Chapter 21

Clementine watched the campsite from a tree she climbed a few hours ago, when it was just barely getting bright out. The group wasn't doing very well from what she could see, their supply count boiled down to a small amount of food, ammo, and judging by how empty the medical tent is, a very minuscule amount of medical supplies. The New Frontier would probably crumble with or without her intervention.

She saw Ava pull a tall, muscular, Hispanic man, that seemed familiar to her inside a tent. Maybe a face that she saw in the photo of Phoenix's former squad mates? She couldn't exactly place the face yet, but that's what she assumed was the case.

There were quite a number of people in the camp, but they all looked to be in bad shape. Especially their doctor, the man seemed defeated, and his face is extremely flushed for some reason. Possibly sick, or just naturally red like a tomato.

Clementine was going to wait for nighttime before sneaking in. She was planning on sabotaging their supplies, or even stealing some. A good way of making things harder on the group, and possibly turning them against each other.

Her stomach started growling again, but she couldn't leave the tree to eat just yet. She wasn't planning to stay up here for long, but she needed to know more about the group's inner workings, and make sure that the lookout that was right under her didn't see her leave.

The sun was still high up in the sky, and she couldn't bring the unnecessary attention to herself.

Ava and the man she dragged off exited the tent. The man's face was contorted with rage and confusion. Ava looked concerned for the man, but she was upset as well. Clementine could tell she had mentioned the little girl she found in a rundown bus, that had been tortured by a man they once knew.

Their voices were to far away for her to understand what they were saying, reaching her as nothing but mumbled words, and the other conversations happening in the campsite didn't help much either.

A bald guy came up to the lookout under the tree.

"Hey Lonnie, we're headin' out for supplies. You're with me."

Clementine watched the bald guy lead the lookout away with four others.

An older woman, and older guy approached Ava and whoever she was speaking to. They started talking, and after about a minute or so, the conversation between the four seemed to go quiet.

The larger man reentered the tent with the two older people, the leaders of the group she assumed. Which meant that the guy that looked familiar was Phoenix's squad leader, David. The three exited the tent soon after, and who she believed was David left the camp with Ava, who was carrying a duffel bag.

Clementine took that as her queue to head back. Climbing down the tree carefully and grabbing her backpack, and weapons from the base of the tree. She began heading back towards the bus, making sure to take her time, as she saw no reason to rush back, as that would waste energy she didn't have.

Clementine was still careful to make as little noise as possible. Just in case she ran into the scavenging group, or into Ava again.

The trek back took a while, and Clementine ate her last can of food on the way. No longer able to hold off on eating for another day. She still felt hungry, but at least she would have more energy throughout the rest of the day.

"Really wish I could've gotten that rabbit." Clementine thought out loud, the bus had finally appeared within eyesight.

"You said you found her here?"

Clementine dropped to the ground, Ava and David were standing in front of the bus. The large man was peering through the windows to see if anyone was inside.

"Yes, she was sitting right there on that mattress, pulled a gun on me the second I got inside trying to get away from the herd."

"She pulled a gun on you?"

"I don't blame her. She was in pretty rough shape, covered in grime and smelt like one of the roamers too."

Clementine sniffed herself once she heard Ava say that.

'Definitely need to bathe sometime soon.'

"Probably more scared of me than the roamers outside trying to eat us."

"Sounds like she can take care of herself." David moved away from the bus window.

"It sounds like there's a little girl out here who's starving and needs help." Ava was more affected by their interaction than Clementine had thought. A saddening thought, the woman could've been nice to know if it wasn't for the current circumstances.

"Especially after what James did, we have to at least make it right somehow."

David contemplated on Ava's words for a few seconds.

"Alright, but if she wants to stay by herself I won't stop her. And if she doesn't return before noon we're heading back."

She hadn't been expecting the bald woman to come back not even half a day later since they met, but maybe she could use this to her benefit. This David guy reminded her of Bill in some way, except Bill probably would've been ecstatic at the thought of finding someone like her if they hadn't already met.

Clementine sat there for a few minutes, wondering what she should do in this situation. She hadn't expected the visit at all, and was wholly unprepared for it. Waiting them out was an option, but she also needed to better understand the inner workings of the group. And what better way to do so than to speak directly with one of the leaders.

Taking a deep breath, she stepped outside of the tree line towards the two people.

"What are you doing here?" Clementine spoke with an annoyed tone from behind them, which made Ava jump in surprise.

"Shit kid, don't do that."

Clementine looked over at David, who regarded her sudden appearance with a raised eyebrow.

"This her?" David turned to Ava.

"Yes sir, that's her."

David turned back towards Clementine, looking her up and down.

"I heard you drew a gun on Ava." The man didn't seem to be angry, he was trying to read her.

"I did."

"Why?"

"Could've been anyone, I didn't shoot because of the walkers." Clementine told the truth with a shrug.

David didn't seem all too concerned about that statement. Ava seemed genuinely concerned about it though, less for herself and more for Clementine.

"I thought you said she was scared?" David looked at Ava.

"Scared?" Did Clementine give that impression when trying to hold herself back?

"I don't know, she seemed all over the place once I mentioned a group." Ava admitted.

"Look..." He was reaching for a name.

"Clementine."

"Look Clementine. That man James... he used to be a soldier."

"I know." Clementine cut him off for no real reason, but it seemed to annoy the man a bit, which gave her some semblance of enjoyment.

"A soldier under my command. So as a gesture of goodwill and faith, I'm offering you safety and a place in the New Frontier."

Clementine blankly stared at the man for a few seconds.

"If you don't want to, I brought this here for you. It's got food, ammo, and some other shit you might need." Ava chipped in, lifting the duffel bag she was carrying.

Now Clementine was truly at a loss for words. This... woman, only knew her for a few minutes. Why was she so concerned with her wellbeing? It made Clementine's stomach churn at the thought of killing her, but she steeled herself.

"Will I have to get one of those?" She pointed to her neck. Clementine already knew the answer to that, but she couldn't let them know she knew.

"Yes." David answered bluntly.

Clementine inwardly cringed, she wasn't excited in the least about it.

"But I'm twelve years old." Clementine tried her best to sound distraught over the idea.

"Doesn't matter, either you accept the mark, or you're on your own."

"David, she's got a point." Ava tried defending her.

"I don't care how old she is, it's the rules."

'Maybe I can try something else?' Clementine searched her mind for any ideas, her mind suddenly being drawn to the hand burnt into her chest.

Clementine looked to Ava, wondering if she should, but it was her last chance at trying to get out of the branding.

"Can I show you something in private?" She pointed at Ava, who looked over to David for confirmation.

"Alright, go on." He waved them off.

Clementine pulled Ava inside the bus.

"What's this thing you're showing me..." Ava trailed off as Clementine revealed the rest of the scars Phoenix left behind.

"Jesus... he did that to you?" Her voice a mixture of shock, anger, and concern.

Clementine nodded, finally revealing the hand that had been branded on her chest.

"C-cover yourself up." Ava turned around with horror and disgust on her face.

Clementine redressed herself, and Ava left the bus to tell David what she saw. She felt sick for manipulating the woman who had been nothing but nice to her since they met, but she needed to do this.

Clementine caught some snippets of the conversation happening outside, but her mind was focused on finding a way to make sure she could do what needed to be done. This would make getting in easier, and she wouldn't have to worry about getting shot at night sneaking in.

Ava and David entered the bus after a minute.

"No exceptions." David said, his face barely showing any signs of emotion.

Clementine clutched the hat that had been attached to her belt loop. Echoes of the hand burning into chest flared up, but she had to do this.

"You alright Clementine?" Ava placed a hand on her shoulder.

Clementine nodded, "I'll do it."

"Let's head on back then." David exited the bus.

Ava stood still for a bit, giving Clementine a pitiful look.

"Sorry, he's a bit of a hard ass when it comes to rules."

"I get it." Clementine exited the bus as well, following David from a small distance.

Ava walked beside her, the duffel bag was slung over shoulder now.

"Don't worry, Lingard will make sure it heals up nicely."

"Who?"

"Our doctor. He's a bit of a cynic, but he's good at his job."

'So that's his name.'

"Sorry for asking... but what exactly did James do to you?"

Clementine stared ahead for a bit, the memories of that week were still fresh on her mind as if it was yesterday.

"Torture." Her voice came out as a quiet whisper, her grasp on Kenny's hat tightened.

"Marked me for each one."

"Each one?" Ava was confused by that statement.

"Pho-James made me torture his own people. Each scar is to remember each one." Clementine's face became blank of emotion.

"Shit."

"How did he die?" David spoke up, apparently listening to the conversation.

"Skinless."

"You do it?" He asked her, his hands turned to fists.

"Yes." Clementine looked over at Ava, who had placed a hand on her shoulder.

"I don't need your pity." She removed herself from the attempt to comfort her and walked ahead.

"Hey, there's no reason-"

"Drop it." David cut Ava off.

"Yes sir."

The rest of the walk back towards their camp was completely silent. Which Clementine was thankful for, she didn't want to interact with them more than she had to. Especially, not with Ava, the woman's genuine concern for her made uncomfortable. How could someone who is part of a group that raids settlements, and kill people for not sharing supplies be so nice? It didn't make sense to Clementine, it wasn't fitting the atrocity they committed in Wellington.

"They're back!"

Clementine was quickly brought out of her thoughts as they entered the camp.

"Badger came back early, wait who's the kid?"

She ignored the questions about her, walking past the welcoming group and sitting by the campfire. The older woman she had seen earlier in the day sat down next to her.

"What's your name, honey?"

Clementine looked at her, trying to gauge the older woman. She seemed somewhat off to Clementine, the same vibe that Bill gave when she first met him.

"Clementine."

"That's a very pretty name. Oh where are my manners, I'm Joan, one of the leaders of this little group." She held a hand out towards Clementine.

Clementine didn't accept the gesture.

"Not much for formalities?" Joan pulled her hand back.

"No."

"I don't blame you, after what I heard about what happened to you, it only makes sense. Although, why do you wish to join us? I thought you would be afraid to be around others."

Clementine realized that Joan was also trying to read her.

"I was told you have food." A quick and believable answer, supported by her having run out of food as well.

Joan's eyes furrowed slightly, before returning back to normal.

"Food... I used to bake cakes back in my free time before all this." The older woman randomly decided to admit.

"What does this have to do with anything?" Clementine was confused by the random confession.

"Just something to take about. A way to remember the past. Is there any food you miss from the old world?"

'What does this have to do with anything?' Clementine knew she couldn't ignore one of their leaders though, and begrudgingly answered the question.

"Sundaes."

"Ice cream would be nice to have in this day and age."

"Why are you asking me these things?" Clementine wanted to know the purpose of this conversation.

Joan gave her a soft look, but there was still the hint of something off about her.

"Just trying to make conversation. You remind me of my own child."

Genuine sadness was shown on Joan's face, but Clementine couldn't bring herself to feel bad for the woman.

More people joined the two next to the campfire. Clementine took this chance to tune Joan out, and try to get a better picture of the group's situation. Their tents were very spartan in their setup. Not a lot of amenities for comfort, other than blankets to keep warm. It was honestly quite depressing compared to Howe's and the outposts. Although, the one thing she could say was better was the split in leadership. Bill had final say in everything, as he was after all a dictator, or emperor depending on who you asked in the militia. Marcus did take care of all the security and defense matters, Bonnie was now the one handling job distribution, and whoever was head in each of the outposts. But they all had to go through Bill for anything important or drastic, which wasn't too big of a hassle thanks to the radios.

"Hey kid! Anyone ever tell you that you look scary as shit?" The bald man she'd seen around two hours earlier asked her.

"No."

"Well they should, you look like you just walked out of a meat grinder." He laughed, and she didn't know why, but she felt like he was insulting her.

"Leave her alone Badger." Ava spoke up.

"You're no fun Ava, you can't tell me that kid doesn't look like something straight out of one of them shitty slasher movies."

Clementine shot the man a scowl, she didn't get tortured for a week to be this guy's entertainment.

"See? Look at that face, the girl's a stone cold killer."

Clementine's hands clenched to the point of drawing blood.

"Badger! The fuck's wrong with you?"

"Everyone shut the hell up!" David intervened, the two arguing adults going quiet.

"Now, it's time for your initiation Clementine." David placed a branding rod into the fire.

"Where do you want it?"

Clementine watched as the metal turn red hot.

'Somewhere I'll never have to see it.' She thought in disgust as she braced herself.

She pointed just above her elbow on her left tricep.

"Can't we give her something for the pain? She's just a kid." Ava pleaded, but that only made Clementine feel spiteful.

"I do-"

"No. I don't want it." Clementine cut David off.

"You would've made a good soldier." David grabbed the rod from the fire.

"Pull up your sleeve, and I'll count to zero from three. And don't move, it'll only make this take longer."

Clementine did as the man ordered, taking her jacket off and rolling up her left sleeve.

"Three."

Clementine felt anger build up in her heart.

"Two."

She remembered Kenny's last words, and the dream about Lee she had that day in the rest stop.

"One."

She took a deep breath and held it.

"Zero."

The sound of her flesh sizzling reached her ears before the pain. She closed her eyes tight enough that they started to hurt, her teeth bared and clenched as the pain only intensified. Flashes of Phoenix on top of her with his hand on fire coursed through her head. But she didn't dare make a sound, this was nothing to her. She'd already been through worse, and had no reason to feel sorry for herself.

"Damn kid, you got more balls than most of the people here." Badger broke the silence that she just noticed.

"Badger..." David growled at the man, making Badger turn his head.

"Paul, take care of her. Badger, come here."

The doctor stood up, and lead Clementine to the medical tent.

He cleaned and bandaged her arm in silence, apparently understanding she didn't like to be bothered.

Clementine felt sick that she had this cursed symbol on her body. The rage she had felt when Kenny died came back, but this time she was able to hold herself back. She wouldn't waste this chance to avenge Kenny.

"Take this, it's an antibiotic." The doctor handed her a pill and some water.

Clementine yanked it from his hand, throwing the pill in her mouth, and chugging the water.

"Make sure to rest, it'll take many days before the pain dies."

She left the tent and sat back down at the campfire. Joan was looking at her again, and this time she had the same amused look that Bill always had when seeing something he found interesting.

Clementine moved her gaze towards the campfire, finding herself entranced in it. Her hand mindlessly found its way back to Kenny's hat on her belt loops. Tracing the brim of the cap with her fingers.