We Don't Die

A New Life

They begin to walk with Rick. "So how long have you been out here?" Rick asks. "Two days. We just ended a war with a community who called themselves Delta. They took our home away." Derek responds. "I'm truly sorry to hear that." Rick says. "I just have to ask you some questions and then I'll make a decision on whether you can stay or leave." "What are the questions?" Clementine asks. "I'll ask when we arrive at Alexandria, but for now I'm taking you to our other communities." Rick says. "Alexandria?" AJ steps in. "That's what we call our home. I wasn't there at the start, but I've been there for years. If you seem okay and contribute to the community, you can stay." Rick says firmly. Derek notices the hook on Rick's right hand. "How'd that happen?" Derek questions. Rick looks at his hook. "It's a long story." He replies. "But to make it short, someone cut my hand off." He finishes. "And the cane?" AJ asks. "Helps me balance. I was in a war years ago with a group who called themselves The Saviors. Their leader Negan and I had our share of fights. He broke my leg and it healed, but not properly." Rick replies. "I'm sorry to hear about what you went through. I can't imagine all of that pain and death surrounding you." Clementine says. "Don't worry about me. I can't imagine growing up in this world. Being a kid as it starts, then making you mature and grow up faster than what you thought. It's not pleasant. Carl, my son, is thirteen, but acts like he's in his twenties." They continue walking. They leave the woods and approach the gate of Alexandria. "Welcome to Alexandria." Rick says with his arm wide open. "I'll get us a car." Rick says. The guard notices Ricks arrival and opens the gate. "Thank you." He says kindly. He notices that the three kids don't enter. "You can come in, we won't mind. Besides, you might like what you see." Rick says. The three enter and immediately smile. Clementine notices kids playing, tons of houses, a pond, they have guards protecting the community at all times. It was a place she could call home if she gets accepted along with the others. Rick pulls up with a car. "Is it okay if AJ can stay here and play with some kids?" Derek asks. Rick nods and AJ runs off. "Allow me to show you our allies." He says.

Hilltop

Rick, Derek, and Clementine arrive at Hilltop. The gate opens and they enter. "This is where we get our crops. We have gardening tools and supplies. All of the communities contribute to each other's survival. We provide for one another and protect each other at all costs." Rick says. "It's beautiful." Clementine says. "I thank you for admiring our home." A voice calls out from Clementine's left. She peeks over and notices a woman approaching them. "Hello." She begins. "My name is Maggie. Maggie Rhee." She finishes and holds her hand out. Clementine and Derek shake it. "Derek." He says. "Clementine." "It's nice to meet you both." She looks at Rick. "Showing them around?" She asks. "Yeah, I found them in the woods surviving on their own with a child included." "It's impressive how a child can maintain being in a world like this." Maggie says. "It really is. He's a kid but he knows the risks and the wrongs." Clementine says. "He acts like an adult more than a child." Derek steps in. "That's what happens when the world goes to shit." Maggie says. Jesus notices Rick and Maggie and approaches them. "New arrivals?" He asks. Maggie nods. Jesus looks at the teens and immediately recognizes Clementine. "Hello Clementine." He says. "Hey Jesus." She says. "Glad you made it out of there in one piece. Javi and Kate making Richmond better than before?" He asks. Clementine looks down. "Oh no. I-I'm so sorry." Jesus says and approaches her and hugs her. "Did you find your kid?" He asks. "Yes I did. Found him at McCarrol Ranch." She replies. "That is until New Frontier destroyed that place and left us to fend for ourselves." Derek steps in. "New Frontier?" Rick asks. "Some assholes that brand themselves and kill whoever they come across." Clementine steps in. "Well we can give them the tour. Show them around so they know where to go whenever they need anything." Maggie says. "Thank you." Derek says. "Don't mention it." Jesus takes Derek and Clementine and shows them around. Rick approaches Maggie and gives her a hug. "Your father would be proud, Maggie." He says. "I hope so." She replies. "He's watching over you and smiling because his daughter grown into a woman. A woman who people can look up to. She became a leader." He finishes. Maggie smiles and they hug again.

The Kingdom

Rick and the teens arrive at the Kingdom. "This is the Kingdom." He starts. "They provide escorts and protection." He finishes. "What do you provide for them?" Clementine asks. Rick looks at her. "Everything. Food, medicine, weapons, escorts, protection. It's fair. Otherwise King Ezekiel died for nothing." Rick says. "King Ezekiel?" Derek questions. "The man who led this place before his death. Group called the Whisperers decapitated him and used his head as their border. Their border was not meant to be crossed and well, we had a war with them not too long ago." Rick says. "I know about them." Clementine says. Rick looks at her. "I had a friend who ran away from them because of how evil they were." She pauses. "His name was James. He was a good friend. I hope he's still out there somewhere." She finishes. Derek places his hand on her shoulder. "Let me introduce you to the folks here." Rick says.

Alexandria

Rick, Derek, and Clementine return to Alexandria. Rick pulls inside and parks the car and they get out. "What do you think? You think you can contribute to these communities?" Rick asks. Derek and Clem look at each other. "Yes." They say confidently. "We'll be glad to have you, but first, the questions." He begins. Rick pauses and the two teens look at him. "How many walkers have you killed?" He asks. "Enough to still be alive. I haven't kept count." Derek says. "Too many." Clementine answers. "How many people have you killed?" Rick asks. "Too many to still be breathing." Derek answers. "A lot." Clementine answers. "Why?" Rick asks the final question. "To protect the ones that matter the most." Derek answers. "To make sure that the ones I love are still alive." Clementine answers. "Thank you. I hope you can understand why I asked those questions." He says. "We do." Clem responds. "This community votes together as a government. If they say you're in, they you stay. If they say you're out, you have to leave." Rick says. They nod. AJ runs up to Clementine and Derek. "Hey kiddo. How'd it go?" Derek asks. "Fun! Some of the kids here are actual kids." AJ responds. "It's scary. They have no idea what's outside the walls." He finishes. "They will soon, I promise you that." Rick begins. "Every child has to know how to survive and defend themselves from the danger outside." Rick finishes. "Rick! They're back!" A guard calls out from the guard tower. Rick runs to the gate and opens it. The car stops and four people step out. They begin approaching Rick. "How'd it go?" Rick asks. "Smooth." Says one member. "Alright, let's take these boxes inside! Let's move!" One yells. The others take the boxes and bring them inside. Rick and the sergeant walk together and enter Alexandria. Clementine, Derek, and AJ watch as they can't believe their eyes. "Holy Christ." The voice says.