This is where things start to go downhill for Desmond but the group starts to gain resources! There are certain aspects of this chapter I dislike but I do enjoy the little bonding moment I got to write with Shela and Charles. Their bond will always be important, no matter which version of the story.

Chapter 01
Chapter 02
Chapter 03
Chapter 04
Chapter 05
Chapter 07
Chapter 08
Chapter 09
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20

---

(Shela wandering through the front of the house)

Shela: Dad?

(No response. She checks her father’s room next)

Shela: Dad??

(No response again, she checks out the front door)

Shela: Daaad??

(No response again but she hears rustling to the side. Taking the way through the house, she goes out to the garden)

Shela: Dad hey?

Roy: (jumps slightly) Oh, Shela. Is something wrong?

Shela: Just couldn’t find out anywhere, I thought we had a training session scheduled today.

Roy: I…For now I just had Charles take the boys to the arena. I’m really not sure what we’re going to do today. (ears folded back)

Shela: What happened?

Roy: (sighs) Desmond is talking about retiring. He’s had to miss the past three training sessions and even when he does make it, he says his energy just isn’t there.

Shela: But he can still attend meetings right? Why retire?

Roy: I asked about that, he said his mind just wasn’t there anymore. He said he’d be worth coming to for help but as someone who needs to heavily be there, he admitted to me that he just can’t anymore.

Shela: Oh…

(both have somber looks on their faces, Roy trying to go back to plucking a few root vegetables)

Roy: I just don’t know how I’m supposed to do this without him. It’s already stressful enough, I know progress is slow. Even between the two of us, tasks aren’t always easy to get to.

Shela: Well, you’ll have to elect someone in his place right? At least to have help.

Roy: Yes. Unfortunately my only real option is Charles.

Shela: (clears her throat)

Roy: Shela, as much as I know you want to, he is older. And well, they’re already going to fight the change, I don’t want you getting lashed out at.

Shela: Do you really think I care about that?

Roy: No, but I do.

Shela: So I’m going to be left more in the dark than ever before? After everything-

Roy: (sighs) Look. I will let you sit in on meetings okay? I don’t…I never had full tunnel vision. I know Charles comes to you for ideas sometimes. Seems pointless to keep you out if you two will just talk anyway.

Shela: (opens her mouth to argue, closes it, huffs and turns away) That’s..fair I guess.

Roy: It’s all something the four of us will need to talk over more though. Right now, Desmond hasn’t even fully announced retiring yet. I’m sure he will but I want to make sure it’s final before I make any decisions.

Shela: Sure…Do you want us up here for a meeting then or what should I do?

Roy: Go train with Charles for now. Honestly I would have had to cancel anyway since another freedom fighting group got back to me about a meeting.

Roy: (frowns) Desmond was supposed to make it with me but that’s when he gave me the news of retirement so. I’ll be back later.

Shela: Are you going alone?

Roy: I’ll be taking Eris along, though I trust this group not to pull anything.

Shela: Okay, see you by dinner time then?

Roy: Yes, now go ahead and head to training. I’ve got to finish up here before I go.

(Shela hesitates but ultimately turns to leave, letting her father have some alone time. She heads out to the training ground, stopping to grab Aero and Dean along the walk)

(Once at the training grounds, they pair off. Charles and Shela spar together first before picking pairing off with others. Both the siblings work with each person individually a little bit. Charles focuses on Mark and Ethan while Shela works with Dean and Aero.)

(They stop for lunch midway through the day, the siblings having a fire going in no time flat while Mark and Ethan bring in the food.)

Mark: So do you think we’ll be back in the woods tomorrow?

Charles: Er, well…

Shela: Honestly, probably not. There’s a lot going on right now that needs to be handled besides training. We’ll keep working on some basic stuff here for a few days.

Aero: I’m pretty sure you could still find something new to teach them.

Charles: (chuckles) She will, even I learn new things from her. I think she’s learned things dad hasn’t thought of.

Shela: I’m sure he’s aware of some of the moves I do, it’s just easier for me. Dad is built like a brick house, I’m a can move a bit easier and I use that to my advantage.

Charles: Huh, I never thought of it like that before.

Mark: I guess that explains why I seem to learn from you a little better and Ethan does better with Roy.

Ethan: Are you calling me a brick house?

Mark: Well I’m certainly not calling you a twig house.

Ethan: That doesn’t even make sense!

(Shela, Charles, Aero, and Dean just look at each other and shake their heads. After lunch Shela ends up working with Mark a little before pairing back off with Charles toward the later part of the day.)

Charles: I wish he’d put you in charge of the training, you’re much better at this than I am.

Shela: Well…given circumstances, it sounds like I might at least be a little more involved than before.

Charles: That would be nice, I’m sure we’ll all be talking about that later tonight.

Shela: Yeah I’m weirdly nervous. Desmond has just…always been dad’s right hand man. I feel like when we all went out on training trips, he was there ninety percent of the time.

Charles: Yeah, it feels wrong.

(Shela looks over, seeing Aero perking his ear over)

Shela: We’ll talk about this more later, some people can’t seem to mind their own business.

(Aero doesn’t look back but turns his ear forward and is blushing)

Charles: It’s getting close to time anyway, want to cut it here for the day?

Shela: Yeah, not a bad idea. We’ve been out here for a long time now. (turns to face the others) Let’s wrap it up here for the night! You’ve all worked really hard today and rest is in order.

Dean: Ugh thank god, my arms and legs feel like noodles…

Aero: Yeah I could definitely go for a bath in a hot spring right now.

Shela: (snorts) Yeah yeah, just go rest up. If we end up training tomorrow, we won’t work everyone for the whole day.

Mark: If?

Charles: Considering how melted you all look, a break day wouldn’t be a bad idea.

(Mark still gives them both a weird look but they start walking away, Aero and Dean following)

Mark: (to Ethan) I get the feeling that they know something the rest of us don’t.

Ethan: Maybe, but I’m sure we’ll be told in time.

(Scene fades to Shela and Charles walking back home. They stop in at one of the market stalls to grab dinner supplies)

Shela: I think we should splurge a little tonight, get something a little more fancy.

Charles: Isn’t that too on the nose?

Shela: Maybe. But mom did always say how food cheers people up.

Charles: (half smiles) That’s true. Yeah, let’s do it then. Even if dad doesn’t want any, we can enjoy it.

(They grab their supplies and hang stay outside, working on building the fire)

Shela: Did you see if dad was inside?

Charles: I checked, including his room, he’s still out. Sun hasn’t set yet though so I’m sure he’ll be back soon enough. He did take a guard right?

Shela: Yeah, he said Eris would be joining him.

Charles: Oh…good plan, she’s scary.

Shela: (rolls her eyes, getting food on the fire) She’s not that bad, you just don’t like how she used to yell at us as kids.

Charles: Aero and Dean are just as terrified of her okay, she’d make a good deterrent is my point.

Shela: (snorts) Sure okay, I ju-Hey, there’s dad.

(Charles turns and sees him a few houses down. The two of them head toward the front of the house, ready to greet him)

Roy: Oh! I didn’t expect you kids to be out here.

Shela: We were just working on dinner if you wanted to come hang out.

Roy: I would but I need to go speak with Desmond first, I just wanted to drop my pack off. I don’t think this will be long.

Shela: (folds ears back) Okay, we’ll try to keep dinner warm.

(Charles takes the pack from him and Roy thanks him, turning to head back down to Desmond’s house)

Charles: I hope we don’t hear yelling…

Shela: Honestly, I think Desmond is too tired for even that lately. I just hope dad has good news about his meeting with the other fighters.

Charles: Oh yeah, I forgot all about that. With everything going on it didn’t feel as notable.

Shela: I couldn’t, if my hunch is right, he was meeting about finding a doctor. (fixing up dinner, taking a few things off the fire and setting them on a tray)

Shela: Hell at this point, I’d take even just getting medical supplies. Just…anything to (tears up) to help.

Charles: I’m sure it’ll be something at the very least. (pats her shoulder)

Charles: (grabs the tray) I’m going to take this stuff inside and set the table, you going to be okay out here?

Shela: Yeah yeah, I’m fine. (turns her face away, hiding the tears)

(Charles doesn’t argue with her and heads inside. She wipes her eyes and finishes up the food, taking the second tray inside. Charles has set the table for three and left plenty of room for the trays. The two dish up their food, leaving enough for Roy.)

Charles: Should we start eating without him?

Shela: I think I’m too nervous to eat.

Charles: Heh, me too actually.

(Shela busies herself with dishing up food on her dad’s plate while Charles packs the leftovers on a different plate, setting the trays aside for a wash)

(Just as they’re finishing up, Roy steps in through the door, his face looking very sullen. Shela and Charles look at each other and don’t say anything at first. After Roy sits down in his chair, Charles breaks the silence)

Charles: Shela thought she should have a special meal tonight, treat ourselves a little…

(Roy looks down, breaking him from his trance. He smiles a little)

Roy: My favorite fish and sweet potatoes, and much like how your mother would make.

Shela: I know tonight is probably going to be rough so I just, I figured something nice would help us get through it.

Roy: Thank you, I’m sure it will.

Charles: I’m guessing the news wasn’t what you wanted to hear?

Roy: No. He is retiring, he said he’d give his announcement with me in the morning. It stings, and I’m afraid of Nick getting backlash…

Shela: Trust your people dad, they’re not like that. We all know that we’re struggling here, it’s not a perfect set up.

Roy: That’s true, I’m just terrified.

(Shela and Charles look at each other again nervously)

Roy: Son, I hate to ask this but I want you to take his place.

Charles: Whoa wait hold up, excuse me?

Shela: You didn’t know about this?

Charles: You did?!

Shela: I mean who else would he ask?

Charles: You, obviously! I’m a dumbass! You have a brain with more than two brain cells!

Roy: Charles I’m not really sure I can approve of you talking about yourself like that. Besides Shela just…it’s complicated. Logically you are the most capable.

Charles: You’re- (makes a pained face as Shela elbows him) oof!

Roy: Shela!

Shela: He’s being stupid right now and needs to shut his mouth. I’m sure once the shock wears off, this won’t be so bad.

Roy: It is a scary thing I’m asking him to do, which is why I hate asking.

Charles: (sighs) But I have to, huh? You’re not really asking, that’s telling.

(Roy looks guilty and Charles sighs again)

Charles: I mean, I’ll do it. But don’t expect someone as good as Desmond here. (Charles glances over at Shela as he says this)

Roy: Thank you.

Charles: But like, I’m only doing this if Shela gets to sit in on our meetings, because I’m not-

Roy: Charles, why do you think we’re doing this over a family dinner to begin with? We spoke a bit earlier and it wouldn’t be fair if I didn’t let her join us at this point, we’ll work better together. And be a stronger family for it.

Charles: Oh. Well. Good.

Shela: You we’re very good at hiding things anyway.

Charles: Shela! Don’t-

Roy: I already found out you’d let things slip to her, I’m not totally blind you know. (chuckles)

Charles: (puffer fishes and blushes) Yeah well it didn’t feel right.

Roy: I know, you’re right. I should have never excluded your sister or asked that of you. Now it’ll all be in the open for us.

Shela: Speaking of, how did that meeting with the other group go?

Roy: It went…okay. Unfortunately they really don’t have much more to offer than us. They told me that groups further west seem to have more built up for themselves but that’s not an area we’d be capable of traveling to right now.

Roy: They did however offer to trade some medical supplies for food. I figure since we’re all doing pretty well off in that department, it wouldn’t hurt. In particular, they had a few herbs that Nick uses to treat Desmond, so it’s worth it for that.

Shela: Agreed. That’s good at least, it’s what I was hoping for at minimum.

Charles: When are you meeting with them again?

Roy: In three days, I wanted to give it at least a day after the announcement before I took off.

Charles: Am I going too?

Roy: Well…Actually, I was going to take Shela.

Shela: Wait, really?

Roy: Yeah, since I’m leaving I figured it wouldn’t hurt to leave Charles here as someone in charge. You’ve done it before for me when I left on trips so it just makes sense to do that instead.

Charles: How long do you plan on being gone?

Roy: Considering we have to haul the food with us, it’ll probably be an overnight trip kind of thing. I want to use a wagon so that we don’t damage the food on the way there, or the supplies on the way back.

Roy: But that’s something we can discuss more later. Let’s finish food and get to bed. Tomorrow is going to be a lot to take in and we’ll all want the rest for it.

(The group gets quiet after that, clearly lost in their own thoughts. Shela finishes first and sets her dishes to the side)

Shela: I’ll take care of these dishes tomorrow evening, I’m too tired after all the training.

(Roy and Charles aren’t able to respond as she heads to her room, basically throwing herself onto the bed. Within moments, she’s asleep)

(By the morning, she’s the first one awake, getting food ready and brewing a strong tea. She’s dressed up in something nicer than her usual attire, no holes or rips)

(Charles stumbles out next, clearly not dressed and ready for the day)

Shela: Good morning.

Charles: Morning…

Shela: Did you sleep at all?

Charles: I think so? Maybe? Honestly as tired as I was I just couldn’t shut down my brain.

Shela: Hmm. Well it’s a lot to process.

Charles: It’s stupid is what it is, but what other choice is there?

Shela: (frowns) Hey, you’re being too hard on yourself. Dad raised both of us after all, it’s not like he hasn’t taught you any of the things you’ll need to know.

Charles: I guess…

Shela: (shoves a plate and mug at him) Here, just try to get something in your stomach. It’ll be worse if you don’t.

(Charles sits down and picks at his food)

(Roy walks in a few minutes later, dressed up but looking very tired. Shela doesn’t even greet him before handing him food and drink)

Roy: Charles once you get dressed, we’ll head out. I want you two prepared by the camp meeting spot while I grab Desmond and gather people.

Shela: Are you sure you don’t want help gathering people?

Roy: Desmond requested that it be our last task together since he’s pretty sure that’s about all he can manage at the moment. I won’t take that away from him.

Shela: Of course not.

Roy: The rest of our day is scheduled to be a rest day. As much as I want to prepare for our trip, I don’t have the energy for it.

Charles: I’m starting to think Shela is the only one who got any sleep.

Shela: Well when you’re used to chaos and disappointment, it doesn’t keep you up at night.

(Roy and Charles give each other a quizzical look but don’t respond. They finish their food and Charles disappears to get dressed)

Roy: Is the disappointment in reference to you not getting the position?

Shela: I guess you could say that.

Roy: Shela I-

Shela: Dad I get it okay, I don’t need to hear it again. Your explanation doesn’t change the fact that it sucks. Let’s just get through today.

(Roy folds his ears back but nods. Finally Charles appears, dressed in some nicer clothing, though still casual)

Charles: I hope this works, I don’t have much for nice stuff.

Roy: That’ll be fine I think. Let’s just get out there.

(The three leave the house, splitting off once outside. Roy heads down to Desmond’s while Shela and Charles head to their left, to the meeting spot.)

(At the meeting place, Shela and Charles work on making things look a little nicer and more comfortable as they wait. It doesn’t take as long as they expect to gather everyone, as one person would tell others)

Shela: (to Charles) The group has certainly gotten bigger from when we first left home.

Charles: Yeah, I guess I never expected it would become a village like this. And with so many different people.

Shela: Feels weird to say but it kind of makes me not miss home? I dunno, I guess just having something different.

Charles: (chuckles) I’d much rather be home right now, and like a few years younger.

(Shela playfully elbows him. Roy and Desmond head to the stage area where Shela and Charles are waiting)

Roy: Everyone may we have your attention please?

(The group of voices quickly becomes silent, eagerly waiting for what Roy has to say)

Roy: I’m sure you’re wondering what this meeting is for, and I only wish it was under better circumstances. However well, I’ll let Desmond tell you himself.

Desmond: I’m retiring.

(Many villagers gasp out in shock)

Desmond: My sickness has gotten to the point where I can’t do what I used to, I would rather not hold Roy or the rest of the group back because of this.

Crowd: But you could still help!

Desmond: I can help from the sidelines like the rest of you. It doesn’t do us any good to have someone who misses multiple training session and even a meeting as a higher up.

Desmond: Trust me, I appreciate the faith and condolences but this is something I have to do.

(crowd is very somber)

Roy: It wasn’t an easy choice, it was something even I fought against. But Desmond has never lead me astray and so I’m trusting him here as I always have.

Roy: Of course, I wouldn’t leave you all without preparing my next second in command. It only made sense to ask someone who is also close to me, so please send your energy to my son Charles.

(Charles steps slightly forward, looking very stiff and offering a wave. Some of the group is cheering but there is still some skepticism in the air)

Charles: It was a surprise to say the least when I was asked but I plan to work hard and make positive changes to the group. I’ve spent much of my life around Desmond so I know I’ve learned a great deal from him.

Desmond: And you are always welcome to advice if you need it. Just because I’m retired doesn’t mean I will turn anyone away who needs help.

(Much of the group cheers this time)

Roy: I will also be asking my daughter Shela to take on some tasks as well. In a few days she will accompany me on a journey to trade with one of the other freedom fighter groups out there. They offered us some additional medical supplies in exchange for some of our excess food.

Shela: (steps forward) I’ll be in charge of dividing our stores. Don’t worry as plenty will be kept for the cold months. Celia has done a fantastic job with helping tend to the gardens and we have more than enough to spare.

(Roy seems taken aback by how prepared she was with a speech)

Roy: Until then, today is a day of rest. No training will be scheduled and you may do with your time as you please.

(The group cheers again before slowly dispersing. Desmond is one of the first to walk off site, looking exhausted already)

(The fox family remains until everyone has left)

Roy: I’m going to head out for a bit, do some meditating. I’ll be back in a few hours.

Shela: We’ll send a search party if you’re not back by dinner time.

Roy: (half smiles) Heh, okay.

(Roy leaves, shoulders sagging and ears folded back)

Charles: Well, what do you plan on doing with your free day?

Shela: I’m going to go through the food stores and start packing. Resting will give me too much time to think.

Charles: Wait already? Don’t you have a few days to worry about that?

Shela: Like I said, I don’t need the thinking time. If I need to rest, I will. You on the other hand, should sleep.

Charles: Sleep, yeah, maybe.

(Shela walks him back to the house)

Charles: I’m still not sure my brain will shut up enough to allow me to rest.

Shela: Then go grab Mark and Ethan, hang out by the river or something. Those two are definitely used to a relaxed life style.

Charles: (chuckles) Yeah I guess. I’ll probably be back by lunch though, it’s definitely my turn to cook.

Shela: Okay if you say so. I’ll see you later. (waves)

(Charles waves and heads into the village. Shela heads down to the gardens and eventually makes her way into a storage shed. She spends hours going through things, boxing up certain foods and setting them aside. Eventually she stops to look out the window)

Shela: Shit, I guess it is about lunch time. I hope he hasn’t been waiting too long.

(Shela spends a few more minutes restacking the boxes and then heads back to the house, once there she finds Charles passed out in his bed, door to his room wide open)

Shela: Well good. I can get back to work.

(Shela is shown spending more time in the shed, then securing the crates into a small hand pulled wagon. More supplies are added over a few days until finally Shela and Roy are seen in front of the wagon)

Roy: Alright Charles, you know pretty much what to do but please make sure everyone is safe.

Charles: Of course. You two are the ones I’m really worried about.

Desmond: You’ve got enough medical supplies for you two packed?

Shela: You know I over pack, what do you think?

Desmond: (chuckles) Just checking. Now get out of here, you’ll want to make good time.

Roy: Right. Goodbye, see you all hopefully tomorrow evening.

(They wave and both Roy and Shela grab one handle of the cart each, pulling it along behind them. They’re journey takes them from just past sunrise to late mid-day)

Leader: Ah so our look out was right, you’re here! Glad you made it safe!

Roy: Yes, the journey wasn’t too bad at all.

Fighter: You didn’t run into any of the soldiers?

Roy: No, should we have?

Leader: They’ve been seen more and more in surrounding areas. We’ve picked many of them off but I’m starting to think they’re looking for something here. There’s also…well I’ll tell you when we’re inside.

(They leave their supplies parked safely and the leader takes them inside what is clearly their main building. No words are spoken but clearly whatever story is told to Roy shocks him. Shela also looks uneasy, though clearly doesn’t grasp all the information. After a while they leave the building)

Leader: Clare will show you to your lodgings. I’m sorry to leave you to go to bed after such horrifying news but-

Roy: No, it’s better that we know.

(The leader nods, Clara takes the two into a different building which houses a few spare beds) vClara: I hope this will work for you two tonight, sorry there isn’t more privacy.

Roy: This’ll be fine, we’re waking up early anyway.

(Clara nods and leaves them)

Roy: When we get back, we’ll have to have a meeting. I want to include Desmond just for the sake of familiarizing you two fully with the situation.

Shela: Wait so does Charles not know everything either?

Roy: Admittedly, more than you. But no, he never has. That’s why I want Desmond there, this is going to be a lot for you two. For now, try not to think about it and sleep.

(Shela does as told and closes her eyes. She drifts in and out of sleep and nightmare for the night, waking up to knocking on the door. Roy seems unable to process things so Shela gets up to answer it)

Leader: Sorry, it’s just past sunrise but I know you two wanted to be up early so we could complete this trade.

Shela: Sure, no problem.

(Shela and Roy don’t need much time to ready themselves, leaving the building. Foods and supplies are looked at by both parties before being exchanged. Crates on the wagon are exchanged until almost nothing that was packed at the village is left on it.)

Leader: We appreciate this a lot. As much as we look like we’re doing well, our crops just didn’t flourish well.

Roy: I’ll talk to our gardener when I get back, I can pass some tips on through a letter.

Leader: (smiles) That would be much appreciated.

Roy: Well thank you for the supplies, this will help greatly.

(The two pay final respects before grabbing the handles and leaving, It’s late in the evening as they return the camp. Charles, Desmond, Aero, and Dean are there to greet them.)

Desmond: Did things go well?

(Roy and Shela exchange a look)

Roy: We’ll talk more in depth another time. We need to get these supplies to Nick. Overall though, yes, it was a productive visit.

Desmond: (squints) Okay.

Aero: Here, let us take that.

(Dean and Aero take over the wagon and everyone helps take in the supplies. It’s dark by this point and so Dean and Aero head out first.)

Charles: So, meeting tomorrow?

Roy: Yes. Desmond, I want you there too. It’s just, going to be a lot.

Desmond: Oh boy, retired a few days and I’m already being called in for back up.

Roy: Damn straight.

(They chuckle and head back to their homes. Roy and Charles head straight to bed but Shela is shown to toss and turn again)

CHAPTER END