Chapter Nineteen: Before the Storm (Part 2)

Rick watched as the people of Hilltop gathered themselves by the gate. The Monroes were giving their goodbyes to everyone. Gregory took Deanna's hand and kissed it. "I had a lovely time."

Deanna gave him a fake smile and calmly took her hand back. "Hopefully we can do this again."

"Please, let Hilltop host the next soiree. I know a woman who makes cakes that melt in your mouth."

"I wouldn't pass that up," Douglas Monroe answered.

Deanna nodded. "It'll be our first trip out of the gates in a long time. That is exciting."

"Then it's settled. Thank you for your hospitality and festivities."

Gregory shook Douglas's hand and got in the backseat of one of Hilltop's cars. Soon the other people of Hilltop got in their cars or on their horses too. Rick scoured the crowd for Jesus, but didn't see him. Deanna was in place to speak with him privately. The advances of multilingualism were incredible. Scanning the Hilltop partygoers he locked eyes with Gabriel. A year ago he would have hunted him down, but now he realized how crazed his response was. His feelings for Michonne teetered between friendship, love, and obsession. His actions rippled through his family and beyond. Rick immediately noticed the look of sorrow on Gabriel's face. The priest came to Alexandria for his family, only for him to see they weren't okay. He truly cared for Chenelle; he assumed they found camaraderie in their shared religion and developed a familial bond like Michonne and Carl. Rick wished he could send her with him, but he meant when he said she was family now. She belonged with them. Additionally, Miles still needed his mother.

Gritting his teeth, he walked to Gabriel. "You should stay. She needs you." Rick walked away before seeing the priest run to his daughter.

Even with her meltdown she still sent breastmilk, like clockwork, through Anna or Ron. The blonde was more than happy to do so. She would feed Miles, make off-handed comments about her potential maternal skills, stare at Carl, and make small talk before leaving. Rick hoped Chenelle didn't believe Anna was her friend.

Rick walked toward the Grady section of Alexandria. He didn't understand why Chenelle would fly off the handle if she was getting regular therapy. It sounded suspicious to him. Either Dr. Russells wasn't who he said he was or there was something bigger going on with his grandson's mother. That meant his grandson was at risk. Rick was more distrustful of the doctor than Chenelle. Dr. Russells always seemed to press sessions on anyone with a problem. Rick didn't think he needed it; didn't think Alexandria needed it either. He found Dr. Russells outside the medical facilities reading a book. Rick stared at the title, History of Madness by Michael Foucault. Rick was a fairly educated man, but he'd never heard of Michael Foucault. His major was Criminology. The cover made the book look creepy. Rick's mistrust grew. "Chenelle had an episode."

"I heard. Your son came to me earlier, but like I told him, she's fine. Let her grieve. Most likely she'll return in a couple of days after the Saviors disappear. There is a chance that she won't. She needs to put herself and Miles first."

"For a really long time she was good. It's like any disturbance crushes her. Negan shot Smythe right in front of her. He kept Miles from us. Afterward she just ran. I didn't know she would leave her baby like that. I never thought of her being a danger to him until now. Why are you so flippant about this?"

Dr. Russells marked his page and put his book down. "Before she ran, what did she do with Miles?"

"She put him in his crib."

Simon nodded. "Carl said she was still feeding him."

"Yeah, she's sending bottles; but, she's not with him."

"She's not a danger to her child. I would have let you know if she was."

Rick got a little upset. How condescending. "What is that you actually do around here? Nobody knows the future. You don't know what people will do. Hell, I studied sociology and I still get surprised by what people do. You thank you're so smart, lording like you know it all. Harassing people to make yourself seem more important. You people weren't effective in the old world and you aren't doin' anythang now!" Dr. Russells just listened and let Rick rant. "You can't solve anythang. You couldn't fix the girl. You're not helpin' my wife. What makes you think you can help me? You can't! And you can't fix this! This shit calls for people like me. It calls for action, not talkin. You need to do someth'en else. I've dealt with this con before. Eugene tried to pull that shit and I saw through him. I see through you too. You can't do shit."

"You're right; there are limits to psychiatry. I don't have all the answers. In this world, people have many coping mechanisms and problems I can't solve." Rick was projecting many feelings onto him. Dr. Russels wish Rick would let him try to help. However, he couldn't force him into anything. Simon leaned in his seat. "You came to me because you were worried about Chenelle Stokes. She's not broken, but don't expect her to be like other teenagers here. She's gone through a lot of trauma especially because of Neagan." The doctor felt himself get angry thinking about what happened. "He needs to go."

Rick walked away agreeing to what was said.

Meanwhile...

Kianga finished showering and redressed. Negan left the Grimes home almost an hour ago. She checked herself out in the mirror before searching for Michonne. The house was silent. She didn't hear the baby or Judith. Carl took them to Carol's home. She wondered how long it would take to find Michonne, but luck was on her side. Michonne was in the living room waiting for her. Kianga's eyes lit up. She thought about the time she twisted Michonne's hair to form her locs. They were down her back, a testament to how long it'd been since they'd last seen each other. Kianga sat on the couch with her. She took a couple of the locs in her hand and smiled. "You should cut them. I know they must be heavy."

"..."

"I know you didn't keep them for me, but it still means a lot to me."

"They were practical. And you're wrong, I did keep them because of you. I don't have any pictures, jewelry, or anything to remember our family except my locs."

Kianga got sad. "I wanted to lock Andre's hair. Moe didn't want MJ to have them, but you and Mike thought it would be cute once Andre was old enough."

"I know."

"I'm going to have to leave soon."

Michonne was silent for a bit. "I am so angry with you for that stunt you pulled in my home. But you're my stupid little sister, do you have to go? Can you stay alone?"

Kianga nodded. "I can't. He has other wives, but I'm special. He has me sing his favorite songs or something new when he's upset or bored."

"...and you're okay with that?"

"As long as I get what I need, the extra details don't matter to me. Now that I know that you're here, I'm going to go above and beyond. I'm going to keep you safe since y'all won't go with the flow. Enough about Negan. How did you and Rick meet?"

"First time, Georgia, he helped me after I was shot escaping from a wannabe Jim Jones who called himself the Governor."

Kianga looked shocked. "Seriously?"

"Yeah."

"You're so strong. It scares me knowing I could have lost you without even knowing it. So what happened afterward? He nursed you back to health and put on that Southern charm, huh?"

"No. Far from it. That was right after he lost his wife. He was harsh and looked for any excuse to get rid of me until he saw I was useful." Kianga frowned. "There was no time for romance. It was just shelter, safety, and survival. We ended up separated for two, three years. I had the kids. He came back and was hellbent on us being a family."

"Why?"

"It was what kept him sane out there. He was grateful that I helped raise them."

"That's... a long time to be out there." Kianga put her head on her sister's lap. They used to do this with their oldest sister. Zahara would rub their heads, give them practical advice, sing, or whatever they needed. They needed it. Each sister was worried about the other. They didn't like who the other was married to. "I've been watching. You're happy here. Seeing you at breakfast with them, you looked like a family."

"We are a family. Are you happy, Kia?"

"Yes, I can't imagine my life any different from how it is. ...well I do want to travel more. I used to scout territories, but that's how I stumbled across Negan's group. Just like Alexandria, they made a statement and took half of our things. I used to think Negan and the Saviors were a bunch of savages too. But there are worse people out there, and we were weak. These freaks with W's on their foreheads came through our town. They killed everyone they could, for no reason. They dismembered them and covered themselves in their blood. Worst of all, they let them turn. My friends, my neighbors, my team, just gone. Fifty-three people and only nine of us survived. The Saviors came through. They hunted them down one by one. They took care of the dead ones and moved the rest of us to the Sanctuary." Michonne thought about her first group and the fall of the prison. Chaos and death could harden your heart. She was the same before she met Andrea and Rick. Kianga's heart warmed for the wrong person. "Negan asked me to marry him one time. He came personally to our base when we were short twice in a row; I said no. After moving to the Sanctuary and watching it run so effectively, I changed my mind. Plus Negan's wives don't have to work. I pursued him and became wife four." Kianga wanted her sister to understand. "I know it's ass living under him, but you'll never have to worry losing everything now."

Michonne rolled her eyes. Her sister truly believed Negan's rule was best. "I will never accept this. We had a system. It worked."

"It didn't work well enough otherwise you wouldn't have been taken over. I used to think the same." Kianga got up. "I really do love you Michonne, unconditionally. The last thing I'd want is to lose you. You and your family need to accept Negan's rules. Most of those supplies circulate around the Sanctuary, to those who were abandoned or lost their homes. It's not just a power move. However being that we're family we get the first selection of anything."

"Kianga, I love you too, but you're wrong." Michonne and Kianga glared at each other. Michonne scoffed and shook her head. "There was so much I wanted to say to you. But I can't. You're so warped. I feel like everything I said to you would go directly to Negan."

"And you're the matriarch of the most rebellious people we've encountered. Do you know how scary that is? I want you to visit my home. I want you in my life fully! But now I'm thinking will she try something stupid and try to kill Negan? Would I have to blindfold her so she won't give away our location?" Kianga spoke in French to avoid being heard. The last thing she needed was a Savior reporting that Michonne wanted Negan dead.

"If I had to, I would."

"And I'd kill your precious Rick if you hurt my husband." Kianga walked to the door. "Look, I don't want to argue with you. I want us to be close again; but, you don't have to like me to breathe."

"Just know I'll protect you and feel the same. You don't have to like me, but you'll be breathing." Michonne had the same coldness as her sister. For some reason she thought about the time they went to an Usher concert and argued which one would marry him. Now they were glaring at each other in legitimate dislike and mistrust. Kianga didn't dwell too much on Michonne's words. What could Michonne protect her from that Negan couldn't?

"I really wish Zahara was here."

Michonne smiled. "Or papa. Someone to talk sense into your thick skull."

"Hey!" Kianga grinned. "Not papa. He'd have a stroke. We both married white men." They both laughed. "Maybe he wouldn't care. Best thing about the end of the world is nobody has racial bias anymore. It's just allies and enemies."

"No, you'd be surprised. Let me tell you about a man named Merle."

Rick was on his way home when his supposed in-law caught up with him. Negan quickly caught up to Rick's stride, a large smile was plastered on his face and Lucille positioned on his shoulder. "Hey Rick." Rick was in no mood. He felt a heavy hand clap his shoulder. "That was some fucking shindig." Negan wasn't surprised when Rick didn't say anything. "The way every fucking body ended up being here. Every fucking town, kingdom, group, tribe, etcetera under my control in one central fucking location. So fucking special... Must've taken planning. You see what I'm getting at?"

"..."

"I like you, Rick Grimes. I fucking love our family. And my gorgeous sexpot wifey, she'd fucking die if anything happened to Michonne. But I wouldn't." Rick glared at him. Negan continued to walk with Rick. "I never apologized for your hand."

"Fuck you."

"Damn you're a fucking asshole." The two leaders arrived at the Grimes home. Even before they opened the door they could hear laughter between the sisters. Rick and Negan ogled their women. They were glowing; their eyes were sparkling. They looked happy. Kianga whispered a few words to Michonne; they burst into hysterics. "Fucking beautiful."

The sisters wiped their eyes and looked at each other's husbands. The smiles quickly faded and reality and revulsion crept in. Kianga walked to Negan and gave him a quick kiss. His large arms swallowed her waist. "You're back."

"Sorry Kiki; it's time to go."

She gave him a sad smile. "I know."

"Hey, none of that. You'll be back. Shit, it's not like we don't fucking know where Alexandria is."

Rick looked at Michonne. Gloom crept into her; he sighed. This wouldn't end happily. Michonne gave Rick her own weak smile. "Come on, I'll see you out."

Just like the other groups the Monroes were there to see the Saviors off. It was noticeably political. There was no feeling of comradery between the Saviors and Alexandria. Most of the Alexandrians present were there only to validate the Saviors' departure. "We'll be back in a couple weeks for our shit. I trust the supply will be high since we had time for fucking parties."

"We'll be ready," Rick promised. Alexandria would be ready. They were about to end this.

Without words, Michonne and Kianga hugged; Kiki got in the car and continued looking at Michonne through the window. Michonne knocked on the glass. "How about you stay with us when they come back in a couple weeks. Maybe bimonthly?"

Kianga was about to reply that she usually didn't interfere with business; she stopped herself. Staying with Rick and Carl without her group didn't sound appealing, but Michonne was her sister. "I'll be here. See you later."

"You better." Michonne felt relief. This meant her sister would be in Alexandria when the poison went to the Sanctuary.

The Saviors got in formation and quickly departed. Kianga watched the gates of Alexandria close. She looked down at her hands. A large diamond sparkled on her left ring finger. Her sister didn't have one. It wasn't crucial, but Kianga didn't like it. She unbuckled her seatbelt and sat on her husband's lap. "Negan?"

"Hmm?"

"When you come to get the stuff can I come and stay with Michonne for a little while? She just, it seemed like she really wanted me to be there and it made me worried. I think something's wrong. I don't trust this Rick Grimes character."

Negan let his hand travel up her leg. Her skin prickled. "Well shit Kiki, of course she wanted you to return. You're her fucking sister! And that asshole only has one hand; she's got a sword. He definitely ain't beating her. He can't even beat his dick right anymore."

Kianga straddled him and looked at his lips. "You're right." She kissed him. "You're right." She kissed him again. She gasped when she felt his fingers inside of her. She was sore from the times he ravished her at Alexandria. She put her forehead on his. "Thank you for bringing me. You're a good man, Negan. You really are. You do the shit that nobody else is strong enough or wants to do. You're the reason all these people are alive even though they hate you for it. You keep me safe, happy, and wanting for nothing. I'm going to be a better wife to you. I'm going to do things without expecting things in return. I'll even teach you French if you want. No more secrets between us."

Negan was stunned. He didn't expect her to say anything like this. Kiki was the simplest wife he had. She wouldn't cheat nor plot against him. She'd give him sex and music as long as he gave her material things. She never complained nor cared when he did things or did things to people. There was always respect between them, but now it sounded like she was going deeper. He wasn't sure he wanted that. The last thing he wanted was jealousy amongst his wives. Negan questioned Kiki's intentions. She was manipulative, an actress even before the turn. Negan's instincts were telling him she wasn't acting. He hadn't had a woman look at him like that since his late wife, Lucille. "Fuck."

Meanwhile...

Rick and Michonne watched as the Saviors disappeared. They released their held breath and looked at each other. "We need to get started."

"I'm on my way to Eugene's. Our ammo should be fully stocked by the time we leave."

"The timing couldn't be more perfect. When you take the group to put down the Saviors that linger, I'll stay behind with the kids and my sister and say you're on a run." Although Michonne was nervous how she'd react when Kiki found out the truth, she'd be alive to do so. She thought about what she said to her sister. Kianga didn't have to like her to breathe.

(A/N) So many feel like Kianga's a whore, but I find her relationship with Negan to be healthier than Rick and Michonne's at the moment. Kianga fully chose to be with Negan and vice versa. In contrast, Rick eliminated the competition and claimed a relationship even after she said she wanted to take it slow. It's not until a few chapters ago that their relationship started to become healthy. It's still not perfect, but it's still developing. As bad as Negan and Kianga are for obnoxiously screwing around, it's not the worst thing Judith's experienced. Negan and Kiki are freaky, but Rick almost killed someone Judith loved in front of her. I really made Rick unhinged in this. It's absure whether or not anyone in this story is good or bad. But it's not too late for any character to find their way back to themselves. What do you think? Agree? Disagree?

Next Chapter: A storm hits Alexandria.