Chapter 22 CH: 21 I Am the Only One / I'm Dangerous

Part II

Carl and Negan stood face to face, their eyes locked in a fierce stare-down. Tension hung thick in the air, "You look like shit?" Carl snarled, his voice low with menace.

Negan really thought he could heal in time, he just needed another day, Negan chuckled, a low, rumbling sound that filled the silence between them. "Oh, Carl, you should know by now that looks can be deceiving. But enlighten me, how did you get here?"

Carl responded, "Let's just say a witch finally grew tired of being under your control."

Negan's expression darkened as he spoke, "That treacherous bitch betrayed me. And once I'm done with you, which I know I will, I'll deal with her."

Carl's eyes locked onto Negan's every move, his muscles tensing as he braced himself for the inevitable. "What makes you so sure you can defeat me?" He challenged, his voice laced with determination and defiance.

Negan sneered at the young man before him. "Oh, Carl… you've got guts, I'll give you that. But do you really think you can take me down the way I nearly eviscerated you?"

With a guttural growl, their nails extended into sharp, deadly claws. Their howls pierced the night, a chilling symphony of rage and bloodlust. Without another word, they pounced at each other, their bodies collided with a sickening crunch, and immediately, they became a frenzied whirlwind of gnashing teeth and slashing claws. Blood sprayed through the air, staining the ground crimson as they tore at each other's flesh. Their fight was a gruesome spectacle, as Carl and Negan tore into each other with a viciousness that bordered on the inhumane.

"Is this all you got, Carl?" Negan taunted, his face twisted in a cruel grin despite the rivulets of blood streaming down his cheek.

"Far from it, old man" Carl retorted, gritting his teeth as he lunged forward once more.

Negan knew Carl was gaining the upper hand, and he couldn't afford to let that happen. Sweeping low, Negan fought dirty, utilizing every trick he'd learned over the years to survive. With Carl back slightly turned he raked his claws deeply down Carl's side, drawing a gush of blood and causing him to stumble back in shock. Negan hisses with malicious pleasure at the sight of Carl's agony.

"You're not as strong as you make yourself out to be," Negan taunts, relishing in the fear and pain radiating from Carl.

Carl's thoughts are a mix of fear and anger. Fear of what would happen if he failed, and anger at Negan for putting him in this situation in the first place.

Grimacing through the intense pain, Carl looks down at his lacerated flesh and defiantly grits his teeth before growling, "Nice try, but you'll have to do better than that."

Negan rolls his eyes, "give it up Carl. It's done. You're done."

Carl mustered all his strength and lunged at Negan with a powerful swing and delivered a powerful blow with his claws, striking him in the jaw. Seizing the opportunity, Carl continued to attack, using his claws to create a deep gash across Negan's stomach before pushing him towards the dilapidating walls of the cabin. Blood poured from the wound, staining the ground beneath them a dark, crimson red causing Negan to let out a howl of agony.

This was all Carl needed, he maneuvered himself behind Negan, wrapping his arms around the man's throat and locking him in a chokehold. The grip was tight, and Carl could feel Negan's pulse throbbing beneath his fingertips.

Carl knew he had him, "You're finished," Carl hissed into his ear, struggling to keep the desperation out of his voice. "Now tell me where Lydia is!"

Negan choked and sputtered, coughing up blood as Carl's hold on his throat tightened, "Is this what all this is about? Lydia?" A twisted smile formed on Negan's lips, "All you had to do was ask, kid?"

Negan's laughter rang out.

"Where is Lydia?" Carl demanded again, his voice shaking with fury. His nails dug deeper into Negan's throat.

Negan's mind was flooded with memories from his past. He had always been in control, using his power to manipulate those around him like puppets on a string. only person that he ever actually cared about was Lori. Is this what people mean when they say their life flashes before their eyes? Negan wondered. He knew that Carl was going to kill him; the question was whether he wanted the young man to work for it or not.

"Tell me where she is!" Carl shouted, desperation seeping into his tone.

Negan decided he was not going to make him work for it but surrender to his demise, barely unable to speak he managed to whisper out, "... Electric Blue."

Carl's grip faltered, confusion rippling across his face. What did that mean? As he tried to decipher Negan's cryptic message.

"Carl, listen, about your mother, I did lov -…" Negan rasp.

"Don't you dare speak of my mother," Carl interrupted with a surge of anger and tore his nails across Negan's throat, ripping through flesh and sinew. Blood sprayed in all directions as Negan's body went limp, his life slipping away in an instant.

The sound of howling filled the air, echoing off the walls of the cabin. It came from Carl, breathing deeply he gasped for air and tried to calm his racing heart, flicking the remnants of flesh from his hand - 'electric blue', what did it mean? he wondered.

Carl glanced at Glenn, a smile spreading across his face, he knew he looked a mess but the important thing was that he had won.

Glenn chuckled in amusement and clapped for Carl's victory, "I was worried there for a minute," Glenn gestured towards the torn side of Carl, "But you held your own."

But the celebration is short lived because something inside Carl began to stir – a sense of panic took hold as he felt the change coming upon him.

"I think… it's happening!" Carl exclaimed, his voice laced with fear.

Lydia let her presence know as she faced Carl, "Relax Carl," she advised, watching him, "I'm here and no harm will come to your friend, I promise."

"I'm not worried about myself," Glenn replied, "but his father would surely want to harm me if anything happened to his son, even in self-defense."

Carl about to say something stops and howls in agony. His muscles tense and spasm as his bones cracked and shifted beneath his skin. The change was just as bad the last time, even worse since he is injured. Bones break, realign. Fingers shift out of socket and extend into claws. Tendons, muscles, claws grasp at its skin and in its place fur sprouted. Face elongate, nose to snout, teeth sharpened and grew, In a matter of moments, he had transformed into a werewolf, standing tall on his hind legs and instead of responding with a growl or snarl, the werewolf's glowing yellow eyes seemed to soften. A different presence took control – Lydia, she had astral projecting into Carl's wolf form.

"Lydia…?" Glenn breathed, his eyes widening with relief and amazement.

Lydia, now in control of Carl's wolf form, turned her attention inward, searching for the memory Negan had whispered before his demise: "electric blue." Her voice echoing through Carl's consciousness. As she delved into the recesses of his mind, she is able to find his memory – the melody that played in Carl's cell aboard Scream of Lucille.

The wolf looked at Glenn, the gaze filled with resolve and began to run, stopping to make sure Glenn was following.

"I'm following you, go." Glenn said in reassurance as his speed kept him in pace with the large wolf.

The wolf sprinted ahead, paws pounding against the ground as they raced toward Negan's ship. As they reached the ship, Lydia guided Glenn below deck, weaving through the dark corridors. Finally, they entered a hidden chamber where Lydia's body lay, cold and lifeless but otherwise unharmed.

"You must be Lydia." Glenn said, relief washing over him.

Days later once everything had settled, Glenn found himself standing face-to-face with Alpha, Glenn had agreed to trade several items Alpha greatly desired. Because there was one more thing he needed from her – a spell to help Maggie become pregnant.

Thinking back on everything Lydia coached him to say, Glenn placed his hand on his hip, "Alpha," he said firmly, "I've held up my end of the bargain. But I need to know there won't be any hidden agendas or repercussions in this spell."

Alpha's eyes narrowed, but she nodded curtly. "Of course," she replied.

"Do I have your word?" Glenn adds, as according to Lydia this part is very important, "because," his gaze flicking over to where Lydia stood, watching the exchange with amusement, "I know your weakness, Alpha. And if you cross us, I won't hesitate to use that against you."

Alpha lets out a sigh and nods, saying, "My word is solid, the spell is good." She proceeds to cast the spell for Maggie and once finished, she hands Glenn a vial of yellow liquid, instructing him to put it in her drink and ensure that she consumes all of it.

Glenn takes the vial, he hoped this ultimately led to a brighter future for them.

Days to weeks to months later, it's Carl's 18th birthday, and he had enlisted Glenn's help to crash what would have been a graduation ceremony at flight school. Glenn ordered him to polish his boots until they gleamed and instructed him to wear something flashy, attention-grabbing, and stylish. He reminds him that the plan is to stand out, and make the entrance disruptive and grand.

And that is exactly what he did; in the bright sunlight, Carl appeared dressed flawlessly on the deck of his airship in a fashionable suit that matched the vivid blue of the sky and the shimmering silver of the sun's rays. Trousers, vest and tail coat and to complete the look a top hat he fashioned over his trimmed hair.

He stood on the deck of his new ship, Bold Lycan. Once known as Scream of Lucille, the vessel had been transformed into something extraordinary with the help of his dad, Glenn and Jesus.

"Ready for this?" Dwight asked, grinning.

"Absolutely," Carl replied confidently, adjusting his goggles. "Let's give them a show they'll never forget."

The airship hovered closely above the outdoor stage, causing everyone to look up in a mix of amazement and confusion. Dwight handed Carl a rope that dangled from the side of the hovering ship. Carl gripped it tightly, took a deep breath, and swung down towards the stage below. His landing was flawless, eliciting gasps from the audience.

"Carl Grimes!" Principal McAlpher stammered, her face a mixture of shock and confusion. "What is the meaning of this?"

Ignoring her question, Carl scanned the graduating class, his eyes locking onto Ron and Sam – the supposed friends who had betrayed him. Anger simmered inside him as he approached them, fueled by the memories of his captivity.

"Hey, guys," Carl said casually, grabbing Ron's collar and pulling him close. "Long time no see."

"Carl, man, we didn't—" Sam began, but Carl cut him off with a swift headbutt, followed by a punch to Ron's face. Both boys crumpled to the ground, groaning in pain.

"Enough!" Principal McAlpher shouted, her face reddening. "You have no right to be here, Mr. Grimes!"

"Actually," Carl countered, snatching the microphone away from her, "I think you'll find my family's generous donations to this school more than secure my place here." He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in. "Now, if you don't mind, I have a few things to say."

The principal stared at him, speechless, as Carl turned to address the crowd. The mixture of shock, dismay and curiosity on their faces only fueled his determination to make his point.

Carl cleared his throat, addressing the crowd with a newfound confidence. "Ladies and gentlemen, fellow graduates... and betrayers," he began, his gaze sweeping over Ron and Sam as they groaned on the ground. "I stand before you today to tell you about the monsters and ghosts that inhabit our world."

A murmur of confusion spread through the audience, but Carl continued undeterred. He spoke of monsters wearing familiar faces, and some even claim to be our friends and true measure of a person and of them facing their own demons, overcoming the darkness.

"During my time away, I faced the darkest parts of my soul and fought against the wickedness of men like Negan, yes, that was me ." Carl's smirk facing Ron and Sam, let's strive to not only conquer the monsters that lurk outside, but those that dwell within ourselves."

As the last word left his lips, Carl caught Principal McAlpher's stunned expression and leaned in and whispered into her ear, "I expect my diploma to be delivered to our doorstep, posthaste." With a final smirk, Carl turned, grabbed the rope and pulled himself back up, swinging over the side of his airship he saluted the crowd and the Bold Lycan, ascending toward the sky.

Later that evening, Rick Grimes' home was transformed into a dazzling ballroom fit for the finest of celebrations. The birthday bash is filled with lively music, and guests dance gracefully across the floor, spinning and twirling to the waltz.

Michonne parents; The Brownfield waltz by, the happiness etched on their face. Word spread quickly throughout the city that the test based on Brownfield formula had been a success and the undead would surely stay dead.

In the opposite direction are Daryl and Sasha as they glided past, their faces lit up with joy as they lost themselves in each other's arms.

As the night wore on Carl casually strolled up beside Michonne and Maggie holding a piece of cake in his hand, his eyes taking in the bustling scene around him – the elegant guests in their finery, the sumptuous spread of food, and the graceful dancers twirling to the music. It was a far cry from the small birthday gathering he had been promised.

"Hey," Carl said with a playful grin, "I thought you two said this was going to be a small party?"

Michonne laughed, her eyes sparkling with a hint of mischief. "Well, you know how these things go. One person invites another, and then they invite someone else, and before you know it…"

"Your quiet little celebration turns into the social event of the season," Maggie finished, smiling warmly at Carl.

Carl shook his head with mock exasperation, but deep down, he couldn't help feeling grateful for the effort they'd put into making his birthday special. He glanced around the room, his eyes lingering on the faces of family who had gathered to mark the occasion.

"Besides," Michonne continued, wrapping an arm around Carl's shoulders, "you deserve a night like this. After everything you've been through, it's time to let loose and enjoy yourself."

"Exactly," Maggie agreed, giving Carl a gentle nudge. "Now, go out there and dance."

Carl chuckled, and as he stepped away from Michonne and Maggie, he felt a sense of contentment wash over him. His eyes scanned the room for Lydia, and he eventually spotted her with her mother, who had actually shown up. Their light green dresses complemented their bright red hair.

Carl handed the slice of cake to Maggie and straightened his cuffs. "You're completely right," he agreed, then walked over to them and held out his hand to Lydia, "May I?" he asked.

Lydia smiled and took his hand. "You most certainly may," she replied.

Carl took a deep breath and led Lydia onto the dance floor.

'Alright,' he thought to himself with determination, "let's make tonight one to remember." And with that, he let himself get lost in the music and the spinning dance floor, fully embracing the happiness of the moment.

Glenn observed the lively atmosphere on the dance floor, the scent of blood wafting through the air and tempting his senses. Yet, he maintained excellent control, beside him Maggie holding Beth's baby, allowing the new mother to dance with her husband. As the music swelled, Maggie leaned in close, whispering, "I've been feeling sick lately." With concern etched on his face, Maggie's eyes sparkled with unspoken possibilities hoping the drink worked.

Amidst the revelry, Rick and Michonne stood side by side, greeting last minute guests. The bright amethyst engagement ring on Michonne's finger glittered in the candlelight, a testament to their love and commitment both understanding that Michonne's adventurous spirit was not something to be tamed, but cherished.

Rick leans in and whispers into Michonne's ear, "Do you think they would notice if we excuse ourselves for a moment?"

He placed his hand low on her back, subtly hinting at what he meant. Michonne glanced over at Rick and chuckled.

"I think they'd notice, but I also think they might understand," she said with a wink.

Together, Rick and Michonne made their way out the ballroom and head toward the staircase, as they reached the top of the stairs, they paused for a moment, taking in the beauty of the night and each other's company before continuing up the stairs, hand in hand, Rick direct them to his bedroom that had been prepared for them, a room draped in soft, romantic lighting. The canopy bed was adorned with rose petals.

"Rick, it's beautiful," Michonne murmured, her eyes wide with wonder.

Rick simply smiled, his gaze never leaving her. "I think you deserve nothing less."

He crossed the room in a few swift steps, pulling Michonne into his arms as he did so. Their lips met with a hunger that grew as their kiss deepened, as their mouths moved in sync, their bodies pressed together with an urgent need for closeness.

They pulled away for air, breathing hard as their hands began to wander restlessly, exploring every inch of one another that they could reach. The passion in Rick's touch as he undressed Michonne sent shivers down her spine, each caress adding to the heat that was building between them.

When the last button was undone he pulled back just enough to gaze into her deep brown eyes. "You are mine," he whispered, a possessive heat in his voice that sent an electric current down her spine.

Michonne's breath hitched as she nodded, "And you are mine."

Rick kissed her again, swallowing her small moan. He further undressed her until she stood naked before him, her heart pounding in her chest from the sheer anticipation. He was all she wanted; without fear or doubt, she loved him. Rick's hands left no part of her untouched as he explored every nuance of her body. Skilled fingers traced her curves lovingly, letting their hunger build until it was almost painful. Finally, he stopped at the apex of desire and pressed against her with his own need.

Michonne's fingers traced the lines on his face and felt like she could lose herself in those moments, in the way he made her feel safe and desired at the same time and she removed his coat and unbuttoned his shirt, their eyes locked – a silent communication of their desire for each other.

Rick's eyes are dark and hungry. "You are so beautiful," he whispered, brushing a piece of Michonne's hair from her face. Slowly, removing the rest of his clothes they moved towards the bed, the anticipation built up with each passing second, as if time itself was bending to their will. Laying on the soft mattress with petals, their bodies entwined and kissed once more, twice before Michonne pushed Rick onto his back and straddled him, aligning herself with his body. She slowly lowered herself onto him, feeling their bodies come together.

The room was filled with the sound of their mutual pleasure, as she moved slowly on top of him. Her body undulated in a sensual rhythm, grinding against his in a slow intoxicating dance. As their passion intensified, she picked up the pace, their bodies moving, the soft moans escaping from their lips mingled with the gentle creaking of the bed, creating a symphony of ecstasy that echoed throughout the room. As the climax neared, their moans grew more urgent, each word a plea for release.

Their bodies moved in perfect harmony, the tension between them building until it could no longer be contained. With one final thrust, Rick groaned loudly, his body tightening as he reached his peak and Michonne cried out in ecstasy, her body shaking as she experienced the same intense pleasure that was flowing through her.

Together, they lay there, their bodies intertwined, basking in the afterglow of their shared passion Michonne smiled, her eyes closed, lost in the sensation that enveloped her.

"I love you," she whispered, her voice just barely above a whisper.

Rick squeezed her gently, his eyes soft and full of affection. "I love you more," he replied, his voice soothing in the darkness.

The sound of music from the party downstairs echoed through the walls of Rick… Their home and Rick instinctively pulled Michonne closer, feeling content. The rhythmic beats and catchy melodies seeped into every corner of the house, filling it with an infectious energy that left both of them smiling from ear to ear. In this moment, Rick is happy, genuinely happy - something he hadn't felt in a long time.

End

Code note: This story came to me seven years ago during a writing prompt of tumblr, a dream and a lack of nicotine. I wrote out the outline, then a chapter, and sent it to Siancore (Thank you for all your help Sian) for her comment, review and edits. I loved the reviews and the hatred for this story of Negan ( haha love it) I continued on until I couldn't anymore.

But I return on my own to complete my story. Few chapters back I lost my way between story and outline. I think I did ok and hopefully I answered many reviewers' questions in each chapter and if I didn't I am sorry.

This is for all you Richonners; thank you for going on this journey with me, the end to The Hunter of Screams.

The soundtrack to The Hunter of Screams link is on my IG, twitter and here:

https/open./playlist/0bqzBS6yvpIbxXaLnHuKZA?si=nGmi483sS_2iCNtcijAeFg =OW95nqZUTGuZr