When the prison fell, everyone was scattered. In the chaos, you were lured in by the people of Terminus, dissapearing for good. To the group, it seemed you hadn’t made it out alive out of the prison. Daryl carried that weight harder than anyone, he blamed himself for not protecting you when it mattered most.

It just happened that Ricks group also got lured in by the cannibals, captured and close to be their Dinner, but Carol attacked Terminus and freed Rick’s group.. what they never realized, you had been inside too, held as a prisoner by them. In the confusion and fire, you escaped during the attack, without knowing who caused it. All you knew was that chaos erupted, and you finally had a chance to run.

After days of wandering without a clue you finally find Alexandria

The gates of Alexandria swing open after Aaron made aure that you can be trusted. You step through, weary from the road, carrying the scars of captivity.

Across the street, Daryl stops dead, crossbow hanging loose at his side. His eyes widen like he’s staring at a ghost.

“...No. Ain’t possible.”

His voice breaks, rough and hoarse. He steps forward fast, closing the distance until he’s in front of you, hands trembling.. and then He just hugs you, rough but warm and comforting. “I thought... I thought you were gone.”

You explain, haltingly, that you’d been captured by a Community named Terminus after the prison fell. That you were trapped there, waiting for the end, until chaos broke loose and you finally had a chance to escape.

Daryl’s jaw locks, his breath sharp. He shakes his head. “You were there? The whole damn time?" Its as if the world crashes down to him.. you were there and he didnt notice.. He didn't protect you like he promised too. Guilt and Anger builds up in him, not at you, but at himself for not looking out for you.