After finalizing the alliance with Ezekiel and Jesus, I pulled them aside one last time before we left.
"I'll be heading back to Alexandria," I said firmly. "But I'll leave a man behind—to guide you p to our camp in Georgia when the time comes."
Ezekiel gave a slow, regal nod. "Very well. I accept. Know that the Kingdom shall honor this path you propose, Rick Grimes."
I already knew what kind of man Ezekiel was—even before meeting him. Theatrics aside, he was a leader with a heart, one who truly wanted peace. And more importantly, he could be trusted.
After our goodbyes, I regrouped with Daryl and Graves, and the three of us began the walk back to Alexandria. The forest trail was quiet, the sun low in the sky, casting long shadows over the path.
After a few minutes of silence, Daryl finally spoke. "You trust that guy. A lot."
"I can see it," Graves added, eyes forward, voice low but curious.
I nodded, hands resting on my belt as we walked.
"Yeah, I do. He's got a flair for the dramatic, sure. But Ezekiel's the kind of leader who'll risk himself for his people. Same with Jesus. I've seen enough to know they'll stand when it counts."
Graves hesitated, his brows furrowed. "…Still. Trust's a lot to give these days."
Before I could answer, Daryl turned his head and looked at Graves. "Rick's right. Might be weird at first, but they're real. You'll see."
I gave Daryl a nod of appreciation. I brought him here for exactly that reason. His judgment of character was rarely wrong. If he saw what I saw in Ezekiel and Jesus, then Graves would eventually see it too.
There was a brief silence again as we crossed the edge of the tree line, the walls of Alexandria slowly coming into view in the distance.
Then, smirking slightly, I glanced at Graves. "By the way… how's things going with Jessie?"
Graves nearly tripped over a root, then coughed awkwardly. "I… I don't know what you mean."
Daryl and I exchanged a look—and then both burst into laughter.
"Man's turning red like a damn tomato," Daryl said, chuckling.
Graves groaned, shaking his head and muttering, You two are impossible."
"Admit it," I teased. "You like her."
Graves tried to steer the conversation in another direction, mumbling something about needing to check weapon stock when we got back.
But the damage was done—we'd caught him.
And for a brief moment, in the middle of this grim world, we shared a laugh. A real one.
As soon as we passed through the gates of Alexandria, I wasted no time. I walked straight to Deanna, who was already waiting by the entrance with a few others.
"We're heading out," I told her. "Back to our camp in Georgia. But I'm leaving Graves behind to help guide you people when the time comes. He knows the route. He'll coordinate when you're ready."
Graves straightened up, surprised but silent.
Daryl, standing beside me, smirked and clapped Graves on the back."Try not to fall too hard for Jessie while we're gone."
Graves groaned, muttering, "You guys are never letting that go, huh?"
Nearby, Michonne, Merle, and Glenn exchanged confused glances.
Before I could say more, Aaron and Scott appeared from the side, dragging Gregory and Spencer toward us. Both of them were cuffed, hands tied behind their backs, faces low.
We were already near the vehicles when Deanna walked up and handed me a pair of car keys.
"Two cars," she said. "I figured you'd need them. The ones you came in were abandoned, and this trip will be long."
I gave her a grateful nod."Thanks. We'll return them…"
Before I could turn away, she gently grabbed my arm. Her eyes—strong, yet burdened—met mine."Take care of my son, Rick. Please."
I looked over at Aiden, who stood a few steps away. His eyes were locked on Spencer, his jaw clenched, disbelief still lingering on his face.His brother's betrayal.His father's death.
"I will," I told her. "I promise."
Deanna nodded slowly, releasing my arm.I glanced once more at Aiden, then at Spencer—his eyes filled with shame but no regret.
This isn't over.But for now, the road awaited.
I turned back to the others.
"Let's move."
We loaded the prisoners, stocked our gear, and started the engines.
The journey back to camp had been uneventful—until now.
About halfway through, we were forced to slow down.Ahead of us, two rusted vehicles blocked the road, angled to form a crude barrier. Behind them, seven armed figures stood, tense and ready, rifles and shotguns raised in warning.
I raised my hand."Stop the cars."
We skidded to a halt. I stepped out first, hands partially raised. Daryl got out behind me with his crossbow, Michonne quietly unsheathing her katana, and Glenn crouched behind the door, keeping low. Merle, naturally, swaggered out, muttering, "What the hell is this mess?"
In the back of the second car, Spencer and Gregory, bound and silent, watched from the windows.
Then I saw their faces—and for a moment, I froze.
I couldn't believe it.
Abraham Ford.Rosita Espinosa.Eugene Porter.Tara Chambler.Bob Stookey.Lily—and little Meghan by her side.
All of them. Together. Alive.What the hell kind of twist of fate is this?
I didn't let it show.But in my mind—I was stunned.
They didn't know me. Not yet. Not here.
Abraham stepped forward, rifle up."Get out of the vehicles. Hands where I can see 'em."
Rosita moved with him, her aim tight.Eugene cleared his throat and spoke quickly,"I am Dr. Eugene Porter. I possess critical knowledge regarding the cure to this outbreak. We are heading to Washington. Our mission is of global importance."
Merle scoffed."Right, and I'm the damn President."
"Merle," I muttered sharply.
"We don't want trouble," I told Abraham. "But we won't be giving up anything. We've got people counting on us."
Abraham didn't blink."So do we. And we need those vehicles."
Michonne stepped forward."You'll need more than need to take them."
A tense silence followed. I kept my hands steady.
"We've built something," I said, calm but direct. "A real place. If you're done pointing guns, you can come with us. See for yourselves."
Eugene blinked at that, calculating."Interconnected settlements… potentially viable alternative to centralized government reform…"
Abraham turned to him."What's that mean?"
"It means we might want to hear them out."
I stepped closer, eyes narrowing at Eugene."So, this cure… how exactly are you gonna make it?"
That made him freeze for half a second, just long enough for me to notice.
"You said you were heading to Washington," I added."And you have the cure. So tell me—what is it?"
Eugene stammered, adjusting his glasses."It's… classified. I possess information relevant to—"
"Really?" I cut him off, my tone sharpening. "Are you from the CDC?"
His mouth twitched.
"No, but I've been in communication with—"
"That's funny," I said, stepping even closer. "Because I knew someone from the CDC. A friend. He spearheaded the research on this thing. He told me they tried everything. And you know what he said?" "Heh… just kidding," I thought, "But I need to expose your lies, Eugene—right here, right now."
I paused, letting the weight sink in.
"There's no cure. Not in D.C. Not anywhere."
Eugene's face went pale.
The others looked at him now—Rosita, Tara, Bob, even Lily. Doubt creeping in. Abraham's grip on his rifle tightened, eyes narrowing.
Daryl muttered, "This guy full of it?"
"Looks like it," Merle grinned, shaking his head.
"Well?" I asked Eugene. "Still gonna tell us you're the savior of the world?"j