Thanks to gaara king of the sand for the help.
And thanks to everyone for reading and review.
Lost in the moment the two hadn't noticed the church door open, until a surprised voice uttered, "Damn...". The two whipped around and spotted a stunned looking Gabe at the church entrance.
"Gabe, wait-!" Clementine called.
But Gabe turn and stormed out of the door.
Clementine swore under her breath and stood.
"Clem?" Gill sent her a concerned look, grabbing her hand.
"I... I gotta go talk to him." Clementine said, then pulled away from him.
Gill didn't have the chance to speak before Clementine had rushed off after Gabe.
"Gabe! Gabe, wait up, please!" The girl soon caught up to the boy who was clearly upset. "Gabe, please,"
"What?! What do you want, Clementine?!" Gabe inquired, looking upset.
Clementine was taken aback and flinched a bit from his harsh tone.
"What do you want from me?" Gabe asked.
"I- I... Just wanted to talk." Clementine said.
"There's nothing to talk about." Gabe said.
"Gabe—"
"Stop! There's nothing to talk about! Why don't you go hang out with your boyfriend?" Gabe said.
"He's just-" Clementine started but Gabe cut her off.
"A friend? Don't lie. I saw you two kissing..." Gabe said.
"It... just happened Gabe..." Clementine said, she felt guilty, and unsure if she was in the wrong.
"You like him... don't you?" Gabe asked her.
"...I... I do..." Clementine slowly admitted.
"I knew it..." Gabe huffed and once again turned to walk away.
"G-Gabe..."
"I'm going home." The boy said, leaving the young girl standing there alone.
Clementine felt tears fill her eyes as she contemplated on if she had done something wrong.
"Clem, gosh you're fast." Gill's voice caught her attention as he ran up to the girl. "Did you talk to-" He stopped himself, noticing her teary eyes. "Wh-What's wrong? Are you okay?"
The girl just shook her head, unable to answer.
"What happened? What did he do?" Gill asked.
"N-Nothing..." Clementine said.
"Then... Then why are you crying?" Gill questioned the girl. "What-?"
"I wanna go home... We should go home." Clementine sniffled.
"Are... you sure?" Gill asked.
"I want to go home..." The girl repeated.
Gill gave a nod. "...Okay, Clem... I'll walk you home..."
Upon arriving home, the girl was in low spirits. When asked by Molly what was wrong, she simply replied she was tired.
Molly didn't push the issue. It had been a long day for everyone.
As night fell the girl found herself unable to sleep.
She felt guilt ridden and anxious. She didn't know if she had done something wrong. But Gabe was clearly angry with her.
Come morning, Clementine's mind was running wild with question upon question.
She needed to talk to someone. And who better to go to than Molly. For someone who didn't consider herself a people person, she had amazing advice to offer.
When she headed to find the woman, she was a bit surprised to see Sarita and AJ.
"Sarita, hi." Clementine greeted.
"Hi Clementine..." Sarita said back.
AJ smiled upon seeing her and tried to reach in her direction. Clementine returned the smile and went to pick up the toddler, which Sarita allowed.
"Hey there, Goofball. How are you buddy?" Clementine spoke to the toddler.
"Cwem play?" AJ asked.
"Of course I'll play with you." Clementine giggled. "You're getting so big, AJ!"
"Clem, I'm glad you're up. I actually wanted to ask you a favor." Sarita said.
"A favor?" Clementine echoed.
Sarita nodded.
"Okay. What is it?" Clementine asked.
"I was hoping... maybe you could look after AJ for the day." Sarita said.
"All day?" Clementine asked.
"Only if... you don't mind..." Sarita replied.
"I... I don't mind one bit, but... is everything okay? Are you okay?"
"I'm fine... I just... I need some time..." Sarita said. "I haven't been sleeping much... I've been having...nightmares... and Sarah's been helping me, but she's also busy working with Eleanor, trying to become a doctor."
"I don't mind at all. I can take care of him." Clementine said.
"Are... Are you sure you can handle it?" Sarita asked.
Clementine nodded. "I'm sure."
"And I'm here if she needs help." Molly said.
Sarita gave a look of relief and appreciation. "Thank you both so much."
"Of course, Sarita." Clementine said.
Molly spoke. "Anytime."
She enjoyed watching AJ. Because even though he wasn't her child, she could inwardly pretend that she was a mommy.
It was both a temporary fill to the hole in her heart, as well as a painful reminder to what she lost...
"You're really good with him." Molly commented.
"Thanks." Clementine said as she rocked the now sleeping toddler in her arms. "I like taking care of him."
Molly wasn't at all surprised. Clementine was always good with AJ and the other little kids. "He likes being with you too, clearly. Look at him. He's sleeping like a baby."
Clementine gave a light chuckle. "He is a baby."
"It's a joke, kiddo." Molly clarified.
"I know..." Clementine said.
Suddenly her smile faded, and Molly rose a brow.
"Everything okay, Clem?" Molly asked.
"I... yeah..." Clementine sighed. "I wanted to talk to you..."
"What about?"
"I... do... you think I'm a bad person...?" Clementine asked in a small voice.
"What?"
"Do you think I'm a bad person?" Clementine repeated.
"Look at what you're doing, Clem." Molly simply said.
Clementine furrowed her brow in confusion. "What am I doing?"
"You're holding a child that isn't yours. He's fast asleep in your arms. You do whatever you can to help people, even when you're exhausted yourself." Molly said.
"What... makes you think I'm exhausted?" Clementine asked.
"Trust me, kid. I can tell. And I'm not just talking about you not sleeping last night." Molly said.
Clementine sighed, unable to argue the facts. She was exhausted, both emotionally and physically.
"Why do you ask if you're a good person?" Molly asked.
"Because... I really can't tell." Clementine said.
Molly sighed at that. "What's going on, Clem? Why are you feeling this way?"
"I... I made Gabe mad at me..." Clementine replied.
"How so?"
Clementine paused, hesitant to speak. Her cheeks flushed and Molly could tell the girl was a bit embarrassed.
"I..." Clementine paused for a moment. "I kissed Gill..."
"You kissed him? Or he kissed you?" Molly asked.
"I- I kissed him." Clementine said. "Back in the church... we... we were the only ones there... and... I just...kissed him my... body just acted before I even realized what I was doing..."
"Did you like it?"
"H-Huh?"
"The kiss. Did you like it?" Molly asked again.
"I... I... Maybe..." Clementine blushed. "Y-Yes..."
"Well, then no harm no foul. What does that have to do with Gabe anyway?" Molly asked.
"I'm getting to that..." Clementine said. "Gill and I were alone... well... for a while... I- I don't know when Gabe came in, but he did... and he saw the kiss... I tried to talk to him, but he wouldn't listen. He seemed really mad... I just... I'm worried I ruined our friendship."
"You didn't ruin anything, kid." Molly said.
"But... he seemed so angry." Clementine said.
"Even if he is, you didn't ruin a thing." Molly said. "He doesn't run your life. And he can't make choices for you. If Gill makes you happy, Gabe needs to understand. Or he'll be the one losing a friend. And you're a damn good friend, Clem."
Clementine pondered on her words, not responding.
"Don't put your happiness on hold for anyone."
After a few days of contemplating her guardian's words, Clementine built up the courage to speak with Gabe. She knocked at the door to the home that the Garcias stayed in. Before long Javier opened the door. She could hear a baby's cries from inside and figured it was little Davie.
"Oh, hey Clem. Are you here to play with Gabe and Mari?" Javier asked the girl.
"I... I wanted to speak with Gabe. We need to have a discussion about something important." Clementine said.
Javier gave a nod. He was always taken aback at how mature the girl spoke. "He's in his room, kiddo." Javier moved to let her inside.
"Okay. Thanks, Javi." Clementine said.
As the girl walked inside, she greeted Mariana, Kate, and baby Davie. She then walked to Gabe's room and gave a knock at his door.
After a moment Gabe called, "Who is it?"
"It's Clementine." The young girl said.
A few seconds of silence passed before Gabe sighed and said, "Come in."
The girl opened the door by stayed by the doorway.
"What's up?" Gabe asked.
"I... I wanted to talk to you..." Clementine said.
"About...?"
"I... don't want things to change between us... things are just... strange right now... I wanted to make sure... we were still friends..." Clementine said.
"I don't want to be friends...I wanna be more than that." Gabe responded.
"Gabe... I'm sorry, but I can't..." Clementine frowned.
"What does Gill have that I don't?" Gabe questioned.
"It's not like that, Gabe. I just-"
Gabe cut her off. "Why don't you like me?"
"I do. As a friend." Clementine said. "Look, just because I don't want you as a boyfriend doesn't mean I don't like you as a person. You're great and I like being around you."
"If I'm so great why don't you want to date me?" Gabe asked her.
"Because I'm not ready to... be with anyone..." Clementine said.
"But you would be with Gill. You kissed him." Gabe said.
"That was different..." Clementine muttered.
"How?" Gabe asked.
"I... This isn't even about him!" Clementine said.
"It's all about him. Why would you pick him over me... and don't say you didn't… I'm not stupid. You kissed him. I saw…" Gabe said.
"I hadn't planned on it... it just... happened." Clementine said.
Gabe huffed, "You have got to be kidding me..."
"I just... It just happened, Gabe. Really." Clementine said.
"But you like him don't you...?" Gabe asked.
Clementine gave a nod. "You…know... I do..."
"Why?"
Clementine averted her eyes, unable to look at him, not sure how to answer that question. "Because... I... I just do..."
Gabe just falls silent.
"I just... want to be friends." Clementine said. "I don't want to lose a friendship over this...but if you... don't want to be..." She bit her lip and lowered her gaze. "I'll understand."
When Gabe didn't respond, the girl continued.
"We've all lost so much and... life is too short to lose friendships..." Clementine said looking down.
"I know..." Gabe finally said
They stayed in silence for a few minutes before Clementine spoke again. "I'm not gonna force you to be my friend. I would like to be, but... I won't force you... But...I have to think about my happiness as well."
"It's just... for once... I wanted to be good enough." Gabe murmured.
"Good enough?"
"For you. Good enough period. I've spent so many days feeling like such a loser." Gabe said.
Clementine frowned at that. "Gabe, you're not. You are good enough-"
"Don't... If I was, you would have picked me..." Gabe said. "I don't think I can handle to thought of you being with Gill and not me..."
"Gill and I aren't together..." Clementine mumbled.
"Yet..."
"I don't know what will happen in the future... but... I'd like to stay your friend. I never wanted to hurt you..." Clementine said.
"I know..." Gabe said.
"You don't have to be happy for me... but I ask that you at least accept my choices..." Clementine said.
"I'll... do my best..." Gabe replied.
"Thank you..."
Gabe simply nods. "I... I want to be your friend but I think we could use some space..."
"I understand... whenever you're in need of a friend... I'm here for you." Clementine said. "…I'll leave you alone now..."
As the girl turns to leave Gabe speaks. "Clem?"
"Yes?"
"I'm sorry."
"Me too..." Clementine replied before walking off.
Despite agreeing that space apart may do them well, Clementine couldn't help but feel saddened. In a way it felt like she was losing a friend.
A few days went by on things between Gabe and Clementine became somewhat normal as tension eased.
There was still some awkwardness, however. And Gabe completely avoided Gill.
As much as Clementine has felt confused about her own feelings at first, she knew she had strong feelings for Gill. And she needed to tell him. Regardless of Gabe's reaction, she needed to tell Gill how she felt.
And that was exactly what she planned to do the next time she saw him.
With a hesitant question she asked, "What did that kiss mean to you?"
"What?"
"When we kissed... in the church... what did it mean to you? What did it mean... for us?" Clementine asked.
Gill paused and muttered. "I... don't know."
Clementine felt her heart drop as his response until he continued.
"What do you want it to mean?" Gabe asked her.
"I... I want... I want it to mean something. Something important. I want it to mean everything... and I... I want to be... more than just friends... I... want to be with you." Clementine said.
"R-Really?"
Clementine answered his question with a kiss. "Really." She said as they broke apart.
Gill couldn't help but smile.
For weeks the two keep the relationship to themselves, before finally announcing it.
There were mixed responses from the adults, besides Molly who had already figured they were together, and there were feelings of sadness from Gabe. Tension once again grew between Gabe and the young couple. Though Gabe agreed to accept the girl's decision.
Clementine tried not to care what anyone thought. She was happy to be with Gill. And Gill wanted to be with her.
She was going to take Molly's advice.
She wouldn't let anyone get in the way of her happiness.
Time went by and a now sixteen-year-old Clementine joined Molly, and another group on a run.
They had developed a system of going to different towns and finding supplies. As well as help survivors in need, and offering those they deemed trustworthy, a spot in Richmond.
Richmond had gone from a gloomy place to a buzzing town. A safe place to many people. Families, and survivors of all sorts sought out the place in hopes of making a new beginning and finding a brighter future.
"How are you holding up, kid?" Molly asked.
"I'm fine." Clementine said. "Do you think we'll get back before dark? I promised AJ, Gen, and Davie that I'd take them to the park if it wasn't too late."
"I guess we'll see. Hopefully things don't take too long." Molly said.
"Yeah. I'd rather get back sooner rather than later." Becca piped in.
Clementine nodded in agreement. "So Becca, how does it feel being an aunt."
"It's okay. You should know how it feels, considering you're practically all the kids aunt or sister or whatever." Becca said.
"I figured it's a different experience for everyone. I know Gen is glad to have another girl around." Clementine said.
"Yeah. But Gen is six now. By the time the baby is old enough to play, Gen probably won't want to anymore." Becca said.
"Nah, Gen wouldn't do that. She'll play with her regardless." Clementine said.
"If she's patient like you were." Becca said. "We'll see."
"Yeah." Clementine said.
"So, how are things going with Gill?" Becca asked.
"Things are great. I uh, talked to Gabe. We're gonna hang out sometime this week." Clementine said.
"And Gill's cool with that?" Becca asked.
"Why wouldn't he be?" Clementine asked.
"Clem, you know Gabe has had a massive crush on you since day one." Becca said.
"Girls, keep moving." Molly urged.
"We are. We are." Becca said.
The trio continued forward and soon came to some kind of train station.
"This place looks promising enough." Molly said. "Alright. Let's find some food."
As the continued forward they noticed a sign which Clementine read aloud. "Friendly? Ring the bell."
They exchanged looks.
"Well, here goes nothing." Molly rang the bell, and after a few moments a geek began to approach.
Molly killed the creature with ease and the group proceeded onward.
Clementine tries to open the door, but it's locked. Molly urges her to move aside and uses Hilda to pry it open.
They open the door and enter the station. Inside, two geeks are tied to chairs.
"Holy shit." Becca said.
"Take a look around girls." Molly said.
"Yeah… Okay…" Becca said.
Clementine notices a security door. "We won't be able to pry that open…"
"No, we won't." Molly said.
Clementine looks at the undead couple. She spots a bottle of poison near them. "I guess… they gave up…."
"Looks like it." Molly said.
Clementine notices a note near the couple and reads it.. "Please leave us alone. This is what we wanted."
"Damn…" Becca muttered.
"Come on, let's find a way into that door." Molly said.
"Wait, they have the key to the door." Clementine tries to grab the key on one of the geeks
"Stop." Molly grabbed at her shoulder, halting her motion. "That's not a good idea."
"But… they're tied up." Clementine said.
"Still... Don't risk it." Molly said.
"So we… have to…?" Clementine trailed off.
"If we want to get the key…" Molly nodded.
"But…they wanted to be left alone…" Clementine said.
"We need the supplies… Our people need supplies." Molly replied.
Clementine sighed but nodded her understanding.
Molly used Hilda to kill the two geeks, Clementine looking away as she did so.
"Sorry it had to go this way..." Clementine mumbles as Molly grabs the key.
"Come on, let's get that door open."
Molly walks over to the door and unlocks it, Clementine and Becca follow her, peeking into the room.
"They had a good thing going here." Clementine commented.
"Yeah. Let's have a look around." Molly said.
Becca finds some bullets, and a few scattered cans, which she checks, picking up the good ones.
Clementine noticed a crib in the corner of the room and can't help but frown. She stared at the crib, lost in thought.
Molly notices this and slowly approaches the young girl. "Clem, you good?"
"I… Yeah…" Clementine sighed. "I'm just thinking…"
Molly approached her, already knowing something was bothering the girl, and she had a good idea of what.
"That…Might be why they...gave up." Clementine muttered.
"…Maybe… We'll never know for sure." Molly said.
"Yeah…" Clementine said. "If… I had lost mine… after getting the chance to me him or her… I probably would have given up too."
Molly held back a sigh at that. "Well… I'm glad that didn't happen…"
Clementine didn't respond to her words.
"Come on, let's keep looking around." Molly said.
"Okay…"
They continue searching and Clementine inspects a can under the window. The girl checks the expiration date then sighs. "Spoiled. These are long gone." Clementine tosses the can away. It rolls toward the mattress, revealing the corner of a hatch. "Hey, look," Clementine calls to the others. Clementine moved the mattress, revealing a hatch in the floor.
"Good eye, kid." Molly praised.
"They must have wanted to hide something." Clementine said. She slowly opens the hatch, finding lots of food.
"Holy shit! That's a lot of stuff." Becca beamed.
"Yeah. It is. We could eat for weeks with this much." Clementine smiled.
Suddenly a grenade rolls out, and Clementine's eyes go wide.
"I-It's rigged!" Clementine closes the hatch, and the group takes cover just before the grenade explodes.
As they recover from the sudden explosion, Clementine looks out the window and sees geeks approaching.
"Oh shit! We gotta move!" Clementine exclaims.
Molly and Becca nod.
The group rushed outside, but to their dismay they noticed several geeks approaching.
There were so many, too many of them. And the group found themselves getting split apart.
With her path to the others blocked by geeks, Clementine had no choice but to run in the opposite direction.
She didn't know how long she ran, but she didn't slow down. She was relieved when she caught sight of some kind of building.
"WALKERS!" A young voice exclaimed, startling her.
"Hold them off, Willy!" Another voice called.
A series of gunshot rang out seconds later.
Clementine hadn't realized she had been shot until she was already on the ground, a throbbing pain coming from her shoulder, blood seeping to the ground.
She heard voices around her as a group of kids rushed outside of the gates, killing the geeks one by one.
Clementine let out a pained groan, drawing someone's attention.
"Oh shit… Guys! We got a live one!" A boy, possibly a few years older than her made his way by her side. "H-Hey. Stay with me, kid. You're gonna be okay. Just…"
His words were fading. She felt her eyes slowly fluttering shut. And before long everything went dark.
Clementine wakes up in a bunk bed with her wrist attached to the bedpost. The girl feels panic hit her, and she quickly removes the duct tape from her wrist and sits up. A pain runs through her body and she hisses a bit. She checks her shoulder where she had been shot to see it's been bandages.
The girl slowly forces herself to stand and looks around the room. "What is this place?" The girl mutters to herself.
She walked over to he door and tries it but it's locked.
"Shit…" She swore to herself.
She continued to look around, approaching and opening a closet. The girl examined a box inside on the top shelf. She tries to reach it but can't. She pushes the chair over to the closet, stands on it, takes the box, and places it on the desk. She opens the box and takes out a pallet knife.
Clementine uses the knife to open the door. She steps out into the hallway.
As Clementine is about to turn the corner, someone enters the hallway. Clem hides behind the display case. A boy approaches the room; he realizes the door is open and draws a knife.
Clementine hesitates than decides to reveal herself. "I'm right here. Drop the knife. Now."
"How about you do the same?" A figure nearby draws his bow.
Clementine feels her heart drop.
"We're not gonna hurt you. You're safe here. Just drop the knife. Now." The boy ordered.
"You people shot me…" Clementine said.
"It was an accident. We patched you up. You're okay… Put the knife down…" He replied.
"You first…" Clementine ordered.
The boy sighed and lowered his weapon. Clementine hesitantly dropped the knife.
"Good. That's good. See? We're not gonna hurt you. I'm Marlon. The little guy is Tennessee. "Tenn" for short. He's the one been taking care of you. He, uh, doesn't talk much."
Clementine looked the two over then introduced herself. "Clementine."
Marlon nodded. "Uh… Sorry about locking the door and tying you to the bed and all. You were in, uh, pretty rough shape when we found you. We had to take precautions. You know, just in case."
"It wasn't exactly a welcoming thing to wake up to." Clementine said.
Marlon sighed. "Look, we didn't have time to keep a constant eye on you. Like I said, you were in rough shape. Last thing we wanted was to open that door and find a walker waiting for us. I guess I thought you might just be thankful for being alive. But you're safe now. Come on, I'll give you a tour of the place."
"…Okay…" Clementine agreed.
Clementine, Tenn, and Marlon leave the building and step outside.
"How long was I out?" Clementine asked.
"About a day or so." Marlon replied.
"A whole day?" Clementine gasped.
"Yeah." Marlon said.
"Damn…" Clementine frowned.
Marlon leads the girl to a courtyard. Clementine scans the area.
"So how long have you…been on your own?" Marlon asked.
"Well, I'm not exactly on my own. I have a group… We were on a run and we got split up." Clementine explained.
"Makes sense… Don't usually see people our age alone out in the wild. Marlon said. "It's good we found you when we did. You were close to being deadhead food."
"I appreciate it." Clementine said. "Not the whole… getting shot part, but… the saving…"
The girl pauses as she sees a boy staring at her.
"Uh...hi there?" Clementine spoke, only for the boy to run off. Confusion hit her and she asked Marlon, "What's his problem?"
"Don't mind Willy. He means no harm. You're just new. We haven't seen anything like you in... ever." Marlon replied.
"What is this place?" Clementine asked.
"You can probably tell it used to be a school. Now it's whatever we want it to be." Marlon said.
"And who's in charge?"
"Well... I am. Probably sounds strange, kids run by a kid. But we do alright for ourselves. We've got good walls, good defenses. Good location, too. No one really comes out this way anymore. We've carved ourselves the perfect camp. Kids are safe here. We make sure of it." Marlon said.
"No adults...at all?"
"Wasn't always like this, though. People leave. They die. There's less of us all around. I got us a system in place that works well enough. Allow me to make it formal: welcome to Ericson's Boarding School for Troubled Youth. It feels like you might fit that description. It's hard to survive too long these days without being a bit..."troubled"." Marlon said.
Clementine didn't respond to that, the girl simply sighed.
"Maybe I'm grasping at straws, but... Jury's still out on you…" Marlon shrugged.
Before Clementine could speak Willy's voice exclaimed, "Yo! Marlon! We've got walkers on the fence!"
"Shit. I need to take care of this. Knowing Willy, it's probably two grandma walkers and an angry squirrel. You got bigger fish. I'll give you the tour once I'm done." Marlon said.
"Alright…" Clementine nodded, allowing him to walk off.
As Clementine waited for Marlon, she noticed two girls talking with one another a bit of away. She hesitantly approached, deciding to introduce herself.
"I just don't understand why we even brought her inside… She could be with those assholes." One of the girl's said.
"I doubt she is…. Anyway, it was only right for us to help her, considering Willy shot her." Another girl said.
"I just think it's risky…" The blonde girl sighed.
"I know, but still…" The second girl muttered.
"…Hi there…" Clementine spoke up as she approached them.
"Hey, how are you feeling?" The redhead asked.
"I'm okay… Umm… I'm Clementine."
"Ruby... This here is Violet."
"Nice to meet you both." Clementine said.
"This isn't good," Marlon's voice caught their attention before anyone could speak another word. "I'm gonna need help clearing them out, there's more deadheads than I thought."
"Alright…" Violet sighed.
"Anyone seen Rosie?" Marlon asked.
"Not since earlier." Ruby said.
"Shit… Clementine, you stick with me. We'll get Louis and find you a weapon. You up for taking out a few deadheads?" Marlon asked.
"Sure." Clementine replied.
"Alright, come on." Marlon said.
Clementine nodded.
Marlon led the girl back into the school and down the hall. The sound of piano music reached her ears.
It wasn't long before the two stepped into some kind of music room. There sat a boy, playing the piano.
"You're not dead. That's good." The boy commented.
"Yeah, I'm glad I'm not." Clementine replied.
Marlon went and grabbed the girl's bag, offering it to her. "Here you go."
"Thanks." Clementine accepted the bag, fishing out her hat and her weapon.
"This is Louis, Louis, Clementine."
"Nice to meet you." Louis smiled at the girl.
"Likewise." Clementine said.
"Louis, have you seen Rosie?" Marlon asked.
"Nope." Louis said.
"Shit. We've got a bit of a situation out there. We could really use a hand. Get your ass in gear, Louis." Marlon said.
"Fine." Louis sighed.
They head back outside and soon Clementine, Louis, Marlon, Willy, and Violet gather at the gate.
Marlon looks around with some concern. "Rosie!" Marlon called, getting no response. "Damn… Where the hell is she?"
"She'll show up eventually." Louis said.
"We've got a hunting party out there trying to get back inside. Need our help to clear the way. Seems to be a few more than usual these last couple days." Marlon explained to Clementine.
"Kind of like someone led them here." Violet scoffed.
"…It wasn't on purpose…" Clementine said. "I'm sorry."
"Ahem. "Hello, Clementine. I'm Violet. Nice to meet you."" Louis said. "That's how introductions work."
Violet rolled her eyes. "What he said."
"Alright, boys and girls. They're starting to fill in!" The young boy
"Come on." Violet said to the others.
"Be careful out there." Marlon said.
Marlon and Violet entered the forest.
Louis looked to Clementine, "Don't mind Violet. She, uh...grows on you. I promise."
Clementine gave a single nod. Her eyes then drifted to Louis' weapon of choice. In his hands he brandishes a chair leg filled with nails.
Louis notices her gaze and speaks, "Oh, this? It's a chair leg. I call it "Chairles"."
Clementine holds back a small chuckle.
Louis joins the others. Clementine steps outside the gate and closes it behind her. Clementine draws her weapon and enters the forest. The others have already started killing geeks.
The girl kills one of the geeks as it approaches her.
"Whoa! Nice one, Clementine! Could use a little more finesse, though. Watch and learn. Hey! Over here! Follow me!" Louis exclaimed.
A nearby geek approaches Louis. He cuts a rope, and a rock falls on the geek, crushing it.
"And that's how you school a walker! There's a whole bunch of traps laying around this area for these asshats. They're all marked, so keep a lookout!" Louis said.
Clementine kills more of the geeks with her knife, once in a while using traps as well. In the distance, a small group of people runs with torches.
"Looks like they made it back in one piece. C'mon, we'll meet 'em halfway." Marlon said, upon noticing the group.
The group runs across a nearby bridge and meets up with the hunting party, who have captured some rabbits.
"Nice timing. We're not gonna be able to hold them off much longer." Violet said.
"No kidding. Where'd all these walkers come from?" The girl asked with the hunting party asked.
"We can talk when we're back inside the gates. Keep an eye out for stragglers." Marlon said.
Violet turned to Clementine as the group continued killing the undead creature. "You know, you're not half bad. Considering the circumstances and all..."
Clementine gave a small smile. "Thanks."
Violet nodded. "Let's finish these guys off. We don't need them attracting more walkers back to the school."
As they continue kill the geeks, Clementine noticed a geek closing in on one of the group members. Just as the geek grabs him she rushes to his aid.
Clementine stabs the geek and it backhands her, then grabs her. Before it can bite her, a dog tackles the geek and crushes its head in her jaws, shocking the girl.
"Good girl! Marlon pets the dog who had started to growl at Clementine. "Shh, shh. Hey, hey, it's alright, girl. It's alright. Hey, I see you and Rosie are making friends."
"I had a dog once… But… he did bite…" Clementine muttered, recalling memories of Sam.
"You don't have to worry about that. Rosie's as cuddly as they come. Except when she's mauling walkers, that is." Marlon said.
"That walker came out of nowhere." The boy she saved sent her a look of appreciation.
"Alright, alright, fun's over. Let's get inside- I'm fuckin' starving." Marlon said.
"You're not the only one." Clementine said.
The group walks back through the forest.
"How'd it go out there?" Marlon asked the hunting party.
"How do you think it went?" The boy Clementine had saved scoffed.
"Be nice, Aasim." The girl from the hunting party lectured.
"The safe zone's nearly dry-I could barely find enough for tonight. We're gonna have to scout out further if we want food for the winter." Aasim said.
"We'll talk about it later." Marlon replied.
"Bullshit, we should talk about this right now—" Aasim said.
Marlon walks past Aasim, bumping him with his shoulder. "I said later, damn it."
Clementine frowned at their exchange but said nothing. Louis soon approached her.
"Still standing, I see. I'd call that a B-plus performance there, Vi. You've done better."
Violet scoffed. "Fuck off." Violet gives Louis the middle finger, and he clutches his heart in mock offense.
"B-minus, then. Now, Clem here? That was a solid A. A-plus even. Don't be jealous, Vi. Be better." Louis said.
"Um, you kicked ass, Violet. A-plus." Clementine said.
Violet smiled a faint smile, "I know."
"You're both delusional." Louis scoffed.
Marlon whistles, and Rosie runs toward him. The group enters the gates. The group enters the courtyard. "C'mon, y'all, food's nearly done."
"Glad to hear that." Clementine said.
Marlon and the girl from the hunting party headed over to the stairs where they took a seat. Clementine followed.
"Hey there, I'm Brody." The girl introduced herself.
"Clementine."
"Nice to meet you. Do you plan on sticking with us?" Brody asked.
"I… I have a group… I can't…" Clementine replied.
"Oh… Well, it's nice to have you here." Brody said,
"You can hang out with us if you want. Or you can go get to know the others." Marlon said.
"I think I'll pick the second option." Clementine told him.
"Alright." Marlon nodded. "See you around."
Clementine nodded and headed to meet the others.
She first went to see Willy sitting beside an older boy, who she recognized from the hunting party. "Hey." She greeted.
"Hey. You're new." The boy said.
Clementine nodded. "I am."
"I'm carving a weapon." The boy informed her, stating the obvious.
Clementine gave another awkward nod. "Uh...yeah, I can see that. Umm, I'm Clementine."
"Mitch. This is Willy. Nice to meet you." Mitch said.
"Likewise." Clementine said.
A bit of an awkward silence fell, and Clementine rubbed the back of her head. "Well… I'll uh, let you get back to your weapon carving."
"Thanks." Mitch replied.
Clementine walked off and made her way over to Louis and another boy, who appeared to be making dinner.
"Mm, yes, redolent of rosemary, lemongrass, and possum meat. Now if you can't find fresh possum in your neck of the woods, squirrel, skunk, or vole can work in a pinch. But there's nothing quite like possum. Every bite tells a story. We'll be right back with more Stew with Lou."
"Please stop."
"I...I can't. I really can't."
Clementine approached the two and spoke, "Hey, guys."
Louis smiled at her. "Clem, this is Omar. Uh, excuse me...Chef Omar."
"Hello. And, no, it's not ready yet." Omar said.
"Omar's a perfectionist. The slightest flavor out of place and he's grumpy for a week." Louis said.
"You can eat or you can eat right. All it'll cost you is a little patience." Omar said.
"I'll let you know when we're done." Louis said.
"Alright…" Clementine said.
Taking the hint, she walked off. As she made her way around the school yard, she noticed Violet and Tenn. With some hesitation she approached the two. "Hey…"
"Hey…" Violet greeted back.
"What are you two up to? What is this place?" Clementine asked.
"Our graveyard." Violet said.
"So… who's buried here?" Clementine wondered.
"Nobody, really. This is where we buried Tenn's sisters' belongings. Minnie and Sophie. Twins. Lost 'em both about a year ago." Violet explained.
Tenn puts flowers on the graves.
"Paying respects." Violet said.
"I see… I respect that. I'll leave you to it." Clementine walked off, giving them space. She noticed Aasim sitting alone and writing. She approached him. "Hello?"
Aasim looked to her. "Oh, hey, it's you two. Clementine, right?"
"Yup. Aasim, right?" Clementine asked.
"Yeah. That's right." Aasim nodded.
"You seemed really mad at Marlon back there." Clementine said.
"He keeps pulling back the safe zone. We have fewer and fewer places to hunt. Which means we're gonna have fewer and fewer things to eat." Aasim sighed, trying to calm himself. "I gotta finish this before dinner. Not to be, like, rude, but, you know...bye…"
Clementine didn't protest, though she did find it a bit rude. She started to turn and walk away, when she heard Marlon called, "Gather round, y'all. Diner's ready!"
Before long everyone had gathered at the tables for dinner and received bowls of stew.
"Ladies and gentlemen, dinner is served." Louis said.
"Thanks. Wow, this looks amazing." Clementine tasted the stew. "Mmm, this is really good."
"Yep, Omar definitely knows his stuff when it comes too stewing." Louis said, then chuckled at his own bad joke.
Marlon rolled his eyes.
The meal was peaceful, some light chatter happening here and there. To Clementine, it was nice to be with people around her age. Sure, she had people in Richmond, but she took on so many duties in town that sometimes she forgot what it was like to be a kid.
After dinner Louis spoke. "Alright, It's time for something...very important."
Clementine raises a brow and Louis pulls out a deck of cards.
"Oh, god, goodnight." Brody walks away.
"Violet! It's time!" Louis called to Violet.
Violet comes over to join them at their table.
"What's the game tonight, Lou?" Marlon asked the boy.
"War. The oldest game around. A game played by man and beast alike. The only game there is." Louis said.
"Sounds fun. How do we play?" Clementine asked.
"It's easy. Everyone gets a stack of cards, everyone flips one over. Highest card wins." Violet explained.
"And the winner gets to ask Clem a question." Louis said.
Clementine sent him a look.
"What? I want to get to know you. We all do." Louis said.
"And what if I win?" Clementine asked.
"Then you get to ask us one. It's only fair." Louis said.
"…Fine…" Clementine said.
"Louis? If you would?" Marlon said.
Louis deals the cards, and they all flip them. Violet wins.
"Way to go, me." Violet said. "So… How long have you been on your own?
"I'm not exactly on my own… And honestly… I don't plan on sticking around long. I gotta find my people." Clementine said.
Everyone flips over their cards again.
"Hey, I win." Clementine smiled.
"Hey, you do. So what do you want to know?" Louis asked.
Clementine thought for a moment then asked. "What's the worst injury you ever saw?"
"I saw a walker get hit in the head so hard, both his eyeballs flew out. Pretty cool." Violet smirked.
"I saw someone have their intestines pulled all the way out. Like, ALL the way. It goes on for a while. We got a lot of guts." Louis said.
"I be—" The girl stopped herself. "I saw… this guy get his face beaten in with a crowbar. Badly. There wasn't even any skin left."
"Ouch." Louis said.
"He deserved it. He really did…" Clementine said.
The cards are flipped once more.
"Booyah." Louis grins.
Violet groans. "C'mon, spit it out."
"…So, uh...ever, uh...ever have a boyfriend?"
"Oh, my god." Violet groans even louder.
"What? It happens. Perfectly valid question. You can ask me if I've ever had a girlfriend. I haven't, by the way."
"Oh, I'm sure she's real surprised about that one." Violet said.
"I actually have one." Clementine said.
"Y-You do?" Louis asked.
"Yeah… His name is Gill." Clementine said.
"Damn…" Louis muttered.
"What type of name is Gill." Marlon scoffed.
"He's a cool guy…" Clementine said.
"Sure, sure…" Marlon said.
They flip their cards and see Marlon has won.
"Ha, I win. So, Clem… You said you're not on your own, tell us about where you're staying…" Marlon said.
"I'm at this town, called Richmond… We have a lot of people there. We do our best to keep them alive. To keep the place going." Clementine said.
"Makes sense." Marlon said.
With the next flip Violet wins again.
"Victory, Violet. Here's something I love to ask when I'm in groups. Out of the four of us, who do you think is gonna die first?" Violet asked.
"That is fucked up." Louis shakes his head at her question.
Violet nods in agreement. "Oh, I know."
"I- Do I have to answer that…?" Clementine said.
"You have to. It's the rules." Violet replied.
"I… I don't want to think anyone here will die anytime soon… but… it could be anyone… We never know." Clementine said.
"Fair enough…" Violet shrugged.
Everyone flipped their cards again and Louis won this time.
"I am the greatest card player of all time." Louis said.
"Just ask your damn question." Violet said.
"Ever...actually, never mind…" Louis trailed off.
Clementine sent him a look. "What? Ask it."
"It's not a fun question." Louis said.
"Ask." Clementine said.
"Ever had to kill someone you loved?" Louis asked.
Marlon shot him a look. "Louis."
"Hey, she wanted me to ask…" Louis said.
"I… I had to… kill my friend… Lee… He took care of me, and I… I wish I had been smarter…" Clementine frowned, her heart aching. "I think I'm done playing for tonight."
"Yeah, that's probably for the best." Marlon said.
Louis paused then mumbled. "You wanted me to ask..."
Clementine doesn't respond as she stands and walks away.
Marlon catches up to her. "Long day, huh?"
"Yup. Real long." Clementine said.
"I hope you know Louis didn't mean any harm there. He's just the world's biggest dumbass. He's my best friend, so I can legally call him that." Marlon said.
"…I'm sure he didn't…" Clementine said.
"You can sleep in that room you woke up in… For the night." Marlon said.
"Thanks, Marlon."
Marlon opens the door for Clementine. "Try to relax, get some sleep. In the morning, come find me. We can chat about a few things."
"Alright… Goodnight…"
"Sweet dreams, Clem."
Clementine tried her best to sleep but it didn't seem like she would be able to. She wanted to find Molly and Becca. She really hoped they were okay.
She was surprised when the door opened, and Violet entered the room.
"Oh. Shit. I-I didn't know Marlon set you up in this room. I just wanted to grab something. From the closet." Violet said.
"Oh, go ahead…." Clementine said.
Violet nodded and proceeded to search the closet for the art kit. "Damn it… Where is it?"
"What?"
Violet didn't respond as she continued looking, only to spot it on the table. "Oh… That's what I was looking for. It belonged to Sophie. Uh... Tenn's sister. He was asking for more art supplies and stuff, so I was going to bring it to him."
"Oh! Uh, sorry… I moved it earlier…" To escape the room. "I didn't know…"
"No, no, it's fine. Don't worry about it. Honestly, it's just been sitting here for the past year and no one's touched it." Violet said. "…Are you… getting settled in?"
"Well, for the night… I don't plan on sticking around." Clementine reminded. "I gotta find my group."
"I see… You know, I always liked this room. Sophie had, like, paintings and shit on the walls. Lots of color. And Minerva...she was really musical. Not like Louis, though...she had actual talent." Violet said.
Clementine gave a small chuckle.
"She had the most amazing voice. Real bluesy. Marlon always joked that he would scavenge a guitar and the two of them would tour the country. That was a long time ago. After they...afterwards, Brody and Tenn took down all the paintings. And that was the end of it. I shouldn't have even brought it up. It's not a good memory. Guess I just lost my train of thought." Violet said.
Clementine sighed, "Most of us that are still around... A lot of times we have more bad memories than good."
Violet nodded at that. "Ain't that the truth."
"What exactly happened to them? Sophie and Minerva?" Clementine asked.
"They went scavenging with Marlon and Brody out past the safe zone. Didn't make it back. It happens." Violet took a seat on the bed. "Honestly, I just miss having someone around to talk to. There's just...so many dudes. This place can get a little too bro-town for my liking sometimes. And I'm not exactly, like...a people person. You know? I know I sometimes have a habit...have a habit of being a little bit too harsh."
"You come off alright. I thought you were pretty cool." Clementine said.
"Oh. Um. Thanks. I guess. You were pretty cool too. Out there against those walkers." Violet said.
"Thanks, Violet."
"No problem." Violet said. "Uh… I should be getting back." Violet takes the box. "See ya."
"Yeah. See ya."
Violet leaves the room and Clementine gets into bed, trying her best to get some sleep.
In the morning, Clementine head outside to find Marlon sitting on the steps with Rosie. The girl freezes when Rosie growls at her.
"M-Marlon?
"It's okay… She's not gonna hurt you." Marlon said. "Hey, hey, it's okay, girl. Shh." Marlon pets Rosie and she calms down. "I swear, Rosie's not as frightening as she seems. She's harmless. She just needs to get to know you, is all. Here. I'll show you."
Marlon offered her his hand.
Clementine looked to him with hesitation.
"Do you trust me?"
"I…"
"It's okay… I promise, she's not gonna bite.
Clementine hesitantly allowed Marlon to take her hand. He moved it beside Rosie's nose and let Rosie sniff her. He then urged the girl to pet the dog, which she did.
"See, there you go. She's not gonna hurt you…" Marlon said.
Clementine sighed in relief.
"Alright." Marlon whistled "Rosie, lie down."
Rosie lies down on the stairs and Marlon speaks. "She was the headmaster's dog, back when this place was still functional. But when the world went to shit, he bailed. All the other adults did. Left us behind to fend for ourselves."
"Wow. What a dick." Clementine said.
"Understatement of the century. Now it's just us kids left. And I'd like it if you were a part of that." Marlon said.
"I can't…"
"Clem… It'd be smart for you to stick with us… For all you know your people could be dead." Marlon said.
"They're not. They're tougher than you think." Clementine said.
"How about we chat, in my office, I have something I wanna show you." Marlon said.
Clementine sighed but nodded.
The two headed into the school and to Marlon's office. Once there Marlon shows Clementine a hand-drawn map depicting the school and the surrounding area.
"We are starting to run short of food… It's getting harder and harder to feed everyone in this school." Marlon said.
Clementine looks at the map and notices the greenhouse. "You have a greenhouse…"
"Yeah… Uh, don't get too excited about that one. We used to maintain it real well. Had plenty of vegetables growing. But it became overgrown, upkeep was impossible. Yeah, we, uh, we keep away from that now." Marlon said.
Clementine looks at the forest on the map. "I didn't realize how much forest surrounds this place."
"It's how we've kept ourselves from unwanted attention for so long. Well... For the most part, anyway." Marlon said.
Clementine notices the train station on the map. "That's the train station. There was a whole stash of food under the floorboards."
"Oh, So you've been there? Pretty sure that place is a lost cause."
"Maybe… Maybe not." Clementine said.
"Regardless, it's out of the safezone. So it's out of the question."
Clementine looks at the road.
"That's the only road that leads in and out of Ericson. If you go off it, you'll eventually end up in the valley. We used to have signs that led people to the school, but I took them down. Wanted this place to be hard to find." Marlon said. "Surprised you stumbled upon it."
"Me too…" Clementine said. She checked the map again and examined one area. "What's the trap area?"
"Hunting grounds, more or less. Louis built some traps out there to catch game. He and Aasim are set to go check them today."
She notices an area that looks like a river. "What's out here?"
"Ah, that's where we fish. Got a shack for storage right here..." He points to the map. "Right along the river. It's secure, mostly. Get the occasional walker or two come by. Vi and Brody should be heading out there in a bit."
After Clementine looks at all the locations, Marlon points to the red lines on the map. "One more thing...see these red lines?"
"Yeah."
"So everything inside is the safe zone. It's been getting smaller over the years, and food's become more scarce." Marlon said.
Clementine rose a brow. "So why not go outside it?"
"We can't. whenever someone goes outside the safe zone, bad shit happens. People die or disappear. I just... I could really use the help, Clementine. Taking care of these kids, it's not easy. I'm worried that if I don't figure something out, if...if I don't fix our food situation... I can't lose anyone else. We've already lost so much. Friends, siblings... I can't let another kid die. It could break us." Marlon said. "Everyone's counting on me to step up. Be the leader they need me to be. I really want to be that for them."
"I'm sure you're a good leader…" Clementine said.
"Maybe, but it's not easy… I could use some help…" Marlon said. He took the girl's hand, looking her in the eyes. "Stay..."
"I can't... Maybe... you guys could come with us." Clementine said.
"This is our home, Clem... These kids... If we went too far... They wouldn't survive. We don't leave the safe zone for a reason." Marlon said.
"...Look, maybe I can stay for a little while, and help you guys make this place more secure. But after that... I have to go." Clementine said.
"...Alright..." Marlon sighed, looking disappointed as he released her hand. "Louis and Aasim are heading to the hunting grounds, looking for rabbits. Well, Aasim will, anyway. Louis... I just hope he shows up, if I'm really being honest. Violet and Brody are going upriver to do some spearfishing. Hopefully those two get along long enough to get some work done. You can give Aasim a hand, not sure how much help Lou will be…"
"I'll do what I can to help." Clementine said.
"Thank you." Marlon said.
"No problem."
Later that day, Clementine joined Aasim and Louis for a hunting trip.
"Hunting grounds are usually clear of walkers. Sometimes they get caught in the snares and shit, though. You see a ribbon on a tree, traps are nearby. So watch where you step." Aasim said to Clementine.
Louis scoffs, "Please. I think I can handle myself. I'm basically a ninja. Skilled in the craft of martial arts."
"Thanks for the warning." Clementine said.
"Psh. Y'all are no fun." Louis huffed.
"We've got work to do. Not all of us have the privilege of being Marlon's lapdog." Aasim retorted.
"Oh, ouch! Someone's a little jealous... In my defense, I totally get things done. I just prefer to think of survival as more of a...day-to-day task. So, you know-don't sweat the technique." Louis said.
"You do what you do to survive. That's all that matters." Clementine said.
Louis smirked. "I knew you'd understand."
"Whatever, man." Aasim huffed. "You act like you're the only one with a strategy. I play the long game. You've gotta have plans B, C, and D."
"And what if you don't make it that far?" Louis asked.
Clementine suddenly shushed them. "Shh, shut up a second."
A geek growls nearby, and the group draws their weapons. They find that a walker has been caught by one of the traps.
Louis chuckles at this. "Ha! Hey, check this guy out. He's like a walker piñata!" Louis pokes the walker's head with Chairles.
Aasim groaned. "Cut it down, fix the snare, and let's go."
"I will, I will! Eventually." Louis said.
Aasim huffed and turned to Clementine, "I could use a hand. Or you can mess around with this idiot and starve. It's up to you."
Louis mockingly repeats him. "Or you can starve." So dramatic."
Aasim ignores him and walks off.
"Wanna take a swing?" Louis offers Chairles to Clemetine. "It won't bite... Well, that guy would, but the bat won't. You know what I mean? You get it."
"Alright. I'll take one swing." Clementine takes Chairles.
"Now that's what I'm talking about!" Louis beams.
Clementine readies herself then takes a swing, hitting the geek.
Louis cheered. "Woo! If the Olympics were still a thing, you'd get a silver, no question."
"A silver, huh?"
"Well, I mean, that could've been a lucky shot." Louis shrugged.
Clementine hits the geek again.
"Alright. Now you just went and earned yourself a gold. Damn. Alright. You gotta make this one count." Louis said.
Clementine hits the geek again, killing it.
"Home run!" Louis exclaimed. "Alright, alright. Show's over."
Clementine handed Chairles back to Louis.
"See, don't you feel a little better now that you blew off some steam? You need to get that energy out every now and then. Have some fun!" Louis said.
"It's was interesting, but I should go help Aasim." Clementine said.
"Aasim loves giving me crap about having a good time, always telling me I'm not thinking long-term. "We need to guarantee our future," all that horseshit. But I tell him right back, there's only one guarantee: this moment. That's the only thing you got, only thing any of us got. Might as well enjoy it. I'll untie our friend here and reset the snare, go ahead and check on Aasim."
"Will do." Clementine headed over to talk to Aasim. "Hey,"
"Come to hunt? I hear something rustling around in here." Aasim said.
Clementine nodded. "Yeah, let me help you out."
"I'll never understand that idiot." Aasim sighed.
Clementine didn't know how to respond.
"Come on… Let's try to catch something for dinner." Aasim said.
Clementine gave a nod.
The two proceeded to try to catch some rabbits with a bow and arrow. Clementine, managing to shoot a few.
Aasim was impressed with the girl and praised her afterwards. "That was amazing. You're a good shot."
"Thanks." Clementine said.
"Come on, let's see if the traps caught any more than we have." Aasim said.
They proceed to check the traps, finding most of them clear. Eventually they come to a trap that has caught a rabbit. Louis soon joins the and raises a brow.
"Did we catch something?" Louis asked.
"It's… a baby…" Clementine said.
Louis shrugged. "Well, all meat is good meat."
"It's not enough. Release it, let it get bigger."
Clementine hesitantly releases the rabbit.
"Really? What are we supposed to eat tonight, then?" Louis asked, then sighed, "I get it. I wouldn't want to kill a baby bunny, either."
"You'll thank me in a few months.
"If we live that long." Louis said. "Alright, well, the snares have all been reset and are ready to trap things. We good to go now or what?"
"Thanks to Clem, we got more than I expected. Not enough for everyone, but enough to smile about. I'll take this back. You two should meet up with Brody and Violet and see if they've managed to snag any fish. This isn't gonna be enough for the whole school."
With that Aasim took off.
"Follow me. The girls are probably near the shack." Louis said.
Clementine nodded and followed Louis to the shack. Once there they saw no sign of Violet and Brody. However, they did see a dead walker impaled with a spear.
Louis furrowed his brows. "Vi wouldn't have just left this out in the open. Wait-isn't that one of our spears?" He goes to check the door to the shack and frowns, "Clem. Lock's busted. We might not be alone."
Clementine hesitantly goes to the door and opens it. The two enter the shack and find it's a mess.
"Holy shit. This place is wrecked. All our supplies are gone! I'll take a look around outside. Hold tight." Louis rushes back outside to look around.
Brody and Violet soon enter the shack, they were both surprised to see her.
"Clementine?" Violet said with surprise.
"What the hell happened in here?" Brody inquired.
Before Clementine can speak Louis returns. "No sign of our thief."
Brody froze. "Thief?"
"Oh, shit. We just walked a mile of river and the traps were all empty. No fish, none." Violet said.
"Someone robbed us?" Brody asked.
Louis huffed. "Oh, great. And now we're gonna starve."
Brody started drawing quick breaths, panic hitting her. "Fuck, that's...fuck...fuck! It's just...fuck...it's okay, it's...breathe, Brody, c'mon...c'mon, c'mon, c'mon..."
"You're gonna be fine." Violet said.
Brody continued taking quick breaths. "Fuck, fuck, c'mon, c'mon!"
"It's just a panic attack." Violet said.
"Fuck, fuck!"
Clementine tried to think of a way to help. She had witnessed and even experienced her own panic attacks before. "Just…Just take a deep breath... You'll be ok-"
Brody glared at her. "Just shut the fuck up, okay?!"
"Excuse me?!" Clementine asked.
Brody sighed. "I… I have to tell Marlon about this."
"Um, we still need food. You know, to live? We definitely don't have enough here." Louis said.
You guys figure it out." Brody huffs then leaves.
Louis turned to Clementine and Violet. "So what do we do? Eat rocks? Where else could we look?
"Let me think..." The girl pauses then mumbles. "The train station. It's not too far from here."
Violet was hesitant. "I don't know, that's pretty far outside our perimeter."
"There was food when my group and I passed through. It's worth a look." Clementine said.
"…You sure there was food?" Violet asked.
Clementine nodded. "Positive. Yeah, some of it was destroyed in the explosion, but there has to be something left. There was so much there."
Violet sighed but nodded. "Alright, fine. Lead the way."
The sun was setting as Clementine, Violet, and Louis, sneak up to the train station, which is swarmed with undead.
"There. That's where the food is." Clementine pointed to the station.
Louis frowned, "We're gonna die."
"It's either die here or die from hunger. Take your pick. Clem, maybe you should scope things out. You know the place better." Violet said.
"My group was here… We got split up because of the geeks." Clementine explained.
"Geeks…?" Violet asked.
"Yeah… Like the guys at the carnival. They'll eat anything." Clementine said.
"Cool name." Violet replied.
Clementine looked to the geeks and hummed. "We need to get in there somehow. Maybe there's another way in..." Clementine examines the area and soon an idea springs to her mind.
"You look like you've got an idea." Louis said.
"The noise from that bell could draw a lot of geeks. If one of us climbs up there and starts ringing it..." Clementine said.
"Louis. I vote Louis." Violet said.
Louis' eyes grew wide. "Uh, hold on. I'd like to make an alternate suggestion."
"Come on, Lou. You're loud, dramatic, a little annoying... You're basically a walking distraction." Violet said.
"I think you mean charming and theatrical. Entertaining is another word that comes to mind. Charismatic." Louis said.
"See what I mean?" Violet said.
"You totally got this... You'll be fine." Clementine said.
"…Who could say no to a face like that." Louis said.
Violet rolled her eyes.
"Fine, I'll do it. But if I die, I'm making sure walker Louis eats both of you first. I'll distract them until I see you guys reach safe cover. Then I'll try to redirect the smelly patrol to give you guys a chance to spring inside the building." Louis said.
Clementine nodded. "When we get into position, I'll signal you. Then you can do your thing."
"Good luck." Louis said.
Louis takes the bell and climbs onto the train car. He hits the bell and the chair leg against the train car to distract the geeks.
Clementine kills some of the geeks. She hides behind some barrels and signals to the others. Violet rushes over.
"So far, not dead." Violet said.
"So far…Let's keep it that way…" Clementine said. "I'll let Louis know we're ready."
Clementine stood up and signaled to Louis, he climbs down the train car. Clementine goes back to her hiding place.
"What is he waiting for? C'mon, c'mon... Fucking Louis..." Violet grumbled.
"Just...give him a second." Clementine said.
"We may not have a second." Violet muttered.
The undead creatures approach the group. Louis rings the bell, and the geeks are drawn to the noise.
"I'll watch the door for walkers." Violet said.
"Okay. I'll sneak in, grab the food, and get out." Clementine said.
Violet nodded. "Sounds good. Let's make it quick."
Clementine makes her way into the train station, keeping an eye out for geeks. She heads through the security door and over to the floor door. Inside the floor door she finds bags of food which she grabs, filling the bag with any fallen cans she can find..
After gathering the food, Clementine headed outside. "Let's get a move on."
She motioned Louis over, and soon the trio began rushing back towards the school.
"You are not listening to me. Marlon, listen to me-I'm telling you, the place was ransacked!" Brody told Marlon, looking nervous.
"It's fine. We'll deal with it." Marlon replied.
Mitch opened the gate as he noticed Clementine, Violet, and Louis.
"Took y'all a while." Ruby commented.
"How poor are they that have not patience!" Louis said.
The trio sets down the bags and unzips them to reveal the jars and cans of food.
Willy's eyes widen. "Aasim! Mitch! Check it out! Food!"
Mitch walked to the table and was surprised as well. "That's, like, a lot of food."
Louis chuckled. "Observant as ever, Mitch."
"I can't believe this. Look at it." Aasim said, in awe.
Willy smiled to Clementine. "You're our savior, Clem."
"Like, seriously. It's a lot." Mitch said.
"Louis and Violet helped, too." Clementine said.
"Neither of them ever brought back this much before." Aasim said.
Louis sent him a look. "Neither have you..."
Brody approached looking skeptical. "Where did you find all this?"
"The old train station. Clem knew where it was." Louis said.
"Train station...that's outside the safe zone." Brody tensed, eyes growing wide. "What the hell were you thinking? How could you be so stupid?!"
"Bu-But we brought back all this food," Clementine stammered, looking confused.
"It doesn't matter! Someone could have seen you! You could have led people back here!" Brody snapped. "I just can't...I won't...just not again...fuck!"
"What the hell's going on here?" Marlon asked, drawn by all the noise.
"She took them outside the safe zone..." Brody said.
"You are overreacting." Marlon said.
Brody glared at him. "You can't be serious!"
Marlon grabbed at Brody's arm. "Come on, let's go somewhere and talk about this."
Brody shoved Marlon to the ground, she then glared at Clementine. "If ANYTHING happens...I'm holding YOU responsible!"
Brody walked away, and Marlon gets up.
Marlon sighed. "Clem, I know I asked you for help... And you did. You did. But...shit. God. Nothing's easy."
"It was risky, but it was worth it. Like you said... You can't lose another kid."
"Yeah. Yeah, I did say that…" Marlon said. "Well...at least we're eating tonight. And for the next few, I'd wager. Um, I'll go talk to Brody. Thanks for the haul, Clem. You guys should go enjoy it. You've earned it."
Marlon walks away and Clementine joins the others at the table.
"Don't sweat it, Clem." Louis said.
"Ever since we lost Sophie and Minnie, Brody's been freaked out by anything that happens past the safe zone. She'll be alright eventually." Violet explained.
"Still, we should make sure this is a one-time thing. We can take Rosie out in the morning, see if she catches a scent. You know, just in case." Aasim said.
The others nodded in agreement.
The group ate supper in silence and then started to head off to bed one by one.
Clementine couldn't help but wonder why everyone was so on edge… Especially Brody…
"Don't worry about them. They're just sad." Tenn's voice grabbed her attention. And Clementine realized they were the only two left at the table.
"Sad? Why?" Clementine asked.
"My sisters died around this time last year. I think it's starting to get to people." Tenn said.
Clementine frowned and asked. "Doesn't it get to you?"
Tenn shook his head. "Not really. Dying's not scary. I mean, it's sad, but...not scary. Tenn: I try not to focus on them being gone. I like picturing where they'd be now, instead." He showed her his drawing. "Sophie was awesome at making stuff. She'd build a place big enough for all of us to live, and paint it, too, and Minnie'd be playing whatever new song she wrote... I guess death doesn't scare me because I know I have something waiting on the other side. Someplace safe, and happy. All of us together."
"Looks like a nice place to wind up." Clementine said.
"Yeah, I think so, too. A lot better than some smelly old school." Tenn replied.
Clementine looked at the picture and noticed to other people, "Who are those guys?"
"The walkers who killed them." Tenn answered.
Clementine rose a brow, "You want them there too?"
"They weren't always walkers. Wherever this place is, everyone gets to be a person again. Sometimes I draw the walkers the way they probably looked...sometimes I draw Minnie and Sophie the way they probably left them... But sometimes I draw this, too." Tenn said.
"…It's getting late."
"Yeah… everyone's probably gonna head to sleep soon." Tenn said.
"Aren't you going to?" Clementine asked.
Tenn shook his head. "Not yet. I want to finish this first."
"Oh, makes sense." Clementine said.
"I'll see you tomorrow." Tenn said.
"See you tomorrow." Clementine said.
It was the middle of the night, and Clementine found herself startled away by the sound of voices arguing.
The girl groaned and sat up, wondering what was going on.
"Why can't you just do what I ask you to do?"
"Because we caused all this, and now we have to deal with it!"
"I am dealing with it!"
"By tradin' more of us away? That's not fixin' the problem, that's runnin' away from it! Let me go!"
"Hey, calm down."
"Don't tell me to calm down! You can't do this! You can't just-ahh!"
Clementine gets out of bed and puts her hat on, lights a candle, and picks it up. She exits the room wondering what the hell is going on. Clem goes up to the basement door. Clementine tries to open the door, but it's locked.
The girl recalls the outside cellar door.
Clem leaves the dormitory. Clem enters the courtyard. The wind and rain put out the candle, and Clem sets it down.
Clementine picks up a brick and smashes the padlock with it. She opens the doors and enters the basement.
As she entered the basement, she realizes exactly who the voices belong to.
"It's only a matter of time before they find us. You know that!" Brody exclaimed.
"I don't know shit, and neither do you! Goddamn it, Brody, keep it together!" Marlon snapped.
"There you go again, getting so mad..." Brody muttered.
"Well, what do you want me to do? You're making me mad!" Marlon hissed.
"Oh, we have to tell the others. About what you did." Brody said.
Clementine frowned wondering what they were talking about. What had Marlon done?
The girl bumped against something and Brody gasped, Marlon whipping around. "Who's there? Show yourself."
Clementine does so, allowing them to see her.
"Clem..." Brody muttered.
"What are you doing down here? In the dark?" Clementine inquired.
"Brody and I were just talkin', go get some sleep. You deserve some shut-eye. You had a busy day." Marlon said.
Clementine shook her head, "You're not getting rid of me that easily. "Tell the others" what?"
"Please, this is a private conversation, okay? It doesn't concern you." Marlon said.
Brody frowned, looking torn before she blurted out. "Marlon let people take the twins! And now… We- We think they're coming back. Things have been going missing, it's just… Something's not right!"
"Damn it, Brody!" Marlon spat.
Clementine's eyes widened. "Tenn's sisters? I thought they were killed by geeks."
Brody frowned, looking guilty. "That's the story we told everyone…"
Marlon glared at her. "Shut up."
Brody continued, "'Cause Marlon was so ashamed of what—"
"I said SHUT UP!" Marlon raises his flashlight, ready to hit the girl.
"Watch out!" Clementine shoves the girl out of the way, and Marlon drops the flashlight, shaking a bit. "What the hell is wrong with you?!"
"I- I didn't mean to… I…I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry, Brody…" Marlon stammered, looking horrified by his own actions.
"Leave her alone! You've done enough…" Clementine said.
"I didn't mean to." Marlon said.
"Shut up!" Clementine turned to Brody and asked, "Are you okay, Brody?"
"I… I'm fine…" Brody said.
"You sure?" Clementine asked.
"Y-Yeah… I'm fine…" Brody nodded.
"Okay…" Clementine said. "Look, I want to help you, but you have to tell me exactly what is going on. Detail for detail."
Marlon and Brody exchanged looks.
"How are you going to help us…?" Brody asked.
"I know people, who would be willing to help. I told you, I'm from a town not far from here." Clementine said.
"…Alright…" Marlon hesitantly said.
The two began to explain every detail of what they had been through, helping Clementine understand their situation.
"We… We have to do something. We have to tell the others…" Brody said. "They need to know what's going on… What's really going on…"
"…You're right…" Clementine agreed with her.
"Wh-What? N-No… We can't tell the others..." Marlon stuttered.
"We have to, Marlon. You two can't keep this from them. They deserve to know what happened. What really happened." Clementine said.
"But-"
"But nothing. They're gonna be pissed. They're going to be beyond furious, but they deserve to know..." Clementine said.
Marlon frowned at that but knew there was no protesting.
"Look, let's just head to bed. And we'll figure something out in the morning." Clementine said. "Everything will be okay. I'll make sure of it."
Marlon tried to speak. "Clem-"
"Bed. Now." Clementine said. "Go."
The two hesitantly obliged, Clementine following to make sure they split ways.
She felt that she would be up all night now.
Clementine sighed, as she made it back to her own room.
These kids were in trouble. And as much as Clementine planned on moving on, she couldn't just leave them.
She had to do something, anything to help. And that's exactly what she would do, even if it meant finding her group members had to wait.
A somewhat fillerish chapter. Stay tune to read more.
Thank you.
