The Woman at The End of The World. (Daryl Dixon)

onehundred.

With one final glance over my shoulder at the now fallen Kingdom, I stalk out of the gates between Daryl and Lydia. James steps in front of me while Ezekiel and Carol walk behind us, closing the gates for the last time. I bow my head at the forlorn sound of the click of the gates, remembering the last six years I spent inside the walls. This place became my saving grace in my darkest moments. If it wasn't for this community and its leader, I probably would've been dead all those years ago. I spent the last hour grave side, offering my final goodbyes to my sister and father with my husband at my side, lending his strength and love before The King made the announcement that it was time to hit the road. The air is thick with tension and sadness.

I wrap my arms about myself, knowing this will be the last time I am able visit the man that helped bring me into this world. I understand I was lucky enough to get my goodbye with the old man, but I still feel like could've said a million more things. I reach up, wiping a stray tear falling from behind my eyes.

"You know, he told me to fight to get out. I couldn't even fulfill his last request because I was too damn scared." I offer, hearing the familiar footfalls of my husband. "I stayed there entirely too long."

"Nah, he would've understood. But I wouldn't have went down, neither would've our babies," Daryl's hands find my back, rubbing calming circles. "Ya know that better than anyone. That man was a bitch." He grounds out, words filled with old anger towards my devil.

"James would've been next. I couldn't do that to him." I shake my head, old doubt stirring inside of my soul. "Even if I could get out of the closet, I was unarmed, and outnumbered."

"That ain't stopped ya before, Blue." I shrug, unable to argue with his point. However, I wasn't drugged at any of those points. That alone could've been the killing blow from Owen or any of his men. I wasn't going to give him the satisfaction. At the end of the day, I can run through all the 'what if's' and worst case scenarios. I still won, and he's worm chow. I feel Daryl shift beside me. I glance up, curiously. I follow his gaze, realizing he's sharing a staring contest my own grave. His jaw clicks at the sight before him."I was angry at the world for takin' ya and Rick away from me. I wasn't the same. I couldn't bring myself to visit ya grave. It would make my biggest fear real. I know what I said to Charlee and Jesus, but deep down, I was hopin' I was wrong. I was hopin' ya would return to me." He pauses, eyes darkening at the memory of his feelings. "Ya came home, though. If I wasn't so stupid, ya woulda came home sooner."

"No I wouldn't have, Daryl," I offer honestly. "I became everything he accused me of. I wanted my revenge and then some. I left to protect everyone. I would've hurt you. I didn't even stay here. I was outside the gates in Carol's old home." I smirk under the mask, "I even drove Charlee insane with all my suicide missions. I know they were all waiting for the enviable - me picking a fight with the wrong person and not coming home. You would've hated me."

"Nah, I could never hate ya, Vanessa." I bow my head at the simple statement, feeling my heart swell with several mixed emotions - shame of my recent past and love for the man who has been at my side at the end of the world. I didn't realize how much I needed to hear those words from the redneck.

After Jerry passed along the upsetting news, I sent off Wren to Alexandria with Kellin, Caroline, and Jamie in tow, promising I would meet her in a week tops. At the end of this adventure, I'm returning to the place I once called home long before I got kidnapped. I haven't stepped foot inside the gates of Alexandria in so long, I'm growing anxious at the thought of going home. It's going to feel foreign stepping out onto the porch for a morning cigarette, and not seeing Rick's friendly face greeting me from across the road. Though, Daryl's on board with the idea, thinking it would be good for our little family. Hilltop never felt like home. Furthermore, It's where Lydia wanted to go, so we will return with her. My blue eyes zero in on Yumiko. It's time for me to step down, so she can step up. She'd probably do a wildly better job as leader than I have. I'm not built for that kind of title.