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.
AN: This chapter contains child abuse which might bring discomfort to some audience!
Chapter 17 - Where All Roads Lead (Part 2)
"My feet hurt," AJ groaned as he walked, his small legs struggling to keep pace.
Derek sighed, hearing this complaint for the twentieth time already. It was slowly getting on his nerves, but he couldn't blame the boy. After all, they'd been walking for almost six hours straight since they left the school. They had covered a lot of ground, but they wanted to put as much distance from the school as much as possible.
"I know, kiddo, I know. Just a few more miles, then we'll rest," Derek replied, trying to muster some patience.
AJ snorted. "You said that last time." His reply was sharp, his frustration evident.
Derek shot AJ dirty look but before he could say anything, Clementine cut in, her voice gentle but firm. "I think we could take a break, Derek. It wouldn't hurt to rest our legs for a bit."
Derek stopped in his tracks, prompting the other two to follow. He sighed reluctantly but nodded. "Alright, we'll rest here for a bit." He unclasped his backpack and laid it down. AJ and Clementine followed suit, not wasting any time to take their much-deserved break.
They found a small clearing off the main path, surrounded by tall trees that offered some shade from the midday sun. Clementine and AJ sat down on a fallen log while Derek rummaged through his backpack, pulling out a water bottle.
AJ eagerly grabbed the water bottle, gulping down a large portion before handing it back to Derek. "Thank you," he mumbled, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand.
Derek nodded, taking a small sip before passing it to Clementine. "We can't stay too long, though. We need to keep moving before it gets dark."
Clementine looked at the bottle then at Derek, raising an eyebrow at him. "Where'd you get this?" shaking the bottle on her hand.
Derek shrugged uncaringly. "Lots of stuff around the school. Doubt they'd miss it."
Clementine hesitantly nodded, she wasn't entirely against on stealing but it was something she deemed 'only if necessary'. She let it slide this time considering the circumstances, "Anything else?" she asked.
The older teen shook his head. "Didn't want to take anything more than that really."
The trio sat in silence for a few moments, each lost in their thoughts. Their escape still lingering in their minds, the uncertainty of their situation weighing on them.
After a while, AJ broke the silence. "Why did we leave?"
Clementine glanced at Derek, who nodded in approval, then turned back to AJ. She hesitated for a bit, searching for the right words. "I… know that it must be hard for you AJ, and I'm sorry we kept you in the dark for a long time but we needed you to focus until the coast was clear." She began, taking a deep breath before continuing. "But the reason why we left was because they were going to hand us over to the bandits."
AJ's eyes widened in shock. "What? No!" he shook his head in disbelief. "They seemed… they seemed so nice. Why would they do that?" His voice wavered, filled with confusion and hurt.
Clementine sighed, her heart aching for him. "We don't know either kiddo." She pulled him close, enveloping him on a tight hug. "But we're here now, and we're safe."
AJ sniffled, holding back some tears. "I just don't understand… they were so nice…"
Derek sighed and shook his head, his expression somber. "Some people do… desperate things to stay alive, even if it means being a friend one day then turning on them the next." A brief look of sadness flashed in his eyes but disappeared as quickly as it came. He placed a reassuring hand on AJ's shoulder. "But don't worry, we'll find another place. I promise. Who knows? Maybe you'll find some other kids to play with."
AJ shrugged off Derek's hand, turning away from him. Derek sighed and nodded somberly, his lips turning into a frown. Clementine, who was caressing AJ beside her, mirrored his expression. The two silently let the boy grieve from the betrayal and loss he felt at the moment.
It was AJ's first time truly interacting with other kids his age, and now it had been taken away from him so abruptly. Derek couldn't blame the boy for being devastated after losing the few friends he had managed to make, even if it was only for a brief moment. The memory of the school, a place that had seemed like a sanctuary, now felt like a cruel joke.
Clementine's heart ached as she watched AJ. She knew how important those interactions had been for him. She had hoped that the school would be a place where he could finally have a semblance of normal childhood. Instead, it had ended in betrayal. She stroked his hair gently, trying to offer what little comfort she could.
Derek gently tapped on Clementine's shoulder. "I'll take first watch." he suggested, his voice a soft murmur in the quiet forest.
Clementine nodded in appreciation, her exhaustion evident. "Thanks, Derek," she whispered, her voice heavy with fatigue. She gently pulled AJ closer, wiping away his small tears, and ensured he was comfortable before closing her eyes. "Try to get some rest, AJ," she murmured softly, holding him protectively.
Derek took Clementine's pistol, meticulously checking the chamber before loading it. He positioned himself to keep a vigilant watch on their surroundings, his senses heightened for any potential threats that might bring harm to their group.
A scoped rifle, aimed at the trio, trained its crosshairs on Derek, aiming directly between the eyes. The trigger was gently squeezed by the figure, just a little more pressure and the rifle would fire a single bullet, ending Derek's life abruptly within a second.
But it never came.
The rifle lowered itself, revealing an older, dark-skinned man in his forties. He wore modest civilian clothing, with some tactical gear attached, and a red beret atop his head. This man had been following the trio ever since they left the school, tracking their movements and leaving behind clues for his group to follow. His eyes, hardened by years of survival and training, watched Derek like a hawk, taking notes of his gear, weapons, and activities.
As he continued to observe the trio from afar, he couldn't help but feel a twinge of conflict deep inside him. He had his orders – bring Derek in for a fair trial for the crimes he has committed. He scoffed. A fair trial? For the likes of him? After everything he's done? The old man struggled with the thought of how easily he could end it all with one shot, saving everyone the trouble. He wrestled with the desire to take matters into his own hands.
But...
He looked down at the tiny bracelet on his left wrist, a poorly made trinket with mismatched colors. It was hideous to look at, but it was his daughter's creation, the only reminder of her he had left. As much as he wanted to end the person responsible for all the worst things he could imagine, he couldn't bear the thought of being expelled for not following orders, he can't afford to lose the only family he had left. He swallowed down his anger and injustice, hoping that it would all end soon so he could return home to his daughter.
Sounds of snapping twigs came from behind him. Instinctively, he turned and aimed in the direction of the noise but saw nothing. His heart pounded, adrenaline surged through his veins, and his legs tensed, ready to dive for cover.
"Thunder!" A loud whisper came from behind a tree.
A challenge word, he mused, one he knew the answer for. "Flash." He sighed in relief, lowering his weapon.
Two individuals emerged cautiously from cover. They were young adults, no older than twenty. The first wore a black hoodie and denim pants, his thick-framed glasses emphasizing his focused gaze, with visible signs of makeshift repairs suggesting it had seen better days. A 9mm pistol hung at his side, resting securely in its holster. His companion, clad in camouflaged jacket and pants, exuded a relaxed confidence despite his youthful appearance, carrying a double-barrel shotgun, strapped tightly behind his back. The two boys greeted the old man with an awkward wave, the significant age gap between them evident.
"You're getting jumpy, old man," the one clad in camouflaged attire quipped, a hint of amusement in his voice.
"Just cautious," the older man replied, his voice steady but eyes still scanning their surroundings. "Any news?" he asked, his gaze shifting between the two boys.
"Uhmm… Uhhh… Command sent us to take him in," the one with the glasses replied, scratching the side of his face.
The old man raised an eyebrow, shouldering his rifle. "And how do you propose we do that?" he inquired, a touch of skepticism in his voice.
The two young adults exchanged looks with one another, a moment of silent communication passing between them which only ended with a simple shrug before turning back to the old man. "We know a thing or two about the guy," the one with the shotgun spoke up, his voice tinged with bravado, a cocky smirk playing on his lips.
The older man shook his head in disapproval, unimpressed. "Let's just get this over with. I'll stay here and keep watch. I hope you boys know what you're doing."
Some time had passed as the trio took their well-deserved rest. Derek, having swapped guard duty with Clementine, took advantage of the break to rest his eyes for a bit. After what seemed like a brief respite, Clementine's senses prickled with unease. She felt a subtle movement beyond the vegetation and growth just a few meters away from their resting position. Her instincts kicked in, and she snapped into action, shaking Derek and AJ awake. With a finger pressed to her lips, she motioned for them to keep quiet. The two boys, knowing the drill, nodded silently and swiftly moved into position with practiced ease.
Clementine chambered a round into her pistol, ensuring it was loaded. Her other hand gripped a knife tightly, prepared to use the two weapons akimbo-style. Derek, with his trusty machete in hand, nodded grimly at her signal, his eyes scanning the surrounding foliage for any sign of movement. AJ, though younger and less experienced, took position behind them, keeping a vigilant watch on their backs.
They waited behind their respective covers, their bodies tense with anticipation. The trio remained silent, their breaths shallow and controlled as they maintained their silent vigil. Each second stretched into an eternity, the only sounds being the rustling leaves and the occasional creak of branches in the breeze.
As they kept watch, an unpleasant thought crept into their minds: what if the bandits had tracked them here? Can they handle another fight against them? Considering their current circumstances, their answer was clear: avoid confrontation if possible. There's no need to risk themselves over nothing. Yet, until they could confirm the identity of their potential threat, they remain on guard, ready to react at the slightest hint of danger.
"Brooks? Put down the weapons. We just want to talk." A voice echoed through the dense foliage, concealed from view.
The Clementine and AJ exchanged tense glances, their expressions a mix of shock and fear as they looked at Derek with worry. However, the latter maintained a neutral demeanor, his eyes deeply focused and calculating, considering their options in this current situation. Before Derek could formulate a plan, however, two figures emerged cautiously from behind the trees and into the open, hands raised in a gesture of surrender.
The trio was well hidden behind the canopy of trees, away from prying eyes. However, slipping away quietly wasn't an option as they'll be spotted first before they could make a run for it, and considering the wide open area with minimal cover, they'd best not take their chances on running away either. But if push came to shove, they'll do whatever it takes.
Clementine's keen eyes caught sight of the weapons strapped to their bodies, but before she could react, Derek signaled for her to stand down. She shook her head in protest, strongly against the idea, but Derek's unwavering composure gave a strong sense of determination, persuading her to stand down and stay hidden. With a worried expression etched on her face, she reluctantly lowered her weapon, though she remained on edge.
Clementine kept her eyes on their 'visitors', making sure they don't do anything funny. At the corner of her view, she saw Derek made a brief exchange with AJ, who appeared confused but didn't voice any questions. She couldn't discern what they communicated, or what they did, as her focus remained steadfast on their potential adversaries. After their exchange, Derek acknowledged Clementine with a nod before sheathing his machete and gradually revealing himself, moving slowly and smoothly, no sudden movements. He stopped half-way, just a few feet before them. From their concealed vantage point, both Clementine and AJ have the perfect view to hear and observe the unfolding exchange between them.
A tense silence followed as the two parties stared each other down, the air thick with tension. After a few moments, Derek broke the silence. He first looked at the one with the hoodie, his voice steady but cautious. "Kareem."
He then shifted his gaze to the one clad in camouflage clothing. "Julian."
Derek nodded at them respectively in recognition, a brief moment of acknowledgment passing between them.
It had been two years since Derek had last seen them, and a lot had changed. Kareem had developed a more athletic, lean build and had grown a few inches taller than him. A noticeable burn scar marred the right side of Kareem's face, and Derek was instantly reminded of his own scars. Julian, on the other hand, had bulked up considerably, sporting a muscular build mixed with some pudgy fat on the sides.
Derek knew them well, and seeing their familiar faces did little to ease his mind. He showed very little emotion on his face, his eyes focused on them like a hawk. However, deep inside, was another matter entirely. He was emotionally torn apart between thrilled to see his long-lost friends again, but also extremely wary to see them again after all this time. Two years was more than enough to change people, the bond they once shared was now clouded by uncertainty.
He couldn't afford to let his guard down, burying his emotions deep inside, he decided to play it safe. He can't expect to believe that them being here at the same exact time and place as a coincidence.
"It's been a long time. You look good." Derek said. It was an empty compliment, nothing more than an attempt to lighten the tension.
Julian did him a once-over, whistling. "I wish I could say the same to you. You look fucked, man."
"It's not like there's much of a difference really, you've always been ugly Brooks. Stand next to a walker and nobody would notice the difference." Kareem added in, laughing lightly.
The façade Derek tried to maintain cracked instantly. The corners of his lips lifted into a slight smile, and he chuckled at the friendly banter. But it felt hollow, forced. His smile faded as quickly as it had appeared, and he sighed deeply. "What do you want?" he asked, his eyes narrowed with wariness.
Kareem and Julian exchanged a brief glance, their smiles falling in an instant. The lighthearted mood dissolved into tension and unease. Julian reached into his jacket, unrolling a crumpled piece of paper and presenting it to Derek—it was a bounty notice, featuring his face prominently. The lingering questions in Derek's mind were finally answered; there was only one reason why they're here and why he was still alive. The atmosphere grew thick with tension. Kareem, his expression hardening, took a small step forward. "We're here under orders, Derek. Command wants to bring you in."
Derek eyed the piece of paper, his lips tightening into a frown. "You went back to them?" he asked, his voice laced with disbelief.
"We never left…." Kareem admitted, his tone heavy with regret.
Derek's frown deepened, his teeth grinding as a surge of anger welled up inside him. His lips curled into a snarl. "After everything I did for you? After everything I sacrificed?! I waited for you! Every. Single. Day!" His voice rose, the hurt and betrayal evident.
A look of sympathy flickered across Kareem and Julian's faces, but it only fueled Derek's frustration and anger. To him, their pity felt like an insult to his efforts and sacrifices.
Kareem raised his hands in a calming gesture, taking slow, cautious steps toward Derek. "Please, don't make this harder than it has to be. We didn't have a choice."
"Neither did I," Derek retorted, his fists clenching tightly.
Julian noticed Derek's clenched fists and quickly interjected. "I wouldn't do anything if I were you." He pointed backwards, there at a considerable distance was a small shimmering glint.
'A sniper,' Derek realized. He discreetly moved one hand behind his back, sending an inconspicuous signal to Clementine, alerting her to the sniper's presence.
Julian noticed the subtle gesture, his eyes narrowing with suspicion. He didn't say anything but adjusted the sling of his shotgun, maintaining a cautious watch on Derek and the surrounding area. The tension between the old friends was palpable, a silent standoff as each side weighed their next move.
A tense atmosphere settled over the clearing as the two parties stared each other down, waiting for the other to make a move, neither side willing to back down. The forest was deathly quiet, the usual sounds of nature seemingly silenced by the weight of the confrontation.
Derek tilted his head slightly to the side, "Then what?" he asked, his voice calm but edged with steel.
Kareem did a double take, leaning closer as if he hadn't heard correctly. "E-Excuse me?"
Derek crossed his arms over his vest. "If I come with you, what then?"
Kareem exchanged a quick, uncertain glance with Julian, who could only shrug in response. They bickered silently with frustrated gestures and narrowed eyes before Kareem sighed in exasperation, shaking his head in disappointment. "I… I don't know. They just told us to bring you in."
Derek's eyes hardened, his frustration barely contained. "So you're just following orders, no questions asked?" The bitterness in his voice was unmistakable.
Kareem winced, clearly uncomfortable with the implication but didn't back down. "It's more complicated than that, Derek. You know it is."
Julian, sensing the mounting tension, shifted his stance uneasily, his gaze flicking between Derek and Kareem. "Look, we didn't come here to argue. Just come with us quietly, and we can figure things out later."
Derek silently contemplated the idea, stretching his arms before resting them on the back of his head. He could sense Julian's unease, the young man jumping slightly at every move he made. After a brief period of deliberation, Derek sighed and reluctantly raised his hands in surrender. "Take me in," he said calmly.
"Just like that?" Kareem asked, his confusion and perplexity evident at the sudden turn of events.
"Just like that," Derek reassured him, sporting the most relaxed expression since they met.
Kareem and Julian exchanged wary glances, unsure of how to proceed given the unexpected compliance. Neither of them moved, their hesitation palpable.
"Well, come on then. I don't have all day," Derek jibed, his hands still raised in surrender.
"Just… put your hands above your head," Kareem ordered, his voice tinged with uncertainty.
Unbeknownst to the two, Derek had them exactly where he wanted them. Right before he had forced AJ to hide, he had slipped AJ's pocket knife into his vest. When he crossed his arms earlier, he had been fingering the knife, carefully hiding it inside the palm of his hand. As he stretched earlier, he had discreetly placed the knife on the back of his collar, where it now rested still.
Derek was genuinely glad to see his friends again. He truly was. But he chose his side and they chose theirs. He just hoped they'd forgive him in the afterlife when all of this was over. Maybe in another life, they could have lived together as friends, just like old times.
But that didn't matter now. He had his own family to take care of.
Kareem pulled out a pair of cable ties, fumbling with them awkwardly. "H-Hang on just a sec. Alright?" he said as he continued to fiddle with the cuffs.
'I'm sorry,' was all Derek could think as he prepared himself for what he was about to do.
In a split second, he gripped the knife firmly from the back of his collar and aimed it directly at Julian's jugular, but his attempt was stopped short by the latter's forearm. Derek was momentarily surprised by his fast reflexes but he did not relent on his assault. He kicked Julian's shin, forcing him down, and just as he was about to deliver a second blow, Kareem lunged at him from behind, grabbing Derek into a choke hold.
Clementine, watching the scene unfold into chaos, tried to take aim with her pistol but couldn't risk hitting Derek. Her eyes widened in panic as she saw AJ rushing into the fray, determined to help Derek in any way he could.
The shimmering glint from afar, a reminder of the sniper's presence, was the only warning she got as AJ ran forward.
"AJ, no!" Clementine felt her legs move before she could think, her arm outstretched as she desperately tried to reach the boy and pull him to safety. Her heart pounded in her chest, her mind racing with fear and urgency.
A single gunshot shattered the eerie silence of the forest.
Time seemed to slow to a crawl for Derek as he witnessed Clementine's body crumple to the ground, struck down by the merciless sniper. Panic surged through him like a tidal wave, his breaths coming in ragged gasps. All sense of composure was lost as he thrashed wildly in Kareem's grasp, followed by enraged cries, laced with grief and fury.
"No, no, no! Clementine, no! You son of a bitch! You fucking sons of bitches! Fucking let go of me! Let go of me you bastards! I'll kill you! I'll kill you all!"
Kareem, straining to maintain his hold, cast a desperate look at Julian. "Get him, Julian!" he pleaded, his voice cracking with urgency and desperation.
Julian, finally recovering from Derek's initial assault, seized his shotgun with resolute determination. With a swift, decisive motion, he struck Derek unconscious with the butt of his gun.
Derek's body went limp in Kareem's arms, the fight drained from him. Kareem released his grip, breathing heavily as he looked down at his old friend with a mixture of sorrow and regret.
"No!"
Kareem and Julian turned towards the source of the voice and saw a little boy, covered in blood, desperately putting pressure on a wound on a young woman. The bullet had hit just below her lower abdomen, causing it to bleed profusely. Without proper medical care, she wouldn't survive.
Inside Kareem's mind, two things sprung in mind. On one hand, they needed more valuable members for their community, assuming they would join. On the other, even if they didn't, they could serve as a bargaining chip to ensure Derek's cooperation for the trial. Making up his mind, he nodded to himself.
"Grab the kid. I'll patch the girl up."
"You sure you want to do that? Next resupply's not for three months. The quartermaster won't give you any supplies 'til then, assuming the lieutenant doesn't grill you alive," Julian warned.
Kareem nodded, determined. "I'm sure."
"Alright, suit yourself."
Julian moved toward AJ, grabbing the boy roughly by the arm. "Come on, ki—OW! You son of a—" Julian's attempt to apprehend AJ was cut short as the latter bit his hand. Hard. Julian gritted his teeth in anger, kicking AJ in the stomach before aiming his gun at him. "You want to be next, kid? I'll shoot you, you little bastard!" he shouted.
His threats fell on deaf ears as AJ was too preoccupied with the pain in his stomach, groaning and flailing weakly on the ground.
Kareem shot Julian a look of disapproval but remained silent, too exhausted to argue. He moved toward Clementine and began pulling out his first aid kit to tend to her injuries.
From afar, the sound of approaching horses grew louder.
AN: Got delayed with the update with the website being down for a few days. Last chapter for this arc would come up soon so stay tuned!
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