Welcome to Chapter 9, don't forget to favorite and leave a review!

I rubbed my eyes, opening them. I got out of bed, making sure not to kick Nick again. Crouching down next to Clementine, shaking her lightly. I heard a groan come from her, her eyes opening and focusing on me.

"G'mornin', hon. I'll be needin' that radio from ya." I held out my hand to her, in return Clementine put the radio in my hand. I hid the radio inside my hoodie, patting her shoulder and walking over to the pen door, waiting to leave for work.

I thought back to last night, what Jane was saying...the walker guts. I'm not sure I can do that. The blood... Will they leave me? No, this is not time for these thoughts, as long as everybody else gets out everything is fine.

I saw movement out the corner of my eye, it was just everybody getting up. I could see Kenny stand around a table with the others, so I decided to walk over.

Kenny was speaking, "So, who's bringing this radio over to Luke?".

I raised my hand slightly, "I am, I'm workin' next to the comic shop, I can slip it on my way in."

Kenny didn't seem to like that answer, "Wait-" he was cut off by the pen door opening, Tavia walking in.

"Time to get up.", Tavia walked into the pen, "Daylight's burnin'. They let you sleep in, all things considered." Okay, that was total bull, how long did we 'sleep in'? Five minutes?

Sarah spoke up, "Where's my dad...?".

Tavia glared at her, "He's where the rest of you are goin'. To work." I couldn't help but stare at her, she didn't have to be so rude to Sarah. "Rebecca, Sarah, Jane... if you gotta take a piss, do it now. The next break won't be for a while." Tavia looked at me, "Troy wants you out on the expansion, now. He'll be comin' up for the rest of you." I nodded my head, heading outside.

The air was getting colder, it was definitely winter. I hurried to the comic shop, opening the door. "Luke?" I shut the door behind me, walking inside.

"...James?" I heard Luke call out my name, peeking from behind the bookshelves.

"Mhmm." I pulled out the radio from my hoodie, handing it to him "Merry Christmas.".

Luke's eyes widened, grabbing the radio "Thank you...is it that time already? I figured it'd be a week or two-"

I cut him off, "I was just bein' an ass, Luke." I laughed lightly.

"Oh... to be honest I was expectin' Clem." Luke chuckled, scratching his head.

"Sorry 'bout that...Look, I outta be goin' now. Don't wanna get ya caught." I headed for the door, waving.

Once leaving the comic shop, I went in the expansion. Slowly opening the door in, peeking to see if any walkers broke in again. It looked clear, I walked in fully, shutting the door behind me. The wood on the window was shaking, and I could feel the vibration of undead hitting against it.

I looked around, finding a pile of supplies near the window. I picked up a weird looking device, maybe a sort of dispenser? I looked at the tube inside the dispenser, it read 'All Purpose Caulk'...Oh, I think I remember my step dad using this stuff before. I put the caulk down, picking up what looked like a tube of brown liquid, taking a glance at the label I saw it read 'Gorilla Glue'...? There was a bucket next to all of these smaller items, it was pre mixed cement, and on top of the lid was some weird looking metal device that reminded me of a gardening spade sorta. I'll assume I use it to smooth out things. Oh, and how could I forget the pile of bricks next to everything?

I heard the creek of a door opening, stopping my examination and looking back I saw it was Troy... with Nick. Troy's face scrunched up, "You haven't even started yet?". He shoved Nick in with the tip of his gun, "Y'all better have made progress by the time I come back.". Troy left, slamming the door behind him.

I picked up a brick, scooping up some cement and covering the top and sides of the brick with it, then sticking another brick to it's side and top. This wasn't so hard, I looked over at Nick, he was using the caulk. I decided to make some conversation while working, "Ya ever build somethin' before?" I continued making tiny patches of bricks, then cementing them to the wood covering the window.

Nick didn't look at me, but he did talk, "Yeah, my Uncle Pete had me help him build stuff 'round the house. A fence, a shed or two.". His eyes seemed to soften as he spoke, "...How 'bout you?"

"I was never one for buildin' much, I built a lil slide and swing set for my niece, Farah, though. If that counts." as I talked I couldn't help but have my eyes water a tiny bit while continuing bricking up the wall.

"About the plan...I'm not sure I can do it." I admitted to Nick, I really don't think I can.

Nick looked over at me, "Does that mean you're backin' out?".

I shook my head, "No, no. I'm still helpin'. It's just... nevermind."

We continued bricking up the window for what seemed like, and probably was, hours. It was finally done, I took a step back, looking at our work. I smiled at Nick, "Good work, man. I don't think I could've done it without ya here."

Suddenly the door opened, looking over I saw Troy "Come on, Bill's having a word.". He ushered us out of the expansion, leading us to the pen.

Once entering the pen I saw everybody standing in a group, Bill in front of everybody. I felt something poke my back, turning my head I saw it was Troy's gun. I headed over to the rest of the group.

Bill started speaking, "You all thought you could slip something by, did you?" he started pacing from left to right, "Well, whatever you're planning now is over." he stopped in front of Clementine, putting his hand on her shoulder "Don't test me, get him in here.". I looked at Clementine, she was staring Bill in the eyes, not moving a muscle. Please just radio Luke, don't get yourself hurt... I know you're strong Clem, but even strong people get hurt... pleading in my head won't solve anything.

Bill grabbed Clementine, lifting her off of the ground. He took the radio out of her pocket, holding down the button, "Luke, as fun as this has been, I'm going to need you to come out or I'll have to make things more... difficult."

A static emitted from the radio, "All right, I'm comin' out." it was Luke's voice. Bill kept his grip on Clementine, a heard a grunt come from my right, turning my head I saw Kenny. His face was full of anger.

Kenny took a step forward, "He said he's comin' out, put her down.". Kenny got even closer, "I said, put her down.". Bill looked Kenny in the eyes, dropping Clementine. Literally. Clementine fell, hitting the ground hard. Kenny looked down at Clementine, then back up to Bill. Bill grabbed Kenny by the collar, pinning him down.

Bill spoke up, "Now then, if Luke comes in now I won't have to escalate things" he talked into the radio "I know you hear me, Luke. If you come out now I won't have to make things any harder.". Bill looked down at Kenny, "Three...two..." Suddenly the noise of the pen door opening was heard, I looked over, seeing Luke walk in. Bill looked at Luke and then back to Kenny, "...One."

Kenny looked up at Bill, "...heh. Fucker.". In the blink of an eye Bill had raised the hand holding the radio, striking it down on Kenny's face. I held my breath, watching the scene happen in front of me.

Luke's eyes widen, "Bill, stop!" Troy walked him over to the rest of us. He stood next to Nick and I.

I heard somebody scream, "No!" looking over I saw Sarita, horror painting her face.

Bill raised the radio up again, clashing it against Kenny's skull, I yelled out "B-Bill—Sir! Please, this isn't needed!" I saw the blood on Kenny's face as Bill hit him again, I put my hand on my mouth, trying not to freak out.

Nick looked over at me, then back to Bill "Jesus Christ! Stop!".

"Stop him! Somebody stop him!" Sarita ran for Kenny, but Carlos stopped her, "Let me go!"

Carlos struggled with Sarita, "Stop! Somebody, help me!" I ran right over, helping Carlos hold Sarita.

I got in front of Sarita, "Listen to me, Sarita. Ya need to calm down!" I could hear the clash of the radio hitting Kenny whilst I had my back turned.

Sarita kept screaming, "NO! STOP IT! KENNY! KENNY!". Carlos lost grip of Sarita, she pushed me out the way, running for Kenny.

I went to call out to her, "Sari-" but stopped when Troy hit her in the head with his gun, knocking her to the ground. I looked over at him, shocked. Troy returned the same look to me.

Bill gave Kenny a few more hits, blood splattering around. I started shaking, I felt like I couldn't breathe.

That's when I saw Bonnie walk in, "Bill!" she walked faster up to him "That's enough, Bill! Please!" Bill wasn't listening to her until she spoke up again, "Bill, there's a breach!" Bill gave Kenny a final blow, knocking him unconscious.

Bill dropped the radio, "All right, everyone come with me. Bonnie, you stick around. Make sure these folks don't get into anymore trouble." he walked out with Troy and Tavia.

Bonnie stared down at Kenny, "Yeah...okay.".

Bill talked for one last time before leaving, "No supper for y'all tonight. Maybe an empty stomach'll give you some perspective... then we'll try this again tomorrow." he walked out of the pen finally.

I noticed Bonnie staring at me, "James, are you-". I couldn't hold it in anymore, I ran to a corner, throwing up. I was a mess, I tried putting myself back together, still shaking I walked back over.

"S—Sorry." I looked at the ground, this is why I won't make it out of here. I looked back over to Kenny, Carlos was trying to take a look at him.

Bonnie looked at Carlos, "Do your best with him, Carlos. You need to get him able to move, 'cause we're leavin' tonight. I have the supplies ready." … wait, Bonnie knows? I shot her a confused look, she looked over at me "Clem told me yesterday, I'm comin' with y'all.".

I could hear fast breathing, I looked around, seeing Sarah standing there wide eyed. Shit, I forgot she was here. I crouched in front of her, "Sarah, can ya hear me?" I got a tiny nod in return "Ya need to calm down...uh, try taking some deep breaths...w-while countin' to ten." I had no idea if this would help.

I demonstrated, taking a deep breath in "One." and then breathing out, I continued doing it up to five. I watched Sarah take deep breaths, whispering out numbers, after a while her breathing went back to normal.

Nick spoke up, "So... what now?".

Luke responded almost right away, "We should rest up, it's gonna be a rough night."

I walked over to the bunks, climbing up into mine. I looked into my bag, making sure everything was in there... I wish I had my knife. I curled up, dosing off...

I could hear the sounds of walkers, I opened my eyes. I was outside, on a side of a road. This was no doubt when Troy saved me... I could see walkers getting closer out the corner of my eye, but I kept my focus on the road, Troy would come save me any second now... Where is he? A walker fell on me, aiming for my neck. I struggled, but no matter how hard I tried the walker got closer. CHOMP- It bit right down on my neck, the next walker piling on and biting my leg. I tried but I couldn't scream, I could only watch as blood poured from me. This is a dream, this isn't real, I just need to remember that.

I snapped out of my slumber when I felt something warm brush against my arm, I shot up, tears in my eyes. Looking down I saw Luke with his hand stretched out, "You okay...? You were makin' noises-"'

I mustered up the strength to talk, "Y-Yeah...I'm fine." the shaking of my body said a different story. Luke gave me a knowing stare, but didn't press me further on the matter.

I hopped out of bed, walking back with Luke to the fire. Everybody was circled around it, including Kenny and Sarita who were both up now. I stared at Kenny's face, an eye patch is covering his left eye... I looked around, Sarah wasn't here anymore... wasn't she just here? FLASH- I was blinded by a bright light for a second, I looked around, seeing Sarah on my bunk with my camera.

I heard Carlos sigh, "Sarah. Come over here.". I watched as she put the camera back in the bag and closed it, jumping back down and walking over to Carlos.

"Well, everybody's up, so what now?" Luke spoke up, bringing the more important topic to light.

Kenny's answered, "We get the hell out of here.".

"Like now, now?" Luke questioned, aw man I'm sure as hell not ready for this. Life never does wait for you to be ready though, does it?

Rebecca shouted a "Yes!" at Luke, she looked anxious to get out, who could blame her though?

Kenny leaned closer to the group, "Where are we goin'? In case things get squirrely and we gotta make a break for it, we need a place to meet up.".

"We could meet out at Parker's Run." Mike suggested, but where was that?

Kenny's voice became harsher, "The hell is that?"

Mike explained, "It's a Civil War site a few miles north. Tourist trap. Got signs all over. Just follow the road.".

"We stopped there after we escaped the first time. Luke and Carlos know where it is, it's not that far." Rebecca joined in.

Kenny reasoned with everybody for once, "Well, at least if a few folks know where it's at, it'll be easier to find if we're split up. All right, that works."

Luke interjected, "Then we just need someone to go set off that PA, right? I mean, you never bothered to explain who's supposed to do that." I felt like it was obvious who Kenny wanted to do it, I looked over to Clementine, and it looks like everybody else knew too.

"Wait, wait. Hold on, she's the plan?" Luke protested.

I heard a small sigh come from Clementine, "Let's go." I watched as we all walked over, Mike boosting Clementine onto the rope she'd use before getting the radios.

"Be sure to remember to flip the switch for the outdoor speakers. Just the indoor speakers might not draw the herd. It's right on the microphone box. By default it's set to play music, so you should just have to turn it on, right? Then climb back up and drop into the stockroom. We'll meet you there." Rebecca reminded her.

"Down into the office, outdoor speaker switch, turn on PA, up to the roof, down into the stockroom to meet you guys. That right?" Clementine repeated, I can't believe she remembered all of that, I barely remembered that. This little girl is not only tough, but smart, I can only hope she stays safe.

Rebecca smiled up at her, "Perfect.".

Mike started pulling Clementine up to the roof, I couldn't help but call up to her "Be careful, hon!".

She looked down, "I will." I could see her smiling a tiny bit.

Once Clementine was on the roof I ran over to my bunk, grabbing my bag, putting it over my shoulder. I walked over to Nick and Luke, ready to tell them I might not be able to go with them... god how do I say this? I want to go with them but I can't promise- "James, you're comin' with us, right?" Luke asked me, interrupting my thoughts.

Luke caught me off guard, I spat out a "I—uh, yeah." while scratching my neck. I can do this, it's just some guts... and blood. Wow, I am horrible at this. Suddenly music started playing, loudly. Was it time already?

The door to the pen opened, Bonnie running in with a bag, "Here, hurry up.". I ran over to the bag, looking in to see a bunch of guns and other things, our weapons? I rummaged through with everybody else, picking up my knife. I looked around, everybody had a weapon now, well except for Sarah.

Rebecca started walking out of the pen, "Come on.". I followed right behind Rebecca and Bonnie, I had no idea where the stockroom was. We somehow slipped by without getting caught, who knew Kenny would be right on this. We entered into this big room, with a door similar to the pens which I assume leads to the outside.

I started worrying, "Where is Clem? Shouldn't she be here?", I swear if this little girl got hurt...

"Calm down, she'll be here." Nick reassured me, I held my knife close to me, something didn't feel right.

I heard footsteps, "Drop your weapons, now.". I turned around, seeing Bill walk in with a gun pointed at us. Whilst lowering my knife Bill continued to instruct us, "Put your arms up.". I raised my hands, which were now shaking from a mix of fear and adrenaline.

Bill started pacing, getting closer to us "You wanna disrespect me? Fine. You wanna throw away the life... I'm tryin' to build for us all... then fuckin' fine! You wanna run off with this dogshit group of crippled fucks, then fine! Be my guest." I heard a slight noise, looking up I saw Clementine, she was going for Bill. I tensed up and looked back to Bill, trying not to give her position away. Bill pointed his gun at Rebecca, "But I will put a bullet in you and that baby before I let you leave again with my child!" Wait, the baby is Bills?

Clementine jumped down, her foot landing on Bill's head, causing him to fall forward. While trying to catch his balance I watched as Kenny punched him in the face, Luke disarming him as he fell towards him.

Luke pointed the gun at Bill, "Get back.". Everybody else and I took this as a chance to pick our weapons back up. Bill raised his arms.

"Come on, Luke. This ain't none of your business." Bill looked over at Rebecca, "This's just a bit of a custody battle we got on our hands, here."

Rebecca looked at Luke, "Shoot him.". I looked over at her, I couldn't help but be a bit wide-eyed at her.

Clementine looked up at Luke, "We should tie him up.". That sounded like a good idea.

Luke nodded his head, "Yeah... yeah, okay, okat, we got any rope-" BANG— a bullet went through Bill's knee as he screamed in pain, I jumped, looking over at the source of the bullet. Kenny. BANG, another bullet went through the other knee, causing Bill to fall. Shit, can he even get up now?

I watched Kenny walk over to the other side of the room, picking up a crowbar. He looked back at us, "Go on and wait outside.". I looked around, watching Jane, Mike, and Bonnie leave right away.

"Kenny, please." Sarita pleaded, I touched her shoulder. She looked over at me and all I could do was shake my head, there was no talking Kenny out of this.

Kenny looked down at Bill, "I only need a minute." His gaze turned to Clementine "Go on. You don't need to see this."

"That girl's already seen more than you can imagine." Bill remarked, his voice strained with pain.

"Shut your mouth, Bill!" Luke yelled, anger in his eyes, "You're all just gonna let him do this?"

Rebecca looked over at Luke, "Yes.".

Luke sighed, "There ain't one part of that son of a bitch I don't hate, but that does not make this right.".

I stepped forward a tiny bit, "Ken, just leave him. The walkers...the walkers will get to him anyway, so right now we need to go! Do ya really want him messing up our chance of getting' out easily? T-Think about it, Ken." I have to try to reason with him, Bill is dead no matter what.

Kenny turned towards me a tiny bit, "It's got to be done.".

Bill started to talk again, "Look at you... you fuckin' ingrates. You don't even know how good you got it." I turned to see Sarah, Carlos, Luke and Nick walk out. I wanted to walk out to, but something was keeping me from leaving. "That's all right... you'll learn. Lambs to the slaughter... No shepherd to guide you. Clementine knows exactly what I'm talkin' about.".

Sarita walked up to Clementine, "Come on."

Bill kept on talking "Fuckin' big man now, huh?"

Sarita pressed Clementine further "Let's go!"

Clementine shook her head, "No."

"I'm not letting you see this!" Sarita grabbed her shoulder.

Clementine looked up at Sarita, "It's not your decision.".

Why wasn't I leaving? Nick and Luke are waiting outside for me...

"Atta girl... she ain't afraid to look it in the eye. You go with that feelin' ya got right now, Clementine. It's what makes you stronger than the rest of them." Sarita walked out of the building, leaving just me, Clementine, Kenny, and Rebbeca to send Bill off.

"How's that eye? Just follow my voice... it'll get ya there. You got a thick fuckin' skull, Kenneth. Should've put you outta your misery right then... now look at ya. You're a mess." his attention turned to Rebecca "The fuck are you looking at, bitch? Don't act like you didn't love every second of it—" Kenny hit him upside the head with the crowbar, then slammed it down onto his head.

Blood splattered, flowing from Bill's head. God, I feel sick. Bill's face was a mess now, I couldn't handle it, running out of the room and to the outside.

As I ran out, shaking, Luke grabbed my shoulder "Are you okay-" I couldn't help it, I puked on him. "Shit, man."

I started to stutter out words, "S-s-sorry..." I looked over, seeing the cut open walker, Sarah now being wiped down with the guts. I had to do this?

Bonnie walked over, handing me a bag, I noticed some other people were carrying bags too. I shot her a confused look, she replied with "Supplies, we're gonna need them.". I nodded my head.

Luke interjected, "James, ya need some guts.". I looked at him, "I've figured out by now you're not good with these things, but you just...you just need to. Okay?" I just nodded my head, walking over to the walker Nick and Sarita were using to cover themselves.

Nick was covering himself with the guts, "Man, we're never gonna make it through this.".

Luke looked at him, "You kidding me? If Clem can handle it, you can."

I stared down at the walker, it was dead, but the sigh of the gore... I don't think I can- Suddenly there was blood and guts on my chest. I looked up to see Nick staring at me, I inhaled, smearing the blood all over. I can do this, no problemo.

I could hear Jane sigh, "Hurry the fuck up.".

Everybody was leaving now, Nick started walking, I tried to follow him but I was grabbed by something... moreso someone.

"What in the actual fuck is going on here?!" It was Troy, shit.

I tried remaining calm, looking over I saw everybody leaving "T-Troy, calm down... we were-".

Troy's face scrunched up, "What is this sick shit? Answer me before I start-"

I interrupted, "We are leavin', Troy. Keep yer voice down, you'll attract them.". They were right next to us at this point. Out of the corner of my eye I saw a bullet dodge right pass Carlos' neck, hitting a walker that was right next to Sarita. Talk about lucky.

"Don't you fuckin' tell me what to do." Troy raised his hand to hit me, but I pushed him, causing him to fall down. Before I could process what I just did I realized I had pushed Troy into a walker. A walker that was crawling on the ground grabbed his arm, biting down on his hand, it... it was Reggie. I pulled Troy up, kicking the undead Reggie away from us. Troy looked down at his hand, wide eyed, and back up at me. This wasn't what the plan was.

I heard a painful yelp come from the crowd, it was Nick. Did he get bitten too? I could see him turn around... he's coming back? He's holding his shoulder, please don't be bitten. While Nick was making his way over I took some of the guts from me, tried my best not to be sick, and put them on Troy, "What in the f-" he tried protesting.

"Shut up, I'm savin' yer life." I did owe him one, after all he did save mine. I felt a hand touch me, making me jump. Turning around I saw it was Nick. I whispered to him, "A-Are ya okay? Did ya get bit?".

He whispered back, his voice dripping with pain, "No, we need to go." I looked over at Troy, watching him roll his eyes and shrug his shoulders, he didn't really have a choice. We slowly weaved our way through the walkers, heading for the area least compacted. Once we were somewhat in the clear we started running, running as far away as we could get.

This was definitely not how the plan was supposed to go.

looney toon bro: Thanks! There's a possibility of meeting new faces but not for a while.

Purtail: Thank you! I hope I write Troy well enough, he's a fun character to explore haha.