LAYLA: (Weakly) I think it's better if you hold onto this for me, you know? I know you'll survive long enough to find somebody to love, just as much as your father loved me. So when that day comes, give this to her...

Present...

Shawn Everett held onto the necklace, his mother's necklace, tightly clutching it in his small hand. Every time he held onto it, he thought about her...

SHAWN (Thoughts): Someone I love...

*Snap*

SHAWN: Hmm?

https://youtu.be/xNN7iTA57jM

The sharp noise of some snapping their fingers took the young boy out of his thoughts. In front of him stood Luke, with Pete and Nick only a couple paces ahead. They'd left the camp about an hour or so ago and were currently hunting for dinner. Looking up, Shawn could see Luke smiling at him as he spoke...

LUKE: There he is... *Chuckle* Caught you daydreaming there for a minute.

Stuffing the necklace into his pocket, Shawn continued walking alongside Luke as the four trek through the woods on their way toward the riverbank

LUKE: You ever been hunting before?

Shaking his head, Shawn replied

SHAWN: Not like this, my mom wanted to teach me, but... she never got around to it

Luke could see that he'd touched upon a sensitive subject. Trying to move the conversation in a more positive direction...

LUKE: Well, today's your lucky day. Pete over there knows everything there is about hunting. He's an expert tracker, taught me and Nick everything we know

Pete could be heard laughing up ahead, having heard what Luke said

PETE: Luke was pretty quick study, but Nick over here...

Pete then turned his head to the left at Nick huffed and looked away. This caused Pete to laugh once more before continuing

PETE: I must have told this story, bout what? Fifty times already, but I'll never get tired of it. Luke and Nick must have been around your age at the time. Decided to take the two hunting for the first time. Now, Luke picked up pretty quick, but Nick...

NICK: Seriously? You're tellin' him this story?

Pete grinned as Luke tried and failed miserable to stifle his own laughter

PETE: Yup... "That" Story... Now, where was I? Oh, right. So we spend what must have been hours hunting fish, birds, you name it. In the end though we we're only able to snag a couple birds

LUKE: And bass, don't forget the bass

Pete turned around to look at Shawn, who at this point was thoroughly entertained as the small group continued walking

PETE: That's right... let me not forgot Luke's crowing achievement that day, the bass. Managed to snag more of those than I did birds. Now, we were packing up our things and about to head home when grumpy over here goes...

LUKE/PETE: Uncle Pete, there's some scary glowing eyes in the bushes

Shawn giggled and shook his head

SHAWN: Glowing eyes?

PETE: Care to tell Shawn here what was in that bush Nick? and be honest, I've got a great bullshit detector and Luke here can and will fact check...

Nick sighed, realizing he couldn't escape the embarrassment of the story. Shaking his head, the young man finally relented

NICK: It... it was a racoon, few of 'em actually. It was night at the time alright? Damn beady little eyes, didn't help that they came jumping outta nowhere like they did

Pete and Luke couldn't help but burst into laughter, and Shawn joined in, their infectious chuckles filling the air...

NICK: Yeah, yeah, laugh it up. I was terrified alright? Thought it some sort of mythical creature or something

Pete patted Nick on the back, still chuckling.

PETE: We're just bustin' your balls, boy. Plus, it gave us a good laugh, those are hard to come by nowadays

SHAWN: Hey, isn't this the place?

Pete faced forward and smiled

PETE: This is it...

Turning around, Pete began addressing the three, giving each a task of their own

PETE: Luke, Nick, you boys don't need me to hold your hand. Put that rifle to good use and try to score us and the rest of the group a buck. Me and the kid will be right here, try and see if I can't get Shawn to break Luke's record

Shawn puffed out his chest, causing Luke to roll his eyes

LUKE: Good luck

Stuck a fair ways down the stream was a walker, it's body impaled on a sharp log that was stuck between two rocks. It's thrashed about, agitated by the noise of the water as it crashed against its decaying flesh. The sight unnerved Nick as he turned to his uncle...

NICK: Be careful out here uncle Pete, it can still get dangerous... fast

LUKE: Nick, you coming!?

Luke waved to Nick in the distance as Pete responded

PETE: I'll be fine son. Plus I've got Shawn here, If he's as capable as Luke and Carver say he is, well then... I shouldn't have much to worry about, now should I?

Nick peered behind his uncle and squinted his eyes down at Shawn who was currently double checking the amount of ammo he had in his revolver. Pete was among one of the more capable members of the group. Nick knew his uncle could take care of himself, but Nick knew a lot of people like his uncle, and they were either dead, or undead...

NICK: Just be careful

Shawn and Pete watched as the two young men vanished into the woods on the opposite side of the river. Once they were out of sight, Pete turned to Shawn and spoke

PETE: Now, lets teach you how to make a spear...

Shawn smiled

Later...

https://youtu.be/Sl9wdrHMpHE

SHAWN: I did it...!

Pete grinned at Shawn's excitement, looking at the makeshift spear in the young boy's hands.

PETE: You did, didn't you... c'mon, let's go put that thing to the test

Pete and Shawn made their way to the riverbank, where the water flowed gently and sunlight sparkled on the surface. Pulling off his socks and shoes, Pete stepped in the cool water with his own spear at the ready, looking up, he motioned for Shawn to join him...

PETE: Now I won't lie you kid, this waters as cold as ice, but it's worth it. Beats walking back to camp in soaking wet socks

Shawn looked down at his feet, weighing his options, he'd bugged Bill for weeks about going hunting with Pete and the others, and now here he was...

SHAWN: But what if walkers try to attack us?

PETE: Lurkers are idiots, they'd get washed down the river before they could even reach us. We'll be fine, or are you just chicken?

Shawn's eyes narrowed, immediately he set about removing his own shoes and socks. Pete watched and chuckled all the while as he watched Shawn roll up the legs of his pants. A shiver ran up the young Everett's back as soon as his toe landed in the freezing river. Nonetheless, Shawn Everett slowly but determinedly waded into the water, the coldness sending a chill through his small body as he made his way over to Pete, spear in hand...

SHAWN: (Shivering) I'm n-not... a... c-chicken...

PETE: Heard... now, let's get started

Shawn and Pete spent the next hour practicing. Pete showed Shawn the proper technique and how to aim for targets in the water. Shawn's small frame shivered with each throw, but he persisted, determined to improve.

PETE: That's it. You're getting the hang of it. Remember to follow through with your arm and aim for the ripples in the water. It's all about timing and precision. Don't aim where the fish is, aim for where it's going to be...

Shawn nodded. He adjusted his grip on the spear, focusing on Pete's instructions. He swung his arm back and then thrust it forward, releasing the spear towards a passing school of fish. The spear sailed through the air, landing with a satisfying splash as it pierced one of the fish, successfully catching it.

SHAWN: YES! YES I DID IT!

PETE: That you did...

Back at camp...

It's been about two months, and winter was upon them. Though, despite the circumstances, Bill Carver and his community were thriving. In preparation for the harsh weather, hunting trips were at the top of Bill's priority list. Though, their time here wouldn't last forever, it couldn't...

BILL: Welcome to the fold, George.

Bill extended his hand to his communities newest member, George, a survivor they'd stumbled across during one of the many hunting expeditions. George, a middle-aged man with a rugged appearance, shook Bill's hand firmly.

GEORGE: Thank you, thank you so much! I'm grateful for the opportunity sir, I really really am!

BILL: No problem...

George turned to see Dutch approaching him, his booming voice catching George off guard

DUTCH: Name's Dutch

GEORGE: George

The two shook hands. George sweat dropped as Dutch's massive hand engulfed his own

BILL: He'll be showing you around. How things work around here, what you'll be doing, how to do it, all that good stuff

Watching as Dutch took their new recruit for a tour, Troy approached Bill from from behind, rifle in hand as he spoke

TROY: Didn't figure you'd bring in anyone else new with as many people as we've got already. Damn boss, that makes nineteen now... think you can manage?

BILL: We've been doing good so far haven't we? Everyone in this camp has a job...

As Bill says this, his eyes narrow as he looks at Dakota who was on indefinite watch duty, per his instruction. Bill would never forget what transpired that night, he still wondered if keeping Dakota in the group was a good idea, but kicking him out could also mean losing Detroit, and he couldn't have that. In the end, Bill decided to have Dakota be the group's look-out, a stationary position that meant Bill could also keep an eye on him

TROY: Shit I guess, but...

BILL: I'll level with you Troy. The only reason I let George in was because he had food, plain and simple. In the next couple months, it'll get cold, the walkers will start to slow, and we'll be surviving on whatever food we can find before that happens. Things are about to change, Troy, I can feel it...

Bill could see a bit of movement in his peripheral vision and turned his attention towards it. In the distance he spotted Rebecca walking through camp, having a conversation with Shel and Tavia. As the three women conversed, Rebecca stopped as she felt someone's gaze upon her. She turned and locked eyes with Bill, a small smile crept on her face as she offered a subtle wave. Bill flashed a smile of his own before continuing...

BILL: ...Lots of things

The sound of Detroit's van pulling into camp then grabbed Bill and Troy's attention. Once parked, Luke hopped out of the drivers seat, tossing the keys over to Detroit. Pete then stepped out of the van followed by Shawn and Nick. While Luke and Nick set about unloading the buck they'd caught from the back of the van, Shawn scanned the camp grounds for Bill. As he searched for his mentor, he failed to notice Becca approaching him, trying to grab the boy's attention with a noticeable blush on her face...

BECCA: Hey, Shawn... how'd it go?

Becca's question barely registered as Shawn frowned, Bill was nowhere in sight, he began to wonder if maybe he was in his office...

SHAWN: Hmm. Oh, uh... hunting? yeah it was pretty fun...

BECCA: That's cool. Hey so, If you wanted me to, I could sing to you again, I've been practicing a lot more on my guitar and...

SHAWN: Maybe later... say, Becca, have you seen Bill?

BECCA: The old guy? I thought I saw him go into the station when you guys pulled in. Hey so I was thinking...

Before Becca could finish her sentence, Shawn was already heading towards the station...

SARAH: I'd love to hear you play Becca...

Becca huffed as she walked away in utter disappointment

Shawn's curiosity piqued. He weaved through the camp, dodging people as he made his way to Bill's office. As he approached the small gas station, he heard muffled voices coming from inside. He paused for a moment, debating whether to interrupt or not, but his eagerness got the better of him. Shawn cracked the door open slightly, and began peeking in. He saw Bill sitting behind his desk, deep in conversation with George

GEORGE: It could work, I'm telling you, I've mulled over this for a long time. I know I'm new, but I also wanna contribute as much as I possibly can...

Bill watched in curiosity as the man reached into his tattered tote bag and pulled out a large notebook, setting it on the desk and sliding it over to him. George watched as Bill cracked open the notebook and began to read through it's contents...

BILL: These are blueprints... for a supermarket?

Bill asked, looking up at George with a mix of surprise and intrigue.

GEORGE: Yes sir, I used to be an architect before all this happened. I was with a group before all this and well, it didn't exactly work out, every time I presented them with the idea it was shot down... I was called crazy

Bill leaned back in his chair, studying the blueprints intently...

BILL: How to effectively maintain a greenhouse. How to grow crops hydroponically. Solar power system designs. No... there are a lot of things I'd call you, George, crazy just ain't one of 'em. You're a visionary, one who's had to deal with people too dumb to figure that out...

Setting the notebook down, Bill continued

BILL: A few months ago, I'd have shot an idea like this down completely

GEORGE: It's certainly something...

BILL: ...It's ambitious

GEORGE: It's risky

Leaning forward, Bill spoke

BILL: The way things are, we close our eyes, we take a risk. We step outside this camp, we take a risk. We bring in new people, try and give them a fighting chance, and we take a risk. Point is, life has been about risk since before people started eating each other. You've given me a lot to think about George, it might not seem this way right now, but you've contributed more with this than some of the people who've been here before you

George nodded, a sense of gratitude and validation washing over him.

GEORGE: The only thing I've ever needed to make this a reality, were people. I'm no leader, I can't do what you've done, but I truly believe that you'll be the person to bring such an idea into fruition. Your leadership, and the strength of this community are what give me hope that we can make this vision a reality.

BILL: I appreciate it... *Sigh* You can stop eavesdropping now, Shawn.

George raised a brow as he turned his attention toward the door behind him. The door opened slowly to reveal Shawn Everett standing there...

SHAWN: Bill...

BILL: Shawn...

The two eyed each other for a few minutes. Looking between Shawn and Carver, George finally broke the awkward silence

GEORGE: Okay... so I don't know what's going on here, but that's also okay. I'm just gonna... step... out...

George made his way past Shawn, the boy never breaking eye contact as George left the room. Once the door clicked shut, Bill was the first to speak

BILL: So... how was the hunt?

SHAWN: It was fun... I caught a bunch of fish... you should have been there

BILL: I was needed here. Besides, you can handle yourself

This irked the boy

SHAWN: That's not the point, you were supposed to be there

Bill sighed

BILL: I can't hold your hand every five seconds you brat. Would it kill you to act like a kid for at least a day? Go play with Sarah or something, she seems lonely

SHAWN: I'm...

BILL: "Not a kid" Yeah, I figured you'd say that. Hate to break it to you Shawn but being eight-year-old most certainly makes you a kid...

SHAWN: I'll be nine in a couple weeks!

BILL: Still a brat

SHAWN: Am not!

Bill's eye twitched in annoyance. Taking a deep breath, the man spoke...

BILL: What are you even doing here anyway?

Shawn's cheeks then flushed in embarrassment before he replied

SHAWN: Luke... Luke said you weren't gonna be joining us for the party later tonight

BILL: ...You came here for that?

SHAWN: I wanted to hang out with you, you jerk! We were supposed to play poker yesterday, and you totally bailed. Then we were supposed to go hunting, and you...

At this point, Bill Carver had completely tuned out as Shawn continued his rant. Bill simply sat back in his chair as watched Shawn rambled...

- Flashback -

REBECCA: Have you ever considered, that Shawn might just be that second chance you've been looking for...?

- Present -

SHAWN: And what's up with Troy? If anyone at this camp should be your number two, it should be me... mmph!

Shawn's rant was cut short as Bills hand engulfed the boy's small face, pushing him back as he'd gotten too close during his one sided screaming match...

BILL: *Sigh* If you shut up, I'll go...

Bill watched as Shawn's eyes widened in surprise

BILL: ...Deal?

Shawn nodded, prompting Bill to remove his hand as he stood up from his seat. Walking over to the corner of the room, Bill snatched his brown coat from the coat hanger and began putting it on as he spoke

BILL: You know something brat? Being a leader ain't all its cracked up to be. One of these days you'll understand just how much responsibly comes with leading a group this big, and when that day comes...

Shawn tilted his head to the side and raised a brow when Bill stopped...

SHAWN: When that day comes... what?

Bill shook his head before changing the subject

BILL: Never mind. Now hurry the hell up, we've got to go help Reggie with that buck, otherwise there won't be a party

Hours later...

Detroit cracked open a bottle of champagne. The cork separating from the bottle with a satisfying

*Pop*

As the alcoholic beverage dripped down the stoner's hand, Detroit turned to the group and spoke...

DETROIT: Boys, girls, ladies... and gentleladies. It's been one fucked up year, but tonight, we're not here to mourn the death of a loved one, or figure out what Reggie puts in our food when were not looking...

Reggie looks at the various members of the group sheepishly

RAJEEV: It's a family secret?

DETROIT: ...This here is a celebration people. Here we are, a group of nineteen people from totally different backgrounds, surviving together at the end of the world

Sarah looked up her father and smiled, Carlos returned his daughter's smile with his own

CARLOS: As a doctor, I do find it a bit refreshing not having to deal with any major injuries, despite the circumstances

Alvin nodded before reaching over to try and take Rebecca's hand into his own, but to his shock, she pulled away, causing Alvin to look away in shame

LAURAN: You've got my brother Pete here to thank for that. He's always been a reliable person

PETE: I do what I can

NICK: You're the best uncle Pete, seriously

SHAWN: Nick's right, without you, I would have never beaten Luke's score...

Luke frowned

LUKE: It was just one fish... beginners luck

Bill chuckled

SHAWN: Still beat you

The group shared a laugh before Dutch stood, snatching the bottle from Detroit...

DETROIT: ...heyyy

DUTCH: Moments like this right here are the one's that everyone here will remember and while it's great that we acknowledged that, it's also very important that we show a bit of gratitude to the man who made all this possible... (Turning to Bill) To William Carver!

One by one, the various members of the group gave Bill a round of applause as Dutch raised the bottle in his friend's direction. Standing up, Bill approached Dutch who handed him the bottle...

BILL: Alright, settle down, settle down. Look, uh... big celebrations like this usually ain't my cup of Joe, but after a few words of encouragement...

Bill's eyes wondered over, drifting between Rebecca and and Shawn's before continuing...

BILL: It took time for me to understand and value the concept of family again. Just like everyone here...I lost... a lot

Dutch nodded

BILL: ...And it never does get easier, but in times like this I'm reminded that in the end, people need other people. I can't lead a group of people, that don't acknowledge me as their leader. So thank you, thank you all for letting me lead you

The group erupted into applause once again, raising their glasses and plastic cups in a toast to Bill. He smiled and nodded, acknowledging their appreciation. The campfire crackled, casting a warm glow over the faces of the group as they shared stories and toasted to their survival. While everyone was distracted with their own conversations, Bill took the moment to slip away from the group. However, this didn't go unnoticed by Rebecca, grabbing the bottle of champagne, she followed after the man...

https://youtu.be/3TNK916Pjto

Sitting atop the hill overlooking the party below, Bill Carver chuckled to himself. He'd come here many times over the last couple of months. The role of leader was stressful, but for some reason, whenever he was up here, above it all... he was at peace

*Crunch*

The sound of leaves crunching underneath someone's foot alerted the man, but he didn't turn around to see who it was, he had a pretty good idea since she was the only other person who knew about this spot...

BILL: If I had a dollar for every time someone tried sneaking up on me...

Rebecca giggled

REBECCA: It wouldn't do you much good. I hear money is practically worthless these days

BILL: Then it's a good thing alcohol hasn't lost it's luster

Rebecca handed Bill the bottle. He took a swig as Rebecca took a seat next to him, enjoying the view below

REBECCA: So, why here?

BILL: ...Because, this is where I started to change. You ain't gonna believe this but, some people would say I'm a stubborn bastard

REBECCA: Some?

BILL: Just the people that know me

Rebecca chuckled softly...

BILL: You were right by the way, about the kid... about Shawn. What you said before, bout him being my "Second Chance" and all that, you were right. I love that little brat. I see a lot of myself in that boy. He's determined, stubborn, and he has a fire in him, one that I want to protect, even if it kills me.

Rebecca turned her head to look at Bill, a soft smile playing on her lips. However, when she looked down at her hand that was only a few inches away from his, her smile fell...

BILL: I don't think I'll ever get tired of this view

Rebecca paused, then turned back to the camp

REBECCA: Y-Yeah... me neither...

Hours Later...

Bill Carver lay on the makeshift bed in his office fast asleep with a now empty bottle of champagne lying on the ground beside him. He began to stir in his sleep before leaning up, trying to gain his composure. He looked around the dimly lit room, his head feeling heavy from the effects of the alcohol...

BILL: *Groan* ... I gotta piss like a damn race horse

Bill stumbled to his feet, his head spinning slightly. He reached for his gun and his coat, noticing the empty bottle of champagne on the floor. With a groan, he picked it up and tossed it into a nearby trash bin before making his way towards the door. As he stepped out into the night, the cool air hit him, momentarily sobering him up. Walking up to one of the many trees surrounding the camp, Bill relieved himself

BILL: "Second chance"... she might be onto something...

*Zip*

As Bill finished his business, he zipped up his pants and turned to head back towards the camp. However, as he took a step forward...

*Crunch*

A noise caught his attention. It was a soft rustling sound, like the snap of a twig. Bill's senses heightened as he slowly reached for his gun, his eyes scanning the darkness around him...

https://youtu.be/0_PQRlQNT2o

BILL: Who's there?

There was no response, but Bill could sense someone's presence lurking in the shadows. As he took a few steps forward, Bill could hear what sounded like an engine humming in the distance. Drawing his weapon, he began to investigate...

BILL: (Whispering) The hell...?

Under the darkness of night, Bill stumbled upon Detroit's van, it's headlights dim, and it's engine humming quietly. Something was off, everyone within the camp should be fast asleep. As Bill approached the back of the van, he could see most, if not all of the camp's supplies loaded into the back...

*Crunch*

There it was again, the sound of someone moving. Bill turned his attention towards the source of the noise and saw a figure slowly emerging from the shadows. Hiding behind the van, Bill poked his head out as he watched the figure approaching the driver side door, once opened, the interior light revealed the face of Dakota. Tossing a bag filled with the camp's remaining weapons, Dakota was about to hop into the driver seat and take off until...

*Click Click*

The distinct sound of a cocked gun broke the silence, stopping Dakota in his tracks. Raising his hands, Dakota stepped out of the Vehicle, knowing he was caught, the man took a deep breath before speaking...

DAKOTA: I'm surprised, I don't already have a bullet in the back of my skull. Thought you of all people would've taken you're own advice. So what's wrong, Carver...?

Dakota turned around to face Bill, the two locking eyes as Dakota continued

DAKOTA: ...Why are you hesitating?

Meanwhile...

Shawn Everett sat up in his tent in a cold sweat, an unpleasant dream causing the child to jolt awake. He looked around, disoriented for a moment before realizing he was safe in the camp. He tried reaching out for his backpack, but it wasn't there. That's when he remembered. he'd left it around the camp fire during the party. Poking his head out of his tent, Shawn scanned the area, his eyes adjusting to the darkness

SHAWN (Thoughts): Maybe some music will help me sleep, I just to grab Uncle B's Walkman...

Grabbing his revolver, Shawn quietly made his way toward the campfire, hoping to find his backpack and the Walkman. As he approached the area, he could see the remnants of the celebration from earlier. Empty cups and bottles littered the ground, and the campfire had died down to embers. As Shawn searched the area, he failed to find his backpack, it was nowhere to be found

SHAWN (Thoughts): Where could it be? Maybe someone moved it... ? Maybe Bill took it, probably to his office...

As Shawn made his way to the gas station, he stopped as he heard people talking in the distance. Curiosity getting the better of him, he quietly approached where the voices were coming from, careful not to snap any branches as he did so...

DAKOTA: Why are you hesitating, Carver? I thought you of all people would've taken your own advice. So what's wrong?

Shawn squinted

SHAWN (Thoughts): Dakota?

Peering at Dakota, Shawn was confused as he saw the man standing near Detroit's currently running van with his hands in the air. Following Dakota's line of sight, Shawn's eyes widened as he saw him—the figure looming in the shadows, holding Dakota at gunpoint. It was Bill...

BILL: I could have killed you that night...

DAKOTA: But you didn't... why?

BILL: Because I believed in second chances...

One well placed bullet could end this guy right here and now, but it would also open a whole new can of worms. Considering Dakota's attempt on his life, Bill figured he'd be justified, but as much as he wanted to...

BILL: Why?

DAKOTA: Because I can recognize a sinking ship when I see one. You're gonna get these people killed, every last one of them, and I want no part in it...

Bill's eyes narrowed with murderous intent as he spoke, his gravely voice with a certain edge to it

BILL: Way I see it... You're playin a huge fuckin roll in it. Taking our weapons, our supplies!?

DAKOTA: They'd be wasted on all of you

BILL: Should I be expecting Detroit to be popping up here shortly?

DAKOTA: You mean that useless excuse of a brother?

BILL: Someone like you ditching family, I'm not surprised...

DAKOTA: No, it's not that. I love my baby brother, but he'd never go for it, hell, he'd probably go running to you... because you're a Parasyte, Bill. You snake your way into everyone's heads, giving them hope and empty promises, but I can see right through you

Shawn's hands reached down toward his revolver as his heart began to race...

BILL: I 've had enough of your bullshit, if those are your last words, than...

Bill stopped mid sentence as he spotted what was hanging around Dakota's neck...

BILL: That's the kid's... were you actually gonna...?

DAKOTA: Why not? I'm not you, and I'm not some murderer. I  sure as hell wasn't gonna off some kid either, but that little bastard, that little psycho in the making stole Antoine from me. The way I see it, this is just me getting even... he'll get over it

Shawn's grip tightened around his revolver as he listened to Dakota's words. Lowering his hands slowly, Dakota continued

DAKOTA: So... you pull that trigger, and then what? What story do YOU, come up with?

BILL: They'll start to understand...

DAKOTA: Is that the play you're counting on?

As the two exchanged words, Shawn spotted a gun tucked in the back of Dakota's pants, the man's hands drawing ever closer as he spoke 

BILL: It'll play out better than the bullshit you tried to pull here...

Dakota laughed

DAKOTA: Real funny, asshole... real... fucking... FUNNY!

Immediately, Dakota reached for his gun, and in an attempt to end Bill's life once and for all, he snatched the gun from behind himself and aimed it straight at Bill's head. Time froze, and in response, Bill's own finger began to pull the trigger of his own gun until...

*BANG!*

*BANG!*

*BANG!*

Three loud shots rang out simultaneously in the dead of night. Blood splattered to the ground as Bill stumbled back a few paces, Clutching his shoulder in pain. Looking up, he watched as Dakota stumbled back as well, blood falling to the ground uncontrollably as he clutched his throat. He could himself falling and caught himself against the side of the van...

BILL: ...?

Bill's shot missed he knew it, by all intents and purposes he should be dead. His heart pounded in his chest as he watched Dakota gasping for breath, choking on his own blood. The realization hit him like a ton of bricks. Someone else had fired the shot. In his dying moments, Dakota watched as Shawn Everett emerged from the darkness, tears streaming down his face, but sadness wasn't the emotion being displayed... it was anger

DAKOTA: *Choke* Y-You...?

Bill watched as Shawn approached the dying man

SHAWN: You took something from me... so I took something from you...

Angered tear filled Dakota's eyes as his vision became blurry. He reached his hand out toward Shawn, in a feeble attempt to choke him, his bloody hand was mere inches away from the boy's throat, but before he could make contact, Shawn took a step back...

DAKOTA: *Gurgle* You...?

*THUD!*

Dakota collapsed to the ground, his life fading away. Shawn stood there, panting heavily, his anger slowly subsiding as he realized what he had just done. He looked down at his revolver, still smoking from the shot he had fired. He'd deal with that later, but for right now. He reached down, flipping Dakota's body over, and gently retrieving his mother's necklace...

BILL: Kid?

Footsteps could be heard in the distance as Dutch, Luke, and Detroit came running, having heard the shots. Shawn took a deep breath before he approached Bill who was still in a bit of shock. Green eyes met dark brown ones as the young Everett boy spoke...

SHAWN: You and me... against the world. That's what you said... right?

The others finally made their way to the scene, and Luke was the first to speak

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

Luke received no answer, the only sounds were that of the van's engine as it continued running, and the sound of owls as they howled in the distance...

A/N: And that concludes this chapter, hope you all enjoyed and I will see you all in the next one. Have a nice read.