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Safe Haven in the Chaos	By : IdrilsSecret Category: S through Z > The Walking Dead Views: 6520 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own the walking dead or any of the characters. No money is being made from the writing of these stories

Chapter List
- 56
- 57
- 58
Chapter 57 Plan in Motion

A final plan was in place on how to take out Negan and the Sanctuary. Three groups had been formed to go to the Savior’s main outposts. Dwight was loyal, so far, and delivered as promised, maps of the outposts, and a list of guards and weapons stored on the sites. A herd had been observed wandering a similar path, which would be used to overrun the Sanctuary. It was going to take everyone to make this epic plan work. Alexandria, Hilltop and the Kingdom communicated on a regular basis, and went over maps, timing, and positions multiple times until everyone knew their jobs without doubt or hesitancy.

Cars were fitted with the corrugated steel left from Alexandria’s walls, attached to one side of each vehicle so that when they parked, it would form a protective barrier when they opened fire on the Sanctuary. Aaron and Daryl worked on this with the rest of Alexandria. Jesus stayed when Maggie and the rest of her people went back to Hilltop. He decided it was best to help Alexandria and Rick to carry out preparations.

The cars were finished in a couple days. Then it was time to monitor the roads leading to the outposts, and remove anything or anyone that would hinder the groups as they made their way to these places. The herd needed to be dealt with. Tara, having seen Eugene read maps in the past, figured out the best way to lead the walkers to the Sanctuary. Abandoned cars were cleared from the interstate that led there. Explosives were laid in specific spots so they could be set off at precise times in order to keep the herd heading in the right direction. This was a very important part of the plan. It would assure that Negan and his Sanctuary army were trapped, giving Alexandria, Hilltop and the Kingdom the time they needed to overtake the outposts and confiscate their weapons.

Alexandria would lead the charge on the office building outpost, where some heavy artillery was kept. They would take the cars and attack with gunfire, but their main purpose was to distract the Saviors outside and allow Rick and Daryl to clear the inside of the building and find the weapons. Aaron agreed to lead the charge outside, allowing Daryl to do is part within.

Rick had specifically asked Daryl and Aaron to take these positions. He knew they’d want to be a part of the same group, and though they would have different jobs to do, at least they would be in the same vicinity. Both men were glad for this. Neither one wanted to be at opposite ends of the fight. Rick knew that if he and Daryl got into a spot, Aaron would be there to get them out.

What worried Aaron at the moment was Daryl’s part in leading the herd to the Sanctuary. It was a similar plan to the one used to lead the enormous herd from the quarry a while ago. Daryl would use a series of distractions to keep the walkers on track, but it would mean coming uncomfortably close to the Sanctuary. And he was doing this alone. Aaron wasn’t so much worried about the walkers, although that threat was always there. It was the chance of being caught by any Saviors that weren’t accounted for. Dwight had given them a list of guard posts and occupants leading to the Sanctuary, as well as the outposts, but that didn’t mean there could be a straggler here or there. If someone saw Daryl, they might take a shot at him. He could be injured and knocked off his bike, unable to escape from the approaching herd. He could be killed by a single bullet. Aaron was going to an outpost with the rest of Alexandria. He wouldn’t know Daryl’s fate until the man showed up. They would be out of contact for a few hours.

They were only a day away from carrying out the plan, and Aaron went over everything several times with Daryl. “Are you sure you know where you’re going? The explosives along the way, are you sure you know where they are located?” Aaron said worriedly. They were taking a break from working, standing on the sidewalk where someone had set up a table with bottled water for anyone that needed it.

“Would you stop?” Daryl complained, taking a swig from a bottle and handing it to Aaron. “I know what I’m doing. I always do. Nothing’s going to happen. I’ll meet you and the rest at the outpost just like we said.”

Aaron looked at the bottle, but he hesitated before taking a drink. “I can’t help it. I get nervous when you go out and do these kinds of dangerous missions alone. What if something goes wrong? You’re going to have a thousand or more walkers on your tail. What if your bike breaks down?”

“I’ve checked it over more times than I can count. She’s in tip top shape,” Daryl justified. He pointed to the bottle with his chin. “Drink.”

“What if you’re ambushed and shot, and you fall from the bike and can’t get back on?” Aaron went on.

“The road’s been cleared. There’s no one to ambush me. My bike is fine. Walkers aren’t going to get me. I’m going to see you at the checkpoint, and we’re going to kick Savior ass. And the first chance I get, when this is over, I’m going to screw your brains out. Now stop with this nonsense and just focus on your role.” Again he gestured to the bottle. “And drink some water before you get dehydrated.”

“You really have a way with words, you know that?” Aaron laughed. “But you don’t have to wait until it’s done to screw my brains out.” Finally, he took a long drink from the bottle and handed it back to Daryl.

“Mmph,” Daryl grunted, eyes narrowed and penetrating. “Stop.”

“You started it,” Aaron challenged. “But there’s still a lot to do before tomorrow.” He stood very close to Daryl, lips close to his ear. “Time to get back to work.” He ended with a huff of warm breath and walked away with a smug look on his face.

Daryl watched him leave and felt blood rush to his loins. “Damn,” he whispered to himself, admiring Aaron’s confident swagger as he walked away.

>>------->

Daryl was spooned up behind Aaron, his hips gyrating as he moved inside his lover. He leaned over and kissed Aaron as they closed in on their release. Aaron’s arm reached back, his hand finding Daryl’s ass and squeezing, encouraging him to go deeper. Daryl’s hand traveled over Aaron’s hip, finding his cock hard and pulsing. He took it and pumped his fist to help Aaron experience complete euphoria when he came. Aaron found release first, spilling over Daryl’s hand, crying out his joy. Daryl listened to his voice, memorizing the way Aaron moaned, Daryl’s name escaping his lips. To know he was the one, the only one to have this effect on Aaron was something that still amazed him. While Aaron was still arched and stiff riding his orgasm, Daryl pushed deep, stilled and came with only a quiet moan in Aaron’s ear.

When they were spent, Daryl came to rest beside Aaron, and Aaron rolled to his side and faced Daryl. His hand traveled over Daryl’s chest, feeling his rapid heartbeat. He kissed Daryl’s shoulder, moving to his collar bone and eventually finding his mouth. It was a deep sexy kiss, with tongues sliding together, and Daryl ending up sucking on Aaron’s lower lip. There was an unspoken anxiety between them, the anticipation of what tomorrow would bring. As their breathing regulated, the silence in the room became too noticeable. Aaron fidgeted beside Daryl, as though he needed to say something.

“Don’t say it,” Daryl said for him.

“I wasn’t,” Aaron protested. He started to lay back, but even that slight movement made it feel like they were a thousand miles apart. He aborted the movement and turned back to Daryl, throwing an arm and a leg across Daryl’s body. “I just want to make sure.” He couldn’t help himself.

“We’re going to be okay,” Daryl said to try and reassure him. “And tomorrow night, we’re going to be right here doing this all over again.”

“I know,” Aaron agreed. “I’m staying positive.”

Daryl waited to see if he had anything else to add, but when he didn’t say another thing, Daryl let out a relieved sigh and closed his eyes. “Believe in us and it will all work out fine.”

>>------->

Morning arrived much too soon. When Aaron awoke, Daryl was already dressed and ready to go. “I’m heading out early. Gonna meet up with Tara, Carol and Morgan, and then it begins.”

Aaron got up and threw his robe on. He went to Daryl and cupped the sides of his face with his hands. “Be careful.”

Daryl kissed him hard, crushing their mouths together. “You know I will.” Then he was gone.

Aaron got dressed and went to the window just in time to see Daryl ride down the street toward the gate. He rested a hand on the window sill and noticed that there were rough marks on it. Looking closer, he could see the marks were made by the tip of a knife, from someone stabbing the wooden sill over and over. He’d seen this behavior from Daryl before. Whenever he was nervous or anxious, he would do this. There was a spot on the front porch railing where Daryl took out his frustrations. It usually meant he was agitated, and trying to come up with a solution. Aaron had never known him to perform this habit inside their home. Daryl must have been standing in this spot, thinking through the plan. Or maybe he was plotting something completely different. Come to think of it, Daryl was behaving kind of strange lately. Most people wouldn’t think it was odd that their partner wanted to make love every night, sometimes multiple times. But this was odd for Daryl, especially after everything that had happened to him recently. He had gone from keeping his distance from Aaron to not being able to keep his hands to himself. Aaron tried not to overthink it. He liked having Daryl back in his arms, in his bed, making love every night as if it was their last. There was some truth to the idea that war made the libido surge. Each time could be their last.

“I hope that’s not it,” Aaron said to himself when he started to analyze the situation. “He’s not thinking that he’s gonna . . .” He couldn’t finish the sentence. Of course Daryl wouldn’t do anything to deliberately put himself in harm’s way, not something that would end up with him dead. Then again, they were heading into a war where a lot of people were going to die. “He wouldn’t just give in. He promised me he was coming back.” He was still full of rage, though. Daryl did a good job of hiding it, but Aaron knew. He could see it in the depths of his eyes. He could feel it whenever he caught Daryl lost in his own world, staring into the distance. Finding the damaged window sill made Aaron think he’d been avoiding the truth for too long. Would Daryl give his life for the cause? He would if it meant saving Alexandria, saving Aaron. “I should have gone with him,” he berated himself, but it was too late now.

Aaron dressed and went down to meet with the others. He would be driving one of the reinforced vehicles, taking another Alexandrian with him. When he got there, he saw Caleb standing next to one of the cars, the one Aaron was prepared to drive. Caleb looked around nervously. “What are you doing here?”

“I’m going with you,” Caleb said determinedly.

“Um, no you’re not,” Aaron answered.

“Then I’ll ride with someone else,” Caleb said determinedly.

“Caleb, I don’t want you out there right now. This is way more dangerous than fighting walkers.” Aaron tried to sound sympathetic and not stern.

“Please, Aaron, I need to do this. I want to be a part of this, and not just playing babysitter like I usually do. You know, Sheila is fighting with the Hilltop. She’s going to the satellite outpost as a lookout.”

“Is that what this is about? Sheila’s going so you want to go too?” Aaron said with slight ire. “This isn’t a game, and it isn’t about trying to impress a girl.”

“It’s about me wanting to be a part of this community. I struggled for a long time before you and Daryl took me in. I never really belonged, always feeling like I was just a burden. But I’ve trained, I’ve fought, and I’m ready for this war. It’s not about a girl. It’s about belonging, and I never had that before I came to Alexandria. It’s my home, and without it, I’ll be lost again. So whether you approve or not, I’m going to the Sanctuary, and I’m going to help bring Negan down.”

This wasn’t what Aaron wanted, but then again, Caleb was old enough to make his own decisions. He watched the boy’s face, finding him determined. Caleb wasn’t backing down from this. “All right. Fine. If you insist on going, you’ll go with me, and you’ll stick close to me too. You’ll do as I say without argument. Got it?”

“Fine,” Caleb answered. Without saying another word, he got into the car.

Aaron looked around and shook his head. “Great. Someone else I have to worry about.”

“I can take care of myself,” Caleb called from inside the car. Apparently, he heard Aaron talking to himself. Aaron remained silent and entered the driver’s side. Soon they were on their way.

>>------->

The first part had gone pretty much as planned. The cars pulled up to the Sanctuary. Shots were fired to gain their attention. Rick spoke briefly to Negan and his lieutenants. Of course, they didn’t surrender and gun shots rang out again. Rick’s people shot out most of the factory windows, forcing people within to take cover. But the main reason for the heavy fire was to draw a herd of walkers, which Daryl was leading in their direction. And as expected, the herd showed when they were supposed to. While they still had time, the group jumped in their cars and took off, leaving the herd to surround the Sanctuary, trapping Negan and his Saviors inside. Lookout guards, Morgan being one of them, were stationed around the Sanctuary to make sure no one went in or out. Now it was time to follow through with the next step, taking out the outposts and confiscating their weapons.

Aaron and Caleb jumped in their car and took off for their assigned outpost, an office building that was heavily armed and populated.

“Are you all right?” Aaron asked with concern once they were on their way.

“I’m fine,” Caleb answered.

“Good. Remember what I told you. We’re going into some dangerous territory, and I don’t want you going too far from me,” Aaron reminded him.

“I know. I know. I got it,” Caleb complained.

Aaron was very unsure about this, but he had agreed to allow Caleb to join the fight. “You stay behind the car barriers at all times. Don’t fire your gun unless you have to.”

“I thought you said I was allowed to be a part of this,” Caleb said.

“You are a part of it. You’ll be there, and that should be enough,” Aaron argued. “We’re not there just to fight and take over their outpost. We’re mainly there to draw their attention away from Rick and Daryl.” They were going inside the building to find the heavy artillery. “And if you have to shoot anyone, don’t aim for the head. We want them to get back up and attack from within. It will save us bullets and distract the rest.”

“I know all of this. We went over it a thousand times already,” Caleb whined.

“This is exactly why I wanted you to stay home. You’re not taking this seriously. You’re going to have to kill some people today, people who aren’t much different from us, people just trying to stay alive,” Aaron explained with care.

“I understand that,” Caleb said, changing to a more serious tone. “I’ve killed before. You know I have.”

“You haven’t since then,” Aaron said.

“I’m better trained now, and when it comes to protecting you or me, or any of our people I will do it again.” He wasn’t speaking like a child or a teen anymore. He was speaking as an equal, as a man.

Aaron gave a deep sigh. He didn’t like this one bit, but it seemed he had no choice. If he denied Caleb this chance to stand up for himself, the kid would still find his own way. At least with Caleb at his side, Aaron could keep an eye on him and protect him. “All right, then. Let’s do this.”

>>------->

The convoy of cars pulled up to the Savior’s outpost, and without hesitancy, opened fire on the yard full of people. Aaron and Caleb jumped out, guns ablaze, and took their positions. Using the fortified vehicles as protection, they were able to fire on their enemy while taking cover. The idea wasn’t to kill all the Saviors, but to take out those who posed the biggest threat, force the rest to spend their bullets, and allow their dead to rise and destroy the rest from within. In the meantime, Daryl and Rick were making their way inside the abandoned office building in search of the room that held military grade weapons.

Aaron was relieved to see Daryl had showed up at the outpost. He knew the mission was successful when the herd came to the Sanctuary, but he didn’t know how Daryl made out until now. He only caught a brief glimpse of Daryl when he pulled up on his bike. He jumped off and ran after Rick around to the back of the building. The gunfire from the Alexandrians kept unwanted attention away from them. Dwight had drawn a map with the location of the guards and the weapons inside, and Daryl and Rick used that to find their way to the main goal, the heavy artillery.

“Okay,” Aaron said to Caleb. “They’re in. Now, just keep shooting at the Saviors in the yard. Don’t try to kill them. Just keep them busy and make them waste their ammo.

Caleb did as he was told, and stayed with Aaron during the fight. It was going along fairly well, but then Aaron spotted a couple Saviors trying to slip through and get away. “Scott … Tobin … two men to the left. Take them out,” Aaron called out. Scott and Tobin left their positions to get a better angle and started shooting at the Savior men, but they found cover and began shooting in return. It left some of the Alexandrians open to their fire, and Francine was shot and killed. A few more people went down, some injured, some dead. Scott and Tobin were safe for now, but they were at a bad angle. Aaron could see where he needed to be in order to take out the two Saviors. He turned to Caleb for help.

“I need to get to those cars over there,” he said pointing across the way. “I need you to cover me from this side. Tobin and Scott will cover me from their position.”

“You’re leaving me here?” Caleb said. “But you said to stay with you at–”

“I know what I said, but I have to take care of this. We can’t let anyone escape. They could warn the other outposts and send help to the Sanctuary. Stay right here, and you’ll be safe. Don’t do anything stupid like I’m about to do. I’m afraid I’m not setting a very good example right now,” he said half-heartedly.

“All right. I’ve got you covered, and I won’t leave this position,” Caleb agreed.

“If you get a clear shot at either of these guys, you take it. Understand me? Don’t hesitate,” Aaron told him. “But don’t be the hero.”

“Just don’t get killed. I don’t want to have to be the one to tell Daryl,” Caleb smiled. Then he hugged Aaron tight. When he let go, Aaron lightly patted the side of Caleb’s face. Then he turned in the direction he needed to go.

Aaron signaled to Tobin and Scott, who understood what he was about to do. As soon as Aaron left his safe spot, they started shooting in the direction of the escaping Saviors. Caleb opened fire too, and Aaron was able to make his way behind one of the cars. He raised his gun and waited for the men to pop up and take a shot. Within his first few shots, Aaron successfully killed one. Now there was only one man left, but he knew where Aaron was, and Aaron didn’t have much cover. The Savior started firing in return. Aaron flattened against the metal panel and prayed a bullet wouldn’t find him. He looked around to make sure no others were trying to escape, but it seemed this man was the only one for now. Bullets ricocheted off the corrugated metal, close to Aaron’s head. Tiny sparks danced near his face, and he instinctively closed his eyes. That’s when he heard someone cry out. He glanced around, seeing Tobin and Scott still standing and giving Aaron cover. When he looked back at Caleb, he saw him crouched down. “Caleb!” Aaron shouted.

“I’m all right,” he answered right away.

Just as Aaron was about to give a sigh of relief, another round of fire went off, and he saw blood spray up from where Caleb hid. He heard him make a muffled cry of pain, and felt panic in his chest. “Caleb!” Aaron shouted again, but the Savior’s gunfire canceled out any answer from the kid. Aaron was done with this man, and he marched out into the open, spraying bullets toward the Savior. He saw the top of the man’s head pop up, saw his gun rise into position, but when the man started to take his shot, Aaron’s bullet found its target. The man fell away from his hiding spot, and he didn’t move again.

Aaron raced back, afraid of what he would find when he got to Caleb. Just as he feared, the boy was on the ground and he wasn’t moving. Aaron’s heart dropped as he closed his eyes, tears already welling up. “Oh … Caleb, no,” he said in a whisper. He started to kneel down next to the body when someone shouted.

“Half of them are retreating,” Scott called out.

Aaron tore his eyes from Caleb to see what was happening. Not all of the Saviors were leaving the yard. Some stayed to keep firing at the Alexandrians. Aaron’s sight followed a group heading to the office building and going inside. “God, no,” Aaron said to himself. Daryl and Rick were in there, just the two of them.

He hesitated, afraid to leave Caleb alone. Poor boy. He’d been through so much in his short life. He didn’t deserve to die like this. “I’m sorry,” Aaron said, his voice broken and rough. “I shouldn’t have let you come.”

“They’re in,” Scott shouted. “The Saviors are in the building. What do we do, Aaron?” Scott asked with urgency.

Aaron was torn. How could he leave Caleb? Should he take care of things now, before he reanimated? He was still trying to come to grips about what had just happened. This boy, Aaron had cared for him as though he was his own. He couldn’t just leave him like this.

“Aaron, it’s your call,” Tobin shouted from his position across the way.

“Get in there now!” Aaron commanded. “I’m right behind you.”

Aaron stared down at Caleb’s lifeless body. He felt this was where he should be right now, but then what good was he doing. Daryl and Rick needed him now. “I’m so sorry,” he said with great sorrow. Aaron took his knife from its sheath, and prepared himself for what he was about to do.

Just then, he heard a woman’s scream and looked up to see some of the dead Saviors up and walking again. They were attacking their own people, which was all part of the plan, the plan that kept moving forward even as their friends and loved ones lay dead and dying. There was more at stake here. Grieving now was not an option. Protect the living at all costs, that’s what needed to be done. The Saviors they’d killed were now doing their job and attacking the survivors. It was the distraction they needed in order to give Daryl and Rick the time they needed. But now there was another threat and Daryl’s life could be in jeopardy.

As Aaron wrestled with his conscience, he felt someone come up behind him, and glanced over his shoulder to find Cynthia, one of his fellow Alexandrians. “I’m sorry, Aaron. I really am. Caleb … he was a great kid. And I hate to be the one to have to say it, but–”

“I know. We all still have a role to play here today.” Aaron looked up from Caleb and watched the chaos happening in the yard. Saviors were scattering everywhere, firing at walkers, using up their ammo.

“If you want,” Cynthia said gently. “I’ll . . .” She started to reach for the knife on her belt, but Aaron put his hand on her arm.

“No, it should be me.” Aaron looked back at Caleb and slowly reached for his own knife when gunfire broke out around them. They had been spotted, and they ducked for cover behind some crates. More gunfire came from inside the building. “Daryl,” Aaron said to himself. “I have to go,” he told Cynthia. “Don’t do anything. Leave him for now,” Aaron told her. “Get yourself to safety.”

Cynthia raised her gun. “I’ll cover you,” she told him, and Aaron dashed off toward the building.

His people were just inside the building, finishing up a gun fight with a few Saviors. Aaron felt torn about leaving Caleb, but there was no hope for it. The boy was dead, and the people still breathing were the ones who needed help at the moment.

Tobin turned to find Aaron behind him. He clasped a hand to Aaron’s shoulder. “You all right?”

Before he could answer, Aaron heard gun fire on the floors above. “Head for the stairs!” he ordered. They made it to the second floor and cleared it quickly before going up another flight. The third floor was clear, and Aaron heard shouting above. He could just make out Daryl calling to Rick. It sounded like he said he was out of ammo. “Hurry,” Aaron said to his people, and they flew to the stairs.

Once on the fourth floor, Aaron signaled for Tobin and Scott to take opposite sides of the hall, hiding in cubby holes or in open doorways. They moved with each man taking the lead until they were close enough without being detected. Not knowing where Rick and Daryl were exactly, they used the Saviors to lead them there, and when the group stopped, Aaron and the others opened fired from behind. It turned into some sort of Wild West shootout with guns popping and bullets flying back and forth. The walls filled with holes while dust from the exploding drywall filled the hallway. Aaron and his men didn’t stop until their guns were the only ones firing. They ceased and listened.

“Rick? Daryl?” Aaron shouted. “It’s clear.”

The two men emerged from their hiding spots and came towards them. Daryl didn’t look at anyone else but Aaron as he approached.

“You all right?” Daryl asked, clasping Aaron’s shoulders.

“Yeah. You?” Aaron asked in return.

Daryl nodded. “Man, you came just in time. They trapped us, and we were almost out of ammo.” Daryl paused when he got a better look at Aaron. “Something happen?” Daryl could see the look of distress on Aaron’s face and knew something was wrong.

Aaron couldn’t say it. He didn’t want to believe it was true, but he’d seen with his own eyes, saw the blood and the lifeless body as he left Caleb behind to go and help Daryl and Rick.

“Aaron?” Daryl asked again.

Rick came up behind Daryl and interrupted. “Thank God,” he said to Aaron and the others. “What’s the report?” he inquired about the situation outside.

For the first time, Aaron realized there was no sound of gun shots from the yard. “It’s … under control,” he told Rick.

“Good,” Rick responded.

“There’s no weapons cachet,” Daryl said with a bitter edge. “No big artillery. There wasn’t nothing here. Dwight was wrong or he lied,” he said angrily. Daryl was always trying to find reason not to trust the man.

“He’s been good to his word so far,” Rick reminded Daryl. Then he turned to Aaron. “Our people, how are we looking?”

“We lost Francine.” Aaron paused, looked down, and reached out to grasp Daryl’s arm.

“Shit. She was tough. She was a fighter,” Daryl said, but he was slightly confused by Aaron’s grief. “There’s someone else. Who is it?”

Aaron hung his head and tightened his grip on Daryl. “It’s … I-It’s … Caleb,” he struggled to say.

Daryl stared at Aaron a moment, not understanding what he was being told. He slowly shook his head in denial. “No, you said he couldn’t come. You told him he had to stay in Alexandria with Carl.”

“I did, but he talked me into coming. He wanted to be a part of this. I thought I could protect him, keep him out of the line of fire–”

“Who killed him? How’d it happen?” Daryl insisted.

“A couple guys were escaping. They had Tobin and Scott cornered. I saw an opening, told Caleb to cover for me while I moved to a better location. We got one of them, but the other guy was harder to get. He moved again, and while Tobin and Scott were firing at him, one of his shots found Caleb and . . .” Aaron stopped.

Daryl’s eyes narrowed as he looked around the room, unable to make eye contact with Aaron. “Where’s this guy now?”

“Dead,” Aaron said. “I shot him.” He lowered his head, slowly moving it back and forth. “It’s my fault. I shouldn’t have let him come, and I knew it. Deep down, I knew it.”

Daryl turned to Aaron, but he kept his eyes to the ground. “It’s not your fault,” he said quietly. Fury and sorrow played a game back and forth across Daryl’s countenance. “None of us should have been here. There was no reason for it without those weapons. We could have just pulled up to their yard and taken them all out, and it would have been done, but we split up our people because we were looking for those fucking weapons. People died for nothing.” He paused to take a deep calming breath, knowing he was about to lose his shit. “This is Dwight’s fault,” he seethed. “He told us it was here and it wasn’t. I’m gonna kill that son of a bitch.”

Rick stepped forward so that he was in front of Daryl. “I know how close you were to Caleb. I know you want revenge for his death, but now’s not the time. I haven’t given up on Dwight yet. The guns were moved,” Rick said.

Daryl glared at Rick. “How do you know?”

Rick’s brows furrowed in frustration toward Daryl. “Morales … before you killed him.”

Aaron took note that Rick was not happy with Daryl’s decision to kill this man. He didn’t know who it was, but it was obvious that Rick and Daryl knew him.

“Dwight didn’t know they’d been moved,” Rick told him.

“Just like he didn’t know about Negan’s deal with Jadis. Right?” Daryl seethed. “Naw man, he’s playing us.”

“Maybe the guns are at another outpost. Maybe some of our people found them,” Aaron said to justify where the guns were.

“And maybe I’m gonna kill that fucker when I see him again,” Daryl said with strong hate for the man.

“We can’t let those guns get to the Sanctuary. They’ll use them to take down the wall of walkers we put in place,” Rick said. “We have to keep them surrounded.”

Daryl looked at Aaron, saw the pain on his face, and felt the ripping of his own heart at the thought of Caleb. “Maybe the herd should be inside instead of outside,” he said quietly to Rick.

“What do you mean?” Rick gave Daryl a skeptical glare.

“Eventually someone’s going to find out about the Sanctuary. Their first priority will be to take out the walkers, make a way for Negan and them to get out,” Daryl said.

“We have snipers in place to take out any threats,” Rick reminded him.

“We could take one of those garbage trucks back at home, and ram it into the building, let the walkers in to do the work for us,” Daryl suggested.

Aaron shook his head and stepped forward. “That’s not part of the plan. We should stick to what we discussed.”

“You know why we’re doing it this way,” Rick said. “There are innocent people at the Sanctuary, men, women, and children … the workers. We only want to take out their army,” Rick reminded him. Once Daryl got an idea into his head he could be very stubborn about it. Aaron knew this better than anyone.

“We’re doing it this way to cut off their supply of food and water,” Aaron added to Rick’s explanation. “Right now, we’ve got them exactly where we want them. They’ll weaken eventually, and their system will break down. Remember what Dwight said. The workers have the numbers, and once they’ve lost confidence in Negan, they’ll revolt, maybe even turn him over to us with the rest.”

Daryl started to pace, which was not a good thing. “In the meantime, our people are dying. Francine’s dead. Caleb’s … dead,” Daryl complained with rising ire.

“We knew we were going to lose people. They knew that they were taking a risk when they agreed to fight,” Rick reminded Daryl again.

“Caleb didn’t have to die. He shouldn’t even have been here,” Daryl yelled, and his sight fell upon Aaron.

“You think I don’t know that?” Aaron shot back.

“But you let him come here anyway.” Daryl glared at Aaron a moment.

“You’re angry and you’re looking for someone to blame. I get it. And you can blame me all you want. I already blame myself,” Aaron admitted. “But there are still a lot of lives at stake. We need to stick to the plan. It’s a good plan and it will work as long as we all do our part.”

Daryl continued to glare at Aaron, and then his eyes dropped to the floor. He knew he wouldn’t win this argument, but he wasn’t ready to give in just yet. He huffed in frustration and backed away from Rick and Aaron. “This is bullshit. We could end this now. Let the dead feed on everyone at the Sanctuary. If the workers are smart enough, they’ll get out. Everyone fends for themselves. And anyone who lives has to answer to the new order once it’s established.”

Rick got in Daryl’s face, challenging him. “You saw what just happened back there,” he said low enough so only Daryl could hear him. “The wrong people die when we jump to conclusions or rush in to end the war.”

“Man, I don’t give a fuck if we knew him way back when. Morales was one of them. I did what I had to do. And killing Dwight is at the top of my list,” Daryl said.

“We’re wasting time,” Aaron reminded them. “We gotta figure out where those fifty calibers went.”

Daryl chewed his lip like he always did when he was frustrated. He turned to Rick. “Fine then. We’ll keep doing it your way, but know this. Anyone who gets in my way is going down, no questions asked. And if I see Dwight, that bastard is going to die.” Daryl walked down the building’s hallway toward the front doors.

Aaron glanced at Rick to see if he had anything to say about Daryl’s outburst, but he didn’t. “You two have different ideas?” he asked.

“Yeah, well, it wouldn’t be the first time. Daryl’s impatient. He has to see the end result. He’s wrong about this, though. Negan is trapped, and soon he’ll have no other choice than to deal with us.” Aaron clasped a hand to Rick’s shoulder to gain his full attention. “It’s a good plan, and so far it’s working.”

Rick’s hand went to the back of his neck in frustration. “Yeah, as long as everyone is on board.”

“I’m with you, but Daryl . . .” Aaron shook his head.

“You need to talk to him, make sure he understands what we’re doing,” Rick said to him.

“He’s not going to do anything,” Aaron said with reassurance. “He’s just blowing off steam the best way he knows how.”

“Yeah, I hope you’re right,” Rick said. He bowed his head and his features softened. “I’m really sorry about Caleb. He was a good kid. Don’t let Daryl guilt trip you over letting him come. It was the kid’s decision. His death won’t be in vain, I promise you that.”

Aaron’s sight fell to the ground at his feet as he nodded in agreement with Rick. It was just a notion. Aaron would feel very guilty for not fighting harder to make Caleb stay home. He looked up at Rick after he regained his composure, but there was still the threat of tears in his eyes.

Rick glanced toward the direction Daryl went. “What about Caleb?”

“I’ll handle it. Then, maybe we do a sweep of the area, see if there’s any survivors, and interrogate them about the guns.”

“Good idea. You go on. Take care of Caleb. I’ll be there in a minute,” Rick said. “There’s something I need to do first.”

Aaron nodded and made his way out of the building so he could catch up to Daryl. He found him just outside the main doors, looking out into the yard. “Where’s he at?” Daryl asked, referring to Caleb. Aaron knew they needed to make it so Caleb wouldn’t come back. There hadn’t been any time for Aaron to plunge a knife through the boy’s skull.

Aaron pointed in the general direction of where he’d last seen Caleb. “I left him over by that car. Cynthia was watching over him.”

Daryl and Aaron walked side by side, neither one ready to see Caleb lying lifeless and bloody. It was a real shame to lose him. Caleb had been there from the beginning of their relationship. He’d been a part of their lives all this time.

Daryl reached the car first. It was parked beside some metal crates, half hidden from view. As Daryl approached, he abruptly stopped and stared at the ground. “He’s not here.”

“I’m positive this is where I left him.” Aaron felt the blood rush from his face. “Oh no. You don’t think he–”

Daryl looked around the yard. “Where’s Cynthia? Shit. We gotta find him. I’m not leaving him here to walk around, and possibly kill someone we know. He has to be put to rest.”

Aaron glanced around the area. Most of the walkers had been taken care of. The dead were being taken care of. It seemed that there were no surviving Saviors. Movement caught his attention, and he turned to look at someone standing under a tree on the other side of the yard. Aaron knew right away that it was Caleb. “He’s over there,” he alerted Daryl with a soft, regretful voice.

Daryl followed Aaron’s line of sight and saw him too. He gave a heavy sigh and took his knife from his belt. “I’ll do it.”

Aaron covered Daryl’s hand, pushing his knife back towards his belt. “No. He was my responsibility. I’ll do it.”

As he spoke, Caleb slumped against the tree and grabbed his side. Both Aaron and Daryl gasped when they saw it.

“As far as I know, walkers don’t lean on trees, not intentionally,” Aaron said.

“They don’t show signs of being in pain either,” Daryl added.

“You don’t think he’s still–” Before Aaron finished his sentence, Cynthia was dashing across the yard with a handful of bandages. “Alive. Oh my God. He’s alive.”

“Caleb!” Aaron called, as he and Daryl ran towards him.

Caleb tried to turn around, but he stumbled and caught himself by grabbing the oak tree he stood next to. Daryl and Aaron hurried and got to Caleb just as he was about to fall.

“Guys? Where were you, Aaron? You said we were staying together,” Caleb said, but his voice was weak. He was definitely hurt.

Daryl took one arm as Aaron went before Caleb, scanning him for injuries. There was a lot of blood on his side. “I … I saw you get shot from over there,” Aaron pointed. “I saw you fall. I saw blood, and I … I–”

“He had to come save me and Rick,” Daryl cut in before Aaron lost it. “He thought you’d be better off hiding behind the car until he could get back to you.” Daryl glanced at Aaron, who looked completely lost. “Isn’t that right?” Daryl thought it was better not to mention the fact that Aaron thought Caleb was dead and left him behind.

“Uh, yeah,” Aaron said, playing along, but he was focused on the bloody shirt.

Cynthia smiled at Aaron. “He came too right after you left. Looks like a bullet hit him in the side. I’m no doctor, but I think he’ll be okay as long as he gets help.” She handed the bandages to Aaron, patted his shoulder, and left them to their own.

Aaron thanked her and turned back to Caleb. “Let me see,” he said. He lifted Caleb’s shirt to see how bad the wound was. He’d definitely been shot. It was in his side, lots of blood seeping out of a gunshot wound, but that made it difficult to determine the severity of the wound.

“Keep pressure on it and get him to Hilltop,” Daryl said.

“What about you? Aren’t you coming with us?” Aaron asked.

Daryl shook his head. “I still got work to do. You did your part. You took over the outpost. Me and Rick gotta go find those guns.”

Aaron wasn’t thrilled with the plan, but he could see there was no changing Daryl’s mind. He have a brief nod and brought his attention to Caleb. “I saw you fall,” Aaron said again. “You dropped straight down, blood spraying. By the time I got to you, you weren’t moving.”

“I remember getting hit hard. The force of the shot knocked me backwards and I think I hit my head. I don’t even remember hitting the ground, but I remember waking up. Cynthia was with me, and then she ran off to get some supplies.” Caleb watched Aaron pack bandages in and around the wound, flinching in pain as he worked. He also noticed how quiet it was. “What happened? Did we get them?”

“We got ‘em alright,” Daryl told him.

“Did you find what you were looking for?” Caleb asked.

“No,” Daryl said low toned with disappointment. “They moved the guns somewhere else. We don’t know where.”

“Don’t worry about that right now,” Aaron said with worry for Caleb. “You’re hurt and we need to get you to Hilltop.”

“But what about the plan?” Caleb said, and he winced in pain.

Aaron glanced at Daryl. “Daryl’s right. I did my part. The outpost is overthrown. You need a doctor,” Aaron demanded. Just as he said it, Caleb’s knees buckled. Luckily, Aaron and Daryl were holding on to him.

Rick emerged from the building carrying a bundle in his arms. Daryl knew what it was, but Aaron looked curious. The closer Rick came, the more obvious it was. “Is that a … baby?” Aaron asked.

“Yeah,” Daryl said.

“Found her in the room where Dwight said the guns were stored,” Rick informed.

“Where’s the parents?” Aaron asked, reaching out and moving the blanket to the side so he could see the baby.

“The father’s dead,” Rick replied without emotion. “It was a mistake. I fought him. He was trying to kill me. I thought he was guarding the weapons. I won … and . . .” Rick’s words drifted off to silence.

“I can take the baby with us,” Aaron suggested.

Rick gave a nod. “This place is taken care of. Tobin and Scott can take the others and meet up with Jesus and Tara at the satellite outpost. Aaron can take Caleb and the baby to Hilltop, check in with Maggie, see if they’ve heard from Carol and Ezekiel yet. Daryl and I will go after the weapons. By then we hopefully know what everyone’s progress is,” Rick said. Daryl nodded in agreement and turned to Aaron.

“Be careful out there. This is far from over,” Aaron warned. Daryl touched his arm and nodded. “And when you’re done, come to Hilltop. I need to know you’re okay.”

“All right,” Daryl said quietly.

Aaron didn’t like that they were splitting up, but there was no other choice. With Daryl’s help, they got Caleb to a nearby car and put him in the front seat. By now, Caleb was weak from blood loss, but still conscious. Daryl watched as Aaron took the baby from Rick. He noticed how gently Aaron held the baby in his arms, how protective he was of a child he didn’t know. His heart skipped a beat when he saw the sweet smile Aaron gave the babe.

“It’s a girl,” he said, looking at Rick with a smile.

“Her name is Grace,” Rick told him. The baby started to make a fuss, but Aaron kissed her forehead and bounced her gently in his arms.

He must come by it naturally, Daryl thought to himself. Aaron looked up just then and caught Daryl watching him. He still held the smile, but it changed for Daryl, expressing something more personal between them. For a split second, Daryl wondered if they were going to be put in charge of raising the baby. It was a brand new thought, one Daryl had never known to exist before, and it caught him by surprise when he found himself actually toying with the idea. He quickly pushed the idea away. It wasn’t important right now. Daryl had his goal set for him, take out the Saviors and kill Dwight.

Suddenly, a gunshot rang out, and the moment between them dissolved. Aaron hit the ground, wrapping his body protectively around the baby. The glass of the nearby car blew out, and Daryl got to the ground. As he did, he pulled out his gun and started looking around to see where the shot came from. Apparently, not all of the Saviors had been accounted for.

Rick appeared at Daryl’s side, his gun drawn too. Both men were flabbergasted as to which direction the shot came from. Daryl remembered hearing glass shatter, and he looked in the opposite direction of the car.

“Over there,” Daryl said. “I saw someone behind that tree.” He and Rick moved to take cover behind another vehicle.

“Come out now and drop your weapon!” Rick shouted in warning.

“I’m sorry,” a man shouted back. “I wasn’t trying to hit anyone. I just wanted to scare you so I could get away … me and my boy. I got no more ammo. I swear. It was just that one in the chamber.”

“I don’t give a shit. Throw the gun out here, and come forward with your hands on your head,” Rick commanded, sounding every bit like the sheriff he once was. “Your son too.”

“If I do, you promise you won’t hurt us?” the man asked.

“No one else needs to die,” Rick said. Daryl was next to him, his gun drawn, finger on the trigger. “Do as I tell you, and you’ll make it out of this alive,” Rick told him.

Rick and Daryl watched from behind the car where they hid. Meanwhile, Tobin and Scott came onto the scene, probably because of the gun shot that went off. A man dressed in a flannel shirt and jeans came out, and behind him was a lanky young man, probably only eighteen or nineteen. He threw his gun out into the yard between the trees and the car. Then he emerged into the open, hands on his head just as Rick instructed.

“I swear I wasn’t aiming for you guys. I was only trying to make you duck down so I could get away,” the man said sounding scared.

“What do you know about the artillery they were keeping here,” Daryl called out as he moved to pick up the abandoned gun. Now he and Rick were standing up, guns aimed.

“How do you know about that?” the guy asked in return.

“Answer the question,” Rick demanded.

“They were here, but someone sent orders to move them to a different outpost.”

“Which one?” Daryl asked, but the man remained silent. “I said which one.” When he still didn’t receive an answer, Daryl fired a shot at the ground in front of the man and his son. “Tell me!” Daryl shouted.

The man refused to talk, but the boy was scared and he relinquished the information. “There’s an old chemical plant a couple miles from here, down by the river,” the son said. “They took them there. That’s all I know. Will you let us go now? I swear we won’t say anything to anyone.”

“You’re both coming with us,” Rick said. He knew he couldn’t let them go or they would tip off the other outposts, but he didn’t want to kill them.

Aaron watched as Daryl leaned into Rick’s ear. It looked like they were at odds about what to do with the father and son prisoners. Seeing that the threat was eradicated, Aaron approached them to see what the problem was. He still held the baby in his arms.

It seemed that Daryl didn’t like the idea of taking the father and son with them. Rick asked what Daryl suggested they do, and Daryl’s answer sent a chill up Aaron’s spine. “I say we kill them.”

“What?” Aaron interrupted. “No! You can’t do that.”

“Why not? They tried to kill us,” Daryl argued.

“You heard the guy. He fired a shot into the air to scare us off,” Aaron said.

“He shot the car. I’d say his aim was way off.” Daryl glanced back at the hostages. “We can’t trust them.”

“It’s a father and son,” Aaron said angrily.

“I don’t care if it was the pope. You shoot at us, we fire back.” Daryl was being unreasonable.

Aaron couldn’t believe what he was hearing. He glared at Daryl with disgust. “I don’t even know you.”

Daryl accepted the challenge, and got in Aaron’s face. “In case you haven’t noticed, we are at war with the Saviors. Anyone who chooses to side with Negan picked the wrong side. This guy chose a long time ago. Only reason he’s willing to flip now is because he got caught. He’s still a Savior, and they all got to go away.”

“They’re coming with us,” Rick interrupted. He was in charge and his word was final.

Aaron was relieved to hear Rick say this, but he was still thrown by Daryl’s lack of sympathy. “You need to check your head, Daryl. This isn’t how we’re supposed to be. There are innocent people on both sides of this war. It can’t be about choosing a side. It’s got to be about coming to an understanding and learning to live peacefully.”

Daryl glared at Aaron, eyes turned to dangerous slits. “Only way to have peace is to eliminate all Saviors.” He backed away and turned his attention to Rick. Anger burned in his eyes, and it was apparent that he didn’t go along with Rick’s decision.

Aaron could see Daryl was trying to figure out a way to solve his problem. All he needed was one moment alone with the prisoners, and the deed would be done. “Hey, Rick. Why don’t I take them back to the Hilltop with me? I need to get going … get Caleb the medical attention he needs and see to the baby.”

“Fuck that,” Daryl blurted out. “I don’t want you in a car alone with them.”

“I won’t be alone. Caleb’s with me.”

“Yeah, and what fine shape he’s in.”

“These two don’t have a weapon. Caleb can take my gun and keep it on them just to be safe,” Aaron said, trying to figure out a solution.

“We’re wasting time,” Rick demanded to end the argument. “Aaron, get Caleb to Hilltop. Inform Maggie about what went down here, and see if you can’t get a message to Carol and Ezekiel. Daryl and I are going to try and find this chemical plant. The plan is still in motion. Everyone stays on track.”

Aaron and Daryl gave up the argument for now, but it was clear that they weren’t on the same page when it came to this war. Daryl had grown dangerous. If felt like all they had shared lately was just a cover so that Aaron wouldn’t know what was really running through Daryl’s head. He’d grown numb, not caring about who he killed. Aaron had to admit to himself that he was a little scared of Daryl, of who he was turning into.

Aaron didn’t say another word, only turned and went back to the car. He found an empty crate to put the baby in. He opened the back door on the driver’s side, put the crate on the seat and leaned down to place the baby inside.

“Caleb, how are you doing? Rick and Daryl got the shooter. They know where the artillery is being kept, and they’re going right now. I’m getting you out of here to Hilltop, and we’ll get that wound taken care of. You just gotta hang in there for me,” Aaron said as he tried to figure out how to secure the baby in the back. He would have to improvise with the seatbelt to ensure the crate wouldn’t slide around. “Caleb, you doing okay?” he asked again, but still he didn’t get an answer. Aaron worried that Caleb passed out from blood loss by now. He needed to get going. Caleb needed medical attention. Even though Dr. Carson wasn’t at the Hilltop anymore, Alex was there, and he could help, but the longer this took, the worse Caleb would get.

Satisfied with the placement of the baby in the crate, Aaron moved to the front to check on Caleb. He leaned into the driver’s side and saw Caleb slumped sideways. “Hey, wake up. You can’t fall asleep yet. You need to stay awake until we get to Hilltop.” Aaron reached across the seat and shook Caleb, but he was limp like a rag. “Come on Caleb,” he complained. Aaron climbed into the driver seat, and pulled Caleb into a sitting position. That’s when he saw it.

There was blood on the side of Caleb’s head where there hadn’t been blood before. At first, Aaron was confused. The wound was on his side, but why was there blood on his head. Maybe he wiped his face, or something. Aaron called out to him again, and shook his shoulder. Caleb’s limp body slumped back in the passenger seat, and his head lolled to the side. That’s when Aaron saw it, the broken glass where the passenger window had been shot out. Remembering the sound of shattering glass when the gun went off, Aaron began to realize where the bullet went. This couldn’t be happening. It couldn’t be real. Caleb was just talking to them. Feeling himself panic, Aaron started to shake Caleb. “Wake up. Come on. Wake up. Caleb. What’s wrong? What happened?” It was an automatic response, but somewhere in his rational side, he knew it was too late. Caleb was dead.

“Oh God. Oh God! Daryl! Daryl!!” he screamed.

Daryl came running to the car, and immediately saw Caleb’s slumped body through the window. “What the–”

“He’s not waking up. He’s bleeding. His … head … not his side. Somebody … help. He needs help.” Aaron was in a complete panic and denial, even as he witnessed bits of flesh and bone on the dashboard.

Daryl threw open the passenger door and knelt down. As soon as he looked at Caleb, he saw the bullet hole, and blood streaking down Caleb’s face. Shock made him freeze. He barely heard Aaron asking for help. His ears started ringing, and his vision swirled. He thought he might pass out for a moment until he heard the baby start screaming in the back seat. Daryl’s senses came back, replaced by anger and hate. He took three very deep breaths, felt his face burn red, and stood.

“What’s going on?” Rick called from his position, still holding the man and his son at gunpoint.

“He shot him,” Daryl seethed as he turned to face Rick. “He killed Caleb. He’s dead. You fucking shot him,” Daryl yelled.

“I’m sorry, man. I didn’t mean to. I told you I was just trying to scare you. I didn’t think I hit anyone. Please. I’m sorry. I’m–” The man cut his begging short and lunged for the person closest to him. He pushed Scott down and wrestled him on the ground. When he came up, he had Scott’s gun, aiming it back and forth between Rick and Daryl. He glanced sideways for only a split second, saw the boy next to him, grabbed his arm and yanked him in front of him. “Everyone, lower your weapons,” the man demanded.

Rick cocked his head in confusion, as the man used his son like a shield. “You would use your own son like that?”

The man ignored Rick. “You’re going to let us go.”

“Naw, you’re gonna fucking die,” Daryl answered. He still aimed his gun at the man, even though everyone else lowered theirs. Scott remained on the ground and watched in horror as a standoff developed right in front of him.

Rick held his hand out toward Daryl, signaling for him to stay put and not do anything irrational. “It doesn’t have to be like this,” Rick said to the man, starting some kind of negotiations. “Just put the gun down and–”

“It does have to be like this,” the man answered angrily. “Everything was fine until you guys messed with Negan. I had a home. I had a place in this world. Then you show up and start killing our people. All right, I wasn’t just trying to scare you off. I was trying to kill you, especially you,” he pointed his gun at Rick. “You’re the bad guys, not us. You are, and you all deserve to die.”

Daryl had a clear shot. He could hit this guy. He was just waiting for the right opportunity, and he got it when he heard the gun’s hammer click. Daryl shot. The man’s head bounced back. Blood sprayed out from the back of his head. He still fired his gun, but the bullet went into the ground in front of him. As he fell to the ground, he released his son’s arm. The boy stood still, not moving or making a sound, hands still in the air as Rick had demanded earlier. Scott moved across quickly, and grabbed his gun back just in case the kid decided to go for it.

Aaron had been behind the car when this happened. He ducked down when he heard Daryl’s gun fire. When he heard a second shot, he feared the worst, but when he finally looked, Daryl was still standing and seemed unhurt. He watched from the car, as the others decided what to do with the man’s son. The other three men were staring at Daryl, as he started to bounce from one foot to the other. He was unpredictable, and Aaron was scared for him.

“And you wanted to take this piece of shit with us?” Daryl said to Rick. “He planned to kill us this whole time. This is why we can’t trust any of them.” He brought his gun up and aimed it at the boy.

It was very obvious that the kid was terrified. His hands, still raised above his head, were shaking. He had a wide eyed look of shock and disbelief on his face. Then a dark spot started to grow on the front of his pants. He’d peed himself when Daryl aimed at him.

“Daryl! That’s enough!” Rick shouted.

“Apple don’t fall far, Rick,” Daryl said. “What do you think this guy’s been teaching his kid?”

“P-please, sir,” the boy begged with a shaky voice. “I-I’m … I’m n-not … I’m not his son. I b-barely knew the guy. He grabbed me w-when the shooting started, and said he c-could get me out of here. He u-used me to gain sympathy, told some of your friends that we were family, and that he just wanted to keep his son safe, but it was a lie. W-we were almost free when y-you all stopped us.”

“No one leaves,” Rick told the kid. “Was he telling the truth about the weapons?”

“Yes,” the boy answered. “I could show you where the plant is. Please sir. I don’t want to be here.”

“I don’t believe him,” Daryl said to Rick, but he kept a sturdy eye on the boy.

Aaron went to Daryl to try and talk him down. He wasn’t thinking clearly. When he got close, Aaron spoke. “Daryl, can’t you see he’s scared? He doesn’t have a weapon. He said he would help us out. Come on, put the gun down.”

Daryl was sweating profusely. He was bouncing nervously on his feet, wrestling with his demons again. These were new demons, Aaron thought. These were turning him into a killer. “They lie,” Daryl said. “They all lie. I know. I was with them in that place. They lie, cheat and steal. They bully. They murder. They … they rape. They all deserve to die.”

“I’m not with them,” the boy pleaded. “I ain’t never even been to the Sanctuary. These guys found me, trapped by shufflers. They saved me, gave me a roof over my head, gave me a job. They said as long as I followed the rules there’d be no trouble for me. They said you all were the bad guys, but I can see now that they were wrong.”

“Daryl,” Aaron said softly. “Please, put the gun down.”

“What … so it’s okay that Caleb is dead and this kid lives?” Daryl said.

“He didn’t fire the gun. You killed the man that did. This boy is innocent. Let him go,” Aaron said.

“He’s lying,” Daryl said darkly. “His dad was a liar. He was one of them. He taught his kid to lie. He just wants to kill us.”

“Mister, I swear I’m telling the truth.” The boy started to cry, actual tears streaming down his face. “Please. I’m begging you. I want to help you guys. I don’t want to be with Negan anymore.”

“Daryl, we can’t keep killing. Not all of them are with Negan. That’s what we’ve been trying to establish. There are those who are willing to work with us. They’re scared of Negan, and that’s why they’re still with him. We take out the real threat, and we can reverse this. This boy is an example of the people who just want to live peacefully.”

“Peace,” Daryl said. “Is that what you think we’ll find if we leave any of these killers alive? They fight for Negan. They follow him because they have the same mind as him. They all deserve to die.” He pulled the hammer back on the gun.

Rick, Tobin and Scott all started trying to talk Daryl down to save the boy. Back in the car, the baby started crying. The noise would start to draw walkers. The gun fire had already started to bring in the first stragglers of a nearby herd. Aaron gave it one more try to make Daryl come to his senses.

“If you do this,” Aaron started to say. He paused because he knew he was about to make a threat he thought he would never have to make. He just didn’t know what else to do. “If you do this … if you kill this boy, don’t–” Aaron’s words trailed off. He was finding it very difficult to say it.

“Don’t what, Aaron?” Daryl seethed in challenge. “Don’t come home? Is that your threat?”

Aaron continued carefully. “I love you, Daryl, but if you pull that trigger it’s over for us. You’re crossing over to a very dark place, a place that I can’t follow you into. But you’re better than this.”

“They beat me,” Daryl said. “They made me eat dogfood. They raped me, and took away my soul. They killed people we loved, and they’re still killing them.” Daryl paused to glance at Caleb inside the car. “And you want to spare their lives? What is wrong with you?” he said accusingly.

“I know what they did to you. I know how horrible and tragic it was, but you have to be the better man now. You have to find a way to look towards the future,” Aaron said.

“In my version, there are no Saviors,” Daryl said darkly. He turned his attention back to the boy. “Eye for an eye.”

The boy was sobbing, snot and drool and tears running down his face. He was begging for his life as the others tried to talk Daryl down. Aaron watched the conflict on Daryl’s face. There was still a part of him in there that knew this was wrong. He had to figure out a way to make that Daryl listen to him.

“Please, don’t do this. I love you, Daryl. Remember that. Remember us. Please,” Aaron begged softly.

For a brief moment, Daryl’s face softened at the sound of Aaron’s voice. “I love you too,” he said. And then the fear, the grief and the anger returned. “Don’t you get it? I gotta do this.” His finger went to the trigger.

“Daryl no!” Aaron shouted, but it was too late. The gun went off. The boy fell limp to the ground. No one moved. No one spoke. The only sound was of the baby crying in the background.

Daryl stared at the dead boy, and Aaron thought that he might have realized his mistake. Instead, Daryl turned to Rick. He showed no emotions whatsoever. “Come on. We gotta find those guns.” He started to walk away.

Rick didn’t follow him right away. He seemed to be in shock, trying to figure out why Daryl did what he did. He watched Daryl with narrowed eyes. He knew something wasn’t right, but they needed to get those weapons. Before he left, he went to Aaron, clasped a hand to his shoulder, and glanced toward Daryl. “He’s not right, but I’ll keep an eye out for him.”

“Don’t bother,” Aaron said. He jutted his chin in the air and shouted to Daryl. “Don’t bother coming to Hilltop. As a matter of fact, don’t bother coming home.”

“Whatever,” Daryl called over his shoulder, not even looking back.

Aaron was trying very hard not to get emotional in front of everyone, but his heart was shattering into a million pieces. Rick glanced quickly to the car where Caleb was, and bowed his head in sorrow, shaking it back and forth slowly. “I’m really sorry. He was a good kid,” Rick whispered.

Aaron nodded and went back to the car. Rick ran to catch up with Daryl. Tobin and Scott approached Aaron, and offered their help. Together, they placed Caleb in the back seat and moved the crate with the baby to the front. It was such a surreal moment. Aaron waited until he was alone, and contemplated what had just happened. Next to him was new life amongst blood and death. Caleb was dead. Daryl was gone. In the blink of an eye, Aaron had lost the only two people who meant the most to him. That’s all it took, and tears began streaming down Aaron’s face. The baby could sense his anguish, and she started crying again. He was going to pick her up, but movement out of the corner of his eye caught his attention. Walkers were approaching, drawn by the baby’s cried. Aaron started the car and drove away. He looked in the rearview mirror at Caleb’s sheet covered body, and then to the baby beside him. As he left the yard, he drove past Rick and Daryl getting into a car. Daryl watched him go past, eyes narrowed with hatred toward him. Aaron had never felt so alone in all his life. Daryl had given in to his dark tendencies at last. “I never thought he would go there. I thought he loved me more than that.”

He knew this war would be messy, but he had hoped that the people he cared about would all come out of it alive. It was clear to him now that a lot more was lost. Daryl was lost, and he might not be able to find his way back. Hope was diminishing, and from this moment on, nothing would ever be the same. The future looked dismal.
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Safe Haven in the Chaos