I'll Take The Pain (A Daryl Dixon Story)

This Is War

"The Governor. He will attack. I failed to eliminate him yesterday. He will get back to Woodbury and attack. Now, the plan isn't perfect. But it will ensure each and every one of your safety. No one will die today. Today we end this. Now I ask all of you. Are you willing to give it your all today? Are you willing to follow the plan to a T to make sure that we do not lose anyone else?" I spoke to everyone. I was up on the balcony in the dining area with Daryl on one side and Rick on the other. Merle stood behind me, leaning against the wall as I spoke. I looked at everyone below be and I heard a group of yeses and I smiled, "Right. Get in position and get ready to ambush when they get here. Everyone take your stuff out of your cells. Make it look like we left. Put it all in the Tucson. Carl, Hershel, Beth you will take Judith and hide in the woods. Glenn, Maggie, Carol, take the remaining cars and hide them away from the prison. Be careful coming back, walkers are everywhere. Daryl, you do the same with the bike. Merle, Rick, Michonne you're with me, helping set traps and preparing. Daryl, Glenn, Maggie, Carol, you'll come back here and I'll leave a note with your instructions. Does everyone understand their instructions?"

Carl then spoke up, "Why can't I fight with you guys? I'm a good shot."

I sighed and said, "You need to watch your baby sister. She is going to need your protection. We need eyes everywhere and you and Hershel are the eyes outside. Beth is great with Judith so she should be primarily with her."

Carl nodded in understanding and I said, "Any further questions?"

I heard no response so I said, "Alright then, Beth grab Judith, make sure she stays calm. Maggie, if you could pack up her stuff and get it into the car?"

"Of course," Maggie said and I nodded, "Everyone else, pack your stuff. Take the cars once they fill up and we will start. Once everyone is done, I'll lay out the battle plan. Hershel, your group will be the only one absent from that. Once we are done here, I'll give you a signal to let you know its safe to return. Got it?"

Hershel nodded and everyone dispersed to pack their things. I sighed and turned to Rick, "We can't have anyone deviate. Make sure that everyone stays in line."

Rick nodded and went down to the cells and I looked at the brothers, "I'll take care of packing your things. Go check the cars, make sure they're good on gas, and that they don't need anything."

They both nodded and Merle went down the stairs, leaving Daryl alone with me. I smiled at him and said, "Everything will be alright. I promise."

Daryl nodded and said, "I know."

"Go on. I'll see you out there," Daryl nodded and started to walk away. I grabbed his wrist quickly, turning his attention back to me. I cupped his cheek in my hand, leaning in as I pressed a kiss to his lips. He gave a small smile, pulling me back in, giving me a longer kiss before pulling away, "I should get out there."

I nodded, "Go on then."

He pecked my lips one last time before going down the stairs and out of the cell block. I went down the stairs and went into my cell, quickly changing my shirt. I had on black skinny jeans and a white tank top with my boots. I quickly swapped my white tanktop with a black one, topping it with a black flannel. I tied my hair up and started to pack my stuff, which didn't take long. I put my stuff outside the cell and went into Daryl and Merle's cell, quickly packing their stuff before I threw both of their bags over my shoulder, walking out of the cell and grabbing my stuff, before heading outside to the cars. I put the stuff into the Tucson and helped load the cars as I saw Daryl checking the bike. I walked over and said, "You alright?"

He shrugged a bit, glancing at Merle, who was checking the truck, "Just worried about Merle."

I looked back at Merle and said, "He'll be fine. He did great during our fight with the governor yesterday. He didn't doubt my plan. I'm still surprised both of us made it out in one piece. I wasn't counting on it. You should have seen his face when I asked him about an escape plan."