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 15 – Leaving
Perched atop the school's administration building was a small, nondescript hatch leading towards the rooftop. Few knew of its existence, such as the school's maintenance workers and the owner themselves. Until, a few years ago Marlon stumbled upon its existence as he checked the school's blueprints. Discovering a spare key inside the headmaster's office, he claimed it as his personal get-away-from-everything space that no one knew about, not even his own best friend Louis.
However, after that 'incident' with the twins a year ago he rarely used it anymore. Until now…
Marlon's desperate voice pierced the air, his hands clutching on the radio with a white-knuckled grip. "Please, please! Just give me more time. I need more time!" He pleaded, his words laced with desperation.
The radio crackled to life, a woman's voice slicing through the static with a tone that dripped with callousness. "You wasted enough of our time, Marlon." She said. "You have twenty-four hours to bring them to us, or we'll take matters into our own hands. You don't want anything happening to that precious school of yours, do we?" Her threat hung in the air like a heavy fog, suffocating Marlon with a sense of dread. Gritting his teeth in frustration, he found himself at a loss of words.
"Twenty-four hours. Bring them tomorrow by the woods near the river," the voice commanded, its icy tone leaving no room for negotiation. With those chilling words delivered, the radio abruptly fell silent, leaving Marlon alone with the weight of the ultimatum pressing down unto his throat.
He paced around the roof of the main building, beads of sweat forming on his forehead despite the cool breeze that swept through the air. Anxiety and paranoia gnawed at him relentlessly, like insects crawling underneath his skin. As he glanced towards the horizon, he noticed the orange glow of the sun slowly setting, casting long shadows across the landscape.
Twenty-four hours.
He has twenty-four hours to surrender the trio to the raiders, or face the consequences. The fate of his friends and the safety of the school were hanging in the balance. On one hand, if he failed to comply, the raiders would undoubtedly come after them, putting everyone here at risk. On the other, attempting to take on the trio by force was risky, they're better armed, and more skillful than he'd like to admit. They managed to beat Mitch and Brody at a one versus two scenario and they lost. Not to mention, they managed to clear an entire forest just by themselves within a day.
A day
They struggled for months of fighting against the relentless undead. For each one they killed, several more took its place. Frustration mounted as their efforts were all undone by mere hours. Each attempt to thin down the number of walkers were met with ferocious intensity and nothing to show for. Faced with this cycle of futility, they gathered to discuss their next move, each one voicing out their own opinions. In a divided decision, Mitch, Aasim, Willy, and Ruby voted to continue the fight while the rest was simply done with it.
But then these people, just the three of them, just came up and cleared the entire area out all in one day. A testament of their skills, tactics and resourcefulness. Which made Marlon ask himself…
"If we had met them before… could we have saved the twins?" The words tumbled from his lips, laden with a bitter blend of remorse and self-doubt. He grappled with the weight of regret, his voice tinged with a haunting sense of pain. The memories of the twins, their desperate pleas for help echoed in his mind, clawing at his conscience with relentless persistence.
If they had met them just a year earlier, could things have been different? Could they have saved the twins if they just met them earlier? Or would the twins have not been taken at all and they would've continued their lives as normal?
A specter of what-ifs loomed large in Marlon's mind, casting a shadow over his already burdened soul. With a heavy heart, he turned away from the painful memories, unwilling to confront the ghosts of his past any longer. He tore himself away from his memories, opting to distract himself. He gazed down at the bustling courtyard below. From his elevated position, he observed the familiar figures of those under his leadership.
Omar, his culinary skills on full display, presided over the outdoor kitchen with a sense of purpose, even with limited resources he still managed to serve enough food for everybody including their sudden guests. The tantalizing aroma of dinner drifting lazily through the crisp evening air from which he could smell even from his spot. Beside him, Ruby matched his pace with practiced efficiency, seamlessly working on various tasks to lighten Omar's load. Together, they formed a well-coordinated and efficient team.
Nearby, Aasim, Mitch, Louis, and Violet gathered around a crackling campfire, their laughter and banter echoed in the courtyard. Tenn immersed himself in his artwork at a nearby table, his creative spirit captured by the delicate strokes of his pencil as he brought his imagination to life. Meanwhile, Willy stood at the watchtower, picking his nose while keeping an eye out for any movements outside the gate.
In a quiet corner, Brody kept to herself, minding her own business with Rosie by her side. A pang of grief pierced Marlon's heart. They used to be friends but now…
Things are just too different.
Another pair walked into the scene, drawing Marlon's attention. Clementine and AJ, if he recalled their names correctly. However, Derek was notably absent. He watched as AJ rushed over to Tenn, bombarding him with questions to which Tenn patiently responded, engaging in what appeared to be a one-sided conversation. Clementine took a seat at a nearby table, keeping a close watch on the pair, or more specifically at AJ.
Despite just knowing them for a short time, they seemed like decent people. They had a rocky start at first but it was merely out of misunderstanding rather than intention, and since then they had proven themselves by aiding them in various ways. They helped Brody, Mitch, and Aasim escape from the raider's clutches and volunteered to assist in cleaning up the school. In return, they had only asked for some supplies, a few day's rest, and a map.
However, the ultimatum from the raiders left him no choice. It was a painful realization, one that filled him with a sense of guilt and helplessness.
But if betraying them was the only way to protect his friends and keep the raiders at bay, then he would do it without hesitation. In this world nowadays, sacrifices were necessary for survival. Marlon understood this better than anyone. Brody and the others might not understand his decision, maybe even opposed it, but Marlon knew that he had to do whatever it takes to ensure their safety.
In the end, it was a small price to pay for their continued survival.
He is not going make all their years surviving in vain.
He just needs some help first….
Under the radiant moonlight, the forest took on an otherworldly aspect, it bathed in an ethereal glow, enveloping everything in its serene embrace. The air was alive with the whispering rustle of leaves and the occasional chirp of insects, their nocturnal symphony intermingling with the haunting moans of the undead that lurked within the darkness.
Derek sat perched on the edge of his bed, his eyes locked on the barricaded window, the events of the day swirling through his mind, throwing it into disarray. Sleep eluded him, chased away by the weight of lingering concerns and doubts that gnawed at his thoughts. The urge to leave gripped him tightly; the school was not safe, and the forest more so. A sharp sting from his right arm drew a hiss of pain from him, and he instinctively cradled the wound with his left hand until the pain subsided, leaving behind a throbbing reminder of the day's events.
And a dreadful encounter with an unexpected enemy…
Hours earlier...
Derek moved with practiced precision, his machete slicing through the air with deadly accuracy as he dispatched each walker that crossed his path. At the edge of his vision, he saw Clementine holding her ground, her movements fluid and precise, while AJ remained vigilant, alerting her to any potential threats from behind. A sense of approval washed over him as he observed their teamwork; if they continued at this pace, they would likely be finished by noon.
Suddenly, rapid footsteps approached from behind, sending a surge of adrenaline coursing through his veins. Reacting on instinct, he spun around just in time to narrowly dodge a lethal blade aimed at his neck. Though he managed to dodge, he wasn't entirely unscathed. A searing pain shot through his right arm as the blade left a deep gash, crimson blood staining his sleeve. With a sharp intake of breath, he recoiled from the strike, instinctively clutching the wound to stem the flow of blood.
As Derek glared at the assailant, it looked like a walker but its movements, its intent, were too deliberate, too calculated. A chilling realization dawned upon him like a bolt of lightning.
This was no walker.
This is a Whisperer!
With controlled fury burning in his veins, Derek prepared to charge towards the Whisperer, intent on eliminating them. However, his path was swiftly obstructed by a swarm of walkers. With a furious glare, Derek watched as the Whisperer seamlessly melded back into the horde, blending seamlessly. Though every fiber of his being urged him to pursue, Derek knew he couldn't just leave Clementine and AJ behind. With a grim resolve hardening his features, he vowed to confront the Whisperer in due time, his mind already plotting his next move.
Whisperers. Just the mention of their name was enough to set Derek's blood boiling. They are a group of degenerate killers, thieves, and plunderers, devoid of any shred of humanity. Ruthless yet cunning, using the undead to disguise their movements, learned to move among them, and even guided them. They show no mercy, adhering no moral code. In their eyes, anyone not among their ranks was fair game—an enemy to be eliminated.
The unexpected encounter with the Whisperer surprised him. It had been years since he last seen one of them, and the sight of one now sent his thoughts in disarray, paranoia gnawed at him. Until the threat was dealt with, he couldn't afford to rest easy. Yet, as much as he wanted to pursue and eliminate the threat they posed, he knew he couldn't act alone. With Clementine and AJ relying on him, Derek couldn't afford to be selfish. He needed to prioritize their safety above all else, even if it meant letting the Whisperer slip away.
As he sat on the edge of his bed, gazing out of the barricaded window into the darkness beyond, Derek couldn't shake the feeling of unease. How many more Whisperers were out there, lurking in the shadows, biding their time? What were their intentions, and who are their targets?
The thought gnawed at him, a lingering sense of paranoia festering in the back of his mind.
Suddenly, he could hear faint voices outside of the room. Rising from his bed with cautious movements, he strained to listen intently, his senses on high alert. He tried to pinpoint the exact location but it sounded everywhere and nowhere at once. A sense of unease crept over him as he considered the possibility of danger lurking inside the safety of the school walls.
The distant commotion roused Clementine and AJ from their slumber. At first, confusion clouded their expressions, but once they saw the intense look on Derek's face, they quickly spurred into action. Clementine swiftly adorned her signature hat and reached for her pistol, deftly loading it with practiced ease.
Beside her, AJ moved to grab his revolver, but Clementine's hand halted him mid-reach.
"You only have one shot, AJ," she reminded, her voice low yet authoritative. "Only use it when it's absolutely necessary."
AJ nodded in solemn acknowledgment, his young features set with determination.
Derek swiftly armed himself with his trusty machete and flashlight, but opted to forgo the armor as it would take time to wear it. With a decisive tone, he issued instructions to his companions, his voice carrying the weight of authority.
"Don't fire your weapon unless your life depends on it," he instructed firmly. "I'll take point. Clem, cover our rear. AJ, stay in the middle, and only use your gun when I say so. Understood?"
Clementine and AJ nodded in unison, their expressions determined and focused. Satisfied with their understanding, Derek returned the nod, his gaze steely with resolve. With their roles clarified, the trio set out into the unknown, their senses heightened and their nerves taut as they searched for the source of the mysterious disturbance.
Derek cautiously pushed open the doors of their room, the hinges creaking softly in the eerie silence of the hallway. Casting a swift glance around, he ensured the area was clear before slipping out, Clementine and AJ following closely behind. As they advanced down the dimly lit corridor, the distant voices began to grow louder, echoing off the walls with unsettling clarity. They reached the door to the basement, the source of the voices they had heard echoing through the corridors.
Sensing the increasing proximity of the source, Derek raised a hand, signaling his companions to halt. With a series of silent gestures, he directed Clementine to take position on one side of the door while he positioned himself on the other. AJ stood behind Derek, his gaze trained on their rear, ready to warn them at the first sign of danger.
Derek pressed his ear against the door, straining his senses to discern the conversation from within. The voices were clearer now, though still muffled by the barrier between them. Beside him, Clementine mirrored his actions, her brow furrowed in concentration as she too listened intently.
The voice, unmistakably Brody's, pierced through the silence, her tone carried a weight of determination and defiance. "I can't do this anymore, It's just… It's just not right!" her voice echoed.
"We have no choice!" Marlon's familiar voice rang out, filled with frustration and urgency. "We have until tomorrow, and I need you to help me. I can't do this alone." His voice reverberated through the door, a surge of anger tinged his words, a stark contrast from his usual calm demeanor. It was a side of him that Derek and Clementine hadn't seen since their arrival at the school.
Brody's voice was sharp and adamant. "No!" she yelled, her words reverberating with defiance. "I am done with your sick act! I just can't...I won't...just not again...fuck!" Her voice quivered with emotion, punctuated by heavy breaths as she struggled to contain her frustration.
"Goddammit, Brody, pull yourself together!" Marlon's voice thundered with frustration. "The sooner we can get rid of the three of them, the sooner we can forget about this. We'll bring them to the forest by the river and then they'll handle the rest."
"And what about the kid? He's younger than Tenn." Brody asked, her tone edged with concern.
A lengthy silence followed until Marlon finally spoke, his voice tinged with a raw vulnerability. "That's not up to me, and you know that," he admitted, his tone heavy with resignation.
Derek and Clementine exchanged glances, their eyes reflecting a mixture of concern and alarm at the implication of their words. The weight of betrayal settled heavy in their chests, it was a familiar ache, one they experienced many times on the unforgiving road they traveled. It wasn't the first time nor would it be the last. While they couldn't fathom the motives behind this, but they're not going to stay here and find out. They refused to sit idly by and allow themselves to become pawns in someone else's game.
Derek and Clementine peeled themselves away from the door, having heard more than enough of the conversation unfolding within. "Get back to the room," Derek instructed calmly, his voice tinged with disappointment. "We're leaving." With a heavy sigh, he pivoted on his heel and strode toward their quarters, Clementine following silently, her features etched with sadness. AJ opened his mouth to question their abrupt departure, but Derek was already too far ahead to hear and he too followed silently.
The trio packed their meager belongings in somber silence, the sting of betrayal left a bitter taste in their mouths. There was no point in confronting them, to demand justice and answers. They don't belong here and it would be best altogether if they just left. AJ wanted to question their motives, wanted to tell them to stay, but even he could tell it wasn't the right time to voice out his thoughts. Instead, he simply trusted their judgement and followed.
Several minutes passed and they methodically secured their equipment and belongings, ensuring nothing essential was left behind. Casting one final glance around the room, they confirmed they had everything they needed before slipping out quietly into the deserted hallway. Their footsteps echoed softly in the empty corridors as they made their way toward the exit. They passed through the basement door, now silent and empty, concluding that Marlon and Brody must've finished their conversation and left a while ago.
Reaching the dormitory doors, Derek gently pushed them ajar, revealing the deserted courtyard bathed in the moon's soft glow. His gaze swept over the area, noting the stillness that enveloped it, save for Mitch's watchful figure atop the watchtower near the main gate. With a silent gesture, Derek signaled for his companions to remain quiet as they advanced.
Their footsteps were muffled against the soft earth as they moved quietly toward the nearest wall, its imposing height casting a shadow in the moonlight. It stood as a formidable obstacle, yet not impossible with their combined effort.
"I'll lead the way. Follow my lead," Derek said, his tone low and hushed. He measured his distance from the wall, and took a few steps back and positioned himself. His muscles tensed in anticipation, with a burst of energy he sprinted forward, propelling himself upward with all his might. Grasping the top edge, he hoisted himself over with a determined grunt and stayed on the top of the wall, his heart pounding with adrenaline. He glanced towards Clementine, signaling her to move.
Clementine mirrored Derek's movements with seamless grace, her agile form moving with practiced ease as she scaled the wall. Positioned on top, she extended a hand to help AJ up with Derek mirroring her. The boy leaped towards them, reaching out for their outstretched hands. Derek and Clementine seized his arms, their combined strength lifting him upward to the top of the wall beside them.
Derek was the first to drop down on the other side, landing with a soft thud, his movements swift and deliberate as he drew his machete from its sheath. He swept his gaze across the immediate surroundings for any enemies. The moon's luminous glow casting a faint light upon the area.
Seeing no immediate threats, Derek relaxed his posture slightly, though he remained vigilant. "It's clear," he announced quietly.
Clementine dropped down next, her landing soft and controlled. She turned back to AJ, her arms extended in anticipation, ready to catch him as he leapt. With a muffled thud, AJ landed in her waiting arms, his breath hitching slightly upon impact.
Meanwhile, Derek rummaged through his pockets, retrieving a small, weathered piece of paper bearing a rough sketch of Marlon's map, hastily drawn from memory. With a determined grip on his flashlight, he cast its beam upon the paper, illuminating its faded contours in the dim light.
"I'm thinking we should keep heading towards the road down south. That was the plan before, right?" Derek suggested, his voice carrying a hint of uncertainty as he glanced at Clementine.
Clementine's response was a mix of pessimism and resignation. "Do we even have a choice at this point?" she retorted cynically, her tone reflecting the bitter reality of their situation.
Derek sighed, acknowledging the truth in her words. "No. No, we don't," he conceded, his voice heavy with reluctant acceptance of their current situation. Adjusting his bag on his shoulder, he steeled himself for their journey ahead, striding forward with caution, his eyes scanning for any threats as they moved under the cloak of the night with Clementine and AJ following closely behind.
Unbeknownst to them, a pair of binoculars equipped with night vision followed their every movement, tracking their path with disciplined focus. The figure behind the lenses reached for their radio, the glow of the device casting a faint light on their features.
"Dallas, this is Boston. I've got positive ID on the target. Orders?" the figure spoke into the device, their voice hushed.
"Maintain your distance and observe from afar," came the response through the crackling static of the radio.
"What's the ROE, sir?" the figure inquired further, seeking clarification on their rules of engagement.
"Fall back and retreat. Do not engage the target," the voice commanded firmly.
"Copy that. Boston out," the figure confirmed. He shut off the radio and pulled back his binoculars, focusing his sights solely on Derek. "We got you now you bastard." He muttered under his breath.
Next to him lay a piece of paper bearing an old sketch of a younger Derek's face, devoid of the scars. Beside the drawing was a message scrawled in bold red ink.
WANTED FOR TREASON, THEFT, DESERTION, AND THE MURDER OF THE LATE CAPTAIN MONROE VASQUEZ AND SEVERAL SOLDIERS. LIEUTENANT DEREK BROOKS IS TO BE BROUGHT IN ALIVE FOR QUESTIONING AND TRIAL BY COURT-MARTIAL.
AN: Now you may be curious how in the game Clementine didn't just tried to eavesdrop by the door. My best guess was she wasn't as proficient in her senses compared in here in this story where, with Derek's guidance, helped her train her skills with the best of his abilities for the past two years before the events of Season 4, made her capable to do more and be better. However, one must still remember that she is still human and will make mistakes.
Next chapter would be two weeks give or take (I'm a lazy writer). Also I would love to see your reactions or critique. Don't be shy to leave a comment time to time.