-AUTHOR's POV-

As we left off, Violet Louis and Willy head back to the school as Clementine (YN) and AJ walk down the woods to go look for James and ask him for help. Clementine led the way to find James spot, but as she does, they found his comps fire spot, but to find out it's running with walkers all over...

(YN): Uh-Oh.

AJ: I don't see James, just monsters.

Clementine: Oh no, don't tell me-

James: Ahem.

They all startled and turns to see James behind them and gals he was okay...Clem notices a bandage wrapped around his arm too...

Clementine: You're hurt.

(YN): You okay?

James: I'm fine.

Clementine: Did the raiders do this?

James: It looked like they had people from your school...why are you here?

Clementine: The raiders kidnapped our people and took them to our boat and need to save them, but to do that, we need your help moving some walkers.

James: ...I could, maybe help, but my mask, it's still in the camp site. Inside my bag. I can't pass through a herd without it.

(YN): No worries, we can take them down-

James: No please, don't kill then.

(YN): Say Wha-??

James: The walkers, don't kill 'em. If you distract them, I'll sneak and find my mask.

AJ: Distract all of them??

James: Please.

(YN): Uh...

Clementine: Sure, we will. Let's go.

(YN): Ookay then...AJ, stay here and take cover, keep your eyes out.

AJ: Okay.

Both Clem and (YN) rush over to the walkers and to avoid killing them and to just distract them, away from James to get his mask. They started kicking the walkers down and not killing then at all. They notices James reaching to his camp and looking for his bag...and is taking quite a while...

(YN): Anytime now!

Clementine: We can't keep this up, did you find it?

James: It's not here. The horses must've-there!

His bag was on the other side, passing through the walkers...

(YN): Shit. How-

AJ: Hey! Over here, you monsters!

The walkers heard AJ and they go after him...

Clementine: AJ!

(YN): No!

James: There's too many of them!

(YN) looks around, and to spot the big cart that the raiders use ...

(YN): That cart, I'll give it a push to cause a noise to draw the walkers away. Keep them distracted.

Clementines Okay.

While Clem distract the walkers, (YN) rushes over to the cart to pick it up and push it and notices James wanting to help him..

(YN): I got this, go help Clem.

James: What? But this cart's too heavy to carry and push. You'll need-

Suddenly, James thought (YN) couldn't be able to lift and push the heavy cart alone, but was wrong as he witness to see him lifting the cart and slowly pushing it with little of struggle...

(YN): I got this, help Clem, now!

James: ..Okay.

As James goes help Clem distract walkers, (YN) was pushing the cart towards a little downhill, and once he reached to it, he gives it one hood push down, as the cart started rolling and crash towards the trees and making a loud crash noise. He, Clem and James hide quickly for the walkers not to spot them and focus on the loud noise from the cart.
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After that, the walkers were gone and they re grouped with AJ.

Clementine: AJ, are you okay?

AJ: Yea, no bites.

(YN): Oh Thank god.

AJ: But Woah. (YN), you push that cart like nothing. Now I really need to be stronger like you.

(YN): Heh, you'll get there soon bud.

James: That was...impressive. Also...I know milking them would've been much help, but you're kind, I appreciate it.

(YN): Thanks, I guess.

Clementine: No worries. Got your mask?

James: Yes. Thank you for helping it get back. Now, how would walkers save your friends?

(YN): There's a boat not too far from here, they're being captive there. We can't sneak on board without cover, not without the raiders gunning us down.

James: So..you're telling me, you want walkers as cover to sneak in the boat?

(YN): Correct.

James: That's insane.

Clementine: It's our only chance.

James gave some thought about it...and before he gives his answer...he says...

James: ...I have something for you to see, so you can understand what you two see.

Clementine: James.

He walks away...

(YN): Clem, I don't wanna be that guy, but he is acting bit of a stubborn, don't you think?

Clementine: *sighs* I know...

AJ: Is he gonna help us still?

Clementine: Yes, let's just go and see what he wants us to show.

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Later, Clem (YN) and AJ arrive to a barn. AJ then spots a big white rock on the floor...

AJ: Hey, what's this?

Clementine: Oh that? That's Salt Lick.

AJ: Salt lick? Ugh, sounds gross, but maybe can be good, like potato chips.

Clementine: Don't. Whatever you do, don't lick it, it tastes horrible.

AJ: How do you know? Did you lick it?

Clementine: .....I don't know.

(YN): *snickers*

Clem punches (YN) on the shoulder...

(YN): Aw come on babe, you were eager about it back then.

Clementine: And I regret it. I can even feel the taste...ugh.

They ignore the salt lick and to appear at the front of the barn as James was there...

James: My people. My former people...they had a practice. They called it collecting.

James quietly opens the door for Clem and (YN) to look inside, and inside the barn was full with nothing but walkers...he then shuts the door quietly. Clem and (YN) were shocked about it.

James: They used them as a weapon. I do this..to protect them. I know it sounds strange, but that's why I brought y'all here. To see them as I do, as people.

Clementine: As people?

(YN): You serious??

James: Well, not people exactly, but...something in between. Part of us is still in there. Deep down, so few of us die, and we turn yes, but not dead, or alive.

Clementine: I wish we can see it that way.

(YN): Can't argue with that. It be nice to know that everyone isn't gone.

James: In a way, their just lost.

AJ: ...So, you think their still people inside monsters?

James: Somewhere, yes. Think about it this, has sometime you cared turned?

Clem/(YN): ...

AJ: Their friend, Lee. They shot him before he did. So he won't have to suffer.

James: Sorry, maybe this isn't the best way to explain. Didn't mean to bring up difficult memories. I loved among walkers for years, and still in a way. When they're alone, they're harmless, innocent. If you guys need my help, then I want you to walk with them. And tell me if you believe they're just monsters.

(YN): ...Well, if this is a way for you to help us, then so be it. I'll go in.

Clementines You sure?

(YN): Yea.

AJ: No. They're monsters no matter what. Not people and friends, right Clem? (YN)?

(YN): I know bud, but think about it, Louis or Violet would do the same thing.

AJ: Yea, I guess.

James hands (YN) his walker mask...

AJ: But you said not to go alone. That's the first rule.

(YN): Don't worry AJ, Im not leaving, I'll be back.

AJ: Check for openings, and remember to breathe.

(YN): I will kiddo.

He pats AJ...

Clementine: Be careful.

(YN): I will.

James: The mask will disguise your scent, so be gentle and quiet. Walk over to the wind chime and touch it, and you'll see.

(YN): Okay....Welp, here goes.

(YN) puts on the mask as he quietly enters the barn inside and closes the door. As he goes in, he was surrounded by a bunch of walkers, but only to notice them not seeing him as human thanks to the Walker mask, they all think he's one of them. So he plays it cool, and walks through them as one of them.

(YN)'s Mind: This.is.crazy. Maybe this way was better than covering ourselves with Walker blood...

Once he reaches the the wind chimes...he touches them, causing noises, and the walkers to get drawn by the sound, and follow the calm and relaxing sound from the wind chimes, and they seem...like they enjoy the sound, and (YN) can somehow see what James meant. So, he calmly walks away and to exit the barn and takes the mask off, gives it to James. AJ rushes at him and hugs him.

(YN): Woah, hey there kiddo. It's alright, I'm fine. See? No bites.

AJ: No bites.

James: So, do you still think they're monsters? Now that you see them in peace? Any different?

(YN): Honestly, I'm not sure what to say, but you maybe right. It was...kinda nice in there.

James: Really? Never met someone who understood. It's...thank you. I'm glad.

AJ: But, have you ever killed a Walker before?

James: I have, many.

AJ: ...Have you ever killed a person?

James: ...Many. But that was a long time ago.

AJ: ...I've killed someone before.

Clementine: AJ.

James: You killed someone?

AJ: Yea...I'm a murderer but I'm trying to atone.

James: Well, that's good.

Clementine: Okay, that's enough. James, will you be now help us save our friends using your walkers?

James: I thought I could, but...I can't. So many of them could die.! All the death is with cause. I'm sorry, but I can't have blood in my hands.

(YN): Dude, you can't be serious right? You saved Clementine and AJ back in the woods from Lilly. What makes it okay this time?? They're gonna make our friends into killers, more violent, and kill lots of innocent people.

James: ....I maybe be stubborn, but not heartless....and there is one thing I can agree, those raiders are cruel. They can force others to be the same. And if your friends are the same like you, then I don't doubt they are worth saving. It'll take some time to guide them to the shore. Others will join the herd as they go. Tomorrow night, be ready. I can't undo this.

Clementine: Got it.

(YN): See you tomorrow night then.

AJ: Bye.

They head back to the school as James goes in and gathers more walkers for tomorrow night...
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AJ: (YN)? When you said they might be people is die walkers, did you mean it? Is he right?

(YN): Well, we can't be sure. Maybe he's right. Death might not be like we thought. Before the whole world turned like this. Maybe something is left after we die.

AJ: Hmmm, sounds weird, but if you do believe it, I do too.

(YN): Heh, okay Buddy.

Clementine: Let's head back already.

-END OF CHAPTER 19-