Chapter 20 CH: 19 HandClap

In the midst of a thick forest, Negan's ship wasn't going anywhere anytime soon, he watched as several of the engines had exploded before his eyes and then his scent picked up the overwhelmed metallic scent of silver in the air, it lingered and he had to keep moving but where? He knows he can't stay here for long, but where can he go? Alexandria is no longer an option and the Hilltop's leader, Gregory, has been killed. Trapped like a wounded animal he makes his way to Alpha's territory, Negan out of breath and a lot of pain leans against a solid tree trunk.

Alpha emerged from the shadows, her eyes cold as she surveyed Negan's battered form. "You look like shit," she said bluntly.

Negan glared at her. "Yeah, well, getting your ass handed to you will do that."

Alpha's arms were crossed, and her lip curled in disgust. "I could just let you bleed out here," she sneered. "You brought this on yourself, attacking Rick and his group when the moon wasn't even full. I never thought you were a complete idiot, Negan, but tonight you're proving me wrong."

Negan pushed himself off the tree, ignoring the pain that shot through his body. "I didn't come here for a lecture. I came here for help."

Alpha laughed harshly. "And why should I help you? What's in it for me?"

Negan's eyes sparkled with fury. "Either you assist me, or I'll ensure your daughter, Lydia, suffers. How is she faring, leaping from one body to a creature? It must be quite entertaining."

Alpha's face twisted with rage, but Negan could see the fear in her eyes. He had her, and they both knew it.

"Fine," Alpha spat. "I'll help you. But only because."

She turned and stalked off deeper into the woods, not caring whether he followed or not. But she knew he would.

Jesus' eyes shifted back and forth between Rick and Glenn, their faces grim and tired from the fight. "Trust me," Jesus said, his voice low yet determined. "I managed to sabotage the ship's engines." A sense of satisfaction on his face. "It won't be going anywhere anytime soon." He spoke with quiet confidence.

Rick nods his head in approval, "Good, very good." He turned to address the crew members of both The Bandit Hunter and The Celluloid Dream. "Let's all stay on high alert. We'll split into teams, not alone and conduct a thorough search of the area. And if we come across Negan, we eliminate him.

"Don't forget the silver nitrate, don't make me find out you forgot those. And no heroes, in pairs." Glenn barks at his crew, his voice laced with urgency. His crew nod and respond in unison.

Daryl headed to Alexandria to check in on everyone and see how they were doing. The group had sent their ship's crew to assist with defending against the Saviors and Michonne and Maggie are keeping Carl company as he rests and heals in the infirmary at Hilltop. He overhears their conversation about needlework and different techniques for stitching wounds. He can't help but chuckle at the unexpected topic. They turn to him with curious expressions.

Carl adjusted himself on the bed, "Nothing, carry on with your conversation."

"So, Carl," Maggie said, "Your birthday's coming up, isn't it? The big ten and eight."

"Your birthday, yes. How could I have forgotten? Eugene has been talking about it for months now," Michonne chimes in.

Carl shrugged, "Yeah, I guess."

Michonne raised an eyebrow. "You guess? It's a big deal, Carl. You're becoming a man."

Carl glanced at the deep gash across his abdomen. It was healing, but not fast enough. "Let's not make a big deal out of it," he said. "We have more important things to worry about, like taking down Negan and surviving the full moon."

Maggie exchanged a glance with Michonne. They both knew how much Carl had been through, how much he'd had to grow up too fast. But they also knew how important it was to celebrate the good moments, to hold onto them as tightly as they could.

"We can still celebrate," Michonne said gently. "It doesn't have to be anything big. Just a little gathering, some food, maybe a cake."

Carl sighed, but Michonne could see the hint of a smile tugging at his lips. "I guess that would be okay. As long as it's nothing too crazy."

Maggie reached out and touched his hand reassuringly, "We'll keep it low-key. I'll make sure Glenn behaves himself. Promise."

Suddenly, a young woman bursts into the infirmary, her breathing labored and her eyes wide with panic. "Michonne!" she cries out.

Michonne stood up and immediately reached for her sword. "What's the matter, Carina? Did something happen?"

Carina shook her head, pressing a folded piece of paper into Michonne's hand. "No, it's just... We found this at the gate entrance, it's addressed to you."

Michonne unfolded the note, her heart pounding as she read the words scrawled across the page. "I have the papers for your father's formula, all of it. In two days meet me at the main train depot forty minutes before midnight at ramp fifty-five - Dwight."

Michonne's mind raced as she tried to make sense of the message. She looked up at Carina, her expression serious. "Did you see who left this?"

Carina shook her head. "No, Char and I were doing our rounds when we spotted it attached to the gate. I came straight here."

Michonne nodded, her mind already working through the possibilities. She had to find out what this was all about. Her father's work could be the key to saving them all.

"Thank you, Carina," she said, folding the note back, "I'll take care of this."

As Carina hurried back to her post, Michonne stood lost in thought.

"What's wrong?" Carl asked, concern etched on his face as Michonne hand him the note for him and Maggie to read.

Daryl approached The Williams's home, his footsteps heavy on the wooden porch. He quickly straightened his clothes and attempted to tidy himself up, Daryl considered changing his clothes for a brief moment as he sat on his bike. The engine hummed as the bike hovered idly, Daryl flipped a switch heading towards Sasha's house.

He rapped his knuckles against the door, the sound echoing through the quiet neighborhood. Sasha's eyes widened in surprise as she opened the door to find Daryl standing there.

"Mr. Dixon What brings you here, sir? I mean, I know we were all planning to meet and regroup tomorrow, but it's still nice of you to come."

Sasha silently scolded herself for being so flustered at the sight of him. She took a deep breath and tried to calm her nerves.

"Just wanted to check on y'all," Daryl said, his voice gruff. "Make sure everything's alright."

Sasha stepped aside, inviting him in. "We're doing okay, considering everything that's happened."

Daryl followed her inside, and Tyreese emerged from the back room to greet him with a handshake and a smile, "Hey Daryl," Tyreese said. "Good to see you. Come on in and sit for a moment."

Daryl nodded, but he doesn't sit, "I came after we dealt with the Saviors at the Hilltop," he emphasizes, drawing attention to his arrival, "I won't be staying long. We, I know it's been tough for you two, leading this community. Just wanted to check in and see."

"We appreciate your help, Daryl. It's been challenging, but it is expected." Tyrese responded with a grateful tone.

"After everything that happened, and how quickly you all came to our aid against the saviors," Sasha added, "Came at the perfect time too."

"If you need anything at all, just let me know," Daryl offered. "I can talk to Rick about getting more supplies and people. Safety in numbers."

"We're grateful for all the support you've given us." Tyrese acknowledged.

They stand there in a comfortable silence for a moment, the weight of their shared experiences hanging heavy in the air. Daryl's gaze drifted over to Sasha, Sasha met his gaze, a flicker of something passing between them. Which Tyrese did not miss and he chuckle to himself.

Sasha shoots a glance at her brother, Tyrese, who stops laughing and clears his throat. She turns back to face Daryl, "I'm going to get some water Mr. Dixon would you like some?"

Daryl nodded, watching as she disappeared into the kitchen. Tyrese glanced at Daryl and gave him a pointed look, suggesting he should go talk to her. Taking the hint, Daryl followed after her with his heart racing a bit faster.

Knowing that Daryl has entered the kitchen Sasha's hands tremble with excitement as she fills two glasses with water. Without a word, he takes the glasses from her and sets them on the counter.

"Maggie mentioned how you and your brother stood up to the Saviors," he says with admiration in his voice.

Sasha chuckled, "As community leaders, we have to do what needs to be done."

"I know, but..." Daryl moved closer to Sasha, causing her heart to race. He gently placed his hand on her cheek.

Sasha leaned into his touch, eagerly awaiting his words. "What's on your mind, Daryl?" she asked softly.

His thumb caressed her skin as he spoke again. "I just want you to be safe and I wanted to tell you...that I truly care about you."

Sasha's breath caught in her throat as she met his intense gaze. "I feel the same way about you, Daryl."

Sasha's heart skipped a beat at Daryl's words. She reached up, covering his hand with hers, "I appreciate that, Daryl. It means a lot to me."

Daryl's eyes softened, his gaze locked with hers. "I'll always have your back, Sasha. No matter what comes our way."

Sasha's heart fluttered as she gazed into Daryl's blue eyes, feeling a deep sense of comfort and warmth. She leaned in closer, her lips drawn to his like a magnet and their lips met in a gentle yet longing kiss. Daryl placed his hand on her hips and squeezed, pulling her closer to him, holding her close as if his very existence depended on it. His tongue explores as she eagerly reciprocates with soft moans of pleasure. A primal instinct takes over and Daryl is consumed by an insatiable thirst for her. He needs her, wants her, and nothing will stop him. His hand moves on its own accord, sliding up her waist to pull at the fabric of her dress in a desperate attempt to get closer to her.

But it's Sasha who was the one who snapped out of their passionate moment, pulling herself away from him. She took deep breaths, trying to control her desire for him. As they stood forehead to forehead, inhaling and exhaling basking in what had transpired. Sasha couldn't help but smile, she felt how hard he was against her stomach and they were that close in doing something wicked in the kitchen, and she let him too.

Sasha let out a contented sigh and looked up at him, "That was wonderful, simply wonderful Daryl Dixon.

Daryl gave a soft laugh before kissing her tenderly.

When they broke away, he looked deeply into her eyes. "I will do all that and more for you, my heart." He promised.

"I expect nothing but the best from you." Sasha teases.

"And you'll have it," Daryl replied, his voice filled with determination and affection.

Sasha spoke softly, "Great, Should we head back and officially inform my brother of your intentions to court me, marry me."

Daryl laughs, pressing one last kiss to her forehead before stepping back. "Yes, we probably should."

They returned to the living room, their fingers intertwined. Tyreese looked up as they entered, a knowing smile on his face.

"Everything alright in there?" he asked, his tone teasing.

Sasha rolled her eyes, but she couldn't hide the smile on her face. "Everything's fine, Ty. Just getting some water and Mr. Dixon has something to say."

The note indicated that the meeting was scheduled for forty minutes before midnight at ramp fifty five. They waited off to the side of the dock, and Michonne could sense her lover's tension growing. Her smile widened as she watched him pull out his pocket watch for the fourth time, a nervous habit of his. She reaches out and gives Rick's arm a reassuring squeeze. The intense anxiety that Rick felt upon entering the depot immediately softens when his blue eyes meet her warm brown ones. He adjusts his waistcoat and tucks his hand back into his pocket. Daryl observes the intimate moment between them, clearly wanting to ask about their relationship but knowing it's not the right time or place. Michonne turns her attention back to the bustling depot, watching as massive trains slowly come to a stop, passengers exiting from one side while others board on the other.

The chrome surfaces reflect hues of yellow, red, and flecks of gold and silver onto the walls of the depot. As she becomes transfixed by the beautiful machinery, the horns blare and steam billows from the engines as they pick up speed and exit the station. It truly is a magnificent sight to behold.

It was truly a surprise when their contact approached them. The blonde haired man had a huge smirk on his face as he walked up to them a slight limp only to stop a few feet from them and he leaned on his cane. They all eye this cane of his thinking it was some sort of ruse. As quickly as he removed his top hand and slightly bow at Michonne was enough for the three to remove their weapon and point it at him. His smirk widens as he smooths his blonde hair before replacing the hat back on his head.

"I probably deserve that." He said

"You think." Daryl said in anger, "Why are you here?"

He then eyes their weapons still on him, "Do you mind."

"We don't mind at all." Michonne replies as she mocks the smirk on his face with one of her own.

It was like this, guns drawn at the ready on him for a few minutes, he sighs he knew he would have to earn their trust considering the whole mess he got then in, "Look, it was I who sent you the note, to meet here."

Rick wasn't budging, his eyes in a slit head tilted, "And why should we believe you?"

He stutters, "I,I,I-"

Daryl rolled his eyes, "I, I, I man spit it out or this bolt would kindly remind you why you have a limp and damage the other leg of yours."

"I know what happened back there, but I was just following orders. You know what that's like?" He explains.

"We don't follow any order." Rick replies.

That is very true Michonne thought, she cannot think of a time where these two have ever taken anyone's orders. Having met nearly a year ago, the track of time long forgotten when you're at the race against time for stolen documents, obtaining information of missing loved ones and stopping world domination has gotten tricky. It nearly had Michonne forget why they were standing there in the first place, she was beginning to understand that the rules will always change and they are going to need all the help they can get.

Michonne sighs and puts her gun down and faces Rick and Daryl, "I'm sure Dwight is taking a risk coming here, the least we can do is hear him out."

Dwight let out a breath before saying, "I'm going to reach into my breast pocket for some papers. Nothing unusual, alright?"

Dwight slowly reached into his breast pocket and pulled out a bundle of papers, his movements cautious and slow. He held them out towards Michonne, his eyes flicking between her, Rick and Daryl.

"Here they are," he said quietly. "All of your father's documents, formulas, exactly as promised."

Michonne hesitated for a moment, her gaze locked on the papers before her. She could smell the train exhaust, and the faint scent of gunpowder in the air, a lingering reminder of the tension that had filled the room just moments before.

"You said you were just following orders?" she prompted, her voice steady as she took the papers from his hand, "You had a hand in taking all this work from my family?"

Dwight maintained a steady gaze, refusing to back down. "Yes, and I'm giving it back," he said with conviction, "We've all heard the tale of the hatred of Rick Grimes. It's all he ever talked about. We were in the middle of grabbing Carl when Negan heard a rumor about a possible cure for the undead."

"Did he recognize the person who mentioned it?" Rick asked.

Dwight shrugged, "Naww, they weren't the upper crust types like you, but he managed to get information out of them. As soon as he got a name, he sent me to retrieve it." He gestured towards Michonne with his head. "And I did. I wasn't sure what it looked like, so I brought the entire book back."

Michonne pored over the documents. This is her father's life's work, a cure that could save their community and possibly the world. She looked up at Rick and Daryl, realizing, "He planned to keep the cure all to himself, sell it to the highest bidders."

Dwight nodded, "Alpha was working on recreating it. The testing showed subjects dead for three days and then suddenly coming back to life. Alpha knows something was missing. At some point, Negan's thirst for power merged with his desire for revenge, and he became even more merciless towards us. I'm exhausted from all this constant fighting and the fear of getting killed for saying the wrong thing."

Daryl was in disbelief, "Are you saying that all this time, you could have taken out Negan by yourself?"

Dwight hesitated for a moment, then replied, "Not by myself, no. I'm just one man, I was hoping the fight over at Gregory property would have been the end of that."

"Have been the end of that?" Rick repeats the last part of Dwight's words in a voice full of anger, he glares at Dwight, his tone seething with frustration and disdain, "this, all of this have gone on long enough. It ends now."

Code note - I cannot believe I'm almost done with Hunter of Screams :) So! who should unalive Negan. It's a toss up between Carl or Rick.

Tune in soon for the exciting 2 part conclusion