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This Is What I Would Call A 'Grand Tour'

"I'll only be gone a few days at most, I promise." I kissed Carl quickly before stepping out the front door, tossing a couple of bags into the back seat of a car. I leaned against the closed door, giving him a reassuring smile as he followed me off the porch.

My job was to bring Daryl, Maggie and whoever else back to Alexandria to gear up, then travel to Oceanside, the new community Tara discovered.

"Just promise me you'll stay safe." Carl pleaded, his hands fumbling around mine as he met my gaze. He didn't like the idea of me going out there alone, but I knew I could handle myself.

"I promise. Besides, at least I'm taking a car this time." I smiled, getting into the driver's seat and waving goodbye.

"Belle, I wanna ask you something." Rick leaned against the doorframe, a set of keys in his hands. I took the stairs down quickly, stopping when I faced him. He placed the keys in my hand and I instinctively curled my fingers around them. "I don't know exactly how many people are in this community. Tara said more than here, so I think we're gonna need some help."

I nodded in agreement. We need as many people as possible to scare Oceanside into surrendering their weapons.

"Daryl's gonna want to be part of this. Maybe Morgan, too. And Maggie, Jesus, Sasha. I want you to go to the Kingdom and the Hilltop, round up as many people as you can." He instructed, causing my lips to fall into a frown.

"Why me?" I wondered, watching his eyebrows crease as he found the right words.

"I trust you. I think you're gonna be a part of what's bringing these communities together. And I know you can pretty persuasive." He sighed out a laugh. "This is the battle, and I know you want to fight."

I gripped the keys in my hand, a stern expression on my face as an answer. He knew I wouldn't let him down.

It didn't take long for the familiar clip-clopping of horses hooves to fill my ears, the riders from the Kingdom hurrying down the path when they heard my car pull up.

I was escorted to the gates, hearing an unsettling squeal as they opened, revealing the bustling community inside. This place was content, so relaxing. It would've been a delightful place to live.

"Back so soon?" I recognised the cheerful voice and I turned, seeing a head of curly golden hair bouncing my way.

"Maybe I just couldn't stay away." I smiled at Ben as he stopped in front of me, the staff ready in his hand and armour strapped firmly to his chest. "Going somewhere?"

He shook his head. "Not for a while. Just another drop off." His head hung low at the mention of the Saviors. I felt like if he wasn't so loyal to Ezekiel's word, he would've joined the fight immediately. "You here for anything specific?"

My thoughts floated away at his question. "Yeah, actually. I'm looking for my dad, Daryl. You seen him around?" I wondered, scanning the faces of the crowd.

"I'll help you look." He offered, gesturing for me to follow him. It was like I was being given a tour of the Kingdom, through the gardens and picnic benches and training areas.

"Henry was asking when you were coming back, by the way. He really wants to see that sword in action." Ben commented after a while, his eyes lit up.

"Maybe next time." I laughed. I was here to do my job first, make friends second. Besides, I had a feeling this wouldn't be the last time I entered the Kingdom. "Is Ezekiel any closer to joining the fight?"

He bit the inside of his cheek, a disappointed look in his eyes, and I already knew the answer. We stopped on a set of wooden steps leading up to the main building and he met my gaze. "Listen, he's just gotta take some time to figure it out. I swear, as soon as he says the word, I'll be right by your side." He insisted, his lips pressed together firmly.

I nodded in understanding. "I get it." The whole of Alexandria wanted to fight the Saviors, but it wasn't until Rick finally agreed that we decided to act on it. "I'll look forward to seeing you there."

He smiled softly before glancing at the doors of the building. "Daryl's been staying in here. He is one scary guy." He mumbled the last sentence, a small smirk on his face as he waved goodbye. It was getting easier to meet new people every day, starting with Ben.

I found Daryl almost immediately, approaching him as he leaned against a cage, more specifically a tiger's cage. The huge animal paraded around the small floor space, her tail brushing the bars silently.

"Surprised to see you here." He said when he saw me, my steps reluctant as I got closer to the prowling animal. I couldn't take my eyes off her. If I wasn't so afraid, I would've thought she was beautiful.

"I'm not here on vacation. Rick wants you home, we've got a plan." I told him, sensing him standing up straight. He was just as eager to fight as the rest of us. "I'll tell you in the car. We gotta make a pit stop on the way."

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Just a small chapter featuring Ben and Daryl and THANK YOU FOR 1K READS