#twd terminus

[sainteangel]

Those who arrive, survive?

post prison, pre terminus twd

[starfruits-doing-smthng-sketchy]

Daryl: You ever get tired acting like a piece of shit?

Calcite: Who the fuck said I was energised?

———

Calcite: You know what? I’m glad we didn’t eat any of you, you all would’ve tasted like ass.

———

Rick: You see this machete. I’m going to use it to kill Gareth. And then I’m going to use it to kill you.

Calcite: Oh, well, let me know when that’ll be. I’ll add to my calendar.

———

Tara: How did you do it? I mean… eat people?

Calcite: Well, putting them at four hundred for twenty five to-

Tara: Okay… Forget I asked…

[starwarstbbfan]

The Walking Dead

Ok so I took a break from watching it cause life got crazy. Had posted some reactions to things that happened.

I’d heard about Terminus, and cannibals. Sounds just AWESOME. They escaped, yay.

Daryl’s reunion with Carol, HAPPY AND EMOTIONAL. Wanted to cry.

AND JUDITH

But-

Someone is watching them.

Bob was acting weird I was worried he maybe got bit. Then he wanders off and I’m sure we’re going to see a bite.

BOB GETS TAKEN

ANDTHEY’RE EATING HIS FUCKING LEG

LEGIT FELT LIKE THROWING UP. 🤢

Also Father Gabriel wtf you hiding. I am very much suspicious. 😒

I’m gonna need to mentally prepare myself for the next few episodes.

[tenpintsof-sundrop]

A thought before I go to bed:

Yeah, cannibalism sucks because it's really brutal and all, but I have never seen anybody talk about the fact that Terminus was a shitty community because they chose the most fucking unsustainable lifestyle when they chose to center their community around cannibalism.

Not only does cannibalism give you diseases if sustained over a long period of time (like it might be okay if performed once as an absolute last resort during an emergency) but long term, animals cannibalizing each other will cause disease. And this doesn't just go for human to human cannibalism, this does for cows and other types of animals as well.

And it is ironic that Gareth and his crew ended up eating "tainted meat" when they consumed part of Bob - because it does bring up the question of what would happen if you ate an infected person - and I am kind of upset that they were killed before we could actually see the affects of that play out. I want to know if they were right about it - that cooking "the meat" would have killed off the infection or if they all would have actually become infected from it.

Especially considering that it didn't seem like they inspected people for bites before they put them into the trailers to hold them hostage. Which poses two huge problems - one, a person could be infected like Bob was, therefore making them "tainted meat" or worse, the person who goes into the storage container to be held prisoner has a bite on them and turns into a Walker before they are bled by the Termites in their routine, and they become a time bomb that turns the entire container of a dozen or more people into Walker food or yellow Walkers by biting them - making all those people non edible.

Not to mention that after a plague like the one that hit The Walking Dead Universe, humans are literally the least sustainable food source ever. At the beginning of S3, Rick says that he estimates that "at least half" of the population has been wiped out, but it's likely more than that, and it's already made clear that the Termites don't eat Walkers because of their disease. And even if cannibalism is dumb and unethical, you would have to be infinitely stupider to eat rotting flesh.

So they only eat live people.

But literally - how many living people are there to kill and eat?

They are counting on people seeing the signs - and the signs sprawl out for miles, so how much time and resources did they waste, sending out people to walk the tracks and camp for nights in order to put up the signs? And then they are counting on people seeing the signs, trusting that what the signs say are real, following the signs, and stumbling into their trap. Which - is already based more on coincidence than an actual hunting strategy.

And from the looks of the storage room that Carol comes across, they have already killed hundreds of people (which, I am surprised that so many people have fallen into the trap, but hey, it's for a horror effect) - so they have to be running out of people to kill. Realistically the tracks and the signs don't run all across the entire state of Georgia, and somehow, even if they do, with the population drastically lowered from the initial plague spreading and people being distrustful of the signs (and people also dying from killing each other - like when the Governor murdered people) realistically, how many people are left alive who are going to follow the tracks in order to be murdered and eaten by you?

And yes, they had a small garden that Glenn and Maggie pass on their way in - but it was small. And it was made up of seedlings with short leaves, as if it was new. (And as if it was mostly for show, to show that they have other food sources.)

With the way they lined up the men at the trough to be bled, it seemed like they were serious about the yield because cannibalism is their primary food source. Which makes them scary, but it also makes them incredibly stupid - because eventually, people would stop showing up at their gates and they would just starve.

Or - as someone pointed out - another group like the initial group of rapists that took over could come along and rock their shit. (Which, in this case, was Rick's group - without the rape part.) Having signs pointing to your home when you have no clue what kind of people will be reading those signs is also not sustainable.

Overall - a scary group in theory but just really stupid people

[the-delta-42]

The Walking Dead Game What Ifs: What if the Cabin group found Terminus?

[TWDG What Ifs Master List] [Volume 1]

[First] [Previous] [Next]

Terminus

What if the Cabin group found Terminus? Prompt Submitted FilipBalogh on AO3

Requests On Hold

Author’s Note: The submitter has added the stipulation that Terminus didn’t resort to cannibalism.

Clementine looked at Kenny’s back. The group she was now with had run into Kenny’s group and ended up joining with them. The plan had been to get to Wellington, but then Sarita, Kenny’s girlfriend, spotted a sign for a community called Terminus, so now they were following the train tracks down into Georgia.

Not for the first time, Clementine wondered if Carver was still following them, but shook the thought from her mind.

“Do you think Terminus is near… there?” Asked Clementine, getting a sigh from Kenny.

“I hope not, Clem.” Answered Kenny, “I don’t want to run the risk of seeing our friends.”

“Lee had me shoot him.” Said Clementine, “And Lee said Chuck took himself out, and you put Ben down…”

Kenny sighed, before looking back at Clementine, “I know, Clem… but it just one of those things you know ain’t gonna happen, but the fear’s still there.”

Clementine gave Kenny a silent nod, making note that Carlos was coaxing Sarah to keep following them.

“I hope there’s food there.” Said Clementine, getting a chuckle from Kenny.

“You and me both, darling.”

T

Gareth sighed through his nose; they’d barely managed to depose that gang that has made them prisoners in their own home. One of the more tortured guys in the community said they should eat them, they’d lost around fifty people, Gareth wasn’t too sure, but over half the community was gone, so people were a bit more crazy than usual.

“Gareth.” His mother’s voice got his attention, “There’re people coming.”

Looking around, Gareth didn’t see them at first, then he saw a heavily pregnant woman being supported by a heavy-set man with a medium sized group. His hand went to his gun, then he spotted a couple of girls, one with red glasses and a little girl, no older than twelve.

“I think,” Gareth’s voice was slow, “they’re harmless.”

A few hours, and screaming, later, the two groups had introduced themselves and the pregnant woman, Rebecca, gave birth to a baby boy.

“Sorry we don’t have much.” Said Gareth, leaning back in a chair, “But, since we only got rid of them pricks a week or two ago. We’re still putting down and burying the dead.”

“Know the feeling.” Said the bearded man, Kenny, “The first group Clem and me were in was attacked by bandits, we lost four people from it.”

“You and Clementine the only survivors?” Asked Gareth, glancing at Kenny.

“No, there were two others,” Answered Kenny, “but, they died a couple days after. Ben fell off a roof and got impaled by a piece of metal, and Lee… Lee got bit. I think Clem’s still beating herself up about it.”

Gareth watched Clementine talk with the other girl in their group, she acted much older than she was, he’d already found she had a mouth on her, given how much she swore when some dressings for an animal on her arm got changed, part of him wondered what she’d gone through to act as old as she did.

“Well,” Said Gareth, after a moment, “you’re not a threat to us and, frankly, you all have some skills we could use.”

T

The people who’d been chasing them turned up, Gareth knew it was going to sound corny, but he could feel they were trouble the moment he saw them. Fortunately, since the other way in was blocked, the new arrivals only realistic approach was from the front, which was open with very little cover, especially since they’d moved the box cars closer to the main building.

“Matthew and Nick aren’t back.” Said Clementine, popping up through a window in the roof.

“Found ‘em.” Said Alex, “They’re being held at gunpoint.”

“Maybe—” Clementine was cut off by a couple of gunshots.

“Shit.” Cursed Kenny, before aiming and firing at the approaching group.

Gareth looked down at Clementine, “Get inside, and get everyone away from the doors and windows.”

Clementine shakily nodded, before disappearing below. Gareth turned around in time to see Chuck get shot in the neck, as two others fell off the roof. Alex ducked away, spotting Mary and Cynthia leading those who couldn’t fight towards the back buildings, before he fired some more shots at the invading group.

They were vaguely aware of the leader of the invading group yelling for Rebecca, and Kenny paused when he saw some of the invading group running away from the fight, distracting Carver and his people. The distraction became a blessing to the Terminants, because it allowed them to hit Carver’s group without losing too many people.

Carver was shot in the back and neck, causing the man to fall to the ground and bleed out. Some people went out to the bodies and buried knives and other sharp implements into the brains of the dead. Gareth watched as the bodies were all piled into a heap and set alight, feeling someone appear at his elbow, the man glanced down and spotted Clementine.

“Is Carver dead?” Asked the girl, making Gareth look at the burning bodies.

“Well,” Sighed Gareth, “If he wasn’t before, he is now.”

T

In the following weeks of the battle, Carver’s deserters turned up, wanting to make peace and join them, it’d been difficult, but they were allowed in, especially since they had food and supplies that all of them needed. Clementine and Becca, one of the deserters, would routinely but head and had to be pulled apart on more than one occasion. The new arrivals all knew that they weren’t fully trusted, especially when one of them, a woman named Jane, tried to get people left behind when a supply run went sideways.

“Hello?!”

Luke and Alex looked up from the venison Gareth and Kenny managed to get, spotting a group of eight people, an even split of men and women, walking up to them.

“Hey.” Luke waved at them.

“We saw the signs.” Said one of the men, looking around, “Y’know, the whole sanctuary sort of thing?”

Luke frown, “Any of y’all know a guy named Sam?”

One of the women, a white brunette, shook her head.

“He stumbled here a couple of weeks ago,” Said Luke, “Said that there was a guy who had a community, told us that he and his girlfriend were gonna go with him, then his girlfriend got bit and he barely got out alive.”

“We don’t know him.” Said an Asian man, “He might’ve been one of the people Rick found, but we won’t know until we find him.”

“If he’s still alive.” Said the brunette.

Luke and Alex glanced at each other, before Luke went to get Gareth.

T

The eight people, who gave their names as Abraham, Rosita, Eugene, Bob, Sasha, Tara, Glenn and Maggie. Kenny recognised Glenn and Maggie recognised Kenny, which led to a small confrontation until Glenn managed to calm things down. They’d gotten some food into their new arrivals and got them situated in one of the box cars that’d converted into living areas. Abraham mentioned that Eugene was a scientist and worked with some fancy doctor, who was working on a cure.

That got Kenny’s attention and he started working out which line went to DC and roped in some others to help with making one of the trains operational. Then the rest of Glenn and Maggie’s group arrived, two men, Rick and Daryl, a woman, Michonne, and a boy a couple of years older than Clementine.

Eventually, they got a train running, the first eight survivors that arrived all choosing to go to Washington, with Kenny going with them. Clementine and Sarita tried to go with him, only for him to stop them.

“I don’t know what state the capital is in,” Said Kenny, getting a frown from Clementine, “and I ain’t willing to risk either of ya if things are fucked there.”

“It’s not in a state.” Said Clementine, “It’s between Virginia and Maryland, even I know that.”

Kenny let out a laugh, “You know what I mean, Clem.”

Clementine rubbed her eyes, as Kenny took his hat off, “Here, give this to AJ when he’s old enough.”

Clementine silently took the hat, as Kenny and Abraham’s group climbed onto the train and started to leave. Luke sighed, as the community watched the train slowly disappear, before he placed a hand on Clementine’s shoulder, “Don’t worry, Clem. He’ll be back once Eugene’s worked out that cure.”

Clementine sighed, before she vanished into one of the buildings. Luke looked at Carlos, who shrugged.

T

Over the next few weeks, they’d found a survivor holed up in a church, Father Gabriel, and that he’d did something horrible when the world fell. Clementine would often go out on supply runs with them, given the explicit instruction to stay near either Rick or Daryl, which was when they ran into Tyrese and Carol, who had Rick’s daughter Judith with them. Carol had tried to leave them after Tyrese and Judith were reunited with their group, but Rick told her to stay.

Rick and Daryl then left with Tyrese, Carol and some others for a few weeks, going to look for one of their missing. They were gone for a few weeks before they returned with a man, Noah, before telling them that the person they were looking for, a girl, Beth, was killed and Tyrese was bitten by a Walker when they tried to get Noah back to his home and died before they could get him back.

A few months later, Terminus fell. They weren’t attacked by an outside group, instead, some of Carver’s deserters; Jane, Bonnie and some Russians, took some supplies, mainly drugs and bullets, and blew a hole in the fence. In the chaos, all but six of the original Terminants were devoured, along with some of Carver’s other deserters; Russell, Wyatt, and Reggie, and some of Clementine’s original group; Alvin, Walter and Sarita. Bob was bit and Clementine had a near miss when Daryl saved her from a Walker.

The survivors, after all regrouping, started to head north, with Bob opting out of becoming a Walker. They travelled for several months, having to move fairly slow so they didn’t lose anyone else, before they found themselves approached by a man named Aaron and were taken in by Alexandria.

Clementine and the other kids were around people their own age for the first time in ages, but the group as a whole was majoritively kept at arms length. Which was ended by the time the skirmish with the Wolves took place.

Then the mess with the Saviors happened, which camed to a head with Vince and Gareth getting their heads caved in by Negan. Clementine shook herself, trying to forget about the whole line-up mess. Daryl had been taken, and the shock of seeing two of their friends be murdered in such a brutal fashion seemed to put Rick into a state of shock. She was lucky that Negan didn’t recognise her, or she might not have returned home.

Right now, the Saviors were claiming ‘half’ of their supplies, which turned out to be a code for ‘taking as much as they wanted’.

“Wouldn’t have expected to see you here.” A familiar voice came from behind Clementine.

Frowning, the girl turned and froze at the sight of Christa. Clementine opened her mouth, only to be hit on the back of her head with the butt of a rifle.

“Hey!” Snapped Christa, glaring at the Savior responsible, “Get back to work!”

“Something wrong?” Asked Negan, appearing behind Christa, before spotting Clementine, “Holy shit, ain’t that the little girl that stabbed me?”

“It is.” Nodded Christa, “Thought she could be an asset.”

“What?” Scoffed Negan, “So she can try again? You! Gimme that machete.”

Negan grabbed Clementine’s left arm, “She’s right-handed?” Christa gave him a reluctant nod, right before he swung the machete down and cut Clementine’s hand off. After leaving Clementine on the ground, missing a hand, Negan gathered his people up and left them. Carlos managed to apply a tourniquet to stop her from bleeding, while Sasha got a fire started so they could cauterize the wound.

T

A few weeks later, Luke turned up with a group of the six people who went to Washington. Glenn and Maggie brought up to speed with what happened, that Eugene lied, and that he wasn’t a scientist, which they’d only learned after they got to DC and found the place abandoned, they’d then gone back to Terminus and found it destroyed, with Kenny finding, and putting down, Sarita. They’d then followed the trail left by their group until it led them to Alexandria.

They, then, were brought up to speed with what happened to the group after they’d left. Glenn then suggested that they fight back, with Kenny and Abraham agreeing. After some discussion, Rick and the others agreed.

Kenny had almost blown his top when he saw Clementine was missing her hand, then there was the whole matter that Christa was with Negan. Soon, Rick and the other members of their group started going to the other communities and start recruiting them for the fight against the Saviors, which went well, until one of the communities sold them out and they were back where they started.

Clementine huffed as she followed Carl through the woods, the most adults had gone to the sanctuary with Rick and the others, taking the fight to Negan. Siddiq, a guy Carl had been helping, trailed behind her. Clementine had found them while Carl was struggling against a Walker, which she dealt with, and they were now heading back to Alexandria.

“Crazy how things have gotten, huh?” Asked Clementine, getting a glance from Carl.

“Not really, the world’s all kinds of messed up now.” Responded Carl, as they approached Alexandria.

“Think the others are okay?” Asked Clementine, as they led Siddiq into a sewer.

“There’s nothing that could go wrong.” Answered Carl, “Unless someone got cold feet and ratted.”

Clementine let out a snort, “Yeah, like that’ll happen.”

A few hours later, Clementine was cursing every god she could think of, as she limped through the sewers, leading Rick and Michonne to where Carl was sitting with the toddlers and other kids, as Carlos and Siddiq tended to the injured. They’d all assumed that it would end today, it never occurred to them that it was just the beginning.

T

It was over. They won. Eugene had abandoned them in favour of joining the Saviors, which apparently became the coalition’s saving grace. Now, they were all in The Kingdom, celebrating. Friends and families that were separated were coming back together and she and Carl got their hands on a bottle of amber liquid, the first few swigs were followed by coughing, but both of them were now used to it.

“What the hell?!” Kenny took the bottle of whiskey from the teens, “Who gave this to you?!”

“Found it.” Clementine gave him a dopey smirk, “No one claimed it and—” Clementine suddenly lurched forwards and threw up. A few feet away Rick sighed, before going over to Kenny to help him with the drunk children.

Next Story: What if the Motel and the Cabin Groups survived to TFS?

[hiro--aoki]

CANNIBALISM

gareth, this you?

[sheriffgrimes-archerdixon]

The pain of surviving

Warnings: angst, death, gore/ blood, cannibalism, dark themes, fucked up shit.

Set in time of the terminus.

It was fair to say life was shit. Everyone was starving- thirsty… exhausted.

Everyone had gotten over the fact that there was no cure for this virus. But you kept a positive outlook on life trying your best to cheer everyone up but that was incredibly difficult to do so. Everyone had given up. There really was no worth to life anymore. Everyone simply lived for no other reason than to survive. Survive the dark cruel world.

You weren’t afraid of the dead. But you were afraid of real living people. You had learnt that people are far more harmful than walkers. Living breathing people were more likely to kill mercilessly and you knew that. Rick lead the group down the train track, footsteps trudging against the stodgy ground. You slowly looked towards Daryl studying his expression- his jaw was clenched as he breathed heavily yet softly. He looked somewhat fearful for once in his life. You could tell easily how tired and hungry he was. He seemed to be silently fighting his inner demons. He had lost Merle and as much as he tried to hide the pain little cracks of pain shone throughout his expression every now and then “you okay? you can talk to-“ but before you could finish your sentence a gruff “I’m fine” left his lips. He always shut out everyone’s concerns especially yours. He didn’t like opening up to anyone as he hated being the slightest bit vulnerable especially in tough circumstances.

You remained silent continuing to walk along the tracks as a soft sigh left your lips. No one really talked, everyone stayed quiet- on high alert. “We’ve gotta find a shelter, somewhere safe. I don’t like the look of those clouds” rick murmured to no one in particular. Your body suddenly froze, your feet stopping in their tracks as a twig snapping just to the right of you grabbed your attention. You scanned the tree line and as you stared you caught onto slight movement. Daryl caught onto your silence and he paused looking back at you “we’ve got to keep moving, cmon” he said but slowly he followed your eye-line as he let out a breath “holy shit…” he whispered staring at the walkers. It wasn’t just one, it was a whole group of them, far too many for the group to handle “we’ve got to go.” Daryl spoke quickly grabbing a hold of your hand as he dragged you to the front, he wouldn’t let you get hurt. If you got hurt he wouldn’t ever be able to forgive himself. “Stay close to each other, run, there should be somewhere safe. Surely.” rick ordered making sure Carl stayed close by. He had already lost most of his family he couldn’t lose Carl as well.

The wind blew past everyone, the air being cold. The light that was there before had disappeared into nothingness, you using your instincts to try and figure out the best way to go. The path was dirty and muddy making it practically impossible to run on. Droplets of rain fell onto the top of your head, making the ground more muddy but you ignored that. Mother Nature was the least of any of your worries. “There’s a light up there” daryl pointed out and you looked towards where he was looking noticing that there was in fact a light, hopefully safety. “Keep moving cmon!” Rick ordered a lot of stress visible on his face. He had looked after the group since day one and he still did it wonderfully but you knew he put too much pressure on himself. It was clear.

~

The apparent safety had turned into bullshit. Another group had stumbled upon all of you and started a scene for no reason, gunfire started and you were told to run and so you did. Along with most of the others…

You panted as you ran, your legs ached from how long you had been running but as you glanced over your shoulder to see the rest of the group following after you, you nearly tripped up seeing no one behind you. You were alone. All alone. You could’ve sworn they were right behind you but they simply weren’t “fuck… fuck” you breathed out trying to calm down. You couldn’t do anything. Yelling for them would only cause more problems for you and so with a deep breath you took off running once again. Everything would be okay, right?

Night had turned into day pretty quickly, the sun slowly breaking through the clouds as it shone down at you making you squint. Being without a group was disorientating, you had gotten so used to them that you completely forgot that their safety blinded you. Being with people who knew how to protect everyone… it made you forget what being alone felt like. It was alien. A weird feeling. You disliked it. Every sound made you tense and you just hoped that no group of walkers would stumble upon you. As you continued walking a large sign came into view. A soft breath left your lips as you studied it reading the words carefully

Sanctuary

For all

Community

For all

Those who arrive

Survive

Underneath the words was what seemed like a trail to follow… no matter where anyone came from they’d all find the sanctuary somehow. “Unlikely,” you murmured to yourself knowing there was most likely a catch- nowadays there was a catch to everything. ‘TERMINUS’ you read the 8 letter word over and over again. Something felt weird about it, probably the fact that you knew it would most likely be overrun by the dead already. You let out a soft sigh knowing it was your best bet, hopefully the group were smart enough to realise you’d go to the sanctuary as well.

Your eyes slowly trailed to a stick laying on the ground beside the post that the sign was pinned to. You knelt down picking the stick up as you dug it into some mud before walking over to the small shed just behind it as you wrote in big bold letters ‘I’ll be at terminus’ signing it off with your name before dropping the stick down onto the floor. “Terminus here I come” you whispered to yourself as you began walking once again, your feet burned with each and every step but you just had to pray and hope that this sanctuary would actually be a safe place and not some sort of trap.

~~~~~

A large fence came into view as you stopped walking letting out a shaky sigh, this better be good. You found yourself hoping that Daryl and the others would come sooner rather than later. If this was some fucked up joke then you’d be defenceless. “Hold up” a sudden voice ordered and you froze locking eyes with a man- he had curly hair and wore a beanie, he looked clean. Cleaner than anyone you had seen in a long while. Maybe this was a safe place? As he pointed the gun at you, held your hands up in surrender “I- I mean no harm… I saw the sign…” you spoke carefully as the man seemingly sized you up visibly trying to figure you out.

“Gareth, there’s this girl here. Probably here for sanctuary” the man spoke and you looked at him as if he were crazy, was he talking to someone else or to himself? And that’s when you heard a slight crackle of a radio noticing a walkie talkie hooked onto his pants pocket. “Alright send her in.” Another voice replied and you watched as he lowered his gun “come on in.” He said and you got closer to the fence before hooking your fingers through the metal holes as you easily climbed over the fence. “Uh thanks for not shooting me… I guess.” You said and he only seemed to hum at your words “can’t trust anyone nowadays. I’m sure you understand…” he said and you stared at him for a few moments before nodding your head “uh, yeah. Sure.” You murmured before sighing “follow me” he said and you remained silent as you followed after him glancing around noticing a few people sat down on chairs eating food. Your stomach grumbled at the sight… gods were you hungry. “Gareth will just talk to you and then he’ll get you some food” the man spoke offering a slight smile and you nodded. “What’s your name?” You asked looking at him and he looked at you, you thought he wasn’t going to answer but a quiet “Scott” fell from his lips and you nodded making sure to remember that name in case he turned on you. You were smart but also a bit naive at times but you liked to think you could handle yourself.

“Hi,” a chirpy looking man spoke as he smiled at you “here for the sanctuary?” He questioned and you nodded “good. You’ve found it” he said and you noticed how he was far too happy and that freaked you out slightly, no one should be this happy inviting a stranger to live with them. “I’m Gareth,” he stuck his hand out towards you “y/n” you responded staring at his hand for a few seconds before grabbing a hold of it giving it a firm shake “I get you’re nervous… everyone else was the same,” he said and you eyed him up “everyone else?” You asked suspiciously “yes, everyone who lives here. They were all the same including myself. Nerves get the best of us sometimes” he explained and you nodded. “Do you have any weapons?” He asked and you glanced down at yourself “just a pocket knife” you said and he stared at you for a few seconds trying to tell whether you were lying “okay- is it okay if Alex searches you?” Gareth asked motioning towards a slightly taller man who smiled at you when your eyes focused on him… this was strange. Too strange for your liking. “Sure” you murmured lifting your hands up as the Alex guy began searching you, patting you down, he pulled out the knife from your pocket holding it in his hand “yep, all clear” Alex confirmed as Gareth nodded “okay, good. Let’s go get you some food. I’m sure you’re starving”

You sat down on one of the chairs beside an older woman, you held the plate in your hand. The food smelt delicious… you were starving. “You look like you’ve been on the road for a long while” Gareth spoke up once again and you nodded “yeah, been walking without any food for…” you tried to remember but the time and dates had just seemingly vanished “I don’t even know to be honest” you murmured with a sad laugh as you looked down at the meat on your plate… it looked a little bit odd but you thought nothing of it as you picked it up biting down onto it, it melted in your mouth as you ate it slowly, fluttering your eyes shut as you let out a breath of relief “finally…” you whispered grateful that they had some sort of real food.

As you continued eating you began looking at everyone, everyone seemed perfectly content. It was like the outside world didn’t even exist. The meat was slightly tougher, a weird taste lingering in your mouth but you just shrugged it off. At least you were able to have food. That’s all that really mattered.

~

Days had passed quickly and the more you stayed the more you realised how weird it was getting… it felt off. “Hey Gareth” you said grabbing his attention “can I talk to you?” You asked and he nodded following you to somewhere quiet “what’s up?” He asked and you let out a soft sigh staring at him worriedly

“Whats the catch?”

You asked and he stared at you “catch?” He questioned and you nodded “yeah, what’s going on with this place? I’m not stupid.” You said and soon enough a look you hadn’t seen before formed on his face and he let out a sigh “if I tell you you’re gonna freak out” he said and you stared at him “what? Why? Tell me.” You said watching as you became uncomfortable “fine, but it isn’t my fault if you get yourself killed.” He said and you stared at him “what?” You questioned once again absolutely bewildered “you’re either the butcher or the cattle” he said and you stared at him, blinking a few times “what-“ he cut you off “are you deaf or something? Here, let me dumb it down for you- We. Eat. People” he said calmly a small sick smile on his lips. Your breath hitched slightly and you stumbled back “so I’ve been eating people?” You asked feeling sick and he nodded slightly “but don’t feel bad… we’ve got to survive somehow.” He said and you looked at everyone around you… they didn’t have a reaction none of them- they all seemed to be brainwashed or they simply didn’t give a damn. “You sick freak” you spat out “I told you you’d freak out” he said and you clenched your fists wanting to smack that stupid look off his face “three snipers are currently ready to shoot you. You can either calm down or you get hurt” he said and you suddenly lunged at him but he was far too quick for you wrapping his arm around your throat as he forced you to stop moving “stop being so dramatic” he whispered to you a soft chuckle falling from his lips. He was a sick asshole.

~

You spent the next few days in an isolated train cart. Your knees pulled to your chest your breathing and the high pitched sound forming inside your head being the only thing you could hear. You were terrified. You didn’t want to die… not like this… not by cannibalistic freaks. You heard commotion every day… gunfire, shouts… everything. But you tried not to let your head get to you.

The sound of the door being pulled open grabbed your attention and you squinted as the sun burned your vision. Someone you couldn’t see grabbed you by the collar of your T-shirt yanking you out of the train cart as they shoved you down onto the ground your wrists being tightly cuffed behind your back with zip ties, murmured talking being the only thing you could hear as you were pulled up as someone began dragging you towards a large menacing building. You didn’t like the look of it and as your eyes fluttered shut and reopened then you were knelt in front of some sort of sink that looked like a bathtub, a drain at the end of it and your breath hitched seeing little specs of blood on the metal. You were going to die… you were going to get eaten by these sickos.

Other people were forced down onto their knees beside you as tears of fear welled up in your eyes, the sound of skin being cut filled your ears as you squeezed your eyes shut not daring to look at any blood and as you felt like you were next in line a chorus of groans erupted around the room, screams echoing around and you opened your eyes watching as the men who were going to kill you began getting chewed by walkers, their skin being teared off. You had no way of getting out. The walkers were all around you getting closer and closer, your eyes scanned the area before you saw a knife beside one of the men getting eaten alive, you quickly straightened your posture as you began as quickly as possible rushing to where he was, nearly losing balance a couple of times, you grabbed a hold of the knife twisting it around so you could saw off the zip ties from your wrists- as the tight plastic fell from your wrists you let out a breath of relief attempting to do your ankles but before you could even get close to freeing yourself a walker stumbled over you, lunging at you as you tried to push it off, trying to do everything and anything in your power.

you tightened the grip on the knife swinging your wrist up as you smashed the knife straight into the walkers head watching as it fell on top of you dead, you let out a breath of relief squeezing your eyes shut as you shoved the deadweight off of your body and as you did that, your wrist coming into view you stared in shock and fear at the clear bite on your arm “no…” you stared at the teeth marks on your skin as your world came crashing down around you. You were going to die… you weren’t going to live out your life with Daryl or the group. You felt sickened your heart beating to the point that it could easily jump out of your chest. You had to get the hell out of there. You stood up easily sliding the knife through the tie on your ankles. You rushed out of the building gunfire exploding around you as you took off as fast as you could not wanting to get hurt anymore. You didn’t want to die there.

As you ran faster seconds turned into minutes and minutes turned into hours and your legs eventually gave way, your head throbbing as you collapsed down onto the ground the world around you spinning out of control your vision blurring as tiredness overcame you… just five minutes… just five minutes… and before you could even do anything more you had passed out your body falling limp.

~

Sounds became more clear as your vision began clearing up “she’s bitten” “holy shit” “I should’ve been there to help her, fuck” voices rushed around and you forced your eyes open staring up at the group of figures around you “y/n? Hey… you okay?” Daryl’s voice was panicked as he stared down into your eyes knelt down beside you as tears burnt your vision “Im sorry. I should’ve watched out for myself” you whispered out a soft cry leaving your lips and he immediately shook his head running his fingers through your hair “shhh don’t be silly… you survived alone… you did amazing. I’m so proud of you. You did great” he said softly, the crackle of the fire being gentle but soothing as Daryl held your head on his lap comforting you as best as he possibly could

His fingers delicately stroked against your head noticing how hot you were “she’s burning up…” he whispered and you glanced around seeing the group, their faces solemn- hurt. Rick had blood covering his face, Maggie had dirt all over her. Everyone looked exhausted but mainly concerned for you. “I’m so cold” you whimpered out and Daryl stroked his fingers through your hair shrugging his jacket off as he quickly threw it over you bringing you as much warmth as he possibly could. As the time passed your body became weaker as you struggled to hold your eyes open “it’s okay… it’s okay. You can let go.” He whispered to you pressing little kisses to your forehead and you gazed up into his eyes forcing a gentle smile “I know it’s okay..” you said gently

“I’m ready to go”

Tears visibly welled up in his eyes and he nodded “that’s okay. You can go. I’m right here okay? Right here.” He assured and you fluttered your eyes shut tiredly “daryl…” you whispered softly and he hummed stroking his fingertips along your cheek “yes?” He asked looking down at you “kiss me… I want to be kissed by you.” You whispered. You wanted to experience at least something romantic with him before you die. As he gazed down into your eyes he nodded leaning down as his lips slowly greeted yours, his tears and your own melting between your lips as you lightly ran your fingers through his hair “live on okay? I’ll always be here” you whispered with a weak smile, everyone remaining quiet letting you and Daryl have your moment together and as his lips pressed against yours once again you took your last breath, your eyes sealing shut completely as he gazed down at you tears streaming down his cheeks “y/n? Y/n? Please.. there’s so much i haven’t said yet” he whispered out, he hoped the kiss would cause a miracle but miracles only happened in fairytales…

“She’s gone, daryl.” Rick whispered to him resting his hand on his shoulder and Daryl shook his head “no.. she’s just sleeping.” He whispered denying it all he didn’t want to admit it. He couldn’t lose you. Not yet. Not ever. As the minutes passed Rick slowly knelt down beside him “she’s going to turn. I’ll do it okay?” He asked but Daryl shook his head taking the knife from Rick “no. I’ll do it.” He said calmly as he let out a shaky breath. “Just… just hold her hand for me… please. I want her to know she isn’t alone” he whispered and Rick looked at him upset before nodding as he took your hand into his giving your limp hand a squeeze.

Daryl positioned the tip of the knife against your temple as he squeezed his eyes shut “I’m sorry..” he said gently before shoving the knife straight into the side of your head, a soft broken cry leaving his lips but he tried to conceal it eventually giving up as he collapsed against you grasping onto you tightly the weak sentence “I’m sorry” repeatedly falling from his lips. Life was cruel. He couldn’t live without you but he had to. Rick stayed next to him keeping his hand on his back simply staying there to make sure he didn’t become too overwhelmed. Daryl would struggle with the loss of you… he’d never get over you but someday, somehow- he’d learn to cope.

[twd-screenshot-memes]

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