We're The Ones Who Live | The Walking Dead (2)

Epilogue - The End

ONE YEAR LATER

The sun shone brightly in the sky above the stage, the water fountain behind it reflecting the warm rays and creating a glow around the already sun kissed town centre. Barely a cloud was seen in the ocean blue sky above the heads of hundreds of people, all gathered in front of the stage and wandering around with their families and friends.

People sat on picnic blankets, the soft green grass freshly trimmed, the smell of the saltwater in the fountain mixed with the scent of lawn trimmings creating a naturistic, beautiful aroma in the clear air. Children ran around playing and laughing while their parents watched them fondly. People talked, laughed, came together, and settled down in the peace they finally had.

Eugene Porter placed a flower in front of a memorial, where the name 'Rosita Espinosa' was carved into a shiny plate of gold metal. With a smile, he turned around and took his new-born baby from his wife, Max's arms. "Hey, Rosie," he whispered in his daughter's ear, giving her a little kiss on her head.

The new leader of the Commonwealth, Governor Ezekiel Sutton, stood on the stage and addressed the crowd. Mercer stood by his side in a smart grey suit, a smile on his face as he scanned his surroundings.

"On this day," Ezekiel spoke loudly and proudly. "We honour those who have sacrificed for us. And we may pursue a more perfect union." His hands were behind his back, smiling widely as he spoke. "And though we are not bonded by blood, we are family."

Connie, Magna, Yumiko and Kelly all sat together by the wall, raising wine glasses and saying "Cheers!" to Ezekiel's words.

He continued, clasping his hands together. "As your Governor, I..." He smiled at Mercer. "And your Lieutenant Governor, Michael Mercer..."

"Whoooo!" Princess cheered, standing up in the crowd and waving up at her boyfriend.

Everyone laughed loudly at her excitement. As she sat down, Princess blew Mercer a kiss, and he smiled lovingly at her.

Ezekiel went on with his speech. "We pledge to live by those words."

The crowd got to their feet, standing from their seats around the tables to give a round of applause to their Governor. Ezekiel and Mercer smiled to each other, shaking hands as they stood before their people.

"Nice speech, your majesty."

The familiar voice immediately brought a smile to Ezekiel's face, and he spun around to see CJ Dixon standing by the steps up to the stage, her bag on the ground next to her, and her hands on her hips.

"Hey," Ezekiel chuckled, jogging down the steps and pulling CJ into a tight hug, making her laugh. "And it's Governor now. Not 'Your Majesty'."

"Yeah, but you're still a King," CJ mused. "This looks amazing, by the way."

"We're making things work," Ezekiel sighed happily, looking around at the beauty of the town around him. "The freedom we once fought for long ago is finally ours for the keep. Hell, if I'm gonna let it go again."

"Well, you definitely look happy," CJ smiled softly.

"Yeah... Yeah, I am," Ezekiel nodded proudly. His smile turned a little sad as he pointed down at the bag on the ground by CJ's feet. "Judging by that, I take it you're on your way soon?"

Returning the sad smile, CJ nodded. "You'd be correct," she breathed out. "Daryl's just talking to Carol out by the lake. Meeting at the gates."

Two sets of fast footsteps ran up behind her, and CJ didn't even have time to tun around before two small bodies ran into her and wrapped their arms around her.