Into The Fire

***Into the Fire*** is the first chapter of the universe (AU) fanfic, Dawn of The Walking Dead. It serves as a prequel to Episode One of Season One, introducing the story's protagonists, Clementine and Rachel, and establishing the setting of the apocalypse.

## Cast Guide

Starring
Clementine
Rachel Paul
Sandra - †

## Summary

*A seemingly ordinary summer play-date between Clementine and her lifelong friend, Rachel, takes a harrowing turn when they find themselves confronting the dawn of the end of the world.*

## Plot

Two girls have a playful tea party with stuffed dinosaurs. They joke about princess dinosaurs and notice the absence of a toy named Captain Yellowbear. While one girl searches for the missing toy, the other, Clementine, waits by the tea set. The babysitter, Sandra, interrupts, calling Clementine inside for lunch.

Clementine closed the sliding door behind her and joined Sandra and Rachel in the kitchen. Rachel was enthusiastically devouring sandwiches at the bar counter, her previously missing stuffed yellow bear now present. Amidst the meal, Rachel called Clementine over to join them, praising the turkey-filled sandwiches. Sandra intervened, reminding Rachel not to talk with her mouth full. Rachel, still chewing, requested a drink from the refrigerator.

Sandra, unimpressed, emphasized the importance of proper manners. After serving drinks, Sandra inquired about Rachel's plans, discovering that her brother wouldn't be picking her up. Clementine eagerly proposed a sleepover, sparking excitement in both girls. Sandra, cautious about behavior, offered a trip to the zoo if they behaved.

As Sandra went upstairs, the girls settled on the couch to watch their favorite show, Disco Broccoli. However, the anticipation turned to confusion when the TV displayed an emergency alert, leaving the girls puzzled. Sandra investigated, turning off the TV and suggesting they play upstairs instead.

The scene shifted as the girls, under dimming sunlight and a standing lamp, immersed themselves in Rachel's fifth book of the afternoon. Rachel eagerly flipped through the pages, showing Clementine an illustration of Daisy, the Danger Duchess, using her magical hair as a zipline to escape pirates.

Sandra interrupted their reading with a suggestion to take a break and play a game before bedtime. Although slightly disappointed, the girls agreed. Sandra noticed the scattered books and proposed putting them away. The girls quickly organized the books on the shelf. Sandra introduced the idea of playing hide 'n seek, and the girls, familiar with the game, excitedly prepared. Clementine grabbed two-way radios, handing one to Sandra, while she and Rachel kept the other. The anticipation of the game filled the room as Sandra counted down, preparing for a fun evening of hide 'n seek.

Clementine's suggestion to use the radios for clues in their game of hide 'n seek excited both girls. Rachel, familiar with the Hot 'n Cold concept, eagerly shared her knowledge. Sandra, testing the radio, initiated the countdown, and the girls hurriedly hid in the closet. Clementine closed the door, enveloping them in soft light from the keyhole.

As Sandra started searching, the girls used the radios to provide clues. Rachel's whisper of "Coldest" indicated Sandra was close. Another radio chirp and a call of "Colder" directed Sandra toward the kitchen. Rachel, observing Sandra's approach, warned Clementine. However, before they could give another clue, Rachel leaped out of the closet, surprising Sandra. The playful chase ensued, with Sandra capturing both girls and playfully tickling them.

After the laughter-filled game, they settled on the rug, content and breathless. Sandra suggested bedtime, but Rachel pleaded for a bit more time. Sandra reminded them of the Zoo trip condition, sparking excitement in Clementine. As Sandra began to explain, an unexpected sound interrupted the conversation - *scritch-scritch.*

The trio paused their conversation, focusing on the unsettling scratching noise coming from the front door. Sandra, sensing something unusual, stood up and approached the door. The girls exchanged curious glances as Sandra peered through the peephole, struggling to discern the blurry silhouette on the other side.

Clementine speculated, "Is it the mailman?" Sandra dismissed the possibility, considering the late hour and the fact that the mail would have already been delivered. Rachel, ever oblivious, suggested, "Maybe it's a stray kitty?"

The scratching noise persisted, harsh and grating, echoing through the living room. Sandra, growing uneasy, noted the persistent nature of the sound. The scratching intensified, accompanied by faint tapping, creating an unsettling atmosphere. It became apparent, especially to Sandra, that this was not the work of a cat.

Sandra, sensing danger, urged the girls to step back as she cautiously approached the front door. With a tense atmosphere, she locked the door, but as she opened it, a dark figure lunged at her, overpowering her and causing the girls to stumble. The attacker pinned Sandra down, and the struggle for survival unfolded before the terrified girls.

Frozen in fear, the girls witnessed Sandra fighting desperately against the assailant, who seemed inhuman with grey, lifeless eyes and emaciated features. The attacker, displaying unnatural movements, detached from Sandra and turned its attention to the girls. With a guttural moan, it approached, its decaying limbs outstretched.

Clementine and Rachel, fueled by fear, fled toward the back door, but the creature caught hold of Clementine. As it dragged itself towards her, Sandra, in a desperate move, tugged at its leg, creating a brief distraction. Rachel, summoned courage, delivered a powerful kick to the creature's head, followed by another from Clementine. The monster's face smashed into the floor, releasing Clementine.

Seizing the opportunity, the girls sprinted out into the backyard, slamming the glass door behind them. They raced towards the safety of the treehouse, leaving behind the haunting sounds of Sandra's struggle. It was only when they heard the sound of Sandra's hand hitting the glass door that they cautiously looked back, witnessing her bloodied hand trailing down as her body went limp.

## Cast

* Clementine
* Rachel Paul
* Sandra - †