Unbreakable threads

Chapter one hundred and twenty six: The plans to storm the outpost.

Jesus led the group outside to the RV, the late afternoon sun casting long shadows over the Hilltop's courtyard. He directed them toward a stack of supplies nearby, where food and other essentials were neatly packed into crates.

"Just to let you know," Jesus said with a reassuring smile as he handed over a box to Rick, "we will keep our side of the deal."

Rick nodded curtly, but it was Alyssa who stepped forward and took another box off Jesus' hands. Her expression was distant but focused, her mind clearly occupied. "Yeah, thanks," she said, her tone neutral as she began loading the supplies into the RV.

Rick, Daryl, and Abraham were already hard at work, moving quickly to load up the rest of the supplies. Daryl kept glancing over at Alyssa, as if trying to gauge her mood.

Meanwhile, Maggie and Glenn quietly slipped away from the group, making their way toward Dr. Carson's office in the hope of gathering a few more items for the baby.

As Alyssa returned to grab another crate, Jesus was already there, holding it out to her. They worked in silence for a moment before Jesus spoke again, his tone thoughtful.

"You're tough," he said, his eyes steady on her as he passed her another box. "But also brave—to go up against Negan and the Saviors like this. Not many would take that kind of risk."

Alyssa paused for a moment, adjusting the box in her arms. His words caught her off guard, though she didn't show it. Instead, she nodded as she moved to load the crate into the RV.

"Alexandria needs food," she said matter-of-factly, brushing a stray strand of hair out of her face. "And if we have to help you out to get our end of the deal, we'll do it. We don't have much of a choice."

Jesus studied her for a moment, as if he was trying to figure her out. "Maybe not," he replied softly, "but choices or not, it takes guts to stand your ground like you do. Just... make sure you're ready for what's coming."

Alyssa turned back to him, her gaze hardening slightly. "We'll be ready," she said firmly, though the weight of his words lingered in her mind.

They continued packing in silence after that, both focused on the task at hand. By the time the supplies were loaded and Maggie and Glenn had rejoined the group, the RV was packed and ready to go. Rick gave a sharp nod to the group, signaling it was time to leave.

Rick turned to Jesus, his expression firm and decisive.

"You," he said, pointing at Jesus. "And the man who just came back from the Saviors—you're coming with us to Alexandria. Help us strategize how we're going to do this. He's been inside. He knows where to go."

Jesus nodded, unfazed by Rick's commanding tone. "Alright," he said with a shrug, already turning to head off. "I'll go get him."

Rick watched him go, then exhaled deeply, his eyes narrowing in thought. The weight of what lay ahead was clear in the tension of his shoulders. Michonne approached quietly, climbing into the RV and taking the seat beside him. Without a word, her hand found his, their fingers intertwining. Rick glanced at her, his features softening for a moment, before he nodded and squeezed her hand.

Outside the RV, Daryl caught sight of Alyssa as she leaned against the side of the vehicle, her arms crossed. She looked lost in thought, her gaze fixed on the ground. Quietly, he stepped up behind her and gently wrapped his arms around her waist.

Alyssa jumped, startled. "You made me jump!" she said, spinning around and glaring at him. "You're lucky I was just about to punch you."

Daryl smirked, holding his hands up in mock surrender. "Didn't mean to scare ya," he said, his voice low and teasing.