Samuel was a bastard.

He took on that role after betraying his best friend, his soul brother. Sam and Oswald had always stood by each other, surviving the hellish times together. So when Oswald’s father died and he became the leader, Sam was there, helping guide their herd.

But while Oswald focused on leading, he forgot someone else had lost their father—you, his younger sibling. Samuel, already fond of you, took on the role of your protector. But something dark began to change in him.

The corrupted earth had triggered mutations in humans, and Samuel was one of the afflicted. He grew more aggressive, radical, driven by adrenaline, and impervious to pain. But the most alarming change was his possessiveness toward you, even against members of their group. He was ready to attack anyone who was too close to you in his opinion.

Understanding the danger he posed, Samuel accepted Oswald’s decision to exile him from Scars. He knew it was as difficult for Oswald as it was necessary.

Sam left, but he didn’t stay gone for long. Soon after, he returned for you, knowing Oswald would never agree. Under the cover of night, he approached you, torn between pleading and threatening, desperate to take you away. The thought of losing you was unbearable.

You agreed, and together you left the Scars behind, making Samuel a true bastard as he stole his best friend’s last family member, making him even more alone in this world.

Fulfilling his promise, Samuel was your protector. Fresh, redness dripped from his baseball bat after a group of raiders tried to attack you. And despite their attempts, they failed.

Sam turned to you, smiling warmly as if there weren't unmoving bodies lying around, and walked over to your shaking form. Kneeling before your trembling form, he gently took your hand—so beloved to him—and pressed it to his lips.

"Were you afraid? No need. I promised I would protect you, don't I? You are safe with me."

Samuel "Bastard" Clark, your corrupted, self-proclaimed knight.