The Bandit Hunter and The Screams of Lucille

Nearly a year or so ago

Sitting in the cabin of the airship belonging to Richard "Rick" Grimes, is Rick himself, Michonne Brownfield and Daryl Dixon. They are enjoying a meal of roast duck and Yorkshire pudding; the centerpiece was a bowl of fruit consisting of mangosteen, oranges and papayas; a gift to Rick from Dr. Greene, for helping him clear his daughter's and son-in-law's names. This was Michonne first evening dining with Mr. Grimes and Mr. Dixon in Rick's cabin. Usually, she would dine on her own in her cabin, so thought it would be an interesting evening, especially with Mr. Dixon and his famous one word, grunt-like responses. Michonne often found herself looking at the man and wondering if he speaks; she did so again now. It was the first time the three actually sat down to a meal together without any distractions or complications.

The first week on the ship, Michonne was laid up in her cabin fighting a bout of air sickness, worried she wasn't going to get to use to it. Rick was full of concern and even entertained the thought of docking and working on another form of transportation until she recovered. But as soon as the following week came around, he and Daryl witnessed her taking a turn around the ship with their cook Eugene. She was a bit shaky and he noticed Eugene in a state of conflict first because she asked him to escort her around the deck. He was concerned about leaving his beloved kitchen unattended.

Eugene begged her to return to her room but she was not having any of it as they continued to take another turn. Upon seeing both Rick and Daryl, Michonne waves, and Rick waves back while Daryl is seen to be scowling, as usual.

Another week in and Michonne was asking questions, exploring as well as making a friend with just about everyone below and above. The crew took to Ms. Brownfield and her infectious smile and laughter. Jesus, their surveillance and weapon expert, would skulk around and watch her. It was while wandering around the ship in boredom he watched her make her way down to the engine room. She would observe with fascinated curiosity as the men worked the gadgets that made the airship fly. Placing the goggles over her eyes so she could see in all that overwhelming cloud of steam; it was down there that Jesus officially introduce himself and explained how everything worked.

Knowing it was an informal meal and feeling a dress would get in the way while on the airship, Michonne wore pants that were dark in color and left behind by a Mrs. Rhee. It was a bit loose around the waist so she fashioned a belt with a piece of leather Jesus gave her. She also wore another piece of clothing courtesy of Mrs. Rhee: a lace corset blouse that was light and airy; she completed the look with her favorite leather boots. Michonne fashioned her hair in a simple up-do and the goggles given to her upon boarding rest comfortably above her head.

Upon entry of Rick's quarters, Michonne gasped inwardly at the clutter of books and papers in disarray on the floor and desk. Several maps were open on the table near the desk as well as a few on the floor. The trunks that held his personal affects and belongings were open, his clothing all high class and expensive, were also a mess; was Mr. Grimes trying to impress her and couldn't decide what to wear? This made Michonne smile at the thought of it all. He apologizes for the mess once they enter his cabin and Michonne forces herself to not survey the room anymore.

That was short live when she saw his toiletries; it look like he was about to shave but change his mind. Michonne silently thanks the Gods. The man was in dire need of a shave and haircut and yes, he also seem to favor a pair of black pants over the others, but Rick disheveled appearance works for him. He was indeed brooding and mysterious and she would often catch herself staring at him, especially the scars on his face, much to her own annoyance. After a while, she would let her imagination get the best of her as she wonders what story hid behind each one.

The meal was truly a treat, having only a meal of broth and water for her light stomach the past few weeks Michonne was enjoying her duck. So impressed with the flavors she closes her eyes to savor the taste. A low moan escapes her lips as she relishes in the taste. Eugene can really cook and she reminds herself to make sure to tell him that.

Both men notice the low moan and reacted differently to this. Daryl began to clear his throat while Rick watched her in fascination; such a simple thing as her eating had already begun to stir things below his belt. Rick shifts in his seat and Daryl nearly chokes on his fowl when they heard another moan. It was soft, but they heard it as if it rang in their ears. Images of soft kisses between the crevices of her ear and neck cross both their minds. They simultaneously reach for their wine glass and take a gulp.

The Bandit Hunter moves forward creating a calm lull in the air as they ate in silence; slowly that very same silence was getting to Michonne. After taking another sip from his glass Rick spoke, "What do you know about wolves, Ms. Brownfield."

Michonne's thoughts were somewhere else and she wasn't sure that what she heard was accurate, "I'm sorry what did you just say?"

Not so fond of wine and in the need of something stronger, Daryl reaches for his coat pocket behind his chair and pulls out a decanter, he was anticipating this conversation and felt it was good time for some brown liquor, "He said what you know about wolves." Daryl said after taking a drink.

Michonne wasn't sure if they were baiting her into crude conversation so she sighs and places her fork and knife calmly on her plate and slowly chews the fowl. She sits back in her seat comfortably before she spoke.

"I don't understand. What do mean by wolves? Are you saying you're a man with a ferocious appetite for women?"

Daryl in the middle of taking another swig of his decanter was indeed surprise by her response, spat out the heavy liquor and erupts in a fit of laughter. He was told by the rest of the crewmen how quick to give her opinion on everything Michonne was, and she was not shy in holding back.

"I'm so sorry," he picks up his napkin and wipes the liquid off his face and what was left on his shirt. "You know I was against bringing her onboard the Bandit Hunter but I've changed my mind, she does not censor her words." Daryl continues to laughs, placing the napkin back on his lap and nabs the last Yorkshire pudding.

"That she does." Rick agrees as he stabs his piece of duck with his knife and places it in his mouth. Chewing slowly himself he studies her and wonders why he finds everything about her so stimulating, he barely saw her the past week or so but when he would it was always like fresh air.

"I'm surprise you can even speak Mr. Dixon."

The smile left his face Daryl first confuses then he was serious again, "What you mean? I'm not a mute, of course I can speak."

"In the few weeks I've been on this ship all you do is frown or scowl and the occasional grunts."

It was Rick turn to laugh and Daryl face turns an even brighter shade of red. He knows exactly what she meant as the realization of her honesty hits him, "Only with you Ms. Brownfield. I wasn't too partial on the idea of having a woman any woman on board, they bring bad luck."

Michonne frowns, "I didn't ask to be on board."

Still laughing Rick reaches for his pocket watch to look at the time it was getting late, "Do you know why I invited you on my airship Ms. Brownfield?"

"Hmm, more liked taken sounds more fitting." She grumbles to the two men.

Rick had no idea she felt that way according to his conversation with Daryl and Abraham he was under the impression that she came on board willingly. Rick glares at Daryl only to have Daryl shrug his should as he takes another bite from his plate.

"I am very sorry you felt taken Ms. Brownfield, I was under the impression that you came on board willingly.

Michonne sighs "Only because you promise to take me to the person who stole my father documents, it's been almost a month and I'm beginning to suspect otherwise."

"Suspect?" Rick was confused, "I've, we've kept our word."

Daryl nods his head in agreement, "We have and we nearly broke our necks prior in getting that parcel back there in New York too.

Michonne was as swift to reply in annoyance, she did not owe them anything, "That wasn't even half of my father's document. Besides I didn't ask for your help when I intercepted the thief. If you two had notice he had a black eye and bleeding from the lips, the situation was under control. I really didn't need anyone hanging off the Talmadge Bridge to retrieve it the very last second before getting trampled by horses, the guilt would kill me."

Daryl nod his head, "It was worth it." He then reaches over and gave Rick a heavy handed pat on his back, "Again thanks for saving yours and my ass back there. I thought that was truly the end of us." He then salute Rick and takes another swig. With his right hand Rick tip his glass to his best friend and finishes his drink.

Michonne stares at them in disbelief then in admiration.

It was a real blessing in disguise when Rick grasp for that last rung with his right and not his left hand. Rick looks down at his prosthetic hand, made from the finest steel each finger stationary, he turns his hand over and looks at each wires, they were connect to a piece wrapped around his wrist and the second piece the part that fully control the arm, wrist and fingers stopping short at his elbow. The hand was a gift from Earl, the world's best cybernetics engineer. It took some time to work the mechanics and a bit of training his brain, teaching himself to using his gun and sword all over again and especially the taxing time of getting used to being careful when formally meeting someone and not crushing their hand in the process. Michonne eagerly wants to know how he lost his hand but felt it was impolite to gossip with the crew about something so personal in the matters of their captain.

"I'd do it again in a heartbeat," Rick said. He then turns to face Michonne intensely staring at her, "It was worth it." It almost sound like he was saying she was worth it and it made her blush.

Michonne inhales as he continues to watch her. The air immediately getting thick.How does he do that? She wonders; It's as if he is thirsty and I'm his water.

Rick then smiles and she averts her eyes, looking to the portrait behind him which was of him, his son and a beautiful woman, she believe is, was his wife.

"We get it Ms. Brownfield, you don't need our help but a well-educated woman such as yourself would know that if the dead can come back to life then why not share the world with werewolves too," Daryl said.

"The dead can be controlled once they figure out, upon death, to destroy the brain; it's not so bad now than how it was in the beginning but that was all before our time."

Daryl grunts a reply.

"You see, there's that grunting again Mr. Dixon. You're probably going to tell me mermaids exist too." Michonne retort playfully.

"They do but they are not as sweet as those scholars make them out to be."

They were getting off topic and Rick needs their undivided attention to the matter at hand, "Now Ms. Brownfield to answer your question; no, I am not one of those men, however I do enjoy the company of such beauty," Rick pause as he searches for a word that doesn't scandalize dinner conversation, "I enjoy your company very much, conversations so far with you are…"

Noticing his friend needing help, Daryl spoke up, "Stimulating Ms. Brownfield, Rick finds you and your conversations stimulating."

That was much worse as Rick frowns at Daryl's lack of tact and Michonne takes a sip from her wine glass to hide the smile on her face.

"Thank you Daryl for not really explaining anything for me."

Daryl gives him half of a smile before tapping his decanter in the air to him. Turning his attention back to Michonne he asks her if she knows anything about werewolves again.

Still thinking this was all a joke Michonne was not sure how to respond and yet two pairs of piercing blue eyes were watching her intently making the air heavy.

"I have heard of a person that shape shifts for periods of time into a wolf, usually when there is a full moon but, that is all a myth," she answers but then waves her hand in the air as if to pass the thought that something like that would actually be real.

Rick eyes the silver and black cane that rests comfortably beside her chair; it wasn't to assist in her gait but hidden within it was an actual weapon. With a quick tug from the top it is a sword and with the flick of the wrist it was a five chamber gun. He had Jesus fashion it for her. It reminds him of the one she used at the last Tournament of Dead months ago.

"You know I've seen you compete at the Tournament of Dead," Rick said

The Tournament of Dead was exactly that, two weeks fighting the dead; it was not for the weak or faint of heart. Held at night each opponent moving up by using their wit and strength as they battle the dead concluding with an obstacle course of sort in the woods, the last few standing are the winner. The winners get bragging rights for the year.

Michonne smiles proudly at that, "Not many women enter; I won at that tournament too."

"We know, congratulations. Heard one of your best moves was a two head split," Daryl said.

"Oh yes," Michonne said with glee and went on to tell Daryl how she did this move.

Rick watches the two chat as he tries desperately to avoid staring at her for too long.

Finishing her story she had to ask that one question that seems to tie their conversation together, "…And what does my winning the Tournament have to do with werewolves?"

Pushing his plate to the side Rick watches her intently for a moment then crosses his arm as he leans back into his chair again.

"We are looking for the same person. You're looking for the man that stole the last few of your father documents and I am looking for the man that kidnapped my son. This very same man is also a werewolf and we need your help."

A small o forms on the woman lips, "Oh my God, so you both know what he stole?"

Both men nod their head.

"Is it true? Did you father find some sort of cure for finally keeping the undead dead?" Daryl inquires.

"I am not sure, I want to say yes, but we did not have the time or the means to fully run the tests. His lab was ransacked and everything was taken. How was your son kidnapped?"

"My son is very trusting; he gets that from his mother, may she rest in peace"

"May she rest in peace," Daryl repeated.

Much confession at the dinner table this evening, Michonne thought, she had wondered about his wife and felt it was best if anything about her would come up from Mr. Grimes and not from his crew.

"I must start from the beginning, Ms. Brownfield. The man we are searching, his name is Negan, and he goes by that now. Negan and I have a past so to speak. Before he became Pirate Negan I knew him as Sir Nicholas Brigham III, we were once school chums even went to the same flight school and he did not play by the rules always, taking risks. At first I was impressed with it, I was also young and very stupid. During a flight run he ran a risky turn and nearly got a few of us, including the Prime Minister's daughter killed. He was kicked out; we had a disagreement and we never spoke to each other since. Then, I heard rumors as the years went by that he was experimenting with things like wanting to live longer, stronger traveling to foreign lands; to the end of the earth. I was visiting friends in Alexandria when I accidently bumped into him. He invited me over to dinner and I thought to let bygones be bygones and accepted. Then, I saw him change and if Daryl had not arrived when he did I would not be sitting here in this room with you. I was hesitant in sending Carl to flight school but I wanted him to experience everything I did at his age but it seems the chums he hung out with were paid to lure him on his airship and here we are Michonne two days to a full moon and no closer to finding him."

Michonne was captivated by his story his voice soothing yet firm. He kept fidgeting with his pocket watch, kept removing and placing it back in his vest breast pocket. Since on his airship she has never seen him brush his hair even now the unruly curls are an adorable mess. She wants to reach out and adjust that one curl over his forehead. Michonne tightly clasps her hands together to stop herself. It was then that she decided not to give him grief and they should help each other out. Before she could say anything a loud bang on heard on his cabin door and it opens. Out of breath is the airship weapons expert Jesus as he enters the room.

"Rick I was able to locate The Screams of Lucille."

Both men stand and grab their gloves. Rick reaches for his bullet belt and gun, Daryl picks up his crossbow and exit the quarters quickly.

Jesus turns to Michonne, "Make haste, Michonne you'd want to see this."

Make haste to see what? She wonders as she grabs her cane and runs after the men.

Much activity was going on and Michonne ran passes the ship's crew as they crank and pull, she caught up to them as they had form a circle around the wheel of the steam power airship.

"What are we looking at?" Michonne ask having to shout over the noise as she adjusts her goggles over her eyes.

"Here," Jesus said and hands her the telescope. Looking through the glass she could see something ahead but not sure, Jesus slightly corrects her viewing angle and she saw another airship ahead.

"We are about four hundred meters from them, perfect range. We can take them out," Daryl shouts

"Have we formulated some kind of plan yet?" she shouts to the small group around her.

"We unleash hell of course," Daryl shouts back.

"No, we stick to the plan, Daryl," Rick replies as he places his gun belt around his waist and work the locks of the gun to his hand, making sure it was loaded.

"Well, what is the plan?" she shouts to them.

"We do nothing yet, we approach it at the current speed, I don't want to engage and somehow get my son killed," Rick explained.

"Rick you're thinking from your heart and not your head," Daryl began, "I understand, I really do but why can't we just send them some sort of warning, a message, let them know we are here."

"Guys!" Jesus shouts through the scope the pirate ship was beginning to turn on her side for battle, "I believe they are aware of us, we need to ready all stations now."

"Bloody hell!" Rick shouts in frustration, he has no choice put have the men at the ready, "Ready the stations."

Hell yes!" Daryl shouts back, "You heard the man Jesus, ready the stations."

"You don't have to tell me twice!" he then bellows this out and they watch as the crew ran to their battle stations. Jesus began to press several buttons and turns the helm a hard left. Michonne nearly lost her footing and stumbles into Rick.

"It may be wise, Ms. Brownfield, if you head back to your cabin."

"My cabin?! Are you kidding me, Grimes? I am not going to cower down below, I know how to work a gun, so hand me one of those." Michonne points to the endless arsenal Daryl seem to have.

Rick knew a while back not to try talking her out of anything so he hands her one of Daryl guns and two clips, "Do you know how to fire one of these?"

Michonne fastens her cane between her belt and takes the gun she instantly notice how light it felt in her hand as she looks at it in wonder.

"I know how to work a gun but this is-"

"Light isn't it but it packs a serious punch," Jesus said proudly. He then made a mental note to make Ms. Brownfield a gun and accessory belt.

Rick grins, while placing the clips in her hand, "This isn't one of those guns. Those clips are silver nitrate, there are twenty in each clip and you load them here," he points to the side of the gun, "It will open when empty and press this button on top for rapid fire."

"Silver nitrate?"

"I wasn't kidding, Ms. Brownfield, when I told you that he is a wolf; we are not taking any chances. It kills on impact. You see Negan you kill him."

"I don't know what he looks like."

"Trust me you can't miss him, he'll be carrying a metal baseball bat wrapped in barb wire."

Michonne did not have a chance to respond she saw a flash of light heading in their direction from the corner of her eye and she push both her and Rick out of the way.

Screams of Lucille was ready for battle and wasted no time in sending them a message. Sending hits and hits from their cannons towards them, their point of contact; taking out the bow and bridge but it was no easy task just as Negan suspected. The Bandit Hunter fires back without delay and just as hard. Negan knew he underestimated Rick. He watches at the last second as another one of his men died at his feet, the silver oozes from the man eyes, nose and mouth. Negan eyes grew large. Wow that was close, he thought as he rolls to the starboard of his ship, his anger getting the best of him as his hand tightens around the bat. That fucking Rick got himself some silver, he thought, and he really couldn't blame the guy; Rick was always known to be prepared for almost anything. Negan smiles to himself, he knew he has to send a message and it need to be extremely loud.

"Bring up that fucking Grimes kid!" he shouts to no one in particular.

Dwight was closest to Negan and slightly wishes he wasn't. Negan shouts his command again this time looking directly at Dwight.

Dwight mentally shouts a curse as he hesitated for a second and hopes Negan didn't see it. Dwight ran down below nearly losing his footing at the bottom and goes to the last door, takes out the key and unlocks it.

"Carl?" he calls out in the dark cabin. Dwight has no reason to call out because he know the boy was where he is to be, in a chair blindfolded and tied to it. Again he hesitated but quickly shakes it off; he has a job to do.

"Hey kid, I'm really sorry it has come to this but." Dwight shrugs and begins to untie the knot from his feet but left the one to his hands alone, he then removes the blindfold and the younger Grimes scowls at him not saying a word.

Negan smiles when he saw Dwight lead and pull Carl as he dodges a stray fire beam.

"Hey there, my favorite future psychopathic guest. How you holding up?" Negan shouts enthusiastically, "Pardon the mess, your father has been working a number on both me and Lucille and quite honestly she and I just about had enough of your dad's fuckery."

Carl had that perpetual 'I'm going to kill you when I have the chance scowl' on his face.

"Still nothing, eh? Well no worries kid, you'll say something soon enough, I guaran-fucking - tee it."

The Bandit Hunter was taking a beating and Jesus had to shut down one engine before it explode midair; all the power was being overcompensated with the third as the second struggle to keep going. He shouts a warning to Daryl since he was the closes to him as he pushes a lever up hoping to buy them some time so he could see what was going on in the engine room.

"Go!" Daryl shouts at him as he takes aim and fire at the enemy.

Jesus points to the thermostat, "If this goes over this line, push this lever down."

"Got it, go already."

There was smoke coming from all directions and sound of the cannon and guns going off. Michonne can hear the crew below giving each other target coordinates before firing and those on deck had their gun on rapid fire. Michonne on her second clip was riding high on adrenaline. Both she and Rick have been taking turns 'saving' the crew and each other. Rick saw the look of excitement on her face as she took aim, fired and ducked for cover. He turns his attention back to the Screams of Lucille and realizes that they had stop firing; the enemy ship has gone quiet.

What is he up to? Rick as himself as he took a peak from his spot the smoke in the air was heavy and it made it difficult to see.

"Rick what's going in? They stop firing," says Daryl in confusion as he looks his way.

"I don't know!" he shouts back. He takes his scope out and curses at the smoke to hurry and clear up. Slowly it began to settle and his heart stop and panic sets in.

"Tell everyone to cease fire! Do it now! Carl is with Negan!" Rick shouts as he continues to look through the scope. Rick can feel his heart beating rapidly as he watches Negan with a crazy smile on his face as his stand behind his son. Rick watches helplessly as the man raises his hand and slashes the right side of his son face, pieces of flesh on his hand, Negan laughs as he pushes his son away. It's almost like Rick could hear his son Carl scream in agony as held his face blood pooling down his hand.

"Carl!" Rick screams as he witnesses the tearing, the pain, and the helplessness as if it was his own flesh he felt being ripped.

Daryl, though concern for his friend just can't up and leave his station glances back down to the dials in front of him, the thermostat idle slowly to its mark and wonders what was taking Jesus so long. The crew were just as clueless and concern for their leader and wasn't sure what to do next as they stood there motionless.

Michonne closes to Rick runs up to him and drops to the floor facing him, "Grimes what it is?" She asks as she brushes the damp curls from his face. Concern as she watches the tears falls from his face Michonne waits for him to say something.

Jesus races back up to the ship deck glad for cease fire as things were critical in the engine room.

"WE NEED TO DOCK RIGHT-" Jesus stops mid-sentence as everyone stood around the ship mast watching their fearless leader fall into a crumpled mess in the arms of Michonne.

Code note – Siancore, thank you, having you look at my words and making sense of what my mind is trying to convey is no easy task and yet here you are still beta/commenting. Again, thank you! :)

And for all those who are fav/following and reviewed H of S, (I hope you're still with me) – you are the best, thanks! :)