Thanks to gaara king of the sand for the help.

Big thanks to Supernova1219 for the idea of having Molly talk to Clementine about her choice of vocabulary.

And as always, thanks to everyone for reading and reviewing!


"You okay, kid?" Molly asked, feeling Clementine head resting against her shoulder as they drove back.

The child gave a tiny nod in response. She glanced over to Jesus, still wary of him. He seemed okay, but she wasn't going to trust anyone too soon. He had to earn her trust… Like Javier had done.

"You can rest if you want." Molly said.

"I'm okay…" Clementine mumbled.

"Alright…" Molly said.

Clementine stayed close to Molly the entire ride back. She was exhausted but the child was hesitant to fall asleep. Molly reassured the girl that she was okay, that she was safe now. But Clementine didn't feel safe. She knew no one was safe with Lilly out there.

When they arrived at Prescott, Tripp quickly opened the gates and let them in.

"You made it back!" Tripp said. "I was starting to worry you folks weren't coming. Was gonna send some people out to find you."

"Well, you don't have to. We're fine." Molly said.

"That's good. How are you, Clem?" Tripp asked the young girl looking concerned.

Clementine didn't respond, she just simply took Molly's hand.

"She's had a long few days. She could probably use some rest." Shel spoke up.

Tripp nodded his understanding. He then looked to Javier. "Javi, your family has been worried sick. They wouldn't stop asking about you."

"I figured. I was worried about them too." Javier said.

"Well I can assure you, they're safe and sound. Even though they had talked about looking for you themselves, I managed to talk them out of it. Glad you made it back. They'll be happy to know you're okay." Tripp said.

Javier nodded.

"I see you brought someone new." Tripp said as he noticed Jesus.

"Nice to make your acquaintance. The name is Paul. But my friend's call me Jesus." Jesus introduced.

"Tripp. You plan on staying here a while." Tripp replied.

"Not too long. I gotta get back to my own people." Jesus said.

"You have a group?" Vince asked.

"I have some good people who I've been staying with for a while. But before I go, I am curious to hear what you folks plan to do about the New Frontier." Jesus said.

"That's still a plan in progress." Molly said.

"Well, I'd like to hear it." Jesus said.

"Me too... But I want to check in with my family first." Javier said.

"Before y'all do any of that. I need you folks to see Eleanor. Make sure no one has any bites or scratches." Tripp said.

They nodded.

"Protocol?" Jesus asked.

"Yep." Molly said. "This way."


After getting checked by Eleanor, Javier headed home, Jesus got a tour of the town, courtesy of Tripp. Clementine and Molly headed home while Vince and Shel headed to let the others know they were back.

Molly could tell her girl was still shaken up from the way the child had been constantly holding her hand. Clementine only got clingy with her after something traumatizing happened.

"You sure you're okay, kiddo?" Molly asked the young girl as the two sat on the couch.

"Uh-huh..."

"Do you want to talk about what happened?" Molly asked.

"They didn't do anything naughty to me, if that's what you mean…" Clementine said.

"Well, your face is bruised." Molly pointed out.

"They hit me with the gun, to knock me out… But no one hurt me after that. I'm really okay, Molly." Clementine said.

"Okay, you know you can talk to me, right." Molly said.

Clementine nodded in response.

"Okay... just let me know if you need to talk." Molly said.

"Okay..." Clementine said.

There was silence for a while before little Clementine mumbled. "Are you gonna kill them?"

"Who?"

"Lilly, Mike, and Bonnie... David... Everyone...?" Clementine asked.

"I don't want to kill anyone, Clem." Molly replied.

"…But you will..."

"If it comes down to it, and I don't have much of a choice..." Molly said. "We'll do what has to be done Clem. We have to protect ourselves. And the people here. They don't care about who they hurt... And regardless of who is with them that you knew from the past, if they're doing stuff like this... they're not the same people you used to know..."

"I know...I just don't want anyone to die..." Clementine said. "I hate that people always… die around me…"

"It's life, kid… And you can't blame yourself for anyone dying…" Molly said.

"I guess… I just wish things weren't this way…" Clementine said. "I wish the world wasn't so… bad…"

"I know kid…" Molly sighed. "Look, I can't promise anything."

"I know. I don't want you to promise. Promises get broken." Clementine said.

"I can't swear anything either…" Molly said. "But… I want you to know, whatever happens, I'm sure we're gonna be okay."

Clementine looked to her, taking in her serious expression.

"We'll be okay. I'm gonna make sure of it." Molly reassured the child.

"I believe you…" Clementine said. She knew they would be okay. They always were.


Done being check out and cleared with no bites, Javier was led by Eleanor to a small house where is family was staying.

They were all relieved and happy to see he had returned.

"Javi, you made it back!" Mariana immediately rushed over to hug him.

Gabe and Kate followed suit.

"Thank God!" Kate said.

"Yeah, I was getting worried myself." Javier said.

"We were all worried." Gabe said.

"I'm just glad you're back. We're all glad." Kate said.

"So am I." Javier said as they broke the group hug. "Is everyone okay?"

"We're fine. We were worried about you." Kate said. "How's the kid? Where is she?"

"She's back with Molly. She's okay." Javier answered.

"That's good. Molly was so worried too." Kate said.

"I'm sure she was, but her girl's okay." Javier said.

"Good." Kate said. "So…what now? This place is really nice, I was thinking maybe we could stay here."

"That'd be fine with me." Javier said.

"Really, we can stay?" Mariana beamed.

Javier smiled back at her. "Really kiddo."

"Good, I'm so tired of being out there." Gabe said.

"So am I, bud." Javier replied then sighed.

"Is… something on your mind, Javi?" Kate asked.

"…Molly and some others are going to have a meeting later on today…" Javier told her.

"And?" Kate urged him to continued.

"And… I wanted to be there." Javier said.

Kate rose a brow, "A meeting about what?"

"About what to do if The New Frontier shows up here." Javier said.

"About The… Javi, that's none of our business. Let's just stay out of it." Kate said.

"I can't do that, Kate." Javier replied.

"We barely got away from them. I would rather just avoid them altogether." Kate responded.

"I would too." Javier said. "But we can't just let them do something like this again. If there's a way that we can stop them we have to do it."

"Do you know how risky that is?" Kate asked.

"I know. It's an even bigger risk to have them around doing what they please. If there's a way to put a stop to this, we have to help." Javier said.

"We just got you back…" Kate took his hand, and the met each other's gaze. "I can't lose you again."

"You're not going to lose me, I promise…" Javier replied.

Kate sighed. "Fine… if you want to help, I'll help out too."

"Kate…"

"Don't try to stop me. If you're set on helping, then so am I." Kate replied.

"Alright then…" Javier sighed, knowing there was no use in arguing.

"Good."

"You know you can be pretty stubborn…" Javier said to her.

Kate smirked at that. "You're one to talk, big guy. We're in this together. Right."

"Always." Javier said.


Lilly was beyond furious when she learned that the prisoners had escaped. She and the others quickly gunned down any escapees. With them taken care of she called to the guards to report to her.

"How in the hell did this happen? How did they all get free?" Lilly inquired, looking annoyed.

"We have no idea…" Mike said. "All of the cells were just unlocked,"

"And how the hell would they get unlocked?" Lilly asked.

"They had to have gotten the key." Badger said.

"How?" Lilly asked.

"I don't know… But they got it somehow." Badger said.

"There was a vent in David's brother and the kid's cell. And that vent was opened. They must've somehow unlocked it and the kid must have crawled through."

"Damn, I knew she was smart but…" Lilly trailed off.

The guards looked to her for an order.

"What should we do now?" Max asked.

"Have you searched the area? They couldn't have gotten far." Lilly said.

"We've searched. No sign of them." Badger replied.

"Are you sure?" Lilly asked.

"Positive, they're nowhere around and that noise… you know it's going to bring the dead." Badger said.

"Fine… Everyone gather up. Let's get the hell out of here." Lilly said.


"I think I have the right to be involved, I can help too you know I can." Gabe said.

"Gabe, we don't want to put you at risk." Javier said.

"I don't care!" Gabe exclaimed. "I'm tired of you treating me like a little kid! Let me help."

"You already helped enough, bud." Javier said.

"No I don't. You guys don't let me do anything." Gabe argued.

"That's not true, Gabe." Kate said.

"Yes, it is. That woman, Molly, she lets Clementine help out." Gabe huffed.

"Gabe, this is a very dangerous group. I'm supposed to protect you…" Javier said.

"I don't need you to protect me! I'm not a little kid anymore!"

Javier sighed, "Gabe, just listen to me—"

"No. Why don't you listen to me for once? All I want is for you to just let me help." Gabe replied.

"Your father would want me to keep you safe, no matter what." Javier said.

"My dad's not here. Why are you bringing him up all of the sudden? Don't talk about him like he's here, you don't know what he would want. I'm sure he would let me help." Gabe grumbled.

"I know he would want you to be safe…" Javier said. "I'm supposed to keep you safe."

"Stop talking about him, we didn't even know where he is or if he's alive!" Gabe snapped.

"He's alive." Javier said.

"How do you know…?" Kate asked.

"…I saw him." Javier said.

Gabe's eyes widened. "Wh-What?"

"Really?" Kate asked through her shock.

"You saw daddy?" Mariana piped in.

"I did. He's alive and looked like he was well." Javier said.

"Why didn't he come back with you?" Mariana asked.

"Because… he was with that group…" Javier replied.

"That group? The same group that attacked us and nearly killed Mariana? The same people who kidnap you? He's part of that group?" Kate inquired.

Javier nodded in response.

"What is wrong with him? Does he even have any remorse for the things they've been doing?" Kate asked.

"I didn't get to talk to him. I just saw him. I know he's with that group and I know he's alive. He actually helped me get out of there… Well, in a way…" Javier said.

"So that means he can help us right?" Gabe asked.

Javier sighed. "It's… not that simple, Gabe."

"Why not?" Gabe asked.

"Because your father's not the same man you remember him as." Kate spoke up.

"How would you know? You didn't even see him." Gabe said. "And he helped Javi, so he has to help us."

"I don't know if he will, bud…" Javier said.

"Of course he will." Gabe said.

"Kate's right about him not… being the same. He's different…" Javier said. "He wouldn't be with that group if he wasn't…"

"That's bullshit! You said yourself that you didn't talk to him, so you don't know anything. And since he helped you, he has to help us." Gabe said.

"I didn't talk to him… But I can tell he has a sense of loyalty to that group." Javier said.

"But we're his family, so he'll have a bigger sense of loyalty to us." Gabe replied.

"Maybe…" Javier sighed.

"Let's just… see what this group has to say, alright…" Kate said.

Javier nodded. "Alright…"


"This is why you shouldn't have taken her with you." Christa said. "She never would have gotten kidnapped if you didn't bring her in the first place."

"I know…" Molly said.

"Are you sure, because you keep making the same mistakes with her over and over again. You're constantly putting her at risk. Were you trying to do get her killed?" Christa huffed.

"Christa," Clementine spoke up.

The woman looked to the small girl, "What?"

"Please stop being mean to Molly." Clementine said.

"I'll stop being mean to her when she starts making smarter decisions with you." Christa repied.

"It wasn't her fault." Clementine said.

"Not completely, but she put you at risk too many times. Her actions are going to get you killed one day." Christa said.

Clementine frowned and said, "She's not going to get me killed. I know how to take care of myself."

"Regardless of what you know how to do, she shouldn't be sending you out there in the first place." Christa said.

"She didn't send me out there. I asked to go." Clementine said.

"And she should have said no." Christa replied.

"We were just worried about you Clem." Omid said. "We don't want you getting hurt."

"I know. I'm okay…" Clementine said.

"You're not okay, your face is bruised up. You were held hostage and those people could have done anything to you." Kenny said.

"But they didn't. I'm okay now." Clementine sighed.

"For now. But if she takes you back out there, who knows what will happen then," Christa said.

Molly shook her head. "I'm not taking her back out there."

"Really?" Clementine asked a bit surprised.

"Really. After what happened… I do know there's a risk and knowing the New Frontier like I do… I can't let them be the ones to take my girl away or be the reason that she gets hurt…" Molly said.

Clementine didn't know what to think. "Molly…"

"I just want you to stay here and be safe." Molly said.

"What about the New Frontier?" Clementine asked.

"We'll handle them… You don't have to worry about that right now, Clem." Vince said.

"I'm going to worry regardless; those people are crazy and they're not going to stop unless we stop them." Clementine said.

"I know kid, but I don't want you to be involved…" Molly sighed.

"I'm already involved. Everyone here is involved. Like it or not, if they come attack us today we should at least be prepared." Clementine said.

"Clementine's right, we got to do something before they do." Kenny said.

Clementine was glad he agreed with her.

"Which is why we've been planning to do something," Molly said. "But for now I want you to stay here take it easy, Clem. I'm not taking you outside those walls unless I absolutely have to, okay."

"Okay…" Clementine said.

"Glad you're both finally listening to reason." Christa muttered.

"I know what my kid is capable of… Don't start, okay." Molly said.

"Fine… I'm done talking." Christa huffed.

"Good." Molly said.

"Both of you stop, we all want the kids to be safe… But the bottom line is, if anything were to happen, they need to be ready. Clementine, Sarah, and Becca all need to be prepared if anything were to happen." Vince said.

"Anything like what?" Sarita asked.

"We don't know what The New Frontier's next move is. And… we need to keep our guards up… Just in case." Vince said.

"In case what?" Christa questioned.

"In case they try to attack." Vince said.


After a while Tripp stopped by and informed them the others were ready to meet at Conrad's bar.

The group headed there like usual though they noticed their crowd was larger than before. Not only had Randy, Patricia, and Gill joined them, but Javier and his family were present as well.

Gabe noticed Clementine and Gill hug as they spotted each other and couldn't help but frown a bit. He knew he didn't know the girl well, but he wanted to hang out with her more.

"So, what the hell happened? Did anyone hurt you, Clem?" Francine, looking worried.

"No. I'm okay." Clementine said. "But… I did see some people..."

"Really who?" Kenny said. "Did you see Lilly?"

"…I did…" Clementine muttered. "And… she is the leader…"

"Fuck… So, I guess she only got worse as time went on." Kenny said.

"She… seemed a lot worse." Clementine admitted. "But… She's not the only one I saw."

"Really? Who else did you see?" Kenny asked.

"Mike and Bonnie." Clementine answered.

Kenny and Sarita tensed at that.

Some of the others were confused.

"What?" Sarita asked.

"Who are Mike and Bonnie?" Christa asked.

"They're traitors. That's who they are!" Kenny huffed.

"Traitors?" Omid asked.

"They were with our group at some point… But we thought… it'd be best if we went our separate ways." Shel said.

"Why is that?" Eleanor asked.

"Can we not talk about it…?" Clementine said.

"Why? What happened?" Christa asked.

"That Bonnie woman was bringing her to those sick fucks." Kenny blurted out.

Clementine frowned at that. "Kenny… I said can we not talk about that…"

"But it's true, Clem. We all know it." Kenny said.

Clementine didn't respond. She just lowered her head, wanted to forget.

"It's okay, kiddo…" Molly said.

"Why would she bring you to them?" Christa asked.

"To who?" Kate asked.

"Don't worry about it…" Molly quickly said. "Look it doesn't matter who's in The New Frontier we have to stop them regardless."

"And how are we gonna do that?" Javier asked.

"We'll hit them before they can place their next attack." Molly said.

"If we can…" Kenny sighed.

"We also… have reason to believe Lilly might be in charge of another spot." Molly informed.

"What?" Tripp asked.

"A group called the Delta. I've heard about them doing some questionable things as of recent." Jesus said.

"And how do we know we can trust you? We don't even know you." Kenny said, sending him a look.

"Well, I have no reason to lie to you." Jesus said.

"You could be a spy." Christa said.

"I assure you, he's not." Shel said. "He helped us find Clem and Javier."

"He has no brand either." Eleanor confirmed. "I think he's fine."

"So who the hell is this Delta group?" Conrad asked.

"They're a pretty big group. They seemed okay, but recently I've heard about them getting at odd with other groups. I'm pretty sure they mostly travel around on boats." Jesus said. "But they're not our main concern…"

"Unless Lilly's in charge of their group." Molly said.

"Great, so now we got another group of assholes to worry about." Tripp groaned.

"Well, we know where the New Frontier is stationed. I say we scope out the camps, try to get more information and if we have to… Go with Molly's plan." Vince said.

"What plan?" Kenny asked.

"To take them out one by one." Vince said.

"I'm down for that." Molly said.

"No way, my dad is there, you can't just kill them!" Gabe cut in.

"Your dad?" Christa asked.

"David… He's my brother. And Gabe and Mariana's father." Javier explained.

"Don't worry, kid… Violence will be our last resort. Main plan is to scope their camp out and get any information we can." Jesus said.

"We gotta be careful about this, guys." Shel said.

"Oh, we'll be careful." Molly said.

"Alright then. Who's going on this little search mission?" Kenny asked.

"I suggest the same crew as before." Jesus said.

"I'm tagging along too." Javier said. "If there's some way I can help, I want to."

"Are you sure, Javi? You just got back…" Kate said.

"I told you I wanted to help, Kate. I'll be fine." Javier said.

Kate sighed.

"Well, I'm going to... I can't just keep listening to he said, or she said. I want to know what's going on firsthand." Christa said.

"Mommy go where?" Genevieve asked, looking over to her from Omid's lap.

"I'm going to help with something. You'll stay with daddy." Christa said.

"I go too?" Genevieve said.

"No baby. You can't go." Christa replied.

Genevieve whimpered at that and began crying. Omid tried to comfort the child. "Christa, maybe you shouldn't go..."

"Omid, no. I need to do this. For her sake. It's to keep us safe." Christa said.

"Maybe I can go instead." Omid offered.

"No go bye-bye!" Genevieve cried more.

Omid tried his best to calm her.

"I don't think that would make it any better." Christa reached out her arms to take her daughter, Omid allowed her to do so. Christa began rocking her. "It'll be fine, Omid. I'll be fine."

"Okay, Christa… I just… Just be careful." Omid sighed.

"I always am." Christa said.

"Christa, are you sure about this? We don't need everybody to go." Molly said.

"I'm not everybody. And I'm going." Christa said, causing Genevieve to whimper more. Christa continued to comfort the toddler.

"Well, I might as well tag along too." Kenny said.

Clementine shot him a pleading look as she shook her head. "Kenny please… I don't want you to go."

"I know you don't. I didn't want you to go either Clem. But that didn't stop you." Was the man's response.

Clementine frowned at that, feeling a bit hurt.

"It's okay, Clem…" Molly said.

"Gill, why don't you and Clem play for a bit?" Patricia suggested.

Clementine seemed hesitant, but Molly nodded. "Go ahead, Clem. It's okay."

"O-Okay…" Clementine muttered.

She and Gill went to play a board game. Sarah and Mariana ended up joining them.

"You know, you could go over there with them too, Gabe." Kate said.

"No thanks." Gabe said. "I want to hear more of the plan."

"Alright then…" Kate muttered.

"Kenny, are you sure you wanna come?" Vince asked.

"Yeah, I'm sure. Despite what Clem thinks." Kenny said.

"She's just worried about you, Kenny." Sarita said.

"Well she has nothing to worry about." Kenny said. "I was worried about her, and she still went out there to help a stranger find his family."

"She was with me. She knew she would be okay." Molly said.

"Except she wasn't, was she?" Christa huffed.

"She's fine… We can't keep arguing in front of the kids… It's upsetting them." Vince said.

"Yeah… I'm sorry…" Christa sighed, rocking Genevieve a bit more.

"Alright… so, I think seven people is enough for this mission." Molly said. "We'll head out tomorrow and see what we can find."

The others nodded in agreement.


"We need to find them." Lilly huffed as she paced back and forth.

"Lilly, I don't think that's necessary…" David spoke up.

Lilly shot him a look. "I'm sure you don't. That's why I want to have a vote."

"A vote on what? On if we should find them?" David asked.

Lilly shook her head, "No on if you should be allowed to stay

"What are you talkin' about?" David asked.

"You're close to them, aren't you? I mean that man was your brother." Lilly said.

"He was… we haven't seen each other in a long time." David said.

"That doesn't change the fact that he's your blood. It doesn't change the fact that you would probably do whatever it takes to protect him. Family's important. I would have done whatever it took to protect mine. And that's why I've come to the conclusion… that you can't be trusted."

"What?" David was stunned to hear this.

"There's no telling that you won't betray us for your family, and because of that reason we can't keep you around." Lilly said.

"This is crazy though, I have been loyal!" David argued.

"You have been, but that doesn't mean you won't change. And I can't take that chance." Lilly said.

"So you'll kick me out for no real reason?" David hissed.

"I gave you my reasoning, you can't be trusted." Lilly said.

"Lilly, you're talking crazy!" David said.

"I'm sorry you feel like way, David. We vote now." Lilly looked to the others. "All in favor of David leaving the group say aye. Those who oppose, no."

A few voices agreed to kick David from the group, and there were even fewer people who disagreed with the idea.

David frowned realized these people were being spoon fed bullshit on a daily by Lilly herself and now they believed her nonsense.

"Lilly, this isn't right. We can't just kick him out. He's done a lot for this place." Ava spoke up.

"I figured you'd think that way. That's why I vote for you to be kicked out, right alone with him." Lilly replied.

Ava sent her a look of disbelief. "What?"

"I know how close you two are. And if we can't trust him, we can't trust you." Lilly said.

"Lilly-"

Lilly cut her off. "All in favor."

Much like before many agreed with Lilly. Ava was in shock.

"Then it's settled. Pack your stuff and be ready to leave. Immediately." Lilly said.

"This is fucked up." Ava said.

"I made up my mind. Grab your stuff and go, both of you." Lilly said.

David huffed and he and Ava walked off.

"What do we do now?" Ava asked.

"We have no other choice... we do what she says." David replied.


"I really have to stay here?" Clementine asked Molly. She was starting to worry about the idea of her guardian leaving.

"We talked about this, kiddo." Molly said.

"I know, but I… I changed my mind… Maybe I should go…" Clementine said.

"No... I want you to stay here, Clem." Molly said. "It's safer for you to stay here."

"But you're bringing Kenny..." Clementine frowned. "He shouldn't go either… It's safer for him here."

"Kenny's an adult... And... I can't stop him." Molly said.

"What will I do while you're gone?" Clementine asked.

"Sarita's gonna keep an eye on you, okay." Molly said. "You help her with AJ."

"What if... she doesn't need my help? Then what will I do?" Clementine asked.

"If she doesn't need help, how about you take it easy for a while." Molly suggested.

"Take it easy?"

"Yeah. Just… try to relax. Hang out with your friends." Molly said. "Maybe get to know Gabe and Mariana."

"What if they don't like me?" Clementine questioned with a tiny frown.

"I'm sure they'll like you. I think you should try to have fun... You've had a rough few days." Molly said.

"But I'll worry about you." Clementine said.

"I'll be back before you know it, kiddo. I shouldn't be gone for more than a day." Molly replied.

"And if you're gone longer, then what?" Clementine asked.

"You know me, kid." Molly said. "And you know I'm too tough to get myself in trouble."

"You say I'm tough too… But I got myself in trouble…" Clementine said. "Maybe I'm just… stupid."

"Hey, don't say that. You're not stupid." Molly said.

"But I didn't know the way back… I just wanted to seem… brave… Like you." Clementine said. "It was my fault that Javi and I got trapped by The New Frontier."

"No, Clem… It's not your fault. You made a mistake, and we learn from our mistakes." Molly said.

"Okay…" Clementine muttered.

"I want you to stay here and play with your friends and try not to worry. I will be back, kiddo." Molly said.

To her surprise, Clementine doesn't protest. "Okay…"

"That's my girl."

Clementine sighed and muttered, "Please be lucky…"

"I'll try to be."


"Kenny, I just don't think this is a great idea." Sarita frowned, worried about him leaving.

"Sarita, don't worry about me, hon." Kenny said.

"How can I not…? I don't want anything bad happening to you." Sarita replied.

"Nothing bad is gonna happen to me, Sarita. I promise…" Kenny assured her.

"If it does… We'll be alone… AJ and I…" Sarita said.

"I promise you, I'll be fine." Kenny said. "After all we've been through. You know I'll be okay, hon."

"I'm scared, Kenny… This Lilly… This New Frontier… They're dangerous… And I… I can't lose you." Sarita said.

"You won't lose me." Kenny said. "But this is something I need to do…"

Sarita shook her head, frowning a bit. "Is what Clem said true…?"

"What?"

"About the salt lick… You really killed her father with a salt lick?" Sarita asked.

"We… We were trapped in a meat locker, at some cannibal dairy farm. The guy had a heart attack and… I did what I had to…" Kenny said. "Clem was only eight… I wish she didn't have to see it… But… I couldn't let him turn."

"My God…"

"I had to do it, Sarita…"

Sarita frowned but gave a slow nod. "…I… I'm sure you did…"

"If I could've just shot him, made it fast… I would've but… we didn't have any weapons… I… I had to…" Kenny said. "I was protecting everyone… And protecting my family…"

"I get it Kenny… It's okay…" Sarita said, she could tell he was shaken by the memory of what happened.

"I always felt like a piece of shit for it, but… I couldn't regret it… If… If Larry turned, he would've killed us all… I couldn't let that happen, hon…" Kenny said.

"I understand, Kenny…"

"I thought Clem would." Kenny muttered.

"You said she was eight. She was a small child. She's still a small child. I'm sure she understood, but it had to be traumatizing…" Sarita said.

"Yeah… That poor little girl's been through so much… Seen way too much." Kenny said.

"She has…" Sarita nodded. "And… You know she was just worried about you."

"I know…"

"…Just be safe… Please… I can't be without you." Sarita said as she hugged him.

"I'm not leaving you anytime soon, hon. Don't worry about that." Kenny said.

Sarita sighed, she wished she didn't have to worry.


"Are you sure about this, Christa?" Omid asked, looking concerned.

"I'm sure… Just… take care of my baby…" Christa said.

"Of course I will." Omid said.

"Good… She wasn't too happy with the thought of me going." Christa said.

"Not at all. You know she's gonna throw a fit tomorrow morning." Omid said.

"I know… But I'm doing this to help keep her safe." Christa said. "We can't let what happened to Wellington happen here. Our baby deserves a normal childhood."

"As normal as we can give her anyway." Omid added.

"Yeah…" Christa nodded. "I won't feel comfortable until that group is gone. Until I know they can't hurt anyone before…"

"Yeah. I feel you… Just be careful out there." Omid said.

"I will be."

"You know… Gen might not be the only one to throw a fit when you leave." Omid said. "I don't want you to go either."

"I'll be back, Omid…"

"Yeah… That's why I'm not stopping you… But just… be careful, okay." Omid said.

"When am I not?" Christa said.

"I'm just saying." Omid said.

"You be careful here." Christa said.

"Of course, I'll try not to let Gen burn the place down." Omid said. "No promises though…"

Christa shook her head, and smirked. "I'm sure you two will get into loads of trouble while I'm gone."

"I won't confirm, nor deny that." Omid said.

Christa chuckled. "I love you."

"Love you too, Christa."


"You're really leaving, David." Max asked. "Why are you letting her force you out like this?"

"I don't have a choice. This is what was voted on." David said.

"But you're one of our leaders." Another person protested.

"I was, but Clint voted against me, and Lingard didn't back me up either." David huffed.

"Where will you go?" Someone else asked.

"We'll figure that out... Just don't forget the plan okay." David said.

"Okay..." Max said.

"Good… I'll keep in contact…" David said. "Somehow…"

The others nodded.

"Be safe out there, David." A woman said. "You too, Ava."

"I will be." David said while Ava simply nodded.


"Javi, can we talk?" Gabe approached his uncle, with some hesitation.

"Gabe, you should be in bed." Javier said.

"I'm not tired… I want to talk to you. About tomorrow." Gabe said.

"What's up, bud?" Javier asked.

"I just… If you're heading out, I really want to go too." Gabe said.

Javier sighed and quickly shook his head. "What? No… Gabe. You're not."

"Why can't I?" Gabe asked.

"It's not safe. I've told you this group is dangerous." Javier said.

"I know they are. I knew that when they were shooting at us." Gabe said. "But nowhere is safe… I can handle myself, Javi."

"I know you can, bud…"

"Then why won't you let me come?" Gabe asked.

"Because I can't take the risk. If something were to happen to you, I would never forgive myself." Javier said.

"It's just not fair." Gabe protested. "When are you gonna stop treating me like a little kid?"

"I know you feel grown-up now that you're thirteen, but you still got a lot of growing up to do, Gabriel. And I can't put you at risk." Javier said. "I care about you, kid. And I just want to protect you."

"I don't need your protection. I'm getting tired of being treated like I can't do anything." Gabe said. "I'm not ten anymore."

"But you're still a kid." Javier said. "And as your uncle I'll do whatever it takes to protect you, even if you don't need it. That's what family does, Gabe."

Gabe narrowed his eyes at that, seeing that Javier was budging. "Whatever, I'm going to bed."

"Gabe…"

"Just let him go, Javi… He'll be okay." Kate spoke up.

"Yeah… I guess." Javier sighed.

"I'm sure he doesn't mean it… The attitude, I mean…" Kate said.

"I know…"

"And trust me, he's a lot harsher with me." Kate said.

Javier knew that was true. "I've been meaning to talk to him about that."

"Don't… It'll probably just make things worse." Kate said.

"It's just a phase." Javier said.

"Hopefully…" Kate said. "I understand how you feel though, not wanting him out there. I don't really want you going back out there either."

"I know, Kate."

"I know there's no stopping you though… You can be even more stubborn than me." Kate said. "I'd try to tag along, but we both can't leave the kids."

"I won't be gone long." Javier said.

"You better not be…" Kate said. "Make sure you come back to us."

"Of course."

"Good, cause if you end up getting killed, I'll bring you back to life and kill you myself." Kate said.

"Flattering." Javier smirked. "I'll keep that in mind."

"You know you love me." Kate teased.

"Who couldn't love you and your heartfelt threats." Javier joked.

Kate just chuckled a bit. "We should try to get some rest. Especially you, you got a long day ahead of you."

Javier nodded in response.


"Any idea of where we should go now?" Ava asked as she and David began walking.

"Not really…" David said.

"Okay then… I have a place in mind…" Ava said. "Long as you trust me."

"I trust you more than anyone I know…" David said.

"Good. Follow me." Ava said.

David nodded then muttered, "I can't believe I let this happen."

"David, don't beat yourself up over this."

"I should've listened to Molly. I never should have let Lilly in." David said.

"We can't change what just happened… But there is something we can do." Ava said.

"What's that?"

"…I've been having meetings with Molly and the others." Ava admitted.

David was surprised to hear that. "You have?"

"Since you kicked them out. And they want to help… Get Lilly out of power." Ava said.

"Really?"

"Really. I'll fill you in on things. But first… Are you down to help us… or not?" Ava asked.

"I'm with you." David said.

"Alright then… Good."


The next day the group met up by the gates, ready to head out.

"Javi wait!" Gabe quickly ran towards his uncle. "I just don't get it. Why can't I go?"

"Gabe, we already talked about this." Javier said.

"I know what we talked about, but it's just not fair!" Gabe said.

"Life's not fair, kid." Kenny muttered.

"Kenny, stop." Shel said.

"Just saying…" Kenny shrugged.

"I can help out, Javi. You know I can." Gabe said. "Please just let me go."

Molly couldn't help but be reminded of how Clementine would beg her to tag along whenever she did something like this.

As Gabe continued to complain about wanting to go, Molly spoke up with a suggestion.

"Why don't you hang out with Clem?" Molly said.

Gabe seemed surprised by that and looked to her, "Really? Can I?"

Kenny rose a brow at how eager the young boy sounded to be around Clementine.

"Sure, I don't see why not. She'll be around, probably playing with her friends." Molly said.

"And… she won't mind hanging out with me?" Gabe asked.

"She's been through a lot, but I'm sure she'll give you a chance." Molly replied.

Gabe smiled a bit at that. "Really?"

"Really." Molly said. "But I won't force you to hang out with her. I mean if you want to come along and—"

"No! I mean, I'll stay… Mariana wouldn't want me to go anyway." Gabe said.

"Oh, good. I'm sure Clem would like to get to know you." Molly replied.

Gabe nodded. "Okay, yeah, I'll hang out with her."

"Sounds good." Molly said.

They watched as Gabe walked off.

Javier looked to Molly, "That was actually a smart move."

"Yeah. I figured it would work." Molly said.

"Hold on, is that kid crushing on Clem?" Kenny asked.

Molly looked to him with a chuckle. "It's not a big deal, Kenny."

"Not a big deal? She's too young!" Kenny said.

"It's bond to happen eventually." Molly said.

"What is?" Kenny inquired. "What's bond to happen?"

"Nothing…" Molly shook her head. "Come on, let just get going."

The group loading into a truck, Kenny quietly grumbling about how Clementine was too young to start liking boys.


"You all are probably aware by now that David and Ava are no longer apart of this group." Lilly said. "You're probably wandered why I let them walk free, instead of executing them… The reason is, they've done nothing to deserve that kind of treatment, they've been loyal."

Some of the people exchanged looks at Lilly's words. Some murmuring to one another.

"However, knowing that they had a connected with the escaped prisoners, we cannot trust them." Lilly said. "Keeping them here, would put all of us at risk. And for that reason, we had to let them go. And with Clint's and Lingard's permission we'll be promoting Badger to Head of Security."

The other two leaders nodded. Clint was hesitant however, and Lingard didn't seem sober enough to give his okay. Lilly still took it and went with it.

"Then it's settled! Badger will be taking over David's former position as Head of Security." Lilly said.

Mike and Bonnie exchanged looks, both of them felt uncomfortable. And after seeing Clementine they wondered if they're other group members were in better living arrangements, with less strict conditions.


With Sarita's go ahead Clementine headed off to find Gill. It had been a while since she got to play with her friend. As she began the walk she was suddenly approached by Gabe and Mariana.

"Hey Clem, are you busy?" Gabe asked.

"Not really. I was just going to find my friend, so we could play together." Clementine replied.

"Oh… Uh it's just Mari and I were hoping maybe we could play together… Well I was hoping to hang out, but Mariana might want to play." Gabe said.

Mariana nodded.

"Oh, sure. I don't mind." Clementine said.

Gabe brightened at that. "Really, that's great!"

"Yeah. We should get to know each other anyway, if you're going to be here a while." Clementine said. "Do you guys plan on staying?"

"Actually, yeah. I think so." Gabe said.

"That's cool. It's a nice place. It's safe here, safer than out there." Clementine said.

"Yeah for sure… Were you out there a lot before you got here?" Gabe asked.

Clementine nodded. "Yeah… Molly and I were on the road a lot."

"So were we. I really hate it." Gabe said.

"At least we had the van…" Mariana said.

"Maybe, but I still hated being on the road all the time." Gabe said.

"I hate that sometimes too… but it's better now that were here. And once the New Frontiers dealt with it will be even better. I'm tired of having to worry about them…" Clementine said.

"They seem really messed up. Why were you and Molly a part of their group?" Gabe asked.

"They weren't always like that. Trust me." Clementine said. "And we left before things got bad… well they forced us to leave. We were trying to stop the attacks… but they thought we were the ones causing trouble and they kicked us out… Even though we didn't do anything wrong."

"I'm sorry to hear that." Gabe said.

"It's fine I wasn't that comfortable there anyway."

"Why not?" Mariana asked.

"I didn't have any friends…most of the kids there didn't like me, and I don't think the grown-ups liked me that much either. They just knew I could help them out."

"At least people give you a chance to help out. Javi and Kate never let me do anything. They're way too overprotective." Gabe said.

"Molly's overprotective too sometimes, but she lets need help me out." Clementine said.

"Lucky." Gabe muttered.

"I wouldn't consider myself lucky. Sometimes I do need a break but I'm so used to working that it feels weird when I have one." Clementine shrugged.

Gabe didn't know how to respond to that.

"Come on. Let's go find my friend." Clementine urged them to follow her.

The two nodded.


A while passed before the group arrived at one of the New Frontier's camps. They watched from afar, but all was quiet. They couldn't see a single soul around.

"Do you hear that?" Jesus muttered.

"Hear what?" Kenny asked.

The others turned to Jesus.

Christa furrowed her brows. "What are you talking about? I don't hear anything."

"Exactly." Jesus said. No one is here."

"That can't be right. They were here just the other day. Where did they all go?" Molly said in irritation.

"Looks like they moved on." Vince said.

"Yeah but where?" Shel asked.

"This is insane…" Molly muttered.

"So what now?" Christa asked. "Should we head back?"

"Wait," Jesus said. "They had another camp, didn't they?"

"Yeah, they did." Molly said.

"Well, let's check that spot out." Jesus said.

The others nodded in agreement.


To say things felt awkward would be an understatement. When Gabe realized Gill was the friend Clementine was talking about the tension in the room became so thick it could be cut with a knife.

"Clem, can I talk to you?" Gabe asked suddenly.

"Oh… Sure…" Clementine agreed.

"In private?" Gabe said.

"Umm… I guess so…" The girl was hesitant, but stood and followed him out of Gill and Mariana's earshot.

"When you mention your friend… I didn't think it would be a boy." Gabe said. "I didn't think it would be him…"

"What?"

"Your friend… You didn't tell me your friend was... Gill…"

"Is… that a problem?" Clementine asked.

"No… Not at all… I was just thinking…" Gabe said.

"Thinking what?" Clementine asked.

"I was just surprised that you have a boyfriend, that's all." Gabe said.

"Boyfriend?" Clementine repeated. "I don't have a boyfriend."

Gabe's eyes widened. "You don't?"

"No."

"So… Gill's not your boyfriend?" Gabe asked.

Clementine shook her head and said, "He's my friend. Not my boyfriend."

"Oh, Great!" Gabe said. "I- I mean, good… That you two are friends."

"Yeah… Are you okay? You're being weird." Clementine said.

"Yeah, I'm fine. I'm just glad you two are friends." Gabe said.

Clementine rose a brow before giggling a little. "You're funny."

"I- I am?" Gabe asked.

The girl gave a nod. "Come on, let's go play." She gently tugged him along.

Gabe felt his face redden a bit, but he gave a nod. He had thought Clementine and Gill were crushing on one another, maybe he was just overthinking things.


"Mike… I've been thinking a lot…" Bonnie muttered with a frown.

"About?" Mike urged her to continue.

"About leaving. This isn't what Lilly promised us. She promised us peace and safety. But this is... the complete opposite." Bonnie said.

"I know... but where would we go?" Mike asked.

"Anywhere but here." Bonnie said.

"Texas?"

Bonnie shrugged. "I'm not opposed to it."

"You know if they find out they'll kill us..." Mike said.

"Well we just can't let them find out." Bonnie said.

"What about Luke?" Mike asked.

"We'll have to find a way to talk to him... He has no idea what the hell is going on here..." Bonnie said.

"Alright...We-"

Both of their walkie talkie went off and Lilly's voice came through, "Bonnie, Mike, I need to see you both."

Bonnie hesitant spoke into her walkie talkie. "Right away."


The ride was silent for a while before Javier asked Molly, "How was your girl doing?"

"She's fine. Why do you ask?" Molly asked him.

"When we were trapped in that place... I saw her have a panic attack over those people she mentioned, Mike and Bonnie." Javier admitted.

"She's been through a lot of bad shit... and Bonnie didn't really make things better for her." Molly said.

"Oh… What exactly happened to her…? I mean… I figured she was hurt… in a pretty bad way… Abused…" Javier said. "Especially after… hearing her say what she said… That I didn't uh…"

"She was abused…. In a lot of ways…" Molly said.

"Poor kid…" Javier muttered. "Was she…"

"She was sexually abused… And for that reason, I don't understand why Molly allows her to constantly be put at risk." Christa spoke up. "Maybe you didn't do anything to her, but whose to say someone else wouldn't?"

"We're all grateful that didn't happen." Vince said.

"That's not enough though. Clementine can't keep being constantly put at risk." Christa said.

"We know how you feel, Christa. And we understand you're upset…" Shel said.

"I'm just worried about her. That's all… And I… I'm more angry with myself than anything… For not finding her…" Christa said. "It makes me sick know that why Omid and I were sleeping comfortably in Wellington, Clementine was being sexually abused by multiple people…"

"It's hard on her, but she's… working pass her trauma… She's gonna be okay." Molly said.

"I should've been there for her…" Christa muttered.

"You didn't do anything wrong…" Shel said. "And you shouldn't feel guilty for what happened."

"I think everyone feels guilty for what happened." Kenny said.

"We can't change it, but we can be there for her now. That's what she needs more than anything. Support and love." Shel said.

The others nodded.

"And that's what she'll get." Kenny said.

"And no more fighting amongst each other…" Shel said. "It's not helping Clem at all…"

"I'll try my best not to fight." Christa said.

"Same for you, Kenny and Molly." Shel said.

"I'm not the one who starts the fights." Molly said.

"It doesn't matter who starts them." Vince said. "We just need to calm it down. Especially when the kids are present."

"Yeah… You got my word." Molly said.

"Alright… I'll ease up a bit too." Kenny spoke.

"Good… I'm holding you three to this." Shel said. "We have to do better. For the kids' sake.

The others nodded. For the kids' sake.


"I wanted to talk to you two about a few things." Lilly said to Mike and Bonnie.

"…Okay." Bonnie said.

"You two know Clementine, right?" Lilly asked.

"Yeah... we do..." Mike said.

"And just how much would you say she trust you?"

Bonnie sighed, "At this point... very little. If at all."

Lilly's face fell at that. "Damn…"

"What?" Mike asked.

"I was hoping that one of you would be able to talk her into joining us. Once we find her." Lilly said.

"I don't think that would work. There's no way she'd leave Molly and the others." Mike said.

"…How do you guys know her?" Lilly questioned.

"We were part of her group for a while. But Kenny and Molly kind of forced us out." Bonnie said.

Lilly froze at that. "Kenny?"

Bonnie nodded. "Yeah."

"He's alive?" Lilly huffed.

"As far as I know." Bonnie said.

There was a tense silence before Lilly suddenly spoke into her radio. "Change of plans... I want everyone searching for Clementine and a man named Kenny. And I want them both brought to me. Alive."

Bonnie and Mike exchanged looks, both wondering if they said too much.


After a lengthy ride down the deserted roads the group made it to the second camp. They quickly scouted the area only to realized that this camp was also abandoned.

"What in the fuck?" Kenny huffed.

"So we've wasted our time coming out here. Can we just head back home?" Christa asked.

"We should look around first." Molly said.

"Look for what?" Christa asked.

"Anything useful. We came all this way, it's worth a look." Vince said.

"Is it? We should just head back. I want to check on my baby." Christa said.

"No one forced you to come Christa." Molly huffed.

"I know that." Christa retorted.

"Both of you stop, Molly's right, since we're here, we should look for anything useful." Shel said.

"Fine… Let's just make it fast." Christa agreed.

They looked around for anything that would tell them where these people were going, or if they knew what had happened to them at all. But after several minutes of searching they were coming up empty handed.

"Look, there's nothing out here. At this point we're just wasting our time." Christa said.

"Look, maybe we should head back… before it gets dark." Shel said.

"Not yet." Javier said.

"Why not?" Shel asked.

"There's one more spot I can think of." Javier said.

"Where?" Kenny asked.

"We should try the slaughterhouse." Javier suggested.

"The what?" Christa asked.

"The Slaughterhouse. It's where they were keeping me and Clem." Javier said.

"They have a slaughterhouse?" Christa shook her head in horror. "This is just getting sicker by the minute."

"It's worth a shot. They could be there." Molly said.

"Fine… Let's… check this place out." Vince said.

Jesus nodded. "Let's get a move on."


As they continued hanging out together Clementine noticed a bit of tension between Gabe and Gill. Both of the boys seemed to want her attention. Clementine tried to pay an equal amount of attention to both of them, but it seemed that wasn't enough for either boy. The girl felt a bit uncomfortable.

As it started to get later, she decided she should head back to Sarita before the woman got worried.

However, when both Gill and Gabe offered to walk her home, the girl was torn on what to do. She didn't want to crush them by refusing, but she didn't want to deal with the tension much longer.

She decided to put up with it and allow them to walk her home. She chatted with Mariana who seemed oblivious to the two boys who had been silently at odds all day over Clementine.

Clementine was glad that Mariana was present, at least she helped make things feel a little less awkward.

After walking her home both boys suggested that they hang out tomorrow. But after all the awkwardness that day, Clementine didn't know if she wanted to hang out with them tomorrow.


Upon arriving at the Slaughterhouse, they found it was a mess. They spotted several geeks roaming around. But no living people.

Javier frowned as he realized they must have killed all of the escaped prisoners.

The dead have left little evidence that there was ever a large community here.

"This is crazy..." Molly muttered to herself.

"It's like they just vanished." Shel said.

"Well, we know they didn't. We just gotta find them." Kenny said.

"It's almost as if they knew we'd be coming…" Jesus commented.

"Yeah… She was probably expecting us to try something…" Molly said.

"Let's just get back to Prescott. I need to make sure my daughter is okay." Christa said.

"Yeah, we might as well head back… Nowhere else I can think of…" Molly agreed.

"Just keep your guards up. We don't know who or what could be around." Jesus said.

The others agreed and they headed back to the truck.


It was nighttime when they made it back to Prescott. They were all glad to have made it back without a problem, although they were a bit disappointed about not finding anything useful at the camps.

"Well, you all know the drill." Tripp said. "Let Eleanor check you out and—"

"Actually, as much as I'd love to stick around, I think I gotta get going." Jesus said.

"You're leaving?" Molly asked him.

"Yeah… I need to check in on my own people." Jesus said. "I wouldn't want them getting worried. I'll talk to them about helping out…"

"Are you sure leaving in the middle of the night is smart?" Shel asked.

"I can handle myself, trust me. I'll be okay." Jesus said.

"Alright then." Shel said.

"We'll be in touch… You all be safe here." Jesus said.

"You be safe Jesus." Javier said.

Jesus nodded. "Will do."

The group watched as Jesus walked away.

"Are we sure we can trust that guy?" Kenny asked.

"Well, he seems okay to me…" Shel said. "We wouldn't have found Clem without his help."

"He just knows a lot… Seems suspicious…" Kenny said.

"Well, no matter what we'll keep our guards up. Make sure this place is secure." Molly said.

Tripp nodded. "Damn right we will… Alright, you folks go find Eleanor. Get yourselves checked out. I'm glad you made it back safe and sound."

"Thanks Tripp." Molly said.

"No problem." Tripp said.

With that the group went to get checked for bites, as protocol called for.


"I'm home." Christa made her way through the house and noticed Omid and Genevieve both lying in bed. The woman kicked off her shoes and laid down to join them.

Omid opened his eyes and offered her a small smile, "Hey, how was the trip?"

"Exhausting..." Christa said.

"Find anything out?" Omid asked.

"Nothing useful... No sign of that group..." Christa said.

"Well... I'm glad you made it back okay." Omid said.

"I told you I would." Christa said. She gently kissed Genevieve's forehead and the toddler's eyes opened, she sleepily gazes to her mother.

"Mommy home?" Genevieve mumbled.

"Yeah, baby. Mommy's home." Christa kissed her again and held her close.

"Missed mommy." Genevieve said.

"I missed you too, baby girl..." Christa said. "Mommy's back now... Go night-night okay..."

Genevieve's little eyes fluttered close again.

Christa smiled herself. "I'm glad I made it back too."


When Kenny and Molly made it to Kenny and Sarita's home it was so quiet, that Molly would have thought no one was home.

They heard shuffling from one of the rooms and soon Sarita stepped out.

Sarita immediately smile as she noticed them, "You're back!"

"Yeah, I am, hon." Kenny said.

Sarita went over to hug Kenny, who returned the hug.

"How's Clem?" Molly asked.

"She's fast asleep with AJ." Sarita said. "She was have trouble falling to sleep, but once she laid down with him, she fell asleep pretty fast… It was really adorable… Umm…She could spend the night. If it's okay with you."

"Uh…" Molly paused.

"Sorry… It's not my place to suggest that… You can take her if you want." Sarita said.

"Nah… I wouldn't want to wake her... I'll just see her tomorrow." Molly said.

"Are you sure, you don't mind? I… know she missed you." Sarita said.

"I'm sure she did. But I shouldn't wake her" Molly said. "Thanks for watching her."

"Of course... I'll let her know you're here when she wakes up." Sarita said.

Molly nodded. "Okay... Goodnight Sarita, Kenny."

"Goodnight." Sarita said

"Night Molly." Kenny replied.

With some hesitation, Molly walked out.


The second Javier open the door, he found himself locked in an embrace by Kate.

"Hey," Javier returned the hug. "I take it you missed me?"

She responded by kissing him. He returned the kiss.

"I'm so glad you're back. I was so worried." Kate said as they broke the kiss.

"Where are the kids?" Javier asked.

"Fast asleep… They spent the whole day playing with Molly's little girl." Kate said. "Gabe wouldn't stop talking about her when he got home. I think he has a little crush."

"Oh, I can tell." Javier chuckled. "You said the kids were asleep."

"Both of them are out like a light." Kate said.

"Good." Javier smirked.

"You thinking what I'm thinking?" Kate asked in a suggestive tone.

"That we should get some sleep?" Javier said.

Kate rolled her eyes elbowing him. "The opposite actually."

Javier just chuckled at that.


Molly headed back home and tried her best to rest. She wasn't used to not having Clementine around during the night. It seemed almost too quiet.

She knew it wouldn't be long. She would see her girl in the morning.

She just couldn't help but feel anxious about being away from the child. She was always there to comfort her when the girl had nightmares and help her sleep when the girl was scared.

Hell, the kid helped her sleep at night. Sometimes she hated to admit it but she was as dependent on the child as Clementine was on her.

That little girl is what kept her going, and Molly didn't know if that would ever change.


When morning came both Gabe and Mariana were thrilled to see their uncle back. They both hugged him, telling him how worried they were.

After their little reunion the family gathered to eat some breakfast.

"I can't stay long… I gotta go somewhere soon." Gabe said.

"Oh? Really?" Javier asked.

"Yeah… I'm going to ask Clem if she wants to hang out." Gabe said.

"Oh. So… I'm guessing you had fun hanging with her yesterday?" Javier asked him.

Gabe shrugged. "Maybe a little."

"A little?"

"She's cool. That's all." Gabe said.

"He likes her!" Mariana blurted out.

"I do not!" Gabe snapped.

"Hey, there's nothing wrong with having a crush." Javier said.

Gabe crossed his arms. "I don't have a crush."

"Sure, kid…" Javier smirked a bit.

Gabe quickly looked away feeling his face redden. "J-Just shut up…"


"Molly!" Clementine rushed into the house and practically flung herself into her guardian's arms."

"Woah, hey there kiddo." Molly said. "You okay?"

"Yeah." Clementine said. "I missed you."

"I missed you too, Clem." Molly said.

"I'm glad you're back." Clementine replied.

"Yeah. I'm glad too." Molly said. "Did you have fun with your friends yesterday?"

Clementine face fell at that question. "Umm… I don't know…"

"What do you mean?" Molly asked.

"I…" Clementine paused. "Can I talk to you about something?"

"Sure, kiddo…" Molly said.

"It… felt weird… When I was hanging out with both Gill and Gabe at the same time." Clementine said.

"Why is that?"

"I don't know… I was hoping you could tell me why… And… if it's normal or not?" Clementine said. "I just… feel weird right now…"

Molly understood what the child was saying. "Do they do something that made you feel weird."

"Uh… kind of…"

Molly looked concerned. "What did they do?"

"Nothing naughty…" Clementine said. "But… It's hard to explain."

"Just try,"

"Okay… They weren't really fighting… But I could tell they… didn't want to be around each other…" Clementine said. "They both wanted me to pay attention to them and… they keep saying things…"

"What kind of things?" Molly asked the child.

"Like… bragging about what they could do…" Clementine said. "It felt really awkward."

Molly took in the child's words and fought the urge to chuckle. She understood now. Things felt awkward because those two little boys had started a rivalry over Clementine. Both of them had a crush on her.

"What should I do?" Clementine asked.

"You want my advice?" Molly asked back.

Clementine nodded. "Yes."

"I think you should hang out with them." Molly said.

"Even if it's weird?"

"It won't be weird forever." Molly said. "I think if you spend time with them, it'll help you recover from what happened at Howe's… Boys can be weird sometimes but avoiding them won't help."

"Okay, if you say so…" Clementine agreed even though she wasn't completely conformable with the idea.

"Good…" Molly said. "And Clem,"

"Yes?"

"Promise me if either of them do anything that makes you uncomfortable, you'll tell me right away." Molly said.

"If they do anything naughty?" Clementine asked.

"If they do anything bad." Molly corrected. "You'll tell me."

"Okay… I will." Clementine said. "Do… Do you think they will?"

"No… But just to be cautious…" Molly said.

Clementine nodded her understanding.

"If anyone ever does anything, you tell me." Molly said.

The child gave a nod, "Okay…"


The next day Clementine did as Molly said and hung out with Gabe and Gill, trying her best to give both boys and Mariana attention when they hung out.

Things slowly became less awkward. She would ignore Gabe's and Gill's constant competing and tried to focus on having fun.

Spending time with them helped her worry less about The New Frontier and focus a bit more on being a kid.

It was nice.


"Javi! I need to talk to you!" Gabe rushed over to his uncle, in a state of panic.

"Gabe, what's up? Is everything alright?" Javier asked.

"No…" Gabe said. "I think something's wrong with me."

"What do you mean?"

"It- It's Clementine's fault… Everytime I'm around her... I feel so weird. I just... don't want her to leave, and I hate seeing her talk to other guys..." Gabe said. "I hate seeing her talk to Gill."

"Gabe... there's nothing wrong with you. It's just a crush..." Javier said.

"But why do I have a crush on her? She would never like someone like me… And… And what if she has a crush on Gill? She'll definitely never like me back..." Gabe said with a frown.

"Never say never kiddo." Javier said.

"What should I do, Uncle Javi?" Gabe asked.

"…Just… try to be her friend. And see where things go." Javier suggested.

"See where things go...?" Gabe repeated.

"Yeah. It's usually smart to take things slow." Javier said. Especially since he knew what Clementine had been through. "She's been through a lot and... you wouldn't want to scare her away... So... just be her friend... I'm sure she'd like that."

"Okay... I can do that." Gabe said. "Thanks, Javi."

"No problem, bud."


"I'm back!" Clementine called as she entered the house.

"Hey, kiddo. How was your day?" Molly asked the girl.

"It was nice. We showed Gabe and Mari our secret hideout—" Clementine stopped herself. "Oh yeah, I'm not supposed to tell you that. It's secret."

Molly chuckled a bit. "Don't worry, Clem. I won't invade your secret hideout."

"I wouldn't mind if you knew where it was. I just don't want everyone to know." Clementine said.

"Understandable." Molly said. "So… Are things any better?"

"What do you mean?" Clementine asked.

"Are things still awkward, between Gill and Gabe?" Molly asked.

"Kind of…" Clementine said. "But not as much as before. And at least I know neither of them are gonna try to fuck me."

Molly cringed at that word. "That's good, Clem… But… I think you and I should have a chat…

"Oh… Am- Am I in trouble?" Clementine asked.

"No kiddo…" Molly then motioned her over. "Here… Come take a seat…"

"Swear you're not mad at me?" Clementine asked.

"I swear. I just want to talk…" Molly said.

"Okay…" Clementine hesitantly took a seat.

"I wanted to talk about some of the words you say…" Molly said.

Clementine flinched. "Oh… Did- Did I say something bad…?"

Molly noticed how innocently the young girl asked that question. The girl really didn't see anything wrong with her choice of words. "Do you remember what you just said? About the boys?"

"That they didn't fuck me…" Clementine said.

Molly nodded. "Yeah… That word. The F-bomb."

"Oh… Cause it's a swear? You don't want me to say swears anymore?" Clementine asked.

"Well… I don't think you should say swears… But… specifically that word, Clem… There's different meanings when it comes to that word…" Molly said.

"There are?" Clementine asked.

"Yeah…"

"I know people say it for different reasons. Kenny says it a lot." Clementine said. "But I thought… it all meant… the same thing…"

"No… you're saying it… in a different way than Kenny does…" Molly said. "And you're only saying it because… it's what Carver and the rest of those sick fucks taught you."

"So… I'm sick too…? Because I say it." Clementine muttered.

"No, Clem. You're not." Molly sighed. "Look, you just don't need to say that word, kid."

"But you say swears." Clementine said.

"That's different." Molly said.

"How?"

"Well, for one, I'm not a child." Molly said.

"I'm not a child. I'm a woman." Clementine replied.

"No. You're not." Molly said. "You're not a woman, Clementine. You're twelve."

"Nearly thirteen." Clementine said. "And… And I've been saying cuss words for a while... You never got mad at me before."

"I'm not mad at you for cussing, Clem." Molly said.

"Then why can't I swear anymore?" Clementine asked.

"Because… It's just… The way you say it… It's not appropriate. Specifically, that word." Molly said. "If you want to swear, fine, but not the f-word."

"But- But I don't understand… What do I say if I can't say fucked…?" Clementine asked.

Molly knew that some kids would swear because they found it "cool" and it eventually became a habit.

But Clementine's swearing was different.

While there was no malicious intent behind her words, the context in which she used the words were disturbing, not only to Molly but to others. Molly wouldn't have interfered with her swearing if it hadn't been for the fact that hearing Clementine utter that word, that she knew that those sick people had drilled into her vocabulary made her skin crawl.

"How about you… use different words…" Molly said.

"Like what?"

"Like hurt or… abused… You don't have to say those words that Carver taught you…" Molly said.

"But I can't help it… I don't try to say them. I just do." Clementine said.

"I know, kiddo. But I think you should try hard NOT to say them." Molly said. "I want you to try really hard not to say any of those words that Carver taught you."

"Even naughty?" Clementine asked.

"Even naughty."

"But naughty's not a swear word." Clementine protested.

"Pretend it is, Clem…" Molly said. "Remember how you felt when you were little, and you hated hearing swears, I think you should try to go back to that…"

"Really?"

Molly nodded.

"Okay… I'll… I'll try…" Clementine said.

"Alright Clem. Just try your hardest, okay." Molly said.

"I will."


Everyone was surprised when they heard Lilly call for a group meeting.

"We have a lead..." Lilly said.

"What?" Bonnie asked, eyes wide.

"On where Clementine and Kenny might be." Lilly said.

Mike and Bonnie were both worried to hear this.

One of the men stumbled forward. "When they were at that junkyard and we were shooting at them, they were with someone. Someone I happen to know."

Bonnie gulped feeling worried, while Mike seemed to shift his weight uncomfortably.

"Big blonde guy. His name's Tripp. He runs this community called Prescott." The man said.

"Alright... thank you. We're gonna find this place... And when we do, I want everyone to find Kenny and Clementine and bring them to me, alive. I'll deal with those two myself." Lilly said. "If anyone causes trouble, or tries to get in the way, kill them."

Bonnie and Mike both felt their hearts drop at those words. They knew what happened to Prescott wouldn't be pretty and they knew there was no way for them to get out of this without putting themselves at risk… They had to comply with Lilly's orders.


Another two days went by and all was calm.

Things had been quiet, peaceful in a way.

They kept their guards up regardless, but it was nice to have a calm few days.

As night fell and many of the towns people settled into sleep, Tripp sat on watch, however he furrowed his brows as he caught sight of several vehicles approaching the gates. "Oh shit…"