Thanks to gaara king of the sand for the help.

And as always thanks for reading and reviewing!


Molly was still on patrol when Tripp came to talk to her. "Molly, someone's here to see you."

"Really?" Molly was surprised to hear that.

"Yeah, she's getting check by Eleanor right now, but she wanted to talk to you and your girl." Tripp said, "I'll get someone to take your spot, you can go find your girl."

"Alright, thanks Tripp." Molly said.

"No problem, Molly."

Molly headed off to find her girl as Tripp called someone else to take her post.


"Are you okay, Clem?" Gill asked, noticing that his friend seemed to be lost in thought.

"Yeah, I'm just thinking… Being up here… It reminds me of trips I took with my parents…" Clementine said. "I always wanted the window seat, so I could watch outside. It was so pretty… I miss that."

"Yeah… I miss things being normal too." Gill said.

"Yeah… I wish… things could be that way again…" Clementine said. "It's probably silly, but… sometimes during those plane rides I would pretend I… was a bird… Just flying around."

"Really?"

"I know it's dumb." Clementine said.

"No…it's not…"

"It is… It's strange, sometimes when I see the bird in the sky, flying away, I wish it could be me…" The girl mumbled. "Just without a care. Flying away from life. From people."

"From people? I hope that doesn't mean me…" Gill said.

Clementine's eyes widened, realizing what she had said. "No. Not you."

"Good…" Gill exaggerated a sigh of relief. "You had me worried for a second."

"I wouldn't want to leave you behind." Clementine said.

"Good to know." Gill said. "If you ever do happen to grow wings or turn into a bird. Just let me know. I might want to come with you."

"You wouldn't want to leave your parents, would you?" Clementine asked.

"Nope, but I don't think you'd want to leave Molly either, would you?" Gill replied.

"No…"

"So, we could just fly around then come back." Gill said.

Clementine giggled at that. "Yeah. That would be nice."

"It's a plan then." Gill joked.

Clementine smiled, "I'm glad you showed me this place."

"Me too. It's our secret hideout." Gill said.

Clementine smiled at bit. "You know, this hide out isn't very secret."

"Yeah, but no one knows we're in here." Gill said. "They wouldn't expect us to be."

"That is true." Clementine nodded.

"Are you hungry? I brought some snacks." Gill said.

"Yeah, I am a little."

Gill offered her his bag. "Help yourself."

"You… You're always so nice to me…" Clementine said. "Why?"

"Why wouldn't I be?" Gill asked.

Clementine's face fell and she mumbled, "I… I don't deserve it… I'm naughty…"

"Naughty?" Gill repeated.

"Y-Yeah…"

"Why would you call yourself that?" Gill asked.

"Because it's true…" Clementine frowned.

"But it's not… I don't know why you would think that…" Gill said.

Clementine didn't respond.

Gill noticed her sad expression and frowned himself. "Are… you okay?"

"Y-Yeah…. I'm sorry…." Clementine said.

"For what?"

"For changing the mood… I shouldn't be sad. We're supposed to be having fun." Clementine said, trying to force a smile.

"It's okay, Clem… Everyone gets sad…" Gill said.

"Yeah…"

"Well, let's eat something," Gill suggested.

"Actually, do you think we could go walk for a bit? I'd like to stretch my legs." Clementine said.

"Oh, sure. We can do that." Gill said.

"Thank you…" Clementine said.

"Wanna just head back to the house and eat there, we can play some board games too." Gill said.

Clementine nodded. "Sure."

"Alright, let's go." Gill gently took her hand.


"I'm sorry, Molly." Patricia said. "They're not here, they left out a while ago…"

"Do you know where they went?" Molly asked.

"They said something about a secret hide out…" Patricia said. "Not too sure where that is, or what they were even talking about."

"That's not gonna be much help… Guess I'll have to search for them." Molly sighed.

"I can help you if—"

"Molly?" Clementine's little voice grabbed both women's attention.

"There you are." Molly looked to the children, noticing with a small smile that the two were holding hands. "I was looking for you, Clem."

"Why?" Clementine asked, slowly releasing her friend's hand. "A-Am I in trouble?"

"Of course not, kid." Molly said.

"Then wh-why?" Clementine asked.

"Someone's here to see us." Molly asked.

Clementine rose a brow at that. "Really? Is… Is it Ava?"

"I think so." Molly said. "You wanna go have a chat with her?"

Clementine nodded but offered Gill an apologetic look, "Sorry, Gill, can we hang out later on?"

"Sure. Uh, who's Ava…?" Gill asked.

"Someone from our old group…" Clementine said.

"Oh. That's cool I guess." Gill said. "I'll see you later, Clem."

"Bye Gill."

As Molly and Clementine began walking, Molly chuckled. "Aren't you two cute."

Clementine's eyes widened at that. "What?"

"You two are cute together." Molly repeated.

"W-What is that supposed to mean?" The girl stammered.

"Nothing. I'm just glad you two are friends…" Molly said. "I'm glad you gave him a chance. I can tell her really cares about you."

"He's really nice to me. Even though he shouldn't be…" Clementine said.

"He should be. No one should mistreat you, Clem." Molly said.

"But I'm naughty…" Clementine said.

Molly shook her head. "No, you're not. You're a good kid, Clem."

"But I'm not… I know I'm not. I don't feel like I am…" Clementine said.

"Why don't you feel like a good kid?" Molly asked.

"I don't know…. I just… Don't think I am…" Clementine said. "Bad stuff happens to me because I'm naughty."

"That's not true, Clem…" Molly said. "You can't keep being so negative about yourself."

"Just because you say I'm not bad, doesn't mean I'm not…" Clementine said.

"You're not bad, Clem."

"You can say it as many times as you want. It won't change what I think." Clementine frowned.

"Then what will? Why won't you talk to me?" Molly asked. "I want to help you…"

"There's nothing to talk about…"

"You can talk about what happened, at Howes… Or after… I know it's bothering you. You can talk to me, Clem." Molly said.

"I don't want to talk about that, Molly."

"But you need to… If you want to get better—"

"I'm not sick." The child interrupted. "I don't need to get better."

"But you're hurting… You're hurting on the inside, and I want to help you, Clem." Molly said.

"I don't need any help." Clementine said.

"Clementine…"

"Can we hurry up and find Ava, I'm sure she something important to tell us." Clementine said.

"Alright, kid…" Molly agreed. They would have to have this conversation another time.


As they got to the infirmary, they saw Ava sitting and talking to Eleanor. Molly and Clementine approached.

"Took you long enough to show up…." Molly said.

"It wasn't easy… There's been… a lot going." Ava said.

"I figured. I was starting to think you'd never show up." Molly said.

"Yeah, well, I'm glad I did." Ava said. "It's nice to see you two again…"

"Nice to see you too, Ava." Molly said.

"How are you doing, Clem?" Ava asked the girl.

"I'm okay…" The child answered.

"That's good." Ava smiled at her.

Clementine simply nodded, not returning the smile.

"I'll give you all some privacy." Eleanor said before walking a bit away.

"You guys settling in okay?" Ava asked.

"Yeah, this is a nice place." Molly said.

"That's good to hear. Looks like you guys are doing better than us…" Ava said.

"How are things over there?" Molly asked.

"They've… moved locations… again…" Ava said. "I've got news about Lilly…"

Clementine perked up at that. "Really?"

"Please tell me it's good news…" Molly said.

Ava shook her head. "Not at all…"

"Fuck…" Molly muttered.

"Is there anywhere more… private we can talk?" Ava asked.

"Yeah, my place. I'll take you there." Molly said.

"Sounds good." Ava stood, then called out, "Thanks for everything, Eleanor."

"Anytime." Eleanor called back.

"This way." Molly motioned for Ava to follow her, which the woman did.

Eleanor watched as the three walked off, furrowing her brows. She needed to talk to Tripp. Those three were up to something, and she had a feeling it wasn't good.


"This is it." Molly said as she opened the door to the spot she and Clementine were staying.

"This is a nice place." Ava commented.

"Thanks." Molly replied.

They headed inside and Molly offered her a seat before both she and Clementine sat down as well.

"So, what did you want to tell us?" Molly asked.

"Things have gotten worse. A lot worse…" Ava sighed. "After you and Clem left, we were struggling. With Joan being killed, people were on edge. Even though some people were quick to pin the blame on you, others weren't buying that."

"So not everyone is an idiot, good…" Molly said. "I'm glad some people know I didn't kill Joan."

"Yeah…" Ava nodded. "Things were falling apart... We were worrying about supplies and, about keeping the people safe. Clint got the big idea to call Lilly for help. Her and her people showed up, agreeing to help. David protested against it at first, but he was outvoted by Clint and Lingard. She ended up taking over Joan's spot. And people finally realized you were right all along.

"Fuck… So she really was running things?" Molly asked.

"Yeah…" Ava said. "And she's basically taken over."

"There's no way you can get her out?" Clementine asked.

"Not without us being her next victims for an attack. She has contacts with a lot of people…" Ava said. "And to make matters worse some of the people in The New Frontier support her. They look to her for answers. She's turned The New Frontier into something it was never supposed to be... And we have to stop her, or it's only going to get worse."


"Something weird is going on, Tripp. I'm telling you they're up to something."

"Are you sure? Just what exactly did you hear?" Tripp asked.

"Not much, but Ava mentioned some news. Then she asked to talk some place more private. That's suspicious, if you ask me." Eleanor said.

"I don't know…. Molly and Clementine have been pretty good helping around town. Especially Molly. And Ava, she's never caused a problem when she's come here before." Tripp said.

"Before isn't now. You can never tell what people are up to." Eleanor argued.

Tripp sighed, "Well, what do you want me to do, Eleanor?"

"I don't know, talk to them. Find out what's going on." Eleanor replied.

"And if it's nothing?" Tripp asked.

"Then good. We have nothing to worry about. But we need to find out what's going on. We have to know for sure." Eleanor said. "You do know Ava is part of the New Frontier."

"I know…" Tripp said.

"And she's knows Clem and Molly. I told you they had those brand marks, which means they were part of that group as well." Eleanor said. "We can't just trust them. For all we know, they could be spies, planning an attack or something."

"Their friends are here. They wouldn't do that." Tripp said.

"We don't know that." Eleanor argued.

"They've been helping us out. Plus, we've helped The New Frontier with supplies a time or two. I doubt they'll do anything." Tripp said.

"Just because we've helped them before doesn't make us invisible. We can't trust anyone from that group. I know they're planning something." Eleanor said.

"Let's not just jump to conclusions, Eleanor. I'll talk to Molly and figure out what's going on."

"You better, or I will." Eleanor responded.

"I'll figure things out." Tripp said.

Eleanor nodded, "Good…"


"So, how long do you plan to be here?" Clementine asked.

"Not long. If I stay too long the group with get suspicious." Ava said. "I told them I knew a town and I could do some scoping out."

"And they just let you go? Alone?" Molly asked.

"I have a group of people camping not far, I told them stay back. That the people here weren't too trusting, and I'd be better off going in alone, since I knew the place." Ava explained.

"And they were just fine with that?" Molly asked.

"Yeah." Ava said. "I can be pretty convincing."

"Yeah, you convinced us to join your group." Clementine said. "But…. Now I wish we hadn't…"

Ava frowned at that. "Clem, I still feel awful about what happened…"

"Judging how things are going now, I don't think we would have been sticking with that group much longer anyway." Molly said.

"I get it." Ava said. "But I'm still really sorry…"

"Just… tell us about what's been going on…" Molly said.

"They have their sights on a place called Richmond. Lilly's been going from town to town, making "trade agreements" with other groups…"

"What are trade agreements?" Clementine asked.

"It's just a way for them to get their foot in the door. For Lilly to get these other groups to trust her. Then…she uses that trust to her advantage. The last thing these people are expecting is for her to turn around and attack…" Ava said.

"And what exactly are the terms of these trades?" Molly asked.

"They go from place to place and offer other groups to become allies of The New Frontier…. And if they refuse…I'm sure you know what happens…" Ava said.

"Yeah… I do…" Molly frowned. "It's fucked up…"

"I'm just hoping we can put an end to this all soon…" Ava said.

"We will." Molly said. "I have a couple of people who are willing to help."

"Really? Should I meet them?" Ava asked.

Molly paused, "I don't think that's a good idea right now…"

Ava rose a brow. "Oh?"

"They're not exactly gonna be thrilled if they find out you're from the New Frontier." Molly said.

Ava sighed but nodded in understanding. "I take it the group wronged them in some way?"

"That's an understatement…" Molly said.

"My gosh…" Ava frowned. "This has to stop."

"And it will. I'll talk to the group and let them know what's going on. I just need you to keep me posted." Molly said.

"I will…" Ava said.


After speaking with Ava, Molly went to fill the rest of the group in on what was going on. She wasn't willing to leave Ava alone in her and Clementine's home, so she suggested Clementine stay back and keep an eye on the woman, to which the child agreed.

"Where's Clem?" Vince asked.

"She's at the house." Molly said.

"Alone?" Shel asked.

"Yes, alone." Molly said.

Christa rolled her eyes at that.

"She's fine, Christa." Molly huffed, noticing the woman's reaction. "I've gotten more info about The New Frontier."

"Really? What information?" Kenny asked.

"Apparently they have their sights set on a place called Richmond." Molly told them.

"How do you know this?" Shel asked.

"I have my sources." Molly said. "If we can figure out when they're planning their next attack, we might be able to intervene."

"Us verses all of them?" Omid asked. "I don't like those odds."

"Neither do I." Christa said. "We're clearly going to be outnumbered."

"It won't be just us… We'll have help." Molly said.

"How do you know?" Omid asked.

"I just do." Molly replied purposely keeping her response vague.

"Where are you even getting this information from?" Christa inquired.

"I have a trustworthy source." Molly said.

"Who? I'd like to meet them." Christa said.

"I think we all would." Kenny said. "Haven't you kept enough secrets."

Molly huffed at that. "I just don't think it's best right now."

"Why not?" Christa asked.

"Because I don't need you people acting crazy and running her off." Molly replied in a cold tone.

"Her? Who is this woman?" Shel asked.

"Let's just say she's a friend. Someone who I trust…." Molly said.

"From the New Frontier?" Sarita asked.

"…Yeah…" Molly admitted.

"You can't trust anyone from that group! They're all evil!" Christa snapped.

"You don't know them like I do." Molly said before standing, "And in case you forgot, Clem and I used to be a part of them too."

"Molly… She didn't mean it…." Omid said.

"…I know she did…" With that Molly started towards the door.

As she got outside and began the walk towards the house, she was stopped by Tripp who called to her. "Molly, we need to talk."


"So, how have you been holding up, kid?" Ava asked Clementine, trying to make small talk with the small girl.

Clementine shrugged. "I'm fine…"

"Good. Good…" Ava said. "Do you like it here?"

"Better than where we were…" Clementine said.

"Clem, I am so, so sorry about what happened. If I could change things, I would. But I can't…" Ava frowned. "I do want to try to make things up to you though. And I…. want you to know that you can trust me."

"I don't… But Molly does. That's worth something, because… I trust Molly." Clementine said. "That's the only reason I'm even talking to you right now."

"I understand how you feel. And I don't blame you but…. Is there anything I can do to help you trust me?" Ava asked.

"…Not right away…. But there is something I want…" Clementine said.

"What is it?"

Clementine paused a moment then asked, "Can you get me a box of batteries?"

"Batteries?" Ava asked back.

Clementine nodded.

Ava nodded. "Sure, I can do that. I got you, kid."


"What's going on, Molly?" Tripp asked.

"What are you talking about?" Molly asked back.

"Don't play dumb. I know you're planning something. And I want to know what it is." Tripp said.

"What?"

"You and Ava. What are you two scheming about?" Tripp questioned.

"I'm very confused right now, Tripp."

"So am I. So please explain to me what the hell is going on?" Tripp asked. "Why is Ava here? Are you two planning trouble?"

"Now. Of course not." Molly sighed. "I'm sure you've heard of the attacks going on…"

"Yeah. By that group of hers? If they're trying to hit this place—"

Molly shook her head, "They're not. They have another place in mind."

"Did Ava tell you this?" Tripp asked.

"Yes." Molly nodded.

"Why?"

"Because… She trusts me… I… was a part of her group at one point." Molly said.

"I know that… But you're not anymore, right?" Tripp asked.

"No. I'm not." Molly said.

"So, what happened? You and Clem just left?" Tripp asked her.

"Not exactly…" Molly sighed. "We were trying to stop the attacks and ended up getting kicked out…"

"Damn… I had no idea… That's fucked up…" Tripp frowned.

"It is…." Molly agreed.

"But you're with us now, right?"

"Yes Tripp."

"Good. We wouldn't pull some shit like kicking you and a kid out like that… Not unless you gave us a reason to." Tripp told her. "So I'll ask you again, what are you and Ava planning?"

"We're trying to figure out a way to stop The New Frontier." Molly explained.

"Is that right?"

"Yes." Molly said. "We're working on a plan that will keep anyone else from getting hurt… hopefully…"

"And how are you two going to stop The New Frontier alone?" Tripp asked.

"We're not… I have people willing to help and so does Ava." Molly said.

"Really? Why am I just now hearing about this?" Tripp asked.

"Because you just now asked." Was Molly's response. "Look, just meet me at my house tomorrow and I'll explain everything."

"No, I have a better idea. We'll meet at Conrad's bar tomorrow. You, me, and whoever else is involved. I'm sure I can think of a few others who'd like to know what the hell is going on." Tripp said.

Molly sighed but nodded, "Deal…"


After telling the group about the plans for tomorrow, Molly headed back home. Clementine noticed the woman seemed lost in thought and asked, "Is everything okay?"

"Everything's fine, Clem." Molly said.

Clementine rose a brow at that. "Are you sure?"

"Yeah…" Molly said. "The group is just… You know how they can be."

"Yeah… I do…" Clementine nodded.

"…We're changing our meeting spot tomorrow… And we might have a few extra guests." Molly said.

"Really?" Clementine wasn't sure how to feel about that.

Molly nodded then turned to Ava. "Tomorrow you'll get to meet the rest of the group."

"Sounds good." Ava said.

Both Clementine and Molly exchanged looks, hoping this would go well.


"What the hell are they doing here?" Kenny grumbled, motioning to Tripp, Eleanor, Conrad, and Francine.

"It's my bar." Conrad pointed out.

"So what?" Kenny scoffed.

"We have a right to be here!" Eleanor replied.

"What are we doing here?" Kenny huffed. "Why didn't we meet where we usually do?"

"Can we hurry this up? I want to get back to my baby sooner rather than later." Christa said. Sarita Sarah and Becca had stayed back to help with AJ and Genevieve.

"Calm down, everyone." Molly sighed. "Kenny, they deserve to know what's going on."

"Damn right we do." Francine said.

"Hold on… Where's Ava? Shouldn't she be here?" Tripp asked.

"Who the hell is Ava?" Kenny asked.

"I'll bring her in, but I need you guys to promise that you're not gonna cause any trouble." Molly said. "She's not here to hurt anyone… She just wants to help us."

The group was silent. Molly sighed.

Finally, Vince spoke up. "We'll be cool."

"Speak for yourself." Kenny grumbled.

"Just chill…" Vince said.

"Let's just meet this girl." Christa said.

"Fine…" Hoping they would keep their cool, Molly slowly headed outside to where Clementine and Ava were waiting by the door, she ushered them inside the bar.

Ava could feel the tension as soon as she got inside.

"Why the hell is the kid involved?" Conrad asked.

"I'm not a kid." Clementine pouted.

"Who the fuck is she?" Kenny motioned to Ava.

"Guys, settle down." Molly groaned.

"My name's Ava… and—"

"We don't give a damn who you are! If you're part of The New Frontier, you can't be trusted!" Kenny said.

Ava shot him a glare. "I don't appreciate your tone."

"Well, I don't appreciate all the shit your group did!" Kenny snapped.

"She's trying to help us!" Clementine spoke up.

"And why should we believe that? How can we trust her?" Christa asked. Omid took her hand, to try to calm her.

"Trust me or don't. That's your decision to make, but I do want to help. And I'm taking a big risk by being here and talking to you people." Ava said. "So I ask that you just hear me out."

"We're listening…" Shel said.

"They got their eyes set on a place called Richmond. Once I figure out more information I can let you know more…. And Molly, I'm hoping that you'll be willing to scope the place out at some point." Ava said.

"Sure…" Molly nodded.

"Why can't you do it?" Vince asked, not sure what to make of the woman.

"Lilly has full control over everything… So I gotta be careful." Ava explained.

"Lilly… This Lilly, what does she look like?" Kenny suddenly asked.

Ava rose a brow at the question. "Brown hair, brown eyes. Slim, tall… She used to be in the Air Force."

Both Kenny's and Clementine's eyes widened.

Ava noticed this, "Sound familiar?"

"Fuck yeah! It sure as hell does." Kenny huffed. "So how are we gonna take this crazy bitch out?"

"If we can scope out Richmond, and I keep you guys informed we should be able to hit her before she hits them." Ava said.

"And where exactly is Richmond?" Shel asked.

"That's what I gotta figure out." Ava said.

"So you don't even know where this place is?" Christa huffed.

"I'm still gathering the details." Ava said.

"Well this is just great!" Kenny said. "A spy who can't give us any information!"

"Kenny, stop." Molly said. "Knowing at least a little bit is something… We just gotta keep in contact."

The others nodded.

"I just hope we can stop them soon…" Clementine said.

"We all do, Clem." Shel said to the girl.

"I asked this before, and I'll ask this again why is there a child involved in this? She's like ten." Conrad huffed.

"Actually, I'm twelve." Clementine said.

Conrad scoffed. "That's not a big difference kid."

"I can do more than you think—"

"-Hey Conrad, you open? I could really use a drink right now!" A man suddenly spoke from at the door.

"I guess that's our cue to say meeting adjourned." Tripp said.

The others agreed and started to head their separate ways.

As Molly got outside Ava stopped her, "Are you sure this is the best group of people to go with? Do you have any other options?"

"They're the best we have. Take it or leave it…" Molly said. "They're all we got…"

Ava sighed. "Alright. I just hope they don't screw us over."

"You and me both." Molly said.

"Well, I'm not sticking around. Last thing I need is my group getting worried or suspicious. I'll keep you posted on everything. And tell Clem I got her with those batteries." Ava said.

"Batteries?"

"Yeah. She asked for some." Ava replied.

"Okay then..."

"See you around, Molly."

"See you."

Ava walked away and Molly sighed. When Tripp soon walked out, she looked to him, "I think we need to reinforce our defenses."

"I thought you trusted her." Tripp said.

"I do…" Molly replied. "It's her group I don't trust…"

"Yeah… Same here…" Tripp agreed.


As the days continue, they made sure they were ready for anything. They taught the children how to shoot and made sure they could defend themselves. They made sure their walls were fortified and hard to get past. They always had a person on patrol, and they made sure to keep people on watch day and night. They were ready just in case.

During the days when she needed a break from the negativity and the stress, Clementine would spend her free time playing with her friends, especially Gill. She loved hanging out with the boy. Most days they would hang up from sunrise to sunset then Molly would walk home at the end of the day. Patricia would meet her at the door and thank her.

That day was no different, Clementine and Gill spent the day playing board games and when it started to get dark, Molly walked the boy home, Patricia thanked her as usual but just before Molly could leave Patricia asked, "How is Clementine doing? I've noticed she's seemed a little sad lately…"

Molly frowned at that "…If I'm being honest, she's not doing too good…"

Gill couldn't help but listen in, he was curious on what was wrong with his friend. He had noticed that she seemed kind of down lately.

"What's the matter with her?" Patricia asked.

"I think she's just thinking a lot…" Molly said.

"…About what happened?" Patricia asked.

"…Yeah, about that. She won't talk about it…" Molly said.

"Maybe she needs to." Patricia said.

"I know she needs to… but she won't… I've been trying to get her to, but she just refuses," Molly sighed.

Gill still wondered what they were talking about.

"I just wish I knew what to do…" Molly said.

Gill recalled Molly saying Clementine had been hurt. He wondered if that was what was making his friend sad. He decided he would talk to her and find out.


The next time the two hung out, Gill tried to make it his mission to find out what had happened to her.

"Are you okay?" Gill asked his friend as they once again sat in their "secret hideout".

"Of course why wouldn't I be?" Clementine asked.

"You've just been different lately. I've been worried about you." Gill said.

"You don't have to worry about me." Clementine said.

"But I do." Gill paused. "…Molly told me you've been hurt…"

Clementine tensed at that. "What?"

"She said you've been hurt…" Gill repeated.

"I'm not hurt." Clementine quickly said.

"She meant in the past…" Gill said.

"I don't know why she would tell you that. It's none of your business." The girl huffed.

Gill was surprised by that response. "I… She just wanted me to be patient with you."

"Patient? She shouldn't have told you anything. I don't want to talk about what happened." Clementine said.

"…But… what happened?" Gill asked.

Clementine shot him a look, "I just said I don't want to talk about it?"

"Why not? It clearly bothering you… And my mom says you shouldn't keep things bottle up… You should talk about it." Gill said.

"I don't want to talk about it…" Clementine said. "Just drop it. I never want to talk about it again… I'm going home…"

Gill frowned but let the girl know, he was even more curious on what had happened to his friend.


"Hey Gill." Becca greeted as the boy knocked approached her and Sarah to talk. "Where's your little girlfriend?"

"She's not my girlfriend…" Gill said.

"You could have fooled me. You two are always together." Becca said with a smirk.

"Are you okay?" Sarah asked him.

"Yeah…I wanted ask you guys a few questions." Gill said.

"About?" Becca asked.

"About Clem." Gill said.

"What about her?" Becca asked.

"Molly told me she was hurt…I just was wondering…what happened?" Gill said.

Both Sarah and Becca frowned at that.

"She was hurt… back when we were at Howes." Sarah muttered.

"Howes?" Gill asked.

"Yeah… It wasn't as nice a place before as it was when you were there." Becca said.

"Wh-What happened to her? Where you guys were at Howes?" Gill asked.

Sarah and Becca exchanged looks.

Becca sighed, "I don't think you want to know that, Gill."

"I do." Gill said.

"Maybe... we shouldn't say..." Sarah frowned.

"Please... I want to know... so... so I can understand why she's so sad... I want to help her." Gill said.

Hesitantly Sarah spoke, "She... was hurt... by a lot of men..."

"Hurt how?" Gill asked.

"Just..." Becca trailed off, not knowing what to say.

"Hurt in a way no one should ever be hurt..." Sarah frowned.


The next time Clementine and Gill hung out things felt awkward to both of them. Gill was nice to her as usually, but he seemed to be constant reassuring her that she could trust him. It made her feel so weird.

"What's going on, Gill. You're acting strange..." Clementine said.

"I just want you to know that you're safe with me… I would never do anything to hurt you…" Gill said.

"What? Where is this coming from…?" Clementine replied.

"I heard a... lot of guys hurt you..." Gill replied.

Clementine furrowed her brows, feeling anger building inside her. "Who told you that...?"

"...I asked Sarah and Becca what happened?" Gill asked.

Clementine shook her head and frowned, "Why would you do that...?"

"I was worried about you... and... Because I stayed at Howe's before and... it was... okay there... I didn't think anything could make it...bad. There weren't any bad people there when we showed up." Gill said.

"So you're calling me a liar?" Clementine asked.

"No..."

"It sounds like it." Clementine huffed. "What gave you the right to ask Sarah and Becca anyway? I told you I didn't want to talk about it and that should've been that."

"I... was just... curious..." Gill stammered.

"Curious..." Clementine shot him a look. "I asked you to drop it, Gill. You kept saying we were friends and that I could trust you. But this just proved to me that I can't."

"I'm sorry…"

"Sure you are…" The girl huffed. Clementine began to climb her way down from broken plane.

Gill called after her but was ignored. The boy frowned, realizing he had really messed up.


"You're back early." Molly said as she noticed Clementine enter the house.

"I guess…" Clementine shrugged. "I don't want to hang out with Gill anymore."

"What? Why not?" Molly was surprised by this.

"I just don't want to." Clementine said.

"Well there has to be a reason." Molly said, kneeling to her level, "Did something happen?"

"I don't want to hang out with him anymore… because he hurt my feelings." Clementine said.

"How did you hurt your feelings?" Molly asked.

"He just did. Does it really matter how?" Clementine said.

"It matters to me. I want to know what happened." Molly said.

The child was quiet for a few seconds then inquired "Why did you tell him I was hurt? Why did you tell him what happened?!"

"What are you talking about, Clem?"

"Gill told me what you said! You told him to be patient with me, that I was hurt! I didn't want him to know that! I don't want anyone to know!" The child suddenly snapped.

"Clem, there's nothing wrong with people knowing…" Molly said.

"I don't want anyone to know, they'll look at me different! Now he'll know I'm a whore!" Clementine said.

"You're not a whore, Clem."

"Yes, I AM!" Clementine yelled. "I didn't want to talk about what happened and I don't want you to talk about it either!"

"We have to talk about it at some point, you know that."

"I never want to talk about it! So just stop!" Clementine turned and ran towards her room.

"Clementine—"

The woman couldn't get another word out as the child stormed off.


It was two days later when Tripp knocked at the door. Molly answered and Tripp told her, "Ava's back. I'm gonna let the others know and then we can meet up at Conrad's place for another meeting."

"Alright, sounds good." Molly said.

When Tripp walked off Molly and Clementine began getting ready. As they were doing so, there was another knock at the door.

Molly checked the door and was surprised to see Gill. "Hey, kid…"

"Hi…" Gill said. "Is Clementine home?"

"Yeah she is… I'll go get her…" Molly said.

Molly went to go tell the young girl she had a guest. The girl rose a brow but went to see who it was. She huffed when she saw it was Gill.

"What do you want?" Clementine asked.

"I want to talk." Gill said.

"There's nothing to talk about." Clementine said.

"I wasn't trying to upset you, Clem."

"But you did. I don't want to talk to you right now." Gill said.

"I just... I thought we were friends."

"I thought so too. But friends don't dig into each other's past like that. Just go home Gill. I don't want to talk to you." Clementine said.

Gill frowned at that, feeling hurt.

Clementine didn't cave, the girl simply shut the door and turned away.

"That was pretty harsh, don't you think?" Molly asked, having overheard.

"I don't care…" Clementine said. "I told you, he hurt my feelings…"

"He came to apologize, which means he wasn't trying to upset you." Molly said.

"I know. He said that himself. But it doesn't make me feel any better." Clementine said.

Molly sighed. "Are you coming to today's meeting?"

"Of course. Why wouldn't I?" Clementine replied.

"Because you're upset..." Molly pointed out.

"The meeting's more important than my feelings." Clementine said.

"Your feelings are important too, Clem." Molly said.

"No they're not." Clementine shook her head.

"They are kid." Molly said.

"Well they shouldn't be." Clementine replied. "Come on, let's get to the meeting."

Molly sighed; she wished her girl wasn't so hard on herself.


"It's weird as fuck having kids in my bar." Conrad muttered.

Becca had insisted that she and Sarah be able to listen in, since Clementine always did so. This meant Sarita didn't have the help looking after the toddlers so the two were also present, though AJ was asleep, and Genevieve was playing with a few toys while in Omid's lap.

"Quit complaining, man. They won't be here long." Omid said.

"I'm just saying..." Conrad said.

"Take a look…" Ava showed them a map. "This should be where Richmond is... Apparently the place isn't too friendly when it comes to newcomers.

"Which means they're not gonna be too open to becoming partners with that group of yours." Kenny pointed out.

"Not at all. But that also means Lilly's not going to be too happy." Ava said.

"Is she ever happy. She's a miserable person if you ask me..." Kenny said.

"She wasn't always like that... Not until... after what happened with Larry." Clementine mumbled.

"Who's Larry?" Shel asked.

"Her dad..." Clementine said with a frown.

Kenny sighed, "I... I had to do it, Clem. You know that."

"...Maybe..." Clementine shrugged.

"Do what?" Vince asked.

Neither Kenny nor Clementine responded.

"Okay then..." Ava muttered then looked to Molly. "When you scope the place out, I suggest you do it from afar. Those people will shoot on sight."

"Got it." Molly said.

"So we scope this place out then what?" Tripp asked.

"We'll have someone talk to them... see if they'll be willing to help us fight." Ava said.

"To defend their homes, I'm sure they will." Eleanor said.

"Agreed." Ava said. "Some people in my group have agreed to go along with Lilly's orders, and then on the day she plans to attack Richmond, we'll turn on her. If we fight together... we should be able to win this."

"I really hope you're right." Molly said.

Everyone else agreed.

As the meeting finished and the others split ways. Before Ava could leave Clementine stopped her. "Did you get them?"

"Oh, right. I almost forgot." Ava dug into her bag and pulled out a large pack of batteries. "Here you go, kid."

Clementine beamed a bit, accepting the batteries. "Thanks."

"Hope this helps reestablish some of that trust." Ava said.

"Not completely. But it's a start." Clementine said.

"That's good enough for me." Ava said. "See you around, kiddo."

Clementine nodded.

"Hold on, Clem." Molly said. "I'll go with you..."

"You sure?" Clementine asked.

"Yeah. I'm not letting you talk to that asshole alone. And after this, I want you to stay away from him. Got it." Molly said.

Clementine nodded. "Got it..."

"Good. Come on..." Molly said.


"Molly? I thought you told me stay away from her. Yet here you are, bringing her to me." Eli said as they entered the back room.

"I brought the batteries." Clementine spoke before Molly could.

"What?" Eli rose a brow.

Clementine responded by placing the batteries on the table.

"Damn, you really did deliver! Where the hell did you get all those?" Eli asked.

"It doesn't matter. I fulfilled my end of the deal. Now I expect you to do the same." Clementine said.

"What if that's not enough?" Eli replied.

"What?" Clementine asked.

"What if I want something else?" Eli asked.

"That's not fair!" Clementine snapped.

"No, it's not. You'll give her what you promised. Now..." Molly ordered.

"Or what?" Eli asked.

"You don't want to find out." Molly said.

Eli sighed, but nodded. "...Fine... You need to calm it down sometimes. You can be pretty scary."

"Only when I have to be."

Eli didn't say anything as he went to grab the gun and the bullets giving them to the child. "Happy?"

"Good…" Molly said. "Now... stay away from my girl."

Eli huffed as they walked out, calling to the girl, "Don't shoot your eye out, kid!"

Molly just urged the girl forward.

As they stepped outside Molly noticed the look of relief on Clementine's face. "You good, kiddo?"

"Yeah. I'm glad that went better than I thought." Clementine said. "I thought he was gonna fuck us."

"What?"

"When we made the deal, I thought he would want to fuck us…As a trade... I didn't want to, but I thought he would make us." The girl was so nonchalant with how she spoke, Molly felt sick.

"Clem, I would never let another person do that to you... And I don't want you ever to think about having sex for a trade." Molly said.

"I've already been fucked before. I'm just preparing myself for when someone else wants to force me to do it again... I know not all men are naughty, but there are naughty guys out there..." Clementine said.

"That's not gonna happen Clem."

Clementine just didn't respond.

That was the final straw for Molly. She needed to figure out a way to get her girl to talk about what happened. Or the child was never going to heal.


The next day Molly asked Sarah and Becca to take Clementine to play, despite Clementine protesting that she didn't want to hang out with them. She was still upset about what they had told Gill.

Still they managed to convince the child to come with them while the adults talked.

"Clem's not doing so well." Molly said.

Everyone straightened up at that. Concern filled everyone's features.

"What's wrong with her?" Shel asked.

"Is she hurt?" Christa questioned.

"She's having a hard time coping with what she's been through." Molly said.

"Which part?" Christa huffed. "The rape? Or the branding? Or is it the forced abortion? I'm guessing all three?"

"Christa, stop." Omid said.

"I'm just concerned about her." Christa said.

"We all are Christa. But that was uncalled for." Shel said.

"No, it's not. She's been through hell—"

"Now's not the time to take potshots at each other. We need to pull together if we're gonna help Clem, not pull apart." Vince said. "What happened the other day with the arguing… It can't happen again. Not in front of any of the kids, and especially not in front of Clementine."

"Maybe we need to... do something like an intervention…" Shel said.

"Intervention? For a kid...?" Kenny asked.

"Well... more like a group therapy session... To get her to talk. But...with women only. No men..." Shel said.

"Hold on? Why no men? You know we care about Clem as much as you do!" Kenny exclaimed.

"Because it needs to be all women having you there telling her how to feel as a man is not going to help her, she doesn't need to hear a man tell her not to be scared of other men…" Shel said. "I know you care about her… But she's been through a lot… Please just trust me on this…"

"Fine…" Kenny sighed.

"Are you sure this will work?" Molly said.

"I hope so... we just need her to talk... If she does, she'll finally be able to start the slow steps towards healing." Shel said.


When Clementine entered the living area to her and Molly's home the next morning the child was surprised to see Molly, Christa, Sarita, and Shel all there.

"Hey, Clem. Glad you're awake…" Molly said.

"What's going on?" The girl asked.

"We just want to talk to you…" Molly said.

"What do you want to talk about?" Clementine asked.

"About what happened to you…" Christa said.

The child's heart dropped. "Well I don't want to talk about that…"

"We know you don't but it's important. We have to talk about it, Clem." Molly said.

Clementine shook her head. "I don't have to do anything. I'm going back to sleep…"

"Clem… You can't… We need you to sit down and talk to us." Molly told the girl.

"I said I don't want to talk." Clementine argued.

"Okay… you don't have to talk, but can you sit down and listen?" Shel asked.

Clementine shook her head. "I don't want to… Wh-Why are you doing this?

"We just want to help you…" Sarita said.

"You're not helping me… If you wanted to help me you should have helped me a long time ago!" Clementine snapped.

"See… this is why we need to talk… You're angry… And you're sad." Christa said.

"Of course I am… No-Nobody cares about me! Nobody cares!" Clementine exclaimed, tears threatening to fall.

"We do care, Clem. That's why we're here…" Sarita said.

"No, you don't. Just leave me alone! I don't want to talk…" Clementine said.

Shel frowned at this. She knew the girl was hurting and she felt horrible for the poor child. The woman stood and pulled the girl into a hug. Clementine tensed for a bit and tried to break free.

"L-Let go…" The child whimpered.

"It's going to be okay, sweetie…" Shel reassured her.

That was all it took to get the waterworks flowing. The child broke down in her arms, sobbing like she hadn't in years.

"It's okay… it's going to be okay…" Shel shushed her.

"Nothing's okay…" The small girl whimpered out.

"Everything is going to be okay…" Shel gently led the girl to the table to sit down, keeping her wrapped in her arms, so that the child was practically in her lap. "We know you're hurting, Clem… And it's okay to feel everything you're feeling…"

"But you don't have to hold it in… We want you to talk to us." Christa spoke. "We're all here for you and you can talk to us about anything…"

"I-I don't want to talk…" The child got out through her sobs.

"We know you don't, but you'll feel so much better when you do…" Shel said.

"You have to talk about this, sweetie…" Sarita said. "We just want to help you…"

"I- I can't…" Clementine said.

"You can, Clem… And once you do… you'll feel so much better…" Molly said.

"You're not alone, Clem. You have all this support in this room… And you can tell us anything." Shel said. "This is a safe space…"

"We're all here to help you." Molly said. "No matter what happens we're here to protect you and make you feel safe."

"And loved. We love you, Clem…" Christa said.

The child cried a bit harder; they were calm and patient with her. After several minutes of tears the girl finally calmed a bit.

"Wh-Why did it happen to me? Why did all the bad stuff happen?" Clementine cried.

"None of it should have happened, Clem…

"What happened to you never should have happened. The people who hurt you were sick and disgusting… And yes there are some horrible people in this world, but not everyone is that way." Molly said. "You can trust us and talk to us, Clem…"

"…Okay…." The girl said in such a quiet voice they almost didn't hear her.

"Okay?" Christa asked.

"O-Okay…" The little girl repeated, sniffling a bit.

Slowly but surely the small girl began to open up more. She talked and she cried.

They would comfort her as she sobbed. They were patient when she spoke, they made sure not to push her.

They were just glad she was finally talking about what she had been through. She talked about the abuse… about how she hated the arguing, about have she felt regarding the abortion… She just spilled out her heart and soul and they allowed her to do so. Assuring the poor girl that things would get better.

This was a sign that despite all that the child had been through, she was going to be okay…


Clementine had been quiet after their little intervention. The child was keeping to herself, however hesitantly she approached Molly. "Molly, I'm sorry..."

"For what, kiddo?" Molly asked.

"For being mean..." Clementine muttered, looking guilt-ridden.

"You weren't mean, kid..." Molly said.

"I was... I know I was..." Clementine said.

"Well, you had a lot going on. It's okay, Clem." Molly said.

"...Are you mad at me?"

"Of course not. I'd never be mad at you." Molly said. "I understand how you feel. And I don't ever want you to be scared to talk to me... I promise you, I won't get mad at whatever you tell me."

"Thank you..." Clementine said. "Umm...Can you come with me somewhere?"

"Of course, kid. Where?" Molly asked.

"I want to... apologize to Gill."


When they got to Gill's house and knocked at the door, they were greeted by Randy. "Hey... I take it you're here to see my boy?"

"Yes..." Clementine confirmed.

"I heard you two weren't getting along." Randy said.

"We weren't. But I really need to talk to him if that's okay, please?"

Randy nodded and hesitantly allowed them inside. "He's in his room."

Clementine nodded and headed to find the boy.

When she knocked on the door the boy opened it and look shocked to see her. "Hey,"

"Hey…" Gill greeted back.

"…Can we talk?" Clementine asked.

"Sure… if you want to…" Gill said.

"About before… I just wanted to say I'm sorry…" Clementine muttered.

Gill straightened up and asked, "Sorry for what?"

"…For being mean. I shouldn't have reacted the way I did." Clementine said.

Gill disagreed with that. "No… you had every right to act like that… I shouldn't have have dug into your past. You told me to let it be and I should have listened… I'm sorry…"

"It's okay…" Clementine said. "I'm not mad."

"Good."

"And… I did talk about what happened… I guess it did make me feel better…" Clementine told him.

"That's good…" Gill said.

"Yeah… I decided… That if you still want to know… I'll tell you why it's hard for me to trust people…" Clementine said.

"Only if you're comfortable with telling me…" Gill replied.

Clementine nodded. "Back when we were at Howes… There was this man named Carver… He… He did h-horrible things to me and… and he let a bunch of other people do it too… a bunch of other men."

Gill frowned at that.

"They took my clothes… and wouldn't give them back… and… they… they…" The child was unable to continue, and Gill noticed the tears in her eyes.

"It's okay… You don't have to say anything else… I'm sorry, Clem…" Gill said.

"I… I am too… I wish it never happened…" Clementine sniffled.

"I know… You don't deserve to be hurt…" Gill said.

Clementine didn't respond, she just whimpered a bit, and wiped away tears.

"I hate seeing you sad…" Gill suddenly said.

"Y-You do?"

"Yeah… I like seeing you smile. Whenever you're happy, I'm happy…" Gill said.

Clementine gave a tiny smile. "Thanks for saying that… I… I'm glad you're my friend…"

The girl suddenly hugged him and hesitantly Gill hug back. "I'm glad too, Clem."


"Alright, wish me luck… Tomorrow, I go scope this place out…" Molly said.

"Just be careful. I really hope they don't put a bullet in your head…" Christa said.

"Well that's reassuring Christa." Molly groaned.

"I'm just saying. Ava said they're not the most welcoming group." Christa replied.

"I've dealt with hostile groups before. I think I can handle it." Molly said.

"Well the horses are ready when you are." Tripp said.

"You're not going alone right?" Eleanor asked.

"No, I'm not…" Christa said.

"I can go," Kenny spoke up. "I have a few words I want to say to Lilly anyway."

"Kenny, I don't think that's a good idea." Clementine said.

"Why not?" Kenny asked.

"I just don't think you should go…" Clementine asked.

"I'm good anyway. I already have someone to watch my back." Molly said.

"Oh yeah? And who is that?" Kenny asked.

"Clementine." Molly said.

The others started to protest.

"What she's a damn kid!" Conrad said.

"Exactly, there's fully capable adults here. You can take anyone of them." Christa said.

"Yeah. And any one of them could also mess everything up… I'd rather stick with my regular partner in crime." Molly said.

Clementine smiled at that.

"That's crazy talk. Clem can stay here. Sarita can looked after her and I'll go." Kenny said.

"Kenny, no… I don't want you to go…" Clementine said.

"Well I don't want you to go either, kid." Kenny replied.

"But I can handle it." Clementine replied.

"And you don't think I can?" Kenny asked.

"It's not that… It's just…" Clementine trailed off.

"Just what?" Kenny urged her to go on.

"I just don't think it's a good idea… Not if Lilly is around…" Clementine said.

"I'm not scared of Lilly. I got a few things to say to that crazy bitch anyway." Kenny said.

"Well I'm sure she doesn't want to see you. If she does… She'll shoot you on the spot…" Clementine said.

"That's not going to happen…" Kenny argued.

"I don't want you to see her. She'll kill you." Clementine frowned.

"She's not going to kill anyone." Kenny said.

"She'll definitely try, if she sees you." Clementine retorted.

"I doubt that's going to happen." Kenny said.

"You killed her dad with a salt lick, Kenny! There's no getting over that!" Clementine suddenly blurted out.

Everybody was shocked to hear that. And sent looks to the man.

"I… I had to… He was gonna turn…" Kenny stammered, lowering his head.

"Maybe the kid's right… I don't think you should go…" Tripp said.

"Right… So, like I said before I'd rather stick with my partner in crime…" Molly said. "I can count on her to watch my back…"

Nobody protested any further.


"I think that's it…" Molly said as she noticed a town up ahead, "You stay close to me, okay?"

Clementine nodded. "Okay."

"Good." Molly said.

As they proceeded forward, they noticed signs reading, "no trespassing", "keep out", and "turn back"

"I don't think things would go well, if we knocked on their doors, well gates." Molly sighed.

"Neither do I…" Clementine said.

"Let's just get a good view of this place… And then we'll head back." Molly said.

Clementine nodded.

The town was heavily fortified, and they could see many people patrolling.

"It seems heavily guarded. I don't think Lilly would be able to take this place out easily." Molly said.

"I don't think so either…" Clementine said.

"Just stay low and keep an eye out all right…" Molly said.

"Okay…"

The two continue to look around and scope the place out.

"Are you sure we shouldn't try talking to them?" Clementine asked quietly.

"And take the risk of getting shot? Not today." Molly said.

"Okay then…"

"Come on. We'll head back talk to the others and see what our next step is…" Molly said.

"Sounds good to me." Clementine said.

The two headed back to their horse, Molly helping Clementine onto the animal before climbing on herself.

Several minutes passed with them riding in silence. As they were getting closer to Prescott; however, they froze as they noticed a truck driving along the road. Molly pulled urged the horse to stop, as she squinted to see the truck.

As the vehicle moved closer, they realized that truck had a familiar symbol. A symbol that match the ones branded to their skin.

That truck belonged to The New Frontier…