Disclaimer: The Walking Dead Series is NOT my work. It is owned by TellTale, all rights, commendation and acknowledgement goes to them.

However, "Derek Brooks" is my own fictional character and apparently the only thing I own in this story.

Chapter 3 – The Stranger

Clementine gritted her teeth as she tried her best to keep her anger in check. It didn't take an empath to tell that she's angry. No… furious is the right word here. Of all the irresponsible, reckless, and idiotic things he had done. This one topped it all, fitting all three. Just what was he thinking? Was he even thinking at all?!

Just… Just why?! Why of all the things he could've done, he chose to take them hostage? It's stupid! They could've just run! Or explained things to them! Or maybe… maybe…

No…No. As much as she hated to admit it. A part of her, the survivor part, can say he wasn't totally in the wrong. If they tried to run, they could've chased them if they wanted to. If they stayed there and explained things, they could've been wrong and they were part of the group who attacked them earlier. There were so many factors to consider that maybe… just maybe, this option could've been their safest bet considering the circumstances. But the whole interrogation thing? That was way out of the line. There was absolutely no reason to resort to that option. It left a bad taste in her mouth as the guilt settled in of what they've done.

Another thing to worry about was the other teen she lost while chasing him. She's gonna hand it to him, he was smart and knew his way out of the forest. He probably had years of experience traversing these woods while she only had an educated guess to where he had gone. Now that she lost him, there's no doubt in her mind that he'll warn the others from his group. She could still see his face when she looked at him while chasing him. The look of fear and regret.

She shook her head at the image. There's no point in beating herself up on this, and as much as she wanted to think about what they've done, there's still another thing to worry about.

The two observed the man stalking in the woods, pistol on one hand. He moved with purpose and they can sense he was cautious of his surroundings. No doubt on high alert considering what happened earlier. He was still far out inside the dense forest and it was difficult for him to travel freely. It was just pure chance and luck that the two of them managed to spot him from the cabin despite the dense forest.

If what the girl said earlier was true that there are no adults from their group. Then this stranger is from another group, or perhaps a loner? He looked the part. But there's a high probability that this man could be from one of the people who attacked them earlier. If he was, then the irony was thick.

"I don't think he sees us yet." Derek muttered.

She ignored him, she can clearly see the obvious.

Seeing no reply from her, he pinched the bridge of his nose and turned towards her. "Listen, I know you're mad but right now we have other things to worry about. Now, what do you need us to do?"

'Oh, so now he thinks.' She sarcastically thought.

She looked between the two other teens, one unconscious and one crying herself in despair. They've already done enough damage as it is and all that running and chasing already took a toll on her. The best they could do now is lie low and hope he'll pass by. She then looked at the cabin and an idea went up in her head.

"Get AJ and the others inside the cabin. Get rid of any evidence that we were here and keep quiet. Hopefully, he'll leave us alone."

Derek nodded and without another word started working, he moved to clear up the walker corpses and hid them as best as he can. He then grabbed the unconscious Mitch and moved him inside the cabin. AJ grabbed the spear Brody used earlier and the few knives that was tossed away during the scuffle and followed after Derek.

Clementine looked at the girl, who was still silently weeping, and felt her insides churn but pushed them away. She had to stay focused, they could be here any second now.

"Hey…" She softly said.

Whether the girl heard her or not it didn't show. Clementine was sure that she's undergoing through some sort of shock. She gently touched her shoulder and she flinched. Clementine pulled her hand back, not wanting to make things worse.

"I'm sorry…" She started.

The girl ceased her crying for a moment.

"We… We didn't mean for this to happen and I understand that you don't trust us, and I understand that you want us to leave you alone. But right now, it's not safe here."

There was a brief pause until the girl swallowed her fear and asked: "A-are you gonna take us away?" Fear and hopelessness clear in her voice.

"No, no we're not. It's just… We… It's all a misunderstanding okay?"

Brody looked at her with doubt, clearly not believing her. Clementine sighed in exasperation. Nothing is ever easy is it?

"I promise when all of this is over, we'll leave and you'll never see us again but you have to follow me right now because it's not safe here."

The girl thought for a moment but reluctantly nodded. Clementine offered a hand which the girl gratefully took. The two went inside the cabin but when Brody made eye contact with Derek her breath stalled and her body went tense as she remembered what happened just a few moments earlier. The pain. The fear. Her breathing went rapid and her hands shook in place as she tried her best to calm down.

"Hey! Hey! Don't mind him." Clementine said as she gently moved her away. "He won't hurt you."

A snort.

Clementine resisted the urge to snap at him, feeling the corner of her eye twitch.

"Here. You can stay here with your friend."

Brody turned her head to the side and saw Mitch lying down on a cotton bed. His head propped up with a pillow. If the circumstances were different, she could've thought he was just sleeping on the job.

Clementine let the other teens be as she positioned herself by the window, keeping watch for the man or anything else that might come in their way. She saw Derek leaning against the wall eerily calm, as if waiting, while AJ was ogling on the few curiosities lying around the cabin.

"Now we wait." She muttered to herself.

Sometime later

Minutes has passed and there was nothing, only the sounds of the ambient forest can be heard. Clementine remained vigilant and kept watch, Derek was sitting on one corner organizing his pack, AJ was ogling on a few items with interest while Brody, thankfully, has calmed down from the events from earlier and is tending to the unconscious Mitch but she was wary of the trio and mindfully kept her distance.

The atmosphere was tense enough as it currently is, adding the stranger from earlier, it became borderline suffocating. It only got worse when the man disappeared from view not too long ago. Nobody dared to go out, especially when its possible that there's a trap waiting for them outside.

Clementine kept a watchful eye at the surrounding forest. It didn't hurt to remain vigilant but it's slowly taking a toll on her. Heavy footsteps approached her and in the corner of her vision she saw Derek walking towards her. He positioned himself right next to her and kept an eye out at the forest. No words nor glances were exchanged but she already knew that he was telling her to take a break. She peeled herself from the window and sat down, rubbing her eyes as it felt a little sore. The two remained in place for a few moments but its clear that both of them wanted to say something to the other but can't exactly start.

They got carried away. Both of them. One wanted to do what's best for the three of them and the other wanted to salvage whatever humanity they had left. They were different people with opposing beliefs, and it was that kind of difference which sometimes lead to conflict…. in rare occasions.

Silent pitter patter of feet got their attention and they turned to see AJ approach them.

"Are you two fighting again?" he asked.

That one simple question carried a whole baggage of emotions. AJ was no stranger of their infighting, after all he was usually the one who witnessed most of them ever since they decided to team up. Over the years they had dozens of heated debates, close calls, and threats of leaving simply because they had different ideals, different preferred outcomes, and different beliefs.

But despite all that they would stick together through thick and thin, they'll risk their lives to save the other and with their united effort, made sure to raise AJ with the best of their abilities from both worlds. Their bond as companions will only continue to grow at each passing day.

Although right now, they're still on thin ice. Afterall, emotions are still running high.

Derek sighed sadly, rubbing the back of his neck. "Well, not really but we'll talk about it later buddy. Just…. Not right now."

AJ looked down sadly, then raised his head again. "I don't want you two to fight." He said.

Clementine ruffled his hair gently. "I know goofball but things are just complicated right now." AJ huffed, unsatisfied by the answer.

A gentle tap on her shoulder got her attention, she turned to Derek and saw he was motioning something over the window. She glanced at the window and saw the man from before but that's not got her full attention.

It's the teen he held at gunpoint.

The same kid she ran after.

"Shit!" she swore.

Earlier this day

Aasim

My lungs burned and my muscles ached as I ran through the woods. The girl behind me was close and was only getting closer by the second. I ducked and weaved through several trees and bushes, buying myself some time and distance. Thankfully, whoever this girl is, she wasn't as knowledgeable to the area compared to me.

I don't know who these people are but I know they're dangerous.

And that gun they had… Were they the ones behind the thing from earlier? Did they… kill someone? The thought sickened me in the stomach. When I saw them earlier I just… froze. We haven't seen anyone for years and to see someone, with a gun, no less. It was frightening. I tried to warn Brody and Mitch but… I wasn't fast enough.

Then I ran.

I… I am a coward.

But if I can just warn the others. Warn Marlon. Maybe we'll get a chance to save them.

'I just need to get back to the school and tell the others!' With that thought in mind, I pushed through. Adrenaline coursed through my veins as I kept running.

As the path became more familiar, I suddenly realized that there's an opportunity ahead not too far from me. This route has a hidden path which was well-hidden by thick bushes and trees. You can easily miss it if you're in a hurry, and that's exactly what he needs right now. If I can just reach there without her seeing me, I just might be able to lose her.

I looked back and saw the girl was a few distances away.

'This is my chance!' I thought. Pushing through the pain, I used all my energy to run as fast as possible, the fastest I've ever been.

I was nearing the hidden path; I was so close! I dared a look behind and saw the girl was nowhere near. With a grunt, I dived towards it. Pretty sure I scraped my elbows and hands but it was worth it.

I scrambled as far away as possible and kept quiet. I put my hands on my mouth, not trusting myself to not make any noise. Soon after, multiple footsteps followed. The girl zoomed past me, not having a clue I was there. Then a child… Wait was he there all along? He didn't really notice. But the child was as clueless as the girl as they both ran past my spot. They probably thought I was still running ahead. Sensing the coast was clear, I sighed in relief.

That was too close.

I mentally recalled the path they took and can confirm it wouldn't lead them to the school. Just somewhere close to the hunting grounds. Atleast, they won't know where the school is. I just hope they won't run to anyone.

Suddenly, I feel myself get thrown to the ground as something, or someone, pull me from behind. Hard. I fall down on the dirt floor haphazardly, I tried to get up but felt a heavy weight pressing behind my back.

"You move, and I'll break a finger. Your choice." A cold feminine voice said.

Cold dread washed over me as I felt something metallic pressed behind my head.

"You're gonna help me find some answers. Run, and I'll make sure to put a bullet on your leg. Understood?" She threatened.

I could only nod in return, knowing there's no way out of this.

Back in present time

The man harshly pushed the teen forward. They exchanged a few heated words which led the latter pointing a finger towards the cabin. It didn't take a mind-reader to tell that they're looking for them.

"I know you're in there!" The man called out. "Now, I don't want to cause any trouble." He suddenly grabbed the teen, pressing his gun over his head. "Unless you make me." He added. "So, let's cut to the chase here. You got until five seconds to come out, or this kid's brains will be all over the damn floor!"

"What?! NO!"

"Shut up kid, don't make me shorten it to three." He growled.

The commotion outside brought Brody's attention, as she got closer, she saw Aasim being held at gunpoint. He was badly bruised and she swore she could see him bleeding in some places around his face.

"Oh my God! Aasim!" She held her hands over her mouth as she felt tears threaten to fall. She looked at Clementine and grabbed her shoulders. "Please!" she begged. "Please save him. I don't- I can't-… We can't lose another one." She choked a sob.

Clementine locked eyes with Derek, a mutual understanding passing between them. She grabbed her pistol and loaded it. Derek turned to AJ and kneeled in front of him. What he was gonna say would clearly make him upset. But this is a fight, he can't help. And as much as he wants to 'prove' himself that he can do it, never in a million years would they let him take that risk.

Derek looked at him in the eye and said: "AJ. No matter what happens, you stay out of this, got it?"

"But- "he tried to argue.

"No. Matter. What." He applied a small pressure on his tiny shoulders, emphasizing his point. With a huff of frustration, he nodded and went away, going towards some crates for cover. He really didn't want to be too forceful to the boy but sometimes some tough love is needed.

Clementine did an ammo check, she's got atleast two full magazines worth of rounds and that's it. Hopefully, she won't use more than she has to. If possible, she just needs one shot.

"Five!" the man started counting. Prompting the both of them to hurry.

Derek positioned himself by the door and took a deep breath. "Clem. As soon as you see your chance, take it. Got it?" he said.

A brief moment of hesitation flashed in her eyes but she steeled her resolve. She nodded in response.

She looked at him. "Don't get shot alright?" Derek flashed her a confident smile but she knew him well enough that he was just trying to reassure her.

And she was right.

Inside, he was already reconsidering his decision. His heart was racing a mile a minute and his fingers already starting to feel cold. Sweat poured over his forehead as thousands of scenarios played inside his head simultaneously, and most of them ended up with him dead.

"Four!"

But there's no time to think. No time to reconsider. It all boils down to what his experience, instincts and training can help him from here on out. With his strengthened resolve, he only had one thing in mind as he grabbed the doorknob.

'Fuck it'

"I'm coming out!" Derek yelled from behind the door.

Hearing no other reply, Derek let out a breath as he slowly opened the door. He walked a few steps forward before the man.

"Hold it right there." Derek stopped; he was a few paces away from the man. "Now put your hands up." He did as he told albeit reluctantly.

Clementine peered over the window and let out a silent curse. She couldn't get an angle at the man. Considering the distance and the hostage teen, it's a huge risk to take. She didn't want to be the one responsible killing the teen after all. No. She had to be patient and wait for the right moment.

She just hopes it won't be too late.

"Let's not be hasty here friend." Derek started. "Let the him go, and we'll talk like civilized people."

Whether the man acknowledge his request or not he didn't show. Instead, he scanned Derek from top to bottom, assessing him. "You're not from here, are you." It wasn't a question.

"You could say that." Derek shrugged.

"Where's your friends?" The man continued.

Derek contemplated on lying on the man, say he was alone but he's not sure how he'd react. But maybe….

"It's just m- "

"I'm not an idiot kid." He said almost mockingly. "And honestly, I don't want to hurt anyone, especially this kid right here." He tilted his head towards his hostage, much to the latter's expense. "But if you have to make this difficult…"

"NO!" Aasim exclaimed. "No, no, no, no. Please! Please. I-I- t-told you where they are didn't I?" He cried out as he struggled against the man's grasp.

"Didn't say I'd let you leave either. So, unless your friend here cooperates, we ain't going nowhere."

The teen looked at Derek. "Him?! I don't even know him!"

The man only pressed his gun deeper towards his temple, silencing him.

Derek gritted his teeth in frustration. He knew if this keeps up, it would end badly. He needed something to distract the man off the teen but what? He racked his mind for possible options but nothing plausible comes into mind. Well, not totally true, but he's not willing to take a bullet for the guy. Fuck that. He barely knew him!

But as long as that hostage is in the way, Clementine can't do a thing. Not to mention that he might have friends nearby. There are just too many factors to consider! Just what can he d-

"Where'd you get the car?" The man suddenly asked.

The question threw him off a loop for a second but he immediately came up with a quick lie. "It's from a friend of mine up north. Told me she didn't needed it and gave it to me in exchange."

"This friend of yours… Did she say where she got it?"

Like an insulted salesman, Derek did his best impersonation as an 'honest trader'. "Hey, you know the rules in trading in camps. Don't question where you got it and you'll have no problems."

"And she just agreed to trade in the car… Just like that?" He asked skeptically.

"Well, it's not like she got gas lying around. She came to me, got something I want and I got something she needed. We traded, split ways. That's it." Derek was absolutely lying from his ass at this point and he knew it. But goddamn he has a good poker face.

Silence followed. Derek and Clementine weren't sure if it was a good thing either. The former was calm and unflinching but inside he was ready to dive to the nearest cover. The latter wasn't faring much better either as she was tense, her finger just a few centimeters from pulling the trigger.

"Alright…"

'He bought it!' The two thought in unison.

"…. Whose camp are you?"

"What?" Derek asked dumbfounded at the question.

"Your camp kid. Whose camp are you from?"

Derek chuckled nervously. "Well… there are a lot of camps up north and I've be-"

"Oh, I ain't buying 'til you can name your camp kid." The man aimed his gun at him. "Now. Whose camp are you from?" the man growled.

Every danger sense was tingling inside Clementine as she witnessed the predicament her partner is in. She got half a mind to just take the risk and shoot, damn the consequences. She's not risking his life if she can help it but she soon stopped as she noticed something. For a split second, while Derek was raising his arms in surrender, he slightly extended his left arm to the side. It was an incredibly subtle hand gesture but one she recognizes. He was signaling her to wait. And while every single instinct inside her is screaming to do something before its too late, she trusted him on this. Even though there are times he's wrong and fuck things up (like earlier), she still trusted him.

Sometimes at least.

Now Derek wasn't lying when he said he knew a lot of camps up north, and this was before he even met Clementine. The only problem was every single one of 'em has beef with each other. From raiding supplies to outright attacking settlements and people, if this man is from one major camp and he names one of its enemies then he's as good as dead. Or worse, captured.

A small tingle ran up to his spine as he thought of that. And it wasn't the good tingle.

With nothing else in mind, he picked the most plausible one. "The labor camp up Washington."

"Whose?" The man growled.

Derek gulped. This is it. It's a do or die time.

"Micky's."

Clementine prepared for the worse. She lined up her target and readied herself.

The silence that followed was the most intense for everyone present. No one said a thing nor moved. Even Aasim, who was still being held hostage by the stranger didn't move or say anything, too confused or afraid to do anything.

Suddenly, the stranger groaned, startling them. "Ah shit. So, you're one of Micky's boys?" He asked.

Derek wasn't exactly sure if this was a trap or a genuine question but he won't waste an opportunity like this. "Not exactly but I work for him." He lied. "Told me that there's going to be a dead drop from a courier but I haven't seen him yet. Then your guys jumped me." He lied again.

"Shit…" the man muttered. He lowered his weapon, prompting Derek to lower his hands.

'I swear if I survive this shit, I'm paying Roman a visit. I owe that fat bastard everything.' he thought.

With the man distracted, Clementine now has her chance. She just needs a clear shot.

"Listen, Micky ain't gonna be happy if he hears about this..." Derek lied as he took a few tentative steps. Seeing no reaction from the man he crept closer and closer until eventually he was an arm's length away. "Tell you what, trade that kid over there and we'll call it even. The boys and I will let this whole thing slide. Micky won't know jack shit."

It was clear that the man was hesitant about this whole ordeal but that didn't matter as Clementine got her chance. The split-second the man made a small distance from the hostage teen, she took her chance.

BANG

A single shot came out, echoing throughout the woods. The bullet grazed the side of the man's head, wounding him.

"AHHHHH! SON OF A BITCH!" he yowled in pain as he clutched the side of his head.

Without aiming, the man blindly fired towards the general direction of where the shot came from. Clementine ducked in cover as bullets whizzed past her, penetrating the wooden wall.

Derek didn't waste any time as he grabbed the teen at the front of his shirt and hauled him behind. "Get inside the cabin!" he yelled. He turned back towards the man and tackled him to the ground as he was distracted, knocking the gun out of his hands.

For Aasim, it was certainly strange to see the same person who 'attacked' them this morning was helping him now. But he didn't stop to think as bullets were literally flying everywhere. He rushed towards the cabin, pushing the door open. As he got inside, something tackled him. His heart spiked as he feared this was a trap and he was gonna die but it was soon replaced by relief as he realized it was just Brody hugging him in relief. He was quick to return the favor.

"Aasim! Thank God you're alright." Brody said. Like a concerned sister checking her sibling, she was quick to inspect the few injuries he sustained. He was covered in cuts and bruises but luckily nothing too serious.

"Brody!? Wha-? I thought they got you!" Aasim exclaimed.

"It's complicated but we'll talk about it later!" Aasim didn't get a chance to reply as the door swung open, with Clementine running out in a hurry.

She only got a few steps forward before another shot rang out, missing her head only inches away. She flinched from the shot and scrambled away, diving towards the nearest cover. Her heartbeat was erratic caused by the near-death experience, she peered over her cover and managed to see a glimpse of a silhouette by the tree line where the shot came from. She popped out of cover and unloaded a few shots at them. The silhouette cursed and got to cover.

Back with Derek, he was locked on an intense fist-to-fist fight against the stranger. He was currently straddling the man as he delivered punch after punch. Each hit resulting a meaty impact from each blow. Even though the man was at a disadvantage, he put up a good defense against his onslaught. He blocked each strike with practiced ease, and he even managed to throw a few punches here and there.

While the two men were locked on their fight against each other. The two women was stuck in a stand-off, waiting for the other one to make a move. Clementine, unloaded a few more shots towards the shooter, who in turn shot back with one of her own. Bullets whizzed past their heads as each shot got dangerously close.

The situation was intense as each party was intent on killing the other side. Bullets flew, fists landed, and screams of agony and curses echoed throughout the area. As the fight continued, it didn't take long for a new contender to arrive.

Walkers. The undead mindlessly marched towards them as they slowly surrounded them. Their moans of hunger growing as their numbers only grew.

Everyone cursed their luck as things went from bad to worse. While Derek was distracted, the man launched a mean right hook, stunning him, then pushed him off. He scrambled away as he regrouped with the silhouette.

"You'll fucking regret this kid!" he cursed as he and the silhouette ran away.

Derek moaned in pain as he clutched his nose. He checked his hand and saw blood was pouring out of it. He growled in anger as he regrouped with Clementine.

"Derek! You okay?" Clementine asked in concern.

He waved her off. "I'll walk it off." He blew his nose but regretted it as blood squirted out. He muttered a disgusted 'Ugh' but shook it off. "Let's go!"

Clementine looked at the incoming undead, then at the cabin. "Derek, get AJ and the others." She checked her magazine, then shoved it back inside. "I'll buy you some time, go!"

He nodded briskly then went inside. Clementine scanned her surroundings. They're already closing in by the dozens. She needs more time, for her and the others. She got at least five bullets inside her current magazine with an extra to spare. She evened her breathing as she closed her eyes and focused.

Focus…

Focus…

Focus…..

Then she made her move.

Her eyes snapped open and it was as if the world slowed down. She targeted the nearest five incoming walkers and with quick succession, fired at every single one of them. Every bullet went straight at their head, killing them before they even went down.

She swiftly reloaded and continued firing, killing walker after walker. One managed to sneak past her peripheral vision and shambled mindlessly towards her. In one fluid move, she shifted her stance then kicked its knees down, firing right between its eyes. Another one broke off from the group and shambled towards her. She rapidly changed targets and fired but was surprised when nothing came out. She glanced at her pistol and saw it was jammed.

"Shit." She muttered angrily, she quickly flipped her pistol and backhanded the walker with it. With practiced ease, she hastily unjammed her pistol and fired two shots while it was recovering. One at the chest, and one at the head.

A guttural growl came from behind. Her heartbeat spike as she whipped around in insane speeds, determined to kill the walker before it could approach. But as she turned around, she was surprised to see it was already dead, a small gaping whole on where its right eye should've been. She glanced to the side and saw Brody with a bloodied spear, beside her was the rest of the group even Mitch. Who's now awake and ready to fight.

She nodded in thanks, the other returning the gesture. With a newfound vigor, they rallied together against the undead. Derek tossed Clementine a wooden spear which she immediately killed one walker as soon as she got it, she then knocked another one down then stomped its head for good measure. Derek slashed and stabbed his way through the walkers with his trusty machete, killing most of them. Those that didn't outright die or managed to survive despite the blade on its head, were knocked down with one kick. They didn't manage to get up as AJ swiftly moved and stabbed them while they were down.

While the other teens weren't as fluid with their teamwork, they were still efficient on their own. Mitch moved with grace and experience as he dodged and weaved through walkers, killing them when the opportunity came. Brody covered Mitch's back as she made sure none came too close or surprise him from behind. Aasim kept most walkers at bay as he stabbed them with his spear.

"Come on! Over here!" Brody gestured for them to follow as she led the group towards their base.

There was a glimpse of momentary hesitation flash within Mitch's features as he glanced towards the newcomers but bit down his objections. Now wasn't the right time.

The group retreated towards the school as the walkers, whatever was left, mindlessly shambled after them.

AN: Sorry for the slow update! It was hard to organize whatever notes left not to mention the dialogue. I tried my best but I hope it's good enough. Don't forget to favorite and follow the story! Leave a review if you can, I love to hear about your thoughts about this.

Also, If you haven't heard yet from reddit, this story came from my friend who unfortunately passed away. I'm continuing his legacy by finishing this story, even if it will take some time. He had so much ideas that I just can't let this go unfinished. Although organizing the notes left were hard and confusing.

Until the next update friends! Peace.