Chapter Twenty-One
You Want A Battle? (Here's A War)
Hot water beat down on me as I stood in the shower, letting the heat loosen my tense muscles. I had just finished training and had run upstairs to wash the sweat off my body, but the water felt too good to put me in any sort of hurry.
I found myself thinking about the recent chain of events. It had been such a good couple months after Purcellville fell. I'd been in a happy little bubble. Negan, friends, barbecues, family. I hadn't been so relaxed since before the dead started rising. The universe apparently didn't like this change of pace for me and now I was so stressed that sleeping was a fucking miracle.
Since Negan had told everyone yesterday that we would move as soon as we got the call, I had an anxiousness settled in my stomach. It was somewhere between fear that something would happen to one of us and a need to take action, to punish the ones responsible for causing so much hurt to our people. It wasn't even just Harvey, but all of the family of the men they had killed at the outpost. Those people deserved fucking justice, too.
Letting those thoughts stir up more anger in me, and desperately trying to push away the uneasiness, I scrubbed myself thoroughly before quickly hopping out of the shower and wrapping myself in a towel. I made my way into the bedroom to get some clothes when the office door swung open. Negan came striding in with a devilish look on his face.
"They're moving," he said, grinning at me.
My back straightened and I returned his smile.
"Now?"
"No, but here in the next few hours. One of the guys heard them. They're heading out soon and that leader of theirs is going with them. Sounds like they're going to Hilltop. Simon is packing his people up right now," Negan explained, his eyes staying locked on mine.
"Today's the day," I murmured, my stomach doing a flip.
"Today's the fucking day, wildflower. As soon as Simon makes contact, he's going to radio back and we'll head out to the meeting point."
I nodded my head.
"Good. I'm going to say bye to Simon and make some rounds. I'll keep a radio on me. Let me know when it's go time," I stated, dropping the towel and making my way to our dresser.
"Put your jacket on," he murmured, coming up behind me and placing a kiss on my neck.
"Oh, matching today, are we?"
"That we are. And I know I'm gonna want to fuck you in it later. It's hanging in the closet," he supplied, nuzzling his face into me for a second before stepping back.
He left the room and I quickly dressed in my black ripped jeans and tight white t-shirt. I went through the same routine I had before we'd left for Purcellville. Fixing my hair and face, strapping the leather holsters to my legs, shoving weapons in them, and pulling on the thick black combat boots. I put on my necklaces and plucked my jacket from the closet, sliding it on. Making my way to the door, I grabbed my freshly sharpened machete and propped it on my shoulder. I wanted to make sure I was ready when I got the call.
I passed a few Saviors on my way to the gates, each of them taking in what I was wearing for a moment before grinning at me.
As I made my way to Simon outside, who was barking orders at the soldiers surrounding him, he looked up and beamed from ear to ear.
"Load up in the trucks now. We leave in five," he commanded and everyone scattered.
"I just wanted to come tell you to be safe out there," I said, walking up to the man.
"Always am, princess. You look like you're sure ready to fuck some shit up," he chuckled, taking in my outfit.
"That I fucking am, old man."
"There you go with that 'old man' shit again. You know I'm pretty close in age to the man you sleep next to every night, right?"
"Never said he wasn't old, did I?" I jested, grinning at him.
"I'm going to tell him you said, just so you know," Simon laughed, "But I'll be safe. Promise. We're just herding the motherfuckers, getting them ready for you and Negan to make your grand appearance."
"I know, but if they're crazy enough to attack an outpost full of people, who fucking knows whats going to happen. Just promise me that you'll be cautious?"
"I promise," he nodded before wrapping me in his arms, causing me to stick my machete out to the side.
I returned the hug with my free arm, squeezing him to me.
"See you out there, boss lady," he whispered, and then headed off to climb in a giant lifted truck.
He waved as they pulled out and my heart sank. I knew this shit was necessary, that we had to do it, but worry ate at a small part of me.
The next half of the day was spent checking on Ms. Ellie, Emily, and the lab. I had let Harvey know that we had found them and were moving in today. He nodded solemnly and pulled me into a tight embrace.
Around seven, I got the radio from Negan, telling me to meet him outside. It was time.
When I arrived at the gates, the area was buzzing with energy. Another group of Saviors was coming with us, including Arat and Laura. Negan spotted me instantly and motioned me to him.
"They have an RV with quite a few of them inside. Simon and his groups are blocking off roads. Simon thinks they're heading for the trees soon, going to try to sneak through. Unfortunately for them, we have other plans," he stated as he wrapped an arm around my shoulders and started guiding me to a truck.
"Good. I'm ready to get this shit over with."
Negan stopped for a moment and turned to me.
"I need you to promise me something."
I hooked my eyes on his and tilted my head.
"When I'm out there… it's a lot. I just want you to promise me that you're not going to change how you see me after this."
His face looked uncertain, which I didn't see happen often. He genuinely looked like this was something he was concerned about and that made me laugh.
I mean, really fucking laugh. I clutched at my sides as I bent over, unattractive hiccups and gasps leaving my throat. He just stood in front of me, looking at me as though I'd lost my whole mind.
"You're kidding, right?" I panted, "I've seen you kill people, hold an iron to someones face in front of a crowd, seen you covered in blood, know that you had an entire harem of wives before me, heard stories of the other shit you've done, and you think that this, you fucking people up for killing our people unprovoked is going to what? Make me tell you to fuck off?"
I howled at the thought.
"Well, when you put it like fucking that…" Negan murmured, his eyes dropping to the ground.
I tried so hard to contain myself, but I couldn't keep the smile off my face as I looked at him.
"Negan, you've seen me at my absolute fucking worst. Jumping off a building, blowing up a city, completely annihilating a man until he was nothing but mush, and you still told me you loved me. This," I said, pointing between the two of us, "Is not something that's ever going to end. It's unconditional. 'Kay?"
A grin split his face and he pulled me into him.
"I always forget that you've done some dark shit, too. We really are a match made in hell," he said as he placed a kiss on my lips, "I goddamn love you, wildflower."
"Love you more," I uttered against his mouth.
After a moment, he pulled back.
"Alright, let's go scare the fuck out of some people," he grinned, grabbing my hand, "Everyone, load the fuck up. We're heading out."
When we pulled out of the Sanctuary, Negan and I in our own truck, the sun had started to set and darkness was beginning to fall. Negan kept his hand on my thigh as we drove. Silence filled the space around us, neither of us willing to talk at the moment.
Through the hour and half drive, something ate at my brain. A sense of… wrongness. It seeped into every thought, every feeling. Something was off. I couldn't place what it was or why I felt that way, but the closer we got, the more I felt my stomach twist.
"Something feels weird, Negan," I whispered quietly, clenching my hands into fists.
"You feel that too?" He responded, just as quietly.
"Yeah. Yeah, I do."
We didn't talk again. Not as complete darkness settled outside the truck, not as we pulled into the small clearing with everyone else, not as we got out of the truck.
I brushed it off, the feeling. I needed to keep my head on straight, not think about all of the possible outcomes. Looking around me, I took in the space. We were in the middle of the woods, in a small open space with a couple trees scattered throughout it. Trucks surrounded the space.
I noticed Dwight, instantly. He was standing next to a giant truck with an enclosed space on the back. He nodded in my direction briefly. I took in the crossbow in his hand and leather vest he had on, wondering for a second what that was.
"ETA fifteen minutes boss," Simon's whisper fell through the radio as an RV pulled up, screeching to a halt.
"Alright everyone, get into position," Negan called.
The door of the RV opened and a sobbing man with a mullet was shoved out to the dirt. Before he could right himself, Negan grabbed my hand and pulled me behind him, into the RV, closing the door quickly.
My nose wrinkled. It smelled awful in here, like sweat and death.
"That's fucking unpleasant," Negan muttered as he walked across the space to the small seating area.
I followed him, tossing my machete to the small counter next to Lucille and flopping back onto the seat. It was cold, but the walls of the RV offered some respite from the wind. Negan sat beside me, taking my hand into his and leaned his head back, looking up at the ceiling.
"A part of me really fucking hates doing this shit," he whispered.
"Most people don't want to kill anyone, but they took from us. Tried to kill Harvey. They'll keep coming back if we don't make a point," I murmured, closing my eyes and leaning to rest my head on his shoulder.
His arm snaked behind my back and he pulled me to him, hand running up and down my spine. We stayed like that for some time, until the whistles started. It sounded like they were coming from everywhere, all around us.
Negan pulled me tighter, placing a kiss on my forehead and standing up. He reached his hand out and I grabbed it, having him pull me up.
"Simon will call me out. Step out behind me and keep close to the RV. Laura and Arart should be right on the door. They've been instructed to be on you at all times," Negan whispered, eyes trained on mine.
"You know I can fight better than anyone out there, right? I don't need a couple bodyguards."
"I know, but if shit goes south, you are to get back to the Sanctuary and they have the keys and the directions to get you there."
I tsked and squinted my eyes at him.
"I am to stay with you. I'd never leave you behind, in any scenario. So while I appreciate the urge to keep me protected, if shit does go south, my back will be against yours the entire time," I said slowly, giving him time to process my words.
His eyes softened as he placed his hand on my cheek. I heard Simon start talking outside the RV.
"I won't be able to focus if I know you're not getting to safety, wildflower."
"Then I'll stay focused enough for the both of us so I can make sure you come home to me alive, Negan."
His lips crashed down on mine for a moment.
"You have no idea how much I fucking love you," he said against my mouth.
I hummed and pressed my lips to his again, just as Simon's voice got louder outside.
"Alright! We got a full boat! Let's meet the man."
Two taps sounded from the door and Negan pulled back.
"It's showtime," he murmured, grabbing Lucille from the counter and hoisting her onto his shoulder before taking a deep breath.
I watched him transform in front of me. Gone was the soft eyes and uneasiness for what he was about to do. I now stood in front of fearless leader Negan, who had a cocky grin and a swagger in his stance.
He breezed past me to the door. I kept close to his back, grabbing my machete and wondering for a brief moment if I should name her, too. A smile tugged at my lips at the thought.
Negan paused for a moment at the door and I used that time to wipe the soft smile off of my face. My spine straightened and I squared my shoulders, letting my face fall flat. I didn't need to walk out acting like a mini, female version of Negan. They'd find out what I was capable of if they tried some shit tonight.
Pushing away the fear that had a tight hold on my stomach, I tried to remind myself again of what these people had done.
Negan's hand curled around the doorknob and he slowly pushed it open, stepping to the ground. The only sound that met me was that of crickets.
"Pissin' our pants yet?" He said, keeping his voice steady.
He took a few steps forward, the swagger in his walk prominent.
"Boy, do I have a feeling we're gettin' close," he continued, casually walking closer to the group.
I stepped out then, my eyes scanning the area. Bright headlights created a golden glow around the area. It was hard to make out the faces of the people on their knees, but from their outlines, I knew there were at least twelve of them. Defeat had their shoulders curled in. Our Saviors surrounded the group. Most of our people were here for this and it was a sight to behold.
I side stepped until I was standing in front of Laura and Arat, who looked fearsome in their own right. Their faces were set in a hard, angry scowl. They had their guns in their hands, ready to go.
"Yep, gonna be pee-pee pants city here real soon," Negan said, walking down the line of people.
I fought the urge to laugh with everything in me. He was a whole ass idiot, but I get why the people in front of him were terrified. What kind of psycho said things like 'pee-pee pants city' while holding a barbed wire wrapped bat? The kind that would use that fucking bat to fuck someone up, obviously.
"Which one of you pricks is the leader?" Negan asked.
Simon stepped up from behind the group, pointing to a man. I squinted my eyes, making out curly brown hair and a thoroughly shocked fucking expression.
"It's this one, he's the guy," Simon supplied.
Negan grinned and made his way to the man slowly.
"Hi, you're Rick, right? I'm Negan and I do not appreciate you killing my men. Also, when I sent my people to kill your people for killing my people, you killed more of my people. Not. Cool. Not cool. You have no idea how not cool that shit is, but I think you're gonna be up to speed shortly. Yeah, you are so gonna regret crossing me in a few minutes," Negan said, speaking directly to the man in a low voice.
He shook his head quickly, looking at Rick.
"Yes you are," he said, and I could feel the grin on his face, "You see, Rick, whatever you do, no matter what, you don't mess with the New World Order. The New World Order is this, and it's really very simple. So, even if you're stupid, which you very may well be, you can understand it. You ready?"
I could see the man's body trembling in front of Negan as he looked up at him. I didn't have it in me to feel bad for him. They brought this on themselves.
"Here it goes. Pay attention," Negan continued, Negan dropped Lucille from his shoulder, pointing it at the man's face, "Give me your shit or I will kill you."
A low, almost inaudible chuckle fell from Negan's mouth. It sent a lightning bolt through me. I was becoming restless. I never did well sitting still, but I focused my attention, my hand gripping my machete until my knuckles were white while I watched Negan as he moved slowly down the line.
"Today was career day. We invested a lot so you would know who I am and what I can do," he stopped walking about halfway down the line, looking back at Rick, "You work for me now. You have shit, you give it to me. That's your job. Now, I know that is a mighty big, nasty pill to swallow. But swallow it, you most certainly fucking will."
Negan walked back towards Rick.
"You ruled the roost. You built something. You thought you were safe. I get it, but the word is out. You are not safe. Not even close. In fact, you are pegged. More pegged if you don't do what I want. And what I want is half your shit. And if that's too much, you can make, find, or steal more and it'll even out sooner or later. This is your way of life now. The more you fight back, the harder it will be," Negan continued speaking calmly, not looking even the slightest frazzled.
He seemed so sure of himself at that moment. It was impossible not to watch him as he continued walking down the line and back towards Rick.
"So, if someone knocks on your door, you let us in. We own that door. You try to stop us and we will knock it down. You understand?" He asked, shoving Lucille in Rick's face for a moment before letting her swing back to his side.
Silence met Negan, which just caused a smile to pull at his face. He cupped his hand over his ear and leaned forward slightly.
"What? No answer? You didn't really think that you were going to get through this without being punished now, did you?" His voice got a little louder, as he stepped back away from the group.
"I don't wanna kill you people. Just want to make that clear from the get go. I want you to work for me. You can't do that if you're dead, now can you? I'm not growing a garden, but you killed my people. A whole damn lot of them. More than I'm comfortable with and for that? For that, you're going to pay. So now," Negan paused, glancing around, "I'm going to beat the holy hell out of one of you."
He stepped closer to Rick, holding Lucille out.
"This? This is Lucille and she is awesome," Negan said, humor coloring his voice.
I couldn't stand still. I felt like I was about to vibrate out of my skin. I started pacing the length of the RV, my machete twirling in my hands. I wasn't trying to look like a nightmare, but I needed to move, to let out some of the anxiety building up inside me.
Negan liked a fucking production. Which is fine and all, but I just wanted to get this over with. My eyes stayed on Negan's form as I paced. He glanced over his shoulder and his eyes locked on mine. A giant grin split his features and his eyebrow raised in my direction. I returned the smile, not slowing down my pace.
"All this, all of this is just so we can pick out which one of you gets the honor," Negan resumed his talking and walking, stopping in front of a man.
My eyes zeroed in on the person in front of him. Red hair, big, hard set to his face as he looked up at Negan. It was the fucking guy who shot Harvey. It had to be.
"Huh," Negan mumbled, taking in the man in front of him.
Before I could stop it, an angry growl fell from my mouth. I felt attention turn to me for a brief moment, but I kept my eyes locked on the man. My heart thundered in my chest. If Negan didn't kill this man, I sure would.
"Oh, Piper," Negan chuckled, "I know you're excited, but I'm going to need you to keep it together. Sorry, friends. She gets a little amped up."
He was smoothing it over, making me look like a crazy person. That didn't bother me. These people didn't know me and Negan could paint whatever picture he wanted of us for them. He knew what had illiciated the reaction though. I knew he did.
"Piper?" A deep voice called out, the tone disbelieving.
Recognition prickled at the forefront of my mind, causing goosebumps to spread over my body. My machete hit the dirt as my eyes searched the long line of people. I tried harder this time to take in facial features.
I'm not crazy. I'm not fucking crazy.
The voice sounded out again, this time broken, crumbling around the words he was saying.
"Piper? Is… is that you?"
At the very end of the line, on the other side of a smaller built man, my eyes finally connected with piercing blue ones. Eyes the same shade of blue as mine. Eyes that I knew better than my own.
"Oh, fuck," I heard Simon breath out.
My breathing stopped. The world stopped spinning. Everything ceased to fucking exist outside of what I was seeing, who I was seeing. It was impossible. Was I crazy?
My name fell from his mouth again, a deep sob following it.
The sound gutted me and sprang me into action all at once. I was moving, hurtling towards him. I heard my name being called by different people, but nothing else mattered at that moment. He scrambled to his feet seconds before I made it to him and I launched myself at him, locking my arms around his neck as his circled my waist and squeezed me to him.
My chest cracked open and I couldn't stop the cries that fell from my lips. I said his name over and over like a prayer, as he cried into my shoulder.
"Colt, Colt, Colt."