Don't Fear The Reaper (R. Grimes & D. Dixon)

84

Ezekial stood Front and center on the theater balcony between two tigers, one fake and the other being shiva. "I stand before you today, marking our fifth successful year of a trading fair. An event only made possible by the sacrifices of many over the years. But it is those sacrifices that bonded us together as a unity. One we always will be. We fought our way back to each other time and time again. We have grown." Kit smiled, clapping with the rest of the crowd, surrounded by her family. "Today marks another event as proof that we can unite, not against a common enemy, but for the common good. So eat, drink, trade, and be merry!" they all clapped as Jerry walked up to the stage. "Let the Fifth annual inter-community reunification fair begin!" He cheered, throwing his hands in the air. Kit and Rick started laughing as Ezekial once again started to scold Jerry, not that he ever cared. 

"Come on, we gotta have a leaders meeting," Rick whispered in her ear, nodding to Daryl. 

They all stood around the stage of the theater hall/ Ezekiel and Sasha's throne room. Kit chose to sit on the edge of the stage with Daryl, Rick taking his place to stand next to them. All of their kids, including Lydia, were sat down in the first row.

"Now, I'm sure you have all been brought up to date on the status of this new group and Lydia. We-" Rick motioned to the three of them, "Have decided Alexandria will take Lydia in; she is one of us now. We hope the rest of you can join us in doing the same." Rick informed the other leaders. 

"Thank you," Lydia spoke up sincerely from her place in-between henry and carl, Judith grinning wide and proud from her place next to him. "I'll do whatever I can to earn my keep and pay you back." 

"It's not your responsibility to pay for your mother's crimes, Lydia." Kit said firmly, looking at the girl. This had become a frequent thing Kit was having to remind the girl of daily.

"If her mother retaliates, what will we do?" Jesus asked, seeing as that is where Alpha would most likely strike first.

"I don't know if you remember, but years ago, after the Jocelyn incident, we came to you about Retaliation plans, defense, attacks. several for different situations." Kit started to explain.

"Did you finish them?" Sasha asked from her chair, her right hand stroking Shiva's head.

"Yes, we have plans for each community all coming together as a unity once again. When one has an enemy, that enemy becomes an enemy to us all. This won't be another Negan situation." Rick pressed.

"Should Alpha present herself as a threat, we wipe out that threat." Kit clarified. Lydia shifted in her seat, taking a deep breath, Kit had already told her that same thing and was very grateful for how straightforward the woman was, but it was still her mother despite how cruel she was. "I want to remind you all of the agreement you signed in subsection four. There is the mutual protection pact."

Jesus nodded lightly, smiling to himself; he called the choice they were making two weeks ago after watching the trio unknowingly adopt yet another child. "should Alpha make her move and make herself the enemy as you say, and she comes for hilltop first we won't have the numbers."

"We could send some people, help protect them," Daryl offered, looking to Kit and Rick, who nodded, agreeing.

"It's a good idea; we can send some too," Sasha said

"Oceanside can spare some fighters," Rachel added 

"Together, we can make these people think twice before making any ill moves against Hilltop," Ezekiel Said, satisfied with the outcome.

Kit stood next to Daryl's bike, waiting with the group that was going to leave and set up Hilltop, and moaned as she took her first bite of the caramel apple Rick got her before taking Judith and Tj to the dunk tanks. "God, this brings back memories," She said with a mouthful turning to look at Daryl when he snorted as he eyed her funny.