In Another Lifetime (Chapter 15)

A/N: Yes it has been several months since I last updated and I'm sure all of you can understand why. The blows TWD have thrown out this year have been the roughest to date and I'm still trying to make sense of it all. One thing is certain, Richonne can and will live on in our fics so I'm going to try my best to get back to writing on a regular basis. Hopefully your interest is still there. Thanks so much.

Previously: Tyrese meets some helpful strangers; Michonne leads Woodbury in Rick's absence and the community works together to save their home from intruders.

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Herschel sits quietly, working a crossword puzzle while keeping an eye on his patient. He is concerned that Rick hasn't awakened yet. He doesn't think anything could be preventing that but bullet wounds can be tricky. The bullet was intact when he removed it so there are no lingering fragments. Of course an infection could have set in regardless of his preventive measures but there were no signs aside from fever that would indicate such.

His eyes rove the infirmary and note the lack of light. His patient is not in any danger just yet but it sure would be nice to have a bit of natural light as a weapon to combat the dismality. Whoever designed this prison didn't consider the psychological injustice minimal sunlight would have on its inhabitants. He shrugs, bemused by the inconsideration. I guess they weren't paid to care. He never had any reason to be overly concerned with prisons before the turn and now he knows he was naïve to think that prisoners were treated as the human beings they are.

He sighs deeply and reminds himself to concentrate on his patient. Nothing can change the past at this point. He watches the sleeping man and concludes that the body knows what it needs so maybe he just needs rest in order to heal faster. A movement by the door grabs his attention and he glances in that direction, searching the area. All he can see is the toe of a dusty black shoe but he is sure who is hovering outside. He remains silent, wondering at the man's presence. Another flit of black crosses to the other side of the door and Herschel shakes his head before commenting.

"If you need help with something, you're welcome to come in and ask."

The hesitation from his visitor is palpable but soon the doorway is darkened with a figure dressed in black from head to toe. Herschel gives an encouraging smile and wonders why Gabriel has ventured to the infirmary. The man barely spoke to anyone.

"Everything ok?"

Gabriel clears his throat. "I…I just….is this man going to live? I heard the others talking about him and I felt compelled to…..well maybe I shouldn't but….they said he was shot and yet he fought through walkers and made it here to the prison so…..I think he wants to live. Maybe he has something to live for so I think I should pray for him. I don't know if I'll be heard or if it will do any good but…"

"Pray for him Gabriel. I have. Nothing is wrong with that you know. Regardless of what happened in the past, you're still a man of the cloth. You can't just throw that away," Herschel reminds him.

"Yes. You've told me that before but….I don't deserve to spread the Lord's word anymore. I've gone against everything I was taught in seminary. I've disappointed my…."

Herschel interrupts. "You have to stop punishing yourself. What's done is done. Move on. If you're going to pray for him, pray. Please."

Father Gabriel purses his lips with a slight nod, realizing that Herschel is tired of hearing his self-pity as well he should be. He's the only one Gabriel has dared to speak with since Heath and Tara found him and brought him back to the prison. He wishes he could've acknowledged being saved from the walkers as a sign that he is supposed to live but he doesn't know his purpose any more.

"Well?" Herschel urges.

Father Gabriel takes a couple of steps towards the patient's bed and looks down on the sleeping man, wondering at his determination to live. What is so important that he defied a bullet wound, exposure to the elements, and walkers? He reaches forward and touches him tentatively, hoping that some of this man's strength and courage would seep into him.

The man's skin is warmer than it should be so Gabriel turns concerned eyes toward Herschel but remains silent. He turns back to the patient, closes his eyes and begins to pray fervently.

Meanwhile, Glenn is watching the dust fly up as Tyreese drives away in one of the operable cars they'd found in the prison's garage. Jacqui and Aaron close the gates with a loud clang of finality and Glenn questions his decision to allow his would be enemy to leave. What if he had just set them up for a trap? He scoffs and considers telling the others to prepare for an attack. All they wanted was peace and he might have just taken that away from them.

He reminisces on their time at Woodbury and contemplates if what Tyreese relayed was true. Was the Governor truly dead and Woodbury a better community because of it? He can't help hoping so. The Governor was the type that needed to be taken out. He and Maggie had plans to do just that but making the prison habitable and doing their part so the group could strive and survive took precedence over that.

Besides, it wouldn't change anything. Beth would still be gone. He drops his head at the thought of his sister in law and what she endured. After everything they'd faced when the world went haywire, they never expected to be victims of a crime. More so, a crime that would go unpunished. If only the Governor had done the right thing. Would Beth have been ok or did none of it matter after what happened? He will forever ask himself if there was something more he could've done.

He starts when he feels an elbow at his back and smiles sheepishly as his wife steps in beside him, linking one of her arms with his. He didn't want to feel guilty about Beth but some days he couldn't help it.

"You ok?"

With his nod, she continues, "I think we can believe Tyreese. He was never one of the bad ones."

Glenn takes a deep breath. "I'm still holding out judgement on that."

Maggie nods. "I know…..I think this was meant to happen. A sign or maybe not but we're doing the right thing. We're living our lives the way we want. We made it out Glenn. Let's concentrate on that."

He turns away momentarily, pondering if he should share his concerns with her but then lifts his head with admiration shining in his eyes. Despite the wrong they suffered through, she still wanted to make this life worth living. "You're right. I'll try…..for you."

She smiles. "That's all I ask."

"You checked in on the garden today?"

"Not yet," she answers. "You wanna come with me? I'm sure Tara and Oscar have finished today's planting already."

Glenn gives a nod and walks towards the garden area with his wife, taking in the sounds of activity as his group works hard to sustain the life they've built at the prison.

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Michonne sighs as the van makes its way down a bumpy dirt road. She keeps her brave face in position, not wanting the boys to worry for one minute about Rick. She checks on them seated on the row behind hers and Sasha's and gives them an encouraging smile. The both of them remind her so much of Rick that she has to quell the tears that start to rise. Carl has his looks of course but Andre has adapted his tenacity among other traits. It was Rick who wanted them to learn to use weapons and how to protect themselves. Now they are wielding knives and guns and protecting their home just like him. He's going to be so proud.

The van slows to a stop and Noah and Mannie exit and approach the solitary truck with caution, weapons drawn.

Michonne and Sasha look around, ensuring no walkers or others are anywhere near. Once they get the ok from Mannie, they exit the vehicle and start to examine the area for any signs of where Rick and Tyreese could've gone. Noah relays the details, showing them where Rick was standing when he was shot but he's not sure of the direction he took. He only knows that he would've gone into the woods for cover.

"Maybe I should continue on foot. I might be able to pick up a trail better that way," Sasha offers.

Michonne shakes her head. "No we need to stay together. Splitting up is too risky."

The others agree as Mannie suggests, "Why don't we just check the tree line? Could be some clues there."

"I'll stay here with the boys if you want," Noah extends.

Michonne was about to tell them all to search but realizes someone should stay with the vehicle in case walkers show or they have to make a hasty exit. She nods and looks toward the woods when the telltale noise of a vehicle coming towards them is detected. She rushes toward the van to ensure the boys' safety, cursing herself for the fear that races through her veins. In this world, you don't know who to trust. A passing vehicle shouldn't be a threat but it is.

They prepare themselves for an attack when the car comes to a slow stop. Tyreese exits the car with his hands up in the air and a smile on his face. Sasha races toward her brother and throws herself into his arms. The siblings laugh together as he lifts her off the ground in an affectionate bear hug.

Michonne allows herself a moment to bask in their reunion but quickly searches the vehicle for any sign of Rick. Noah and Mannie walk over and express joy at seeing Tyreese alive and well.

Carl pops his head out of the open window and asks, "Where's my dad?"

Tyreese looks toward them. "He's fine. He's hurt but some people at this prison are taking care of him. I was on my way back to Woodbury and decided to come this way just in case. Good thing I did."

Michonne deflates with relief and her eyes express her need as Tyreese says, "Come on. I'll take you to him."

Andre yelps with happiness and tells Noah to hurry and get the van moving.

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"That was a fine prayer, Gabriel. You're good at it and you shouldn't give it up just yet." Herschel watches the younger man to see if his words are having any affect. "Regardless of what you think or believe, prayer is still needed. Even in a world like this."

"I…..

The sudden groan from their patient has Gabriel stepping away from the bed and looking anxiously at Herschel before returning his gaze to Rick.

Herschel lifts to a stand as Rick coughs and grabs his wound with another groan. The former makes his way to the bed and looks down on his patient, immediately noticing his flushed skin. The latter opens his eyes slowly and frowns as he takes in the blurry vision before him.

The pain flares so harshly that he can barely concentrate on anything else. He ignores it and tries to pull the sheet away from his body.

"Don't…..don't do that. You could open that wound again," Herschel informs.

Rick chooses not to respond as he searches the room for anything or anyone he could recognize. He blinks rapidly to clear his vision but nothing seems to be helping. Not only is the pain blaring but the heat in this place is unbearable. He attempts to sit up but gasps in pain and collapses back onto the bed.

"Need…..to…..go…." He manages shakily. "My family….."

"Your family can't help you now. I suggest…."

Rick immediately takes those words as something detrimental for Michonne, Carl, and Andre. He struggles through the fogginess and forces himself to sit up, wincing in pain.

Herschel places his hands on Rick's shoulders and pushes him back onto the bed. "You're only going to make things worse. You won't make it past that door. Just rest now."

Rick struggles against Herschel's hold and almost breaks free until Father Gabriel steps in and adds his strength in keeping him immobile. He growls at them to let him go but they hold him securely. Between the struggle, the pain, the dizziness, and the heat, Rick soon passes out again.

Herschel and Gabriel sigh in relief and look on in bewilderment, wondering at the man's strength in such a supposed weakened state. The former puts a hand to his patient's forehead and frowns with concern.

"I'm going to give him some more of that fever reducer. Do you mind drenching some towels with water? We need to cool him down as quickly as possible," Herschel instructs.

The anxiousness in Herschel's voice prompts Gabriel to move swiftly. He is willing to do all he can to help save this man's life.

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Mannie offered to drive the Georgia Department of Corrections vehicle while Tyreese drove the van and relayed details of what happened to them, how he escaped and lost Rick, and how Heath and Aaron found him and led him to the prison. He also conveyed that he didn't want to leave Rick behind but that he trusted the people at the prison and knew they'd take care of him.

He looks to Sasha. "It's Glenn and Maggie at the prison. Their dad too and a bunch of other people we've never met."

Sasha gasps. "Glenn? Maggie? They made it?" Her heart races with the thought of seeing her friends again. She prays they can find it in their hearts to forgive her. Things should've been different and she wishes they were but surely they can learn from their mistakes and try to move forward together.

She looks over at her brother. "If Glenn didn't put a bullet in your head on sight then maybe there's some hope." She gives her attention to Michonne. "It's the Greenes, the family I told you about. The one the Governor banned. They're at this prison. Rick is in good hands."

Michonne nods, wishing Sasha's words would give her some relief but they don't. She needs to put her eyes on Rick and decide first hand whether he is truly safe or not. She gives her friend a reassuring smile and stares into the back of Tyreese's head, silently urging him to go faster.

"So why did the Governor banned them?" Andre asks curiously.

Carl's eyes roll heavenward, knowing Andre is never satisfied with asking just one question.

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The prison group holds them at bay with weapons drawn until Tyreese explains who they are.

"We don't want any trouble Glenn. I promise. This is Rick's family. They came looking for him. They just want to make sure he's ok and get him back home," Tyreese states.

Glenn looks them over individually, lingering on the dark skinned woman with anxious eyes. "You Michonne?"

She nods eagerly, too choked up to speak but holding her own seamlessly. She knows Rick is only moments away and she wants to see him so badly.

Maggie steps forward. "Tara and Jacqui will take you to your husband okay?"

Michonne grabs each of her boys by a hand and they walk towards the two women Maggie indicates, following them up a hill and inside the prison.

Daryl looks on from the guard tower as Maggie looks to Sasha and without a word walks to her and wraps her into a loving hug. Tears spring to the latter's eyes as relief overwhelms her. Maggie's forgiveness means more than she will ever be able to express.

Glenn and Tyreese look on as do all the others, finally turning towards each other and sharing a firm handshake. The two groups make introductions, reveling in the comfort of a possible peace between them.

Michonne, Andre, and Carl walk into a room behind Tara and Jacqui and immediately notice two men hovering over another man on a small raised patient bed.

"This is uh…Herschel Greene, Maggie's dad. He's the one who's been taking care of your husband," Tara relays. "The other guy is Father Gabriel."

"I'm Michonne An…..Grimes. This is Carl and this is Andre, our sons." Her eyes search for Rick but all she can decipher is the rise and fall of his chest. He's ok. She looks to Herschel and Gabriel. "Thank you for what you've done for him. I….I don't know how we'll ever repay you."

"No repayment needed, ma'am," Herschel responds. He steps aside, pulling Gabriel with him and motions for Michonne and her boys to come closer to their loved one.

There is no hesitation as she rushes over to the bed and looks down on Rick. She reaches forward, placing a hand on his chest and closes her eyes as the steady beat of his heart comforts her. She grabs the dampened towel by his head and starts to wipe his brow lovingly. She smiles at the boys, encouraging them to touch him. "He's going to be ok."

They nod with assurance but look at Rick with uncertainty. They've never seen him so vulnerable and aren't sure how they should be feeling.

Herschel notices the anxiety on the little ones' faces and tries to reassure them. "He's just sleeping. It's probably what he needs right now to heal faster." He looks to Michonne. "I removed the bullet and gave him something for the pain and to reduce his fever. One thing I've learned about your husband is that he's a fighter. He tried to get off the table, saying he had to get back to his family."

"That sounds like him," Michonne agrees.

"Can we take him home? He'll feel better at home. I know it," Carl says.

"Can we?" Andre reiterates.

"I wouldn't advise it just now. What we need to concentrate on is keeping his fever down," Hershel answers.

Michonne agrees then looks to her sons. "You hear that? We've got to keep his fever down so we're going to work together and do whatever Mr. Herschel tells us to do. We've got to help Dad feel better as soon as possible."

"We will, Mom," Andre decides.

Carl grabs his dad's hand and squeezes it. "He's gonna be fine."

Herschel motions for the others to leave the room. "We'll leave you alone with him. I'll only be a shout away if you need me."

"Me too," Gabriel inputs, his curiosity piqued with this interesting looking family.

"Thank you," Michonne offers as she continues to wipe Rick's brow.

Andre moves to the opposite side of the table, taking Rick's other hand into his. He looks into the relaxed face of the man who has become a father to him and says, "You've got to wake up so we can tell you all about the bad guys at Woodbury."

"Yeah Dad. You're gonna be so proud of what we did," Carl announces.

Michonne watches the man she has come to love more than any other, hoping he'd wake up soon.