Copyright: anything recognizable is from The walking dead comics, volume 18, What comes after.
I don't own TWD or any of the characters; only my OC's. Sorry for any grammar mistake, enjoy!
*3rd of November 2015*
She watched as Rick walked to her with a serious, yet proud air: '' We beat them and none of us died. We won even without your help.''
Amelie had refused to go with them for this battle. She couldn't… They all have thrown her judgmental glares, harsh words…she was called a coward. Spineless. Even Abraham was giving her the cold shoulder. They had not even attacked the Sanctuary…what they did, was pulling on the tiger's tail, nothing else.
She lowered her head in a solemn nod: '' I'm glad you all came back alive, Rick. I truly am.'' The girl said sincerely on a sad voice.
The leader eyed her: '' It doesn't show. '' he drawled on a hard tone.
The girl shook her head: '' I know you all think less of me because I refused to fight with you. I have my reasons and you would understand if you'd know everything. ''
For once, the man's eyes softened: '' Then tell me. I know you haven't been completely honest with us. You have nothing to fear; we killed them all.''
Amelie shook her head again and walked around and past him; she was on night duty on the walls and she was going there, now. ''It's not that simple.''
The girl sighed and climbed on the ladder leading on the wall; she wasn't surprised to see her redhead friend waiting for her there. He was sitting, one elbow leaning on his knee, his chin in the hand.
She took her post near him, looking outside Alexandria silently. They remained quiet for a long minute.
'' Won't you say anything?'' He growled.
'' How is your arm?'' She asked.
'' It's a scratch; that's not what I want to talk about.''
The young woman stayed silent once more. Abraham rose with a groan: '' You're one, stubborn bastard.''
She did not even glance at him: '' If you came here to tell me that I'm a coward, a craven or a poltroon, you will be disappointed to learn that you've been preceded by a few people.''
'' I know you're not a coward. You've got more guts than most of us. I saw you leave the security of these walls many times…alone. You jumped in the middle of a herd to save my ass. That's not what I call being a sissy.''
The girl looked at him and gave him a half-hearted smile: '' You're the only one to think so…I didn't have any friend here…now I'm sure it'll never happen.'' She said on a flat tone.
The ginger man grasped her shoulder: '' I came because I know you're not scared of anything…you're a good fighter…and yet, you didn't want to come with us. That's what intrigues me. ''
Amelie abruptly turned to him: '' Rick listens to you; convince him to leave this place. You certainly could get Eugene, Sasha and Rosita on your side! You-''
Abraham directly looked at her in the eyes, taking her other shoulder: '' -Stop this; we won. They're all dead. We killed Negan.''
Shaking herself free, the girl began to laugh bitterly. The man at her sides cocked his head: '' Ame-''
Her eyes became hard as she pierced him with her stare: '' You don't get it, don't you? You think you killed them all? You attacked an outpost! You killed a few men in their sleep! That's what you did, you dumbasses! You killed Negan, hum? Tell me, what was the weapon he was carrying? ''
The redhead was scowling at her harsh tone and he shrugged: '' He tried to escape on a motorcycle… he had a pistol, I think.''
She let out a dark chuckle: '' You didn't kill Negan...''
'' …you won't go to Hilltop…you won't fight against the Saviors…And now you tell me this…You're hiding something; you got secrets, lass.''
'' Yes, but I've mostly been truthful with you guys… mostly.'' She mumbled.
'' I don't want to pry, but you have my ears if you want to share.'' He offered.
The girl sighed deeply: '' Listen; when things are settled, if they ever do, I'll tell you everything.''
'' I think I can live with that.'' He smiled and tapped her shoulder gently: '' Have a good night.''
The man headed toward the ladder and got down with a wink, silently telling her things between them were okay.
Xxxxxx
*16th of November, 2015.*
Things had been great for the community for the next two weeks, there was food, peace…Then everything went downhill after that.
Denise died, shot by an arrow, proving that indeed, there were still Saviors out there. Daryl and his guilt went after the men responsible for the doctor's death. Unsurprisingly, Michonne, Glenn and Rosita went after him.
Carol decided to quit the game: Rick and Morgan went after her…and only Rick had come back. Most of their good fighters were out there. Abraham, Sasha and a few others were still present in the Safe-Zone.
Even Maggie had problems with her pregnancy.
Amelie sat up in her bed, disoriented; staying up all night was disturbing her sleep cycle. The girl rubbed her eyes and mechanically went down stairs to the kitchen. She was living alone in a small, isolated house; she didn't mind. It was better than the warehouse she had lived in and since she was alone…she didn't need a lot of space.
She looked at the clock; it was past 2pm… There goes her day. She rummaged through the small content of her pantry; they had the right to keep of few things, mostly what was perishable. Cans and dried stuff went directly went to the communal reserves.
The Canadian found a handful of nuts and an apple; that would do for breakfast. While eating, she returned to her bedroom to get ready for the day.
Once her clothes were on, the girl attached the belt holding her daggers around her waist, she installed the leather straps around her wrists and she finished by pulling on her iron knuckled glove.
As she idly walked through the town to fully wake her up, she noticed a few people were missing; the RV was also gone.
Shrugging, Amelie decided to go to the armory to get her carbine; hunting would relax her more than stressed nerves. Once she was close, she heard shouting and banging inside; frowning, she hurried into the house.
Someone had placed a chair against the handle of the closet there, trapping the unknown victim inside.
'' Hello!? Is there someone!?''
Amelie approached and removed the chair before opening the door. Her brows rose in surprise: '' Enid? What are you doing in that closet?''
She looked away and groaned: '' Carl locked me here.''
'' Why? And where is everyone?''
'' I wanted to go with them…He said it was too dangerous because of the Saviors. ''
'' Where did they go?'' She pressed.
''Hilltop. Maggie isn't feeling better: she needed a doctor. I just wanted to accompany them! I care for Maggie! '' She exclaimed.
'' I'm sure you do…who went?'' Amelie further questioned.
'' How should I know? I was caged in a closet! '' Enid whined pointing at it.
Then, the teenager narrowed her eyes at her: '' …And you, what were you doing here?''
'' I came to get my carbine…I was going hunting.''
'' oh…well, thanks for freeing me… But you should not go out. Daryl and the others still haven't come back and now the rest of them went away.''
The young woman sighed: '' Not pretty smart if you ask me.''
'' No…Damn Carl!'' the girl said, frustrated. Amelie watched her leave the place with a pout on her face.
Oh well…Hunting was out of the program today. The young woman finally decided to interrogate Gabriel, the priest. Rick, Abraham, Sasha, Carl, Aaron, Eugene were escorting Maggie to Hilltop. Hoping everything was going well for them, she spent her day doing small tasks here and there and lending her help where it was needed. Even though she wasn't particularly close to Glenn, Daryl or Michonne and Rosita, she was still worried about them. They still weren't back. A bit after the sunset, she took her place on the wall; her shift was starting. The young woman idly watched around, mostly relying on her hearing since it was dark.
Amelie let out a tired yawn and eagerly observed Spencer coming to take her place. The sun was not out yet, but a pale light illuminated the sky now. The man saluted her and told her to go to bed, which she gladly did. The girl hauled herself home, went upstairs and let herself fall face first on her bed, exhausted.
It was a loud banging on her door that woke her up in the beginning, then Rick's and Abraham's voices did the rest of the work.
'' …She's probably sleeping because you put her on night shifts for a whole month!''
'' It's urgent; I'm coming in.''
Amelie sighed as she heard them enter; she yawned and grudgingly walked to the stairs. Rick was already halfway up in them: she cocked a brow: '' Grimes?''
He looked…terrible; Abe wasn't looking much better. They were dirty and Rick was bleeding.
The leader stared at her; there was a fresh horror in his eyes. '' We need to talk.''
Her friend had a serious air about him: he was silently standing behind his leader.
''uh…can I change first?''
'' For god' sake, Canada: you're in boxers not naked! '' He exclaimed and followed Rick as he turned, heading toward her living room. She imitated them.
Flopping on the couch, she glanced at their tensed forms: '' Let me guess; it didn't go well.''
Grimes rubbed a hand over his face: '' You-you were right about the Saviors. ''
Abraham looked at her: '' I understood last night why you've asked me about Negan's weapon…''
With only that sentence, she knew what he was speaking about.
Oh. OH. Things really did not go well. The girl suddenly sat up straight with wide eyes, understanding. The group has had the unfortunate luck to meet Lucille.
The young woman stared ahead, hurt plain in her gray irises: '' No…'' She whispered.
'' I- should have listened more closely to you. I'm sorry, Amelie.''
Rick Grimes was apologizing to her; he must have been truly shocked by the events.
'' I understand why you are afraid of them and I don't blame you.'' The ginger added.
They were good words to hear, but her mind was stuck on something else: '' Who was killed? ''
Both man looked down with clenched fists, Rick finally confessed in a tight voice: ''Glenn.''
Amelie closed her eyes as her chest constricted…Christ. Maggie was pregnant…Their child…
Tears were now streaming on their leader's face: ''…And I couldn't do a damn thing! ''
Abraham placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. She never liked Grimes, but he was a good chief; he cared for his people, he got them involved in the decision making and he inspired respect rather than fear. He had nothing to reproach himself; Negan was an outstanding adversary.
And she told him even if it was a bit reluctantly.
The pair observed her: '' Is there anything you could tell us? Anything helpful?''
She was caught between a rock and a hard place. Telling them too much could show she had lied. Telling them nothing wouldn't help either. The girl sighed: '' I can't do much, Grimes…'' Amelie glanced down: '' Well…to make a brief resume of the Saviors: they have men, resources, a few guns and Lucille… ''
She saw them flinched at the name of Lucille. '' You met Lucille I presume?''
He bitterly nodded.
''…And they have Negan. '' she finished.
'' What about him?'' Abe asked.
'' He's a dictator; He ruled with an iron fist and stupid rules he made himself. But the man is clever; there aren't many deaths in his community, people eat three times a day, there is drinkable water and shelter there. He makes everything work and people obey him because of that…and because they are afraid.''
Rick frowned: '' Do you know where their main place is?''
The feared question. She wouldn't send them to their death even if he was asking for it by demanding the emplacement of the Sanctuary. He would drag everyone at the gates of the Sanctuary and they would die there.
'' It's been almost two years… And I passed out on my way there; I was shot remember.''
''…And when you left?''
''I simply headed North. I don't know, Rick.'' She muttered.
All of sudden, it was like this conversation just brought more questions about herself.
'' Why didn't you stay there? '' '' With who were you in the beginning?'' ''Why are you alone?'' '' Why were you there in the first place?'' '' Who shot you and why?''
The men dropped questions on her like attacks; right…now was the good time to take interest in her?! She raised her hands as if to surrender: '' Enough…they are doing bad things Grimes…and as much as you dislike me, I'm a good person. I don't kill humans unless my life is in danger. I couldn't live with those people. ''
Okay, the last part was a little lie; she had killed to avenge her family.
Abe cocked his head: '' …And they let you go just like that?''
Nervously, she scratched the top of her head: '' To be honest, no.''
Rick had barely opened his mouth that she interrupted him: ''Enough, I said. I don't want to speak about me, okay? ''
The man nodded and there was a moment of silent before Abraham spoke: '' So…what now?''
The girl shrugged: '' He asked for what? Half of your stuff? Negan will surely come here in a few days…Bow your head and give it to him. If you do as he says, no one will get hurt. He already killed someone…it's a tactic to intimidate, nothing else…I'm sorry.'' She said sadly.
The young woman saw it in Rick's eyes: this man wasn't happily going to bow to Negan. He was going to take action; it filled her heart with hope, but also with dread. If someone could bring the Saviors' leader down, it was him. But if Negan outsmarted him, which could very much happen, this community would suffer greatly.
Suddenly, her whole body froze; Negan was coming to Alexandria. The Canadian rose: '' I can't stay here.'' She panicked.
Abraham rose as well and tried to calm her: ''Hey, hey: it's alright…I won't let any of them hurt you… Would they even recognize you, if you spent so little time with them?''
Rick wasn't agreeing with Abe nor saying anything; she pointed at their leader: '' Yeah…you won't, but Grimes is already thinking about how he could try to use me to get himself out of trouble!''
The ginger man turned to glare at Grimes: '' No he's not. You're not, aren't you?''
'' I'm not.'' He said flatly. ''…But I forbid you to leave the town.''
Not again…
Her nostrils flared: '' You can't do that! ''
Their leader rose: '' Listen; you're the only one who has ever been to their place and with them…you appear to know a little about this group. I might need you later; I can't let you go.''
'' You don't understand…it's more complicated than that…'' She whispered on a pleading tone.
His face became hard: '' That's what I thought. I knew you were hiding something. It's none of my business, but as long as you don't tell one of us the full truth, you're staying right here. You better not try to leave or I will send Daryl after you. ''
Amelie let herself fall back on the couch with a deep sigh:'' Is Maggie alright?'' She finally demanded to change the subject.
'' Yeah…she's resting at Hilltop. I'm going now; I have to organize a meeting…''
Abraham stayed with her; Amelie moaned and hid her face in her hands.
''Rick is a good man…he won't hand you over if something happens. You just have to stay out of sight.''
The girl glanced up and gave him a flat look: '' Rick…hates my guts. He won't hesitate to give me to Negan if this one asks for me: you, his people, are more important than I…and believe me, I understand. '' She bent her head backward on the couch: ''…The Saviors will search this whole place; staying out of sight won't be enough. They'll go in every house and checked every building. ''
'' You really know their methods…'' He trailed off.
'' I do.''
Xxxxxx
*24th of November, 2015*
Knowing Negan would show up anytime soon, the girl was so stressed she was barely sleeping anymore. She fidgeted with everything and jumped at every sound. The young woman was ready to burst with nervous energy. It wasn't like herself to be like that and Amelie had tried many times to rationalize the situation. She needed to calm down and think of a plan. Winter was almost here and going back to Canada would be complicated right now. Rick had forbidden her to leave; the guards at the gates knew this. Even she could go out, the area around was swarming with saviors.
The communities around would not welcome her and she wasn't spending the winter out there alone. The future didn't look so bright for her. The best she could do was stay here and lay low.
She was walking toward Abe's house; the man was staying with Sasha now. Out of nowhere, she heard a metallic banging coming from the gates:
'' Little pig, little pig let me in!''
Her blood stopped flowing in her veins; she quickly put her hood up and hurried to her friend's home. She rapidly knocked and entered without hearing their answer. Abraham showed up to find her crouching at the door, peering out by the window.
'' He's here?''
She hummed a 'yes', watching attentively outside.
''Well…we must get your ass moving.''