movie set. God, Carl's sheriff hat would really work here! I couldn't help but feel this empty void inside my chest at the reminder of the group. Guess they grew on me...

I shook my head as if it would make the feeling go away. I need to keep them all outta my head. It'll just make me want to go back but that would be suicide. Large groups don't last long, everyone becomes reliant on each other and they soften. That's when shit happens, a herd comes along and ain't no one remember how to deal with it. If there's just you then you can easily hide and cover your own ass but when there's a large group with kids your mind hits the panic button. Boom, y'all dead.

Just then a walker from across the street snapped its head up towards me. I stood still and kept my eyes trained on it as my hand started flexing right above my knife's handle ready to pull out and strike the motherfucker.

It began to shuffle towards me as fast as it could, I noticed one of its legs had several bones sticking out and was being dragged along. I took a step forward but then felt a force from behind pull me back. I fell on the pavement due to being taken by surprise and saw a man stand infront of me whilst facing the walker.

He was wearing presumably a white vest, which was now covered in dirt and blood stains, and light blue worn out jeans with brown boots. He seemed quite muscular from the back but what really caught my attention was his arm. Well the lack of an arm, instead he had a silver stomp with a dagger attached to it.

The walker was now focused on this guy and it was closing in on him. He stabbed it between its eyes as it reached out for him and It fell lifeless on the floor. I flinched at the crushing sound of the skull and he let out a chuckle before kicking it a few steps away.

He turned to face me and his eyes trailed from my feet upto my chest as he licked his lips. I rolled my eyes and stood up, great another thirsty dog. "How about you thank your hero sweetheart?" he flirtatiously asked. I simply smiled innocently and took a step closer causing him to grin and let his guard down.

In one swift move I grabbed the dagger from the stomp and held it to his neck. His eyes were wide open with fear all over them as he froze on the spot. I smirked at his carelessness and pushed the dagger deep enough to allow a drop of blood trickle down his neck. "Thank you" I sarcastically said and stepped back.

He just stood there in shock with his mouth open before closing it and giving a nod then slowly cleaning his neck. I couldn't help but feel a little proud of myself, now ya don't see a girl do that everyday ! Shaking my head I sat at the edge of the pavement and looked up at the sky. The sun will be setting soon and I'll have to leave. I couldn't help but let out a sigh of disappointment, shes not coming.

"Not a damsel in distress then" he uncomfortably said whilst standing behind me. I kept my eyes on the sky and smiled at his comment. "Guess not" I chuckled. I heard Abit of shuffling then from the corner of my eyes saw him settle next to me and start adjusting his dagger back on his stomp. "What ya doin out here ?" He asked with his eyes on his stomp. You could tell he was pretty proud of how he made his somewhat weakness into a weapon.

"Waiting" I sighed and let my shoulder drop knowing it was stupid now. He nodded again and looked at me "N' how long ya been waitin ?" "3 days now" He simply smirked but I saw something in his eyes, it seemed to be sympathy or sadness. Like he knew what it was like to wait endlessly and be left deserted. "What about you ?" I asked curiously.

He sighed and looked up at the sky probably also noticing the sun setting and said "Searching". This time I simply nodded and looked down at the floor.

We sat there in silence for a few minutes before I stood up and started walking away. This place kind of creeped me out and I just wanted to be on the road again. Driving always helped me relax and think more clearly.

"Wait where ya goin ?" he called from behind, I turned around and looked down at him "I'm done waiting, time to move on" 

I may have said it in a stern tone but my heart ached with every word. I had put all my trust on Ava and she brushed me off like dust on her shoulder. Guess Daryl was right, even though he didn't take his own fuckin advice.

"Let me come with" He desperately said as he stood up "Being alone effects ya, a man can go crazy if he ain't got no one to talk to. We can cover eachothers ass, am a good Hunter. I ... I won't hit on ya, scout's honour " he drew a cross with his fingers on his heart causing me to chuckle. I thought about it for a minute and nodded. He smiled and nodded "Names Merle by tha way" he stuck his hand out and I shook it "Ariana".

I couldn't help but think of Daryl, maybe it was Merle's accent or piercing blue eyes. Nope no more thinking of Daryl "I've got a truck " I added quickly and started walking towards the blue truck I had found a day ago with Merle right behind.