A/N: Hey guys! Thanks for the reviews, for this note I'm going to keep it short and sweet.
I appericate all your reviews, but please don't leave any spoilers for episode 5 in you reviews (as I'm an Xbox guy and can't play it until tomorrow).
Don't worry though, by the next author's note I'll be ready to discuss episode 5 to the death and respond to all of your reviews, so until then... Stay awesome!
P.S. From this point on the chapters will become noticeably shorter, as a lot of different things will occur in the upcoming rebellion and deaths and events will each have a chapter focus on them.
"To Kill A Mockingbird..."
Sarah uttered the title of the dusty cover she had in her palms, turning it over she peered at the words of text, straining her eyes as it was getting darker...
"What's that?" Nick asked, placing himself on the ground next to her.
The pair of them had made it back to the Civil war site. Nick hadn't expected it, he was walking along the forest, only slightly ahead of Sarah. His head bent down in fatigue as he noticed the forest floor slowly turn into grey gravel...
He looked up to find the crumbling civil war site gazing back at him. He blinked to make sure it was real, before he let out a hearty laugh causing Sarah to look up in alarm. But she soon smiled upon seeing where they were back at.
"At this rate, we can stop for a break and make it back to the hardware store from here, before nightfall" he mused, as he and Sarah sat themselves on the benches by the sagging, reddish ruin of bricks that apparently made a "wall".
"It's getting dark though" Sarah noted, peering at the descending orange ball of the sun, as the long shadows began to trail their way up the civil war site.
"I know the way from here Sarah. We'll be fine" Nick reassured her, as he swept quick glance around the empty site and muttered "Were at the last scarps of our food and drink, how about we stop for dinner before we get moving again?"
Sarah said she'd like that. With this in mind they proceeded back towards the observation deck (for further security) Nick looked up at the blue statue of the injured solider carrying his comrade.
Fallen but never forsaken- The plaque still read.
Well, that was true.
Now, after finishing off the last scarps of bread with a few, oh so lovely beans to go with it. All washed down with the river water in their canteen's that Nick had filled in earlier. However after this dinner, they soon lay empty as Nick belched to Sarah's disgust. After this "incident" Nick went to go search for any supplies they may have missed (he was also wary of angry Russians still lurking). So as he went outside on the deck itself, Sarah had begun to root around for the camera, but instead her fingers clamped around the small book, which she pulled to the light.
To Kill A Mockingbird, a book her father had forbidden her from reading after she exhausted every other childish volume.
So as she inspected the book and Nick came in and asked her what it was, she responded "To Kill a Mockingbird, it's a book my dad wouldn't let me read. So I took it with me, because I want to read it" she told him eagerly as Nick smiled.
"I liked that book, read it in school" he informed her as Sarah's eyes opened in surprise.
"Really? Do you know what it's all about?" She asked quickly, she hadn't figured Nick as the type of man who read books. But he seemed interested in the book in front of him. "Yeah, Used to one of Pete's favourite books" he added, remembering how his Uncle would help teach Nick the book that he loved so much.
"So... what's it's about? But don't spoil it for me" Sarah asked of Nick, as Nick inhaled before speaking...
"Well... it's about a little girl who lives in south. Her dad's a lawyer and tries to defend an innocent man from being sent to jail. But the little girl soon discovers that... that the world is a cruel place, and that her town is filled with racism and prejudice" he felt like he gave a rather vague summary on the book, but it seemed to satisfy Sarah. Nick was surprised Sarah didn't ask for the meaning of "racism" glad that Carlos had told her some things. Although he could bet (if she started reading the book) he soon be pestered by endless inquires from Sarah. Asking what "rape" was.
"If that's what it's about, then why's it called To Kill A Mockingbird?" Sarah inquired.
Putting on a heavy southern drawl, Nick quoted, the most memorable quote in the book that he remembered.
"Shoot all the bluejays you want if you can hit them, but remember It's a sin to Kill A Mockingbird"
Sarah's confused stare, told Nick that she didn't follow him at he proceeded into a more basic explanation.
"It means the innocent man the dad's trying to defend is the true mockingbird. And that it's a sin to kill the mockingbird because Mockingbirds don't harm anybody"
"Oh" Sarah muttered, looking down at the book again in understanding. Before she spoke up again.
"Do you reckon that's like Carver then?" she asked.
"What?" Nick asked.
"Like... him killing everyone, him exiling us and all. It's like his killing all the mockingbirds and that's a sin" she explained, as Nick found himself nodding. Also remembering how he had killed the mockingbird that was Matthew on the bridge. He guessed that was why the book was so good, in even this mess it could somehow still relate to him.
"Do you reckon Clementine will like this book, when I show it her?" Sarah asked after another silence.
"I reckon she will"
"I know she will, I can't wait to here the rest of her story! Can you imagine her face after I tell her what we've been through?" Sarah mused in excitement.
"Yeah" Nick agreed quietly.
Sarah babbled on, confident in the knowledge that Clementine and the others were awaiting them. Nick was a bit less certain, he was 90 per cent sure the others were fine. But when they had left, Carver had killed Reggie, Becca in quick succession, so whose to say he stopped? This was thought Nick tried to push away and not bring up with Sarah. He expected at least one pen dweller to have died during the time he was gone, yet he was confident that the others were all smart enough to keep their cool, in fact...
"You know, I reckon while we've been gone. Rebecca must have had her baby" he told Sarah, whose eyes brightened up.
"Really? That's so cool! I reckon it's a girl! But I'll be happy if it's a boy too..."
While Sarah grew more excited at the prospect, Nick had to remain a little cynical. Had Rebecca and her baby survived the childbirth? How was Carver going to view the group now that he had his baby? Was the baby even born yet? (It should have been). Were Luke and Clementine really safe? How...?
No, he tried to block out these thoughts as they drove him mad. He and Sarah were going to return to that hardware store, with the bag of meds that resided next to him. Carver would let them back in, (no doubt back into the pen, but still) the others would all be surprised to see them, as they all thought he and Sarah would be dead. after happily reuniting with Luke, Clementine, Rebecca, Kenny, Sarita and the others, they would share their story of survival. Everyone would look at Nick in a new light, he would no longer be the fuck up.
He'd be the man, who helped an autistic 15 year old girl survive in this harsh world. and not only help her to survive but grow, as she had learned to fend for herself. Not only that, he had survived two bullet wounds, survived three hostile groups (the Russians, Steve's group and the Walker wannabes). Been chased down a river and survived. Trekked back to the cabin, gained some personal items. Headed back, saved Sarah from near death and trekked all the way back to the store...
When he thought about it like that, it put a dreamy smile on his face. But more thoughts of self doubt bubbled to the surface "What if the hardware store was overrun? Then what? What if Carver forgot the deal? Or what if he shot them on the spot, as he expected them to die out there. What if the bag of meds wasn't enough? What if...?"
Nick shook his head, his only thought being "If we're still alive, then they have to be", it was the only thought keeping him sane.
He had a gut feeling he would see his friends again. But it would not be the perfect scenario he had dreamed up in his head.
"Well... put that book back, I reckon we better get going. It's nearly nightfall" he told Sarah, as he stood up and yawned, but as he did, something shiny and golden caught his eye. He mentally had to slap himself for missing it for so long. He picked up the dusty bullet with curious fingers.
"Do you reckon it works?" Sarah asked.
"Only one way to find out" Nick said, as he drew out the old pistol, Sarah had found back at the trailer on the dead couple. He placed the single bullet in the empty magazine of the gun, and was surprised to find that (upon first try) the bullet actually slid perfectly into the magazine.
"It's a beretta 92" Nick observed, gazing at the pistol "It's not too heavy, it can shoot things from quite a distance and is small enough to carry around" Nick was recited his words from magazines he had read growing up. Nick was fountain of knowledge when it came to guns, so much so that others may have found it "nerdy" of him. However considering he was trigger happy guy, his knowledge of guns was second to none.
Sarah could tell instantly that he was in his element, as excitement rung in his voice while he spoke. She decided to try and at least look interested as she muttered back to him "Well... that sounds good. But I only have one bullet"
Nick smile didn't fade, "Well then, use it wisely and kill the bluejay and not the mockingbird"
Lilly watched the duo finally leave the observation deck, it felt like hours to her as she fiddled impatiently. So when they finally emerged and headed away from the civil war site, she turned back to the other 6 members of her "team".
"You sure you don't want anything to eat Lilly?" Steve asked, the others had all been helping themselves to a quick dinner break, as Lilly glared at the observation deck.
"I'm fine Steve" Lilly snapped.
"Okay, but I'm just saying a bit of food will keep your strength up for tonight"
Bearing this in mind, she trailed far ahead of her group, as she quickly munched on a few crackers. Knowing that she would reach her destination, the destination she had been longing too reach for two years.
Back with (whatever was left) of her original group.
Behind her, the rest of her group's plan was firmly in place.
"So we storm this place?"
"If those two are what this place, has to offer. It will be over in five minutes" Steve said cockily.
"And what about this girl Lilly keeps going on about?" A woman asked, gazing ahead at Lilly.
"We kill the girl, we can't have that liability with us" Steve told her sternly.
"What if Lilly objects or..." The woman piped up again, as Steve whispered.
"Look... Lilly's been a good member of our group for nearly a year and a half now. But there's no doubt she's been starting to lose it since she found that drawing. When we get to this place, we need too... cut her off"
"You mean kill her?" a man asked, as Steve nodded.
"We can work better as a six, we'll have more food and supplies. Hell, maybe we can find another seventh member in time. A better member, but for now, we stick with our plan. You all got it?"
The other five nodded as Steve proceeded forwards. Murder on his mind.
It was supper, the pen dwellers had been herded back to the pen like a flock of sheep, Shel and Kenny had carried a bloodied and limp Stephanie, and placed her on her bunk. But she stayed wide awake, as she was surrounded by sympathisers. Clementine had told everybody earlier that the rebellion was planned for "tonight" at which Kenny's response had been "About fucking time..."
For now, she stood awkwardly stood on the outskirts of the Stephanie support group. Next to Bonnie who glanced down at her.
"It's horrible ain't it?" she asked of Clementine.
"Yeah" Clementine agreed sadly.
"But I guess this explains a lot, It explains why Stephanie cried when holdin' little Alvin. Because she knew she was expecting and she knew she couldn't bring a baby into this world. And it also explains why she was one of the first to run outta stamina, when digging those trenches..."
Clementine had too admire how observant Bonnie was, as she suddenly remembered these little details. She found it a little odd... but now it all made sense. Bonnie was a level headed woman and fairly quiet recently, yet the woman who was barely noticed. Noticed every key little detail from everyone else.
"You said you were worried about her, your hunch was right Bonnie" Clementine told her in awe.
"I knew something was off, but I didn't know it was something this bad" Bonnie replied, as she gazed forward at Stephanie, as Sarita and Kenny cleared room for them as they stepped forward.
"I'm... so sorry for your loss" Bonnie muttered sadly as Stephanie accepted it, as Bonnie continued "What Carver did too you, what Stan did too you. Don't worry darlin' by tonight we'll make sure those... sick... sick... men have what's coming to them"
Stephanie uttered a short "Thanks" before she looked up at Clementine and spoke.
"I'm... sorry you had to see that Clem" she told the younger girl.
"It's... okay" Clementine said, but the image of that dead baby still haunted her. But as Clementine patted Stephanie on the shoulder, Shel spoke up.
"Stef, you really didn't have to do that"
Stephanie looked up, the pair shared a look as Stephanie coughed awkwardly, all eyes rested on Stephanie.
"Hang on, what do you mean?" Kenny asked suspiciously, looking at Shel back to Stephanie. When Stephanie didn't speak up, Shel did.
"You asked Clementine to go and get Stan. Not me, not Kenny, nobody but Stan. You knew how he'd react, you knew what Carver would do" she said in an accusing tone as Stephanie seemed on the verge of tears.
"Well... what the hell else was I meant to do Shel!" She screamed suddenly causing many people to jump.
"Wait a minute" Kenny began, as understanding dawned on his face "You aborted your child, because...?"
"Because I wanted the whole camp to see how fucking sick these bastards are! And judging by Rebecca's response to begin the rebellion tonight. It must of worked!" Stephanie screamed, as tears fell from her eyes.
"Lay off her guys, whatever the reason an abortion is a traumatizing thing to go through!" Luke yelled.
"But did you want the baby?" Shel shot the question at Stephanie who froze in her tracks.
After a short silence, Stephanie finally babbled "I... I... of course not. It's n-not that I d-didn't w-want it.. it's j-just it c-can't have been raised in t-this world... it was...for... for the b-best..."
"Just tell me the truth!" Shel finally snapped, as the other all looking on with great interest. "First you don't tell me that you were planning to rob our supplies and run off back at the pit stop! And now you don't tell me you're pregnant! And you don't tell me you're going to abort it!" She paused, as angry tears began to roll down her eyes as well.
"AM I THAT SHITTY OF A FRIEND STEF! AM I THAT SHITTY THAT YOU CAN'T OPEN UP TO ME!? I AM THAT MUCH OF A COLD HEARTED BITCH!? IS THAT WHY BECCA BEGAN TO GROW MORE DISTANT FROM ME!? AM I THAT MUCH OF A FAILURE AS A PERSON...!?"
She trailed off, glaring openly at a shocked Stephanie. Clementine had no idea where the hell all this had come from. But she knew that she wasn't the only one who sometimes bottled up what she felt. No doubt Shel kept as many secrets as Stephanie did.
"I... didn't know... Shel... I never..." Stephanie sobbed.
"It's like watching a soap opera" Clementine heard Wyatt whisper to Eddie.
"I just wanted to help Shel, I wanted to do whatever I could" Stephanie croaked.
"You don't have to do it alone Stef, I'm your friend. You can talk to me" Shel smiled, overcoming her earlier anger at her friend's secretive nature, as Stephanie blinked in uncertainty.
"Please kiss" She heard Eddie mutter from next to her. She thought their humorous commentary was going to ruin the moment for her.
"I... I oh God Shel I... I WANTED IT!" Stephanie roared before she flung herself at her best friend for a tight hug, as they both cried on... Clementine heard Eddie mutter "Eh... good enough" from next to her.
"Do you always watch soap opera's giving a running commentary?" she finally asked of him, as he shrugged.
"Too hard to resist, If I don't distract myself, I'll get all mushy, and it will ruin my macho image" he told Clementine who merely rolled her eyes and returned to the scene in front of her, as she heard Wyatt asked Eddie "What macho image...?"
Stephanie and Shel must have cried on full a minute before Kenny of all people approached them "Well, we all thought that was really brave of you Stephanie and were sorry for your loss. But remember whether you wanted the baby or not. It was Carver who really killed it. If we weren't here, you wouldn't have felt pressured to do that for us" he commented as Stephanie smiled through her tears at him.
"Thanks, and I guess you do have a point" she told him warmly.
"The baby's gone. But it was a sacrifice Stephanie here made for the greater good!" Kenny began in a motivational speech to the pen dwellers who listened in, as he gained some momentum and carried on.
"With this were all ready! We have enough support to overthrow this asshole Carver and his lapdogs! So this time tonight! Hit them hard and with everything you got!" Kenny shouted, as he earned a few whistles and slight applause at this. Sarita beamed at him from where she stood while Russell merely grunted.
"I still ain't feeling motivated" he whined to Vince.
"Yeah for now. Just wait, this time tomorrow you'll feel more alive than ever" Vince reassured him clasping his back.
To all of them, it was clear that Carver had killed the Mockingbird.
Now, they were ready to shoot all the bluejays they could hit.