"Everything gets a return."

~Morgan Jones

In the days that passed after the tragedy at the reservoir, Maiya and her members wasted no time in mourning. Even though it had been a setback for them, they all came to an understanding that not all hope was lost. It just required some time and planning.

In fact, they turned their grief into work productivity. Their goals became even bigger than a cure; they extended to manufacturing and starting up a nuclear power plant.

Of course, the latter plans were just ideas on paper at this point. They had not even accomplished their first goal. But once they did, they would work non-stop to make these ideas a reality. Maiya would make sure of that. Her faith in her people was unwavering.

So while the medics continued the task their leader had given them, Maiya moved onto the next project: finding a manufacturing factory.

Yet at the same time, she did not forget about her deal with Alexandria and The Kingdom. She was relieved that they had not appeared at their gates demanding what they had been promised. This gave her time to think and prepare for their eventual meeting.

However, she knew this was a better time than ever to receive help. She sent her brother on behalf of The Castle to set up a date with Alexandria. He was probably the person they trusted the most, and even then that bar was set low.

She knew how dire the situation in The Kingdom was turning so their meeting would have to be soon. But The Castle's situation was turning dire as well. Their disaster had cost them dearly since they no longer had any chemists.

But unlike her brother, Maiya would not allow herself to be cornered and hopeless. She had enough of that in the old world as did her people. If they wanted to rebuild it, they would have to be one step ahead of whatever the world threw at them.

~

It was strange for Glenn to be back at the very walls he had escaped from. But as he entered through them, he felt a sense of nostalgia.

Especially since he remembered all his and Maggie's possessions remained here.

He took a deep breath in at this memory, not wanting to cry right now. The pain never got easier, not even over time.

"Hey, Glenn," Rick greeted from beside the gate.

"Hey," Glenn responded dully.

"What's that bag for?"

"Oh, it's for Jeffrey. Maiya sent it, saying that he forgot some of his stuff," Glenn handed it over.

"Tell her thank you. I'll be sure to give it to him," Rick rummaged through the contents. Inside, was a journal, some pictures, and some other knick-knacks.

"So.. how is everything over there?" Rick coughed.

"You know, pretty much the same. They're still working. That's all they ever do. But they don't talk much anymore," Glenn shrugged.

"What happened... I would have never wished that for anyone. Even them."

Glenn stayed quiet at this, not sure how to take this comment.

"Is your sister okay?"

"Yeah, that's kinda why I'm here. She wants to set up another trade. They're really hurting over there. Some of the gardens were destroyed and they don't have any animals. They don't have any chemists now either. She wants you to send some animals and show them how to care for them. She also needs help repairing the garden. Then, she'll give you your weapons and Ezekiel medicine for his livestock," Glenn explained.

"That can be arranged. Anything else?" Rick questioned.

"Oh, and their helicopter broke down. They need some help with that."

"Then, we need some more medicine."

"Alright. I'll ask her," Glenn sighed.

"So I'm guessing this needs to happen pretty soon?"

"Yeah, she's already talked to Ezekiel. You just need to figure out the day."

"She's talked to Ezekiel? She knows where The Kingdom is?" Rick asked confusedly.

"He actually came over. It turns out Shiva got sick and he needed some medicine for her. But he won't get it until you guys fulfill your end of the deal."

Rick paused at this, before saying, "I didn't know things were this serious. We can do this as soon as today. I'll radio in Ezekiel and Sasha. See if The Hilltop can help with the garden and helicopter."

"Thanks, man." Glenn started to leave.

"You look tired," Rick commented, causing Glenn to glance over his shoulder.

"Jeff hasn't been sleeping either. He's just been crying or alone in his room," Rick continued.

"Be there for him, Rick. He needs you," Glenn muttered, turning around and heading out the gate.

~

Clouds were beginning to gather in the sky, bringing forth wind and the promise of rain. Though no one knew what month or year it was, they knew the long winter was finally over. Early spring had arrived.

As he and his people pulled up to The Castle, Rick noted how they were fortunate to have the spring season to start growing and farming crops ahead of them. With the coming of a new season, a rebirth could be possible.

"It looks like Ezekiel is already here," Michonne pointed to The Kingdom's vehicles, breaking Rick from his thoughts.

"I wonder if Sasha and Abe are on their way," Rick wondered out loud.

"I didn't think you all would come this soon," Maiya called down from atop the wall. "But I greatly appreciate it."

The gate suddenly opened loudly, allowing the group to enter. Once they did, they saw Ezekiel and his knights in the garden with Maiya's people.

"This is everyone?" Maiya asked, climbing down the steps from the wall.

"Everyone who could help. We couldn't just leave Alexandria unfortified," Rick answered. "But Sasha and Abraham should be coming soon."

"You can bring the animals over here," Maiya instructed to Carl, Sherry, and Dwight, leading them to the side.

Meanwhile, Rosita, Rick, Jeffrey, and Michonne walked over to the garden where Ezekiel was.

"Greetings, Alexandria!" Ezekiel welcomed eagerly.

"Hey, Ezekiel, looks like you guys pretty much have everything under control," Rick grinned.

"Well, these youth are as impressive as their garden. Despite its partial destruction, it is still fruitful."

"So then what do we need to do?" Rosita frowned.

"Okay, who can help with the animals?" questioned Dante, who was overseeing everything.

Rick, Michonne, and Jeffrey raised their hands.

"Jeffrey, then why are you here? You should be over with Maiya," Dante remarked.

"Oh, right, sorry," Jeffrey gave a sheepish grin.

"You want me to stay with you?" Rick grabbed Rosita's hand tenderly.

"No, it's fine. I can help with the helicopter," Rosita smiled back. Meanwhile, Jeffrey was watching the pair with an empty expression.

"Y'all have any cold ones to share?" Abraham loudly asked Siddiq at the gate.

"We don't drink here..." The man looked at him strangely. "At least not often."

"Are you shitting me?" Abraham started to argue, but Sasha convinced him to just let it go.

"It's alright, Abe. It's actually better not to be drinking right now," Sasha chuckled.

"Yeah, but the least they could do is offer us something to chug on," He barked. "Hey, Rick, where are you going?"

"Over to where the animals are," Rick responded. "I think Rosita might need your help with the helicopter."

"Alright. Sasha, you know how to repair things like this?"

"Nope. But I could always learn," Sasha grinned widely as they walked over to where Dante and Rosita were.

Maiya had already gathered a group of her own people to watch Sherry, Dwight, and Carl show them about raising livestock.

"Where's Glenn?" Rick looked around at the crowd.

"He went to go check out a factory for me." Maiya straightened up from her hunched position, turning to face the Alexandrian leader.

"What for?" Michonne eyed the woman curiously.

"Once we get this cure figured out, our next plan is to restart manufacturing." There were practically stars in Maiya's eyes when she said this.

"Isn't... that getting a little ahead of things?" Rick raised an eyebrow.

Maiya's eyes instantly darkened at this. "What do you mean?"

"Uh, I'm sure he didn't mean anything, Commander," Jeffrey quickly added.

"Excuse us, but we're trying to show these kids how to properly raise chickens," Dwight frowned.

"That's a sentence I never thought I'd hear," Michonne laughed, trying to ease the tension. It worked as the mood returned to its harmonious state all while the clouds grew darker in the horizon.

~

When Glenn was told that he would have to scout out a factory, his heart started to pound rapidly. The only factory he had known in the area was The Sanctuary, and he knew if stepped foot in that place again he'd vomit.

Thankfully, this was another factory he had been instructed to visit.

Yet, he had no idea why Maiya would send him to explore this place so late in the day and so suddenly. He thought she would want his help with this trade more than being here in this factory alone.

Glenn carefully made his way around the outside, looking at the dreary exterior of the building. Smashed windows, rust, and peeling paint were what covered it. He could only imagine what the inside looked like.

He took a deep breath in before heading inside. Just as he imagined, it was even worse. But with The Castle's people, it could be cleaned up and restored to something useable.

Suddenly, he heard a scraping noise above him. He paused, listening to see if it continued. He wondered for a brief moment if he should check it out, but what good would come of that.

This place was only creeping him out and would probably feed into his hallucinations. He had finished his business here and quickly exited the building.

As he climbed into the car, he noticed dark clouds approaching in the distance. Glenn had been in the Virginia area long enough that storms here meant heavy rain and flooding.

With only the thought of returning to safety in mind, he drove off into the last remaining patch of blue sky.

~

After putting in a hard day's work, Rick and his friends were currently taking a break in the garden. They ate and drank graciously, watching the incoming clouds roll in over them. Maiya had offered them water and snacks in return for their labors. She had even gone as far to invite them for dinner, but Rick politely declined. All he wanted now were the weapons and medicine.

"Right. You've done more than enough for us, and it would be unfair to keep you waiting any longer," Maiya smiled.

"You need any help with the weapons?" Rick asked, already rising to his feet.

"Yeah, that would be great. Get some of your people to follow me," Maiya informed as her people tagged along with her. "And Ezekiel, you and your knights can come too," She addressed the king.

Rick gestured for Carl, Dwight and Abe to follow as Maiya and her people led the way to the armory. The Castle citizens put quite a bit of distance between themselves and Rick and Ezekiel's groups, whispering amongst themselves. As much as Rick wanted to hear what they were saying, he was just too far away.

"Maiya," He suddenly addressed her, causing her to turn around. "Something the matter?"

"Oh, no, Rick. I'm just telling Cora to get the medicine for Ezekiel and for your people," Maiya answered. Immediately, Cora broke from the group and went towards the castle's front doors. "Ezekiel, she'll be right back."

"Of course, there is no hurry," Ezekiel nodded understandingly.

It was not much further before they reached the armory. However, when they did Maiya paused; her back facing those behind her.

"I forgot the key," She chuckled to herself. "I must look like an idiot."

It was at the moment Rick cocked his head in confusion that approaching vehicles could be heard.

"Commander! They're here!" Siddiq shouted from the wall.

"Maiya, what is he talking about?" Rick cautioned.

She did not turn to face the man when he asked this, only placing her left arm at her side. This movement allowed Rick to see what was in her hand.

A key.

"It was here all along," She stated softly.

He never had the chance to ask her what that was about since the gate opened to reveal Cindy and the remaining Oceanside women. They entered the grounds with their heads held high and a determined look on their faces as everyone stared at the women in shock. Rick and the other men started to inch closer to hear what was going on.

"Cindy?" Sasha furrowed her eyebrows, even more confused than before. "What-What are you doing here?"

"I'm here for the trade. What else?" Cindy responded monotonously, walking closer to her.

"But- What? That-"

Sensing something was wrong, Rick had only begun to turn around when out of his peripheral vision Dwight slumped to the ground. From where he stood a few seconds ago, Maiya's right arm extended outwards with a stun gun clasped in her hand. She brought it back towards her face, raising the weapon in cruel triumph.

Rick had no time to process what just happened. His body only reacted in anger, lurching forward at the woman. However, he was knocked off his feet by Jerry, one of Ezekiel's knights.

By the time the other men realized what was going on, it was too late. They were met face-to-face with weapons drawn on them. Using the Oceanside women as a distraction, The Castle had quietly accessed the armory.

Nevertheless, Carl and Abe rushed towards the woman and her people. The youth coiled back in fear as the ginger reached them, shaking as they lifted their weapons in defense. Just as Abraham was about to swing his fist down at one of the young adults, a chain wrapped tightly around his neck, yanking him to the dirt.

All the while, Rick was still on his back, pinned down by Jerry. He could only writhe in agony and helplessness as he watched his people be taken down one by one.

Carl had naively tried to fight Maiya, finding himself ensnared in her grasp with a stun gun teasing his neck. He gave an angry cry, struggling to break free from the woman and use her weapon against her.

All the while, Rick remained on his back, now being pinned down by Jerry. Writhing in agony, he could only watch his people be taken down one by one.

Sherry, Michonne, and Rosita had all come running to help, defenseless and weaponless. This had been proved to be futile as they were blocked by the knights. The fight did not last long. Sherry was thrown to the ground roughly, getting knocked out instantly. Rosita and Michonne were able to dodge some of the hits, but they were ultimately overpowered by the knights as they had staffs and spears. When their bodies hit the ground, their arms were outstretched towards Rick and Carl as if they were still trying to reach them.

"Cindy... why?" Sasha cried at the scene unfolding in front of her. "These people- They were the ones who killed your grandmother and women. Not us!"

"I know. But you are the ones who started all this. My grandmother... she was a good leader. I can't bring her or my friends back. The closest thing I can do is lead Hilltop in her memory." Cindy glowered. "And to get our weapons back."

Sasha gave a piercing scream filled with months of pain, rage, and anguish. She had finally snapped, jerking forward to strangle the girl. But before her hands could choke the girl's neck, Michelle's fist struck Sasha's cheek.

It only took another quick blow for Sasha to go down.

"How could you do this?!" Rick roared at an ashamed Ezekiel. "All these people- they trusted you! We saw you as a friend! How could you be a part of this?!"

"Rick... things are more complicated than they appear. I need that medicine... and this was the only way for me to obtain it. My livestock- the well being of my people depend on this medicine," Ezekiel paused. "Shiva is very ill. I can't lose her... I'm sorry, Rick. I-I." For once, the king was rendered a rambling mess.

At this explanation, Rick could only gulp in deep breaths of air in rage. His fiery eyes flickered to Maiya's calm ones as he envisioned ripping her throat out.

"W-Why?" His deep voice shook in pure fury. "Because of what I did to your brother?"

"No. I was willing to overlook that. I was willing to overlook so much shit you all pulled," Maiya retorted. "But I wasn't going to overlook killing my people. You knew that."

"We didn't kill anyone! They died in an accident by their own hand!" Rick snarled.

"They were genius chemists who had never made a mistake before," Maiya hissed.

"Their arrogance made them stupid!" Rick shouted back.

"No, Rick," An exhausted Jeffrey panted as he finally reached the group with the Oceanside women. "Lilly knew what she was doing. They all did."

"Jeff... You too?" Rick's voice cracked as did his heart.

"They were my friends," Jeffrey muttered regretfully.

"And we're your family!" Carl seethed, making Jeffrey frown even more.

"Maiya, give it to me," Jeffrey addressed her. "Let me be the one to do it."

Unsure if he would use the stun gun against her, she hesitantly gave it to him. He clutched it firmly before pressing it down on his nephew's neck.

"Dad-" Carl twitched, before falling limp in Maiya's arms.

"CARL!!"

With a surprising amount of strength, Rick managed to push Jerry and get to his feet. However, he was immediately knocked back down by Ezekiel.

"Don't make this any more difficult, Rick," He murmured, watching as Jerry pinned him down once more.

"You all are going to feel really stupid when you realize we didn't tamper with the bombs!" Rick scowled at everyone he could see.

"Then go ahead and ask the person who was there," Maiya gestured to Abraham, who was still struggling against Dante's chain.

"A-Abe... d-did you?" Rick begged, searching the man's eyes deeply for any answers.

Slowly, Abraham nodded his head in confirmation that he did, causing Rick's soul to instantly shatter.

Realizing just how far he had been betrayed, Rick's mouth opened to give an antagonizing howl that shook the heavens. From Ezekiel and his knights to Cindy and her women, they all turned their heads and grimaced at the painful wail. Even Jeffrey couldn't stand the sound, making his way towards his brother with the stun gun in order to silence him.

But Rick's scream had ceased, and with his last remaining consciousness, Rick lifelessly told the suffocating Abraham:

"You killed us all."

~

The sky above was finally leaden with overcast. The rain had begun to pour down below. Thunder cracked and lightning flashed, but no one remained to see.

A/N: The story's not over yet, but I leave you with this while I go on hiatus. Once college is finished for the semester, I will return to finish the story.