Rise Up

Chapter 24

“Where do you think they keep the tiger?” I asked once we were back inside the gates.

“You kidding me?” he retorted.

“No. Daryl, it's a tiger. That's rare. When are we ever going to be able to see another one of those again?” I said.

He chuckled.

“Fine. Let's go find out,” he said.

“Awesome,” I said.

I was in luck. It didn't take long to come across Benjamin.

“Ben! Um, this is Daryl. Daryl this is Benjamin,” I said.

“Oh. So you found him after all,” he said.

“Yeah. Look by any chance, would you know where they keep the tiger?” I asked.

“Shiva? Sure. Ezekiel keeps her in that building over there. You can't miss her,” he answered.

“Sweet. I just want to see her before we take off,” I said.

“You're leaving?” he asked, again sounding just as disappointed as he did when I told him about Daryl.

“Yeah. But hopefully we'll be back,” I said.

“Hopefully,” he said.

“What's your problem, man?” Daryl asked defensively.

“I'll explain later. Thanks again, Benjamin. And in case we don't see each other in the morning, take care of yourself. And take care of Henry too,” I said.

I went ahead and gave him a hug.

“You should go and get some rest,” I said when we parted.

“I will. See you later,” he said.

I waved and led Daryl to the building Benjamin had pointed out.

“The hell was that?” Daryl asked.

“You've got some competition,” I said teasingly.

“I do not,” he said pulling me in closer and hanging his arm over my shoulder.

“It's just a crush, babe. Besides he's just a kid. Nothing to concern yourself with. I met him when I was at the armory packing to go and find you,” I said kissing his cheek.

“You really do care, huh?” he asked.

I stopped and looked at him.

“Are you starting to doubt that?” I retorted.

“Nah. I’ll never doubt you again,” he said.

I pulled him in and kissed him.

“That’s what I want to hear,” I said when we parted.

He half smirked.

“Let's go and see this damn tiger already,” he said.

We got to the building and went inside. She was in a cage pacing back and forth. I got closer but Daryl pulled me back.

“Daryl relax. She's not gonna hurt me. Isn't that right, Shiva?” I said turning to look at her.

I went and took a seat right in front of her. Daryl came and joined me a few seconds later.

“You see. She's not that bad,” I said.

She purred. I wanted to reach over and pet her. But I didn't want to freak Daryl out even more. So I just sat back and watched her move around.

“Well, you two are good with her. Ezekiel will be impressed,” Morgan said.

“She's not all bad,” I said.

Daryl had grown tense.

“Well, I figure any guy that has a pet tiger, can't be that bad,” Daryl said.

I looked at Shiva.

“He's okay by Carol. Yeah, I found her, out in that little house,” Daryl continued.

“Look, what I said...when I said she just...went away...it's what she told me to do,” Morgan said.

“We understand, Morgan,” I said turning to look at him.

“Right, Daryl?” I asked looking back at Daryl.

“Yeah, I get it. We need the Kingdom. You gotta make that happen,” Daryl said.

“I'm sorry. I mean, I...I really am but, uh...it can't be me,” Morgan said.

“He trusts you, Morgan. I know you can make this happen,” I said.

Daryl then stood up.

“Look, whatever it is you're holding on to...it's already gone, man. Wake the hell up,” Daryl said.

He picked up his things.

“You're the same as me, Daryl,” Morgan said.

“You don't know shit about me,” Daryl said.

I stood up.

“Whoa. Daryl, calm down,” I said placing my hand on his chest.

“No, I do. Cause you didn't tell Carol what happened. You didn't, cause she'd be here otherwise. And I'm glad for that. See, we’re all holding onto something,” Morgan said.

Shiva purred then Daryl reached over and rubbed behind her ears.

“We're going back to Hilltop in the morning and getting ready,” Daryl said.

He took off.

“Richard had a plan to get Carol killed,” I said after Daryl had gone.

“What?” Morgan asked.

“Yeah. Said that he wanted a way to get the Saviors to ambush her and then he and Daryl would take them out. He had it already planned out. But when Daryl found out about Carol, he prevented Richard from going through with it,” I said.

“He came to talk to Carol and me about wanting to take them out. But I never thought he'd be willing to put someone innocent in the line of fire,” he said.

“Maybe he's lost a lot. Either way, I'd keep an eye on him. From what Daryl told me about him, he's reckless. And that's gonna get him or someone else killed. I know you can get Ezekiel to change his mind, Morgan. Maybe you don't see it now, but I know in time, you will. At least, think it over. Will you do that?” I asked.

“I…I’ll think about it but I don’t think I’d be able to change his mind,” he said.

I made my way closer to him.

“You shouldn’t underestimate yourself, Morgan. I know you are capable of doing this. It can’t be Daryl. I feel he’d just tell him how stupid he was being. Over...and over again. Not really the way we want to leave things here. No way in hell can it be Richard. And it can’t be me because I don’t know the guy all that well. You’re our only hope for this, Morgan,” I said.

He chuckled softly.

“Your uncle must be very proud of you,” he said.

“Yeah. That’s what he keeps telling me. Now, I'm gonna go and get some sleep. Have a good night,” I said patting him on the shoulder.

I grabbed my bag. Before I left, I had to pet Shiva. I just had to. I slowly reached my hand between the bars. She leaned into my hand just like she had done with Daryl.

“It was a real treat to have met you, Shiva,” I whispered.

“See you around, Morgan. Please think about everything I just told you,” I said before I exited the room.

Daryl was waiting by the entrance when I was out of the building.

“You good?” he asked.

“Yeah. I could use some sleep though,” I said.

“Well come on then,” he said reaching his hand to me.

I took it and we made our way to the building we had stayed in the day before.