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Safe Haven in the Chaos	By : IdrilsSecret Category: S through Z > The Walking Dead Views: 6517 -:- 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
- 67
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Chapter 69 Rescue Mission

Paul rode along on his horse, approaching the glade to meet with Aaron. His hair was tied back in a bun, and though he knew Aaron didn’t like the style, it was easier for Paul to manage, especially if he was attacked. The weather was turning a bit cooler, so he wore his long leather coat and his gloves. It had only been a couple weeks since he met Aaron at their private reprieve, but he had a special reason for meeting him so soon. His heart pumped and he felt nervous for the first time in a long time.

His nervousness gave way to caution as he felt the hairs on the back of his neck rise, and his horse gave an uneasy snort. He knew he wasn’t alone. He took mental inventory of the weapons upon him, but didn’t draw yet. There was something different about this threat, and when he heard a rustle of leaves, he smiled proudly to himself at the stealth of his intruder. The attack was almost thoroughly unannounced, and to the untrained ear, it would have been a complete surprise. But Paul was a master at his craft, and no one had ever beaten him at his own game. Today would be no different.

The last clue that something was about to happen was the sound of a heavy footfall favored on one side more than the other, and again was almost undetectable. But Paul knew that sound like he knew his own face, and he knew only one person who the uneven steps belonged to. He smiled just before the attack, which would come from his right side. He kept up the façade of being unaware, held still as he rode his horse, and prepared for the impact. A dark shape lunged for him, grabbed him midair, and pulled him from his horse. Since Paul was ready for it, he rolled with the movement, and landed safely on the ground. His assailant tried to keep his grip when they fell, but Paul twisted his body and came free as he hit the grass. He rolled twice and jumped to his feet with cat-like control. But when Paul turned to greet his attacker, he hadn’t realized that his assailant had also controlled his fall, and was up and on the move, right on top of Paul. He blocked a punch, and kicked his leg straight out, but he was countered by a hand grabbing his ankle and throwing it to the side. Paul kept his balance, spun and grabbed his foe by the arm, only to be hit with metal. Paul grabbed the fake arm, but his hands slipped on the newly polished prosthetic. This was a new tactic, and one that Paul hadn’t even suggested. Smart, Paul thought to himself. They traded soft hits and punches until Paul saw the opportunity and got a hold of the fake arm, this time without slipping or missing. He knew how it could and couldn’t bend, and brought it up and back in a way that immobilized his attacker. Paul was smiling the entire time, proud of how far his student had come over the years. Now they stood face to face, Paul's arrogant smile against Aaron’s look of agony.

“Okay. Okay. Truce. You win. Again,” Aaron pleaded, and Paul immediately let him go.

They stood panting and sweating after the excursion. Paul patted Aaron’s back. “Nice moves.”

“Yeah, but you still heard me coming. What gave it away?” Aaron leaned forward, hand on his knee and tried to catch his breath.

“You’re heavy on your right foot. But,” Paul looked around the area. “Where the hell did you come from? Seriously, I didn’t know you were there until last minute.”

“There was a little bit of an incline back there. I used it to my advantage. Plus, I’ve been running at home, and practicing the long jump. It hasn’t been easy. It’s difficult to get the right momentum with only one arm. I have to make up for it in other ways.”

“Well, you get an A plus from me, and I’ll save the rest of your reward for later,” Paul promised.

“I like the sound of that. Come on.” Aaron wrapped his arm around Paul's shoulder as they headed toward their usual seat, the fallen tree. “I need to catch my breath.”

“Here, take my water,” Paul offered, handing him his canteen. “You okay?” Aaron was breathing rather hard.

“I think I overdid it a little trying to impress you, but I’ll be fine.”

They sat on the log, and Aaron drank. It didn’t take long for him to recover. He had never ran that hard or jumped that far. “I can’t believe I was able to do that.”

“You did awesome,” Paul smiled. “I’m proud of you.”

“Thanks,” Aaron said, giving Paul a quick kiss.

“Have you had any success convincing Michonne to let Alexandria participate in the Kingdom’s fair,” Paul asked.

“It’s like talking to a brick wall. She won’t budge on her decision. It’s still a solid no,” Aaron said.

“The fair is important to the future of the communities. Without Alexandria there–”

“I know. I know. I’ll keep working on her, but I’m not sure it will get her to change her mind. Speaking of the communities working together, did you get a message from Alexandria before you left?”

“No, why? Something happen?” Paul asked with concern.

“We found some people. Well, actually Judith did.”

“Judith? What was she doing outside the gates?” Paul asked.

Judith was now ten years old, and just as stubborn and fearless as her father and brother. She was starting to do more things on her own, and that included leaving the safety of the walls of Alexandria to go looking for anyone needing help. Michonne had tried her best to keep Judith protected within the community, but even at such a young age, she knew it wasn’t the best thing to be isolated from everyone else. Aaron spoke to Michonne about letting her come with him when he went on scavenging runs, as long as he wasn’t going too far out. Eventually, Michonne agreed to it, and Aaron started teaching her what he knew about going on a supply run. A lot of what he taught her he’d learned from Daryl years ago. Judith was a fast learner, almost too fast. She seemed to get bored easily, and that’s what must have happened this time.

“She decided she would go on a run by herself. A group of us went out to look for her. When we found her, she had a survivors with her, five to be exact. One of the women was injured, so I made the call to bring them back to Alexandria.” Aaron paused to laugh. “I didn’t have much choice really. Judith refused to come home without them.”

Paul laughed too. “She’s a spitfire.”

“Yeah. My only worry is that she’s going to rub off on Gracie, and before you know it, the two of them are going to be running around getting in trouble.” Aaron seemed bothered as he spoke. “I’m not ready for that yet. She’s only six, way too young to be thinking about scavenging and walkers. Makes my heart race just thinking about it.” He sighed and gave a huff. “Nobody prepared me for that part of fatherhood.”

“She’s got the best dad in the world. Strong, brave, smart, able to leap over horses in a single bound.” Paul gave a chuckle and nudged Aaron’s shoulder. “So, what did Michonne have to say about the strangers?”

Aaron leaned back, rolled his eyes and shook his head. “Shit, she was pissed. No one has been allowed in since Jocelyn. I thought she was going to kick them out right there, but it was Judith who begged her not to turn them out. And one of them was injured. They needed our help. You know, it felt good to do that again. A long time ago, it was mine and Eric’s job to look for people and bring them back to Alexandria. We weren’t always successful, and there was a time or two when we had to evict someone for not following the rules, but we saved a lot of really good people. Rick and his group were among them, and you see where we are today. I never liked Michonne’s decision to stop doing that. I can’t help put myself in their place, if I was out here, me and Gracie, no home, no food, maybe just a knife for protection. I would want someone to give me a chance. So imagine finding a place like Alexandria and being told to turn around and keep going. That would be devastating.”

Paul kissed Aaron’s shoulder and leaned on him. “I’m glad you’re not in that position. What a horrible thought. So, what was Michonne’s final decision?”

“The council met and we interviewed these people. They seemed sincere. I think they’re good people. And one of them, their leader, Magna, she’s a little uptight. Can’t say that I blame her. They were out there for a long time, not unlike Rick’s group, and it shows, but I think she’d make a good addition. She’s tough, real soldier material, you know? The others just want somewhere safe that they can call home. There’s a pair of sisters, Connie and Kelly. Connie is deaf, believe it or not. Luke is the only guy in the group. He used to be a music teacher, and collects instruments he finds along the way. The injured girl is Yumiko. I haven’t been able to speak with her since she’s recovering from a head wound. She’ll be all right though.”

“What did the council decide?” Paul asked as he listened intently.

“At first, the council agreed to let them stay. And then Michonne had her own questions to ask. She targeted Magna, pointed out a tattoo on her hand. Michonne recognized it as a prison tattoo, and then called the woman out for hiding weapons on her, even after we disarmed them all upon arriving. Real prison-like contraband, like a belt buckled turned into a knife. And I know it looked bad because she hadn’t been honest and upfront, but I can’t say I blame her. I think I would have done the same thing in her position. Anyway, that’s all it took and Michonne voted for the rest of us, since she’s the head of security, and told them they couldn’t stay. In the end, it was decided to take them to Hilltop. Michonne assured them that Maggie would most likely take them in.”

“Oh shit. Michonne is coming to Hilltop?” Paul said panicked. Michonne still didn’t know about Maggie leaving to join a new group far away from Hilltop and the other communities.

“Luckily, she refuses to go all the way. She’s only going so far to make sure they’re safe. Siddiq is with them, as well as D.J. They’ll take the group the rest of the way to Hilltop. I guess we dodged that bullet,” Aaron said with relief.

“I should be there when they arrive,” Paul worried.

“They’re moving slow, staying one night on the road. They won’t get there until tomorrow. Besides, Tara is there. She can handle it.”

“I haven’t told you the news yet. I got reelected. Actually, it wasn’t much of an election. I won unopposed.” Paul gave the news without excitement. “No one else wants this job either. Tara is constantly pushing me to take on the title of leader and fill in Maggie’s place. So far, I’ve managed to talk everyone into holding Maggie’s spot open in the hopes that she’ll return sooner or later, but the more time goes by, the harder it is to convince them of this idea.”

“I don’t know why you run away from it. You’d make a great leader. I’ve always told you that.” More than a few times, Aaron had tried to convince Paul to take up Maggie’s place as Hilltop leader, but he just wouldn’t commit.

“And then we don’t get to do this as often if at all.”

“Hilltop needs a leader, Paul.”

“Did you just hear what I said? As leader I won’t be able to leave as often, meaning we can’t meet like this anymore.” Paul seemed agitated. “You sound like you’d be okay with that.”

“Well, no. Not really, but it’s not just about us. There are other communities at stake here,” Aaron countered.

“Do you know what I did right before I left to come here? I was reading Maggie’s latest correspondence, and seeing no end in sight. She’s happy there, and she doesn’t have any intention of coming home. And then Tara is up my ass all day with the latest feud between neighbors that needs settling. Or asking me for permission to grow the crops into areas further from home. And this morning she’s mad because I wouldn’t talk to the parents of one of the children who plays his kazoo too loud and too early in the morning. Some of these things can be settled easily between the people with the problem, but everyone expects me to make the final decision.”

“That’s what a leader does,” Aaron said.

“Well, that’s not what I want to do,” Paul said loudly out of frustration. “For Christ’s sake look at us. When you asked me to go back to Hilltop, I thought it would only be for a few months. It’s been goddamn years of this. What kind of a relationship are we supposed to have when we only see each other once a month?”

Aaron straightened his back and readied himself for an argument. “So, what are you telling me? You want to break up? You want to end this?”

Paul sighed and slumped his shoulders. “No, Aaron. That’s not at all what I’m saying. Shit.” Paul reached into his jacket, fumbling around for something. “This isn’t how this was supposed to go. I had it all planned out differently.”

Aaron was confused and worried about whatever Paul was getting at. He couldn’t help feel that this was the end of their relationship. It had been too much of a strain on them both. It was surprising that it lasted this long. Maybe it was for the best that they split up.

As Aaron prepared for the talk, his mind prepared for all the reasons why it was better if they went their separate ways. It wouldn’t be the first time Aaron weighed his options, but it was the first time that either of them considered it.

He closed his eyes and found the courage to speak his mind. “Listen, I know things have been rough for a long time, and we’ve tried to make this work. We really have. But before you say anything more, let me be the one to say it. Paul, I think it’s time that we–”

“Marry me,” Paul said, interrupting him.

Aaron’s mouth hung agape, and he refused to open his eyes. “W-what?” Surely he wasn’t hearing Paul correctly.

“Aaron, look at me. Please,” Paul begged lightly.

Slowly, Aaron opened his eyes and found Paul sitting on the old log with his legs crossed, facing him. In his hand was a tiny wooden box with an H carved into the top. Paul's fingers were shaking as he opened the box, revealing its contents. Inside was a silver ring, a simple thing, plain and smooth.

“Paul, I-I . . .” Aaron was speechless. This wasn’t what he was expecting at all.

“I’ve been corresponding with Gabriel, and he has agreed to perform the ceremony,” Paul said.

“I … I don’t know what to say,” Aaron stammered.

“I know what I wish you would say,” Paul smiled shyly. He was nervous about Aaron’s reaction.

What the hell was happening right now? Aaron was prepared for a break up, not a proposal. What was Paul thinking by asking him this? “Will you give me time to think about it?” The words came out without a second thought, and he regretted it right away. “I’m not saying no, but there’s a lot to consider.”

The excitement seemed to fall from Paul like the wind from a sail. “I know it’s sudden. I wanted to do it differently. I wanted to make a special evening of it, but then you started getting the wrong idea and . . .”

“The ring is beautiful,” Aaron said to make him feel better.

“I found it in an old farmhouse. It looks like it might be your size, but I don’t know. And the box came from Hilltop. That’s why there’s an H on it. A woman there hand carves boxes out of wood,” Paul told him.

Aaron was feeling the guilt rise up inside of him. He remembered how he felt when he told Paul to go to Hilltop, how he thought he had sabotaged their relationship and not realized it. He missed having Paul around, but he wasn’t as upset as he thought he’d be about the separation. And over the years, he’d gotten used to seeing Paul once a month. He had settled and made it okay to carry on with their relationship in this way. But now, with Paul's proposal, it made things more permanent, and Aaron hadn’t taken that into consideration before. There was also the fact that he never told Paul about his visit with Daryl. Ever since then, Aaron had been comparing the two relationships. When he told Paul he loved him, it had been spur of the moment, and he felt the love in his heart. He had also confessed his feelings after seeing Daryl, and it helped mask the sorrow he felt leaving the riverside camp and Daryl behind. Aaron often found himself comparing the two feelings of love he had for each man, and though what he felt for Paul was genuine, it had never quite measured up to the way it felt being in love with Daryl. He often thought it was like meeting your soulmate, and having them disappear or die, knowing they were gone forever. Meeting someone new, and getting a second chance at love, it just never felt the same as the first time. The thing was, Daryl wasn’t dead, and he wasn’t missing. Aaron knew exactly where he was, and had to talk himself out of seeing him again on several occasions. And all the while, he had been trying to make something real with Paul, succeeding temporarily until they moved to separate communities. Aaron regularly felt that something would snap eventually, and that’s what he thought was happening just now. Instead, Paul wanted to move on to the next step, a step Aaron wasn’t sure he could make.

He needed to come clean if he was going to give this a real shot. Paul was a wonderful man, but he’d been too trusting. Aaron’s guilt came from the feeling that he’d taken advantage of that. “Before we go any further, I need to tell you something,” he said, surprising himself. He put his hand over the little box that Paul still held, and lowered it to his lap.

“What is it?” Paul said nervously.

“I haven’t been completely honest with you in the past.” Aaron felt Paul move his hands back and away from him. “Do you remember when you took Tara back to Hilltop with you?” Paul nodded and Aaron continued. “I didn’t go straight home. I stopped somewhere along the way. I … I saw Daryl.”

Paul closed the lid to the box and tucked it between his legs. “You … found him?”

“Michonne mentioned his whereabouts to me. He’s camping at the river by Rick’s bridge. That’s where he lives now. I mean, I guess he still lives there. It was a while ago that I visited him.”

“Why are you telling me this now?” Paul wondered.

“I don’t know. It’s always weighed on my mind that I didn’t tell you, like I was trying to hide something from you.”

“I’m a little disappointed you didn’t think you could share that with me before now, but I understand your reasoning. I know what you and Daryl had doesn’t compare to our relationship,” Paul admitted. “He’s always been my competition. I know that full well.”

“That’s not why I told you this,” Aaron said, doubling the guilt. “Actually, I don’t know why I said anything. I’ve ruined the moment.”

“You’ve made it a unique experience,” Paul said with a slight tinge of jealousy. “Especially for someone who had never proposed to anyone before.”

“I’m sorry,” Aaron said with regret. “Just give me some time to think about it, and figure out how we’re going to make it work.”

“What’s to figure out? I’ll move to Alexandria,” Paul said.

“It’s not that easy. A lot of people are depending on you to lead them. You can’t just walk away from that. You’ve always run away, Paul. And now that you’re in an important position at Hilltop, you’re doing it again.”

“And you think I’m using my proposal as an excuse?” Paul sounded slightly accusatory.

“I didn’t imply that. All I’m saying is–”

Aaron was suddenly distracted by a flare shooting up into the sky, not far from where they were. The conversation was put on hold as they watched the red flame rise, hover a moment, and start to fall back to earth before burning itself out. Aaron and Paul looked at each other, jumped up, and took off at a run.

After a frantic search, they found Rosita under a tree. She was bruised, bleeding, dehydrated and talking gibberish. She wasn’t speaking in full sentences, and they only understood a word here and there.

“Rosita,” Aaron called to her. “What happened? Are you hurt?”

“Walkers … herd … whispers,” she rambled on.

“Who are you out here with?” Paul asked.

Rosita suddenly came out of her haze and grabbed Paul by his shirt. “Eugene. He’s hurt. I had to leave him behind.”

“Where is he?” Aaron asked.

“Barn. I left him in a barn.”

“There’s lots of barns around here,” Paul said. “Which one?”

“That way.” She pointed into the distance. “He’s … hiding from them … inside.” Her eyes started closing as she mumbled more nonsense. Aaron tried to keep her awake so they could get more information about Eugene, but she went limp and passed out.

Aaron looked at Paul a moment. “A barn. Do you think she meant our barn?”

“She pointed in the opposite direction,” Paul said.

“We need to find him,” Aaron stated.

“We need to get Rosita to a doctor first. We’ll go to Hilltop. It’s closest.”

“What about Eugene?” Aaron said worriedly.

“If Eugene’s hiding, he’ll just have to stay put until we can find him.” Paul stood from the ground where he and Aaron were crouched down next to Rosita. “I’ll go get the horses. You stay with her. If she wakes up again, try to find out more about Eugene’s whereabouts.”

Aaron nodded and held an unconscious Rosita in his lap. He watched Paul run back to the glade, and kept a sharp eye on his surroundings. His knife was at his side if he needed it. Not long after, Paul came back. He jumped down and ran to Aaron.

“I’ll take her,” Paul said, knowing Aaron wouldn’t be able to hold her and ride with only one arm.

“I’ll lead the way,” Aaron said. He helped Paul carry Rosita to his horse, and to get her in Paul's grip. Once they were settled in, Aaron mounted his horse and they rode as fast as possible back to Hilltop.

>>------->

The gate guards saw Paul approaching at a distance. They could see he had someone with him and another rider lead the way. They opened the gate and Paul and Aaron rode in hard. Rosita was still unconscious. They entered the yard and stopped by the trailers where the infirmary was located. Enid ran out to see what was going on. When she saw Rosita, she instantly went into action.

“Get her inside. Now,” Enid demanded. A couple other people standing nearby rushed in and helped get Rosita down from Paul's horse. They carried her into the infirmary. Paul and Aaron followed.

“What happened?” Enid asked as she got out her instruments and other medical supplies.

“We found her like this. She shot a flare off, that’s how we knew she was out there. Eugene was with her,” Aaron said. “We didn’t get much information from her before she lost consciousness, but I think they came across a herd. I didn’t see any wounds other than scrapes and bruises, but I think she’s dehydrated.”

“Looks like it. I’m going to run an IV to get some fluids in her. Then I’ll check her over for injuries,” Enid said. “You mentioned Eugene. Where is he?”

“Rosita said he got hurt and she had to leave him behind. He’s hiding in a barn somewhere,” Paul said. He looked at Aaron and spoke for both of them without needing permission. “Aaron and I are heading back out to find him before it gets late.” Aaron nodded in agreement.

“I’ll take care of her. You just find Eugene,” Enid said before getting back to work.

Aaron and Paul left the trailer and headed back into the yard. Paul grasped his arm. “I’m going to gather some supplies first. Make sure the horses are ready. If we need to, we can take some fresh ones.”

Aaron nodded and started in the direction of the stables, where someone had already taken his and Paul's horses. As he was walking, something caught his eye. Parked just inside of the gate, he saw Daryl’s motorcycle. He stopped and looked around the yard. Then, over by Earl’s smithy, he saw Carol and Henry, her and Ezekiel’s adopted son.

Carol glanced over and saw Aaron too, a huge smile forming on her face. He made his way to her, noticing how good she looked. It had been a long time since they’d seen each other, since the bridge. And Henry, the last time Aaron had seen him, he was just a little boy seeking revenge for the death of his older brother. Now he was as tall as a tree, a young man, no longer a child. Where had the time gone?

Carol and Aaron embraced in a tight hug, tears threatening both of them. They released and stood back to get a better look.

“Aaron, oh, I’ve missed you so much. You look good,” she sang. Then she touched his beard. “And look at this. I never thought I wouldn’t see that baby face of yours.”

“Well, you know, razors are a luxury these days. You’re absolutely radiant,” Aaron told her. “The Kingdom has been good to its queen I suppose.”

“Now, don’t you start too. It’s Carol, not queen. How are things in Alexandria?” she asked.

“Going well. You’d be amazed at how it’s grown. Even I’m still taken aback by it and I live there.”

“And little Gracie. She must be getting so big.”

Aaron grabbed at the picture he kept inside his jacket and brought it out to show her. Carol took the picture in her fingers and covered her mouth in surprise. “She’s six now. I can’t believe it myself. Such a wonderful, beautiful little girl.”

“Well, look at her daddy. Where do you think she gets it from?” Carol said, bumping shoulders. “So how has life been to you?”

“I don’t know if you heard, but Paul and I . . .” Aaron smiled.

“Yes, I heard through the grapevine that you two are an item.” As she said it, there was the slightest hint of something. It wasn’t disapproval, not disappointment either. It was more like a touch of mourning, a little remorse that she wasn’t asking about Daryl instead of Paul. After all, Carol had been there since the beginning of their relationship. Aaron had gone to her many time for advice. She had been the first one to know about Daryl and Aaron’s love for each other. Carol had always rooted for them, so she took their breakup slightly more personal, and had always hoped that one day they’d find their way back to each other.

“Are you happy?” she asked, as though needing closure so she didn’t have to worry about him anymore.

“Yes, I am,” Aaron assured her. “He popped the question, by the way.”

The smile returned to her face. “No. Did he? Well, what did you say? You said yes of course. Right?”

“Um, not exactly. I, uh, I told him I needed time to think about it.”

There was a tiny gleam in the corner of Carol’s eye. That little spark of hope she’d always hung onto was still there, reawakened to keep vigilance for a reunion between her two favorite boys. Aaron wished he could say the same, but he’d given up on that a long time ago.

The smile left her face, replaced by a wince as the sun came out from behind a cloud and shone in her eyes. She cocked her head to one side. “He’s here you know.”

“I saw the bike and figured so,” Aaron said. “What’s he doing at Hilltop?”

“I talked him into coming. Henry is starting an apprenticeship working under Earl’s supervision. He wants to be a blacksmith, so Ezekiel and I reluctantly agreed to let him come and live at Hilltop. And because I’m a worrywart, I convinced Daryl to be his chaperone, so to say. Daryl would say he’s nothing more than a babysitter.”

“You’ll have nothing to worry about with Daryl watching over him. I’m just surprised he agreed.”

“It’s time he rejoined society. He needs a home again, to be involved. He’s been alone for too long.” She glanced at the bike and gave a slight smile of satisfaction. “What brings you to Hilltop? I didn’t think Michonne was letting anyone out of her sight.”

“She’s not. I’ve been coming out on my own, meeting Paul, exchanging news and information about the communities so that we’re not completely in the dark. Unfortunately, the reason for my visit isn’t a good one. Paul and I saw a flare go off. We found Rosita. She was injured, and we brought her here. Eugene was with her, but he got injured too, and she left him out there so she could get help.”

“My God, what happened?” Carol asked with genuine concern.

“We’re not completely sure, but we think they came across a herd. All I know is that Eugene is hiding in a barn somewhere. Paul and I are getting ready to go look for him and bring him back here.”

“Is there anything I can do to help?” she asked.

“We’ve got this, but thanks.” Aaron looked back at the great house, hoping to see Paul. Instead, he saw Daryl descending the steps. Aaron’s heart started skipping beats as he looked upon Daryl. It had been a long time since he’d seen him. “Will you excuse me?” he said to Carol, but his eyes were locked on Daryl.

“Of course. I’ll go see how Rosita is doing. It’s good to see you again, Aaron.”

As Aaron turned to look at her, she pulled him forward and down, putting a motherly kiss on his forehead before going off to the infirmary.

Daryl looked around the yard, his sight falling on Aaron. He seemed just as surprised as Aaron had been. Both men slowly approached each other and met in the middle of the yard.

The first thing Aaron noticed about him was a long scar that ran down his face and over one eye. Aaron wondered what happened to him. He looked strong, more rugged than before, but that was to be expected after living in the wild for all these years. His hair was longer, and his clothes more threadbare. He looked more like the man Aaron first came upon when him and Eric found Rick’s group and brought them back to Alexandria. He looked a little older with deeper lines on his forehead, and at the corners of his eyes and mouth. And there might have been a few grey hairs at his right temple, if it wasn’t the light playing tricks. Despite the changes, Aaron had to admit, Daryl still looked as handsome as ever.

“Hey there,” Aaron said, not sure what to say.

“Aaron.” He seemed quite shocked. “What are you doing at Hilltop?”

“I could ask you the same thing,” Aaron said. “But I just saw Carol and she filled me in on the latest.”

“Yeah. I guess I’m Henry’s … whatever you want to call it. You’re kind of far from home, aren’t you?” Daryl looked Aaron over skeptically.

“I just arrived, but I’m afraid it’s not good news. It’s Rosita. We found her out there. She was with Eugene, but now he’s missing.”

“What the hell?” Daryl said unbelieving. “Is she okay?”

“She will be.”

Paul came rushing out of the great house and down the steps. “Aaron, let’s go,” he called, but he stopped when he saw that Aaron was talking with Daryl.

Daryl looked over to Paul, resisting a narrow glare before turning back to Aaron. “Where are you going?”

“Out to find Eugene,” Aaron said. “He’s hurt and hiding in a barn somewhere. We need to find him before the herd does.” Aaron started to go, but paused to give some thought to an idea that had formed. He wasn’t sure how Paul would feel about it, and he didn’t have time to run it past him. He would just have to take that chance. “We don’t exactly know where he is. We could use your expert tracking abilities. Would you go with us?”

Daryl might have turned him down, except that it was Eugene. Without much hesitation, he answered. “Yeah sure. Just let me grab my things.”

Aaron left the smithy and joined Paul in the yard. Tara was talking to him while a stable hand brought their horses to them. Aaron over heard her saying she wanted to go look for Eugene, but Paul was trying to convince her to stay.

“It’s okay, Tara,” Aaron said upon approaching them. “You’re needed here. Besides, Daryl is coming with us.”

Paul's head snapped in Aaron’s direction. “He is?”

Before Paul could protest, Aaron explained. “We don’t have a clue where Eugene is. He’s injured and in trouble. Daryl is the best tracker I know. If anyone can find Eugene it’s him.”

Aaron could see Paul trying to come up with a reason to argue the point, but there was nothing to challenge. They both knew Daryl was the best at what he did. A life was at stake. No time for being petty.

Daryl came back, gave a nod to Paul and looked up at Aaron as he passed by. “You all ready?”

Aaron and Paul nodded and prepared to ride out. As Aaron settled on his horse, he watched Daryl walking to his bike, and looking around the yard. He put his fingers to his lips and whistled loud. “Dog!” he yelled.

From somewhere between the new buildings, a large German Sheppard emerged and came running to his master. Aaron was surprised to see Daryl with a pet. It was something that never came up in conversation before. He watched Daryl go to his bike and get it started. He looked back at Aaron and gave a signal that he was ready. The gate opened and the dog took off up the dirt road. Daryl revved his engine and rode out after his new companion. Aaron and Paul followed on horseback.

A little ways up the road, with Daryl out in front of them, Paul brought his horse up with Aaron’s. He didn’t speak, but Aaron could feel the tension.

“I know. You don’t have to say anything. I should have run it past you first, but there wasn’t enough time. I’m sorry if you’re upset that I asked Daryl to join us,” Aaron apologized.

“No. You were right to involve him. We need his skills right now. It’s just a little awkward working together. But this is about finding Eugene and nothing more.

Aaron smiled at him and nodded. “Thanks,” he said with relief. “I knew you’d understand.”

>>------->

They reached the place where they found Rosita and Daryl started tracking. They worked their way backwards, finding clues along the way. Daryl was suspicious of the dozens of footprints he found. “They seem more erratic for walkers. The dead walk straight, veering off here and there, probably because something caught their attention. These prints look like … confusion, like they started one way, stopped and changed direction multiple times in a small area.”

“Maybe Rosita threw them off somehow to draw them away from Eugene,” Aaron suggested.

“Whatever happened, they went that way.” Daryl led the others in the direction that the herd went, cautiously moving along through the woods. Daryl’s dog stayed close unless he was given a command to go ahead of them. Aaron was amazed by how well trained the dog was. He wondered how Daryl came to own him.

They reached the edge of a glade, and so far there was no sign of the herd.

“I’m going to see what I can see,” Paul said. Before he went, he touched Aaron’s arm, tracing his hand down to meet Aaron’s hand. Their fingers linked a moment before they separated, and Paul took off at a trot.

Daryl commanded the dog to go. The Sheppard took off at a full run all the way across the glade and into the tree line on the other side. “While Jesus heads that way, Dog will scope out the opposite way.

“Aren’t you worried about him getting caught by walkers?” Aaron asked.

“Naw. I trained him to keep his distance. He’ll come back and tell me if the herd is ahead.”

“What’s his name?” Aaron wondered.

Daryl shrugged. “I just call him Dog.”

The silence was a little awkward, and Daryl was shuffling his feet like he always did when he was nervous, or had more questions. “So, you two are good still?” he asked.

“We’re good. Really good,” Aaron smiled, but it faded quickly. “Actually, things got a little intense right before we saw Rosita’s flare.” Daryl was waiting for him to continue. “Paul, uh … he, uh … he proposed to me.”

Daryl observed him closely for a moment before speaking, and it made Aaron uncomfortable. “Mmm,” he grunted, and turned to look for his canine companion.

“Really? That’s all you got to say? No, congratulations? No, Aaron what the hell are you thinking?” Aaron said. He realized he sounded like he needed Daryl’s approval, and maybe in a way he did. It was very confusing.

“Is that what you want to hear from me, or is that what you’re saying to yourself?” Daryl said it in a way that seemed like he’d been forced to participate.

Aaron hung his head. “I don’t know. I really don’t.”

Daryl could see the conflict on Aaron’s face. He was genuinely confused, and although Daryl really didn’t want any part of it, he wouldn’t be a dick about it either. “What’d you tell him?”

Aaron gave a sigh. “I told him I needed to think about it.”

“But you’ve been together for years. What’s left to think about?” Daryl wanted to sound helpful, but on the inside, he was kind of glad to know Aaron didn’t say yes.

“I know and you think it would be an easy decision, but I know what comes along with saying yes. I’m just not sure I’m ready to make the changes.”

Daryl watched him out of the corner or his eye, hidden beneath long strands of dark hair. “You’ll figure it out. You always do,” he said softly.

After a little while, Dog came back. He was barking frantically until Daryl shushed him. Once Paul returned, Daryl addressed both of them. “They’re not far. We’ll make our way across the field and get a better idea of where they are. We find the herd, then we’ll be able to keep an eye on them, draw them away and find Eugene. I know where there’s a barn not far from here. I’m betting we’ll find Eugene there.”

“Sounds like a plan,” Aaron said. He noticed how Paul seemed to stay quiet and observe. Even though they were concentrating on finding Eugene, it was still a strange situation between the three of them, and Aaron was in the middle.

They eventually found the herd and trailed them a little ways. The herd had wandered into an open field. Daryl, Aaron and Paul took cover in a stand of trees on the other side. Paul and Aaron knelt behind a rotted fallen tree and watched with a pair of binoculars they brought with them. Daryl stood in the back and watched with his naked eyes, his dog sitting patiently next to him.

“Huh, that’s odd,” Paul said as he observed the herd.

“What’s that?” Aaron questioned.

“They seem to be lingering around in the same place. I’ve never seen them behave that way before,” Paul said. He handed the binoculars to Aaron.

Aaron watched as they seemed to be walking in circles, not moving from the spot where they were. “That is weird, unless there’s something over there keeping their attention.”

“If they were feeding, we’d see it from here,” Paul said.

“Can I have a look?” Daryl asked, stepping forward. Aaron handed him the binoculars. Daryl watched for a minute. “That ain’t right. Walkers don’t move together like that. They keep wandering straight. They don’t gather like that.”

“Some kind of new behavior pattern maybe?” Paul suggested.

“I’m not sure what’s going on, but we can’t worry about that right now. That herd stands between us and the way we need to go. We’ll give them a wide birth, go around on the opposite side of the field, keep to the trees, and avoid them,” Daryl said. He started walking the way he suggested, and whistled for his dog. He came running and took the lead. Aaron and Paul followed, but at a slight distance.

After making it past the herd, Daryl started tracking again. Aaron could see him up ahead, stopping every once in a while to listen or sniff the wind. He was always out front, as though he was giving the couple as much space as they needed.

“I miss this,” Paul said. “The freedom of being out here.”

“I miss the days of recruiting, finding people in trouble and helping them, the look on their faces when I would walk them through Alexandria’s gates. It felt like I was saving the world,” Aaron reminisced.

“You mean you and him, don’t you?” Paul gestured to Daryl with a nod of his head.

Aaron breathed deep and rolled his eyes. “Come on. Don’t do that.”

Realizing his mistake right away, Paul grabbed Aaron’s arm and pulled him close as they walked along a field. “I’m sorry,” Paul apologized. “That was really stupid of me.”

Awkward silence fell between them. They both kept their eyes on the path and further ahead of them. Daryl’s dog would run out a little ways, and then come back to him, warning of any danger. But so far everything was calm and quiet.

Aaron gave Paul a sideways glance every once in a while, noticing that Paul seemed on edge. That might account for his earlier comment. “Something’s bothering you. I can tell,” Aaron said.

“I was just thinking of home, and how everyone will be looking to me for answers when I get back.” Paul sounded drab.

“Why did you take up the position if you didn’t want to lead?” Aaron wondered.

“I only stepped in because Maggie left, and someone needed to keep the community moving. But I did it with the intention of giving it right back. How was I to know she wasn’t coming back, at least not for a while?”

Aaron moved in front of Paul, spun around and started walking backwards. “You sell yourself short. You’ve got all the potential to make a great leader. That’s why the people come to you. They trust you. But you have to stay longer than a New York minute.”

“Or I could leave and go back to Alexandria with you,” Paul said almost to himself. “Have you given it any more thought?”

“I haven’t stopped thinking about it,” Aaron said.

“If you say yes then one of us is going to have to move,” Paul mentioned.

Feeling pressured, Aaron decided they should put the conversation to the side and concentrate on the problem at hand. “Right now, my biggest concern is Eugene.” He hated himself as soon as he said it, and couldn’t help but notice Paul's disappointment. He couldn’t let things hang this way. He moved in close to Paul and rubbed shoulders as they walked. “I promise that once we find Eugene and get back to Hilltop, I’ll have your answer.”

That seemed to cheer Paul up a little, and he smiled at Aaron. “I’ll hold you to that.”

Daryl stopped walking and held out a hand toward Aaron and Paul. Everyone stopped as their situation seemed to be turning serious again.

“You all hear that?” Daryl asked. Paul and Aaron strained their ears. In the distance, there was a faint sound of a herd.

“You don’t think that’s the same one, do you?” Aaron asked.

“Can’t say for certain,” Daryl said, intently looking out over the distance. He pulled an alarm clock out of his pack and threw it as hard as he could. It sailed through the air, landing a long distance from where they stood. They waited for the timer to go off. When it did, walkers slowly came out of the tree line across the field “That will keep them busy for a little while.” It would also allow them to get an idea of the size of the herd.

Walkers kept coming, and it was soon discovered that this group was probably double the size of the last. Aaron had a bad feeling about it all. “You think this is the same herd?” he asked no one in particular.

“Might be a different one, or our herd joined up with another one,” Paul pointed out.

“Doesn’t matter as long as they go in a different direction,” Daryl said. A moment later, he was on his way, whistling for his dog to follow.

Aaron and Paul glanced at one another. “This doesn’t feel right. If this is the same herd, then what are they doing here. We left them a while ago.”

“It’s like were being followed, but they shouldn’t have been able to pick up our scent. We were careful,” Paul said, and he and Aaron hurried to catch up with Daryl.

>>------->

Night had closed in, and with it a thick fog that seemed to spill across the land. The atmosphere was uncomfortably close. All three men had flashlights, but they weren’t much help in the thick white soup that surrounded them. They carefully made their way along the landscape. Aaron and Paul still followed Daryl, and they trusted that he knew how to navigate in the deteriorating conditions.

“Here it is,” Daryl announced, and out of the fog emerged a building, the barn they had been pursuing for hours.

They cautiously went inside, but it was empty. Daryl sent Dog in, and commanded him to sniff out Eugene. The Sheppard went around and stopped on the other side of the barn, crying as he stood on top of a pile of hay. The men approached, and Aaron called out to Eugene in a shouted whisper. “Eugene, are you there?”

At first, there was no answer. They worried they’d come all this way for nothing, or something more sinister awaited them. And then they heard Eugene’s weak and frightened voice from below the floor. “Here.”

Everyone started kicking hay out of the way and found a trap door. Daryl saw a handle and pulled, revealing a frightened and injured Eugene. All three men pulled him out and helped him sit on the floor.

“Are you all right?” Aaron asked.

“I took a hard fall, and I believe I dislocated my knee,” Eugene said.

“Can you walk on it?” Paul asked.

“Barely, but I’ll manage. We need to get out of here. They’re coming for me.” Eugene’s voice was shaky with absolute fear.

“We saw the herd. Daryl took care of them. They couldn’t have followed us here,” Aaron said.

“No,” Eugene demanded. “They’re looking for me. They’ve been by here twice so far, and they’re coming back. This isn’t an ordinary herd. There’s signs of intelligence. They were … whispering.”

“What do you mean whispering?” Daryl said.

“These aren’t your ordinary run of the mill walkers. They … they were whispering, talking to each other, and they said they were looking for me.” Eugene looked from one person to the other, and recognized the disbelief on their faces. “I know you think I’m crazy, but Rosita heard them too. She’ll testify on my behalf.”

Paul and Aaron stood together, and glance at each other when Eugene said this. They could read each other’s minds, and they were thinking, besides injuring his knee, Eugene might have hit his head too. “We need to get him to Hilltop soon,” Paul said. Aaron nodded in agreement.

At that moment, Dog started barking toward the barn door. Daryl looked back at the others. “Eugene was right. They’re coming. We have to move. Now!”

Paul and Aaron each took a side and helped shuffle Eugene out of the barn. Daryl led the way, his bow raised, looking around in every direction. They made it out to a road, and let Eugene take a moment to rest. He was still going on about this strange new class of walker. Aaron wasn’t there for the conversation. He hung back to see what the herd was doing.

“I think they’re evolving,” Eugene said after rambling on about evolution.

“They can’t evolve. They’re dead,” Paul argued. His nerves were wearing thin. Eugene was a good guy, but when he was scared, he wouldn’t listen to reason.

“Technically, there is still a part of the brain that is up and running, allowing them to walk. As long as there’s the slightest sign of life, it can evolve. That’s how every species has crawled out of the primordial goo and survived. Walkers can’t be much different.”

“Bullshit,” Daryl said, glaring at Eugene, but there was something in his eyes that said he wasn’t convinced what Eugene was saying was all bullshit.

Paul gestured for Daryl to step to the side and join him away from Eugene. They went off to the side to talk. “You think there’s some truth in what Eugene is suggesting?” Paul asked honestly.

“Man, I don’t know. I guess anything is possible. I’m not fully convinced that’s what happened.”

Paul nodded and kicked at the ground in front of him. “I wanted to say thanks for coming along. You didn’t have to, and I know it’s been kind of weird.”

“Yeah, well, I’m out here to do one thing, and that’s to get Eugene and everyone else back to Hilltop, safe and sound. After that, I’ll be out of your hair.” Daryl stepped back before his tongue said something his brain didn’t agree with.

Paul sensed his hostility. He should have left it alone, but he felt like he needed to speak of it, maybe clear the air between them. He couldn’t stand here and not say something. “I’m guessing that Aaron told you about us, about my proposal?” he asked cautiously.

“Mmm hmm,” Daryl mumbled. He couldn’t look at Paul. This was the last thing he wanted to know or to talk about. Although he was focused on finding and helping Eugene, he was still uncomfortable being around Paul and Aaron. That’s why he walked out front most of the way. Seeing Aaron with someone else was clearly painful to his heart. He might not even have come but for the fact that it was Aaron who had asked.

“Unfortunately it’s not official yet. He didn’t give me an answer one way or the other.” Paul sounded disappointed.

Why was Paul telling him this? Was he looking for approval? Did he think Daryl would offer to speak with Aaron and convince him to say yes? “Look man, whatever is going on with you two is your business.”

Paul was about to speak, and Daryl’s stomach twisted as he cringed. Before Paul could continue, Aaron came running out of a line of trees and joined up with the others. He looked frantic. “They’re closing in on us. We need to move and now.”

“How is that possible?” Paul said with frustration. “We left that herd way behind. They couldn’t have followed, and they couldn’t have found us so fast if they did.”

“I don’t know what’s going on, but they’ve circled back and their hot on our trail,” Aaron said with urgency.

“You all need to go without me,” Eugene said. “I’ll just slow you down.”

“We came out here specifically to find you,” Paul argued. “We’re not leaving you behind.” Paul glanced at Daryl and then to Aaron as an idea formed. “You two take Eugene. I’ll hang back and distract the herd.”

“No,” Aaron said quickly, frightened by the thought.

The desperate way Aaron protested separating from Paul was like having one of his arrows pierce his heart. Daryl thought he was over Aaron. It had been six years since they split apart, but there was obviously something still there, and it was making his heart break all over again. He needed to get away, even if it meant putting himself at the mercy of a large herd. “Both of you take Eugene and get back to the horses. I’m going to draw the herd away.” He reached into his bag and pulled out a string of firecrackers.

“We’re not leaving without you,” Aaron demanded. He put a hand on Daryl’s arm. “We go together. Remember?”

Daryl remembered. The last time he tried to sacrifice himself for Aaron had been years ago. They’d gotten themselves trapped inside a car, surrounded by walkers inside the yard of a food warehouse. Daryl had been willing to jump out of the car and distract the walkers just enough so that Aaron could safely make it out and get to the other side of the fence that surrounded the place. Aaron wouldn’t let him, saying that they would go together or not at all. It had been at the beginning of their relationship, back when Daryl thought they had the rest of their lives to spend together, no matter how long or short that would be.

“Not this time,” Daryl said. He could tell by the look in Aaron’s eyes that he had the same memory.

“You shouldn’t go alone. Me or Paul will go with you,” Aaron suggested.

“I ain’t alone. I got Dog.” Daryl seemed proud of his canine friend, like he was his most trusted partner. “Besides, it will take two people to move Eugene along faster. You better get going. This fog is only going to get thicker.” Daryl started off on his own. He called for his dog, and the two of them disappeared into the white haze surrounding them.

>>------->

Daryl was hiding inside an old box truck that had once been used as a lookout station. He already knew about this place, and came here from time to time when he needed a change of scenery. The side and back of the truck was missing, so it didn’t give him much cover except for the roof. Inside was a table, chair and a small couch. He had a makeshift bed already set up inside. A ladder on the only covered side of the box truck led to the top, where he could observe the immediate area, and keep watch for walkers. That’s where he was now, watching the herd as it entered a glade, still moving in Aaron and Paul's direction. He took out the string of firecrackers and lit it. Daryl tossed it as far as he could with his strong arm. It landed at the back of the herd, and started popping like guns being fired. Dog started barking, and Daryl encouraged him to continue, needing the extra noise. If the herd turned toward him, they would leave before it was too late.

At first, the herd turned and started wandering toward the exploding firecrackers, but before they had finished going off, the front of the herd turned back in the direction they were originally moving.

“The fuck?” Daryl said to himself as he watched in astonishment. Never in all these years since the world turned had he ever seen walkers ignore sound. It’s what drove them. So, how was it possible that they were turning a deaf ear to the loud noise and choosing to keep following Eugene, Aaron and Paul? He had thought Eugene was crazy earlier, but now he was starting to think the man was right. Could it be that the walkers were in fact evolving and making intelligent decisions?

Daryl signaled to his dog to stop barking, and he stopped immediately. Even the extra sound Dog made didn’t make a difference. “Something ain’t right about this,” he commented to himself. There wasn’t time to try and figure it out. He had to get going, and catch up to the other three before the herd did. “Dog!” he commanded, as he jumped down from the truck. Daryl and his companion took off, sticking to the trees to keep from being seen. He knew they were heading back to the place where they left the horses, so that’s where he would eventually catch up to them.

>>------->

Paul, Aaron and Eugene moved along as swiftly as they could. It was difficult to navigate in the fog, but they thought they were going the right direction. Paul kept an ear out for the sound of walkers, but what he hoped to hear was the nervous whinnying of their horses.

They traveled along silently, except for Eugene groaning with pain every now and then. Aaron was proud of the way he fought back the need to ramble on endlessly, as he usually did when he was frightened. He wasn’t quite as timid as he used to be, but in this situation it would have been understandable. With Eugene behaving himself, Aaron’s thoughts turned to Daryl out there alone with a herd on his heels. He felt Paul’s attention on him from time to time, checking to see how he was faring. The truth was, he was worried about Daryl.

“He shouldn’t have gone alone,” Aaron commented.

“He’s just trying to buy us some time. He’ll catch up,” Paul stated.

“The rule is that we stick together,” Aaron complained.

“You of all people should know that the rules don’t apply to him,” Paul returned.

“I’ve known Daryl for a long time now, and I’ve seen him get himself out of some pretty sticky situations,” Eugene said. “I’m more worried for us than for him.”

“That’s a comforting thought,” Paul said with a roll of his eyes.

“Something’s not right,” Aaron said after a while. “We should have found the horses by now.”

“We can’t see a damn thing in this fog. Must have taken a wrong turn,” said Paul, frustrated.

Just as he spoke, they were met with a concrete wall that was too high to go over. They moved along the wall, and thought they had found a way through. An iron fence loomed in front of them, but it was part of the wall, not a gate that they had hoped it would be. Paul gestured that they keep moving and looking for a way through.

The fog that had set in was an earie reminder of how vulnerable they were. Visibility was almost nonexistent, and sound was muffled. Danger could be upon them any second, and they might not know until it was too late. They had to get out of their situation as quickly as possible.

The growling of walkers reached their ears before they saw anything. Like apparitions, they came out of the mist, slowly shuffling their way toward the men.

“Go, go, go,” said Aaron eagerly.

They moved further along, and finally found a place where the brick had fallen away. “Through here,” Aaron said to Eugene. After helping him squeeze through the narrow passage, Aaron and Paul followed, and hoped the walkers wouldn’t be able to find the entrance. A quick look around, and they realized they were in a cemetary. It seemed fitting with the deteriorating atmosphere closing in on them.

“There has to be a gate somewhere,” Paul said.

“Let’s keep moving, all the way across,” Aaron told the other two, and they made their way past the tombstones.

Just as he’d said, Aaron found the gate. It stood before him, iron bars reaching skyward. “Oh thank God,” said Aaron with relief, but as they pushed on the gate, it wouldn’t budge. Paul checked for a lock but there wasn’t one. When they looked down at the ground, they found the problem. Dirt buried the bottom of the gate, making it impossible to push open.

Paul and Aaron started moving dirt with their feet, pushing and kicking, trying the gate now and then, but they were still trapped. Eugene stood to the side, a look of pure terror on his face. He was gazing into the fog where they had just come from. “Guys?” he said in a small voice.

Aaron and Paul turned to see walkers emerging from the fog. The tombstones were slowing them down, but they were almost upon them.

“Keep at the gate,” Paul told Aaron, and he produced a sword from his side. He stood guard and took out a couple of the closest walkers.

Aaron kept kicking dirt, and Eugene joined him, even with his injured knee. Aaron looked over his shoulder from time to time, watching to make sure Paul was all right. The sound of the walkers seemed to move away. Either that or the fog somehow shifted, muffling the sound even more than it already was. Aaron paused for a moment and turned, looking at Paul for his reaction. It wasn’t long after that when more walkers shuffled out of the fog. This time there were too many for Paul to handle alone. Aaron came to stand beside him, knife in hand. Both men looked at each other and drew from the others strength. Paul managed a wicked smile, and Aaron knew what he was thinking. They were finally going to fight side by side once again, and Aaron was going to try out his new moves.

“Are you ready for this?” Paul asked.

“Let’s do it,” answered Aaron, feeling the adrenaline pulsing through his veins.

There was a certain excitement and electricity that coursed through their bodies whenever they fought alongside one another. It was dangerous and feral, and they fed off of each other’s passion for a fight. It was stimulating and sent a vibration that could be felt in the air around them. It was the closest thing to a bloodlust that Aaron could imagine. They were unstoppable against the walkers, feeling as though they could take the entire herd down, just the two of them.

“Keep at the gate,” Aaron told Eugene, eyes never leaving Paul as they geared up for the fight.

Paul went to Aaron and kissed him with abandon. It was quick, but filled with passion, and Aaron returned the feelings. The next moment, they were looking into the fog, waiting for the moment to strike. And then they were stepping into the thick of it.

Aaron’s knife sunk into a skull, released and found another one. A third walker came at him from the side. He put his metal arm out, and the walker bit down on it. At the same time, Aaron twisted and knifed it in the head. With a moment to take in his surroundings, he watched as Paul went full ninja on the walkers. He was spinning and twisting, sword flashing in the fog, turning dark crimson with old blood. At one point, he jumped in the air, kicked and pushed off of one walker, stabbing it in the process, and then spun in midair, only to land safely as he pulled his sword from another skull.

Aaron felt he’d never be as good as Paul, but he’d do his damnedest to try. He was so intent on watching Paul fight, he nearly got attacked on his right, his good side as he like to call it. From out of nowhere, an arrow sunk into its head. The first thing he noticed was that it wasn’t one of Daryl’s arrows. He look back toward the gate, and saw Michonne with two of the women from the new group, Magna and Yumiko.

“The gate is stuck in the dirt. We need to get Eugene out of here. He can’t climb with his leg in the shape it’s in,” Aaron told her before he went back to fighting.

At one point, he looked over at Paul and saw him smile back, a look of pure fighting lust because they were winning the battle. It gave Aaron a surge of the same feeling, and he went back to slashing and stabbing the oncoming walkers.

Another arrow hit a walker too close to Aaron, but this time he recognized it. Daryl was here. Aaron felt such relief knowing he’d found them, especially after feeling bad about him going off alone. But none of them were alone. Friends both new and old came to their aid, just as it had always been, and how it should be going into the future. Together they were stronger, and the herd didn’t stand a chance.

“We got it!” Michonne yelled. “Come on. The gate’s open.”

Aaron and Paul looked back and saw the others helping Eugene squeeze through. They couldn’t stop yet, there were still too many walkers too close to abandon them. A few more arrows, a combination of Daryl’s and Yumiko’s, found their targets, and then Daryl was suddenly inside the cemetary with Aaron and Paul.

“Come on!” Daryl commanded. “We gotta get out of here before we’re surrounded.” He grasped Aaron’s shoulder and tugged him toward the gate.

Aaron looked back at Paul, but he wasn’t ready to quite just yet. “You both go first. I’m right behind you.” He kept fighting, holding off the walkers so that Aaron and Daryl could leave.

Aaron went first. It was a tight squeeze through the gate, and his jacket caught, slowing him down a little. He made it though, and turned back hoping to see Daryl and Paul right behind him. Daryl was about to step through, but Paul was still out there fighting.

“Paul, come on!” Aaron yelled. He watched Paul turn to the gate, take a couple steps, slash his sword at a walker’s head, decapitating it, and then moving to the gate again. Only one more walker was in his way. He raised his sword, prepared to bring it down on its skull. Aaron was relieved that he was almost done so he would follow the rest and they could leave.

The group watched as something horrible played out in front of them. Everyone was on the other side of the gate, except Daryl and Paul. Daryl was just putting one foot through the gate when he heard a muffled cry and the sound of flesh being impaled. Before he turned to see what was happening, he saw the looks of utter shock and terror on everyone’s faces. But it was Aaron’s expression and the guttural cry he released that impacted him the most, and he knew something devastating just happened. By the time Daryl looked back, Paul was falling to the ground, and one of the walkers was standing behind him with a knife in its hand, staring right back at him with eyes that weren’t cloudy and yellowed, but clear and dark. Without a second thought, Daryl raised his crossbow and fired at the walker. The arrow sunk into its head and it slumped to the ground.

Aaron saw the whole thing play out in front of him, and he couldn’t believe what he’d just seen. Paul was fighting the dead and taking them out one by one, when suddenly one walker attacked him. He watched as it stood straight, dodged Paul's sword, came up behind him and stabbed him in the chest from behind. The point of a knife or a short sword protruded from Paul's chest, just to the side of where his protective Kingdom armor laid. Aaron could hardly comprehend what was happening, but as he watched Paul drop to the ground and gasp for air, all he could think to do was go to him.

“No!” he cried in one long scream, a voice that he did not recognize. He pushed someone out of his way, and grabbed the gate, pulling it so he could get through. He felt someone’s hands on him, and they were telling him not to go, but there wasn’t a force strong enough on the planet that would stop him from going to Paul.

In the meantime, Daryl, who was still inside the cemetary, and who was the only one close to Paul, ran to him. He slid on his knees the last few feet and looked down at Paul, saw the blood gushing from his chest, and heard him gasping for air. Daryl had seen enough death to know there was no hope for Paul to survive such a wound.

Paul's eyes turned to see Daryl hovering above him. His lips were moving, but barely a sound came out. It was obvious he was trying to say something. Daryl leaned down, putting his ear right next to Paul's mouth and listened.

“He … h-he never stopped … love … loving you,” Paul struggled to say. “It w-was … always … y-you.”

Daryl moved back so he could see Paul's face and found him struggling to smile.

“Be w-with him … D-Daryl. That … that’s the w-way it should … have a-always … been.” And with that, Paul exhaled his last breath and went still.

Aaron shrugged off the hands holding him back, and pushed through the gate. He ran to Paul, ignoring the fact that there was still danger lurking close by. Daryl moved out of the way, and Aaron took his spot. He saw the wound and covered it with his hands as if to stop the bleeding.

“Paul, can you hear me? You gotta hang in there,” he said through sobs. “Don’t leave me, Paul. I … love you. Please, be okay.” Aaron felt a gentle hand cusp his shoulder, a grip that was all too familiar to him.

“He’s gone,” said Daryl, barely above a whisper. “I’m sorry, Aaron, but there was nothing we could have done.”

“He can’t be,” Aaron cried, tears falling on Paul's metal chest plate. But saying it didn’t make it true, and he knew Paul had passed. He’d seen Daryl leaning down to hear something Paul said, and he wanted to know.

“What did he say?” Aaron asked Daryl. “He said something to you. What was it? Please, tell me.”

“I don’t know. I couldn’t understand him,” Daryl lied. Something felt wrong about repeating a man’s dying wish right now, especially Paul's wish.

Aaron’s attention went back to Paul. He just stared at him, cupping his face, brushing a stray hair behind his ear, taking up his hand and feeling the lingering warmth, as though he was still alive. A part of him was hoping he’d start breathing again, or that he would feel his hand squeeze his own, any sign that there was still hope. But his rational side knew Paul was dead. This man, this strong, intelligent, beautiful, loving man was gone from his life forever. He couldn’t think about what happened or how it didn’t make sense. He couldn’t care less about the herd, which he could still faintly hear around them.

“Do you want me to … take care of him?” Daryl asked politely. There was still the matter of making sure Paul didn’t reanimate.

“No. It has to be me. It has to be someone he loved, someone who loved him. Carl told me that once. Just … give me another moment,” Aaron said. He knew once he put the knife in the base of Paul's skull, it would make his death feel real.

Daryl left him, and the others came into the cemetary to examine the dead walker, and find out why it attacked like the living. Aaron couldn’t dwell on that right now. He looked down at Paul's youthful beautiful face and cursed the universe for allowing such a thing to happen to someone so pure of heart, so wonderful. Very gently, he lifted Paul's head and turned it to the side. He leaned down and whispered in his ear. “I’m sorry I didn’t say yes. I wanted to. I should have. I probably would have when we got home. But you knew I loved you, and you will always have a place in my heart.”

Aaron took his knife from its sheath, brought the tip to the base of Paul's skull, cradled his head with his fake arm, and slid the knife within. When it was done, he rocked back on his knees, and said a silent prayer that Paul was in a better place.
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Safe Haven in the Chaos