Hollow Heroes [Open to all]

Sisters?


She had slept, deeply for a bit of the ride, and being dumped out of the van at the end was a bit of impact full wake up. But the small nap was like a power surge and she feel tingly, energetic and alert once more.


And thought about Negan's words, well that made her nose wrinkle, urgh! A shudder, no way!


At least from this place she had a vague notion which direction the mall lay in, on foot it would be a hard journey. But she could do it. Though this at least gave her an opportunity to gather Judith.

Another strike was aimed at Negan's face, but the kid had been so focused on the ring-leader that he failed to hear the other Saviors enter the Dungeon. Or, perhaps he heard but was too focused on finishing off their biggest tormentor...


The swing was interrupted as Carl was yanked violently back and thrown to the ground. Simon quickly pressed a boot against the boy's chest, baring a painful amount of weight on him as the rifle was aimed at his head. Seeing that Mikko was trying to join in on the chaos, Simon shook his head.



"Don't try it. Take one more step, and you'll be seeing the inside of this little shit's head.." He threatened. Still, just in case the boy's life meant nothing to her, a few men stepped between her and their boss, guns aimed at her.



"Well shit. You can already see the inside of his head. That's some nasty shit." He taunted the kid. "But I'll be sure to blow a hole in the other side. To you know, even it out."

Glenn tried to stop Maggie, but unfortunately was too slow due to injuries. He didn't want to know what those pictures were... and certainly didn't Maggie to see, either. But before he could stop her, she held one in her hand, causing her to instantly break..


...it was bad. Whatever it was, it was bad....



He managed to see the image of Beth as his arms tightly wrapped around Maggie, bringing her down into a sitting position as he rocked her, trying so hard to fight back the tears, but it was a losing battle. "Shhhh... It's okay. Beth's strong, maybe she's okay...." He tried to soothe her, knowing there was a huge chance that he was wrong. Life rarely cut them a break, but it was in his nature to cling to hope, no matter how fragile the thread.



"You have to be strong. Because.. you ARE strong..." He reminded her, still rocking her in his arms, nuzzling her softly...


Thinks were quickly making a turn for the worse and now Carl was pinned and being held at gunpoint....

It was the female that had been with Glenn, Saber, that helped Erica off the ground. She gave the girl a once over checking for any serious wounds seeing none she led the the girl to Negan's home. A place where most were forbidden to enter. Saber herself would have had the same fate as the Erica if not for her extensive background in the military and abilities with weapons.

If you have other skills it would be best to tell him during your...interview process. As much as he likes to collect wives, he also knows the value of a good fighter.

Coming to the man's house Saber stopped and looked at Erica, finally smiling at her. A genuine, friendly smile. He may seem harsh at times. But he protects his people. His people come before all. You pledge yourself to him and this community, and you will never have another worry. Let me show you inside.

Opening the door, Saber guided her inside where there were other women cleaning, some sitting at the kitchen table chatting, When the new girl walked in however everyone stopped what they were doing and stared at Erica with forced smiled and sad hellos.

This is Erica. Please teach her the rules and the ways of the community. She turned to Erica and brushed out her hair a little with her fingers. I'm Saber. I'm sure I'll be seeing you around.

Saber then hurried out closing the front door behind her and leaving Erica with five other women in silence.

When Negan finally stood and turned around he rubbed the back of his head and assessed the situation. Nonono. Don't kill em. We're gonna put little fucker and Miss fucker in the pit. Let em kill each other.

Negan opened the cell door and grabbed Eugene. Mikko reacted but one of the men noticed her tense up and was able to get between her and Negan with his gun pointed at her. It made little difference though and only caused her to attack the gun man in a rage. Still, it allowed Negan to drag Eugene out the cell.

Maggie was inconsolable at this point. But a part of her knew she had to get it together or she was going to lose Glenn too. She clung to Glenn as she looked around. Eugene was being taken. Mikko was ripping someone apart and she couldn't see Carl from where she was. But...Mikko had a gun right there! If she was in her right mind she could use it. She was scared of calling to her. what if doing so made her turn on them?

It was too bad that he couldn't kill the kid. But, he would be dead soon anyway. These people were from a community that refused to bow, so that meant they all had to go. Negan was no doubt toying with them, torturing them.



Then, all hell broke loose. The half Walker girl attacked and killed on of their men and would surely go for seconds. Simon knew that he was under orders to not kill these people, so he aimed at the woman's leg and fired a shot, hoping the pain would be enough to snap her out of her crazed state.


Mikko may not have known it, but she caused the perfect distraction and Carl used this opportunity to his advantage. Grasping the metal bar, he brought it up HARD, the weapon impacting his captor's manhood. He doubled over in pain, but before the teen could make it to his feet, he was pinned against the wall by a large man, who twisted his good wrist until he was forced to relinquish his grip on the bar.


Several men walked through the cell door, guns pointed down at Glenn and Maggie....


"Aw, how touching. On yer feet, NOW." One ordered. Another poked Glenn in his injured side with the barrel of his rifle. "Ya got a date with the barbeque grill."



Eugene stood terrified, afraid to make any form of movement. He could only watch everything in almost a frightened daze, lip quivering like a scared child....

The shot to Mikko's leg did get her off the guy she was attacking but it didn't snap her out of her state. Instead she turned on Simon. Seeing him bent over she rushed at him with a high pitched scream. she wouldn't reach him though, instead of rushing out the open door she made a beeline to the man and ran into the bars. She jumped high on the bars and reached for him. It took another one of the Saviors giving her a hard hit to the face with the butt of his rifle for her to fall back onto the ground unconscious.

Maggie slowly got to her feet. She was scared. Her sister was dead and as much as she tried not to, She couldn't help imagine her being skinned and eaten. And the same fate was set for Glenn. She couldn't let that happen. YES! Ok?just...Let Glenn go. And...I'll agree. She closed her eyes tightly. Tears pouring down her face.

Negan looked up at her with a smirk. Really? You hear that Wong Tong, she wants you gone so she can marry me.

It's not like that! I just... She looked over at Glenn. The anguish and defeat was evident in her features. I can't lose you. I can't go on if you're not in this world. I'm not that strong. I'm so sorry...

Glenn struggled to get to his feet, but unfortunately with his injuries, he wasn't fast enough. His slowness earned another hard jab to his ribs, earned a pained wince. Finally, one of the men roughly grabbed him by the arm and snatched him to his feet...


He tried to get to Maggie, but the man wasn't having that. He yanked him back,causing Glenn to nearly stumble which earned more irritation from his captor.



Glenn wanted to comfort Maggie, assure her that everything would be alright, but he would not be given that chance. The more he tried to get to her, the rougher his treatment. Then, Maggie 'agreed', directing it to Negan. He was confused, not sure of what was going on. Had some arrangement been made?


Then, Negan confirmed what Maggie was agreeing to. She... was going to marry him?!?



The world seemed to stand still in that instant. The air seemed heavier, making it even more difficult for his struggling lungs to inhale. He felt.... numb....



The happiest day of his life was when she said 'Yes' to him. And, the day that her father, Hershel married them. It was the most magical, beautiful day of his life. And now... she was undoing all of that by saying 'yes' to another.It did not matter that she was trying to save him. Honestly, he would rather die than have to live a single second knowing she was with him... that she agreed... for him....



Hot tears burned at the backs of his eyes and he tried to speak, tried to plea, but his lungs refused to exhale the air needed for words. He tried once again to move towards her, and just like before was violently yanked back. A hard punch was aimed for the gunman's face, but being weak and the anxiety making it almost impossible to breathe, he missed his mark. But his efforts would not go without punishment. He was slammed hard on the ground, onto his back. A foot pressed against his throat and the gun aimed at his head....

Erica didn't mind Saber's friendliness, but she didn't bother giving the woman her name and cast her a contemptuous look for daring tell Erica to bend her knee ( or in this case spread her knees ) to this cruel idiot and his. And now, she put the woman from her mind the moment the door closed. Her blue eyes seeking to meet those of these other women. Timid and forced and sad she heard and saw.


Negan was not having her, loyalty or abilities or her sex - she didn't need an 'interview' of raping or beating, she had out shot his men on two occasions now with a simple bow! - and she would sooner burn his 'home' to ashes with them all in it then suffer his body any where near hers in that manner.


" Hi...where is the babe that was brought here before me? And please point me the way out." a greeting and straight to it - she saw no point in pretending she was going to be instructed or had any intention of being a wife of Negan. He was not worthy of the women he called her 'sisters' and even more so her.

This day is starting to turn around! Two women in one hour. You heard the woman, the Asian goes free. Let him up.

Negan pushed Eugene over to Simon. Take this one up to those freaks. He got closer to his second in command and whispered that Glenn was to be picked up once he was out the gates.

He backed away from Simon and and walked in the cell taking Maggie by the hand and leading her out. She was having trouble walking due to her body shaking sobs, so he scooped her up and carried her out over his shoulder.

The walker girl and Carl...Throw them in the pit, they can fight it out. Winner gets to live.

Watching Maggie being taken away was the hardest thing he had ever witnessed. He was supposed to be her protector, and yet... he couldn't. When Simon was giving the orders to let him go, Glenn stumbled to his feet, coughing and trying to find his voice. And, despite his muscles protest, tried to run after her, but his path was quickly blocked, guns and rifles aimed at his head, daring him to make an attempt to move past them...



There was no holding back the tears and panic as he tried to shove past the men, obviously having no regard for his own life....



"NOOOO.... MAGGIE!!!" He finally found his voice, screaming out for her. The effort earned a violent bout of coughs,but he still fought and struggled to push past the ones blocking his path....

GO GLENN! REMEMBER I LOVE YOU! I ALWAYS WILL! Maggie managed to call out before leaving the basement completely. She covered her face with her hands and tried to her best getting her emotions under control. She knew this wasn't going to be the last time she seen him. No. Glenn would met up with Daryl, and then the two of them would gather others and they would come back for her and the others.

But she had heard what Negan said about Carl and Mikko. Something about a pit. Negan meant for them to fight to the death, Carl didn't stand a chance if Mikko chose to fight him. And Eugene. Poor Eugene. She wish she could save him too, but knew mentioning him would pressing her luck.

Negan walked into his house and set Maggie in a chair in the kitchen with the others.

This is Maggie. She's the new bitch in town. I see you already met Erica. Sorry you're already old news. He told Erica. Did I hear you asking about a baby? Where is that cutie? Bring her here.

One of the women got Judith from the crib in one of the back rooms and handed her to Negan. When Maggie reached for her he pulled the child away. No grabbing shit from me. That's your only warning. He turned to Judith and bounced her a little but sensing the tension she started to cry. oh crying baby. Make it stop. He finally handed her to Maggie who held Judith close and soothed the little one.

Simon was quickly losing his patience with Glenn. Eugene was causing no problems, so he was able to let the guy stand there while he dealt with the Asian. Roughly grabbing him by the shirt, he yanked him back. "Stop being dramatic, kid. You've been given a free card. You better take it. Don't make me start counting."


But Glenn finally collapsed to his knees, unable to move. In a state of shock. His struggling lungs not taking in enough oxygen. He was pale. And it was obvious he was not going to make it out the gates for the Cannibals to pick up. Besides, it didn't seem like he wanted to go. As if leaving would be abandoning his wife.



"Well this is some poetic shit. Damn, son. You look like shit. The Walkers will pick you off as soon as you leave the gates. So. I'm gonna do you a solid...." And he gestured for some of his men to grab Glenn, who struggled, but his efforts earned more abuse. "Bring him to the meat wagon.." And he grabbed Eugene's arm, ushering him along.



"Take the other two to the pits." He ordered the remaining guys, gesturing towards Mikko and Carl.


Eugene put up no fight as he was guided up the stairs. Glenn, however, fought every step of the way...

Negan would be as disappointed in the fact she would not quake and fear him or would take any care she was 'old news', any more than she had the night they had been faced to face, he had made Carl scream and yell and angered, Erica would give him none of that kind of glee either.


Not 'his' in any sense, if he heard her ask for Judith he knew she intended to not stay. And would not be a wife. Not even in torment. He would not see worry for Maggie or Judith on her face (thankfully the babe did not reach for her that would make it harder to remain impassive right now), or hear her cry out. She watched him coldly. Saying nothing. Still plotting a way out. She would not cringe and cower or tiptoe or cry or plea... No bargaining.


Her hands had been rubbing at her wrists now rose and braided her long gold white blond hair, braiding it up. It was a pretty look, and more over it would then be nothing he could grab and hold onto, fingers deftly tucking even the long long tail up and back weaving it into the braiding. True still hands were big enough to cup the back of her head but now fingers would find no purchase.

Carl was also upset by Maggie's decision, but deep down, knew that Negan would have taken her anyway. And to Maggie, at least this way Glenn had a chance. He understood why she did it, and also understood Glenn's refusal to just leave. They had already faced so much heartbreak today, and now this....


It wasn't fair. Not that the world ever was. But then, Simon went back on Negan's word to let Glenn go, and it infuriated Carl. Maggie had made her sacrifice for nothing.


As Carl was lifted to his feet, he struggled, casting glare at Simon, and the men that had taken Glenn. "NO! Let him GO! You made a deal!!"



But Simon's gaze was cold, a sinister smile stretching across his lips. color=silver]"Make a deal with the Devil, and you will get burned every time. Besides, the Cannibals did not make that deal.."[/color] He snorted as everyone was being dragged up the stairs.


Carl fought to free himself, but his efforts were futile. He was a few steps behind Simon and the men that practically had to drag Glenn up the stairs. He tried to make eye contact with Glenn. "We'll get her back. You gotta keep fighting..." He tried to encourage.

The one guy that was stuck grabbing Mikko was not happy about drawing the short stick. But she was knocked out, so maybe he could run her to the pit and just throw her in real quick before she woke up. He took a few breaths then hurried in and grabbed her, tossing her over his shoulder. He turned around to see his fallen friend who Mikko attacked moments before start to sit up.

Guys! We have an issue!

But it wasn't his issue! He ran out of there jumping over the newly rezed walker and slammed the cell door shut.

He quickly went with the others out of the basement and into the fresh air. He was behind his buddy that was dragging Carl along, they were almost at the pit which was a large hole, not deep that had a dome like cage over it. In the center was various knifes and other sharp objects.

Mikko woke up before he made it to toss her inside the dome. Her vision was blurred and she felt herself being carried. She made her attack biting into the neck of the man holding her. He let out a yell and threw her in the pit his flesh ripping from his neck as he did so. She landed with a thud, causing a small cloud of dust to fly up around her.

The man knew that getting bit meant he would turn. And that the others would kill him before he did. Somehow the thought of being shot in the head scared him more then turning. He reasoned that if he was killed after turning he at least wouldn't feel it because he would already be gone. So he ran. He ran as fast and as hard as he could right out of town and into the woods.

Mikko got to her feet. Her leg had not healed from the bullet wound but she wasn't bothered with it.
She just wanted to know where Eugene was. Where she was. And what they were planing now.

Negan pulled his jacket off and tossed it at a red headed woman. She caught it and as if she was a programmed robot, hurried away to put it up and then came back with a small box. She opened it and another women pulled out a chair for him. He sat down and then pulled a cigar out of the box and lit it.

He waved the two away and grabbed Erica pulling her onto his lap.

See that? Everyone in this house has a job. More then one usually. Like a fine tuned machine. I can't stay and enjoy your company sadly. I have a walker woman and Carl in the pit getting ready to fight to the death. I'm putting my bet on the Walker. You ladies are free to come watch if you like.

He clapped his hands together twice. Alright! Let's go.

Shoving Erica away he stood up propping Lucille on his shoulder. A few of the ladies also got up to leave and see the fight, not that they wanted to watch someone die, but getting out the house to get some air would be nice. Maggie also stood up with Judith.

Not you, sweetheart. Going to lock you up first. You and miss stone cold here.
placing his hand on Erica's back and the bat on Maggie's back he started to guide them into a back, windowless room.

Grrrr...


Next time he dared seat her on him she was going to grab what ever was closest and slam it over his head. His smell made her want to gag instead muscle in her jaw worked as she held it down. She would give him nothing.


And shrugged away from his hand on her back - not in way of terror, but with a shrug. An indifferent cold 'stoney' shrug.


She would wait. At least a moment with Maggie and Judith.

Negan chuckled at Erica's temperament and gave her a quick neck massage with his fingers. Once they got to the room he pushed them inside. I'll be back for you two later. Get some rest, you'll need it for tonight. He ended his sentence with a knowing wink before shutting the door and locking it.

After checking to make sure the door was secure he left the house and headed to the pit.

Once her and Erica was alone in the room she laid Judith down on the large and very soft bed. By now she had gotten her tears under control but they were threatening to fall again. She just couldn't think about it. Glenn got away. it was going to be ok. Plus now she was in a position to possibly hurt him from the inside.

Finally she turned to Erica and hugged her tightly. Are you alright?

Erica ignored the fingers.


dont react - don't react!


Not fear what would happen to herself when she didn't have anything close by big and heavy to ram into his face. Or over his head.


When the door was closed did she sneer at it, a growl barely human erupting.


Oh!


Maggie's hug made her stiffen first, then she relaxed and her arms slid around Maggie and hugged her back rubbing the girls back where she knew pregnancy would strain, gently. " I am okay, I have been through worse... More worried about all of you. Are you okay?" she asks drawing back a bit to look at Maggie one hand coming up to brush her tears away. " I am sorry I have not been able to help." she adds hand dropping down to Judith and rubbing her soft downy hairy head tenderly.

The tail around his wrist brought Leo back to the present. His father was right, of course. They had no leads and Erica could be long gone from the compound by now. Sighing heavily, he nodded. "You're right, Sensei, you're right." It killed him not being able to go right away, but they needed a plan. He took a few more slow breaths to calm down and then looked at the little blue alien/dog thing. "Sorry, Stitch."

Then he looked over at Donnie who seemed to be coming up with a plan of his own. This earned a smile from the leader. "Great work, Donnie." At this point, anything would be welcome if it would get them to Erica as soon as possible. It was truly and exercise in patience for Leo.

Then he addressed their human male friend and his brother. "Alright, you two. Check out the perimeter and then report back here. Take the time you need but remember, recon only. Be careful out there." The fact that Splinter wanted Raph and Casey to resume their plan of checking the perimeter of the compound didn't sit well with Leo, but one thing he had to learn in all of this was to put trust his teammates' abilities to know what they're doing.

It was a hard lesson to learn. Especially with everything falling apart around them.

No. I'm not really ok. I agreed to come here for Glenn's freedom. But they still took Eugene...And...They killed Beth and Michonne. I seen the pictures. Carl and Mikko are being taken to some pit to kill each other and...And Mikko is in Walker mode. and....And....We have to get out of here.

Maggie let Erica go and lowered her voice.

If we can get out this room, We can scorch this place, burn it to the ground. If we're real lucky the fire will spread and this whole town will go up in flames.

Erica caught Maggie again and drew her back, squeezed her gently in a hug. Wishing she could make promises of being okay or tell her it was going to be fine... but she was not a liar. " Beth and Michonne were both alive when I was taken and brought back here, whatever those cannibals want to do I doubt a man like Negan would allow them to eat any of you until he is done playing with yous, so for now yous have time." Erica says and unzips the front of her thermal suit gesturing for Judith, " here, tuck her in here, under this designed to keep heat in and my bare skin she will be warm."


Looking about the room and spying the door lock. And... hinges.... mmmm " if you have a pin or anything I can get us out..."

Maggie let out a large sigh of relief when she heard that Beth and Michonne were still alive. Of course Negan would do something like that, show them pictures and make them think that their loved ones were dead. It was all lies, a mental game he was playing. So Eugene may be alright as well, physically anyway.

When she wanted to put Judith in her coat Maggie hesitated. Why would that matter at the moment? It was very warm in the house, and Judith was bundled up in blankets.

I think Judith is ok right now. I don't want to over heat her. I don't have anything but there might be something in the room.

She started to open all the dresser draws and the vanity draws. There was a small bathroom connected to the room, in there she found some items.

Bobby pins. And....Tampons, some towels. a small sewing kit that has a needle in it. Could that work?