-AUTHOR's POV-

-THE NEXT DAY-

The next morning....in the dorm, Clementine was waking up, and yet wouldn't forget what happen last night...as she woke up, AJ notices her awake and to approach to her with a cup of coffee...

AJ: Hey. I made you coffee. It was in the kitchen, Tenn said that I could have some for us.

Clementine: Thank you. Heh, I'm surprised you know how to make it. We haven't had coffee in a long time.

AJ: I know....Clem...Last night...about what happen with Marlon, what Louis called me...am I a murderer?

Clementine: ....

AJ: I don't get it, we were supposed to kill bad stuff, and Marlon was bad for what he did to Tenn's sisters, he killed Brody...and he shot (YN)....did I do it wrong?

Clementine: It's hard to explain this kiddo, but...Louis didn't mean it. He was just scared and really hurt.

AJ: But, I didn't hurt him.

Clementine: No, I meant he's sad and should have never said that.

AJ: But..if I am a murderer, I should know. Right? So...so I can try not to be one...I don't know.

Clementine: *sighs* This is going to be hard to hear AJ, and I really hate to say it, but Louis was right. Look..sometimes people do bad things, like Marlon did. But when he wasn't a threat anymore, and your shot him still. When you kill someone who isn't no longer a threat, it's a murderer.

AJ: ...Even if they were bad?

Clementine: Even then, it was wrong.

AJ: So..what are we going to do? If I'm a murderer...am I going to die too?

Clementine: What?! N-No, why would you say that??

AJ: I mean, if I am one, that makes me a monster too, no? And I know what happens to monsters...nothing good.

Clementine: I'm not gonna let you nothing bad happen to you ever. (YN) as well.

AJ: Promise?

Clementine: Cross my heart.

AJ: Okay...but, I just don't want them to hate me, what can I do?

Clementine: We're gonna fix this, come sit with me. I'm gonna help you atone.

AJ sits next with Clem...

AJ: Atone??

Clementine: It means make up for something you did wrong. We'll make it alright with the others.

AJ: ....

Clementine: What's wrong??

AJ: ...You and (YN) killed people too, right? Like, you both killed your friend Lee, right?

Clementine: What?

AJ: You and (YN) said he was handcuffed, and wasn't a threat too. So...that means you murdered him??

Clementine: ...That's different AJ. We killed him cause we loved him, we didn't wanted him to suffer. We didn't wanted him to turn into a monster...so, the only way to not let him turn...is to end him....and He deserved better.

AJ: Oh...

AJ can see Clem face of how bad she feels when mentioning Lee...so he comforts him...

AJ: Clem. I love you, and (YN)...both of you.

Clementine: We love you back as well kiddo.

AJ: ...Is (YN) gonna be okay?

Clementine: Let us hope.

Then, they heard their door knock, and comes Tenn and Ruby...

Tenn: Hey.

Ruby: Morning.

Clementine: Morning.

AJ: Hey. Ruby, how's (YN)?

Ruby: Don't worry sug, (YN) is good, patched him up and took the bullet off from him, even patched his hand too after what Mitch pulled, what a dumbass.

Clementine: Thanks Ruby, we appreciated.

AJ: So, where is?

Ruby: ...That's the other thing, he hasn't woke up yet. Not sure how long he will be resting knowing the pain got him too good, for now we wait.

Clementine: Okay.

Ruby: Anyways, we came by to let y'all know Violet wanted y'all to come to the back for the funeral.

AJ: Funeral?

Clementine: Really?

Tenn: We used to have them more, but it stopped. It seems right. Here AJ, I brought you something.

Tenn hands AJ a firefighter toy...

AJ: For me??

Tenn: Yup. It's a firefighter, their brave when they aren't scared of fire. So I figured I give it to you so you won't be upset. And you were brave last night, so you're a firefighter.

AJ: ...I'm sorry, I'm not. I'm a murderer.

Tenn: No you're not. You gotta have a trial first. They decide it in the courtroom, that's how it works..well before. Back then, they are kind of rules about who's innocent or who's guilty.

Clementine: We can only decide ourselves now. Can't really rely on other people's tule for us.

Ruby: Hate to say it Tenn, but Clem's right.

Tenn: But who decided AJ is a murderer? He's nice and cool, and he did something right last night.

AJ: Thanks.

Ruby: Well, we should head out, I'm guessing they done burying him. See y'all out there.

Ruby and Tenn leave the room and waited for Clem and AJ...

Clementine: This is gonna be hard. Everyone is gonna be upset. But we have to make sure we care, okay?

AJ: Okay.

Clementine: Let's go.

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Outside, Clem and AJ head to the funeral with everyone else. Brody was buried next for Marlon as well, and putting flowers on her too. Rosie felt bad to loose Marlon and was laying next to him...as Clem and AJ arrived, everyone notice them...

Aasim: Oh god, they're here.

Ruby: Aasim.

Aasim: What?

Violet: Besides, they knew Brody.

Omar: Yea, but Marlon-

Violet: Just leave them alone.

Louis: ....

AJ: Clem, why do people have funerals? Tenn said they use to have more.

Clementine: To remember the people they love.

AJ: ...And they love Marlon, even if he was a bad guy...they still like him, and I made them sad. But...do people like Marlon get funerals too?

Clementine: Yea...No matter if you're good or bad, they still get one...even animals.

Back at the funeral...

Louis: So...anyone else have something to say? ...Vi?

Violet: ...I can't. Not what Marlon did. Brody I will but...for Marlon I just...can't.

Mitch: Bitch.

Louis: Dude, don't.

Mitch: Seriously Louis? He was your best friend. Sure He wasn't perfect, but he didn't deserved to be gunned down by that kid.

Everyone turn their attention to AJ and Clem...

Mitch: AJ killed him like it was nothing. We all saw him and none of us stopped him.

Clementine: You're right Mitch, Marlon didn't deserve to die for what AJ did to him.

AJ: I know what I did, I'm sorry. I know I'm a murderer, but I'm gonna...a..at...

Clementine: Atone.

AJ: Yea! Atone it.

Louis: Fuck, I can't listen to this.

Louis leaves...

AJ: ...I want to atone it, which I wanna make it up, I promise.

Violet: Don't AJ. Marlon deserve it for being a fucking murderer and a liar. And if we all asked more questions about Minnie and Sophie disappearing last year, none of this would have happen.

Aasim: ...She's got a point.

Willy: Shut up, wasn't even his fault.

Violet: Then who?!

Clementine: Violets right, you all share the responsibility for what happen to Sophie and Minnie, and Brody.

Mitch: And what about Marlon? Who's responsible for that?

AJ: ...Me.

Mitch: See what I mean?! How can we even trust you fucking people!

Violet: What are you getting at?

Mitch: We take a vote, majority decides: they stay, or they leave, today.

Clementine: ...

Omar: I mean, that does seem fair.

Aasim: What? That's bullshit.

Willy: Your bullshit.

Clementine: We don't wanna leave, but if you all decide we should leave, then so be it, we'll leave.

AJ: Clem.

Mitch: You heard her kid.

Omar: She's right, besides a vote should settle it in or we keep arguing the whole day.

Violet: ...Fine, guess we're fucking voting. Tenn, can you go get Louis please? And...try talking with him?

Tenn: Okay.

Violet: Ruby, can you go check on (YN)? See if he's awake?

Ruby: Sure.

Violet: Clem, AJ, could you guys wait at your dorm room? I'll come get you.

Clementine: Sure, come on AJ.

AJ: ...Okay

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Back at Clem and AJ's dorm, AJ was upset the fact him trying to atone with others after what he did to Marlon didn't work at all, and began kicking the wall out of frustration.

Clementine: AJ stop. You'll break your toe. Come, sit down-

AJ: No!

Clementine: ...

AJ: They didn't even care! I did what you said, and they didn't listen at all, even Louis. I know I was bad, but they won't let me fix it! And I..I just..! Nrgh!!

Clementine: AJ, breathe, okay? Remember what we do when we're mad? What did (YN) said when were mad?

AJ: We stop, and we think, and um...We...mmm! Im still mad! I know I'm not suppose to.

Clementine: You need to handle your feelings. Get them under control.

AJ: I know, or I'll make mistakes.

Clementine: Exactly.

AJ: We stop, think...and breathe.

Clementine: Good.

AJ: ...Clem...I think...I'm sad, too.

Clementine: Come here.

AJ goes and sits next to Clem and she comforts him...

AJ: I tried my best.

Clementine: I know, you're a good listener. (YN) would be proud too.

AJ: You think he's awake by now?

Clementine: Let's see what Ruby tells us.

AJ: I hope...you think they voted us to stay?

Clementine: Not sure bud, but all we can know is that Violet and Ruby is on our side. Maybe they can persuade something out.

AJ: Yea, maybe.

Then, Violet and Louis comes in the room...and Violet looked upset...

Violet: We took the vote...sorry, you have to leave.

AJ: ...Don't we get to vote? I vote we stay.

Louis: That's not how it works.

Violet: Maybe he can.

Louis: You don't have to like it.

Violet: Good, cause I don't.

Clementine: Whatever helps y'all sleep at night.

Louis: It'll help me sleep at night is knowing you two and (YN) are gone for good.

Clementine: ....

Louis: ...I don't mean it like that-

Violet: Oh shut up Louis of course you did. God, you can be such a asshole.

Louis: ...

Violet: Voting...So fucking stupid.

Louis: You said you go along with it if we cited fairly.

Violet: Yea, and I had no choice. Still, it's bullshit. And you'd know it if you weren't used to burying your head in the sand.

Louis: Oh I'm burying my head in the sand? Hate Marlon all you want but you can't tell me AJ isn't dangerous too?

AJ: ...

Clementine: Seriously? douche.

Louis: ...

Violet: ...We'll wait for you to pack up, then Louis and I will escort y'all and (YN) pats the safe zone. We'll make sure you get there safely. Not a lot, but it's what we can do.

Clementine: It's okay, thanks by the way-

AJ: N-No! Don't thank them! I-It's their fault for kicking us! They're gonna get rid of us for doing something right!

Clementine: AJ, breathe, please.

AJ: ....O-Okay...but, can I at least say goodbye to Tenn?

Violet: ...I'm sorry, he was really upset about the vote and doesn't wanna talk with anyone. It's best you leave him alone when he's like this. But, for the record, he wanted you to stay.

AJ: ...

Louis: Wait a sec, does AJ still have that gun?

AJ pulls out his gun with no bullets...

Louis: Hand it over.

Violet: Is this necessary?

Louis: Hell yes it is. Can't have AJ hold that thing and have him shoot someone else again.

AJ: ...Clem?

Clementine: ...Give it to him, as long it makes him more happy.

AJ: Okay, here.

AJ hands Louis his gun, and Louis can tell it was kind a wrong move, but wanted to be sure AJ doesn't do it again.

Louis: Fuck.

Violet: Happy?

Louis: ...

Then, Ruby shows up in the room...

Ruby: Hey y'all.

Clementine: Hey. Where's (YN)?

Ruby: ...He isn't waking up.

Clementine: What.?!

AJ: You mean, he's...

Ruby: N-No! Not like that, sorry. I didn't mean to say it like that. I meant, he's still sleeping. I guess due to the blood he lost from that gunshot, he lost bit of consciousness...so...he isn't awake yet from his rest.

Clementine: Oh thank god.

Louis: So what? He can't stay here-

Violet: Dude!

Louis: What? What will the others say?

Violet: Fuck em, they have to at least understand why.

Ruby: ...It's not fair.

Violet: What's not?

Ruby: That they need to leave. They didn't do anything bad, Marlon was the one with everything.

Louis: You too Ruby? Really?

Ruby: Oh shut up Louis.

Louis: Tch.

Ruby: Anyways, I say he should be awake pretty soon. But, if only you have anything to leave for him to find y'all?

Clementine: ...We can leave him a note, have him say to meet us at the house where we found the food. He knows how to get there.

Ruby: That'll do.

Violet: Okay. Well, we'll meet you at the gates then.

Clementines Sure.

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Later, Clem and AJ left a note for (YN) when he regains consciousness and to find them at the house. They both left and Clem giving him a kiss on his forehead to hope he wakes up soon, and to the leave the school and be escorted to the safe zone.
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In the woods, it was dawn, Clem and AJ were walking to the safe zone with Louis and Vi.

AJ: You think (YN) will wake up soon?

Clementine: I really hope.

AJ: Me too. So, when can we find another car?

Clementine: Probably soon if we're lucky.

AJ: So, we're walking? Dang it. My shoes are close to break.

Clementine: Just hoe they hold,

AJ: But my feet will bleed again.

Clementine: Then if not, I'll find something to tie them up if we have to.

Louis: ...I mean, it can't be that bad out here for y'all, you know? Y'all down this before. Probably pretty good at it by now-

Clementine: Don't pretend you care, you lived behind walls your whole life. So you have no fucking idea what it's like out here.

Louis: ...

Violet: Dumbass.

They arrive out of the safe zone....

Violet: Anyways, we're here. So, got anything to say, Louis?

Louis: ...I said plenty.

AJ: ...Thanks for letting us stay.

Violet: You're welcome, I wish you guys stayed still too. I didn't want this, not even Tenn, and Ruby.

Clementine: Yea, so did I. Wish we didn't fucked it up.

Violet: Don't be. Marlon did. Even did, he ruined everything.

Louis: Jesus Vi, give him some fucking peace.

Violet: ...Just stay safe, you two.

Violet then leaves, and to feel bad to not be able to see Clem and AJ anymore....as for Louis, deep down he felt bad, but then again still won't forgive what AJ did to his friend...he started having mix feelings at some point...all he can say is...

Louis: Stay safe.

He slowly turns and walks away...as Clem and AJ are now alone in the woods again, without (YN) of course.

Clementine: Let's get going, house shouldn't be that far.

AJ: Okay. Clem?

Clementine: Hm?

AJ: Will we be okay? I thought we were done running from all the bad things.

Clementine: We'll make the house our new home, do a little clean up.

AJ: Really?

Clementine: Of course. Once we do, I'll have (YN) build a swing for you to have fun.

AJ: A swing?

Clementine: Yeah, it's-

Suddenly, a loud gunshot was heard from a close distance...

Clementine: Hide!

They rush and hide behind a tree, Clem takes a peek, and see the one who made that gunshot sound was that creep they bump into at the house, Abel, holding a shotgun...

Abel: Come on out. Y'all can't hide any longer now.

Clementine: Shit.

AJ: It's the creep from the house. The one Brody is scared of.

Clementines Yea. Stay here.

Clementine wields her knife out as Able approaches close, Clem took the chance and to strike at Abel, kicking his feet down and lowering his guard and dropping his gun...

Abel: Tch, tough bitch, aren't ya?

Clementine: Just leave us alone! walk away. What do you even ant from us-

Suddenly, she felt a gun pontes behind her head, as she knew Abel wasn't alone at all Ashe stood up and picked his gun...and to hit Clem with it towards her stomach, dropping her down...

AJ: Clem!!

AJ goes to try help her, but Abel grabs him by the arm ...

Abel: Heh, hey there again, squirt.

AJ: Let go of me!!

Clementine: Leave him alone!!

???: Abel, you know them?

Abel: Yea I've seen them, couple of fighters. But there was a third one, a boy, the one that broke my nose. Weird he isn't with them.

???: Probably at the community still. Tell me, we're looking for a kid who runs that community near here.

Clementine: Marlon? He's dead.

???: Well, Shit.

Abel: This can still work.

???: Well, how about it? Want us to take you back there, help us talk with your friends? It's not like you have any options at all.

Clementine: Even so, they won't let us in anymore. Besides, they'll kill both of you if we do.

Abel: She's lying. She has to be.

Abel started torturing AJ's arm...

AJ: AAAGH!!!

Clementine: No don't!! Let him go, please!

Abel: Sure, if you do like we ask, otherwise, I'm happy to crack his head open.

The person pinning Clem on the floor punts her, turning her around and aiming the gun at her....and as Clem takes a closer look at the person who's aiming at her....she gave a surprise look to realize she has seen this person before, more over, this person use to be with her back when she and (YN) were kids, back when Lee was still alive....and the person was shocked as well to see Clementine's face, like if she knows her....and she does.

???: Oh, my god. Is that you...Clementine?!

-END OF CHAPTER 8-