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the-delta-42 · 2 months

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The Walking Dead Game What Ifs: What if Carver attacked Clementine at the Cabin?

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Bruised

What if Carver attacked Clementine at the cabin? (TW: Violence against a child)

Carver looked down at the girl, knowing that she was playing dumb with him, “How about I make you a deal.”

“What?” Said the girl, shortly.

“You tell me where my people are, and I’ll leave you here unharmed.”

“I don’t kno—” The girl was knocked to the floor by Carver’s backhand.

“Where are they?”

“I don’t know who you’re—” He grabbed her collar and slammed her against the wall, making her hat come off.

“Where the fuck are they?” Thundered Carver, before tossing the girl down the stairs and stomping down after her, leaving Sarah cowering under the bed as she listened to Carver beating Clementine.

Clementine grunted as she skidded over the counter, desperately trying to get back on her feet, as she ran through the basic self-defence Christa had taught her. The man, Clementine assumed he was this Carver she heard mentioned, grabbed her arm and twisted it until it made a cracking-pop, producing a scream from Clementine.

“Where are they?!”

“Fuc-” Carver back handed her, before landing several punches on her face, chest and abdomen. Clementine didn’t have a chance to react as Carver picked her up and threw her out of a window, the glass cutting into her back as she went through it.

Carver stormed outside, before he started punching, kicking and throwing Clementine, the girl letting out a pained scream when her broke her other arm and crushed her fingers into the ground. He grabbed her and slammed her into the porch of the cabin.

“This is your last chance to tell me where my fucking people are, before I turn your head into a pulp.” Snarled Carver, holding Clementine up by her throat.

“Go,” Rasped Clementine, deciding to channel her inner Kenny, “Fuck yourself.”

Carver snarled, before slamming her back against the porch, dropped and back handed her until she hit the deck and didn’t get up. Carver sneered, he was certain that she was dead and decided to leave her to turn.

Sarah slowly crawled out from her hiding space and nervously made her way down the stairs. It’d been a while since Carver was there and it was quiet. The entire house was destroyed, Sarah shivered at the sight of blood covering the surfaces and the broken window in the kitchen. She nervously opened the door and froze when she saw Clementine, coughing as she tried to crawl into the cabin.

Sarah quickly grabbed Clementine and dragged her back into the cabin, the younger girl whimpering slightly as Sarah moved her. After getting Clementine into a seat, Sarag grabbed some water and wetted a rag, just like her dad showed her.

Clementine didn’t say anything, while Sarah tried to remove the blood covering her face and torso. Sarah jumped when the door opened, whirling around, thinking it was Carver, Sarah grabbed a knife and pointed it at the intruder. Who turned out to be Luke.

“God.” Swore Luke, as Carlos and Alvin came up beside him, “What happened?”

“What do you think happened?!” Snapped Rebecca, before catching sight of Clementine, “What the fuck?”

Carlos strode over to Sarah and took over cleaning Clementine up, “Shit.”

“What is it?” Asked Luke, as Carlos dug through his pockets.

“The way her nose was broken,” Said Carlos, before pulling out an old pen, “one of her nostrils has been blocked, I can’t reset it until after this issue is dealt with.”

Clementine suddenly rasped, making everyone freeze, Carlos started to slowly reach for his gun, before Clementine coughed up a bloody piece of phlegm.

“I,” Clementine wheeze, looking at them, “I didn’t let him in. He kept asking where you were. I, I didn’t say anything.”

“Hold her still.” Said Carlos, looking at Luke, “Her arm’s dislocated.”

Carlos relocated Clementine’s shoulder, getting a cry of pain from her, Luke handed him the pen barrel, removing the ink cartridge and end cap.

“Okay, Clementine,” The girl looked at him, “this is going to hurt, okay?”

Clementine winced as she nodded, as Carlos used the pen to shift the blockage, resulting in a fresh spurt of blood, to go down her front. He quickly reset her nose, getting a small whimper from her. Carlos made some make-shift splints of Clementine’s broken bones, and relocating any dislocated joints.

“We need to leave.” Hiss Rebecca, glaring a Luke, “See what he did to her? I’m surprised he left her alive.”

“Do you think he left her to turn?” Asked Alvin, looking between them.

“This is fucked.” Groaned Luke, looking at Carlos treating Clementine, “We can’t move Clementine in her state.”

“We can’t stay here!”

“Why did he attack her?” Asked Alvin, interrupting Luke and Rebecca’s argument, “He doesn’t usually just attack people.”

“Because he’s crazy!” Snapped Rebecca, as Sarah looked at the floor, guilt covering her face.

“Sarah,” Said Luke, getting everyone’s attention, “What happened?”

“She wouldn’t have seen anything, Luke,” Dismissed Carlos, carefully bandaging Clementine’s arm, “She stayed hidden.”

Sarah looked down again, before mumbling, “I took a picture and Carver saw it.”

“Sarah.” Sighed Carlos, as he finished patching Clementine up.

“I-I’m sorry.” Sarah started to tremble.

“I can walk.” Rasped Clementine, looking up at Luke, “I might be a bit slow.”

Luke didn’t look happy as Clementine said that, getting a sigh as Carlos quietly spoke with Sarah.

“Could you walk any slower?” Grumbled Nick, getting a pained glare from Clementine.

“I’m walking on a broken leg, what’s your fucking excuse?” The group found that an injured Clementine was a Clementine without a filter.

“What the fuck happened to you, anyway?”

“Carver kicked her ass.” Interjected Luke, from the front, “Clem, why don’t you walk with Rebecca?”

“Because every bone in my body hurts?”

Luke sighed, before looking ahead, “There’s a clearing not too far away, we can rest there.”

“Clementine, sit over there.” Ordered Carlos, pointing at a stump while going through a bag, “I need to check your bandages.”

Clementine quietly grumbled, limping over the stump and wincing as she sat down.

“This is taking too long.” Muttered Luke, looking at Alvin.

“Well, Becs is walking for two.” Responded Alvin, getting an eyeroll from his wife.

“He’s talking about Clementine, genius.”

“We should’ve stayed put.” Continued Luke, “Give her more time to heal.”

“We don’t have time, Luke.” Reminded Rebecca, “I know she only got…hurt because she ran into us, but we need to keep moving.”

“I can hear you.” Called Clementine, “and I’m going as fast as I can.”

“Her constantly moving isn’t helping her recovery.” Said Carlos, looking over at them.

“Someone could carry her.” Suggested Luke, before noticing everyone staring at him, “What?”

“I’m not an invalid!” Yelled Clementine, before wincing and grabbing her chest, “I can walk just fine on my own.”

“Yeah, Luke’s carrying her.” Decided Rebecca, looking at Luke.

“This is embarrassing.” Grumbled Clementine, her arms folded as she scowled, since she refused to admit that she was pouting.

“Well, you’re lighter than you look.” Joked Luke, getting a harrumph from Clementine.

“Is everything alright up there?” Asked Rebecca, as Luke glanced back.

“Just sayin’ Clem’s lighter than she looks.”

The silence from the rest of the group was deafening, before Sarah looked at her dad and asked, “Is he saying Clementine’s fat?”

“Okay!” Clementine started violently wriggling, “Put me down!”

The scuffle, if it would be call that, somehow ended with Clementine hanging upside down from Luke’s arm, while Luke kept a firm grip on her waist.

“Guys, a little help?” Luke looked at the rest of the group.

“Nope, I’m good.” Said Nick, as Clementine continued to wriggle.

Luke sighed, before dropping Clementine.

“Luke!” Snapped Carlos, glaring at him.

“Sorry.” Muttered Luke, helping Clementine up, “You okay?”

Clementine glared at him, before limping away, while Luke winced.

“Y’know,” Said Nick, “Seeing you fuck up makes me feel better about staying in the shed.”

“Shut up.” Snapped Luke, quickly catching up to Clementine, before calling back, “There’s a bridge ahead, we could rest there.”

“Great, Becs needs to rest.” Responded Alvin, getting a swat from Rebecca.

“What’s taking them so long?” Demanded Alvin, looking down at the bridge.

“Maybe they’re rolling in the hay.” Suggested Clementine, getting incredulous looks from the others.

“Do you know what that means?” Asked Rebecca, staring at the girl.

“…Sleeping.”

Rebecca found herself sighing in relief, not looking forward to explaining the birds and the bees to her. The group froze when they heard someone running up to their position, Luke appeared with Nick and a man in a grey jacket.

“Who’s this?” Asked Alvin, as the man locked onto Clementine.

“Matthew,” Answered Luke, “he’s staying in the cabin on the other side of the bridge.”

“What happened?” Asked Matthew, looking at the group.

“A guy’s chasing us,” Said Luke, “he attacked her because she wouldn’t tell him where we were.”

Matthew frowned, before sighing, “Come on, we’ll take her to my group, the lodge’s gonna be warmer.”

“Wait here.” Matthew looked at them, “I’m gonna tell the rest of my group about you, hopefully Kenny’s in a good mood.”

The man was gone before they could protest, Luke looked down a Clementine, the girl was refused to be carried, complaining whenever Luke tried to pick her up.

“Are you fucking kidding me?!” Yelled a Floridian-accented voice, as a man with a thick beard and a trucker’s hat stormed out.

Luke automatically stepped in front of Clementine, hoping to hide her from the man.

“Kenny, they’ve got kids.” Protested Matthew, following Kenny out, with an Indian woman and a bald man.

“And we ain’t got the supplies for ‘em!” Yelled Kenny, making Clementine frown.

Clementine stepped out from behind Luke and looked at Kenny.

“Holy Shit.”

Kenny froze, before looking down, “Clementine?”

The girl grinned and limped towards Kenny, wrapping her arms around him. Keny crouched down and reciprocated, before frowning and holding the girl at arm’s length.

“What the fuck happened?” Kenny took in Clementine’s injuries, before glaring at the group, “Did they do this to ya?”

“No,” Answered Clementine, “some guy called Carver is after them. He tried to make me tell him where they were.”

Kenny frowned, continuing to look Clementine over, “What’d you say?”

“I told him to go fuck himself.”

Kenny let out a snort, before looking at the group again, “Can you vouch for these guys, Clem?”

Clementine nodded, “They patched me up.”

Kenny sighed, before standing and picking Clementine up, “Alright, that’s good enough for me.”

“I can walk on my own!” Squawked Clementine, with Kenny ignoring her as he walked into the lodge.

Clementine winced as she entered the lodge, after they had dinner, Clementine had gone with Walter and Mathew to check the perimeter for Walkers, where they met a strange woman. Clementine had suggested that they check her for weapons, after Kenny had come out to investigate. Then, after the woman had left, the wind turbine had gone crazy, leading to the two groups try to fix it. Which led to Clementine using a rifle for the first time and aggravating her already bruised body, before being sent inside by Luke. It was funny, she didn’t notice how the cold made her hurt until she was out of it.

“Clem, what’s happened?” Asked Rebecca, waddling towards her.

“The turbine-” Clementine was cut off by rapid gunfire. Rebecca swore, before grabbing Clementine and leading her up the stairs.

In a matter of seconds, in Clementine’s mind, the group outside was being forced inside. They heard a number of voices, including the strange woman from earlier. Then, she heard his voice. Carver was walking around below, calling out for Rebecca, talking about ‘their’ child. Clementine, in her hurry to disappear from view, accidentally knocked the box with the decorations over. The resulting noise led to the strange woman, Bonnie, coming up the stairs.

Bonnie stared at the three, before the girl spoke, “Fuck.”

Which was how Clementine found herself staring up at the man who’d beaten her to a pulp nearly a week prior.

“…How the hell are you still alive?”

“Because you hit like a girl.”

And Clementine was backhanded to the floor.

“You still hit like a girl.”

A solid kick to the side, followed by a punch, and her leg being stomped on, followed by another punch, a backhand and another, final, kick.

The group of hostages all stared at Clementine, terrified that Carver had killed her. Before a pained whine escaped the girl, “ow…”

Carver rolled his eyes, gesturing for the girl to be put with the others. Bonnie carefully shifted Clementine so she was next to Rebecca, they didn’t bother to restrain her, wondering what harm a child with a concussion could do.

Then one of Carver’s guys got hit in the head, leading Carver to kill Walter. Then he took Alvin and started to march him towards the window, talking to him about someone called George. He held the gun to Alvin’s head, when Clementine suddenly charged at him. Bonnie thought the girl was running pretty fast on a broken leg, only for her to get backhanded by Carver’s gun.

It had the desired effect, with Carver pushing Alvin to the side and picking Clementine up. A few seconds later, Kenny walked into the lodge, his hands above his head and a dark glare aimed at Carver.

The ride back to Carver’s settlement was quiet, if Clementine ignored the sound of the adults, Clementine thought calling them grown-up was immature, arguing.

“-haven’t you seen what he did to Clementine?!” Demanded Rebecca, glaring at Kenny.

“I saw him beating a little girl, while the rest of you fuckers watched like it was a fuckin’ show!”

“Dad…” Sarah nervously looked at her father, “Clementine doesn’t look very good.”

As if on cue, Clementine lurched forwards and threw up. Kenny wrinkled his nose as the half-digested ‘meal’ from the night before.

“Is that supposed to happen?” Asked Matthew, glancing at Clementine.

“She can’t see that we’re moving, she has a concussion and Carver hit her in the stomach several times.” Said Carlos, slowly, “I’m amazed she lasted this long.”

“Clem?” Rebecca looked at the girl, “Are you alright?”

“I can’t go to school today, mom.” Slurred Clementine, everything still spinning, “I think I threw up.”

Clementine suddenly slumped against Sarah, getting a frown from Carlos.

“Is she asleep or unconscious?” Asked Nick, trying to shuffle away from the trickle of vomit.

“Hold on.” Sarita gave Kenny an apologetic look, before leaning close to Clementine’s ear and screeching, “WAKE UP!”

The truck suddenly veered, as Clementine groaned, before slowly righting herself, “I gotta pee.”

The truck stopping, and the sound of one of Carver’s men stomping out and coming to the back of the truck reached their ears, before the man appeared, “What the fuck are you doing back there?!”

“I gotta pee.” Repeated Clementine, wriggling.

“Seriously?”

“Yep.”

The man sighed, “Does anyone else need to-?”

“Kinda.” Admitted Sarah, as the man sighed.

Thirty minutes later, Clementine found herself staring at a moth, or a butterfly, she couldn’t tell, while Sarah finished up.

“Are you about done over there?” Yelled the man, from besides the truck.

“Yeah, one second! Thanks for coming with me. It's scary out here.” Said Sarah, “I know you had to too, it’s still nice that you came.”

“We're friends.” Winced Clementine, “Friends look out for one another.”

Clementine and Sarah return to the truck.

“Everything come out alright, girls?” Asked the man, frowning at Clementine’s dazed look.

“Troy.” Growled Carver, “Get 'em tied up.”

“Will do...” Nodded Troy, grabbing Sarah’s hands and tying her up.

“Well, we're on our way, probably thirty minutes out.” Carver spoke into a radio, “Make sure everyone's prepped. Emotions might be running high. Carver out.”

Carver returned the radio to his belt and looked at Troy, “If I find out you've been wasting fuel to keep that fuckin' heater going, I'll make you walk back.”

“Nope.” Troy shook his head, “Froze my ass off... just like you told me to.”

Carver frowned, before glancing down and spotting Clementine staring at him, “It ain't polite to listen to other folks' conversations. Has anyone ever taught you that? Where's your manners?”

“I know.” Answered Clementine, not caring, “I still think you hit like a girl.”

Carver snarled, before slapping Clementine, knocking her to the ground, “Get her in the truck.”

“What happened to her?” Clementine glanced at a girl a couple years older than her, no doubt referring to how she looks like death warmed up.

“Bill did.” Answered Bonnie, making a brunette woman frown.

“Bill did that?” She glanced at Bonnie, “Bonnie, what they fuck have you gotten us into?”

“He trying to set an example.” Clementine didn’t think Bonnie believed herself, the other woman clearly didn’t.

“By what?”

“Shel, let’s,” Bonnie swallowed, “let’s talk about this later, okay? We’ve got work to do.”

“And how is it that we're repaid for our trust? With treachery? With deceit? With theft?” Snarled Carver, pacing in front of an injured Luke.

“They caught him.” Muttered Clementine, her hand unconsciously gripping the radio she’d stolen for him.

“Yeah, that's what it looks like.” Answered Kenny, scowling at Luke.

“Whatever you were planning is over, it's done.” Snarled Carver, brandishing the other radio, “You can't just run from your problems. You can't just up and leave when it gets tough, 'cause there's nowhere else you can go where it ain't. Tough is all we got now. Get that through your fuckin' skulls. Luke here, he can't help you now. You gotta help yourselves. You gotta help me find the strength to forgive you. Now, you can start... by telling me where the other one is. I'm gonna count to three. If that radio ain't in my hand by then, we'll have to make things more difficult. One. Two.”

“Maybe you—” Clementine was cut off by Kenny grabbing the radio from her and holding it up.

“It's right here. I got it.”

Carver held out his hand, prompting Kenny to step forward, Sarita approached him, trying to get him to stop, “It's alright.” Kenny slowly walked up to Carver, “Sorry about that. Not sure what I was thinking.” Kenny dropped the radio into Carver's hand.

“Three.” Said Carver, before smirking, “You really think I’m that stupid, don’t ya?”

“What?” Kenny froze.

“You’re not a smart man, Kenneth,” Carver’s eyes landed on Clementine, “you’re not small enough to go around unnoticed.”

Clementine was shoved forwards by Troy, until she was in front of Carver, “I shouldn’t be surprised, but I honestly expected better of you, Clementine.”

“Then you’re a fucking idiot.”

Clementine felt something hit her. At first, she thought it was Troy’s rifle, only to realise the pain was coming from her front. The second blow knocked her to the ground, she thought she heard someone come into the yard, the third blow made her hit her head on the ground, the fourth blow made her world got dark.

“-start talkin' about maybe...” Clementine recognised Luke’s voice, “leavin' some folks behind.”

“No!” Snapped Sarita.

“There is no other way.” Defended Luke, from where the rest of the group was gathered.

“This is bullshit.” Spat Rebecca, she sounded angry.

“Well, I don't like it either,” Defended Luke, “but guess what? It's where we're at.”

“We’re only here because of you people, and now you intend to leave us behind?!” Said Matthew, Clementine thought he sounded angry too.

“So, we should risk all of our lives?” Asked Carlos.

“What are you saying?” Demanded Rebecca.

“Nothing.” Carlos backtracked, “I'm... I'm just thinking out loud here.”

“We ain’t leaving Clementine!” Snarled Kenny, “Either we all go, or not at all! Especially since she’s only like this because you fucked up!”

“I got hungry; I wasn’t thinking.” Groaned Luke.

“Well, you’re not thinking straight,” Snarled Kenny, “nearly got Clementine killed!”

“We can’t leave Clementine.” Sarah spoke up, “It’s not fair.”

“Life ain't fair, Sarah.” Chided Luke, as Clementine limped over to them, “We're just tryin' to make the best of a bad situation, here. No one wants to leave Clem.”

“Then why are you suggesting it?” Clementine made her presence known, “I heard you. You suggested leaving me behind.”

“Look, Clem,” Luke winced, “We can risk people who can’t pull their weight.”

Luke seemed to realise what he said was a mistake, given how Clementine and Rebecca glared at him.

“Stop whining.” Clementine’s voice was cold, “Carver’s beaten me to a pulp twice…three times.”

Luke opened his mouth to protest, before thinking better of it.

“Alright...” Luke winced, “Well, then, what now?”

“We get the hell outta here.” Said Kenny, as Bonnie returned with some other people.

“Like now, now?” Asked Luke, frowning.

“Yes!” Snapped Rebecca, as Clementine heard someone walking up behind them.

“Where are we goin'?” Asked Kenny, “In case things get squirrely and we gotta make a break for it, we need a place to meet up.”

“We could meet out at Parker's Run.” Suggested Mike, looking around, as Clementine turned around.

She saw the brunette and the girl from the other day, with a hippie, a teenager and an Asian man.

“The hell is that?”

“It's a Civil War site just a few miles north.” Said the Asian man, “Tourist trap. Got signs all over. Just follow the road.”

Everyone looked at him and the small group he was with, Clementine looked back at her group, noticing a red mark on Sarah’s face.

“Bonnie told us what happened,” Said the man, looking at them, “Bill’s gotten too dangerous.”

“That putting it mildly.” Muttered the black-haired girl.

“Becca.” Shel hissed.

“We’ve got some weapons and supplies.” Said the teen, “If you’re really set on Parker’s Run.”

“We stopped there after we escaped the first time.” Rebecca looked at her group, “Luke and Carlos know where it is. It's not that far.”

“Well, at least if a few folks know where it's at, it'll be easier to find if we're split up.” Murmured Kenny, “Alright, that works.”

“Then we just need someone to go set off that PA, right?” Luke looked around, “I mean, you never bothered to explain who's supposed to do that.”

“Almost sounds like you don’t want to leave.” Muttered Becca, as everyone looked at Clementine.

“Wait, wait, hold on.” Luke looked at them, “She's the plan?”

“Why's it always me?” Asked Clementine, as the Asian man walked up to her.

“I’ll meet you in the office, I’ll work on getting Alvin out.” Clementine looked up at the man, before nodding.

The group split in two, one half gathered by the wall, lifting Clementine so she could grab onto the rope. The other to grab weapons and supplies.

“Be sure to remember to flip the switch for the outdoor speakers.” Said Rebecca, “Just the indoor speakers might not draw the herd. It's right on the microphone box.”

“Right.” Nodded Clementine.

“By default, it's set to play music, so you should just have to turn it on, right?” Rebecca instructed, “Then climb back up and drop into the stockroom. We'll meet you there.”

“Down into the office, outdoor speaker switch, turn on PA, up to the roof, down into the stockroom to meet you guys.” Recited Clementine, “That right?”

“Perfect.” Smiled Rebecca, as Mike pulled on the rope to raised Clementine to the roof.

“Be careful!” Called Sarita.

“'Kay.” Nodded Clementine, looking down.

“Clem!” Called Rebecca, “Make sure Vince brings Alvin.”

Vince and Wyatt supported Alvin, while Carver angrily paced in front of them, ranting. Then a gunshot made Carver grab his ear, before Clementine dropped down with a smoking gun.

Clementine didn’t bother to listen to what Carver was saying, instead choosing stay with Rebecca to watch Kenny bash Carver’s head in with a crowbar.

Afterwards, Clementine, Kenny and Jane took out a few Walkers, and the large group started covering themselves with Walker guts.

“Girls,” Clementine, Sarah and Becca looked at Carlos, “Stay close to Rebecca.”

“Sarah,” Luke got her attention, “Remember what I told you to do.”

“Keep an eye on Clementine.”

“Good.” Nodded Luke, then Troy appeared, and Jane shot his dick off.

“Come on.” Instructed Jane, as the Walkers converged on a screaming Troy, “Don't make any noise, got it? They might hear something they don't like. And for fuck's sake, walk. Act like you belong and you will belong.”

Clementine found herself towards the front with Rebecca, Becca seemed to be keeping Sarah facing forwards.

“I’m surprised no one’s shooting at us.” Muttered Clementine, getting a snort from Becca.

“The ones staying are stuck in a closet.” Said Becca, as Rebecca groaned.

“Rebecca? What’s wrong?” Asked Sarah, as Rebecca started breathing heavily.

“I, I think that was a contraction.” Clementine froze, “I, I, I think the baby’s coming.”

“What? Now?!” Demanded Becca, as they passed through the Herd and entered the forest.

“No, next year.” Snapped Clementine, sarcastically, “Yes, now!”

“What are we supposed to do?! Have you delivered a baby?!” Becca looked at Clementine and Sarah.

“Not a live one.” Answered Clementine, “Putting it down wasn’t easy.”

“You killed a baby Walker?” Asked Becca.

“No, her mother did.”

“Labour is divided into three stages:” Rattled Sarah, “the dilation stage, expulsion stage and placental stage. The dilation stage is the longest, while the expulsion stage lasts 30-60 minutes, and the placental stage takes from a few minutes to up to 60 minutes.”

Clementine, Becca and Rebecca stared at her, “How do you know that?” Asked Clementine.

“I read a medical book.” Answered Sarah, “We’re going to need to get your eye checked soon.”

Clementine waved her off.

“Oh, finally.” Groaned Becca, as they reached Parker’s Run. They’d joined up with Luke and Jane, who led them to the meet up point.

Clementine rolled her remaining eye, before spotting Kenny, Sarita and Matthew. Nick and some of the people who helped break them out standing around Alvin.

“You made it.” Said Kenny, as soon as he spotted them.

“Yeah, we got lost for a bit, Rebecca’s going through contractions.” Said Clementine, “Sarah’s been watching them.”

“They’re roughly thirty minutes apart.” Said Sarah, as Vince walked up to them.

“Hey,” His tone was sombre, “things, er… it’s Alvin… he, er, he hasn’t got long left.”

“Shit.” Muttered Clementine, glancing back at Rebecca, “Just what we need.”

“Where’s Carlos?” Asked Luke, looking around.

“He’s doing his best to…to ease Alvin’s passing.” Answered Vince, as Bonnie, Mike and Shel arrived.

“Everyone here?” Asked Shel, looking at them, “Because, as much as I hate to say it, the guts plan worked.”

The group heard Carlos’s footsteps as he walked up to them, “He’s almost gone, he’s… he’s asking for Rebecca…and Clementine.”

“Why’s he asking for Clem?” Luke frowned, as Vince ushered Clementine and Rebecca over to the tent Alvin was in.

“Hey.” Rasped Alvin, from his place, propped up against a beam, “How are you?”

“You look horrible.” Said Clementine, taking stock of Alvin’s injuries, “And I thought I had it bad.”

Alvin let out a wheezy laugh, “I think you got the worst of it, Clem.”

“I’m not the one dying.” Said Clementine, after a pause, “How do you feel?”

“Not good.” Alvin gave a chuckle, as Rebecca crouched down next to Alvin, “Hey, Becs.”

“Alvin.” Murmured Rebecca, gently touching his cheek.

“I didn’t want to go without sayin’ goodbye.” Rasped Alvin.

“But why am I here?” Asked Clementine, “Carlos said you asked for Rebecca and me.”

“Well,” Alvin let out a pained laugh, “Becs and I had talked about taking you in, before Carver caught up with us.”

Clementine swallowed, “I… I would’ve liked that.”

Alvin smiled, before coughing and wincing, his breathing becoming more and more laboured, “I think it’s time.”

Outside the tent, the rest of the group waited for Clementine and Rebecca to step out. A few moments later, Rebecca stumbled out, sobbing. Then the pop of a gunshot was heard, and Clementine stepped out of the tent.

“Al—” Rebecca choked, “Alvin’s gone. C-Clem…”

“Stopped him from turning.” Finished Luke, as Clementine walked up to them.

“I think I saw Jane go to the observation deck.” Said Clementine, her voice emotionless, “I don’t know what she’s doing.”

“How’re you feeling, Clem?” Asked Bonnie, getting Clementine to look at her.

“I’ve had to put down a member of the group, I’m walking on a broken leg, Rebecca’s in labour, and I’m missing an eye.” Bonnie winced as Clementine spoke, “So, aside from those sources of pain, I’m fucking fantastic.”

“Clem,” Said Luke, after a moment, “can you help Jane? Please?”

Clementine nodded, “Sure, I’m taking Sarah or the other one with me.”

“…you mean Becca?” Asked Shel, getting a nod from Clementine.

“Okay, girls, you go with Clem.” Decided Luke, making Sarah open her mouth in protest, “I know, you want to help your dad, Sarah, but since you’re apparently the closest thing we’ve got to a nurse, you need to keep an eye on Clementine.”

Sarah closed her mouth and walked away with Clementine and Becca.

“So, what, you’re like a sponge when it comes to books?” Jane glanced at Sarah, who nodded.

“My mom used to put a book in front of me when I was little,” Said Sarah, “Tia Rosa said I’d wander off.”

“Hey.” Clementine looked away from the telescope and towards Becca, “There’s someone coming.”

“A good someone or a bad someone?” Asked Clementine, frowning.

“I dunno,” Becca looked back, “but he’s heading this way.”

“Crap.” Hissed Jane, “All of you hide.”

Clementine tried to hurry over to them, only to trip on her shoelace, “Son-of-a-bitch!” And landed in her front with a thud.

Clementine opted to stay still, hoping the guy though she was a corpse. She heard him limping along the deck, pausing as he spotted her. Clementine swore she felt a tickle of something going to her empty eye socket and shook her head, accidentally flinging the gauze off, “Shit.”

“Don’t move.” Said the guy, he had a thick Russian accent.

“Can I cover up my eye first?” Clementine tried to feel around for the piece of gauze.

“What?” Clementine looked at him, he looked to be in his late teens, and he had a leg brace and thick glasses.

“I dropped the gauze covering my eye.” Said Clementine, at the guy examined her.

“You are hurt.” He said slowly, Clementine blinked at him.

“Yeah, and?”

The guy lowered his gun, before hobbling over to Clementine. As he reached her, Jane appeared behind him.

“Jane, no!” the Guy was suddenly restrained, as Jane shoved him against the railings, “Jane, he’s not attacking us.”

Jane glared at him, as Sarah kicked Jane’s leg, causing the woman to let the guy go.

“Sorry about her.” Apologised Clementine, getting up, “We…don’t really know her.”

The guy looked at them wearily, just as the black teen from Becca’s group ran up to them, “I heard yelling.”

He stopped and stared at the scene in front of him, Jane was holding her leg, Sarah was standing next to some stranger, and Becca was helping Clementine to her feet.

“It’s nothing, Russell.” Said Becca, before looking at the bag the Russian had dropped. After a brief second, Becca opened the bag, “Whoa.” Clementine glanced down a paused at the number of drugs in the bag.

Clementine didn’t pay much attention to what the guy was saying, but she heard him say his name was Arvo and the drugs were medicine for his sister. That, in Clementine’s mind, decided things.

“We’re not taking them.” Said Clementine, looking around.

“But these could help you, Rebecca and Luke.” Protested Becca, as Sarah closed the bag.

“Not if we’re stealing them.” Argued Clementine, “Besides, for all we know, we’re on his or his groups turf.”

Clementine worried that the others wouldn’t agree with her, until Sarah held the bag out for Arvo to take and Russell escorting him back to his group.

“That was stupid.” Said Becca, watching them leave.

“I’ve been with a group that stole from someone before,” Said Clementine, “it caused his family to die, and led the group to their deaths. I’m not making the same mistake, not if I can avoid it.”

After leaving Jane to get the unit open, with Luke joining her, the three girls returned to the rest of their group. Carlos was starting to guide Rebecca through childbirth, with Sarah observing, which left Clementine and Becca on guard duty, both giving Bonnie, Wyatt and Mike a quick greeting when they returned with big bottles of water and a coat.

“How’s ya eye?” Asked Kenny, stopping next to Clementine.

“It hurts.” Clementine tried to shrug off, before sighing, “Kenny, we… ran into someone on the observation deck. He had a load of medicine, and… and Jane wanted to rob him.”

Kenny stiffened, already knowing what Clementine was referring back to, “Did you take ‘em?”

“No,” Clementine shook her head, “he needed them for his sister and, given what happened last time we stole from someone, I don’t want to run the risk of it biting us further down the line.”

Kenny frowned, “While they could’ve helped us now, after what you told me about that bastard in Savannah, I think you made the right choice.”

“Do you think Lee would’ve done the same?” Asked Clementine, leaning back on her heels.

“I know he didn’t like taking those supplies,” Admitted Kenny, “he knew that we were starvin’. I remember hearing him and Carley talkin’ about it, God, what I wouldn’t do to go back to that time again.”

Clementine shivered, and looked around, “Where’s Luke? He should’ve finished helping Jane by now.”

Kenny snorted, “I’ll go look for him, keep an eye out.”

“I’ll be sure to scream as loud as I can.” Quipped Clementine, going back to look at the tree line.

The air was quiet, with Clementine absently hearing Carlos guiding Rebecca and Becca making noises with her mouth.

“ARE YOU TWO FUCKING KIDDING ME?!”

Clementine frowned and turned, “Was that Kenny?”

Carlos looked at them, “Let’s get moving, they must’ve gotten the deck open by now.”

Slowly, the group made their way up to the observation deck, where they saw Kenny pacing in front of and embarrassed Luke and Jane.

“Of all the fucking childish and irresponsible things,” Seethed Kenny, “we’re trying to get shit done and you two are rolling in the hay!”

Clementine frowned and whispered, “What’s that mean? Because those two don’t look like they’ve been sleeping.”

“It means they were having sex.” Answered Becca, getting a frown from Clementine, “What?”

“I thought Luke was gay.”

“Do you want to hold him?”

Clementine looked down at the baby, before hesitantly taking him. She glanced outside, after disturbing Jane and Luke, Russell had rejoined them, with a couple pain killers given to him by Arvo’s group, and they secured the deck. Rebecca’s screamed from giving birth had summoned a herd of Walkers, fortunately, since they’d managed to secure the deck, they didn’t get anyone and wandered off after losing interest.

She heard Jane leaving, but didn’t bother to follow after her. Kenny talked about walking to the town she saw through the telescope. Carlos didn’t like it, neither did Luke, but Clementine thought Kenny’s plan was reasonable, since they needed to look for supplies. After giving the baby back to Rebecca, Clementine decided to get some sleep. They had a long journey tomorrow.

Next Story: What if Kenny was leading Delta?

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the-delta-42 · 2 months

Text

The Walking Dead Game What Ifs: What if Jane didn’t lie to Kenny and Clementine about AJ?

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Truth

What if Jane didn’t lie to Kenny and Clementine about AJ?

“Where’s AJ?”

Jane felt the lie she was going to tell die in her throat, “He’s safe. I put him in a car, a few feet away. I…wanted to make sure this place was clear.”

Kenny rushed out past her without a word, he got couple feet away, before hurrying back, “Which car?”

Jane sighed, before leading him and Clementine to AJ, “This one.”

They wasted no time in getting the baby out of the car. Jane watched as the tension left Kenny’s shoulders, before she glanced around, “Look, I don’t want to sound like a broken record, but—”

“We ain’t going back to Howe’s.” Spat Kenny, some of the tension returning.

“Like Wellington’s any better?” Retorted Jane, as Clementine chewed her bottom lip, “If it actually exists, it’s further away than Howe’s is.”

“But it ain’t crawlin’ with Walkers.”

“They would’ve all passed through by now.”

“You really willin’ to take that risk?”

“Why don’t we go back to Howe’s?” Asked Clementine, “We can grab the supplies and then go on to Wellington.”

The Adults stared at Clementine, who made the compromise sound like it was obvious. Kenny and Jane looked at each other, as Clementine waited for them to reply.

“He’s going to need formula and clothes.” Said Jane, after a moment, “They might have ammunition and any weapons that could’ve been left behind.”

Kenny frowned, but nodded.

“Whoa.” Jane stared at Carver’s corpse, before looking at Kenny and Clementine, “I don’t know how you were able to watch that.”

“I’m glad I did.” Said Clementine, as Jane looked around.

“Well, there’s the food and formula.” Mused Jane, “I guess Bonnie was right.”

“You guess?” Kenny gave Jane a pointed look.

“We’re going to need bags,” Said Clementine, preventing them from arguing further, “we can’t carry all of this in our pockets.”

Kenny stopped glaring at Jane, nodding at Clementine, “Alright, I’ll go check if there’s anything we can drive, hopefully we can avoid walking in the cold too much.”

Jane nodded, looking at Clementine, “Do you want to look for clothes or bags?”

“Aren’t they kept in the same place?”

Jane blinked at her, “I have no idea.”

A few minutes later, Clementine was rummaging through a pile of clothes, with Jane going over the different bags.

“Well,” Kenny walked up to them, “There’s a car that still works, and it’s full of gas.”

“Great,” Jane looked away from the bags, “large suitcases or duffle bags?”

Kenny gave her a look, “Hell if I know.”

Jane returned Kenny’s look, “I was thinking suitcases, since they’re on wheels.”

“What’s this?” Clementine got their attention, holding up a bra.

“That’s a bra.” Dismissed Kenny, going back to argue with Jane.

“What’s it for?” Kenny and Jane turned and looked at Clementine, they went silent, before Kenny awkwardly coughed, “Er, it’s for…, well…”

Jane was torn between laughing and scowling, “It’s to keep women’s chests in place.”

“Why?” Clementine looked down at her front, “Is it going to fall off?”

Jane sighed, “Okay, Clem, you see, when girls go through puberty, their body goes through some… changes, hips widening, periods, that sort of shit, one of those changes is our chests get bigger.” Kenny tried to sneak away from them, “Now, every girl is different, some go through minor changes and some go through a lot of changes. Kenny, I can see you running away. Anyway, Clem, some girls find that not wearing a bra can be painful, which I personally think is bullshit, so they wear a bra. It’s kinda normal, especially since there’s that fucking double standard where men can go around topless but women can’t.”

Clementine blinked up at Jane, “H-how fast does it happen?”

“Well, most kids go through puberty around eleven or thirteen,” Said Kenny, “Kat had a friend who went through puberty at nine. It can happen late, like fourteen or fifteen, I think.”

“You know what?” Jane looked at them, “Let’s talk about it while we pack.”

“Seventeen.” Jane finished counting.

“How the fuck are we supposed to fit seventeen fucking bags into the car?” Asked Kenny, getting a look from Jane.

“We could put them in the trunk.” Suggested Clementine, as Jane shifted some of the bags.

“We might get seven in there,” Said Jane, as Kenny looked at the trunk, “plus another five if we put them next to Clementine and AJ.”

“The means five are left behind.” Said Kenny, before looking around at the other vehicles, “Those trucks are useless, and that RV’s missing it’s battery and fuses.”

“Can’t we take them from the others?” Asked Clementine, getting a shake of the head from Kenny.

“Wrong types.” Sighed Kenny, “So, those first five are…”

“Food.” Answered Jane, “Water, formula, everything we need to survive.”

“And the next four?”

“Weapons and ammo.”

“The next three are medicine and other medical supplies, right?”

“Yep, those two there are walkie-talkies and torches and shit.”

“Leaving the last three as clothes.” Said Kenny, frowning, “We could fit ten in the trunk, at a push.”

Jane furrowed her eyebrows, before nodding, “We could do that.”

“Maybe Clem and AJ should sit in the front,” Said Kenny, “that way, we won’t have to worry about them getting crushed by the bags.”

Jane frowned, but nodded, “You just don’t want me to be in the front.”

“That’s an added bonus.”

After a couple days of driving, they were lucky to find a working truck, with them quickly abandoning the car in favour of it.

“We should be near Wellington soon.” Said Kenny, as Jane went over a map.

“So,” Jane looked at him, “What do you plan on doing?”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Asked Kenny, as Clementine looked up from AJ.

“What if they’ve been overrun? Or if they’re turning people away?” Asked Jane, “You and your group were planning on going to Wellington, Clem’s friend Kirsten—”

“Christa.”

“—Christa, was planning on going to Wellington.” Jane continued, “I’m just saying, if two separate groups were planning on going to Wellington, how many others made that decision?”

Kenny and Clementine were silent, before Clementine spoke, “I didn’t think of that.”

“That doesn’t change anything.” Said Kenny, stubbornly.

“It changes things massively!” Argued Jane, “Besides, if they aren’t overrun and they do have space, how do you know they’re not like Carver or Alpha?!”

“Who the fuck is Alpha?” Demanded Kenny, giving Jane a glare.

“Head of the Whisperers.” Answered Jane, getting a frown from Clementine.

“Is he like Negan?” Asked Clementine.

“No, she’s…” Jane trailed off, “I don’t know, who’s Negan?”

“Leader of the Saviors.”

The conversation was prevented from going further by Kenny stopping the truck, “Right, let’s continue on foot.”

“But what about the supplies?” Asked Clementine, as she and Jane followed Kenny out of the truck.

“We’ll tell them about it and come back for it.” Answered Kenny, grabbing the keys and locking the truck. The small group climbed a hill, with Kenny taking AJ from Clementine. As they crested the hill they looked at a walled-in community in front of them, “Holy shit. We did it, Clem. That's... that's gotta be it. I… I can't believe we found it.” Kenny let out a laugh.

“It's about time.” Huffed Clementine, as Jane frowned at them.

“You're tellin' me.” Retorted Kenny, before looking at them, “What are we waitin' for? Come on! This one's gonna be the one. Look at those walls. We'll finally feel safe, Clem. Be able to sleep at night...”

The group walked towards the wall, only to come to a stop when a shot was fired at their feet.

“That's far enough.” Called a woman’s voice over a speaker.

“I knew it.” Muttered Jane, frowning.

“Just stay still.” Muttered Kenny, looking at the wall, “Do as she says. Put your hands up.”

The group slowly raised their hands.

“Drop your weapons.” Called the same voice, prompting Clementine and Jane to drop their guns on the ground.

“Approach the gate.” Ordered the voice, making them walk up to the gate.

“Just a few of people at the front gate.” Said the woman, appearing on a walkway, “They don't look like trouble.” The woman was silent at the other person responded, “Sounds good.” She looked at the group, “Hi, I'm Edith.”

“Name's Kenny,” Greeted Kenny, “and this here's Clementine, and Jane.”

“Hello.” Edith nodded, before noticing the baby, “Aw, what a handsome boy. Look at him. What's his name?”

“Alvin... Junior.” Answered Kenny, as he shifted AJ.

“Aw, he's gonna be a little heartbreaker when he grows up.” Cooed Edith, smiling down at the baby.

“Is there someone named Christa in there?” Asked Clementine, looking up at Edith.

“I don't think so, dear.” Answered Edith, after thinking for a moment.

“So, this is Wellington, right?” Asked Kenny, looking around at the wall.

“A lot of people call it that.” Answered Edith, getting a frown from Jane.

"Okay, so,” Kenny looked up at her, “what do we do to get in?”

“Well, I'm afraid this is the part where I give you the bad news.” Sighed Edith, as she dropped a duffel bag on the ground in front of them.

“The hell's this?” Asked Kenny, frowning at the bag.

“That's some supplies. Food, water, medicine, a first aid kit—” Kenny cut Edith off.

“What? Why're you givin' us this?” Demanded Kenny, scowling.

“Unfortunately,” Edith Sighed, “our community isn't accepting new members. We're over capacity as it is, and there's just not enough to go around if we keep bringing people in. Things might change in a few months.”

“You gotta be fuckin' kidding me.” Snapped Kenny, as he glared up at her.

“I'm sorry, I really am.” Apologised Edith.

“So, we're supposed to just take this and go?” Demanded Kenny, as Jane frowned.

“But... we have a baby.” Protested Clementine, as Jane’s frown deepened.

“This...” Edith choked, “this is hard for me too. I don't want to turn anyone away, especially children, but—”

“Just take the kids!” Yelled Jane, looking up at Edith.

“What?” Gasped Clementine, turning to look at Jane.

“Please!” Yelled Kenny, thinking the same thing as Jane, “Just take the kids. It's too dangerous out here for them.”

Clementine stared at the two, speechless.

“It's just a little girl and a baby boy. You can make room for that.” Continued Jane, “Hell, you can take back the supplies you gave us if that helps. Please, just... I… we need them to be safe... and it's safe in there, I know that. Just... ask someone, please? They won't make it out here, please.”

“I'll...” Edith swallowed, before walking away, “I'll ask. Just gimme a second.”

“You don't need to look at us like that...” Said Jane, when Clementine glared at them, “This is for the best.”

“We're not staying here without you.” Said Clementine, getting a sigh from Kenny.

“Yes, you are.” Kenny knelt down and put a hand on Clementine’s shoulder.

“No, we're not.” Argued Clementine, shaking her head.

“Yes, you are! It's safe here. You two'll be safe, that's what's important now.” Said Kenny, forcefully as Edith returned.

“We can take the children, but...” Edith sighed, “just the children. I made the case that—”

“Thank you!” Gasped Kenny, looking up at Edith, before turning back to Clementine, “Thank you. Listen. Okay? Listen. This is your chance. For you, and this boy.” Kenny handed AJ to Clementine, “I don't trust myself to keep you two safe, not anymore. Please, I'm begging you, please stay here. Stay here where it's safe. Where you two'll have a chance.”

“No, no, no!” Clementine started crying, “Why are you doing this?”

“Because it's the only way... for both of you.” Said Jane, crouching next to Kenny, “Think about AJ here, please, Clem, just... do as we’re asking... this one last time. You'll meet people, you'll make friends. People better than me. Good people... that don't have to look at you and feel ashamed at what they've put you through. Please, Clem, please. Where you won't have to sleep with a gun next to you every night. Where you can be a kid for a while...”

“No! We're leaving!” Refused Clementine, “All of us. Together.”

“Clem, please. It's safe here. You need to think about the—” Jane started talking, only for Clementine to cut her off.

“Stop! Stop, okay?” Clementine looked between them, “We're not staying, so just stop. That's that.”

“Sounds like...” Edith spoke up, “sounds like she means business.”

“Yeah...” Sighed Kenny, “yeah, it does.”

“Come on.” Clementine pulled away, “We're leaving.”

“I'm only supposed to give out one per group, but...” Said Edith dropping another duffel bag, “look, if you're in the area, check back in a few months. We might be accepting people then.”

“Thank you for the help.” Kenny looked up at her, “And, uh, sorry for the language.”

“Well, it's a shitty situation.” Replied Edith, “We're all doin' the best we can. You all stay safe out there.”

“You're as stubborn as a damn mule.” Said Kenny, as he and Jane picked up the bags.

“Yeah?” Clementine let out a wet laugh, “Wonder where I got that from?”

Jane let out a snort, as the group made their way back to the truck.

T *Five Years Later*

“I’m still against this.” Jane watched as Kenny cleaned his rifle. After leaving Wellington, and finding out she had been pregnant, she and Kenny got separated from Clementine and AJ, the girl and the toddler not turning up at their meet up points. Both had taken to believing that Clementine got them into a community, but they knew that both had most likely been killed by Walkers.

They’d run into Christa and a woman called Molly, with Kenny giving the former the cold shoulder for a bit, before they ran into Bonnie’s old group, Vince and Kenny kept butting heads, with Russell, Wyatt and Shel trying to play peacemaker and Becca egging them on. Then they ran into Bonnie, Mike and Arvo. At the request of the group, Kenny remained civil to them, until Becca caught Arvo stealing from them. Jane, summoning her experience from her time with the Whisperers, took Arvo out into the woods, broke his leg and left him.

Bonnie and Mike had taken issue with it but were told they had the choice of leaving the group. Obviously, they didn’t have that much of an issue with it. They met Randy, Gill and Patricia a few days afterwards.

“Look, all we gotta do is ask the folk at that school if they’re willing to share some medicine.” Said Kenny, as Christa walked over.

“Vince said they’re at least five kids in that school.” Said Christa, “There’s also some guy walking around with Walkers.”

“A Whisperer?” Asked Jane, frowning, “I thought all of them were dead.”

“Obviously, they aren’t.” Scoffed Becca, getting a swat from Shel.

“Have the others fallen behind?” Asked Shel, looking for Gill, Randy and Patricia.

“No, they went ahead with Wyatt.” Answered Jane, as Jamie woke up.

“You have a kid?” A new voice got their attention. Everyone jumping up, a blonde woman with an eyepatch stared at them, as two others flanked her.

“Where the fuck do you come from?!” Demanded Becca, pulling her gun out of her waistband.

“We’ve got a community not far from here,” Shrugged a dreadlocked man, resting a lump of wood with nails in it slung over his shoulder, “our leader suggested we extend an olive bush.”

“Branch, Louis.” An Indian man looked at the guy, “It’s olive branch, not bush.”

The man carelessly shrugged, “Eh, who cares?”

“I do.” Said the Indian.

“Well, you’re weird, Aasim.” Louis scoffed, “Vi, isn’t he weird?”

“Do you really want to be on your girlfriend’s shit list?” The woman, Vi, looked at him, “Because, let me tell you, it’s not a fun place to be.”

“I’m just saying—” Louis was cut off.

“I thought you’d all be finding who these guys are,” Said a new voice, accompanied by the sound of crutches, “not arguing amongst yourselves.”

A woman, with one leg drew level with the group, giving her people a glare, “Violet, I thought you’d be able to keep Louis in line.”

“Hey, he’s your boyfriend, not mine.” Retorted Violet, getting a sigh from the woman.

“Right,” She shifted her way forwards, “Okay, are you guys friendly?” She finally looked at them and froze.

Jane stared at the woman, before Kenny spoke, “Clementine?”

Clementine stared at the group, before looking at Violet, “I’m going back to the school, because I’m seeing dead people.”

“Okay, what about AJ?” Asked Violet, as Clementine started to turn away.

“He’s with Willy getting Tenn.” Answered Clementine, “Hopefully, they’ll avoid James.”

“Wait,” Jane spoke up, “Clementine, we’re not dead.”

“Yes, you are.” Said Clementine, getting further away.

The two groups watched at Clementine limped away, before Violet looked at them, “You might as well follow her, since we’re going to the same place.”

Kenny let out a whistle, as they entered the school’s grounds.

“Are you fucking kidding me?” A guy walked down the steps, “I thought Clem said make contact with them, not bring them here.”

“She knows them, Mitch.” Dismissed Louis, as Clementine dropped herself down on the steps, “Besides, you were supposed to watch her and make sure she didn’t wander off.”

“Do you really want to go there?” Mitch glared at Louis.

“I’m just saying—”

“Enough!” Clementine raised her voice, before giving them both a look, “Don’t argue in front of guests.”

Kenny wanted to laugh at Clementine’s ‘Mom voice’ but decided to keep quiet.

“So,” Clementine looked at Kenny’s group, “since I’m obviously not hallucinating, where’ve you been?”

“It’s a, er,” Kenny looked at her, “it’s a long story.”

Clementine sighed, “Well, you might as well tell it, I think we have time.”

“You told AJ to shoot her?” Asked Christa, frowning.

“Lilly wouldn’t’ve left the school alone,” Clementine shifted, “Unfortunately, AJ was the one who picked up the gun.”

“What else happened?” Asked Kenny, as he watched AJ guide a scarred boy through using a gun.

“Well, I got bit.” Clementine looked at her missing foot, “I can still feel my foot.”

“Lee said the same thing about his arm.” Kenny gave a laugh, as the gun went off.

“AJ!” Clementine looked over at the boy.

“Sorry.” Called AJ, looking over, “I thought it wasn’t loaded.”

“Rule number three of gun safety.” Clementine frowned at him.

“‘Keep your finger off the trigger, unless you’re gonna fire.’” Recited AJ, getting a sigh from Clementine.

“Mitch, can you make sure that shot didn’t attract any Walkers.” Clementine looked at Mitch, who nodded and ran to check the perimeter.

Kenny frowned at Clementine, “What time is it?”

Clementine jumped, before glancing at the sky, “Judging by the sun…I’d say around sixteen hundred, sixteen-thirty.”

Jane frowned, “What that military time?”

Clementine froze, before frowning, “Sorry, habit. I was given basic training by the New Frontier, Ava didn’t like it, but the leaders there had the whole ‘if you can walk, you can fight’ mentality.”

“You were a kid.”

“That’s why I didn’t go back to Richmond after I found AJ again.” Said Clementine, sighing, “I know Javi wasn’t like David or Joan, but I didn’t want to take that risk.”

Kenny hummed, making Louis speak up, “So, what do you plan to do?”

“What?” Kenny frowned at Louis.

“Are you staying? Are you going?” Louis looked around the group, “Because if you’re stating, we’re gonna need more food.”

“We’ve got our own stores,” Said Kenny, “if we’re staying, we’ll add it to yours.”

“We still need to clear out the shed,” Said Violet, “I think we have some long life food in there, so we can store any food there.”

Clementine absently stared at her new leg, before looking at Kenny and Jane, “I know things haven’t turned out how either of you wanted.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Asked Jane, frowning.

“I saw the face you pulled,” Said Clementine, “when I snapped at AJ. Maybe I should’ve looked for you and Jane instead of assuming both of you and Jamie were dead.”

“Clem,” Sighed Kenny, “You were a child soldier, regardless how you try to skirt around it. But, you and AJ survived, you found a home, fought for it and kept them alive.”

“Yeah, but I turned AJ into the one thing I didn’t want him to become.” Clementine looked out at the gate, “I was so angry with him, when I woke up after he cut my leg off, I…said somethings to hurt him and he just said, ‘I’m sorry, mom’, and that just,” Clementine swallowed, “that broke me. I couldn’t think or-or speak. I, I just cried an-and AJ…he just stood there.”

Clementine ran a hand down her face, “I wouldn’t let him out of sight for more than a minute, I only let him do chores because Ruby said they needed AJ’s help around the school.”

Kenny wrapped an arm around Clementine’s shoulders, “Well, all the baggage aside, at least we found each other again, safe and sound.”

“Yeah.” Sighed Clementine, deciding to bask in the silence.

Next Story: What if Kenny was Bitten instead of Duck?

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