Heartless ➳ TWD² [COMPLETED]

Chapter XXII ➳ Reunited

➳ I saw Hilltop from the top of the hill, wind whistling in my hair, and reminding me that this used to actually be my home. Over the course of the last few years, both Paul and Tara have pleaded with me to stay here with them and the kids. I never could commit and leave Alexandria, though.

We calmly made our way down towards Hilltop, seeing no soul in sight. They probably saw us coming and decided to hide inside before knowing the coast was cleared. Hilltop had grown since the last time that I was here months ago. This place seemed almost unrecognizable now.

From the outside, this place seemed almost vacant and dead. Empty, too. I had only hoped that since Maggie left, it hadn't gone to shit. However, with Paul and Tara leading the town, it should be blossoming.

"I'm leaving, Tess."

"Excuse me?"

"I'm leaving. Hershel and I are. I just wanted to tell you and hope that you will understand."

I noticed Dianne on top, from the guard post, with binoculars in hand. She saw us coming and, as soon as she saw Michonne, Saddiq, and I leading this crew of strangers, she will warn the others.

Dianne reappeared with her bow and arrows, making it obvious that she isn't playing games here. "State your business."

"We're here for Rosita," Michonne replied, as they should've known that we were mostly here for our woman.

Saddiq quickly added, "We met your messengers on the road. They told us what happened."

Dianne heard him out before nodding her head to the back of the crew. "And the others?"

"They're good people looking for a home," Michonne stated, surprising the hell out of me. "I told them Hilltop would consider taking them in."

Dianne readjusted herself up there, showing off her primary weapon of choice. Games weren't to be played here, apparently. Then, without speaking any words, Michonne took off and tossed down her katana sword followed by Saddiq throwing down his own weapons. I rolled my eyes and started to throw mine down to the ground beside me, too, which included my Stainless Steel pistol, knife, and my favorite machete.

Even Luke and his crew threw down their weapons, too, after we gave them back when we were trying to survive the Walkers before. We did this out of good faith or, at least, I hoped that was why we did it. If my brother was in there right now and knew that I was here, he probably wouldn't have asked everyone to surrender their weapons. We would've just invited us all in with open arms.

Finally, the gates began to open and I immediately hopped off of my horse, ready to see my brother and Tara after all this time. The girls ran up behind me, crashing into the back of my legs, and holding their breaths for the gates to officially open and welcome us in.