Chapter Text
Day 410, Sunday, 9 th of October 2011
Path Towards Woodbury – The Forests
59.88F
Sudden Rains Across the State Ambience
A Great Cloud Hangs over the Sky of East Georgia. After Months of Infrequent or Entirely Absent Rain; A Massive Deluge is underway. As predicted, the Flooding of Cold Temperatures and Wet Humid Air has flooded the area. Old Waterbeds are refilling, and Rivers are flowing stronger than ever before.
Suddenly, they have gone from a Situation of Declining Water Levels to having all too much of it.
The only problem is that the Heavy Rain has knocked out the Musical Signal at Woodbury. For now? The Undead are Unlikely to find the Prison with the Rain drowning out noises and smells, but soon as the Deluge ends? They could pick up the scent. It was integral to get the Woodbury Communication Tower Back Online.
So that’s what Rick, Andrea, Morgan and Michonne were up to. Traversing the Heavy winds. Daryl & Dog were around as well but they were scouting ahead. Keeping an eye out for any changes with the Walkers. For now, it wasn’t much of anything.
Morgan, wearing a tan hooded coat, had his knife out. Missing arm all wrapped up and still relatively safe under his coat. Andrea has this poncho over her using get up. Flat Crown Hat tied to her chin quite securely. Rifle in hand and walking alongside her Man, who had his Sheriff’s jacket back on and zipped up. White Under Shirt and Blue Button-Up underneath. The Holster for his Python was still empty, but H&K strapped to his hip, Hatchet dangling off its holster.
While Michonne wore Leah’s Old Reaper Winter Sweater with a Turtleneck, Brown cloak, Jeans, Heeled Boots and her Katana. Dragging along two Walkers with their heads covered with Bags. Keeping them low stimulus and ensuring any passers-by do not recognise them. Her Dark, Curly, and Bushy locks waving in the wind under her hood, head turned down, but her Dark lips still visible.
Heading back to Woodbury was no casual affair for her, but one she is taking on. It wasn’t while long though, because Andrea slows up and checks on her, “Hey Misha... you okay?” Glancing up, Michonne hums in weary thought, “For the Most Part... Just trying to stay focused on leading these Beacons. They’re going to be important for us getting close to that Tower.”
“Yeah...” Andrea and Michonne have been going steady in a sense. While it’s obvious that Andrea’s been together with Rick a whole bunch. Their Mutual Connection from The Farm & The Wastelands lingers on, prompting her to hold Michonne’s gloved hand, “I’m here for you... at any time.”
A Sly Smirk forms upon Michonne’s face, looking over to Rick, “Hear that...? Gonna steal your Girl.” Flashing the Grin right back, Rick retorts, “Take her, she keeps burning the Morning Eggs.”
“I so do not!” Andrea protests but Morgan in the back just chuckles to himself, “Oh, I dunno, I felt like the Eggs were pretty charred. My Son certainly thought so.” Pouting Andrea rolls up her eyes, “So I am not the best Girly-Girl, Bite me.”
Chuckling together briefly, they see the Street Sign that indicates the Miles. Woodbury is not far. They just need to get over one last Bridge, and then it’s a clear run towards the Old Town. Yet as they close in on that bridge, they find something... Quite Extraordinary.
A Creek that was once a meagre little thing has turned into an Overflowing Mess of a thing. Several Trees have gone under and are now jutting out of the now-rushing river. Some have even bashed up against the bridge where they’re pinned now. Daryl Dixon, in his Dark Shoulder Cape and raised hood, stands by the edge of the Bridge. Dog sitting happily as can be, panting in the rain.
“Lots of Water.” Daryl starts off and Morgan leans over to see an entire Humvee wreck rolling down the Flooded Water, splashing and bashing against the Water, “That it is. That creek we got, is it connected to anything big?”
“Nah...” Daryl wipes at his soaking wet Chin, “We should be good, we’re up on some pretty Sloped Terrain. Even if it floods fully, The Actual Prison is on top of a Hill. No doubt the Bastards who built the place planned for Flood Conditions.”
Rick stands with his hands parked upon his belt, watching the water rush with everyone else, “Carol & I might have to fix the Water Lines after all this, but we should be good on Water for a good long while. Just Glad we got most of the Essential Food Harvested already... Though I think the berry bushes and the potato plants will hold out in this Deluge.”
Leaning on the edge, Andrea glances out towards the Rest of the Wasteland getting absolutely soaked right now, “Think the Hordes will suffer any Casualties from these Storms?”
“Not Nearly Enough.” Daryl leans off his resting spot and whistles for Dog, prompting the Team to follow him, “Been scoping the place out. Not exactly sure what did it, but it seems that the Migration got split up into Smaller Hordes. They’re spread out across the Countryside. As for Woodbury itself? Packed.”
Just as it ought to be, Rick nods in confirmation, “Alright, we’ll head there now.” Stepping off the Bridge and into the rest of the Wastelands.
Woodbury Ruins
Standing over the Hill, the Group Sees the Town for the First Time in a Long Time. They’re able to witness the absolute State of the once Vibrant Settlement. So many of the Buildings have crumbled into Dust and Ruin, while others are packed with the Walking Dead. The Town Hall had crumbled into itself, and the Hospital had huge holes blown into it.
The Stadium was a mess of Burned Metal & Wood, with one of the Light Stands having crumbled entirely.
At the Area where Andrea and her People were first unloaded, and saw the Skyline of the Town was entirely overrun and many of the Apartments that had first amazed her upon entry? Had entirely burned down and crumbled.
“This... This is kind of sad.” Andrea comments quietly, leaning her rifle against her shoulder, fingers tapping at the gun, “Does anyone else feel that way or is it just me?” Rather quickly Daryl just dismisses the idea, “Fuck this Place; got what it deserved.” Morgan was in quiet agreement. This is the place that took his hand and exploited his madness after all.
While Rick breathes out through his nose, “This Place was a Promise. The Governor Promised his People that he would see ‘em through to the end.” Briefly waving his hand at the Settlement, “He lied... and they paid the price for that Lie. For all we know? The Governor could’ve ordered this to happen in the event he was killed...”
“Or maybe something else.” Letting his eyes droop a little... Thinking about all the Futures that Bastard threw way, “Whatever the case... It’s just another ruin now.” Michonne quietly nods her head. She was just glad that the Fucker was dead. Nothing gives Michonne more peace than knowing that he’s wiped out from this plane of existence. Taking a look at all those Walkers around the Town and how clumped up they are, “Well, if we wanna make sure this place isn’t a complete waste of space. Then we’ll need to dice up a few more Walkers for Beacons.”
Right... Rick readies his hatchet, holding it in his hand, “Let’s take on those few Stragglers. Morgan?” Mister Jones shakes his head, “Nah, I’ll take ‘em out when I have to. No point risking myself.” Preferring to preserve his life for his Son instead of trying to prove himself, which only makes Rick appreciate him more, “Alright. Let’s go, Michonne.”
The Pair head down the Grassy Hill towards a small Pack of Walkers, “Hrrgghhkkk!” Readying the hatchet, Rick pommels the First Walker’s Jaw with the Top of his Axe and side-kicks it into the Dirt, “Ghn!” THUD! Meanwhile, Michonne readies her Katanna, “Hna!” SWINK! SLANK! Two Arms go off and then FHK! High Kick to the face, sending the Walker down! The Third tries to swipe, but Michonne evades! SLANK! Rick goes chops into its throat and slams the Creature into the grass, pinning it by the neck while the last means to get him from behind, SWINK! Michonne had it handled.
Daryl ties up the jaws of each Walker and then uses pliers to rip out their chompers.
Meanwhile, Michonne uses a cloth and wipes up the silvery blade, “Not Bad, Rick. Considering you’ve been out of practice.” Flashing a smirk, Rick brings up a Walker and brings out a knife from his sleeve, “I keep my Practice going. Taking a break, not retiring.” Jabbing the knife into the Walker’s Jaw and popping out each and every tooth.
Moments Later
The Whole Group now had their own Beacon. Except for Daryl, who holds Dog by the lead, “Alright, I’ll stay posted out here. Dog’s gonna bark every time he sees a Walker, so, gotta keep him out here.”
Understanding, Rick kneels and pats behind Dog’s Ear, “Good Boy.” The Goodest Dog Ever licks at Rick’s sleeve and nuzzles his head against the Fabric. Daryl smiles at the Scene, “That he is. Good luck to you.”
“You too.” Rick stands up and takes one walker by the rope lead, bringing it along while Andrea nuzzles the Doggie, “Stay alive, Boyo~ Hehe...” Always loving that Dog. Yet they were on a Mission, so Andrea couldn’t afford to get stuck in a Petting Loop again. Not that Daryl minds... Seeing Dog happy does something good to him.
Morgan follows along after Andrea, letting her lead the Walker towards Woodbury. Wishing he could, staring at the Stub on his arm... A Piece he’s never getting back.
Getting closer and closer to the Undead; they bunch up and walk together as a Unit. The Beacons allow them to slowly weave their way into the giant cluster of Undeath. Thank God for the rain, else the smell would be even worse than it already is. First, they go through the Open Gate, where they get into Main Street. From here, they can take a Left-Hand Turn away from the Stadium and move towards the Comms-Tower, which used to be part of a Minor Airfield in Town. It was turned into a Small-Scale barracks and Comms Area and had additional fortifications around its perimeter.
Most of which are down now.
“Urrhhkkk...” A Rotten Creature with a missing eye stares into Rick’s face, but the lack of care from him allows it to move on. Gently pushing aside a Walker, Michonne sees that Tower is getting closer. The Lights are off, which does in fact mean that it’s a Power Issue. Hopefully, it’ll be as simple as flipping the Circuit Breaker.
This was the Fence Perimeter. Getting through is as simple as walking through the gaps and discovering the Large Tented Fields full of Temporary and now withering Housing. The Woodbury Flag is still flying from its Pole. The Symbology and Identity of that Symbol were lost and marred as the Star-Spangled Banner.
Michonne Tugs her Walkers along, “Here we are.” Reaching the Metal door and standing aside, “Got the Keys?” Rick brims them outta his Fur-Lined Jacket and jangles them back and forth within his hand, “Yeah.” Slotting them in and twisting... Clk! The door opens, and Rick holds it, “Bring in the Beacons.”
Morgan takes the Lead for Rick’s Beacon and drags it inside. The meandering dead stumble in low Stimulus. One Emaciated Goopy Walker tries walking inside, but Rick pushes it back, sending the creature to the floor!
Trying to get back up and chomping its teeth while Andrea funnels in. Rick draws the Knife and stabs the Monster through its jaw, thrusting it in and closing the door, SLSK! Andrea jabs its head, and the pair throws it to the side so he could lock up the doors. The Undead begin bashing at it fruitlessly. Slightly aroused from the combat.
Tying the Undead to a Pipe, The Beacons were now Secure, and Michonne backs up, “Where’s the Circuit Breaker?” The Lights are indeed off. So, Rick activates the Flashlight and heads towards the Stairs, “Just down here.” Pushing the Metal Door open and walking down the steel stairs.
The Basement is where they used to store Goods like Ammo and Food, but has since been emptied out and now all that’s left is the Back-Up Generators, a few Oil Drums of Fuel and a Circuit Breaker. Rick pops the hatch and shines his light, “Damn...” Morgan steps up beside him, “Well, that explains what happened.”
Confused, Andrea looks between them both, “What, isn’t it a simple Switch Flip and Let there be Light?” Stepping aside, Rick indicates to the Breakers with his Torch, “See 3A here?” Pointing at the Circuit Box. His finger indicates to the Scorch Marks, “This one’s been damaged and now it’s tripping the system.”
“But we ain’t got a circuit box?” Michonne hums wearily, looking around the Room, “Did we miss something?” Glancing back towards the Circuit Breaker, Rick checks if it has any power left flowing at all, No. So, he just flips all the switches to off, “Probably, Y’all go upstairs and check for spares. Me and Morgan will play Electrician down here.”
Morgan unslings his bag while the Ladies head upstairs and unzip, taking out a Flathead, a roll of tape and finally some gloves, “Here, man, for safety.”
“Appreciate it.” Rick slips them on and then gets the Tape and breaks off a piece, lathering the slip upon 3A. Marking which one is the Faulty One. Just in case something happens or a Mistake is made. This Yellow Piece of Tape makes it immediately obvious this is the Broken one and helps Scrappers in the Prison know that this one is good to be broken down for parts.
Next, Rick gets the Flathead Screwdriver and gets to the First bolt on the cover, “Try to hold it, Man.” So, Morgan does so with his Good Arm, “Got it.” As the Bolt is undone, Rick begins to fill the Dead Air. As there hasn’t been much opportunity to discuss things since they first reunited, “How’ve you been? Duane good?”
“He’s Good, Real Good.” Morgan has such peace upon his face, chuckling lightly, “Man, I just can’t get over it. Every Morning I wake up and see my Boy, and I am just happy. Your Son has done immeasurable service to my Family.” One Bolt Down, Rick sets it on a crate nearby and starts with the next one, “You did one first, in saving my life.”
The Early Days... Morgan can scarcely remember them. Seems like a Lifetime ago, “It feels like things are always gonna be this way. With the Dead I mean. How do you feel about that, for your boy?” Rick’s eyes crease uneasily about the thought, “That’s why Triss’s work is important... Gotta keep working towards the Future.”
“I feel you.” Morgan watches Rick put aside that bolt and gets started on the first, keeping his palm thoroughly pressed against the Box. Thinking about how different his Son’s Life has been so far. How that might affect him, “Just thinking about the long term. How long does that Prison got? I don’t want to think about it being gone, but... A Man’s Gotta think, right?”
Understanding that, Rick himself has wondered that same question. Is the Prison truly the place they’ll spend their Lives at? It could be. Everyday People Personalise the spot. Remembering how Dark, Gritty and Depressing it was at first.
Now nearly all the Blood Stains are clear, and the Woodbury Survivors seem Virtually Indistinguishable from the Original Prison Population. Still, with everything that’s gone wrong? One needs to wonder if the Governor hasn’t doomed the whole lot of them, “For as long as People wish to fight for it, I suppose.” Third Bolt is off, and now Morgan was really holding onto that cover. So, Rick hurries this along, “They’ll grow up appreciating this, Morgan. Their chance at a Normal life, even if it disappears. We tried and you tried.”
“Sometimes knowing you tried is all you get as comfort and assurance.”
That’ll just have to be enough, Morgan supposed. Last Bolt. Rick helps his friend set aside the cover, “There.” Shining the light back inside, “Now we got access.” Setting the light down and shining. Rick gets the flat head again and goes to a screw within the Circuit Box and slowly twists it loose so the connected wire can come free. Pressing it down at an angle, Rick removes the busted Circuit with ease.
“Done, for now anyway.” Rick leans upon his side while Morgan purses his lips, “Now we wait.”
Upstairs – Top Floor
The Search for spares continues. Andrea opens up a filing cabinet and shines a Torch in and begins rifling through the stuff to find an Extra 15-AMP Circuit Box. Meanwhile Michonne stands by the Window, overlooking the rest of the Darkened Town.
Pensively Pondering the Past while Andrea closes the Cabinet and opens the next only to spot Michonne not really searching. Clicking off the light, Andrea walks across the Dim room and stands beside Michonne, letting the Woman see her before laying a hand on her back, “What’s going on up there?”
“The Governor...” Michonne admits with shame, caressing up and down her Blackened sleeves, “Came here to try and uh... Try to put this all behind me... in a way that I can... Start to see things ahead of me.” Yet it was hard. Flashes of Violence & Debauchery occasionally assault her mind and make her fluttering eyes closed, “S-sorry...”
“What for?” Andrea quietly tilts her head to the side, hand rubbing up and down her back, “You’ve only ever taken care of me, Misha.” But that Guilty Look in her eyes says otherwise, “I... I got you... If it wasn’t- for my... Biting and my.... Attacks. Then, maybe he’d not have-!” Quickly, Andrea stops her short, “No... No that wasn’t you, Michonne. The Governor answered trespasses with Violence. He was a Vile, Narcissistic, Psychopath Murderer. A Dangerous Criminal and now he’s a Corpse. A Pile of Bones, chum for some Walker’s stomach.”
Leaning in a little closer, “He’s gone... and we’re still here... You and Me. We survived, Michonne... and we didn’t just survive but we Thrived. ” Scoffing in admiration of what they got done together, “We took... The Strongest Enemy yet, and cut them down to size. An enemy that caught us at our worst. Not like the Reapers, or the Vipers... but still came out on top.”
“He’s Dead. And you can be Proud in that you got that done with me.”
Still a certain... Anxiety hangs in the air, Michonne’s Dark Eyes focusing on the Governor’s Old HQ, the Town Hall, “Is he Dead? Could he have survived? We never made sure, and now it’s too late to know.” Huffing quietly, Andrea wishes that Freak would just disappear already, “I doubt it, very much. We’re safe, Michonne.”
“I’m... not sure.” Michonne turns to Andrea, meeting eyes with her directly, “Something in me is saying that the Governor is the one that did this... I don’t know how, but he did. So, I am gonna hunt him down... and keep looking until I find him.”
Seeing that Michonne is entirely sold in on his... Andrea takes her hands, “I- I don’t... want that for you.” Getting a little closer now, “I want... to see you happy. You ought to stay within the Prison and, uh...” Growing nervous, Andrea begins fiddling with Michonne’s Hands.
“Yeah?” Michonne leans in to make eye contact, seeing Andrea working something up, “Phew...” Gulping once and meeting eyes, “I want... Us to be Together. Me, You... Rick, if that’s his thing. I just- want to move on with my life, and I want to do that with you.”
Them? Together? All three? Michonne scoffs at the Boldness, “Really?” Shrugging, Andrea just argues, “World’s Over. I don’t care, do you?”
“It ain’t that, Honey.” Michonne warmly holds Andrea’s hands, tilting her head softly to the side, “I... can’t let go. Not until I am ready to say for certain he’s dead. It’s Not Over for Me. Every time I try to be happy... I am stuck thinking about the things that don’t. I need this... and I know... You Love Me... and...” Swallowing a lump in her throat, “Love You. But I am not able to settle anymore. You & Rick? You’re so much stronger than me. Able to just let it all go as you had. Persist on with Life as you need to. As Carl and Judith need to... but the Fight’s in me.”
“Maybe the Fight will Always be in Me.”
Sighing... Andrea wasn’t going to force Michonne into this, and backs away, holding her arms together, “Are you leaving again?” Nodding quietly, Michonne glances back out towards the Wastes, “Not like before though... Gonna check in every Sunday. Ride back... Resupply, Talk... the Likes... So, I don’t miss Christmas Turkey.”
“P-pfft...” Andrea snickers despite the pain, squeezing herself tighter, “I’ll be much better at cooking by then. So, you'd better come back for Christmas. I am so putting you into a Dorky Sweater. Already got one prepped for Rick and Carl.” Liking the idea already, Michonne's steps in, and lifts Andrea’s chin, laying a warm kiss upon her lips, making Andrea flutter her eyes closed.
Leaning into the Kiss rather Liberally, while Michonne takes Andrea’s hand and reaches behind herself, laying down a Circuit box in her palm... Quietly leaning back, “Just one... for the Road.” Eyeing the Box for a moment, Andrea soon finds Misha taking her leave, “Until next time, Miss Hawthorne...”
And she’s gone.
Weighing the Device in hand... Andrea realises the Extra Beacons just meant that Michonne could leave right now and not have them be stranded, “Heh... always 2 Steps ahead of me...” Soon touching upon her lip... and walking down the stairs and into the Basement where Rick and Morgan are shooting the shit leaned against the wall, “We got the Box.”
Showing it in hand, Both Rick and Morgan lean off to check, but no Michonne. Prompting Rick to ask, “Where’s Michonne?” Giving Rick the box, Andrea sighs quietly, “She’s going to go hunt for the Governor... worried that he’s alive and caused the Massacre. She said she’ll be coming back every Sunday, and I hope she’s serious about that.”
Taking the Box, Rick weighs it in his hand, darting eyes to Morgan, who pockets his hand, frowning because of that, “Rick... I dunno Man. Last time Michonne left, we ended up bleeding to get her back. Not that it’s her fault, but... With the Walkers and...”
“Yeah...” Releasing a long sigh, Rick meets eyes with Andrea, who was staring back at him with Vulnerability, “What do you want? Should we chase after her?” Trusting Andrea’s Heart. Yet her decision had already been made, “We Keep the Doors Open for her... We never close her out. This is what she needs to move on...” As much as it hurts to say.
As for Rick, every ounce of his Being Wanted to race off to find her. To convince her to say, maybe show her how to build a new life. Yet that’d just be fulfilling his own selfish needs. Because this is what Michonne asked for, and while they may indeed be living within a Prison? No One is forced to stay at the End of the Day.
“Okay.” Rick welcomes Andrea into a cuddle, helping her deal with this... While Morgan blows air, having the Worst Kinda feeling about this. Like a Repeat of History. Still, nothing more that can be done about it now. What’s Done is Done.
Parting gently, Rick brushes along Andrea’s Cheek, “I’ll get this hooked in now.” Holding his hand, she leans into his palm, “I’ll be here.” With that, Rick goes to finish the Job. Heading over to the Breaker and getting the Wire, feeding it into the slot just beneath the Screw for the Circuit Box and then slowly twists the Screw and then the plates down. Securing the power wire. Then slotting in the New Box at an Angle and pressing it in. Done.
After a quick reapplication of the Cover. Rick flips the switches and pulls the lever, reviving the Power System, the Generators and turning on the lights. The Sound System will be ready to boot up. So, they head upstairs and back into the control tower where Rick sits down at the panel and realigns the Dishes to catch the Signal and starts up the speakers.
Using the Volume Dial, The Speakers across the Town Kick up.
And then? He presses play. Prompting Georgian Country Music to Blast out across the Wasteland. Slowly drawing the Walkers back toward the Town and away from the Prison. Morgan struts over to the Window and sees the Dead Piling in now. None of the Speakers Playing Music are attached to the Tower itself.
Else their Safe Tower would become sieged, and the doors would give, “It’s clearing out. We should be good to leave soon.” Andrea takes a moment to check on Rick who was just sitting with his hands in his jacket pockets, “You okay?”
“Just Missing Michonne.” Rick smiles softly, that’s all he’ll say about it now.
“Okay.” Andrea brings out her Radio and dials up Daryl, “You hear the Fat Lady Sing?” Over the Comms, Daryl reports, “Yep, Dead’s heading back to the Town now. I saw Michonne walking off, we waiting for her or what?”
Nothing Escapes Daryl, Andrea huffs briefly, “No, we’re not. We’re heading back to the Prison now before something happens. You there, or are we coming to you?”
“Meet me there.” Daryl hangs up rather suddenly.
There’s not much else to do now other than leave. So, Rick slaps his laps and stands, “C’mon. Let’s walk out the way we came.” Morgan lightly taps the window with his fist, “Let’s Pray we don’t have to come back here for a little While.” and follows Rick and Andrea down. Letting Rick grab his Beacon and Andrea, before exiting, funnelling everyone out and locking up the door.
Michonne’s Position
Sudden Rains Across the State Ambience
Chains Rattle, as Michonne trudges through the Wet Woods, Cloak flapping and waving behind her. She was escaping through Wild Woods. Not following any exact path, as to make following her more difficult.
Sadly, for Michonne; Daryl’s a better Tracker than she gives Credit.
The Growling of the Dog was Michonne's first clue, her dark eyes trailing up to see Daryl standing with his arms crossed. There he was in, in her way again, “Daryl...”
“You’re gonna listen to me...” Daryl insists, not budging for a moment, “I knew you were gonna try something the second you had us make those extra Beacons.” Leaning on her side, Michonne releases a long sigh, “This is something I gotta do. I need to find the Governor and kill Him. I have to be Sure.”
Flicking his hand at her, Daryl retorts, “You think you do, but you don’t.”
Tapping her boot against a Muddy Puddle, Michonne knew this’d be an issue with Daryl. Considering it took Leah Shaw last time she disappeared and was found, “I can’t be around there, Daryl.”
“Cus of Judy?” Daryl squints, making her widen eyes, “What-!”
Daryl takes a step closer, leaning toward her, “I see the way you look at that Baby. The way you look at Carl... Sophia. You see ‘em and it makes you Happy. But that makes you worry, don’t it?” Her Brows fall, and eyes narrow, shifting on her wait, cloak flapping with droplets of rain flicking off, “Takes one to know one.”
Clenching his jaw, Daryl glances around himself, “Sure... I wanna be alone sometimes too, but you’re forgettin’ the reason we had to rescue. Being alone seems all nice till you sit down the first time... Till you, wait by a fire... Cooking a meal only for yourself.”
Pacing back and forth, Daryl shakes his head, “Till you gotta think about who could’ve been there. Who’s voice you could’ve listened to?” Stopping again, Daryl begins massaging the bridge of his nose, “If you go... You might not be able to Come Back.”
“Why?” She asks, narrowing her eyes further until Daryl looks at her straight, “Cus it’ll hurt too much to leave that feeling.” Gesturing his hand out to the Wastes, “You stay out here too long? It Changes You, and that was before the Dead Started Walking.”
Lightly wagging his head, “Every Second... Could mean you’re gone. Not cus you ain’t capable, but that’s just what Loneliness does. Ain’t nothing to drown out thoughts. Ain’t nothing to wake you from the Nightmares when they come.”
“So, you get used to it...” Leaning back on his boot and sighing, “You begin to adapt and find ways to keep surviving with it. You get so used to it that you don’t know nothing but the Struggle.” Slowly panning his hand across, “And that’ll be that.”
Taking a step to the side for Michonne, “You can still go... but it ain’t gonna help. It ain’t.” Having already made up her mind, Michonne closes her eyes and begins walking past him with the Beacons, “You don’t know that...”
“Naw...” Daryl restrains Dog, so he doesn’t maul the Beacons, “I know You... and I know that Leah doesn’t blame You.” Stopping Michonne dead in her tracks, moments before she submerged into the Shrubbery. The Woman shifts her head slightly, bushy locks waving in the wind from within, “...Thank You... Daryl...”
Nodding once, Daryl begins leading his Dog back, “Don’t stay out too long.”
She then steps away and into the Darkness, tugging the Snarling Dead along with her. Chains rattling the entire way. Daryl turns away fully and steps onto the muddy path, leading his Boyo along, “C’mon, let's go home, Dog.”