—- Two miles north of Woodbury —-
They parked their vehicles a few miles away from Woodbury and opted to proceed on foot through the dense woods, counting on the veil of night to shroud their advance. The journey ahead stretched for about two miles, a distance that felt increasingly daunting to Michonne as she struggled to maintain pace with the rest of the group. Though the painkillers provided by Hershel had taken the edge off the discomfort from her bullet wound, there lingered a persistent ache that manifested in an obvious limp with each step she took.
"If you're struggling to keep up, you should stay in the car," Rick suggested, glancing back at Michonne while keeping pace with Daryl.
. "I'll manage," she replied tersely.
Rick slowed his pace, a silent acknowledgment of Michonne's struggle. "I said if you couldn't keep up, I'd take you back myself," he reminded her.
"And I said I'm coming whether you like it or not," Michonne retorted.
Rick shook his head, the look on his face betraying his frustration. "This isn't the time for your stubbornness," he argued. "I'm not going to let you get hurt because of it."
"Don't underestimate me," Michonne warned.
Rick sighed. "Just let us know if you need a break, alright?" he conceded.
Michonne nodded curtly, her posture rigid with determination as they continued on through the night. Tensions were running high as they proceeded toward the unknown, a thick, heavy silence descending over the group as they traversed the forest. It was a journey fraught with danger and uncertainty, one that carried the distinct possibility of never returning.
Rick looked to Michonne, even though her outwardly demeanor was calm, he knew she was bothered by more than just the mission. He leaned into, being mindful that everyone else was in front of them and whispered, "Are you okay?"
Michonne's posture became visibly rigid, a flicker of annoyance flashed across her features. She stopped and looked up at him like she wanted to say something before sighing and shaking her head. "I just expected more."
"What do you mean?" Rick asked, confused by her response.
"I understand that our situation is complicated, and you may not want to disclose it to your group, your family, but don't make me out to be a liar," Michonne's voice was low, but the frustration was palpable in her tone. "The truth has a way of coming out and I refuse to be some dirty little secret. I won't have it."
"What are you saying, Michonne?" Rick inquired.
She noticed Rick fidgeting with his hand, nervously twisting his wedding band. The sight of it only fueled her frustration, and she scoffed inwardly at yet the reminder of his past commitment.
"You lying back there...you basically made me your mistress, something dirty to hide," She ground out. "I would have never been with you had you not been separated at the time. What do you think people will think about my-" Michonne's fists balled at her sides as she fought to control her emotions. "Talk to whoever you need to, to square things but don't lie about it again."
"I didn't mean it that way," He said.
"That's how it came across," Michonne shot back, a little louder than intended.
Rick opened his mouth to speak but was interrupted by Daryl's approach. "Ya'll, keep up," he admonished.
"I was just making sure Michonne was alright," Rick replied.
Daryl's gaze shifted from Rick to Michonne, taking note of her tense posture and the anger in her eyes. "She looks fine to me," he commented dryly.
"Alright, let's keep going," Rick instructed, motioning for the group to continue on. Quietly to Michonne, he said, "We can talk about this later."
Michonne turned away, her jaw clenched, her eyes focused on the path ahead. "Don't bother," she muttered, her voice barely above a whisper, her disappointment palpable. "I said all I needed to say."
His brow furrowed momentarily, betraying a hint of confusion before he quickly composed himself into a neutral expression. "Suit yourself," he said with a resigned sigh, deciding to let the matter drop for now.
As Rick pushed forward to catch up to Daryl, Michonne couldn't help but chide herself for allowing her frustration to surface. Now was not the time for pettiness. She needed to focus on reaching Andre. Determined to keep up, she doubled her efforts, though she still found herself lagging behind the others.
She watched as he walked alongside Daryl, it was clear that they were good friends based on their whispered conversation and the archer patting Rick on the shoulder in a gesture of camaraderie. Michonne couldn't help but feel a pang of envy as she observed their easy rapport, a stark contrast to the strained dynamic between her and Rick.
"I just wanted to thank you for takin' care of Carl and Judith while I was..." Rick whispered to Daryl.
"That's what we're supposed to do for each other, man," Daryl replied in his characteristic gruff tone, nodding curtly.
Observing their exchange, Michonne began to understand the depth of their bond. It wasn't just about survival; it was about mutual support and unwavering loyalty. In that moment, she saw why Rick and Daryl were so close. However, as she reflected on their friendship, memories of Rick's former best friend, Shane, flooded her mind. Before the turn, when they were dating, Rick would often share stories of his time with Shane at the academy. He spoke of their closeness, how they always had each other's backs. Now, a year into the apocalypse, Michonne noticed a conspicuous absence of any mention of Shane or Lori, Rick's wife. Were tensions still simmering between the three of them?
Pulling herself from thoughts that didn't serve her, she noticed Maggie walking beside her, a look of determination and anger etched on her face. She shot Michonne a pointed glance as she noticed the sword wielder eyeing her cautiously.
"I ain't supposed to be talkin' to you," she began, her voice barely above a whisper, her gaze fixed ahead. "But I have something I need to say."
Michonne remained silent as they continued to walk.
"Glenn saved your life. I know you have other reasons for going to Woodbury, and that's fine. But if you are using us to help you get what you want, and it costs Glenn his life, I don't care how Rick or anyone feels about it. I'mma put a hole between your eyes. So if you don't want that to happen, I suggest you not be an asshole and return the favor you owe to Glenn."
Michonne stopped walking.
Maggie paused as well, her body facing away from Michonne.
"I know I owe him," Michonne admitted. "My goal isn't to get anyone killed. You have my word on that."
Maggie nodded and resumed walking.
"Rick," Daryl called out before pointing to a group of walkers stumbling towards them through the forest. Michonne's eyes followed Daryl's gesture, but her attention quickly shifted to Rick as he sprang into action.
"Alright," Rick called for everyone's attention. "Remember, no gunfire unless absolutely necessary. We don't want to draw any unnecessary attention."
As the group of walkers drew nearer, he directed each member to a specific target, his voice steady and commanding. "Daryl, take the one on the left. Maggie, the one on the right. Oscar, the two in the middle. Let's do this quietly."
Michonne frowned when he excluded her but was impressed nonetheless with how quickly they dispatched the group of walkers. She watched as Rick handled three on his own, his hatchet slicing through the air with a ferocity that left her in awe. As the last walker fell to the ground, Michonne couldn't help but feel a surge of admiration for Rick's skill and determination.
Rick's eyes locked onto hers, his expression intense, and Michonne felt a familiar tingling sensation in the pit of her stomach. His gaze flickered just past her, and with a ragged huff, he swiftly threw his hatchet at a walker sneaking up from behind her, narrowly missing her. Show off.
He strode past her with purpose, snatching up his hatchet with a determined grip, his sharp eyes scanned the surrounding area, noting the increasing number of approaching walkers. "This way," he called out to the group, motioning toward a boarded-up cabin a few feet ahead. Without hesitation, he reached for Michonne's hand, his grip firm and reassuring as he began to pull her along. With each step, Michonne struggled to keep up, her wounded leg protesting with every movement, but she pushed through, determined to match Rick's pace. As they moved forward, Rick expertly dispatched any walker that dared to cross their path, clearing the way with precision and efficiency.
Oscar swung the cabin door open, and they all rushed inside, seeking refuge from the encroaching horde. He swiftly secured the door with a lock, the sounds of the dead banging and clamoring against it providing an eerie soundtrack to the tension-filled silence that settled over the group. The pungent odor of decay assaulted Michonne's senses as she ventured further into the cabin, releasing Rick's hand as they all settled in.
"What's that smell?" Daryl's gravelly voice cut through the tension as he scanned the one-room cabin with his crossbow at the ready.
"Maybe a walker?" Maggie suggested.
Rick's keen eyes spotted something beneath a thick blanket on the bed, and he whistled softly before pointing toward it. "Check over there," he instructed.
Without a word, Daryl and Oscar moved swiftly to investigate the source of the odor, their movements fluid and coordinated. With a sharp kick, Oscar sent a body sprawling across the floor, tangled in the blanket revealing a man in his mid-thirties, his skin caked with dirt.
"Get out of my house!" the man shouted as he stood on both feet, brandishing a shotgun in his trembling hands. "I'll call the cops!"
Michonne couldn't help but chuckle at the irony of his words.
"I am a cop," Rick informed him calmly.
It took less than two minutes for panic to consume the man, his resolve crumbling under the weight of the imminent threat. With each passing moment, his screams reverberated through the cabin, acting as a morbid dinner bell for the dead lurking outside. As he made a desperate dash toward the front exit, Michonne acted swiftly, intercepting him before he could seal their fate by letting the horde inside. With a precise strike, she plunged her katana into his neck, silencing his cries in an instant. As he fell to the ground, she flicked the blood off her blade and smoothly sheathed it once more, her expression betraying neither remorse nor mercy.
She glanced at Rick, finding him fixed on her with an intense gaze
"We need to move," Maggie urged when the dead began pounding against the door.
"Help me with him," Rick directed Daryl, preparing to lift the lifeless body of the panicked man. "Maggie, get ready to open that door."
"You can't be serious," Oscar protested.
"He's already gone," Rick replied calmly to Oscar's objection, though his gaze flickered briefly to Michonne, who wordlessly checked the back exit. Once she confirmed it was clear, they acted swiftly.
With the walkers sufficiently distracted by the fresh meat they'd thrown to them, the group made a rapid dash the rest of the way to Woodbury, seizing the opportunity while the undead feasted.
—- Woodbury south perimeter —-
Night had fully cloaked Woodbury by the time Rick's group reached the outskirts. The town, bathed in an eerie orange glow from distant streetlights, felt more like a prison yard than a sanctuary. The irony wasn't lost on him.
Michonne forged ahead, her determination propelling her towards the shadowy perimeter wall hidden from the piercing spotlight.
'Michonne," Rick's quiet plea to reconsider fell on deaf ears as she pressed on, signaling for the others to follow. Reluctantly, Rick trailed behind her, his unease evident in the tight grip on his gun and the nervous glances he cast around.
"This isn't smart," Rick whispered, gesturing towards the guard tower and glaring spotlight illuminating the area.
Michonne turned to face him, her voice firm yet tinged with frustration. "It's the only way in," she asserted, tugging at the paneling to reveal a discreet entrance. "Just avoid the light if you're so damn worried."
Rick cocked his head and narrowed his eyes at her. The weight of his anxiety was already heavy, and Michonne's attitude was starting to grate on his nerves. Her desperation seemed to cloud her judgment, and he couldn't afford to let recklessness endanger the group or Michonne herself. Taking a moment to steady himself, he cast a wary glance around their surroundings.
"I don't like this," he confessed. "There has to be a safer way in."
"It's the least guarded wall," she pointed out. "Anywhere else would have an active patrol. It's too unpredictable."
Maggie stepped forward. "We can't afford to stand here arguing," she urged. "We need to make a decision and stick to it. Glenn is depending on us."
She looked pointedly at Michonne, a silent understanding passing between them. Michonne released a sigh before turning to Rick.
"It may not be easy but it's the best we got. We can't waste any more time," she declared firmly. With a decisive motion, she pushed aside the paneling and stepped into the darkness.
Rick hesitated, torn between his fear and annoyance at Michonne forcing his hand. He didn't remember her being so headstrong before. Whoever this guy was that she was desperate to get to had her acting foolishly. With a heavy sigh, he addressed the group, his voice barely above a whisper.
"Stay close," he instructed, the tension thick in his words. "We don't know what's ahead. Keep your weapons ready, and watch each other's backs. We go in quietly, and we get out the same way. Understood?"
The group nodded in silent agreement, their determination tempered by apprehension. With a firm resolve, Rick led them forward into the heart of Woodbury, his grip on his gun tightening as they searched for any sign of Glenn. They followed Michonne to the infirmary she was housed in when she was first taken to Woodbury and to everyone's disappointment, Glenn wasn't present.
"I thought you said they held you here," Rick questioned, his brow furrowing as the group quickly cleared the room. He took note of the windows that led to the Main Street. They were sitting ducks in here.
"They did," Michonne confirmed, scanning the area. "They questioned us and patched us up after Merle found us. They must not have bothered to patch your guy up."
"Where else could they have taken him?" Maggie asked, her desperation evident in her voice. "Merle shot him, he could be bleeding out."
"They could be at his apartment," Michonne suggested, but Rick felt a sense of unease. He glanced between Michonne and the window, noticing some stragglers outside.
"Could they, or does this have to do with you finding that guy you mentioned?" Rick's tone was probing, his eyes locked on Michonne.
"They're not mutually exclusive," Michonne replied evenly. "I told you Andrea would be with him."
"Yeah," Rick drawled, unconvinced as he moved past her. "I'm not buying that. You said you knew where they are. Start talking."
Michonne shot a glare at Rick, feeling uneasy about his demeanor. His anxiousness was palpable, and she knew they needed to remain calm if they wanted to avoid escalating the situation further. She steadied her heart when she noticed Maggie's gun trained on her, and made a conscious effort not to react. Daryl remained by the window, vigilant, while Rick searched for another exit.
"I'm doing the best that I can," Michonne retorted, frustration creeping into her voice. "I was only here for a couple of days before everything went to hell."
"You got them to want to kill you in a couple of days?" Daryl chimed in. "That's gotta be some sort of record."
Ignoring Daryl, Michonne continued, "There's also an employee's only area that the Governor stopped me from entering. They could be there."
Rick didn't immediately respond but shared a meaningful glance at Daryl who nodded his head towards Michonne. "You think she's leading us into a trap?"
"I think it's the blind leading the blind," Rick clarified.
"Yall can either search every building on your own or listen to what I know. But if we don't do something soon either your man is gonna be dead or we'll get caught and then we're dead," Michonne reasoned.
After a contemplative moment, Rick nodded and signaled Michonne to take them to the next building, being careful to avoid detection. Which wasn't an easy task. Several of the town's folk were walking the streets, all going in the same direction, an energy of excitement among them.
The security building that Michonne mentioned was hidden from view by a large sloping hill. Its exterior was a dull shade of gray, a mix of weathered and new paneling from recent repairs. A prominent sign declaring "Security Personnel Only" hung on the entrance, serving as a clear indication of the building's purpose and restricted access.
Rick's eyes narrowed as they approached the entrance, taking note of the military vehicles stationed nearby, bristling with heavy artillery. Rick observed the unattended door, a glaring sign that Michonne's suspicions were well-founded. These weren't professional soldiers; they were merely a ragtag group of paramilitary enthusiasts, playing at being something they were not.
They methodically cleared out each room, their footsteps echoing through the empty corridors. Room after room yielded nothing until they finally reached one where Glenn was tied up alone, illuminated only by a single incandescent bulb dangling above him. He was shirtless with a beige sack covering his head.
"Glenn!" Maggie called out, relief evident in her tone.
"Maggie?" Glenn questioned, hopeful.
As Maggie removed the bag from his head, she gasped at the sight of his battered face, her eyes welling up with tears at the sight of him.
Rick swiftly began untying Glenn.
"Are you okay?" She asked once Glenn was free.
"I am now," Glenn replied, managing a kiss for Maggie despite the pain.
"Well, I hate to cut this short, but we need to go," Rick announced. "We still need to find Andrea."
"She's not being held here," Glenn informed them.
"No, she's not," Michonne confirmed. Glenn's eyes widened at the sight of her and gave a small smile.
"I'm glad you made it," He said.
Michonne gave a silent nod.
Glenn turned to Daryl, his voice strained with pain. "Merle's here too. He's the one that did this to me; threw a walker at me."
Daryl's jaw clenched at the mention of his brother's name, a mix of anger and concern flashing across his features. "Samurai chick told us," he acknowledged, his gaze remaining fixed on the door as he kept watch. "I'm sorry, man."
While Daryl maintained his vigilance, Oscar and Rick moved to assist Glenn. It quickly became evident that the injured man could barely stand on his own. With a sense of urgency, Rick handed Glenn a pistol. Then, without hesitation, he wrapped Glenn's arm over his shoulder, assuming the role of a makeshift crutch to support his injured friend.
"They were planning to execute me," Glenn continued, hoping towards the door. "Said the town needed some entertainment."
"That explains why there are so many people out past curfew," Michonne muttered to herself.
"The Governor mentioned he was sending Andrea home or something. Said they needed to keep her away from the main area because she wasn't ready yet." Glenn winced in pain, his injuries taking a toll on his body. "Sorry, I wish I could've learned more."
"That's alright," Rick reassured him, his tone grim. "You've given us enough."
"Where do you think they'd hold her?" Maggie asked
Before anyone could even consider the question, the sharp sound of multiple footsteps echoing down the hall seized their attention. Reacting swiftly, Maggie hurled a smoke bomb into the hallway, the thick plumes quickly enveloping the corridor and obstructing the view of the approaching men, providing a brief respite for the group to gather their bearings.
"Get in formation, We're gonna have to fight our way out," Rick ordered.
Daryl hesitated, torn between his loyalty to Rick and his concern for his brother. "What about Merle?" he asked, his voice tense. "I gotta go find him. Maybe I can reason with him."
Rick's grip tightened on Daryl's shoulder, his gaze steady. "Daryl, I need you with me," he implored, meeting Daryl's eyes with urgency. "Glenn can barely walk, and with all the commotion, we don't know how many walkers we'll run into out there. I promise, that once we're safe, we'll come up with a plan for you to get in contact with Merle. But right now, I need you here. Are you with me?"
Daryl's response came hesitantly, but he nodded nonetheless. "Yeah," he murmured, before hoisting his crossbow and taking up a defensive position, covering Rick's back.
"I'm going to get Andrea," Michonne said as she seized the opportunity presented by the chaos caused by Rick's group. She swiftly maneuvered past Rick, who attempted to grab her but was halted by Maggie. Maggie's firm grip on his arm kept him in place as he watched Michonne dart past the would-be soldiers and out through the entrance.
"Forget her," Maggie urged. "We came here to get Glenn home. Focus on that."
Rick's jaw tensed as he resisted the urge to shrug of Maggie's grip and chase after Michonne. He knew she was right, Michonne said she had her own agenda for coming to Woodbury. He sighed and nodded tersely.
"We move together, or we die. Stick close and protect each other," he declared firmly. "Once we're clear of the town, we make a run for it. Everyone ready?"
"Ready," Daryl affirmed, his voice resolute.
"Let's do this," Maggie agreed, her resolve etched in her expression.
Oscar's expression hardened as he steeled himself for the imminent battle. "Let's get this over with," he grunted, his gun raised at the ready.
With a deep breath, Rick steeled himself for the conflict, his senses on high alert. "Move out," he commanded.
The group pushed forward, the sound of their collective footsteps echoing down the corridor. The muffled sounds of the men shouting in the distance and the occasional gunshot provided a harrowing soundtrack as they advanced toward the exit. Their escape was cut off, however, when the smoke began to dissipate, revealing the armed militia at the end of the hallway.
"Don't shoot," Rick commanded. "We're not here for a fight. We just want our friend. Let's handle this peacefully."
A well-dressed man, clean-cut with a charming smile, stepped forward. His eyes flickered over the group, assessing them with a mix of suspicion and curiosity.
Glenn leaned in close to Rick, his voice barely a whisper. "It's him, Rick. That's the Governor."
Rick's gaze sharpened as he studied the man before him, recognizing the figure that matched Michonne's description. He didn't look like much but looks could be deceiving.
"You must be Rick," he said, his voice dripping with disdain. "The man who thinks he can waltz into my town and take whatever he pleases."
Rick met the Governor's gaze head-on, his jaw set with determination. "We're not here to take anything," he replied evenly. "We just want Glenn back. He's one of ours."
The Governor's lips curled into a smirk, a dangerous glint in his eyes. "And what makes you think I should just hand him over to you?" he challenged, his voice laced with arrogance.
Rick licked his lips as he surveyed the people standing behind the Governor. There were only six of them and under different circumstances he would have just opened fire but they were out in the open. He caught sight of Merle among the Governor's group, his lips pressed into a thin line as he exchanged a knowing look with Daryl.
"You know," The Governor began, his eyes scanning over the group in return. "I can't help but wonder how you knew to come here. Michonne wouldn't happen to be with you, would she?" His gaze flickered to the exit. "Where is she? You brought her back, didn't you? That's how you found your way in."
Rick remained silent, his expression unreadable. The Governor's gaze hardened, his tone shifting from arrogant to menacing. "Did she come with you, or is she still in Woodbury?" His eyes flickered over the group again. "Maybe you've got her hiding nearby."
Rick shook his head, his posture stiffening as he adjusted Glenn's weight against him. "She's not here," he lied. "I have no idea where she is."
"That's too bad," the Governor said, turning to his men. "Kill them."
A single gunshot rang out, and Rick felt a warm spray of blood across his face as Oscar fell lifeless beside him. Time seemed to slow as Rick blinked rapidly, trying to process what had just happened. His heart pounded in his chest, and his breath caught in his throat as the reality of the situation sank in. He could taste the metallic tang of blood in his mouth, and his hands trembled with shock and adrenaline.
"Go!" Daryl shouted, firing off another shot at the advancing men. "Run!"
With a jolt of awareness, Rick snapped into action. His grip on Glenn's arm slung over his shoulders tightened as he hauled him forward, their feet stumbling and shuffling together. With a burst of adrenaline, the two of them managed to keep moving, their legs propelling them forward. Rick's breath came in ragged gasps as he willed his body to move faster, his heart pounding in his ears.
Behind them, the sound of gunshots and yelling echoed in the distance, mixing with the thunderous drumming of their footsteps. The sound of the chaos faded into the background as Rick focused solely on escaping the building and the threat looming behind them.
As they emerged from the building, Rick's eyes darted around anxiously, searching for Daryl's familiar figure among the chaos. When he didn't see him, a knot of worry tightened in his chest.
"Where's Daryl?" he asked.
Maggie, still scanning their surroundings for any sign of danger, turned to Rick with a reassuring smile. "He stayed behind to buy us more time," she explained. "I'm sure he'll be okay. Daryl's a survivor."
Rick nodded, his attempt to suppress the growing unease in his gut proving futile. With Andrea, Michonne, and now Daryl missing, and the loss of Oscar weighing heavily on his mind, his worry felt like an anchor dragging him down.
"Yeah, you're right," he forced out.
Glenn, leaning heavily on Rick for support, chimed in with a somber tone. "As much as I hate Merle," he added, "I don't think he'd let them hurt him. He genuinely loves him."
With Maggie's support, they made it out of Woodbury the way they came in. He carried Glenn to the train tracks, where they helped him lean against a stationary train car.
Rick began pacing back and forth, the weight of uncertainty heavy on his shoulders. His hand shook slightly as he wiped the sweat from his brow. "They'll be okay," he repeated, more to himself than to Glenn and Maggie, trying to convince himself of something he desperately hoped to be true.
"Rick," Glenn started, his voice filled with guilt. "I told them where the prison was. I tried to hold out but—"
"Shh," Rick interrupted, placing a comforting hand on Glenn's shoulder. "It's not your fault. You didn't do this."
Glenn nodded.
"So what's our next move?" Maggie asked, her gaze lingering on Glenn. "We can't stay here forever."
Rick considered the question, his brow furrowed with concentration. "We'll wait here for ten minutes. If they're not here by then, we walk to the rendezvous point. Daryl and Michonne will meet us there."
"And if they don't show up?" Glenn questioned.
"We'll recuperate then come back and kill everybody."
Upcoming: Michonne confronts the Governor.