New Beginnings *6 years later* (December)

Maggie returned the affection and did as Glenn said. She hurried to the truck and waited for the others.

Once Michonne was free she helped with Daryl and got him on his feet then went with him to the truck as well. I have to get Carl. I'll be back.

Mikko didn't want to leave the others but Laz needed help now. He was going to need blood fast. Stitch, we have to get Laz to a doctor. I can give him blood but we need to hurry.

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Abby did not like the idea of having her hand cut off and started to freak out. No! You can't cut off my hand!

Carl felt the ha ds that were trying to remove him from their leader, each Savior too afraid that any attempt to dispatch him would result in the ruler's demise...

Pulling the blade from Negan's chest, he drove it in again, and again, and again...as his strength began fading....the world around him becoming blurry...a calming heat creeping over him, despite the harsh cold....


*-*-*-*-*-*

Dwight was trying to stay concious, a sense of relief when Sherry was released, and she came to him...freeing him. It took everything to muster the strength to embrace her, unsure if he would be making it out of here...

Negan couldn't even fight back as he was stabbed over and over again. everything around him began to fade and he knew that this was it. He looked over and spotted a showdy figure. Death. She waited for him. Then everything was still and quite as he passed away.

------

Sherry tried to pull Dwight to his feet. Come on. You have to make it to the truck and we can get out of here. Mikko can give you blood. You just have to hold on.

Feeling Negan's body go limp, Carl could let go....

...he could let go...

Standing had become impossible and he collapsed in the snow, dark red blood pouring from the numerous gunshot wounds that had ripped through arteries and vital organs...

Struggling to breathe, the world becoming blurry but he still tried to look around him, needing the closure that his people would make it to safety...that Judith would be okay, even if she would have to do that without him....


-*-*-*-*-

Daryl did not want to let Michonne go alone, but he knew that arguing wouldn't get him anywhere, and someone needed to get Carl...

"Be careful..."

Michonne hurried back to Carl. She noticed Negan then Carl on the ground.

Carl! She knelt down next to him and saw that he wasn't doing good. He was fading fast and probably wouldn't make it out of there alive. She took his hand in hers.

Everything is going to be ok. She told him. We're going to be ok.

Death returned again. Carl would be only the one to see her though. She didn't return alone this time instead she had Rick and Beth with her. The three of them watch on and waited.

Judith hurried as fast as her little legs would carry her, finally reaching the prison. She swung open the door and headed inside, her gaze shifting from one cell to the other...

There never was a question in her mind of who should be released, and who shouldn't. No one deserved to burn to death...that seemed like a terrible way to exit this world...

By the looks on everyone's faces, they were all aware that the community was under attack, and an inferno was claiming most of it....


"Bad people have come here. I'm going to let you all out. You can either help us, or run. But please don't hurt my people. Whatever your crimes before this, you help us and it will set you on the right path..." And she began unlocking the cells, one by one...


"Don't make me regret this..."

Fortunately for Dwight, he was unaware of what was happening with Carl, otherwise he would have stayed back and tried to help, even though in his condition, he would be no hope to anyone.

As it was, it took everything he had to make it to his feel, even with Sherry's assistance. The world was spinning, the excruciating pain unbearable, but he had to push through it. As much as he wanted to rest, he knew that wasn't an option.

Blood poured from his wounds as they slowly made their way toward the truck, trying his best not to put too much of his weight on Sherry, feeling doubtful that he would make it the entire distance....

Daryl saw his condition and moved in to help Sherry, fighting back his own pain...


The loss of the Savior's leader, coupled with the assault of the roadblade and the warriors of their community began to drive the Saviors away. Arat ordered a hasty retreat as the houses began falling from the trees, sending fiery rain down around them...

When Judith came in Joker stood up and walked close to the cell door. His plan was to try and negotiate his way out of there but to his surprise he didn't have to! The kid opened up their cells and told them they were free to go.

Eye eye little captain. Joker responded.

He took a hold of Ally's hand and ran out there with her. it was when they were out that he saw what was really happening. Everything was on fire and people were dead.

Looks like we missed one hell of a party.

There was a calming, warm sense of relief seeing Michonne's face- the woman that had been the closest thing he would know to a mother after having to put his own down. His bloody fingers interlocked with hers, comforted by her closeness...

His breathing was heavy, vision becoming blurry and heavy eyelids fluttering against his best efforts. He knew that he would not be leaving treetop with the others. This was where his journey would end, but he had taken out their biggest threat. His people would hopefully know a time of peace.


There would be so much he would miss. Seeing Judith grow up was at the forefront of his mind, but at least she would have a chance to grow up without the threat of Negan looming overhead...


He could see Death, accompanied wit his father and Beth, and his failing heart felt the last bit of joy that his physical form would ever know. He spared them a weak smile, then shifted his attention to Michonne. The same, weak smile stretched across his features.

His hand gave hers a weak squeeze, and he managed a small nod.

"You will be. And them. Because ... you will lead them..." His voice was weak and raspy, the gathering blood in his throat causing violent coughs. There was a long pause, knowing that Judith was a little leader in the making, but he had been a child himself when leadership had fallen upon his shoulders. Judith was 7, younger than he was when he had taken over.


"You'll..have help. Judith. One day...it...it will be her time. But.. not now." He swallowed thickly, trying to keep his throat clear of the intrusive blood, at least for a moment longer.

"Please... take care of her, Michonne. She's lost so much...."

Michonne gave his hand a squeeze and nodded her head. OF course she would take the role of leader. She would help their family find a safe home and when Carl asked her to take care of Judith there was no question that she would do that too.

She'll be well taken care of. You don't have to worry about her. You can rest.

Michonne fought back her own tears not wanting Carl's last moments to be with her crying. She wanted to stay strong for him.

There was more he wanted to say, messages that he wished could be given to those close to him, but his time was coming to a close. Judith would be taken care of, he knew that Michonne and Daryl would take care of her as if she was their own.

"Thank you."


He had achieved so much in the twenty one years given to him. He had survived childhood in the outbreak. Became a young leader. Built a functioning community, and while treetop had been lost, his people would go on. He had made the ultimate sacrifice for them. His job was done here.


His lips quivered as he spared one last weak smile at Michonne, knowing she was fighting an inward battle with her emotions. He gave her hand another weak squeeze and met her gaze.

"Love you, Michonne. Remind Judith...I love her, too. Don't...don't ever let her forget that...."


He could feel his body giving up on him. The blood loss and failing organs taking their toll. His eye fluttered as he took his last breath, and with his final exhale, his hand went limp in hers. He was gone.

Leaving the confines of his body, his soul was reunited with his father and the love of his life. He wouldn't have to face this world without her, after all. He embraced Beth first, a long lingering hug and kiss, then wrapped his arms around his father. He had longed for this moment for years. His heart ached for those he would leave behind, but when the time was right, they would be reunited. His time had ended, but their stories would go on.

Even after Carl was gone Michonne stood by his side. She finally let the tears fall but knew there was little time to morn. She also knew she would have to make sure Carl didn't rise again as one of the undead. She wouldn't leave that to Judith. She would take care of that deed.

Grabbing a pistol from a nearby body she quickly put one bullet in Carl's head.

It broke her heart to have to do it. To see him lying there. But she had to pull herself together. She had to find Judith and get everything out of there. Lean over and planting a kiss against his cheek she finally stood up and began her search for Judith.

-----------------------

Beth returned the hug holding him tightly. and Rick did the same. Death began to walk them all to the afterlife. You did well, Carl. Come, it's time to enjoy your eternity.

Glenn had witnessed Negan's downfall, but due to the deceased Saviors and members of their own community turning into walkers, he would miss the severity of Carl's situation.

He waa busy dispatching the undead while Michonne comforted Carl in his final moments. He was turning his attention to Negan's body, driving his blade deep into his skull, and that's when the gunshot happened. His gaze shifted in Michonne's direction, shocked by what he had witnessed, but their would be little time for questions...

Judith had returned, pausing in her tracks as she watched Michonne moving away from her brother's lifeless body....


"Carl?" She called out to him, but Glenn wrapped an arm around her and pulled her back....his own confused, and tearful gaze meeting Michonne... seeing her tears confirmed his fears..

Michonne walked up to the two, wiping at her face trying her best to be strong for Judith. At first she couldn't find the words and only shook her head.

I'm sorry... She finally managed after some time. He died taking out Negan. He went out saving us all. His last words was that he loved you, Judith. And I promised him that nothing would happen to you. So we need to get out of here so that his sacrifice wasn't in vane,

It had been crazy and Lilo barely processed many had died, she didn't give a hoot about Negan to be honest - or his people, though she feared letting them go free. Still nothing to do for that now she realizes and finally with the rest of the Saviours on the run and Stitch being flagged and helping who he could into the truck She can give attention to Abby.


" We need Stitch - Abby you have two choices about your hand - keep it and turn. Loose it and maybe escape turning" gently as possible to her calling out once she sees a small bluish shape moving about.


Grabbign the RoadBlades UHF speaker again her voice strained and croaky from emotions but loud enough for all to hear even over the noise of the fires and things falling about and the hubbub. " TreeToppers and guests -" meaning the prisoner. " This is Lilo, please if not hurt help those more injured and gather into the truck, Hurry! More dead will sense the warmth of these fires, hear the noise and be on their way as well as animals and we can't trust that those Saviours wont think about returning and acting vengefully."


So much senseless loss, they actually could have avoided this if they had left the tree houses in the first place. Anger blazed through her but she forces it away, it was a pointless emotion now and as Leo says does not help you, gives you away to your fears. She was going to have to triage with Lexie and Stitch as best she could until they found help, it was too late for many, everything happened too fast. Still help would be welcomed for transportation and medical care. But they will meet that on the road.


Stitch is helping and or in the case of Joker and Ally and others pushing towards the truck to get the heck in when Lilo calls over to him. Leaving the others now Lilo had given loud instructions he grabs a burning branch and drags it over to where Lilo wanted him the heat of the branch behind him - intending to us it to begin burning some of the bodies. But after whatever Lilo had planned for him. She points at Addy's hand and he understands, he looks at Addy figuring Lilo would have given her her options and waits for her yes or no - gently reaching for her with two of his arms.


Who needs a saw when you have his powerful jaw and study looking but sharp teeth? And also the blaster? He takes it from Lilo and readies it, once there is a go ahead he'll use the fact he is fire proof to prevent further injury to the child and blast off the hand, at least it would be a cauterized wound but it will still be very very painful!


Lilo takes over trying to usher people into the back of the truck kicking burning wood and thatching and stuff onto the dead, blasting one undead. Moving towards Judith. " AssKicker?" her voice shook and she opens arms out for the girl feeling terrible for her loss and in time to hear Michonne announce they had to go, and encase none of them heard her announcement over the UHF " the truck is in good condition... I need someone to drive the blade, if we get out on the highway back towards the old Mall we will meet whoever Leo sent to help out - Stitch and I will need to tend to the most injured and still live in the truck.... get everyone in who wants to go." Trying not to cry, and she was good at it but it was hard. She didn't see eye to eye with Carl on a lot of things but they'd formed a good friendship and at least trust and she was going to miss him. And knew Erica would be devastated at the news too.

The joker found a car that wasn't in use and opened the door pushing Ally inside the passenger side. He then got into the drivers seat and started the car. He had no intention of helping anyone, he was getting the hell out of there!

Buckle up.

He told his new compaion and drove off kicking snow up behind him. He peeled out of Treetop and headed down the road as fast as the car would go.

Abby could clearly see the infection starting to take over her arm if she didn't do something about it soon she was dead. But the thought of letting them cut off her arm was horrifying! She remembered seeing LAz getting his arm chopped off and how much it looked like it hurt. And how was she suppose to do things with just one hand.

Her thoughts were intrupted by Sandy who grabbed her and held her hand out. The two girls struggled a little but Sandy held her tight.

You have to let them do this! Sandy told her. As she held out Abby's arm for them.

JUST HURRY AND DO IT!!!!!! Abby screamed. She was already preparing herself for the pain that would come and was already in hysterics.

This wasn't real. It couldn't be. Carl was the strongest person she knew, how could he die?! The world seemed to have stood still in that moment, her teary gaze fixated in the direction of her brother's lifeless form. It was too much to take in. It was hard enough losing Beth, her mother figure...but now her brother, who had been so much more....

"No.." She whispered sorrowfully, trying to restrain the tears, but a few evaded her best efforts. She heard what Michonne was saying, but it was still hard to process. She needed for Carl to stick around and tell her these things!


"I didn't get to say goodbye..." She choked back a sob as Lilo approached, and she ran into the embrace, hugging her tightly. She tried to fight back the tears, but her heart ached beyond anything she had ever experienced...

Glenn had never been good at hiding his emotions. Still, he tried to wipe at the tears as they fell. As Hershel always said 'We all have jobs to do ' and there was a lot to be done. Several of their people were badly injured. Laz was near death, and Dwight had taken what should have been a killing blow to the skull.

Hearing that Lilo needed someone to drive the roadblade sparked a tinge of suppressed enthusiasm. He had been wanting to be behind the wheel of that vehicle ever since it made it's first appearance.

"I can drive it." His tone was laden with the grief they all were feeling. Tonight, their lives had changed forever.

Lilo caught Judith and hugged the girl tightly, so tightly. " I know... I am sooo sorry... maybe... if you like we can burn him just to be sure there is no returning in a bad way and say au revoir... or goodbye until we meet again..." it was unnecessary she knew, and it would take a few moments out of the precious few that they had left to gather and get going and her to treat people, but just a couple for Judith, and they both knew there was no point to burning on top of being shot through the head but - it was a way for Judith to do something, one last thing for her brother and maybe get the tiniest sliver of closure she could. Anything. Only if she'd like to of course.



A nod at Glenn. " thanks when Stitch is finished with Addy he could show you how to operate the Blade, it's easy but unless you know how just a heap of junk." she is still hugging Judith, not making promises of any sort she couldn't keep just holding. And not hiding her tears.


~~~~


Stitch is careful to warp his furry body about the rest of Addy's arm and take careful aim, Then fired the blaster, it would obliterate the hand and up the arm to where he estimated he needed to go to halt the progression, vaporizing the flesh and muscle and bone alike, it would hurt like a burn of the worst sort - not to him of course he was blast proof. Hence why he wrapped about her to protect Addy and Sandy from the blast. Also firing at the car that sped past expecting Addy to faint or pass out the stump cauterized from the blasting and for that he is glad, no bleeding, he licks the end to give it his own version of antiseptic before dropping off. The car wasn't too hurt by the blast, but the wheel was leaking he knew so he hoped that whoever that jerk Joker forced with him would at least have a chance to choose to go with or not.

Abby let out a loud scream that scared some of the other kids. In the end she did end up passing out due to the pain and shock. Sandy caught her and let her her lay on the floor. She felt bad for her friend but was also glad that it wasn't her.

After Abby was taken care of Sandy went to sit back down next to Noah.

Logan held on tightly to Lexi and Evelyn sat staring at out the window at the fire that had consumed everything.

It was time to go. The fire had already caught the attention of the infected animals and distant screams of the special infected could be heard. They had to leave.

Michonne heard the screams. She remembered hearing that at Terminus it was the walkers that Mikko had turned. They were close they needed to get out of the area now. She didn't want to leave Carl behind but they had little choice.

We have to go now. There's no time to burn bodies. We can come back later and take care of the bodies, those things are getting close and we have to be out of here before they get here. I'm so sorry, Judith but we have to go now.

Things were bad. Several of their community were badly injured and probably wouldn't make the trip to their new Sanctuary. Laz was unconscious, and Gabriel was trying to wake him. Daryl was keeping a close eye on the man's breathing, just in case it stopped....he would have to be dealt with. Daryl hoped it wouldn't come to that. To die without his wife closeby.

Then there was Dwight. The guy had been shot through the chest, and taken a hard blow to the head with a barbed bat. A lot of damage had been done. The risk of brain swelling and death were there. He was sitting with Sherry, his face buried against her shoulder. It was hard to tell if he was conscious or not...but at least he was still breathing....but the amount of blood that he was losing was concerning....

"Dwight..." There was no response...

Daryl's gaze shifted to Sherry. "Try to keep 'im awake. If he has brain swellin'..might not wake back up..." And there was a chance that could happen now.

And just in case, he slid a knife over to Sherry. If his heart stopped, he had to be dealt with before he turned...

Daryl's own bleeding had slowed, but moving was excruciating...

...and the screams of tbe fast ones I dictated that things were about yo get a lot worse. Gabriel poked his head out and frantically gestured for the others to get a move on!


-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*

Judith finally relinquished the hug, wiping at her eyes. The thought of having to burn her brother was upsetting, but a better option than leaving him to the walkers and animals...

"I want to bury him. And Beth. Next to Dad...' But then came the blood curling screams of the super walkers, adding even more urgency. Hearing Michonne, she wanted to argue. Wanted to demand that Carl's body be taken with them, but stalling for him and risking those still living would go against her brother's sacrifice.

"Just promise we will come back for him. And Beth."

Michonne knelt down and placed a hand on Judith's shoulder.

I promise we'll come back for them. But we have to leave before those walkers get here. We're in no shape to fight them off.

She stood up and lead the others to the vehicles. She climbed into the truck and waited to drive off.

--------

Sherry took the knife but hoped that she wouldn't have to use it. SHe spoke to Dwight trying to keep him awake. Letting him know that they were leaving and that he was going to be ok. Help would come soon he just needed to hold on a little longer.

A lot of people were going to need her blood and Mikko hoped that she would be able to help everyone. Her mind was also on Anton, with Negan dead how was she going to get Anton back? Was he even still at Sanctuary? How was she going to find him? So much was going on she didn't even have time to fully processes Eugene's death.

Then the screams were heard. She knew what that was. She remembered when she was infected and had created the screamers it sounded like they had thrived and multiplied and now where headed their way.

Mikko poked her head out of the truck in time to see one of the screamers leap out of the flames and jump at Judith. He he was followed by others. screaming and leaping quickly through the fire attacking the vehicles trying to get in.