As they sit facing each other on the middle of the bed, Daryl's lips find their way to Madeleine's shoulder, planting tender kisses along her skin. The only barrier between them is the soft embrace of the bedsheets, their bodies pressed together, skin to skin, as they bask in the warmth of the morning sun filtering through the window.
Madeleine lets her head fall back, allowing Daryl greater access to her neck, a soft sigh escaping her lips as his lips meet her skin. Each touch ignites a fire within them, sending shivers of pleasure coursing through their bodies. They lose themselves in the moment, the outside world fading away as they revel in each other's body for endless hours.
When Daryl pulls away, their eyes meet, a small smile pressing on the corner of her lips. With a gentle yet firm touch, he lays her back onto the bed, his body hovering over hers as he straddles her. Their gazes lock, filled with desire and longing, as they surrender to the passion that consumes them.
Suddenly, the door bursts open and the intrusion shatters the intimate atmosphere, catching the couple off guard as Daryl falls to the side. With a startled gasp, she quickly covers herself, her annoyance evident as she stares at Rick, who hastily averts his eyes in embarrassment.
"What the hell is going on?!" Madeleine exclaims, her voice tinged with irritation at the unexpected interruption. "Somebody better be dying!"
"I heard you scream..." Rick trails off awkwardly, his cheeks flushing with embarrassment as he keeps his back turned to them. "I'm... I'm just going to go."
"Yes, please, dad, leave," Madeleine agrees, her tone dripping with sarcasm as she watches Rick retreat from the room, closing the door behind him.
As the door closes behind him, Madeleine lets out a frustrated sigh, her irritation at the situation evident. With a shake of her head, she turns her attention back to Daryl, her annoyance momentarily forgotten as he bursts out laughing, laying side by side before she turns to the side and places a hand on his chest.
Daryl wraps his arm around her, his touch gentle as he brushes her short hair, the soft strands tickling his fingers as she lays her head against his shoulder. "You ready for tomorrow, ma'am?" he murmurs, his voice a soothing rumble in the quiet of the room.
"Always," she whispers back, her words muffled against his chest before she lifts her head, meeting his gaze with affection. "I know it was hard for you too. I know what they did to you," she continues, her voice heavy with empathy. "None of it was your fault. You were protecting me, protecting Rosita... you were being you. I wish you could see yourself the way I do."
Madeleine looks away briefly, but their eyes soon lock once more, a silent understanding passing between them as she cups his cheek, a small smile playing on her lips.
Daryl's lips twitch into a brief smile at her words, gratitude and admiration shining in his eyes as she leans down to press a kiss to his lips. "Why did you make the deal with him? He could've hurt you," he asks, his voice tinged with concern.
"I didn't care what he did to me as long as I could save her, and eventually you. You kinda ruined my plan," she replies with a hint of playful reproach, their shared smile lighting up the room.
As he places a hand on her cheek and leans his forehead against hers, a sense of peace settles over them. "I love you, Lily," Daryl murmurs.
"I love you, Daryl," she whispers in return, pressing a gentle kiss to his forehead before reluctantly slipping out of the warmth of their bed. "I'll see you later. I'm going to see her."
He lies in bed, watching as Madeleine moves about the room, slipping into her clothes with practiced ease. She moves with a quiet grace, her every movement a symphony of sinuous curves and fluid motions. As she exits the room, he remains where he is, content to bask in the warmth of the sheets for a few moments longer.
Descending the stairs, Madeleine finds Enid seated on the couch, a plate of breakfast balanced on her lap. Concern etches lines across Enid's brow as she looks up at Madeleine, her eyes searching for any sign of distress.
"Hey, you okay?" Enid's voice is soft, laced with genuine concern as she rises to her feet and pulls Madeleine into a tight embrace.
"I'm good." Madeleine returns the hug, pressing a gentle kiss to the top of Enid's head before pulling away.
"Thanks for letting me live here again," Enid murmurs, her voice barely above a whisper as Madeleine moves to the kitchen to grab an apple.
Madeleine places a comforting hand on Enid's shoulder, her touch gentle yet reassuring. "This will always be your home," she assures her.
Enid's lips tremble slightly as she meets Madeleine's gaze, her eyes reflecting a mixture of gratitude and apprehension. "What are you going to do about him?" she asks, her voice barely above a whisper as she braces herself for the answer.
"Don't worry about it. I always figure it out, don't I?" Madeleine reassures Enid with a gentle smile, her tone carrying a quiet confidence. Enid's response is a slow nod, her expression a mixture of gratitude and concern.
"Take care of yourself. I'll see you later," Madeleine bids farewell, her words tinged with a hint of solemnity.
"Be careful," Enid cautions, her voice soft but filled with genuine concern.
They exchange smiles before Madeleine turns and exits the house, the weight of Enid's words lingering in her mind as she navigates through the bustling streets. She observes the ebb and flow of the community, her gaze catching Alita's at the watchtower. A silent nod of acknowledgment passes between them, a silent understanding of their deal to keep Alexandria save from what lurks beyond the walls.
Continuing down the street, Madeleine eventually arrives at the infirmary, the familiar scent of antiseptic greeting her as she steps inside. Her footsteps echo softly against the sterile floors as she makes her way to the room on her mind. Upon entering the room, she sees her sister lying peacefully on the bed, the steady rhythm of her breathing, and her heartbeat on the machine becomes a reassuring presence in the quiet room.
Her eyes meet Rosita's briefly, gratitude passing between them as Rosita replaces the IV drip before she slips out of the room, leaving the sisters alone.
Madeleine sinks into the chair beside the bed, her heart heavy with anguish as she watches over her sister, tears streaming down her cheeks as she clutches Esperanza's hand tightly in her own. The dim light of the room casts a somber pallor over them, adding to the gravity of the moment as Esperanza slowly stirs, her eyelids fluttering open.
A weak smile tugs at Esperanza's lips as she meets her sister's gaze, but it quickly fades as she senses the weight of the unspoken truth hanging in the air. "What happened?" she rasps, her voice barely a whisper against the quiet of the room.
"You've been asleep for a few days," Madeleine replies softly, her own smile tinged with sorrow as she brushes a stray tear from her sister's cheek. "It isn't just a cough, is it?"
Esperanza's eyes glisten with unshed tears as she looks away, her breath catching in her throat. "No, it's not," she admits, her voice thick with emotion as she meets Madeleine's gaze once more. "As soon as it started, I recognized the symptoms all too well." The weight of her confession hangs heavy in the air, casting a shadow over the room as Madeleine's heart clenches with fear and sorrow.
A single tear slips down Madeleine's cheek as she struggles to find the words, her throat tight with emotion. "How long?" she finally manages to choke out, her voice barely above a whisper. The question hangs in the air, heavy with the weight of their shared pain and uncertainty.
"That's the bittersweet thing about it..." Esperanza's laughter rings out bitterly, a harsh edge to her voice. "I don't know. Years, months, weeks, days... hours."
Madeleine's resolve strengthens as she rises from her chair, her gaze fixed on Esperanza with unwavering determination. "What do you need?" she demands, her voice firm and commanding.
Esperanza's throat tightens, her words caught in a painful knot. She swallows hard, struggling to find the courage to speak. "What I need... you won't find it anywhere out there," she finally admits, her voice barely above a whisper. "Because there's someone who already has it."
A sharp intake of breath escapes Madeleine. "Don't say it," she pleads, her voice strained with emotion.
But Esperanza's resolve is unyielding. "Negan," the name dripping from her lips like poison.
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"Hey."
She smiles warmly at her brother as he approaches, enveloping her in a tight hug. Rick and Carl have been hovering over her like protective hawks ever since her confrontation with Negan, but she brushes off their concerns with a dismissive joke about being Death incarnate.
"I'm okay, Carls," she reassures him, squeezing his hand as they settle together on the porch. "You don't have to check on me every 10 minutes." Her gaze softens as she meets Carl's concerned eyes. "Have you been to see her today?"
Carl nods solemnly, his expression clouded with sorrow. "She's awake now," he murmurs, his voice heavy with emotion. "She'll be out of that bed in no time." Madeleine's smile fades as she turns away, unable to meet her brother's gaze. "What's wrong?"
"She's sick, Carl," Madeleine confesses, her voice barely above a whisper. "She's dying." Carl's eyes widen in shock, tears welling up as he struggles to comprehend the gravity of the situation. "Negan's got the things she needs," Madeleine adds, her tone tinged with desperation.
"We have to get it!" Carl's voice rises with determination. "She can't die!"
Madeleine nods grimly, her jaw set with grim determination. "I'll have to go inside the Sanctuary," she declares, meeting Carl's gaze. "While they carry out the plan, I'll have to go in alone. And I'll have to be quick, or I'll be trapped in there with them."
"No, Mads, you can't go alone," Carl insists, his voice tinged with fear as he pleads with his sister. "Wait... you haven't told dad, have you?"
Madeleine shakes her head. "No, we can't. He'll freak out, he won't think straight. Where do you think I get my impulsiveness from?"
"Okay, but, please, make it back home alive," Carl implores, his anxiety palpable as he meets Madeleine's gaze. "We saw someone out there today. Dad shot at him, he didn't kill him, but scared him away. He ran even though... I wanted to help him, Mads. He dropped his bag, he was a doctor." Carl shakes his head, his expression troubled. "He was asking for help, dad thought he was one of Negan's men." He looks to his sister once more, desperation evident in his eyes. "He could help Esperanza, couldn't he?"
"Without the things Negan has, no one can help her," Madeleine sighs heavily, fatigue weighing down her words. She rests her head on her hand wearily as Carl takes a seat beside her, drawing comfort from her embrace as she wraps an arm around him. "I love you, Carl. Forever. I don't want you to get hurt. Will you stay and look after Judith and Esperanza?"
Carl nods against Madeleine's shoulder. "Yeah. Will you be careful?"
"Always," Madeleine replies softly, her voice a whisper in the stillness of the moment.
"When I visited you at the infirmary when they were patching you up... I saw the scars." Madeleine tenses at his words, a shiver running down her spine. "You said you were running from someone... It was Elijah, wasn't it? He did it and... the one on your eye?"
"Yeah," she murmurs, her voice barely audible.
"How?"
"With my house keys," Madeleine recounts, her tone flat and devoid of emotion. "I came home late from college. He thought I was out cheating on him and he... punished me." Anger flickers in her eyes, a simmering fury barely contained beneath the surface. "I was a different person back then. I didn't know how to protect myself yet, but I learned."
Carl's eyes soften with empathy as he reaches up to cup Madeleine's cheek, his touch gentle against her skin. "I get why you used to hate them," he murmurs, his voice thick with emotion. "After everything you went through, you didn't deserve it. Not from them." Madeleine's lips curl into a sad smile as she leans into Carl's touch, seeking solace in his presence. "I love you, Captain Mads," he whispers, his voice filled with tenderness.
"And I love you, Captain Carls," Madeleine replies, her voice choked with emotion as she tips his hat to cover his eyes, a small gesture of affection between them.
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They stand together facing the freshly turned earth of Sasha's grave. The weight of their loss hangs heavy in the air, each of them silently mourning the woman who had given everything to ensure their survival. Madeleine's arms are crossed tightly over her chest as she gazes down at the makeshift marker, her expression a mixture of sorrow and determination.
"She gave us a chance," Madeleine murmurs softly.
Maggie nods in solemn agreement, her eyes fixed on Madeleine's profile. "The decision was made a long time ago," she begins, her voice steady despite the emotion that lingers beneath the surface. "Before any of us knew each other, when we were all strangers... just passing each other on the street before the world ended." Her gaze shifts to Rick, who stands beside her. "And now we mean everything to each other," she continues, her voice tinged with a mixture of gratitude and sadness. "You were in trouble. You were trapped. Glenn didn't know you, but he helped you. He put himself in danger for you. And that started it all." Rick's expression softens as he listens to Maggie's words, his gaze drifting to the ground as memories of their journey together flood his mind. "From Atlanta, to my daddy's farm, to the prison, to here... to this moment now," Maggie concludes, her voice growing stronger with each word. "Not as strangers, but as family... because Glenn chose to be there for you that day a long time ago."
Madeleine nods in agreement, her heart heavy with the absence of her lost friends, particularly Glenn, whose memory still lingers with a poignant ache. "That was the decision that changed everything," she adds, her voice tinged with sorrow. "Glenn made the decision."
"Your people are welcome at Hilltop as well, Mads."
"Thank you," Madeleine responds quietly, her voice tinged with exhaustion as she crouches beside the freshly dug grave as she runs a trembling hand over the mound of earth. "I will let them decide where to stay." Madeleine's fingers brush against the soil, a single tear tracing a path down her cheek. "She was loyal, brave, impulsive. Everything people wanted to be in times like these." Her voice falters for a moment, choked with emotion. "It wasn't her time. She sacrificed herself for us. For all of us. She was family. I don't think I've ever told her how much I appreciated her."
"One more of us," Maggie's voice chimes in, her expression heavy with sorrow as she gestures towards the rows of graves that stretch out before them. "All these graves... more than half of them of people we loved." Her words hang in the air, a stark reminder of the losses they've endured. "It begs me to question... who's next?" Maggie's gaze meets Madeleine's, a shared sense of apprehension passing between them.
"It can't be any of us. It has to be Negan," Madeleine's voice is firm, her resolve unwavering as she stands tall, her eyes flashing with determination. "Thirty minutes."
"I'll see you at Point A," she states, her footsteps echoing softly as she walks away, leaving them alone with her thoughts.
Rick and Madeleine exchange a meaningful glance, their eyes lingering on each other as Rick consults the list in his hand, nearly all the locations ticked off. "Thank you for everything," Rick breaks the silence, his voice heavy with gratitude, prompting Madeleine to meet his gaze.
"I did it all for us," Madeleine confesses softly, her gaze drifting to the bustling activity of the community below. "For Alexandria."
"And for the Reapers," Rick adds with a proud smile, his eyes reflecting admiration for his daughter's strength and determination. "I knew you'd be a good leader someday."
"I'm no one's leader," Madeleine counters modestly, shaking her head at the suggestion. "We are all allies, working together toward a common goal."
"They look up to you for answers," Rick continues, his hand finding its way to Madeleine's shoulder, a gesture of paternal pride and affection. "They trust you with their lives, and they would die for you. They are loyal to you, respect you, and listen to you." His voice carries a note of conviction as he speaks. "You are their leader, and when I die, I want you to take over for me. There's no one else I'd trust more than you."
Tentatively, she reaches out and pulls him into a tight embrace, feeling the weight of their shared history pressing in on them. Despite his initial surprise, Rick wraps his arms around her, holding her close as if afraid to let her go.
"I love you, dad," she whispers.
He inhales deeply, his chest tightening with a mixture of love and longing. "I love you, Madeleine."
As Madeleine pulls away, she notices the glisten of tears in her father's eyes, a silent testament to the depth of his emotions. "Let's check on Juds before we leave," she suggests, her tone practical but tinged with concern. "Carl's with Esperanza, have you gone to see her?"
Rick nods. "Yeah, but I'm going to see her again before we leave."
But Madeleine's hand on his arm stops him in his tracks, her gaze intense as she meets his eyes. "Hey," she interrupts, her voice firm with determination. "I'm going to divert away from the plan slightly, but you'll have to trust me. Don't fall back, don't hesitate, but let me do what I gotta do."
Rick studies her for a long moment, the weight of her words sinking in. "I trust you, Mads," he says finally, his voice steady despite the unease gnawing at him. "Whatever you gotta do, just don't get yourself killed."
Both of them walk away from the graves, Madeleine's gaze softens as she spots her sister playing on the street below, a rare smile gracing her lips as she scoops up the young girl in her arms. Rick watches his daughters with a mixture of pride and longing, his heart heavy with the weight of their precarious world. He leans down to press a tender kiss on Judith's forehead before silently slipping away to visit Esperanza.
Michonne joins Madeleine, she offers a fist bump. "One more day," Michonne murmurs.
"One more day."
"This has to end today," Michonne declares, her words carrying the weight of their collective hopes and fears. Madeleine nods in agreement, a steely resolve hardening her features as she passes Judith back into Michonne's waiting arms. She presses a kiss to her sister's tousled hair, a silent promise to protect her at all costs.
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Madeleine extends her hand out of the car window, a silent signal to Keisha. They pull the vehicle to a stop a few feet away from their target, the engine rumbling softly as they prepare to execute their plan. With practiced precision, they disembark from the truck and disappear into the cover of the nearby woods, leaving only Madeleine and Alita to confront the lone figure ahead.
A shared nod passes between Madeleine and Alita as they approach the man, their weapons at the ready. Alita emits a sharp whistle, drawing the man's attention, but before he can react, Rick emerges from the shadows and plunges his blade into the man's abdomen. The man's eyes widen in shock and pain as he crumples to the ground, his lifeblood staining the earth beneath him.
As the man lies helpless before them, Alita and Madeleine move swiftly to bind his hands and feet. Meanwhile, Keisha scours the area for the hidden weapons as Rick remains vigilant, his gun trained unwaveringly on their captive.
"You really betrayed Negan for her?" the man sneers, his voice dripping with contempt as he glares at Alita. She rolls her eyes in response, her disdain for his words evident in her expression. "I guess once a traitor always a traitor," he spits out.
"Oh, please, you wouldn't even know the first thing about loyalty," Alita spits back at him as she and Madeleine drag him toward the post, securing him tightly against it, leaving him helpless before them. Alita steps forward, standing tall and unyielding in front of their captive. "You definitely won't have time to learn about it now."
"What are you up to, Death?" the man challenges, his eyes locked on Madeleine, who meets his gaze with a smirk playing at her lips. "You think you're gonna take us on?" Madeleine remains silent, her smirk widening as she watches the man squirm.
"Hey!" Keisha's voice breaks through the stillness, the sound of guns hitting the ground echoing in the tense atmosphere.
Alita and Madeleine catch the weapons effortlessly as Rick approaches the tied-up walker, releasing it from its restraints. The undead creature lurches forward, its rotting jaws snapping hungrily at the man tied to the post. The screams of agony fill the air as the walker's decaying hands claw at its prey, tearing into flesh with savage ferocity.
Madeleine watches the scene unfold with a cold detachment, her expression unreadable as the man's desperate cries echo in her ears. With a subtle gesture, she signals to Keisha and Alita, directing them toward the waiting trucks. Madeleine locks eyes with Rick, a silent understanding passing between them. Without a word, she raises her gun into the air, the sound of a single shot reverberating through the air.
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Madeleine, Rick, Maggie, and Ezekiel stand atop the truck, surveying their assembled soldiers with a steely resolve. Alita, Adanna, and Keisha flank the vehicle, their weapons at the ready as they await their orders. Madeleine's plan, meticulously crafted with input from the Reapers and other allied communities.
As the group stands united, Madeleine's gaze drifts over the faces of their comrades, her mind replaying the countless discussions and strategies that led them to this moment. She had divulged everything she knew about Negan and the Saviors, forging alliances and coordinating efforts to overthrow their oppressive rule. Daryl's role in the plan, discreetly informing Dwight of their intentions, weighs heavily on her mind as she prepares to lead her people into battle.
"When I first met him... Jesus said that our world was gonna get a whole lot bigger. Well, we found that world. We found each other. That 'bigger world' is ours by right," Rick interjects, his expression one of fierce pride as he picks up where Madeleine left off. "That we've come together for it, all of us... it's that much more true... it's ours by right." His voice carries a weight of determination, resonating with the shared resolve of their assembled allies. "Any person who would live in peace and fairness, who would find common ground... it's their right, too. But those who use and take and kill to carve out the world and make it theirs alone, we end them."
"There's only one person who has to die," Madeleine interjects, her voice dripping with determination as she fixes a steely gaze on her father. "And I will kill him myself."
Rick nods solemnly, his eyes reflecting a similar resolve. "But if it's the others... the others who prop him up, stand by his side, even those who just look the other way, so be it. Then... we keep making the world bigger. Together."
"Together," the king adds, his voice ringing out above the murmurs of agreement from his people. "Bound forever! To quote The Bard, 'For he today that sheds his blood with me shall be my brother.' For them today..." He places a hand on Madeleine's shoulder, his gaze shifting between her and Maggie. "My sisters."
As the king's hand falls upon Maggie's shoulder, Shiva roars in approval, the sound reverberating through the air like a thunderclap. Madeleine's gaze sweeps over the crowd of people she had rescued from the sanctuary, her heart swelling with pride and determination.
"A lot of you know people inside the Sanctuary," Madeleine begins, her voice tinged with sympathy as she addresses the gathered survivors. "A lot of people in there are on our side." She casts a meaningful glance at Alita, who stands nearby, her expression clouded with memories of her last conversation with Sergio. "They are Reapers, like us... Dwight will wait for our signal, and they will protect each other. They will not come to any harm, I promise you," Madeleine reassures them, her voice firm with conviction. "And I promise you we will get the burning man."
"As we rise, so shall he fall," the reapers chant in unison, their voices echoing with a fervent determination.
"We've practiced. We've been through it over and over again," Maggie interjects, her voice steady and resolute as she addresses the assembled group. "We all know the plan doesn't end this morning. That we may have to live in uncertainty for days, maybe more. That we have to keep our faith in each other. If we can hold on to that with everything we have, the future is ours. The world is ours."
"No matter what happens, we'll fight together. And we'll remember how all of us came together to burn down Negan and his legacy," Madeleine declares, her arms crossed defiantly as she locks eyes with each member of the group.
"I don't want to wait for it anymore. You don't either. So we don't have to wait for it. If we start tomorrow right now... with everything we've beaten, everything we've endured, everything we've risen above, everything we've become... If we start tomorrow right now... no matter what comes next... we've won. We've already won," Rick's words ring out with a fierce intensity, igniting a fire of determination within each person present.
The four leaders disembark from the truck, their presence commanding attention as they oversee the final preparations for the impending battle. Cheers erupt from the gathered crowd, their spirits buoyed by the impassioned speeches delivered by those they look to for guidance and inspiration in their fight for freedom.
"I'm going to talk to the Reapers," Madeleine declares, her voice carrying a steely resolve as she places a gentle hand on Maggie's stomach. "Hey, baby, I can't wait to meet you. Your cool aunt Mads will make sure you grow up in a better world with your cousin."
Maggie chuckles softly, a mix of emotions swirling in her eyes as Madeleine pulls her into a warm embrace before striding purposefully towards the gathered Reapers. Alita, Adanna, and Keisha stand at the forefront, their expressions grave as they await Madeleine's command.
"There has been a change of plans for Adanna and me," Madeleine announces, her gaze sweeping over the assembled group. "I've spoken to her. The rest of you stick to the plan. We're going to get the rest of us out of there and grab a few supplies. Do not fire until I signal." She pauses, her eyes locking with Alita's as a silent understanding passes between them. "I know it'll be tempting to fire at him when we see him, but we have a plan to stick to. He will die, but we have to do it right." The Reapers nod in solemn agreement, their determination palpable in the air. "Y'all know your task, so do we. Do not mess it up."
The Reapers respond in unison, their voices ringing out in a unified affirmation. "Ay!"
As Madeleine strides away, Alita falls into step beside her, a list in hand which she hands over before passing her a radio. Adanna and Keisha begin distributing guns and extra ammo to the Reapers, ensuring that they are well-equipped for the mission ahead. Each weapon is checked and double-checked, a grim reminder of the stakes they face and the sacrifices that must be made for their cause.
As they walk towards their car, the tension hangs heavy in the air like a thick fog, suffocating any semblance of peace. Madeleine's voice cuts through the silence, breaking the oppressive stillness with her question. "Why didn't you walk away?" she asks, her gaze fixed on Alita, a glimmer of curiosity shining in her eyes. "Why are you still here? You're free."
Alita's response is swift and devoid of emotion, her words carrying the weight of a lifetime's worth of pain and determination. "I won't be free until he's dead," she declares, her voice low and steady. "I can't rest until I see him six feet under, and neither will my people. I can't go back until he's gone."
"Let's make sure that happens then."
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The convoy of vehicles arrives at the Sanctuary, the ominous shields adorning their exteriors gleaming in the dim light. They pull up to the entrance, engines growling to a halt as the group disembarks, each member gripping their weapons tightly. Maggie signals to her comrades, a silent command that sets off a cacophony of gunfire, the sound echoing through the courtyard as they assert their presence.
In the chaos, Madeleine slips away from the crowd, Adanna close at her heels as they dart towards a discreet back entrance. With a resounding bang, they pound on the door, which yields to reveal Dwight and another ally, armed and ready.
Without hesitation, Madeleine seizes the bag from Dwight's grasp, passing it swiftly to Adanna who runs out of the door and toward her next location before Madeleine guides the rest of the Reapers from the back, Keisha approaching and leading them to their van to secure them.
Negan's booming voice cuts through the commotion, his frustration palpable as he surveys the scene before him. "Well, shit, I'm sorry. I was in a meeting." His gaze sweeps over the crowd, searching for signs of the woman who alluded him. "Where's Death? Still alive, I don't doubt that."
As Madeleine listens to him, her footsteps deliberate and purposeful, she raises her gun, the metal cold and unforgiving at Negan's head, standing in front of him, and in front of her makeshift shields of her people. Simon and Sergio react instinctively, their weapons trained on her, but she stands firm. Her allies rally around her, a united front against the threat that looms before them.
"Missed me?" Madeleine's voice drips with taunting sarcasm as she maintains her aim. "How scared of me are you, Negan?"
"You don't scare me," he spits out, his words dripping with defiance.
Madeleine tilts her head, a smirk playing at the corners of her lips as she levels her gun at him. "I thought we promised never to lie to each other," she retorts, her tone deceptively "Anyways, surrender yourselves."
"Madeleine Grimes-Dixon, you'll never win this war," Negan scoffs, his voice thick with scorn.
"Already won," Madeleine counters, lowering her gun as she smirks up at him. "Being feared and strong are two different things, Negan."
Negan's lip curls in a derisive snarl as he surveys the scene before him. "I see you got your little mudflaps with you and your father," he remarks, his tone dripping with disdain. "So I'm not exactly feelin' a reason for us to try throwin' lead at each other. I care about my people." He punctuates his words with a gesture towards his chest, a semblance of sincerity in his tone. "I don't want to just march them into the line of fire because I want to play 'my dick is bigger than yours.' It is, Death," he continues, his gaze locking with Madeleine's as they engage in their verbal sparring match. "We both know it. But I'm also comfortable enough to accept the fact if it wasn't. I'm certainly not gonna let my people die over that shit... like you're about to. So, Death, what the hell can I do for you?"
Madeleine takes a deliberate step back, her hands raised in a gesture of defense as she secures her gun in her waistband. "I've told you countless times, Negan," she declares, her gaze flickering briefly to Eugene, who stands behind Sergio. "Lookin' good, traitor."
"The Saviors inside," Rick interjects, drawing Negan's attention away from Madeleine. The former leader of the Saviors narrows his eyes at Rick, who stands behind the shields with his people. "All of you have a chance to survive here. To survive this. The Reapers will help. You all can live if you surrender. Can't guarantee it any time but now. Right now."
Negan's lips curl into a derisive smirk as he processes Rick's proposal. "So they surrender," he muses, gesturing towards his own people, "and you and your little piss patrol don't kill them. That sounds like a good deal! What about me?"
Madeleine's voice cuts through the tension like a knife, her tone dripping with venomous intent. "You die," she asserts, her words laden with the weight of a promise made long ago.
Chuckling softly, Negan leans against the railing, his gaze fixed on Rick with an unsettling intensity. "I do know what's gonna happen. You don't," he taunts, his voice low and ominous. "You have no idea the shit that's about to go down." He casts a meaningful glance towards Simon, who keeps his gun trained unwaveringly on Madeleine. "Simon?" he prompts, his tone laced with a silent challenge.
Simon casts a wary glance at Negan, who responds with a subtle nod, urging him to proceed cautiously. With a tense exhale, Simon begins to retreat back inside, but his movement is abruptly halted by a disapproving sound from Madeleine. She snaps her fingers with authority, summoning a Reaper to emerge from inside the sanctuary with a few others, guns trained on Negan and the people standing beside him, their grip firm as they drag Gregory forward.
Madeleine jabs a finger accusatorily at Gregory. "You think he's going to be helpful? His own people don't give a damn about him. He's not even the Hilltop's leader anymore," she declares, Negan's jaw tightens in barely contained fury at the mention of Gregory's uselessness. "He just hasn't realized it yet."
"I am Hilltop's leader!" Gregory protests vehemently, his voice trembling with indignation as he scans the faces before him. "The Hilltop stands with Negan and the Saviors. Any resident of the Hilltop who takes up arms or supports this ultimatum against the Sanctuary or any of the Saviors, for that matter... they will no longer be welcome in the colony." His words ring out with a mix of bravado and desperation, his eyes darting nervously between Negan and the gathered crowd. "Their families will be thrown out and left to fend for themselves. Go home now. Or you won't have a home to go back to."
Maggie's voice cuts through the tension from behind the makeshift walls, her tone laced with defiance. "Doesn't look like anyone's goin', does it?"
"Hilltop stands with—" Gregory begins again, only to be silenced by a withering glare from Negan.
Jesus's declaration cuts through the tense atmosphere like a knife, his words ringing out with unwavering conviction. "The Hilltop stands with Maggie!"
Simon strides purposefully towards Gregory, his expression a mixture of disdain and anger. With a swift motion, he grabs his arm and shoves him forcefully over the stair rails, his body tumbling downwards in a chaotic descent.
Negan's gravelly voice cuts through the air, laden with a mixture of amusement and anticipation. "Sounds like shit is goin' down, Death." Madeleine meets his gaze with a smirk of her own, a silent acknowledgment passing between them.
Negan raises a hand, signaling his people to hold their fire as he watches her approach. Behind her, her own people emerge from the shields, their presence a silent testament to her leadership. With a bold gesture, she raises her arms in a defiant invitation, daring him to make a move. "You're gonna make me count," she declares, her voice ringing out with steely resolve. "10!" Each tap of her fingers against the wall serves as a signal to her father, a silent cue for him to prepare for the impending showdown. "1!"
With her gun cocked and aimed squarely at Negan, Madeleine stands her ground, her finger poised on the trigger. Bullets fly through the air, finding their marks with deadly accuracy as Madeleine unleashes a barrage of gunfire upon their enemies. The crackle of gunfire mingles with shouts and cries of pain as chaos erupts within the confines of the Sanctuary. A bullet finds its mark on Simon, his body jerking as he falls to the ground, a crimson stain spreading across his chest.
Inside, the Reapers spring into action, rallying their forces and engaging the Saviors in a fierce battle for control. Sergio moves swiftly, guiding Negan back into the safety of the Sanctuary just as bullets rain down upon the windows, shattering glass and sending shards flying.
"Now!" Madeleine's command cuts through the chaos, her voice a sharp command as she signals for her people to move. "Ay!" she calls out, her whistle piercing the air as her followers spring into action.
As explosions rock the compound, signaling Rick's handiwork, Maggie leaps into action, her fingers flying across the keys of her car as she signals for the others to follow suit. Gregory is dragged to them by the Reapers, Keisha restraining him as Madeleine rushes to their side, issuing orders with swift precision.
"Leave him," she instructs, her gaze sweeping over her followers with a steely determination. "Rest of you, follow Alita!"
"Ay!" the response comes in unison as her people scramble to obey her commands.
With engines roaring to life, the convoy of vehicles begins to pull away, leaving destruction in its wake. As Madeleine approaches the car, her gaze lands on Simon, sending a shiver down her spine. Rick, sensing the tension, discreetly captures a picture of the scene before them, a silent testament to the gravity of the moment. With deliberate steps, Madeleine strides towards Simon, her movements calculated and precise.
Simon tenses, his muscles coiling in anticipation as Madeleine comes to a halt before him. He braces himself for the inevitable, expecting the cold sting of a bullet against his skin. But instead, Madeleine surprises him by raising her gun to his head without firing.
"So, this is the end?" Simon's voice trembles with uncertainty, his eyes locked onto Madeleine's with a mixture of fear and resignation.
Madeleine shakes her head, her expression inscrutable as she lowers the gun and places it at his feet. "I'm not merciful, Simon," she declares, her voice cutting through the silence like a blade. "You should know that by now." With a meaningful gesture, she gestures towards the discarded weapon. "Use it wisely."
Simon watches in stunned silence as Madeleine walks away, her departure leaving an echoing void in his wake. He stares at the gun at his feet, the weight of her words hanging heavy in the air.
Meanwhile, Rick watches the exchange with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension. As they drive away, the weight of the encounter weighs heavily on his mind. Questions swirl in his thoughts, the implications of Madeleine's actions lingering like a specter.
Caught off guard by Madeleine's sudden admission, Rick's grip tightens on the steering wheel as he navigates the winding roads. "You knew him. Before. How do you know him?" he manages to choke out, his voice barely above a whisper.
"She was his wife," Madeleine replies, her voice tinged with bitterness as she meets Rick's gaze with unflinching determination.
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Daryl enfolds Madeleine in a tight embrace as they reach the designated meeting point, the tension of their surroundings melting away in the warmth of their reunion. When they finally pull apart, his lips find hers in a tender kiss, but his touch lingers on her cheek as he notices the telltale streaks of blood staining her skin.
"It's not mine," she reassures him, her voice soft but tinged with urgency.
Daryl's eyes narrow with concern as he studies her, searching for any sign of injury. "You kill him?" he asks, his tone edged with a mixture of suspicion and concern.
"No," Madeleine shakes her head, her hand finding its place on his chest, seeking solace in his reassuring presence. "I'm scared for my siblings," she confesses, her voice barely above a whisper. "I don't want to be doing this. I don't want them to pay because we'll try to win a war. Over and over again. It won't end. We'll never be able to settle."
"Hey, hey, hey," Daryl interrupts gently, cupping her face in his rough hands and meeting her gaze with unwavering reassurance. "We will. We'll try," he promises, his voice steady and resolute.
Madeleine's fingers trail up to the necklace resting against Daryl's chest, her touch lingering on the familiar pendant. "I'm scared," she admits, her voice trembling with vulnerability, "but you always calm my mind and ease my fears." A bittersweet smile tugs at her lips. "I'd let myself feel you over and over again." Her gaze softens with affection as she meets his eyes. "We all need love," she muses, her words tinged with a hint of wistfulness. "It's a human need."
"Come on!" Rick's voice cuts through the tension as he strides away from the Reapers, his gaze focused on the task at hand. Adanna pulls up in the car, finally arriving and parking in front of them. "Let's go," he urges, his tone urgent.
Daryl's eyes narrow in skepticism as he regards Rick. "We can wait some more," he suggests, a note of caution in his voice.
"We can't," Rick counters firmly. "He stopped to get me."
Daryl's brow furrows in confusion. "How's that?"
"Negan," Rick begins to explain, his voice heavy with the weight of their recent encounter. "He was on the ground. I was trying to kill him, and Gabriel stopped to get me."
Madeleine raises an eyebrow, her expression betraying her understanding of the situation. They weren't supposed to kill Negan; their plan had been to trap him first. "He knows he'll die soon, that's what we wanted," she interjects, her tone tinged with a mix of resignation and grim satisfaction. "Why do you think I didn't shoot him when I was that close to him?"
"We gotta start the next step now."
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Thank you for reading ❤️