https://youtu.be/FFFR3jvoUPY

*THWACK!*

Shawn watched in awe as Dutch split the wood in half with one powerful downward swing of his axe. The crack echoed through the serene forest, reverberating off the surrounding trees. Dutch stood tall, his muscular frame glistening with sweat under the warm sun...

SHAWN: Woah, you're really strong Dutch

DUTCH: It's not all about strength though, there's a fair bit of technique that goes into it. Having power is good...

He grabs another large chunk of wood and places it upright

DUTCH: ...but technique is what makes the difference.

Dutch took a step back, assessing the position of the wood and adjusting his grip on the axe. His hands were calloused and weathered from years of labor, a testament to his dedication and hard work. Once again, with one swift and precise motion, he brought the axe down upon the wood. However, this time, something unexpected happened. The wood didn't split as cleanly as before. Instead, it splintered and cracked unevenly, causing Dutch to chuckle softly to himself

DUTCH: And that right there just goes to show that things don't always go the way you'd expect. 

Setting the axe and wood aside, Dutch turned to the boy with curiosity plastered on his face

DUTCH: So what can I help you with?

SHAWN: Carver said you'd train me if I asked

DUTCH: Is that what he said?

The man spotted Bill in the distance. The two men locked eyes for a moment as Shawn spoke

SHAWN: I mean, I was just thinking. You said you used to be in the military, and military soldiers usually know how to fight really good, so I thought that maybe...

DUTCH: No

SHAWN: What!? But why!?

The giant then picked up a towel, wiping the sweat from his face as he replied

DUTCH: Because I've got no place teaching anyone, anything... especially children

SHAWN: I'm not a child

DUTCH: No? But you sure are persistent. Unfortunately for you, once I've decided something that's usually where I stand. Besides, teaching the youth isn't exactly my strong suit...

Shawn looked down, disappointment evident on his face. He had hoped Dutch would agree to train him and help him become stronger, but he also wasn't content taking no as an answer. As Dutch was preparing to walk away, he suddenly heard Shawn grunting, as if struggling to lift something heavy. Dutch turned back to see the boy on the ground doing pushups, quirking a brow, Dutch spoke...

DUTCH: What are you doing now?

SHAWN: (Breathing heavily) If... you won't... help me get stronger... then I'll... keep doing pushups... until you do...

Dutch crossed his arms, shaking his head slightly

DUTCH: Well then you're gonna be at it for a long time. My advice, don't skip leg day...

The giant turned around and began walking away, all the while Shawn's grunts filled the air as he continued his pushups. As far as Dutch was concerned, Shawn's defiant attempt at a protest would last for maybe a few minutes at best, he'd get tired soon. Dutch walked up to Bill who was just getting done talking to Luke, offering the young man a nod, Bill turned to Dutch.

BILL: Hey there stranger...

DUTCH: I know what you're up to

BILL: Whatever do you mean?

DUTCH: Sending him over there, asking me to train him. I've known you since before all this shit, so I know when you're up to something, so stop it.

BILL: Afraid that's not up to me, kid wants to get stronger, with the way things are it seems pretty reasonable to me that he'd come to you. Shawn's been through a lot, probably more than any of the kids you used to work with. Look, Dutch, you're my best friend alright? you've kept me from making a lot of stupid decisions, so do me a solid, take the kid under you wing, help him out yeah?

Bill Carver was an enigma to most everyone around him. Despite his flaws, Bill was committed to protecting those close to him, by any means necessary. Though there were times where Bills desire to protect would be overshadowed by his more darker tendencies, but each and every time, Dutch was there to bring him back from the brink. Dutch stood there, contemplating Bill's words. He knew that Bill had a way of persuading him, and this time was no different.

*Inhale*

*Exhale*

Dutch turned his gaze back to where Shawn, the boy still hard at work with his pushups. A small smile tugged at the corner of his lips as he watched the determination on the young boy's face. Dutch admired that kind of spirit. Walking up to the boy, Dutch spoke, his booming voice breaking Shawn's concentration, causing him to fall face first

DUTCH: I want you up at the crack of dawn every morning. If you're late, even by a second, the deal is off.

Shawn looked up at Dutch with a smile as a trail of blood leaked from his nose

SHAWN: Really!? You'll actually teach me!?

Dutch nodded

DUTCH: Don't expect it to be easy. We'll be doing training exercise that make even grown men tremble. But if you're willing to put in the work, I'll do my best to make you stronger

Standing up, Shawn wiped away the blood from the top of his lip and spoke

SHAWN: Thank you, Dutch! I won't let you down!

DUTCH: I know you won't

Meanwhile...

BILL: What's the situation?

Bill, Detroit and Dakota stood around a table over looking the map of the area

DETROIT: Tavia is on her way back, should be sometime later today

BILL: This early?

Detroit nodded

DETROIT: Yeah man, she says the city has gotten way to dangerous, even for her. Good news is, she's got fair amount of other people coming back with her...

BILL: How many are we talking here?

DETROIT: Like nine people

BILL: "Like" nine people? Or nine people?

DAKOTA: Exactly nine, which means a lot more mouths to feed, which also means we need to start rationing our supplies more carefully. 

BILL: Luke and Troy will be back with fresh game soon

DAKOTA: Fresh game? Are you serious?

Detroit turned to his brother, making a motion with his hand as if to say "No, stop." But Dakota wasn't convinced...

DAKOTA: Did you hear a word I just said? nine people! nine! that's not even counting the nine people we have already! Look, me and Detroit heard a broadcast...

DETROIT: Bro...

Bill raised his hand up to silence Detroit

BILL: Keep quiet on this on Dee, let him talk (Turning to Dakota) What broadcast?

DAKOTA: Some place up north, Michigan. Supposedly there's a big camp there, much bigger than ours. During the winter, all that snow slows the walkers down...

BILL: So what? You suggest we go looking' for Shangri-La? Oh wait, no, that's exactly what you're suggesting. Okay, Dakota, lets say we take our group of damn near twenty people all the way to Michigan. Assuming this place you speak of actually exist, how many people do you wager we lose by the time we get there? How do we know when we show up, they don't gun us down and take our shit?

Dakota scowled

DAKOTA: And you've got a better idea?

BILL: I do, and it's very simple. We stick to what's been working, until I say otherwise. I'm not killing my own people because of the wishful thinking of a damn drifter...

Bill turned his back to the two brothers, preparing to leave until Dakota spoke up

DAKOTA: This isn't about whether or not we make up there, is it? This is about your ego. You can't stomach the idea of not being in control, not being the one calling the shots...

Bill stopped in his tracks, his back still turned to Dakota. The room fell into a tense silence, the weight of Dakota's words hanging heavily in the air. Detroit reached out to his brother, placing a hand on his shoulder only for it to be slapped away. After a few moments, Bill turned around slowly, his face etched with a mix of silent anger

BILL: Think you know me so well, huh? You think you got me all figured out? Right about now, you should actually be taking your brother's advice and keep quiet before you say something that'll get you hurt...

Dakota's eyes narrowed, realizing he had struck a nerve. Detroit stepped between the two, trying to diffuse the tension.

DETROIT: Alright, guys, let's calm down. We're all on the same side here...

DAKOTA: Hurt... or killed? Like how you killed Antoine!?

DETROIT: Dude!

Though he didn't show it, the look on Bill's face shook Dakota to his core. Bill's usually composed demeanor shattered, and a surge of rage flashed across his features. His fists clenched tightly, and he took a step toward Dakota, his voice dripping with venom.

BILL: If I were you, I'd choose my next few words really fucking carefully. I'm not in the habit of killing my own men, but I also don't take to kindly to being accused of it. Antoine's death was an unfortunate accident

DAKOTA: You just keep fucking telling yourself that!

????: It was me!

Dakota's outburst was abruptly interrupted as he, his brother, and Bill turned to the source of the familiar voice to see Shawn, the eight-year-old boy having entered the room during the heated exchange...

SHAWN: I was the one who killed Antoine, but only because he trying to kill me! It was self defense. It was either me or him, and I chose me

Bill's anger seemed to dissipate, replaced with a mix of surprise, trying to hide the beginnings of a faint smirk. Dakota however, was not impressed, though his anger has dissipated greatly from what it had been moments ago. Clinching his fist, Dakota turned back to Bill with a disgusted scowl

DAKOTA: Having someone else take the fall... Typical.

Dakota pushed past his brother and Bill, not even sparing a glance down at Shawn as he left the room, Detroit following closely behind. Bill approached him, crouching down as his expression softened somewhat

BILL: You know, didn't have to do that... I had it under control

Shawn shook his head

SHAWN: No, I couldn't let you clean up my mess. It had to be me. You've got my back, and I've got yours. It's me and you against the world remember? you said that...

Bill smiled, placing a hand on Shawn's shoulder.

BILL: That's right, kid. Me and you against the world. You've got guts, I'll give you that. But listen, I need you to understand something. Honesty is great trait to have, makes you a good person. Sadly though, nowadays honesty can lead people to doing some irrational things. It might seem weird, but a lie can sometimes help more than the truth. I appreciate you wanting to take responsibility, but sometimes it's better to let me handle the situation. Trust me, I've been through enough to know how to navigate these things

Shawn looked up at Bill, his young eyes filled with confusion

SHAWN: Oh, uh... I guess that makes sense?

Bill chuckled, ruffling Shawn's hair before standing up

BILL: It's a lot to understand, especially for someone your age. But trust me, I'll get you up to speed soon enough kiddo...

[BLEEP]

Suddenly, Bill's radio sputtered to life with a crackle of static. Shawn watched curiously as Bill quickly grabbed it and brought it up to his mouth

BILL: Go ahead

[VOICE ON RADIO: "Bill? it's Tavia... we're here."]

BILL: Line them up, I'm on my way...

[BLEEP]

Looking down at Shawn with a smirk, Bill spoke...

BILL: Well then, enough standing around and twiddling our thumbs... Let's go meet our new members

Shawn nodded

SHAWN: (Determined) Yeah

As Bill and Shawn made their way to meet the new arrivals, a sense of anticipation filled the air. The first person to greet the two as the exited the small gas station was Dutch, talking to Bill as the three made their way towards the newest additions to their camp...

DUTCH: Tavia's one hell of a woman isn't she?

BILL: Told you she could handle herself, didn't I?

DUTCH: Yeah, that you did...

SHAWN: There's so many

BILL: You nervous?

SHAWN: No way, they should be scared of me

Shawn explained as he puffed up his cheeks and put on a tough façade, the action causing both Bill and Dutch to share a laugh. Soon the trio would come face to face with the other survivors, of which, there ten in total. Tavia then approached Bill and spoke

TAVIA: They're all here boss, present and accounted for

Tavia then looked down and spotted Shawn who was looking between each of the new arrivals in curiosity

TAVIA: Who's the kid?

She wouldn't receive an answer as Bill stepped forward to address his newfound community. Taking a deep breath, Bill spoke, his raspy voice carrying across the gathered group.

BILL: Hello there, it's nice to finally meet you all. My name William Carver, but my friends call me Bill. Starting today, I'll be leading this group, and doing my best to keep you all safe. Keep in mind, that this'll be a team effort. I know each and every one of you have seen, and been through a lot, but you don't have to run anymore. Together we'll start the building process, but first, how's about we introduce ourselves?

The new arrivals looked amongst each other until a Hispanic man in his late thirties stepped forward with his daughter hiding behind him...

CARLOS: First off, I would like to thank you, for bringing in myself and my daughter. My name is Carlos, this is Sarah. Say hello honey...

Stepping out from behind her father stood Carlos' daughter, Sarah a timid eleven-year-old girl in a blue hoodie with a set of red glasses 

SARAH: H-Hello

Bill smiled in an attempt to calm the girl's nerves

BILL: Well, hello there, Sarah. Welcome to our group. We're glad to have you and your father with us. Is there anything you need or any questions you have?

Sarah shyly looked up at Bill, her voice barely above a whisper.

SARAH: Um... Do you have any books? I like reading... it helps me forget about... things.

BILL: We'll see what we can do about that...

CARLOS: I'd love to help in any way that I can. I'm a doctor, so if you and anyone else here needs medical attention, you can count on me.

Bill raised a brow before turning to Tavia, offering the woman an approving look

BILL: Those are in short supply these days... (Turning back to Carlos) Tavia here will introduce you to Dakota, he usually keeps stock of our supplies, medical equipment included, but I've got a feeling that stuff will be better suited in your hands

CARLOS: Thank, you...

BILL: Don't mention it

Tavia then stepped forward

TAVIA: Follow me

Carlos followed Tavia, and they walked toward a small medical tent set up nearby. A black couple then stepped forward as the husband, a heavyset man wearing his own set of glasses introduced himself and his wife

ALVIN: I'm Alvin,  this here is my wife...

His wife then offered Bill her hand

REBECCA: Rebecca, it's nice to meet you, and thanks again for taking us in, Carver

Bill then took her hand in his, gently shaking it as he spoke

BILL: No need to thank me, and please... call me Bill

Rebecca blushed slightly, something Bill took note of...

SHAWN: Woah! is... is that a guitar? Do you play?

Bill turned to his left to see Shawn ogling over a guitar that belonged to an Asian girl around his age...

BECCA: Oh, this? I play a bit here and there. Maybe I'll play for you sometime. My name is Becca, what's yours?

SHAWN: Shawn Everett. I can't wait to hear you play, Becca...

Shawn smiled brightly, causing Becca's heart to skip a few beats. Though she hid it as best she could, it wouldn't go unnoticed by her older sister who then approached the two children

SHEL: Hi there, Shawn. I'm Becca's older sister, Shel. Looks like you two are making quick friends...

Becca then looked in the opposite direction, muttering for her sister to shut up. Shel laughed at her younger sibling's reaction as Shawn stood there utterly confused

????: William Carver?

BILL: Hmm?

A Caucasian man in his mid to late fifties approached Bill with his hand outstretched. Bill and the man shook hands, both with a firm grip as the latter introduced himself and his family

PETE: Peter Joseph Randall. This here is my sister, Lauren, and my nephew, Nick

LAUREN: Howdy!

NICK: Heya

Bill, still shaking Pete's hand, only offered an exhausted smile...

BILL (Thoughts): Just what I needed, more country bumpkins... I should give Luke a bit more credit...

LUKE: No... no friggin way! Nick!?

NICK: Luke? Holy shit

Bill rolled his eyes

BILL (Thoughts): Of course they'd know each other

Luke and Nick exchanged surprised looks, their reunion catching them both off guard. Luke. who was helping Troy carry the fresh deer they'd caught earlier that evening, let go of his end, much to the dismay of his partner

TROY: F-Fuckin shit! Goddammit... Luke, ya fuckin asshole

Troy saw Shawn staring at him and squinted

TROY: And what are you lookin at!? Don't think we're friends or anything now, ya little jerk! My hand still hurts!

Shawn turned to look away, suddenly finding a distant tree particularly interesting. Bill shook his head and took a deep breath before turning to address his people once more...  

BILL: This here is the part where you all settle down and get to know each other. Dinner will be here soon and I'm sure you're all as hungry as the rest of us.

Shawn watched as the newcomers dispersed into the camp, some engaging in conversation with the likes of Dutch, Detroit, and even Reggie. The young Everett was then pulled from his thoughts as he felt a hand on his shoulder, looking up, he locked eyes with Bill

BILL: Your parents ever teach you how to play poker?

Later...

BILL: "Never played" my ass

Shawn chuckled as he held out his winning hand, a triumphant grin on his face

SHAWN: I'm the best poker player in the world!

Bill smirked and shook his head, impressed by Shawn's quick grasp of the game

BILL: Yeah, yeah. Whatever. Beginners luck. Gimme a sec, will you? I need to double check something real quick

Standing up from the table, the man walked over to the counter, once again looking over the map. Reaching to his right, Bill grabbed a red marker and proceeded to make a few scribbles on the map, marking potential locations and resources. Shawn watched curiously as Bill focused on the map, his mind clearly deep in thought. After a few minutes, Shawn walked over to Bill...

SHAWN: What are you working on?

Snapping out of his thoughts, Bill looked down at the small boy who stared back in curiosity. Turning back to the map, Bill spoke...

BILL: Just work, Nadia...

Bill caught himself right as the name left his mouth, however...

BILL: It's nothing

Shawn furrowed his brow, noticing the slip-up but deciding not to press further. Bill quickly finished marking the map and folded it up before tucking it away in his coat pocket.

BILL: We've got a lot of ground to cover, Shawn. We need to find more supplies, secure our camp, and keep everyone safe. These next couple of months things are gonna get a bit... busy. That being said I'm gonna need you to be on your P's and Q's. Think you're up to it?

Shawn nodded, a determined look on his face

BILL: That's more like it. Now let's go get something to eat

As the two walked toward the campfire, Shawn spoke

SHAWN: Hey, Carver?

BILL: Call me, Bill

SHAWN: You remind me of my dad...

BILL: Oh, uh... really? How so?

Looking at the others who were talking and sharing laughs around the campfire, the young Everett boy continued

SHAWN: Everyone looks up to you, even the people who don't like you all that much. My dad was like that too, and you both do everything you can to protect the people you love... even if...

Shawn stopped in his track, with Bill standing only a few feet behind him waiting for him to finish his sentence. Turning to face Bill directly, Shawn Everett spoke

SHAWN: I think you're the type of person, that I wanna be when I grow up

The child's words threw Bill for a loop. For a split second, he could hear those exact same words being said in his mind, the visage of a young girl around Shawn's age took the boy's place. Bill's expression softened, and he knelt down to Shawn's level, placing a hand on his shoulder.

BILL: You're a strange one kiddo, you know that?

Shawn smiled

SHAWN: I am pretty cool, aren't I?

Hours Later...

Now sitting alone in the almost eerie silence of the abandoned gas station office, Bill Carver looked through the journal detailing the group's inventory. The only sound keeping the man company were the ones of the wildlife that inhabited the surrounding forest. Weapons, ammunition, food... all of these were essential parts of he and his new communities survival in this walker infested world. Despite his argument with Dakota, even Bill Carver knew the man was right to some extent. They couldn't stay here forever, it would be a death sentence

*Click*

Closing his eyes, Bill set his pen down before speaking...

BILL: You shouldn't hesitate. One shot, that's all it takes. This wouldn't be the first time I've had a gun drawn on me. Though I will say, the others at least had the balls to do it while I was facing them head on. So go ahead, pull the trigger, or, are you waiting on me to say something in particular... Dakota?

Bill's voice was calm and collected as he addressed Dakota, who had entered the room with a gun pointed at him. Dakota hesitated for a moment, his hand trembling as he tried to gather his resolve. His eyes darted nervously, unsure of what to do next...

BILL: You're trembling. Hell, I don't even have to look at you to know that either. Tell me something, you pull that trigger, and then what?

DAKOTA: Shut up

BILL: No I'm serious. I wanna know what kind of half baked bullshit you're gonna pull out your ass when everyone goes "Why? why did you gun down the man who put clothes on our backs, food in our bellies, and a place to lay our heads?" Because between me and you Dakota, any great lie has to have some degree of truth to it

DAKOTA: Antoine was eaten by a swarm of walkers. So what then? were you two pinned? Did you throw him to the lurkers to save your own ass? He was trying to save that kid, Shawn, or at least that's what you'd want me to believe, right!? You want to talk about balls? How about owning up to what you did instead of having some kid stand up for you!? Right here, right now... say it!

BILL: Doesn't matter what I say, you made up your mind, the second you picked up that gun

DAKOTA: Then I guess... after I'm done here. I'll go searching for answers from someone else. I tried prying anything I could from Troy, but his lips are sealed tight. You must have struck the fear of god into him, but that's alright, if he won't talk, then there's always the kid...

Bill flinched

DAKOTA: Bet it wouldn't take much- ACK!

Dakota had absolutely zero time to think, one minute, he had Bill at gun point, the next... he was being pinned against the wall. The gun fell to the floor below as he tugged at Bill's forearm that was pressed against his throat with tremendous force. Dakota looked into the eyes of what he could only describe as the personification of fury. Bill Carver, the usually stoic and composed leader, was now consumed by rage. His voice now oozed with venom as he spoke

CARVER: You lay one finger on that boy and I'll fucking kill you, do you hear me? I'll fucking end you! I'll start by disemboweling you, use your own fucking entrails to choke you. I'll make sure you live just long enough to experience every second of it...

Carver's grip tightened around Dakota's throat, his fury radiating from every pore. The room seemed to shrink in the face of his unbridled rage. Dakota struggled against Bill's iron grip, gasping for air. The fear in his eyes was palpable as he clasped his hands around Carver's wrist, desperately trying to loosen the vice-like grip.

DAKOTA: P-Please... let me go... 

Dakota pleaded as the world around him was slowly but surely fading in and out. Carver was ready to end the man's existence right there and then, but was stopped as a familiar and authoritative voice broke through the tense atmosphere

DUTCH: That's enough, Bill.

With Dutch's intervention, Dakota would live to see another day. Bill's rage subsided slightly, and he loosened his grip, allowing Dakota to slump to the floor, coughing and wheezing as he rubbed his throat, gasping for air...

*Cough*

*Cough*

DUTCH: I don't know what's going on, and quite frankly I don't want to. You two have been at each others throats for months now. It's time to cut the shit

Bill fixed his coat as he gathered himself, meanwhile, Dakota stood up against the wall, still rubbing his throat as he spoke. His voice barely above a whisper, but still loud enough for both men to hear...

DAKOTA: Y-You're insane. One of these day's you're gonna get everyone here killed. It's you Carver, it's always been you, you're the biggest threat to this camp. That ego of yours, that need to control everyone and everything around you... that's what'll kill you

Bill scowled as he left Dakota with these parting words

BILL: Maybe so, but if I have to be the villain to protect these people, then so be it. If I were you Dakota, I'd start to worry about myself, whether or not you live long enough to see that day, is up to you. Something to think about...

DUTCH: Bill

BILL: I'm going to bed, don't bother following me

Bill then popped the collar of his coat before exiting the room, leaving Dakota and Dutch behind. The tension hung heavy in the air, the aftermath of their confrontation still lingering.

A/N: Things are heating up. Also, anyone who catches what I did in that last scene (Narratively/Thematically) is goated. Anyway, I will see you all in this next chapter