Guest 1/4: Thank you for your review. That was a crazy scene. I'm glad you enjoyed.

KK: I'm going to try to be back more often. You totally got why I mentioned there was a psychiatrist at Grady. :) As much as his family as been good for him, he needs professional help. There will be a slight family moment this chapter. I really enjoy those moments too. Thank you for your review.

Guest 1/24: Let's hope. ;)

Guest 2/20: If I can think of one, I will. I haven't written for Inuyasha for a long while though.

Chapter Twelve: March to War (Part I)

Sasha and Abraham were on their way to the Hilltop Settlement. They long had an agreement that they would stay separate from each other, but it'd been a while since anyone from Alexandria had crossed paths with anyone from Hilltop. They made a trip to see if it was still standing; and, they also wanted to see if they could journey to their doctor since they currently were without one.

"You're quiet, darling."

Sasha rolled her eyes. "I just don't waste time with empty conversation."

Abraham continued, "Still we've been friends for how long? We should be able to hold some form of communication."

Sasha laughed at that sentence. "Friends? I don't think we've said two words to each other."

"Really? Well that's a damn shame." Abraham looked over to Sasha again. Her face was still twisted in its usual scowl. Even discontent, there was no denying Sasha was a beautiful woman. These are moments when he was really grateful for the zombie apocalypse. There was no time for makeup or pretense. What you saw was what you got. If you fell asleep with a beautiful woman, you'd wake up with a beautiful woman. He loved naturally beautiful women. Sasha was definitely a natural beauty. He knew he shouldn't be looking at Sasha. He'd just had children, a set of twins, with Rosita; but he couldn't stop his eyes from wondering. He and Rosita were never officially a couple; this is what he told himself when he asked Sasha: "So how are you and what's-his-face?"

"Why do you care?"

"Just making conversation. I'm guessing from that reaction that either he's shit, or it went to shit. That's shitty."

"Again, why do you care?"

Abraham smirked. He loved fiery women. "Again, just making conversation."

"Bullshit..." Sasha turned her attention to the outside. She was done with this useless chatter.

"Bullshit, indeed."

After an awkward silence, they arrived to the gates of Hilltop. They turned off their vehicle and got their weapons secure. They got out with their hands in the air. The guards aimed their spears on them in caution. "Who are you?"

Sasha answered. "We're from Alexandria. We came to speak with whoever's in charge."

"Alexandria? Who's to say you aren't Saviors?"

"What's a Savior?" Abraham asked, annoyed.

"They can't be serious. Who doesn't know about Negan?" "I don't think we should let them in." "They could be spies of Negan."

"No, let them in, but they have to surrender their weapons." Sasha turned to see the intense gaze of Paul Monroe-Rovia. "Good to see you again, Sasha. This couldn't be a better time."

Sasha fought a growl and put her hands down. "Not you."

Paul took their weapons. "It's nice to see you too, Sasha."

Abraham was confused. "You two know each other?"

"Paul Rovia, but my friends call me, Jesus."

Sasha glared. "Tyreese and I were going to get a truck's worth of supplies when this guy runs into Tyreese, lies about roamers, and takes the keys. We tracked him here. They gave us canned corn and toothpaste before sending us back to Alexandria. We've had a don't-get-in-our-way type relationship with Hilltop ever since." Abraham nodded. He'd known about the existence of Hilltop, but he didn't know it was Sasha and Tyreese who discovered it.

"How is Tyreese?" Jesus was alive because of Tyreese. Sasha would have killed him many times over without him. "There's actually a lot we need to talk about."

They followed Jesus into Hilltop. Abraham observed the community with amazement. He thought Alexandria was unbelievable. Even though Alexandria was more advance, he couldn't believe that Hilltop was another unbelievably thriving community. There were a plethora of people, happy healthy people. What he gathered from Sasha's conversation with Jesus, there were even more communities. Abraham never imagined there could be anything better than Alexandria. There was, and that was having neighbors. It felt good to see humanity lasting despite the end of the world. When things seemed impossible to get better, they ran into an old friend.

"Gabriel?" Sasha looked at him with confusion before allowing herself to give him a hug.

Gabriel closed his eyes and let himself fall into her embrace. At first he was nervous, but hearing the genuine shock and tenderness in her voice melted his heart. He thought he would never see his family again. He knew this would only last a moment, but he'd take it. "It's so good to see you Sasha, Abraham."

"No kidding. I thought you were dead!" Abraham said bluntly.

Gabriel frowned. "I know. It'd be best for me if you pretended that I am."

"I understand." Sasha said. Michonne told her about the night Rick almost killed Gabriel. She was amazed that Gabriel was able to escape what seems to be an inevitable death. "Michonne tried to find you at the Kingdom."

Gabriel frowned. "I'm sure..." He was there, but something told him he was being followed, so he made his way to Hilltop gambling he could hide better with their size. So far he was right. "How is everyone in Alexandria? How's my daughter?"

Sasha gave him an uncomfortable smile. She wasn't sure how to answer that. Chenelle was over six months pregnant; and like most people in Alexandria, she assumed it was a result of sexual abuse from Pete Anderson. "Chenelle is... healthy!"

Abraham rubbed his beard. "Chenelle is full of life. Yeah, she's very much alive."

Gabriel frowned. "What does that mean?"

"Nothing. She's alive and fine. She misses you though."

"I miss her. I thought about sending for her, but I didn't want her to get caught up in this... Is Rick still...?"

"Yes."

"...are they still?" Gabriel couldn't complete the sentence.

Sasha nodded. Rick and Michonne were currently on a mission to Atlanta, but they hadn't split during Gabriel's absence. Gabriel shook his head, but there was nothing he could do. He realized the only person who could stop Rick's intrusion in Michonne's life was Michonne. If she didn't put him out or kill him, then she must have wanted Rick there. "Things are different here. It seems nice, but we have one big problem. You two should probably cover your tracks and leave." Gabriel smiled at Sasha. His voice cracked from sorrow. "Don't let Michonne or anyone know I'm here. I don't want them to find Alexandria. Hilltop isn't as safe as it seems."

Sasha looked at him leery. Jesus wanted to talk to them and now Gabriel gave them an ominous warning. "What's going on?"

"Have you ever heard of the Saviors?"

They didn't know that one question would lead them into a world of turmoil. Jesus told them about a group of baddies who were extorting them for half of their supplies. Sasha didn't want to get involved, but surprisingly Abraham did. He saw a better future for his twins, more allies, more land, and a place with a doctor. Since they weren't one of the leaders of the Safe Zone, they decided to discuss the situation with the Monroes at home. Rick was still out so they decided to follow what the Monroes decided what was best. Unbeknownst to them, a group of Saviors followed them from Hilltop.

Reg...

Regina...

Tyreese...

With their spouses dead, the Monroes practically handed Alexandria to the Saviors. Just when they were to give their tribute, the Grady survivors arrived.

Rick watched Deanna as she stared out the window. Douglass wanted to speak to Rick about the Saviors and thought the discussion would snap his sister out of her funk. He was wrong; Deanna didn't even say two words. Rick was truly surprised at the different response of the Monroes. Douglass Monroe wanted vengeance. He wanted the Saviors to pay for what they did to his wife. Watching her die had been hell. She was the most caring person he had known, smart-mouthed, and surprisingly sensual, even in her old age. He built a life with Regina; she'd given everything he'd ever wanted. She had his only son, Spencer. He wasn't even able to look at his boy. It hurt too much. He focused that pain into revenge. He wanted the Saviors gone and knew Rick was the only one who could do that.

His feelings were a huge contrast from his sister, Deanna. Unfortunately for Deanna, her only son was gone. The loss of Aiden, combined with the loss of Reg, led Deanna into a depression. She didn't leave her home, reduced to staring out the window. Occasionally, Aiden's CDs played. Rick didn't like seeing her like that. The life had been sucked from this vivacious woman; she looked decades older and sick. Perhaps he wouldn't have killed Aiden if he'd known her husband was going to die. From what he understood, Reg built the walls. He was a valuable member to Alexandria. Reg's contribution kept Rick's family safe. Reg's death was unnecessary and unfair. Rick was sadden by that loss. Reg wasn't a bad man. Rick was starting to see that Deanna and the Monroes weren't terrible either. For the first time in a long time he felt guilt. So now Rick's motives for destroying an enemy was for more than protecting his immediate family.

With help from Jesus and a sole member of Hilltop, they raided what they knew to be the Savior's compound. They moved in and killed everyone in sight. Then they left blowing it up with an RPG. They returned to Alexandria feeling better about their situation. However they miscalculated. A grey semi truck with a trailer eased towards their gates. It was followed by a barrage of bikers. The guards at the gate estimated fifty newcomers. They didn't look friendly; they weren't. "Knock, knock motherfuckers! Your salvation has arrived." Right on time, the Saviors came to Alexandria asking for their tribute.

"We weren't expecting you. I don't have the clearance to-"

"Well no shit you weren't expecting us. After that little stunt at the compound I'm sure you fuckers returned balls swollen with shit-eating pride. Probably felt like your first nut. But it's not over. Not even motherfucking close. Where's Rick?"

They were surprised they knew their leader's name. "..."

"How about you get him for me?"

Meanwhile...

Rick was at the Anderson house. If Michonne knew this he would be on the couch. Rick didn't understand it, but she grew territorial when he was around Jessie Anderson. In addition to that, he was going to look at dogs. Even though was very aware that Michonne didn't want a canine in their home he was still curious about their training. Since they had a psychiatrist, Rick contemplated suggesting Michonne get sessions. He wanted her to get rid of her cynophobia. He wanted every method to protect her home and wanted a dog to protect his daughter the way Smythe protected Chenelle. Jessie and Chenelle were showing him some of the tricks they learned. They were still puppies even though they'd grown a lot. In half a year's time, they predicted the puppies would be ready to protect Alexandria.

KNOCK-KNOCK-KNOCK-KNOCK-KNOCK-KNOCK-KNOCK! There was a frantic knock at the Anderson's door. Rick's easygoing visit was over. "Rick! Rick!"

Rick told them to be quiet. He placed his hand over his gun and opened the door. Rick was shocked to see not only one of his people, but a large brunette man standing there. Rick pulled out his gun. He was about to shoot, but found himself surrounded. If he was alone, he would have taken the shot anyway. However he couldn't do too much with Jessie and Chenelle in danger as well.

"Hi, Rick isn't it? I'm Negan, and I do not appreciate you killing my men." Rick just stared at Negan. The fact that several guns were aimed at him didn't faze him. This was the new world. Negan was a built guy and extremely loquacious. Despite the grin on his face, Rick could feel the malice and insanity within Negan. Rick needed to think fast. "Also when I sent men to kill your men for killing my men, you killed more of my men. Not cool, not fucking cool! You got no fucking idea how not fucking cool that shit is, but I imagine you'll be up to speed shortly, yeah. You're going to regret crossing me in a few minutes. Fuck yes, you will."

"Your men attacked mine first. This so called deal you have going on, I didn't approve of it. I don't appreciate you killing Reg, Regina, or Tyreese."

"So what, you want motherfucking lawyers to go over the legitimacy or some shit like that? I'm not sure you realize what's happening right now. You're fucked. Really fucked. Wait a minute... Holy fucking Christ." Negan's eyes widened. "Holy motherfucking Christ! Are those puppies?! Holy shit, give me one of these bitches and we might be even! Wait... Is that girl pregnant?" Their eyes shifted towards Chenelle. She looked around and realized the attention was now on her. She was nervous; her child seemed to sense that and shifted in a way that placed pressure on bladder. She concentrated on not wetting herself or showing fear to the leader of the Saviors. "This is actually the first time I am seeing this in years. Motherfucking puppies! And you're having a fucking baby! Looks like more than just one! You're so goddamn huge! Fucking multiples in there. You have to be ready to fucking pop! That's fucking-" Negan stopped once he noticed tears stream down Chenelle's face. He thought about the things he'd just said. "Oh damn. Look... Holy shit, kid. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to... Fuck, you're honestly a baby yourself. I don't know whether to say congratulations or tell you how much you're fucked. How old are you?"

She wiped her eyes. She realized how quiet Smythe had been through this encounter. That told her that Negan was not a man to be played with. She answered his questions. "Almost s-sixteen."

Negan's smile and wonder-filled eyes faded. "That's fucked up. That's really fucking fucked up. What the shit? I came over here fucking floating, about to ask to feel your fucking stomach. I fucked myself into thinking you were older. But now I found out you're in a shitty situation. Who fucking did this to you?"

"...what?"

"Who fucked you?!" Negan walked out the Anderson home and yelled at the people of Alexandria. "WHICH ONE OF YOU OLD FUCKS TOOK ADVANTAGE OF THIS FUCKING GIRL?! I BETTER GET SOME FUCKING ANSWERS!"

Rick grew annoyed with the back and forth. "Your issue isn't with her. Leave the girl alone."

Chenelle got between them and turned to Negan. "It was a boy my age, I swear!"

Negan searched her face for the truth. He saw panic, but didn't see deception. "A boy your age? Shit. Well was it consensual?" Chenelle nodded. Negan bent down to meet her eyes. "If the shithead who did this is over 18 fucks old, it's not consensual, at least from where I'm from. I don't like rapist. I really fucking don't."

"It wasn't rape." she whispered.

Negan caught it, but surprisingly didn't push the subject further. "God this situation is so fucked up. You've really got me fucking torn, tiny mother. You have me feeling shit I've never fucking felt before. Like maybe it's time I stop fucking around and have some little fucks. Yeah, I'm going to have a fucking baby too. Or maybe I'll adopt. What do you think? Seems like you and your little fuck could use a good home. Shit, I could raise both of you." Unable to handle the pressure, Chenelle wet herself.

"Jesus fucking Christ, did you piss yourself or is it fucking time?!"

"I-I don't want to go with you."

"Chenelle go to your room." Rick glared at Negan. "Now!"

Negan frowned. "Something like that would have never happened with me, Rick Grimes."

"I've already handled it. The same way, I'll eventually handle you."

"What motherfucking balls! I just can't kill you yet. Maybe. Nah, I can't... That would make you a martyr. Now let's look at your supplies." Rick didn't move at first. "Did I fucking stutter? Max, go get that pregnant girl and have her take us."

Rick begrudgingly walked toward their reserves. He was glad he had Tara working there without Olivia. Tara would know how to show them the food without showing them their weapons cabinet. They walked through the city, Carl saw what was going on and followed them. He was carrying his firearm as always. Rick wondered where Judith and Michonne were. If he was lucky, they were home and away from their confrontation. Glenn was at the pantry with Tara. She looked in Rick's eyes. He wordlessly told her to stay calm and go with it. They were off guard today. He'd give them the food tribute, but they would be prepared for their next encounter.

"Well if you'd look at that. You guys were living the motherfucking life behind these walls. I might make this my summer home. I should take two thirds of this, but I'm a man of my fucking word. Alright boys let's pack up half." Rick and the Alexandrians watched resentfully as their supplies were raided and pillaged. Negan watched, ignoring the Rick's glare and looking at the scenery of Alexandria. He was serious about Alexandria's potential for being his home.

"What's in here?"

Tara walked in front of him. "Are you kidding?! You already took our food, you're going to take our seeds too?!"

"Seeds?"

"Seeds." Tara affirmed. She would take that lie to her grave. The savior looked confused. "Do you understand the words that are coming out of my mouth?!"

"Move bitch!"

"No. Let go." Tara held her stance. Seeing his hand head towards the door, Tara took out her knife and stabbed him in the neck.

"What the-"

Not missing a beat, Glenn shot the next Savior and covered Tara. Carl shot a Savior who was holding a box of canned goods. Rick joined in their bloodbath, but it was short lived. They ran out of bullets. Rick felt a blow from the back of his head. He, Carl, Glenn, and Tara were lined in front of the pantry. "Now you've done it," a Savior taunted.

"It's fucking over now," said another.

Negan shook his head. "It didn't have to be this way. I don't want to kill any of you... Let me make that clear from the get-go. I want you working for me, and you can't very well do that when you're fucking dead, now can you? I'm not growing a garden." A few Saviors snickered. "But you killed my men... a fucking whole goddamn lot of them. More than I feel comfortable with. For that... You got to pay." Negan placed his bat in front of them. The four of them didn't flinch. "So I'm now going to beat the holy fuck, fucking fuckedy fuck out of one of you with my bat. Who I call Lucille. Lucille has barbed wire wrapped around the end of her. It's fucking awesome. So it's really the matter of just picking which one of you gets the honor." They stayed stoic as Negan began singing Eeny-meeny-miny-moe. The it was Glenn.

"Wait!"

"Don't do it!"

"You don't have to do this!"

Negan was too amused. "Are you fucker's serious? What an interesting day this is!" WHACK! Tara screamed. Rick and Carl were in disbelief. Glenn's head was caved it. They wondered if it was as bad is it locked. Despite the blow, Glenn stood up. He called for his wife, his sole reason for living. "Look at him taking it like a fucking champ." WHACK! Glenn's eye popped out of its socket. Blood poured from the wound. He was spitting blood. WHACK! WHACK! WHACK! Rick turned away. Tears dropped from his eyes. This was his fault. He should have planned for this. He should have taken Glenn's place! After everything they'd gone through, it shouldn't have been this way. If it wasn't for Glenn he would have never found his family, both times. This couldn't be real. Rick actually prayed for this not to be real. Carl's eyes were closed; he refused to open them. He swallowed his tears. He turned it into rage. WHACK! WHACK! WHACK! WHACK! The beatings finally stopped. Rick turned to Tara first. He should have known from her distraught look not to look, but he did. Glenn was gone.

"I'm going to fucking kill you!" Rick lunged at Negan, but was kicked to the ground.

"Please don't think of me as racist or ableist since he only had one arm. It was really all chance. I can tell he meant a whole lot to you." Negan gave Rick a smile. Rick gritted his teeth. Glenn was his family. This was it. Negan, the Saviors, they were gone! Rick's mind went to one track, one goal. They would pay. Negan was impressed with the fire in Rick's eyes. He knew he was going to snuff it out. "So let me give you something to remember him by." Negan whistled. Several men pinned Rick down on the ground. Rick struggled, landing a few blows, but it didn't change anything.

"Rick!" Tara was horrified. This couldn't be happening. This was one of the worst days of her life.

Carl didn't get up. He already knew what he was going to do. He would get his riffle and stow away on a that truck. He was going to kill everyone in sight, especially Negan. A Savior with half his face burned stepped on Rick's right hand. Negan took Rick's machete and gripped the handle. In one strong motion, he severed half Rick's wrist. It hit bone; it was a worse feeling that being shot. Rick almost blacked out, but used all his energy promising death to them all. Negan frowned. He hadn't paid attention to anything Rick said. "I thought it'd only take one hit. I don't see how you deal with this thing. Negan tried it again and with two attempts, the hand was no longer attached. "Get him to the infirmary before he bleeds out." He noticed Glenn's headless body. "Somebody clean up this shit before a fucking kid sees."

"I will kill you," Rick sweared again.

"Ha! You can't even jerk off properly, how will you kill me? You're one tough son of a bitch, I'll give you that. How are you still conscious? That serial killer of yours is pretty damn interesting too. Hey kid, I just crippled your dad, you can't shed one tear? Let me make sure you make it to a fucking doctor. I can't help, but feel somewhat responsible."

"Fuck. you..." Rick passed out.

About an hour later, the Saviors took the supplies and left. By some strand of twisted luck, they left without discovering the armory. Michonne was with Judith until she received a visit from her least favorite Alexandrian. She unlocked the door and waited for Tara to come in. Judith was holding one hand. Her katanna was in the other. Tara had tears streaming down her face. "Michonne..."

She looked around. "Where's Rick?"

"Michonne..."

"Where's RICK?!"

"Infirmary, he's alive, but-" Michonne didn't waste time. She picked up Judith and went to see the new doctors. Many thoughts ran through her mind. How hurt was he? Was he dying? Was he shot? Had they beat him? Would he survive? Her mind created the worst scenarios. Her heart raced in fear. She knocked on the doctors' door and set Judith down.

"Daddy's hurt?"

"Yes."

"What wrong with daddy?"

Michonne knelt down and kissed her forehead. "The doctors will make him all better. Okay?"

"He can have some of my med-dee-sin to get bedder."

Michonne gave Judith a small smile. "You're such a good girl, Judy." One of the survivors of Grady Hospital opened the door. "I'm sorry."

"I'm sorry? What's that supposed to mean?" Michonne grew afraid, she pulled Judith close to her.

"Ow! Michonne, that hurt."

Michonne loosened her grip on Judith's hand. "I'm sorry baby." She turned her attention to the nurse. "What are you saying?"

"We couldn't reattach the hand. But we did get the blood to stop. He's resting. He'll have to stay here a few nights so we can watch him, but he'll survive."

Michonne didn't care about the missing limb. She'd seen Hershel, Glenn, and others get by without them. Rick would be no different. She needed to see him. "Can I see him?"

"Sure, I'll watch Judith."

Michonne walked down the hall. Although it wasn't that far it seemed like an eternity. She should have been there. Michonne hated herself at this moment. She felt as if this wouldn't have happened if she had been by his side. What if she had lost him? Michonne walked into Rick's room. She was found it hard to breathe; the anxiety was terrible. She looked at him; minus his right hand, he was in one piece. Rick looked troubled in his sleep, but his chest was rising and falling. She released her breath in relief. She touched Rick's curls. "I'm sorry I'm such a bitch. I don't mean to be, it's just... it's just the way I am. Truth is, your strength, how you carried on after losing us is what attracted me to you. You were a broken man with every reason to give up, but you don't. You pressed on. I knew I had a thing for you the moment you opened the door. But I can't just be nice. I can't just express how I feel." She closed her eyes. "And you haven't made it easy on me. How am I supposed to love you when you forced my hand. You gave me no other option. So how do I know that I'm really feeling genuine feelings for you?" Rick didn't stir. Michonne held his hand. "I'm still with you."

Michonne kissed his lips and waited for him to wake.

Next Chapter: Where's Carl?