Bloodlines.

Chapter Two: The Storming of The outpost.

The group began loading up the RV and the truck with supplies and weapons, their movements purposeful but tense. Rick made sure everyone knew their roles and double-checked the gear before gathering the group set to storm the outpost.

As Alyssa stood by the RV, Carl approached, holding Judith in his arms. He stopped in front of her, his expression serious but tinged with concern.

"Be safe, Lyss, okay?" Carl said, his voice steady but quiet.

Alyssa smirked, her confidence shining through. "I'm always safe, aren't I?" she teased, reaching out to squeeze Judith's chubby cheeks gently.

Carl gave her a small, knowing smile as she leaned in and gave him a quick side hug.

"Keep an eye on everyone here, alright?" Alyssa said, her tone softening for a moment.

Carl nodded firmly. "I will."

Alyssa gave him one last look before stepping away, her expression hardening as she refocused on the mission ahead.

The group began piling into their respective vehicles. Michonne, Rick, Daryl, Maggie, Glenn, Aaron, Carol, Jesus, and Andy took their places in the RV, while Abraham, Rosita, Tara, Heath, and Eugene climbed into the truck.

The tension in the truck was palpable, especially between Abraham and Rosita. Their recent breakup hung heavy in the air, but no one addressed it directly. They all knew the stakes were too high to let personal conflicts interfere.

In the RV, Alyssa slid into a seat next to Daryl. As the others settled in, Carol's sharp eyes caught the subtle way Alyssa leaned closer to Daryl. She gave them a little look, her expression unreadable, but Alyssa noticed it immediately.

Alyssa turned to meet Carol's gaze and offered a half-smile, as if daring her to say something. Carol didn't respond, but the look on her face made it clear she knew exactly what was going on between them. What she thought of it, however, remained a mystery.

Rick started the RV's engine, the hum of the vehicle breaking the tense silence. Andy and Jesus gave directions as Rick navigated the dark, quiet roads. The truck followed closely behind, its headlights dimmed to avoid drawing attention.

After about an hour, the group pulled over onto a secluded road about a mile away from the outpost. One by one, they exited the vehicles, the cool night air thick with tension and anticipation.

Rick and Alyssa stood at the front of the group, their presence commanding as they prepared to address everyone. Behind Alyssa, Daryl stood just a step away, his protective stance not going unnoticed by those gathered.

Rick took the lead, his voice low but steady. "We're gonna take a look around, try to get a feel for how many people are in there," he began, his eyes scanning the faces of the group.

Alyssa stepped in smoothly, her tone firm and resolute. "If we like how it looks, we go in. A couple hours before dawn. The guards outside will be tired, everyone inside will be asleep. If we don't like what we see? We head back, regroup, and make a new plan."

She paused, her sharp gaze landing on Andy and Jesus. "They don't know who we are, and we're keeping it that way. Jesus and Andy stay in the shadows."

The group nodded in agreement, their expressions grim but determined.

Rick stepped forward slightly, his voice cutting through the tension. "This is how we eat. This is how we survive." He paused, his words sinking in. "We roll out at midnight."

As the group dispersed, people began gathering in small clusters around the vehicles, quietly discussing strategies and preparing for the mission. Daryl stayed close to Alyssa's side, his protective presence a constant. They stood with Rick and Michonne, their conversation low and focused until Carol walked up, her expression firm.