Hollow Heroes [Open to all]

Mikko got no answer back from the monitor so she guessed if someone was on the other side they were just listening in. She didn't hear anyone coming down the stairs and only spun around when she heard something sliding across the floor.

Seeing the guy there she gave him a warm smile then slowly went for the jump suit.

Thanks. She slipped it on. It was a bit big but at least it was something to wear. She left it open at the top being much to hot to close it up. Sniffing the sandwich she set it back down but still tried to seem grateful for the food.

Finally she got closer to the bars to a better look at the man. Not the best looking guy, But, not bad looking either. It was clear he was one broken man. From what she heard about Negan she figured it was him that caused such stress.

My name's Mikko by the way. I uh...I'm really sorry about your friend. I...I didn't mean to...You know...Bite him.

She looked away for a moment then looked back at him.

Do you know what's going to happen to me here?

But Dwight did not care that his 'friend' had been killed. The guy wasn't a friend, just another unfortunate soul that had been forced to serve Negan. He remained quiet as she asked her question, gaze slowly traveling up and fixating on the monitor. If she saw it, and if she was smart, she would realize that it would not be safe for him to converse too much.



[b]"If you're lucky, whatever it is- it will be quick."[/color] But that was rarely the case. Negan liked to make his victims suffer.

Mikko followed his gaze back to that monitor then looked back to him. She silently mouth the word "oh" and put her finger to her lips indicating that she did understand. Hearing that she was most likely facing the death penalty at some point she frowned a bit.

Then she reached out and placed her cold hand on his scarred face. Another warm, caring smile and she whispered very softly.

If I get out of here. I promise I'll take you with me.

She gave his cheek a light rub with her thumb before letting his face go and pointing to the first aid kit in the corner, then pointing to herself.

Dwight doubted that she would get out. That was a rare occurrence. But. The sly little Asian had escaped, so maybe....


Instinctively he wanted to jerk away, but didn't, instead allowing the physical contact. Even if she escaped, he would be afraid to join her. Though, if he knew her people were planning to go up against Negan and the Saviors, that could definitely change his outlook.


Realizing what she was pointing at, Dwight retrieved the first aid kit and quietly slid it through the bars. He was not sure if she was supposed to have it or not, but why else would it be down here? Once she had it, she turned to leave, knowing with the monitors, there was no way he could communicate with her, other than to taunt and prove to Negan just how much he was Negan, but he was spent. There was no reason to stroke the man's ego at the moment. He had been instructed to perform a task, and he had did that.

Mikko quietly thanked him for the kit and as he walked away started to wrap the ace bandages around her chest like a binder of sorts. She tied the arms of the jumpsuit around her waist and was about to settled down to a looooong night of...nothing. When she heard some heavy foot steps that were not the skinny dudes.

Negan was coming down as Dwight was going up. New plans! He told Dwight as he placed an arm around his shoulder and led him back into the cellar. Town's been too quiet. The people need some entertainment to keep up morale! The men walked back to Mikko's cell.

She grabbed the bars and watched as Negan unlocked the cell and stepped inside seemingly unworried about being attacked. And she was ready to attack. She gave a side glance to Dwight then looked at Negan intensely.

He took notice of this. One move. Dwight blows your fucking brains out. You don't move until I tell you to. You don't speak, unless I say you can. Do nothing. Unless you have my permission, we understand each other? Negan tapped his bat a little too hard against her cheek causing her to wince.

he then went back and took her shackles off her ankles.

Grabbing a fist full of her hair, Negan yanked her roughly out of the cell and motioned for Dwight to follow. You killed one of my men. Now, he was a useless fucking asshole, so I wont kill you. But you still have to learn some manners around here. She was walked to a chair outside in front of a gathering crowd and sat then strapped down to it.

___________________________

At the playhouse, three men opened the door guns pointed at Daryl's head. Good news. Negan gave you front row tickets to our live show.

One of the men unlocked Daryl's shackles. The other two cocked their guns, and was ready to kill if Daryl made any sudden movement.

Continued from Young Lovers



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Beth Greene wrote:

Beth scooted over a little so he could lay by her and once he did she attacked his face with her lips. Mmmm. Yeah she's probably ready to be in a nice little bunny house, with her own little bunny cottage and bunny toys and food. Plus I wounder if everyone got back yet...

She kissed him again. Then again. Once more for good luck.

We need to see if Bruce has some phones or something. If we could call each other it would make a world of difference...For our sanity.

Beth ran her finger tips over the damp skin on his arm, up his shoulder, over his collar bone and to his chest. There she rested her cool palm feeling his steadying heart beat. She caught his lips in a deep, lingering kiss. Her lips massaging his, eyes sliding close her tongue pressed against his.

They would have leave soon, grab the rabbit stuff and head back to the room. But a bit of making out first wouldn't hurt.

And Carl returned each of her kisses. This was nice. Never had he thought that life could be this way. That he would experience any of this. He thought to everyone his age he had gotten close to. First, there was Sophia. She had gone missing, and he was hell bent on finding her. He had gotten shot while looking for her... and that led their group to Hershel's farm. Even though he had been too young and too close to death to really notice Beth back then, a bigger picture was being formed. Glenn had met the love of his life, and it had also put Carl into a position to meet his future love...



How he had noticed her back at the prison, but then, it was simply puppy love. A crush that he couldn't quite shake, but then Beth went missing. He was forced to let go, and so he had, with seemingly any grief, because experiencing this world while so young had made him emotionally stunted. Enid- back at Alexandria. How he had been drawn to her, but then after the attack- she was just.... gone...


Now, Beth was back, and Carl vowed to never lose her again. It was more than just that foolish little boy crush that everyone dubbed it way back when. Beth was his future, and he loved her. There was no denying that.


Pressing a smile against her lips, he kissed her passionately once again, uninjured hand running lightly up her side...


" I doubt there are phones that will actually work, but I know there's walkie talkies... there's still frequencies.... so that's an option. My dad carried one around for the longest time, trying to get in touch with Morgan. I'm sure Bruce has those, at least.." And he kissed her again, wanting nothing more than to stay here with her all day, but.... he also needed to make sure the others made it back.



Another soft kiss... "Ready? We need to make sure your sister is okay and safe...."

Beth had no idea all that had been going on inside of his head. But she was just happy for the now. She was madly in love with Carl, and felt the same way, that he was her future. She returned his kisses and agreed with the walkie talkies. They would need those, and she would talk to Bruce about that if she ever located the man.

When he asked her if she was ready to leave she kissed him with a loud and exaggerated kiss.

No. But I suppose we should get back. After grabbing things for Angel. If we get back and they aren't there yet I'm going after them...

She slid off the couch and started to put back on the pajamas that she never changed out of. She needed to pick up actual cloths. But they had to get back first. So rabbit things, home, then maybe later she would come back out and grab some cloths.

After getting dress walked up to Carl, and helped him button his cloths up then kissed his lips again.

I never asked, because I didn't want to ruin any good mood but, What happen to your wrist?

Totally mock but overly dramatic indignation all over his face for a moment, "Oy! - I can hold my own... usually if one of y'all are inebriated or sick." chuckling here and pointing one of the 'spikes' at Mikey.


Though in all seriousness though, well mostly, he got his best bud probably felt a bit cooped up, and that was as bad for his recovery as any one else. " Though if Raph needs a romantic stroll I can escort." teasing only a bit because it was good to see him at least upright and moving, if looking like the time he and Casey tried to sneak into April's completely wasted. All Casey's fault of course. Sides, with all the hustle out there and the craziness of the previous day, evening, the late hour they had kept, it was nice just to chill for some moments together again.

Amused, Splinter listened to the teasing chatter, even with the humor there was the serious undertone that Raph should not be out there in his state, or at least not be alone. And he whole heartedly agreed. "Be most wise to not go out right now, after such time apart we should all be taking advantage of this time to just be together. Rest a bit, relax some... before chaos reigns again. Or at the very east not go out there alone. I am guessing the rest of our neighbors would appreciate a bit of that citrus air freshening wafted about." mildly getting in on the taunts directed it at Leonardo and the girl at their door.

The door opened and Erica took in the sight, a very disorientated looking Raphael, worried Leonardo and Donatello and an amused looking Master Splinter, Casey and Michelangelo, whom had opened the door for her verbally directing her to her normal arrows she assumed judging that he called them 'pointies'.

"Thanks for that PizzaPuff." chuckling at the LemonPie nickname cast her way in tease. So maybe, just maybe she and Leo had over done it a little with the lemon juice wash off this morning? It was a great tangy sweet smell, but not so much if she was facing a recon, probably a good thing she had been shooting arrows most the day and worked up a sweat. Stitch chuckled his nails clicking long as he took to the walls to follow her.

She didn't want to intrude longer than needed, though it was a wonderful fluttery feeling to be able to see and wink at Leo again stepping past Mikey, Don, Raph and brushing lightly against Leo on her way to the table to gather her usual arrows laying the blunt weighted ones on the table. " Good to see you up and around PrettyShell," to Raphael, "I'll... um... get out of your bandana's for a while." because they did need family time.

Backing out making sure her quiver was in place, her bow, backpack, " Anha zhilak yera norethaan!" the tune still on her lips, blue eyed turtle on her mind. Making sure she and Stitch stayed by the door until it closed behind them before beginning to trek towards the other room.

And Glenn returned each of the kisses, snuggling as close as his injuries would allow. Though, she was worth the pain, he just didn't want to get her bloody. She was pregnant, after all. With TWINS! Who knew what the smell and feel and wetness of blood would do to her.




"Yeah... okay. But, just until Eugene gets back. Then we need to start planning..." He told her, reluctantly trying to push himself up, ignoring the protest of sore muscles and the vertigo from head trauma. Finally managing, he sat at the edge of the sofa bed, a small smile hinting at his lips as she mentioned Beth and Carl and how she hoped they were at least smart and not dehydrated...



"You mean... smart like us? With 12 condoms... but I think we only used one..." And he slowly managed to push himself up onto his feet, feeling completely unsteady. But, at least the bedroom wasn't far away. A quick rest, then planning could start to reclaim Daryl...



"I wouldn't go after them. Carl is keeping Beth distracted... and... that's a good thing. If she's with him, we know they're in the mall, because he wouldn't put her at risk.So.. she's safe..."

It was as Daryl thought. Abby was being abused. It only made his hatred for Negan that much more intense. Before he could respond , the door flew open and guns were being pointed at his head. He wanted to retaliate, but knew if he was to survive this and help his group, he had to play his cards right...


Still, that wouldn't stop the death glares as they released him from his shackles and forced him out of the playhouse to witness whatever spectacle that awaited.

Daryl was taken to where the crowd had gathered, Abby trailing behind them wondering what was going on. Once at the crowd, Daryl was place on an identical chair as Mikko and also strapped to it, hands and legs tightly held down. The two prisoners facing each other though Mikko was higher up for everyone to see.

Mikko gave Daryl a little wave with her limited movement.

Negan joined her on the stage and quieted the crowd. I'm sure we don't need to introduce you two. But I never caught your name.

Mikko looked over at the man and then at Daryl, then at Negan. Mikko. If this is about the whole turning your buddy I'll have you know he stuck his finger in my mouth. I mean...Dude was asking for it really plus, I was already having a shity day.

Negan ruffled her hair. It's about to get way more shitter. But the issue I have right now is you're not the only one who's killing my guys. You'r friend is too, so I have to do something about that.

This is going to fucking drag on isn't it. Get to the point man. You going to kill me? Us? What? What's the plan here?

Negan ignored her but instead adressed the crowd and Daryl. Here's the game we're gonna play! Bring out the toys!

Out rolled a trolley with smoking hot coals in two deep buckets. One held a iron that you used for cloths. The other a mask, like a small iron madden. The game goes like this.
You. He said grabbing Mikko's face under her chin and squeezing. Can deal with your punishment, go back to your cell, rest for the rest of the night. I'll even bring a pain pill, and some real food. Hows that? OR! He let her go and walked over to the edge of the stage and pointed Lucille at Daryl. You take the punishment for both you AND him. You suffer more. No special treatment. And all the fucked up hellish horror you can dream of. So! Ten seconds to decide. Starting now!

Mikko looked at the buckets, at Daryl...She wasn't sure what...then her gaze passed over to Dwight and it clicked. he was going to burn her. Her and Daryl. Or just her if she chosed it. She looked back at Daryl and gave him a slight nod as she tried to keep on a brave face...

maggie helped where she could when Glenn started to get up. She smirked at his remark about the condoms. Well. It's different for us. No questions. She kissed the back of his neck and helped him to the bedroom and laid him down.

Yeah, I'm grateful for that. But I would like to have everyone here, makes me feel better, I know that everyone will find their own rooms soon though. Speaking of, Once we get Daryl back and take care of the Saviors we'll have to upgrade. Need more rooms for the little ones.

And then there was a knock at the door, Michonne answered the door and let Lawrence in with the machine and announced that he was back before showing him the bedroom.

Lawrence went to the room with the machine and knocked before entering. Who's ready for their first baby pictures?

And Carl returned each of her kisses. Normally he would have protested the help had anyone else offered, but it was Beth and he would allow those walls to be torn down with her. Though, he did not like to admit that he was injured.


When asked about his wrist, Carl looked at it as if he had forgotten the injury, trying to play it off like it was no big deal. But, she had obviously noticed that hand was useless to him due to the injury...


"Negan." He told her with a light shrug.



"He attacked the place, right before you got here..." He told her, finally standing up and after sliding into his pants, started the task of his shoes. "But, I shot him." He told her, a small, proud smile hinting at his lips. With any luck, Negan was suffering immensely from the injury. He had no way of knowing that Love had actually cured him....



"And if Maggie and Glenn aren't back. I'll go. I need you to watch Judith..."

The bedroom seemed to spring to life with the familiar, crazy insanity of family and friends. Something that had been missing for far too long, given that Splinter, April and Casey had all been plucked from their lives. Despite the happenings and the ordeal that would take Raph some time to overcome- there was a sense of completion. Still, Raph felt it was his part to respond with his usual level of annoyance, though, his heart was certainly smiling. In that moment, he could forget about his injuries, save for the pain, and focus on the 'chaos' he had missed so dearly...


"Yeah, okay.. a quick look, then I'm headin' out..." He responded to Donnie. He knew the stretches were important, but the last thing his bruised ego needed was to fail in front of his family.



And then came the razzing from little brother Mikey, and as expected, he would receive some physical attention for his efforts. Raph went to swat at him with his new hand, not realizing that metal would hurt much worse than a fleshy appendage. Fortunately for Mikey, his depth perception was still off. Unfortunately though, the hand seemed to 'home' in on his little brother's face. Metallic fingers clung to Mikey's face, looking much like a reenactment of a certain scene in 'Aliens'. There wasn't enough pressure to cause harm, only to keep the mouthy youth 'trapped' as Raph's expression went from shock to amusement...



"Oh, I'm soooo sorry about that, lil bro... Still gettin' the hang of this hand..." And there was sarcasm there, a smile in his tone. "Oh, I do think I can get used to this.."


The fingers, despite Raph's attempts to let go, seemed to be responding more to Raph's deep desire to hold on a little longer....


Hearing Casey volunteer to accompany, Raph gave a nod, agreeing to the 'escort'. It would give him time to catch up with his best bud, and put the minds of his family at ease. And a nod at his father, because he did plan on spending some much needed time with them as a whole...

Then the blonde girl came in, her overpowering scent matching that of his blue-clad brother, but her 'compliment' momentarily distracted him. PrettyShell ...was she talking to him? Not that it mattered. It was pretty clear that she and Leo had been trying to mask another smell, so it was obvious... she was 'taken'. When the hell did that happen? Obviously he missed a lot in the few short hours of rest he did manage...


Breaking himself from his thoughts, he 'tried' once again to release his little brother's face, snickering at all the failed attempts...



"Well, that's .... unfortunate..."

Glenn allowed the assistance, but was mindful not to lean too much on her. Man, how he missed the sweet mercy of adrenaline. At least the pain killers were kicking in, and for that he was grateful. He just wished there was something that could make him one hundred percent before tonight, because he was certain that's when they would go after Daryl...


The thought of prolonging the rescue made him nauseous. Glenn remembered all too well his time as Negan's captive. The abuse and torture. But... Daryl had killed some of Negan's men, so that meant his friend may not make it out alive. They had to act fast... they owed that to Daryl.



Finally reaching the room, Glenn eased down onto the bed, gently tugging Maggie along to join him. They were waiting on Eugene and Carl, so he could take a moment to get some snuggle time in. And the pain killers were definitely making him a little extra clingy...


"Yeah, we're gonna need a bigger room..." He agreed, nuzzling a kiss against her neck just as Michonne brought in the doctor. A small grin stretching across his lips when asked if they were ready for 'baby pictures'.



"Can you do print outs?" He asked, hopeful. Then cast a glance at Michonne. "Wanna stay?" He invited, hoping that images of the little ones would give her a momentary distraction from the worry she obviously felt over Daryl, even though she seemed to be holding up just fine, Glenn knew it was her 'warrior front'.

Eugene wanted to ignore Mikko's orders to not follow, but even if he had been in the perfect shape, that trek would have been impossible on foot. He was not prepared. No weapons, even had he been trained to use them No one had trusted him with a gun after he shot up Abe's military truck. Rosita's efforts to train him with a machete had fallen short. She did not have the patience, and their session had ended with her verbally abusing him.


He tried to block out Wade's cursing and insults, deciding the guy was just not worth his time. He needed to get back and inform the others they had one more to rescue during their attempt to get Daryl, so he did just that, heading back to the mall and ignoring the fact that Wade had taken off in the direction of the truck. That man obviously had a death wish and would meet the maker before arriving at his destination. The Saviors would no doubt have road blocks, and there was also the hordes of Walkers to consider...

Being held at multiple gun point, Daryl knew there was little he could do. Well, little he could do and still survive, but he had to do whatever it took to get back to his group. To help prepare them for what was to come. He had faith in their abilities, but he wanted to see them through it. Past this madness and the danger that humans presented. The world would always be cursed by the undead, Daryl had accepted that. But, it could be made more tolerable without the Saviors and Negan...



Daryl was dragged through the crowd, and so many prying eyes triggered his anxiety. Then, the chair came into view, adorned with restraints. And it was then he tried to fight it, knowing that he would most likely be killed, and being tied down brought a new sense of urgency. He managed to punch one of the Saviors, kicking another, which caused more of Negan's followers to swarm him and assist with pushing him into the chair, the restraints quickly fastened with no care of his comfort...


Still, he would not give Negan the satisfaction of seeing his fear. He stared at him with defiance as the man explained what was about to happen, and gave Mikko a choice. He was not expecting the woman to take his punishment, too... and he was not okay with this...

"So that's what you do.. torment women and kids..." And his gaze fixated on Abby. "If there's anyone decent here, you'll take her away.." Because the little girl didn't need to see what was about to happen...


"Yer leader is a rapist. He kills the innocent. Is that really who you wanna follow?!" He asked the group, knowing his words were surely falling on deaf ears. "Yer not all bad people... and there's more of you than him... stop bein' fuckin' cowards!"

And his words would go unheard. Or at least unanswered. Abby hid behind one of the woman who weren't made Negan's wives when she was pointed out. Negan let Daryl going on with his rant and when he was done he stood there with pause, slowly he raised his arms out to his sides.

You done? He asked with a grin. Not only do you fucking kill my men. he said his grin fading into an angry snarl. He hopped down from the stage and jabbed his bat hard into Daryl's chest. You going to sit here and fucking call my men, my family! Bad people?! Cowards!? He was starting to get the crowd riled up now.

That horse shit isn't going to fly around here. I think we need to add on to your sentence. He got back on the stage and rolled the two buckets behind Mikko's chair. This woman heroically offered to save you from suffering. And you DARE thank her by making her suffer more? And I'M the bad guy here!?

Mikko of course didn't blame Daryl for whatever was about to happen, though now she was getting freaked out and it was getting harder to hide that fact. Negan slipped on a pair of thick gloves after handing his bat to Abaddon who had been summoned on to the stage. A steel mask was lifted from the burning coals and right before it was placed on Mikko's face, she managed to give Daryl a thumbs up and brave smile.

The pain was like nothing she had felt. The mask pressed against her face and closed around her like a bear trap. Blood started to ooze from the eye holes and out the bottom of the torture device. Her screams where muffled due to the fact the mask had no mouth, or way for her to breath through causing her to start to gasp for air.

Her hands gripped the the chair's arms, braking off her nails in the process.

Negan gave a chuckle and took his bat back from his child. Abaddon showed no emotion to what was going on. She quietly watched on, not flinching, or showing any normal child fear at what Mikko was going through.

Fuck me sideways, that sounds painful. Well...Guess we should move on to the second phase that Daryl so graciously earned for her. He waited until Mikko's scream started to fade before finally taking off her mask, he didn't want her suffocating and dying on him.

Shit...You are hideous. I would invest in paper bags if I were you...

Lawrence pushed the machine up to the bed and then pulled a seat to them so he could sit. I sure can. He lift Maggie's shirt up again and put the jell on her stomach and then pressed the wand lightly on her.

Michonne managed a small smile at the couple and agreed that she wanted to see the picture too. Even though her mind was occupied with other things, this was something she was happy, and honored to share with her friends.

Finding the two babies Lawrence smiled and pointed them out on the screen. Two boys. congratulations! He found a better position for a good picture and then printed it out.

Maggie was over joyed and took a hold of Glenn's hand giving it a squeeze. I can't wait to start getting baby things! And names! Have to think of names! And they look healthy?
no issues in there?

everything looks good. I don't think you're going to have any problems. Good for now, bad for later. they say an easy birth, makes for little trouble makers as kids.

Michonne laughed at that. Oh between them two, the kids were going to be hellions either way.

It's true. Maggie agreed.

Lawrence handed the printed picture to Glenn. You two aren't the only ones in the mall that are expecting. seems being shut in during the winter in the middle of an apocalypse you straight people feel the need to procreate. I mean that in a good way. Seeing life come into the world is a much needed sight these days.

Kurt had been outside saying his prayers when he spotted Mel in her wheelchair. She didn't really look like she wanted company, but sometimes it was people that didn't want company that needed it most. So he bamfed his way over to Mel.

Hallo wie geht's dir! He said with a grin. I don't think we have met yet. My name is Kurt Wagner. The mysterious Nightcrawler! You looked like you needed to someone to talk to maybe.

Of course it was Negan, she should have figured that. But hearing that Carl shot him she also smiled at that. Normally she was against people shooting each other. But the fucker deserved to be shot down. She kissed him deeply. My hero. And ok. But if you do have to go look for them, lets see about those walkie talkies first.

Once they were both dressed and ready to head back out, Beth opened the door and held her hand out for him to take.

She had no way of knowing that the saviors that had made their way inside the mall had plastered pics of her, nude and in compromising positions on the front door. Along with a life size one just to toy with Carl and her. Open healing wounds...

Nightcrawler wrote:

Kurt had been outside saying his prayers when he spotted Mel in her wheelchair. She didn't really look like she wanted company, but sometimes it was people that didn't want company that needed it most. So he bamfed his way over to Mel.

Hallo wie geht's dir! He said with a grin. I don't think we have met yet. My name is Kurt Wagner. The mysterious Nightcrawler! You looked like you needed to someone to talk to maybe.

" I'm Melissa Andreas and maybe I do not sure at this point." The young teen admitted with a shrug. She wasn't sure if she should just spill everything to him but she would if he wanted her to.

Carl gave a nod at that. If walkie talkies would make her feel better, he would get those. He remembered that Daryl had used a set when he went out looking for Rick after they first got here. Maybe he still had those. Unfortunately he had no way of knowing that Daryl had been taken by Negan.


He also had no way of knowing the Saviors had made their way into the mall, and had set up a 'collage' on the front door...



Carl noticed it the moment they stepped out of the office and he instinctively pushed Beth behind him, reaching for his dad's colt python that rested in a holster at his hip...


"Go back in the office and close the door.." He told her, not sure if the threat still lurked inside the shop. He knew the office was safe. It was small and there had been no place for anyone to hide. Whoever had slipped in was either still in the store, or somewhere in the mall. Being so far away and only one eye, it was difficult to see exactly what the photos were at this distance. But, he could make out the unmistakable images of blood....