Thanks to everyone for reading and reviewing!

Thanks to gaara king of the sand for the help!

Watchmen1985: No current plans for thank you for the review and suggestion.


Clementine stayed up all night, thinking of a way to help the kids. If there were people after them, she didn't think staying at the school was the best idea. The school was huge, and although it could be an amazing fortress, it wasn't. A fortress needed defense…

She wanted to convince them to come to Richmond. She hoped they would agree. At least it would be safe there.

At times she would pace the halls, making sure she heard no disruption from Marlon and Brody. Making sure Marlon didn't do anything violent. Fortunately, the two remained in their rooms all night.

When morning finally came along, and the sun was high in the sky, Clementine headed outside to ponder more on her plan.

Before long the others began to wake up and enter the courtyard.

Clementine spotted Marlon and walked over to him. "Marlon," She took hold of his sleeve pulling him from the group's earshot. "We need to talk." She said in a serious tone, releasing her grip on his sleeve.

"Ab-About?"

"You know what about..." Clementine said. "You can't back out of this. They need to know what happened."

"I... I don't think I can..." Marlon said.

"You have to." Clementine said. "...Where's Brody?"

"She locked herself in her room. She won't even talk to me." Marlon replied.

"Can you blame her? You tried to hit her with a flashlight at full force. You could've killed her." Clementine said.

"I... I didn't mean to do that. I just..." Marlon trailed off.

"Look, just stop. I'll go get Brody. Don't say anything to the others until I come back." Clementine said.

Marlon gave a weak nod, looking nervous and guilt ridden.

Clementine walked off to find Brody.

She entered the school and made her way to Brody's room.

The girl gave a light knock at the door. She could hear Brody's anxious voice muttering inside, but the door didn't open.

Clementine gave another knock, a bit louder than before. She heard a small gasp from inside.

"Who's there?" Brody asked.

"It's me." Clementine replied.

There was silence, then after a moment the door opened.

"Clementine..."…. Wh-What is it?" Brody stammered.

"Are you okay?" Clementine asked.

"I'm fine." Brody said, quickly. A bit too quickly.

"Are... you sure?"

"I… I think so… I mean… Yeah… I'm fine…." Brody sighed. "I'm not fine…"

"…Everyone's awake, Brody… I think it's time." Clementine said.

Brody's eyes widened and she shook her head. "N-No…"

"What?"

"I… I know I agreed that we should tell them the truth, but…. I'm nervous…" Brody said.

"I get that… I'm sure you're nervous but they have the right to know…" Clementine replied.

"Why? So they can hate me more?" Brody huffed. "Look... I just... I know I said we should tell the others... but... maybe we can keep things to ourselves."

"Hold on, Brody... You can just backtrack like that. The others deserve to know." Clementine said.

"But... y-you don't understand, Clem. I- I can't tell them." Brody said.

"Brody... we have to tell them. They need to know what's going on." Clementine replied.

Brody took a deep breath and frowned, "God... They're all gonna hate me. Vi already hates me... this will make everyone hate me."

"Violet doesn't hate you." Clementine said.

"You haven't seen how she acts around me. She does hate me." Brody said.

"Brody, I'm sure she doesn't…"

"She does, and after this show me even more… And so will Tenn, and the others. Can you imagine Tenn hating me…?" Brody frowned.

"Tenn's not going to hate you." Clementine reassured.

"Those were his sisters, Clem…He's definitely gonna hate me… Oh God… sweet innocent little Tenn… I- I really fucked up… Fu-Fuck..." Brody huffed, taking deep breathe. "Oh God… I- I—"

"Brody, just breathe…"

"And- And Vi... fuck…. Vi will kill me!" Brody continued to ramble.

"No, she won't. She's gonna kill anyone. Just calm down…" Clementine said.

Brody looked to her and said. "I can't calm down…"

"Just try to breathe. It's gonna be okay…" Clementine told.

Brody did her best to calm her breathing and then spoke, "Vi was close to the twins. Especially Minerva. Those two were... they were a thing…"

"A thing? You mean a couple?" Clementine asked.

"Yeah… And when Vi finds out I'm responsible for… what happened with the twins. She's gonna flip…" Brody said. "I'm responsible for their disappearance… And possibly for their deaths…."

"Hey, we don't know if they're dead. Why would they take them if they planned to kill them?"

"I… I don't know…" Brody said. "I don't know what they took them in the first place…"

"Me either… But we have to tell the others, and they're gonna be pissed, but I promise, I'll make sure no one does anything to hurt you… And we're gonna figure something out, so we don't lose anyone else." Clementine said.

Brody looked to Clementine then sighed but nodded. "Okay…"


Brody and Clementine soon joined the others in the courtyard. Marlon looked to Brody and tried to speak but the girl brushed him off.

"Brody,"

"I have nothing to say to you." Brody huffed.

Marlon frowned at that but said nothing.

"Let's do this…" Clementine said, getting nervous nods from Marlon and Brody. The girl called for the others to gather around. Everyone looked confused but obliged.

"What's going on?" Violet asked.

"Is everything okay?" Ruby questioned.

"We… need to have a conversation…. A very serious conversation…" Clementine spoke.

"Oh God… What happened?" Ruby asked.

"N-Nothing…. Well… Not recently…" Brody stammered.

"We wanted to talk about what happened… a year ago… with the twins?" Marlon mustered the courage to say.

Everyone's moods faltered at that.

"What are we bringing that up for?" Violet huffed.

"Because…. Because you should know what happened…" Marlon said.

Louis rose a brow. "You told us already—"

"What… really happened…" Marlon muttered.

Everyone exchanged looks at that.

"Marlon? What are you talking about?" Louis asked.

Marlon bit his lip, unable to speak for a moment.

"Brody? What's going on?" Ruby asked the other girl.

Brody gulped, averting her gaze.

"Guys…?" Willy spoke.

"Cl-Clementine, I- I can't…" Brody stammered.

"Can't what?" Louis asked.

"You have to… I know you're scared but they need to know." Clementine said.

Both Marlon and Brody looked overwhelmed with guilt while the other kids looked beyond confused.

"Will someone please explain what the hell is going on?" Violet huffed.

"…That day where we went out… And we came back without the twins… what we told you happened, wasn't the truth." Marlon said.

"What the fuck are you talking about?" Mitch inquired.

"What do you mean it wasn't the truth?" Aasim asked.

"We… We were attacked, by a group…. A group of assholes who… wanted to take us all away, we fought back, tried to…" Marlon said. "These people knew about the school… threatened to take everyone, so I… I made a deal with them…"

"What kind of deal?" Brody asked.

"I offered them two of our own… Told them those two were the most capable…" Marlon said. "And they went with it…"

"Wh-What the fuck?!" Willy gasped.

"Y-You just traded the twins away?! Just like that?" Violet inquired.

"I didn't realize we were so fucking expendable." Aasim huffed.

"You're a dick." Mitch hissed.

Tenn looked to the two with horror and shock. "You told me they died."

Marlon frowned and said, "I had to save the rest of you, okay?"

"You gave my sisters away. Why would you do something like that? I trusted you, Marlon! THEY trusted you!" Tenn said.

"He was in a tight spot. He did the wrong thing, but he thought it was for the right reason. But that doesn't mean he shouldn't have to pay for it." Clementine said.

"I wanted to get them. Stage some kind of rescue. Honest, Tenn. I just couldn't. I was...I was too afraid. I didn't mean to. I didn't want this. I wanted to save all of you. Sophie, Minerva. I didn't want to hurt them." Marlon said.

"We can still fix this, Marlon. It's going to be okay. We can make this right." Clementine said to him.

"H-How?" Marlon stammered.

Louis spoke this time, "We'll help you. We're all family here. The only one any of us has left."

"I know I betrayed you. All of you. But… I- I want to make things right…" Marlon said.

"How the hell are you gonna make things right?" Violet snapped. "They might be dead because of you!"

"We…. We don't know that for sure…" Clementine said.

"What else would they take them for? They probably killed them… or something… Or tortured them." Violet said. "Something bad happened. Something bad had to have happened…."

"We don't know if they're alive or not. They could be." Clementine said.

"Exactly. We don't know if they're alive! Anything could have happened." Violet said. "If they are alive, then... then something bad must have happened. They- They were probably tortured... or... or r-raped... or worse..."

"And if that's the case... they won't be the same when they come back..." Ruby frowned.

"...If they come back..." Aasim added.

"Yeah... They're be shells of themselves..." Ruby frowned.

"No... That's not always true... even if they went through... that kind of trauma they could bounce back. And that's no reason to give up on them... if there's a chance that their alive. We should fight to get them back." Clementine said.

"How are we supposed to do that?" Willy asked.

"We're gonna figure it out..." Clementine replied. "But... for now... I think you all should think about leaving."

"Leaving? Leaving the school?" Louis asked.

"Yeah... I think... you should all think about leaving." Clementine said.

"And going where?" Aasim asked.

"There's... a place called Richmond... Where my group stays. You're welcome to come there. In fact, I think you should. It'll be safer there." Clementine said.

"...How do we know we can trust you?" Mitch suddenly huffed.

"What?" Clementine furrowed her brows.

"How do we know you're not part of that group who took the twins? How do we know you're not gonna lead some assholes to us?" Mitch inquired.

"I'm not. If I was why would I be helping you?" Clementine replied.

"Right... She did help us get food." Omar said.

"But what good is food if a group of outsiders is gonna come along and take it? I'm just saying." Aasim huffed.

"Exactly, she could've just did that to get on our good side. To make us trust her." Mitch said.

"Man, this is fucked up." Willy muttered.

"Maybe Mitch has a point... We don't know her, y'all. I hate to say it, but we don't." Ruby said.

"Knock it off, all of you. Leave her alone. She's been helping us." Violet huffed.

"Helping or hurting? We don't know who she's with." Mitch replied.

"Mitch, those raiders are getting ready to attack the school. We need Clem's help." Violet said.

"Like hell we do. For all we know, she's one of them." Mitch said.

Violet groaned. "She's not."

"Look, I understand you're confused. But you have to trust me. If you don't, we don't stand a chance. I assure you that I'm not with those people. I wouldn't be offering to help if I was…" Clementine said.

"Then who is this group of yours? You said you were separated from people." Mitch questioned the girl.

"Molly, she's been the one who has taken care of me when I was younger and my friend Becca. We were on a run. Got split up by geeks." Clementine asked.

"Look... I believe her..." Louis said.

"Me too." Violet replied.

"But… We don't want to leave the school, Clem. There has to be another option." Louis said.

"If you think of one, let me know. The best option is leaving..." Clementine said.

"This is our home Clem. Most of us spent half our lives here. We can't just leave." Louis responded.

"I get that... I had places I didn't want to leave behind too... but you guys have to think about your safety..." Clementine said.

"This place is safe. We've been safe here." Willy said.

"So, if raiders stumbled upon this place right now what's stopping them from getting in?" Clementine asked them.

No one answered.

"Exactly. Nothing." Clementine huffed.

"Well, there has to be a way for us to make this place safe." Violet said.

Clementine sighed. "Okay... fine... If you don't want to leave that's your choice. I get it... but we need to find a way to make this place safe. And I'm gonna do what I can to help."

"But what are we gonna do about him?" Aasim motioned to Marlon.

"Yeah. What he did was fucked up!" Willy exclaimed

"You don't get it. You-you don't understand at all... I- I was trying to protect everyone..." Marlon stammered.

"Even if you were, there have to be consequences for your actions... Which is why Marlon will be stepping down from his role of leader." Clementine said.

"Then... Then who will be the new leader...?" Tenn asked.

"I... don't know. That'll be for you all to decide. For now, we need to figure out how to secure this place. We don't know what could happen and we want to make sure if anyone tries to attack this place they fail." Clementine said.

The others hesitantly nodded.

"Alright... first things first. I need to see a map. Marlon, you had one. In the office." Clementine said.

"Yeah...Yeah... I'll get it." Marlon said.

"Okay, thanks." Clementine replied.

As Marlon started walking off, Rosie followed after him only for the boy to say, "Rosie, stay." Before walking off.


Clementine held back a sigh, massaging her temples and Rosie's whimpering reached her ears. "What's taking him so long?"

"Maybe he got lost." Willy said.

"Got lost at the school he lived at for years?" Aasim scoffed.

"Wouldn't be too surprising seeing as though he lost his mind." Violet grumbled.

"Okay, stop. I'll go check on him and find out what's going on..." Clementine said.

The others didn't protest, and the girl went to do as she said.

She made her way through the school, Rosie following her to the girl's surprise.

The girl hadn't noticed Rosie's presence until she reached the door to the office and Rosie let out a whimper.

Clementine looked to the dog and gave a light pet to the animal. "Hey Rosie. Did you follow me all this way?"

Rosie just whined again, and Clementine frowned, "Hey what's wrong?"

The dog began pawing at the door.

Clementine reached out and tried the handle finding it locked. She felt her heart drop as she listened in, hearing what sounded like soft cries from inside the room.

"Marlon? What's going on? Open up!" Clementine called.

Marlon didn't respond, but she could still hear his broken cries, though gradually Rosie's whining grew more intense, drowning the boy's voice out.

"Shit... shit..." She needed to find a way in there. "M-Marlon, don't do anything stupid!" The girl called searching for something to pick the lock. She reached into the side of her boot pulling free a nail file. "Versatility is not overrated..." The girl muttered recalling Jane's words from years ago.

She proceeded to use the nailfile to pick the lock. And after a few moments the door clicked, unlocked. The girl gently opened the door, Rosie rushing inside as she did so, and Clementine catching sight of Marlon who was on his knees sobbing. Clementine felt sick to her stomach as she noticed an object in his hand. A gun...

"Oh God... Marlon what are you-"

Marlon cut her off as he spoke. "I couldn't do it..."

"What?"

"I couldn't do it. I couldn't pull the trigger." Marlon brokenly said.

"I… I'm glad you didn't. Marlon... why- why would you want to do that to yourself?" Clementine asked, looking worried.

"Because I deserve it. I'm a monster... No better than those raiders." Marlon said.

"You did a shitty thing... but you're not a monster. And you can...find redemption, Marlon." Clementine said.

"How? The kids hate me... They all hate me..." Marlon muttered.

"They don't hate you." Clementine said.

"They do... I know they do..." Marlon said. "I should just..." He shakily attempted to lift the gun.

"Marlon, stop! Please... don't even think about doing that to yourself..." Clementine pleaded. "Please… Don't ever do that…"

"I just...want fade away... become a bad memory..." Marlon said.

"That's not the way, Marlon. No matter what, your family to those kids. And they would be devastated if you did that to yourself. They've already loss so much. Don't make them hurt anymore." Clementine said.

Marlon frowned, letting her words set in.

"Give me the gun, Marlon." Clementine said, hoping she wouldn't have to fight him to take the weapon and that he would be compliant.

Marlon bit his lip, his grip easing on the weapon.

"Please...Give me the gun." Clementine said.

Marlon slowly obliged handing the weapon over.

Clementine sighed in relief. "I think you should... get some rest, Marlon."

The boy didn't respond.

"I'm gonna go check on the others... please don't... do anything stupid..." Clementine said.

"...I won't..." Marlon mumbled.

"Good. We're gonna get through this, okay?" Clementine said.

Marlon didn't respond, he just kept his gaze low.

The girl hesitantly stood to leave. "Keep an eye on him, Rosie."

The dog gave a bark as if saying she would.

"…The map is on the table..." Marlon suddenly said.

"Thanks..."

Clementine grabbed the map, checked the room for any other weapons then finally headed outside of the office. She was glad she had got there in time but part of her felt like things were just getting worse and worse.


As the girl headed out, she was surprised to hear arguing.

"I can't believe you knew! That whole time! And just said nothing!" Violet's angry voice was heard.

The girl rushed over to see was going on and spotted Violet and Brody in a heated argument, Louis practically holding Violet back from attacking Brody, while the others watched on with concern and horror.

"You're fucked up Brody! You know that?!" Violet hissed at her.

"I- I-" Brody stammered, unsure what to say.

"You what? Spit it out already!" Violet said.

"Vi! Violet, stop! That's enough." Clementine said.

"Is it? After what they did?" Violet inquired.

"Everyone's already on edge. This isn't helping anyone, Violet. And it sure as hell isn't gonna bring the twins back. We need to come up with a plan. Put all your energy into finding a way to protect this place... not into fighting Brody." Clementine said.

Violet huffed at that, yanking free from Louis' grip. "Whatever." With that the girl walked off.

The others hesitantly walked away as well though tension clear in the air.

"I- I told you telling them was a bad idea." Brody stuttered, "I t-told you."

"They had to know Brody... They needed to know..." Clementine said.

"And now they all hate us. They probably wish those raiders had killed us..." Brody said with a frown.

Clementine quickly shook her head and said, "They don't. Look, things are going to be okay. They're all still processing things. We're in a rough patch right now, but it's gonna be alright..."

"I hope so..." Brody murmured.

"Why don't you take a seat and... just try to calm down...I'm gonna talk to Violet." Clementine said.

"...Okay..."

Clementine slowly headed over to Violet who was sitting alone at a table.

"Violet, can we talk?" Clementine asked.

"What's there to talk about...?" Violet huffed.

"I just... I need you to calm down." Clementine said. "This fighting can't happen right now…"

"How can I calm down after hearing what they did?! I'm in the right mind to kick both Brody's and Marlon's asses." Violet said.

"I'm sure they're already beating themselves up... Marlon tried to kill himself." Clementine said.

"Wh-What?" Violet asked in shock but quickly shook any concern away and narrowed her eyes. "If he wants to die, let him."

"Don't talk like that. I know he fucked up... but that's what people do when they're scared... they... they fuck up." Clementine said.

"Not like that. We can't just brush this off. He gave the twins away and Brody knew about it." Violet said.

"I'm not brushing it off. He's not in charge anymore and... and... if we have to figure something else out... we will. But they don't deserve to die. They've carried the guilt of what they did for a whole year. And they're gonna have to carry that guilt for the rest of their lives. That's a punishment in itself." Clementine said.

"I guess..." Violet sighed. "Do... Do you think the twins are even alive?"

"They...could be... There was a group that attacked Richmond a few years back. They wanted to take me away... and have me become a soldier. Maybe whoever took them wanted something similar." Clementine said.

"Geez... if that is what happened to Minnie and Sophie, that's fucked up too. Minnie didn't even like killing walkers." Violet said.

"It is fucked up... no matter what reason they took them... and that's exactly why we can't let them take anyone else." Clementine said.

"Yeah. You're right..." Violet nodded.

"Look at this place. It's a fortress. With a little work, we could make this place really hard to attack." Clementine said.

"Are you sure…?" Violet asked.

"We've got good, strong walls. We need to make them hard to climb over, so the raiders have to come in through the gates." Clementine said.

"We used to keep barbed wire in the greenhouse." Violet said.

"Yeah. That could work." Clementine unrolled the map and laid it on the table to look it over. She looked at the admin building and hummed. "This is where we should make our stand if they attack. There's only one way in: the front. And then there's the big central staircase. If we rig that path with traps, we can pull back here."

"Luring in our attackers. I like it." Violet commented.

Clementine nodded. "The issue with the courtyard is the space. It's pretty wide open. Not a lot of cover. We should flip the picnic tables, narrow down the pathways through it.

"So we'll know which way they're coming." Violet said.

"At the very least, it'll give us protection if they get past these walls."

Violet nodded.

"Marlon said the greenhouse was a loss cause. I'm assuming you guys haven't used it in a while?" Clementine said.

"No. We used to. Then we lost someone out there. Walkers overran the place, and Marlon wouldn't let us go back. Safe zone." Violet said.

"Well...we need to get that barbed wire, so they can't climb the walls. I'll go." Clementine said.

"Are you sure? It's gonna be swarming with walkers by now." Violet said.

"I can handle it." Clementine replied.

"Ruby and Mitch can go with you... Ruby had been wanting to check the place out... but it was off limits. And Mitch, he can help you out if things go south." Violet said.

"Alright. Cool." Clementine said. "...Vi, I know you're upset... but please take it easy. We have to come together now... not pull apart."

"I know..." Violet sighed. "...You go talk to Ruby. I'll tell Mitch to help you out."

"Okay. Thanks Violet." Clementine said.

"No problem." Violet said.

Clementine made her way over to Ruby while Violet went to speak with Mitch.

"Hey, Ruby... I could use a hand. If you're up for it." Clementine said.

Ruby seemed a bit hesitant but asked. "What do you need help with...?"

"I wanted to check the greenhouse out. Violet said there was barbed wire in there. We could use that." Clementine said.

"I... We haven't been in the greenhouse in so long... It... It's out of the safe zone." Ruby said.

"Forget about the safe zone. It's not a thing anymore." Clementine said. "Look... we need that barbed wire. It could help us... If you don't want to come, it's fine. I'll go alone."

"You can't go alone. It's too dangerous." Ruby sighed and said, "I'll go with you..."

"You sure...?"

"Yeah... I... I've been being skeptical but... I shouldn't be... you're helping us. And we all appreciate it..." Ruby said.

"I'll try my best to help." Clementine said.

"Thank you." Ruby said.

Clementine gave a nod.

"So... is it just us two heading to the greenhouse." Ruby asked.

"Violet said she was gonna talk to Mitch and-"

"Like hell I will." Mitch huffed. "Why should I go."

"Because it's too dangerous for her to go by herself, and you're good in a fight." Violet said.

Clementine sighed and approached the two. "Mitch, I know you're worried but... I just want to help. I promise you. We need this barbed wire."

Mitch crossed his arms, but soon sighed. "Fine..."

"Good... Let's go. The sooner we get this the better." Clementine said.

Ruby and Mitch simply nodded in respond.


Clementine, Ruby, and Mitch eventually arrived at the greenhouse.

Ruby looks at the area and lets out a sigh. "Guess I didn't realize how long it's been. How much it's changed."

"Let's try to find a way in…" Clementine said.

Ruby tried to open the door, but it was stuck. "Damn…"

"Uh, this ain't budging." Mitch said.

"Well, we need that barbed wire. There must be another way in." Clementine said.

"It's been so long since I was here. I used to love this place, but it's so overgrown." Ruby sighed once more.

"Let's just find a way in." Mitch huffed.

"Yeah... yeah, okay..." Ruby said.

The trio looks around and eventually Clementine finds a ladder. "Guys, That window. I bet we can get in there."

"Good spot. Who wants to go first?" Ruby asked.

"I will. Give me a boost." Clementine said.

"Okay… Holler if one grabs you. Otherwise, we'll come soon as you give the all-clear." Ruby said.

Ruby and Mitch boost Clementine up to the broken ladder.

"I guess we'll know when the door opens." Mitch huffed.

Clementine climbs up the ladder and drops down into the greenhouse. Once inside she looks around, only for trio of geeks to approach her. The girl backs away and draws her knife.

"Clementine! You okay?" Ruby's voice calls out.

Clementine doesn't answer as she is focused on killing the geeks inside the greenhouse.

"Clementine? Clementine?!"

Once the geeks are dead, Clementine speaks. "I'm fine."

"Oh, thank god." Ruby breathes. "I heard walkers… Did you get them?"

"Do you hear any walkers now?" Mitch scoffed. "She got them, calm down."

"I'm coming. I'll get the door open." Clementine went over to the door and removed the planks that block the door off. She opened the door and Mitch and Ruby enter the greenhouse.

"Not bad." Mitch commented.

"Thanks." Clementine said.

Ruby looks around the greenhouse in awe. "Oh, look. Wild ginger, eastern prickly pear, Jerusalem artichoke, false Solomon's seal. We could use this stuff."

Mitch shrugged. "If you say so… Let's find that barbed wire. And anything else that might be useful."

The group looks around and Clementine spots a cabinet which she attempts to pry open with a piece of fallen wood.

Once she opens the cabinet she smiles at her findings.

"Guys, look." Clementine called to the others. "Barbed wire. A lot of it, too."

Ruby smiles as well. "That should keep the raiders from climbing our walls."

Mitch looked at the fertilizer in the cabinet and hummed. "Hey. We can use these."

"For what?" Ruby asked.

"We can make bombs out of these." Mitch replied.

Clementine rose a brow. "Bombs? Are you serious?"

Mitch nodded. "Totally. It's the kind of stuff I made back home."

"He used to blow shit up. That's why he's a troubled youth." Ruby said.

Mitch smirked. "Guilty. I just need some propane and something to create a spark, and we'll have ourselves a nice little homemade explosive."

The group continued to look around and Clementine uncovered the door at the back of the greenhouse.

"If I remember right, there's a science lab through that door. Maybe there's propane in there. Come on. Help me move this thing." Mitch said.

Clementine and Mitch move the shelf away from the door.

"Okay, let's see what's inside." Mitch said.

Clementine opens the door, and a geek grabbed her wrist, making her drop her knife. "Oh shit!" Clementine hits the geek in the face and jumps back; part of the geek's hand breaks off, and Clementine shakes it off. "Fuck, fuck, gross!"

"What's going on?! You alright?" Ruby's rushed over, looking concerned.

"We had a scare, that's all." Mitch said.

Ruby froze, eyes wide as she saw the zombified creature. "Oh, no."

"What?" Clementine asked, but then realized Ruby must have known this person "…Who was she?

"…Ms. Martin. Our nurse. At the school. She stayed, when all the others left. God, she looks... You can barely recognize her. She's just...just like all the others." Ruby said.

"I'm sorry, Ruby…" Clementine said.

"One day, we came out looking for food. Walkers attacked us. Thought we could fight them off, but there were just...there were so many. Ms. Martin told us to run, so we did. She taught me how to patch people up. Stitching, local anesthetics, painkillers, fever reducers. I don't think I can...take care of her. Would you? I'm sorry." Ruby said.

"Yeah… I got it…" Clementine said.

Ruby walks off, sobbing. Clementine picks up her knife and kills Ms. Martin.

After handling the zombified Ms. Martin Clementine went to check on Ruby. "Are you okay?"

Ruby gave a small nod, "Yeah. Just needed a minute..."

"Ms. Martin meant a lot to you, huh?" Clementine asked.

"She was the only one who stayed. She saw us for what we were, a bunch of kids who no one wanted. She loved us when nobody else did. Like, really loved us." Ruby said.

"Yeah, I've known people like that." Clementine said.

Ruby sighed. "I guess everyone has."

"Come on, guys, help me find that propane and we can get out of here." Mitch suddenly called to them.

The two girls nodded. They started to search for the propane.

Clementine noticed some test tubes on a shelf and wrinkled her nose, letting out a groan. "Ugh, looks like piss."

"Dare you to drink it." Mitch said with a smirk.

Clementine shot him a look but smirked herself. "Not in a million years."

"Wimp." Mitch said.

Clementine gave a small chuckle. She decided to spark up a conversation with the boy who seemed to be warming up to her. "You seem to know a lot about bombs."

"Made my first one when I was eight." Mitch said.

"Really?" Clementine asked.

Mitch nodded. "I blew up the garage. It was awesome. Though, Dad didn't think it was awesome. Dad gave me a chemistry set to keep me from fighting the neighbors."

Clementine rose a brow, "Uh, why did you fight the neighbors?"

Mitch shrugged. "I had a lot of energy. Had to use it somehow. And they didn't like my face."

"Hmm... They sound like assholes." Clementine said.

"Yeah. Maybe they were." Mitch said.

Clementine continued looking around and found a pair of igniters. "Uh, Mitch, think this could come in handy?"

Mitch looked over and smirked. "Fuckin' A, I was hoping there'd be one of those! That's an igniter. We can use it to create a spark. Now we just have to find propane, we can blast those motherfuckers to hell."

Clementine went to grab the propane tank. "Let's hope there's gas in it." Clementine tries to move the tank.

"Here. Let me help you." Mitch said.

Mitch and Clementine worked together to move the tank, and Mitch picked it up.

"Good find. Now we have everything we need. We should get back and tell the others." Mitch said.

"Wait…" Ruby said. "We have to bury Ms. Martin first."

Mitch sent her a look. "Bury her? Why bother? It's a walker. Help me drag it out back. We can burn it."

Ruby shook her head, gasping at the mere suggestion. "No. Ms. Martin's the reason we're all alive."

"And?" Mitch asked.

"She deserves a proper burial. Here, next to the greenhouse she loved. That way the others won't have to see her like this." Ruby said.

Mitch shook his head in disagreement. "She's been dead for years. There's no point."

"She deserves a real burial." Ruby stated.

"I'll help you bury her. It's the right thing to do for someone you cared about." Clementine offered.

Ruby gave a tiny smile. "Thank you so much."

"It's not a her, it's a walker!" Mitch snapped then huffed. "Fine, whatever. I'm not wasting my energy on that thing."

Mitch walks away. Clementine and Ruby go outside the greenhouse and bury Ms. Martin.

"I'll put a stone in the graveyard, back at the school. But Ms. Martin loved this place. She'll be happy here. I'll make sure everyone knows you helped me. That you've got a...a good heart. Under all that muck." Ruby said.

"Hey!"

They both laugh, despite all that's going on.


After burying Ms. Martin, they go back to gather the supplies. Clementine, Mitch, and Ruby carried their gatherings out of the greenhouse, heading back to the courtyard.

"Think it'll be enough?" Ruby asked.

"Hopefully. And it means the raider won't be able to climb the walls. They'll have to come through the gates. We can plan for that." Clementine replied.

"Straight into a fiery explosion of death. Assholes won't know what hit them." Mitch said.

As they arrive back at the courtyard Clementine notices Violet and Louis talking.

"I have other stuff I need to do." Louis said.

"What stuff?" Violet asked.

"Nothing, it's just...it's important." Louis replied.

Violet groaned at this. "Goddamn it, Louis, take this seriously, for once in your life!"

"I am taking it seriously, Vi! I have been all fucking day!" Louis snapped back.

"So has everyone. Get over yourself!" Violet hissed.

Not wanting to argue anymore, Louis walks away.

"Oh gosh..." Ruby muttered.

"Can this day get any worse?" Mitch huffed.

"Don't worry, guys. I got this." Clementine said.

Sensing the tension Mitch and Ruby head off in different directions, Clementine however went to confront Violet.

"Vi?"

Violet turned to her and greeted, "Hey."

"What was that all about...?" Clementine asked.

"I… Everyone's just on edge… this waiting sucks…" Violet said.

"I know... Need my help with something?" Clementine asked.

"Yeah, actually. Could you check on everyone, and make sure they're doing shit right? Contributing in some way. You'd know better than me." Violet said.

Clementine nodded. "Sure, I'm on it."

"Thanks, Clem. I should go board up the back hallway, since Louis isn't gonna do it." Violet said.

"Alright." Clementine said.

"See ya around."

Clementine looked around deciding to approach Mitch first. "Hey. What're you doing?"

"Mm, test. Gotta see if the bomb will go off. This little thing won't kill anybody. Just gotta see if it'll light." Mitch said.

"Yeah, I hope it does. A lot of our plan rests on that "little thing". If they get in, I'll need you to set the bomb off while I distract them."

Mitch nodded. "Expect the unexpected."

"Yeah, something like that."

"I read that on one of those stupid inspirational posters. School used to have them everywhere. Soon as things went to shit, I tore them all down." Mitch used the igniter to light the bomb. "Stand back."

The two both back away…but the bomb doesn't go off.

Mitch swore, "Fucking shit. If it doesn't work... Fucking shit!"

"You'll get it… I'm sure…" Clementine said.

"I guess… I'll figure it out. I just need more time. Alone time. To think." Mitch said.

"I get it. I'll leave you alone." Clementine.

"Thanks, though. For checking in." Mitch said.

"No problem…" Clementine said.

Clementine walked off and goes to check in on Louis next.

She watches as Louis fires an arrow but misses the target and hits the tree instead. He fires again, this time hitting the ground.

Louis sighed, "Ugh, shit."

"Hey..." Clementine spoke.

Louis looked to her and said, "Oh... Clem, hey..."

"Isn't that Marlon's bow?" Clementine asked.

"Yeah. He just left it there... figured I'd give it a try..." Louis said.

"I... saw you arguing with Violet... Are you okay?" Clementine asked him.

"No Clem... I'm not okay. In a few weeks, or days, or hours, the raiders will be here, burn down our place, and steal or kill us. And then it won't matter how much I sucked at this." Louis sighed.

"The raiders aren't gonna burn anything or steal anybody. We'll stop it." Clementine said.

"You sound like Marlon. I mean, whenever he's trying to cheer us all up." Louis said. "For years, I sat around making stupid jokes, playing stupid games, while my best friend was left with all the responsibility. All the tough calls. All the sleepless nights. And I didn't do a damn thing about it… He was my best friend. Almost like my brother, but the things he did? They were fucked up…"

"He did fuck up... and he deserves to be punished for that, and he is. He has to carry that guilt around..." Clementine said. "He knows he messed up...bad..."

"Yeah... he did. And shouldn't we punish him for it?" Louis asked.

"...He...He tried to kill himself..." Clementine informed Louis with some hesitation.

Louis grew wide eyed upon hearing her words. "What?"

"He wanted to die... He's overwhelmed with guilt." Clementine said.

"Damn... I... I never thought Marlon would even think about something like that." Louis said. "Wh-Why? Why would he?"

"He feels hated now... I... I know the feeling, thinking no one cares for you... I just... think everyone should take it easy and... focus on making this place safe." Clementine said.

"Yeah, you're right. Uh... wanna give the bow a go." Louis paused and gave a light, clearly forced, chuckle. "Hey, that rhymed."

"Sure, I'll give the bow a go." Clementine said.

"Here. Go ahead, try it." Louis handed the bow to Clementine. "In that direction, please. And just so you know, I'm totally laughing out loud when you miss."

Clementine fires several arrows and hits the target.

Louis was shocked by this. "Damn. Remind me to never piss you off while I'm standing at a moderate distance with a big red circle painted on my chest."

Clementine rolled her eyes. "I'll promise not to shoot any arrows at you."

"If… You wanna come back and practice more, just let me know. Okay?" Louis said.

Clementine nodded. "Sounds good."

"And, Clem? Thank you. For helping us." Louis said.

"Yeah... you should do something to help out as well." Clementine said.

"I will... Violet went to board up the hallway, didn't she?" Louis asked.

"Yep."

"I would've done it later. I just wanted to do this first." Louis said.

"It's okay. She needed something to keep herself busy." Clementine said.

"Well, then. Glad to help. I won't keep you. I know you're busy. Unless of course you want me to." Louis said.

"I gotta check on the others." Clementine said.

"Ah, I see. You politely decline my offer. Very well." Louis replied.

Clementine smirked. "Safety before fun."

"Alright alright... See you around Clem." Louis said.

"See ya." Clementine gave a small wave then proceeded to check in on the others. She noticed not all of the kids were present in the courtyard and figured some of the were inside doing other things.

She spotted Tenn drawing at a table and approached him. "Hey, Tenn, are you okay?"

"… I think so..." Tenn nodded. "Um… Do… you think Sophie and Minnie are alive?"

"I... I wouldn't really know... but they could be... don't lose hope that they could be." Clementine said.

"I won't." Tenn said. "...I was mad at Marlon and Brody, but I... don't think I can stay mad at anyone. Especially people I care about... I hope the others don't stay mad either."

"Everything... All the tension will ease up eventually. We just gotta work through this." Clementine responded.

"And we will?" Tenn asked.

Clementine nodded. "Yeah. We will."

Tenn gave a small smile at her hopeful words. "Good."

Clementine returned the smile and then headed to check in on Omar who was on watch.

"Hey, Omar."

"Hello there..." Omar greeted.

"Just checking in. Is everything okay?" Clementine asked.

"So far, so good... Considering the circumstances." Omar said.

Clementine sighed, nodding her understanding.

"Can I ask you something?" Omar spoke.

"Shoot." Clementine urged him to ask on.

"Why are you helping us?" Omar asked.

Clementine was surprised to hear that question. "Because... you guys need help... and... I've never been the type of person to turn my back on people in need."

"Even if it puts you at risk?" Omar asked.

"Even if it puts me at risk." Clementine nodded.

"That's brave of you... I don't know many people who would do that." Omar said. "We appreciate you."

"Thanks Omar."

"Thank you."

Clementine smiled at that. She just hoped she would actually be able to keep these kids safe. To truly help them.

After speaking with everyone in the courtyard, Clementine spotted Violet exit the building and sit on the steps. Clementine heads over to talk to her.

"Back hallway's secure. How is everyone? Okay? Or, you know... A total fucking mess?" Violet asked.

"Well, honestly, it's not perfect. But they're trying. They're doing everything they can." Clementine said.

""Trying" isn't gonna stop them from getting kidnapped. "Trying" isn't going to stop these raiders from burning down our fucking home. Jesus, Clem, they stopped giving out participation trophies when walkers started eating people." Violet huffed.

Clementine didn't get the chance to respond as arguing suddenly reached her ears.

"-Because you're boring and your idea is stupid!" Willy snapped.

"Oh, I'm being stupid? You're the one who can't think straight. If you could hear yourself—" Aasim huffed.

"Guys! What the fuck?" Violet inquired.

The rest of the kids gather around.

"What is going on?" Clementine asked.

"Violet told us to work on the traps together, but Aasim won't listen to anything I say!" Willy said.

"That doesn't mean you have to scream at each other." Louis said.

"Stay out of this. I have an idea for duffel bags filled with bricks. We drop them on the raiders, if they get to the admin building. Willy here wants to use a giant, idiotic swinging log to take out one raider at most. It's completely stupid." Aasim said.

"You're stupid!" Willy snapped.

"You're being childish." Aasim huffed.

"I am not! I'm trying to help!" Willy exclaimed.

"So help! And stop arguing!" Aasim said.

"I think we should use the bricks trap. It sounds more practical." Clementine said.

"Mine's practical, too!" Willy said.

"No, it isn't. It's exactly the kind of thing a child would think up. Especially a child who has no idea what he's up against." Aasim said.

Willy narrowed his eyes and suddenly punched Aasim in the stomach, shocking everyone with his actions.

"What the shit?!" Violet gasped.

"Willy!" Clementine said.

Willy said nothing as he ran off.

"Dude, you okay?" Louis asked Aasim.

"Yeah, fine. Shit!" Aasim breathed out then walked away.

"Christ, we'll all kill each other before the raiders even get a fuckin' chance." Violet shook her head in annoyance.

"Right, what we need is something to break the tension." Louis said.

The three of them walked over to Aasim, who is sitting on a couch.

"Hey, buddy, how's it hanging?" Louis asked.

"Dude, fuck off." Aasim grunted.

The others sit down.

"Sulking in the corner isn't gonna help us fight off the raiders. Or turn that frown upside down." Louis said.

"You get more annoying every day." Aasim said.

"Regardless, I've come up with a plan to make everybody feel better. And that plan is game." Louis takes out a deck of cards.

"Uh, we haven't played a game in weeks, since that night with Marlon…" Violet said.

"Can I play?" Tenn asked, walking over.

"Sure thing, bud." Louis said.

"What's the game?" Clementine asked.

"Uh, I don't think I agreed to play." Aasim said.

"Well, you can agree now. I mean, if you wanna go ask Ruby to come play too, I don't mind waiting." Louis said.

"Shut up, dude! I swear to god." Aasim groaned.

"You've got a crush on Ruby?" Violet chuckled.

"I'm not answering that." Aasim looked away.

"Truth or Dare! That's our game." Louis said.

"You don't use cards in Truth or Dare." Violet pointed out.

"You do in this version. Everyone draws. Highest card gets to ask. Lowest card has to answer." Louis said.

The others agreed and before long the game began. They all drew cards. Violet getting the highest and Clementine getting the lowest card for the first round.

"This should be good. Let's see. Truth. Marry-Fuck-Kill." Violet said.

"Vi." Tenn frowned.

"Fine. Marry-Flip-Kill." Violet rephrased. "Ruby, Aasim, or... Marlon."

"Oh, my god..." Clementine muttered.

"You gotta answer. Them's the rules." Louis said.

"You... You do know I have a boyfriend, right?" Clementine asked.

"So... it's just a game. Like I'm sure you're not gonna go out and kill any of them. Well Maybe Marlon." Violet said.

Clementine sent her a look. "Violet..."

"Just saying." Violet shrugged.

Clementine frowned. "I... don't... I can't answer that..."

"But that's the rules." Violet said.

"I don't care. Ask me something else." Clementine said.

"But-"

"Ask me something else... please..." Clementine said.

"Alright..." Violet agreed. "You have a boyfriend right...? Are you a virgin?"

"Wh-What?" Clementine nearly choked hearing that question. "Come again?"

"Are you a virgin?" Violet repeated, clear for all to hear.

"I- That's no one's business." Clementine stammered.

"Oh? So you're not?" Violet asked.

"I-I don't wanna answer." Clementine said, feeling sick to her stomach all of a sudden.

Violet huffed. "You're not really good at this game."

Clementine bit her lip, feeling uncomfortable. She didn't respond.

"Alright...fine... This boyfriend of yours. What's he like?" Violet asked.

"He's… great. He's sweet, handsome, he always there for me... I couldn't ask for a better boyfriend." Clementine said.

"And his name's Gill, right?" Louis asked.

"Yeah." Clementine nodded.

"He sounds like a plain boring guy." Louis said.

"Far from it." Clementine said.

"Well, I guess I'll accept your vague answer." Violet said.

The group continued playing. This time as the drew cards Tenn won. Violet sighs seeing see has the lowest card.

"Okay, ask away Tenn." Violet said.

"Actually... I wanted to give you a dare..." Tenn said.

"A dare? From you Tenn? I'm surprised." Louis said. "Do you accept Vi?"

"When have I ever turned down a dare? What do you got for me Tenn?" Violet asked.

"Make it juicy." Louis chuckled.

Tenn was quiet for a moment then spoke. "I dare you... to be nice to Marlon and Brody from now on. No more fighting with them."

The group was surprised by his "dare".

Violet couldn't help but groan. "Tenn... you... you can't be serious. After what they did..."

"I am serious. I know they messed up, but I... I forgive them... and I don't want to see everyone fighting or hating them..." Tenn said.

Violet sighed at this. "Alright Tenn... I can't make any promises, but I'll do my best to not fight with them."

"Thank you. That's all I want." Tenn said.

"Okay. Next round!" Louis said.

Everyone drew cards again and flipped them over and to Louis' surprise he had the lowest card. "Oh damn..."

"Well, this is good." Aasim said. "I win."

"Okay... I'll take a dare. Whatever you cook up I can handle." Louis smirked.

"Alright then. Since you wanna bring up crushes, confess to yours how you feel." Aasim said.

"Geez. I was expecting something a bit more challenging from you, Aasim." Louis said. He then turned to Clementine and said, "Clem, I want you to know that-"

"Sorry, Louis. I'm flattered and all but, I have a boyfriend, remember?" Clementine said, shaking her head at his attempts.

"Ouch... And turned down just like that." Louis said, putting his hand on his heart.

The others laughed a bit.

"Guess prince charming isn't as charming as he thinks." Violet chuckled.

"It was worth a shot though." Louis said.

More light laughter was heard.

"This is great. We're laughing, we're bonding. It's a nice break from thinking about homicidal assholes sneaking into our homes to kidnap us." Louis said.

"Not if you bring it up." Violet said.

"Okay. Next round folks. Get ready." Louis said.

Everyone draws a card.

"I win!" Clementine beamed.

"And poor Aasim loses." Louis said.

"Definitely a dare." Clementine said.

Aasim shrugged. "Okay, do your worst."

"I dare you… to go ask...Ruby for a kiss." Clementine said.

"What?" Aasim's eyes widened. "No way."

"Gotta play by the rules, my dude." Louis said.

"Seriously?!"

"The most legitimate of dares." Louis chuckled.

Aasim sighed but stood up and walked over to talk to Ruby. A few moments later the others see Ruby hit him, clearly looking insulted by something he had said.

The rest of the group laughs.

"Oh, damn!" Violet snickers.

"Oh, I can't breathe." Louis laughed.

Aasim returned to them and sits back down. "I hate...everyone."

"That was amazing." Violet said.

"Well, I think we all learned something about our good friend Aasim today. Mainly that he has no romantic charm whatsoever." Louis said.

"Shut up." Aasim said.

"Look sharp, y'all, it's time for the next round!" Louis said.

Everyone draws a card again. This time Louis has the highest while Clementine has the lowest.

"I got it. We've been pretty hard on poor Aasim here, teasing him about sweet Ruby. Seems only fair we mercilessly tease someone else about unrequited love. If you didn't have a boyfriend... would there be anyone here who you'd consider dating?" Louis asked.

"If I didn't have a boyfriend. I'd have to think on that, but... maybe." Clementine shrugged.

"Oh-ho! Who would the lucky one be?" Louis asked.

"It could be anyone. Mitch, Ruby... Or Aasim." Violet said.

Clementine rolled her eyes. "But I do in fact, have a boyfriend, since I have to keep reminding you all. And I can't imagine being without him."

"Aw, young love. My heart flutters just thinking about it." Louis joked.

They all take their cards and flip them.

"Aasim! You've got the high card. And the loser is...Tennessee." Louis said.

"What's something you've never told anyone, because you were afraid they'd make fun of you?" Aasim asked Tenn.

Tenn seemed hesitant to respond but slowly did. "I, um... I think...I think walkers won't always be around. They'll go away, someday. 'Cause the world goes in cycles, right? Ice age, stone age, um, some other ages. So it's like that. This age'll end, and another one will start.

"An age without walkers. Like it used to be." Clementine said.

"It'll be better. Why's everyone looking at me like that? Did I ruin the game?" Tenn asked.

"That's beautiful, Tenn. I think we all hope things will be that way one day." Clementine said.

The others nodded in agreement.

"We should finish up our work. It's getting dark." Violet said.

The group starts to peel off. Ruby steps outside and goes to switch with Omar for lookout duty.

Meanwhile, Aasim walks up to Willy, who is now sitting on the steps.

"Hey." Aasim greets.

"Hey." Willy greets back.

"You maybe wanna help me with the brick trap?" Aasim asked.

Willy nodded. "Yeah, I got some ideas."

"Cool. I'm sure they'll help." Aasim said.

"Sorry I punched you." Willy said.

"It's okay. It was a pretty good punch." Aasim said.

The two of them head inside.

"I'm headed to the belltower. I want to check our defenses on the back wall before bed." Violet told Clementine.

"Do you need help?" Clementine asked.

"Sure, I could use a second pair of eyes." Violet said. "If you feel up to it."

"Or you could always help me, instead." Louis said.

Clementine looked to him.

"I am on piano duty." Louis said.

Clementine rose a brow at that.

"What? I gotta get in some practice before one of you decides to chop it into firewood. I've got a project I want to try, but I need a second person."

"Defenses first. Then fun." Clementine said.

"Yeah... Yeah, okay..." Louis headed inside.

Violet sighed and looked to Clementine. "Clem... about the game... I'm sorry if the questions I asked were too personal... or whatnot... Or if I made you upset."

"They were pretty personal. That's just... a sensitive topic..." Clementine said.

"I understand. I didn't... mean to piss you off or anything..." Violet said.

"You didn't... I just..." Clementine paused feeling anxiety run over her as she thought about the past. "I was... hurt as a kid... and... it stuck with me..."

"Hurt how?"

"In... one of the worse ways possible... Trauma sticks to you like glue." Clementine sid.

"Tell me about it. Everyone here has their own." Violet said. "I'm really, really sorry you went through...whatever you did. No one deserves that."

Clementine didn't respond.

"Why don't you just... take it easy. You had a long day." Violet said.

"We all have. I'll be fine. Come on. Let's check the defenses." Clementine said.

"Alright… Let's go." Violet said.

"Lead the way."

Violet did so and eventually the two came to a dilapidated belltower.

"We just gotta get up there. That's the best view. You ready for a climb?" Violet starts climbing up the wall.

"Looks a little dangerous." Clementine said.

"What's more dangerous than walkers? Or raiders trying to kill us?" Violet called back.

"Okay, fair." Clementine takes a deep breath then starts climbing the wall.

"C'mon, you're not chicken, right?" Violet asked.

"No."

"Now I'm thinking about chicken nuggets. Do you remember those?" Violet said.

"Not really." Clementine replied.

"I do. We always got them on Sundays. There was no time for Grandma to cook between church and Bible study, so, fast food. Damn. I'd give an eyeball for a chicken nugget right now." Violet said.

"Really?"

"Kind of, yeah."

"This isn't helping me focus…"

"Okay, okay, sorry." Violet said.

Clementine and Violet continue climbing and soon jump onto the broken railing at the top of the belltower and step outside to the balcony. They look around to see the walls.

"Barbed wire, traps, weapons. It's everything we planned." Clementine said.

"You made it happen. We couldn't have done it without you." Violet said.

"I'm just glad I could help..." Clementine said. She looked to the stars and gave a smile. "The view is pretty up here."

"Yeah. Especially at night. When you can see the stars." Violet said.

"Do you know any constellations?" Clementine asked.

"Nope. You?"

"I learned some in school, but I can't remember them." Clementine said.

"Let's make some up. Come over here. You can sit down without falling to your death." Violet said.

The two of them sit down to talk.

"If I remember right, everyone's born under a special sign, right? It determines your personality?" Violet said.

"That's astrology, not astronomy." Clementine said.

"Whatever, let's just make up our own. Rules, signs, what it says about you. It's not like anyone remembers the old way. Okay, let's do it. There! See? There's a fish." Violet said.

"Right. Now it needs a personality." Clementine said.

"Bright, pretty, good with other people. Always moving, tons of energy." Violet said. "Y'know, it...well, maybe this is weird to bring up, but it reminds me of Minnie. I... just keep thinking that things might have ended differently if I was there. Maybe I could've protected Soph. And Minnie...

"None of that is your fault... so... don't blame yourself Vi." Clementine said.

"Okay..." Violet mumbled. "Sorry... Let's keep going. I spy with my eye a knife. See it? Right there, right above your head.

"Yeah, they're all above my head." Clementine giggled.

"Okay… Smart, clean, vicious, dependable. Someone you want with you in a fight. Doesn't take crap from anyone. Gets shit done." Violet said. "I'll say that one's Ruby. She's reliable. Sweeter than she lets on, but can be harsh, too."

"Yeah. I could see that being Ruby." Clementine nodded in agreement.

"Okay, one more time. I found a bird." Violet said.

"Like, a real bird?" Clementine asked.

"No, a star bird. Right there." Violet pointed. "A bird is free. It could go anywhere it wanted to. Up and up and up, and never come back. Go south, east, west, doesn't matter. You could fly straight into a sunset. And see where it ends."

"I think everyone here wishes they could fly away from all of this." Clementine said.

"Maybe we'll learn to fly together, someday." Violet said. "Sometimes, when it all feels so heavy down here. I can't help but wonder what it would be like to be weightless. Sorry, I didn't mean to just...talk so much. It's just, I've watched people leave before. Family, friends. They never come back. But you did. And now I can't imagine what it would be like if you weren't here. Um, shit, that sounds so much dumber when I say it out loud. You know what I mean."

"Yeah... I do..." Clementine said. "Vi... are you okay?"

"Yeah... I... wanted to ask you something... you said you were hurt as a kid... What happened?" Violet asked.

Clementine lowered her gaze not responding.

"I... you don't have to tell me. We've all been through shit, and I shouldn't push you..."

Clementine bit her lip. "I..." She trailed off.

"It's okay..." Violet said. "I could tell you why I was sent here instead. You might hate me after though..."

"Only if you want to. And I won't hate you. The person you are right now is all that matters to me. Whatever bad things you did in the past? That's not you anymore." Clementine said.

"I spent a lot of time at my grandma's house growing up, what with my dad being a drunk and my mom working three jobs. But after my grandpa died, Grandma just kinda...shut down. Spent all day and night rocking in her little chair in the den. I'd sit there at her feet as we both watched TV, mostly cartoons, since she never seemed to care. Sometimes I could hear her crying, but I didn't look back. I'd just feel really weird and turn up the volume, you know?" Violet paused and sighed. "Anyway, one day she left the den and came back with another chair and a .22 rifle. Set the rifle butt on the top of that chair, holding the barrel back to her chest. So, you know...she had trouble to reaching the trigger this way, but she must have known it would happen... Because she took out this really tacky wooden backscratcher-the real long kind with the one end shaped like a hand-and used that to push the trigger in. So...yeah. Bang, right? Her body folded up and just kept...rocking. My mom came to get me five hours later. I hadn't moved. She asked why I didn't call the police or an ambulance or anything. I just shrugged and told her it wasn't like Grandma was going anywhere...and besides, I just wanted to finish my cartoons. She shipped me off to Ericson the next day. I was eleven."

"I'm so sorry, Violet. I can't imagine what that was like...what you went through." Clementine said with a frowned. "I'm really sorry…"

"It's fine. We've just been through a lot of shit." Violet said.

"Yeah... uh... When I was eleven... I was hurt... by a lot of people. I was… sexually abused so many times that I lost count... but multiple people... and I..." Clementine gulped. "I wish it never happened… This man… He… He let this people do this to me, took my clothes and… encouraged them to… and even… did it to me himself…"

"Oh my God… Clem… I am so, so, so sorry… Violet said.

"I just… I hate them… Everyone who did that stuff to me…" Clementine hadn't realized she was crying until Violet suddenly hugged her.

"It's okay… It's okay, Clem." Violet regretted bringing it up. Clementine was tough. None of them had ever seen this girl so much as shed a tear, but now her she was sobbing her eyes out in her arms.

After a few moments Clementine seemed to be able to breathe normally again, and tears stopped flow. "I- I'm sorry…"

"No… I… I am. I brought up bad memories… I shouldn't have…" Violet said.

Clementine tried to change the subject. "The-The stars r-really do look pretty tonight, huh."

"Yeah... They do, Clem." Violet said. "Are you... going to be okay..."

"Uh-huh...Clementine said, wiping tears away. "I-I'm fine..."

"...I wish you could stick with us for good." Violet sighed. "Come on. Let's get back. It's probably dinner time."


When Clementine and Violet returned to the courtyard they noticed the others gather for dinner. Clementine furrowed her brows as she realized two of the group members were missing.

"Just in time! Stew is served!" Louis said.

Violet took a seat, but Clementine remained standing.

"Clem?" Violet called. "You okay…?"

"Where are Marlon and Brody?" Clementine asked.

Everyone exchanged looks.

"They're inside." Willy said.

"Well, I'll go get them." Clementine said.

"Why?" Aasim huffed.

"I know you're all mad, but they have to eat too. We need every to stay as able-bodied and healthy as possible, so we can properly defend the school." Clementine replied.

"I can go with you Clem." Tenn offered.

"It's okay, bud. Enjoy your meal." Clementine said.

The girl headed inside to find Marlon and Brody

Clementine headed to Brody's room first, knocking at the door.

"Brody, dinner is ready." Clementine called.

"I'm not hungry." Brody said.

"I'm sure that's not true… Look, I understand if you're nervous, but it's going to be okay." Clementine said.

There was a brief silence before the door suddenly opened.

"How can you say everything will be okay? Nothing will ever be okay again." Brody said.

"I know it feels that way now—"

Brody interrupted her. "And that feeling's not gonna go away."

"Things are going to get better, Brody. I swear." Clementine said.

"How do you know?" Brody asked.

"Because even at my lowest point, thing have always managed to be okay. Things are never easy, but sometimes you have to hit rock bottom so that you have somewhere else to climb." Clementine said.

"That's… an interesting way of putting it…" Brody said, then sighed. "Okay…. I'll have some dinner."

"Good. We all need to keep our energy up. I'll meet you out there." Clementine said.

"Okay… Clem,"

"Yeah?"

"Thanks for everything." Brody said.

"I'm just… glad to help." Clementine replied.

"Thanks." Brody said again, and with that she walked away.

Clementine then went to check in on Marlon.

As she reached his door and knocked. "Marlon, I came to check on you."

"Come in," Marlon slowly called.

Clementine opened the door and stepped into the room. "Come on, it's dinnertime."

When Marlon didn't move the girl looked concerned.

"Marlon, are you okay?" Clementine asked.

"…He's lucky, you know…" Marlon suddenly said.

"Who?" Clementine asked, looking a bit confused.

"Your boyfriend…. I wish I had someone like you." Marlon said.

"Actually, I'm the lucky one. I—" The girl was cut off as Marlon suddenly stood and took her hand. "Marlon? Are you oka—" She didn't finish her words, seeing his face drawing near and realizing what he was going to do, she quickly pushed him away. "N-No!"

"I- I'm so- sorry, Clem. I don't know what came over me." Marlon said.

"I have a boyfriend." Clementine said firmly. She was getting sick of having to remind people of this.

"I know…" Marlon said.

"And I would never even want to kiss anyone EXCEPT him." Clementine said.

"I- I'm sorry Clem. I didn't mean to—"

Clementine stopped him. "L-Let's...Let's just go join the others for dinner. I got watch duty soon."

Marlon gave a small nod and Clementine quickly turned to leave, walking a good few paces ahead of the boy.


There was a tension during dinner. Everyone could feel it. Both Marlon and Brody sat separately from the group. Marlon sat on the steps with Rosie by his side, and Brody at a table alone.

Clementine said nothing about this. She couldn't blame the others for not wanting to sit with them. She was just glad no one would go to bed on an empty stomach tonight.

After finishing her meal, Brody decided to head to bed, calling a hesitant "goodnight" to the others, which only Clementine and Tenn responded to. As she headed inside Clementine noticed Marlon try to speak with her, only to be ignored as Brody headed inside.

Clementine regretted looking over as Marlon suddenly locked eyes with her. The girl quickly averted her gaze, but it didn't matter as Marlon stood and slowly made his way over to their table.

"What do you want?" Mitch inquired upon seeing him.

"I… can take watch for you, Clementine." Marlon said.

Clementine was a bit surprised. "Oh… It's okay. I—"

"I can do it." Marlon said.

"Like hell you will. You might let someone in and give us all away." Aasim said.

"Guys stop…" Clementine looked to Marlon, "If you wanna take watch, go ahead. I'll switch with you later on."

Marlon nodded and walked off.

"Are you sure that's a good idea? I mean, we can't trust him." Mitch said.

"He's not gonna do anything to cause trouble." Clementine said.

"How do you know?" Willy asked.

"He feels horrible, guys." Clementine said, "They both do—"

Marlon hadn't been on lookout for more than a few minutes before he called out, "Uh Clem, we have a problem."

Aasim groaned, "See, this is exactly what I was talking about—"

"Shh…. Everyone keep your guard up…" Clementine said then made her way over to Marlon. Rosie headed over by the gate and began growl, causing everyone's nerves to run wild. "What's going on?"

"Someone's here. We got people by the gate. Too dark to tell how many." Marlon said.

Rosie continued to growl, confirming this.

Clementine felt her stomach drop. They weren't ready for an attack. "Keep an eye up. I'm coming up there."

Marlon nodded and Clementine began to climb her way up to the lookout spot

"Fuck... D-Do you think it's them?" Marlon asked.

"I don't know… I hope not…" Clementine scanned the area and spotted two people.

"There." Marlon aimed his cross-bow.

"Marlon wait... Don't shoot." Clementine said. She didn't her best to get a good look, but it was hard to see through the dark. She tried to make the figures and, eyes widen as she thought of who it might be."

"Clem?"

"Don't shoot…" Clementine said, "Ask them who they are."

Marlon obliged. "Who are you?"

"We don't want any trouble!" A voice called back. A voice that caused Clementine to gasp. She knew that voice from anywhere.

"What should I do?" Marlon asked.

"Put the bow down…" Clementine said.

"What?" Marlon asked.

"I know them..."


Clementine was both shocked and happy as she opened the gates to see Molly and Becca. She hugged the two, glad to see they were okay.

"Thank God you're safe." Molly said, hugging the girl back. "I knew you could handle yourself, but we were worried."

"Somewhat." Becca asked, causing Clementine to chuckle. "Where did you end up? A daycare?"

"A school. Surprised you never head of one before." Clementine teased. "You should try it."

"Geez, shut up." Becca scoffed.

"Who the hell are they?" Mitch asked as he and the other kids gathered around.

"They're the people I got separated from. Some of my group members. This is Molly and Becca."

None of the kids introduced themselves. They just eyed the two new-comers cautiously.

"It's okay, guys… I swear." Clementine said.

"Promise we can trust them. We'll take your word for it, Clem..." Violet said.

"I promise. I trust these two more than anything. And you can too." Clementine said.

The other kids exchanged looks.

"Well... you have steered us wrong yet..." Ruby said. "Alright…"

"Hopefully we don't regret this." Mitch said.

"I swear you won't." Clementine said.

Becca furrowed her brows and asked, "What the hell did we walk into...?"


After introductions were out of the way the kids headed off to bed, aside from Marlon who was on watch, waiting for Clementine to switch with him.

While the other slept, Clementine filled Molly and Becca in on the situation that the Ericson kids were dealing with.

"You know the best thing to do would be for them to leave the school." Molly said.

"I know. I told them that... They don't want to leave." Clementine said.

"Well it's not safe here." Becca said.

"Not at all." Molly said. "So... what's the plan then?"

"Make this place as hard as possible to attack. We already started putting up defenses." Clementine said.

"You know we have to get back home, right? We've already been out longer than we expected. We don't need everyone getting worried." Becca said.

"I know... I just... I just wanna help." Clementine said.

Molly sighed. "You're not gonna let this go. Are you?"

"I can't... We have to help them." Clementine said.

Becca and Molly exchanged looks.

Molly give a heavy sigh. Her girl had always been stubborn. But she has such a good heart.

"Okay, Clem. You win." Molly said. "We'll help."


They spent the next few days making sure the school's defenses were strong, creating new traps, and keeping constant watch for anything or anyone suspicious.

The kids had warmed up to Becca and Molly. And Molly, to their appreciation, helped them brush up on their skills with guns and arrows. She taught them how to fight at both short distance and long distance. She wanted them to be ready for anything.

They thought they were ready. They thought nothing could surprise them. They thought wrong...

Feeling the group was prepared enough Molly decided it was time to move on. Clementine once again offered the kids to come to Richmond, but they refused.

However, their plan to leave the next morning was set back.

Late into the night while on watch, Clementine catches sight of people.

They order for everyone to get down just as some kind of smoke bomb is thrown over the gate.

The kids coughed and rush toward cover.

"Raiders?" Louis nodded.

"Yeah. They're here. There's a good amount of them, all carrying guns. And carts, probably to carry people away." Clementine said.

"Oh, no." Willy said.

"Assholes." Mitch grumbled.

"Shit." Louis huffed.

Marlon and Brody both looked concerned, having dealt with this group before.

"We're ready." Omar claimed. "Right?"

"I hope so. Let's just pretend that D on Clem's hat stands for "Don't Die" and listen to that." Louis aid.

"I can't believe they're really here." Ruby said, looking anxious.

"We all know the plan. Just stick to it and we'll be fine." Becca said.

"They're in for a rude fuckin' surprise. Those duffel bags will break bones, easy." Aasim said.

"Guys, make sure to look out for one an—" Clementine didn't get to finish that sentence.

Their attackers throw a Molotov cocktail into the school, lighting the barricade in front of the gate on fire.

"Holy shit!" Willy exclaimed.

The kids are on the verge of panic and Clementine and Becca do their best to keep them calm.

"Mitch, Willy, be ready. Everyone else get inside!" Molly called to them.

No one has the chance to move before the opposing group manages to ram the gate open and enter the courtyard.

The group looks at the impaled walker heads.

"The fuck is all this?" One of the soldiers asked.

"Focus. They're just scarecrows." Another soldier replied.

"Spread out." A familiar voice orders.

Clementine's eyes widen upon hearing that voice. Her heart begins pounding in her chest. She has to stop herself from having a panic attack then and there.

Mitch and Willy hide as a soldier approaches them. Clementine does her best to calm her racing heart, to no avail. The girl suddenly stands, hoping to distract their attackers while Mitch and Willy set the bomb, despite knowing they planned for Molly to do it.

She draws her gun and speaks, "Lilly! Move, and I'll shoot."

Molly swears to herself as Clementine reveals her spot of cover. "Damn kid..."

Molly scanned the area, taking in where the guards are standing. She wonders if she'll be able to pick them off one by one.

"Clementine, I'm surprised to see you again." Lilly said. "Put the gun down. There's no need to make things ugly."

A Delta soldier in the trees points her gun at Clem, but Lilly raises her hand, signaling her not to shoot.

Spotting the person in the trees Molly knows picking them off one by one and accomplishing this unseen is nearly impossible. She had to think of something else.

"I'm here for new recruits. I don't want to hurt anyone." Lilly said.

"You won't get the chance to do anything." Clementine said.

"Search the yard. If Clementine moves, shoot her. We'll find them, Clementine. And then we'll take them. And you." Lilly said.

"You might not wanna move around so much. You might trigger a trap." Clementine said.

"You're bluffing." Lilly huffed.

"Take another step and find out. Or fucking leave. Can't you read?" Clementine motioned to a sign they had put up, warning their attackers to leave."

Lilly simple chuckled. "I never expected you to become such a brat."

Mitch and Willy sneak across the yard with the bomb and plant the bomb on the cart.

"Get out." Clementine ordered to Lilly.

"If you won't help me find the others, I'll find someone who will. We've recruited from this school before. Minnie wanted to come along tonight. To tell you how well she's adjusted to our life. How happy she is. She said she had a girlfriend back here. Friends she missed. One guy, he could always make her laugh, no matter what. And her little brother. She missed him the most." Lilly speaks.

Clementine shakes her head at Tenn, but he leaves his hiding place and approaches Lilly.

"Shit." Clementine swore.

Molly groaned, she needed to do something fast or the kids were gonna screw the whole plan.

"Where are they?" Tenn asked.

"Let me take you to them." Lilly said.

"I can't. I just want them back. Please." Tenn said.

"You'll be happier where they are. They miss you." Lilly replied.

"Shut up, Lilly! You're a liar, and a killer! You're not taking anyone else from me." Clementine snapped.

Lilly reaches for Tenn, but he steps back.

"No!" Tenn exclaimed.

Mitch ignites the bomb; it explodes the cart and knocks Lilly and Tenn to the ground.

Molly was relieved that it was just in time.

"Shit! Shit!" Lilly swears in panic.

Mitch and Willy run to safety. Marlon, Violet, and Louis draw bows, and Ruby throws a rock. Lilly starts to get up; Clementine fires at her, but she dodges the bullet. One of the soldiers aim a gun at Clementine, and she ducks.

"Kill who you have to! Take the rest!" Lilly orders to her soldiers.

Delta opens fire, and everyone hides. Clementine shoots one of the soldiers in the leg and dashes for cover.

"Clem, Becca, get the kids to the safe room. Hurry." Molly orders to them.

The group rushed inside while Molly held the others off.

"Follow them!" Lilly yells.

The soldier Clementine has shot stands and limps after her. The Delta follows the others.

The group hides, a Delta soldier breaks open the door a few moments later.

Clementine cuts a rope, and a duffel bag of bricks falls on Yonatan, killing him.

"No!" Another soldier exclaimed.

"Go, go, go! Hurry!" Clementine ushered the kids up the stairs. Before she could rush up, a Molotov cocktail was thrown, forcing the kids to move further upstairs but blocking Clementine's path. "Fuck! Run!" Clementine ordered to them.

She was suddenly tackled to the ground and found herself being restrained.

"Clem!" Becca exclaimed.

Clementine clawed at her attacker, trying to break free. "T-Trap!"

She called to the others.

"What? Clem no!" Violet said.

"Do it!" Clementine ordered. The girl bit her attacker's arm, causing them to yelp. Taking advantage of them letting their guard down she managed to shove the woman off of her just as Becca shoved the couch down the stairs towards her, the fabric catching ablaze on the way down and directly hitting the woman.

Clementine coughed a bit, moving to stand up. She could feel her gunshot wound had reopened and was bleeding.

The girl winced, groaning in pain.

"Clementine, are you okay?" Becca called.

"I- I'm fine. Find a way out of the building!" Clementine said.

"What about you?" Ruby asked.

"Don't worry about me! I'm fine!" Clementine claimed.

Clementine started to stand but didn't get the chance to as she was suddenly met with the barrel of a gun as a cold voice said, "Don't move."

The girl looked up and met eyes with Lilly. "Lilly…"

Lilly continued to aim the gun but found herself unable to pull the trigger. "Shit, this should be easy…"

"Get it over with..." Clementine said. "A few years ago, when it was my gun on you. I tried to."

"But you failed, you fucking brat." Lilly huffed, keeping the gun aimed at the girl, but still unable to bring herself to shoot. "That fucking smart mouth of yours… I'm surprised it hasn't gotten you killed yet."

"Drop it..." Molly ordered, pressing her own weapon to Lilly's back.

Lilly huffed but obliged.

"Good. Now you're gonna go out there and tell your friends to put their weapons down. That you're all surrendering." Molly said.

"Like hell I will." Lilly said.

"You don't have much of a choice." Molly replied.

Lilly narrowed her eyes but knew that she truly didn't have a choice. "...Fine."

"Good." Molly said.

Molly waited for Clementine to shakily stand. "You're bleeding, kid..."

"I-I'll be okay..." Clementine said.

Molly sighed but nodded. She led Lilly outside, weapon still to her back. "Tell them now."

Lilly kept quiet.

"Tell them put their damn weapons down!" Molly snapped.

This time Lilly did speak. "Fall back! Pull in and fall back!" Lilly orders to the others but is unable to get away. "Bring back up!"

"Damn it!" Molly huffs, as remaining members of Lilly's group retreat.

Marlon fires arrows at them, from the balcony, but misses. One of the soldiers throws a Molotov in front of the gate and retreats with the rest of the group.

Geeks swarm through the courtyard, some of them on fire.

Everyone's eyes widen at the sight.

"Oh God..." Clementine gasped. "I- We gotta do something."

"Clem, stay back." Molly ordered.

"But- But I can help." The girl said, despite feeling a bit woozy from the blood loss.

"No. You're hurt. Stay back." Molly said. "Becca, Louis, Violet. Help me deal with these guys. Marlon, keep that bow on her." Molly motioned to Lilly and if she tries to escape, shoot her.

Marlon shakily nodded.

The others began killing the geeks.

"...Are they alive...?" Marlon suddenly asked.

"Alive and well. If you come with us, you could find out." Lilly replied.

"Fuck... I never should've let you psychos take them. I should've fought you. I should've—"

"Should've, could've, didn't. It doesn't make a difference. The fact of the matter is you gave them away. And I don't think they'll ever forgive you for it. Ever. How could they?" Lilly said.

"M-Marlon, don't listen to her!" Clementine said.

But it was clear that the woman's words had affected the boy.

Marlon lowered his head, while also unintentionally moving his bow and leaving himself open.

Lilly immediately took advantage, darting forward and grabbing the bow.

She wrestles with Marlon for the bow, practically yanking it from Marlon, but is surprised by the click of a gun. "Drop it and step away." Clementine ordered.

Lilly huffed but obliges.

"Good." Clementine muttered. "Don't fucking move…"

"Why not go ahead and shoot me?" Lilly asked the girl as the teen keeps the gun trained at her back, Marlon aiming his arrow at her from the front.

"I'm not like you... I don't like hurting people. But I don't like seeing people I care about get hurt either. So I will shoot if I have to..." Clementine looked to Marlon. "Help them deal with the geeks. I got this."

Marlon gave a nod.

"You're just full of surprises, aren't you Clementine?" Lilly said.

"And you're just full of shit. Aren't you, Lilly?" Clementine retorted.

"Molly… That's her name, right. The one who looked out for you? She turned you into one little bitch." Lilly said.

"I guess we have something in common then. Cause you've always been a bitch." Clementine shot back causing Lilly to angrily grit her teeth.

When all the geeks are dealt with they stop to catch their breath.

Tenn frowned and looked to Clementine. "Clem. I... I'm sorry. For trusting her."

Clementine glares at Lilly, ignoring the throbbing pain in her shoulder as well as the dizziness in her head. The girl looked to Molly. "We need to put an end to this.

"Yeah. You're right." Molly nodded in agreement.

"How? We still don't know where they are, or how many…" Louis pointed out.

"Well, we've got someone who does." Clementine replied.

Everyone's attention turns to Lilly.