All Out War

Chapter 6

We spent the rest of the afternoon and evening preparing for tomorrow. Rick had informed me that all the communities would be wearing armbands to symbolize each of us. White for Alexandria, green for Hilltop and orange for the Kingdom. The weapons were stoked, the vehicles had enough gas in them and everyone at home knew the plan. After dinner, I made my way over to the infirmary to see Michonne and Rosita. Both were wide awake when I walked in.

"How are you two feeling?" I asked.

"Rick told us about the plan," Michonne said.

I knew instantly that she wasn't happy at the fact that she was going to have to stay behind. I grabbed a chair and sat in the middle of the both of them.

"Listen, I know the fact that you're gonna have to sit this one out isn't something either of you are too thrilled about but you have to get your strength back. This is just the beginning. You two need to be ready for what comes after. If it does come to that. We trap the Saviors in the Sanctuary, take away their options and they are bound to cooperate. This is gonna work. Just one more fight," I said looking at the both of them.

"I know you're right, but waiting has never been one of my favorite things to do," Rosita said.

"Yeah, I know. But in time, you two will be back to your old selves again," I said.

"Carl is gonna stay behind too," Michonne said.

"Yeah. I figured. He'll be able to take care of this place," I said.

"This is his show to run," Michonne said.

"Couldn't have said it better myself," I said.

Daryl walked in then.

"How're you two doing?" he asked.

He came over and placed a comforting hand on my shoulder. I took it and kissed it while Rosita told them exactly how they were doing.

"I get it. Ain't like either of you to sit back and watch. But I'd feel better knowing that you two and Carl were here protecting this place," he said once Rosita had finished.

"You guys be sure to give them hell," Michonne said.

"Don't worry. We will," Daryl said.

"Well, we better go and do the last minute adjustments. Make sure the two of you get plenty of rest. Rick and Carl will be by soon. See you guys tomorrow," I said standing up and placing the chair back.

"See you tomorrow," both said in unison.

Daryl and I waved before walking out the door. The sun was beginning to set. Carol, Morgan and Tara arrived minutes before it was completely dark. Everything was set. Morgan told Daryl where the explosives had been placed. It was a straight shot to the Sanctuary. Carol made dinner for all of us because everyone knew that her casseroles were never going out of style any time soon. After dinner, we all went through the plan, step by step. Rick had informed me that if we did not get the weapons in time, he would go and talk with the Scavengers.

"You can't be serious. After the shit they pulled, and that head bitch shot you," I said while we were gathered in the kitchen of our house.

"She grazed me," Rick retorted.

"She shot, you," I argued.

"We have to make sure we get this done," he continued.

"And we could do that without their help," I said.

"Amelia...if it ends this then maybe," Daryl started.

"No. Daryl, what if they actually kill him this time? What then? I'm assuming you're gonna go on your own? Otherwise, they'd fire at us, right?" I questioned.

Rick simply nodded his head. I scoffed and crossed my arms.

"Amelia, if I go alone, they won't feel threatened. We'd make another deal and have them fight with us," Rick said.

"How are you so sure that they will?" I asked.

"Because I know what I'm dealing with, now. I'm not going in there unprepared. And if I don't come back, Rosita, Michonne, Tara and Aaron know where they're kept. You can just head over there and kill them," he said.

I thought about it.

"I don't like it either, Amelia. But I trust dad. I know he can handle this. And I'm also sure that no one will be killing anyone. They will cooperate," Carl chimed in.

I looked over at him. He believed in his dad. And why wouldn't he? Rick had gotten us this far. We were all that much stronger because we followed his lead.

"It's a reckless idea," I said.

"I know it is," Rick retorted.

I looked at him.

"Okay then. So long as you acknowledged it. Just promise I won't have to come face to face with the head bitch. It won't be a pretty sight," I said.

Rick smiled. He came over and hugged me. I squeezed him tightly. He kissed the top of my head. We parted and he looked around at everyone currently in the kitchen.

"Everything is set. Tomorrow...tomorrow is the start of a future for all of us. At the crack of dawn, we're heading to Hilltop. We'll gather the rest and head over to the Sanctuary. Daryl, Amelia, Carol, Tara and Morgan will be taking care of the herd. Then we'll look for the weapons. It was one person that brought us to this. I sincerely hope that it's that one person that will die by the time we are done with all this. Daryl and Carl said that there are workers there at the Sanctuary. We don't want to hurt them. We get this done, and we'll give them the option of joining us. Now, get some rest. We have to be up early. Thank you all for everything you've done. Rest well and see you tomorrow," Rick finished.

We wished each other a good night and went to our separate homes. Daryl and I made our way to our room. I took off my boots and laid down. Daryl came beside me and placed his arm over my waist.

"You good?" he asked after a few minutes of silence.

I looked at him and intertwined our fingers together.

"We just gotta push a little bit more," I said.

"Yeah. Just a little more. We can do this," he said.

"I know. We're so close. We may even be able to relax after tomorrow," I said.

"Yeah. Sounds good to me," he said.

He leaned in. I smiled. I lifted my head a few more inches and kissed him. I wrapped my arms around his neck and pulled him closer. The sound of our breathing quickly filled the room.

"I love you," I managed to get out.

"I love you more," he whispered.

We spent the night the same way we had on our wedding night.