Another dramatic chapter I feel like? I really wanted to show their struggles early on so the improvements later on were really striking, but not sure I like how it came off here.

Chapter 01
Chapter 02
Chapter 03
Chapter 05
Chapter 06
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

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(Shela groggily walks out of her room, still in night clothing)

Charles: Hey, shouldn’t you be dressed?

Shela: (sleepily blinks) Why? I don’t normally start training with the boys for another two hours.

Charles: Dad didn’t tell you?

Shela: Tell me what?

Charles: He told me that he was taking you training with us today, we’re supposed to leave in like ten minutes.

Roy: (from another room) Charles! I need you to help me with one of the gear bags!

Charles: Coming! (turns to Shela) Come on, maybe he thought you heard him, but we can double check.

(Shela looks nervous but nods. The two head into the main room)

Roy: (bag in hand, turning to hand it Charles) Here I need you to take-

Charles: Shela’s coming too right? That means she could carry the third bag.

Roy: (taken aback)

Roy: Oh um…

(Shela looking hopeful at first but then her expression seems diappointed)

Charles: I’m confused, you said she was coming to the next training session right?

Roy: I said I was considering it-

(Shela’s expression turns dark, realizing what that means)

Roy: …Look if you can get ready in ten minutes then you can come. But we can’t wait much longer since Desmond and the others are waiting on us.

(Shela hesitates but Charles pushes her towards her room)

Charles: I’ve seen you get ready in like five minutes, shouldn’t be a problem for you. (grins)

Shela: Right. (Shela dashes into her room and speen runs getting ready. Throwing on new clothes, barely brushing her hair and throwing it in a hair tie before running out her door)

Charles: (hands her the third pack) Here you can take this one.

Shela: (raises an eyebrow) I don’t usually see you take three.

Roy: Normally we don’t but since we’re training deeper in the woods, I want to take extra medical supplies. Ethan and Mark are…not very adapt to the area yet at all.

Shela: (half smirk) Oh yeah, that doesn’t surprise me.

Roy: (looks over at Shela) I see you’ve got your usual leg pack, have you got the usual supplies in there?

Shela: Yeah and I threw in a few extras real quick. I didn’t know where we were training though so if you think I should grab something else then let me know.

Roy: (thinking, concern on his face) No, I think your usuals should do just fine. I know how you tend to always overprepare anyway.

Shela: It’s what you always taught me to do. (walking toward the door)

Charles: (stands next to Roy)See, told you she was ready. (smiling)

Charles: (more quietly) Both on time and in general.

Roy: (gives him a forced smile)

Shela: (turning toward them) I’m ready but are you two?

Roy: (clears his throat) Yes, let’s go.

(the three head out of the house, Shela opening the door for the two and then letting Roy lead the way)

(Three walk past the community crop fields as they head to their meeting spot near the woods)

Desmond: Just on- oh. I see Shela is joining us today (smiles) Maybe you can show Mark and Ethan a thing or two.

Shela: I would hope so!

Roy: Speaking of, where are those two?

Mark: (from behind) Late. Ethan forgot what time it was and I practically rushed him out the door.

Ethan: Hey it wasn’t just me that forgot!

Roy: Regardless, let’s head in to the woods. It’ll be a decently long trek again and this time we’re going to be training for a longer period of time. So that faster we get there, the better.

Shela: We packed enough water and snacks right?

Charles: Yeah, that was my job.

Shela: No wonder you’re bag is practically bursting at the seams.

(Charles and Shela laugh and playfully hit each other while Roy leads the group. Desmond takes the back with the other four in the middle)

Mark, to Shela: So what brings you along with us this time?

Shela: Oh um…I’ve been requesting this for a while actually. It would be nice to learn more than what I already know.

Mark: Well you’re basically talk of the town after one of your recent training sessions, seems like you’re even better than your brother.

Shela: Heh, well maybe but maybe not. He’s gotten to learn a lot more than I have.

Mark: Hmm. I don’t think you give yourself enough credit really. But I guess we’ll see.

(The trees start to become a little more dense, the group is quiet while navigating the thick brush)

Ethan: I didn’t even know these woods went this deep. (struggling to get over a fallen tree)

Desmond: We took a different path last time, the vegetation here is a little different.

Roy: Yes, I want to make sure everyone is properly trained for handling not just forested situations but anywhere that is dense or hard to navigate through.

Desmond: Particularly if your opponent is using magic.

(Mark and Ethan both give each other a nervous look)

(After another while, Roy stops in a very small clearing)

Roy: We’ll start here. This should give newbies a chance to get their footing a little before taking the fight deeper into the trees.

Roy: I’ll split everyone into teams but allow me and Desmond to do a bit of demonstrating first.

(Desmond nods. The others step back while he steps toward the middle, getting into a stance. Roy does the same and then suddenly the two lunge at each other. They throw a few punches and kicks at each other and slowly Roy begins to lead himself and Desmond further and further back toward the woods)

(As Roy sinks farther in, he’s back to block hits with the trees. Desmond does the same as the others follow the two, continued to watch the battle as best they can)

Ethan: I don’t understand how neither have fallen over yet.

Shela: It’s pretty simple, notice how they test where they’re stepping first, always keeping their eyes on their opponent. That allows them to still block but keep from tripping over a branch.

Mark: I hadn’t even noticed that, I was too busy watching their punches.

Shela: Yeah, I mean notice how neither of them is kicking much anymore. When they do, it’s only when they know they’re on stable ground.

Ethan: That makes sense but I don’t think I’m coordinated enough for this.

Charles: It’s really not much different than just walking in the woods. Shela and I used to wander off at home all the time, and both of us fell a lot at first. But with enough wandering around you kind of just get a feel for it.

(Just then Roy is able to sneak in and attack Desmond, hard. He falls back and Roy looks shocked. He quickly rushes over to Desmond)

Roy: I didn’t hit you that hard did I, are you alright?

Desmond: (growls) I’m fine. Just wasn’t stable, that’s all.

(Roy doesn’t seem convinced, especially as he watches Desmond shakily stand up. The others also look concerned but no one is brave enough to speak up)

Desmond: I think that works as a demonstration.

(Desmond leads the group back to the clearing, not walking as strongly as before)

Roy: (clears his throat) If you weren’t able to pick up on all the during our battle, the first thing you want to do is draw your opponent toward the woods. However only do that when you feel comfortable with your ground, you want it to be an advantage against your opponent. Use the trees as both a way to block attacks but also a way to sneak around and make your own attack.

Desmond: You should be extra aware of your footing too, do something like I did and you’re sure to fall. Once you do, that’s it. You become an easy target.

Roy: Yes, agreed. (looks at Desmond, still seeming unconvinced)

Roy: So, our teams will be this. Charles, you’re with me. Desmond, you work with Shela. Mark and Ethan that leaves you two together.

(Shela immediately snaps up, giving her dad a look. He notices it by chooses to ignore and look away)

Roy: You’ll want to practice here in the clearing first, when you’re feeling ready, try and make your way into the woods. Remember this is just training, it’s not about winning. If you fail, get back up and learn from it.

Group, minus Shela who still looks angry: Yes sir!

(Everyone splits off into their respective groups. Shela and Desmond are both the last to split off. Shela looking very angry, Desmond still walking roughly)

(Charles is quick to make his attacks first but after a few minutes, Roy takes him down. Desmond and Shela start off well, keeping the attacks and blocks slow but smooth on both parts.)

(Mark and Ethan struggle, going back and forth with who takes down who. Neither are able to stay up for very long at first)

(Charles eventually starts to get better, though he’s knocked down several more times.)

Roy: You need to stop rushing, remember this isn’t some kind of rush to back me into the woods right now. Get the hang of just fighting first.

Charles: (ears back, looking mildly upset) I’m trying! You know I’ve never been good about beating you…

(Roy frowns and doesn’t respond. He is clearly taking it a little easier on Charles after though.)

(Desmond and Shela remain evenly matched for quite a while, neither being knocked down)

Shela: Even injured, you still hold up well.

Desmond: (growls) I’m not-

Shela: If you can’t fool my dad, do you really think you’re fooling me?

Desmond: Given how well you fight, I guess not. If this was Charles, I’d have knocked him down by now.

Shela: Yeah well, I’m aiming to become better than my father, not just as good.

(Desmond chuckles. Shela is almost able to make a hit on him and he stops, realizing that maybe she’s more serious than he realizes.)

(Charles makes more of an attempt, finally trying to back towards the woods. Roy however steps things up again, not seeing his son as ready, knocking him down.)

(Shela on the other hand, is backing into the woods. Desmond almost looks over to clear it with Roy but doesn’t have time as Shela takes another swing, narrowly missing.)

(Mark and Ethan’s punches and kicks slow, they start to watch Shela and Desmond. Roy is too preoccupied to scold them.)

(Desmond’s footing gets more unstable in the woods as his walking still wasn’t fully steady to begin with. Shela uses that to her advantage, sweeping to knock the older fox over. Despite being careful about where he would land, Desmond makes a loud winded wheeze.)

Roy: (turning from the fight) Desmond!

(Roy narrowly avoids getting hit by Charles and rushes over to Desmond. Charles looks slightly offended by this at first but then turns to look at Desmond’s direction with concern.)

(Shela looks horrified and is quick to help. She pulls wraps out of her bag and is careful to begin tending to any wounds on his head. He’s gasping in her arms and she carefully rubs his back, helping him relax.)

Roy: Desmond, can you hear me?

Desmond: Yes…..you….anno..ying….worry wart….

Roy: I know my daughter is strong but there’s something you’re not telling me here.

Desmond: (growls but is unable to respond, still trying to control his breathing)

(The three remained in their places and after a few minutes, Desmond’s breathing is more controlled. Roy slowly helps him to his feet.)

Roy: Shela, please go train with your brother for now. Desmond and I need to have a word.

Shela: (folds her ears back as a sign she’s not happy but does as he asks, wandering back to Charles)

(Shela sends Mark and Ethan a look and they get back to training immediately. Her and Charles follow suit, though she keeps her ears perked, trying to listen in)

Roy: So what happened?

Desmond: I fell, what do you think?

Roy: Desmond, please. I’m not a fool, this isn’t normal for you.

Desmond: Funny, your daughter told me the same thing. She could tell I was injured.

Desmond: (sighs) It’s an old rib injury that I wounded during our last training session. It wasn’t bad at first, however it started to get more sore each day.

Roy: Why didn’t you say something?

Desmond: It didn’t seem like a big deal and honestly, I thought I’d be just fine. Clearly I wasn’t ready for what today had in store for me.

Roy: You should really visit doctor Nick. And for the love of god, rest.

Desmond: No offense Roy but that doctor doesn’t have the material to treat an injury as old as this one.

(The group by now has started to hear their voices raise a little, the all glance over but go back to training)

Roy: Desmond I am ordering you. There might be at least something he can do for you.

Desmond: Oh and when should I go, now?

Roy: (growls) Yes!

Desmond: You’re gonna cut training, for this!?

(By now the others have stopped their training entirely, watching the two argue as Desmond gets louder)

Roy: (looking over at the group) Seeing as they’re already watching us, yes, I am.

(Roy walks past Desmond, toward the group)

Roy: Everyone pack it in, we’re going back. You’ve all done well today, I’ll have you continue some light training in the arena.

Desmond: This is stupid.

(Roy ignores him and helps the group pack everything away. It doesn’t take long before the group starts moving back. Shela walks with Desmond, keeping an eye on him)

Desmond: Has your father made you my guardian now?

Shela: No.

Desmond: Then get back up there with your brother.

Shela: No again. Desmond, you’re family to us and I’m worried too. I’m staying in the back here.

Desmond: (growls but flinches soon after) Fine. Suit yourself, kid.

(Shela half smiles, shaking her head. The group is relatively quiet again as they make their way back. Roy takes them through a few shortcuts, his anger fueling him to move faster)

(After a while they make it through and out into the open. It takes even less time to get back to camp)

Roy: Mark and Ethan, will each of you go grab Dean and Aero? They should train with the rest of you. Charles, you go get set up. Shela, you-

Shela: I can take Desmond to doctor Nick if you want.

Roy: (opens his mouth as if to object, before closing it again) You know what, maybe that wouldn’t be a bad idea.

(Desmond doesn’t look pleased but he won’t even look at Roy. Shela guides him to the doctor’s building.)

(Inside, Nick is sitting at his desk in the corner, checking on some pressed herbs. Once he hears the two come in, he turns to look at them.)

Nick: Ah, Shela! I’m beginning to think I should make you my assistant for how many times you’re bringing others in here. (chuckles)

Shela: Ha, yeah. That would sure be funny.

Shela: Anyway, Desmond needs you to take a look at his ribs and probably back. I know you don’t have a lot.

Nick: I think with some of the magic crystals that Aero and Keeta found, I can get the x-ray machine running properly. We’ll be able to take a look at him.

Desmond: I don’t know if I trust going anywhere near that thing.

Shela: Oh come on you big baby, it won’t even hurt and you need it! You’re not even giving him a chance!

Desmond: (sighs)

Nick: I promise, it’s a little old but it works well. It’s one of the few things I was able to salvage from my old home.

Desmond: Fine, fine. Let’s just get this over with.

Shela: Good. I need to get back and I’m sure it’ll take some time but one of us will come check on you in a few hours.

Desmond: Sure.

(Shela waves at the two and heads out just as they head into one of the back rooms.)

(Once outside, Shela runs to the training area. She makes it back just as Aero and Dean and grouping together)

Shela: Hey losers.

Dean: Oh, there you are. We were all getting a little confused.

Aero: Yeah, Charles thought you’d be here a lot sooner.

Charles: (appearing behind Dean and Aero) Did dad have a talk with you or something?

Shela: No, I took Desmond to the doctor. I think dad was so furious with him and Desmond was being so grumpy that he didn’t want to do it himself. I volunteered.

Charles: Oh. Well that’s good, Des did seem pretty stubborn.

Shela: I think mo-(looks uncomfortable)

Shela: I think past events have made him afraid of doctors. At least that’s what it seemed like from how much he didn’t even want to get an x-ray.

Charles: (clears his throat) That makes sense. Do you think doctor Nick will be able to treat him.

Shela: Honestly, I don’t know. I’m trying not to think about it so let’s just..train.

Charles: Right.

(Charles spars again Shela at first while Dean is with Aero and Mark is paired with Ethan. However after being thrashed a few times, he stops her)

Charles: (from the ground) Okay you know what, let’s switch for a little bit. I’ll work with Dean, you work with Aero.

Shela: Sure.

(The two groups swap, Dean and Aero looking confused but complying)

(At first Aero and Shela do okay but she gets slightly more aggressive, taking him down left and right.)

Aero: Geez dude, lighten up a little yeah? It’s just training, you’re pushing hard and I’m having a hard time even learning.

(Shela steps back, realizing she’s breathing hard and her hands are hurting.)

Shela: Right, sorry. Maybe you should swap out Dean, train with Charles for a little bit.

Aero: (gives a look of concern) Okay. But you be careful.

Shela: Of course.

(Aero walks over to tap out with Dean, who looks kind of excited to train with Shela)

Dean: This should be fun, we don’t spar enough.

Shela: You always get mad that I beat you.

Dean: What? I mean maybe a little but not this time okay?

(Dean is able to hold it together somewhat but very quickly Shela starts to put her full force into it. She takes him down a few times, only letting him get back up for a few moments each time)

Dean: Can you give me…just a second?

Shela: No.

(Shela slams him down and only after he makes a noise of pain does she snap out of it)

Shela: Shit! Shit, I’m sorry. Are you okay? (rushes over)

Dean: (on the ground, on his back) Ugh. Yeah, I’ll make it okay.

Shela: I didn’t realize how much force I was putting into things.

Dean: Yeah well, maybe it’s a good idea to just rest for now.

Shela: (sighs) I think you’re the one that needs rest.

Charles: (off camera) No I think he’s right. You’re really off all of a sudden, I think you should just take a breather for a while. Maybe go home.

Shela: You know I can’t just go home when there’s raining to be done.

Charles: Come on! Dad will get it!

Shela: Yeah I know but-

Dean: (slowly stands up)

Dean: (puts a hand on her shoulder) Shela please just go rest.

(Shela looks at him and sighs. She turns away from him quickly, as if to reject)

Charles: Come on, you’re being like Uncle Des just now. Take the rest, it’s been a long day.

Shela: Fine. Maybe you’re right. But I am going to check in at the doc’s place first.

Charles: Fine. I’ll train with these two okay, you just take a break.

(Shela sighs again but makes her way back into the village. As promised, her feet take her to the clinic.)

(Shela starts to grab the door but sighs)

Shela: (looking at the placement of the sun) It hasn’t been that long, maybe I should wait.

(Shela leans against the wall. As time passes and the sun moves further and further west she finally sits on the ground next to the door. Eventually she curls her tail around herself)

(Finally the door clicks open and she looks up, seeing doctor Nick standing there)

Nick: Ah, I wasn’t expecting to find you out here! I was just about to go fetch Roy.

Shela: Is everything okay? (rushing to stand up)

Nick: He’s not quite in a life or death situation, not yet, but it’s going to take him a long time to recover. I don’t have everything I could have to make this process easier or fast but, I’ll do my best.

Nick: Right now I’ve got him staying over night to observe and rest.

Shela: Did he fight you on that one?

Nick: That’s the upsetting part. After what I told him,he basically volunteered for that. I’m wondering if maybe he hopes I’ll give him a different result, a new diagnosis.

Shela: (folds ears back) So what is it exactly?

Nick: Well…I would really prefer for you father to hear this too. I trust you can pass along a message but this is complicated and anyone would forget the details while in shock.

Shela: Right, of course. I’ll go get him, shouldn’t take me longer than a few minutes.

Nick: (nods) I’ll be waiting at my desk.

(Nick heads inside while Shela bolts off toward her home. She notices how Aero is home now and figures training probably ended a while ago)

(Shela bursts through the door to her home)

Shela: Dad!

(Charles, who is in the kitchenette area jumps, nearly dropping the food who was preparring. One of the bedroom doors is heard shutting and Roy comes from the hallway)

Roy: Shela? What is it, what’s wrong?

Shela: Doctor Nick wants you to come with me to tell you about Desmond. It’s not deadly but, results aren’t great.

Roy: Oh god…

(Roy mentally drifts off for a moment before looking back at her)

Roy: You stay here, I’ll head over.

Shela: No way! I was waiting there at the clinic for hours now-

Roy: Wait what about your tr-

Shela: I couldn’t focus! I was being too rough in training, Charles sent me home, so I went to wait. I was already there for part of this, I’m going to be there for the full diagnosis!

Roy: Shela, this isn’t something you need to be worrying about right now. You being there will do no good.

(Shela glares at him, turns away and runs out the door, slamming it behind her)

Roy: Shela wait!

(door slam sound while Roy is staring off at the door)

Roy: (sighs) Charles, is that true? You sent her home?

Charles: Dad, she was giving all of us a thrashing, including me. She doesn’t even really need the training, she held fine on her own. But the rest of us couldn’t make any progress being thrashed like that. It’s clear that she needed her attention to be somewhere else.

Roy: (frowns and turns away) I guess that’s true.

Charles: I think you should stop babying her and just let her sit in on this.

Roy: I’m not..I guess it doesn’t matter now anyway, she’ll already be there.

Charles: You can’t say you’re not, if this was me, you’d have let me sit in no problem.

(Roy is quiet for a moment and so Charles thinks he won’t respond more and goes back to prepping)

Roy: It’s not that I baby her. But seeing her even just inside that clinic for visiting makes me feel sick.

(Charles is unable to respond to that and Roy simply leaves, closing the door with a gentle click)

(By the time Roy makes it to the clinic, Shela is already there and waiting. Nick gives a gentle smile and waves, Shela doesn’t even look at him)

Roy: Sorry I’m late. Just needed to mentally prepare.

Nick: No worries. Go ahead and sit down, this’ll be a long one.

(Roy nods and sits next to Shela. He looks at her but she doesn’t look back and both of them are quiet)

Nick: Desmond told me he thought an old injury had flared up, however when we took a look at it we realized just exactly why.

Nick: There’s something attached to that old injured rib, that old injury not being treated properly may be why it happened in the first place.

Roy: What is it exactly?

Nick: It’s hard to say for sure but I’d say something extremely destructive. It has already begun destroy him from the inside out. We’ve caught things really early so I can give him a few things to help keep it from getting worse and also ease his pain but right now I just…

Nick: (sighs) I just do not have a way to cure it. I wouldn’t feel comfortable attempting a complicated operation again. Until we get more people and supplies in here, he’s just going to essentially be on life support.

Nick: Not literally of course but, that may be how he feels about it.

Roy: (growls and slams his fist on the table) Damn it!

(Roy gets up and steps away from the desk, face buried in his hands)

Shela: (watches him and then turns back to Nick) What sort of supplies would you need?

Nick: I can make a list but I know our resources are limited, I’m not expecting anything until after this war is over honestly.

Shela: Just, make that list. I’m sure we can figure something out…

(Nick gives Shela a sad smile but nods)

Nick: You two may go visit him in his room for now if you’d like.

Roy: Not tonight. I can’t. Not here.

Nick: (face falls to a frown instantly)

Nick: (to Shela) Come back for the list tomorrow. You should probably get your father home for now.

Shela: (nods) Okay. (Shela gets up, walking to her dad) Are we going home?

Roy: Hmm? Oh, yes. (wipes eyes) Let’s go.

(The two walk out and are quiet the entire trip home. Not even waving at the others around them)

Charles: Hey you two, I’ve got dinner ready, I was just bringing it in-

Roy: Thank you Charles but I’ll eat later. (rushing past him)

(Charles face falls)

Shela: I’ll eat some in just a bit okay? I need to talk with dad first.

Charles: Okay, thanks. I’ll just wait out here. I want to watch the fire as it goes out.

Shela: I know that’s not what you’re really doing but thank you.

(Shela heads inside behind her father)

Shela: So are you going to bring in more doctors now?

Roy: Shela, don’t you think I’ve been trying to do that?

Shela: I know you said you would but-

Roy: But what, Shela? You don’t realize this all takes time! Our contacts with other camps is very limited, letters take a long time to travel. And not anybody is just willing to let go of valuable people!

Shela: (folds her ears back) I get that Dad, I’m not stupid! But we’ve had the same contacts for a while now, why not branch out a little. Send some people out there to ask neighboring villages for help!

Roy: You don’t understand, it’s not that simple. Our resources, our people, trained people in particular are very limited. Do you think I’m just going to risk the lives of everyone here for that? You don’t know enough to solve this problem!

Shela: Maybe I’d know a little more if you let me in!! Charles gets to know everything and I’m always in the dark!

Roy: Charles is older than you for starters! Second he-

Shela: Age has got nothing to do with it and you know it! I’ve been learning from you since I was a kid! But it wasn’t until after mom died that you started holding me back!

Roy: Do not bring your mother into this! If you want to be included on any training sessions, this sure is not the way to make it happen Shela!

Shela: (growls) You’re still not listening! You have tunnel vision dad, even Desmond has realized that!

(Shela storms out, out the front door. Roy just stares stunned for a moment. After he shakes his head and growls, making his way toward the door. But he stops just as he grabs the handle)

Roy: It’s not worth it, not tonight. (Turns away and heads back to his room)

(Meanwhile Shela is still standing on the other side of the door, shaking. Charles finally peaks his head around)

Charles: Are you-

Charles: Can I-

Charles: Do you-

Shela: Let’s just eat dinner.

Charles: Sure, I’ve been keeping it warm for you. (heads toward the fire)

Shela: (follows him around the corner to the fire) Thanks. I don’t think dad will be joining us.

Charles: I kind of figured just by his attitude when he got home. I’m assuming the news wasn’t very good.

Shela: Desmond is basically going to be on life support as Nick put it. He won’t be confined to the clinic or anything, but he’ll need treatments often and I’m assuming even with that, he’ll never get back up to full shape.

Charles: Damn…Yeah I can see why that would upset dad.

Shela: If Nick had more resources, he’d be able to operate. It would improve things for Desmond greatly. But dad he…

Charles: Look I know you don’t think he is, but he is trying there. Do I think he could do a little more? Yeah. But he isn’t totally ignoring you on that either.

Shela: (sighs) It sure feels like it. He won’t let me in on anything. How am I supposed to help everyone here if I’m in the dark?

Charles: For now, just…do what you’ve already been asked I guess. It bothers me too, I know you’re actually way better at this than I am. But that’s why when you bitch to me about something, I try to say something to dad.

Shela: I just want to know what to do to make him see that I have the potential to do everything you’re doing.

Charles: …I wish I knew. I know he’s scared but, I’m not really sure what to do about that.

Shela: I know. I don’t expect you to know what to do, it just…

Charles: Sucks. Yeah, I know.

(The two are silent after that, cleaning up dinner and the fire pit)

Shela: You know, I think the most hurtful thing today was the fact that I know he never even really wanted to bring me into training today. He only did it because you pushed the issue.

Charles: I know, I’m sorry. I did misunderstand because he sounded so confident that he’d be bringing you along.

Shela: It’s fine. I doubt I’ll have a chance for a while now anyway. I just hope that the next few days are calmer.

(The two head inside while it fades to Roy)

(Roy is sitting on his bed, looking at a picture of the whole family together)

Roy: Oh Clarissa, I wish you were still here. Charles always did so much better with you around. Shela was happier…I was happier. (lays down, setting the picture on his nightstand but still staring at it) I hope you will give me guidance in my dreams…

CHAPTER END