Hollow Heroes [Open to all]

" How is that possible his only weakness is Kryptonite." Mel commented whatever it was that was going on was getting more and more confusing.

..But Carl's glance at Erica had nothing to do with her being unable to be there when he was struggling with Glenn and trying to calm Judith. It was simply recognition, and agreeing with her. Glenn should have been taken to the closest room, but seeing that Maggie had rejected the key card, it was obvious that Maggie had other plans...



"Maggie.. wait! Let us help you!!" He tried as she struggled to get Glenn into the chair. The Turtles were there to help also, but she was frantic and before anyone could do anything, she was gone...



He immediately regretted his harsh thoughts. How Glenn was her responsibility... he didn't mean that. They were family.. these were his people. Hearing Erica's comment, he sighed and gaze a nod. His own nerves on end. Scared of losing someone else. Afraid of what all this stress was doing to Maggie... and Judith couldn't understand.


When Erica held out her arms, Carl gave a nod and carefully handed his baby sister over to her. "Thanks" And he immediately began removing his vomit soaked jacket, then the button up flannel shirt underneath, then peeled out of his soaked t-shirt. Perhaps too cold to be walking around bare chested, but they would be out of the cold garage soon....



"I.. I didn't mean it. I shouldn't have yelled at her...." And he was inwardly going over everything he could have done differently. He knew Maggie was doing what needed to be done, though.. he should have gotten the gates.... he shouldn't have faulted her for coping as she had. Yeah, he felt terrible....



Sparing a look over at the mutants and giving a nod, grateful for their efforts, and feeling bad for the younger looking one. Was he about to cry? Of course he had no way of knowing what was going through the guy's head, fearing that he was responsible for Glenn's hysterics... "Thanks, guys."



And now, his gaze shifting back to Erica. The anger he had felt now gone, but there was no masking the upset he felt. Everything felt as if it was falling apart. Not only could they lose Glenn, they weren't sure if Beth was alive. Michonne. Eugene. The loss could be so much more... all at once. "You don't mind watching her for awhile?" He asked Erica, reaching to caress Judith's cheek.



"As soon as I know Glenn's okay and Maggie's okay... I need to get a rescue team together..." He said, remembering what she had said about there being those willing and able....

Maggie was still silently crying when everyone came in to work on Glenn. Her tearful gaze watching them hook him up to machines and fluids. Stitch testing people to see who could donate blood. She felt April's arms around her but didn't respond, instead reaching out to take Glenn's hand.

She was sure that he was dead and her sobbing turned into gasping for air. She couldn't express her fears because she couldn't speak. Her whole being was in panic mode.

Coupled with the lack of food and fluids, she was starting to feel faint, but forced herself to stay awake scared that if she passed out, slept or even closed her eyes for a second he would be gone once her eyes opened. When the hic ups started she felt a pain in her chest. But again said nothing about it. Just held on tight to Glenn's hand hoping that if she held on tight enough she could keep him in the land of the living.

Submerged voices managed to penetrate. Urgency. Coaxing and encouragement. Heartbeat slowed, but he was fighting. With awareness came the overwhelming pain, but.. it meant he was alive. Eyes fluttering beneath heavy eyelids as Lilo spoke to him, mentioning Maggie and the little ones and hearing them again, soon...


Hope...


Then, he felt Maggie's hand, and her familiar sobs managed to register. Was it that bad? Were his chances not good??



No.. that didn't matter. He had beat death more than once, and now would be no different. Trembling fingers managed to return her hand squeeze, and he fought and mustered up the strength to open his eyes. "Don't...don't cry..." His tone weak and barely a whisper, but hopefully she heard him...

Through her sobs and other noises in the room she did hear him. A shaky smile spread over her lips and she laid down next to him to be closer to him though still out of the way of Lilo and her work.

Maggie lifted his hand to her lips and kissed his knuckles.

I'll stop crying...when you're...ok...Maybe... Laying her forehead against his shoulder she took in a long and slow shaky breath. You better be alright. Or...I'll kick your ass... The empty threat was spoken in a hushed whisper. I love you. She told him, her eyes closing as worn out body succumb to fatigue.

Raphael gave a nod at Lilo, interested that she may know techniques that could help the fusion process along, but understanding that emergencies had to come first. "Yeah, we'll definitely catch up..." He told her, worried by the fact that Donnie was the one to come zooming in for a wheelchair. Was one of his brother's hurt?! Splinter?? Surely not. If that was the case, Donnie surely would have said something...


...then caught off guard by the peck. His eye widened and his cheeks instantly flushed, but luckily she was gone before she could notice.



Struggling to push himself up, he nodded at Casey.... "Let's go see what all the fuss is about..." And he loved how involved April was. No longer than they had been here, she had become an active part of this community....

She didn't rush Carl, reaching out a hand to lightly cup and rub the back of Mikey's head fingers lightly patting. Listening to Carl and then stepping closer, hand falling away from Mikey, catching Carl in a one armed hug as Judith was transferred to her snugs them both then let go and watching she sighs, " Well, it is very all upsetting so anger and yelling are normal, when the danger passes a few apologies and hugs...and those cookies, she is a pregnant woman... ummm though go like that you will get sick or make them sick, blood and stuff everywhere... here... wait... take my suit. " Her suit was definitely warm on the inside had and was puke, blood and everything else free, unlike his cloths and her dash through the snow had ensured it was clean... they were of a height and he not filled out being still in the teenhood like herself so the warm thermal clothing would fit.


Soooo " guys look away..." only warning they would get this was not a time to dilly dally. And they wouldn't see much... but still!


"What why - Oohoh geeze!" Donnie yelps covering his eyes - and Mikey's!


Splinter looks away whistling. Finding something interesting about the lights above him.


And Erica, quiet amused actually by that yelp, wriggles free of her suit, shifting Judith gently from arm to arm, nailing the 'MumArt of doing things one handed' unzipping, slipping, shimmying and stepping out boots of all the while untucking the coat from around Judith slipping it on one arm at a time so not much of her was bared at any given moment and most importantly Judith was warm the entire exchange and rocked a little by her movements. " change into that, it might smell like me but it's warm and you wont spread vomit anywhere and most importantly wont get a chill." she didn't have to be somewhere near to immediately... Carl did, and she cared that much not to let him get cold. She toes her suit closer to him. " don't argue, and whilst still warm -" turning her back and between him and the mutants offered a little privacy. Her keycard had clattered to the ground but it was staying there for the moment!


And she gently rocked Judith - head poking out of the jacket - warm and she hoped would settle soon with all this skin contact.


She steps back into her boots one at a time. "Safe to look now guys...

It was a huge relief to see Diana, and then Bruce. It was clear now why these things were weakening him. Someone had altered them... and he knew it had to be the work of those at the CDC... but what did they have to gain by killing him? Was it because he escaped? The world had bigger problems...



"... I think someone's out to get me..." He told Diana, knowing she probably realized why he was struggling so....


He tried to put more distance between himself and the modified zombies, just to give him time to hopefully recover enough to hopefully hit them with the lasers again....

... And finally, Eugene heard the noise and the familiar voice. Maybe it was his mind playing tricks on him? Hopeful that help would come? Though, he had no doubt his group would come for them... maybe Mikko had come with them?



"Mikko?"

Heeeeeeeeeeeey! It is you guys! Hang on.

Michonne stood up and went to the door. What's going on out there?

Madness! But no worries. I have everything mostly under control. Mikko found some water and quickly attempted to clean the blood off her face to make herself more presentable not to mention kissable.

Are the others with you?

Nope. Just me. Well...Wade. But he's not alive at the moment. once she was cleanish Mikko pulled the lever that unlocked the back of the trailer and opened the large doors. She smiled at the three and opened her arms out. Hey!

Another screech somewhere close by. Let's go. come on.

Beth hopped out behind Michonne. Both watched as one of the unusual walkers leaped off one of the taller pilars and landed on the ground unharmed. Mikko caught them both before they ran to the exit.

Do not run. They'll only give chase. No sudden movements. we're blind and so movement is a good way to hunt. the smells here are too strong they wont be able to detect your sent. Just stay calm, and slowly walk to the exit.

Leo was right behind his two brothers and father, but that soon changed when it was taking Raph an awfully long time to respond to his text.  Did he even get it?  Was Don wrong about where Raph and Casey were?  Were they even okay?  All of these questions and more plagued Leonardo's mind, so he decided to take it upon himself to check the infirmary to see if that's where everyone was.

Before breaking off from his team, he told them he would catch up with them shortly and then headed off to the infirmary at a dead run.  Now wasn't the time for them to be separated again and Leo wanted to make it quick to collect Raph (and maybe Casey) and start throttling some zombies.  He was sure Raph would be in full agreement and time it was personal.

It didn't take Leo long to get to the infirmary and he spotted Raph right away.  He walked into the room with purpose and headed over to him.  "Raph, it's time to go.  I need you to join us in the garage.  Where's Donnie?"  He didn't see his brainy brother anywhere in the room after a quick glance around.

Watching April go with his own sense of pride, before grinning and knuckling Raph's shoulder and grabbing the normal arm hand to tug his buddy up he sniggers, "Ya cheeks are as red as ya hair buddy." he teases other hand tugging on the 'hair' - well dew rag tails and was going to add more when Leo rushed up.


Oh dear the big brother looked like he was in the middle of mother henning, and he was, Casey points, "Don left about five seconds ago dude, literally just missed him, told us to get to the garage. Lead on, we're coming."

April let Maggie go rubbing her back hoping she would calm a bit now Glenn was talking, but not lending her voice unless needed, just quietly observing the moment and the closeness knowing the love, she would be the same mess should she lose Casey... definitely just as much a mess should one of her green brothers be lost, or Sensei.


So she just offered the woman silent comfort for what it was worth and checked on the tubes and fluids as Lilo worked helping by now and then either swabbing ahead of Lilo's fingers with her free hand or plucking out a threaded suture for use watching as the girl worked.


She knew she had to give as much as she could until a couple more donors were found. And not woozy yet.

Carl returned the hug, appreciative of the understanding and the support. It didn't lessen his guilt, but it certainly made him realize that it was the stress and fear and human nature.


"Thanks." For the words, and for being so willing to help with Judith.


When she told them to turn around, he wasn't sure what she was up to, but he did as instructed, hearing Donnie's reaction...


Finally turning when given the okay, his cheeks lightly flushed, realizing she had shed her suit for him.


"Uh..  thank you..." Because refusing now would be pointless.


Quickly sliding out of his jeans and thankful for his boxers, he pulled the suit on, then pulled his jeans over the lower half so that he wouldn't feel completely awkward. Now zipping up the front..  


"It...certainly looks better on you." A small sideways smile. "I'll be sure to return it to you "

Mikey at first was totally just gonna stare, feeling the prickle behind his eyes even as he got a slightly naughty look... Her light touch had been comforting.


Dammit spoil his fun Donnie!


Still there was slim legs between jacket and boots.


Either way he clears his throat and ducks out from under Don's grip even as his next oldest brother was lowering his hand. " um... hey... c co could you um... tell that guy - I'm sorry?" he asks of the human youth fidgeting and moving from foot to foot and looking immensely guilty. And no not for his naughty thoughts! " I ... i didn't mean to scare him... I hope he gets b better." and he was genuinely morose about it, it was all over his expressive face. Not understanding the situation, not knowing it was not his doing but a combination of being injured and abused and afraid for a loved one. Mikey just thought that perhaps the guy freaked out like most humans did seeing one of them up close and personal.


Hey April had fainted!


He looked towards silently wishing his big brothers would hurry up!

A gentle smile his attention coming away from the ceiling and upon the youths all standing around him. "Donatello we should have the battle shell ready, and maybe something for the young man to be in touch with us - as we will be outside trying to clean up the trash as it were." If Leonardo and Raphael would hurry the heck up that is.


He pats Mikey's shell but said nothing, reassurances for his sons sweet worry should come from the young man and woman.

Glad it was safe to look again and not looking at the bare legs Donnie echoed Mikey's worry that perhaps their showing up down here was why, but also he had caught glimpses and the doctor in him understood the human had been in pretty terrible shape.


He claps Mikey's shoulder eyes widening a little at that fathers words and nodding reaching back to his tech pack. He was not entirely pleased to be handing it off but hey he guessed they did need lines of communication if they all were to be working together. "Uh sure yeah I guesso, um here..." He un hooks out from under the body of Metalhead the walkie talkie and holds it out to the young fellow. "It's modified a bit you should be able to tune into my wrist com and our tphones. Controls work like any walkie device only our short names appear on the screen for our tphones and com." He taps his wrist then finds his tphone and holds it out so Carl and Erica could see it. "with Metalhead here we will get signal and be able to be intouch... uh Erica Leo might give you his." he grins tucking his tphone back away tapping his wrist and bringing online controls for the massive armored garbage truck. It rumbled the door opening for Splinter. "We're gonna squish those things from inside the shell..." When Raph and Leo got there! Casey might have to man the gate for them.

A small grin and blush " well thanks for that, I think we both rock it - but more importantly you wont get a chill on the way to Glenn and Maggie." Erica nods a little glad to help and cradling Judith properly now, arm wrapped about her snuggled across her body to feel heartbeat and warmth and calmer breaths... fingers gently brushing the little head and hair thumb brushing away the tears, and snot and drool... for a few moments looking down into her young eyes as calm settled


- that longing as easily read all over her face as she felt it! -


Wishing it was so simple for Mikey, whom even if reassured would probably feel bad until he could check Glenn out for himself sometime.


She lets Hers and Mikey's elbows brush anyways as Donnie steps closer to give Carl a line of communication between them. "Your not scary Mikey... soft words but the rest she didn't know so left that up to Carl to offer quick words, knowing he had to go...


And anxious to see Leonardo, especially when she heard they were planning to get out there. Even in the hulking garbage truck... And hoping he would not freak out seeing her dressed like this!


Her knees were cold! But she dare not say it or even shiver and show it!


Reaching her hand from Judith to undo her hair - let the blond mess down.

Lilo smiled, she kept a close eye on April, and Maggie as she works gently she would tug and lift and wriggle and push Glenn a little so she could stitch and clean and patch and gauze was going everywhere! ripped shreds of cloths ... or rags not much left of them going off the bed to the floor and Stitch brought back another women, one of the mall members that live here for ever and was at least willing to part with some blood even after Stitch had lightly bitten her.


Lilo knew she still had new patients to see and greet and Raphael to see later, maybe playfully let him know she did see his blush! - but for now she monitored Glenn and worked hard, salving abrasions and applying arnica cream to bruising before finally at the very least getting major bleedings under control. As Maggie was going to sleep... and fearing Glenn would worry. " Good girl Maggie, you should sleep... April, set her up a drip too please, a slow drip one. Your second donor is here Glenn I am going to hook her up now I need you to try remaining awake for me until I get as much blood in you as possible." she gently urges him being professional if she was inside horrified when she began to unravel everything and do what she could to treat it. Hands, fingers, voice light and soft and mostly just encouraging words, low cause Maggie was clearly exhausted and needed sleep.


Sadly his story was not unique in that fashion. Of course her journey to the mall had near misses. When Stitch found a third person she would get him to check Maggie and bubs, April would need a drip and food and drink soon.

"Can it, Spacey." Raph snorted in response to his blushing, and humored the guy by allowing him to assist with him getting to his feet. Before they could exit the infirmary, Leo made an appearance, asking about Donnie, which Casey answered. "He camefor a wheelchair, an' Lilo left... someone's hurt..." He added.



...okay. It was obvious that something was wrong...



"What's goin' on?" He asked, and gave a nod, indication for Leo to lead the way.

Well, okay. maybe he didn't look like a total dork in the suit, but he still felt it looked way better on Erica. Not that he was trying to make a fashion statement, nor was that the suits usage for either of them. Another small nod to convey his appreciation and he leaned in to press a kiss against his baby sister's cheek, not wanting to leave her behind, but things were about to become increasingly hectic for him....


He needed to be there for Maggie, to make sure Glenn would be okay.. then off to save his girlfriend, Michonne and Eugene. He couldn't help but wish Daryl was around, and was growing worried that something bad had happened. That's the only thing that would prevent him from returning to the mall.



When Donnie offered him the radio, Carl took it with a nod and tried to one handedly clip it to his belt and after some fidgeting, succeeded.. "Thank you."


And then came the younger Turtle's fears that maybe he had sent Glenn into that mad fit of panic. Erica offered her reassurances, but knowing Glenn better than anyone here, he felt he needed to speak on his behalf.


"It wasn't you. Trust me. He went through a lot over the last couple of hours. Negan. The Sanctuary and... torture. Got away from some Cannibals. He hasn't had time to heal from any of his injuries, now has new ones... almost bled out. He went into a panic when Maggie left the cab. So.. no, it's not you. You didn't scare him." He tried to reassure...

Diana tried her best to keep the the things away from Clark. It was obvious they were having a negative effect on him.

You should head back inside. She told him. You are not well. Bruce and I can handle this. She hoped so anyway.

Bruce mentioned that he wanted to take one of the dead ones back in the lab after the fight and figure out what they were. Diana agreed. they had to study this new enemy. He also wanted to put the mall on lock down to protect those inside. Again she turned to Clark.

Can you head in and lock down the mall?

Glenn managed a small, shaky grin at Maggie's idle threat, squeezing her hand as she kissed his knuckles. "Love... love you too.." He managed, speaking difficult but she needed to know, needed to hear it again, just in case...


He was struggling with heavy eyelids but sensing her stillness and quietness worried him, stirring that sickening feeling of panic that his body couldn't fully express, or handle..


Hearing Lilo mention she was resting eased some of the tension, but it still worried him. It seemed so sudden.. was she okay??


Nodding at Lilo, determined to do his best to stay awake, even though his body wanted nothing more than to sleep. But, he knew the danger of drifting off, too afraid that if he did so, he would not wake. And he felt bad. All of these people that had to give blood in order for him to live. He would have to find some way to thank them when this was all over... pay it forward...


Eyelids flickering and fluttering, threatening to close, but he fought it. Focusing on each painful breath, giving Maggie's hand a squeeze, hoping she's okay.....

Mikko took a hold of Eugene's hand and started to guide them back the way she came in. The girls followed closely behind but Michonne had caught on to what Mikko said and wasn't ready to let it go.

We? What do you mean by we? She asked as she moved to Mikko's side while still holding on to Beth's hand. Are you one of those things? Did you make those things? Are you crazy! Her tone was still low, but she was clearly getting pissed.

I needed a distraction. I'm the only one here everyone else rushed back to the mall because Glenn needed medical treatment. so yes, having the Termites distracted with being attacked let me get your ass out of here, so how about instead of bitching at me I get a thank you instead! I could just leave you here!

The gate leading out was close now, but they were stopped. The women glaring at each other. Beth tugged on Michonne's hand trying to get them to keep moving. But then one of the walkers jumped down next right in front of Beth. The girl froze remembering what Mikko had said about movement.

The newly created creature sniffed at Beth and deciding that she was a meal let out a that now familiar shriek. Mikko threw herself on top of the walker knocking them both down and sending them rolling once away from the small group.

Taking the opportunity to get the hell out of there Michonne grabbed both Beth and Eugene's hands and ran out the gate with them leaving the screaming and horrible shrieking behind. She kept running until she spotted the van. That must be the ride she came here in. Thank god! We can get the fuck out of here, find Daryl and get back to the mall. You two ok?

Beth nodded. She said they went to get Glenn medical attention. So he's alive.
She smiled. They'er all alive. Beth hugged Eugene tightly. [color=#0000FF][b]See, Glenn's like a bouncy ball. I knew he would be fine.

Lexi Davis wrote:

Lexi couldn't help but chuckle at Laz' rambling, and shook her head when he asked if he was nerding out."Maybe a little, but I think it's adorable.." She told him, leaning in to press a kiss against his forehead. "Handsome and geeky... I think I hit the jackpot." She winked, reaching to gently pinch his cheek.


"Okay, I'm going to get that shower, then we shall explore." And she scooted the sleeping bundle closer to Laz to watch, then placed the plate on the nightstand before carefully standing up. She was still sore, but knew laying around wasn't going to accomplish anything. She had never been one to just laze around. "You up to watching Kai for a few minutes?" And she knew he wouldn't mind, but it was only polite to ask....

Laz was all smiles at her kiss and pinches. He nuzzled a kiss against against her temple then carefully placed Kai on his chest to sleep. Don't mind at all.We will bond while you shower. You take your time.

He pulled the blankets over the baby covering his bottom half. Tucking a pillow behind his own head and getting comfortable. He so wanted to make a cheeky joke about if she needed help in the shower to let him know. Or that if she needed company he could help her out with that. But he wasn't that smooth. Plus she asked him to watch Kai which meant she obviously did not want him invading her shower time. Though she could be one of those women who would wait for the man to make the bold move. oh he hoped not. So much pressure!