The Sun Will Be Rising Soon

Preparing for War

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The sun had begun rising when they departed from James' camp, Clement's brows furrowed together in effort as he walks with (Y/N) carried bridal style in his arms. His eyes shift down to (Y/N) as her teeth clench in pain, her breathing labored as she leans the side of her face against Clement's shoulder. AJ's attention remains glued to (Y/N), his mouth set on a frown of concern.

Birds chirp softly in the trees, water rushing down a small river as the group walk over it on a wooden bridge. James led them, wearing his mask.

"Is she awake?" James whispers, turning to Clement and looking down at (Y/N).

"I think so," Clement murmurs, lowering his head a bit and pressing his cheek to her forehead before wincing. "She's burning up."

Clement moves to take a step, staggering briefly as AJ gasps and outstretches his hands in case he had to help. He corrects his footing, shaking his head rapidly as he sighs.

"I can carry her," James suggests quickly, voice filled with concern. "You're exhausted."

Clement's grip tightens around (Y/N) as he shakes his head. "No, I've got her."

"Are you sure?" AJ asks quietly, peering up at Clement with big eyes.

Clement forces a reassuring smile, nodding. James doesn't seem convinced, but takes the lead once more anyway with Clement and AJ following. Clement recognizes the area, the trees marked to show they were holding up traps.

The gates of Ericson's comes into view, (Y/N) hissing softly in pain as she shifts lightly.

Her eyes open and she looks up to the side of Clement's face, sighing deeply as she leans her head on his shoulder. "... I'm sorry, Clem."

Clement looks down at the top of her head, his brows furrowing in confusion. "What are you apologizing for, princess? You've got nothing to be sorry about."

"For..." (Y/N) grunts lightly, her eyes squeezing shut in pain. "Always... making you worry about me."

Clement scoffs and shakes his head, "it's... don't worry about that now, okay? We're almost to the school. They-- They'll help you."

"What if they don't?" AJ fearfully asks, getting Clement's attention. "Be--Because of what I did? What if they don't help her?"

"They will," Clement confidently replies, nodding firmly. "Violet and Louis helped us back there, remember?"

(?) AJ will remember that

AJ seems unsure, but nods quietly. They approach the gates with James in front, Willy spotting him and leaping to his feet with a gasp.

"Walker!"

He grabs his bow, firing an arrow that misses James by a few inches. It lands in the ground in front of him, making him pause and look up at Willy.

Clement quickly joins his side, looking up at Willy as well as AJ remains silent.

Willy's eyes widen when he spots them, a gasp leaving his lips. "Violet! Louis! They came back!"

He turns and disappears from view, Clement's breathing a bit heavy as his eyes start to droop.

Clement shakes his head out once more to wake himself up, turning to James. "Look... you live out there alone, right?"

James doesn't respond, only looking to him questioningly.

"You could stay with us," Clement offers, nodding towards the school with a small smile.