Cherokee Rose (Walking Dead fanfiction)

Reunion

  Daryl slowed his bike looking down at his little boy holding on for dear life to his jeans. The sun was beginning to set and he knew he had to find shelter soon and get some food in his son's belly. Spying a small white house nestled between two large oak trees, he guided his bike towards it. His chest tightened and a lump grew in his throat because of how much this house reminded him of the one he and Raven had stayed in on their way to Hilltop. He thought about how much they had talked that night and how he had finally opened up to someone for the first time in his life about what he had went through as a kid. When Carol was alive she knew but he had never talked to her about it, never actually admitted it. Raven was the first and only and when he had told her and she held him, it was the first time he had actually felt safe. Not physically safe exactly, but his heart had felt safe that it wouldn't be broken by trying to love someone again. Daryl then began to feel angry, not know where she was or how she was doing...it was killing him. A part of him wanted to run through a brick wall but the other part wanted to lay down and weep. Bringing his bike to a stop he pushed his current thoughts aside knowing he had to take care of his boy.

"Hunter..." Daryl said softly staring at him. "I'm going to go check inside to make sure nothing is there. You stay here. If something happens and you see something or hear something you run and hide. That's what kept you alive and safe today so you gotta keep doing it..got it?"
Hunter nodded his head staring at his dad.

"I will daddy"

Daryl nodded back "Alright then, get your knife out and be ready" Hunter did as he was told, drew his knife from his belt and stood watch while his dad went inside. Watching intently in every direction ready to run, Hunter couldn't help breathe a sigh of relief as his dad came walking back outside. Grabbing the gear off the back of the bike, Daryl looked at his son, so very much trying to be brave. Putting his arm around his shoulders he spoke softly

"C'mon little man I'm hungry let's get something to eat"

Daryl sat across on the floor from his little boy watching him wolf down his food. Poor kid probably hadn't had anything to eat since breakfast. They had tracked the oil spill down Rt 29 for about 5 hours today and were somewhere in South Carolina. The trail will be a lot harder to follow tomorrow with the oil not being fresh he thought, but he couldn't risk his son plus couldn't really track the road in the dark. Daryl stared at his son again and began thinking of Raven and the night in that house. He'd like to think Hunter was conceived that night since it was one of his fondest memories when they shared so much of each others past, both good and bad.

He had known that he loved her then but he wasn't ready to admit it to her, or to himself. Man has he changed he smiled to himself, going on three kids and being so in love with his wife he couldn't stand to be away from her more than five minutes. Father Gabriel had performed a small service after Hunter was born, and even today it was hard to believe he was married. Rick had laughed at how nervous and scared he had been but when he saw her walk towards him in her simple yet lovely white dress he knew this was one of the least things he should be scared of. No truer words had been spoken when he promised to love her forever. Feeling the lump grow in his throat again he turned to his son who was sitting on his sleeping bag yawning. They had made their camp in the small living room and he could tell his son was getting sleepy.

"You get enough to eat buddy?" Daryl asked quietly

Hunter nodded his head patting his belly with a yawn.

"Yeah daddy I did. I'm full. What time are we leaving tomorrow?"

"Probably sun up so we best be getting some shut eye ya think?"

Hunter nodded laying back on his makeshift bed. Daryl stretched out his legs and laid back on his own but had to smile as he felt his little boy crawl over and cuddle up next to him. Wrapping a protective arm around him he kissed the top of his head. It felt so good to be able to be affectionate with his son. He had remembered a time that he had been worried he couldn't be or that he would end up treating him like his father had treated him. He knew now that it had never been in him to be like that. The first time he had held his son had brought him to tears and made him feel love so deeply he didn't think it was possible.

"Daddy?"

"Hmmm?" Daryl said softly

"I'm sorry"

Daryl looked at Hunter a bit stunned. "For what son?"

Hunter was quiet for a moment but then spoke.

"I was supposed to protect mommy and Cheri but I didn't. I should have made them come with me or I should have stayed and shot my bow at those bad people."

Daryl could feel his heart breaking. Hunter had said something earlier about this and he thought he had made it clear that it wasn't his fault but he could see guilt was eating his baby boy up. Grabbing his chin and looking him square in the eye he began.

"Hunter, you can't think that way. You know I could sit here and blame myself too and say that I should have never left you, Cheri and your mama and that it was my fault they got taken but truth is, it's not my fault, just like it's not yours. We didn't know those bad men were coming and we didn't know they would take mommy and Cheri. You did what mommy asked you to do and that makes you a very brave and strong boy. Your mommy knew that if they had taken you too, I would really be lost. I'm glad you're here safe and that you're here with me helping. Without you lil' D, I might have missed the oil trail. I was so crazy wanting to look for your mom I wasn't thinking clearly. You were there to find it for me and because of that, we have a better chance of finding them. No son, nothing is your fault, just the opposite.....you're a hero."

Hunter nodded his head and laid his head on his dad's chest finally closing his eyes. Daryl's eyes stayed open for quite some time after, laying there thinking about everything while listening to his little boy take deep sleeping breaths. Just hold on Raven he thought, I promise you I will do everything in my power to find you. Just keep yourself and Cheri safe and I'll find you.

The next morning Daryl scrapped together some breakfast and had to smile as his son ate quickly and quietly. He wanted to get back on the road just as much as he did. Packing up their stuff and strapping it back on the back of the bike Daryl watched as Hunter stared at the helmet in his little hands.

"Something wrong lil D?" he asked him.

"No daddy....it's just.....It's just I know I'm not supposed to be happy but I can't help but love this and it makes me happy. I've never had something so cool".

Daryl starred at his son for a moment letting a small smile slide across his lips.

"You're wrong about that lil D, you are supposed to be happy, mommy and Cheri would want you to be. I know things are bad right now but look at us, we're on the trail and I really think we'll find them. It's OK to feel happy and have hope....even now"

Hunter nodded giving his dad one of his half smiles. Daryl had to laugh, the boy even had his smile. Picking him up and wrapping the belt around his and Hunter's chest to make sure he stayed with him, Daryl took off back down the driveway heading back south on Rt 29. They had traveled for a couple of hours when the familiar sign "Welcome, we're glad Georgia's on your mind" came into view. Home....Daryl thought. He could feel his chest tighten with the thought, he figured he would never see this place again and he was OK with that. This place had brought him nothing but pain and loss for as long as he could remember. He had been happy to leave it behind but now here it was, sucking him back in. If he lost her....or any of them here, that would be the end of him. He couldn't take losing them here...please God, not here. Daryl felt his son's little fist bang on his thigh urgently. Slowing the bike he pulled off the highway staring curiously at his son. Hunter, taking off his helmet turned and looked at his dad.

"What is it lil D? You need a break or something?" Hunter shook his head.

"No daddy. I think I see something but I'm not sure. It's there" Hunter said pointing.

Daryl looked to where Hunter was pointing and squinted. There was an off ramp and there indeed was something laying in the road. Riding his bike to the spot Hunter had pointed to, he looked at the object laying in the road. Staring at Hunter he was astounded at his keen sense of observation. The kid's eagle eyes didn't miss a thing. Laying on the off ramp was an oil filter that looked like it fit something large like a bus or a semi. Looking down the ramp further his heart skipped a beat with hope as wider streaks of oil had been left. Hugging his son tight he nodded to him.

"You're getting better at this than your old man lil D, this is a great lead, I think we should follow it"

Daryl could see his son grin under his helmet while he nodded. Tapping him gently on top of the helmet he fired the bike back up, following the oil.

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Raven lay on her side on the small bed, watching her baby girl color in her coloring book. Normally Cheri was a force of nature but since they had been taken, she had been scared and sad for the first time in her life and Raven hated it. Watching her daughter yawn, she called quietly.

"You sleepy sweetheart? You want to come lay down awhile with mommy?"

Raven watched Cheri nod her head and close her book, toddling over to her. Crawling up on the bed she snuggled up next to her, Raven leaned down kissing her on the forehead and stroked her dark hair. She kissed her daughter's tiny hand as it reached up to touch her face staring into her beautiful blue eyes, Daryl's eyes. She remembered when Cheri had been born and the look on Daryl's face when he held her for the first time. The doctor had been there to deliver Cheri but so was Daryl. He had decided after Hunter that if they had anymore children he wanted to be there to see them all born. It had touched her so deeply that he loved them every bit as much as she did. After the doctor had delivered Cheri and had Daryl cut the umbilical cord, he handed her to him and he stared in awe just like he had with Hunter. Smiling he kissed her tiny face and said

"I think mommy has a little mini me too"

Laying Cheri on her chest, they lay there staring at their beautiful little girl. Daryl was right, she did look just like her....until she opened her eyes. Both Daryl and she were surprised to see her crystal blue eyes, just like her daddy. Daryl grinned and said

"Well almost a mini me"

The memories flooded her eyes and she couldn't help as one escaped down her cheek. Cheri touched the tear with a sad look on her face but then became resolved.

"Don't cry mommy" she said "Daddy and D will be here soon, I just know it. I had a dream about daddy and he was hugging me and said he loves us and will be here soon . He will mommy, I know he will."

Raven smiled and nodded.

"I know he will baby, you're right, we can't be sad or worry. Daddy will come and we have to be ready. Let's get some rest to make sure we stay healthy and strong"

Cheri nodded her little head closing her eyes, wrapping her little fingers in Raven's hair. Raven watched as Cheri fell into a deep sleep then eased herself off the bed. She had wanted to walk the grounds to see if she could figure out a way out of here but didn't want to take Cheri around all the other people here. Walking quietly out if the room, she turned to look at her sleeping daughter one more time. Slowly opening the door she slipped out looking up and down the hall. Daryl's dad hadn't said she couldn't leave the room so she supposed it would be OK. Raven turned and headed towards the sunlight that was streaming through an open area. Turning the corner, she was in luck. There was a door leading to outside. Pushing through the door it felt good to feel the sun on her face and to breathe in the fresh air. Remembering she had a reason to be out here, she began walking slowly around the yard, taking everything in. The fence in the front was a high and thick wrought iron one with pointy toppers. Up and over, especially with Cheri would not be possible.

Raven walked past another part of the yard with large dense shrubbery lining the area. She couldn't see a fence, she would have to crawl under to see for sure, but it was definitely a possibility. Deciding to wait until dark to check it out she continued her walk until a deep voice sounded behind her.

"What are you doing out here?"

Raven turned and stared into the eyes of Daryl's father. Shrugging she tried to be as nonchalant as possible as her heart hammered in her chest.

"Nothing really, Cheri is taking a nap and I wanted to take a walk in the sunshine. Is there a problem with that?" Daryl's father stared at her for a moment. Then shook his head.

"Na, not really a problem but just so you know there are plenty of women here pretty pissed off that you and your little girl are being treated almost like royalty around here. A lot of them want to know why your daughter isn't in the children camp with the other ones and why you're not working like everyone else. You might want to stick close to your little girl...and me. I can't help protect you if I don't know where you are...."

Raven hadn't thought about any of this. It made sense what he said, she hadn't seen or heard any of the children that they had come in with. She also thought of the screams and cries from the other women that haunted her dreams at night and was thankful she hadn't had to endure any of it. Looking back up at him she nodded and walked back inside the building.


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Daryl slowed the bike looking at the oil, by the looks of it the oil had been running out and that would mean the end of the trail. Stopping the bike and turning it off, he sat there staring at the road. They had come to a fork in the road and he couldn't see any oil on either one.

"Dammit" he muttered under his breath.

Staring again at the fork, trying to decide which way to go, Daryl's head jerked back hearing a vehicle coming from behind. Pushing his bike quickly into the dense woods they sat and watched a bus drive by taking the road on the right. Waiting a few minutes Daryl eased his bike back to the road, firing it up and taking the same road the bus had taken. Making sure to stay far enough behind, he caught sight of the bus and followed it. His heart was pounding, they were close, so very close he could feel it. Watching the bus turn into a hidden drive he slowed the bike trying to think how they should continue. Finally deciding, Daryl drove the bike into the woods where the bus had turned and pushed it a ways before deciding to go the rest of the way on foot. Bending down Daryl looked at his son.

"Hop on lil' D, daddy's going to be moving fast so piggy back time. Hold on tight and make sure not to make any noise. You need me to stop, tug on my shirt"

Hunter nodded and climbed on Daryl's back, wrapping his little arms around his daddy's neck. Daryl took off running through the woods as silent as the night. Hearing voices and seeing a large fence come into view, Daryl stopped easing Hunter down off his back. Turing to him and hunkering down he whispered.

"Hunter, I'm going to climb up to see if I can see anything and find out if there's another way inside. Stay by the tree and if you hear or see something, you run and hide...promise?"

Hunter nodded his head staring at his dad with big round eyes.

"I'll be right back lil' D" Daryl said and began shimming up the tree.

Daryl pulled his binoculars from his pouch and began scanning the area. The fence was too much to climb, especially with having Hunter with him. He scanned the other side to see a wall of shrubs....that was their way in. Getting ready to put the binoculars away something else caught his eye. She was there! He could see Raven by the trees! His heart was pounding, he knew she had the same idea he did. Then he saw a man approach her....what the....he zoomed in closer and then almost dropped the binoculars when it landed square on the face of the man who had her. How was it possible? He tried steadying himself but he couldn't help shake with anger, surprise and hurt. Again he asked himself....how was this possible? Climbing back down Daryl was completely distracted and didn't see the men until it was too late. Dropping down, Daryl was surrounded and one of the men held Hunter where he stood with his hand over his mouth. Daryl immediately put up his hands in surrender quietly saying

"Please, do whatever with me, but don't hurt my boy" Daryl stared at the men until one of them spoke.

"Man you look awful familiar to me, you from around here?"

Daryl nodded and said "Used to be"

"What's yer name?" the man asked

Daryl thought a moment. This could go one of two ways, either it would save them or it would kill them. He took the gamble and spoke quietly

"Daryl....Daryl Dixon"

Daryl watched as the men all looked at each other in surprise and then he continued.

"I just saw my old man in there...will you take us to him? I'm guessing he'd like to meet his grandson".

The men looked at each other for awhile when one finally shrugged and said

"Yeah, we'll let big D sort this out"

Daryl walked over to Hunter, eyeing the man that still held him to his spot.

"You mind?" Daryl growled

The man released Hunter and Daryl scooped him up, carrying him while they walked. After a short walk they led Daryl and Hunter through the front gates slowly through hoards of men. Stopping and watching them clear a path he was confronted by the man who had haunted him his entire life. On instinct he put Hunter down and pushed him behind him. He didn't care what he did to him, he wasn't going to touch his son. His father smiled a cold smile at him.

"Daryl...my son. I knew you'd come. Where's your brother?"

Daryl looked at him for a moment but had to look away. Even after all these years he still couldn't look him in the eye.

"Dead" he whispered

His dad was quiet for a moment then nodded his head.

"Yeah well....your brother, he was never a smart one, I'm not surprised"

Daryl could feel a knife churning in his gut and his anger turn red hot.

"He died saving people" Daryl spit out

His dad stared at him for a moment and continued

"Like I said....not very smart"

Daryl glared at his father while all the men around them chuckled. His dad continued

"Boy, did you forget your manners while you were away? You know better than to look at me like that...."

Suddenly Daryl's world was spinning as he felt a dull thud to the side of his head. His world slowly faded to black while hearing his son screaming for him as he fell to his knees.


Raven sat on the bed with Cheri, brushing her hair softly when with out warning they were both startled by the door being yanked open while Hunter was shoved in. Raven cried out and he ran to her crying as she watched in horror as an unconscious Daryl was dragged through the door and left in a heap on the floor. Raven ran to him, cradling his head in her lap with tears streaming down her face.

"My God, what has he done to you?" she whispered