Chapter 11: The Struggle Within
Author Note: Since no one provided suggestions for the baby's name, I reached out to a friend, and together we decided on the fate, name, and other details for Omid and Christa's baby.
16 Months Later
The group has been surviving for quite a while now. Christa had her baby, a little girl that she and Omid decided to name Olivia.
It's been tough these few months, especially with the baby here now. After everything happened at that public restroom, we never saw that girl again or her group.
But the stress from us constantly watching our backs, wondering if they were out there looking for us, took its toll. Christa went into labor, even though it wasn't time yet. Olivia came out loud and strong.
Christa: The woods are too wet to burn. It's more smoke than flame. At this rate, we'll be eating this for breakfast.
Omid: It's okay, Hun. We'll make it work.
Omid held Olivia in his arms and said,
Clementine: I'm freezing.
Christa chuckled and said, "You think this is bad? Wait until we get to Wellington, and then talk to me about cold."
Clementine: Is it safe there?
Yhwach: Yes, if the rumors are true, then perhaps it will be a safe haven.
Lee: Don't worry, Clem. Like what Yhwach just said, if the rumors are true, then it will be safe there.
Clementine: I believe you, Lee.
Christa: I'm gonna go look for more wood; you just keep the fire lit.
Omid: Do you want me to come with you?
Christa: No, that's okay, hun. You stay with little Olivia here.
Yhwach got up and walked over to the fire, poking at it to keep it going. Clementine watched on silently as Yhwach tossed a small log onto the fire. Yhwach reached into his pocket, pulling out a book and a lighter. Yhwach ripped a few papers from the book he was reading and threw them into the fire. He was about to light it up when he looked up at Clementine, asking her if she wanted to learn how to make a campfire.
Clementine looked at Yhwach, a glimmer of curiosity in her eyes. She nodded, showing her interest in learning the skill.
Yhwach: Making a fire can be crucial for survival, especially in these conditions. You'll need to know how to do it on your own.
Clementine approached Yhwach, and he handed her the lighter.
Yhwach: The key is finding dry materials, like twigs, leaves, or small branches. You start small, then gradually add larger pieces of wood.
As Yhwach guided her through the process, Clementine listened attentively, absorbing the information. She watched the flames dance as the fire grew, feeling a sense of accomplishment.
Yhwach: Fire can keep you warm, scare off predators, and even cook food if you have any.
Clementine: (smiling) Thanks, Yhwach. It's good to know.
Yhwach nodded, acknowledging her gratitude.
Lee approached the scene, having observed their interaction.
Lee: Teaching Clementine some survival skills?
Yhwach: (nodding) It's essential. We can't rely on luck alone out here.
The group gathered around the fire, the warmth providing a brief respite from the harsh reality of their world. Olivia cooed in Omid's arms, seemingly oblivious to the challenges around her.
As they sat around the flickering flames, the glow highlighting their faces, the group found a moment of solace in each other's company. Yet, the ever-present uncertainty of their future lingered in the air.
Clementine: (looking at the fire) We're like a little family, aren't we?
Lee: (smiling) Yeah, we are. And families stick together.
The tranquil atmosphere of the camp was abruptly shattered by the distant echoes of a man's voice, demanding answers.
Man: Don't lie to us! How many people you got with you?
Yhwach and Lee swiftly rose to their feet, their focused gazes synchronized on the source of the interrogation. Christa stammered nervously.
Christa: I... I'm by myself!
Omid sprang up instantly, ready to join the fray, but Lee intervened.
Lee: No, Omid, stay with Olivia. Yhwach, stick with Omid just in case. Clem and I will check it out. Take this, just in case you need it.
Lee tossed a gun to Omid.
Omid: Okay, but hurry.
Clementine and Lee moved towards the origin of the voice alongside Christa.
Second Man: You're obviously with someone. Where are the rest of your people?
Lee and Clementine found cover behind a tree, Lee gripping his gun.
Clementine: Lee, we gotta help Christa.
Lee aimed his gun and shot one of the men in the foot, prompting him to yell. Lee then urged Christa to run.
Lee: Christa, run!
She sprinted towards them.
They swiftly retraced their steps back to the camp, where Yhwach and Omid stood, holding the box with Olivia.
Lee: We have to go now!
A third man shouted that they were spotted as the group darted into the woods. While running, Clementine slipped and tumbled down a muddy slope.
Without hesitation, Yhwach and Lee leaped after her, separating from Christa and Omid.
Lee: Clem, hold on, we're coming!
Reaching the bottom, they rushed to Clementine's aid. As one of the men aimed at them from the top of the slope, Yhwach retaliated, causing him to slip and fall.
Lee helped Clementine up, and they continued running without looking back. Hours passed before they paused.
Clementine: Do you think Christa, Omid, and the baby got away safe?
Lee: I hope so. I'm sure we'll meet them soon.
The wind rustled through the trees, and Clementine clung to Lee's remaining arm.
Yhwach: It's fine, Clementine. It's just—
Yhwach paused as a German Shepherd emerged from behind the bushes.
Clementine: A dog!
Lee: Careful, Clem. He could be dangerous.
Yhwach: The dog's name is Sam.
Clementine: Maybe his owners are nearby?
Sam barked and led the way.
As they emerged from the woods, they discovered a destroyed camp with a battered camper van. Inside, Lee found a picture of Sam with a family— a woman, a man, and a child younger than Clementine.
Lee: Clem, Yhwach, there's nothing here. Let's—
Turning around, Lee saw Clementine rummaging through a trash can. Before he could ask, she pulled out a can of beans.
Clementine: Yes, finally!
Lee: Good job, Clem. Now we have to find something to open the can of beans with.
Sam barked, drawing their attention. Yhwach found a piece of cardboard behind a log. He poured some beans on it and offered it to Sam, instructing them on being cautious with hungry dogs.
Clementine fed Sam while Lee and Yhwach watched. Afterward, they prepared to move, not wanting to linger in the exposed camp.
After Clementine finished eating, we prepared to leave the abandoned camp, mindful of the lack of protective walls.
Yhwach: Let's keep moving. We have to find somewhere safer than this, maybe locate Christa and Omid.
Clementine tossed the can on the ground and stood up, nodding. As we walked away from the camp, Sam followed closely behind.
Clementine: I guess we have a dog now?
She questioned, rubbing the top of Sam's head as he walked next to her.
Lee looked down, shaking his head with a smile.
Lee: Sure, Clem. He deserves to survive too.
Clementine seemed genuinely happy, a rare sight since the tragedy involving her parents. Losing them had undoubtedly taken a toll on her, but in this moment, there was a spark of joy.
We observed as Clem followed Sam through the woods, the dog sniffing around. Suddenly, Sam looked up and started growling. I peered in the direction he was facing, spotting a few walkers staggering toward us.
Lee: Clem! Run!
Lee yelled as we ran towards her. Without hesitation, Clem sprinted ahead with Sam close behind.
More walkers emerged from behind the trees.
Lee: Damn!
Lee gritted his teeth, pulling his gun out to shoot a few down. However, Lee's ammo was running low, and his gun eventually stopped firing.
Lee: Yhwach, help me out here.
Yhwach quickly joined Lee, utilizing his sword to efficiently dispatch the walkers. Lee, despite the challenges of his missing arm, fought fiercely alongside Yhwach, relying on his experience and determination.
Yhwach: Keep moving, Lee! We can't stay here!
As the immediate threat was dealt with, the three of them continued through the woods, catching up with Clementine. Sam barked, sensing the tension in the air. The group moved swiftly, leaving the relentless walkers behind.
Clementine: What happened back there?
Lee: Just a little hiccup, Clem. We need to stay vigilant. There might be more of them around.
The group pressed on, and after a while, they reached a clearing with a makeshift shelter, possibly left by other survivors.
Clementine: Think it's safe here?
Yhwach: We should stay cautious. Settling down in the open might attract unwanted attention.
Lee: We need to rest, though. Keep an eye out, and let's take turns keeping watch.
The group settled in, and Sam laid down, keeping a watchful eye on his new companions. Yhwach took the first watch, his Quincy senses alert to any potential threats.
As the night wore on, Lee and Clementine found themselves engaged in a quiet conversation.
Clementine: Lee, do you think we'll find Christa and Omid?
Lee: I sure hope so, Clem. We can't give up on them.
Clementine: I miss them. Especially Omid's jokes.
Lee: (smiling) Yeah, he had a way of lightening the mood.
The night passed without incident, and as dawn approached, the group prepared to continue their journey.
Yhwach: We should move before more walkers find us. Keep your guard up.
The group, now accompanied by Sam, was about to run when more walkers approached from the direction they were heading in.
Clementine: Lee, Yhwach, what do we do?
Before they could respond, one of the walkers' heads suddenly detached from its body, dropping to the ground, revealing an unknown man swinging something sharp. An older man appeared, and they both fought off the walkers.
Older Man: Let's go! Don't just stand there!
The older man shouted to them. Lee grabbed Clementine's hand, and Yhwach ran off towards them, following them through the woods.
Once they were far enough away from the walkers, they stopped to catch their breath.
Younger Guy: I think we lost them.
The younger guy said, looking back at the empty forest behind them.
Older Guy: You guys alone?
The older man asked, looking from Lee to Yhwach to Clem and then down at Sam, who was laying down, licking at his paw next to her.
Yhwach: Yes, we got separated from our people. Bandits attacked us.
Younger Guy: Did they say what they wanted? Or if they were looking for someone?
The younger man questioned, glancing over at the older man.
Lee: They cornered a girl in our group. They wanted to know where her group was.
Lee answered honestly, wondering why he was being asked this.
Older Guy: What's your name, young man?
The older man questioned. Lee chuckled at the "Young Man" comment and shook his head.
Lee: I'm Lee, that's Yhwach, and this is Clementine.
Older Guy: Right, it's nice to meet you, Lee, Yhwach, and Clementine.
The older man smiled, causing Clementine to look up at him.
Pete: I'm Pete, and this is my nephew, Luke.
He smiled down at her.
Clementine: Hi, have you seen our friends? Christa and Omid... They have a baby.
Luke: No, sorry. We haven't seen anyone with a baby walking around.
Clementine looked at them with a worried expression.
Lee: Don't worry, Clem. I'm sure they're fine.
Pete: I can't leave you guys out here alone when you've got a little girl with you, especially in your condition, no offense, big guy.
Yhwach: None taken.
Pete: About you guys come back with us to our group. You can rest up for the night, and then if you want to leave in the morning, you're more than welcome.
Clementine: You have food?
Luke: Not much, but we got enough for now. We don't mind helping.
Pete: So... You three wouldn't happen to know anyone by the name of Carver? Would you?
Pete asked as they approached the cabin.
Yhwach: No, who is this "Carver"?
Lee: Carver? No, I don't think we've heard of him. Why do you ask? Who is he?
Pete: Just making sure. He's not important.
He responded, ignoring Yhwach's question after staring at Lee for a second.
Pete and Luke led them into the cabin, where they were introduced to their group: a pregnant woman named Rebecca and her husband Alvin, a doctor named Carlos and his daughter Sarah, and Luke's best friend Nick.
Carlos: What happened to your arm? If you don't mind me asking.
Lee: A little over a year ago, I was bit. Yhwach made a suggestion to cut off the bitten limb, and I agreed. Well, I owe him my life.
Clementine still blamed herself for what happened. Yhwach and I tried telling her that it wasn't her fault, but she's already convinced. We try not to bring it up anymore.
Rebecca: You guys got pretty lucky. Your daughter could have ended up alone... Possibly dead even. I would never put my baby through that.
Alvin: Rebecca, you—
Alvin started but was interrupted by Clementine.
Clementine: You don't know what you're talking about. He lost his arm being a hero. Someone made me believe they had my parents, and I ran away to meet them. Lee got bit trying to get me back. Maybe next time, you'll think before you decide to speak on something you know nothing about.
Carlos: So... She's not your daughter, then?
Lee: I found her when everything went to shit. But I love her as if she were my child.
Lee smiled, wrapping his arm around Clementine, who still had a glare on her face.
Rebecca: I'm sorry.
Lee nodded, deciding to keep quiet. Luke gave them some food before showing them to an empty room where they could sleep. It didn't take long for them to eventually fall asleep.
Clementine's POV:
Lee decided that we should stay here a little longer, so Pete invited him to check out the fish traps they had laid out.
Pete: Clementine can stay at the house, give us adults some time to chat.
Yhwach: That won't be necessary. Clementine's tougher than she looks. She's coming with us.
Pete: Suit yourself. It's good you got her like that. This world's no place for the weak.
And so, Pete, Yhwach, Lee, Nick, and I headed out to check on the traps together. Yhwach and Pete made small talk while we walked, but I wasn't paying much attention to their conversation.
Nick: Hey, I just wanted to apologize for the way Rebecca acted last night. She's just having a hard time trusting people since we ran away from Carver.
Clementine: Don't worry about it. She doesn't bother me. I'm not afraid of her.
Nick: She's not so bad once you get to know her.
Nick added. I ignored him and continued to walk.
Lee: What the hell.
Lee said as he, Yhwach, and Pete suddenly stopped. Nick joined them to see what they were looking at. I pushed past Lee to see and gasped at the sight.
Dozens of corpses littered the ground in front of us. Pete walked up to one of the corpses to get a better look and shook his head.
Pete: Full of holes.
Lee: Who do you think did this?
Pete: Not sure yet, but it ain't your average gang of thugs, that much I know.
Yhwach: You should stay alert. Anything could happen at any moment, Pete.
Pete: I hear you loud and clear, Yhwach.
Nick: Think about it, You're Carver, what do you do?
Lee: You think he coulda did something like this?
Pete: Can't tell. Let's search the bodies, see if anyone's still alive to tell us what happened here.
Lee and I crossed over the water to the other side to check the other bodies. As Lee checked one body, I slowly approached another nearby.
Once I was in clear view of the person's face, I gasped. He looked like a male version of the girl from the restrooms.
Clementine: You were with that group... The one that attacked us.
He coughed roughly and groaned out a low response.
Man: Water.
Clementine: Where's Christa and Omid? Did you hurt them?
Lee: Clem? You okay?
Clementine: It's one of the guys who attacked us. He might know where Christa and Omid are.
But when I looked down at the man, he was already dead. I sighed, taking my knife out and stabbing him in the head so he wouldn't come back.
Clementine: He was alive when I found him. Maybe if he's here, Christa and Omid are close too!
Nick: Where the hell are you going? We gotta get the fuck outta here.
Pete: Gotta check the rest.
Nick: What?? Why?
Pete: Calm down and think about it, son.
Nick: Calm down? We've gotta get out of here now!
Lee: I think Nick's right. These are the same people who attacked my group. I don't think we should stick around for much longer.
Pete: Someone might be alive. They could tell us what happened here. We have to do this now.
Lee: Clem, stay over here with Nick. I'm gonna go help Pete and Yhwach.
Nick: This is a dumb idea.
Clementine: It's okay. Lee is with them.
Nick: Lee has one arm. I doubt he'll be much help.
Clementine: Don't talk about him like that. Lee is stronger than you and your whole group combined. He might be missing an arm, but he got me this far and I'm just fine.
I watched from the other side of the river as Lee, Yhwach, and Pete checked on a body. The body jumped up, reaching out, grabbing for Pete's leg.
Yhwach exclaimed, pulling Pete back before letting Lee shoot the walker in the head.
Nick: Uncle Pete!
Yhwach: Take Clementine back to the Cabin. We got this!
I didn't look back until I could see the Cabin, and luckily, Nick was close behind me. We rushed into the cabin out of breath to find Alvin, Luke, and Rebecca sitting in the kitchen.
Luke: What happened to you guys?
Clementine: We were attacked, walkers. We got separated from Lee, Yhwach, and Pete.
Carlos stepped into the kitchen as I explained what happened.
Luke: We gotta go find them.
Luke said, standing up. Alvin stood up as well, but Rebecca grabbed his arm.
Alvin: I'm going too. I'll be fine, baby.
Alvin assured her, but she wasn't having it.
Rebecca: If you're going, I'm going.
Carlos: Stay here with Sarah. Please watch her and don't tell her where we are going. It'll only worry her.
Clementine: Sarah is older than me. She's gonna have to grow up sometime.
Carlos: That's not your decision to make. Now just watch her.
I opened a door to one of the upstairs bedrooms and was blinded by a flashing light.
Sarah: Say cheese.
Sarah said, taking a picture of me.
Sarah: I found this under the house; there was all kinds of cool stuff.
Sarah: It's so cool, take one of me. Come on, take one of me.
I sighed, taking the camera.
Clementine: Okay, sure. But you shouldn't scare people like that.
I said, holding the camera up and snapping a picture of her.
The picture came out, and I looked down at it, my mind drifting off to Lee and Yhwach. I didn't want to think about the possibility that both of them wouldn't be coming back.
Sarah: What's wrong?... Um... Where's my dad?
Clementine: He'll be fine.
Sarah: Are you sure?
Sarah: I'm sorry, I just need to-
She paused, taking a breath before looking out the window.
Sarah: Hey! Luke's back!
I looked out the window, seeing someone walk past, but I didn't catch a good enough glimpse of them.
I left the room, going downstairs where Sarah was standing, hiding behind a wall.
Sarah: That's not Luke, Clem, I think I know him.
She whispered in fear as Sam growled at the door.
The person stood on the outside of the door, knocking, causing Sarah to panic more.
Sarah: He can't see me; you have to make him go away.
Clementine: Go and find somewhere to hide.
She looked from side to side before looking back at me.
Sarah: Where?
She asked before beginning to panic again as the person on the other side of the door knocked again.
Sarah: Clem..I can't breathe...I
She struggled to catch her breath. I shushed her before slowly making my way towards the front door. No way was I opening the door for him. I reached my hand out to lock the door
Man: "Hello there," the man said as he looked down at me with a smile. Sam growled lightly as I held onto his collar.
Clementine: Get out of here. Now.
The man looked down at Sam as he responded.
Man: Is that how your dad taught you to greet a neighbor?
Clementine: I've got a gun.
Man: Smart girl. I would too. But I'm not a bad guy, honey. Promise you that.
He smiled, but I could tell he wasn't being genuine. He was just trying to manipulate me because he thinks I'm a stupid child. He doesn't know me at all; Yhwach taught me how to avoid manipulation. I better put those lessons to the test.
Man: My family and I are set up a ways down the river. I'm kinda surprised we haven't run into each other yet. What's your name?
He asked when I didn't respond to his last statement.
Tired of talking to the strange man, I closed the door in his face, but he stopped it, pushing it back open, causing Sam to start barking. I calmed him as the man began to talk.
Man: Hey, Y'know, I'm sorry to disturb you and your dog. I only need a couple of minutes of your time.
He looked around, ignoring the fact that I clearly didn't want him here.
Man: This is a nice place... Is there anyone else around?
Man: You don't usually see cabins this big.
Clementine: We have a big group. Lots.
Man: Oh.
He raised an eyebrow with a smirk.
Man: How big?
Clementine: Dozens. They'll be back soon.
I crossed my arms, hoping he believed me.
Man: And they left you here all alone? They must trust you.
He smirked. I stared up at him without responding, leading him to continue.
Man: I'll cut to the chase; I'm out looking for my people. Seven of them, to be exact. They've been gone a long while, and... I'm worried they might've gotten lost. Maybe you've seen 'em. A couple of farm boys and an old man. Spanish guy and his daughter. Quiet girl, bit taller than you. Big black guy, and a pretty little pregnant lady.
He went on describing Pete and his group.
Oh, so this is the infamous Carver. The one that Pete and his group are so afraid of. I stayed silent, crossing my arms, not answering his question.
His eyes scanned the room before he turned, opening the door to the kitchen and just walking in as if he lived here.
I followed him into the kitchen as he silently looked around.
Carver: Looks like a damn tornado ran through here. Must be close to ten people living with you?
Clementine: More.
I stated simply as I leaned on the counter.
He hummed, continuing to ask me more questions as a kitchen knife, sitting on the counter, caught my eyes.
He continued to talk to me as I contemplated what to do. I wasn't paying attention to what he was saying, but he was clearly paying attention to me because once I went to grab the knife, he got to it first, picking it up.
Carver: Where does this go?
He asked, holding up the knife, clearly knowing I was just about to grab it.
I opened my mouth to speak, but he turned around, placing it inside a drawer before I could respond.
He walked out of the kitchen with me following him, commenting on how nice and cozy the cabin was. He walked around the living room at everything like he was looking for a clue or something.
He looked on the couch, spotting one of Carlos' shirts and smiled.
Carver: I knew a guy that always wore shirts like this. Doctor. Real smug son of a bitch.
He said, looking at me. I stayed quiet, just staring at him.
Carver: But a smart man... I miss 'em.
He added, looking down, and for once, he actually looked like he was being sincere. As he turned his back, looking at the chess pieces, I noticed Sarah slowly creeping up the stairs. The floorboards creaked under her feet, causing Carver to look up.
Carver: What was that?
He asked, giving me a stern look. I shrugged as he walked towards the stairs and climbed them. He went into the room Sarah was in, and I followed, hoping Sarah hid in time.
Carver: I thought you said no one was here.
He said, looking back at me.
Thinking up a quick answer, I responded.
Clementine: It's probably just the wind.
I shrugged. He took his gun out, looking around the room when he noticed the picture I took of Sarah on the floor. My heartbeat sped up as he picked the picture up and held it out, showing me.
Carver: Who's this?
He questioned with a smirk.
I shrugged once again.
Clementine: Must be someone who lived here.
Carver: You have no idea who these people are. Do you?
He questioned with an amused look, a look as if he knew something I didn't know.
I ignored his question, staying silent. He didn't seem to like that, so he went on trying to convince me.
Carver: Lemme ask you this. When you met 'em, how much did they trust you?
He questioned. But still, I stayed silent.
He looked around the room once more before speaking again.
Carver: Well, I think I've troubled you long enough. I can let myself out.
He said before walking out of the room and down the stairs.
I walked to the railing and glared down at him.
Clementine: Don't come back.
I warned, causing him to smile up at me.
Carver: You have a real good day, now.
He smirked, leaving the cabin.
Sarah crawled from under the bed and walked to the window.
Sarah: Where is he?
Clementine: He's gone.
Sarah: What if he comes back?
She asked in a panicked voice. I didn't know how to respond, so I just stayed silent. We went downstairs, locking the front door, before sitting on the couch, waiting for Lee, Yhwach, and the others to get back.
To Be Continued.
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