LUKE: North, in just a few weeks... we head north

Dutch and Troy nodded in acknowledgment. Luke then turned to see Bill leaning against the wall, staring through the window as the snow fell outside...

LUKE: Bill? Any thoughts...?

BILL: ...

- Flashback -

https://youtu.be/3TNK916Pjto

LUKE: The hell happened over here!? Shawn? Bill?

Dakota's eye widened

DUTCH: We heard the gunshots, were you atta...

DETROIT: DAKOTA!?

Dutch's question would be interrupted as Detroit spotted Dakota's lifeless form on the ground. Running over and dropping to his knees, Detroit cradled his older brother's head in his arms...

LUKE: W-What the fuck happened!? Bill!

Shawn watched as Bill stood, and in a low tone, he spoke

BILL: ...It was me... I killed him.

Detroit's eyes widened at the revelation. Shawn was about to open his mouth to speak, he was the one who killed Dakota, not Bill, this was on him. Before the boy could say anything, his eyes met with Bill who shook his head

DUTCH: Fuck...

Luke was taken aback by the cold, almost unfeeling tone in Bill's voice as he admitted to killing one of their own. And if things weren't complicated enough already...

REBECCA: Is everything okay?

CARLOS: Those were gunshots... Should we be concerned?

Bill grimaced as the rest of the group emerged from their tents and made their way toward where the shots were fired. Troy could feel the tension and turned to settle everyone down. As Troy tried explaining, Detroit shook his head, anger building as he heard Luke speak...

TROY: Hey, hey, hey...it's fine, people. Now, just head back to bed, and we'll get this all sorted out

SHEL: Go back to sleep? Shots were fired in the middle of the night. Walkers could have heard that from miles. I think we're owed an explanation...

BECCA: Sis, it's not that big of a deal

Detroit lay his brother's body to the ground gently as he stood. His eyes now landing firmly on Bill as the man spoke...

BILL: You want an explanation? Well, for starters... Dakota is dead

The group fell silent, shocked, and horror evident on their faces. Bill then tapped his chest for emphasis as he continued

BILL: ... And I'm the one who killed him

Having heard enough, Detroit rushed Bill, intent on beating the man to death with his own bare hands. Unfortunately for Detroit however, his outburst was quickly intercepted by Dutch who restrained him and held him back...

DETROIT: YOU KILLED MY BROTHER! YOU PIECE OF SHIT!

The group turned their attention to Bill, the remaining silent as Detroit continued to struggle against Dutch's grip. His anger began turning into an overwhelming grief, his body trembling with the weight of his loss. Having exhausted himself from trying to break Dutch's grip, he spoke...

DETROIT: You and Dakota were always bumping heads, from the moment you two met! That day we came back to camp, when we came back without Antoine... he said you had something to do with it, that you were hiding something. I didn't believe him, I didn't want to... but it's true isn't it!?

BILL: ...

DETROIT: SAY IT, YOU SON OF A BITCH!

Troy turned to look at his leader, awaiting the next few words that would leave his mouth. Bill Carver scanned the eyes of each and every last member of the community. His eyes then met with those of Rebecca. Taking a deep breath, Bill spoke...

BILL: I didn't kill Antoine... But it doesn't matter what I say, does it?

Bill stated as he looked at the group standing before him

BILL: ...You might not see it this way, but what happened tonight was done for all of you, to protect you. Everything I've done, I've done for the wellbeing of everyone standing here. Speaking ill of the dead ain't something I take pleasure in...

Bill then turned to face Detroit head on

BILL: Dee, I'm sorry, but your brother, was a piece of work. Had I not come out here, he'd have stolen all of our supplies, our food, our everything. He was going to leave us to die, including you. So yeah, I made a choice, his life... or ours

Walking up to Detroit, the two men locked eyes as Bill finished his sentence...

BILL: I chose us

Dutch feel the fight leaving Detroit as Bill's words sank into the young man's mind. Once Dutch was sure Detroit would no longer be a threat, he let him go. Detroit fell to his knees as Bill once more addressed his community

BILL: I CHOSE US! Each and every goddamn time... Because, nobody else could make the hard calls that I do. When you lay your heads down at night, that's me. When you're hungry and food is put on the table, that's me. When some good for nothing, piece of shit drifter decides try and take all that away from you, and someone stops him, that someone is me!

Luke shook his head, before speaking his mind

LUKE: ...And when you get out of control? Who's supposed to stop you?

DUTCH: I do

ALVIN: You sure as hell didn't stop him tonight

Rebecca then stepped away from her husband, shaking her in disbelief

REBECCA: What?

ALVIN: Baby, I just want everyone here to feel safe, to be safe. How do we know if we're not next on the chopping block? There had to have been a better way

REBECCA: I can't believe you right now...

CARLOS: I'm in agreement with Alvin. There were a multitude of way to deal with the situation. I for one don't think murder should have been one of them. I think the question we all need to start seriously asking here, is if we're all still comfortable staying

SHEL: I agree. Dakota might not have been the most welcoming person here, but he didn't deserve to die.

REBECCA: Do you all hear yourselves!? He stole from us, it's the same killing us!

ALVIN: Rebecca

REBECCA: NO! Don't "Rebecca" me right now, Alvin. This man saved our lives, when everything started we were lost. Where would we be right now if Bill hadn't brought us all together? Dead... dead, or shuffling around the streets of Atlanta as one one of those... things

Reggie looked over at Detroit, then to Dakota's body, before his gaze ultimately landed on Bill. He'd gotten so sick of the murder and bloodshed. As the group divulged into their own arguments of how everything should be handled, Reggie stepped forward and spoke...

RAJEEV: We need to make a choice... something that makes everyone happy. Something that keeps everyone safe. Something that doesn't require death, there's enough of that going on in the world as is...

LUKE: Like what?

NICK: Like... what if Bill... left...

LUKE/SHAWN: What!?

PETE: It'd be for the best

REBECCA: That's not happening!

DUTCH: Damn right it ain't...

Dutch then stepped forward, his imposing figure causing some in the group to look away in fear, and others to back away entirely. While Dutch was usually a much more reserved figure in the group, he refused for these people to throw someone he considered his best friend out to the walkers.

DUTCH: If Bill goes, I go. Period... It's like Rebecca said, most of you all wouldn't even be alive if it weren't for Bill. I'd take a bullet for this man, same thing applies for anyone in this group. Now it's true that he fucked up, hell, we all do, but he fucked up while thinking about every last one of us. For the record, kicking him out of the group, same damn thing as killing him. So, how about I come up with a better solution

CARLOS: What better solution?

Dutch turned to look at Bill

BILL: Don't look at me, It's not like I've got much say in the matter. If these people don't like the way I lead, then maybe one of them should step up, see if they can do it better

Dutch nodded before turning to Carlos

DUTCH: We put it to a vote...

Bill and Shawn watched as the others murmured to one another, and as they weighed their options, Becca shuffled over to the boy...

SHAWN: ...?

He watched as Becca took hold his hand, the one that held onto his mother's necklace, and began wiping away Dakota's blood. Becca blushed as she cleaned his hand, and the two children met each other's gaze as the girl spoke...

BECCA: (Whispering): Hide your hand

Shawn nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. He discreetly hid his hand, careful not to reveal the necklace or the bloodstains. The group continued their discussions, debating the future of their community and the role of Bill, finally, they'd come to a decision. Carlos turned to the likes of Bill, Luke, and Dutch, before speaking

CARLOS: We've come to a decision...

- Present -

https://youtu.be/vz91QpgUjFc

LUKE: Bill?

BILL: ...

Bill Carver watched as snow fell outside, covering the ground and trees in never-ending white. Luke's statement had barely registered with the man as he was lost in his own thoughts. Memories of that night replaying over and over. He had made the hard choices, the choices he believed were necessary for the survival of their group. Now, for the first time in awhile, Bill had been forcefully pushed aside, leaving him conflicted. No longer being the leader of the group, left Bill with a lot of time to get lost inside his own head

BILL: You've decided haven't you? oh fearless leader...

LUKE: I didn't choose this role Bill, the group did. Look man, you're still my friend alright? You're word matters just as much as everyone else's

BILL: If my words "matter" that much, than you should realize that heading north with a group this big is a stupid fuckin idea...

Having said his piece, Bill took his leave. Once outside, a now nine-year-old Shawn Everett sat atop a log, spinning the chamber of his revolver as he waited for Bill. Winter was officially upon the group, which meant that Shawn was now sporting a solid white parka and burgundy scarf. Underneath, the boy layered up with a particularly itchy sweater, but beggars couldn't be choosers in the apocalypse. Bringing the outfit to a close, he wore a pair of sturdy white jeans and a pair of thick winter boots

SHAWN: How'd it go?

BILL: ...I ain't smiling am I squirt?

As they continued walking Shawn squinted as he examined the man's features

SHAWN: I... can't really tell the difference, you never smile

Bill rolled his eyes before replying

BILL: Luke and I had a disagreement over our next move, that's all. Today's not a day for smiles kid...

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGHHHHHHH!

https://youtu.be/q_fMYS9fOs4

Startled by the sudden scream, Bill and Shawn quickly turned their heads towards the source of the sound.

BILL: Case and point

Bill pulled out his hatchet. At the same time, Dutch and Luke came rushing out of the gas station with their gun and machete respectively, having heard the scream as well. Looking down at Shawn, Bill spoke...

BILL: Stay right behind me

Shawn nodded and followed Bill. Dutch and Luke weren't too far behind as they cautiously approached where the screaming was coming from. As the four rushed into the woods, the other camp members watched with varying looks of concern, especially Rebecca...

????: P-PLEASE! SOMEBODY! ANYBODY! I DON'T WANT TO DIE LIKE THIS, OH DEAR GOD!

A young man in his late teen's tried with all his might to crawl away from a nearly frozen walker, it's rotting corpse covered in a mixture of frozen ice and snow. Tears welled in the young man's eyes, he'd run away, but his legs were both completely broken. The walker then grabbed onto one of his legs...

????: NNGH!

He grimaced in pain as Bill and the others hurried towards the scene, the urgency evident in their movements. The young man's cries for help grew louder as the walker closed in, its grip tightening on his leg. The walker forcefully opened it's maw, some of the frozen ice hung from it's teeth like small icicles.

*CHOMP!!!*

????: AAAAGH-- NO, NO, NO, NO!

Bill's heart sank as he witnessed the walker sink its teeth into the young man's leg. Without hesitation, Bill lunged forward, raising his hatchet high above his head, and with a swift swing, he brought it down, splitting the walker's head in two, straight down the middle. The young man screamed in agony as Bill's hatchet found its mark, freeing him from the walker's grip. Luke and Dutch rushed to the young man's side, pulling him away from the now lifeless walker. Bill quickly surveyed the scene, ensuring there were no other immediate threats...

DUTCH: Shit, this kid's legs, both of 'em are completely busted

LUKE: We can have Carlos help him back at the camp

Bill, who was searching the surrounding area for any other strangers or walkers, turned to Luke with an incredulous expression

BILL: He was bitten, and you wanna bring him back to camp!?

LUKE: He's a kid, Bill. The hell do you think we should do? kill him?

BILL: It's a start

????: W-What!? No! p-please don't kill me. I...I've got a group, lot's of people (Bill's eyes widen) if you help me, m-maybe we could help each other out

BILL: A group!?

LUKE: Bill! That's enough! (Turning to the stranger) Hey man, everything's gonna be just fine okay, what's your name?

NEWT: Newt... *Groan* My name is Newt

LUKE: Nice to meet you, I'm Luke. The kid over there is Shawn...

SHAWN: Yo

LUKE: The big guy right here next to me is Dutch, he's gonna be the one carrying you back...

DUTCH: ...

Newt nodded before turning his attention to Bill

NEWT: That old man over there, the asshole, w-who's he?

Bill, who had been silently observing the exchange, finally spoke up.

BILL: That "asshole" is Carver. And if you're lucky, you won't have to deal with him for much longer.

Newt's eyes widened in surprise and fear at Bill's blunt response. Luke and Dutch exchanged concerned glances, aware of Bill's increasingly paranoid behavior as of late. Luke quickly stepped in to diffuse the tension...

LUKE: You ready, Dutch?

The giant nodded before picking Newt of the ground. The young man grimaced in pain as Dutch gently lifted him, his broken legs causing him agony. Luke walked beside them, providing support and ensuring Newt didn't fall. Bill trailed behind them, his eyes still filled with suspicion and doubt...

SHAWN: You don't trust him, do you?

BILL: Do you...?

Shawn looked down at the snow-covered ground as he replied

SHAWN: ...I don't know. He doesn't seem like a threat.

Bill shook his head

BILL: Neither did Dakota at one point, and look where that got us. We were supposed to be long gone by now, headed straight toward North Carolina, but no, Luke would rather us stay here until winter passes...

SHAWN: Why North Carolina? The cities there are filled with walkers too, right?

BILL: Cities just aren't worth the risk, plus, that's not exactly what I had in mind. North Carolina has more rural areas than here in Atlanta, the less people, the less likely we'll have to deal with Lurker attacks, or even attacks from other groups...

Bill's voice trailed off as they continued walking through the snow-covered woods. Shawn mulled over his words, trying to understand the reasoning behind Bill's insistence on heading to Tennessee. After a moment of silence, Shawn spoke up again.

SHAWN: But... what about the people? Are they any different from the ones here?

Bill glanced at Shawn, his eyes filled with a mixture of weariness and determination.

BILL: People are people, Shawn. They can be a threat or an asset, depending on the circumstances. But from what I've heard, there's a community in North Carolina that managed to establish some sense of stability and organization. A safe haven, away from all the chaos...

Shawn beamed

SHAWN: So we were gonna join them!?

BILL: And be at the beck and call of someone like Luke? Hell no, we WERE going to establish a safe haven of our own, but it's like I said before, Dakota sidelined all of that. Even dead, that piece of shit managed to find a way to get one over on me...

A frown formed on the boy's face, it had been nearly a month since Dakota's death. Not once, in the time since Shawn killed the man was he able to look Detroit in the face. He hadn't even gotten around to listening to the rest of the music Detroit had gifted him, the overwhelming guilt just wouldn't let him...

SHAWN: This is all my fault... I should have pulled that trigger

BILL: None of this on you, don't ever let me hear those words come out of your mouth again. Dakota made his choice, and so did you. Besides, if you'd have hesitated, I'd probably be dead right now, but I ain't. Most I got was a wounded shoulder...

Bill rolled his right shoulder as he finished

SHAWN: Yeah... but, Dee.

BILL: Detroit's grieving, he'll get over it soon enough. I give him shit for being a "Good for nothing stoner" but he's a smart kid. He'll come around

SHAWN: ...but

BILL: He'll come around...

Shawn lagged behind Bill and the others as he started to contemplate the man's words...

[SHAWN (Narrating): "Carver always seemed like he had life figured out, but that was the first time, where I actually called his actions into question. People are like the weather, if you're not careful, they'll switch up on you in a second. I was too young and naïve to see people in the same way he did."]

Later...

CARLOS: We're going to have to cut it off

Luke's eyes widened as he processed Carlos' statement. He looked at the injured Newt, who was lying on a makeshift bed in the corner of the camp. The young man's face was contorted in pain, sweat trickling down his forehead...

LUKE: Cut it off? You mean his leg?

Carlos, the group's resident medic, nodded grimly.

CARLOS: Yes, Luke. His leg is badly infected, and if we don't amputate it, the infection will spread, he'll die, and then we'll have brought a Lurker into our camp

Luke glanced across the room at Bill, who was standing nearby, his arms crossed and an expression on his face that read "Don't look at me, you're the leader now." The weight of the decision hung heavily in the air. Turning back to Carlos, Luke spoke...

LUKE: But... will he be able to survive without a leg? How will he walk, or defend himself?

Carlos sighed, understanding Luke's concerns.

CARLOS: It won't be easy, but with time and proper rehabilitation, he can learn to adapt. We'll fashion a makeshift prosthetic for him while he recovers

Luke looked back at Newt, who was listening to the conversation with a mixture of fear and hope in his eyes, not necessarily wise to the specifics of Luke and Carlos' grim conversation.

LUKE: Alright... let's get this over with, do we still have any anesthetic left?

Carlos nodded

CARLOS: Yes, but it's our last one...

LUKE: ...Give it to him

Once again, Carlos nodded as he and Luke went to grab any and all medical equipment they needed. Still leaning against the wall, Bill watched as Luke and Carlos each came in and out of the gas station with the medical equipment. Closing his eyes, Bill began to speak...

BILL: You two remember, way back before the world ended, how we all used our hard earned tax dollars to feed pedophiles and the like in prison? That sucked didn't it, bunch'a fuckin leeches. This right here... kinda startin to feel just like that

Luke scowled but ignored Bill as he set down multiple towels on the table

BILL: Oh how sweet, he brought towels

Luke glanced over at Bill, annoyance evident in his expression. Rushing back out of the building, with water bottles in hand, he then returned with Carlos by his side, the man walking past Bill with the group's very last bag of anesthetic

BILL: Water too, huh? I'm sure we won't be needing like that on our way up north. A group our size? I'm sure we'll be just fine...

LUKE: Bill, can you just give it a rest? We're trying to save someone's life here. If you're not gonna help then leave

BILL: And miss this? No way... I'm on gag duty

Grabbing up two towels, Bill Carver made his way over to a very concerned looking Newt...

NEWT: W-What are you guys about to do?

BILL: Depends, good new or bad news, pick your poison

Newt looked at Bill with a mix of fear and confusion, unsure of what to expect.

NEWT: I... I don't understand. What do you mean?

Bill sighed, his face expressionless as he spoke.

BILL: *Sigh* We'll, it's a matter of perspective. The good news, for you, is that you're gonna live...

Newt looked down and grimaced in pain as Carlos rolled up the sleeve of his left pants legs, revealing the walker bite on his leg before using a sharpie to mark where they would amputate. The young man's heart began to pound, and he breathed uncontrollably as he pieced together what was going on...

BILL: Bad news is, you're losing a leg today.

Carlos then walked over to Newt, grabbing hold of his arm and sticking him with a needle that was attached to the bag of anesthetic. Newt winced at the slight sting as Carlos spoke...

CARLOS: You've got my apologies young man, I wish there was some other way

Newt was about to say something in response, but was stopped as Bill stuffed

a towel into his mouth, effectively gagging him.

BILL: Sorry, kid. It's just to keep you quiet during the procedure.

Newt's eyes widened in panic, but he couldn't speak or protest with the gag in place. Luke and Carlos exchanged glances, concern evident in their eyes, but they knew they had to proceed. Taking up a hacksaw, Carlos walked back toward the bed, ready to remove Newt's leg...

NEWT: (Panicking) MMMMMMMMMMMPH!

Pressing the cold metal of the hacksaw against Newt's leg, Carlos paused for a moment before looking at Luke. Luke glanced at Bill, who remained stone-faced, and then back at Newt...

CARLOS: Forgive me

With a steady hand, Carlos began sawing through Newt's leg, the sound of bone and flesh being severed filled the room...

NEWT: (Painfully) MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMPH!!!!!!!!

Newt's muffled screams filled the air, his body writhing in pain, but he was unable to escape the agony. Luke turned away, unable to watch the gruesome scene unfolding before him. Bill, on the other hand, watched with a detached expression.

NEWT: (Crying) MMMMPH!!!

Carlos was halfway into Newt's leg, a bit of the young man's blood flying up and streaking across Bill's face, nevertheless, he continued holding the young man down as Carlos finished the amputation. As Carlos sawed through the last remaining bit of flesh, Newt's leg finally separated from his body. The room fell silent, the only sound remaining was Newt's heavy breathing through the gag as he passed out...

*THUD!*

On her way into the gas station with a pot of hot water at the ready, Rebecca jumped in bit in panic as the door slammed open, Carver storming out of the building. Nearly knocking the woman down, Bill caught her by the waist and steadied her. Once she was on her feet, Rebecca blushed as Bill stood there, staring into her eyes...

REBECCA: Bill?

- Flashback -

CARLOS: Luke should be our leader...

LUKE: Woah, hey now... I--

NICK: I think he's right, Luke's always been super reliable... it should be him

Rebecca scowled before stepping in front of Bill

REBECCA: Luke is a great guy, but you guys haven't seen Bill in action like I have. Nobody is more capable than he is at leading. (Turning to Luke) Don't take this personally Luke, but for me, the choice here is obvious... Bill should lead

- Present -

REBECCA: Bill?

BILL: Hmm?

REBECCA: You've got blood on your face, hold still

Setting the pot of hot water to the ground, Rebecca soaked one of the towels, carefully wiping the blood off Bill's face. Her touch was gentle, her eyes filled with concern. Bill remained still, his gaze fixed on her.

REBECCA: What happened in there? I heard screaming, is he...?

BILL: ...No, he's fine, down a leg, but fine. Now we're down an entire bag of anesthetic that could have been used on one of our own. Luke still wants to head north, and here we are wasting supplies on a cripple

REBECCA: We have to help those we can, right? I mean, he's a kid isn't he? I got a quick look at him when you and the other came running back into camp...

BILL: He's got a group, apparently a big one. Bringing him here is a risk, we don't know these people, they don't know us. I don't trust the kid, period.

REBECCA: Wanna know what I think?

BILL: Do I have a choice?

Rebecca smiled as she shook her head

REBECCA: You're being paranoid. You have been since what happened with Dakota. Look, you know I'd rather you still be out leader, but things didn't pan out that way. Take some time, take a breath. Step back and appreciate the community you built...

BILL: The one that turned on me when things got tough... right

Rebecca huffed before bending down and picking up the pot

REBECCA: Look, I can't convince you to relax, you're way too stubborn for that, I'm gonna go hand this off to Luke and Carlos, they'll probably be needing it right about now. You've done a lot for this camp Bill, I think it's time you tried to enjoy it...

Bill Carver watched as Rebecca made her way into the small building behind him. Sighing, Bill continued his trek through camp. His eyes fell on Alvin, who was deep in conversation with George...

- Flashback -

Alvin frowned before walking over to Luke, placing a hand on the young man's shoulder before speaking

ALVIN: Luke here is young, but experienced, he can literally chop down walkers with the best of him. He'd run circles around us older guys, Carver included...

Scowling at her husband, Rebecca crossed her arms before looking away. Bill wasn't surprised however, he knew the type of person Alvin was. As far as Bill was concerned, the cowards only ever spoke when there was someone else to back them up. Alvin's eye met with Bill's and immediately turned away in fear...

GEORGE: I know I'm new here, but don't I get a say?

DUTCH: Of course you do... now go ahead

George stepped forward, looking between Bill and the others

GEORGE: I've been in a lot of groups, and seen... a lot of bad shit go down, and almost always it's because of bad leadership. So I've seen situations like this before, I know this is bias, but I've gotta go with Carver on this. Experience goes a long way, and yeah, murder is wrong, but that was back when we had laws. What happened tonight, or what would have happened had Bill not stepped in, would have spelled the end for all of us...

- Present -

As the memory flashed through Bill's mind, George caught the man looking in his direction and waved. Bill returned the gesture with a nod as he continued on...

SARAH: If you're nervous Becca, I could always tell Shawn that you like him for you

Bill watched as the ten-year-old girl grabbed Carlos' daughter by the collar of her blue hoodie and spoke

BECCA: If you say anything to him Sarah, I'll knock you senseless, got that!?

SARAH: Okay, okay... I... I was just trying to be a good friend

Becca then began tugging at Sarah's cheeks

BECCA: ...And stop saying that, we're not friends, got it!? You're way to much of a baby, we'd never get along four-eyes!

- Flashback -

BILL: The children should have a say...

ALVIN: What? They're kids

REBECCA: They're part of this group, aren't they? Or did you want to kick them out too?

CARLOS: It's fine. Rebecca has a point... kids?

Sarah trembled having everyone's eyes on her, but the answer was clear, and she didn't want to upset her father...

SARAH: I... um... I think Luke should be the leader too

Becca scoffed, her older sister, Shel, expecting the same answer, but to her surprise

BECCA: Bill is my leader, end of discussion

Shawn smiled

The group turned to the boy who then folded his arms with a frown

ALVIN: Yeah I... don't even think it's worth asking. We should all know Shawn's answer...

- Present -

There wasn't much else to do in the way of work at the moment. Everyone one was doing there own thing at the moment. But sitting around doing nothing was never appealing to Bill Carver, someone had to work, and if he was the only one then so be it...

*THWACK!*

Using his hatchet, Bill set about providing the camp with more firewood

*THWACK!*

BILL: Tch!

*THWACK!*

Once again, Bill Carver had found himself losing control of another aspect of life, despite all his sacrifices...

*THWACK!*

The hits just kept on coming...

*THWACK!*

And coming

*THWACK!*

And coming...

*THWACK!*

- Flashback -

Troy considered Luke as an alternative for leadership multiple times, and even though he considered Bill to be a bit of an intimidating asshole, he still respected the man's grit...

TROY: Bill...

Tavia then stepped forward

TAVIA: First day this all went down I was trapped in my car with lurkers all over my car, Bill and Dutch were the ONLY people who stopped to help, so yeah, I'm going with Bill

Reggie met Bills gaze and spoke

RAJEEV: Luke, because I think he's the better option, but I also don't think you should be kicked out for making a choice that was meant to protect us... I'm sorry

CARLOS: So that just leaves two--

DETROIT: Luke

CARLOS: ...One more person

The entire group's attention was now focused entirely on one man, Dutch

CARLOS: It's eight versus seven in Luke's favor. You have to be the one to put the nail in the coffin, Dutch

TROY: Hey now, that ain't fuckin fair at all, what the hell happens if he joins our side? it'll be a draw, and it ain't like Dako-- Urgh!

Troy was then elbowed in the stomach by Tavia

LUKE: Then I'll take the people who voted for me and form a new group. We'll find our own way to survive

SHEL: I'm not leaving my little sister behind

TROY: Well then I guess you best think about switching teams sweetheart, because it looks like your sister is the smarter one out of you two...

DUTCH: Nobody, is leaving anyone anywhere, not if I've got anything to say about it. Besides, this is all my fault...

Confusion spread among the group as Dutch turned to face Detroit

DUTCH: It's no secret that Bill and your brother never saw eye to eye, but despite this, Bill tried his best to keep the peace. Antoine's death took a toll on Dakota, made him desperate, angry even. Needing someone to blame, he made an attempt on Bill's life a few weeks ago...

Detroit pulled his brother's body in close, holding it tightly as Dutch continued...

DUTCH: Bill could have killed him that night, or had him thrown out, but he didn't. I should have told you, but I thought things would sort themselves out peacefully, and for awhile, they did. If you want to be mad at anyone here, be mad at me.

- Present -

*THWACK!*

BILL: *Huff* *Huff* *Huff*

*Thunk*

Planting his hatchet into the tree stump, Bill Carver took a few paces backwards, clutching onto his knees and trying to catch his breath. As he stood hunched over, staring at the snow covered ground below, his vision was suddenly obscured by Dutch's hand, the man holding out a towel

DUTCH: Here... you've been at it for a while.

Bill looked up at Dutch, his face flushed with exertion. He accepted the towel and wiped the sweat from his brow.

BILL: Thanks.

DUTCH: You know, you don't have to do everything yourself. We're all here to help.

Bill let out a dry chuckle.

BILL: Maybe I'm just used to doing things my own way. Can't shake off old habits easily

Dutch watched as Bill took a seat on a nearby log, still breathing heavily. He sat down next to him before speaking

DUTCH: Maybe that's the problem...

BILL: What is this, Dutch... you my mentor now or something?

DUTCH: No, I came here to talk to you, as a friend...

BILL: ...

DUTCH: I voted against you that night, but you why I had to do it, right?

*Inhale*

*Exhale*

BILL: "To split the group apart is to lower everyone's chances of survival" If you'd have sided with me, well, I'd still be leader, but then what good would that have been? Am I hitting close to home, or what?

DUTCH: That's half of it...

BILL: Then what's the other half?

DUTCH: I know what it's like when you're slipping, when you're starting to lose control. I've seen it first hand, and every single time, I was there to stop it. Being leader ain't easy, I know firsthand how stressful it can be, and where it could lead. I watched people with just the smallest amount of influence become tyrants, the worst of the worst. Siding with Luke meant keeping everyone together, but it also meant keeping your head above water. I thought that if you had a chance to step back, relax, and let someone else in the driver seat, that it might do you some good...

Bill listened to Dutch's words, his expression unreadable. He sat in silence for a moment, processing what his friend had just said. Finally, he spoke in a low tone...

BILL: I wanna build something Dutch

DUTCH: ...Like what?

In the distance, the pair could see Shawn watching Reggie as the man cooked. Bill took a deep breath as he continued

BILL: A place where our people can live, and thrive. I want us to find a place, establish our own safe haven...

DUTCH: Nothing is stopping you from doing that, Bill.

BILL: ...I miss her

DUTCH: ...

BILL: Every time I look at Shawn, I can see her, even hear her. When that happens, I get taken back to that hospital room. Every. Single. Time. My little girl, hooked up to all those machines, and all I could do was watch. I couldn't stop what happened to Nadia, I accept that, but with Shawn, with him... things are, gonna be different.

DUTCH: I've got no doubt about that, you're one stubborn son of a bitch...

BILL: When that day comes, and all of our people are safe, I want you and the brat to be there. I want you both to see what I create. So do me a favor alright? As a friend, don't bite the bullet until then

Dutch chuckled

DUTCH: I'll do what I can...

As Bill and Dutch continued their conversation, their words and the weight of their experiences echoed in the cold, silent woods. Just two friends, trying to find understanding amidst the chaos of their new world. While the future remained uncertain, in that moment, they found solace in each other's company

A/N: All my old time readers say "Hey!" and all my first time readers say "Hoo!" Lmfao, naw, but for real though. Things in these last couple of chapters are going to get tense if they hadn't been already. I for one am excited to get back into season two territory where Clementine will make her real first introduction to the story. I refuse to rush there however, so like I have been so far, I'll be taking my time to get there, so sit tight, and I'll see you all in the next chapter.