Chapter 89 Second Chances

Daryl had been searching the woods for a couple hours with no sign of Lydia. There was no sign of anyone. He tried to find the Hilltop people who hadn't made it to the safehouse, but there was no one left it seemed. He worried that they lost a lot more people than he originally predicted. And then he spotted a shack off in the distance. Maybe someone was there. He had to look.

Cautiously, Daryl made his way across a field to the little wooden shack. He stood with his back against the outside wall, and slowly took a peek inside through a window. The first thing he saw was a chair with ropes tied to it. Someone had been bound here, and his first thought was Lydia. Had Negan captured her and tied her up until he could get her to Alpha? The things that ran through Daryl's head made him even more worried for the girl.

Daryl made his way around the shack, looking inside, and decided it was empty. When he came back around to the front, he tried the door and found it unlocked. He pushed the door open and went in with crossbow raised and ready to shoot. He examined the chair. No blood. That was a good sign, but who and where was the person that was being held here? A closer exam revealed that the ropes were still tied with their knots in place. Whoever was here escaped, and whoever tied the ropes did a poor job of it. Daryl was almost positive that Lydia had been here, and that it had been Negan that brought her.

Daryl stepped outside of the shack and looked around the area. The little run-down building sat just at the edge of a tree line, and it looked out across an overgrown field. At one time it must have been used by hunters, waiting for deer to cross the field, but it looked like it had been abandoned for a very long time. There was no sign of anyone taking shelter here … no empty cans or bottles, no bedding where someone might have slept.

Something caught his eye across the way, movement. A man stepped out of the tall grass. It was Negan. Daryl could tell by the leather jacket. "I knew it," he seethed. He hurried back inside the shack and stood behind the door. The sound of footsteps got louder as Negan approached. He paused only for a moment, opened the door and stepped in.

Daryl waited until he was all the way inside before he made his move.

"Sorry, kiddo. I–" Negan started to say, but Daryl was on him in a flash.

The door slammed shut and when Negan turned, Daryl hit him with the butt of his crossbow. The hit caused Negan to fall back against the wall. He submitted instantly, hands in the air and Daryl's arrow aimed at his face.

"Where's Alpha?" Daryl yelled.

"Hey man, whatever Lydia told you–"

"Where is she?" Daryl demanded again. He didn't want to hear any of Negan's bullshit.

"She's dead. I killed her," Negan admitted. He looked genuinely terrified that Daryl was going to shoot him, and he was right to feel that way.

"You're a liar," Daryl seethed. He couldn't believe anything Negan told him. He knew he'd have to bring the man to his knees, within an inch of his miserable life and force the truth from him. But first, he would toy with him a bit.

"I'm not lying. I swear," said Negan. "Look, I have something in my pocket. It's not a weapon. Okay? I'm going to reach for it nice and slow."

Daryl didn't like the way Negan moved before he was given permission to do so. He repositioned his bow so that the arrow's tip touched Negan's forehead. It took every ounce of will power he possessed not to kill Negan right then and there. The only thing steadying his hand was the fact that Negan knew where Lydia was, and Daryl needed that information. However, once he got what he needed, Negan would be no use to him anymore.

Shifting his eyes from Negan's face to his hand, Daryl watched as Negan brought out a skin mask, and showed it to him. "That's just her mask. It doesn't prove anything."

"I know. Just let me explain. I know this looks bad from where you're standing, but–"

"I'd say it looks worse for you, since you're at the pointy end of my arrow," Daryl interrupted.

"Here's the truth. Was I with the Whisperers? Yes, I was, but the only reason was so that I could get close enough to Alpha to slit her throat. You all talked about silencing the Whisperers. I silenced the Alpha. Why the hell else do you think your bosom buddy let me out of my cell?" Negan rushed to say.

Daryl's eyes narrowed dangerously at the mention of Carol. He needed a moment to think about this new bit of information, but he couldn't concentrate until Negan was secured. "Turn around."

Negan looked terrified, but he did as he was told. Daryl kept his crossbow aimed at him, and with his other hand, he untied one of the ropes from the chair. "Hands behind your back."

"Aw, come on man," Negan complained.

"Do it now!" Daryl yelled.

Negan's hands came behind his back. Daryl put his crossbow down long enough to bind Negan's wrists, but if the man tried anything, Daryl would be quicker. Maybe Negan knew this, because he didn't try to escape. When Daryl was satisfied that his captor was tied up tight, he pushed his face into the wall and stuck the tip of his arrow at the back of Negan's neck. "If Alpha is dead then take me to see the body."

"I can do you one better. I'll take you to see her head. It's on a pike at the northern border," Negan informed.

The northern border. That's where it all started. That's where they found Tara and Enid … Henry, and the rest of Alpha's victims. If Carol was involved in this, it would make sense that she would display Alpha's head there.

Daryl grabbed the back of Negan's jacket, pulled him away from the wall, and shoved him toward the door. "Let's go." He made Negan walk out front and lead the way so he could keep an eye on him. Daryl had an idea of where the border was, though he knew the path better from a different direction.

As they walked, Negan couldn't stop talking. He told Daryl about his time with the Whisperers, his daily routines, the awful chores they forced him to do. They had walked quite a way by now, when Negan turned the conversation to Carol. "You know, I get it."

"What's that?" Daryl asked. He hadn't added to the conversation since leaving the shack.

"I get why you're so pissed off."

Oh, you do?" Daryl challenged.

"Your gal pal didn't let you in on the plan," said Negan, but Daryl remained silent. Of course, Negan being Negan, he continued the conversation. "That one, she's a lone wolf not thinking about the pack. Am I right? Actually, I'm kind of pissed too. Me and Carol had a deal, but she didn't exactly keep her end of the bargain."

"Maybe I'm pissed because of Hilltop. A whole bunch of children almost died because of you," said Daryl with little patience.

Negan stopped and turned to him with pleading eyes, but Daryl still wasn't buying his act. He grabbed Negan's shoulder and shoved him back around. "Keep walking," he demanded.

Aaron was still at the safehouse with the others. Some of the parents were getting restless, and wanted to get their children to Alexandria. Aaron, Ezekiel, Jerry and Dianne discussed the best way to go about getting everyone safely home. They were still worried about the herd and the Whisperers.

"We took out a good number of the horde," Aaron announced. "I was the last one out of Hilltop. They were burning along with the house. The fire was drawing them to it."

"There's still the matter of Alpha, though," Ezekiel mentioned. "She'll be looking for payback."

"We've injured her group before," said Aaron. "She doesn't act out of anger. She backs off and regroups."

"The problem is, when she comes back, she does it with more force," Jerry added. "This time we almost didn't make it. Who knows what she'll do next?"

"Right now, let's just concentrate on getting home," said Dianne.

As they discussed their plans, someone alerted them that more of their people were approaching. The front door opened, and Yumiko, Eugene, and Magna entered the house. Everyone was shocked to see Magna. Jerry rushed to her and gave her a hug. Aaron waited his turn and approached her with a smile. She had been missing since the explosion at the cave.

"Oh my God. Magna, you're . . ." Aaron started.

"Yeah, I made it out," she said, finishing for him.

"Connie, is she with you?" As he asked, he looked past her to see if anyone else was walking in the door.

"I'm sorry, Aaron," said Magna somberly. "We were together after the cave-in, but we got mixed in with the horde. There were too many of them, and they forced us apart. I don't know what happened to her."

Yumiko came up to stand beside her. "Carol was with us, but she went off on her own." Her tone said she didn't care what happened to Carol. There was obviously still a lot of animosity toward her.

Aaron gave a nod. "Well, you're here now, and we're glad to have you back," he smiled at the women.

"Excuse me. Can I have everyone's attention?" Eugene called out. The celebration for Magna's return was cut short as Eugene proceeded to tell the group about something that happened to him. Aaron listened to Eugene speak in his odd vocabulary, and tell them about a woman he made contact with over the radio. Apparently, they had formed a friendship, and now they made plans to meet. The reactions were mixed, but mostly made with concern for this mystery woman called Stephanie. Aaron weighed the outcome in his own mind. Had Eugene had made contact with another community that could help them with their current problem, or were they only luring them in so they could eventually gain control over the three communities here? And was it at all possible that these new people were somehow affiliated with Alpha?

"I don't know, Eugene," Aaron commented when it was his turn to speak. "It's not the greatest time to start exploring other communities."

"Well, I've heard what you all had to say, and I've already made my decision. I'm going to meet with her at our set date and time," Eugene announced after he was bombarded with an array of questions and concerns.

"You can't go alone," Rosita said, sitting up on the couch.

"You're in no shape to go, Rosita," Eugene told her.

"No, I'm not. Someone else has to go with you," she said.

"I'll go," Ezekiel volunteered.

If it had been any other time, and if Gracie wasn't with him, Aaron would have volunteered too, but he needed to see the children home to Alexandria. And besides, Daryl was meeting him there. They had spent too much time risking their lives lately. Right now, they needed to come back together.

Magna and Yumiko stepped outside, but eventually Yumiko came back in alone. "I'm going too," she claimed.

"Then it's settled," Ezekiel announced. "It should be a small scouting party anyway, so the three of us will set out as soon as we're ready."

"The sooner the better," said Eugene. "I've got a set time that I have to be there, and I don't want to miss my opportunity.

Aaron helped get them packed, and he gave them anything that none of the others didn't need. They weren't exactly ready to make a long trip. Aaron tried to talk Eugene into going to Alexandria first, and pick up supplies, but he refused to go anywhere but to this meeting. Everyone said their farewells to Ezekiel, Yumiko and Eugene, and they were on their way. Afterwards, Aaron, Jerry and Magna got the rest of the people at the safehouse ready to leave for Alexandria. They would make it just before sundown if they left soon.

It was nightfall by the time Daryl and Negan got to the markers at the northern border. Daryl couldn't say he was surprised when they didn't find Alpha's head on a spike. Negan started to panic.

"I swear it was right here," Negan said standing in front of a spike. "It was on this one right here. Carol put it there herself."

Daryl wasn't fully convinced Negan was telling the truth, but there was blood on the spike. Whether it was Alpha's blood or not, he didn't know. Instead, he eyed Negan with suspicion.

Negan stared at the spike, as though willing it to produce his evidence. "Okay, look maybe we can sit here and wait for Carol. She said she'd come back. Or if you want, we can start looking for–" As he spoke, he turned around and found Daryl's arrow pointed at his head again.

"You know where Lydia is?" Daryl accused.

"I know where she was," Negan countered.

"She wasn't there, was she."

"Come on. Give me a break here," Negan whined. "I took her there to keep her safe. I was never going to take Alpha to that shed. I took her somewhere else where she expected to see Lydia, and that's where I did the deed. Then I came here to deliver Alpha to Carol, who was supposed to go with me back to Alexandria, but she bailed on me at the last second … told me to go on my own or wait here for her to come back. So, I figured I had some time to kill, pardon the pun. When you caught me, I was going back to set Lydia free, which she obviously did on her own. Now, I don't know where Lydia is, or Carol for that matter."

Daryl listened to the story. It could make sense if he gave in to it without second guessing. One thing about it bothered him as he calculated in his head from the time Negan was discovered missing until now. "You sure took your sweet ass time, didn't you?" Daryl complained. If his only mission was to kill Alpha, then why did it take so long?

Negan rolled his eyes. "What is it you, both of you thinking I didn't do it fast enough? You weren't the one who killed Alpha. I did and it took some time. I had to get her to trust me, and that wasn't as easy as it might sound. I wasn't going into this like I was on some half-cocked suicide mission."

That was a blow to Daryl and his decision to go after Alpha at the cave. "I saw her and I went for it. I didn't spend days galivanting around the woods. Besides, I bet you liked it." Daryl saw something change on Negan's countenance, and he knew he'd touched on something personal with that one sentence.

Out of the dark, three Whisperers appeared, all of them armed with knives and one of them with Alpha's shotgun. Daryl recognized it right away. They were surrounded, and he knew he didn't have a chance being outnumbered. Instead of fighting back, he immediately dropped his crossbow to the ground, and raised his hands in the air.

The Whisperer with the gun looked across to Negan. "Alpha's dead … because of you."

Negan looked defeated, and Daryl knew they were both captured. He wondered what they would do, and started trying to think of a way out of their situation. It would be difficult, and with Negan's hands still tied he would be no help. But then, things took an unexpected turn.

The Whisperer with the gun turned to Negan. "You are the new Alpha."

Daryl felt his jaw drop as Negan brought his head up. A smile instantly spread across his face.

"We kneel to the Alpha," the Whisperer demanded, and all three dropped to their knees. Negan was laughing as the events turned to his favor. Daryl kept his eyes trained on Negan, but in his head, he was thinking that he had just been set up.

Negan turned his back to the closest Whisperer, who used his knife to cut Negan free. He took the rope over to Daryl and tied his hands together. Just like that, the tables had turned. And to top things off, it started to rain.

Daryl continued to give Negan a slit-eyed stare, as though it didn't matter that his wrists were bound. He had been willing to listen to Negan's story, and even believed him to a certain degree. If what Negan had told him was true, it was possible Daryl wasn't fucked just yet. But for the moment, classic Negan had made a very noticeable return.

"Sorry man," Negan smiled. "I'm just savoring the moment. Taking my sweet-ass time," he said with emphasis. The show was about to begin. "Before we get started, I just need to be clear that I'm the Alpha now."

The Whisperers glanced at each other and nodded.

"I just want to clear up the confusion. If I'm the Alpha then why is someone who is not the Alpha holding the badass shotgun?" Negan asked.

The Whisperer with the shotgun realized his mistake and quickly handed it to Negan. Negan gave a dangerous laugh, not unlike the way he sounded the night Daryl and the others were on their knees in the forest all those long years ago. Negan put on a show and played it up for his audience with his colorful words and comedic comparisons. Daryl might have been amused if he wasn't the one with his hands tied behind his back.

"Daryl, kneel to the Alpha," Negan almost asked politely. A Whisperer on either side of Daryl tried to push him to his knees, but they were met with redneck resistance. He shoved them aside and got on his knees without any assistance. The entire time, his sight never left Negan. The scenario playing out was too familiar, and he didn't like it one bit.

"Oh man, I know that look. I know it well," Negan antagonized. Daryl's blood was beginning to boil. Negan continued. "You were right when you said I liked it. I liked it a lot." At that point, Negan lifted the short-barreled shotgun and aimed it at Daryl. The Whisperers watched with anticipation. Daryl narrowed his vision on Negan.

"You should probably shoot me," Daryl threatened. This was the deciding moment.

"Don't threaten me with a good time," Negan replied. He swung his gun to the side and shot one of the Whisperers.

Daryl used the shocked moment to kick the legs out from under the Whisperer standing next to him. He fought with him, but it was difficult with his hands still tied.

The other man lunged at Negan, but the shotgun jammed. Thinking fast, Negan butted him in the head with the useless gun, knocking him to the ground. The masked man never got back up.

The Whisperer Daryl knocked down punched him in the face to get away. He lunged at Negan, but by that time, Negan picked up one of their knives and stabbed him in the head. And within a matter of a few minutes, all three Whisperers were dead.

Daryl and Negan faced each other. Daryl was still vulnerable, still bound. Negan was armed with a knife. Daryl refused to show any fear or submission, but he held his hands out in front of him. "Untie me, asshole."

Negan actually laughed, came forward, cut the ropes, and handed over the knife. Daryl shook off the dirt and gathered himself. He didn't want to trust Negan, and he didn't think he ever could, not one hundred percent, but for now, he was glad the man was on his side. He was still suspicious that Negan was playing games.

"That was fun. Don't you think that was fun?" Negan jested, but Daryl didn't find anything amusing about it. Negan's jovial mood slowly changed since he was the only one having any fun with it.

The rain was starting to let up. Daryl looked around the area, and then focused on Negan. "Did Carol tell you she was coming back?"

"That's what it sounded like to me, though I don't know when. It might be a while. She said she had some stuff to work out."

Daryl spotted a fallen tree a few paces away, and he walked away from Negan to have a seat. "We'll wait then," he announced. He could hear Negan follow him. They sat on the log, each man facing the opposite direction so they could keep watch. Neither man spoke for hours. They took turns walking around and stretching their legs. Daryl reluctantly shared his canteen of water with Negan. It felt strange being here together, the man who nearly ruined his life, who killed his friends, who had just saved his life.

"So," said Negan after hours of silence. "Are you and Aaron still, uh . . ."

"Yeah," Daryl answered.

"Good. That's good."

Negan was actually trying to make small talk, and Daryl could tell he hated it just as much as himself. "You know, I don't think he likes me very much," Negan whispered, leaning toward Daryl slightly.

"No, he doesn't. He told me he saw you," Daryl admitted. "Said you left him to fight off some walkers on his own."

"Well, in my defense, he threatened to kill me, and I've learned that you don't stick around when someone makes that claim," Negan defended himself. "Besides, he was at an advantage with that sword and his badass mace hand. He's like a walking swiss army knife."

"Yeah," Daryl replied. He fought not to give a chuckle. He didn't want Negan knowing he could be amusing.

Negan looked across to the spikes again. He knew everything depended on Carol coming back and authenticating his story. Most likely, Daryl wouldn't believe him, and he wouldn't bring him back to Alexandria. If he did, it would probably be the end of his existence. He also knew that being out here on his own wasn't an option. He'd killed Alpha, but Beta was still out there somewhere, and that was one asshole he didn't want to deal with alone. As much as he hated it, he needed Daryl right now, and he knew the only way to appeal to him was to be honest.

"Daryl," said Negan in defeat. "I'm not bullshitting you. I hope you know that."

"I know," Daryl returned. He wasn't sure how he knew, but there was a certain tone that a man took when he was laying everything out on the table like Negan was doing now.

"And when I said I liked it, that wasn't part of the act," Negan confessed.

"Yeah, I know that too," Daryl confirmed.

"I ain't gonna lie. These past seven years I spent locked up really sucked. I lost everything. I mean everything. I lost myself. And then Alpha took me in, and I liked it. I mattered again. I was respected. I had a purpose. I went along with what she did, and honestly, I second-guessed whether to keep my deal with Carol. I spent some time weighing my options with each side. I liked Alpha, but then she took things too far, and it went against everything I believed in. You don't kill people who don't deserve it. And you NEVER kill kids. I discovered that part of myself that hadn't changed even after all those miserable years, and I knew I what I had to do. I knew I made the right choice."

Daryl heard everything Negan had to say, but he didn't speak right away. He let it sink in, considered Negan's honesty, but he wasn't ready to give him his respect. "So, all that you just said, is it supposed to make me like you now?"

Negan huffed a laugh. "No."

"Good," Daryl replied.

"But what about my winning personality?" Negan added with humor.

Daryl shook his head and snatched his canteen away from Negan. By now, the sun was beginning to rise. He stood from the log, gathered his things, and started walking away.

"Am I supposed to go with you?" Negan called after him. He was no longer bound, and Daryl didn't say a word to him as he left.

"Do what you want," Daryl called back. He was going home. It was up to Negan whether or not he came with him. Daryl wasn't going to invite him. He wouldn't turn him away either. And he would use the time it took to get to Alexandria to decide whether or not he would allow Negan inside or whether he would defend him once they got there.

"But what about Carol?" Negan asked as he followed behind. He wasn't sure of Daryl's motives. He really needed Carol to confirm his story. Daryl didn't answer him, though. Negan decided to take the chance with Daryl, and hope his decision to be open and honest with him was enough to keep him from the noose.

The sun was just beginning to set when Aaron and the others arrived in Alexandria. They got there just in time. Aaron could smell rain in the air, a trait he'd learned from Daryl who could always predict the weather.

The children were exhausted, as were their parents, but they made it home safe. Now, Aaron and Dianne needed to report to Gabriel and tell him about Eugene and this other community he had been in contact with. Aaron knew Gabriel wouldn't be happy to learn that Ezekiel and Yumiko had gone away too. It wasn't exactly the best time to be out there searching for new people, but it was a chance they had to take.

On his way to find Gabriel, he saw Alden, who was on his way to the townhomes with a stack of sheets and towels. He asked Dianne to watch Gracie, Judith and R.J. for a moment, and then he rushed down the street. Aaron called to Alden, and he stopped before ascending the steps. He set his pile of linens on the step and waited for Aaron to catch up. They hugged briefly, both men glad to see they made it through the war.

"What happened? Is everything okay?" Aaron asked curiously.

"Yeah, Adam is upstairs with one of my new neighbors," he smiled. "I was just getting a few things. I guess this is my new home for now."

"I've still got a few of Gracie's things from when she was a baby. I'll bring them over in the morning," Aaron offered.

"That'd be great. Thanks. So, what happened to you?" Alden asked.

"I was with Luke after we got out of Hilltop. He was injured … unconscious. I made it to the safehouse and led them home. What happened with you after Hilltop?" Aaron asked in return.

"It was just me and Adam, Kelly and Mary," said Alden in a hushed voice.

"Mary? She's here?" said Aaron with surprise. He really wanted to see her, and make sure she was all right, but Alden's sorrowful face told him something had happened. "Where is she?" he asked.

Alden shook his head. "She didn't make it."

Aaron looked down and away. "Damn," he whispered.

"She saved us," Alden continued. "She … uh … she sacrificed herself so that we could have a chance." Alden sat on the step, as though his legs wouldn't hold him up any longer. Aaron sat next to him. Eventually, Alden told his story. "We were just walking. Adam was crying. I couldn't get him to stop. Mary, she … um … she told me how to calm him, but it wasn't working. I was still being a stubborn asshole, but I finally gave in and let her hold him. He calmed right away." Alden gave a slight smile as his memory played it back to him. "And then there were walkers coming from all directions. We found an old car and got inside. Well, me and Kelly did, but Mary … she refused to. Instead, she led the walkers away from the car. We waited until it was safe to come out, and then we went to look for her. By the time we found her, it was too late." Alden paused and made eye contact with Aaron. "Beta killed her and let her turn. I think he was going to lead her to the rest of the herd. I couldn't let him do that, so I shot her with an arrow. I tried to take out Beta, but I missed and he got away."

Aaron was hurt over Mary's death. He didn't think she got a fair shot, especially after she risked everything to leave Alpha's camp and help his own people. "I'm glad she got to hold Adam. Thank you for doing that."

"I know you had a deal," Alden mentioned. "So, you can rest easy knowing it was carried out."

Aaron patted Alden on the back, and stood from the steps. He excused himself and made his way to Gabriel's house. By the time he got there, a meeting had already begun. Gabriel addressed him right away, and Aaron told everyone about the events that took place at Hilltop The council had already heard from the others, but Aaron's account was a little more detailed. There was still concern about the remaining horde and the Whisperers, but Aaron assured them they had some time before Alpha figured out her next move, telling them it was how she did things. But he warned that Alexandria would be next on her list. At least now they knew what to expect.

As Aaron finished speaking, he saw Lydia come in and sit at the back of the room. He hurried with the rest of his report, and removed himself from the center of attention. He went straight to Lydia and hugged her. She hugged him back in a tight hold. Aaron released her and held her back so he could look her over. She had some scrapes and bruises, but she looked okay.

"Daryl and I were so worried about you. I'm glad he found you and brought you home."

Lydia seemed confused, and shook her head. "Daryl's not with me. I came back on my own."

Aaron's heart went to his throat, but he had to keep it together. "Where were you? I lost track of you at Hilltop. I knew your mother was looking for you, and I was afraid she might have captured you."

"It wasn't her," she said.

Aaron was confused by her comment. "What do you mean?"

"It wasn't Alpha. It was Negan. I was making my way through the woods when I saw him. I was actually glad it was him until I saw him drop a mask on the ground. He grabbed me and knocked me out. When I woke up, I was alone in a shack somewhere, tied to a chair. He was working with her. He was going to give me over to her," she claimed. She was clearly upset.

"I know you thought you could trust him, but Daryl warned you. Negan is only ever out for himself." She started to back away, but Aaron took her in his arms again. "I'm just glad you're here now. You're safe."

"She'll come. This isn't over," she warned.

"I know," he whispered in her ear. When she calmed, Aaron let her go. "So, you never saw Daryl out there?"

Lydia shook her head. "No. Sorry."

Aaron smiled and tried to shake off his worry. "Well, I'm sure he'll be back soon. Why don't you come home and get some rest? I could use your help. Judith and R.J. are staying with us until Michonne returns. And I know Gracie will be ecstatic to spend some time with you."

"I'd like that. I really would, but … I'm sorry, Aaron. I just need some time alone. I'm gonna stay at the townhomes for right now."

Aaron was hurt, but he could understand why she wanted to distance herself from everyone right now. He forced a smile and gave a nod. "At least take Dog with you. Daryl said he's bonded with you, and he makes for good protection."

"I will. Thanks for understanding," she told him. Lydia left the house and Aaron heard her whistle loudly. He heard Dog bark in response, his voice getting louder as he approached her.

There was nothing else to do for tonight, so Aaron took the children and went home. He put Judith and R.J. in Lydia's room, in the converted downstairs office, and then tucked Gracie in. Before he left her, he checked her one more time. "Are you sure you don't want to sleep in my room tonight, honey?" In the past, whenever Gracie had a nightmare, she would crawl into bed with him. He knew she had just lived through a real nightmare.

"I'm gonna tough it out," she told him, even though she still seemed a little scared after her ordeal.

Aaron brushed the hair from her face and cupped her cheek. "You are growing up so fast. I don't think I like it very much."

"I still need you, Daddy. I'll always need you, just not tonight. I'm gonna start being braver. I want to be just like you."

Her words threatened to bring tears to his eyes, but he held his composure. There was still something he needed to tell her. "Hey, I wanted you to be the first one to know, since it was kind of your idea to begin with."

"What's that?" Gracie asked, her child-sized brows drawing together.

"Me and Daryl are getting married."

Gracie sat up in bed, her mouth hung open as she gasped. "You are? When? When?" she asked excitedly.

"Well, once everything calms down and the Whisperers are no longer a threat, then I think we'll plan something."

"Yay. I'm so excited. I can't wait," Gracie cheered, clapping her hands together.

"Neither can I. Okay now, get some rest. I'll see you in the morning. I love you."

"I love you too, Daddy. Goodnight."

Aaron laid in bed, but he couldn't sleep. He was worried about Daryl. Why did Lydia make it home, but he didn't? Where was he? "You better come back to me soon," Aaron said to himself. "Or I'm going to head out after you."

It was late morning, and Daryl was almost to Alexandria. Negan had come with him on his own accord. Although Negan rambled the entire way home, Daryl hadn't said a word, and his ears were exhausted. He still wasn't done with Negan, and once word got out that the escaped prisoner returned, there would most definitely be a backlash. "You tell the council your story. I'll back it up only as much as I'm able to, but without proof, they might not believe you."

"Well, that's just a chance I'm gonna have to take," Negan responded. He moved in closer, as though the trees had ears. "Are you going to mention the deal me and Carol had?" he whispered.

"I wasn't a part of that, so that's between you and Carol. But you better hope she comes back or–" Daryl made a slash motion with his index finger from one side of his neck to the other. He shrugged his shoulders. "Not saying that's how it will go down. Only that it's a possibility."

"Thanks for the support," said Negan with a cynical edge.

The gate opened as they approached, and Aaron was there to greet Daryl. He'd just come on duty, and hadn't even climbed up to his station when the guard above told him to open the gate. He started towards Daryl, but stopped when he saw Negan standing a few feet behind him. Aaron noticed that Negan wasn't bound, and Daryl wasn't holding a weapon to him. His joy at finally being reunited with Daryl was overshadowed by the hatred he felt as he remembered Negan leaving him to fend for himself.

"What the hell is he doing here?" said Aaron, low and dangerous.

"Nice to see you again too," Negan commented from behind.

"Shut up," Daryl told him without turning around. "I don't like it any more than you do," he said to Aaron. "But Negan's got information that the council needs to hear."

"Couldn't you have beaten it out of him instead of bringing him here?" Aaron's eyes drilled into Negan as he spoke.

"You're gonna want to hear this. Everyone is," Daryl said. He glanced back at Negan before facing Aaron again. "He's on our side."

"Bullshit," said Aaron.

"I'm hurt," Negan said.

Shut up," Daryl and Aaron said in unison. Daryl continued. "He killed Alpha."

"Negan … killed Alpha," said Aaron disbelievingly. "Where's his proof? I know you, Daryl. You wouldn't believe him unless there was proof."

"Look, stick me back inside my cell if it will make you feel better," said Negan. "I don't really care. I've come back like the prodigal son after wasting his load on hookers and booze, and I'm tired and hungry."

"Let us in, Aaron," Daryl pleaded.

Aaron glared at Negan a moment, but then he stepped to the side and allowed Negan in. He called up to the other guard on duty. "Keep watch. I'm following them back to the hall." Aaron fell in behind Negan, and held his gun on him. People stopped and watched as they paraded Negan through town. Whispers of agitation followed them to the hall. Gabriel had already been informed, and he stood outside of the meeting hall, where he awaited them.

"Good to see you again Gaby," Negan smiled as he passed by and went inside.

Daryl shoved him to the long table where other council members would soon arrive. He picked up a chair, brought it to Negan and shoved him down onto it. Then he stepped to the side. Aaron remained on the opposite side with his rifle aimed at Negan.

The council's numbers had shrunken dramatically, as some of them had lost their lives. Among the deceased were Siddiq and Laura. Now, it consisted of Gabriel, Rosita and Aaron. Dianne stepped in for Laura. Daryl had already been appointed by Michonne while she was gone. That just left Siddiq's position open, and it would remain that way until a later time. Dianne brought a couple of her guards with her, and they took over for Aaron so he could have a seat at the table. Daryl sat next to him, and the meeting began.

Daryl started off by telling them about his reason for being out there. He explained how he was searching for Lydia and found Negan instead. He went on to tell them about Negan confessing to killing Alpha and cutting off her head. He told them about the Whisperers who captured him, and how Negan helped kill them and set Daryl free. He explained the empty spikes at the northern border, and the fresh blood he found on one, the one in which Negan claimed to have put Alpha's head. There was no explanation for the missing head. The only thing Daryl left out was the deal Carol struck with Negan, and the fact that she was the one who let him out of jail to begin with.

When Negan was asked to share his side of things, he told them how he infiltrated the Whisperers, and the things he endured while under their rule. He went into gory detail of how he killed Alpha, and asked that the council take everything into consideration when they decided his fate.

Gabriel announced a witness to come forward, and in walked Lydia. "She had a part to play in this too, or did you forget about that?" Gabriel antagonized.

Daryl's jaw dropped when he saw her. He had no idea she had come back. Aaron didn't mention it. Then again, Aaron was too wrapped up in trying to find a good enough reason to shoot Negan. Daryl didn't care if they were in a meeting or not. He got up from the table and went to her. They hugged, and he checked her over. "Are you okay?" he asked, and she nodded. "I looked everywhere for you."

She gave him a guarded smile. "I know. Aaron told me."

"Lydia, please tell us what happened after the Hilltop fire," said Gabriel from the table.

She looked at Daryl as if waiting for his permission. He gave her a nod and she stepped forward. Daryl remained standing. As she gave her account of what happened, he noticed that it matched Negan's story. Once again, it seemed the man was telling the truth. However, Lydia still thought Negan was going to give her over to the Whisperers, and that she escaped on her own.

"If I was actually going to hand her over, why would I have tied her to a chair and left her alone? I would have taken her straight to their camp," Negan defended himself.

"That will be all, Lydia," Gabriel said. "You can leave."

Lydia nodded and left the building. Dianne watched to make sure she wasn't eavesdropping. At that moment, Lydia didn't know her mother was dead, and Gabriel didn't think the council meeting was the best way for her to find out.

Daryl got up to leave too, but Gabriel called him back. "You're a part of this council now. Your vote is important."

"Lydia is more important. I gotta talk to her," he said. He glanced at Negan, and the man looked down and away, as though ashamed for the part he played in Alpha's demise.

"Fine. We'll take a brief recess to discuss what we've heard here today," said Gabriel. "Dianne, take Negan to his cell."

Daryl watched and waited for Dianne to take Negan away, but as they made their way toward the jail, Lydia approached them. "Aaron," Daryl called.

Aaron rushed to his side and saw Lydia stop in front of Negan and Dianne. "Oh shit. Come on," said Aaron, and both men rushed toward the confrontation. By the time they got to them, Negan was apologizing.

"I'm sorry, kid," he said with genuine regret.

"Lydia," said Aaron gently as he reached out for her.

"Leave me alone," she demanded, yanking her arm away from Aaron's touch. "I just need some time." Lydia ran toward the townhomes where she decided to stay.

Daryl watched until she went inside. Then he got in Negan's face. "You told her?" he accused.

"What did you want me to do, lie? She needed to know, and she needed to hear it from me," Negan said angrily. "It wasn't like she didn't know this would happen. Christ, everyone here wanted to see Alpha dead. It just so happens, I'm the guy who did it."

"Get him out of here," Aaron ordered Dianne. She shoved Negan in the back and forced him toward the jail.

"He's right, you know," Aaron said to Daryl. "He's already the bad guy. Might as well have been him who told her Alpha was dead."

Daryl went back to the meeting hall and caught the council before they left. "Let him go," he told them.

Gabriel looked at him questioningly. "Negan?"

"Let him go," Daryl repeated himself. "If he runs away, fine. Where's he gonna go? He killed Alpha. He can't go back to the Whisperers."

"But you said they were ready to make him their leader," Gabriel countered.

"That was just three frightened assholes alone in the middle of nowhere. Beta is still out there somewhere, and I don't think he's gonna let Negan take over the throne," Daryl explained. "Look, the fact is, Negan killed Alpha. He didn't have to. He could have stayed with her, become her right-hand man, but he didn't. And he was right, what he said about Lydia. If he was going to turn her over to her mother, he would have marched her straight there. I'm not saying the guy is rehabilitated, and I still don't trust him. I never will, completely. But he's a soldier and he's expendable. With Beta out there, I got thinking, who else would have taken Alpha's head from that pike? Like Lydia said, this ain't over. Personally, I'd rather have Negan on my side than fighting against him. So, let him go. We'll keep an eye on him. He'll have to contribute around here too. But we have to give him some kind of incentive to want to fight for us, and right now, that's his freedom."

Gabriel stood silent and considered Daryl's plea. Everyone waited for a discussion to begin, but Gabriel answered for everyone without a vote. "No," he said plain and simple.

Daryl was thinking how to defend his statement when Lydia came in through the door. Aaron started to go to her, but she put a hand out to stop him. "I agree with Daryl. Let him go."

"What?" said Aaron quietly from behind.

"When I first came to Alexandria, I was met with some sympathy. A few of you took me in, gave me a home and made me part of their family." As she spoke, she looked from Aaron to Daryl. "Others made life difficult for me. Some lied to me. Others used me. A couple even tried to kill me. There was only one person who was always honest, who never bullshitted me. And when I was in danger, he was there to protect me. It cost Negan what little freedom he had, and it would have cost him his life, but that didn't stop him from helping me in my time of need." Lydia paused and walked to the center of the room so she could properly address the council. "You knew where I came from and who my mother was, but you all gave me a second chance. You took me in and you didn't have to. So, it wouldn't be right for me to stand here and not ask that you show Negan the same mercy."

The room was silent as everyone considered Lydia's words. Gabriel looked left and then right. No one had anything to add, so he addressed Lydia and Daryl. "We've heard what you had to say. You have both made solid points. Daryl, we know where you stand. You can stay for the discussion if you want or you can go about your day."

"I've got things to do, so I'll leave the council stuff up to the council," he replied.

"Aaron?" Gabriel addressed him.

"I've made my decision too. I vote to release him." Aaron's quick decision came from his former experience with Negan when he played guard to him. He didn't like to think about it too much because he didn't want it to diminish his hatred for the man. However, he had to take it into consideration. Negan had an opportunity to escape when Aaron was blinded by the poisonous plant. He could have let Aaron die, but he didn't. Instead, Negan stayed with him throughout the night and protected him from walkers. And in the morning, he made sure Aaron made it safely home. He also thought twice about the reason why Negan hadn't helped him recently. During his testimony, he mentioned coming across Aaron and Luke after Hilltop was compromised. Negan said he had seen Lydia limping off into the woods, and he was in pursuit of her when he ran into Aaron. He knew Alpha was looking for her, and it had been more important to capture Lydia for her own safety. Aaron had put himself in Negan's place, and he knew he would have made the same decision. As much as he hated to admit it, it really seemed that Negan was making an effort.

Lydia left the meeting hall first. When Daryl and Aaron were finished, they left too. Aaron wanted to speak with her, but by the time he left, she was almost to the townhomes. He wanted to make sure she was alright.

"Kid's got a pretty big pair," Daryl commented. "Especially to stick up for Negan like that."

"That's why she has a connection with Negan," Aaron pointed out. "They are both outcasts."

"We're the ones who took her in," Daryl complained. "But she always ended up spending time with him."

Aaron thought Daryl sounded jealous, but he ignored it. "We gave her what she had been missing, but Negan connects with her on a more personal level. I guess we can't ignore that."

"So, are we done here?" Daryl asked, putting his hand on Aaron's waist.

"It seems so, for now anyway." Aaron copied Daryl and put his arm around Daryl's waist too.

"Good. Let's go home," Daryl suggested, and they went straight there without stopping.