Hi Guys! So here we are chapter twenty and the final part of Crossroads. Just in relation to my own personal announcement last week. THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO DOWNLOADED MY BOOK SCORCHED! I am truly grateful if you gave it a shot and would amazed and awed if you could give it a review on the Amazon site. Just be honest, even if you hated it I don't care. I would rather know. If you didn't check it out, or don't have Amazon kindle app and want to give it a read PM me with an email address and I will send it you. Just as long as you leave me a review on Amazon, you don't need a kindle or the app to leave a review. Anyway thanks as always to those who have read, reviewed, faved and followed. You are the reason the fic got updated as it did. I hope more people continue to check out the story and that you've enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. Here we go! Cheers! D.S x
Disclaimer: I do not own Supernatural or The Walking Dead. Any OC's are mine though.
Crossroads
Part Twenty
Chaos erupted as soon as both sides had gathered themselves. The Saviours shouted for reinforcements, only as they came through the door they found themselves staring down the barrel of an allied survivors gun.
"What the hell?"
"What are they going in here?"
"Shoot them! Fucking shoot them already!"
"No body better move," Dean spoke quietly, though his voice still cut through the raising shouts. He was stood between the two groups, both with their guns out and aimed at each other. He stepped back a little to the door they had all rushed through. The heavy crashes and bangs of the Walkers added to the noise as they tried to force the door down outside. He laid a hand close to the handle, making sure they could all see it. "You start shooting at each other and I'll open this up. I wonder how long the Sanctuary will last if the Walkers get inside?" His words started a whole new round of shouting, but thankfully no one decided to test their luck.
"He's nuts."
"I knew he was going to back stab us."
"Rick, this is Rick's fault, he should have killed him when he had the chance."
"Dean, what the hell's going on?" Aaron asked, Eric clutched close to him, as he stared the hunter down.
"Aaron," Dean couldn't look at the man, not wanting to see the sting of betrayal. "You wouldn't understand but I had to do this."
"This?" Eric said, eyes wide and pleading. "What exactly is this? Dean, you've trapped us all in here."
"It was the only way."
"The only way to what?" the question brought Dean's focus on Rick. He'd turned his body so that the gun he had in his hand was aimed at Dean, pointed right between his eyes, hand steady. "What's this about, Dean?" he demanded. The young hunter had to swallow back a shiver at the deadly tone in Rick's voice. But he had to do this, it was the only way, or at least he hoped so. If not, he might as well let the Walkers in.
"That's what I'd like to know," Negan came forward a little, stepping away from his Saviours that seemed unsure of what to do. His dad looked at him, a confused expression on his face. "I thought when you came home, you'd at least come back with the brains you left with. Honestly Dean."
"He wasn't working for you?" Rick snapped at Negan, who threw back his head and laughed.
"You think I'd want you in my home?"
"It's convenient," Rick shot back. "We get trapped in here by our own plan, then you can finish off most of us without trouble."
"That would be a good plan if I had enough guns here to take you all out," Negan growled. "Besides you'd shoot up enough of my people that the body count wouldn't be worth kicking your ass."
"Then what -"
"Rick, there was no plan," Dean cut between the twos argument that was steadily getting more heated. "I wasn't working with Negan. This was all my idea. It was the only thing I could think of to save you all" Silence fell at Dean's words, all looking just as confused as the other. Even Negan seemed floored by what his son had just uttered. A grunt broke through the tension.
"Save?" Dean peered at the Saviours to see Dwight shouldering his way to the front of the shocked group. "You actually believe that this stunt will save anyone?" He asked and waved a hand at where the allied survivors were standing. "They look as if they're about to shoot you where they stand."
"Maybe, but I had to take the risk." Dean tried to keep his voice confident, but it was hard. He knew right now it was stalemate, the threat that he would let the Walkers in was keeping anyone from killing him, and then each other. But it wouldn't take long for someone to try their luck. He needed to act fast. "Someone had to stop this war."
"This war was inevitable," Rick said softly. "One he started," he jerked a head at Negan who grinned.
"I feel so humbled that you place so much blame on me, Rick. But I think you'll find that it was you that started this." He swung Lucille back and forth, shifting his stance wider. "You attacked my compound. You killed my people and from what I remember, we'd done nothing to you yet."
"It was only a matter of time. We had to hit you before you hit us."
"Is that what you say to yourself to justify why you killed all the sorry bastards that've crossed your path? That you had to?" Negan sneered, Lucille cracking against the hard concrete of the floor. "Your more pathetic than I thought."
"Like your one to talk," Rick retorted.
"I don't lie to myself, Rick," Negan spat. "I've killed people. I accept that, but I don't think of a pretty reason and pretend it was anything more than what it was."
"Which was what?"
"To make sure I can stay alive, along with my people," then he shrugged. "And I kind of liked it."
"Bastard!" Rick's hands moved on the gun, but Dean grabbed the door handle and pushed it down. The door partly opened, so the groans and snarls of the Walkers filled the room. Dean grunted as the pressure on the door increased, but he managed to get it back shut, but not without one small Walker pushing its way through. It turned on Dean, hands up and reaching, but the hunter was to use to dealing with creatures and other monsters that he easily slammed the demon killing knife into it's head. The young hunter had to hide his disgust, the Walker was a small boy. He looked nothing like Kid, but the fact that it was a child, it shook Dean. He pushed the Walker away from him, so it landed at his feet. He glanced at the others in the room, no one had moved, to shocked that he had dared to open the door to the Walker horde outside. Dean drew in a deep breath, placing his hand back on the door, making the threat very clear to everyone.
"I thought I told you what I'd do if you tried to shoot each other," he said, face a blank mask as the others stared at him.
"Are you insane?!" someone shouted, Dean shrugged.
"Maybe a little."
"Dean," his dad said as though scolding a child. "That was reckless. Maybe you should step away from the door."
"You forced my hand, dad," Dean argued, making sure to keep everyone in focus. "If you don't want me to do it again, you make sure no one starts shooting at each other. That includes you, Rick." He shot the leader of Alexandria a hard look.
"You'd seriously let the Walkers in?" Negan asked.
"Only if you force me."
"You do know that the boy's in here to?" Dean stiffened, and Negan smirked. "Are you really going to let him die in here, for what? To get us to stop fighting?" his dad shook his head, with a sigh. "That's not something you can stop Dean."
"He's right," Rick added. "This has to happen, this won't stop until he's dead."
"You can try, Rick."
"I said I'm going to kill you," Rick declared, though it was softly spoken. "I didn't lie to myself about that."
"Bring it on." Negan licked his lips. "I'm sure I'll -" hearing enough Dean banged a fist against the door, startling everyone in the room.
"Shut up! Just shut it! I don't need to hear how you think you can kill each other, I just need you to shut up and listen. Dad," he looked to Negan, whose cocky face had morphed into a scowl. He pointed the demon killing knife at the Saviours behind him. "Send them out."
"Are you giving me orders?"
"Yeah," Dean said simply.
"That's not smart son."
"Neither is pissing me off right now," Dean cocked his head, as he moved closer to the door. Negan stiffened, though he didn't show an ounce of his fear in his face. Instead he smiled.
"Clever boy. I guess it's all in the genes, you're acting just like me." Dean snorted.
"I doubt that."
"I won't send them all out. I get to keep some."
"One."
"Two."
"One," Dean stressed. "Same deal goes for you to Rick; the others have to go from the room."
"And where would you have them go?" Rick asked. "Unlike you I don't trust Negan not to shoot my people as soon as they have the chance."
"He won't do that," Dean said. "Not unless he wants to risk his workers." Negan frowned at that, as did Rick.
"Dean," Negan started but Dean shook his head.
"I know you keep most of your fighting force in the compounds and outposts, dad. The Sanctuary is just that, a Sanctuary for the people who act as your workers, and your wives," he sneered the last word, but Negan didn't flinch. "You know if the few people you have here start a fight, it'll turn into a blood bath. The workers will be the first to go. Then what will you do? I thought the point of the Saviours was to save people." They stared at each other, locked in stalemate. Finally, Negan chuckled.
"Damn you Dean, I'm sure you get this from your mother. Fine, Dwight, you stay, the rest of you, clear out."
"Boss?" one of the Saviours asked.
"You can't be serious?" Dean frowned as the Saviours were pushed apart and a man came to stand in front of them. He was scowling at Dean, his fingers wrapped around a gun that was just twitching to come up and shoot him. "What the hell do you think you're doing Negan?"
"Simon, you heard me," Negan said.
"Why are you even listening to him?" Simon asked. "We could take them all out right now," he looked to the allied survivors, who bristled, some already pointing their weapons at him. Dean worried for a moment, he didn't know who this Simon was, but he had to be high up the food chain for him to speak out like this.
"Simon, stand down," Dean was surprised to see Marcus shoulder his way through the crowd. The older hunter looked worn, tired. He eyed Dean warily but wouldn't meet his eyes when Dean tried to catch his. When Marcus reached Simon, he reached out a hand to touch him, only to have his gripped shrugged off.
"Don't give me orders, Marcus," Simon hissed. "You should know what we have to do. We have to reinstate order."
"We're not going to do that," Negan said. "I'm not risking more people when all he wants to do is talk."
"It's what needs to be done," Simon spat. "You said that killing would be nesseccary in order for the future to be saved."
"This is different."
"Because he's your son?" Simon questioned, which had Negan's brow twitching. He looked back at the Saviours waiting for someone to agree with him, but no one spoke. "We should just shoot them now. Just because Negan's son has decided to see if his cocks as big as his old mans shouldn't stop us. The little bastard should be punished for trying to -" the rest of his words stopped in his throat when Negan swung Lucille up into his face, stopping it just before his nose.
"Don't threaten my son," Negan growled. "He may be throwing a tantrum right now, but you touch him, and your brains will be sating Lucille's thirst. She's starting to get a bit parched." Simon looked down at the weapon, face set and blank as his eyes practically crossed as he stared at Lucille. He flicked his gaze to Negan, who glared at him, face uncompromising. Carefully Simon stepped back, Marcus making sure to come up to stand at his elbow.
"Of course, Negan, whatever you say," he muttered, turning his back, but not before sending a glare Dean's way. As he did so, the other Saviours followed his lead. A few of what must have been Negan's inner circle hovered a little, but with a look from their leader, they moved off into the Sanctuary. Dean, so busy watching the Saviours didn't notice someone approach until they were almost in front of him. He growled hand going for the handle.
"Easy boy, I'm not going to push you," Marcus raised his own hands where he stood an arm's length from the young hunter. Dean's eyes hardened, but he didn't move his hand.
"Shouldn't you be clearing off?"
"What do you think this will do, Dean?" Marcus asked instead of leaving. "You really think you can get these guys to not shoot each other?"
"Someone's got to."
"Why?"
"Because it's the right thing to do," Dean said, which earned him a sigh and the shake of the head from Marcus.
"Damn Bobby," Marcus muttered. Dean frowned.
"What about Bobby?" he asked, but Marcus didn't answer, instead he looked to the concrete floor.
"You know I'm sorry. About Bobby I mean. He was a good man," Marcus said, which only confused Dean more. "Though I wish he wasn't always right."
"What do you -"
"Marcus," Negan's voice interrupted Dean, and the older hunter turned to see the Saviours leader watching them. "Shouldn't you be leaving?"
"Ah," Marcus agreed, hastily retreating, though not before glancing at Dean one last time. The young hunter couldn't be sure, but he was sure he saw the older man smile a little. Finally, he disappeared along with Simon and the rest of the Saviours, leaving only Dwight, though he looked as though he would rather be anywhere else. Once the door was shut, Dean turned to Rick.
"There's a room through there," he nodded to another door, opposite to where the Saviours had left. "You can only get to it through here. You'll be safe in there until we can sort this out."
"How do you know that?" it was Eric who asked, and Dean had a hard time keeping his cool façade as he faced him.
"Bobby told me."
"When'd he have time for that?" Negan said with a raised eyebrow.
"When you locked me in the cage," Dean muttered. Negan frowned, but didn't comment again. Dean looked to Rick, who was staring at him with an unreadable look. Finally, he nodded.
"Maggie stays."
"That's fine."
"The rest of you, do as Dean says." He spoke to the rest of the gathered survivors, who all looked as though they wanted to protest. But when Maggie added her support, they all trooped off into the room Dean had indicated. The hunter ignored the way some stared at him, with utter looks of betrayal and scorn. When the last had gone and the door was shut, Dean let a breath go. The first part of his plan was complete. Get both sides to back down so he can talk to the leaders alone. Done.
"So, we're alone," Negan said with a mocking grin. "What now?"
"How about we sit down?" Dean said, gesturing to the table and chairs that were in the room. No one moved or said a thing. Dean looked to Rick and Maggie, both were uneasy, gripping their weapons as their eyes drifted from Negan, to Dwight, to Dean. The hunter finally let out a sigh. "It's ok," that got him a jerked response from the pair. Rick narrowed his eyes at him.
"You don't know that."
"I do."
"How?" Maggie's tone was cold, but Dean could sense the hurt behind it. He couldn't blame her. She had a right to hate Negan. He had killed Glenn and now Dean was forcing her to confront him that didn't include shooting him in the head. He'd hate himself a little to. Dean plastered on his signature shit eating grin. He needed to be confident now.
"Because he," he nodded a head at Negan. "Won't risk a fire fight in the Sanctuary. He may be a murderous bastard to some, but he does care about people staying alive if he can help it."
"You know why -"
"So, he won't risk doing anything that will piss me off, not when he knows I'll go through with my threat." Dean cut off Negan, shooting him a hard look. "He knows what people like me are capable of when pushed." His dad's face twitched, and Dean saw victory there. Negan wasn't stupid, he knew Dean was a hunter and hunters could be vicious bastards when they wanted to be, especially when pushed into a corner. There was nothing they wouldn't do to find a way to end a hunt.
"That's very true, son," Negan's tone was low, but he still walked over to the table, pulling out a chair on one side, so that it scraped against the concrete ground. He threw himself into it, waving a hand back at Dwight, who watched the whole thing a little uncertainly. "Pull up a chair, Dwight." The scared man looked as if he would rather do anything else, but he wasn't going to ignore a command from Negan. So, he took the chair next to him. Negan sent a grin to Rick and Maggie. "Gonna join us?" Rick didn't move, but Maggie did. She stalked across the distance, taking a seat opposite the Saviours. With deliberate care she placed her gun on the table, making sure to flash that her finger was still resting on the trigger.
"Maggie," Rick hissed at her, but the woman ignored him, her eyes were on Negan.
"I'll listen," she said softly. "But you make one move and I'll shoot you between the eyes." Negan laughed, tilting his chair so that it was on two legs.
"Brave words, Widow."
"It's not brave," Maggie shrugged, as Rick came and took a seat beside her. "It's a promise." Negan shivered, though he never lost his smile.
"I would have loved you as one of my wives."
"What's this about, Dean?" Rick interrupted before Maggie could respond. Dean was grateful to the man for that, and quickly took control of the situation. He stepped away from the door, moving towards the table, but he took care to not sit. He wanted to be able to pull through with the ultimate threat if he had to. It wasn't as though he wanted to let the Walkers in, he didn't want to die. But if he didn't somehow make this work, he might as well let the Walkers have humanity, as there was no way he was going to be able to save them otherwise.
"Rick, what do you know about the Walkers?" the leader of Alexandria frowned.
"Why is that important?"
"Just answer the question."
"They're people that have been infected," Rick shared a glance with Maggie, who looked equally confused. "Get bit or die, you turn into one because we're all infected."
"Do you know why it happened?" Rick stiffened but shook his head.
"No one does."
"No one?"
"No one I've met." Dean nodded, then turned his attention on Negan. His dad was watching the conversation with hooded eyes. Dean steeled himself before speaking again.
"Tell them about the virus, dad." Negan blinked, looking at Dean blankly.
"Why should I?"
"Because I'm asking." Negan watched him, but then shrugged.
"The virus is man-made. We don't know what they were trying to cure, cancer, maybe dementia, but whatever they did, well," he shrugged and chuckled a little. "It didn't work."
"How do you know this?" Maggie asked.
"I have connections."
"You mean, Bobby had connections," Dean shot back which earned him a growl from Negan.
"Bobby?" Rick asked. "Wasn't he the guy -?"
"Yeah," Dean curt in before more could be said. "He and … some others tried to find out what they could about the virus in the beginning. Tried to find a cure. One of them got into a lab and found that it was man-made and that there is no cure."
"No cure?" Maggie asked, and Dean shook his head.
"No."
"But how -"
"How can you be sure?" Rick asked. "How could he be sure?" Dean laughed, but it was more mocking than anything.
"Oh, believe me, Bobby would have known for sure."
"Why, was he some kind of government official or -?"
"Christ, Rick, you think that matters?" Negan said as he leaned back in his chair. "You think you needed Dean to tell you what you'd already figured out for yourself?" Rick scowled at him but sighed.
"What does this matter?" it was Maggie who spoke. "We already guessed that the Walkers were going to be sticking around. Why does knowing that it was man-made and a confirmed no cure change anything?"
"Because I'm hoping it will put things into perspective for you if you have it confirmed," Dean said. "Rick, there is no, there is nothing that is going to cure the Walkers out there," he jerked a thumb back at the door. "But instead of trying to find a way to control it, you all just go around killing each other."
"If people come to kill you, you have to defend yourself," Rick said, and Dean growled.
"Well that has to stop."
"And how are you going to do that?" Rick sneered. "You think your going to stop them from killing people?" he nodded to the Saviours.
"Hey, I kill as little as I have to. Death is only used to make a point." Negan shrugged. "It's not my fault that you can't keep your people in line."
"They started this," Maggie pointed out, waving her gun to Negan and Dwight. "Have you forgot that he killed Glenn and Abraham?" tears were starting to well in her eyes.
"I know," Dean said softly. "But killing him isn't go to make them come back." Maggie stiffened, and she stood from her seat so strongly that her chair toppled to the ground.
"He beat his head in and laughed. He deserves to die for what he did to Glenn!" she raised her gun, pointing it at Negan who didn't even flinch. "You laughed when you killed him."
"Well, I may have gotten a little into it."
"Boss," Dwight hissed, as he shot a look at Rick and Dean.
"You enjoyed it," Maggie shrieked, and it finally wiped the smirk off Negan's face.
"Widow," he voice was low when he spoke this time, leaning forward on the table. "Never have I enjoyed killing someone. I don't get off on shit like that." He stood, and Dean shifted closer to the door, he hoped he wouldn't have to take drastic measures.
"Dad," he said in warning. "Sit back down."
"Dean, can't you see daddy's busy?"
"Yeah, he's busy being a dick. Now sit down," Dean growled. Negan stayed still a moment longer, then lowered himself into his seat. "Maggie, you to."
"Don't tell me what -"
"Maggie, don't make me open the door again." The woman glanced at him, seeing him so close to the door, her eyes widened.
"Maggie," Rick muttered, placing a hand on her shoulder. After a moment they both sat down, and Dean breathed out a relieved breath.
"Don't you all see what's going on? If you kill them, their people are just going to rise against you," he said the Negan, as he pointed at Rick and Maggie. "And if you kill him," he switched so that he was pointing at Negan as he looked at the Alexandrian's. "The Saviours are just going to run loose. There are people in that group that need to be controlled and he is the only one who can do it." Rick and Maggie frowned, not looking convinced. Dean felt frustration well up in him as Rick's lips curled in a sneer.
"But we -"
"Oh, for fuck sake, you need to stop fighting each other and look at the bigger fucking picture!" Dean shouted, his nerves, temper and worry finally coming together and exploding out of him. The four in the chairs stared at him, confused by his sudden shout. Dean took a breath, trying to calm down. "If all your going to do is kill each other anyway, you might as well let the Walkers have you."
"So, what you just want us to forget everything he's done?" Maggie asked. Dean shook his head.
"No, I'm not asking that. I'm asking that you stop and think about what's more important. Your revenge," he looked to Maggie. "Being the leader," the turned to Rick. "Surviving," that he directed at Dwight, who shuffled uneasily. "Or your fucking ego," finally he set his eyes on his dad, who was expressionless. "They all mean nothing if no humans are alive in the world. It sucks, it really sucks, but you need to get with the programme. We are all going to die and unless we get a knife or shot to the brain, we're going to turn into a Walker. We need to get that under control, not add to the ranks of the already numerous dead that want to eat us." Dean fell silent after his speech, letting the others digest his words. Maggie seemed shocked, surprised, Dwight choked a little, lowering his head so Dean couldn't see his face. Negan was expressionless, as was Rick. The silence stretched, until finally a chair scraped against the concrete as someone stood.
"What a load of shit," Dean was surprised that it was Rick that said it. "What's important? I know what's important. I know how to save people and its making sure that things like him can't hurt anyone anymore." Dean wanted to scream as the atmosphere charged once again. He thought he was getting through, but damn Rick.
"I could say the same about you, Rick," Negan sneered, before Dean could start on damage control. "How many people have you killed, huh? Did you even know their names? At least the people I killed served a purpose of keeping people alive. You just killed them because you were pissed off."
"I never -"
"You won't even admit it. Didn't we have this conversation before? I feel sorry for your son, what a role model he has."
"Why you -!"
"Both of you, shut up!" Dean was rocked back as Maggie shouted. The two men were silenced as the woman glared at them. "Dean's right."
"Maggie," Rick protested but Maggie cut him off.
"I don't have to like it Rick. In fact, I hate it, but I know my own Daddy would have probably said the same to me." She looked at the young hunter, her face unreadable. "He thought killing was wrong, against God. He would have wanted to save people." She turned to Negan, her lip curling. "I'll never forgive you, but if your willing to give up your control of the other communities and work with us, then I can work with you."
"Boss can't do that," Dean was surprised that it was Dwight that spoke. "You'll just turn on us if we -"
"I'm willing to trust Dean, if he speaks for the Saviours," Maggie said, tone neutral, she was still staring at Negan, who was looking at her curiously. "You let us work with you instead of for you and the Hilltop will back down." Negan blinked, even Dean gaped a little, but Rick just looked furious.
"How can you say this Maggie, after everything -"
"It's because of that, that I'm saying this," Maggie sighed as she turned to her old friend. "I'm tired Rick, I'm going to have a baby soon. Glenn's baby. I don't want him to grow up in a world where we are constantly at war with each other. Dean's right when he says that we should be focusing on overcoming the Walkers, not seeing who has the biggest dick."
"We can handle the Walkers," Rick protested, but it was getting weaker as Maggie shook her head.
"It only takes one accident, one person to pass away in their sleep and turn. Or for a gate not to be shut properly and the Walkers will come right on in. Humanity should be working together to overcome it, not be at each-others throats."
"So, you're going to work with him?" Rick nodded at Negan who grinned. "After everything he's done?"
"I'm not going to work with him," Dean tensed when Maggie looked at him, but blinked in confusion when she smiled. "I'm going to work with Dean. If he spears heads this, I have faith that it will work."
"But -"
"He risked everything to do this, Rick," Maggie said. "His revenge, us killing him, Negan killing Kid. He risked all that, so he could try and make us see what should have been obvious. If we want to survive, we need to move forward together, or we might as well be the Walking Dead." Rick said nothing to that, he just stared at Maggie, before after several tense moments he bowed his head.
"Ok Maggie. Ok," he turned to Dean, eyes hard. "I'll trust you, but only you." He flicked his gaze to Negan. "He needs to back off his control."
"What makes you think that he can make me do anything," Negan spoke, but Dean had had enough.
"Dad, just shut up. This is happening."
"Oh Dean, giving orders to your old man? What a son I have." Negan stepped forward, but not to Maggie and Rick, but Dean, trying to tower over him. "Do you forget who I am? Who I have under my control," he spoke low so that only Dean could hear him. "You think the demons are going to -"
"I know exactly who you are," Dean said, not once backing down. "I know the demons either respect or fear you, and that's the only reason why I don't let them take a shot at you."
"You'd let them kill me?" Negan raised an eyebrow.
"No, but only because we'd be stuck in the same cycle." Dean sighed. "Dad, your way isn't working, look where it's led you," he nodded to Rick and Maggie. "They would have gone through with their plan, all to wipe you out and how many others would have died because of that? That's not saving people dad. Saving people is working together against the bastards that want to eat us." Negan's lips twitched, and Dean waited with baited breath for his dad to speak. He was so close, he could taste it. Just this last push.
"Dean -" a sudden explosion shattered through the room, silencing Negan's words. It rocked the walls and some of the chairs toppled over. Dean had to brace himself to stop himself from falling.
"What the hell!" Rick shouted, Dean heard doors open, followed by shouts.
"Rick! Maggie!"
"Boss!"
"What the shit was that?!" Negan yelled at the Saviours that had rushed in, while Rick and Maggie went to reassure the survivors that had come inside.
"Get off! Get off you bastard!" that scream sent a shiver down Dean's spine. It sent a signal to the young hunter's brain that knocked all reasoning from him mind.
"Kid!" the shout came from his mouth unbidden. His legs started moving without thought as he rushed across the room and through the crowd that was still pouring into the room. His plan forgotten.
"Dean!" he didn't know who shouted after him, he didn't care about anything but getting to Kid. He shoved people aside, the demon killing knife in hand as he ran out and into the Sanctuary. It didn't take long to find the source of the commotion, Dean recognised the space when he appeared on the walkway. Below was the place where the workers had been. It was empty, the people having run away. And for good reason. The room was a mess, as though a storm had rushed through, knocking over tables, equipment, even part of the walkway had been shook loose, barely hanging on. Dean gaped openly at the destruction. What the hell could have done something like this? Suddenly a sound of feet on metal filled the air, followed by a grunt and familiar shout.
"Keep still!"
"Just get off me!"
"Oi!" Dean yelled, back on the move. He raced along the walkway but was forced to slow when it dipped beneath him. "Shit."
"Dean!"
"Well, look who's decided to make an appearance. Didn't think you would want to leave your old man." The hunters head snapped up. A wall rose in front of him with a partly open window. Dean could just make out the Walkers, arms up and cracking against the glass. The walkway snaked up to it, but part of it was hanging low from where it had been shaken loose. But Dean didn't care about that, he only had eyes for Kid, who was being pulled to Simon's chest, even as he scratched at his hands.
"Let him go."
"You know I'm not going to do that."
"Why?" Simon smirked.
"You think I'm stupid?" the older Saviour hissed. "You think I don't know what you can do. I know what a hunter is boy, I've been part of the Saviours long enough to be given the low down."
"If you know than you also know that I won't let you kill him," Dean edged his way closer to where the walkway was hanging low. He could try and jump the distance, but he would never make it on time if Simon decided to hurt Kid. Simon laughed, a soft sound but Dean could still hear it above the Walkers.
"I don't want to hurt the boy, but you don't get it son. You've given me no choice."
"What are you on about?" Dean asked, though as he took another step forward he had to grab onto the side rail as the walkway lurched beneath him.
"Dean!"
"Don't move Kid," Dean shouted back, as the boy started to struggle again. Now that he was that bit closer he could see the boy had a black eye and split lip. The younger hunter ran his gaze down the boy's body, happy that that seemed to be the extent of his injuries.
"Dean, that's your name, right? Dean," Simon spoke again. "You really don't get it."
"What are you trying to do, Simon?"
"You managed to talk Negan round, didn't you?" Dean was surprised at the seemingly abrupt change of topic. He blinked, then frowned.
"What's that got to do with all this?" Dean gestured at the ruined room. "What the hell did you use?" Simon chuckled.
"A bomb," it was Kid that answered, face pale as he leaned forward as though that simple act would get him closer to Dean. "Dean he had a bomb."
"A bomb?" Dean's eyes widened, and Simon clicked his tongue.
"Nothing so dramatic, I don't want to die after all. I just needed to make a path way."
"He threw it out the window," Kid added. "The people that were here ran away after the shock almost knocked down the walk way." Dean's mind was quick to catch up after the brief explanation.
"You're trying to get out of here?" Dean asked with a raised eyebrow. "You're just going to abandon your group?"
"I'm not abandoning anything," Simon spat. "Negan decided to jump ship first."
"What do you -?"
"I'm not stupid, you want him to let those other communities go and your old man is that weak willed that he agreed to it, just because his baby of a son wanted it done." Simon growled.
"It's the right thing to do," Dean said, keeping his voice level as he eyed the man. His face kept contorting from a smirk to something like feral rage. He could only hope he could keep him calm to get Kid clear. Dean still had a gun on him, tucked into the back of his belt. If he could just get it out to take a shot.
"The right thing?" Simon growled lowly. "The right thing?! The right thing was us being on top! Do you know what they'll do to each other if we let them? They wouldn't even be alive if it wasn't for us. If we hadn't have stopped them from destroying each other." Simon clutched Kid tighter, as he pulled something from his pocket. "They owe us. They owe us everything and now Negan," he spat the name like venom. "Is going to let it all go because his snot nosed brat wants him to. Not happening!"
"Simon?" Dean asked, eyeing the dark shape hidden in the man's hand. "Simon what are you doing?"
"We need a path to get out of here, thanks to your friends little Walker horde," Simon smirked. He jerked Kid, then held out what was in his hand to the boy. "Take it." Dean's eyes widened as he caught sight of the explosive. It looked so small, but Dean know how much damage it could do. No wonder the shockwave was enough to shake the walkway loose. Kid was staring at the thing, tears starting to escape. "You deaf boy? Take it!"
"Simon!" Dean yelled, trying to come a bit closer, but the walkway shook so much that the hunter had to stop or risk taking them all down. "Simon what are you doing? What are you going to do to him?"
"Sacrifices have to be made, son," Simon smirked at the hunter as he tried to place the explosive in Kid's reluctant hand. "He's just one of them." Finally, he got Kid to take the explosive, then started to drag him to the window. "Keep hold of that while I lift you." Kid's eyes widened, and he started to panic.
"No!" he yelled, turning to run, only to be caught by the arm and dragged back. "No! Please no! No! Dean!"
"Bastard!" Dean screamed as Simon tried to lift Kid up. "You're going to throw him out there?" Simon didn't answer, to busy struggling with Kid. Having enough, Dean started to run, he couldn't take a shot in case he missed, but he'd risk jumping the gap, even if it the walkway went down, it was better than what would happen to Kid if Simon got his way. Before Dean could finish his move however, a blur crashed into Simon on the other side of the walkway. Kid was dropped heavily and a clang of something falling caught Dean's ear.
"Run boy!" a shout filled the air and Dean jerked his gaze sideways.
"Marcus?!" he saw the older hunter had Simon pinned, but was struggling to keep him down. "Marcus! What are you -?!"
"Run, Dean!" Marcus shouted back, as he fought with a furious Simon. "Get away! For Bobby!" the man looked at Dean and smiled, before he was punched in the face.
"Dean!"
"Kid!" Dean refocused as Kid had started running. Right to the gap without stopping. "Kid be careful. Where's the -?" just as Kid took the jump an explosion erupted behind him. Dean had to stop himself from being thrown with the force, but it didn't last long as Kid crashed into him, taking them both down.
"Dean," the pained voice of Kid broke though Dean's stupor.
"Kid," he scrambled up and grabbed the boy. "You alright?"
"Yeah, I -" but the rest of Kid's words were swallowed up by the moans and groans of the Walker's. Dean turned to the wall on the other side of the broken walkway, only there was no wall. Instead there was a gap and the Walkers were quickly making their way through.
"Oh god," Kid whispered.
"We got to go," Dean said as he hustled Kid to his feet. As they started running the Walkway lurched, the last shockwave making it precarious. Just as they were about to make it, the walkway screeched and rocked beneath them, then they were falling. Dean on instinct wrapped himself around Kid, so when they hit the floor where the workers had once been, Dean took most of the impact. Dean gasped as the air was forced out of him, but he didn't have time to rest as the sound of Walkers was to close for comfort. He pulled himself to his feet, gripping Kid's hand he pulled him through the large room which was quickly filling with Walkers. "There's got to be a way out. There's got to be a way out," Dean muttered, as he pulled Kid to a stop as Walkers appeared before them. They were rapidly running out of options and if Dean couldn't get them out, they would end up dead.
"Dean!" Kid tugged on his trapped hand, stopping Dean from going any further, more Walkers had appeared before them and to the right. Dean cursed and spun, only to find Walkers behind and to the left. They were trapped.
"Shit," Dean cursed, gripping Kid tighter he stowed the demon killing knife to swap to the gun. He was quick to take his shots, getting the closest with simple head shots. Dean thought he may just have enough to make a path, only the gun sputtered out after the eighth shot. He was out of bullets. "Shit," he spat, tossing the gun and switching back to the demon killing knife. "Looks like I got to go hand to hand "
"We," Dean blinked when he heard a scrape beside him. Glancing he saw Kid reach down and grab a metal pipe, holding it before him like a sword. He looked to the hunter and smiled, before swinging the pipe at the closest Walker, taking it out at the knees then finishing it in the head. Dean couldn't stop the small smirk that came to his lips, even when they were in the shit, Kid would fight to the death beside him. Its why he loved this boy and for once he didn't feel embarrassed to admit it. Dean lashed out with the demon killing knife, taking out Walker after Walker. Kid stuck close to his side, swinging the pipe, bringing the Walkers down so he was able bash the heads in. They somehow were able to create a space around them, each at the others back so that no Walkers were able to sneak up. Dean stepped forward to take out another, only to stop when a sharp shriek cut through his heart. He spun, uncaring that he was breaking their formation. A Walker had grabbed hold of Kid's pipe and was trying to grab a hold of the boy. Dean rushed passed and took out the Walker but doing so let the ones that he'd been keeping at bay come closer.
"Dean!" Kid screamed, as the dead swarmed. Dean could do nothing though, as he was to busy trying to keep the Walkers off him. He saw a Walker come up behind Kid, hand outstretched.
"Kid!" Dean shouted, but it was useless. The Walker descended just as Kid spun. Only the Walker froze as an arrow pierced its head. "What?"
"Dean! Kid!"
"Daryl?!" Dean shouted as the crossbowman appeared at Kid's side, taking out the Walkers, and he wasn't alone. Dwight was with him, as well as a collection of survivors and Saviours, all working to push the Walkers back. Dean was so stunned, that he didn't try to stop a Walker from reaching for him. As fingers scratched his arm, Dean jerked into action, only to have to duck his head as Lucille came sailing over him to crash into the skull of the Walker.
"Try not to space out son," Dean could only gape as Negan appeared, Maggie at his back, along with Rick, Eric and a few others Dean recognised.
"Dad?" Negan grinned, grabbing a hold of Dean's shoulder and shoving him towards Kid and Daryl, taking out any Walkers that were unlucky enough to cross Lucille. When the two charging groups converged, they formed a tight circle, each covering each other's back. Dean made sure to place himself beside Kid, who stuck close to him. Daryl was on Kid's other side and Negan was on Dean's. The young hunter couldn't help but be awed at the sight before him. The once enemies were working together to take out the Walkers. Dean had thought he could get an alliance in place on paper, but this? Fighting at with each other against one threat. The real threat, the one they should all be focused on. Dean grinned, this would forge stronger bonds than any paper could possibly do. All he had to do was somehow make it out alive.
Dean leaned up against the wall of the Sanctuary, covered in blood and grime, the demon killing knife still held in his hand. The last of the Walkers were being dealt with, and finally people could start being treated. The hunter didn't know how many had died when they were over run, if the workers had made it out, or any of the others that had called the Sanctuary home. He knew Marcus was dead, there was no way he or Simon could have survived the aftermath of the explosion. And if that hadn't got them, the Walkers that came through surely did. Dean didn't know how to feel about the older hunter's death, he didn't know him all that well, but he had seemed a good man. Something shifted against him and Dean turned a fond smile to Kid. The boy had stuck by his side through the fighting, never straying far, especially after the close call. Luckily Daryl had been there to save his neck or Kid would have been … Dean banished the thought from his mind instead looking beyond the boy and to the survivors that stood outside the Sanctuary. It was strange to see the mixture of Saviours and survivors, all were being treated by each other, no one was being left out. Dean sighed, it was a good sign. His gaze tracked to familiar faces. Carl and Michonne had come from Alexandria, having gotten nervous when things had seemed to derail so rapidly. Luckily they had arrived when the two groups hade been fighting the Walkers and they'd been quick to offer their support. Ezekiel's group had also come, with Carol and Morgan and surprisingly a few Saviours. All had thrown themselves into the Walker battle, giving them the edge to over come the horde. But not all was well, Dean caught the distraught looking Eric, tears still fresh on his cheeks as he knelt by the body of Aaron. Dean wasn't there when the man had died, but from what he had been told by Daryl, the man had shoved his boyfriend to safety and had been caught by the Walkers. They were lucky to have a body left. Speaking of Daryl, the man was on his way to Dean, stalking right up to where the hunter watched lazily. Once he was close enough, he stopped, looming over the pair with a blank look.
"Why didn't ya say owt?" the man asked and Dean shrugged.
"You wouldn't have got it."
"I would."
"You wouldn't," Dean shook his head and sighed. "They hurt you Daryl, hurt your friends. I know your loyal and that you wanted revenge. It took all I had just to convince Maggie, you?" Dean sighed and shook his head. "I wouldn't have had a chance and then where would we be?" Daryl said nothing, instead looking down at Kid, who was still sleeping.
"He alright?"
"He's alive and that's all I can ask for really," Dean smiled, carding a hand through Kid's hair affectionately. "What's going on over there?" he nodded beyond the crossbowman to where Negan, Rick and Maggie seemed to be having a standoff. Ezekiel was making his way closer to them, along with Carol and Morgan.
"That's why I came over," Daryl said. "They want to discus what we're going to do going forward."
"Then they should get on with it," Dean waved a hand, closing his eyes. "As long as it's not killing each other, I'm good."
"They won't start the talks without ya."
"What?"
"Dean," the crossbowman looked at him and the hunter couldn't help but shiver at the intensity. "They still don't trust one another. We don't trust Negan," Dean swallowed and nodded. He could understand that. Negan, his dad had shown what he could do. He'd hurt them, it would be stupid that they would just trust him after one battle together. "But they trust ya," that shocked Dean and he stared wide eyed at the smirking Daryl. "Maggie does, and so does Rick, though he's pissed at ya for messing with his plan. The Kingdom are willing to listen to ya, but ya going to have to get up and get ya ass over there." Dean blinked, unsure as his mouth popped open.
"What are you saying? I can't -"
"Dean, this will all fall apart without ya," Daryl said seriously. Dean gasped, those words hitting him in the stomach. This alliance would only work with him here, otherwise it would fall apart. He knew, of course he knew, how could he have been so stupid. The hunter couldn't stop the laugh that escaped his throat, one that had Daryl raising a brow. "Dean?"
"Damn bitch. Did you know from the start? Did you play me right from the beginning?"
"Dean, what are you -"
"I knew this was the outcome, but I didn't lie when I said I would take you back to your own reality."
"What the hell?!"
"Damn you," Dean muttered, finally lifting his head to see the Gatekeeper, a simple white sun dress that fell to her knees rested on her shoulders and wide brim straw hat adorned her head. Daryl's crossbow was up and pointed at her, teeth gritted as he glared.
"Who are -!"
"Oh my, what a nice protector you've found yourself Dean," the Gatekeeper grinned. "I like him."
"Easy Daryl, that won't do anything," Dean said, easing Kid so he was laid on the ground, careful not to wake him, then he stood to his feet. "She's not human."
"Not -?" Daryl gaped as the Gatekeeper giggled.
"I always love that reaction," she said, though her smile vanished when she caught sight of the fuming hunter. "Now Dean -"
"You lied to me," Dean muttered, fists clenching. "You said if I saved this reality you would send me back to my own."
"I did."
"They won't stay at peace unless I'm here," he pointed to Rick, Maggie, Negan and Ezekiel. He wasn't bothered that he was shouting, no doubt the Gatekeeper had done something to make sure no one would notice what was going on. "If I go home, they're just going to go right back to fighting."
"Yes, that's true," the Gatekeeper nodded.
"Then why would you -"
"There is someone else who could step up if you were to leave," the Gatekeeper cut him off. "Someone who respects you, loves you, someone who would take up your mantel if you were to go." Dean blinked, even Daryl looked confused. "Come on Dean, I made sure you crossed his path right from the beginning, he's been with you through everything." Realisation dawn and Dean's face morphed into anger.
"No."
"Dean?" Daryl asked but the hunter had lost it. He stalked up to the Gatekeeper, grabbing the front of her dress and pulling her up, her hat falling from her head.
"Not him, just not him," Dean shook his head, his fist shaking with his rage. The Gatekeeper said nothing, letting the hunter calm down, until finally he muttered. "Not Kid."
"Kid?" Daryl questioned.
"He's your successor," the Gatekeeper said, ignoring the crossbowman. "Your legacy, and I must say you have done a wonderful job with him. He'll lead them into the future, one way or another."
"He's just a boy. They need me now."
"They can make it work for a few years," the Gatekeeper shrugged. "Even if they go back to fighting, Kid will be grown soon, and he can step up. Take your place."
"I can't let him do that," Dean shook his head.
"You have no choice if you want to go back your reality," the Gatekeeper stated. "You go, and Kid takes over your role, or you stay, and guide this reality into the future, with him at your side. It's up to you Dean, its always been up to you." Dean couldn't hold onto the Gatekeeper, he released her, backing away, lifting his hands to his head, cradling it as tears started to flow. What could he do? He had worked so hard for the chance to go home, for the chance to return, but now if he didn't stay, things would just go back to how they were. And what's worse, Kid would have to be the one to step up. To be the leader that Dean should be. The hunter looked down at Kid, the boy was still sleeping, he looked so young, so vulnerable. He was just a child, he couldn't put this responsibility on his shoulders. He couldn't do that to his son. But …
"Sammy," Dean gasped out, lifting his heads to glare at the Gatekeeper, who was dusting off her straw hat, before placing it gently back atop her head. "What about Sammy?"
"Your brother is fine," she said. "Still alive. Still hunting."
"Can I see him?" Dean asked. The Gatekeeper was silent a moment, then with a wave of her hand a hand mirror, the same one she gave to Dean all that time ago, appeared in her hand. She held it out to him and Dean took it with trembling fingers. Looking into the glass surface Dean wasn't shocked not to see his own face. Instead he was in a room, one he didn't recognise, probably a motel. Sammy was there, sat at a desk with papers and a laptop which he was typing on. Dean couldn't stop a gasp from escaping his throat. How long had it been since he saw his brother? He looked different, older, his hair longer, but not sad. Dean reached out a hand to touch the mirror, only to stop when Sam looked up and smiled. Dean's heart clenched, and he couldn't help but whisper. "Sammy?" But it didn't last as Dean watched, stunned, as a young woman walked into the scene. They spoke words Dean couldn't hear, Sam laughed then stood. He'd gotten taller, if that was even possible, then he leaned down and kissed the woman softly. The two smiled at each other, leaning in again and Dean knew he didn't have to see more. He handed the mirror bac to the Gatekeeper, who was staring at him. "Thank you."
"Did you see what you needed to?" she asked, and Dean nodded.
"Yeah, yeah I did."
"And?"
"And," Dean wiped his eyes, then plastered on his signature smile. He turned to Daryl, who still looked lost. "I think you'll have to come with me if I'm going to be battling with all four of them." He jerked a thumb back at Rick, Maggie, Negan and Ezekiel. Daryl blinked.
"Dean?"
"You know this is it don't you?" the Gatekeeper spoke. "You turn this down now, you can't change your mind."
"I know," Dean said, turning back to the Gatekeeper, smiling a sad smile. "I know this is permanent. But," he looked down at Kid, who had started to stir. "I'm needed here."
"Yes," the Gatekeeper said, and much to Dean's surprise she bowed down low to him. "Thank you, Dean Winchester. I will watch over you."
"I don't know if that's a good thing," Dean muttered, but the Gatekeeper was already gone. Daryl gasped, having seen the Gatekeeper disappear.
"W-what the hell?"
"I told you, she's not human," Dean said as Daryl gaped at him.
"Then what is she?"
"Interdimensional crossroads demon," Dean shrugged. Daryl stared at him a moment, then his eyes narrowed.
"I think ya got some explaining to do."
"Later," Dean said, walking over to Kid. He knelt beside him and gently shook him awake.
"Kid, hey Kid, time to wake up," he said softly. The boy scrunched his eyes tight, but let out a small yawn, lifting a hand to rub his eyes.
"Dean?" he asked, and the hunter smiled.
"Yeah."
"You're here?"
"Yeah."
"Good, I don't ever want you to go," Dean would have said something sarcastic at that, but was to late as the boy reached out his hands and wrapped them around his neck in a hug. Dean didn't respond straight away, just letting the boy's weight hang off him. "I love you, Dad." The hunter blinked at the admission, the only thing that stopped the tears from falling again. Slowly he reached his own arms around the boy, hugging him back just as fiercely.
"Love you to. And I'm not leaving you. I'll never leave you. I'm here to stay, to see you grow, to see your future. To see our future. I promise my son."
The End
Thank you all again for reading, reviewing, following and faving. Just t repeat what I said at the top. THANK YOU TO ANYONE WHO DOWNLOADED MY FIRST NOVEL SCORCHED! I am so happy t got the number of downloads it did and I would love if any of you who did download could give a review on amazon. I don't even mind if you hated it I would rather know so I can improve next time. For those who couldn't download my book scorched and would like to read it, just PM me with an email address and I will send it to you, just please review it after you have read you don't need kindle or the app to review something on amazon. Cheers!
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