Beauty and Her Beast (Daryl Dixon Fanfic)

30

Lori, Beth, Carl and I all stood around Hershel as he pulled himself into a sitting position on the bed. "Just take your time." Lori smiled.

Hershel went to stand up, straining. "Daddy, don't push yourself." Beth said nervously.

Hershel chuckled. "What else am I going to do?" He pulled himself to his feet quickly, taking the crutches from Lori. "I can't stand looking up at the bottom of that bunk anymore-" Hershel wobbled, almost falling, but Lori and I steadied him.

"Take it easy, Hershel. There's no point in rushing. We have plenty of time." I smiled, patting his shoulder. Hershel took a deep breath, tapping the crutches on the floor.

"You know, I think I'm pretty steady." He said to Lori.

He moved forward a few paces. "That's a good start. Want to take a rest?"

"Rest?" Hershel chuckled. "Let's go for a little stroll."

We made our way outside, Lori standing in front of him to help him down the stairs. He wobbled a bit, leaning backwards, but eventually regained his balance. Once we got down the stairs, Hershel picked up a good speed. "You cleared all those bodies out? It's starting to look like a place we could really live in."

"Hey, you watch your step." Lori said nervously, placing a hand on his arm. "The last thing we need is you falling."

"You're doing great, daddy." Beth smiled.

"Ready to race, Hershel?" Carl asked.

Hershel nodded. "Give me another day. I'll take you on." Carl chuckled.

We stopped walking, just looking around at our misfit family, enjoying this peaceful moment. It's very rare that we have moments like these anymore. Everything finally seemed to be getting better. Then, just like that, it was gone. "Walkers! Look out!" Carl shouted.

We all pulled out our guns, killing as many as we could. Beth got Hershel to safety, closing the two of them in a fenced in area. "How the hell did they get in here?!" I shouted, killing two more.

"That gate is open!" T-Dog yelled, running to close it.

"Maggie, we gotta get Lori out of here!" I yelled.

Maggie nodded in agreement. "Lori! Here!" Lori and Carl rushed over to us and we all ran back into C Block. We rushed towards the cells, but we were cut off by walkers. "This way!" Maggie said, rushing us towards another hall, closing the gate behind us.

Alarms started blaring all around the prison, red lights flashing. Carl led the way down the hall. Lori suddenly stopped, leaning against a wall and groaning.

"Can you keep up?" Maggie asked.

"Something's not right."

"Are you bit?"

"No, no, no. I think the baby's coming." Lori had a panicked look in her eyes.

Walkers came around the corner suddenly. "There's no time! Turn back!" Maggie and I helped Lori walk. Walkers started coming from the other direction as well, forcing us down another hall.

"In here!" Carl opened a door, letting us in and slamming it behind us.

We walked further into the room. Lori grabbed onto a chain, gasping in pain. "What are those alarms?" Lori asked.

"Don't worry about it."

"What if it attracts them?" Carl asked. None of us answered.

"Lori, let's lay you down." Maggie urged.