Hollow Heroes [Open to all]

Hearing Bruce's explanation and witnessing him put away the drug, Glenn tried to calm himself. Still, this day had been full of close calls and nerves were on edge, not to mention fatigue and illness intensifying everything. And Maggie... she needed to be in bed and not out here, upset like she was.


With a defeated sigh, he finally plopped down in the chair, reaching to pull Maggie into his lap. If they were staying for this meeting, he just wanted her close....


"I don't blame you. And I know you don't know me, but if I was infected.. I would take care of it myself. There's no way I would ever put them in danger..."

Maggie slid on Glenn's lap and leaned against him. She rest her head against his shoulder and folded her arms across herself. She would have loved to stay up and hear what was going on. But truth was, she was hurting, she was tired, she was even hungry but she honestly felt too sick to eat. Finally at ease in Glenn's arms she closed her eyes and was soon asleep.

Leo: Leo smiled softly, nodding. "Yes, I'm Leo. And...you are...?" He was asking politely, of course. He wanted to know her name so he could address her properly. He followed her down the hall, still trying to brush off his irritation of Bruce. The definitely didn't get off on the right foot, but Leo was convinced this was Bruce's problem, and not theirs. Not Leo nor his brothers - not even his friends. Bruce just did not rub him the right way, anymore. This little stunt he pulled in Leo's room definitely confirmed his concerns.


Erica: She could tell there was still some irritation, something about the controlled measured strides of the big blue wearing turtle told her this, and name now confirmed Erica nods a half grin hoping some humor from her would ease some of the annoyance, and her own. " my names Erica, I fought with your brother Mikey and... friend? Casey - almost shot him." She adds this but sheepishly, finding the bug turtle settled into a stride she could match leading him towards Carl's family room. "How long have you and your family been here?... Saw a red wearing one of you much earlier... Very lovely shell -" she let her step falter to catch a glimpse of his sell, "and yours too!" Skipping a couple of hops to fall back into stride with him.


Leo: Leo smiled even more. "Yes. Casey is a good friend of ours. He and his wife April help us out when...we can't do things humans can." And he left it at that. "We just got here, yesterday. We were reunited with Casey, April, and our father." It was so great to see them again. It was still so surreal about what had happened in the last 24 hours for him. Some good, some bad...and then some really bad. Leo didn't want to think about that right now, though. He smiled at the compliment about his shell. "Thank you." He couldn't help but blush as she checked out his shell. "My...my brother in red is Raphael."


Erica: She listened moving her bow to her shoulder slinging it across her body and then the bows went away, hunting ones she had to step high to slip them into her boot but managed the move without falling and a sip more she was back in stride with him, "always lived turtle shell jewelry... Uh that is the patterns never brought any as I find the killing of them abhorrent unless its food food and sustainable. Uh not that I am swing your food..." She blushes now and grins totally abashed, "sorry.. I am sounding weird. ... Your shells are much lovelier on you and your brother. Raphael - yes recall Bruce saying that earlier now forgot it in all this excitement since... Uuum so the name of the one in purple is? -" curiously noting he had blushed too. Maybe that's why she had fumbled a bit? Though it had not happened before - she had teased Daryl when he blushed. "You blush nice," yep, now teasing Leo a bit too, trying to sort of cover her own blush at her rambling.


Leo: Leo continued to blush at her compliments...and her ramblings. It was cute. And so was she. "His name is Donatello. And my full first name is Leonardo." Then he smiled softly. "We hardly go by our full names except for Master Splinter addressing us." He sure didn't mind her calling him 'Leo', though. "I-uh...just wanted to tell you that." He blushed a little again before continuing. "So," he cleared his throat once. "How long have you been around here?" He decided to stick to small talk. It would be less embarrassing to both of them and it might spare any awkward moments for now.


Erica: "Master Splinter?" Erica puzzled for a moment, then sounds out the names fully, "Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello and Michelangelo... poetic - heavy names too coming from such well know artists and thinkers of their day... But you all wear them well." She smiles looking up at him as they turned towards the line of floor level doors, "I got here last night too, with the a couple of the people of the group I came looking for Bruce - and now taking you too," she explains a grin, "thanks for sharing, sadly my name is just the short, Erica. Certainly less poetic."


Leo: Leo smiled softly at her. "It's still a beautiful name. Erica..." Then his curiosity was piqued when she mentioned she came with some people looking for Bruce. "I get the feeling you don't think much of Bruce either, huh?"


Erica: Her turn to blush and looking a little surprised he said it, so genuinely - like Carl earlier calling her beautiful... Of course she had heard beautiful before... and stop believe cause then she would be hurt.. But Carl, Leo... certainly made her blush at their honesty and she actually believed them. "Thank you.. honestly never thought so myself..." She grins then it fades and her face takes on a small pout of thought, "I honestly don't know the man enough to judge fairly - but his actions with you and Donatello was... arrogant... silly... rude... that's not how you treat people if you wish to lead them. Or reassure them what you wish to provide is safe. Or in fact works. Your brother is right he is just looking to use people as testers... without actual consent." She finishes then shrugs. "though this world is more suited to tyrants, pirates and dictators rather than leaders, but still." Erica a sigh, "no don't think much of him right now - you?"


Leo: "Same. Something seems really off with him. I can't put my finger on it, though." Leo shrugged, shaking his head. "He really rubs me the wrong way. Especially this morning after Raph got hurt."He sighed softly. "Have you...ever really known someone who was bitten by one of those things out there?"


Erica: Erica nods, "I can see why - even continued his attitude after your brother offered help to him.... can he help ....? Your brother that is... Can he help Bruce?" She looks curious at this then cautious at Leo's question, unsure how best to answer for a moment, then she decides " my father..."


Leo: Leo looked at her quizzically. He hadn't really thought about that. "Donnie? I really don't know. I doubt Bruce would let him close enough for Don to really be able to check him over." Though it would be nice if they could catch such a break so Don could maybe figure out what was going on with the man. Leo was familiar with this person through the comic books. This wasn't Bruce's true behavior. Unless the comics got it wrong. Leo decided not to let that thought linger right now. Erica's answer gave him pause. "Oh. I'm sorry." He felt bad for bringing it up now. He could tell by Erica's response, that it was a difficult subject for her to talk about. He didn't want to put her through that again. "You don't have to tell me more if you don't want to." Although he was curious if there was much hope for Raph. At this point, Leo wasn't sure.


Erica: Erica watches Leo and nods a small smile, "I hope so I feel that I should help more around here myself seeing as he did save me and Carl... Or at least arrived in time to help not have Carl's head smashed in - don't know if I could have shot the man before the bat finished its arc..." She shrugs a little and the next bit... it was uncomfortable and still hurt a lot and made her sad, but also she sort of sensed what Leo was hoping for, some reassurance... " I -" she hesitates... did she have a right to reassure? " I caught... some glimpses of what was going on with you and your brothers... if one got bit - I... I am sorry... but in the early days I do recall a few were saved if amputations happened fast enough... so maybe there is luck and hope." She shuffles her feet she had reached for the door knob and now paused her fingers on it but not going in. "My dad though... it would not have saved him..." other hand tightened on her bow briefly. "He fell back to give us flee time ... And the... the horde got him and... and" she had to take a breath fingers falling away from the door. "... the screaming...his and theirs I put an arrow in his eye - my regret is I had not done it quicker... maybe - if she had been spared hearing his pain... mum might have -" she stops taking, shaking her head. " lets hope your brother was luckier."


Leo: Leo nodded. It was a little reassuring to hear that maybe Don's quick decision to have Raph's arm amputated might have saved him. He still hated having to be the one to swing the sword for that reason. In Leo's mind, there would never be a justified answer for him to do that. [color=#0000FF]"I...I did that for him,"[b][color=#0000FF] was Leo's quiet reply about the amputation. [b]"I hope it was enough to save him." He sighed heavily and looked at Erica, hearing her story and absolutely horrified by what she experienced and losing her father that way. [b]"I'm so sorry, Erica." He took her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. He couldn't imagine if that happened to Master Splinter. Having lost contact indefinitely with Splinter had been bad enough. Leo was very glad for the reunion. With Erica...there was no way to bring her father back. This was completely different to Leo's own experience. He didn't know how to comfort Erica with this horrible situation.


[color=#1E90FF]Erica: It was a curious sensation her hand in that of this very big mutant turtle, and she was equally pleasantly surprised by the tenderness - even in the squeeze, "... I ... thank you... I'm sorry you had to swing the blade, the.. the self blame... It... never gets easier to carry." She admits, "even if your forced to do it more than once..." Her fingers squeeze his, "you can only balance that guilt with some gladness and self appreciation you were strong enough to ... to give your brother a chance, a slim one maybe but a chance, you know?" Leaving it to Leo to lead the way into the room when he was ready.


Leo: Leo hadn't exactly realized what he had just done when he took her hand. He was tempted to pull it away when she squeezed his hand back. Instead of doing that, he smiled softly at her. "I know." Then he let her hand go and headed into the room.


Erica: Erica a small grin - and she followed Leo into the room -




- though it faded hearing Bruce's words and she answers cooly from the door way. "Well Leo and I am here now - and things are better discussed sooner than later or put off - and put off again... and again..." She was quick to look about the room and take in all that were there.

Bruce was still ready to leave. But Carl insisted he stay and then soon after Erica came in with one of the turtles, of course. He turned to the two and raised a brow.

I'm certain these doors lock when they're shut. He said and pushed passed them to inspect the door.

Also he found it rude that they didn't even knock before entering.

I hate to be difficult. but Leo isn't invited to this meeting. I will however speak to the turtles later.

" Your not being difficult - you are being  complete and total asshole - 'talk to them later' why? so you can pick and choose what is said here - that may in fact concern them - and give them a second hand account of just what you wish to tell them? their brother with the pretty shell went down fighting for this place, they deserve someone of theirs right here too." Her voice was like ice now and she glares. " Get over it."

Actually. Bruce said standing up. As this is my place. And I have simply allowed the turtles to live here, the only rights they have, are the rights that I say they have. Yes, they fought to save this place, that wont go unnoticed. But here, tonight, right now, is not the time or place for them to be. You have no say in the matter. I'm not sure why you've taken such a personal interest in them all of a sudden, and I don't care. There are issues that need to be discussed. Both with these people and with your turtles. I will speak to everyone, separately. If anyone here has an issue with how I run things. I will not stop anyone from leaving. Am I understood? And if you continue to act as you are, then I'll have to ask you to leave myself.

Daryl, having finished up cleaning the soup mess out of the bedroom, returned just in time to hear Glenn explaining to Bruce that he wouldn't put them in danger. He could only assume that this was over the bite. Not that he blamed Bruce, and it seemed Glenn didn't either He was being cautious, they both understood that..


And the Hunter shadowed Carl's sentiment as he plopped the saturated towel into the sink with a splat. This meeting needed to happen tonight. And as if on cue, Erica arrived, along with one of the mutant Turtles he had seen earlier. It was still shocking to see mutants, especially ones so big, but hearing Bruce's rejection, and the blonde reminding the guy that one of them went down fighting, Daryl gave a nod.


"You should let 'im stay." He told Bruce. "They're fighters... one went down protectin' this place. You want this place to come together... and it's gonna take everyone workin' together, you gotta include... can't separate..."

Leo was trusting Bruce less and less with each passing moment, but if only one of them could make it to the meeting, then it should be Erica.  Leo wasn't going to deny her that information.  Putting a hand on Erica's shoulder, he spoke softly but firmly.  

"Erica, it's okay.  Go ahead and stay for the meeting."  Then he looked up at Bruce, eyes narrowing.  "I might not know exactly what's going on, but I WILL find out one way or another."  Then he backed out of the room.  He wouldn't go far so he could still hear what's going on, though.  He heard Daryl trying to convince Bruce to let him stay, but Leo wouldn't make a move to get back into the room unless Bruce asked him.

He was still grateful for Daryl sticking up for him, though. He would have to properly thank him later.

Then Daryl spoke up, saying the turtle should stay? what was this!? Did nothing he say mean anything anymore!? Had he compleatly lost control of his own home? Everyone else did as told, no questions asked, no argument. No hesitation. Who did these people think they were? Like they knew better then them? He was the god damn Batman! He put away the worse of the worse! The greatest detective in the world! He knew what he was doing!

Bruce turned to Daryl. The country hillbilly who's mother was proabaly his sister or something.

There was a distinct look in Bruce's eyes. Not emptyness. a madness perhaps. His mind racing on how he could take back control. The control that in reality, he never lost.

Slowly he nodded his head and took a seat at the kitchen table. But the air around him had changed. He was quiet now, as he waited for the discussion to start.

Erica seethed with anger and her eyes never faltered from Bruces, cold as flints of ice, boring into that of the sick man. Something reflected back - she was not sure what not knowing the man well enough to judge.

Though Leo's hand broke the glare and she looks back and up at him, listening watching him back out - though her voice was not the only one to object. " You came all this way might as well stay in now, and Daryl and I are right, you should be here." And she had retrieved the man as she said she would so so gestures for Carl and Daryl to say what had to be said. In any case if Bruce insisted on keeping the turtles out she would tell Leonardo what was said.


"Might as well come in... uh one of you was hurt - should I come by and see him?" Lilo adds, Bruce was sitting back down so she was gently pushing the mug and the pain pills towards him, before moving to get some for Maggie, try and temp her to eat. Offering her a mug and some soup.... then realizing she was asleep and smiling - sooo offering it to Glenn instead.

Still Lockheed wavered on her shoulder, and Stitch kept close, in full alien mode as he felt the tension was still in the air.

Bruce was going to turn down the offered pills and drink at first. But like everything else. His say was no longer law here. He had lost all control. He lost his city. His friends, his enemies. His identity.

He finally tossed the medicine in his mouth washing them down with the water. He didn't even ask what he was taking. It didn't matter.

He just wished they would get to the point of all this so he could leave.

Love found a little spot in the garden area and sat down with her new rodent friends. she picked them up and set a few on top of her head. Man she was bored. She had taken a peek at what was happening in Negan's town, the horses she left him she used to spy on the town. Some woman was having herself a bit of fun. She thought about heading over there, but nah.

Love reached down and grabbed a smaller mouse by the tail and dangled it above her. She then opened her mouth wide, dropping the poor creature in her maw and eating the rodent in one bite.

maybe I should break my rule and find a partner in crime. she spoke to the rats. Not all of these living beings are totally hideous. what do you guys think?

Her question was answered with squeaks and noses that twitched in the air.

So that settles it. I'll start taking applications for company. She grabbed another mouse and like the other, ate that one as well with a loud crunch.

that's what he needed some hysterical girl. It's fine. Everything is fine. Trust me, you leave from here you'll only see more dead people.

He went with the girls to their room of choice and got them comfortable.

Ok you guys are good now right. I think I did my good deeds for a life time.

" No Lydia is right this place isn't safe it already got attacked once by another group it will happen again. The Walkers aren't the most dangerous things it's other humans, mutants and everything else. We need to leave as soon as possible when my legs are a bit better. I'm not just gonna sit here to be attacked again with that group out there." Mel said her mind already made up feeling that this mall wasn't as safe as Bruce made it seem or the area around it.

Finally. Erica was here with one of those huge Turtle people and it seemed that things could finally get underway. Though, the teen did worry about Maggie and how quickly she had fallen asleep. Maybe she should be in bed.. and Glenn. Those two were stubborn. There was no more time for delays. Shifting his gaze to look at Bruce and trying to make eye contact with the guy, he still noticed all the signs. His father had been there. Had nearly lost his grip on reality. He had dealt with this before....



"As I was saying... Negan has tanks. You want to believe that this building can take an attack, but there's nothing... nothing that cannot be destroyed." He told the guy, almost certain that his arrogance would get in the way once again. Hoping against hope they could just discuss this and set better plans into motion...



"Even if it was indestructible... if those fences come down and the Walkers come in, the people in here are sitting ducks. The food will run out, and everyone will starve." He tried to explain as calmly as he could. Bruce would be spared of attitude unless he piped up again with rude backlash. In all honesty, recognizing those crazed signs strongly reminded him of his father... he had no idea what trauma Bruce had gone through, but to slip this far...



"You want to blame us for bringing Negan here... maybe we did. Maybe he followed us. But what does it matter? He's not only attacking to get at us. Sooner or later, he'sgoing to make his demands. Half of what you own, or he will kill people. And...I know you're thinking it doesn't matter. You have a building full of super people and mutants with abilities and he's... human. But, he's evil. All it will take is him getting his hands on one non-super that you love.. and he'll have you where he wants you. He tried to kill Glenn. Killed my dad.. and he'll try to control this place. There are also giant Rats that are apparently taking women for some reason. There are Cannibals. You think you know everything that's out there.... but judging by how little the majority of your people know as far as defending themselves, it's safe to say you don't know what it's like out there. It's a safe bet that you're overly confident that this building will remain standing.... but... you're wrong..."



And he gave that a moment to sink in, noting that dejected, defeated look on Bruce's face. "No one is trying to overthrow you... but...this is bigger than you. We've been out there. We've lived without the protection of walls. We've come close to becoming feral. We've fallen... we've picked ourselves back up. Let us help you." He told the guy, speaking with a maturity well beyond his years, his voice echoing that of a very old soul.

Glenn wrapped his arms around Maggie as she sat in his lap, her head resting against his good shoulder. One arm wrapped around her waist and his free hand slipping beneath her shirt to gently rub and massage her back as he nuzzled soft kisses against her head.


He was also concerned by how quickly she had fallen asleep, but then again, they hadn't had much time to rest.... and she was supposed to be on bed rest. She was sick and injured and had a 'condition' and it was his job to make it okay. And it was moments like this that he felt completely powerless, but until his dying breath, his existence would be dedicated to making this world as bearable as he possibly could... for her. She would never have to question if she was loved or adored or worshipped. She was his world, and the reason this meeting was more important than the bed, despite his body wanting nothing more than to shut down.


Offering a faint smile and nod in thanks to Lilo, he took the meds and shoved them deep into his pants pocket and would give them to Maggie one she woke....



His own eyes began to flutter as the meeting finally got underway, and he gave Maggie a gentle squeeze, resting his forehead against cheek against her. Listening and inwardly proud of Carl's words...even if the kid hated him. A part of Rick shown through in that moment, and warm tears burned at the backs of hidden eyes.

Bruce never once turned to look at Carl while he spoke. But he listened to every word that was said. The mall was safe. He was 100% sure of that. Once all the mall's defenses were deployed nothing would get in. Not tanks, not bombs, nothing man made would be able to make a dent in the mall's armor. He was sure about that. More then sure. He would bet his life on it.

But carl was right about not being prepared for the long run. Even fully safe in the mall. they would run out of food. they may even run out of water. If this Negan had the sense to and ability to get to the roof and take out the solar panels they would lose electricity as well. He did have generators that would get them through for a while. Maybe long enough for those of them with powers to eliminate Negan.

Finally Bruce looked over at the young boy and spoke.

I agree with some of what you've said. with the buildings full defenses up. Nothing can get in. Nothing man made anyway. even under the mall is reinforced with the inertron. So nothing can dig under us. So, as far as enemies. Human or not getting inside, it wont happen. I can promise you that. I can swear it.

But...You are right, Carl. He said sounding defeated in his tone.

There isn't enough food for everyone. I have water, but even that could run out. And even if there was enough supplies to last us all for years, hiding away in a locked down mall only makes us prisoners to our enemies.

I don't mean to make light of this Negan character. But I've dealt with many men and women that were more then human. Negan is just a man. Crazy, evil, and somehow has gained a following. But still,, just a man. He isn't going to be an issue.

But what are the rats that you were talking about?

And Daryl was also worried about Maggie. She needed to be in bed,and so did Glenn. And he would personally make sure that both soon reached that destination, but he could not leave the meeting just yet. Carl spoke up, his words and wisdom shadowing those of his father's, and it seemed that it was felt by Glenn, too.


Rick would certainly be proud of his son. Hell, Daryl was. Fourteen and just had his whole world shattered, but he was trying so hard to get though to Bruce...


and of course Bruce STILL held his opinion that the mall couldn't be penetrated....



And the way he spoke about humans being just that, and ONLY that. Humans. It was a little disheartening. Like, humans couldn't be a threat in this world of Walkers, Supers and Mutants.



"Don't underestimate humans, man. As the enemy... as fighters. We still matter. We still make a ripple in this pond..."


And then Bruce finally admitted that the food would eventually run out. "And this is why you need us. Maybe 'humans' will save this damn place. Turns out, I'm a pretty damn good hunter. And Glenn over there... he's our 'go to town' expert. He's good at scavenging for supplies. Pretty damn slippery , too. Swear that kid has nine lives. And Maggie.. she grew up on a farm. If we can get some livestock and crops.. .that'll help with the food problem,as long as we have someone issuing rations. Like Carl said... let us help you. We can get someone trainin' yer people how to fight. Maggie's father once said 'We all have jobs to do.' And I think that's the problem. Yer people have been used to just gettin' by. Eatin' expired spaghettios and prayin' no threats would come. But... the threat is here now..."

It seemed nothing they could say would convince Bruce that his building could be destroyed. Getting angry or screaming wouldn't help. Nothing would.But maybe he would at least allow them to train his people... 'just in case'. Though, Carl knew that eventually, they would have to fight. There would never be complete safety, but they would keep trying until what little time they had left was up...



"Well, it wouldn't hurt to prepare them, anyway. Because what if the wrong people get in?" And Carl still felt they should attack first, but that would come once those capable of fighting were prepared for the backlash that would no doubt come once Negan's Sanctuary was destroyed. If there were survivors, there would no doubt be those looking for vengeance.



"I can help train people with weapons..." And Erica was a damn good shot with that bow. She could help, too. But already feeling that the girl hated him, he would not volunteer her. Normally he wouldn't give a damn about what people thought of him, but her... he had formed an attachment, and in the end, he would mean nothing to her.


He would have suggested Daryl for weapon training, too.. but Daryl was already going to be training the hunters and trackers.



At Bruce's question, he hesitated, knowing how the others felt about the cat demon. It would have sounded crazy admitting that she had communicated with his mind, but some of them had seen what she could do. She had brought in Death herself and allowed him to say goodbye to his father. She had also aided Daryl in bringing his dad's body back. Though he did not completely trust her, mainly because of the waning from his father, she had been helpful.



" Sheebal ...she told me. She's been there. The Rats attacked the Sanctuary..."

There's an indoor garden that you can used. I don't know anything about that kind of stuff. Clark group up on a farm, so he could be of some help you all with that. We could take down the theme park, haul everything out of there and set it up for live stock. There's a lake that we can introduce fish to.

Hearing their determination to train the people here earned a chuckle.

You are more then welcomed to try to train anyone you like, I make no promises of their cooperation.

And...Who's Sheebal? If she's been there, is this someone we should be worried about?

Lilo glanced at Carl, but made no effort to correct him on how he presented getting information from that untrustworthy cat woman.

Nor did she reiterate her previous words about including everyone, those that could not fight be put to use else where, because Bruce had flat out ignored her, and the others probably had not heard either, or wanted her opinion on things so the islander shut her mouth staying close to Glenn and Maggie encase she was needed.

When Lockheed glanced at her she shrugs and he too decides to be quiet.

Stitch rolled off towards Judith, unrolling as he came close - to play peek a boo with his ears.


Erica paced - quietly - Lilo rather had the impression of a snow leopard stuck in a zoo enclosure...

Clark hated this feeling, knowing he was in love with Lois, but couldn't deny that he held feelings for Diana. Unfortunately his powers couldn't exempt him from that human 'affliction'. But, his heart belonged to Lois. He had chosen her as his life-mate, and he would honor that. Still, seeing that longing in Diana's eyes and the ache in his own heart because there was definitely a spark there.. he hated the inner conflict.



Sparing her an apologetic smile, he squeezed her hand and used the key card to unlock the door. He had sensed Lois inside the moment they arrived, so as they stepped in, he called out...


"Lois? You're never going to believe who I found..."

"Well, if they can't fight ... or have no desire to do so, they can help out some other way. I don't think anyone able bodied to contribute should be given a free pass... no more pampering..." Carl replied. It was time for change. That's the only way this was going to work...


"And, she may be someone to be worried about. Anyone that hasn't proven themselves otherwise should be considered a danger. But, I don't know why she would lie about what she's seen. She may be playing double agent, and this is why I've decided to go and see for myself." He told him, and before anyone, mainly his group could interject... "You have to start trusting me. You have to stop treating me as a kid. I grew up a long time ago. I have to do my part. You have to trust me enough and let me do this. She'll go with me. And... I don't think she would hand me over to Negan, not yet anyway. That would be too easy. If she is playing both sides, she'll wait to cause the most chaos as possible. She's not going to make a move just yet..."



~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*


"The ones who can't fight... give them a shovel. Put them farming or providin' in some way. Lilo could train nurses to help lighten her load. If the Turtles are warriors, let them help train fighters. Everyone can help some way. I can train a hunting party. Glenn can train supply runners. Maggie and Clark can train farmers. Everyone pulls their weight somehow. We'll make exceptions for the elderly... but everyone else, they can do somethin' to keep this place runnin'.. Daryl added, noticing Erica's pacing. She had not spoken up, nor had Lilo. Nor had the Turtle. He wanted them to be included and have a voice, but could not twist their arms...



Hearing Carl's last comment caused a stern look of disapproval.  "We know yer not a kid anymore. But that's a dangerous mission. Hell, I wouldn't approve it even if it were Glenn or Maggie... or yer dad. Not alone..." And he could see Carl preparing for a retort. "Not alone, Carl. Not alone with that Cat Devil..." And he couldn't expect anyone else to volunteer for this dangerous mission, and knew if they denied him, Carl would just slip off again.



"I'm goin' with you."




`*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*


Judith, having been left alone with only the stuffed animals to keep her company, was quickly growing bored! She tried to push herself up onto wobbly legs, whimpering for attention, and a smile stretched across her baby face when the little blue ball came into view. She burst into a mad fit of baby giggles as the cute little creature began playing 'peek-a-boo' with his ears. She tried to imitate him with her hands, losing her balance and falling hard on her backside, but the giggles and wide smile never subsided...