New Beginnings *6 years later* (December)

Mikko's hold on Ally loosened and tone soften.

My names Mikko, that's Glenn. I'm really sorry about your brother. I lost my brother too so I know how it is, but right now we have to focus on us staying alive ok.

Mikko turned her attention to Glenn when he spoke up. She gave a nod to him and a reassuring squeeze to Ally's shoulder. She then hurried up to the attic. Once up there she leaned down to help Ally and Glenn up.

There's a lot of boxes up here maybe we can snag some useful things before we leave after all. She said thoughtfully.

"That's pretty impressive..." Carl complimented on her bee charming as he began leading the way back towards their tree community.

He gazed at the photos as they traveled, a grin stretched across his face. Everyone looked happy, except the red clad turtle. He had not heard of the loss of Rapheal's mate at the hands of hunters.

It was good to see her community thriving. And at the mention of Negan, his smile faltered. "I still want him gone...for what he did. But, there's too much at risk if I start a war..." Unlike the younger Carl, he could see the bigger picture....and knew his actions could cost him more than he had already lost. His community depended on him.

It didn't take long for them to reach the village of tree houses, the community protected by well constructed fence. The gate guarded by trusted soldiers that were quick to open entry upon seeing Carl. Leading them inside, The two were met by Judith, now 7 and a half, going on 30. Her hair was long, coming down to her waist. She looked like a small replica of her mom, except that disappointed look on her face.

Arms crossed, she pouted... "You forgot to leave me in charge, and now all he
hell broke loose..." The little girl huffed, her mood unrelenting until her big brother removed his father's hat and plopped it on her head. It was their thing. Whenever Carl left, he would pass the hat onto Judith, leaving her 'in charge.'


"Sorry....I'm putting you in charge for the day..." He promised. That, coupled with realizing who her brother brought back definitely lightened her mood. A huge smile stretched across her face and she bounced on her heels before wrapping her arms around Erica's waist....


"Aunt Erica!"

Beth stood by Eugene's side and called out Anton's name a few times with no reply. She sighed deeply. He could be anywhere. We should all head back I'm sure Mikko will be able to find him when she returns. Beth looked up at Eugene knowing that he wouldn't want to leave the boy behind.

I know you're worried about him. But you need to be there for Evelyn. Anton can handle himself for a few hours she needs her dad.

Beth turned to see that Maggie and the kids were already heading back. She waited a moment to see if Eugene would return with them or not.

" Well it took me a morning to tame a LionTurtle - bees were a breeze after that." She giggles playing down the compliment a bit with some humour but of course Carl would see though that and knew she'd be grateful of the praise.


She used the travel to point out some things about the community that changed or grew, but hesitated sharing Raphael's grief. She was as protective of Leo's brothers as Leo himself, and probably what earned the trust of the once long ago suspicious of her red clad turtle. And she would feel terrible sharing... but Carl did have to be informed of it, and the reprocussions of Raphael's wrath upon the hunters. One of those being if there were those out for revenge with any fighters at their backs and finds out the turtles were friendly with Carl and Mob - well... yes she would tell Carl, after she'd had the more pleasant reunions. Though she knew her friend would pick up on her hesitation when he noted the sadness literally oozing from the few pictures she got of the red clad turtle and his remaining incubating egg... And her rush to get him to the next photos.


A nod and small grin, "More than likely... and this time you's will be better prepared and we will be ready."
It didn't take long for them to reach the village of tree houses. She smiles, " second home looks great." not hiding a gasp when she caught sight of the young Judith - wow! and chuckling as she watches the two and their sweet hat exchange, they had a rough life, but Carl and Beth clearly done well with the girl and she seemed as happy and healthy as a child of this world could be. Judith would make a great leader.


Her chuckles grew into a laugh and return greeting of "JD!" and she drops her cloak to the ground eagerly letting the waist hug happen for a sec then gently dislodging the girls arms so she could sweep her up into a more beary kind of hug and Judith could bear hug her back. "My you are so grown and sooo strong!" And maybe so she can show off a little her move obvious changes... and the newer suit... that had been mostly hidden by the cloak, this one actually had pieces of Leo's shed carapace on it's back and plastron on the front protecting from collar bones down to her hips, the same sort of design on both legs providing protection for her thighs and continued to lower legs, Some of Leo's shed shell and plastron even made it onto her boots and gloves.


Why? because the giant mutant turtles shed, used to happen more when younger, perhaps twice a year as teens... once a year only now they were adults and the woman who made their cloths and... reusable sanitary items.... was determined to reuse any and all materials they had... and well Donnie had pointed out to her their armour was bullet proof their skin tough, there was blue material bridging along the sides of her body and the suit was skin tight for better movement. Not everyone got these suits, Erica had hers, Donnie had shed plenty enough for similar get ups for Casey and April. Mikeys and Raphaels sheds had been collected but so far not used.


The strip of bandana used to bind her and Leo's hands in marriage held her hair back tied about her head in a headband and her hair was long, stopping above the small of her back, she grins letting her fingers comb the ends of Judith's hair, looked like the girl was growing hers out too! she gives Judith a gentle squeeze winking at Carl over her shoulder, and whispering " I have a gift for you."

Michonne was being quite, but Daryl chalked it up to her being worried about the others. Not that Glenn and Mikko couldn't take care of themselves, but ..shit could happen, and it usually did. They had been lucky that their troop had gone without incident for nearly sis years... luck was bound to run out.



Daryl was eyeing the barricade as Lilo approached, reeeeeally dreading the thought of having to climb over. He never wanted to admit that old age was sneaking up on him, a little faster than it should have. All of the hunting and running, climbing and jumping had done a number on his joints over the years...


"Yeah, if you could bring me back one of those, that would be great.." And he wouldn't be picky.. Hammerhead, DragonFly....hell, he was always in the market for new toys...


"I'll hook you up with some venison..." Because that was good collateral for anything...


Giving the chain a thoughtful tug, he gave a nod at Lilo's question. "Yeah, if ya got a minute... think Mikko and Glenn are in there... and it was obvious by the deafening moans of the undead, the place was overran with Walkers.....

Michonne was on the the defensive. The sounds of moans echoed not to far away. But she did greet the new comers and was glad for any help they could give.

Yeah, Their fourwheeler is out here but I don't see them and those sounds don't sound good. We need to go in and make sure they didn't get themselves in over their head. Or rather that Mikko didn't get them in over their head.

She pulled out her sword and began to look for a way through.

Eugene was frantic! He continued to call out for Anton, knowing the boy would not respond to him, even though he KNEW the child could hear him!! He heard Beth, knew he needed to be with his daughter, but also didn't want to leave the devil child out here on his own, even though he knew Beth was right... the child would be okay. He shared his father's DNA, after all...

Maggie had headed off with Sandy and her sons, obviously the young Dixon would be tended to, but he knew that he and Mikko would face the wrath of her parents when they returned from their hunt .And, he couldn't blame them! Had that been his daughter....ugh!

"Mikko will not forgive me if I lose her son..." He fretted, wringing his hands as he usually did when upset and on the verge of tears...


"Will.. will you look after Evelyn... I have to find Anton..."

Beth really didn't want Eugene running around looking for Anton in the woods. It was going to be getting dark soon, and with that came new dangers plus it would get colder. She also felt bad for Evelyn. The little girl would want Eugene to come back home.

Mikko will not forgive you if she loses you. She'll understand what happen today.

Beth paused for a moment. There was probably no convincing him to get back to the community with out Anton.

Of course I'll watch her, But...Do you at least have a weapon In case you run into trouble?

Maggie the kids got back to the town and headed right to the little emergency department they had. Maggie was thankful that Daryl and Michonne weren't back yet and she could clean and patch up Sandy so that the wound didn't look so bad, not that that would lessen their anger, but it might lessen their worry.

Sandy sat on the bed holding Noah's hand as Maggie cleaned her wounds. It stung and the medicine burned but she was tough. There were a few tears that got through but she did her best to keep a brave face. It helped to have her best friend there.

There all done. Your parents should be back any time now, why don't you kids go play together, something inside though, it's getting colder out there.

Carl did notice the hesitation where Raphael was concerned, and had noted there was an egg... and no mother. As curious as he was, he would not pry, but knew that Erica would go more in depth if she felt it was warranted.  He respected their privacy, as they had respected theirs on more sensitive matters.


He was about to question his little sister about the chaos she had spoken about, but the sight of Erica had distracted her, so the issue had either been taken care of, or wasn't that grave. Or... whatever the case, he would hear about it momentarily..


Judith squealed happily as Erica scooped her up, chuckling wildly. Her adopted aunt's visits came only once a year, not often enough.. and both were going through changes. Erica's genetically, and Judith.. she was growing up. Wise beyond her years and already showing skills of a promising leader, even at such a young age...


"Ooooh, what did you bring me?" She asked happily.. "A pistol? A sword?" Both, she had been asking her older brother for, but even though she was skilled with both, he was reluctant to allow her to carry all the time....


"We have stuff for you, too! Uncle Aaron taught Gracie to make pasta.. we dried it, and Uncle Daryl wanted us to send deer jerky with you! He's not here right now..he's gonna be upset if he misses you..."

Fortunately Ally seemed to understand the depth of the situation, so she did not hesitate when Glenn boosted her up enough for Mikko to pull her the rest of the way. Once in the safety of the attic, she helped Mikko pull up Glenn's backpack, which was incredibly heavy with supplies that may be needed if they found themselves on the road for longer than anticipated...

Now, she helped Mikko, reaching down to help pull him up, and not a moment too soon! The hoard of walkers latched onto Glenn's other shoe, attempting to pull him just as the cabinet finally gave way. Fortunately he made it into the attic without incident... but it had been close... TOO close! Breathing heavily, he struggled for composure as he took in their surroundings. Tons of boxes, and some were marked 'blankets'... luck! Well, kinda lucky. The Walkers had taken both of his shoes....


"Yeah.. maybe there's some shoes in one of those.." He huffed in between labored breaths.

Once they were all in the attic Mikko took the ax from Glenn. I'll try to break through the roof and you can start looking through the boxes for shoes. Glenn had worked hard getting them in the attic, Mikko didn't want him to tire himself out too much espechially if they had to run for out once they got out of there.

She picked a spot that seemed weak and started to chop her way through the roof.

Ally, if you can stuff as many blankets as you can into my back pack that would be great. We have little ones back home that can use all the warmth they can get. And we should figure out what to do with you once we get out of here.

They couldn't risk bringing her back with them and have her go back to her people and screwing them over.

Mikko continued to chop at the wood above her. You made this look a lot easier, Glenn...

With a faint nod, Ally began digging through boxes, unearthing blankets and shoving as many as she could into Mikko's pack... but the woman's comment had not gone unnoticed. They would... figure out what to do with her?? Were they going to kill her? It certainly put a hard lump in her throat.. she may end up having to fight these two eventually, or.. make herself an asset, but for now... she would work with them until... whatever happened, happened. She really didn't feel like fighting, but.. she didn't want to die, either...


Glenn slightly startled her when he began rummaging through a close by box, knowing shoes were kinda important in these elements, and if they had to run...


He noticed Ally's jumpiness, but figured she was still traumatized from losing her brother.. "Are you okay?" He asked, unearthing a black boot.. ha! And another. Sweet! He wasted no time pulling them onto his cold feet. A little big, but better than nothing...


Ally nodded as she fought back the tears, shoving more blankets and a few stuffed animals into Mikko's pack.. if there were children, surely they would appreciate the toys.. "Yeah... She replied quietly, handing Mikko's now full pack to Glenn, and taking his. It couldn't possibly hold much, but she would try. Unzipping the raggid pack, her tearful gaze was met with the welcomed sight of the dried jerky and bottled water. It had been days since she had eaten. She and Timothy had came here looking for food...


She was quick to snag a piece of jerky and a water, and quickly scooted back and away from Glenn, fearful he would take it from her. Growing up among the Whisperers had taught her, you had to fight for everything in this world...


Glenn frowned at her reaction. It was evident that the girl's community wasn't as giving as them. "Hey, it's okay...you can have it. There's more if you need it.. He offered softly. Hearing Mikko, he stood and headed in her direction, deciding to give Ally some space so she felt less threatened...


"Need a hand?"

Mikko glanced over her shoulder upon hearing something about Ally taking something, but it was just food and water not a weapon or something that was personally Mikko's. She went back to work on the roof finally making some progress.

I've totally got this. Look I made a hole.

A small bit of cold air came through the hole that was made and Mikko continued to make the hole bigger so they could fit.

Found anything good? See you got shoes. she then lowered her voice to a whisper. Are we bringing her back home with us? I don't think it's a good idea.

Glenn smiled at her determination.. she was making progress for sure. He would leave her to it, but was there if she gave out. "Blankets, toys.. and some clown boots.." And he wiggled a foot for emphasis .. "Hope we don't have to do the running thing..."


And then came the question about Ally. Glenn really hated being put it this position. This was why he was not a part of the recruiting team. It was hard turning people down, even though he knew first hand how badly things could go if they allowed the wrong people in. He had been at Lawrence's 'mercy' all those years ago..


But he didn't feel this girl posed a huge threat... " I... dunno... I don't feel right just leaving her behind. Her ...community, colony, pack.. whatever they are... obviously don't take care of her...." He sighed. One of the downfalls of being heart over mind. Just because Ally was young didn't mean she couldn't pose a threat, and he had his own children to think about....


"We take her back. Carl can make the call. We have that holding cell..." He reminded her, keeping his tone low... "If it comes down to it, we keep her there until we know. I think she's from the same group Lexi came from.. she may be able to shed some light on this..."

Mikko listened to Glenn's suggestion as she hacked away. Suddenly the section of roof caved in bearily giving them time to move before collapsing on them.

I think that's a good plan.

She turned to Ally and motioned for her to join them.

Lets get out of here. We're going to bring you back with us, don't make us regret it. Mikko handed the ax back to Glenn and slipped her back pack back on. thanks for packing things up for us. she thanked Ally and reached out to ruffle her hair.

Using a chair to help her, Mikko climbed out of the attic and on to the roof then turned to help the others out.

Glenn was relieved that Mikko was in agreement to his suggestion. It was always hard going against anyone when he knew that sometimes his heart got him into trouble. He and Mikko had been friends for years. She was rational, so the fact that she was agreeing made him more confident his suggestion wouldn't come back to hurt him, or his community.


Managing to sidestep to avoid the section of roof, he spared a smile,at her success, and the fact they had come to an agreement to save this girl.



Shouldering his own, still incredibly heavy backpack, once again, he made sure the girls were safely up before climbing to the roof....


Now, another obstacle. A long way down, and Walkers surrounded the house, knowing they were up there. Ugh. Ally spared a soft smile at Mikko, then plopped down. Unfazed by their situation... she had walked among the undead for the last six of her 16 year life....



"I can... lead them away, if they don't go away soon..." She said, pulling the walker skin back over her face. They had shown her kindness, she would help them, no matter how much it now terrified her to walk among them without her big brother. Sparing a look at Mikko, she nodded towards Glenn, who seemed distracted with pulling something out of his bag... a bright orange flare gun.... he could see Daryl close...


"Is he yours?"

Getting off the roof would be tricky. even for her it was a long way down. If she jumped and broke something it would heal but it would, at the very least slow them down. Her thoughts where distracted by Ally's voice. She looked over to see the girl pulling a mask over her face. With a shake of her head Mikko gently tugged the mask off her.

There's no need for this anymore. If it comes to it I can lead them away. I... She stopped herself. They didn't know this girl well enough to be sharing too many secrets right now.

Let's just say I don't have to worry about the walkers too much.

At Ally's question Mikko let out a chuckle and shook her head. Nah, we're just friends. His wife and my husband are back home waiting for us. we both have two kids. My oldest is probably driving everyone crazy right now. Do you have anyone back with your people?

Ally was confused when Mikko tugged the mask away from her, siting that the Walkers weren't a threat to her. They were a threat to everyone. Maybe she had bumped her head too hard back there. But, it was obvious that she was not mated to Glenn. He was not her Beta. That meant, he was fair game. Sure, Mikko said he had a 'wife', but.. her pack taught her, those were things of fairy tales like unicorns and white fences and pet dogs.


"...No. I had my brother. But he's gone. But, the males... the males of the group, because I wasn't alpha.... they had me, when they wanted to..." She replied, with almost no emotion, but it was clear damage was done long ago. The girl had a mentality about her, when it came to surviving. If you were not the alpha, you had to do things...for your survival....



Tossing aside her mask that had been carved from a Walker's face, long since turned to leather by age and rot, she stalked over to Glenn, who was distracted with firing off the flares to alert Daryl and whoever else....


She wasted no time grasping his shoulders and turning him to face her, pressing her lips firmly against his, pushing a leg between his, which, forced him off balance.. falling backwards with eyes widened, he scooted back, waaaaay back to the very lip of the roof...



"WOOOOOW! WHAT WAS THAT!!!!!! I'M MARRIED!!!" And his frantic gaze looked to Mikko for help.....

Mikko frowned at what Ally said about the guys in her group. that was just wrong. But the frown quickly became laughter when Ally made the moves on Glenn.

Oh wow. Mikko snorted. A woman that knows what she wants and goes for it, I like that. But she knew Glenn did NOT like that and would not want a repeated kiss.

So she moved over to the two and placed a hand on Ally's shoulder.

Sorry, he's taken. We take our partnerships very seriously in our group. And Maggie, his wife, she can be pretty scary when she feels threaten. Don't worry, there's one or two single guys back home. And you don't have to worry about being used anymore. We don't work that way. we're family, we help each other, not hurt each other. Now lets figure out a way off this roof.

Stitch's ears went up watching the flare and making motions to where it came from.


Lilo had just givin Daryl a thumbs up and grin, "Deal... it would be a welcomed addition to our usual chicken or goat and vegies affair... not that Mikey doesn't cooked the weirdest and I hate to admit delicious bug concoctions sometimes... I'll bring the Hammerhead back next time." she promises - about to suggest to Michonne to put her arms up and get a hand up by Stitch... but - looking up at the flare and nodding... "Step back, I'll break in with the Dragonfly - the noise will attract the dead, Stitch and I will be safe in ours so if you two want to grab a four wheeler each and get to the others, we can provide cover and distraction." she decides moving back towards her Dragonfly, Stitch leaping off the barricade easily transforming the landing into a roll into ball shape bouncing over to their little battle bug.



Of course the new meat would also be a draw.... though it was relatively bloodless now ... so Lilo reached into the all terraine runner and grabbed out a blood baggy, goats blood, always handy to have a few for making a mob run another way. Simply bursting it over the front of her ride... it would now be more appealing to the zombies - warm and bloody and noisey... a good draw.


" Get your thermal goggles on Stitch and look for any survivors." She winks at her bestie as he bouces into his pod up top with the weapons. Lilo waiting for Daryl and Michoone to clear the stretch of the barricade before she opened up a gate..


Stitch nods his 'thermal' eyelids sliding out his huge dark eyes, making them a bright red. Seating himself and pulling his safety dome over him, though it was mostly for weather as Stitch was immune to zombies of all sorts and pretty much indestructible.

"Some for me too? I am spoiled!" Erica was in no rush to let Judith go, her visits here were yearly mostly due to the fact until this year she was a dedicated mother. She and Leo were content with their pigeon pair for now and no desire yet for more, so unless Raphael's needed her as wet nurse if bub didn't take to bottle, she would visit more often. And maybe too would Leo, whose duties had kept him from ranging much with her or his brothers. But that was a little surprise she would keep for Judith later and for Carl when they got to more serious talks about other camps and hordes and enemies and the like... And maybe when alone with Carl speak about Raph's loss... and the trouble that might come from the vengeance he took upon the hunters.


But eventually she had to lower Judith back to her feet, and knelt with her grinning, " I don't plan on missing Daryl and maybe even Lilo will turn up with Stitch too. Though if there is an Egg hatching at home I will have to go..." she assures she was here for some time unless called away. When she first met Daryl and Carl she had a back pack, now her trusty backpack was reconverted into a quiver and belt about her hips. Mind she had varying arrows and some still tucked into her boots... they were purely for food hunting on the left and explosive ones on the right. Judith now on her feet and curious Erica reached back into her quiver and drew out the item hidden among her feathered arrow ends. Laying the scabbard on her knees and smiling at Judith. " Your Uncle Leo crafted this for you with help of his brothers. I told him after last visit how much you wanted weapons of your very own and that you had already begun training and showed a great aptitude. And also your brothers reluctance..." she grins rather cheekily at Carl but was going to assure him that she and Leo were not undermining his authority, but also assure Judith these were hers, so she brings her bright blue eyes and grin back to Judith, " So my husband wanted me to make sure you promise to respect any rules you brother may set for you regarding your weapons even if you don't particularly like them, and that you practice annnnd of course take excellent care of them." Her smile was wide and playing, but there was a touch of firmness for Judith, " So promise me... and we can check out all the cool features..." she prompts only very lightly. Judith had met Leo a few times over the last six years.


Once she had the girls promise she would hold out the ninjatō - at the moment housed in its scabbard - clearly not as long as Leo's twin katanas or Michonne's single but a very respectable length for a still growing girl. Still a formidable weapon. The pistol - well remodelled EZ gun, well this one she would definitely give Carl first to give to Judith when he decreed only. So she didn't show Judith that one.


They had plenty of materials in the Atlanta compound so any sharing they could do of weapons or vehicles or even perhaps suits one day … they would whilst they could.

Michonne actually loved stitched. Every time she seen him she just wanted to snuggle with the little fur ball. But she held back even petting the alien worried that would be insulting to the critter. He looked like a fluffy pet but Michonne knew that Stitch was an intelligent life form that could rip her arm off if he didn't like her giving him a scratch behind the ears.

She was mostly quiet as Daryl and Lilo talked. the flair was clearly seen and heard which stopped all chatter as things suddenly got serious.

They wouldn't fire a flair unless they were in trouble. It looked pretty close, Let's go.

With more determination, Michonne climbed over the barrers and hurried in the direction the flair came from.

"Michonne!!" Daryl called after her, but she had already cleared the fence and was sprinting off towards the flare! So much for a plan... but he understood her panic. With Michonne now clear of the fence, he gave a not to Lilo, giving her the go ahead to break through the barrier as he sprinted off towards Glenn's Humvee. He hated to leave the fourwheeler and meat behind, but if someone was injured, the Vee would be a better means of transport and would provide cover from the elements, and warmth...


Quickly hotwiring the vehicle, Daryl slid into the driver's seat and followed Lilo's vehicle inside once the gate was demolished...


Catching up with Michonne, he swung open the passenger door... "Need a lift?"

It was hard to believe what Mikko was saying. She understood it but, she had never experienced anything like that in her life.The taste of Glenn's lips still lingered on her's, and she wanted more.. the urge to make another attempt overpowering, but it was clear the guy didn't want her, and that stung.


She finally backed off, allowing Glenn to get to his feet, but he was keeping a close eye on her, making sure she didn't try to put the moves on him again!


"If I can't fuck you, can I at least have some more jerky?" She asked, almost sweetly. Giving a wink at Mikko, respecting what the woman had told her... for now....



"Yea.. yeah, sure..." Glenn stammered, wasting no time removing his pack and digging out a couple strips for Ally. She was quick to take it, and took a seat at the edge of the roof, dangling her feet above the hoards that reached for them.



With Ally distracted, Glenn turned his attention to Mikko. "Thanks." He offered a small smile, grateful she had been able to talk Ally away from him, but he had seen her amusement. "I think we should wait.. Daryl's coming..."