#matthew twdg

[terranovathemust]

I'm fine, it's just a Walter that got into my eyes. 😥

[stop-breaking-my-heart-telltale]

Was Javier Garcia "not bisexual enough" in ANF?

I feel like everyone reading the title of this essay is going to say, "Well, yeah? Obviously? Javi didn't show any interest in men outside of that one optional moment of flirting with Jesus and then he was confirmed bisexual by one of the writers after the season ended. If they wanted to make him bi, they should've done more with it because that's not enough."

That's a commonly expressed opinion no matter where you look, and it's not like it's unfounded, either.

On a surface level, I agree. While I understand the excitement of learning a character is canonically bi, in the case of Javier Garcia it still feels like celebrating crumbs tossed to us by Telltale after they had their cake and ate it, too. They snuck in some bisexual representation at the last minute for queer audiences without it being explicit so the homophobes wouldn't throw a tantrum.

Stuff like that happens. Sometimes the representation is subtle or implied in the subtext. Or, the queerness is condensed into something digestible and sanitized for straight audiences. Or, it's stated after the fact with little to no actual evidence to support it in canon.

Hell, even if it is obvious, like with Clementine being bisexual in TFS, you still have biphobes who will die on the hill of denial. Even now, in the year 2024, we have people insisting "Clem being bi came out of nowhere! They should've showed it in earlier seasons if they wanted it to make sense. I'm not homophobic but here's my essay PROVING that violentine is bad and forced and that Clem isn't bi!" Or, on the other extreme, "Clementine is a lesbian to me, bisexuality isn't real :)"

But I've already talked about Clementine and what her bisexuality means to me. I want to talk about Javier now.

He's an interesting case, both in the way his queerness was handled and portrayed in the game, and how audiences received it... as in, a lot of people said, "That's great and all, but is it really representation when it's not actually present? It's not enough."

That. That right there: "It's not enough." That's what I want to break down and examine.

Is Javier Garcia not valid as a queer character because he didn't reach this concept of "enough" in the eyes of the player? But what would have been "enough" then? Do people really understand what they're asking for when they discuss what they think Telltale should've done? Does it actually matter if Javier is queer when it comes to the plot and his journey as the protagonist, and if it doesn't matter, is that okay?

Should we just accept these crumbs sprinkled in our hands?

I want to make it clear that I'm but one bisexual examining a bisexual character and doing an analysis. I've climbed out of my bog to write this because I want to discuss Javier and the writing as it pertains to his queerness, or lack thereof. I'm also aware that I'm not providing any irrefutable, concrete evidence here one way or the other; I'm speculating about Javier through a queer lens. I encourage any other bi, pan, or other queer person to add to these discussion points, whether in agreement or not.

Prior to TFS, the queer representation in TWDG wasn't great...

Though the games do get progressively gayer as the seasons go on. And some even get to live! Progress!

S1 had... uh, none? Wait, is that right? ...Yeah, no, I'm tuning my gay radio and it isn't picking up any signals, Captain. Nothing gay in these waters.

S2 had Walter and Matthew, who both died shortly after being introduced. There's some homoerotic undertones between Luke and Nick but nothing was ever confirmed. Also, they both died, so... not great.

The Michonne mini-series had Jonas and Zachary, but Zachary will always die no matter what. Jonas can die, too, but it's determinant. Paige was confirmed to be queer by the writers, though. Uh, progress? Kind of? Not really, it's never talked about and you only pick up on her feelings for Sam if you squint and pay close attention. But hey, at least she got to live!

Then, in ANF we have Javier, our playable protagonist, and Paul "Jesus" Monroe, a gay character who also showed up in the comics and TV show. Would'ja look at that, they both got to live! I should also mention nothing was ever confirmed about Ava but... c'mon, y'know? Captain, there's a faint signal on my radio; when you know, you know. Except she died, to, so... still not great.

Then came TFS, who really said, "Screw you, here's all the gay!"

They gave us bisexual Clementine with both of her romance routes. Violet, Minerva, James, mentions of his past boyfriend, Charlie... Aasim was planned to be bisexual and I don't see why we can't reclaim that for him, and one day I'll crawl out of my bog to write my analysis on the queer-coding/subtext of Louis' character because if I read "lmao Louis is such a Straight" one more time, I'm going to let the gators take a bite out of me just so that I can feel something other than irritation for once.

Sigh. It's so hard being a "Louis ain't straight" truther out here, so few understand.

My plights aside, there's no avoiding the queerness of TFS. Even if your Clementine doesn't romance anyone, or romances Louis, you can't avoid the fact that Violet and Minerva were girlfriends at one point. It's determinant if James will tell you about Charlie, but that doesn't change the fact that James is gay.

But it runs deeper than that. This is a story about these troubled youth who were abandoned by their families and teachers, the ones who were supposed to love and help them, because "something was wrong with them, they did something bad... they need fixing."

These young people have to fight against an oppressive group of adults looking to steal their autonomy, change them, mold them into what's expected to survive. Their identities don't matter to the raiders. All the raiders care about is erasing such identities so that they fall in line and obey, and if they don't comply, they die... or worse.

Yes, it's a story about Clementine and AJ finally finding a home, but no matter how you play, it's also a narrative steeped in queer themes and subtext. You can tell that the people who made it not only cared about these things and wanted them weaved throughout the story, but that some of them were queer themselves.

But where does that leave us with Javier?

With everything TFS did, it's easy to look back at ANF with a critical eye and pinpoint its flaws in every aspect. While I don't believe it's the worst game Telltale ever made [I mean, Minecraft Story Mode exists], in my opinion, it's the messiest game in the main series. It's not bad, but I'd much rather play S1 or TFS.

For all the criticism it received, most players did like Javier as the playable protagonist. Well, they did once they got over the fact that Clementine wouldn't be taking on that role again, and was instead relegated to only being playable in flashbacks.

Javi's personality can vary depending on player choices, but for the most part, he's a charismatic man who loves his family. He used to be a professional baseball player before he was booted from the league for gambling. He can be cocky and sarcastic, and it usually lands him in trouble. He tends to cope and deflect using humor. He has a past of being irresponsible and selfish; he wasn't even there when his father died, despite knowing he was dying of cancer. His relationship with David is complicated, only made messier if he and Kate end up together. He's trying his best... for the most part. Javi even ends up being a father figure to Gabe and Mariana after they all thought David was dead, and he's very open about his grief following Mariana's death.

But given everything we learn about him while playing ANF, how do we know Javi isn't straight? After all, his main love interest is Kate, a woman. He also has opportunities to flirt with Eleanor, another woman. He doesn't show any signs of being attracted to any of the men who are around... until Paul "Jesus" Monroe.

At the end of ep5, Javi and Jesus have a conversation where one of the dialogue options is, "I like you, Jesus." Granted, that doesn't have to mean "like-like;" you can say you like someone without any romantic intentions. Plus, Jesus IS a cool character. Players who picked that option likely weren't thinking of it in a romantic sense.

It's the way that Jesus responds to this option, though: a flirtatious smile, lidded eyes, the deep dip of his voice.

Javier: I gotta admit, man. You're a fucking badass! Jesus: You're a real charmer... You know that? Through and through.

It's not difficult to see Jesus is being flirtatious, and Javi sees it, too. How does he react?

Forgive me, but I'm about to over-analyze this six-second gif. I love his reaction so much. That subtle jump of his shoulders as if a jolt just ran through his gut at the way Jesus lowers his voice. Surprised, and then the movement of the brows, the slide of the eyes, and the little upturn of the mouth says to me "Oh… oh." Caught off guard, perhaps a little bashful.

Option 1: Javier: Oh, you know what they say. Takes one to know one. Jesus: That they do. Option 2: Javier: Are you really sure you don't want to stay? There's room. Jesus: Oh, uh... I'm sure there is, but... we got other people depending on us, Javi. Just the way it is. Option 3: Javier: Meant to tell you... That, uh, armor you got is great. Jesus: Oh... Oh, uh... Hmm... Well, uh... Thanks, um... It gets the job done.

Javi knows what Jesus is getting at regardless of your choice. He understands this is flirtatious, but is startled since he likely didn't consider that Jesus likes men, too. We the audience have a better chance at knowing if, especially those familiar with the character from the comics and the TV show. Javi wouldn't because why would he? It's not like Jesus is obvious and flaunting with the fact that he's gay.

What's funny about that is, given our topic of discussion, we could also argue that Jesus wasn't gay enough, couldn't we? If we're going to pick on Javier for not being more open about his sexuality, then it's only fair that we pick on other characters, no? Did Jesus need to be gayer? Would that improve ANF?

In fact, now that I think about, was James gay enough in TFS? Was one moment where he talks about his boyfriend, a scene that's determinant so not every player got it, enough? What about Minerva? We know she and Violet were girlfriends before Marlon traded her away, that's information that's unavoidable, but did she actually reach this apparent high standard of "enough" in the eyes of the audience?

Are we entitled to unequivocal evidence of queerness, and the heaping amount we deem necessary, otherwise it's not good enough and shouldn't be bothered with at all? Are more casual displays of queerness bad?

I can already hear people jumping to defend James and Minerva, and likely Jesus, against this because "it's totally different!"

Sure. Javier's situation is different from James, Jesus, and Minerva's respective situations. James actually uses the word boyfriend and he keeps a picture of him and Charlie in his pocket. Jesus appears in The Walking Dead universe outside of the game with more evidence of queerness. Minerva's past relationship with Violet is made clear even when you don't pursue Violet's route, not to mention the underlying metaphor of conversion with her being changed/brainwashed/traumatized by the raiders to be just like them.

Javier is different because that scene with Jesus is the only in-game evidence of his queerness, right? Then he had to be confirmed as bisexual by one of the writers once ANF ended.

Surely, they could've brought up the fact that Javier's bi earlier, right? Made mentions of a past boyfriend, or had a flashback about Javi coming out to his family? Why only let him flirt with Kate and Eleanor? Why wasn't there an option to flirt with Tripp, or some other male character? What about a darker turn where David didn't accept Javi for it? David's portrayed as an antagonist, anyway, why not toss a little homophobia into the mix? Why not reveal it if Javi rejects Kate? What if Kate was so hurt by the rejection that she asked him, "It's true, David was right. It's because you like men, isn't it?"

It feels like they decided at the last minute to just toss it in, like someone walked into Telltale one day and said, "Y'all, I just thought of the funniest thing- Javi should be bi so that we can make jokes about him swinging both ways!" And then everyone clapped.

Here's the deal: Something about this sits differently with me, and that's probably thanks to one of ANF's writers, Adam Esquenazi Douglas.

He's the one that confirmed Javier as bisexual.

Adam had his hand in writing for 4/5 episodes, and he said he wrote the scene where Javi can flirt back with Jesus, but it's that last line of his: "After all, they always say write what you know."

I don't know how many of you who are reading this are writers, or creators in general, but I assume many of you are. It doesn't matter if you write fanfiction, create fanart, write essay posts or headcanons or whatever. I have a firm belief that creative people pour so much of themselves into their work that, if given enough material and studied enough, you can get a glimpse of their soul. Even if done unintentionally, we project ourselves into these works; the characters, themes, conclusions, everything.

Am I suggesting that Adam was secretly a bisexual mastermind who threaded queerness throughout the entirety of ANF and we were all too blind to see it? No, and if he did, then he needs to step forward and tell me so that I can study ANF frame by frame to compile the secret evidence into a new essay.

...Actually, on second thought, maybe don't do that to me, Adam.

My point is, yes, it's true that it's likely Javi being bi was added in at the last minute... but can we really dismiss Javier as "not bisexual enough" when Adam had influence over Javi's character throughout the whole season? And I ask again: is the casual queerness of Javier bad?

Time to speculate and answer some of those questions about Javier

Let's talk about Kate for a minute. She is Javier's main love interest, whether you choose to accept her feelings or not, so she can give us a good point of reference for what Javi looks for in a partner.

Kate and Javi share a similar sense of humor that bounces well between the two. Kate wants to travel, Javi's well traveled from his time as a profession baseball player. They both exist in this space of "we're kind of the family screw up." Granted, Javi's more in it than Kate is, but you can see parts of her that come through where she's a little rebellious, a little not good enough [ironically]. They both feel trapped in their situations; Kate in her marriage, Javi in a slow downward spiral of not knowing what to do with himself now that he's booted from his career. They have complicated relationships with David, and together, they've raised Gabe and Mariana through the years after they believed David was dead.

They're a lot alike in many ways, so this is hardly an opposites attract type of romance.

What's interesting is if you then look at Jesus, he has some similar qualities to Kate; a sense of humor even when things are looking bleak, they to help and protect people, are willing to throw themselves in danger to save Richmond. Then if you add Eleanor, the other person Javi has some flirtatious dialogue with, you can apply those qualities to her, as well... though the big difference with her is Eleanor sells the group out because she wants to stay.

With the little information we have, we can speculate on Javi's preferences. He prefers someone more similar to him. I know, I know, everyone loves a good opposites attract tale, they're so different but similar at their cores, they fill in each other's gaps, yada yada... except not everyone is like that, obviously.

My working theory is that a partner who would act as the opposite of Javi would be someone who acts like David... and does Javi really want to date someone like his brother? Though that then opens up a whole can of worms since if Javi and Kate are so similar, and David married Kate... this isn't an essay about David, but that's certainly a thing to chew on.

With that, I suppose we can answer the question, "But if Javi's bi, why didn't he flirt with any men prior to Jesus?"

What men?

No, seriously, where are all these men Javi's supposed to flirt with? Are they hiding? I know you hid them in the game, Adam, where are they?

Wait, do you mean Tripp?

I don't want to step on the toes of any Javi/Tripp shippers out there, but let's actually think about this. When we meet Tripp, Javi's just been separated from his family. He was knocked out and tied up by these assholes who caught him siphoning their gas, then this teenager cut down a tree which resulted in him getting into a car accident. Said teenager then tried to rob him before agreeing to escort him back to his family but first, they gotta go to Prescott. I wouldn't say Javier's in the flirtatious mood by the time he meets Tripp.

But he can flirt with Eleanor, right?

So, why not Tripp?

Because Tripp is a man and he has feelings for Eleanor. That's made quite clear from ep1. He told Javi that he and Eleanor had a thing once. Sure, Javi could still harmlessly flirt with him, but have we stopped to consider that Javi isn't as confident with openly flirting with men like he is women? After all, who initiated the actual flirting between him and Jesus in ep5? That would be Jesus, and it happens after the danger is over and Javi doesn't have to worry about dying for a little bit.

Listen, I understand that Tripp is big. He's built like the lumberjack of our dreams. He has a nice beard. He's not afraid to talk about his feelings even when he fumbles all over them. He's strong and caring and brave. He could easily toss me over his shoulder like I'm a sack of flour and then throw me across the room... what's not to love? Surely, if Javi actually liked men, he would've made a move on Tripp at some point.

Except, would he? Is Tripp even Javi's type? Because I'm pressing X to doubt.

Also, why does he need to?

This is where I question why some people think Javi has to flirt with a bunch of men to "prove" he's bisexual? I'm sorry, do you believe there's a quota all bisexuals have to meet to maintain their membership card? You have to flirt with this many genders a month otherwise they'll revoke your premium status?

Sometimes I wonder if people unintentionally lean into the "promiscuous bisexual" stereotype, or if they do genuinely believe that bisexuals have to express interest in multiple people of different genders in order to prove themselves queer enough.

Did we ever stop to think that Javi's just not like that? An open flirt, I mean. Yeah he's charismatic and funny and all that, but Kate, Eleanor, and Jesus all initiate the romantic dialogue with him first; Kate tells him she needs to get laid hint hint, Eleanor calls him pretty, and Jesus calls him a real charmer.

Tripp never gives him any indication that he's interested or that he even likes men, so why would Javi make a move?

As for any other man? Again, what men? Max? Dr. Lingard? Clint? Conrad? And forget adding a new character to ANF; it could barely handle the characters it already had and you want to add a new one just for Javier? Let's face it, Tripp was the best option and that's just it, he wasn't an option.

"But my Javi WOULD flirt with Tripp and the game didn't give me the option!"

And there it is.

Javier isn't your OC

ANF isn't a massive RPG where starting a new game brings you to a character creation menu, and you get to decide every factor about the character you want to play.

ANF is an episodic, point-and-click Telltale game, and Javier isn't your OC. Like with Lee and Clementine, there are some things you just don't get a say in, and I think that gets to the player sometimes.

When I sit down to play a Dragon Age game, I go into it knowing that my character is mine, I get to decide who they are and who they're interested in. DA as an RPG has the capacity to give me a bunch of romantic options both in and out of my party that shape who my character is.

When I sit down to play TWDG, I go into it knowing that while I have my own Lee, Clementine, and Javi, I didn't create them but I am influencing who they become. I know it's a Telltale game, and that means limitations.

These games have always had the "illusion of choice" criticism chucked at them from the beginning. Usually that pertains to the choices you make that affect the overall story, but ultimately don't matter in the end.

For example, it doesn't matter if you save Carley or Doug because no matter what, they both die. My counter-argument for this has always been that the choice does matter in the way that it shapes your playable character, and how if affects the characters around you. A Lee who saved Doug over Carley had reasons for making that choice, and in turn, has a different experience going forward than a player who chose to save Carley.

Does it matter who shoots Duck in the woods after he's bitten? Or if he's left to turn? No matter what, he's going to die, so is that the illusion of choice? I don't believe so, because it does matter. It affects player experience.

That being said, I believe players who become invested in this series, especially those who engage in fandom, develop a warped sense of what should've been, forgetting the nature of a Telltale game. I know this because that's the foundation my blog was built on.

Javier Garcia isn't a blank slate. You didn't create him. He had a life before the start of the game, he has a personality that you didn't choose for him, and there are things you have no control over. If anything, we act as an influence over the TWDG playable protagonists. Most every option given is something that could reasonably play into their character. I say "most" because we all remember that [GLASS HIM] moment where Javi tells David that Kate's going to leave him and we were all like "THAT'S NOT WHAT I THOUGHT THAT OPTION WAS!" and it felt out of character.

Anyway, you don't dictate who these characters are but you get sway over the direction they take.

Javi can be a real prick to everyone, but that plays into the selfish and entitled part established with his character from the beginning. You can play him as genuine, trying to step up and do better for the sake of his family, another thing brought up from the very beginning.

"But why couldn't I make Javi flirt with Trip!?"

Because it's not an option. I don't know what else to tell you. I don't know what you want me to tell you.

ANF is a Telltale game that centers about Javier Garcia. It's a story about a man who, prior to the outbreak, screwed up and was wasting his life away. His relationship to his family sat upon a rocky foundation, crumbled by his own hands. He wasn't even there when his father died. We follow this man through a story of a family trying to survive, we watch him reunite with his brother and risk losing everything that kept him grounded and going. He experiences grief and anger and sorrow and happiness. In the end, he comes out of it all a different man, for better or worse.

That man just also happened to be bisexual.

And that's the thing: This isn't a story about Javier's sexuality. He isn't going around making moves on these elusive men that mastermind Adam Esquenazi Douglas maybe hid in the game somewhere because the game isn't about Javi liking men.

It's a game about his complicated relationships with Kate and David made messy by Kate being in love with him, and whether or not Javi loves her, too.

It's about Javi helping Clementine back on her path after she's been alone and bitter for so long. It's about them fighting to take down a group of people doing really shitty things to other communities. It's about losing Mariana and avenging her by killing the man who shot her. It's about Gabe feeling conflicted about his father, a man he always wanted to be just like, after realizing that David isn't this idealized figure Gabe thought he was.

It's about the promise Javi made to his father.

The fact that Javi happens to be bi doesn't matter in the grand scheme of the plot. It's just something that's apart of who he is, but because it's a small detail we feel was added in at the last minute, we decide it's not enough.

But what if it is enough? Do we even truly know what this concept of "enough" is?

Throughout writing this piece, I've found myself in a loop.

I'm happy Javier is bisexual. -> But should I be? -> We shouldn't settle for crumbs, we deserve more explicit representation. -> But is there really anything wrong with casual representation where the story doesn't focus on sexuality? It doesn't take away from other stories that do. -> I'm happy Javier is bisexual. -> But should I be?

Lather, rinse, repeat.

Queer stories are important and our voices need to be heard. We need stories that don't shy away from experiences that are hard to stomach. We need queer stories told by queer people. We need stories that are unapologetic, that aren't afraid to face their audience with pride. Stories that don't say "yeah but we have to bend a little to the bigots to maximize our profits." We need these stories that inspire us, hurt us, make us cry and piss us off. We need queer stories with happy endings that give us hope, that push us to seek a better future so that new generations of queer people don't feel alone in their struggles. We need queer stories that make us feel heard, seen.

Do stories with casual representation of queer characters fit in there somewhere, too? I think they do, because TFS is a casual representation story.

Clementine is bi and it isn't a big deal; she never has a moment where she's openly questioning, she doesn't have this big coming-out scene, there's no tears shed or anything. She isn't stomping around with her bi pride flag and announcing who she is with a heartwarming speech.

She just is.

Same thing with Violet. She never comes out to Clementine as a lesbian, no one ever calls her that, she just is.

Clementine's romance with Violet is treated just as it is with Louis, sincere and normal. No one questions her or Violet because to the Ericson crew, it is normal. They knew Violet and Minerva were together before but no one has any quips about it, positive or negative.

If you romance Violet but then save Louis, he makes mention that Clementine and Violet are close so why save him? But Louis, for as much as people side eye him for making jokes and never taking anything seriously, doesn't say anything more. He could've made a joke, "Ah, you like girls, I guess I never stood a chance then, haha." He doesn't, because it's not something out of the ordinary for him and it's not something he feels the need to pry over.

If you go fishing with Violet and Brody, you find the carved heart with Violet and Minerva's initials and AJ asks what it means. Clementine can tell him they were girlfriends, and AJ doesn't go, "Oh, that's weird," or "Huh, I didn't know girls could like each other." He just goes, "Oh. Love." and moves on because he grew up differently, it isn't a big deal to.

Even the antagonists aren't out here spewing homophobia, at least that I recall.

The Ericson crew are a generation that understands and accepts. Where Clementine could end up with either Louis or Violet and no one will raise a brow, or even feel compelled to signal their alliance like, "Ah, yes, I am accepting of you and your choice, good for you, I am an ally, I'm making this about me."

The Final Season of TWDG is great, and it proves that the writers at Telltale at the time wanted to explore these topics earnestly. It wasn't pandering or trying to score "woke points" with the LGBTQ+ community like some bigots will insist. If it were, it would've been way more obvious about it, I think.

Casual queer stories or serious stories that tackle the hardships of being gay?

Like the bisexual I am, I like both and everything in between.

Clementine didn't need to prove her bisexuality as "enough" in TFS, but since the circumstances were different, did Javier?

I'm going to take the potentially controversial road and say no. I understand why we wish they did more, and I understand why people have frustrations over creators dropping that information without actually having to commit in their work... but I also have some appreciation for the casual reveal of Javi being bi, regardless of why it was dropped.

Javier is valid. He didn't need to "prove" anything.

In a way, I believe we do have some control over the portrayal of Javier, and that's by engaging in fandom. If you were disappointed that Javi's queerness wasn't explored in game, then find a fic that does explore that side of him, or write your own. Engage with other people and their work about it. Comment on fanart, fics, and thought pieces. Write brain dumps. Find other Javi/Tripp shippers and prove me wrong, prove that Tripp is indeed Javi's type and have fun while doing it.

Telltale gave us the crumbs, so let that inspire us to bake a cake.

I don't think this concept of "not enough" is the most productive way we could go about discussing topics like this. Not everyone has the same level or standard, and every work is a unique case. But I think it is fun and productive to share ideas of what we would've done differently so that it may inspire us.

ANF, for all of its flaws, could be a tool used to teach us where our priorities are in storytelling, and influence what we want to create ourselves.

In conclusion: Javier Garcia is enough to me.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to crawl back to my bog and begin research into the meaning and metaphors behind walkers and their existence.

But before that, I want to give a big thank you to @pi-creates for making the Javi gif used in this essay, as well as for listening to all my bullshit during the writing process.

[bourbonificould]

The Walking Dead Game Characters as the Van der Linde Gang

+ Antagonists; with @debtnramen & @juno-box

shit ton of tags

[kittycrumb]

what is this girl doing 🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️ i hope she doesn’t start speaking french next

[the-delta-42]

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

[First] [Previous] [Next]

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.

B

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.

B

“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.

B

“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.

B

“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.”

B

“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.

B

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.

P

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.”

B

“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.”

B

“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.

B

“-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.”

B

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.”

B

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.

B

“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.

B

“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.”

B

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.”

B

“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?

[thecrusadercomrade]

What-Ifs of Telltale's the Walking Dead Chapter 16: What If the Motel Group and Cabin Group Switched Places? Part 1

Summary: Three months after corpses started walking around and eating people, an ordinary hunting trip for Lee and his fellow group members takes a dramatic turn. Pretty typical for season one, only, the faces are a little different this time around...

Read on AO3!

Read from the beginning!

[ericsonclan]

I gotten sucked into watching this anime on crunchyroll called attack on titan and it is one of the best animes I have seen. It kind of mirrors a bit of the lore of the walking dead but in this world the titans make the walkers look like child's play. There is a fucked up story plot who the titans actually are that was a shock when I watched all 4 seasons. The final season....damn was it hard to push through with pain of some of the characters I come to know and love. The English dubbed to this series was outstanding and I felt every performance and got me sobbing near the end.

Anyways I was wondering if the characters from twdg blended worlds in with attack on titan where do you think they will end up after graduating from the Cadet Corp.

In the show you have three places to sign up and devote your service to.

The scout regiment (have the wings of freedom symbol)

The garrison regiment (have the rose symbol to protect wall Rose)

The military police regiment (a horse or unicorn symbol)

And later after historia takes her place as queen of the walls there is a new regiment to serve and protect the queen in the military.

First off we want to apologize that it has taken us a long time to get to this ask. Life has been very busy over the last few months.

We know a bit about AOT. We watched a few seasons so we have a passable understanding of the world and lore.

The scout regiment: Mitch (he wants to take out Titans and be on the front line), Ruby (She's canonically filled with rage), Clementine, Minnie, Sophie, AJ (not really but tried to sneak to the walls to help and Clem sent him back), Carley, Gabe (he's on the front lines to prove himself to his dad), Javi (to protect Gabe and make sure he doesn't die), Lee, Tripp, Allison

The garrison regiment: Brody (is too afraid to be on the front lines), Louis, Mariana, Matthew, Walter, Sarita, Renata, Willy

The military police regiment: Lilly, Aasim, Mark

Queen's guards: Violet, Prisha

Is a Titan shifter : James

The Queen's Chef: Omar

[sillygeeses420]

My Fav Rarepairs in Twdg

Brenda x Larry: OK this one sounds bad since they're both hated characters, but just listen. Now if Brenda and her boys weren't cannibals and we did just ended up living peacefully on a farm then they could've been a sweet couple. Like I hate Larry but I did think it was nice that he kinda found love with a woman who seemed to need it. I still hate them but they were cute together in that like one second that they could've been a thing.

Walter x Matthew: Ok this might sound confusing at first because well yeah they're a canon couple, but they literally have NO screen time together. I kinda hate the whole arc with Walter and Nick. Because well you convince Walter that Nick's a good guy then he literally lives for an episode longer and it ends up not mattering because Walter dies either way. So what was the point of killing Matthew off like that at all? Like I wish we got to see them interact as the first queer couple in twdg (at least if I'm remembering correctly).

Jesus x Tripp: I've seen Javi be shipped with Jesus and a little with Tripp, and both are cute but why haven't I seen two strong men with beard's kiss! WHY!?!?!? JUST LET THEM BE BF'S PLZ FOR MY SAKE!!! EHUHDUGRTYRBDBHJSHUIGEDUHDGREUGRTGERHVNJRGY734HW2QKRP[2RL3OI57689I3P4LP[2RKIOETYUEW5K

Now having said that..

Tripp x Javi x Jesus: This is my favorite ship in S3 I don't care if it's impractical I love gay poly ships and this one is no different!

Mitch x Louis: At first I thought it was a very funny and a bit sweet of a crack ship, but then it just grew on me, and now it's kinda my favorite Mitch ship... I know it doesn't make much sense but they are my everything so it's fine!?

Ruby x Clem: I love these ladies sooooo much!! Their both my favorite woman from the last game. I think their dynamic could be cute! A firey redhead who's also the mom of the group and a total badass who is basically a mom in a way. I also think it's cute that Clem is the taller one here because, in most of Clem's ships, she's the short one.

Violet x Brody: I think it's cute. That's literally it. I THINK THEY WOULD BE ADORABLE!!!!

Rosie x Everything good that world has to offer: Okk this one is just a silly one but let's be fr Rosie literally deserves everything good she's such a cutie <3 (I love Pitbulls sm)

If I'm gonna be honest I think most ships are pretty cute (Not including problematic ones)

[yellowsugarwords]

“𝙎𝙝𝙚’𝙨 𝙅𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝘼 𝙇𝙞𝙩𝙩𝙡𝙚 𝙂𝙞𝙧𝙡”

「  TWDG: Clementine and Kenny  」

Summary: Reunited with Kenny once again, Clementine can feel like a scared child again, even if for a moment.

Words: 1.4k   [ ⏱︎ 9 mins ]

━━━━━━ ₊˚⊹

“Well, you don’t need to worry about that anymore.”

How long had it been? How long since Clementine heard those words? More importantly, how long had it been since she heard those words and knew the person saying them meant it? When it came to Kenny, there was no doubt, but the feeling was still foreign. Wrong, almost.

“Once those guys pack up and leave tomorrow, you can stay with us.”

Clementine snapped back to reality. Her head wobbled as if coming out of a daze, as she looked at Kenny across the table. The cabin crew had only arrived hours ago, and now she was faced with the idea of abandoning them altogether.

Was it worth it? Clementine didn’t know. On one hand, they’d already threatened to kill her, locked her in a shed to die, and constantly reiterated how little they trusted her. The only exception was Luke, and even then, if he was the only one standing on her side, she knew there wasn’t much hope for her to stay.

However, she had gotten them here - to safety within the ski lodge - and she felt hazy about whether she should abandon them when Matthew, Sarita, and Kenny sent them on their way.

“You’re always welcome here, Clementine,” Sarita assured, breaking into the conversation. Occasionally, Clementine would snap back into reality to catch a snippet, but she wasn’t paying attention. How could she? They were discussing change—even more of it. As if she hadn’t had enough of that over the last week.

Everything felt distant and foggy. How could so many options be swirling in front of her? How did she know who she could lean on? Rely on? Trust? If the cabin crew had done what they did to her before, could they do it again? Would they? Had they developed some form of trust, or was it one-sided? Did Clementine even fully trust them yet? How was she to know?

“She’s staying for good.”

Was Kenny trustworthy? Was he stable enough to remain trustworthy? Had anything changed in the years since they’d been separated? Since his life had been ripped away, and he was messily trying to reconstruct the pieces? Was there room in his broken soul for her to return there? Was it too damaged for her to seek refuge in?

“Right, Clem?”

Her name fully brought her back. Why was there so much happening all at once? Why couldn’t they let her catch her breath? Why couldn’t she breathe? Why couldn’t the world stop, for one evening, so she could feel like everything was ‘normal’ - whatever that meant.

Kenny furrowed his brow. He saw that her bottom lip was twitching. “Clem?” He asked, voice gentle. Luke turned, confused as to the sudden tone shift at the table behind him. While intuitive, Luke was nowhere near as keen on reading Clementine as Kenny was. Kenny could analyze Clementine like a book.

Clementine’s eyes, vulnerable and meek, met Kenny’s. His heart dropped. He switched topics, noting the shift in her demeanour. “After dinner, we’ll have to show you around the place. A proper tour.”

Sarita smiled. “I think you’d love to explore one of the storage closets we found. There are so many knick-knacks in there. I’m sure you can find something you’d want to keep.”

As Sarita and Matthew continued to rave about the safety and luxury the lodge provided, Kenny gave Clementine a tender stare. It was like he was silently squeezing her hand through a gaze - a way to tell her, ‘It’s okay’. That he understood, and that she could rely on him.

Kenny kept mostly silent, eyes fluttering between his excited housemates and the little girl who brought life back to his world. Clem’s eyes darted around the room on high alert. He wished he could hold her and convince her it was going to be fine. He wished he could hug her right then and there and assure her she was safe - that he wouldn’t let anything happen to her. As of today, she had someone looking out for her best interest. Kenny just wished she could take her burdens off of her shoulders so she could believe it.

As time waned, little by little, the new bundle of housemates stood and wandered away, ready to wash dishes, set up cots, and lay out sleeping bags for the night.

As Luke turned, ready to see how Clementine was holding up, Kenny turned his full focus to the child. Not only to put Luke in his place but to genuinely see what was pestering Clem’s mind.

“Hey darlin’,” he began, “are you okay?”

Clementine’s gaze latched onto the table. She needed to keep it together. At least until she was alone. She could be weak then. She was allowed to be weak then.

“Clem?” He frowned. “You can talk to me, Clem. About anything.”

She finally glanced up, and his worried, wide eyes broke the last piece of wounded rope that was holding her together; the notion that she was all alone and had to be strong.

Her tears welled and Kenny leapt from his seat, moving to her side of the table. He placed both hands on her shoulders to guide her and helped her to her feet. “Come on,” he hushed.

Luke watched in dismay as the little girl - one he had grown protective over - was escorted away. Her head hung low, her shoulders sagged, and her hat cast shadows over her pained gaze.

Kenny had a firm hand on her shoulder, keeping her close as he pulled her away from the main room. They turned a corner, approaching a nearby storage room for privacy, when Clementine finally broke down.

Clementine sobbed, heaving as her breaths became laboured. She felt as though her lungs were collapsing, her world was spinning and crumbling, and there she was, frozen in time, helpless to stop it.

Kenny knelt to her level, speaking softly to not upset her further. “Darlin’, what’s wrong?”

“Kenny,” Clementine managed to whimper out, head low, too ashamed to make eye contact. “I’m so sorry, I’m trying to be strong. But,” she sobbed. “I’m so scared.”

Kenny felt a knife to the gut. Did he want her to be strong? Of course, but to survive. In front of him, right now, wasn’t a girl that was surviving; she was a girl who was broken.

“Clem—”

“It’s been so long since I’ve been somewhere safe,” she said softly, her voice desperate and pleading. “I’ve been all alone and on the run. I can’t make it alone—” Clementine couldn’t catch her breath. Every attempt to inhale caused her to choke, her throat closing in.

“Hey, hey,” Kenny placed a hand on either arm, holding her steady and secure. He didn’t want her crumbling to the floor. He needed to show her that he was there. That he was willing to hold her up. “It’s okay now, Clem. You’re safe here.”

“How do you know that?” She asked in a desperate, pleading whisper. Clementine already knew the answer. “What if something happens to you? Or to me?”

Kenny lifted a hand to the side of her face, brushing away a tear with one of his worn, rough thumbs. “I won’t let anything happen to you, darlin’.”

“What if I get locked in a shed again?”

Kenny’s jaw clenched. His stomach curled. “What?” It sounded like a statement rather than a question he was directing toward her.

The group that they had brought into the safety of their care had done what to his little girl? How fucking dare they.

“They thought I was bitten.” She whispered, voice shaking. While she was still afraid of what the future would hold, she didn’t want Kenny to utterly hate the cabin crew. They weren’t terrible people, just looking out for their own - just like Kenny always had.

Kenny could’ve killed them. He could’ve locked them outside and forbade them from being let back in - kick them and send them on their merry way - but, seeing Clementine’s lip wobble and her lower in disappointment, he knew he had bigger priorities.

“Hey,” Kenny hushed, bringing her in for a tight hold. He could feel her fingers cool around the fabric of his jacket, clinging, desperate for him to not let her go.

He placed one hand on the back of her head, keeping her sight hidden from the world, and the other hand wrapped around her back. He needed her to stay close. He needed to hold her together for just a moment. “You’re okay, darlin’. Nothing like that is ever going to happen again.”

As he held her, stroking the back of her head and trying to calm her breathing, he could hear a creak in the floorboards.

It was Luke. He poked his head around the corner, frowning at the sight before him. Kenny wanted nothing more than to glare - to shoot daggers given what his group put his Clementine through - but he couldn’t bring himself to. Instead, he frowned, giving a solemn nod that he was taking care of it.

Luke gave a meek nod back, only briefly looking at Kenny before landing on the shattered girl in his arms.

Kenny held her a bit tighter, leaning his cheek on the top of her head. “I got you, darlin’. I’ll take care of you.”

Feeling her hands cling to his jacket and her head buried into his shoulder, for the first time in a long time, Kenny felt needed. Because he was.

Everything he did now, he did for Clementine. He would always do it for Clementine.

Until the very end, she would always be his reason.

━━━━━━

𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠𝙨 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜!! ₊˚⊹ 𝐭𝐢𝐩 𝐣𝐚𝐫   ♡    𝐟𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐦𝐬 𝐢 𝐰𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫

[terrak0]

If you could make one major change to TWDG, in anything from a character death to an important plot event, what would you change, and what would you have preferred to happen in place of that?

Ough, there is SO MUCH stuff I would change in the games, but for the sake of this ask I would change what happened with Sarah, because her getting no development and dying the way she did was just such a middle finger to fans who went out of their way to try and save her. It’s such wasted potential.

I would have her learning how to use a gun actually become important in later episodes. But it could also have unintended consequences.

Like maybe, because Sarah is so new to this and untrained with handling a gun, she ends up shooting and hurting someone by mistake (maybe she’s the one who shoots Matthew on the bridge instead of Nick 😲) which leads to further conflict with Carlos and he gets super pissed off because how dare Clementine teach Sarah how to use a gun behind his back?

It would also be a good parallel to how Clementine was a bit careless with her gun in the beginning of the season, and because of that Omid was killed.

If you saved her at the trailer park, then she would stay inside the observation area and out of the line of fire, preventing her from falling when the deck gets dropped. Using some of the medical knowledge she picked up from Carlos, she could try to help Rebecca while she’s having the baby.

She would slowly get better at using a gun, especially after Carlos death and Clem’s whole speech about how they can’t be kids anymore. By the time they get to the lake, she becomes a pretty good shot, keeping the walkers off of Luke with Bonnie while Clem attempts to help pull him out of the lake. And maybe, because Sarah is there to provide additional cover, you can determinately save Luke. But only if you saved Sarah in the trailer park.

The idea is that the game would kinda reward you for saving her, kinda like how S1 rewards you for saving Ben by giving us that awesome verbal smackdown he gives to Kenny, and Kenny’s “death” scene.

[t-bird510]

My TWDG S2 TV SHOW CONCEPT CHARACTER STATUS CHART!!!

NOTES:

1 - Clem, Duck, and Ben will be the S1 characters while Carly, Omid, and Christa will appear later on in Episode 5.

2 - Duck will be a older brother figure to Sarah and He will try to make a relationship with Sarita because of how he feels losing his mother Katjaa to the Zombie bite.

3 - Ben and Nick will be friends and will connect over people they have Lost and stuff like that. (Note! His Teacher and his classmates Fates are Not decided yet! These are just ideas and thoughts of mine!)

4 - Walter and Matthews Relationship will be explored more cause telltale had to get rid of good Gay romance!

5 - Luke would still have his Icy death but he would be saved by the commonwealth in a post credit scene!

6 - Sarah will get character development along with Nick because THEY WERE WASTED BY DAMN TELLTALE GAMES!!! (Note! No hate to the devs just my thoughts!)

JUSTICE FOR NICK AND BEN Though!!!

[bourbonificould]

The Red Walking Dead Series hits 100 kudos & 4,000 hits!

Couldn't have predicted that it would get this far, and there's still a half and more to go! Thank you all so much :)

[yunyuis-remade]

twdg s2 is so funny bc nick straight up did the hard thing with his own mom and would have with his uncle if needed, while kenny pissed away his chance for final words with duck by being in denial, and forcing "doing the hard thing" on a scared woman (lilly) and turning on lee for being bitten in the attic like.

nick is infinitely better than kenny despite shooting matthew (his only genuine crime) but bc the writers wanted to suck kenneth dick again, nick got abandoned and started the god awful trend of determinant characters barely saying or doing anything when theyre determinately dead

[the-delta-42]

The Walking Dead Game What Ifs: What if the Cabin group found Ericson’s instead of the Ski Lodge?

[First] [Previous] [Next]

Ericson

What if the Cabin group found Ericson’s instead of the Ski Lodge? Prompt Submitted by Worker72 on AO3

Clementine looked at the Cabin as they walked back past it, the group she was with had bumped into another group, headed by Kenny. They told them that they’d encountered a group led by a guy called Carver. So, they ended up back tracking, Kenny suggested that they stay off the paths, so that they would be a bit harder to spot at a distance.

“Y’know, a truck would be good right about now.” Huffed Luke, glancing up at Clementine and Kenny, “How’s the path ahead, Clem?”

“Clear, like a path.”

“Yeah, no shit.” Scowled Nick, getting a sigh from Matthew.

“I hate to be that guy, but can you watch the language?”

“How are you supposed to watch words?” Asked Clementine, looking back at them, “You can’t see words.”

“She’s got a point.” Said Rebecca, getting a small smile from Clementine.

“Besides, I don’t think anyone would want to fuck with us.” Clementine got a swat from Kenny.

“Language.”

“What?” Clementine frowned, “You can swear, why can’t I?”

“Because you’re a little girl.” Said Kenny, looking down at her, “You need to be eighteen before you can swear, smoke, drink and have a boyfriend.”

“But I need to drink.” Said Clementine, “Christa said I’d get dehydrated if I don’t.”

“I meant alcohol.”

“Oh.” Clementine was silent, “Is moonshine alcohol?”

The group came to a sudden stop, with Clementine walking a few feet ahead of them before noticing, “What?”

“Where did you find moonshine?” Demanded Kenny, as Luke frowned.

“Clem, that shed you took us to, where Nick was, what was it?” Asked Luke, giving Nick a suspicious look.

Clementine looked down and mumbled something, as Luke and Kenny slowly turned and looked at Nick.

“You gave her moonshine?”

“You gave a fucking child moonshine?!”

“Clem, was that what you meant by ‘he got drunk’?” Luke looked back at Clementine, who gave a guilty nod, “Right, Nick, gimme the gun.”

“Why?”

“Because you’re immature, now give me the gun.”

Nick looked unhappy about it, but handed Luke his rifle.

E

Clementine tried not to move when she heard someone walking through their camp. If they were here, then it meant that whoever was on watch was either dead or asleep. A shadow stopped over her, then a hand covered her mouth.

“Wake up, don’t make a sound.” A familiar voice whispered in her ear.

Clementine’s eyes widened, before she flipped over, “Christa!”

Christa shushed Clementine, looking around, “Did they hurt you?”

Clementine shook her head, “They’re not the guys that attacked us.”

“How are you sure?” Demanded Christa, “They could be part of a larger group.”

Clementine was prevented from refuting that by Kenny creeping up to them and putting his gun to Christa’s head.

“Kenny, it’s Christa!” Rushed Clementine, making both adults stiffen. Christa slowly turned and looked up at Kenny.

Kenny suddenly scowled and spun in his heel.

“What happened to Luke?” Asked Clementine, making Christa look at her.

“What?”

“The guy on watch, what happened to him?” Pressed Clementine, looking around.

“He walked off.” Said Christa, before they heard Kenny yell.

Everyone suddenly woke up, as Kenny stormed back into the camp and Luke hurried after him, hastily pulling his trousers up.

E

“Okay, push.” Clementine winced at how loud Rebecca was screaming. They had found an old store that, thankfully, was mostly empty of Walkers. Clementine, Christa and Luke dealt with them, there was a Walker that almost got Christa, but Clementine kicked its leg. It was surprisingly effective, Clementine dealt with the other Walkers she came across the same way. There were some working vehicles nearby, so Kenny had roped Luke and Nick into fix up an RV.

Glancing as Christa, Clementine saw the woman staring out into the distance, “Are… are you okay?”

“I’m fine.”

Clementine looked down and nodded. Christa looked at her, before wrapping and arm around her shoulders and pulling her close, “Get some sleep, Clem.”

E

AJ cooed up at Rebecca, they’d gotten the RV working, even if it was still a bit cramped on space.

“Tell me about this Carver guy.” Said Christa, looking around at them, “Clementine mentioned you were running from him.”

There was a tense silence, before Luke sighed, “Carver was the leader of a group we were in. He was alright, at the start, but then get… I dunno, changed. Started going on about survival of the fittest and all that. He… raped… some people. Pete found out and we split off. He’s been looking for us ever since.”

“Is he likely to follow us?” Asked Christa, as Clementine went up front with Kenny.

“I dunno, maybe.” Shrugged Luke, “We don’t know how far he might go.”

“Is he likely to follow us to Wellington?” Asked Sarita, as Matthew and Sarah played go fish.

“If we can get that far.” Muttered Nick, as Kenny drove around a pile of cars.

E

The RV spluttered to a stop outside an abandoned station. Sighing, Kenny got up, “Welp, that’s the RV busted.”

“Seriously?” Asked Christa, as Carlos checked on Rebecca and AJ, “Did that battery you found die already?”

Kenny shook his head, “Nope, the clutch and radiator. Things I can’t easily or quickly fix.”

“What now?” Asked Luke, as Clementine and Sarah were led out of the RV by Sarita.

“We walk.” Shrugged Kenny, “I mean, what else can we do?”

The rest of the group had just stepped off the RV when an arrow pierced one of the RV’s tyres.

Clementine frowned at the arrow, before she looked at the origin point for it. Spotting something move, Clementine grabbed a hunting knife and bolted towards the trees.

“Clementine!” Luke and Christa took off after her, just as Clementine jumped at something and knocked them to the group. Clementine started punching the person with the bow and didn’t see a chair leg coming towards her head, but Luke grabbing the owner’s wrist stopped them.

Christa wrapped an arm around Clementine’s midsection and hauled her off the person.

“Okay, what the fuck…” Kenny trailed off, before looking at them, “you’re kids.”

The two kids, looking to be a couple years older than Clementine, glared at them.

“What the fuck?” Swore Nick, as Clementine kicked her beating victim in the face.

“Marlon!” Yelled the boy with the chair leg, struggling against Luke’s grip.

“Clementine.” Christa reprimanded Clementine, giving her a look.

E

Clarissa frowned as Marlon and Louis led a group of people into the school. Especially since Marlon had bruises forming on his face.

“What happened?” Demanded Clarissa, striding past Ruby and Brody.

“Your kids shot at us.” Said a man in a flannel shirt, gesturing to a small girl, “And, Clementine’s got a short fuse.”

“I think you can just say she’s short.” Clarissa sent Justin a disapproving look.

Clarissa frowned, before nodding, looking around and freezing at the sight of a woman with a baby, “You’re not raiders.”

“You don’t know that!” Argued Mitch, as Violet joined them.

“What raiders carry a newborn baby?” Asked Clarissa, before looking back at the group, “I suppose some introductions are in order.”

The man in the flannel nodded, introducing himself as Carlos, a doctor, his daughter Sarah, Luke, Nick, Clementine, Alvin, Rebecca and their son Alvin Jr, AJ for short, Christa, Kenny, Sarita, Walter and Matthew.

Luke and Nick were good hunters and trackers, which could help them gather food. Alvin and Kenny were decent mechanics, Sarita, Christa, Rebecca and Matthew were guards/supply runners for their previous groups. Walter was a good cook, something Omar took to be a good thing. Clementine, while a bit abrasive, managed to gel with Minerva and Mitch, with Clementine developing an almost sibling-like bond with the latter. Sarah was an anxiety ridden mess, but Clarissa was set on teaching the girl how to patch people up, asking Ruby to help teach her.

Clarissa bit back a wince as Clementine and Mitch wrestled over Clementine’s hat. Then Clementine let out a gasp and grabbed her left arm, “Fuck.”

Clarissa’s eyebrows shot into her hair as Clementine’s arm started bleeding profusely, “What happened?”

“Clem got bit by a dog a few weeks back,” Explained Luke, “We… mistook it as a Lurker bite. Didn’t immediately treat it. By the time Pete and I managed to convince everyone that she would’ve shown more bite victim signs, she’d broken out, patched herself up and killed a Lurker.”

Clarissa blinked, before rolling Clementine’s sleeve up. Examining it, Clarissa gestured for Ruby to come over.

“What are you doing?” Demanded Kenny, as Ruby crouched down, bringing Sarah with her, next to Clementine.

“Okay, what’s the first thing we do?” Asked Clarissa, having Ruby examine the wound.

“Clean it.” Said Ruby, making Clementine wrench her arm free.

“No.” Clementine tried to scoot away.

Frowning, Clarissa looked at Carlos, “Did she clean it when she stitched herself up?”

Carlos nodded, “Poured the bottle onto it, ended up dropping it.”

Clarissa sighed, “Okay, Clementine, when you cleaned it yourself, you did it wrong. Ruby.”

Ruby reached out and, with surprising gentleness, firmly held Clementine’s injured arm. Clarissa took the peroxide from her pocket and pressed the top of bottle to some cloth, “This is going to sting.”

Clarissa pressed the soaked cloth into the wound.

“Motherfu—”

E

Clementine, sulking, sucked on the lollipop Ms. Martin gave her. Clementine didn’t want to call her Clarissa. She was in the ‘watchtower’ even though she didn’t think a platform with a roof could be called a tower.

“Still sulkin’ about your arm?” Asked Luke, dropping down next to her.

“No.” Lied Clementine, “She took my gun.”

“She didn’t want to aggravate your arm while it healed.” Said Luke, looking around, “Kenny, Nick, Christa and me are gonna clear out some of the infested areas, so everything has a set place.”

Clementine nodded, rolling the sweet over her tongue, “Is that dog still there?”

Luke looked down, “Nope, looks like Rosie’s gone.”

Clementine let out a sigh, before looking at Luke, “Can I have a gun?”

“No.”

“Hmph.” Clementine glared out into the forest.

E

“You know,” Luke looked up at Nick, “I think Carver’s given up on us.”

Luke rolled his eyes and went back to skinning the animal, they managed to find one that didn’t have bite marks on it roaming around, and with the long-life food in the canteen and fully stocked pantry, they had enough to last them a while, even if they weren’t rationing it out.

They heard some unsteady notes being played on the piano, as well as Minerva singing to someone. In the music room, Clementine tried not to wince as Louis clumsily pressed the piano keys. Louis looked nervous, wilting slightly when Justin scoffed at him.

“Why do you keep doing this?” Sneered Justin, “You fucking suck.”

“Then why don’t you play?” Asked Clementine, flatly, “If you think you can do better, prove it.”

Justin sneered at her, only for Marlon to clear his throat, “Justin, she fights dirty.”

Justin huffed, while a girl, Erin, started laughing, “Ooh, Justin got told.”

Justin just scowled and glared at Clementine.

E

Everything was hectic. The adults were having them gather in the dorms, AJ being left with Clementine and Sarah, some of Carver’s people had turned up at the gate. Two of the people, a girl a couple years older than Clementine and a boy the same age, Becca and Gill, was put with them. Clementine, after making sure AJ was safe, snuck out of the dorms.

Kenny didn’t know what to think of Vince and his group, Vince brought weapons with him, Kenny adjusted the scope on his rifle, keeping an eye out for anyone else coming for them. Meanwhile, Vince had Russell, Wyatt, Shel and Mike guard all the entrances into the grounds. Jane, Bonnie, Randy and Patricia were with Luke and Nick. Carlos and some others were set up in an office, in case they had any serious injuries.

“So,” Vince looked at Jane, “what’s the plan?”

“We fight.” Shrugged Vince, “What else can we do?”

E

Carver arrived, with another group, smaller than theirs. They’d received few injuries, Luke, Nick and Mike were shot, Rebecca was stabbed, Alvin and Matthew had been killed, and some of the kids, including Clementine and AJ, were taken.

“We gotta find ‘em.” Said Kenny, waving Carlos away from his destroyed eye, “That woman he was with, her name’s Lilly. She’s crazy.”

“What’s the point?” Scoffed Jane, “Getting them back would be a waste of time.”

“The fuck is that supposed to mean?” Snarled Rebecca, glaring at Jane.

“We don’t know where they’re being kept, we don’t know if they’re being kept alive, and we don’t know how we’ll get them back.” Listed Jane, “Just cut them loose.”

Jane seemed unbothered by the combined glares of the group.

“Anyway,” Vince got their attention, “we need to plan this out, we can’t just charge in there, guns blazing.”

E

Clementine glared up at Lilly, she’d hoped that they wouldn’t meet again, but now they were standing on opposite sides of a cage. Lilly, obviously seeing that trying to appeal to Clementine was getting her nowhere, decided to speak, “Where’s Lee?”

Clementine froze, as Lilly continued to speak, “I mean, you were practically glued to him at the Motel. What happened? Did he and Kenny fall out? Did he get shot?” Lilly gave Clementine a smirk, “Did you get him killed?”

Clementine stiffened up and swallowed.

“Oh,” Lilly’s smirk widened, “did you get him bit? Let me guess, where was it? His arm? I’m assuming he bled to death.” Lilly’s smirk turned into a malicious grin, “How many people have you gotten killed, Clementine?”

Clementine tried to speak, but found she was unable to.

“Ben’s not with you, so you must’ve gotten him killed too, the same goes for Katjaa and Duck.” Lilly continued to talk, “I wonder how Kenny put up with you. Walking bad luck, I guess that’s what you are.”

“Y-you’re wrong.” Choked Clementine, making Lilly scoff.

“What?” Sneered Lilly, “Trying to deny murdering people?”

“You murdered Carley.”

Lilly scowled, before an unpleasant smirk formed on her face, “I wonder what she’s say about you now, huh? Maybe you think you're some tough bitch? Like nothing can hurt you, but you're just a scared little girl. Maybe that’s what she’d think of you. Maybe that’s what you know about yourself.”

Clementine felt her throat grow tight, before Lilly gave her a final smirk and sauntered away. Clementine unconsciously backed into the wall of her cell and slid down on it until she was sitting on the floor.

“Clementine?” Minerva tried to get Clementine’s attention, “Clem!”

“Who’s Lee?” Asked Violet, “To you, I mean.”

“H-he,” Clementine’s voice was thick, “He looked after me when it started. L-lilly’s right, I-I did get him killed.”

“Did he blame you for it?” Asked Violet, as Clementine slowly regained composure.

“N-no, he didn’t.”

“Then you shouldn’t blame yourself.” Shrugged Violet, “Lilly’s words don’t mean anything.”

Clementine swallowed and nodded, “R-right. We need to get out of here.”

“Why don’t we just wait for them to get us?” Asked Becca, sitting up.

“Because they don’t know where we are.” Stated Aasim, “Then there’s AJ, wherever that Carver guy took him.”

Clementine, frowning at the gate. Walking up to it, she pulled on it and pushed it. The gate swung open, as the others all pushed on their gates.

“All of them were unlocked.” Said Minerva, dumbly.

E

Kenny brought Chairles down on Carver’s head, “Where.The.Fuck.Are.They?!”

Carver just laughed at him, before Kenny broke through his skull and killed him. Kenny snarled, “Fucker.”

Meanwhile, Clementine, having sent Aasim, Violet, Minerva and Becca off, looked for AJ. Finding a gun and a ton of bullets, Clementine snuck around. Spotting a man walking around, Clementine steeled herself and imagined him as a Walker. The man was dead in an instant. Clementine continued to pretend the people were Walkers, until she finally found AJ, with Lilly standing beside him.

Lilly looked up and froze as the sight of Clementine, “Clementine? How’d you get out?”

“The doors were unlocked.” Said Clementine, “I thought about what you said.”

Lilly’s face curled into a sneer, “Oh?”

“You’re wrong.” Stated Clementine, “We went to Savannah, I let myself be convinced that my parents were still alive. They weren’t. But, I’ve moved past that, I’ve made my peace with it. But you, your dad was already dead and you had the gall to call Lee and Kenny monsters.”

“He could’ve been saved.”

“His heart stopped and he wasn’t breathing!” Yelled Clementine, “He was dead, and your stupidity almost got us locked in a meat locker with a Walker. He had to be put down. But Carley, we were on the side of the road, and you shot her. You fucking shot her because she wasn’t scared of you. And neither am I, not anymore.”

“Clementine, don’t do something you’ll regret.” Clementine thought she heard a nervous twinge in Lilly’s voice.

“I won’t.” Said Clementine, before squeezing the trigger.

E

“This way.” Said Aasim, as they ran up to the school’s gates, “Guys!”

The gates swung open, and Shel rushed out and grabbed Becca, “Oh, thank god.”

Luke frowned, “Where’re Clem and AJ?”

“She went looking for him.” Answered Aasim, “They were keeping us in some train cars.”

Kenny looked down at them, before nodding. He hadn’t gotten two feet away, when they saw a massive herd of Walkers.

“Shit,” Cursed Luke, “Everyone, inside. Now.”

Kenny, reluctantly, followed them back into the school. Looking around, Kenny swallowed, before moving over to a couch. He sat down, with Sarita joining him.

“She’ll be fine, Ken.” Whispered Sarita, “She’s a survivor, like you said.”

Kenny let out a shallow sigh, wincing as he ran a hand down his face, “I can’t lose her, not again.”

Sarita sighed, giving him a gentle kiss, “She’ll be fine, she’s smart.”

On top of the watchtower, Nick spotted something amongst the Walkers. It appeared to be another Walker, but it was wearing Clementine’s hat, and it was hunched over, like it was shielding something. Freezing as he caught sight of the Walker’s face. Clementine looked gaunt and sickly, something happened to her left leg, and she was limping through the Walkers. Nick realised, with a sudden jolt, that Clementine was holding AJ.

“Guys!” Yelled Nick, looking down, “Clem’s back, and she’s hurt.”

Kenny, hearing this, got up and rushed to the gate, his eye landing on Clementine. As soon as she was close enough, Kenny pulled the gate opened and pulled Clementine inside.

“Clem,” Gasped Luke, looking at her, “What happened?”

Clementine was covered head to toe in Walker blood and guts, Kenny crouched down and looked at Clementine’s face, freezing when he saw Clementine crying.

“I-I had to.” Choked Clementine, “I had to.”

Luke stiffening, snatched AJ from her and checked him over, “He’s fine.”

“Clem,” Asked Kenny, “What did you have to do?”

“I-I had to kill Lilly.” Choked Clementine, “She, she would’ve come after us.”

Kenny sighed, “Thank god you’re safe.”

Clementine looked down, before pulling her left trouser leg up, revealing a crescent shaped bite mark on her leg.

“No.” Said Kenny, shaking his head, “No!”

“Kenny?” Clementine’s voice was small, “I don’t feel good.”

Clementine pitched forwards, making Kenny catch her.

“Infirmary. Now.” Ordered Clarissa, directing Kenny to her ‘new-ish’ work station. Quickly clearing a table, Clarissa started to tourniquet Clementine’s leg. Kenny was ushered out by Carlos, losing sight of Clementine when the door shut.

E

Kenny silently worked on the school bus Louis had found. Glancing back at the graves, Kenny spotted Mitch putting Clementine’s hat on one of the graves. Swallowing, Kenny went back to working on the bus.

“Kenny?” Christa’s voice reached his ears, “You alright?”

“Me?” Kenny let out a scoff, “I’m fucking fantastic.”

Christa gave Kenny a half-hearted glare, before looking around, “Still thinking of going to Wellington?”

“Nope.” Answered Kenny, “I mean, we basically got what we were looking for here. It’s nice, hearing kids again.”

Christa let out a sigh, “Do you think Lee’s looking down at us?”

“I hope not,” Chuckled Kenny, “I’ve done some things that I’d prefer remain private.”

Christa sighed, “I hope Rebecca recovers soon, AJ is a nightmare.”

“Nah, he just knows who he likes.” Dismissed Kenny, stepping away from the bus, “I think I’ll call it a day with this.”

Christa nodded, “Yeah, Walter and Omar have finished dinner.”

“That’s nice.” Said Kenny, “Who’s taking the soup up?”

“Brody’s already volunteered herself.” Shrugged Christa, “They’ve saved you a seat.”

Kenny nodded, spotting a couple of crutches resting against the table, and not too far away was Clementine, laughing at something Louis said.

Ericson might not be Wellington, but it had everything they needed.

Next Story: What if AJ wasn’t at McCarroll Ranch?

[thecrusadercomrade]

What-Ifs of Telltale's the Walking Dead Chapter 21: What If Nick Didn't Kill Matthew?

Summary: When Nick goes to shoot at the stranger he thinks is robbing his friends, he hesitates for just a few seconds. Those extra seconds provide an opportunity for logic to reassert itself.

Read on AO3!

Read from the beginning!

[kanencrow]

Request Guidelines/Masterlist Links

Here's a simple post that goes a bit more in depth on what I feel comfortable with writing, as well as what I don't feel comfortable writing. I'm a multi-fandom writer, but I think it'll be better if I clarify which fandoms I'm willing to write for, as well as which characters in said fandom I'm willing to write for.

Fandoms/Characters I Write For:

The Walking Dead:

Clementine

Violet

Ruby

Brody

Spiderverse:

Gwen Stacy/Spider-Gwen

Black Cat/Felicia Hardy

Yellowjackets:

Natalie Scatorccio

Lottie Matthews

Van Palmer

Shauna Shipman

Jackie Taylor

Taissa Turner

Misty Quigley

Fallout (Prime Show):

Lucy Maclean

Lee Moldaver

Fallout 4:

Cait

Curie

Piper Wright

Honestly, request whatever you want when it comes to how you would like the reader to identify in your requests. This means I'm more than happy to write for my fem, masc, trans, and nonbinary readers. By default, I do use they/them pronouns in my posts, but if you specifically request certain pronouns or whatever the case may be, then I'll be more than happy to do that for you. Just ask! :)

As for the characters, I'm more than happy to do the same thing. Whether it be making them transmasc, transfem, nonbinary, or anything else that my brain is struggling to think of atm. I want everyone to feel included, so don't be shy to inquire if you're confused about something, either!

Genres I Will Write:

Fluff

Angst

Poly

Hurt/Comfort

Alternate Universes

NSFW (depends on my comfortability)

If you are wanting to request a particular AU, all I ask is that you give me some detail of the idea you've got, just so I'm not doing your request a disservice.

What I Won't Write:

Non-Consensual Relationships

Discriminatory/Hateful Relationships

It'll really be up to me on whether the request is too intense or not. I'm usually easy going on what I will write, though the things I listed are things that I'm usually not going to be comfortable doing, if requested.

At the end of the day, I want this blog to be a safe place for everyone, so please be respectful with your messages and requests.

With that being said, though, request till your hearts content!

TWDG Masterlist

Spiderverse Masterlist

Yellowjackets Masterlist

Fallout 4 Masterlist

Fallout Prime Show Masterlist

Fic Ideas/To-Do List