Thanks to gaara king of the sand for the help.
And thanks to everyone for reading and reviewing!
"Shit!" Molly huffed. "We have to stop that truck."
"What? How?" Clementine asked.
"I'll figure it out," Molly said.
"But it's The New Frontier." Clementine replied.
"Exactly why we have to stop it." Molly said. "Stay with the horse."
"What?"
"Stay with the horse, kid." Molly repeated.
"What are you gonna do?" Clementine asked.
"Just stay here!" Molly rushed towards a nearby tree and used Hilda to help her climb upwards. The woman then began to use her ice pick to cut against a large weakened branch, causing it to fall just before the truck could pass by.
The windshield of the truck crashed inward, and the vehicle skid out of control. The truck swerved until it eventually crashed into a ditch. Slowly both of the passengers get out of the truck.
The man who Molly notices as Rufus begins to run off.
"Shit!" Molly begins to climb down from the tree.
"Hey!" The other man called, pointing a gun at Rufus. Rufus stops running and raises his hands.
The man however lowers the gun. Rufus notices this and turns to run only to suddenly be shot in the back off his leg by Molly.
The other man, who Molly assumed had been taken hostage upon seeing his hands binded, flinched in surprise and whipped around to the blonde who rushed over to Rufus and grabbed him.
"Fuck- M-Molly?" Rufus stammered.
"Yeah. Surprised to see me?" Molly huffed. "I'm gonna ask you a few questions. And you're going to answer me honestly."
"Wh-What makes you think I'll do that?" Rufus asked.
"Unless you want a bullet in your head, you'll start talking." Molly pinned him to the ground and aimed her gun at him.
He gulped. "D-Don't shoot… I- I have a daughter…"
"I know you do…" Molly said.
"She was friends with your girl…" Rufus said.
"I know, that's the only reason I'm not pulling the trigger." Molly said. "But if you don't answer me honestly, I might reconsider."
"Wh-What do you want to know?" Rufus asked.
"Where are you coming from? Where is this group of yours staying?" Molly questioned.
"Why-?" Rufus stopped as Molly pressed the gun against his head. "O-Okay, okay! We have a few camps, in multiple different spots."
"Where's the main camp?" Molly asked.
"Th-There is no main camp…" Rufus said.
"Bullshit." Molly said.
"N-No. I'm being honest… We've taken over a few different camps. Lilly's stationed people from her original group at all of them." Rufus said.
The woman huffed at that.
"I-I've told you what you wanted to hear, now let me go!" The man attempted to struggle away, but Molly pressed her gun harder to his head.
"I'm not done talking to you! What's your next target, Rufus? What's the next spot you people plan to destroy?" Molly asked.
"Not destroy… Take over." Rufus corrected.
"Where is it—"
"Hold on…! What are you doing?" The man who was behind her asked.
Molly shot the man a look. "Keep out of this!"
"But this is wrong!" The man argued.
"I said stay out—"
Taking the woman's distracted moment, Rufus managed to shove her off of him.
He quickly rushed toward the edge of the small cliff they were on.
"Hey! I said don't move!" Molly snapped, aiming the gun.
Rufus however managed toss himself off the cliff. Molly rushes over and sees him tumbling downward.
"Holy fuck…" The man muttered.
Molly huffs as she sees Rufus stand and start to limp away, probably having injured his leg more from the fall. As the woman peers into the distance she notices a camp not far which she quickly assumes must be part of the New Frontier.
She sighs, knowing it would be a suicide mission to go after him. She has no choice but to let him go.
"Molly!" Clementine quickly ties the horse to a tree before rushing over, aiming her gun at the man's back. "D-Drop the gun, now!"
"Fuck... Yeah, alright..." The man immediately drops the pistol.
"That's good. Just- Just keep looking forward." Clementine ordered.
"Look, I'm no threat to you, okay? I surrender." The man said.
"Well, that's obvious." Clementine walked over and picked up the pistol he had dropped. "Okay. Now, don't do anything stupid. 'Cause I'm not as nice as you…I won't hesitate."
"Clementine, stop." Molly called to the girl.
"But what if—"
"Lower the gun." Molly said.
Clementine frowned but obliged.
"That guy… You knew him?" The man noted.
"Yeah." Molly confirmed.
"But… You shot him…" The man muttered.
"That I did." Molly replied.
"You could've killed him…" The man said.
"He would've killed you." Molly said. "You two didn't seem all that buddy-buddy."
"We weren't…" The man said.
"I could tell. So I don't see what the problem is." Molly shrugged.
"I'm just surprised you shot him in front of your girl, is all." The man replied.
"She's seen worse." Molly said.
Clementine nodded in agreement.
Molly then looked to the child. "Where's the horse?"
"Over there." Clementine pointed to where the horse was grazing on grass.
"I told you stay with the horse." Molly said.
"But- But I wanted to make sure you were okay." Clementine said.
"I'm fine, kid." Molly sighed.
"Kids with guns… fuck…" The man suddenly muttered.
"Never seen a kid with a gun before?" Molly asked.
"That's not it… I've just… never been held at gunpoint by a small child before." The man said.
"I'm not a kid." Clementine said.
"You look like one to me." The man said.
"Well, I didn't ask for your opinion, did I?" Clementine huffed.
"Knock it off, Clem." Molly said.
"…He started it…" The child pouted.
Molly walks off to inspect the truck, Clementine and the man follow her.
"Whoa, wait. Did you do that? With the tree?" The man asked.
"I was trying to stop the truck." Molly said.
"Yeah, you stopped it, alright. You almost killed me in the process." The man said.
"The branch fell slower than I thought it would." Molly replied. "Alright, put your hands up and don't move."
The man does as she says. "Look, I'm the victim here."
Clementine crosses her arms as Molly searches his backpack. "We're all victims." Clementine said.
"Oh, so it's okay for you two to rob me?" The man asked.
"I'm not robbing you." Molly said.
"What- What are you doing then?" The man asked.
"Making sure you don't got any weapons on you. I don't know if you're a psychopath murderer. And before I let you go; I'd rather be sure you're not gonna shoot me in the back." Molly said.
"The asshole you shot, already stripped my weapons clean." The man said.
"Good, makes my job easier then. Besides, I know there are more places to hide a weapon than just pockets or bags." Molly said. "Alright…Close your eyes and count to a hundred before you go."
The man frowned, "Wait, just-my family. I need to get back to them. We were attacked and I don't... Look, I just need to know where I am. We were driving down the 522...and that's when we found the junkyard. They're still there. I need to get back to them."
Molly paused then said. "I know where that is…"
"You do? Please… Please tell me how to get there…" The man said. "I need to see my family…"
"That's not really my problem." Molly said. "Come on, Clem."
"Please… I need to get back to them…" The man said. "Wh-What if it was you and your girl… You'd want to get back to her…"
Molly sighed at that. "I'll take you to the junkyard. But we gotta check in with our people first."
"Okay… That's fine with me…" The man said. "Thank you so much."
"Right. Come on. That gunshot is gonna draw geeks. We should get moving…" Molly said.
"Hold on. How am I gonna keep up with your horse?" The man asked.
Molly sighed, "I'll walk."
"What?" Clementine asked.
"Get on the horse, Clem." Molly said.
"But what about you?" Clementine said.
"Just listen to me, okay." Molly said. "I'm gonna lead the horse. I'll be walking beside it."
The child sighed but did as Molly told her.
"Let's go." Molly said.
The trio started down the road.
"The name's Javier, by the way. People...call me Javi."
"I'm Molly. This Clementine."
"Clementine. Cool name." Javier said.
Clementine shrugged. "If you say so."
"Well, it's nice to meet you two… Thanks for not shooting me..." Javier said.
"Didn't have a choice." Clementine muttered.
"Shush, Clem…" Molly sighed.
"Look… I'd hate to be a bother, but do you think you could untie me?" Javier asked.
"Don't, Molly…" Clementine quickly said.
"Come on, this isn't necessary." Javier argued.
"We don't know you; I don't trust you, and I don't want to take any chances. It's safer if you're tied up." Clementine said.
"Look, I get it. You're being cautious." Javier said. "But I assure you, I'm not going to do anything."
Clementine didn't reply.
A geek approaches but Molly uses Hilda to easily kill it.
Javier is impressed. "You're good at that."
"Thanks." Molly said.
"…Okay, I understand that you two want to be cautious. But how 'bout you tell the kid to give me that gun back so I can at least defend myself?" Javier suggested.
Clementine shook her head. "For all I know, you'd turn around and use it on one of us."
"Look, I'm not gonna shoot you." Javier said.
"Seeing how you let that guy go, maybe not." Molly said.
As they continued onward, they see wandering group of walkers nearby.
"Muertos...the herd caught up with us." Javier huffed.
They manage sneak past the walkers without being seen. Molly doing her best to keep the horse calm as it whines a bit.
"Muertos...?" Clementine asked.
"What do you call 'em?" Javier questioned.
"Geeks." Clementine asked.
"Geeks?" Javier rose a brow.
"Like the guys at the carnival, they eat everything..." Molly said.
"That's actually pretty clever." Javier commented.
"Thanks." Molly smirked.
The three soon entered the forest as they continued walking.
"So who's at this junkyard?" Molly asked.
"My brother's kids...and his wife." Javier said.
"It's impressive...surviving this long. Not sure how you did it. Just...keeping everyone together like that." Clementine said.
"Well, I didn't do it alone. My, uh...uh...Kate helped. She did...most of the work, actually." Javier said. "How 'bout you two? How long have you been together?"
"Since I was nine…" Clementine said.
"Nine, geez… You must have been pretty young when this shit started. How old are you?" Javier asked.
"I'm twelve… And I was eight when this started." Clementine said.
"Twelve… Uh, you don't look it…" Javier said.
"Oh?" Clementine asked.
"You look around my niece's age… She'll be ten soon…" Javier said.
Clementine frowned looking a bit offended.
"But you definitely act mature for your age." Javier said, noticing her frown. "So… how long have you two been at this town or yours?"
"For a few weeks." Molly said. "We don't usually stick with groups."
"Molly's been looking out for me mostly alone… But other people looked after me too… A long time ago." Clementine explained.
"What happened to them?" Javier asked.
Clementine frowned. "Same thing that happens to everyone."
They see the herd of walkers again.
"Shit..." Javier swore.
"We can't stay here. Our town's up ahead. We can stay there until the herd passes." Molly said.
"Yeah… Otherwise we're geek food…" Clementine said.
"We can't make a detour; I need to get to my family!" Javier said.
"I understand that, but right now, you have to trust me." Molly said. "We're not gonna make it far with the geeks out here like this…"
"Oh, you mean the way you trust me?" Javier motioned to the bindings still holding his wrist.
Molly sighed. "Don't make me regret this."
"Wait, Molly… Are you sure you should untie him? W-What if he does something naughty?" Clementine said.
"It'll be fine, Clem." Molly said.
"But…" The child trailed off, frowning.
"Naughty…?" Javier repeated.
"Don't ask." Molly said, she slowly cut his bindings. "We gotta run. Come on!"
They run through the forest and eventually the gates of Prescott come into view, however the dead have swarmed the area.
"There! Get to the gate!" Molly ordered.
Molly and Javier run to the gate as the horse carries Clementine along.
"Just keep going! They'll open up!" Molly calls, shooting at any geek that gets too close.
Javier dodges a nearby geek. Swearing in surprise. They rush forward but the gates close just as they're about to reach them.
"Open up!" Molly called.
Tripp fires at the approaching walkers from the look out. "I can't open the gate 'til you clear them out! Can't risk it!"
Javier and Molly fire at the walkers. Clementine attempts to shoot her pistol, but it malfunctions.
A walker attacks the horse she is on and the child and the horse are quickly surrounded by geeks. "Molly!"
The geeks pull the horse causing it to to fall over and pulling Clementine down with them. The child gasps and struggles to her feet as the geeks began to devour the horse.
"Clem!" Molly quickly rushes to help the small girl, killing the geeks and taking the child's arm. "You okay?"
"Y-Yeah…" Clementine frowns as she notices the horse dying. She can't help but blame herself.
Molly tugs her forward. "We gotta move, come on." Molly hits against the gate as they reach it.
"Hey!" Javier calls.
Before long, Tripp opens the gate. "Get your ass inside! Come on, now!"
Tripp fires at the geeks while they enter the gates. Francine rides through into the town on a horse, making it inside just as Tripp closes the gate.
"God effin' damn it, Francine. One of these days those doors are gonna close and your ass'll be on the other side." Tripp huffed.
"Yeah. And when that day comes, Tripp, I promise...I'll eat you first." Francine said. She frowned to Clementine and Molly. "I saw what happened to… the horse…"
"I- I'm sorry…" Clementine frowned.
"It's okay, sweetie… It wasn't your fault…" Francine said. "I'm just… glad you're okay…"
Clementine just frowned feeling awful about what happened.
"Thanks… She's just a bit shaken up right now…" Molly said.
"I can tell… It'll be okay, Clem…" With that Francine rode away.
"What the hell happened out there?" Tripp asked.
"We'll talk later… Please…" Molly said.
"Fine… The kid ain't bit, is she?" Tripp asked.
"No, she's fine." Molly replied.
"She's covered in blood. She doesn't look fine to me." Tripp said.
"She's not bit…" Molly said. "She's just scared."
"Well, fuck… You know the drill, go to Eleanor and get checked out." Tripp said.
"Alright… Once the geeks pass, I'm taking this guy to a junkyard off the highway." Molly said.
"My family might be trapped there. Hiding from some very bad dudes." Javier added.
"Shit. I am truly sorry to hear that. But Molly, are you sure that's the best idea? With everything going on, we need you here..." Tripp said.
"Hopefully it won't take long." Molly replied.
"Alright…. I guess there's no stopping you…" Tripp sighed. "This herd rolled in pretty quick. We're hoping it's gone just as fast. So... just keep your heads down, and steer clear of trouble, you got me? There's too much going on outside the walls tonight."
"I'll be cool, I promise." Javier said.
"Alright... I'm gonna hold you to that. And I wouldn't recommend changing your mind. If you wanna hang on to all your teeth, that is. Now head on in, I got shit to do. We'll talk later, Molly." Tripp said then walks away.
"Well...welcome to Prescott." Molly said. "Come on, Clem…"
They began the walk to see Eleanor.
"It's a pretty cool place, actually. Built from an old airstrip. The people, they're okay for the most part. I'm sure you'll make some friends." Molly said.
"This is just a pitstop, okay? We're gone as soon as there's a window." Javier said. "I don't need to make friends."
"I hope that window comes soon. In the meantime, we need to see Eleanor. Come on." Molly said.
Javier however had paused, watching the inner gates of Prescott close.
"You okay?" Molly asked.
"My family... They're still out there..." Javier said.
"If you guys made it this long, I'm sure, you know...they'll know what to do." Molly said.
Javier sighed, "Hopefully."
"Let's go. We gotta get checked for bites." Molly said.
"I'm not bitten." Javier said.
"It's protocol." Molly said, the woman suddenly felt Clementine take her hand and looked to her. "You okay, Clem?"
Clementine just frowned.
"What's wrong?" Molly asked.
"I… The bullets… The bullets Eli gave me didn't work. I want to talk to him." Clementine said. "He ripped me off."
"We'll talk to him…. But we gotta get checked first." Molly said.
"Okay…" Clementine said.
"Here we are." Molly said as they came to the infirmary.
"You're back… How did things go?" Eleanor asked.
"Okay, for the most part." Molly said. "We brought a guest."
"I see that." Eleanor looked to Javier and said, "Hi there, I'm Eleanor."
"Nice to meet you, I'm Javier, you can call me Javi."
"Nice to meet you too, Javi." Eleanor said.
"The pleasure is all mine." Javier smiled.
"Alright, I'll check you three for bites and then I'll send you on your way." Eleanor said. "Do you plan to stay here?"
Javier shook his head. "We're just waiting out the herd, then Molly's gonna help me find my family. We were attacked earlier this evening."
Eleanor frowned at that. "Aw, shit, I'm sorry. For a family to make it this far... Not everybody gets that."
"I'm the one who's lucky. I'm not sure I'd have made it this long without the three of them." Javier said.
"Hang in there. You're gonna find them." Eleanor said.
"I really hope so." Javier said.
Eleanor proceeded to check them over, one by one. Once she was done Javier thanked her than turned to Molly, "What now?"
"Clem and I have to see someone…" Molly said. "About some bullets."
Javier nodded and followed them. However, his face fell when they arrived at Conrad's bar. "You're really bringing the kid into this place?"
"I've been here before." Clementine said.
"Doesn't make it okay…" Javier sighed.
"I'll worry about her. You focus on yourself." Molly said.
"Alright then…" Javier muttered.
They entered the bar and Javier looked around.
"Jeez. I haven't been in a place like this since…well, you know. It's just like the old days." Javier commented.
"Yeah, it really is… Look, we gotta take care of something. Hang tight." Molly said.
"Wait, wait... What should I do?" Javier asked.
"I don't know, why don't you...make some friends?" Clementine spoke up.
"You heard the kid, try to make some friends." Molly said before she and Clementine headed to the back room.
Javier sighed and decided to talk to some of the folks in the bar.
As Molly and Clementine got to the back room, they noticed Eli mumbling something to himself, clearing drunk. "Molly, you just can't make up your mind, can you? You tell me to keep away from her, but you keep bringing her to me."
"Those bullets you gave me, they don't work!" Clementine said.
"Oh…" Eli shrugged.
"You don't care?" Clementine inquired.
"Should I?" Eli asked back.
"I think you should. You ripped my girl off, and you're going to give her what you promised." Molly said.
"Sure I am." Eli said sarcastically with a chuckle.
"I'm not fucking around here," Molly said.
"I don't owe her shit." Eli said.
"You do!" Clementine snapped. "I want the bullets you promised me! Working bullets!"
"I already gave you bullets. The deal is done." Eli said.
"The bullets don't work! I want working bullets!" Clementine snapped.
"Can't always get what you want, kid. Didn't your folks ever teach you that." Eli huffed going to take another swing of alcohol.
"Don't turn away from me. I'm talking to you!" Clementine exclaimed.
Javier hears her yelling from the other room, and soon walks in to see what is going on.
"Hey, what's the point in talking when I already told you, a deal is a deal. And it's done." Eli said.
"What's going on?" Javier asked.
"This guy ripped me off. I traded him a shitload of perfectly good batteries. And he gave me a box of bullets that won't fire! He could've gotten me killed!" Clementine said.
"Oh, yeah? And who the fuck are you? Her bodyguard or something? 'Cause I don't scare easy, alright?" Eli said. "Molly tries that enough. And I don't respond to threats, neither."
"No, I'm not her bodyguard, but I see you picking on a child and it's not right." Javier said.
"Exactly, you're gonna fix this now. Give my girl the bullets you promised her." Molly said.
"Why should I? I already kept did my part. She can't even prove those are the bullets I traded her." Eli said.
Clementine glares at him, and suddenly draws her pistol.
Javier's eyes widened. "Whoa, hey, Clementine. Come on."
"He knows the bullets don't work. Listen to him. He's not even nervous." She pulls trigger. "I could have died because of his bullets."
Molly grabs at the child's arm, quickly redirecting it. "You can't aim a gun at someone like that!"
"It doesn't even work." Clementine argued.
"They might be blanks but one of them might be real bullet." Molly said. "I'm mad too. But we don't need to get ourselves into trouble because you're upset."
"Un-fuckin'-believable." Eli draws a knife and stands, ready to stab the child.
Javier quickly moved in front of them noticing the man is about to attack the small girl as he blocks Eli, the knife cuts his face. Javier grabs Eli's arm, knees him in the stomach, and pushes him back into his chair.
"What the hell is your problem?" Molly snapped.
"Hey, listen... Let's all cool down, huh? You were acting crazy... I was, too. We just...got a little outta hand, that's all." Eli said.
"Just give me what I'm owed!" Clementine snapped.
"Jesus... Get your damn kid under control, Molly! This ain't no way to do business." Eli said.
"We had a deal!" Clementine exclaimed.
"Alright-hey-okay-alright, so, hey, we'll trade back. I'll give you back the batteries." Eli said.
"I don't need batteries. what I need are bullets that won't get me killed!" Clementine snapped.
"You're going to give her the bullets now. Or you and I are going to have a big problem." Molly said. "You got your batteries now give her what she's owed."
"I owe her nothing!" Eli said.
"NOW!" Molly ordered.
Eli huffed and reached into his desk draw pulling out some bullets he tossed them to the child. "Now, piss off."
Drawn by the noise Tripp and Conrad soon entered the back room.
"What in the hell is going on here?" Tripp inquired.
"Just look at my eye, man. He attacked me." Javier said.
"The guy's a damn con-artist Tripp, he tried to rip my girl off." Molly said.
"Fuck. Alright, Eli, I'm putting you under key and lock for a few nights." Tripp said.
"What? For what?!" Eli asked.
"For being a grade-A certified dipshit." Tripp replied, he looked to Javier. "Go find Eleanor, she'll fix you up. Tell her Tripp sent you. Molly, you come with me. We need to talk."
Molly sighed but looked to Clementine, "Clem, take him to Eleanor, alright."
"B-But what if he—"
"He won't do anything to you… You'll be fine…" Molly said. "I'll meet you at the infirmary."
"…Okay…" Clementine said.
Molly, Tripp, and Eli walk away.
Clementine looks to Javier, "Come on…"
"This is fucked up! How come you're not putting Molly and her girl in a cell; they came back there to start some shit with me." Eli complained.
"Enough, just keep walking." Tripp ordered.
"Her girl would've shot me!" Eli said. "That fucking brat should be in a cell! Not me."
"She's a damn kid. I doubt she would've done anything." Tripp said.
"She aimed a gun at my face!" Eli snapped.
"You instigated. You ripped my kid off and thought nothing would happen." Molly said.
"Fuck you…" Eli grumbled.
Molly scoffed at that. "I hope you sleep comfortable tonight."
Eli just shot her a glare, but Tripp shoved him forward.
Eventually they reached the cell while Tripp unlocked. Eli reluctantly stepped inside.
"How long are you leaving me in here?" Eli asked.
"Until I think you've learned your lesson. You wanna act like an asshole, you get treated like one." Tripp said, locking the gate.
Eli huffed at that. "Don't think about coming to me for shit, ever again, Molly."
"You're the one who approached my girl. You keep away from her." Molly replied.
"Enough chatter. This way, Molly." Tripp said. "We need to talk."
Molly obliged, turning away from Eli and following Tripp.
When Clementine and Javier return to the infirmary they see Eleanor is helping out another patient.
"Here you go. Try and get some rest, okay?" Eleanor said, handing her something.
"Thanks, Eleanor." The woman says then walks away.
Eleanor notices Javier and Clementine. "Back so soon?"
"Eli attacked him." Clementine said.
"Gosh… Let me see…" Eleanor checked his face. "That looks like a nasty cut. That must've hurt."
"I've had a lot worse, believe me." Javier said.
"Have a seat. I'll take a look." Eleanor said.
Javier sits down on the bench. Eleanor inspects his wound.
"A little lower and you might've lost an eye. And that is not something you want to mess around with." Eleanor grabbed some supplies from a medical kit.
"Well, uh, y'know, thanks for doing this. I appreciate it." Javier said.
"I wasn't getting any rest tonight, anyway. Might as well keep busy. But I appreciate the "thank you"." Eleanor said.
Clementine takes a seat and waits, hoping Molly will come back soon.
Eleanor cleans the wound and Javier winces a bit. "Why is it always the pretty ones who end up causing the most trouble? As if good looks equal bad behavior or something. I've never understood it."
"I'd be a lot more comfortable with "dashing". Ooh! Or "debonair", maybe." Javier joked.
Clementine rolled her eyes at this.
"I was talking about Eli." Eleanor said.
Javier chuckled. "Oh, right…"
"Eli's naughty." Clementine said. "That's why."
"There's that word again." Javier muttered.
"She says it a lot." Eleanor whispered.
"Why's that?" Javier asked.
"Umm, I'm right here. Don't talk about me like I'm not." Clementine said.
"Sorry, kid." Javier said.
"Sure you are…" Clementine huffed.
"What happened? When you got to Richmond what was it like there?" Tripp asked.
"There defenses are up to par. Huge walls, several people patrolling. But like Ava said they don't seem like the kind of people to accept anyone with open arms." Molly replied.
"Damn," Tripp said. "And this guy, Javier, where did you meet him?"
"We saw one of the New Frontier's trucks on the way back…" Molly said.
"You did? So he's one of them?" Tripp inquired.
"No. The opposite." Molly said. "They had him prisoner. Apparently, they attacked him and his family at the junkyard and took him hostage. We stopped the truck to interrogate the driver, but he got away…"
"So, don't you think he'll go report to his group that he saw you?" Tripp asked.
"That's fine. As long as he doesn't know where I am." Molly said.
Tripp groaned at that. "Until they find out… This is so fucked…"
"It's gonna be fine…" Molly said.
"I hope…" Tripp huffed. "And this guy, did he say why he was attacked?"
"No…"
"Well that's something we should know, don't you think?" Tripp asked.
"I agree with that, Tripp." Molly said.
"Good, then you should also agree that you're taking a big risk going with this guy. How do you know he really got separated from his family?" Tripp asked. "You don't know anything about him."
"He seemed genuinely concerned about his family…" Molly said. "I don't think he's lying."
"Well, even if he's telling the truth, you're taking a big risk."
"I know…" Molly said.
"And you're not taking the kid with you, right? She shouldn't be out there." Tripp said. "You can't put her at risk to try to do some charity work."
"My girl goes where I go. She won't want me to leave her behind…" Molly said.
"But don't you think it's best?" Tripp asked.
"She can handle herself. She'll be fine." Molly replied.
"Fine… I'm just… not feeling comfortable with this… Especially knowing the New Frontier are out there…" Tripp said. "If you two don't come back… We can't send anyone looking for you, we can't take that risk."
"I know… I understand." Molly said.
"So I'm asking you to think about what I'm saying… This is a bad idea, Molly."
"I already promised I'd help him find his family. I won't go back on my word." Molly said. "But I do need something."
"What's that?" Tripp asked.
"I just need a vehicle." Molly said.
"Are you forgetting that one of our horses is dead after earlier? I give you a vehicle, it might explode." Tripp scoffed.
"Tripp, I need this… It'll be faster this way…" Molly said.
Tripp sighed at this. "You're really set on going… You really want to help this guy?"
"Yeah… I do." Molly nodded.
After a moment of silence Tripp spoke, "Fine… I'll drive you myself."
"What?" Molly asked in surprise.
"I'll drive you guys to that junkyard. Make sure everything is okay." Tripp said.
Molly shook her head, "You don't have to do that, Tripp."
"I know… But I will, that way I can make sure my truck doesn't go missing…" Tripp said. "…And that you and Clementine get back in one piece."
"You're a big softie, you know that." Molly said.
"Don't push your luck, Molly." Tripp said. "Come on let's check on Javier and that girl of yours."
It wasn't long before Eleanor had finished cleaning Javier's wound and place a bandage over the cut. "Alright, that should do."
"Thanks again, Eleanor." Javier said.
"You're welcome." Eleanor said.
Javier looked to Clementine who was fidgeting a bit, "Now what?"
"We wait for Molly. She said she'll meet us here." Clementine answered.
"Ah, speak of the devil." Javier said.
"Molly," Clementine went over to her guardian.
"Hey, kid. You okay?" Molly asked.
"Uh-huh. Where's that asshole, Eli…?" Clementine asked.
"Don't worry about him. He's not gonna be bothering you anymore." Molly said.
"Alright, here's how it's gonna go. We'll leave sometime tomorrow, when it's safe. Javier, you can spend the night here in the infirmary. That way I know you're not causing trouble." Tripp said.
"I need to get back on the road ASAP." Javier said.
Eleanor frowned. "Tripp...it doesn't seem right to wait. Javi's people...they could need a medic.
Tripp shook his head. "Nuh-uh, no way. Not putting you in that kind of danger again."
"That's not your call!" Eleanor said.
"We'll leave tomorrow, end of story. I'll drive you to that junkyard and that's that." Tripp said. "Now I suggest you try to get some rest."
Javier sighed as Tripp walked away.
"It's something… He didn't want me going at all." Molly said.
"I guess…" Javier sighed. "I just want to find my family…"
Eleanor frowned. "Look...maybe there's another way. We've got a rear gate, down at the other end of the airfield. We don't use it much, but...well, we could leave tonight."
"How?" Javier asked.
"Slip past the herd, get a jump start on reaching that junkyard. If your family does need help, I'll be right there to give it." Eleanor said.
Molly shook her head. "Seems risky…"
"Yeah… It does…" Javier agreed.
"Well, think about it, Javi. I've gotta check on some patients, but I'll be back in an hour." Eleanor said before walking away.
"Whatever you decide to do, Clementine and I aren't going anyway until tomorrow. We can't take chance with the geeks out there…" Molly said.
"Or with The New Frontier." Clementine added.
"Exactly." Molly nodded.
"Well, I'm sticking with you two." Javier said.
"Good choice…" Molly said. "You should get some rest. We'll head out first thing in the morning."
"Alright…." Javier said.
"Javi… Thanks for having my back at the hangar. That was, um...that was cool of you." Clementine suddenly said.
Javier offered her a smile. "Of course, anytime.
"Thanks. I mean it." Clementine said. "Just...don't think this makes us friends or anything…"
"That's alright… You're welcome kid…" Javier said.
"See you tomorrow…" Clementine said.
"See you." Javier said.
"Goodnight, Javi." Molly said.
"Goodnight." Javier said.
Before heading home, Molly and Clementine made sure to check in with all their group members at their respective homes. Taking time to inform them what happened and let them know they were heading out for yet another time.
Molly saved Christa and Omid's home for last, knowing Christa wouldn't be too thrill about her once again taking Clementine outside those walls.
When she knocked at the door Omid quickly invited them inside.
"We're good, we just wanted to let everyone know we were back." Molly said. "We know it's late…"
"Glad to see it." Christa said. "Are you two okay?"
"We're fine." Molly said. Clementine nodded in agreement.
"Well...Randy and Patricia are aware of our little get togethers. They want in on the next meet." Omid informed them.
"Really?" Molly asked.
"Yeah... Gill showed up at your place looking for Clem. He panicked when he realized that you two were gone. He was worried someone might've hurt Clem. Practically sent his folks on a hunt to find you two. We had to tell them what was what." Omid said.
"Jeez... So next time, tell Gill before you leave." Molly said to Clementine. She couldn't help but think Gill worrying about his little friend was adorable though.
The girl nodded. "Got it. I'll let him know before we go tomorrow."
"Go? Where?" Christa asked.
"We… gotta help someone out." Molly said.
"What?" Christa questioned.
"We're going to help someone find their family." Clementine said.
"So you're taking the kid back out there?" Christa huffed at Molly.
"I asked her if she wanted to come with me." Molly said.
"She's a child and you're once again putting her at risk, Molly. It shouldn't be up to her." Christa said. "My God... when is it gonna stop?"
"She can handle it. I brought her back and she's fine." Molly said.
"Maybe this time... but one day she might not be so lucky." Christa said. "Do what you want. You always seem to do that anyway."
With that Christa turned to go inside. Omid sent them an apologetic look but slowly shut the door, going to talk to Christa.
Molly sighed. "Come on, Clem. Let's go home."
When morning came Molly looked to Clementine who was up and ready to go. "You sure you want to do this, kid?"
"Of course. I want to go with you." Clementine said.
"You know you don't have to." Molly replied.
"I want to." Clementine said. "You're not gonna make me stay here, right?"
"No Clem. That's why I'm asking what you want to do." Molly said.
"I want to go. But I need to talk to Gill first." Clementine said back.
"It's pretty early, kid."
"I know, but I need to talk to him. I don't want to make him worry again." Clementine said. "Please. I need to."
Molly nodded in response. "Alright, Clem."
When they got to Gill's home. Clementine was surprised when Gill opened the door. "Hey, you're here early, is everything okay?"
"Yeah. Did I wake you?" Clementine asked.
"No… I was up. Mom and dad are sleep though. So if you're here to play—"
"No… I'm not here to play… I-I wanted to say sorry for worrying you." Clementine said.
"Huh?"
"The group told me, you thought I'd went missing." Clementine said.
"Oh, yeah… I did…" Gill said. "I didn't know what happened… I wanted to look for you."
"Well, I'm fine… But I wanted to let you know, Molly and I are leaving again." Clementine said.
"What? Where?" Gill frowned.
"We promised to help somebody out. I just wanted to let you know before we left. I don't want you to worry." Clementine said.
"I will worry, until you come back. Just... be safe, okay?" Gill said. "And come back home."
"I will. I promise." Clementine said.
"Good." Gill said.
The two children hugged their goodbye and Molly felt her heart warm at the sight.
Clementine looked to her guardian, "I'm ready."
When Molly and Clementine went to meet with Javier and Tripp, they found Tripp and Eleanor arguing at the front gate while Javier stood by looking uncomfortable.
"What's going on?" Molly asked.
"Tripp being an asshole that's what." Eleanor scoffed.
"I'm just trying to keep her out of danger." Tripp said.
"Oh? But it's okay for Molly to bring the kid?" Eleanor rolled her eyes.
"I… I don't want the kid coming along either…" Tripp said.
"Maybe she should come… Just in case someone's hurt." Molly said.
"And what if someone gets hurt here?" Tripp asked.
"We won't be gone long… And there are people here that know basic first aid. Everything will be fine." Eleanor said.
"I'm not liking this, not one bit." Tripp said.
"Well it's not your decision to make, Tripp…" Eleanor replied.
"Yeah… Obviously not…" Tripp huffed.
"Let's just get moving… The faster we move, the faster we get back here." Molly said.
Tripp sighed, "Fine…"
The others nodded and before long they were on their way out.
The ride was mostly silent. The group made small talk here and there but Clementine for the most part just watched out the window as they drove. It wasn't until she heard Javier ask, "Hey, Molly. Are we almost there?" that she snapped out of her daze.
Molly nodded. "Yeah. We're close."
"I gotta say, for what it's worth, I hope your people are safe and sound…" Tripp said.
"Yeah, I really hope so too…" Javier said. "They have to be…"
The continued driving and eventually the junkyard came into view.
"Guys. That's the place." Molly said.
"Yeah, this is it." Javier said.
The group exited the vehicle and looked around.
Javier's heart dropped. "Oh, shit..."
"What a mess..." Tripp muttered.
The junkyard is littered with geek corpses.
"There must have been hundreds of them..." Clementine frowned.
"Kate's good in a crisis-she'd know how to get shelter." Javier said.
Clementine noticed an item on the ground and pointed to it. "What's that?"
Javier walked over and picked up the cassette player from the ground. "Mariana's tape player... Mariana! Mariana, are you here?"
A moment passes and soon a young girl gets out of a car and runs to Javier.
"Javi!" The child quickly hugs him.
"Oh, my god." Javier returns the hug. "You're safe... I can't believe it!"
"You told me where to hide; I just listened to what you said. "Lock yourself in and don't come out, not even once it's quiet." It kept running through my head, like on a loop. I don't even know how long I was in there... Then I heard your voice. I thought I was imagining it at first." Mariana said.
"Did they hurt you? Are you okay?" Javier asked as he broke the hug.
Mariana shook her head. "I hid before they could get to me. I'm fine, really."
"Kate and your brother-where are they?" Javier asked.
"We got pulled apart when that huge bunch of muertos showed up. Kate yelled that they were gonna try to make it back to the van." Mariana explained.
Javier nodded. "Then that's where we're headed."
"Let's go find your brother, sweetheart." Eleanor said to the young girl.
The group walked through the junkyard and soon they find the van in bad shape.
"Oh, no... No... No sign of 'em. They must have seen it like this, then gone someplace else to hide." Javier said.
They suddenly hear a motor revving.
"Kate..." Javier muttered. He rushes over and spots his other two family members; Kate is trying to start a truck while geeks surround it.
"They're trapped in there!" Mariana gasped.
Javier held out his arm to keep her from rushing forward. "Mariana, stay back!"
Eleanor prepares her weapon.
"Wait! Nobody shoots!" Javier said.
"He's right-we fire at the truck; we might hit them." Molly said.
The others agree and start to take out the geeks without using guns.
After they manage to kill the undead creature Kate opens the door to the truck.
"Javi... You found us!" Kate gets out of the truck and Javi catches her.
"Hey, hey, it's okay. I got you." Javier said.
Kate met his eyes and asked, "You happy to see me?"
Javier responded with a kiss.
Meanwhile the boy who looked around thirteen hugged Mariana. "I wanted to come after you, I swear I did—"
"I'm okay, Gabe. You don't have to snot all over my shirt about it." Mariana said.
Gabe turned to Javier. "I thought we were dead. Like, never-gonna-see-you-again dead. We only had a couple bullets left... I thought we were done for."
Javier frowned at that. "I know it must've been awful, but it's all over now."
"Yeah, I know, but..." Gabe frowned. "I was just so scared."
"I'm here now. You don't have to be scared." Javier placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. He frowned when he noticed the boy was bleeding a bit. "Hey, you hurt yourself?"
Gabe looks at his hand, "Must've scraped it in the truck...didn't even notice..."
"Hey, least it's not a bite." Javier said "Eleanor, think you can take a look?"
"Of course." Eleanor said.
Gabe looked hesitant at the suggestion.
"It's okay, I'm a doctor. I'll clean it here, then patch you up." Eleanor said.
Gabe slowly agreed.
"I'm Tripp, by the way. Pleasure to make your acquaintance." Tripp introduced himself.
"We should be getting back. Don't wanna push our luck." Clementine spoke up.
"We're fine, Clem." Molly said.
"And… you are? Also, who's the kid?" Kate asked.
"This is Clementine and Molly. They saved my life. Pulled this crazy stunt, let me get the upper hand on the asshole who took me away from you guys." Javier said.
"Hi there. Glad we were able to help." Molly said.
"Well, we're very grateful to you. Really." Kate said.
"There's a town nearby; it's safe." Javier said.
Kate smiled. "I like the sound of that."
"Then let's get to the truck." Tripp said.
The group starts walking back.
"Javi, do they have hot water?! Even warm water would be okay. And bubble bath—bubble bath would be amazing?" Mariana said.
"I'm sure they do!" Javier replied.
Mariana smiled. "Well, whatever they've got, I'm sure it's gonna be great."
"Between you and me, these kinds of missions don't usually go so well. But you found every single one of your people. And you found 'em alive. Healthy. Reasonably cheerful. It's a hell of a thing." Tripp said.
"Let's wait to celebrate until we're back behind the walls, okay? Don't wanna jinx us." Javier said.
Tripp shrugged. "Some things are worth saying "whoo-hoo" about, that's all."
"Cool! I was worried these might be broken," Mariana said as she picks up her earphones from the ground.
Javier takes out the tape player and offers it to her. "You dropped this too."
Mariana smiles and reaches out a hand to take it. "Thanks."
Molly furrowed her brows as she noticed figures in the distance. Her eyes widened when she realizes these people have guns. "GET DOWN!"
She rushes forward and pushes Mariana to the ground, getting shot in the shoulder in the process. Mariana whimpers a bit in fear.
"Mari!" Javier gasped.
"You okay?" Molly asked the child.
"Y-Yeah…" Mariana stammered, shaking a bit.
"Everyone get behind cover, hurry!" Molly ordered to the others.
A barrage of bullets is fired at them, and they take cover. Mariana rushes to Javier, hugging him.
"Fuck, are you okay, Mari?" Javier asked.
The girl gives a tiny nod, still shaky from what happened.
"You fuckin' thieves-you really thought you could just waltz back in here like nothin' happened? I don't think so!" A voice exclaims.
The group remains behind cover.
"We gotta go. We got a window here. We gotta get a move on before they start shooting again!" Tripp said.
"Molly-are you okay?" Clementine asked.
"I'm fine, kid." Molly claimed.
"No, you're not. You were just shot." Eleanor said. "You need to have that treated."
"We stay here, and we finish this." Molly said.
Tripp's eyes widened, "Are you fucking nuts? We gotta get the fuck out of here, right now!"
"Molly's right! If we don't stop them, they're gonna come after us again!" Clementine said.
"Forget them! We're getting the fuck out of here!" Tripp said. "Molly just got shot! We can't stay!"
"We have to end this. Now." Molly said.
"We can just keep firing until they're out of sight," Clementine added.
"And one of us will end up dead!" Eleanor argued.
"Come on!" Tripp said. "We need to go!"
Molly shook her head. "Cover me, Clem."
"I will!" Clementine ignores the others' protest as she fires at the attackers,
"Damn it…" Tripp huffed.
Ignoring the pain in her shoulder, Molly sneaks towards the group firing at the while Clementine, Tripp, and Javier shoot to cover her.
Molly manages to sneak up and take a few of the men out, she realizes she doesn't recognize some of them, though she does catch sight of Badger, firing shots at the others.
As she makes her way to him, hoping they don't notice her, her hopes a quickly shattered when man yells out, "It's Molly!"
Badger gives a noticeable flinch and before they know it, the group starts to retreat, running away into the woods.
Before running off however one of their attacks throws something in Clementine's direction.
"Oh FUCK! Kid!" Javier quickly pushes the child to the ground as the grenade explodes.
Daze from the explosion, neither Javier nor Clementine notice the walkers heading towards them. Tripp shoots them.
"Come on, we gotta get!" Tripp said, helping Javier to his feet before scooping a trembling Clementine into his arms. "Molly, LET'S GO! NOW!"
A while passes and the group is now piled into the truck and on their way back to Prescott.
"Can you take off your jacket so I can see where you've been hit?" Eleanor asked Molly.
The woman removed her blood-soaked jacket, grimacing as she pulled her arm out of the sleeve.
Her skin was reddened and puffy surrounding the bullet hole. Dried blood streaked just below the hole.
Eleanor frowned as she checks the wound. She pushed a gloved finger into the hole. She realized there was no exit wound with dread.
"I think the bullet's stuck in your shoulder. We're going to have to remove it." Eleanor said.
Molly groaned, jerking a bit from the sting. "Alright...I can handle it."
"We should probably stop for a bit." Eleanor said.
"You can't do it once we get to Prescott?" Tripp called back.
"I don't want to wait too long." Eleanor said. "I don't want her to get an infection."
Tripp sighed at that. "Alright."
He pulls the truck to a stop.
Eleanor continues to check the wound. "We're lucky it didn't shatter the bone..."
After assessing the injury, she realized that the bullet wasn't as deeply embedded as she had thought. However, she was still worried about the damage and she needed to be careful not to let it sink deeper into the shoulder.
It took several painful minutes, but Eleanor eventually managed to extract the bullet without too much trouble.
Fortunately, the bullet didn't nick any of her arteries. She then cleaned and stitched the wound.
Molly gives a slight wince as she feels Eleanor blotch cloth soaked in disinfectant against her shoulder.
"Sorry…" Eleanor said.
"No… It's fine. I've had worse." Molly said.
As Eleanor works on Molly's shoulder with some help from little Clementine, Gabe watches for a while then furrows his brows as he notices the brand on Molly's shoulder.
"What's with the mark?" Gabe asked.
"Gabe…" Kate sighed.
"I just… want to know. It's the same one those guys had." Gabe said.
"That is true…" Javier said. "Molly?"
Molly sighed at that, "Those people who attacked you… They're part of a group called The New Frontier. And Clementine and I used to be a part of their group."
"Used to be?" Kate asked.
"Yeah. Used to be…" Molly nodded.
"A while back one of their leaders died and her place has since been taken but some woman named Lilly. Lilly has taken upon herself to prevent their society's fall, even if it means hurting others to do it..." Molly said. "Clementine and I were trying to stop them from doing any more harm, but we ended up getting kicked out."
"Now we're just trying to find a way to stop that group… before things get any worse." Clementine said.
"And how are you going to do that?" Kate asked.
"By any means necessary… Even if it means we have to kill them…" Molly said. "We haven't seen Lilly in person, but when we learn of her location, we'll be able to deal with her. We've been preparing for an uprising to remove Lilly and those who follow her from power."
"How are you going to do that?" Javier asked.
"We have a plan in the works…" Molly simply said. "We will stop them."
"I hope we do soon." Clementine said.
"Me too, Clem." Molly agreed.
Eleanor began to bandage her shoulder. After a while Eleanor said, "Alright… You should try to rest a bit."
Molly didn't protest. She was already exhausted from the blood lost. Some rest would do her well.
As Tripp once again began to drive, Clementine sat near Molly looking concerned.
"Are you okay?" Clementine asked.
"Yeah, Clem. For the last time… I'm fine. It would take more than a bullet to the shoulder to do me in." Molly replied.
"I know…" Clementine said.
"You okay, kid?" Molly asked.
"I don't know… I'm just worried…." Clementine said.
"What about?" Molly asked.
"About everything… About the future. About The New Frontier. About you…" Clementine muttered.
"Yeah… I am too…" Molly sighed. "But you don't have to worry about me, kiddo. I promise everything is going to be okay."
"Okay…" Clementine muttered. "Umm…That boy wanted to talk to me…"
"Who?" Molly asked.
"That boy, Gabe." Clementine looked over to him, but quickly looked away.
"Why didn't you talk to him?" Molly asked.
"I didn't know if he would be naughty or not…" Clementine replied.
"I'm sure he's not, Clem." Molly said. "He's probably just excited to see another kid around his age. I'm sure he just wants to get to know you."
"Oh… Should I?" Clementine asked.
"Should you what?"
"Get to know him?" Clementine asked.
"I think so." Molly said.
"Okay... I'll try…" The child said.
"That's my girl—"
As the group was driving a bullet suddenly destroyed the back window.
"What the fuck?!" Javier huffed.
More bullets hit the car, shattering windows.
"What the fuck is going on?!" Tripp huffed.
"We're being attacked!" Kate said.
"Yeah, no shit!" Molly huffed. "Everyone get down!"
The group instantly ducks down, Clementine covering her head with her arms.
Tripp aims his own gun out the window and fires.
They notice one of men who had been shooting freeze, grab at his bleeding neck then fall over.
The other members of The New Frontier started to retreat after seeing this.
They stayed in the vehicle until the shooting finally stopped.
After peeking out to make sure things were clear Tripp checked the damaged to the vehicle, "Well, fuck!"
"What's wrong…?" Molly asked.
"This thing's not gonna move. They blew out all the tires." Tripp said.
"Damn it." Molly huffed.
"So I guess we're walking from here?" Javier asked.
"Guess so." Tripp said.
"Let's just move before—"
Molly couldn't get another word in.
The noise had clearly drawn attention as the dead start to show up.
"Fuck! Can things get any fucking worse?!" Tripp groaned.
The group attempted to fight off the creatures, but they are forced further and further apart by the undead.
They eventually find themselves split up and forced to run in opposite directions, with only hopes that everyone will be okay.
After a while of running Clementine slowed her pace. She took a second to catch her breath hoping Molly would be okay.
"Fuck, this is just great… I can't believe I got separated from them again…" Javier muttered.
"Tripp, Eleanor, and Molly are back there. They'll get them to Prescott safe and sound…" Clementine said. She felt uncomfortable, being alone with him… They had to find a way back to the others.
"I hope so… What about you? Do you know the way?" Javier asked.
"Yeah…" She didn't. She just hoped it wouldn't be hard to find the town. "So just stick close to me and we'll be fine."
"I should be telling you that." Javier chuckled a bit.
"…And don't do anything naughty." Clementine said. "If you try… I won't hesitate to shoot you."
"I-I'll keep that in mind." Javier said.
"Why do you say that word anyway…? Naughty? Someone must've taught it to you." Javier asked.
Clementine didn't respond.
"It's just a… strange word, is all." Javier said.
Clementine ignored his comments, "Come on… Just keep pushing forward. We'll get to Prescott eventually."
"You sure you know the way back?" Javier asked, it had been quite a while since the two started walking.
"I'm sure. Just-" Clementine stopped as she caught sight of a few tents and a vehicle with a familiar symbol on it. "Oh shit..."
"What?" Javier asked.
"We need to turn back." Clementine said in a panicked voice.
"Clem?"
"We need to turn back, now!" The girl said, more urgently than before.
"Trespassers!" A voice exclaimed.
"Oh no…" Clementine said.
Suddenly they found guns aimed in their direction. The two froze.
"Don't even think about moving!" A man said.
"Don't shoot! We don't want any trouble." Javier said.
"Well you've got trouble." The man approached them.
"Please. I've got a kid with me." Javier motioned to Clementine.
"We can see that." Another man said. "And we know her…"
Javier was surprised to hear that.
"I'm tying you both up." The first man said. "Don't do anything stupid."
As the man began to bind Javier's hands Clementine began to tremble and whimper with fear. She was terrified about what these people planned to do to them. With the men's focus on Javier, she hesitantly tried to reach for her gun only to be hit in the face.
"I said, don't do anything stupid." The man spat.
"You asshole! She's a little girl! Why would you—" Javier suddenly found himself hit with the butt of a gun in the back of the head, and he fell to the ground.
"JAVI!"
