WILD WILD WEST

[Moneytalks]

Lucinda felt... good. There were lovely... adorable little ones always begging for her attention here. She didn't place much importance on where here was. Only that... that she didn't want to go back to those nightmares. Here was safe... children laughing. She laughed as one of the kids pretended to be a fairy princess. Vixen clapped her hands, applauding.

Senora Gonzales came back into the room. She was very pleased with the lady's recovery. She handed the girl a bowl of soup and some bread and shooed away the children so she could eat in peace. Vixen sipped at the broth and chewed carefully on the bread. Senora Gonzales nodded in approval and left her to eat. As soon as the woman left the room Vixen put down the bowl and bread. She looked around, she definitely didn't know where she was. She didn't know how she got here. She only remembered... well... not a hell of a lot actually.

She found herself easily distracted. Even now the warm flicker of the lantern seemed... absorbing. She like the children, they were always moving... always keeping her mind occupied. The lantern flame flared briefly and Vixen felt a sudden pang of anguish. She moaned turning her head from it. She felt something tugging at her mind, teasing her memory. She blocked it out fiercly. She opened her eyes and saw the soup again. It was cool, how long had she been staring at that lamp? She picked up the bread and started to chew. She focused desperately on every bite, not wanting her mind to wander.

************* Capital City ***************

"Mr Cook?"
"Yesss Brigit?"
"Your parcel has arrived Sir."
"Verry good... bring it in please."
Brigit entered the room, always dark. She walked towards the desk carefully allowing her eyes to adjust to the dimness. She found the desk and placed the package down.
"Was there anything else?"
"No Brigit, that will be all."
Brigit left, she shivered a little as she closed the door. She was paid very well, the hours here were good, the job, a lot of responsibilities but rewarding. However, sometimes, especially after a delivery like this... she felt there was something... almost sinister about her employer. She shrugged off the feeling and sat at her desk set on preparing a letter for her boss.

The man opened the package carefully. Inside were 10 vials. They glowed faintly, eerily in the dim light. He smiled in the darkness. There was another package today. He looked at it. A small box about a man's handlength wide. He opened it and saw a strange looking piece of metal. It too was square, it was engraved with strange whorling patterns. He inspected the parcel again and found a letter. He sat back to read it and his smile grew wider.

MR COOK...

WE HAVE LOCATED THE WOMAN.
SHE FITS THE DETAILS YOU GAVE US.
AFTER CHECKING SEVERAL DOCUMENTS, WE
WERE ABLE TO CONFIRM HER BIRTH AT ST.MARY'S
IN IDAHO. THIS METAL BOX WAS THE ONLY THING
LEFT FROM THE MOTHER'S STAY.
THE MID-WIFE KEPT A PRECISE LOG BOOK, THERE IS NO
DOUBT AS TO HER MOTHER'S NAME. THE FATHER, AS YOU
SUSPECTED, WAS LEFT UNKNOWN.
WE ARE PLEASED TO SEND YOU HER LAST KNOWN
LOCATION ALONG WITH OUR INVOICE FOR OUR SERVICES.
SHOULD YOU REQUIRE ANYTHING FURTHER, PLEASE DO
NOT HESITATE TO CONTACT US.

REGARDS,

PIERCE, TOBIN AND ASSOCIATES.


"Finally!" He crooned... "finally, I'll have my hands on your bastard child Denise... I'm almost positive she's mine... but since you decided to leave me... well, I'll just have to make sure she pays for your sins..." He laughed as he turned the page to find his prey. He screamed with rage as he read the words printed so clearly...


LUCINDA MALONE
MAIN STREET SALOON
PARADISE VALLEY


"BRIGIT!!! GET ME TRAVIS DUNCAN RIGHT NOW!!" He roared... "AND FIND OUT WHEN JODIE AND HIS TEAM LEFT TOWN, THEN GET ME OUR FASTEST RUNNER... MOVE!" He hollared.

 

[Jonas]

Lynn found the old Indian at the back of the saloon. He sat alone at a small table. The lines and weathering in his face gave him an ancient appearance. He wore the same plaid shirt and jeans all the time. His hair tied back in a dirty yellow headband.
Picking up a bottle at the bar as a bribe, Lynn sat down across from Old Charlie.

"Charlie I need your knowledge, then you can have this booze." Lynn detailed the story of the vial. Charlie listened intently, asking questions as he went along.
"You say grave empty. Roots, were they oak."
"Yeah, Charlie, big old oak tree."
"Roots in box with bottle and grown into grave box?"
"Yes but what's that got to do with anything?"
"This man was risen from ground by evil ones. He is a demon now. You must destroy him." Lynn wasn't sure if the Indian was drunk or crazy.
"Charlie the vial. Can it help my friends." The old Indian held up the vial to the light.
"One may be healed with this. Take whiskey and rinse bottle. Another one may get some better, but not for long." He grasped Lynn's hand with suprising strength and looked in his eyes. "You must KILL the demon!"
"OK Charlie here's the bottle." Lynn left the saloon torn.
One can be saved. Which one?

 

[Roland Gilliad]

Revolver: this wasent my decision so i rode to lynns place left a large bag and a note

"Lynn,

I wish i could help you more than i have, in this bag is exactly 20 thousand dollars, dont ask how i got it. I'm not too good at these things so i cant really help you, take care of yourself. i gotta go i have word a possie is comin for me. So i better skedaddle. you know the rules of the game lynn. dont tell em nothin, or i will be back for you.

Your Friend and Colligue,
Revolver Drekka." i walked out of the house and got on Teepo, i took one last look at the town and rode off towards the next town, not knowing what was next....

OOC: this is where i exit stage left, if you are intrested in another thread like this please post accordingly.

 

[poohlive]

OOC: no offense roland, but I have everything I want in a thread right here. Lewis is the handsome lustrous boyfriend with his eye set on the town whore, there isn't much more to life is there, lol, it isn't that i wouldn't like another west thread, but the fact is I wouldn't want to be another character, I like this one, and the direction it is going in. Sorry I have to vote no.

IC:
Lewis woke up with a start. He at once didn't recognize the room. It was all different.
He realized he was in Laura's house, a guest room more or less. Garret dropped back into bed, remembering the last few hours. Lewis felt a deep headache begin to grow, it wouldn't stop.
Lewis cried out in pain, it hurt so much.
The pain stopped, suddenly. Lewis looked around, he didn't see anybody. None of this was making any sense.
Lewis covered his already sweating body with blankets, he realized he was naked. The sheets felt very comfortable.
Lewis tried to feel for the gunshot, but couldn't. It had been patched up, by Doc none the less. Other than the stab of pain, he couldn't feel anything, he must have been drugged up on something. He decided he would stay in bed, for a while, at least until he could walk again.
A sudden thought came to him, what if he couldn't walk. What if he couldn't feel anything because the gunshot had his his spine. Lewis broke into a cold sweat, theories of dying or being crippled entered his mind. He didn't want to be some butt joke of everyone. A small tear rolled down his cheek.
The door slowly creaked open, Lewis looked to see who it was.

 

[Roland Gilliad]

OOC: i am sorry to hear that. maybe when this thread dies we can work somthin out....

 

[Jonas]

It was after dawn when Lynn showed up at his house. Senora Gonzales was up sitting in the kitchen.
"Lynn where have you been?"
"In town, the children?"
"Finally sleeping, they nearly nursed the lady to death."
"How is she?"
"She is weak. I got her to eat a little, but she rests uneasy." Lynn pulled the bottle out of his pocket and set on the table in front of Senora Gonzales.
"Give her this Maria, Old Charlie said it will help." Maria took the bottle, pulled the stopper and sniffed it's contents.
"Smells like whiskey."
"It is mostly whiskey, but there is enough medicine to help. Please, give it to her now." Maria pulled her shawl tight across he shoulders and went to the bedroom. Lynn walked out the kitchen door and found the money and note.
"Goodbye pal, and thankyou."

The wooden wagon rolled to a stop in the center of Pleasent Valley. It was brightly decorated and touted Dr. Jones special medicine. The driver was clad in a long black duster and wide brimmed black hat. Swinging down out of the wagon's seat, a slight female form was outlined under the duster. Blond hair slipped out from under the hat. She walked to the rear door of the wagon and knocked.
"Grandfather, were here." The door opened slowly and an old man with long white hair and beard stepped slowly down the steps, out into the street. He wore a long black robe with loose sleeves, that was buttoned up the front.
"This is it Dawn. I feel it. The battle will be here. I pray that we've come in time!"

OOC: Come back anytime Roland ;waves as Revolver disappears into the sunset:

 

[Moneytalks]

Vixen sniffed at the bottle and immediately refused to drink it. "But Ms Vixen... Lynn says it has good medicine... will help you..."
"No!" Vixen winced even as she spoke the words sharply.
"You don't know what alcohol has done to... no... I won't drink it..." She cried out in pain as she turned away from the Senora. She clutched her head rocking it back and forth, the movement not helping but at least giving her something to do.

"I'm fine... I'm fine... really..." she gasped, "I'll be okay..." She shuddered as the worst of the pain faded for a while. She was having trouble with her memories... she realised it when the nice woman had called her Ms Vixen the first time... she didn't know it was her name... she just assumed it must be because thats what the children and the woman had called her. Then there was her fear of the whisky... she didn't really know why... but the smell of it sickened and scared her... if she tried to think on why... her brain just kept pounding. Then the fire... she'd asked the Senora to take away the lamp and put out the fire... no matter how cold the room got at night. The Senora seemed to realise her panick was real, so she made do with giving Vixen several hot water bottles wrapped it blankets.

She heard the door open and heavy steps, not a woman's or a childs... she turned carefully and saw a man standing over her with a frown, holding that foul smelling vial. "Vixen... you gotta drink this..."
Vixen screamed! The Senora ran into the room asking Lynn what he'd done to her. "Nothin'... I didn't do nothin'... she took one look at me and just started screaming!"
Vixen huddled in the Senora's embrace.
"Ms Vixen... it's okay... Lynn just worried about you..."
"Who?" she whispered.
"Lynn, Ms Vixen... this his house you stay in..."
"Who?" she asked again peeking up at Lynn.
"It's me Vixen... Lynn... Deputy Bourgeois"
"Y...you're a deputy?" She asked softly.
Lynn couldn't believe it... he looked carefully into her eyes... not even a little sign of recognition... "y...you don't know me?"
She shakes her head just a little, 'no'.
"God damn!" He cursed, earning himself a nasty scowl from Senora Gonzales. "Sorry Senora..." he ducked his head in apology... "but we gotta get her to drink this..." Vixen looked at him like a wild rabbit ready to flee... Lynn's mind was ticking over as he considered the best way to get the stuff down her throat.

 

[Jonas]

Laura entered the room and came to the bed.
"Lewis some ones here to help. Now you just relax. Charlie, come in now." Lewis started to talk. "Now don't say a word, just do what the man says." The old Indian walked in shoulders stooped, the bottle in his hand. He spoke some words in his native tongue. The words repeated forming a soothing chant. He placed totems on either side of the bed. From a pouch on his belt he took a pinch of some red powder and rubbed it on Lewis' forehead. He sat on the edge of the bed and held up the bottle.
"This will heal you. Drink it now." Charlie held up the dying man's head, put the bottle to his lips and pored. Lewis coughed, then began to convulse.

Lynn saw the children standing in the doorway of the bedroom.
"Senora, take the children into the kitchen and close the door."
"Si Senor, vamos children." She left closing the door. Lynn approached the woman. He could see the fear and confusion in her eyes, but he had to get this in her. He quickly sat down next to her. She started jumping up, her arms flaring. He got his left arm behind her back and wrapped his forearm across her chest pressing her back against his chest. Her arms were pinned at the elbows, trapped by his strong left arm. Her head banged into his as she struggled. He forced her into the corner of the room and pressed her into it with his body weight pinning her head against the wall with his. Pressing his mouth against her ear he whispers, "Easy now, easy...just take the medicine."
She locked her jaw as he brought up the bottle. Strong fingers forced her mouth open. She tasted blood as she bit down desperately. Lynn pushed the bottle past her teeth letting the liquid flow. He held her nose and mouth shut forcing her to swallow.

 

[Moneytalks]

Vixen struggled desperately as she felt herself trapped tightly into a corner, the man... Lynn's? arms around her pinning her tight. She tasted the firey liquid as it splashed across her tongue. She struggled harder and felt her nose pinched shut her mouth clamped. She felt herself choking against the horrid stuff as she tried to breath and cough all at the same time. Finally Lynn watched as her throat convulsed as the liquid finally went down.

He carefully let her mouth and nose go and watch as she spluttered and coughed, but the liquid stayed down. Her eyes were wet with tears as she looked at him accusingly, her eyes full of a wild kind of rage. He backed off carefully and watched her crouching in the corner... "easy now... see... wasn't so bad was it?" Just as he finished asking this her eyes widened. Lynn watched her carefully... "aahHHHHHH!" she gasped, she curled up tightly into a ball. He quickly approached her touching her shoulder lightly, she was rigid. "DAMN!" He cursed, "I shouldn't have listened to drunk Charlie... !" He picked up her rigid body and rested it on the bed. His brow beading with sweat as he watched her. She started to slowly relax, but her body was shivering something chronic. She tossed and turned like she was in some horrid nightmare she couldn't get out of.

"Vixen?... VIXEN?... Can ya hear me girl?" He asked his tone worried. Her eyes suddenly snapped open as she lay still looking at the ceiling. "Vixen? Come on girl, answer me, couldn't a tasted that bad right?" He tried to joke as he watched her. Her chest rose and fell shallowly as he starred. "Vixen?" At least she was breathing he thought. Her hands were clenched into tiny fists which scrunched up the clean sheets Senora Gonzales had just put down. He heard a low moan and realised it was coming from her. Suddenly her body spasmed and her back arched making her look like a human bridge of sorts. A loud gasp escaped her and finally she fell back to the bed, with a soft sigh of relief. "Vixen?" He asked again. Her breathing was deep and regular. He rested his hand against her skin, it was cooler to the touch now, the fever that was becoming the norm on her skin had gone.

"Damn it, I do believe it worked!" He grinned, surprised and relieved. Senora Gonzales after hearing the ruckus couldn't wait outside anymore, her motherly instincts taking over she barged into the room. Seeing Vixen on the bed she rushed over. She felt her forehead, watched her breathing. "Oh Senore... I think it work yes?"
"Yes Senora Gonzales... I think you're right." With a relieved sigh they left Vixen to sleep.


**********************


Mr Cook, senior boarded his horse drawn carriage. It was heavily curtained to keep out the light and he boarded it at midnight, the only light the weak glow of the moon. The horses stirred uneasily as he approached. All animals were uneasy around him. He hadn't ridden a horse since that fateful night back at Promise Valley. He scowled as he recalled it.

His runner had caught up with Jodie and his posse. He had added a few extra goodies to the arsenal he had supplied them with strict instructions on when and how they were to be used. He needed to get his hands on the girl, few things kept him amused anymore, his ability to prolong his life, what was the point if one didn't have ambition, focus, a goal? He had more than met his goals as a man limited by a single life time, now his goals were immessureable, he had until forever. He had met Carol Malone before he had changed, it was maybe four years after his son John was born he recalled. Briefly he wondered if his son was still alive.. then his thoughts went back to Carol. She had been so different from his wife, she was a stunning woman, and proud. He still couldn't believe she had let him tame her, admittedly briefly. After several months of lusty passion, deliciously stolen when Cook could make up some excuse to his wife, she had suddenly left. He had tracked her down, their were rumours of her being pregnant. He had cursed, the last he heard she had fled to a convent, he didn't have the means to find out where. He rationalised that she probably had many man, any of which could have been the father, if in fact she was pregnant.

He looked down at the paper he held again:

LUCINDA MALONE
MAIN STREET SALOON
PARADISE VALLEY

He laughed, well now that he DID have the means, he had found out everything. She did have a baby, a baby girl. He wondered what she looked like, if it really was his. He had many years to dwell on it. Carol had been a virgin when they had made love that first night. She really didn't have much of a chance to see anyone else, she had to be free at a moments notice for him when he was able. No, more than likely it was his child. What did she look like? Oh this was going to be fun, he grinned, his eyes cold and implacable as the horse and carriage trundled forward. Jodie and his posse not far behind.

 

[Jonas]

Lynn walked out to the corral and had a smoke. It had been the longest day of his life and it wasn't over yet.

He watched the girl approach from town. About 5'10" he figured, dusty blond hair, at least what he could see coming out from under that black hat. Her black duster looked more like a cape. Her figure was thin but looked shapely in her jeans and shirt. She walked up to Lynn without hesitation.
"You don't know me, but you and this town are in danger. My grandfather and I have come to help." She hitched her thumbs in her belt and met Lynn's eyes. "Old man Cook ain't dead." She read Lynn's eyes, cocked her head and smiled knowingly. "You already knew that didn't you?"
"What's you name girl?"
"Call me Dawn. And your.."
"Seem to know alot, reckon you might know my name too."
"I don't know it all Deputy. I do know this, Cook is coming, and he brings death."
"If anyone threatens this town I'll shoot them." The smile disappeared from Dawn's face.
"Shooting won't help. You can't kill a demon with lead."

 

[Moneytalks]

Vixen woke up in a cold sweat, her mind still foggy with the remenants of her dream... or more precisely her nightmare. She still saw the horrid man, like death himself stalking her, leaning close, his hands scooping up her very life essence and taking it away... she was fading... fading and then she had woken up.

As her mind cleared, and the last remenants of sleep left her eyes she looked around. The room was vaguely familiar. The bed she slept in clean, in fact... the sheets clearly recently changed. She wore a simple cotton nightdress. It was clammy now from her fearful sweat. She took it off with a shiver and found a throw across a chair which she used to cover herself. She felt... good... she stood carefully, not sure how long she'd been in bed. She felt a little wobbly, but she wasn't falling over. A good sign she guessed.

The door opened and a familiar, warm face appeared. Senora Gonzales... yes that was her name. "Senorita... you up!... Very good, but you should eat first no?"
Vixen smiled and nodded. "You eat in kitchen... with children?"
"Yes... that would be lovely... but umm..." she looked down at herself.
"Oh!" Senora Gonzales laughed heartily, "your clothes, all nice and clean now... needed to fix a bit..." shaking her head as she recalled the blood stains and the tears in the beautiful underclothes... "but you have no... top part..."
"no dress? you mean just undergarmets?"
"yes yes... just under... no top..."
Vixen frowned... she came here in a state of undress? What had happened to her? She shook her head.
"No worry though!" Senora smiled reassuringly, "me find nice dress, fix it up for you... maybe bit too big, but you too skinny... must get fat!"
Vixen laughed at this as the Senora brought in a bright yellow dress, it was a little old fashioned, but pretty. Vixen put on the clothes and felt much better. The dress was a tad loose, but so were her undergarmets... she must of lost a bit of weight.
She sat down and was bombarded with questions and laughter from the children. She paid equal attention to all and the Senora nodded in approval, "you make fine mother one day..." she said. Vixen laughed, she didn't know why.
They ate with much talk and laughter... Vixen enjoyed every bite, and wondered where that man was... the one she recalled very clearly forcing horrible stuff down her throat.

 

[Jonas]

Lynn walked back to his house with his mind racing. <This is impossible! How can it be happening? Cook alive, a demon? Only the power of the three can destroy him.> A horseman rode up bring Lynn back to reality.
"Lynn, there's riders coming in, saw the dust figure about 20." Dickey was excited and rushed.
"How long before they get to town Sheriff?"
"Figure about 2 hours, they got to cross the river down south. Get to the jail soon as you can, we got to get ready for trouble."
"I'll be there Dickey." The sheriff road off toward the town.

Lynn charged into the kitchen and slid to a halt. Lucinda was up. She looked a little worn, but she looked good. Lynn smiled, then blushed as he remembered the feel of her breasts on his arm as he fought her.
"It's good to she you up Lucinda. I was afeared you might be lost there for a spell." He pulled up a chair and sat next to her. "We got some talking to do. I'm not sure if you'll believe it, I'm not sure I believe it."
"What ever are you talking about." Vixen looked at the deputy like he was crazy.
"Let's both have some breakfast. Then, I'll take you to met this old man called Jones."

 

[Moneytalks]

They finished breakfast. Vixen wasn't so sure she wanted to go with the crazy deputy but Senora Gonzales clearly trusted him so she sighed and went along. He only had one horse it seemed so she let him pull her up in front of him. His arms wrapped around her has he nudged the horse forward. Vixen looked around. Her mind was so chaotic, she couldn't figure out if she actually knew this place but had forgotton, or in fact she just didn't know this place.

"Have I been here before?"
"Naw Lucinda... you ain't been here... this is my place... don't get many visitors..."
"Oh..." she said... they remained silent for a while. Lynn wanted to move fast, but he knew she was still weak, so he kept the horse at a slow trot.
"Deputy?"
"Yah?"
"Ummm... I do know you don't I?"
"Yeah... course you do... what kinda question is that?"
"Oh..."
"You remember don't ya?"
She sighed... "no..." she whispered... her shoulders trembling with silent tears.
"Awww Lucinda... don't worry... it'll come back to you... just don't fret about it..."
She sniffled... "well... well at least tell me what I used to call you... feel silly calling you Deputy... doesn't seem right after all ya done for me..."
Lynn almost laughed, at least she sounded like the old Vixen he knew... "you called me Lynn... " he said... "'bout the only lady around who ever did use my first name..."
"Lynn... " Vixen seemed to relax in his arms...
"Lynn?..."
"Yeah?"
"You might as well canter... this trotting is hurting my head..."
Lynn grinned... "certainly Lucinda..." he urged his horse into a canter and they made good time into town. The streets were bustling, but no more than normal, Lynn wondered if the Sheriff was gonna warn the townsfolk. He felt Vixen stiffen in his arms. He looked around and saw Laura, she was helping a clearly very weak Lewis inside the tea house.
"You okay Lucinda?"
"Yeah..." her voice was soft... "I... I just thought I knew him is all..."
Lynn wondered if he should say something but decided not to.
"We're here!" He said. He dismounted first and then helped Vixen off the horse. She was light in his arms... too light he thought, she'd lost a lot of weight. Still looked damn pretty though. He shook that thought out of his head and helped her over to the carriage which was sitting in one of the alley ways just off main street. An old man with grey hair and wise eyes approached them, a young woman by his side.

 

[Moneytalks]

ooc:... I've assumed that the medicine man did the trick and although Lewis survived... he's still very very weak from loss of blood...

[Edited by Moneytalks on 08-08-2000 at 07:05 PM]

 

[Moneytalks]

Johnathan Cook Senior tapped the window on the carriage. The driver stopped the horses and he waited until Jodie approached. He kept the curtains drawn. "How long till we arrive at the river?"
"'bout... an hour Sir..."
"We will stop before we cross... I don't want to get to town until it gets dark... "
"But, it's morning now boss..."
"I am aware of what the time is..."
"Sorry boss... just that... well... shouldn't we just go in there before they can get ready for us, and while it's light enough to see?"
"We'll be able to see pleanty... don't you worry... as for them being ready... I sincerely doubt they will be."
Jodie shivered at the tone in that voice.
"Yes Sir..." He returned to his men informing them they'd be approaching when the sun went down. They were restless and wanted to move out now... but they didn't question his orders. When they arrived at the bridge they set about checking weapons, loading... and sharing them out evenly. They had more than enough...

Cook's smile gleamed in the dark interior of the carriage... "not long now my pet... and we'll get to play... I'm sure you've been dying to get to know your daddy... I'm gonna make sure you know him VERY well..." There was a quiet tap on his carriage. He knew the sound well. "Enter!"
The little man slipped carefully into the carriage. His clothes were dusty, but well cut. He was thin and reedy and short. His specticals were taken off as he cleaned them fastidiously.
"I have to say... this is a dreary place... can't believe you came from here Sir..."
Cook laughed, it was not a pleasant sound... "I know... what news?"
"I'm not sure if it's good or bad... but apparantly... you have another surprise waiting for you in Paradise Valley." The little man spoke with his soft calculating voice.
"Oh?" Cook responded.
"Yes..." the man paused... seeming to enjoy the dramatics of it..."a John Cook... junior it appears..."
"Johnny?"
"Yes, little Johnny... seems he's back in town after all these years... perhaps to lay a garland on daddy's tombstone?"
Cook hissed, "are you sure?"
"About the garland? No... but he's definitely in town..."
Cook ignored the lack of respect in the man's tone, in fact, he was the only man who could get away with talking like he did, because he was a valuable tool and he knew it. They both did.
"Well well well... a regular reunion then..." Cook murmered to himself as they waited for the sun to set.

 

[Jonas]

OOC: Yes Lewis survived, though it appears that poohlive hasn't...pity.

IC: Lynn and Lucinda were escorted into a side door of the building on the alley. The old man lead the way, as they entered Dawn closed the door behind them. There were no lamps lit in the room, the only window was covered by an old gray drape. Rays of light streaked into the room from around the drape. The old man walked to a table facing the wall, a cloth covered it. He gestured to the two chairs in front of it.
"Sit my friends, Lucinda, you have not been introduced. I am Jones, this is my granddaughter, Dawn. We have come to help this community, and you." Vixen seemed nervous her eyes darted about the room.
"Help me how? Who are you?"
"All will be answered." Lynn took her hand, she calmed. The old man pulled the cloth off the table. He struck a match and lit 2 candles on each side, one black, one white. He used a candle to light come charcoals in a small brazier. From a leather pouch he drew a powder, which he sprinkled on the coals. The smoke smelled of lotus. A knife and small pot lay on the table next to a bowl of salt. Jones pulled some brightly colored stones from his pocket and arranged them on the table. He turned, facing the seated couple.
"I am Jones. You could say I'm a magician. Some call me a wizard or pagan. I've been called witch!" Vixen jumped up. "No, please sit, I will not harm. I wish only to aid."
"Again I ask, why?" Vixen stared into Jones's eyes. The old man smiled reassuringly.
"My life is to fight evil. To right wrong and maintain balance between light and darkness, here the balance has been disturbed. The evil must be righted. All will be made clear,.. Dawn." The girl approached with a sword in her hands. Lynn slipped his hand to his colt. She stood next to Lucinda, then started to speak in an unknown language. She traced a circle around the group with the tip of the sword. As she passed, a blue flame rose from the circle, aflame without heat or smoke. Jones held a knife and waved it over the bowl.
"Darkness has ended, the Light has come, by the power of the rising Sun let all evil in the world be done. Great Mother bless us this day and guide us. To the God, may he bring us prosperity and happiness." He spoke in the strange tongue and turned to Lucinda.
"The smoke will show all. Look to the haze. He placed the pot in front of her and dropped some powder into it. The pot began to belch out a thick blue smoke. It swirled around her, filling the room. Her eyes opened wide.... and she screamed.

 

[Moneytalks]

Vixen screamed as she was suddenly bombarded by vivid images. They seemed to all come hurtling towards her at once. She tried to close her eyes but the images kept coming. Then came the sounds... voices... cold... evil voices... whispering darkly into her ears. She covered them with her hands and shook her head vehmenently trying to block them out. Finally her voice was hoarse from screaming and she let out a soft distressed wail. She heard the old man's voice... "They cannot harm you... watch them... learn... remember..."
"No... no... please... please make it stop..." Vixen whimpered. Then suddenly her eyes snapped open as she beheld with complete and utter clarity... something... someone... her brow furrowed as she tried to make sense of it. Tears filled her eyes. "No!" It was a pain filled whisper of a sound that word... "no... please God no..."

Then her legs finally gave way under her and she fell to a crumpled heap to the ground. Lynn was almost afraid to touch her, he put his hand forward and touched her skin. Warm, she was still alive at least. "What... what did you do to her?" He growled his hand moving again to his holster.
Dawn stepped forward and pointed the sword at his neck in warning. "He's helping her Deputy... "
Lynn didn't look convinced but turned to Vixen again. Lifting her hand... he patted it. Her eyes opened suddenly, looking straight at him. She seemed startled to seem him there. "I... I'm... I'm a fraud..." she gasped... her eyes filling with tears.
Jones spoke... "no... no... the truth does not make you different from what you were... only stronger..."
Vixen bit back the tears, wiping them away with the back of her hand. "How... how can THAT make me stronger?... " She looked away, not wanting to look into anyone's eyes after what she had seen. "I... I don't even understand any of it... it... it can't be true..."

 

[poohlive]

OOC: sorry, I was waiting for, well i don't know, i am sorry, nevermind though, I was thinking about it, (long and hard, why does those two words always get involved when I think a lot, i don't know) and I got it covered.


IC:
Lewis sat up in bed, hearing a scream. Was it a scream? He had sworn it was, but maybe it might have been a dream, so many things were like dreams lately he didn't know what to think.
Lewis shook his head, trying to wake himself up, and realized there was no pain. None at all, he quickly looked down at his stomach, there was nothing. No buller hole, no bandage, nothing.
Lewis wondered if he had dreamt the whole thing, then he looked around, he was in Laura's house. It had happened all right.
He thought of Lucinda, and a silent tear went down his cheek. She shouldn't have gone, he knew she shouldn't if only he...
Lewis knew it was too late for what if's, but still.
He quickly called for someone, and Laura came up to the room. He was hoping to talk to her. He remembered that there were things they needed to discuss.
She sat on the bed.
"Listen, Laura. I have something to tell you..."
He told her all of it. Everything that happened to Lucinda and him up until now. He left out a few parts, like how good she smelled, and how the doctor thought they were a couple, and he didn't dismiss the idea either, or the way sparks flew between them. Lewis left those out for a
reason.
"Listen, I know you have been acting strange the past few days, and I know all about John. Now, I have told you everything, this is it, all the cards are on the table."
Lewis let it sink in, taking a deep breath for what he had to say next.
"I want to know, that after all of this pain and confusion, do you still love me enough to marry me?"
Lewis lowered his head, he wasn't sure which answer would make him more happier, he felt like a man at a firing squad, without a last cigarette. He swallowed.



(you know, this is kinda like a soap opera. Will Laura say yes, Does she still love him? Does he want Lucinda now? Will Lucinda's amnesia recover in time, who is this stranger coming into town? Will the people of pleasent valley ever see roland again?

For the answers to these and more questions, stay tuned next week for The Young and the Westless...
get it, restless, westless. oh nevermind.)

 

[Moneytalks]

ooc:... [ggls]... i get it poohlive... [lol]... and ya gotta love the drama of it all... have missed you heaps too... don't disappear like that again okay?... [grins]

 

[Jonas]

Lynn grabbed the sword out off Dawn's hands faster than she could react. He tossed it clanking into the corner off the dark smokey room.
"Now settle down girl." He gestured Dawn back. Bending down he wrapped an arm around Vixen and helped her to stand.
"Can you walk?" She looked up at him and nodded.
"Yes , I just need a minute." Lynn held her against his side. He started to enjoy the feel of her.
"Mr Jones, I gotta believe that you showed Lucinda something a mite stronger than you showed me." The old man nodded. He turned and with a few unknown words replaced his knife and extinguished the flames. Dawn walked up and gave him her shoulder.
"The rituals take a toll on him. Sit down grandfather." She eased the old man into a chair with a strenght that belied her slight form.
"Deputy.." his voice was weak and breathless, "You know that there are coming. You must prepare." Lynn ushered Lucinda to the door.
"Well be ready. Come on Lucinda, let's get you home." The pair left the room and walked together up the alley.

 

[Moneytalks]

Lucinda felt like she had just aged a hundred years. All the bones in her body ached and she felt suddenly frail. She was thankful for Lynn's support as he helped her to walk out of the room. He practically had to carry her she had to lean on him so heavily. Her mind was in a turmoil. She wasn't sure she completely understood it all, but someone evil was coming after her. Like a nightmare that vision had been, so confusing... like she should have recognised the person but she didn't.

She looked up as they walked out of the alley. The sun felt so good on her face. As her eyes ajusted to the light she had a sudden flash of memory. She knew this street. Main street... she grasped at the memory desperately, but it felt like the more she clung to it the quicker it slipped away from her. She must have been tense because she heard Lynn's voice, "you okay? Should we let you rest for a bit?"
Lucinda simply nodded and Lynn guided her to the tea house. Inside, it was cooler, Lucinda welcomed it, she suddenly felt so flushed. She looked around, it seemed, familiar... she let Lynn help her to a seat.

"Some tea would be nice... " Lucinda found her voice to ask him. Lynn nodded and went to the counter to order the tea. Lucinda took this opportunity to watch him. She only now noticed his limp, funny that, he obviously had had a lot of time to get used to the injury. Lucinda found herself wondering about it. Did she even used to know? She frowned her head was throbbing.

Lynn sat down on the chair next to her, a concerned look on his face. "I'll be okay... " she said as the tea was brought and Lucinda found comfort in pouring and stiring. The scent of the tea filling her nostrils. She sighed happily, feeling a little of the tension fading. She took a dainty sip and smiled over at Lynn, "much better."
He smiled back at her.

Lynn cleared his throat before saying, "I'm thinking... we should find you a safe place to hide, whoever's coming, they're mighty keen on getting their claws into ya... I'll rest easy knowing you're safe before me and the sheriff have to confront them."
Lucinda frowned slightly, "I... I don't think it will be as easy as that Lynn..." she said. "I think, I'll have to confront whoever it is, or I'll never truely be safe from them."

 

[poohlive]

OOC: Lllllaaaaauuuuurrrrraaaaa...
come on back, the story is nothing without you. You are the star, the one and only. Ummm, except for you Vixen, lol uh oh. I am dead no matter what, lol. Just come on back laura, we miss you. I am going to write for you until you come back, be careful, I don't know how to write for a woman. What did Jack Nicholson say? I think of a man, then I take away dignity, and then self respect...

IC:
Lewis looked into Laura's eyes, he could tell she was about to cry.
She spoke, "These past few days have been terrible. A lot of things have happened. I know I don't seem very faithful, an old flame comes back to town, and I ignore you, but I want you to know I was just there to help him, thats all.
I want you to be my husband Lewis. I want to come and live with you for the rest of my life."
She hugged him, and he hugged back. He had found his love, his wife, but then why did his mind keep going back to Vixen? He had tried to put her out of his mind, but he couldn't.
"Good," he said, getting up. He didn't feel any pain at all.
"I want you to come live with me," he said, "A lot of things have happened, and I would feel better if you were by my side."
Laura looked at him, with loving eyes, "I don't know, what will people say."
Lewis looked back, "I don't care. I am going to marry you, and we should live in our dream house together."
Laura nodded, and Lewis went outside, the hot sun beat down.
"What about the wedding date?" Laura asked.
"Well, why don't we talk to the sheriff, we could bump it up."
"To when?" she was holding onto his hand, he held hers as well.
"Why not this weekend? I feel the sooner the better."
Laura looked almost hurt, "thats too soon, we will never be ready."
He laughed, then opened te carriage for her, "OK, next weeked. We can make it into a huge party."
She smiled, still not totally satisfied, but better about it. Lewis closed the door.
"Take her home," he said to Bob. He nodded, and took the carriage back to the ranch.
Lewis made his way to the sherrif's office, he had a few things to discuss.

 

[Jonas]

Lynn watched the woman sip her tea. How many years now? He couldn't remember. "It's been to dam long."
"Did you say something?" Lucinda looked up from her tea, she seemed to have regained her composure.
"Naw, just thinkin' out loud is all." Lynn pushed his old white hat up on his head. "I've got to report to Dicky's office. The riders will be here soon. I saw some of this, evil. It's Cook, his grave is empty. The old man told me how. It's this elixor stuff. Somehow this guys alive and dead all at the same time. I know, it's crazy! Jones told me a gun won't kill'em. He said, Dam it Lucinda, he said I needed to bring you to him. That you could do what my gun couldn't. Hell I listened to the son of a bitch and you almost get a relapse over his mumbo jumbo. Lucinda I'm sorry. I'll get you a rig to take you back to the house or where ever you want. I got to get to the sheriff's office."

 

[Moneytalks]

Lucinda tilted her head to one side as she listened to Lynn's jumbled words. She knew he was distraught, she had to face it, anyone would be hearing and seeing what they had. She was amazed, but... after that vision, even hearing from Lynn that it was the infamous Cook Senior... alive and well didn't phaze her as much as she'd thought it would. She grimaced as she recalled the vision again, maybe not that well, she amended to herself. Lucinda reached out and held Lynn's wrist just as he moved to leave. He stopped and looked at her questioningly.

She frowned as she tried to find the words, "you... you never used to call me that..."
"Wha?" He looked confused.
"Lucinda... you never used to call me that name... but I can't remember why I know that or what you used to call me... " she frowned as again the memory slipped her by... her shoulders sagging with the effort. "I can't even remember my name, let alone other people's, or what I've said to them, how can I possibly face a man risen from the dead?" She asked.
"Awww Lucinda... don't fret now y'hear, I'm gonna talk to the Sherrif, we'll sort things out, don't you worry none!" He said with more confidence than he felt. She nodded in response and let her hand fall from his wrist. He hesitated just a moment before he left her staring into her teacup.

*******

Lucinda took a deep steadying breath after Lynn left her. Her mind whirled with disconnected thoughts and impressions. She tried not to focus on the image of that face, smiling darkly at her as if... she shuddered at the memory. She suddenly felt so alone. The cup in her hand wavered and she put it down quickly with a clutter before she dropped it.

She realised that she didn't have any money to pay for the tea. She looked at the waiter with concern. He smiled kindly at her, "not a problem M'aam, Deputy Bourgeois took care of it for ya" Vixen smiled a relieved smile at him. An noted that the tea was well and truely cold. She wondered how long she'd been sitting there staring into her cup. Suddenly feeling claustraphobic she stood up and left the Tea House. Again the sunshine greeted her as she stepped off the porch before standing a moment, her face raised to the sun, eyes closed, as she enjoyed the simple bliss of the sunshine warming her skin.

 

[ShyGoddess]

OOC: Please don't hate me for being so absent. I'll try my best to take up where I left off. Thank you for keeping me alive.

IC:

She sat inside the carriage, wondering if she really wanted to marry Lewis. There was something different about him, and she had a feeling it concerned Lucinda. Speak of the devil, whispered a voice in her head.

"Stop." the carriage rumbled to a jarring hault. Laura jumped out and walked to the woman who seemed to have captured the heart of her future husband. She saw it in his eyes whenever he spoke of her injuries. He looked at her differently now, like she was more of a good friend, than a lover or wife.

"Ms. Malone?" she spoke softly not wanting to startle the poor woman. From what Laura knew, she was having trouble with her memory. "My name is..."

"Laura."

Laura smiled, and Lucinda almost fell through the ground. "I remembered! I knew your name! You're Laura!" Lucinda grabbed Laura into a fierce hug.

"I am Laura, and you, my dear, are the one my future husband loves."

"Your future husband?" a blank gaze came to Lucinda's eyes.

"Yes. And it is for the best. You see, when I was seventeen the man I love left me, and he is now hiding in the hills just outside of town. Something is in the air, something bad, and somehow it revolves around you. I can keep you safe, if you'll trust me."

Laura looked deep into her eyes, and there Lucinda saw a trust and an offered friendship that her dazed memory told her she had never really had.

"I trust you, Laura."


OOC: Take it away!