Hayden did not even give a glance to Dean when he escorted him back to Negan's office. On the way over, the other Savior members in the hallway started to notice the state Hayden was within. They began whispering amongst themselves why the cyborg was wearing something so distraught. They began jumping to conclusions with Hayden devising a scheme of some sort.
"Hey, it's that thing again. What the hell is it even wearing?"
"Why the hell did Negan bring something like that here?"
"I don't know, but it must be something bad."
"That robot guy is a real creeper."
The cloaked android received dirty looks from a passerby or two. Hayden's hood kept almost all of his face hidden if not for the glowing blue line streaking down his face. His head almost whirled sideways, nearly accusing, just daring someone to come forth. The pattern repeated down the hallway until Dean sighed with huge frustration to break the silence. The male Savior knew he was getting watched because of Hayden alongside him.
"What the hell are all of you dumbasses gawking at? Get back to work! Nothing to see here." Dean snapped at any of the observers, which they immediately obeyed and continued what they were doing.
"I can perceive that you are aggravated about doing this, Dean. I can proceed on my own towards Negan's office if you don't need to accompany me..." Hayden said, trudging alongside the male Savior next to him.
Dean shook his head with annoyance before glaring, "How I'm feeling right now is none of your damn business, robot. Let's just do this and get it over with already. Dealing with stupid people today is so fucking annoying."
Hayden seemed to sigh at this, already aware of Dean's temper and grave manner previously from Laura. Dean threw his gaze away from the bipedal android as they continue walking through the hallway. Hayden knew that he didn't want to make trouble against the Saviors, but if he needed to survive this half-abolished dimension, the least he could do is understand those around him.
"I apologize for intruding on your sentiments towards me, Dean. But I do not concern that you and your people have an issue with me exhibiting within this facility. Especially when it comes to Negan letting me remain here." Hayden looked at Dean, who seemed a bit too annoyed by all of this.
Dean soon paused and glared back at him again. "I don't give a fuck what you think about everything we do here. Because I don't trust you or that annoying shit that you keep pulling up on us around. There is something not right, and I know it. You wouldn't just end up in our area for no reason."
"I have already told you-"
"Stop." Dean glared sternly.
That made Hayden quiet for a bit, observing Dean's stern look.
"You may have claimed yourself as some robot tinkerer scavenging for shitty material, but you're still hiding something because you must've come from somewhere. You wouldn't just appear out of nowhere."
"If only you knew..." Hayden had thought, in which he ponders a bit more. "...but would any of you believe me?"
"I smell trouble...and you reek in it all." Dean frowned as he looks away, ignoring the tall cyborg's gaze while observing him.
Hayden then sighed, "Please don't misunderstand the situation, Dean. I only adjoined with you and Laura because I am uncertain of the location I'd been wandering through these past hours. You may believe that I am nothing but a spy with a secret agenda, yet you have mistaken. The only motive I pledge forward to is attempting to fix humanity from terrible destruction upon the world. I am not here to harm you, Dean. Not physically or mentally."
Hayden's explanation started to catch Dean off guard a bit, noticing that his face started faltering, but soon turned his back into a frowny mask.
"For now..." Dean hissed. "...but how the hell can you withstand Negan while being calm about the whole thing? I saw the way he looked at you. We rarely see that look. He only does that look if he's fond of you or something."
"I do not have anything towards your leader, Dean. Besides, Negan seems to try and only be acquainted with what's best for the people alive here." Hayden remarked, looking at Dean who seemed to catch onto what he's saying.
"Yeah, but you could still take advantage of him." The male Savior said.
"Why would I?" Hayden asked.
"You know, to save your ass? Getting away with murder?" Dean said, rolling his eyes with a hint of discomfort.
The android soon came to regard this unusual behavior from the man, but also questions why Negan hasn't gotten killed by anyone that loathes him with such desire. Most expected because Negan is overly extending himself from his personality rather than what is personal about the man. The man is now trying to manage an entire operational base, leading an untold number of outposts with three enslaved settlements that Hayden does not apprehend.
That's a frankly absurd amount of commitment given the limited resources that are at your disposal. The inconsistent policies regarding settlements. The fact that he's not planting Saviors at any other settlements permanently, this entire affair might quickly become too unwieldy to manage.
Hayden thought patiently on what he was about to reply next, "I believe that should be answered by the Saviors here, such as yourself, Dean. You should understand that Negan's eyes are more extensive than his gut when it comes to maintaining as a leader, especially that between his ruling style."
"What the hell are you talking about?" Dean asked, who began snorting. "We can't stop Negan, because we are Negan. From eyes to ears, and nose to mouth. The man is far too ruthless for any of us to step up against his game. How the hell can you think you can step up against his rules? Rules have kept us alive anyhow."
"Because I trust that you, of all people, can survive far beyond those that are deemed terrorizing. Furthermore, I can help you and your people on becoming more stronger than what your regular attributes offer." Hayden removed his hood as he looked at the man's confused expression.
"You're trusting me...?" Dean uttered, shaking his head in disbelief. "What are you even saying...?"
Down the corridor, the door to Negan's office room opened.
"I'm not a fan of the truth, Dean, but here it is: there will be threats calling in some of this world's debts, and your leader might have to bet everything to keep the Sanctuary alive. His outposts, your home, everything. You may think I'm a problem to you all, but wait until something more utterly dangerous takes away all the power you enjoy; to oppose, to have as many offspring and assault rifles as you like, and to even have a spot in any afterlife of your choice. I can perceive within you that you'll think about what I've said, yes?" Hayden looked down at Dean, who doesn't respond to him.
Instead, he was just confused. In the past few hours of exploring the Sanctuary, it was as if Hayden had become both familiarized with this place's society and acted like he was some progressive god. The robotic scientist himself had gotten out of harm's way from being punished by Negan somehow and has become the guest of honor. It would have to be a rare experience that somebody outsmarts Negan in any conceivable way.
"Y...Yeah." Dean managed to speak up, returning to his default manner after they reached the door. "Off you go, Sam."
"Thank you again, Dean." Hayden nodded to the male Savior. "I can assure you that you're not a terrible human to me, but in many ways, I understand how you feel when it comes to either saving people...or killing those when you've got no choice left."
Dean watched Hayden crouch and gently enter back into Negan's office room, closing the door to leave Dean in a mixed jumble of thoughts right now. Currently, Negan was in the same place as if he were contemplating something else earlier on after the first meeting. The tyrant remained sitting on the same chair while stroking his barbed wire bat, Lucille.
His face lights up when Hayden comes in, a deep drawl that could send an involuntary shiver down anyone's spine though Hayden attributed that to fear more than anything else. "Welcome back, Dr. Tinman. I can tell that you've had a-! Well, I don't even know what the fuck you're wearing? I almost forgot what you looked like ago. It isn't a church or some shit here, you know?"
"Hello again, Negan," Hayden answered, ignoring Negan's taunts as he kindly closes the door behind him.
"Good, you haven't forgotten that. I'm guessing you missed me so much, Dr. Killjoy." Negan gestures to the beanbag chair that was closest to him. "Have a seat, doc. I hope you don't mind about it, but you get what I've said before about being a robot."
"It's fine." Hayden walked over and managed to settle himself down onto the beanbag chair. "Now then, are you desiring to continue off where we've begun previously?"
"Eh," Negan replied with his usual lazily drawl. "Believe it or not, we're going to go forth on a new change of pace here."
Hayden's sight wandered a bit around the room, then finally settle on Negan. "I see..."
Negan leaned forward, with his eyes narrowed. "The reason I called you back here again is that I'm seeking your opinion on something that had happened recently with one of my lieutenants, Gavin, and his men. You see, Gavin stays in charge of his number of weekly tributes from the Kingdom community. Though we always keep things secret for those royal wannabes just so they're oblivious to our super-cool shit, you know what I mean?"
As Negan chuckled, Hayden endured stoically as usual, "Of course, I can understand that you and your men wouldn't want any more intruders following you back to your headquarters here. Much like I did myself, perhaps?"
A grin appears on Negan's face, reclining back in the office chair, propping his feet on the desk, and crossing his ankles. "Aw, lighten up, doc! Besides, you're a guest now, and be proud of it too!"
Hayden knew that there was more to this story than what Negan has told.
"If you're asking me of something to resolve, how does that answer why you've convoyed me over to your office? Did something severe transpired?"
Negan's grin vanished, his boots dropped to the floor, thudding on the concrete as he stood up, walking around the desk. "That's what we're going to find out when Gavin gets his ass over here."
Hayden looked and notices that Gavin hasn't arrived yet. "Where is your lieutenant?"
*KNOCK-KNOCK*
"Come on in!" Negan called out, which Hayden turned his head over and saw the curly-haired Savior Lieutenant.
"So, this must be Gavin. He's one of Negan's four outpost leaders. Simon has told me he's in charge of weekly offerings from the Kingdom. He looks kind and reasonable, but I am well assured that this man has a cutthroat mentality for those who don't live up to his standards." Hayden pondered while in a state of trance, expecting an amount of severity that Negan shows.
Not before long, the android watched as Gavin kneeled to lower his head, hiding his eyes from Negan's view.
"Who are you?" Negan asked by the time he sat back down on his chair.
"I'm Negan," Gavin said aloud for Negan to smile.
Hayden was sure that he could see the shudder as he stared, the way Gavin tensed up, dread digging into his skin.
"Good." The Savior leader smirked, motioning his finger for Gavin to stand up. "Over here with me is Dr. Samuel Hayden, and he's just going to be an audience for you, Gavin. Now, explain to us what you and your men found today."
Gavin hesitantly nodded, though due to witnessing Hayden's robotic appearance for the first time, he rubbed the back of his head while his eyes shift to the side. The way Gavin saw in Hayden was as if he felt unfamiliar fear coursing through him, making his hands clamp and shake slightly. But on the other hand, Gavin couldn't help but feel astonished by Hayden's presence as a light blue glow emitted from his singular eye. Gavin looked almost concerned as if Hayden was going to do something to him.
Instead, Hayden waved his hand forward. "No need to be alarmed, Gavin. Explain to us carefully and take your time thoroughly."
Feeling a slight bit of reassurance, Gavin begins to explain, "T-Thank you...well, here's what happened: something killed two of our men."
Negan's grin fades as he picked Lucille up from her resting spot beside the desk. Hayden kept most of his composure as to what killed those two Savior team members.
"You mind explaining a bit more specific, Gavin?" Negan asked, shrugging his shoulders, "Cause you look like you've been sweating on some creepy shit these days."
"Well, sir...while we were driving back from getting our recent tribute with the Kingdom, one of my guys Rodney, pulled over to take a leak. Another of my men Jackson, came with him just so there aren't any of those dead ones around to-"
"Chew his dick off? Sure..." Negan interrupted, rolling his eyes with slight boredom. "...and then what?"
Gavin slightly gulped before continuing, "We heard a...a scream. We all thought it was just those dead ones, trying to eat our guys. Though, there wasn't like any other rotter growl...it was...like a ghoul."
Hayden proceeded to observe Gavin's sweaty yet slightly calm expression, "Describe to me what you've seen, Gavin."
Gavin looked back at Hayden before nodding, "When we got over there, there were no dead ones...only our two guys and their corpses. All grey and skinny-like...like they got sucked out of their lives. Each of their limbs got torn and ripped apart like they were toys or something. There were these large claw marks and Rodney's skull was crushed. None of the others saw anything else in the area retreating. After that, we had to leave them there and come back to warn you, Negan."
Negan soon began to frown at this, remembering back to what Laura and Dean had mentioned to him previously. Aside from that, the Savior leader carefully listened to all of this information in a puzzled manner. His people, turned into grey and rawbone?
That seemed unbelievable. Why and how is this all possible? Negan did take note of Dean's explanation about the deserted town becoming a zombified-filled extravaganza way before this android came along. But later further on, right after Hayden got found, every dead creature and else within its space was just gone. Nowhere to exist from or roam the other side of Earth again.
"Christ...well, I don't know what to say, Gavin. On the other hand, this is just like what Dean had told me about that small town you've spotted, Hayden." Negan quickly spoke, scrolling his eyes towards Hayden next.
"That is true, Negan. Although this displays as a believable point that one person couldn't have defeated an entire horde, several bodies of that swarm have gotten annihilated into headless ragdolls." Hayden replied.
"Of course, doc...you've been out and around those parts if you had longer than most of us did. But who do you think could've caused all of that slaughterhouse mayhem? Hell, I would've thought a giant-ass robot such as yourself could come around any uglies, then plainly fuck them up like they're nothing to you. Then again, I believe you know better than to get yourself in a shitload of trouble like that, right?"
The last part sounded like an order. Hayden knew he couldn't tell them the truth. They wouldn't believe him if they would think he was mentally crazy then god knows what the Saviors might do to him. Maybe, Hayden can make a few changes to the story. He would be telling the truth, but not the whole truth. Hayden would have to talk about VEGA, Olivia Pierce, and him.
Hayden gazed over to Negan, "That is...correct. You see, back when I was scavenging throughout different parts of any state, there is no doubt I believe so sure that I've seen rare sightings of these creatures when I've been acquainted with this man that I've supported years before."
"A man...?" Negan asked, with his raised eyebrow. "...you've never mentioned anything about this guy before, you know? I thought you were by yourself during all this shit?"
"I was, that is until I had met the man myself. He remained ceased from my thoughts when I had begun explaining to you about my cybernetic body," Hayden replied.
Negan almost frowned before then until he snorted, "Oh well, proceed."
"The man used to be a part of the marines, in which he made me underestimate his brute inclinations. He had never spoken, glanced, or cared for anything when I helped him. To me, he was quite terrifying. Although I didn't criticize the marine for not patronizing me, his methods upon dealing with the creatures have become considered...lethal." Hayden continued to explain further in another way regarding the entire truth.
That almost caught Negan off guarded, considering his next thoughts more wisely at this point. Hearing the explanation from Hayden, this guy is supposed to be lethal and terrifying?
"Bullshit..." Negan's thought made him shake his head before speaking, "Man, a guy like that needs to take a chill pill for once in his life."
Hayden only sighed in thought, "You'll find out soon enough what that man is capable of."
After that becoming told, Hayden continued, "During that point, another one of my allies by the name of Vega, assisted the marine throughout mass-destruction upon those creatures. At the same time, I did encounter one of my previous students named Oliva Pierce. She was a first-class honor in biomechanical, as well as genetic engineering throughout her extent up in Strasbourg."
"Vega? Olivia Pierce? You must've had quite a posse, I might say. It's not so hard to talk about the people you've met before once in a while, right?" Negan said, twiddling with his barbed wire bat with such interest.
"Indeed I did, Negan. Though..." Hayden almost trailed off.
Negan raised his eyebrow, "Though, what?"
"...things began to collapse so suddenly. Several days later, Oliva began deluding herself into madness and believed that the creatures required nourishment, despite their undead state. We attempted upon reasoning with her to gain back her trust, but it only led to her death for when we've witnessed her converting into one of those things. The facility we remained inside became deemed unsafe for any human survivors to come across. Vega had sacrificed himself to preserve me and the marine from any more of those creatures that attempted to seize us. To do that, he used himself as bait to create an explosive meltdown and destroy every creature within the area." Hayden answered for him.
Disappointment is almost reflected in Negan's eyes. "Damn...life sucks in every way possible, yeah? I mean, it's hard losing the right people in this world. I am sorry about what happened to your friend there. He must've been a straight-A badass at any point, perhaps."
"Of course, I couldn't stop Vega even if I'd attempted upon doing so, but in the end, the marine and I went on our separate ways until one of us will see each other again." Hayden finished.
Even though Negan somewhat believed Hayden and he sounded convincing, but he still felt something else was missing. There was a part of the story Hayden wasn't telling him such as what had happened to this man.
Why is all of this so complicated? How did this marine survive so long by just taking it all out on all those creatures? For Hayden to end up in this part of the forest, those creatures must've been near here. But how come he or anybody here didn't know about it?
"What was the name of the man you were with before?"
Hayden then sighed, "The man had never informed me of his name, nor did I discover anything from him. However, he would perpetually be known as the Marine."
"Just the Marine?" Gavin asked like they were all contemplating a real issue.
"Correct, Gavin," Hayden nodded his head. "All I know of him is that he was to remain nameless and silent as possible. But on certain occasions, he may have a murderous temper and a relentless urge to mutilate anything he comes across that makes him ironically the most endearing. For what I can tell you both is that this man is hard as it may be to believe about him."
"I can tell that you're not kidding about this, doc," Negan asked, almost looking amused at first, though, Negan surely wasn't.
He felt like he didn't know whether or not this android was lying to him of all people, but something about this "Marine" kept going over and over in Negan's head. It was like it's something he should be afraid of? Whoever this Marine was to Negan, he sounded like some crazed bastard. He sounded like someone that Negan knows that he wouldn't like. After all, Negan punishes or kills if he needs to, but this guy Hayden has mentioned. It seems confusing whether he picks on the innocent or not.
Although Negan feels like there is more to this story, a part of him wanted to find this son of a bitch and show him who the real boss is around here.
"The whole truth will come out of this tinman eventually, but I don't want someone around who could be more fearful than me. I think I might need to track this Marine and show him what true fear is. Then, he'll go down on his knees and like the other communities. He will have to work for me." Negan pondered, glancing at the android.
Negan would want this Marine to work for him for a simple reason: to gain more supplies and resources. Plus, because of how he has treated Hayden here with aggressiveness, Negan would make this man suffer since it is one of the things Negan is good at doing.
"No, not exactly," Hayden replied again, still emotionless as always. "Though, I still ponder about where the man is right now. A few of my theories rely on the other communities you've mentioned."
Negan then nodded. "Okay then...what about these things Gavin was talking about?"
Hayden was beginning to process all of his thoughts together. If Gavin had said that these things sucked the life out of each Savior, it had to be a Harvester. The type of demon that can drain the life of its enemies. But also those claw marks Gavin had mentioned, and the crushed skull, that had to be a Prowler. They are known for traveling at an immense velocity, as well as their brute strength.
So, it is true, the demons are here after all.
"I believe that Gavin and his company have first witnessed a whole new threat to this world. Though I also give credence to the point that we'll have to warn the other communities about this unusual situation. If these bizarre creatures are as dangerous as Gavin said they'd be, then we'll have to act quickly before anything else happens to more of your people, Negan." Hayden explained thoroughly.
Gavin eventually begins to nod in agreement, "The doc might have a point, Negan. We can't ignore all of this when it just happened recently. Hell, Simon and his group are also out there too."
Negan leaned back in his chair, taking in all the information. Not before long, he almost felt like chuckling after this. But he wasn't going to. He of all people helping alongside those other communities made him like he's somewhat weak. They all loathed him to the very core, and he knew it very well. Besides, if he starts going to those people for aid in this dangerous situation, he won't deserve their help.
"You know, you're gonna have to lose that fucking attitude of yours, doc. I'm sick of it." Negan said finally.
Negan wasn't smirking or grinning this time. No signs of any funny business. His voice overall became cold as ice and grave as it sent a shiver down Gavin's spine and his eyes narrowed. Negan's whole body language changed, giving Hayden a nonverbal warning.
"I don't understand-"
"Doc, you're fucking testing me, you know that?" He chuckled out while pinching the bridge of his nose. "You know you can save all this for something else, but this shit will all work out in the end. It'll pass at any point sooner or later. Besides, none of those communities will give two shits on helping us fight if they had even tried. After all, I'm trying to teach that stupid little prick, Rick, a lesson about doing reckless shit; he'll soon regret going against me."
Hayden and Gavin fell silent after what Negan had just said. Neither of them didn't know whether Negan was becoming an idiot right now or if he just wanted to let this problem work on its own.
Hayden shook his head and gazed back at the Savior leader in confusion, "Excuse me? Negan, we can't just let this sit and wait for the time being, and how will it ever be beneficial for you and your people's sake? You're just making it seem like they're all expendable."
Negan eyes the android before resting his arm on the table, leaning a little closer. "I have a feeling that you're questioning my leadership, huh doc? Do you think that? Because those are some fancy fucking words coming from someone who's becoming a real pain in my fucking ass!"
Hayden shakes his head, "Don't misunderstand the point, Negan. I am not questioning your authorities. Gavin had just explained to you that there is something worse than those undead creatures you call rotters, correct? Here you are, ignoring the problem like it's oblivious to you rather than initiating on gathering help from the other communities-"
*BONK*
Negan hits his barbed wire bat on the table, interrupting, "HEY! Their only job is to work for me! To provide for me! With any supplies and resources that we require! They can handle themselves just fine."
Hayden shakes his head again before talking in a controlled manner, "Whether or not you believe that the remaining communities could defend themselves is irrelevant, Negan. What if this new threat soon makes its way upon the Sanctuary by accident? Or Hilltop? Kingdom? Alexandria? Nobody here besides Gavin possibly knows that these things exist here, and it just might catch them all off guard."
"I don't give a flying fuck if those pussies are riding goddamn unicorns, I'll own the HELL outta' them. Cause we are fucking them the fuck up. They'll know what they did isn't fucking cool. If not, then I'm going to mushroom stamp each of their fucking foreheads with my giant cock!"
Gavin just sat there silently as he watched these two go at it like a bunch of wolves thrashing and pulling the biggest meat yet. Negan was becoming more and more irritated with this android's "common sense" of the situation, but it all felt like it was almost too oversimplified.
Still, though, Hayden wasn't trying to make any relapses upon Negan.
"Pardon me, but do you know why these other communities are desired to get informed of this current situation? Not only will neglecting the problem ninety-nine percent of the time, would make your people here reprove upon your leadership, but it also gives us the disadvantage of ever ceasing this new threat once and for all. Yes, it could cause any widespread panic, but they must become prepared for the worse. Otherwise, your connection with each settlement for obtaining any resources will all enter its downfall. We must act now, Negan."
"It ain't about playing both sides, doc! You don't know these people more than I do! Do you honestly believe that I have to go and throw in a welcome mat for those people who wanna' kill more of my people before!? THAT AIN'T FUCKING COOL! I've done way more than what those worms have ever done!"
*BONK*
"THAT!"
*BONK*
"IS!"
*BONK*
"HOW!"
*BONK*
"IT!"
*BONK*
"WORKS HERE!"
Gavin looked away for a moment just when he observes Negan and Hayden having a stare-off at each other. Hayden remained quiet, displaying no emotion of backing down from Negan unleashing his anger. On the other hand, Negan didn't know where or how this android goes off on telling him what to do, and he also doesn't know what Hayden is capable of against him. If they were going to fight now, they would've done it. But nothing is happening.
"I am not going to fight or kill you, Negan. Nor am I attempting to overthrow your administration of power as various Saviors would mention. But you can't change the fact that I'm here to help save all your people from calamity. We may not come transversely through our motives alike, but we do care about people's lives here. That is why I must put my trust into you for us to benefit this world together, just as you'll put your trust into mine as well."
Of course, Negan knew very well that Hayden didn't want to fight or threaten him. More likely, this android hasn't even threatened anyone at all during his time here. But why? Why isn't Hayden scared of him? The android showed Negan how he struck up an argument or conversation through his likeness. Negan almost believed he had shown fear into the mechanical heart of Hayden for quizzing his "successful outcomes" that the Saviors have pulled off, but none of that came true to the cocky leader as Hayden stood his ground firmly.
What could be the only thing Hayden was afraid of? If anything, the Marine had must be the jackpot to Negan's dilemma. If Negan could locate this Marine merely as Hayden had mentioned, he might make this android think twice about interfering with his ways of doing.
Maybe those other remaining settlements are another way of finding out Hayden's true motives. After all, Negan still wasn't sure if this android's past whereabouts would be known, but maybe Negan could test Hayden a bit furthermore.
Negan stared at him a moment and shook his head, rasping. "Who the hell do you think-?"
*BEEP* *BEEP* *BEEP*
Just as Negan was about to speak more, he got cut off by his walkie-talkie beeping and then a female voice sounding through.
[Boss! We have an orange situation and it's a big one! We're gonna need you!]
The woman sounded very startled, and she had a nervous undertone. That means whatever is going on is for sure going to piss Negan off even more, than he was right now. Then, Hayden's mind drifted on if it was about demons or not. Or possibly the other settlements? But aside from that, the android wasn't sure what an "orange situation" resembles.
"Arat, what is it? A grab-n-go?" Negan asked, slowly piercing his lips together.
[Yeah, but it's half the medical supplies, two chickens, and a couple of our motorcycles. Also, two men are down.]
Hayden heard Arat take a deep breath before explaining to Negan all of this, indicating that she was nervous and scared to tell him this. Hayden could've sworn he saw Negan's eyes turn red and steam come out his nose.
Now, this was terrifying to witness from the dangerous leader that Hayden heard Laura's group tell him about that Dean also told him, came alive before his face. The android almost began picking up the same vibe he did that time when he eventually met the Doom Slayer himself.
From the look on Gavin's face, he was truly terrified just by Negan's facial expression and his body language. When Laura said Negan isn't anyone to take advantage of, she meant it. But what terrified Gavin the most is that Negan scares his people by not doing anything but changing his mood. Hayden feels as if Gavin has bit off more than he can chew.
"I'll be down in the main hall in the sec, Arat. Meet me there and gather some people to load the trucks up and have them wait up front." He ordered.
[Alright, Negan.]
After Arat had answered him, he clicked it off and put it back in his holster, running his fingers through his hair before he lets out a deep sigh. Hayden felt like his lightbulb came on as an idea instantly rolled in his head. All of this is a perfect opportunity for the android to not only get out for a while but also earn back Negan's trust again.
Negan didn't notice as Hayden got back up from his beanbag seat. "Listen to me, Negan. I want to apologize for our disputation seconds ago, but I-"
"Work for the better of humanity and jackshit, we get it!" Negan growled in irritation, but then he decides to calm himself down. "You keep talking about that fucking shit twenty-four-seven like it's a turd on the bottom of a boot, waiting to be scraped off."
Hayden didn't speak, his head catching sight of Gavin who stood up. "Negan, you need to go," he said to him.
"Gimme' a minute, Gavin..." Negan sighed gravely, looking over at Hayden, "...and just take the doc outta' here-"
"Sir, I inquire if I'd accompany you on this parable that your people are taking measures concerning something. I could-"
"No. I think fucking not, Sam."
"Why not?"
Negan glared at him, "Because I say so, that's why. What do you think I am? Your teacher and some shit?"
Hayden right now was starting to feel like a lost cause, but he had to keep pushing because he can also regain Negan's trust again.
"I understand how aggravated you are of me asking you, in particular, I've made a critical error in my judgment. But please, you must let me help the rest of your Saviors in return for my appreciation for bringing me here. As much as this Sanctuary resembles a level of welfare to me, I feel like I shouldn't be enclosed within the facility for the time now. I'll do whatever it takes to help cease this group from stealing anymore and..."
"Whoa, whoa..." Negan cuts off Hayden who asked, "How do you know it was a group? No one said it was a fucking group of...?"
Hayden walked over to Negan, which made him stop in mid-sentence. "It's common sense, basically..."
As if questioning if this android had anything to do with it. Hayden nearly cursed himself. It was a ridiculous question, of course. The android knew what Negan meant and answering his question with another one can further Negan's suspicion.
"...Arat had just explained to us that a few motorcycles, half of the medical supplies, and two of your Saviors are down. I believe that's beginning to articulate another assembly. After all, one regular couldn't have achieved it by themselves. Especially not stealing your fowls, I suppose."
Negan and Gavin looked at each other before the Savior leader spoke up, "Fine, I guess you're right, doc. Come on, let's go."
As Negan stood up, Hayden stepped back for him to walk past him, followed by the android coming with him afterward. Though, Hayden couldn't believe how easily Negan gave in. All of this could be his only chance, so he walked beside Negan to the door. Closing it behind them, Gavin and Hayden came up with Negan who was already down the hallway.
"Hurry up before I change my mind, and try not to do any mischief on the way." Negan looked next to him, watching Hayden nod.
"I assure you that I will do no such thing, Negan."
As Negan looked forward again, he said in an odd tone Hayden couldn't quite make out. "Don't make me regret this shit, Hayden."
Back in Negan's thoughts, his mind still wandered about this Marine person, looking forward to meeting the man himself one day.
A short while later, the group had picked up their supplies and weapons while following Tara. The Slayer was presently marching in the back, where a few people could get a glance at him. He kept his combat shotgun within his hands, despite how everyone assumed about how the Slayer keeps his firearms to himself.
As the assemblage strolled through the forest, the Slayer's mind went through what he knew. He became somewhat stoked to understand what the dream he had indicated previously. The only things that the Slayer remembered of his past were when he drove back the demons into Hell and woke up in a sealed stone coffin at the start of meeting that asshole, Hayden.
Now, it's starting to get different. The Slayer had long since vowed to terminate not only Hell's realm but also the Deag Priests and the Khan Maykr herself. During his time trapped inside that stone coffin, the Slayer knew he had to focus his rage and sharpen his mind so he wouldn't fall for any more traps like before.
Sometimes confusion was on his mind at times, but it was soon put aside and substituted by an insatiable fury, not just against the demons but against himself. The Slayer didn't know how he could have become so blind as to notice the trap laid by the Deag Priests, despite how it certainly cost them one of their sacred blood temples to imprison him. Though the Slayer couldn't help but still wonder how long he became held over time? Hundreds, if not thousands of years? All of this is a pain in the ass.
The Slayer also wondered what was coming next since he knew he would become free and fix whatever stupid mistake by the UAC so far. Then the day came when the Slayer awoke within that UAC facility during a demonic invasion on Mars.
Back when Hayden sent the Slayer away somewhere, it still gave him the furious urge to fight against the restraints for wanting to rip that traitorous machine of a doctor limb from limb to retrieve the Crucible. Hayden truly believed that humanity was backed into a corner and had no other way out of it all. Regardless of what Rick's group wanted to do here, the only thing the Slayer could do was march onward alongside everyone else.
"Heads up, walkers!"
Just before the Slayer could think about this new information some more, the sounds of rustling bushes began to share six walkers waiting for the survivors. Tara must have informed everyone since she and Rick were at the front.
"Use your knives. Try not to draw fire on any-!" Rick tried to speak further until a zoom went past him and Tara.
Rick's group soon became alerted not just of the walkers, and just before one or the other unsheathed their blades, the Slayer immediately reappeared aside Rick and Tara to grab the first one by its throat.
Not wasting bullets onto these zombies, eyes followed as the Slayer choke-slammed the walker to the ground before stomping on its head. The Slayer's heavy boot splattered the undead creature like a grape as he sprung over and punched through the next two walkers that came near.
"Holy shit, man." Tara cursed out a whisper at how the Slayer fought like a maniac.
The group's astonishment at the Slayer's course of action soon relinquished as Michonne took out her katana and plunged its blade into a walker's skull. Nearby, Rick took out his hatchet and started swinging through another walker's forehead. The last zombie shambled forward, causing the Slayer to backhand its face until breaking its neck. Daryl's eyes focused on how the Slayer moved, just like everyone else, something to show remarkably how lethal the Slayer was when it comes to killing the walkers.
Finally, the Slayer grabbed its shoulders, bringing it down to smash a knee into its head with enough force to obliterate its skull. Everyone paused for a moment, looking back to observe everyone witnessing the carnage that the Slayer had just unleashed. They could see the blood splattered on the Slayer's armor. And again, the Slayer did not feel any remorse, guilt, or even disgust at what he had done.
Glancing to the side, Aaron and Eric looked like they wanted to express gratitude mid-sentence, but a look from the Slayer's half-lidded eyes stopped them. The Slayer then slowly gestured a hand as if telling them that he didn't need any appreciation. VEGA's avatar appeared on his visor screen, causing him to ignore Rick and Michonne's stern aspect.
VEGA: {The Oceanside's border is just a few meters ahead. I will mark its location on your HUD until you are approaching your arrival time.}
The Slayer nodded at VEGA's statement, still not caring if the others behind him kept watching about his actions just now. He gazed back at Rick's group, not minding most of their obscure stares, motioned them with a wave of a hand before marching back to the original route.
It was only a matter of time when the group finally came to their exact location from what Tara had transpired. On the other hand, Father Gabriel became the only person here who followed alongside the Slayer. Though, the Slayer could also take notice that Carl was next to that Hilltop girl, Enid.
It almost looks like they somehow grew fond of each other before the Slayer came into the picture. Nice to see the kid finding love. All of this lovey-dovey drama shit is just too obscure to the Slayer. Sure, he has only felt love upon killing demonic entities and sabotaging their armies back through Hell, but this was a different love. Two partners, like Rick and Michonne. As if the Slayer would meet a woman to care about him before, right?
The Slayer purposely shook his head to push away these stupid thoughts in his head. It all doesn't matter right now. It was in the past, and the Slayer shouldn't care about it every time he comes across those kinds of people.
The group drew near the outskirts of Oceanside's perimeter, in which Tara would volunteer to sneak in alone and repress Natania as quietly as she could.
It might take only a small amount of time to persuade somebody to give up their guns and fight, especially if one only wants to be left alone with no trouble from outsiders. Once Tara gets in, the group would wait to advance afterward as soon as the signal was there. But only if Tara couldn't convince Natania in time for the group to move in. Though, if she could, Rick and the rest of us would enter Oceanside, and some little reconciliation would begin after that.
The Slayer still couldn't get all this out of his mind about having to kill the surviving women, and especially that statement VEGA had mentioned earlier. What if something is bound to happen on this mission? After all, Rick said it himself because even though he trusted the Slayer, he still is going to try and kill him if necessary. Thinking back to what VEGA said about any demonic presence in this dimension, whether or not he is wrong, proves a point about the situation at hand.
The disgust and fear these people put upon me, the demons entering through this dimension, and the issue with Rick, wanting to put the Slayer aside as if everyone owes him nothing at all.
"You sure you can do this, Tara?" Rick asked, looking at Tara in a stern tone.
"I'm fine, Rick. Just give me a chance to try and convince them." Tara answered, trying to be confident.
"Yeah, but we don't have enough time. I can't give you too much time to talk with the leader, you know?"
"I understand."
"If you fail, then I have no choice but to go with my plan."
"I understand."
"If anything happens to you. I won't hesitate to go with my plan."
"Rick, I understand."
Tara checked her surroundings and at her surrogate family as she took in the woodland scenery all around.
Her attention came to a standstill upon where the Slayer stood with his combat shotgun in his hands. He was examining the area without doing so much while several eyes were onto him. The whole situation with him almost freaking out over some insane dream has put some people on edge. Tara became a bit concerned yet confused about the way the Slayer acted toward Jesus. With everyone now signifying the Slayer as more atrocious and beastly than ever before.
Despite receiving all of the ill will, anger, or hostility between the Slayer and Alexandria, he didn't feel any pity or concern for his actions. Tara knew that there had to be something wrong with the Slayer due to his sudden unfoldings.
Tara needed to find out herself. The ponytailed woman fell silent as she walked right over to the exact spot where the Slayer remained safeguarding. The Slayer checked everyone around until eventually giving the next glimpse at the woman.
"Hey there, big guy? Are you okay from, you know? I was glad things didn't go so wrong when you were charging out of that van. You looked kinda tensed back there." she urged in an awkward tone but tried her best to show kindness.
The Slayer's hollow eyes slowly rested on Tara, feeling somewhat comfortable with having her around him, which is more than many others would say about who the Slayer was to them. The Slayer wasn't in the mood of apologizing about his anger going out of control, although it may seem well-deserving in the eyes of those who view the Slayer with contempt and suspicion.
After a short minute, the Slayer finally gave Tara a nod to confirm that he was okay for now, maybe. Then, the Slayer took out the notepad and marker from one of his belt's pouches, letting her watch him write down his words.
IT DOES NOT MATTER
ARE YOU READY FOR THIS
"I'm trying to be, big guy," Tara spoke, turning away to gaze onward. "I sometimes forget that I've stayed around Rick's group, considering what has happened back then. So, you probably don't know what I have been through while surviving through."
The Slayer merely shrugged as a response, with a deadpanned expression. It's not like Tara or anybody else has been talking to the Slayer recently.
"My sister and I had to do everything we could to survive, even if it meant killing those who try to harm my family. Lilly and Meghan were with me at the time after my dad passed away due to his cancer. It was where we met him." Tara began to speak until her tone became toxic a bit.
Here comes another psychotic asshole.
Tara continues, "The guy claimed himself as Brian Heriot, and he started to help us, but really, he was a monster. He told us to attack Rick's people before I met either of them, and he killed Maggie's father. I was scared, and I didn't know what to do or say. Everything felt like it was my fault for even considering that asshole's word, and I wanted to die because of it. Lilly is gone, Meghan too, and I am all that's left of it."
The Slayer's expression turned dark as he grimaced the thought of so many lives that are lost.
"Glenn was the one who kept me going, and I tried to make my amends by helping everyone. I never expected to be forgiven that easily. But now, things are bullshit. Glenn and Abraham are dead because of Negan. So many more people were just gone." Tara said in a slightly sad tone before becoming determined. "But no more are going to die next, and I know we will take the Saviors out. I trust Rick's word that Negan will get what's coming to him."
After Tara's length of mouthing off about who knows what, rustling a bit while looking down at her densely, The Slayer couldn't help but have some harsh sympathy for her various bits of survival. Through this talk of hers, the Slayer begins to remember Valen when he divulged Argent D'Nur for his son's soul. But Tara didn't know about Rick's group at that time, so she didn't betray anybody. She was just somebody in the wrong place and time to almost get herself killed.
The Slayer watched as Tara starts checking her watch before looking at him, "That's my cue, big guy. Wish me luck."
Tara then raises a hand for a fist bump, in which the Slayer respectfully bumped his fist against hers with twiddled fingers in a manner that could only be called whimsical. Tara released an inhale she had been holding and let out a chuckle.
Just as the Slayer watched Tara begin to run off, he observed Rick helping Michonne up into a tree and watched as she climbed carefully up into it. The Slayer could see that the tree is supposed to be a watch post, where she would use the scope on the rifle she carried up with her to take out any walkers. Plus, she could keep a general eye on the surrounding area.
"Once you're up, watch for the signal," Rick said to Michonne, who was breathing heavily from climbing.
"What time does the clock start?" She asked, holding her sniper rifle while up in the tree.
"Soon as Tara gets in, Michonne. Are you good?" Rick replied, looking up at his lover.
"I'm good enough." Michonne acknowledged, only to give Rick a sober look. "You should check and see if the big guy's following through with the plan."
"I'll get that covered," Rick responded to Michonne, though becoming thoughtful about the Slayer's near disturbance earlier.
In the middle of the forest, Rick had been ordering people to begin planting the explosive dynamites. Not to mention that the Alexandrian leader is keeping an extra close watch on the Slayer at the moment as well, ensuring that no problem ruins this mission. Any way or other, the survivors here remained prepared for either upshot. But everyone seemed to be more prepared for conflict, and preparation for that fight would get undertaken just after Tara had gone off alone. Aaron and Eric were kept on watch together, making sure they weren't interrupted by anything undead amidst their cautious task.
As the Slayer was nearby, he heard Aaron and Eric talking to each other.
"I'm glad you came. I know it's been hard. I know you don't want this..." Aaron wanted to say more.
But Eric interrupts. "I didn't want this, but I'm starting to understand what's on the menu now. We can hide like these people, we can keep trying to serve the Saviors, and I can watch you get randomly beaten every so often, or else we can fight. So, here we are. And being with you, well, it makes abject terror tolerable."
Just as the two Alexandrians saw the Slayer nearby, he walked around briskly, giving off an unstable aura that would leave the two pondering about his impatience.
"Are you doing okay, big guy?" Aaron asked, causing the Slayer's head to snap over to him with a thumbs-up gesture.
"That's good," Eric nodded calmly, "I'm glad nothing serious happened after that whole mixup you had with Jesus earlier today. But still, you almost worried us all."
The Slayer rolled his eyes, not desiring to go through with this discussion again. He walked away to check on everyone else in the area. Jesus and Daryl worked together, rigging up the explosives they'd be using as part of their plan.
"I should've tried harder to stop Rosita and Sasha. If they'd have just waited one more day." Jesus said, walking around Daryl with a box filled with explosives.
"Well, Sasha's a good shot, and Rosita knows how to take care of herself," Daryl remarked, untangling the rope from its twisted state. "They're probably back at Hilltop right now. At least I hope so cause we're still going to need them. There's a whole lot of people still got to die."
Momentarily, the two survivors saw the Slayer coming around to inspect around listlessly at the flowing tree shrubs. While Jesus raised an eyebrow at the Slayer's unusual movements throughout the forest's expanse, Daryl only glared, bringing his hands to the ropes while clenching them into fists. He hated this situation with the Slayer. He hated that he did not know what could be done with Rick trusting the Slayer.
It was all that was in his mind.
Hatred.
"Hey, big guy," Jesus called out to me, gaining the Slayer's attention as he eyed over. "Watch your step around the dynamites. So you don't get your feet tangled or drag the explosives across the ground before they set off."
The Slayer narrowed his sight to recognize where each explosive was getting arranged, thanks to VEGA on the HUD. After that, the Slayer looked back up to Jesus to give a thumbs-up before wandering away. Daryl let out a growling sigh of anger. He wanted a plan formed already to try and kill the Slayer if trouble comes to his group. And his mind got set in that motion.
Jesus turned his head over to Daryl, who silently continues his work, "I can see that you don't trust him, and even I can't figure him out myself either."
Daryl could only grunt in response to Jesus' statement, as they both went back to their original layout. Everyone else, meanwhile, had begun to encircle the outskirts of Oceanside's perimeter. They could access in from all various directions and enclose the community, catching them off-guard.
While the Slayer was quietly scoping around the scenery, Rick comes up to him with his default expression. "Listen up, big guy. I've given Tara a certain amount of time. If she fails to convince them within the next few minutes, we'll have to take what we need by force. Do you think you can handle doing this?"
After what Rick told the Slayer, he didn't know whether he had been in this situation before or not. Hopefully, none of them were going to kill these women by malice. So instead, the Slayer thought the more chance for him was to knock them unconscious or something perhaps. The Slayer slowly gave the man a single nod, keeping his gaze upon the Alexandria leader that returned the same gesture.
"I'm sorry things got complicated from the ordeal back at the church, but I mean it when I say it, big guy. Negan is a bad man who has killed most of our friends; good people, too. I didn't want to think you would shoot Daryl with that big gun of yours, but I had to act for everybody's sake. Everyone else may seem like they'll shun you because of something else, but they will soon accept you, and the same goes for me, too. I wish things could've been a little different, but I'm telling you this so that you know. You have to trust me on this, big guy. And I will trust you too." Rick walks up to place a hand on the Slayer's shoulder, doing his best to manage his faith in the likes of him.
The Slayer stared silently at the way Rick's short lecture moved around in his judgment, to see why everyone looks up to him as a leader for others to follow. He may not be the smartest everywhere else, but he's a flawed man whose very committed to his people, which the Slayer can respect himself. Rick makes hard decisions when needed and doesn't hesitate. It's not something to enjoy or be proud of, but it's what he needs to do for his people. The Slayer then uses his marker to scribble on his notepad to show to Rick.
LISTEN
WE WILL NOT KILL THE WOMEN
TARA TRUSTS ME
AND I WILL TRY TO TRUST YOU
I DID NOT WANT TO KILL DARYL
AND I ONLY DEFENDED MYSELF
BUT I WILL DO WHAT I CAN
TO KEEP YOUR FAMILY SAFE
TO SAVE EVERYONE HERE
After reading the piece of paper, Rick gave the Slayer a gentle look as if he understood sincerely, nodding, "Thank you for telling me that. And remember, we're only scaring them so that they would have no choice but to do what we ask. Give us what we want. I know you don't like it, and neither do I, but sometimes you have to be cruel to get your way. We'll ask if they want to come with us and help fight the Saviors too. Do you understand?"
The Slayer let out a low sigh as he nodded again and then gave a small shrug on what to do now.
"Now, we just have to wait." Rick looked at the Slayer with his fierce eyes while the Slayer just blankly gazed back at him. "Use your shotgun when you need to, alright?"
Eventually, the Slayer nodded afterward, hoping to see how this one goes.
A/N: [Finally got this chapter done! A big argument and showing off disputes between Hayden and Negan when it comes to leadership. And it seems that the Slayer is still pondering over his latest dream about the Night Sentinels and gaining his powers. Please don't be shy to leave a review and let me know what you guys think about this chapter!]