THE WALKING DEAD: MANS BEST FRIEND CHAPTER 1
Sam launched himself at Clementine, sinking his sharp teeth into her arm. Clementine cried out in pain, her frantic eyes meeting Sam's gaze. The dog clutching her arm wasn't the same dog she had met before, she had lost sight of the real Sam, the only thing she saw in his wild eyes was hunger. He had given in to his animal instincts.
Clementine punched Sam in the face, but his grip did not loosen, instead his teeth sunk deeper into her flesh. She punched him again and again and again, until the viscous dog released her arm.
Panicking Clementine kicked Sam as he launched himself at her again. Sam fell back and landed on the other side of the fallen tree.
Silence fell upon the clearing, Clementine got to her feet and stared longingly towards the fallen tree. Her injury was throbbing, every cell in her arm felt like it was on fire. She stared at the dog bite for a moment, blood oozing from her opened up veins.
The whimpering of a dog caught her attention, rolling down her purple striped sleeve she wandered round the log to meet eyes with Sam once again. Whatever anger she felt for him attacking her melted away as she saw how hopeless he was.
A sharp tent pole was stabbed through his hind leg, but the rest of his body was unharmed. He was in pain too, struggling helplessly to break free. Clementine knelt down, watching as Sam whimpered, almost as if he was begging her for her help, for forgiveness. The wild animal was gone.
She gently stroked his head, calming him down. "Looks like we're both injured huh?" She commented as if she was expecting an answer. "Don't worry I'll get you out, just don't struggle, or you'll make it worse"
Clementine took out her pen knife and cut off part of the tent pole, leaving the rest still in his system. Clementine grabbed the pole "I'm going to pull it out okay?"
She grasped it tightly and ripped the tent pole from Sam's leg causing him to howl in pain. She threw the tent pole away and leaned closer to Sam's head, stroking his soft brown fur. "Hush now, it's ok, it's ok". Sam whimpered, his brown eyes soften and he licked Clementine's injury apologetically.
"We should go, quickly" she told him. Clementine winced in pain and clutched her arm. She looked down at Sam as he stood up and rubbed himself against her legs.
"Lets go" she told him, and began to trudge towards the edge of the camp and deeper into the woods. Sam limbed next to her, lifting his leg in the air.
Clementine lowered her head and sniffed softly, holding back tears. Omid.... Christa.... They were gone. All she had was Sam now, she didn't even know if she could rely on him after what he had done.
Her vision blurred, the pain in her arm increased. Sam seemed tense as he drew closer to her side. Clementine lifted her head, her surroundings hazy as she slumped down next too some dark grey rocks.
Sam came to her side, nudging her with his cold wet nose, panic in his eyes. Something was wrong... Very wrong... "I'm so.... tired" Clementine told him, her consciousness slipping away.
Her drooping eyelids were heavy as she took in her surroundings again, as she gradually realised that walkers were beginning to approach her, hungry for her flesh.
Sam tugged at Clementine's sleeve with his teeth, growling at her, almost as if he was demanding her to get up. Clementine's vision blurred as she desperately tried to focus on the surrounding walkers.
Sam let go of her sleeve and barked angrily at a nearby walker which was approaching from behind the rocks. "Sam.... Don't..." She told him gently, her voice strained. Struggling she stood up and clutched her injured arm tightly. Sam came to her side as she trudged uneasily through the trees.
A walker came from behind, it's arms stretched out as it clawed hungrily at the air, yearning to feast upon her. Sam yelped fearfully, urging Clementine to go faster.
The walker from behind launched itself onto Clementine, forcing her to the ground. She lie on the damp, wet, earth, the walker snapping it's teeth hungrily as it leaned closer towards her neck.
Sam grabbed the walkers arm with his teeth and tired to pull it off Clementine. Sam snarled, a growl erupting from his throat as he pulled more. Clementine held the walker above her, her arms grew tired, the pain in her bitten arm became stronger as she desperately tired to push the walker off. Giving into the strength of the walker, her arms went slack...
A sliver blade cut through the walkers neck, it's head decapitated from it's shoulders. Walker blood splattered over Clementine's face, she looked up to see a brown haired man wearing a orange tattered shirt. With him was an older man, wearing a green jacket and carrying a cross-bow.
Sam barked aggressively at the two strangers, the older man fired his cross-bow at another walker, the arrow ripping through it's head. Clementine's vision hazed as she scanned the walkers around them and the two strangers beside her.
Sam snarled and snapped his teeth at the younger man "Holy shit Pete! It's been so long since I've seen a dog"
"Nevermind that, grab her and lets go!" The older man said who she assumed was Pete. Pete quickly fired another arrow at an approaching walker as the younger man scooped Clementine up in his arms and sprinted through the trees, Pete following close behind, dodging several walkers. Sam's barking seemed distant, an echo inside Clementine's mind as her eyes drooped. The last thing she saw was Sam running close by.
Clementine rolled her head back and stared longingly upwards towards the grey misty sky. She let out a small shaky sigh and exhale deeply, before bowing her head.
The two men were now walking steadily but still being cautious of the area around them. Breathless Pete broke the silence between them "I think... I think we're safe" he commented, scanning the trees for any movement.
"Yeah... Yeah I think we're good" the younger man replied, his attention drawn to the little girl in his arms. "Hey you alright?" He asked concerned.
"I... I think so" she replied, her voice weak and strained. Pete and the younger man flashed each other a small glance and then the two glanced at the dog following from behind, his legs brushing on the crisp grass.
They picked up their pace as the climbed a large hill. "What are you and you're dog doing out here?" Pete asked, flashing Sam another glance.
"Where are the uh people you're with?" The younger man also questioned. "There's no chance you and you're dog made it this long on your own"
"I don't want them thinkin' we're doin' anything but tryin' to help you"
"My friend and I got attacked" Clementine finally responded.
"Hmm... These folks mention what they were after?" Pete asked.
"They've might have just wanted food. We were cooking some sort of weasel" she told them.
"They attacked you for a weasel? Damn... That is low." The orange shirt wearer commented. "They didn't mention any names... Right? They weren't searching for anybody?" He asked.
Clementine was silent, as she was unable to answer his question.
"Well... I'm Luke and this's Pete" Luke said, introducing themselves.
"Hi there" Pete greeted with a smile.
"Hi. I'm Clementine" she responded. Sam barked eagerly for attention "And this is Sam" she told them.
"It's nice to meet you Clementine. For now we're going to take you back to our group okay? We got a doctor with us and you look like you could use some-- OH SHIT!" Luke yelled in surprise, dropping Clementine and causing her to collide with the ground.
"What? What is it?" Pete asked, confused by Luke's outburst.
"She's... She's bit man. FUCK! Fuck fuck fuck... What are we gonna to do here?" Luke asked panicking.
"No, it was Sam! He bit me!" Clementine defended herself from the accusations.
"You're dog bit you... Why?" Pete asked, staring down at her.
"He's not mine... I only met him today. We were looking for food, we were both really hungry. I offered him some but he tried to take all of it so I snatched it back and then he bit me... It's my fault, I shouldn't have done it, I should have been more careful"
"Come on, you expect us to believe that? We saw you with those lurkers back there" Luke butted in as he was pacing.
"No! No, just look at it, please" she pleaded. Sam came to her side and nuzzled her arm gently.
"Yeah and have you sink you're teeth into Pete's neck? No way" Luke responded.
"My neck? Why'm I the one?" Pete asked, turning towards Luke.
"Cause I don't know a dog bite from a mosquito bite to a lurker bite, man" Luke told him.
"It's not" Clementine insisted.
Luke folded his arms and turned away, while Pete stared, lost in thought. Sam whined, nudging Clementine sadly. A silence washed over them for a brief moment until Pete finally broke it.
"Hmmm... Alright lets see it" he said, leaning down.
"Whoa, whoa, whoa. Heh watch yourself" Luke told him concerned. Clementine flashed him an angry glare.
"Hey, don't look at me like that! You're the one who's bit here okay?"
Pete made a move for Clementine's arm when Sam growled viciously "Easy boy" Clementine told him, easing his worries. Sam was slowly becoming somewhat protective of this new stranger which had come into his life only sometime ago.
Pete rolled Clementine's sleeve up to reveal the covered up bite. "See?" She said intently.
"Is it... Is it like she says?" Luke asked.
"Hmm.. Could be a dog bite. Hard to say" Pete commented, giving Sam a small glance which was returned by a growl, his lips curled back to reveal rows of sharp teeth. "However, with the um evidence given I would guess that it is a dog bite"
"How can you be sure?" Luke asked.
"The dog... Sam seems to have blood on his teeth. Plus I've got a good bullshit detector, Luke. That's how I always beat you at poker" he responded, helping Clementine up.
"Pfft. You don't always beat me at.... All right, I guess it could be a dog bite... But what if it's not?"
"Well, I'm sure I ain't willing to leave a little girl in the woods to die when we have a doctor who can make the call. Carlos can take a look at it first."
"What about the dog? He could be dangerous if he attacked her" Luke said looking at Sam.
"He's not, he didn't mean it" Clementine replied, defending Sam.
"Well Nick ain't gonna like this not after what happened to-"
"I'm fully aware of that boy" Pete said, cutting Luke off.
"Right, sorry sir"
Clementine clutched her arm as Pete lifted his hand and patted Luke's shoulder "Come on" Pete ordered, and walking on ahead.
Luke and Pete walked on ahead as the reached the top of the hill, overlooking the log cabin and the center of a large clearing. Sam walked close by to Clementine, her body swayed as she walked over to them.
Luke and Pete turned round looking concerned "Clementine are you feelin' alright?" Pete asked.
"I'm fine... I'm just...tired" she lied.
"Well you better be. Cause I ain't carrying you anymore with that bite on you're arm" Luke responded.
"Don't worry about-" she began, her vision hazed as swayed to on side and collapsed to the ground.
"Ah shit"
The sound of muffled voices were ringing in Clementine's ears as she drifted in and out of consciousness. As she slowly opened her eyes she caught sight of a group of people crowded round her, and a ball cap wearing man aiming a rifle at her, his finger on the trigger.
"Don't tell me that! Not after what fuckin' happened!" A voice yelled. The group seemed to be in the middle of a heated argument.
"Would someone mind telling me what the FUCK is going on here?" Another voice cried out.
"Now hold on Rebecca" the familiar voice of Pete began.
"We got this, don't worry" an unfamiliar voice stated.
"Like hell you do. Did anyone even think to ask where she came from? For all we know she could be working for Craver!"
Clementine began to come round, her eyes wide open now she looked round confused by these people's accusations, but something else was bothering her. Where was Sam?
"She already told us that she and her friend got attacked. Then she got bitten by her dog, Sam" Pete replied.
"What? And you believed her? It's obvious that she's just pining the blame on her dog friend to save her own skin. You should've put her out of her misery then and there. Dog bite my ass." Another voice argued.
"I NEED A DO-" Clementine began when suddenly a gun shot rang out, the bullet fired hitting the ground next to her, causing her to gasp in surprise.
"What the?"
The man responsible looked round in panic, the group staring in shock with Clementine doing the same.
"Keep your finger off the trigger boy!" Pete yelled, snatching the rifle from the gun man.
The front door of the cabin was flung open as Luke came racing out into the open air "Whoa! whoa! What the fuck?!" He asked, running down the stairs to join the group.
"You idiot! Every lurker for five miles probably heard that!" The pregnant woman said.
"You're the one tellin' me to fuckin' shoot her!" The gun man argued.
"Everybody just calm down for a second" a glasses and yellow jacket wearing man said, interrupting the heated argument between the woman and the younger man.
"Clementine you ok...?" Luke asked as he finally butted into the conversation.
"I just need a doctor.... and then... and then I'll go. I don't want my arm to get infected." She replied, looking round at the strangers, and then looking among the faces. Sam wasn't with them.... Where was he?
"None of us want to get infected. That's the point." The gun man said.
"We got a doctor right here, okay? He'll have a look" Luke told her. "What the hell is wrong with you people?! okay, she's just scared."
"We're all scared, Luke. Don't act like we're he ones being irrational cause we don't buy this bullshit story" the pregnant woman replied.
"No way she survived out here this long on her own. Why are we even arguing about this?! The gun man added.
A man exited the cabin and moved along the porch. The group made room for him to pass as he joined them. "Let me take a look" the doctor said.
He lifted his up hand, urging her to let him look. Reluctant, Clementine took a step back, turning her head to Luke for support.
"It's okay. Go ahead. He's a doctor" he told her gentle.
Clementine grimaced as she rolled up her sleeve, the blood from the bite smudged on across her arm. "Damn, that must've hurt" the yellow jacket wearer commented, folding his arms, while the rest of the group watched closely.
Clementine lifted her bitten arm, the man knelt down and examined it closely, lifting his hands and placing in on her injury, rubbing her skin. "Hm. Whatever it was, it got you good" he commented.
"This isn't how we do things, man. When you're bit, you get put down. End of story. I'm not going through this again" the gun man said, approaching Luke.
"No one's suggestin' that" Luke replied, raising his hands slightly in defence.
"We could take her arm off" Pete suggested. Clementine gasped, she wasn't willing to lose her arm for no reason. She wasn't bit, why wouldn't they believe her?
"I know that worked for a cousin down in Ainsworth. We could try that" Pete continued.
"It won't do any good. It will just make it worse for the girl" the pregnant woman responded.
"It's crazy. No one's going to volunteer to do that" the yellow jacket wearer added.
"I would if it means saving her life" Pete said strongly.
"You want to be sure, right? You don't want to do something your gonna regret" Clementine said, appealing to Luke.
"I'm on your side kid. No need for a guilt trip" he replied.
The front door of the cabin creaked open to reveal a teenage girl, wearing cracked glasses. "Who's she?" She asked.
"Sarah? What'd I say? Stay inside" the man examining Clementine's arm told Sarah, who Clementine assumed was his daughter. Disappointed, Sarah closed the front door and moved out of sight.
"Where's Sam?" Clementine asked looking round at the group.
"Who?" the pregnant women asked.
"Sam, the dog" she repeated.
"We put him in the shed" Pete told her.
"Why?" Clementine asked, turning her attention towards the shed which was separated from the cabin.
"He was acting a bit aggressive. We put him in there for his own safety as well as ours" Luke added.
"A dog like that, if he really bit her, should be put down" the pregnant woman said coldly.
"No!" Clementine cried out.
"I'd like to take a look at this dog" the doctor said, standing up.
The group wandered over to the shed, the sound of barking and scratching was eminent. Luke walked towards the larger doors and pulled them open, Sam came running out and jumped up at Clementine excitedly, so happy to see one familiar face. He thought he'd lost her, he couldn't bare to lose someone else. He whined, staring longingly up at her. "Hey boy" Clementine greeted him, patting his head gently. It had been so long since he'd been stroked, he was beginning to get used to it again.
The man knelt down, staring at Sam for a moment. "May I?" He asked, reaching for his collar.
She ruffled the fur on his neck, fussing him for a moment, before taking hold of his collar and handing him over to the doctor. The man examined Sam, holding up his lips and studying his teeth.
Sam seemed unhappy about being handled this way but it was short lived as the man let go of him and stood up to face the group.
"So what do you think?" the yellow jacket wearer asked.
"Was it a lurker?" The gun man also questioned.
"By studying the bite and the dog, I am fairly sure that it was a dog bite" he responded.
"But how reliable is 'fairly sure'?" The pregnant women asked.
"I am positive that she was bitten by the dog" he replied.
A sigh of relief washed over the group. "So... What do we do now?" the ball cap wearer asked.
"Bring her inside, I'll treat her arm" the doctor said.
Sam moved closer to Clementine's side, rubbing himself against her leg. She smiled down at him warmly, rushing her hands through his thick brown fur. She lifted her hand and stared at the blood stained on her palm. Sam's leg was still bleeding. She couldn't believe she had forgotten what had happened, she had been so wrapped up in her own problems she hadn't noticed how much pain he must have been in. Just like her.
"Can he come in too? His leg is injured." She spoke up.
The checkered shirt man turned round and looked at Sam, studying his bleeding leg closely. "It seems whatever hurt him tore through his leg muscle" he commented before pausing "Alright, he can come in too, but if he causes any trouble towards anyone then he's out, you understand?"
Clementine stared into Sam's eyes before responding "Yes".
The group walked towards the cabin, Clementine and Sam followed close behind.
Clementine stood by the kitchen unit in the candle lit room. Carlos, the doctor from outside, had already put peroxide and stitched the dog bite, leaving her in unimaginable pain. Now he was wrapping bandages around her arm.
Sam had settled down on the cold tiled floor, making it his bed, his spot. The pain in his leg had decreased now, he felt somewhat peaceful. There were so many new smells, the slight hint of food was in the air, tormenting him. The scent of the new strangers were also present, he could hear them moving around in each room, he could smell each one of them, identify them. He rested his head sleepily on his paws and stared towards Clementine, and watched the new people cautiously.
Luke was pacing across the room with his arms folded, stirring up tension with the constant tap of his feet as he walked. Nick, the young man in the ball cap, was leaned against the wall and seemingly biting his thumbnail nervously.
"This is may hurt a little" Carlos warned.
"Ow" Clementine said, wincing in pain.
"How she look?..." Luke asked, stopping from his pacing.
"I think she'll be just fine" Carlos replied.
"You um.... You sure it wasn't a lurker bite?" Luke questioned with Clementine flashing him a harsh glare.
"I wouldn't be doing this unless I was sure" he responded. Nick pushed himself off the wall and stormed out of the room. Luke's brow furrowed as he watched Nick leave, and quickly followed after. Sam lifted his head and watched the two strangers go, his ears flopped behind his head. He could sense something was wrong.
Clementine examined Carlos' bandage work as he wandered over to the kitchen sink and washed his hands.
"Is your dog going to be a problem?" He asked.
"Um I don't think so"
"Well I don't want him near my daughter after what he did to you."
"He won't do it again, I'll make sure of that" she told him strongly. "Thank you for taking a look at his leg, I'm sure he's thankful too"
"I just hope it wasn't a waste of supplies. What exactly can he do for us?"
"He could hunt... Maybe. Or he could be a good guard dog. I'm sure he can help somehow"
Carlos shook off his wet hands and straightened himself up, folding his arms and turning to face her. "Are you going to be a problem towards my daughter?" He asked, concerned for his child's well being.
"Why would you ask that?" She answered with a question.
"Well are you?"
"I'll try not to be" she replied.
"There are a few things you need to know about my daughter before you can meet her properly."
"Okay..."
"She isn't like you. You may not get that initially, but once you're around her for a while you'll understand. If she knew how bad the world really is.... What's it's really like out there.... She would.... Cease to function. She's my little girl and she's all I got left and I would ask if you would go easy on her."
"I will" she told him.
"Thank you. I appreciate it" he said, moving past her and towards the door, before stopping for a brief moment and stared at Sam, who lifted his head once again and returned his gaze. "Just make sure he stays away from her". Carlos turned his head and stared at Clementine before exiting the room.
Luke appeared in the doorway carrying a bowl of rice "Hey um... I brought some food if your hungry" he told her as he entered the room. Sam lifted his head and sniffed the air as Luke passed him and placed the bowl down on the table. Clementine walked over, pulled out a chair and sat down, tucking into the fresh meal.
"That's going to leave one helluva scar" he commented on her injury.
"Better than losing it" she replied, pausing from eating.
"You can say that again. Scars... They're way cooler than stumps"
Clementine stared at her food for a moment, Luke immediately picked up on her sadden expression.
"What?" He asked.
"Nothing. I just had a friend who lost an arm once, that's all" she replied and continue eating when she heard a whine coming from next to her. She looked down to see Sam siting by her, staring up longingly and the food he so graved.
"I think it would be best that you don't feed him after... You know" Luke commented.
"Yeah, your right" she said and then turned to look at Sam "Sorry boy not yet, but I'll give you what's left, I promise" she told him, stroking his head. Sam whined, begging to be fed, rolling around in his own self pity. But Clementine's mind was made up, he'd just have to wait.
Clementine stared sadly, her expression soften by his pleading. She felt a strong sense of guilt rising inside of her. "Do you think there's any dog food around?" She asked Luke.
"Hm... Not sure, but your welcome to look for some"
"I'll see if I can find any for him in the morning"
The kitchen door clicked open as Nick entered the room, meeting Clementine's gaze as he approached. Sam turned to look at him and growled protectively "Easy boy" Clementine told him.
"Hey look. Um, I just wanted to say I'm sorry for... well.... for being a dick out there. I got kinda aggro and that was definitely not cool." Nick apologised.
"Nick's been known to go off every once and a while. Don't hold it against him" Luke added.
"I guess we all have our moments"
"You definitely had one out there"
"You were just protecting your friends. I get it" Clementine responded, accepting his apology.
"I didn't mean to be so harsh. I just.... We had a bad experience once" Nick told her.
"We've all had bad experiences" she replied.
Nick gently sat down in the chair next to her, his crystal blue eyes pleading with grief and sadness. "Nick lost his mom. We too, care of someone who'd got bit" Luke told her.
"It was my fault. I--" Nick began.
"It was no one's fault. We thought we could control it, but.... we couldn't. And then she turned and his mom was standing right there and she got attacked... There was nothing we could do about it"
"Anyway. Hopefully you understand" Nick said rising from the chair, changing the subject back to it's original topic.
"I do. Yeah"
Nick gave her a brief weak smile and exited the room.
Once he was gone Clementine continued eating, spooning the food into her mouth.
"So since you're pretty much on your own, apart from your dog... What's your plan?" Luke asked.
"I'm thinking about moving on" she replied.
"Well you and Sam are welcome to stay here if you want. Y'can let yourself heal up and take some time to sort things out."
"Do you think everyone else will be ok with it?" She asked.
"They'll just have to deal with it" he said with a smile. "So.... What happened to your parents....? If you don't mind me asking. I mean, I assume what happened to them is what happened to just about everyone's parents. You're just so young... didn't think you could've made it on your own for so long, but maybe you did."
"Other people took care of me, if that's what you're asking" she responded.
"I was just curious on how you made it this far"
"I just tried to stay with good people and not do anything dumb"
"Hey, I'm sorry, I... I shouldn't have asked."
"My parents went on vacation and left me with a babysitter and they never came back, we went to Savannah to find them... But they were already dead" she told him sadly.
"Wow... Well I'm sorry to hear that."
"This man found me and took care of me. We met up with other survivors and we all tried to make it, but... it didn't work. His name was Lee. He taught me how to survive. He's the reason why I keep my hair short." she said, reminding herself of the old days. Sam whined and rested his head on Clementine's knee, she looked down at him and rushed her fingers through his fur.
"What, uh happened to him...?" Luke questioned.
"The same thing that happens to everyone. But he saved me, first. Lots of times."
"Well he sounds like he was a real good guy" he commented on her story.
"Yeah. He was" Clementine agreed.
Suddenly Pete walked in through the door "I hate to interrupt, but I'm out there standing watch and I can't help but notice that this place is lit up like a goddamn beacon in the middle of the woods" he told them.
"Yeah, it's time to turn in anyways" Luke commented.
"Get your winks while you can 'cause we're goin' fishing at first light. A couple of fresh brookies for diner? Mm, wouldn't that be nice." Pete told them. "Also, Clementine I talked to Carlos and he says you can share a room with Sarah for the night--"
"Well tell him thanks" she interrupted.
"--However, I'm afraid Sam can't"
Clementine looked at Sam and stroked his fur "Then where is he suppose to go?" She asked.
"He's going to have to sleep in the shed tonight, Clem." Pete replied.
"The shed? But isn't dangerous? There's walkers outside!"
"I'm sorry Clementine, but we can't let him have free rein of the cabin or he could find our food supplies, we can't risk that. We need to be cautious around him, just in case he attacks anyone else." Pete told her.
"He'll be perfectly fine, I'm sure. The door is the only way in or out and it's lock, not many lurkers have gotten into the shed in a while. Someone will be on watch outside so if anything tries to cause harm to Sam then we'll know" Luke added.
"I guess you're right" she said.
"You want me to take him out?" Luke asked.
"No, I'll do it"
"Well if you're sure--" Pete began.
"I am"
"Alright, I'll wait outside for ya, so whenever you're ready" he said, giving her a brief smile and then exiting. Luke stood up and followed Pete out.
Clementine began to finish up her food. "Oh, you're still here" a voice said irritably. Clementine lifted her head and swallowed hard, meeting Rebecca's gaze, Sam growled lowly at the pregnant women.
Rebecca gave the dog a hard stare and moved past the two of them and over to the kitchen sink, washing her hands. "I wouldn't get comfortable if I were you" she told her.
"When is the baby coming?" Clementine asked curiously and changing the subject.
"What do you care? It's non of your fucking business". Sam snarled, showing his teeth, his hackles raised. "You need to control your dog or else he'll get put down" she said harshly.
"You should probably think about being nicer to me and Sam." Clementine responded with a harsh glare which Rebecca returned. "That's just my advice" she said, turning away.
"I knew you were going to be a fucking problem. You got what you came here for. Now go." She said before leaving the room.
The cool crips evening air sent shivers up Clementine's spin as she and Sam left the cabin. She embraced her own body heat and wandered over to Pete, who was standing by the stairs, staring out towards the darkness of the forest.
"Ah, you're here, come on, follow me" she said, leading them towards the shed. Sam was taking in his surroundings and moving cautiously as Clementine tempted him over to the shed with her left over food. Pete grasped the cold metal handles on the shed door and heaved them open, revealing the inside.
There were marks on a metal board where tools had once been kept. There were some wooden boards and a rake propped up in the far corner of the room, in the opposite corner was a tool box. There was a vice attached to a crafting desk. The shadows that were cast made the place feel ominous, causing Sam to whin nervously.
"Is there anything in here that could hurt him?" She asked Pete worryingly.
"Don't think so, as long as he doesn't mess around or do anything stupid I'm sure he'll be fine." Pete said before pausing "I'll leave you to get him settled" he said, and moving away from the shed and back towards the cabin.
Clementine walked into the shed and placed the bowl of left over food down, Sam immediately ran over and began to eat hungrily. She smiled gently and stroked his back as he ate. "You're as hungry as I was" she commented with a small laugh. "I'm glad things have gotten sorted, I'm glad you're here. I hope I can rely on you from now on and I hope you can rely on me, we'll look out for each other"
Clementine pulled her hand away and sighed deeply, slowly backing away towards the door. She was about to close it when Sam whirled round and ran up to her, jumping up and placing his paws on her stomach, his tongue hanging out and his eyes gleaming.
"I'm sorry boy but you can't come inside. If I could bring you with me I would but I can't, you'll just have to stay here tonight, ok?"
Sam ears drooped and he sat down sadly. "Look I'm sure you won't have to stay in the shed every night, if you can prove that you can behave then the group will let you come inside, but for now you have to stay here. But it won't be long, I promise." She said and then knelt down to his level and meeting his eyes.
She reached out to him and stroked his fur before pulling in close and hugging his neck. Sam accepted her hug, he did not struggle, he did not pull away, he embraced her, rubbing his head against her cheek. There was a bond between them, Clementine could already see it forming, a bridge that connected them, combining them in friendship. The affection Clementine felt for Sam was already blossoming.
Sam felt protective of her. It had been so long since he had been amongst human beings, surviving out in the cold and the rain alone with no one comfort. He had missed this, missed being held, being stroked. He loved his family, he missed them, he wanted them back.... He had Clementine now, and he wasn't going to lose her. She was.... His friend. The only one he had, the only one he cared for and he wasn't going to let this new world take that from him again.
She gently pulled away and stood up, ruffling up the fur on his head "I'll be there for you Sam, always. I won't let anything happen to you, I promise" she said.
If Sam could talk he would probably say the same thing. "I'll see you in the morning Sam" she told him. Sam backed away from the doors as Clementine closed them, leaving him in darkness.
Clementine trudged upstairs towards Sarah's room. She stood in the glow of the candle light before knocking on the door "Come in" a muffled voice said from inside.
She grasped the golden knob and twisted it, pushing the door open and moving into the room. Sarah was sitting on the bed, book in hand. "Hi, you must be Clementine" she greeted, giving her a warm smile.
"You must be Sarah" Clementine responded. She glanced at her book "What are you reading?" She asked curiously.
"A book" Sarah replied simply.
"What book? I like books"
"It's called The Guurgles. It's about trans-dimensional body snatchers" she told her.
"Cool"
Sarah looked at Clementine's bandaged arm "How's your cut doing?" She asked.
"It's ok, it doesn't hurt as much and I feel a lot better, thanks for asking."
She paused, glancing at her window "I saw you putting your dog in the shed outside. Why did you do that?" Sarah asked.
"I had no choice, the group wouldn't allow him in the cabin" Clementine replied.
"That's a shame, I haven't seen a dog since all this started. I hope I get to meet him"
"They dad doesn't want you to go near Sam"
"I know. He's just protecting me, I get it"
Clementine looked at the bed Sarah was siting on and then asked "Where am I sleeping?"
"There's only one bed in here but there are a few blankets in that cupboard and an extra pillow if you want to help yourself" Sarah replied, gesturing over to the other side of the room.
"Thanks" Clementine said simply, and walked past the bed towards the cupboard while Sarah continued reading. She opened it, took out said blankets and pillow and then closed it. She laid out the blankets and the set herself downs on the floor.
"Sorry that you have to sleep down there" Sarah apologised "If you want, I'll switch with you" she said.
"No it's ok, it's just like camping" Clementine replied, gesturing at the skylight above her, giving her a view of the black cloak of twilight.
"Or like a sleepover" Sarah commented.
"Yeah, or that"
"We're friends" Sarah said suddenly. "Right? We can be best friends -- I haven't met another girl my age since way before. It's hard to be the only girl, you know? Rebecca is okay, but she's old. And that's it. And if the baby's a girl then it'll be FOREVER before she's old enough to, like, be my friend. And then I'll be super old"
"Yes we.... We could be friends" Clementine muttered, trying to not hurt Sarah's feelings and ignoring the guilty feeling inside.
"Promise?" she asked. "It's important. Friends have to trust each other no matter what. Do you promise or not?"
"I promise" Clementine replied. It could work, they could be friends, why couldn't they be? She was reluctant because of what had happened to friends in the past.... Like Duck.
"Me too. Friends" Sarah said, lifting her pinky finger. Clementine stood up and curled her own pinky finger around Sarah's.
"A pinky swear is forever" Sarah commented. They both lowered there hands and Clementine sat back down on the floor. "Would you like to read my book?" Sarah asked. "I'm not far off the ending, maybe you'd be interested in it, it's really cool"
"Yeah, I'd like to take a look at it. I haven't read a book in a while, it would be a nice change" Clementine said.
Sarah leaned down and handed her the book kindly "I hope you like it as much as I do"
Clementine placed the book on her pillow and opened it to page 1, intrigued by the title and details Sarah had given her. Sarah lie down on her bed and stared at the ceiling, beginning to drift off into sleep.
"I'm glad my dad decided to help you" Sarah said sweetly and turned her head in Clementine's direction and smiled which Clementine returned.
Dawn was breaking as Pete, Nick and Clementine exited the cabin. The orange golden glow touched the tree tops causing them to catch a blaze in the beaming sunlight.
"How about you go get Sam, me and Nick will wait for you, since Nick needs to do his business" Pete said with a small chuckle, Nick glared at him crossly.
"Ok" Clementine replied, and wandered over to the shed. There was silence inside, she listened closely for any sound or trace of Sam. She undid the bolt and threw open the doors. Sam burst out into the open air and jumped up at her, knocking Clementine to the ground. She laughed as Sam began to lick her excitedly, he was so glad to see her familiar face.
"Hey boy" she greeted, ruffling up his fur. Sam got off her, allowing Clementine to stand up "Me, Pete and Nick are going down to the river to catch some fish, would you like to come?" She asked, and Sam answered with a bark. She stroked his head, letting out a small giggle "I'll take that as a yes then".
She patted her knees "Come on boy, lets go, there waiting for us". Sam woofed and came to her side, following her over to Pete, who was standing by a forest trail.
"Where's Nick?" She asked as they joined him.
"Ah like I said, he's gone to do his business" he replied.
"Business?" Clementine questioned, confused by his remark.
".... He's gone to piss on a tree"
"Oh ok"
"Come on Clem, lets head down to the river" Pete told her, as he began to trudge along the forest trail. Clementine and Sam followed close behind.
"What about Nick?" She asked.
"Ah he'll be find, the boy knows where the river is, he can catch up to us"
Pete walked on ahead, carrying his rifle and going at a steady pace as the path turned into a slope. Clementine clutched her bandaged arm tightly, while Sam wandered round, straying from the path every so often and sniffing round trees, taking in the new smells.
"How ya' holding up? I heard you got an earful from Rebecca last night. Once she gets going there's no bringing her back. Her barks worse than her bite"
"What's her problem?" She asked.
"Well, she's got a lot on her mind, lately. Bringing a baby into a world like this?" He replied, as the three of them walked over a door which had been place over a large ditch, it was being used as a bridge. Clementine picked up her pace and ran to Pete's side.
"How far are these fish traps?" Clementine asked as Sam also joined them, after exploring their surroundings more.
"It ain't much further" Pete told her.
Clementine gave Pete's rifle a hard stare which Pete picked up on. "Anyone teach you how to shoot?" He questioned. "By that I mean taught proper" he added. "Any idiot with a finger can shoot"
"My friend Lee taught me" she replied.
"That's good. It's important nowadays" he commented, steeping over a wired fence while Clementine and Sam proceeded to do the same.
"Nick was about your age first time I took him huntin'. Came across this beautiful 3 point buck just standin' there on the ridge line" he said, pausing from walking and Clementine stopped to listen, while Sam continued to sniff round at the brush as they talked.
"The boy takes the rifle... lines up the shot just like how I taught him... And then I hear him start whinin'. He turns to me and says 'I can't do it. I can't shoot it Uncle Pete. Please don't make me shoot it'" Pete said in a whining voice, imitating Nick in his younger days.
"Really? No way" Clementine responded.
"Hey!" A voice yelled. They both turned round to see Nick running towards them "Why didn't you wait for me?" He asked out of breath.
"You want us standin' around while you piss on a tree? You know where the river is, boy" Pete replied. "Anyway, I go to grab the gun out his hand before this big buck runs off when BANG! The gun fires. Boy nearly gut shot me. And of course the buck gets away."
"What're you goin' and tellin' her this shit for?" Nick interrupted.
"Cause you almost blew he face off yesterday. Seems relevant. Tryin' to let her know it's nothin' personal with you" Pete replied.
"Why are you always giving me a hard time?" Nick asked crossly.
""Because you're always givin' everyone else a hard time."
"I apologised already. She accepted."
"Ok, well I didn't know that."
"It's ok. He apologised." Clementine added.
"You're always trying to embarrass me" Nick said.
"You're doing a good enough job of that on your own" Pete argued.
Enraged, Nick pushed past Pete, knocking his shoulder purposely.
"Leavin' us again?"
"I know where the fucking river is!" Nick replied as he stormed off.
Pete watched him to before turning to Clementine "So anyway.... I found that buck later that season. Shot it right in the neck. Brought it up to my sister's figurin' she'd want to freeze some of the meat.... Nick didn't speak to me for weeks." He said, finishing off on his story of the old pre-apocalyptic days. "Sometimes you gotta play a role... Even if the people you love hate ya for it" Pete stated.
"He doesn't hate you" Clementine told him kindly.
"Nick's father wasn't there much, and he was a piece of shit when he was, so it fell to me to keep him in line. Raise him right. Meant I couldn't be just nice Uncle Pete." He said sadly.
"UNCLE PETE!" Nick yelled suddenly, Pete and Clementine were immediately on high alter and sprinted down towards the river, Sam following close behind.
"Nick...?" Pete yelled in response as he caught sight of the awful scene. Bodies were scattered along the river bank, each one was full of bullet holes.
"Jesus, Mary and Joseph" Pete breathed in disbelief. Clementine scanned the area, while Sam sniffed one of the bodies.
Pete walked up to the body Sam was sniffing and tapped it with his rifle, trying to get a reaction. It wasn't getting up. "Fulla holes" he commented.
"Who do you think did this?" Clementine asked.
"Not sure yet. But it ain't your average gang'a thugs, that much I know" Pete replied.
"....Think about it. You're Carver, what do you do?" Nick questioned.
"Who's Carver?" Clementine asked.
Pete and Nick exchanged glances before Pete spoke up "Check those guys there" he told Nick, ignoring her question. "Be careful. Some of em' might still movin'" he told Nick cautiously.
Pete walked over, and knelt down by one of the bodies, studying it closely, while Nick went to the edge of the trees and examined another. Sam walked over to the edge of the river and stared longingly towards the small island across from them.
Clementine knelt by one of the bodies, which was wearing some sort of rock jacket "This ones shot too" she told Pete.
"Through the head?"
She quickly checked to see dry blood on the bodies face, once oozing from a large hole "Yeah..."
"Check the rest. And look for ammo while you're at it, we're runnin' low"
Clementine stood up and slowly joined Sam by the river bank and looked over at the bodies scattered on the sandbar. "There're are more out there!" She stated.
"This wasn't no rinky-dink pissin' match" Pete said.
"What was it then?" Nick asked.
"FUBAR" Pete replied simply as he stood up and moved towards the river.
"Where are you going?! We need to get the fuck outta here!" Nick demanded.
"Gotta check the rest" he told him.
"What?! Why?!" Nick yelled.
"Calm down and think about it son" Pete said as he began to wade out towards the sandbar.
"Calm down?! We gotta get out of here, now."
"Jesus Christ, kid, get ahold of yourself" Pete said, now standing on the sandbar.
"Shouldn't we go get the others?" Clementine asked.
"Wish we could, but one of these folks might still be alive, and just might be inclined to tell us who did this. We gotta do this now." Pete told them. "Stay here, keep searchin' these" Pete told Nick as Clementine jumped on a rock in the middle of the river and then leaped to the sandbar.
"This is a dumb idea" Nick said, backing away.
"You know Nick, I don't like this either, but sooner or later you're gonna to have to realise the simple truth"
"What? That you're an asshole?" He asked coldly, aiming his rifle at the surrounding area.
"That nobody in this world is going to give a goddamn if you like somethin' or not. You gotta grow up, son"
"Whatever" Nick responded, and wandered off.
Clementine looked over to Sam who was still on the other side of the bank and glancing round nervously, yearning to get to the sandbar but trembling in fear at the sight of the rushing water.
"Afraid of water huh Sam?" She asked, Sam whined in response.
"It's ok boy, it's not too deep don't worry, you'll be find I promise."
Sam looked at the river and then at Clementine and whimpered. "You can do it" she said gently.
Sam paused for a moment before bonding through the river, sending sprays of water into the air and soaking his own fur. He jumped up at Clementine and placed his paws on her hands and panted. Clementine held his paws tightly and smiled down at him. "You did it boy" she exclaimed, praising him. "Good job Sam" she said proudly.
"I hate to interrupt the touching moment Clem but we have a job to do" Pete told her.
Clementine let go of Sam's paws and walked up to Pete. "You wanna be useful, keep a look out on that tree line. However did this might still be out there. Waitin' for another sucker to stumble across this mess. Just like baitin' a fish. S'what I'd do."
"I'm on it" Clementine responded.
"You always so agreeable?" He asked.
"...No"
"Good. You'll fit right in with this outfit." He remarked. "Look just keep your head on straight" he said, catching sight of a struggling walker and moving towards it. "Hm. Same deal. All shot to pieces. Hope this isn't anyone you know"
"No..."
"Good" he said, ripping a spear from the walkers shoulder and stabbing it in the head, ending its suffering.
Pete glanced over at the bank on the over side of the sandbar 'Dammit. More on that side. You check out these ones. See if there's anything on em' that'll tell us who they were" he ordered.
Sam growled and bounded over towards one of the bodies at the far end of the sandbar, barking angrily. "Boy ssh!" Clementine said, trying to hush him.
"Clementine!" Pete yelled from the other side of the river "You have to keep him quiet, don't want to attract anyone attention" he told her.
"Ok, I'll see what's wrong" she said and quickly jogged over to Sam. As she drew closer she caught sight on an object hidden amongst several rocks. It was her backpack.
Suddenly the body Sam was barking at moved, at first she thought it was a walker but then she realised it was a person. They were still alive.
"That's my backpack..." She murmured. Sam continued to bark "Hush now boy, it's ok" she said gently, calming him down. She studied the mans face for a moment when a sudden realisation struck and her eyes widen in shock "You were in the woods with Christa." She stated. "The women I was with. What happened to her? Please. Tell me. TELL ME!" She pleaded and demanded.
"Please..." The man begged, his voice hoarse as he reached out to the bottle of water poking out of Clementine's backpack. Clementine stared at the bottle of water for a moment, lost in thought before taking it out of her backpack and taking hold of the mans head for support and pressing the bottle against his lips so he could have a drink.
"Thank you..... Thank you.... Thank you" he said gratefully, rolling onto his back.
Clementine put her backpack over her shoulder and stared down at him.
"ARRGGGHH" Pete yelled in surprise. Clementine and Sam whirled round to see him backing away from a walker before shooting it in the head with his rifle.
"Pete!" Nick yelled.
"I'm fine. I'm fine!" Pete said, resting his hands on his knees as he caught his breath. "Just... Just lost my footin'! Dammit.... Goddammit...." He breathed.
Clementine's attention was immediately drawn to the torn piece of his trouser leg and what looked like a bite. Pete was bitten.
"Shit! Lurkers!" Nick yelled, firing his rifle at an approaching walker.
"I'm outta ammo!"
"Come this way!"
"Son of a bitch.... Dammit, get your asses over here, both of you!"
"I'll cover you!"
"We gotta get outta here!"
"GET OVER HERE GODDAMMIT!"
Clementine turned and ran to Pete's side of the river, Sam followed close behind. "Come on! Come on!!" He said, waving her over. Suddenly a walker jumped him from behind, pinning him against a rock "Jesus!" He yelled in surprise. "Fuck!"
Sam lunged towards the walker, sinking his teeth into its arm and trying to pull it off. Clementine grabbed a wooden board and hit the walkers arm causing its hand to rip off. Pete kicked it off and stood up.
"Arghh!" Nick yelled as he hit a walker over the head with the end of his rifle.
"Nick! Hold on?" Pete cried as he limp ran to the edge of the river. "NICK!" He yelled, cupping his hands over his mouth as he shouted. Nick stared frantically before turning and running into the cover of the trees. "Goddammit! Nick!"
"Sam!" Clementine cried, seeing that her friend was surrounded by walkers, barking in panic. "Come here boy! Come here!" She ordered. Sam made a move to do so when a walker launched itself in front of him, blocking his path. He was trapped, the walkers closing in on him.
"SAM!" She cried, panicking. Sam whimpered in fear, the walkers around him causing him to disappear out of sight. "Sam! No!" She shouted, making a move to run back when Pete grabbed her shoulder.
"There's nothing we can do" he said softly. "We have to go"
"But Sam-" she said, tears forming in her eyes "We can't leave him!" She wailed.
"I'm sorry, but we have to go, Clem. NOW!"
Clementine closed her eyes, a sob in her throat, she bit her inside lip and fought back tears, nodding slowly. "Lets go!" Pete ordered. The two quickly sprinted along the river, running from the approaching walkers.
Sam's barks could still be heard......
END OF CHAPTER 1
Happy 10th Anniversary to The Walking Dead Game href.li/?https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_dAOhepWxds
Apr 24, 2022 17:18:52 GMT
Happy 10th Anniversary to The Walking Dead Game href.li/?https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_dAOhepWxds
Apr 24, 2022 17:18:52 GMT
