Chapter 18 CH: 17 琉璃
Rick and Daryl tore through the dense forest, they heard it, the howls and gnashing of teeth from the undead reverberated through the trees, followed by Dale's screams in the night.
They burst into a small clearing. Dale stood at the center, a tire iron gripped in his shaking hands as five rotting corpses clawed at him from all sides. The old man's eyes were wide with terror.
Without hesitation, Rick raised his machete and hacked through a zombie's skull in a spray of blackened blood and brain matter. Beside him, Daryl does the same with his. As the creatures turned toward the new threat, Dale swung his tire iron wildly, caving in one's face with a sickening crunch. In moments, it was over, the undead littering the forest floor.
Dale sagged against a tree trunk, gasping for breath. "Thank God you two showed up when you did. Those things came out of nowhere on my way back from the Walsh place. Nearly had me for dinner."
"Are you alright?" Rick asked, laying a hand on the old man's shoulder. He could feel him trembling beneath his fingers.
"I'll live," Dale wheezed. "What about you? Did any more of these things show up at your place?"
"No, we handled it," Daryl grunted, flicking the blood and matter of the blade. "Place is secure for now. But you really should talk to Jesus, get him to set up one of his silent traps or something around your property, in case more of these come wandering through."
Dale nodded in agreement, "It's been a rough few weeks. I hate to admit it, but I could really use some help. It would also ease my wife's worries; she doesn't go out much anymore."
Rick was taken aback, "Why didn't you mention this before? You know I have the means and resources to assist."
"I appreciate that, but your son's well-being comes first. I'm just grateful he's back home safe and sound."
Rick placed his bloody hand on Dale's shoulder, a gesture of comfort and loyalty. "You're both like family to us. You've been with us since the very beginning. If you need anything, just let me or Daryl know. Heck, even Michonne. We'll make sure you get it, that's a promise."
Daryl couldn't help but smirk at Rick, knowing exactly what he was implying with the mention of Michonne. He wanted to make a teasing joke, but he could wait for a more appropriate time.
Rick nodded, his jaw tight. "Let's get back," he said. "I really could use a shower, check on tour guests." make sure they're holding up alright."
Daryl mutters something about Rick's haircut, to which Rick lets out a sigh and replies, "Just leave my hair alone, Daryl."
Daryl raises his hands in an innocent gesture and says, "I'm just saying, a few inches off the back wouldn't hurt."
The banter about haircuts continues as they make their way back home, with Dale quietly listening in and finding amusement in the whole exchange.
Turning the corner around the house, they all went their separate ways. Dale headed towards the small cottage that he and his wife had called home for sixteen years. Daryl mentioned he was going to clean up and go to bed, while Rick went by way of the front as it's closer to the sitting room and hoped that is where his son would be waiting with Michonne and her parents.
A sense of disappointment washes over Rick as he catches sight of the Brownfield's carriage waiting outside. Any glimmer of hope for quality time with Michonne vanishes as he hears her mother insisting on a hasty return home.
Michonne catches the shift in his expression and waits until he approaches her for her to give him a reassuring smile, leading him slightly away from any listening ears, "I have some errands to run for my father tomorrow around noon."
Picking up quickly on what she really meant, Rick grinned shoulders, "I'll make time. Tomorrow it is."
She touches his arm gently, her touch like a soothing balm. "Yes, tomorrow."
They enjoyed a leisurely lunch, delighting in every bite and enjoying each other's company. Their laughter and conversation filled the air. The hostess made a few visits to check on them, and Michonne noticed the disapproving expression on her face. It was no surprise; she was tempted to confront the issue.
Once the plates were cleared, the hostess made her way back to their table with a stern polite expression on her face.
"I apologize, Mr. Grimes, but we're three hours before the dinner hour and we must prepare the room for the arrival of the dinner guests."
Rick blinked in surprise, realizing that what he thought was only an hour had turned into several hours. He glanced at Michonne and then back at the hostess.
"Thank you, ma'am," he waited until the hostess walked away. "It was a pleasure," He reached for Michonne's hand, "to spend time with you today. Maybe we could…"
He trailed off, searching for the right words. Michonne knew what he was trying to say - that they should get together again soon, perhaps without the pressure of another group dinner.
"Yes, absolutely," she replied, nodding in agreement. "I'd love that."
She squeezed his hand gently, and they shared a meaningful look before he stood up and assisted her from her chair. He gives her a quick peck on the cheek.
An audible gasp echoes throughout the room, and their eyes turn towards the source of the noise. The hostess is visibly shocked, her hand covering her mouth in surprise.
Rick does not hide the annoyance in his eyes, and Michonne knows he's about to say something.
Miss, your rudeness is appalling. Were it not for the gracious company present, I would unleash a barrage of scathing remarks upon you. But even in this moment, my mind seethes with an overwhelming urge to tear into you with ferocious words and put you in your place."
As she watched, Michonne thought, 'Ever the gentleman, he knows what to say.'
The hostess lets out another sharp gasp,
Rick sighs in frustration, "Oh for heaven sakes, get out! Now!"
And off she goes, the woman scurries away as fast as her small legs could go.
Rick turned to face a very amused Michonne, "You could have been more discreet with your affection," she remarked.
"I considered it, but that woman has been a problem the moment we enter this establishment. The way she was watching us, watching you. She would have figured us out sooner or later. Especially with how we were sitting," Rick replied.
"I really must go. I have a lot of explaining to do once I get home but once the air is settled, I'll sit with my mother and arrange an afternoon of games."
"How about sooner than that, how about tomorrow?" Rick asks.
"There is a lot of prep and tomorrow is not enough time. We'll see each other again soon enough." Michonne replies with a laugh. "I'm sure we'll tire of each other eventually."
Rick places his hand in hers, "I doubt it. Tomorrow and I accept your game invitation, whenever and wherever it may be."
Michonne nodded, her eyes never leaving his. Her heart swelled with affection for him, a mix of love and admiration, "Alright, then," she agreed gently. "Tomorrow, after our errands. I'll send word."
He squeezed her hand, "Tomorrow," he repeated, a soft smile playing on his lips.
The time had come for them to depart. The morning sun glinted off the sleek metal hull of The Bandit Hunter as Rick, Michonne, Daryl, and Carl made their way towards the airship.
"Hell of a visit," Daryl muttered, adjusting the crossbow slung across his back. "Ain't nothing like killing walkers to bring a family together."
Carl let out a hearty laugh.
Michonne responded with a wry smile, "There's never a dull moment, that's for sure."
Daryl chimed in, "I'm still amazed your parents didn't give you a hard time about leaving again."
Michonne shrugged it off, "Not this time, but my mother did give me some advice before I left." The others waited for her to share the words of wisdom, but she remained silent.
As they neared the airship, the rest of the crew appeared to welcome them. Eugene and two women stood to the side, his expressions a mix of concern and excitement. "Welcome back, Captain," Eugene called out with a slight smile. "I hope everything was taken care of while you were away. As for me, things have been quite eventful at home."
Rick opened his mouth to respond, but Daryl beat him to it. "No," he stated firmly.
Eugene looked flustered and pleaded, "But they're family!"
Daryl shook his head. "I've said it before and I'll say it again: no women on this ship. It's-"
The rest of the crew joined in to finish Daryl's sentence in unison, "Bad luck!"
Rick addressed the woman standing next to Eugene, "It's good that you're dressed for travel. The space may be limited, but it won't be tight. Are you familiar with handling weapons? Sabers, ray guns, et al."
Daryl was about to speak up, but Rick raised his hand to silence him.
They both nodded in response.
"Good. Once we reach the required altitude for flying, things can get rough. You will only have Eugene to rely on. And when you get sick, and you will get sick, do not vomit overboard. It's disrespectful to those living below."
They nodded again.
"I am Captain Grimes, and this is Daryl Dixon, the chief mate who doesn't want you here. So I suggest you steer clear of him. My son Carl and my personal guest Miss Brownfield are also on board. May I know your names?"
"I'm Kelly and this is my older sister Connie. Thank you for allowing us passage to Virginia."
Rick turned to Carl and Michonne and said, "Carl, make sure to get them goggles and barf bags as well. Miss Brownfield will assist you in getting settled."
Rick motions for Eugene to follow him and Daryl. Eugene listened anxiously as Rick spoke, holding his breath until he let out a sigh of relief.
Rick chuckled at his nervousness and added, "I'm only allowing this because I'm in a good mood. But until we dock, they are your responsibility, and it would be wise to keep Daryl happy by making all his favorite dishes without complaint."
Daryl was ready to argue but was taken aback by Rick's request. He turned to Eugene and said, "I'll give you a list of my favorites."
Eugene nodded in agreement, he was so relieved there was not any problem.
Rick's focus snaps back as he feels the familiar weight of responsibility settle back onto his shoulders. "Abe!" Rick calls out, and they wait for Abe to approach them before Rick requests a detailed report."
"Actually Cap, all is quiet. Been quiet nearly a fortnight now," Abe replied. "No signs of Savior activity in any of the vicinity."
Rick nodded, "Thanks, Abe. Keep a lookout and listen in on the unusual channels for any and all movements. Use the new codes Maggie sent and burn the old ones."
"You got it Cap."
Rick is not surprised by the lack of the Saviors' activities because of the last update he received from Glenn a few days ago. "Tell The Celluloid Dream we're heading back, get her prepped for flight, we leave now."
Abe walked away to prepare for flight.
Rick turned back to his crew, "Alright, everyone ready to get going?"
They all nodded, eager to be on their way. Rick took one last look at the peaceful countryside that has been home and then signaled the go ahead.
With Daryl assist at the helm they took off and began their descent into the sky, Rick could feel the familiar rush of adrenaline as he always did during takeoffs. As the engines roared to life and The Bandit Hunter lifted off, he loved to be up in the air, away from the chaos and dangers of land. He was in control here, and nothing could touch him.
Once they were safely in the sky, Rick ordered the crew to settle in for the long journey ahead.
As the Saviors made their grand entrance into Alexandria, Glenn stood stoically in the midst of a scared crowd. His crew, armed and ready, stood scattered around him ready for the signal. Bud and Arat, with cruel sneers etched onto their faces, paraded down the main street like triumphant generals returning from war, their presence oozing dominance and malice.
But it all looked really comedic to Glenn and he struggled to hold in his laughter. He couldn't help but think of how the Saviors looked like a group of children playing dress-up in their makeshift uniforms and weapons. Everywhere he looked, he saw people trembling in fear, their eyes filled with despair. It reminded him too much of the life he used to have, before, when he was human. Back then, just as frightened as the people around him, never having the courage to stand up for himself or his loved ones. But now, things were different,
Glenn's attention shifts back to them, honing in on the sound of their heartbeat. It is erratic and irregular, a clear sign of fear. He feels a sense of satisfaction at this; they should be afraid.
'Like children playing dress-up.' he thought.
"Listen up, people," Bud bellowed, his voice dripping with menace. "Negan owns this place now. And that means you answer to us."
As the Saviors continue their intimidation tactics, Glenn is still amused at their performance. He knew that they were bluffing, that they aren't as powerful as they claimed to be.
Arat stepped forward, her eyes glinting with barely controlled rage. "Anyone who doesn't fall in line will have to answer to Lucille. And trust me, you don't want to meet her."
Glenn could feel the tension crackling through the air like electricity. He knew his men were itching for a fight, their hands twitching towards their weapons. But he also knew that now was not the time to strike. They needed more information first, needed to know exactly what they were up against and where Negan was.
So he held his tongue and played the part of the cowed subject, even as every fiber of his being screamed out in defiance. He caught a flicker of movement out of the corner of his eye and turned to see Maggie watching him from the crowd, her face determined.
He gave her a subtle nod, a silent promise that he would keep them all safe, no matter the cost. Then he turned back to watch the Saviors' little performance, his mind already racing with plans and possibilities.
They continued with even more of their stupid posturing, but then Sasha stepped forward and Glenn watched in interest as she raised her hands in a placating gesture. "We understand your demands," she said, her voice calm and even. "And we're willing to comply. There's no need for violence."
Bud sneered at her, his eyes raking over her form with undisguised contempt. "You don't get to make demands, sweetheart," he spat. "You'll do what we say, when we say it."
Sasha's jaw clenched, but she held her ground. "Of course," she replied smoothly. "We just want to avoid any unnecessary bloodshed."
Glenn watched the exchange; he knew Sasha was trying to diffuse the situation, but he could see the rage simmering just beneath the surface of her calm facade. Tyreese, too, looked like he was barely holding himself back, his fists clenched at his sides.
'I know their blood tastes terrible, I won't bother with them, will end it quickly.' he thought.
Bud lunged towards Sasha, a sinister smile on his face, his fingers curling around the handle of his gun. "You don't get to call the shots little lady," he snarled through clenched teeth. "We're the ones in control here." His towering presence and deadly weapon made it clear that he was not one to be disobeyed.
Glenn's muscles tense with the urge to intervene, but before he can even take a step, Tyreese swiftly moves in between Sasha and the man. With a low and deadly voice, Tyreese warns him to back off of his sister. Despite the tension, Sasha desperately tries to maintain peace, her voice shaking as she begs her brother to stop.
Bud's eyes flashed with anger, and before anyone could react, he lashed out, driving his fist into Tyreese's stomach with brutal force. Tyreese doubled over, gasping for breath, and Glenn heard the sharp intake of breath from his crew.
He could feel their anger rising, their desire for retribution growing with each passing second. But he forced himself to remain calm, to keep his focus on the bigger picture.
As he scanned the scared crowd, he caught a snippet of conversation between two Saviors. "Heard Negan's up at the Hilltop," one of them muttered. "Him and Gregory got some kind of deal going on with that Alpha chick."
Glenn's heart skipped a beat. Finally, a lead. If they could get to wherever this Hilltop is, they might be able to catch Negan off guard, take him out before he could cause any more damage.
Their first priority was to make it through this confrontation without any injuries. Glenn let out a frustrated sigh and made eye contact with Maggie. He can see her reaching for the ray gun hidden at the top of her boot, but he shook his head slowly and communicated with his eyes for her to remain calm.
He knew they couldn't afford to make any rash decisions, no matter how much they wanted to. They needed to make it through these Savior "scare tactics" and get to the Hilltop.
They continue to listen as Bud and Arat make their ridiculous demands to the community and Sasha and Tyrese seem to nod their head in force agreement.
Glenn could see the fire raging in Sasha's eyes, just as he knew Tyreese was struggling to keep his cool. But they all knew that the best chance to take down the Saviors was to gather information, find weaknesses, and strike when the time was right. He looked at Maggie again, and this time, she nodded back, understanding the urgency of their situation. It was going to be tough, but they had to remain patient and focused.
Code note I'm just bringing all kinds of characters in here, haha. Ok, I think I have found a way for Never Surrender. Also sorry for the tenses.
The Hunter of Scream soundtrack is updated and now has this song chapter. 琉璃 (Colored glass) by Liu Yu Ning is the OST for the cdrama Love and Redemption (you can watch it on IQIYI, Prime & Viki)
The link below is a youtube descriptive translation of the song
/L3-fe-wqeLY?si=ezoQ59ZnISpuwvzu