AN: CodeName-M.e, Nay766, Alex311, ezillyamused, you all inspired me to keep this story going…so here we go.

This chapter is a little long and a bit in-depth, but I'll pick up things a bit in the next one.

Chapter 2: Alchipoa

Abraham noticed the road signs read "Welcome to Alchipoa". Without an announcement, he veered the large vehicle off onto an exit.

"What are you doing," questioned Rosita.

"Doing something. Everyone here is stuck on the other side of the Twilight Zone," responded the sergeant.

Her neck rolled a bit. "You can't just decide what to do without saying something. And you were a bit out of it not too long ago."

His grip of the steering wheel tightened, with thoughts of really finishing off Eugene. "Yes, I was lost in the sauce. But I'm back and my mind's fresher than Bounty Fresh. Now listen, this here Alchipoa used to be a small town that mostly had warehouses. I figure we hole up in here and stock up. Shouldn't be too many of those ugly son ov-a-guns 'round here. Besides, listen to that." Rosita did as was requested. "I don't hear anyone objecting.

Indeed, the man was right. Reverend Gabriel nervously patted his head with a cloth that he always seemed to have. His hand played with the cross across his collar bone, while he pondered God's plan. A peaceful man such as he shouldn't have to endure the destruction of his church and these ruthless people. You're judging, Gabriel. These people helped save you, Gabriel. You saw how sad they were when they lost two people. But they hacked and killed with no qualms. He wanted to claw his way out, but was no fighter. So he cried.

Noah sat not too far away from Carl. Apparently, they were the only teenagers there. He really didn't know what his age was anymore. He did know that his people lived somewhere safe. Maybe he could tell them about it later, but this wasn't the time. Number one: Beth was gone. He gladly traded places with her. And that's maybe why he could have loved her. She wouldn't have that. The short time that they knew each other involved giving gifts. She gave him the gift of freedom, but he didn't need that if it meant for her to die. Looking at how her people were lost because of her death made him reflect of his own family. Only Tara and Sasha asked about his situation since the incident. Seeing that they weren't as connected to Beth as everyone else, he understood it. He was on the outside, and the connection he had with them was from a person that was no longer here. Noah was always a mature young man…he comprehended that he had work to do in order to gain trust. His eyes panned away from the window to across the aisle where Tara and Eugene sat.

Tara returned his glance with a polite smile. She knew GREATM was postponed indefinitely. She didn't have much to stand on, but her well-known redemption was probably the only thing that saved Eugene from being casted out to the wilderness. Rick seemed to not give two fucks when the fake Washington D.C. hopes were revealed. He said it was up to everyone else to decide that man's fate ~ other things were on his mind. Tara campaigned for his safety, but noticed how Abraham constantly glared at the pitiful soul. Rosita and Abraham had a long talk; afterwards she stayed from all Eugene-centered conversations. His other defender, Maggie, was too far gone. Tara desired to be at her and Glenn's side, but her awkward companion needed a protector.

Tyrese couldn't protect Sasha. The title of being a "little sister" was just a phrase. He knew his positive outlook on humanity and the world was foolish in her eyes. His plan failed. He allowed Martin to live. Bob died. That other Bob wasn't his fault, but she was going to become a cold-blooded murderer if he didn't consistently check her. They sat across the aisle from each other in silence. If her sister couldn't see him as strong, then who could?

Carol only appeared weak physically – falling sometimes with the walkers that she killed. Appearances were lies. Darryl actually leaned on her shoulder for most of the ride. If he didn't do that, he scowled at her silently, checked her injuries, or stared out the window crying. Beth was similar to a grown Sophia, but her death could be another sideshow. As she was here with the living, she allowed Daryl to handle his mourning how he needed to. She suspected he may have had feelings for the poor girl… They came to rescue her and left with nothing. The group came for Carol also. She found a nickel while on her on. It became her meditative tool, which she flipped between fingers while considering her next move. She pulled it out while Daryl's drool dripped down her shoulder.

Maggie was asleep as well. Glenn often heard her whisper, "Beth, I'm sorry," while her eyes remained sorry. His heart was heavy with guilt. These two lovebirds had tunnel vision when searching for each other, but no one else mattered. He knew he wasn't always this way. Maggie made him a man who did not allow others to just use him for risk-taking adventures in procuring tampons (*ahem* Lori), but his concern for the rest of the family was slowly slipping. He had to admit that when Hershel died, he wanted to make sure his oldest daughter was taken care of. Little concern was given for the youngest. He could manage to be there for everyone and stay a great husband, right? Well, for now, he had no choice but to focus on her. She refused to eat the few times they did eat. He sighed, looking to the back and noticed that Rick had dropped Michonne's hand. If he kicked himself for not being there enough for others, then those two needed to be slapped for not actualizing who they really were. But…that wasn't his business.

Michonne wiped another tear, knowing that they might cross over the boundary they kept up for so long. It was scary but natural and the way it needed to be. She was concerned that there was no fear or anxiety in her heart, but she did feel mighty uncomfortable. "I-I have to go check on Carl."

Rick acknowledged with a nod and took the sleeping beauty out of her hands. He looked somewhat relieved to reveal his truth, but was still lost in regrets. He kept his head down as she moved to the front of the bus. Carl stared out the window with his left leg propped up. Michonne smiled to herself, thinking if he was in a different world he could have been a teen celebrity.

"Carl?"

"Yea?" His gaze didn't leave outside.

"You mind if I sit by you?"

"You know I don't," he moved his leg. "I'm supposed to be a kid, but if I handled things, things would be different."

"Is that so, Carl?"

He finally turned to look at her. "Nobody listens to my dad when they should. They think he's crazy. But he has to be crazy. They undermined him Michonne. Now, Beth's dead."

She replayed her conversation with Rick in her mind. "People always try to make the right choices Carl. We can't always fight."

His eyes squinted. "If you were there, would it have gone down that way?"

She laughed, "no, probably not." They both laughed, the samurai and the child. Michonne knew he would have went in there guns a-blazing.

"I'm okay though, I know Beth doesn't have to deal with this place anymore. I don't think she could have anyway. I have to make sure Judith will be stronger."

Michonne looked at him as Rick often did when hints of where Carl might have been heading shined through. "We have to do what we can to make sure she knows how to survive, and not just kill. But here, I stashed this for you earlier." She slid him a Big Cat from her pocket.

He smirked at the gift and then looked up at her, "You all are taking this death too hard."

"Excuse me," it was rare for her to get pissed with Carl, but she just did.

"Did anyone but notice that we made a turn off the highway?"

Her teeth gritted as she stormed over to Abraham and Rosita. It was too late; he parked the vehicle in front of a warehouse.