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The Walking Dead Game What Ifs: Big Brother 2

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Big Brother 2

What if Luke was part of the Motel Group? Prompt Submitted by TicciTomboy0 on AO3

Part 2 of 3

Luke acted without thinking, burying his machete into the Walkers skull, he knew the rest of his new group called them Lurkers, but he thought the two were very different. Walkers walked, while Lurkers seemed to have some intelligence and played dead. Luke often found himself hoping that the Walkers weren’t evolving, because that was the last thing everyone needed, the dead actually regaining a brain.

Looking down, he froze when he saw a familiar hat. He quickly scooped the girl into his arms and bolted with Pete behind him, after they were out of danger, Luke grinned down at the girl he hadn’t seen in nearly two years, “Hey, Clem.”

Clementine, shivering slightly, snapped her head up to look at him, “Luke!”

“I’d ask how you were but,” He looked her over, “I get the impression you’d say, ‘not good’.”

“I’m pretty shit.” Said Clementine, getting a snort from Pete.

Luke looked down at her, before catching sight of her arm, “Clem, what’s that?”

Clementine looked at her arm, before looking up, “A dog bit me.”

“Dog?” Asked Pete, as they came to a stop, “Didn’t you and Kenny find a dog, Luke?”

“Kenny’s with you?” Asked Clementine, as Pete took her arm and peeled the sleeve back.

“He’s talkin’ about Duck, Clem.” Said Luke, before Clementine winced.

“There’s something in there,” Said Pete, “Looks kinda like a tooth of some kind, we’ll get Carlos to look at it when we get back.”

Luke nodded, waiting for Clementine to respond. When he didn’t hear anything, he looked down, finding that Clementine had passed out and her arm was bleeding profusely.

“Oh, shit.” Cursed Luke.

Pete couldn’t believe what he was hearing, Luke had identified the girl, Clem he called her, as part of his original group, and Rebecca and his idiot nephew were worrying that she was bit by a Lurker or that she was with Carver. The girl suddenly shifted, causing Nick to reflexively fire his gun. Rebecca immediately started scolding him. Luke then came out of the cabin with Carlos, the doctor taking a look at Clem’s arm.

“There’s something that looks like a tooth of some kind,” Said Pete, getting Carlos’s attention, “Down near her wrist.”

Carlos started looking for what Pete was talking about, before he pulled a pair of tweezers from his pocket and started wriggling something, before he pulled a clearly animal tooth out of Clem’s arm.

“You’re very lucky.” Said Carlos, after a moment, “If this tooth wasn’t in your arm, I might’ve thought it was a Lurker bite, and not many people can say they survived an encounter with a wolf.”

“I thought it was a dog.” Said Clem, as her arm began to bleed profusely, “Is it supposed to do that?”

“No.” Said Carlos, checking his pockets and pulling out some string, “I’m going to try and stop the bleeding before we take you inside.”

Pete was sure he heard Rebecca scoff, before Luke opened the door and Kenny fell out, “You said Clementine’s here, where is she? Can I see her? Why’s Carlos looking at her? Is she hurt? How—”

“Duck?” Clementine tried to lean around the adults to look at Kenny.

Hearing her voice was apparently all the permission Kenny needed to rush outside, with Sam following behind him. Carlos felt Clementine tense up, before Kenny’s dog came up beside him.

“Alright, the bleeding’s stopped enough for me to work,” Said Carlos, standing and guiding Clementine into the cabin, “Kenny, could you take your dog upstairs while I work?”

Duck nodded, before whistling for Sam to follow him. Clementine soon found herself sitting at a table while the group’s doctor, Carlos, cleaned and stitched her arm.

“How’d you get out of Savannah?” Asked Luke, deciding to distract Clementine from her stitches, “Molly helped me, and Duck get out, she was with us for a while, until…”

“Lee told me to find Omid and Christa.” Said Clementine, “He, he had me shoot him.”

“It’s okay, Clem.” Said Luke, before sighing, “Cutting his arm off didn’t work?”

“No.”

“Was his arm cauterised?” Asked Carlos, looking up from his work.

Clementine looked at Carlos, before looking at Luke.

“No, we just us a tourniquet and bandages after we cut his arm off.” Said Luke, getting a scoff from Carlos.

“I’m assuming he was bit?” Carlos got a nod from Clementine and Luke, “Then it’s likely that he was dying from blood loss.”

Clementine blinked, before looking down.

“Hey,” Said Luke, noticing Clementine’s change in demeanour, “Lee dying weren’t your fault, nor were Ben or Kenny, you were kidnapped by that asshole.”

Carlos looked at Luke, who gestured that he’d explain later.

“Besides,” Said Luke, “you never finished.”

“He said they were by the train.” Said Clementine, “Omid and Christa, I went there, after getting way from the Walkers.”

“Luke said the city was packed,” Said Pete, his arms folded, “he and… Duck, had to get out by going across the rooftops.”

“Lee fought though the Walkers to get into the Marsh House,” Said Clementine, “Walkers can’t see you if you’re covered in their… guts.”

Pete blinked, before looking at Luke, “Well, that’s news to me.”

“Makes sense though.” Said Luke, before looking at Clementine, “What happened then?”

“Christa and Omid found me,” Continued Clementine, “I was with them for a bit. I… I left my gun out and someone took it, Omid was killed when he tried to get it back and Christa lost her baby.”

Luke swore he heard Rebecca gasp.

“She miscarry?” Asked Luke, making Clementine shake her head.

“She gave birth,” Said Clementine, “the cold took her.”

Luke sighed, knowing that either Clementine or Christa had to put the baby down.

“How ‘bout your parents?” Asked Luke, “I know you wanted to look for them in Savannah.”

“They were in the herd.”

Luke sighed, bowing his head, before looking at the rest of the group, “I’m gonna head out, see if I can find Christa.”

“We don’t have the supplies—” Rebecca started to protest.

“Christa was a firefighter,” Said Luke, “she’s got medical training, and I’m sure Carlos would like as much help as possible when your baby comes.”

Rebecca’s mouth snapped shut, before looking down.

“Besides,” Said Luke, “Clementine’s gonna want to find her, and you don’t want to hear her wheedling.”

Clementine gave Luke an insulted look.

Luke sighed when he, Pete and Nick found Clementine and Christa’s camp, the remains of the weasel was still on the makeshift spit. Luke pulled out the little map he had Clementine draw, “Okay, Clem saw Christa get jumped over…” He pointed towards a small clearing, “there.”

Pete frowned, before walking over and examining something on the ground, “There was definitely a scuffle here, I’m going to assume that the smaller footprints are,” He looked at Luke, “Christa?” Luke nodded, “Are Christa’s.” Finished Pete.

“Great, so we can track her.” Said Nick, not sounding happy at all.

“Which way did she go?” Asked Luke, prompting Pete to point in a direction, “Great, let’s—”

“Christa?!” Called Pete, looking around, “We’re here to help! Clementine told us where your camp was!”

“What the hell are you doing?” Demanded Luke, making Pete look at him.

“The last group she ran into tried to rob her,” Said Pete, giving Luke a flat look, “I don’t know about you, but I’d like to keep my face.”

Luke frowned, before nodding, “Okay. Christa?! Christa, it’s Luke!”

There was a rustling sound, before Christa emerged from a bush, frowning at Luke, “We thought you were dead.”

“Right back at ya.” Said Luke, crossing his arms, “Molly helped me and Duck get out of Savannah.”

“They still with you?” Asked Christa, folding her arms.

“Yeah,” Said Luke, “we found Clem with a chunk missing from her arm, she had a bad run in with a wolf.”

Christa paused, before looking down, “How is she?”

“Well,” Said Pete, looking Christa over, “she passed out a couple of times and she tried to stitch herself up while Carlos was getting a clean rag.”

“Clem told me what happened.” Said Luke, getting Christa’s attention back on him, “About what happened to Omid and losing your… y’know, and the part she played in it.”

Christa sighed, “Things got pretty bad for a bit, where is she?”

“In a cabin my group is in.” Said Luke, “C’mon, we’ll take you there.”

Duck was waiting for them outside the cabin with Sam, “You’re back.”

Pete frowned, “Kenny, what are you doing out here?”

“Someone had to take watch,” Said Duck, “and… Rebecca doesn’t seem to like Clem.”

“Who’s Rebecca?” Asked Christa, looking at Luke.

“Someone in our group.” Answered Luke, before frowning, “What’d she do?”

“Rebecca keeps trying to get Clem to leave.” Answered Duck, before looking into the house, “I don’t know how but… I think Clementine scares her.”

Pete’s frown deepened, before sighing, “Go back inside, we’ll talk to Rebecca.”

Duck nodded, before heading back inside with the dog. Pete sighed, before jerking his head, gesturing for the rest of them inside. Christa glanced around, before Luke led her into a dining room, where Clementine was sitting at a table.

“Clementine.” The girl looked up at Christa’s voice, as the woman rushed over to her, “Are you alright? Luke said you were attacked.”

Clementine looked at her arm, before holding it up, “Carlos said I was attacked by a wolf, I thought it was a big dog.”

Christa sighed, before a door opening made her look away from Clementine, spotting a pregnant woman, “Oh, I’m guessing you’re her caretaker.”

Christa wasn’t sure she liked the woman’s tone, “I am.”

“Good.” Said the woman, “So, why don’t you take her and go?”

“We’re not going anywhere without Luke and Duck.” Said Christa, giving the woman, who she assumed was Rebecca, “Once we’ve got them, we’ll leave.”

“Fuck that!” Snapped Nick, giving Christa a glare.

“Really?” Asked Christa, “You’ve got some psycho chasing you, and you think I’ll leave them for that guy to catch up with you?”

Nick was prevented from answering when the door opened and Luke came through with a bowl of food, followed by Pete and two other men.

“Oh, I see you’ve met Rebecca.” Said Pete, sitting down as Luke gave Christa a bowl, “I was thinking you, Clementine and Ken— Duck, could come with me and Nick when we go to check the fish traps tomorrow morning.”

Christa gave the rest of the group a suspicious look, as Luke guided the rest of the group into another room, leaving her alone with Clementine.

Christa silently listened to Pete told Clementine how Nick almost shot him when his nephew was Clementine’s age. Duck wasn’t nattering her ear off, instead keeping an eye on the trees. Nick came running up to them, demanding to know why they hadn’t stopped, getting a rhetorical remark from Pete about waiting around listening to Nick pissing on a tree.

“Is he usually this childish?” Asked Christa, looking at Pete.

“Hey, fuck you.” Snapped Nick, before storming off.

“How the fuck has he survived this long?” Asked Christa, getting a sigh from Pete.

“He ain’t usually like this.” Said Pete, “His mother died a couple days before we found Clemetine, we let a bite victim in and, well, my sister died.”

“Whoa.” Muttered Clementine, before glancing down.

“Uncle Pete!” Yelled Nick, getting their attention.

Running towards the river, they found a mass of bodies, with Christa and Clementine identifying the bodies as the gang that attacked them. Pete and Christa had gone to the other side of the river, tasking Clementine and Duck to help Nick and search an island settle in the middle of the river.

Duck frowned as Clementine picked up a bag, “Anything useful in that?”

“Just some water and,” Clementine pulled a gun out of the bag, “my gun.”

“You can’t just claim stuff.” Huffed Duck, making Clementine frown.

“No, this is my bag, I left it behind at mine and Christa’s campsite.”

Duck frowned, “Is there anything else in there?”

Clementine, giving Duck and flat look, reached into the bag and rummaged around for a couple of seconds, before pulling her hand out and gave Duck the finger, “Just this.”

“Walker!” Yelled Christa, taking out a Walker that’d tried to creep up on Pete. Christa and Pete crossed the river, making sure to grab Clementine and Duck and joined Nick. They attempted to head back the way they came, only to find themselves blocked by a group of Walkers, driving them into a shed.

Pete and Christa blocked the door, while Nick dropped to the floor and Clementine and Duck checked for anything hidden amongst the shelves, finding some rotten food and jars of liquid.

“Don’t touch that stuff.” Said Christa, looking at the jars.

“Bring it over here.” Ordered Nick, taking a jar from Duck when he came over. Nick removed the lid, took a swig of the liquid, coughed and slammed his fist on the table, “Whiskey.”

“The others are gonna come looking for us.” Said Pete, looking at Christa, “We’ll just have to sit tight and wait for them to find us.”

Christa sighed though her nose, before looking Pete in the eye, “You better be right about this.”

They were in the shed for a day, before all of them decided to rest, leaving Nick on watch. They woke up to Nick, completely drunk, throwing jars of moonshine against the wall. After some whispered discussion, Christa found herself holding a jar of moonshine as Nick made a dark humoured joke. Duck spluttered after taking a sip, while Clementine, deciding to make the most of her first drink of alcohol, opened her mouth wide, poured the contents of her jar into her mouth and swallowed it.

Clementine’s eyes widened, she grabbed her throat and immediately started coughing and spluttering, as tears streamed down her cheeks, “That’s—”

“Pretty strong.” Said Pete, putting his jar down and walking over, “Breathe, if we had some water, we’d give you some.”

“Clem’s got water in her backpack.” Said Duck, looking Pete.

Pete blinked, before Christa went into Clementine’s bag and pulled a bottle of water out. Clementine drank the liquid, before Pete sighed, “I hate to say it, but Nick had a point, it’s been a day. If we want to get back to the others, we’re gonna have to get through the lurkers.”

“Maybe Clementine, Duck and me can get through them,” Said Christa, looking at Pete, “if you could distract them.”

Pete frowned before nodding and grabbing some jars, going to the door. “Good luck.” Said Pete, before pushing the doors open, letting Christa and the kids out, before throwing the jars at the Walkers, allowing the three to get away.

Christa sighed, she and the kids had gotten back and were told that Luke and Alvin had gone looking for them, with Carlos and Rebecca going out, while Carlos asked them to keep an eye on Sarah. She’d gone upstairs and found Clementine teaching Sarah how to use a gun, while Duck had gone into the bathroom for something.

“What should I shoot?” Asked Sarah, turning and accidentally pointing the gun at Clementine.

“Don’t do that!” Snapped Clementine, ducking.

“Sorry! Sorry!” Yelped Sarah, lowering the gun, before Christa took it, “Maybe I could practice outside?” Said Sarah, looking out the window, “There's that tree.”

Christa glanced at Clementine, noticing that Clementine had taken her own gun out of the backpack and tucked it into her waistband.

“Hey, Luke's back!” Said Sarah, before she went downstairs, with Clementine following her, while Christa checked on Duck and found him with a dog.

“Hey.” Said Duck, as the dog gnawed on a thick stick.

“C’mon, Sarah thinks she saw Luke.” Said Christa, heading down the stairs with Duck and Sam following her.

“That's not Luke.” Said Sarah, as Christa came up behind Clementine, “Clem, I think I know him.”

Christa frowned, as the stranger knocked on the door.

“He can't see me.” Gasped Sarah, as Duck looked panicked, “You have to make him go away.”

“Go and find somewhere to hide.” Ordered Christa, looking at Duck and Sarah.

“Where?!” Asked Sarah, desperately.

“Hello...?” Called the guy at the door, still knocking.

“I can't breathe...” Gasped Sarah, “I can't breathe!”

“Shh.” Shushed Christa, as Clementine approached the door, as the stranger called out, “Hello? Anybody home? Hello?” Clementine went to lock the door when the stranger opened it. Just as Christa managed to hide Duck and Sarah in a closet.

“Hello there.” Said the stranger, getting a scowl from Clementine.

“Get out of here.” Ordered Clementine, pulling her gun from her waistband, “Now.”

“Is that how your dad taught you to greet a neighbour?” Asked the stranger, as Christa discreetly viewed the man.

“I've got a gun.” Said Clementine, glaring up at the man.

“Smart girl.” Complimented the man, “I would too. But I'm not a bad guy, honey. Promise you that.”

Christa saw Clementine’s eyes dart to a holster, noticing that the guy was armed with a pistol.

“My family and I are set up a ways downriver.” Said the man, seeming not fazed by the gun pointed at him, “I'm... kinda surprised we haven't run into each other yet. What's your name?”

“What's your name?” Asked Clementine, sounding a little petulant.

“My name is George, honey.” Said the man, offering has hand to Clementine, while the girl just stared at him.

“Pleasure to meet you. You mind if I come in for a bit?” Asked George, walking into the house, as Christa stopped by the closet.

“Would you please leave?” Asked Clementine, lowering her gun slightly.

“This is a nice place. Is there anyone around? You don't usually see cabins this big out here.” Said George, looking around, “Sure could pack a lot of folks in there.”

“Just me and--and Mom.” Answered Clementine, making Christa freeze.

“Yeah?” Asked George, looking at Clementine, “And what's her name?”

“My name’s Kirsten.” Said Christa, deciding to make her presence known.

George turned and looked at Christa, surprised.

“Amy,” Said Christa, looking at Clementine, “What did I say about opening the door?”

“Sorry.” Muttered Clementine, her voice taking on a slight accent.

“That a Georgian accent, I hear?” Asked George, looking at Clementine, “Got some people from down that way.”

Clementine decided to keep her mouth shut, as Christa scowled, “And?”

George frowned, before looking at Christa, “Where’s her father?”

“Dead.” Came Christa’s clipped response, “What the fuck are you doing here?”

“Well, I'll cut to the chase;” Sighed George, looking around, “I'm looking for my people. Seven of them, to be exact. They've been gone a long while and... I'm worried they might've gotten lost. Maybe you've seen 'em. Couple of farm boys and an old man... Spanish guy and his daughter. Quiet girl, bit taller than you. A boy, same height as the girl. A big black guy. This big. And a pretty little pregnant lady.”

“That's a lot of people to lose.” Said Clementine, deciding to let more of the accent through.

“Tell me about it.” Laughed George, entering the kitchen “This whole damn thing's a pain in the ass.”

Christa and Clementine followed him in, noticing that he was frowning at the sink.

“That's a lotta plates for two people.” Said George, giving them a suspicious look, “Looks like a tornado ran through here.”

“Yeah. Well.” Scoffed Christa, crossing her arms, before she noticed a knife on the counter, “I was about to start on them when you barged in here.”

“Just passin' through, or you been here a while?” Said George, frowning, “Hey, listen. I hope you're not a couple of those nuts headed up north, lookin' for Shangri-La. Now, I'm not sure why you'd go anywhere after findin' this place. Hell, I just got here and I already don't want to leave.”

“Where do you live?” Asked Clementine, adjusting her grip on her gun.

“Down by the river there. There's a sweet little spot with a boat where we pitched camp.” Said George, making Clementine and Christa think of Kenny, “Got a few tents up and everything else. Like I said, I'm surprised we haven't run into each other.”

“How long have you been there?” Questioned Clementine, also noticing the knife.

“Been there for a good while now.” Said George, before noticing Clementine’s attention wasn’t on him.

“Really?” Asked Clementine, hoping that ‘George’ hadn’t noticed the knife.

“Where does this go?” Asked George, grabbing the knife.

Give it here, I'll take it.” Said Christa, holding her hand out, “I need to wash it.”

George ignored her and put the knife in a drawer, before He walked into the living room, and Clementine follows. Christa saw Duck and Sarah hiding behind a couch, before they snuck over to a different couch, to avoid George from seeing them.

“Well, this is a real nice place.” Said George, admiring the place, “Kinda cozy.” He seemed to notice a plaid shirt draped over the couch, “I knew a guy that always wore shirts like this. Doctor. Real smug son of a bitch. But a smart man. I miss him.”

“What's his name?” Asked Clementine, as Christa came to her side and gently lowered the gun.

“Carlos.” Answered George, getting a frown from Christa.

“That belonged to my husband.” Lied Christa, “We were packing up when a Walker got him.”

“My condolences.” Said George, as he looked at a chessboard on the coffee table, as Duck and Sarah snuck upstairs.

“Well, well...white's in trouble. Three moves away from checkmate.” Mused George, before they heard a door close, “What was that?”

Clementine shrugged, getting a frown from George.

“I thought you said nobody's here.” Said George, before Christa frowned.

“It might be our dog.” Said Christa, shrugging, “He’s probably shut himself in a room, again.”

George frowned, before heading up the stairs with his gun drawn, before spotting a hat, ��Huh, a kid I knew had one just like that.”

“That was here when we arrived.” Said Christa, as she and Clementine followed George up the stairs. George ended a room, revealing a mid-sized dog with it’s precious stick. Glancing around, Clementine saw Duck and Sarah hiding under the bed.

“We told you,” Said Clementine, pointing at the dog, “It’s just our dog.”

“Seems that way. Didn't mean to be rude.” Said George, holstering his pistol, “Couldn't just leave the two of you here with a good conscience if someone was pokin' around, right?”

“Sure...” Frowned Christa, just as George saw something on the floor and picked it up.

“Who's this?” Asked George, holding the object, a picture of Sarah, up to them.

“Never seen her before.” Said Clementine, after taking the picture from him, and showed it to Christa, “Mom?”

“Must’ve been someone who used to live here.” Said Christa, after a moment.

“You have no idea who these people are, do you?” Asked George, his voice taking a dark undertone.

“We don't know what you're talking about.” Said Christa, getting in front of Clementine, “Now get out.”

“Lemme ask you this.” Said George, looking between Clementine and Christa, “When you met 'em, how much did they trust you?”

“What's your point?” Asked Clementine, scowling up at George.

“If people don't trust you,” Asked George, looking between them, “how can you trust them?”

Christa just glared at George, as Clementine fiddled with her pistol.

“Well, I think I've troubled you long enough.” Said George, walking past them and going down the stairs, “I can let myself out.”

“Don't come back.” Said Clementine, glaring down at George.

“You have a real good day, now.” Smirked George, as he left.

After hearing the door shut, Duck and Sarah crawled out from under the bed, making Christa sigh, “Shit.”

The group, sans Pete and Nick, returned a couple of hours after their visitor left, with Clementine and Christa answering their questions, before they left the cabin. Clementine, Christa and Duck led them to the drink shed, before they continued on the road. They travelled for nearly a week, with the dog, Sam, being an aid when it came to watching for Walkers, before they reached a bridge. Luke and Clementine had gone ahead, while the rest of them hung back. Christa was running though how to operate a gun with Sarah, after a frank discussion with Carlos.

“Hopefully, her aim’ll be better than Ken-, sorry, Duck’s.” Said Alvin, making the boy duck his head, “Back at Carver’s camp, he was banned from using a gun, after he hit Carver’s arm.”

“Clem’s got a pretty good dead eye,” Said Christa, “though, her arm might pose a bit of a problem at the moment.”

“Makes sense,” Mused Pete, taking his eyes of the bridge, “since she holds a gun like—”

A gunshot made them go silent, before Sam growled and bolted towards the noise. The rest of them followed, just in time to see Nick reach Luke and Clementine. Clementine looked shocked, while Luke looked angry.

“Ah, shit.” Swore Pete, crossing the bridge, “What the hell happened?”

Christa didn’t hear what Luke said, but it got Pete to pull the rifle from Nick’s hands and wave the rest of them across.

Walkers had been summoned by the gunshot, prompting the group to head up the mountain. They’d reached the ski lodge, and Clementine was looking down the mountain, after Luke convinced her to climb to the top of a ski lift, focusing on the bridge they’d crossed.

“Anything?” Asked Luke, as Christa and Duck stood next to him.

“I can see the bridge!” Called Clementine, looking through her binoculars, “It's really dark.” Clementine was vaguely aware of a mutter from below, before she spotted a light coming from the trees, “Wait, I see something!”

“What is it?” Asked Luke, frowning.

“A light. But,” Another one appeared, “wait, there's another.”

Luke swore, before noticing that the group had gotten the attention of some guys inside the ski lodge.

“Clem, get down here.” Ordered Christa, with the girl joining them soon after.

“Listen, everyone,” Said Pete, as the four stragglers came up behind them, “just stay calm.”

“Who are you?” Demanded an Indian woman, as Clementine started to squeeze her way to the front, “Are you trying to rob us?”

“Excuse me, honey,” Asked Rebecca, sounding insulted, “but do I look like a fucking thief?”

“Everyone calm down.” Said a man with a receding hairline.

“Hey, man, you calm the fuck down.” Argued Alvin.

“Sarah, get behind me.” Ordered Carlos, making Sarah move behind him.

“Just tell us who you are.” Ordered the balding man.

“We ain't here to rob nobody.” Said Alvin, “Put the gun down, man.”

“Fuck that!” Came a familiar voice, making Duck follow Clementine.

“Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa.” Yelled Luke, recognising the voice as well.

“Please, just do what he says.” Said the Indian woman.

Clementine stepped in front of the group, making some of the shouting die down.

“Holy shit.” Said Clementine, staring up at Kenny.

“Do you know this man, Clementine?” Asked Pete, just as Kenny lowered his gun.

“Clementine...?” Asked Kenny, looking at the girl, Clementine suddenly bolted and hugged Kenny, just as Duck got to the front.

“Dad!” Cried Duck, joining Clementine in hugging the man.

“I'll take that as a yes.” Said the balding man, as Luke and Christa got to the front of the group.

“If I didn’t know any better,” Said Christa, putting a hand on her hip, “I’d think I was going crazy.”

Kenny looked them over before he looked at Christa and Luke, “We can talk inside.”

They’d had dinner, after Clementine managed to convince the group to surrender their weapons. The former motel survivors caught up, with Luke telling that Molly got them out of Savannah and travelled with them for a bit.

“Where’s she now?” Asked Kenny, spooning some food into his mouth.

“She was with us at Carver’s camp,” Explained Luke, before sighing, “she and another guy fell behind, we didn’t even notice until we got to a civil war site near the camp.”

“She and Luke were dating.” Said Duck, helpfully.

“Omid and I just travelled around with Clem.” Said Christa, as the girl burnt her tongue, “A… thief got the drop on Clem, took her gun. Omid died trying to help. I… wasn’t able to… make sure he didn’t turn.”

“I took care of it.” Shrugged Clementine, as if it wasn’t a big deal.

“You shouldn’t’ve had to, Clem.” Said Christa, looking at her, “How’s your arm?”

“Hurts.” Shrugged Clementine, “Fells kinda hot, but that’s a good thing, right?”

Christa nodded, before frowning, “What’s that around your neck?”

Clementine pulled a cord with a tooth on it from under her shirt, “A tooth from the wolf that bit me, Rebecca turned it into a necklace for me.”

“That’s… nice of her.” Said Christa, before glancing at the other table.

Clementine put the tooth back under her shirt, as Luke sighed, “Things are a bit het up,” he looked at Kenny, “the guy that’s chasing us, since he’s after me and Duck, and he know Clem and Christa are with us… We ain’t gonna be able to stay. If he finds one of us, he’ll… god, hell I don’t know what he’ll do, I just know it ain’t gonna be pretty.”

“What should we do if we meet someone working for him?” Asked Clementine, looking up at Luke.

Luke sighed and rubbed his brow, “Shoot them? I guess.”

Clementine frowned, but nodded, “Okay.”

“Do… do you think they’ll send Shel or Becca?” Asked Duck, getting a frown from Clementine, Christa and Kenny.

“Shel’s someone we knew at Carver’s camp.” Said Luke, “About my age, maybe slightly younger.”

“Who’s Becca?” Asked Clementine, looking at Duck.

“A girl Duck’s got a crush on, and Shel’s sister.” Answered Luke, “We asked her and Shel if they wanted to come with us, but… they declined.”

“Being honest,” Said Christa, looking at Luke, “I thought you were gay when we first met.”

“Well, ain’t that a conversation starter.” Laughed Luke, as Nick and Pete sat down at their table.

“Thank you,” Said Pete, looking at Kenny, “for letting us in, I thought you were gonna turn us away.”

“I was.” Said Kenny, looking Pete over, “Luke was saying you can’t stay because of the fucker chasing you.”

Pete sighed and nodded, “We need to get ahead of Carver, if we’re lucky, we already have, but, it’s better to be safe than sorry.”

Kenny grunted, “Duck stays, he’s in danger from the guy chasing you. He goes; he’s at risk from starvation, hypothermia, dehydration, wild animals and Walkers.”

“Neither of which are appealing.” Said Pete, “If you’d like, you could come with us.”

“Well,” said Kenny, “We’re gonna need to leave soon, if we’re going to get to Wellington before Winter fully hits.”

“Seriously?” Scoffed Nick, dismissively, “That’s a load of bullshit.”

“Why?” Asked Clementine, looking at Nick, “What makes you think it isn’t real?”

“We’ve met communities before,” Said Christa, giving Nick a glare, “believe it or not.”

Nick opened his mouth, only for Pete to clear his throat and give him a pointed look. Clementine looked away from him, when she felt someone put their hand on her shoulder.

“Hey, Clementine.” Said Walter, looking down at her, “Would you, uh, lend me a hand outside for a moment?”

Clementine looked at Christa, who nodded, before she said, “Okay.”, and followed Walter outside. The pair talked, before Duck and Kenny joined them.

“Why’d you grab your gun?” Asked Duck, looking at the weapon tucked into Clementine’s waistband.

“In case we run into Walkers or raiders.” Answered Clementine, shrugging.

“We were gonna check the windows 'round back before this storm hits.” Said Walter, as Clementine nodded, “Give us a hand?”

They rounded a corner and found a woman with red hair looking in through the window.

“Bonnie?” Asked Duck, sounding confused.

“You know this woman, Duck?” Asked Kenny, getting a nod from Duck.

“She’s with Carver.” Said Duck, which made Clementine pull her gun from her waistband and shoot at Bonnie, the bullet punching through the woman’s head. Walter, Kenny and Duck stared at Clementine in silent shock, before Luke and Christa appeared.

“What’s going on?” Asked Christa, before she and Luke spotted the body.

“Is that Bonnie?” Asked Luke, looking at Duck.

Duck nodded, before looking at Clementine, “She shot her.”

“What?” Asked Clementine, looking at them, “You said she was with Carver.”

“She could’ve helped us.” Said Duck, before trying to grab Clementine’s gun.

“Duck,” Said Luke, looking at Duck, “she’s done us a favour. Bonnie’s probably looking for us and reporting back to Carver.”

Duck looked down, “Sorry, I was kinda hoping that… maybe… Becca could… y’know… join us…”

Luke sighed, before looking at Clementine, “Let’s go inside, Clem, let the others know we found one of Carver’s scouts.”

Clementine hesitated, before nodding and letting Luke guide her and Duck into the ski lodge. As soon as they were inside, Luke whispered to them, “Look, Clem, that guy on the bridge, he was Walter’s friend.”

“I know.” Said Clementine, “I figure it out.”

“Shit, this is bad.” Muttered Luke, “Damn it Nick.”

“We should tell him.” Said Clementine, after a moment, “Better to hear it from us, than figuring it out on his own.”

“That might get Nick killed.” Whispered Duck, looking between Luke and Clementine.

Luke sighed, “I’ve already told Christa, she’s gonna handle getting rid of the knife, go tell the others.”

“About Matthew or Bonnie?” Asked Duck, frowning.

“Uh… both?” Answered Luke, “I guess.”

Duck nodded and went over to the staircase, waving for Clementine to follow him. Almost an hour later, after the turbine started to go overboard, with Kenny, Luke and Pete heading off with Sam, and Clementine running out to help Christa, Carlos, Nick, Sarita and Walter with the turbine. After dealing with some Walkers, and Clementine using a rifle, making sure to grab Matthew’s knife, tucking it into her sock, before she went back into the lodge, witnessing a Walker kill Nick while Walter watched and did nothing.

Then Carver marched in with the surviving members of their group restrained. Duck slipped out the window to find Luke, Pete or Kenny, before a guy came up the stairs and found Clementine with Rebecca and Alvin. The three being restrained and added to the hostages.

“So,” Said Carver, looking down at Clementine and Christa, “Kirsten and Amelia, or are you called something else?”

Christa glared up at Carver, while Clementine looked decided to spit on him. Clementine was knocked to the side, when a guy camouflage hit her with the butt of his rifle. Carver looking around, before speaking, “So, which one of you killed Bonnie?”

None of them spoke, getting a sigh from Carver, “Alright.” He then grabbed Christa and dragged her to the centre of the room. Without a word, Carver started beating Christa, breaking her hand and leg, while Clementine screamed at Carver to let Christa go.

“Clem,” Coughed Christa, spitting out a tooth and some blood, “Clementine, it’s going to be okay.”

Carver fired a single bullet into the back of Christa’s head. Clementine stared at Christa’s body, before she started screaming, “I’M GOING TO KILL YOU!”

Carver rolled his eyes, before a bullet shattered the window and killed the guy that found Clementine, Alvin and Rebecca. Growling, Carver grabbed Walter and marched him over to the window, before blowing the man’s brains out.

“That's for our man! Now, I didn't want to do this, but you ain't leavin' me much choice!” Yelled Carver, taking refuge behind a column, “So here's what's gonna happen! I'm gonna march another one of your friends out here and I'm gonna put a bullet in the back of their head! Or you can give up now! Your choice.”

The column Carver was hiding behind was shot, sending dust and splinters of wood and stone flying. Scowling, Carver grabbed Alvin, giving him a sick smirk, “Hi, Alvin.”

“You motherfucker.” Snarled Alvin, as Carver pushed him towards the window, while Carlos and Rebecca was trying to plead with Carver.

“Do you remember George, Alvin?” Asked Carver, as Clementine shimmied Matthew’s knife from her sock and started to cut her binds, “You see, I do. I remember a guy that was your friend named George. I remember when you murdered him in cold blood. And why? Because you didn't like me? You could've lodged a complaint. You could've... well, you could've been civil.”

“Bill, no!” Begged Rebecca, desperately trying to keep Alvin alive, “We'll do whatever you want!”

“I love you, Bec.” Called Alvin, as he and Carver reached the window.

“Bill, please!” Screamed Rebecca, as Clementine finally cut through her binds and charged at Carver ramming the blade into Carver’s arm, resulting in him pistol whipping her, a bullet tearing through her ear, and giving her and solid kick to the stomach, knocking her to the ground. Carver then bent down and picked Clementine up, taking her hostage instead of Alvin.

Soon after, Kenny was walking into the ski lodge, with his hands raised. Carver made a remark about Luke, before ordering them to be put in the truck for the ride back to his group’s camp.

Clementine and Sarah got back onto the truck, after Sarah had to pee. Sarah looked upset, while Clementine had a bruise forming on her cheek.

“Are you guys okay?” Asked Sarita, looking them over.

“The hell did he do to you?” Demanded Kenny, glaring at Troy, Carver’s guy in camouflage, “Hey, did he hurt you? Hey. Hey!”

Troy just scoffed and slammed the door shut. Thy felt the truck start moving, they were silent for a while, before Kenny started speaking, “Alright, we gotta do something. Come on. Anyone got anything sharp? Anything? We need to get these bindings off! Hey! Clem, Duck, help me find something to get these off. Anything sharp that could cut these...”

“And what good is that gonna do?” Asked Rebecca, as Clementine twisted around in an attempt to find something to cut them free.

“The hell is wrong with you people?” Demanded Kenny, giving them a glare, “We gotta get out of here.”

“The truck's empty, Dad.” Sighed Duck, looking at the floor.

“We're in it, so it isn’t empty.” Said Clementine, looking at Duck.

“You know what I mean.” Snapped Duck, glaring at Clementine.

“If you don't want help, then just say so!” Retorted Clementine, glaring back at Duck.

“We're in a fuckin' precarious position here!” Said Kenny, ignoring the kids, “We gotta do something about that!”

“Settle down, Kenny.” Sighed Carlos, “They took everything. We have to keep a level head.”

“He's right.” Said Rebecca, “You don't know Bill like we do.”

“Bill?” Scoffed Kenny, “This whole time it's Carver, Carver, Carver, now he's fuckin' Bill?! Oh, I see what it is. Y'all are just gettin' a ride home, aren't ya? That's what's goin' on here.”

“You don't understand.” Said Rebecca, “He's different... he's worse.”

“The fuck are you talkin' about?” Demanded Kenny, looking at Carlos, Alvin and Rebecca.

“He wants to punish us.” Said Rebecca, as Clementine frowned.

“What do you mean, ‘worse’?” Asked Clementine, as Duck rolled his eyes.

“He's a fuckin' psychopath now!” Snarled Kenny, glaring at the other adults.

“You have no idea what you're dealing with!” Snapped Carlos, giving Kenny a dark look.

“Oh, he gave me a pretty good goddamn idea back at the lodge,” Stated Kenny, “and I don't intend to sit around here and let that happen to the rest of us! I'm tryin' to help!”

“I'm sure Walter and Christa really appreciated your help!” Said Carlos, getting a snarl from Kenny.

“Carver only killed Christa because she,” Duck jerked his head at Clementine, “decided to shoot Bonnie.”

“You said she was with Carver!” Snapped Clementine, “The whole week we’ve been running, and all of you said to kill anyone who was with Carver, now you’re telling me that there’s people you want kept alive?!”

“You always mess things up,” Scoffed Duck, “and it’s always someone else who dies! It’s like Savannah all over again!”

Kenny froze, while Clementine scowled, “What’s that supposed to mean?!”

“You talked to that asshole, you caused Lee to get bit, Ben to get fucking impaled, Christa said Omid got shot, which obviously you caused, and you got Christa killed by killing Bonnie.” Snarled Duck, “Hell, maybe you got Matthew killed!”

Clementine was silent, as Duck kept glaring at her.

“What?” Scoffed Duck, “Nothing to say?”

Clementine didn’t give Duck any kind of response, before Kenny spotted a broken pipe, “Oh, shit. Jackpot!”

“Sit down.” Said Carlos, as Kenny got up, “You're going to get us all killed!”

“Y'all don't know what you're talking about!” Said Kenny, as he used the edge of the broken pipe to cut his bindings, “We get cooped up in some kennel like a buncha fuckin' dogs, it's over!”

“You don't know that.” Said Rebecca, as Duck frowned.

“Yeah? Well, I been in this situation before.” Retorted Kenny, “You ever been a prisoner?”

“We've all been prisoners.” Said Carlos, as Duck turned to look at his father, “Why do you think we left?”

“Howe’s isn’t like the dairy, Dad.” Said Duck, before Kenny gave him a glare.

“Why?” Scoffed Kenny, “Because they ain’t cannibals?”

“Some of them are good.” Said Duck, “People who can help us.”

“Then why did you leave?” Asked Clementine, looking at Duck, “You said the camp was a prison, now you’re saying it’s bad but has good people?”

“You wouldn’t understand.” Said Duck, making Clementine scowl.

“That’s enough.” Said Rebecca, before the truck stopped and bumped into something and sent Kenny into the door.

“Are you okay?” Asked Clementine, after a moment of silence.

“Maybe it’s for the best.” Muttered Carlos, as the door opened.

Duck rolled his eyes his dad had Clementine looking around the yard, while he distracted Reggie.

“Duck.” Said Rebecca, gesturing for him to come over.

“Yeah?” Asked Duck, sitting in a chair near the fire.

“I wanted to talk to you.” Said Rebecca, making Kenny still.

“About what?” Asked Duck, frowning.

“Your sudden attitude changes towards Clementine.” Said Rebecca, “Especially when it comes to Christa—”

“Because Clementine got her killed.” Snapped Duck, “Who just shoots someone because they’re with someone?”

“You do remember that both me and Nick wanted her put down, right?” Asked Rebecca, “I even told her and Christa to leave as soon as Christa got to the cabin.”

“That’s completely different.” Scoffed Duck, “You actually had a reason, Clementine…”

“And Christa had just escaped two loads of raiders,” Said Rebecca, “I heard them talking, they mentioned a group called the Saviors.”

“That’s not an excuse.” Muttered Duck, as Clementine walked past.

“Maybe,” Said Rebecca, “but you can’t blame her for something out of her control.”

“Why?” Demanded Duck, “She’s done it before!”

“As have you.” Said Rebecca, flatly, “That guy you mentioned at the beginning, Shane, was it? As well as George.”

“Alvin killed George.” Said Duck, confused.

“Because George had grabbed you while we were escaping.” Said Rebecca, “Besides, you and Luke both said that she wasn’t to blame for Lee and Ben.”

Duck didn’t offer a response, as Clementine returned to Kenny, muttering something about the place being secured tight.

“Where’s Molly?” Asked Clementine, looking at Reggie, “Luke and Duck said she was here with them.”

“Oh, she’s being check over.” Said Reggie, cheerfully.

“Why?” Asked Clementine, flatly.

“Oh, didn’t they say?” Asked Reggie, surprised, “When the others escaped, and she and me fell behind, she was pregnant.”

The quiet chatter was immediately silenced, as Clementine blinked, “I’m sorry, what?”

“Yeah, she apparently found out just before Luke left,” Said Reggie, “Shel had to pulled Bonnie off her when we were caught. Bonnie had a big thing for Luke.”

Clementine blinked, before frowning, “What did you do?”

“Me?” Asked Reggie, “Oh, I stayed out of it.”

“Like a coward?” Asked Clementine, her eyes taking on a glare.

“W-well, I-I wouldn’t put it like that…” Reggie was spared from any further interrogation by the gate opening, admitting Carlos and a visibly pregnant Molly, “Oh look, she’s back.”

Clementine silently rolled her eyes, before going over to Carlos and Molly.

“Hey, kid.” Said Molly, upon seeing Clementine, “You’ve grown.”

Clementine looked at Molly’s stomach, “I would say you’ve gotten fat, but you and Luke wrote to the stork.”

Molly blinked, before letting out a laugh, “Yeah, I suppose we did.” After she finished laughing, Molly let out a sigh, “Carlos filled me in on Christa, she was a good person.”

Clementine looked at the ground, just as Troy banged on the gate and told them to go to sleep. As he was falling asleep, Duck could’ve sworn he heard Clementine crying.

Luke sighed as he, Pete and Sam reached Parker’s Run. They’d buried Nick, Walter and Christa, as well as retrieved all the weapons and supplies that Carver had left behind, grabbing some winter clothes for Clementine and Duck.

“Sam and I’ll stay here.” Said Pete, looking at Luke, “It’ll be easier to sneak in if it’s just one of us.”

Luke nodded, “I think I saw a massive herd a few miles north of where Howe’s is.”

Pete frowned, before looking at Luke, “Think it’d be worth the risk, if we used Clementine’s guts trick and get the others out while Carver’s people are dealing with the herd?”

“I don’t think we got much choice.” Said Luke, “We’ll probably have wounded, maybe.” Luke shook his head, “Sorry, I can still hear…”

“I know.” Said Pete, bowing his head, “Carver’s probably going to take an interest in her.”

“Which is the last thing we’re gonna need.” Said Luke, before heading towards Howe’s, “We’ll see you soon.”

“You better.” Said Pete, before turning and taking Sam to scout the place out.

Clementine quietly followed a woman with messy hair, Carver had given them all their jobs for the day, Duck seemed disappointed that he wasn’t in the armoury, which was where Clementine was going. Sarah had made the mistake of talking to Clementine and Duck while Carver was speaking, which made Carver order Carlos to slap Sarah, making sure to add that it should be a real slap and not one of those gentle ones.

Clementine’s guide knocked on a door, before opening it, “Here’s the new recruit, Shel.”

“Thanks,” Said Shel, looking away from a black-haired girl a couple of years older than Clementine, “she does know how to load magazines, right? Because I don’t want to have a repeat of what Kenny did.”

“This is the girl that shot Bonnie.” Said Clementine’s guide, “I’m pretty sure she knows her way around a magazine.”

Shel looked at Clementine and frowned, before looking at Clementine’s guide, “Really? Tavia, are you sure?”

“Bill heard Kenny bitching about it on the way back.” Said Tavia, “Don’t worry, he’s already made her pay for it.”

The black-haired girl stopped glaring at Clementine and looked at Tavia, “Wait, Kenny’s back?”

“You can talk to him later.” Said Tavia, before shutting the door.

“So…” Shel looked at Clementine, seeing the Clementine had already started, “Okay, I guess you don’t need a demonstration. I heard you were with Kenny and his group.”

“Which one?” Asked Clementine, not looking up from the magazine.

“I’m sorry, what?” Blinked Shel, taken off guard at how cold the girl’s voice was, since it made her sound older than she actually was.

“Which Kenny?” Said Clementine, “There’s the one you know, but we just call him Duck, and there’s Kenny, his dad.”

“How do you know them?” Asked Shel, as the black-haired girl returned to glaring at Clementine.

“We were in the same group at the start.”

“Wait, are you the idiot that got their whole group killed?” Asked the black-haired girl.

“Becca!” Reprimanded Shel, making Clementine look at the girl.

“You’re Duck’s girlfriend?” Asked Clementine, incredulous, “I thought you were a girl!”

Becca turned an interesting shade of red, before she caught sight of Shel’s face. Letting out a calming breath, Becca went back to work.

“How old are you?” Asked Shel, getting Clementine’s attention.

Clementine was silent, before she said, “I turned nine three months after everything started.”

Shel frowned, before she got up, “Stay here.”

Clementine watched Shel leave, as Becca stopped working and glared at her.

“They should’ve killed you.” Said Becca, making Clementine give her a flat look.

“You’ve got a gun, you could literally do that.” Said Clementine, before looking her over, “Have you ever killed someone?”

“Yes.” Lied Becca.

“No, you haven’t.” Said Clementine, “If you had, you wouldn’t have hesitated when you told me, since you’re obviously trying to scare me.”

“Did it work?”

“I saw the leader of the Saviors crack a guy’s skull open with a baseball bat.” Said Clementine, “No, it didn’t work.”

Becca scowled, before she thought it over, “Seriously? A baseball bat? What’s so scary about that.”

“Negan chose his victim at random.” Said Clementine, “I was next to Jonah when he died.”

Becca swallowed, now understanding why that would be scary, “Did Ken- Duck mention me?”

“Only after I shot Bonnie.” Said Clementine, “The whole time they were say to shoot anyone who was Carver, and he only mentioned not killing people after Bonnie was dead.”

“And if you knew?”

“I still would’ve killed her.” Said Clementine, “I probably would’ve waited for Carver to arrive so I could shoot him as well.”

Becca frowned, before noticing that there weren’t any pistols, aside from some on the table, “I’m… gonna go get some more pistols.”

Becca quickly scurried out of the room, leaving Clementine alone with the bullets. Quickly spotting the pistols, grabbing two and hastily loading them before stuffing one in her sock and another in her waistband. After a moment, she spotted Matthew’s knife and grabbed it as well, tucking it into her other sock.

The door opened and Shel was standing with Tavia.

“Where’s Becca?” Asked Shel, frowning.

“She went to get more pistols.” Said Clementine, as Becca turned up with a bag full of pistols.

Shel frowned, before Tavia looked at Becca, “How many guns were on the table?”

“Er… some? I didn’t count.” Answered Becca, before Tavia pointed at the table.

“Are there any missing?”

“I don’t think so.” Answered Becca, getting a frown from Tavia.

“Well, I’m taking her to her next job.” Said Tavia, “C’mon.”

Clementine, after hesitating for a second, got up and followed Tavia out of the armoury.

Duck found himself carrying nails to his dad and Mike, his dad was different to how he remembered, then again, so was Clementine. He remembered when he was able to get her to laugh at his jokes, as well as start a ‘prank war’ which was just them sticking bugs and other stuff on each other’s pillows. Now… now Clementine went around a room and checked it’s entrances and exits, as well as keeping her weapons on her at all times.

“Kenny.” Duck stopped when he heard Becca’s voice behind him. Internally panicking, he tried to school his face, before turning to look at the girl.

“Hey—” Duck was cut off by the girl practically tackling him, “Whoa!”

“I thought you were dead.” Came Becca’s muffled voice, “And that Clementine girl is weird.”

“Why? What’d she do?” Asked Duck, frowning.

“She’s just… weird.” Said Becca, “It’s kind of like what Vince is like when we ask him about what he did before the apocalypse.”

Duck blinked, “Yeah… Clem’s… different to how I remember her.”

“What did Tavia mean when she said Bill made sure Clementine paid for killing Bonnie?” Asked Becca, after detaching herself from Duck, “And why does she keep calling you ‘Duck’?”

“Bill killed Christa, Clementine’s… caretaker? Friend?” Duck frowned, “Christa was with Clementine.”

“So… her mom?” Asked Becca, making Duck think back to Clementine’s reaction to Christa’s dead.

“Kinda.” Said Duck, just as he and Becca heard someone screaming, before Reggie landed on the ground headfirst with a sickening crunch.

“Weakness, incompetence, it puts us all at risk, and it won't be tolerated. You think about that the next time you're asked to do something.” Came Carver’s voice, snarling, “Get downstairs. Shel's got some stuff for you to do. Go!”

Duck quickly hurried down to the expansion, while Becca went back inside.

Becca frowned as she saw Tavia oversee Clementine testing the bullets Stan made. Looking at the targets, she noted that most of the shots were in the centre of the bullseye, before she looked at Clementine’s arms, seeing that her sleeves were pushed up to her elbows, revealing a bandage on her left forearm.

“Aren’t you supposed to be in the armoury, Becca?” Asked Bill, making Becca freeze.

“S-sorry!” Stuttered Becca, before scurrying off to the Armory.

Bill frowned after her, before he turned his attention back to Clementine, and walked up to her and looked at Tavia, “I want her up in my office once she’s done.”

Tavia nodded, before Bill walked away.

“I think Carver’s trying to get Clementine to turn on us.” Said Molly, as Clementine entered the yard, “It’s what Crawford did when he started going crazy. Brainwash as many people as you can as fast as you can.”

“He might not be.” Said Duck, looking at her, “I mean, why Clementine? Why not someone older?”

“Because it’s easier to get someone to think like you when they’re young.” Said Molly, “The sooner we get Luke those radios, the better.”

“Why does Luke need radios?” Asked Clementine, alerting them to her presence.

“Luke collared me after I took some nails to Dad and Mike.” Said Duck, looking up at her, “Where’ve you been?”

“Carver’s office.” Answered Clementine, “Alvin’s in bad shape, I took a couple of guns from the armoury.”

“What the hell were you thinking?!” Demanded Duck, jumping to his feet, “Are you trying to get us killed?!”

“He took the guns off me, Kenneth.” Snapped Clementine, giving Duck a glare, “He knew, somehow.”

“Luke needs the radios to figure out the guards movements,” Said Molly, “we’re going to try and summon that massive herd of Walkers to hit Howe’s with the speakers outside the building.”

“It’s too dangerous.” Said Duck, looking at them.

“Where are the radios kept?” Asked Clementine, looking at the others.

Clementine had gone and gotten the radios, slipping one to Duck, before they were picked up for their jobs for the day. Clementine had been filling a magazine, Shel making sure that all the pistols were out of her reach. Tavia made a sudden appearance, grabbing Clementine and taking her back to the yard, where she saw a bruised Luke in the yard with the rest of their group, as Carlos checked him over. Clementine thought she someone gasp, before she saw that Becca had followed her.

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

“They caught him.” Muttered Clementine, her silently wondering how they found him.

“Yeah, that's what it looks like.” Muttered Kenny, as Duck discreetly passed him the radio.

“Whatever you were planning is over, it's done. 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.” Said Carver, looking around them, “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 started to speak, before she was cut off.

“It's right here. I got it.” Kenny held the radio up, showing it to Caver, with the man holding his hand out for it.

Kenny stepped forwards, before Sarita came up to him, “It's alright.” Reassured Kenny, as he went up to Carver, and dropped the radio into Carver’s hand, “Sorry about that. Not sure what I was thinking.”

“Three.” Said Carver, getting a sigh from Duck.

“Heh. Fucker.” Muttered Kenny, getting a dark look from Carver. The man raised the hand that held the radio and punched Kenny in his left eye, knocking the man to the floor. Clementine heard Becca gasp, as Sarita cried, “No!”

Carver continued to beat Kenny in the face with the radio, making Sarita lunge forward, only to be held back by Carlos and Duck.

“Stop him!” Screamed Sarita, desperately, “Somebody stop him! Let me go!”

“Stop!” Yelled Carlos, “Clementine, help us!”

“No! Stop it!” Begged Sarita, “Kenny! Kenny!”

Clementine scowled and rushed forward, getting hit in the face by Troy’s gun, knocking her to the ground.

“You little shit!” Snarled Troy, as Shel entered the yard.

Shel took in the sight of Bill beating Kenny’s Dad with the stolen radio, as Kenny held his Dad’s girlfriend back, while the girl that had been with her and Becca was on the ground with a gash on the side of her face. Swallowing, Shel tried to think of something to get Bill to stop, “Bill! That's enough, Bill! Please! Bill, there's a breach!”

Carver paused, before punching Kenny one last time, letting drop to the floor as he released the radio, “Alright, everyone come with me. Shel, you and Becca stick around. Make sure these folks don't get into any more trouble.”

“Yeah.” Nodded Shel, as Becca mumbled out an “Okay.”

“No supper for y'all tonight.” Said Carver, as he left, “Maybe an empty stomach will give you some perspective, then we'll try this again tomorrow.”

Sarita broke free of the holds Duck and ran over to Kenny, as Rebecca hugged Sarah and Molly checked on Clementine, who looked to be in the throes of losing consciousness.

“Do your best with him, Carlos.” Said Shel, after a moment, “You need to get him able to move, because we're leaving tonight.”

“What?” Asked Becca, looking at Shel.

“We're leaving tonight.” Said Shel, looking at her sister.

Duck heard Clementine groan, before she sat up. He went to glare at her, only to stop himself, Clementine was hurt trying to help his dad, while he’d held his dad’s girlfriend back from helping. He tried to ignore the pit of guilt that started to form in his stomach, he knew Clementine wasn’t responsible for what happened to his dad, since she hadn’t said anything to anyone.

Clementine didn’t say anything to him, instead going over to the rest of the group, as Luke expressed his concern about leaving that night, Clementine said a couple of things, before Carlos walked over, followed by Kenny. Duck swallowed, before heading over to the rest of the group.

“Not bad, old man.” Said Molly, getting a smirk from Kenny.

“Thanks, asshole.”

“You are one tough bastard.” Said Mike, letting out a laugh.

“Do tough bastards get their ass kicked in front of everybody?” Asked Kenny, as Clementine walked up to him, “You alright? That wasn't your fault, okay? So don't go blamin' yourself.”

Clementine responded by hugging Kenny.

“It's alright.” Reassured Kenny, putting a hand on Clementine’s shoulder.

“Alright...” Groaned Luke, ��Well, then, what now?”

“We get the hell outta here.” Said Kenny, getting a wince from Luke.

“Like now, now?” Asked Luke, “Kenny, some of us have got open wounds, the guts trick might screw up over.”

“We can’t stay here.” Said Clementine, looking up at Luke.

“You still want to leave now?” Asked Luke, frowning at Clementine.

“Yes!” Snapped Rebecca, looking at Luke.

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

“Pete’s waiting for us at Parker’s run.” Said Luke, “I left Sam with him.”

“The hell is that?” Demanded Kenny, looking at Luke.

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

“We stopped there after we escaped the first time.” Said Rebecca, “Duck, 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.” Said Kenny, before looking around, “Alright, that works.”

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

“Shel’s getting Russell to set it up, while Vince and Wyatt get Alvin.” Said Becca, alerting Clementine to her presence.

“Clementine could go meet them in the office,” Said Jane, speaking for the first time, “use that as a way to signal us when it’s time to go.”

Luke gave Jane a glare, as Clementine nodded. A few minutes later, Clementine dropped into Carver’s office, seeing some people she’d seen around the community.

“Jesus.” Swore a black guy, after he turned away from the speaker system, “Where the hell did you come from?”

“The ceiling.” Said Clementine, as an Asian guy walked up to her.

“Hey, Clementine, right?” Clementine looked at him, “Name’s Vince, the guy with the beard is Wyatt and jumpy over there is Russell.”

“I don’t think Alvin’s gonna make it.” Said Wyatt, walking over to them, “He’s not responding.”

“I’ve got it all set up,” Said Russell, after he turned the speakers on, “Sorry, about your friend. We would’ve stopped Kenny from telling Becca if we knew what would happen.”

Clementine froze, before they heard a drawer open, turning they saw Alvin rummaging through the drawer.

“Alvin, are...” Said Clementine, after a moment, “are you okay?”

“Carver talks all that tough guy shit, then keeps the tiniest gun in the universe.” Wheezed Alvin, after finding a gun in the draws, “Somethin' funny about that.”

Outside, Carver and several of his guards started moving around, making Vince frown

“Can I have the gun?” Asked Clementine, after a moment.

“Jesus, don't make me laugh... hurts too much.” Winced Alvine, “I ain't gonna let my last act on this earth be handin' a firearm to a child.”

“What are you talking about?” Asked Clementine, as Vince checked for anyone coming their way.

“I ain't fit to move, kid. I've... I've run outta road.” Winced Alvin, as Russell went towards the door.

“Let's...” Came the voice of one of Carver’s guards, “No, I'll-- I'll just go up there and shut that thing off!”

“You gotta get outta here.” Rasped Alvin, as Vince told Russell to go through the skylight, “They'll be here any second.”

“Thank you.” Said Clementine, as she went to follow after Vince and the others.

“You take care of my girls.” Coughed Alvin, looking up at Clementine, “I get the feelin' it's... it's gonna be a girl. Just a hunch. Go on.”

Clementine swallowed, before leaving. She heard a couple of gunshots as she left.

“Hey, kid.” Said Vince, holding a gun out to her, “We made sure to run by the armoury before we went for Alvin.”

Clementine took the gun, before removing Matthew’s knife from her sock.

“You had that this whole time?” Demanded Russell, giving Clementine a frustrated glare.

“Not the time, Russell.” Warned Vince, “Let’s get to the others.”

They made their way to the other skylight, finding Carver holding the group hostage.

“You wanna disrespect me, fine! You wanna throw away the life I'm tryin' to build for us all, then fuckin' fine!” Snarled Carver, pacing in front of them, “You wanna run off with this dogshit group of crippled fucks, then fine! Be my guest. But I will put a bullet in you and that baby before I let you leave again with my child!”

“It's not yours!” Yelled Rebecca, her hand covering her belly.

“You don't fucking know that!” Snapped Carver, “And until we do, you're not goin' anywhere!”

Carver went to aim his gun at Rebecca, just as Clementine, after listening to the madman’s rant, jumped from the skylight and buried Matthew’s knife into his shoulder. After Clementine was out of the way, Kenny punched Carver and Luke took his gun. Rebecca, not seeing Alvin, realised that her husband was dead, telling Luke to shoot him, with Clementine echoing her sentiments.

“Why don’t you do it?” Asked Duck, giving Clementine a glare, prompting the girl to pull the gun Vince gave her from her waistband and shoot Carver’s knee, with Kenny shooting the other. Duck stared at Carver, before he looked at Clementine and his dad, the man walked over to a crowbar.

“Go on and wait outside.” Growled Kenny, advancing on Carver.

“We have to go!” Yelled Carlos, guiding Sarah towards the door.

“Kenny, please.” Pleaded Sarita, as Mike opened the door and the rest of the group filed out.

“I only need a minute.” Said Kenny, “Go on. You don't need to see this.”

“That girl's already seen more than you can imagine.” Laughed Carver, making Duck look at Clementine, whose face was emotionless.

“Shut your mouth, Bill!” Snapped Luke, before looking at Rebecca and Clementine, “You're all just gonna let him do this?”

“Yes.” Said Rebecca, glaring at Carver.

“There ain't one part of that son of a bitch I don't hate, but that does not make this right.” Said Luke, looking between them and Kenny, “I don't want nothin' to do with this.”

“I'm not going anywhere.” Said Clementine, making Luke and Duck stare at her.

“It's gonna get messy.” Warned Kenny, glancing at Clementine.

“I know.”

“Look at you, you fuckin' ingrates.” Sneered Carver, glaring at them, “You don't even know how good you got it.”

“We’ll see you when you’re done.” Said Molly, silently deciding to join the others.

“That's alright. You'll learn. Lambs to the slaughter, no shepherd to guide you.” Goaded Carver, “Clementine knows exactly what I'm talkin' about.”

“Come on.” Said Duck, trying to get Clementine to come with them.

“Come on, Clem.” Luke pleaded, getting a laugh from Carver.

“Fuckin' big man now, huh?” Sneered the downed man.

“Let's go.” Said Duck, trying to pull Clementine away.

“No.” Snapped Clementine, giving Duck a hate-filled glare.

“I'm not letting you see this!” Yelled Duck, pulling on Clementine’s arm, resulting in her pulling herself free and give Duck a hard shove.

“It's not your decision.” Snarled Clementine, glaring at Duck.

“Atta girl... she ain't afraid to look it in the eye.” Praised Carver, laughing, “You go with that feelin' ya got right now, Clementine. It's what makes you stronger than the rest of 'em.”

“Come on.” Said Shel, looking at the others, “Let's go.”

Soon, everyone but Kenny, Rebecca, Vince, and Clementine had left, with Carver yelling after them, “Yeah, go on! Let the sheep out of the pen! We'll see how long that lasts.”

“I'll be right there.” Said Rebecca, when Luke tried to pull her away.

“You won't see anything.” Snarled Kenny, glaring down at Carver.

“That's funny comin' from you. How's that eye? Just follow my voice... it'll get ya there. You got a thick fuckin' skull, Kenneth. Should've put you outta your misery right then. Now look at ya. You're a mess.” Sneered Carver, before looking at Rebecca, “The fuck are you looking at, bitch?! Don't act like you didn't love every second of it—”

Kenny brought the crowbar down on Carver’s head, before repeating the process, continuing until Carver’s face had caved in and was an unrecognisable pulp.

Outside, Duck was vaguely aware of Sarita worrying about his dad, while Molly quietly talked to Luke about Clementine.

“She’s going to be off for a bit.” Said Molly, quietly, “She did all this chasing revenge for Christa, and I know that seeing the party responsible die isn’t going to help her.”

“That’s what I’m worried about.” Murmured Luke, catching sight of Jane dismissively glaring at the others. He saw Clementine and the others rejoin them, before he swallowed. He grabbed a hatchet and walked up to Clementine, “I know you got that knife, but,” he held the hatchet out for her, “thought this could help.”

Clementine looked at it, before giving Luke a smile that was obviously forced, “Thanks.”

Luke sighed, before he looked at the massive herd, “This as big was the one you and Lee faced?”

“You were there.” Said Clementine, scrunching her face up.

Luke sighed, before looking over the group, “Try… try and stay close to Molly and Rebecca, okay Clem?”

Clementine nodded, before killing a Walker, with Jane killing another one. Luke saw Molly adjust her grip on ‘Hilda’, before joining Clementine. Luke glanced at Duck, “Well, if the girls can do it.”

“It stinks.” Complained Duck, getting a frown from Luke.

“That’s the point.”

Once they were all sufficiently covered, they walked into the herd. Jane was spouting some creepy bullshit, as Molly made sure to keep close to Clementine. Becca and Duck were close to Rebecca, and Carlos was trying to keep Sarah calm, asking for Clementine’s help, when he got shot in the neck and had a load of Walkers swarm him.

Sarah broke down and bolted, with Luke giving chase, leaving Clementine with Molly. The pair killed some Walkers, before they found Wyatt with a Walker chewing on the end of his right arm. Molly took the Walker out, just as Clementine brought her hatchet down on Wyatt’s arm, hacking at his arm, until it came off. Wyatt stared at the stump of his arm, before he started screaming.

Walkers swarmed Wyatt, as Kenny and Mike ran up to them.

“Clementine!” Yelled Kenny, “Where’s Sarita?!”

“I don’t know!” Answered Clementine, “Carlos is dead!”

“We noticed.” Said Kenny, beating a Walker back, “C’mon, we gotta get out of here!”

“Wait, we need to find Rebecca!” Said Clementine, looking around for them, “They might, Kenny?! Mike?! Molly?! Where are you?!”

The three adults, who apparently hadn’t heard Clementine, had vanished into the herd. Clementine killed some more Walkers, before someone grabbed her and pulled her behind some cover.

“Stop.” Whispered Rebecca, making Clementine stop struggling.

Turning around, Clementine saw Duck and Becca crouched down behind a table, both looking scared.

“Thank God.” Said Rebecca, seeming to calm down slightly.

“I can't find anybody.” Said Clementine, making Duck and Becca look over.

“I know. What do we do?” Asked Rebecca, “Luke was with me, but... I-- I can't do this alone.”

“We can't stay here.” Said Clementine, looking amongst them, “We need to keep moving...”

“The walkers are still moving toward the hardware store.” Said Duck, looking back at the Walkers, “We can make it out if we stick toge—”

Duck was cut off by Rebecca groans in pain.”

“Rebecca, are you okay?” Asked Clementine, ducking to avoid the attention of a passing Walker.

“I'm glad you're here.” Said Rebecca, instead of answering Clementine, “We can watch each other's backs.”

“I'll stick with you.” Said Clementine, before she looked around.

“Thank you...” Whispered Rebecca, as Becca swallowed.

“We need a clear path to the trees...” Said Becca, deciding to try and follow Clementine’s example, “Maybe they're thinning out somewhere. Can you guys see any openings?”

Clementine spotted one, before she urged them to go for it, before they had to double back to avoid a Walker, running into Jane. After they managed to convince Jane to help, they got to the safety of the forest.

“You two know where Parker’s Run is.” Said Clementine, looking at Duck and Rebecca.

“That way.” Said Duck, pointing down a path, “This path leads right to it.”

Clementine nodded, “Right.”

They walked for a bit, before Rebecca had to stop and Jane asked what she was going to with the baby, referring to the unborn child as ‘it’. Jane took offense to something Rebecca said, and walked on ahead.

“Hey, er, Clementine?” Said Duck, rubbing the back of his neck, “Can… can we talk?”

Clementine paused, before nodding, “Okay.”

The pair fell behind the main bulk of their part of the group.

“I… I wanted to apologise,” Said Duck, “for all the stuff I said back in the truck and at Howe’s. You… you weren’t to blame for any of what happened, I mean Bonnie probably led Carver to the lodge and he probably would’ve killed Christa anyway… I… I got Luke—”

“I know you got Luke caught.” Said Clementine, “Becca’s sister’s friend said you’d told Becca and she told Carver.”

Duck blinked, before looking ahead of them, “I… I think I lashed out at you because you… you were just there. It was stupid and—”

“It’s fine.” Clementine cut him off, “I thought see Carver die would… I don’t know, make me feel better? Now…”

“You don’t know what to do.” Finished Duck, “I was the same with Ben.”

Clementine nodded, “How… how did Ben die? I know that Lee was bit and Kenny got lost in a group of Walkers, but Christa and Omid never said what happened to Ben.”

Duck sighed, before explaining what happened when she was kidnapped.

The first thing that saw when they reached Parker’s Run was Pete talking to Mike, Vince and Shel. Kenny was sitting a short distance away from them, staring at the ground.

“We’ve got more people.” Announced Vince, making Kenny look up and rush over to them.

“Thank god you’re both alright.” Said Kenny, looking around, “Where’s Sarita?”

“I think I saw her going after Sarah and Luke.” Said Duck, “I think Clementine saw her too.”

“I didn’t.” Said Clementine, “I was with Molly, and we had to deal with Wyatt.”

Kenny quietly cursed under his breath, “Pete’s got a giftshop on a platform open, the dog’s up there with Molly and that Russell guy.”

“They said they got some supplies.” Said Clementine, looking around, “Should we… should we go looking for the others?”

“Clem, they’ll be fine.” Said Kenny, getting a frown from Clementine.

“What if they’re not?” Asked Clementine, “We all know where this place is now, a couple of us could go out and check for supplies and our friends.”

Kenny frowned, as Pete walked up to them, “That’s not a bad idea, we’ve got a decent amount of supplies and weapons, Vince, Shel and Mike are going down to the old museum, see f they can find anything useful there.”

Kenny frowned, before looking them over, “Would you be alright with going, Clem?”

Clementine nodded, “It’s not the most difficult thing I’ve done.”

“Becca, why don’t you take Rebecca up to that giftshop,” Said Pete, before looking at Jane, “I’m assuming you’re Jane, would you be willing to go with Clementine?”

Jane looked annoyed, before she nodded.

“I’m going too.” Said Duck, “Another set of eyes.”

Kenny opened his mouth, before Pete answered, “That couldn’t hurt, and another friendly face might help Sarah calm down.”

Kenny looked annoyed, before he nodded, “Y’all armed?”

Clementine and Duck nodded, before Jane spun on her heel and stalked into the forest.

“What’s her problem?” Asked Duck, looking at Clementine.

“Hell, if I know.”

They’d reached a trailer park, where Jane decided to teach Clementine and Duck some more ways of surviving, searching freshly turned Walkers, kicking their knees out and stabbing all bodies in the head as a precaution. They’d been searching a Walker’s pockets when Clementine found Sarah’s glasses. After searching for a short time, and distracting a load of Walkers after it became abundantly clear that Sarah and Luke were in a trailer.

Clementine was trying to kick a door down, when it opened with little resistance. Duck hastily covered a laugh with a cough, as Sarita helped Clementine up and the rest of them rushed into the trailer.

“I followed Sarah and Luke here,” Said Sarita, “I was going to try and get help, but a load of Walkers turned up.”

“Probably because she’s screaming.” Muttered Jane, scowling.

Clementine wasn’t sure she liked the tone Jane took, before she decided to try and get Sarah to move. After a round of trying to convince Sarah to move, the Walkers got the door down and shattered the windows, making Duck, Sarita and Jane retreat into the room, the latter two dragging a sideboard with them to block the door.

Looking out the other windows, Duck swallowed, “We’re trapped.”

Jane scowled before she looked up, “No, we’re not, we can get out through the skylight.”

“The kids ain’t tall enough to reach.” Said Luke, looking at Jane, “And I tried to give Sarita a lift, but my side’s practically crippled.”

“What about the furniture?” Asked Clementine, looking away from Sarah.

“That could work.” Said Sarita, after a moment, “we’d have to be fast though.”

Duck watched as Sarita and Jane shifted the sideboard, before Jane helped Luke and Sarita up, before he followed after them. The was a slapping sound and Clementine yelling, “MOVE!” Before Sarah appeared, followed by Clementine and Jane.

Sighing, the six of them made their way back to Parker’s Run, with Clementine, Sarita and Luke getting into a disagreement with Jane, while Duck made sure Sarah didn’t fall behind.

They arrived at Parker’s Run, seeing Mike and Vince carrying some bottles of water, while Shel carried a coat, while Pete kept an eye out for Walkers.

“Where’s Kenny?” Asked Sarita, looking at Pete.

“Rebecca’s contractions got worse,” Said Pete, “he’s doing what he can to help. Russell had a run in with some Russian kid, Kenny stumbled upon them, don’t worry, he’s been seen off.”

“The giftshop is over there, I think.” Said Luke, pointing towards a gate, “I don’t suppose we got any pain killers to spare?”

“The supplies are with Kenny and the women.” Said Pete, looking around, “Since the rest of us are all here, we should fall back to the giftshop, we too damned exposed here.”

Luke nodded, as the rest of the group followed Pete back to the giftshop.

They’d managed to get all the entrances to the giftshop secured before Rebecca went into labour. After a while, they heard crying, before Sarita came out and told them that Rebecca had given birth to a boy.

“Here.” Clementine looked at the food Luke was offering her, “Noticed that you were keeping away from us. Any reason why?”

“It didn’t help.” Mumbled Clementine, looking out into the distance.

“What?” Asked Luke, frowning.

“Seeing Carver die.” Said Clementine, her voice breaking, “I… I thought seeing him die, seeing him suffer would help with Christa’s… but it didn’t a-and now… I-I don’t know what to do.”

Luke was silent, before he sighed, “Believe it or not, Nick was like this after his Mom died. You don’t realise that killing the guy responsible ain’t gonna bring our loved ones back.”

Clementine stared down at the Walkers that were starting to disperse.

“I killed him.” Mumbled Clementine, “The man that took me. Lee… Lee wasn’t doing so good, the tourniquet slipped and… he was doing okay, then he was on the floor and the man was on top of him and…”

“You don’t have to say it, Clem.” Reassured Luke, he’d always assumed that Lee had killed the guy or convinced him to let them go, “You said you saw your parents while you were leaving.”

“Lee passed out, after I saw them.” Said Clementine, “I got Lee into a jewellery store and locked us in. We tried to get out after Lee told me he was dying, but… but he—”

Luke wrapped an arm around Clementine as she broke down, before he looked up at the sky.

After Clementine and Luke talked, and Luke made sure Clementine ate something, everyone had tried to get some sleep. Luke and a couple others woke up to Clementine holding AJ, before she went out on the deck, with Kenny following after her and the pair returning with the news that Jane had decided to cut herself loose.

“She was making some… comments about abandoning some members of the group.” Said Sarita, who’d already been awake.

“Might be for the best.” Yawned Molly, before rolling back over and going back to sleep.

“We’ve got some supplies.” Said Pete, looking at Kenny, “We can rest here, get our strength up before moving on.”

Kenny didn’t look happy, but nodded, “If we didn’t have the supplies, or a nurse, I would’ve disagreed with you.”

Pete sighed, before looking around, “It might be worth raiding Howe’s for it’s supplies once the herd has cleared, it’d also give us a chance to see if there are any surviving vehicles there.”

Kenny frowned, before looking at Pete, “I hadn’t considered that, actually.”

“From what I’ve heard,” Said Pete, looking at Kenny, “you had your eye bashed out, so you might not be firing on cylinders.”

Clementine chose that moment to go back to sleep, not wanting to listen in on the rest of the conversation.

Duck frowned as he looked at his Dad’s back. Luke, Mike and Vince had gone and checked on Howe’s, apparently the Herd was gone, but so were all the working vehicles, meaning they had a massive stash of supplies but no way of actually transporting them.

So, now, the group was walking to a town that Clementine had spotted through a telescope. Rebecca had to rest, prompting Shel to help her over to a tyre with her baby. There was a brief moment where Pete and Luke had to stop Kenny from imposing himself by taking the baby.

“We should’ve waited longer.” Said Luke, looking at Kenny and Pete, “Or sent someone ahead to find a car or truck while the rest of us stayed at the visitor centre.”

“What? And split up the supplies?” Scoffed Kenny, looking at Luke, “They wouldn’t last us.”

“I know—” Luke was cut off by someone limping towards them through the fog.

Russell identified the guy as Arvo, before Arvo demanded that they drop their weapons and surrender their supplies, as the rest of Arvo’s group came out of the trees, leading to a stand off.

“Stay with Sarah.” Shel ordered Becca, as Clementine moved to be closer to Rebecca. Becca scowled but did what her sister said.

Things were tense, Arvo’s group was yelling in Russian, while Clementine’s group yelling at the Russians. Clementine tuned out the argument, choosing to look at Rebecca and the baby. Rebecca slumped slightly, before she twitched and started to sit up. Clementine stared at the Walker, before yelling, “Walker!”

Not waiting for anyone to act, Clementine aimed at her pistol at the Walker and fired. Then chaos broke out.

One of the Russians was shot in the heart, before Mike was shot in the arm and Russell in the leg. Duck rushed over to Sarah and Becca, as Luke got Molly behind cover, calling Clementine over as he did. Clementine dashed forwards and grabbed the baby, before rushing for cover. Shel joined them a moment later, as Sam let out a yelp when a bullet passed through the dog’s ear.

“Shit, I don’t think anyone else saw him.” Gasped Shel, just as Pete fell to the ground, profusely bleeding from a shot to the neck. Clementine swallowed, before Shel grabbed her arm, “We’ve got an angle on that guy behind the rock.”

Clementine swallowed, but followed Shel and fired at the guy behind the rock, who ducked away, just as Kenny killed one of the Russians. Clementine glanced at Arvo and the Russian woman that had been shot. The Russian behind the rock suddenly stood up, before he started choking. Turning around, they found he had a knife sticking out the back of his neck, as well as Jane standing behind him. Mike put Pete down as Kenny put the suffering Russian out of his misery. There was a stunned silence, before Arvo let out a scream as the dead Russian woman sat up and tore a chunk out of his cheek. Clementine shot the Walker, just as Duck put Arvo down. Sam limped up to the group, with left ear bleeding.

“Jesus.” Muttered Mike, as the group stared at Rebecca’s corpse.

“None of us noticed.” Said Shel, after taking the sight in.

“Clementine did.” Said Duck, only just noticing that the baby was crying.

Clementine looked back at Pete, before sighing, “We don’t have time to bury them.”

Luke sighed, “No… we don’t.”

“We should get moving.” Said Sarita, holding her arm, “Before any Walkers turn up.”

There were murmurs of agreement, with each people leaving until it was just Clementine, Luke and Duck.

“Where’s the baby?” Asked Duck, looking at Clementine.

“Kenny has him.” The girl looked at the other two, “Leaving them feels…”

“Wrong?” Finished Luke, before sighing, “Yeah, but we don’t got much of a choice about it.”

Clementine sighed, “We’re… we’re going to need to check their pockets, see if they have anything useful.”

“The firepower could be useful.” Said Duck, looking at Luke, “Besides, they did try to kill us.”

Luke looked at the bodies, before sighing, “Alright, let’s get our hands dirty.”

“Where have you three been?” Asked Kenny, who was holding AJ and had Sam lying at his feet, when Clementine, Luke and Duck caught up with the rest of their group.

“Looting those Russians.” Said Luke, “Clem figured that they could have something useful on them.”

Kenny frowned, before the baby started crying, “Jane and Vince are checking out some power station over there, figured that we could hunker down for the night.”

“That sounds good.” Said Clementine, going over to Kenny, “How’s your eye?”

“Painful,” Answered Kenny, as Duck and Luke sat down, “Sarita’s changed my bandages and cleaned it, I’m pretty sure Mike and Russell have been seen to as well.”

The baby continued to cry, making Clementine frown, “What’s wrong with him?”

“He’s cold.” Said Kenny, after a moment, “You probably are too.”

Clementine tried not to shiver, remembering that she didn’t have a coat.

“Pete and I picked some coats up from the lodge.” Said Luke, looking at them, “Completely forgot we had ‘em until now. Give me a moment to find them.”

Clementine watched Luke go over to one of the bags they had, before he came back with a couple of winter coats.

“They only had kid sizes,” Said Luke, “but, here.”

Clementine and Duck took the coats, putting them on, before Clementine peeked over Kenny’s shoulder and looked at the baby.

“I was thinkin' we go with Alvin Jr. What do you think?” Said Kenny, “Rebecca mentioned she'd like to name him Alvin if it was a boy. I mean, Rebecca was so out of it, she hadn't settled on a name. It seems fitting.”

“It’s good.” Said Luke, after a moment, “Definitely suits him.”

“Yeah, if only we could get him to shut up.” Grumbled Duck, as Kenny failed to calm the baby down.

Clementine let out a small whistle, before poking her tongue out at the baby, making him go quiet.

“I can’t believe that worked.” Said Mike, alerting them to his presence.

“That makes two of us.” Said Luke, as Vince and Jane came back, telling everyone that it was safe.

They got a fire going and had something to eat. After getting permission from their respective guardians, Clementine, Duck, Becca and Sarah were allowed to have a small sip of rum, although Kenny almost blew his top when he heard that Clementine and Duck had drunk moonshine with Nick, Pete and Christa. After some laughs, where Luke said it was his birthday or birth week, and had a toast to everyone they’d lost. Clementine noticed that Luke had given a couple of spare winter coats to Becca and Sarah. After a few minutes, Kenny, leaving AJ with Clementine and Duck, took the first watch with Sam, telling the others to get some sleep.

“You’ve got to be kidding me.” Said Kenny, as they stood on the edge of a frozen lake.

Luke frowned, looking at the ice, “We should send someone with our supplies across first, someone light.”

“I can do it.”

Everyone, expecting Clementine or Duck to volunteer, turned and looked at Sarah.

“E-each of us could take a bag each and go across.” Said Sarah, looking at the lake uncertainly.

“We could also take AJ.” Said Clementine, looking at the adults, “Since we’re going to be lighter.”

Kenny considered it for a moment, before nodding, “Alright.”

Clementine was given AJ, while Becca, Duck and Sarah were given the supplies and told to spread out. They got to the other side safely, with Sam skittering after them, managing to avoid any cracks. Shel, Sarita and Molly went across the lake and made it to the other side, followed by Luke, Kenny and Vince. They thought they were doing well, until some Walkers came out of the trees and followed Jane, Russell and Mike on to the ice. There was a moment where they all stopped, before they vanished from view as the ice gave way underneath them. The group stared at the spot where the three of them fell through, before Kenny ushered them all inside.

They found some more supplies at the house, and Kenny started working on a truck the ten of them could use.

Sooner than any of them expected, they were back at Howe’s, raiding the supplies, as Kenny found an RV that could be salvaged, he had to cannibalise the truck in order for the RV to work, but they found themselves in a working RV on the way up to Wellington.

They were in the RV travelling away from Wellington. The community was over capacity, and they were having to turn people away, giving them a bag of supplies to help them survive.

“What do we do now?” Asked Duck, looking at his dad.

“I don’t know, Duck.” Sighed Kenny, as

“We could just keep moving.” Suggested Clementine, as Sam settled at her feet, Duck was fairly sure he saw Clementine’s Wolf Tooth Necklace sitting on the outside of her coat, before she looked at the front, “Christa and I did that for nearly two years.”

Kenny was silent, before he sighed, “Well, it’s better than nothing.”

Duck sighed, before looking around at their group, AJ, Molly, Vince, Shel and Becca were asleep, while Sarita, Clementine and Luke played go fish. Duck frowned, if he didn’t know any better, he’d thought they were a family.

‘But, you are a family.’ Said a small voice that sounded like his mom.

Instead of trying to argue with a figment of his imagination, Duck decided to get comfortable and get some sleep. Whatever they were going to do, they had a long journey ahead of them.

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