Chapter 25- The Raid

- AJ's POV

I was keeping watch with Ruby when she left, to go get Clem. Only moments later, I could hear the ladder rattling as she climbed up to stand next to me. "Hey AJ" she said when she reached the top, taking her place beside me. "Those raiders... That guy. He's gonna be with them." I said, changing the topic. Although I may have seemed strong, my stomach felt awful the more I thought. "Abel? Yeah, he will be." She replied, sighing as she looked out of her binoculars. "Your bad dreams, they're about him, aren't they?" Clem asked me solemnly. "Yeah." I said before pausing. "Can I swear yet?" Turning to her, I asked. I think I'm old enough to swear. "Nope. Not yet." She answered before checking the 'safe zone' again. It's not safe from the raiders. "Try thinking about something else. Count the monsters you see." Clem suggested. So, I took the binoculars and counted. "It's okay if Abel frightens you. You know how to control it." She continued as I finished. "Ten monsters. Same as before." I said back, slightly irritated that she knew of my weakness. "I'm not afraid of him. But when he comes here, I call dibs. I'm the one that kills him." I said without really thinking. I guess I liked the strength I felt when I got rid of bad people. I liked protecting the people I care about. I just... I don't know if I'm taking it too far. Clem was really quick to react on this, shifting her attention from the surrounding forest. "AJ, I don't like the way you're talking. Killing is never fun, or easy. Or to be treated so... Casually." She said, guests ring and teaching another one of her lessons. I guess it was a little harsh, but... I think he deserves it. "There's twelve of them now." I say, looking back as an idea popped in my head. "But what if we played rock, paper, scissors?" I asked the half-thought question. Clem's expression changed from deep in thought to outright shock and concern. "AJ, I said no. Now drop it." She said seriously, warning for if I went any further. "You won't always be able to tell me no." I mumbled. Apparently loud enough for her to hear. "What did you just say?" Her tone hardened as she heard my words. "Nothing. I didn't mean it." I replied. It's hard enough with the raiders coming. I don't need Clem mad at me too.

- General POV

"Clem, I see something. Look." AJ warned, catching the girl's attention. He handed her the binoculars, and the reflection of metal instantly caught her eye. "That's not a walker..." She said as she climbed down from the watch post.

"They're here." Clementine said, alerting the others and stirring panic from most. "The raiders?" A few asked. "Yeah, the raiders are here." She confirmed as they walked towards the school to grab their weapons. "Listen, Clem..." Louis started as they speed walked to get the defences, making sure everything was in check one last time. "I don't know what the D stands for on your hat, but... I'm gonna pretend like it stands for "Don't die" so uhh... Just listen to your hat, okay?" He continued as she nodded to him, a smile ghosting her lips. The group all met in a circle now, one last check in before the fight. "We're ready." Omar said with a confident tone. "They've got at least four more people, and they all carry guns. They have carts, too. Probably to carry people away." Clem informed them as they all stood nervously in the courtyard. With the news, there was panicked words from almost everyone, who couldn't believe the actual situation. "If they get inside, I'll keep them focused on me. It should give Mitch and Willy enough time to set up the bomb." She continued, trying not to sound unsure herself. "If they get in, we fall back." She said. "Into the admin building." Louis chimed in, pointing in the direction. "Exactly. Right into our traps." She finished. "So, uhh... Any last words of wisdom?" Louis' tone changed from confident to unsure. Clem breathed in deeply, feeling the slight breeze for a moment before replying.

"No matter what happens, look out for each other." She finished, only seconds before a bullet was fired into the air. Panic filled the air as Omar fell to the ground, his leg bloodied from the shot that hit him. "Hide! Now!" Clementine directed as the school kids ran behind the tables and brick walls. "C'mon, I got you." She said while starting to drag Omar over to cover. "Clementine? I know you're in there. Clementine?!" An unwanted voice shouted from over the gates. Shots were being fired as Omar was helped behind cover. "Go, I'll be fine. You don't have much time. Go!" Omar urged Clem as he saw the gates being rammed. With that, Clem ran over to grab her bow. Sliding over the table, she grabbed it just as a shot missed her. She pushed the table onto its side, ramming it against the other tables for cover. By this time, however, the raiders were already on their way in.

- Clementine's POV

"Spread out." Lilly commanded as the group of uninvited guests started to wander about, searching for the kids. Now was my cue. "Lilly!" I shot up from behind the table, bow drawn and ready to shoot her. Almost immediately, a bearded man went to point his gun at me. "Move and I'll shoot!" I warned, my tone hardened and cold. "You won't get the chance!" Abel joined in, trying to stop me from escalating the situation. Trying to make me second guess myself. I can't, not now. Lily called off a sniper hidden in a tree. "Where's our new recruits?" She asked calmly, approaching me without fear. "They're not yours!" I yelled back, my heart pounding out of my chest. "Search the yard." She half-whispered to her people. "We'll find them, Clementine. And then we'll take them. And you, and your little boy." Lilly threatened, walking forward a few steps. "You might not want to move around so much! Might trigger a trap!" I called back, glad that I finally surprised Lilly. "You're bluffing." She spat plainly. "Take another step and find out!" I threatened, gaining the attention of a few raiders. "Or f*cking leave! Can't you read?" I teased, remembering the banner that read 'Leave or Die' above the admin building. "You've changed." Lilly shifted weight to one leg, putting her hand on her hip. "I grew up." I spat back. After 9 years. That's what the end of the world does to you. Makes you fight for people you care about. Turns people against each other, to the point where killing becomes necessary. 9 years, and now? I'm all grown up. "I can see that. You know? You are just like him." She half smiled through sheer disgust. I knew who she was talking about. Lee. "Lee would've been disappointed, knowing he taught you all the wrong things." Lilly tried to manipulate me. Break me down before another attack. "Well, I'm still not bitten. I'd say he taught me right. He would've been proud of who I am." I spoke now with confidence. It did nothing to her, but at least I wasn't breaking down like she wanted.