Hollow Heroes [Open to all]

Mikko thought for sure that that was the end of the bottle. Thankfully Daryl left her a little less then half. She hugged the Whisky bottle to her chest then started to take shots from it. No way could she chug it like he did, the man was a beast!

Her attention was once again on Eugene and that damn stuffed animal. Seems the pup had ripped it. She plucked it from Eugene's hands as she took another drink.

I can fix it! Make it good as new. Or ya know. I can be ya Grimbly. She told him and gave him a wobbly hip bump. Let's eat!

She stuffed the Grimbly in her pocket and with another long swig, she grabbed a handful of Eugene's backside and attempted to move him to the kitchen table to get food.

Glenn felt bad.. no.. horrible about what happened to Eugene's stuffed animal, but there was no reply to his question, just a blood turning scream as the cub tore into the inanimate object's head..


The head...


The scream...

Being smashed in the back of the skull. A scream. Waking, long enough to see Rick's head smashed to nothing....


Then, the nothing..


The scream....


Strapped and helpless.. mouth torn apart by an intrusive metal ring and leather straps.. the rape..... an infection and the inability to eat after due to an intense infection. Every reason to scream.. but he couldn't...



Eugene was screaming over a sock monkey... apparently his equivalent of all those bad things,to Eugene....


Trying desperately to block it all out, Glenn blinked frantically, trying to rid his brain of all the things that the scream represented to him, then released the cub to press his palms over his ears, desperately trying to block out the noise...

Maggie had made herself comfortable at the table along with michonne. She would have greeted the guest at the door, but an early morning and being on her feet for most of the day had worn her out. She did give a warm welcome once the women got to the table though. Daryl seemed to be in a good mood and she noticed michonne rolling her eyes at the man’s playfulness. Now to get the others to the table.

But then a scream broke through the apartment. It made maggie’s Blood run cold. She didn’t know what had been going on with the pup and Eugene’s sock monkey, she just knew there was a scream that came from where Glenn was.

Maggie jumped from her seat, causing the chair to tip over and fall loudly to the floor.

She hurried to the living room and spotted a drunk Mikko, an upset Eugene, and her Glenn looking panicked and anxious. She sat on the couch next to Glenn and gently put her arms around him.

what happened? What was that scream?

The past week had its ups and downs.  One of the major downsides was Leo wasn't getting far with Bruce and that was very frustrating to him.  He tried to be rational to the man but a compromise just wasn't happening.  As much as he wanted to give the guy a piece of his mind, he had to remember he was the leader and needed that cool head.  But he wasn't about to let someone walk all over him, either.
 
Things seemed better between himself and Raph, though.  Raph was indeed the bridge between Bruce and his family.  It was something they desperately needed to keep, but it was so ironic that a hothead could keep the peace between the two groups.  Leo was grateful to his brother for being so cooperative and perhaps it was because of the new sort of bond between Raph and Leo that made it easier to get along.  Who knew how long it would last, though.

As a family, they also decided they would move to another part of the mall because they all felt out of place living in the hotel rooms due to the animosity between themselves and Bruce.  They took refuge together in a large store on the first floor where they could create another Lair of sorts.  The back of the store had a place to keep their vehicle and the storefront had been modified with the latest security system thanks to a particular brainy Turtle brother.  They were safe...for now.  But Leo still felt like they needed to find somewhere else outside the mall.  There were too many crazy people running around to feel secure inside the building.  But it would do for now.

The other bright light in all this uncertainty and darkness was Erica.  She and Leo had gotten close throughout the week.  Leo still had duties so he couldn't be with her all the time, but he tried to spend as much time as he possibly could with her.  In fact, she surprised him one morning with a proposal for marriage.  Leo was completely taken aback by it.  It wasn't that he didn't want to marry her, but he couldn't believe how soon it was after they had met.  Leo wasn't one to normally dive in headfirst into a situation without considering all the possible outcomes.  But...he said 'yes'.  He couldn't think of any other person he would want to spend the rest of his life with, and...she and he had already been discussing children.  That right there was enough to convince Leo it was time to make that leap.

Leo hadn't said anything to his family about the proposal, though.  He wanted to tell them, but he didn't know how to.  He knew overall his family loved her and he was sure they would approve...but...not telling them yet.  He would mull it over a bit longer.  He was still trying to get over the shock of being engaged himself.

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

That was a few days ago.  Things had been pretty quiet so Leo was able to get some training sessions in with his family and a few others who had been witnessing the Hamato Clan's sparring.  Leo also conducted training sessions for some of the mall inhabitants.  It was mostly just basic defense for those cases of attacks within the compound.  There weren't too many takers as of yet, but enough came forward to keep Leo pretty busy.  A session had just ended and Leo was reaching for a water bottle to take a cool drink before smiling at his 'students'.  

"Good job, everyone."

A bit sheepish though a grin at Beth squeezing her back in the hug before she moved off and Daryl came over, amused Lilo chuckles. " sorry guys, a doctor is always on duty... Even off duty... Though thanks to April and turtles always helping me I have more time." and like the rest of the mall it meant Carl and his group were also getting to know the turtles too. She grins at Daryl, "I take it you are also feeling much better? Any shortens of breath or sharp pains I need to be aware of?" again a visit yesterday with Donnie the turtle meant she knew most of the recovery was going well, but a lot can happen to a guy with such injures and a child... And thinking on that she adds, recalling Daryl had asked her and Donnie - " Erica finally let me see the bullet wound you stitched up by the way, it looks real good... Thank you for that. Maybe I should drag you about as a nurse some days too."


Stitch was just happy to be there he bounced over the play pen walls and unrolled beside Judith just watching the little one sleep for a bit.


April smiles gently and blushes at Daryl's kiss slipping an arm carefully about his shoulders and squeezing very carefully. To Carl she added, " the guys wanted to come to your invite but Leo and Erica thought it best not to have too many of us in the small space and my green bros are rather large..." she giggles a bit with a wink, then a little seriously, " Erica apologizes she couldn't make it either, aside the crowding Donatello has her busy today, though they guys do wanna chat about scavenging runs with you and whomever is part of the group doing the runs. They do want to be a part and help out on those after all. she smiles at the young leader of this group.


LILO smiles hearing this and adds to Daryl and Carl, " especially as no scavenging for you two until I give green light, and I will want to see yous with Raphael to excercise the healing limbs and body very gently please do not attempt such on your - ahh!" a shocked cry of her own at the scream and she and April froze in place almost at the table. Both looking towards the ruckus for a moment both hesitating watching unsure if they should try helping a very unsettled looking Glenn or continue to table, April at least close enough to place down the bowl now.


Stitch sat up, his extra arms, spines and antennae popping out!!

Casey was waving his left leg out trying to find a foot hold - unlike Erica he felt ridiculous and naked in the skin tight prototype suit Donnie was trying to make. To protect against walker bites and blood and possibly some attacks from other live humans and mutants. There was of course a limit but Don said that would come down to skill and strengths and determination. In the mean time drawing upon inspiration of the Bat and Spidey suit the turtle was even trying to make some for his brothers.


He was above Erica on the wall. Then again he didn't have to stop to fire blunt ended arrows at targets . And he'd been climbing and roof hopping and building scaling for years with his best bud and his bros.


His foot waggles, he must have looked like a silly four legged spider for sure!


He could hear below Leo calling an end to a exercise for some of the few so far interested Mallians and grins, but that did not men he was done, or Erica. They were testing out this materials grip and flexibility.


He was probably going to get some teasing from his red clad bud if he saw him now dangling here one toe balancing on the tip dug in behind the fake rockery, his other waving about and waggling ( though fair game pretty sure he teased his bud during his exercises with Lilo to improve arm connectivity... at least less incidents of grabbing Mikey's face )


They had not had an opportunity to interrogate the blond girl. And Casey was not it was necessary any more, though if his bud wanted to he damn well would back him up. But for the most part she had joined them eagerly in creating a new lair and was encouraging in all they all attempted to do among the residents and was kinda like a younger blond April in some ways... speaking of which "Hey Erica where that damned foot hold?!"

" ..his.. head's.. not okay.." Glenn replied as Maggie's arms went around him.. on the verge of a catatonic episode. His response, not about Eugene or his monkey.. but Rick...


Feeling the embrace managed to bring him back and he blinked in confusion, not completely understanding what had just happened, but feeling uneasy and flighty and incredibly nauseous...

"Yeah, I'm a beast.. I'm good. Breath is fine.. good painkillers, pain is doable." Daryl winked at Lilo, trying to assure her that he was healing up fine. "Not sure if people want me stitchin' 'em up, tho." He replied to her offer, though proud that a doc thought his 'work' was good enough to give him a job. He filed behind them, heading to the kitchen when the scream came and Maggie went flying to the den. The scream was definitely Eugene's, and having no idea what had happened, Daryl grabbed his knife and headed in that direction...


~*~*~*~

Dwight had hung back, waiting for everyone else to get settled before he joined. He had witnessed everything. When Glenn couldn't give Maggie a rational answer, he decided to speak up.. "Pup tore Eugene's toy.." He explained quietly with a shrug. Obviously the big guy had attachment issues and his distress had triggered something in Glenn.

Maggie didn't know what horrors were going through Glenn's mind. She couldn't know what he exactly he was talking about. But what she did know was something had triggered him. That maybe he wasn't ready to be around so many people. She gave him a comforting squeeze and puched the wisps of hair that had fell in front of his face back.

When Dwight answered her she gave him a nod in thanks. So it was Eugene freaking out over a doll that upset Glenn? That certainly pissed Maggie off. She wasn't mad at Glenn of course, but Eugene. He was a grown ass man having that kind of reaction to a doll!

Let's get you back to bed, ok.

She spoke softly, not wanting to draw more attention them.

I'll make us a plate and we can enjoy ourselves in the bedroom where it's a bit more quiet. She pressed a kiss against the top of his head. Okay?

Eugene had no idea that his scream had caused Glenn distress... it was just a natural reaction to seeing something he held dear, destroyed. But, Mikko said she could fix it, so he walked along with her to the kitchen, jumping slightly when Mikko grabbed his backside, but froze in his tracks when Maggie went rushing past..

Michonne stood seated when the scream sounded, only because she reconized Eugene's voice and doubt he was screaming about anything important. When he and Mikko came up to the table she raised a brow at the man.

I hope whatever you were screaming about was worth putting poor Maggie and Daryl into a panic for. Her tone was annoyed. Maggie didn't needed to be rushing around for no reason like that. She needed to rest and today was meant for them to all enjoy themselves. Little did she know that it was poor Glenn that ended up in the most panic.

Sock monkey got a little whole in it. Mikko explained as she plopped in a chair and wasted no time digging in. Though she didn't touch the main dish, the ham. After you date a warthog for 5 years it kind of makes you look at ham differently.  She took another swig of the whisky then passed it to Eugene.

Michonne just shook her head and sipped her own drink.

Carl let them back to the kitchen, relieving a tipsy Daryl of the dish before he could accidentally drop it, placing it safely on the table. He pulled out chairs for the two guests, nodding at both April and Lilo..


"Maybe they can join next time.." He said, and nodding again to Lilo, who was still in doctor mode. "I'll think about those classes.." He winked, figuring it was better and saying he would, when there was a good chance that he wouldn't. Best to be honest. "I don't think I'll be on the scavenging team...or, teams. We may need two groups, so I'm glad the Turtles are reconsidering..." And he moved to help Beth with her burnt buns, wanting to make a cheeky remark, but being mindful they did have guests...



Then came the scream that caused Maggie to rush from the kitchen. Carl was quick to join, depth perception from a missing eye still off, he nearly collided with Eugene, but luckily avoided the mishap. Seeing Maggie with an obviously disoriented Glenn and overhearing Dwight, he kept his distance, not wanting to overcrowd.. and it probably wasn't helping the situation that Eugene was now staring at the couple, Daryl had his knife ready to murder someone, and Dwight was just kind of hanging about. No doubt it was only making Glenn feel more uncomfortable...


"C'mon.." He told Eugene, Mikko, Dwight and Daryl... "Let Maggie handle this."


With a quiet nod, Eugene headed into the kitchen with Mikko, where he was instantly put on a guilt trip by Michonne. Feeling incredibly ashamed, he said nothing for a long moment, but finally spoke up... "My apologies. And I shall extend that to Maggie once she joins.." Because he had no idea that his scream had triggered whatever was going on with Glenn.

Slowly coming back to the here and now, Glenn melted into Maggie's arms, struggling to get his erratic heart under control.. still incredibly confused over what had just happened. He felt.. outside of himself, panicked, the traumas at the forefront of his mind, but being in Maggie's arms was a much needed reminder that he was in a safe place...


Hearing her suggestion of heading back to bed, he frowned, shaking his head. As much as he was not up for crowds or being around anything that might cause another episode.. he knew how much this lunch meant to her. They had planned for a week, and she needed time with her sister.. and.. they had guests...



"No.. you've been looking forward to this.." He told her, tone slightly shaky. He nuzzled a kiss against her cheek. "I can try." Because life had been so full of let downs here lately, he did not want his instability to be the reason for her missing out...


"Besides... I got all dressed up for this.." He quietly teased, trying to lighten things, for her. To let her know that he was 'okay'. "Everyone's going to be jelly of the PJ look..."

Maggie would have argued but didn’t want to stress Glenn out more then he already was. She nuzzled another kiss against his temple.

ok. But you let me know if things get too much for you. I’ll kick em all out.

She stood up after giving him another squeeze.

now I have to go fuss at Eugene.

Lilo heard and understood there was a lack of conviction to actually come to her physiotherapy. And she fought down a sigh and the disappointed face she would make. Not with standing she genuinely enjoyed her patients company -She was an extremely out going friendly girl, always had been even in her early days when her spat tempts to make friends meant she faced a lot of bullying - she also knew inactivity and being in a cast would cause stiffness and muscle loss and and she knew how to help!


Then it struck her maybe the exercises she went through with Raph to help him with his robotic limb whilst his brainy brother and Stitch worked over things in the Turtles Lair lab were uncomfortable or awful! Maybe she had been unintentionally torturing the guy!?


O,o well she was going to have to subtly find out and improve if that was the case. And a nod to Carl, then a chuckle at Daryl rolling her eyes a little, [color:643c=F08080]" give yourself some credit it was a very good patch job if I dragged you along I am sure you will apply yourself well." because the mall numbers were bigger she needed to train more people. April had a grounding in mutant care so that was a plus. And Don.. But she needed more nurses. And the more she could teach more first aid the better off they all would be.


Still she could not force either the learning of physio therapy.


"actually when yous are ready to see about scavenging runs I think it shall be our turn to make a meal of it okay?" using we to apply to her family. April smiles at Carl looking uncertainly towards Glenn lowering her voice a little to the youth, " if this is too much we could go... Erica did say the trauma being soo so ... Fresh it might be... Uh... too crowded for those still healing." she had more to say about her green brothers 'reconsidering' scavenging runs. But it could wait, first they as guests and doctors needed to be certain remaining here was going to be comfortable for all. And both still were unsure if they should try helping though aware there was probably nothing they could do, aside medical care the rest was mostly Glenn's loved ones, ignoring the seats and food despite own rumble bellies.


There was curiosity in both of them as they consider Mikko but they did not recognize her.

Mikey preferred the old lair.


But this one was close to that and he rathered this than being separated from his family in different rooms. The first couple of days during shifting and building their own 'rooms' in the lair out of supplies and selfs in the Home Depot type shop he enjoyed the time together.


And if he was not on nurse visits with Lilo or April he was following one of his big brothers around like a lost soul. Or chilling with Erica, or the pretty islander.


Or Spiderman - that's right Spiderman!!


His turn to be a total fan girl!!


Though not right now!


He was holding the targets for the archer girl, the family training session over with, Leo finishing up with self defense beginners now, hoping things were fine with April and Lilo. laughing up at Casey " a bit higher Case man." of course there were foot holds lower closer o the tall vigilantes waving foot but it was amusing watching him strain so!

Donnie preferred his lab. It was tucked behind a square of the shops supplies they piled neatly on left over shelves and most of his gear was as usual scavenged stuff he put together.


Of course during train sessions like this and after wards and on nurse trips he was not in there but soon again, turned out on a check up of the other woman that helped that Glenn guy he and April learned she had great skills with seamstress ing. Though in the days before the craziness she had been a famous wealthy fashionista but before making her money she had started out with the hard slog so Donnie eagerly employed her services to helping make new suits. Of course the technical side was most his doing, a little Lilos and a lot Peter Parker but the women did most of the actually piecing the full body light armor together.


Donnie was hoping to design them to withstand walker bites and avoid having to ever amputat another brother... Or father... April or Casey.


Others too when he perfected the suits...


Also helping Lilo with the medication for Gwen, Spiderman's partner, those times she came to help his red clad brother with the arm connections and controls, he Donnie would go over her notes and samples so far a concoction built on their mutagen and Stitch's genetically DNA - make adjustments to the formula, they had already given Gwen a first batch but would have to constantly adjust the formula for progression through the pregnancy.


Of course he was all over his brothers recovery and progress but like his checking her work Lilo was a welcomed pair of eyes on the matter and her physio for his brother would only help him have full control of the arm.


Now Don was trying out a prototype of the suits more design for the giant bipedal turtle, literally crawling up the rock wall and ceiling parts with total ease amused as he glances down to where Casey was and Erica below him, the girl could not match their speed. His gaze travelled to Mikey and he tried to see from his angle. Catching sight of the fact Leo had just finished with the few that so far seemed keen to try out self defense.


When Leo started their sessions the family training was turned over to Raph to finish. It was an important step. Leo had been their Sensei in much of their training for years now as much as their father. Raphael was a new and hard task master for them.

It wasn't chaos really, but a bit of panic throughout the apartment when Eugene screamed. Like Michonne she recognized the shriek to be that of Eugene's and didn't feel much panic like Maggie did, or like Daryl who quickly had weapon in hand.

No, no. Stay. It would only upset them more to know that our company left. Beth told April when she over heard her speaking to Carl. Trust me, if things get to be too much, my sister will have no issues kicking all of us out of here.

Mikko happily ate the food she had put on her plate, still taking small sips from the whisky bottle, and also sipping from a glass of wine she had poured herself. Her goal was to just get drunk today. It had been so long since she had just gotten wasted. Though it wasn't as much fun getting shitfaced on your own so she was happy that Daryl seemed to be in the same mind set. She wondered what his stance on pot and shrooms was maybe she would have a party buddy....

Michonne noticed that Mikko hadn't touch the main dish and the only form of meat on the table, everything else was some kind of veggie plate. Don't eat meat? That seems ironic considering not long ago you were trying to eat everyone's flesh.

Mikko looked up from her food across the table at Michonne. Even in her growing drunken state she could tell the woman's jab was not a friendly one. Well...When you fucked a warthog for over five years, you tend to see ham a little differently. Anyway, Humans taste better. More gamey, fatter, You look pretty fat and gamey. She grinned at Michonne.

You just admitted to screwing a pig and you're going to try and insult me?

I didn't try, biotch. She down the rest of her glass of wine. You wanna take this outside? we can take this outside. Mikko wasn't seriously going to fight the woman. She may have been getting drunk, but she was still sober enough to know not to start a fight during this lovely lunch. And the lightheartedness and soft chuckle in her tone could clearly be heard.

Michonne picked up on the lightheartedness of Mikko's words and simply shook her head even giving a hint of a smile as she too began to eat. Better keep a hold on your woman, Eugene. She's a wild one. But did you didn't really...you know...with a pig?

Mikko nodded her head. Mmmhmmm He was a mutant, like the turtles. He has sadly passed though. Named my son after him.

There was a brief moment where Carl wondered if having Mikko and Michonne under the same roof was a good idea. Mikko was drunk, and Michonne... well, the two ladies did not have a good history. Hearing the insults, he was ready to interject, but luckily it seemed they were making light jabs at each other. That was refreshing. A small smile hinted at his lips as his good arm wrapped around Michonne where she sat, and he hugged her.. "You look really pretty..." He had indeed noticed the pretty dress, something he had never seen her in before. Michonne had been 'mom' to him.. his best friend during a really dark time. He hoped they would always have that bond.


Hearing April mention they would make the plans for meet lunch meeting to discuss the Turtles and scavenging, he gave a nod. If the Turtles wanted to be involved, he really wanted them present for whatever was discussed. Then, April mentioned maybe this wasn't a good time, and they could leave. Carl straightened, shaking his head...


"No.. Bet's right. I think it would just make Glenn feel bad if you guys left. He made it out of bed for this, so that's something.." He tried to reassure. And then his attention shifting to Daryl, who had placed the knife on the table and plopped down next to Michonne. Then Mikko. Both had been drinking, which meant both had the potential to become unruly...


"If Maggie gets him in here, you two can't be loud..." He warned, and a warning look at Eugene. "Please try not to scream over your monkey..." And there was no reason to cast a warning at Dwight, who had also been drinking. Apparently the guy hadn't had as much as the other two. Instead, his attention was focused on Abby as he fixed the child's plate, then set about making plates for all the rest that had yet to do so. May as well make himself useful....

Daryl plopped down next to Michonne and wasted no time grabbing some grub. Such a feast was a rarity, and he sure wasn't going to waste another second. He was prepared to separate Mikko and Michonne if it came to blows, or started looking as such.. but luckily that didn't happen. Still, he didn't appreciate Mikko's jabs, and after Carl's compliment, leaned in to press a kiss against her cheek. "You look beautiful."


And a nod at Lilo... maybe he had what it took to help with stitching people up. He just felt so awkward being within such close proximity...

"Part of the huntin' team, but... could.. you know.. help you out if you need...when I'm not out guttin' bucks and.. boars.." And an awkward sort of look at Mikko who had just admitted to screwing a mutant pig. He was still trying to get used to this new world. First, they had to deal with Walkers, now the world had opened up and become so much bigger with mutants and supers.. things that he didn't think existed...


And hearing April's quiet comment, he agreed with everyone else. "Nah, don't go. Don't think Maggie will let you, anyway. She'll brocade the doors.. she's been harpin' about this for days..."


Then came Carl's warning, which caused him to stop mid chew. Was he being loud? Maybe a little, but he would try to keep it down once Glenn and Maggie made their appearance. Giving a salute at Carl, tried to slow down with eating.. letting the others catch up. At this rate, he would be done by the time the rest of them even started.


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

Still not knowing these people very well, Dwight remained quiet. He helped Abby with her plate, then assisted others before making his own. He then took a seat away from everyone, listening in. "I could help with the huntin'.. or weapon trainin'.. though, I'm not good with crossbows..." He finally spoke up.

Like everyone else, Eugene also thought there would be blows between Michonne and Mikko, but luckily there wasn't. Instead, they all got a warning glare and scolding from Carl... "Grimblygunk..." But the teen did not look amused.


Then, came Mikko's comment about having sex with warthogs, which took him aback. He blinked, and stared down at his plate where a big ol' tasty slab of ham awaited him.. mouth watering, but would it be disrespectful? And.. wow. She had been dating the mutant for years? Then Wade.. who was also a mutant of sorts.. how did he, a clumsy human add up?


He still wasn't sure how he felt about this new bit of information, but it certainly made him quiet, until Dwight spoke up, volunteering to be on the hunting team, or to train with weapons...


"I do not think that is a wise idea, considering we still do not know you. You did work for the enemy, placing a firearm within your fingers seems foolish..."

At least Maggie gave in.. though he could tell she wanted to argue. Like him,Maggie did not have a very good poker face. Not in these situations, anyway. Returning her hug, he stood when she did, then cupped her cheeks, catching her lips in a deep kiss. Trying to let her know that he was okay...


"No kicking anyone out.. I'm fine..." Fine for the moment, but not completely understanding what had just happened to him, he couldn't make any promises, but he was determined to try. "We better go before Daryl eats all the food."

I'll be vewy quiet. Oh and I can go scavenging. No team needed, I'm good on my own. Because she doubt any of them could keep up with her and she really didn't want to be responsible for someone else.

When she seen Eugene looking at his ham she leaned against him and kissed his cheek.

You can eat all you want, it wont bother me.

She gave his cheek more kisses then returned to her own food. it was when Eugene spoke up about not trusting Dwight that she gave him a light slap against his shoulder.

Dwight's cool. I'd trust him with my life. Have a little faith, it's not like he enjoyed working for Negan. People get put in tough spots they can't get out of sometimes. Dwight got out, now he's with us. One of us. One of us...

Michonne was certainly enjoying all the compliments. She gave Carl a tight hug and returned Daryl's cheek kiss with a kiss of her own.

You are both too kind. It does feel nice to dress up a bit though. I've been running around in rags for so long I almost forgot how to even apply make up.

She poured herself a small glass of whisky with a couple of ice cubes. She wasn't keen on getting drunk like the others, but was looking to get relaxed, and having a good time.

Maybe Glenn needs this more then I do. She said holding her freshly poured glass up.