WILD WILD WEST

[Moneytalks]

ooc:... yippeeeeeeee!... Shy is BACK!... [huggerz ya!]

ic:... Lucinda smiled, she didn't quite understand what she meant about future husband and all that, but looking into those kind eyes, she knew she could trust this woman. She was still thrilled that she remembered her name. She suddenly felt like just maybe, everything would turn out okay.

She linked arms with Laura who lead her to the carriage she had jumped out of. She didn't even ask where they were going, she just smiled at Laura who smiled back at her comfortingly. As the carriage trundled onwards Vixen noted the place where she frequently got her clothes from. She analyzed that thought. "OH wait!" She said suddenly, I know that store! Can we go in, I... I think they'll have some clothes for me... I... I have a feeling I ordered something, and... and I'd like to be wearing my own clothes again." She plucked at the dress she was wearing that the Senora had leant her.

 

[Jonas]

Lynn found Lewis already at the sheriffs office.
"Lewis, you look well, and so soon." Lewis leaning against the wall nods.
"Still a bit weak, but feeling better." Dicky stood and smacked Lewis on the shoulder.
"Lewis is going to stand with us. I've got a few boys on watching these riders. Seems they're waiting for something." Lynn shook his head and sat on the edge of the desk.
"Yea, dark, don't ask me how I know. They'll move in at sunset. Should dry gulch'em outside of town." Lynn picked up a sack of tabacco from the desk and rolled a smoke.
"No Lynn," Dicky returned to his desk chair and sat, placing his dusty boots up on the desk. "We'll let'em come right down main street. Stop'em at the north end and bottle'em up like fish in a barrel." Lewis palmed his revolver.
"Sounds dam good. I owe them boys something." Dicky, spits missing the spittoon with a loud splat.
"Lewis, we will abide by the word of the law."
"Dicky," Lynn took a long pull on his cigarette, "Lewis don't mean nothin'. You no that."
"Reckon I do Lynn. You boys be down that north end with me by sundown. Now get outta here and rest." The pair left the office together.
"I'm gonna bring my family in town, see ya tonight Lewis."

 

[ShyGoddess]

Laura:

"We will have time for that later. I promise. Right now we have to get to my house. There are strange things a foot, and that is the safest place I can think of." She smiled warmly at Lucinda and told the driver to continue on.

When they pulled up in front of Laura's home, Lucinda's mouth seemed to drop open. "You live here?"

"I do. Come. I have a room that is just perfect for you. It will be yours for as long as you need it."

 

[Jonas]

Lynn pulled his rig up at the towns hotel. He had taken 2 rooms for the children and Senora Gonzales.
"Come on let's get unloaded and set up, then we'll grab a bite a dinner." The old Indian came from the alley next to the hotel. When Lynn recognized him he waved and slipped back out of sight. "I'll be right back, you kids help carry now, ya'hear." Lynn walked around the corner.

"What's up Charlie?" The old Indian was the cleanest Lynn ever remembered seeing him, and he didn't smell of booze.
"Deputy, sun will set soon. I see battle coming...danger.
I am to old to fight. I will chant for your safety."
"That's good Charlie, I thanky..."
"No! Is more...you must watch the man Lewis. The golden water heal, very powerful medicine...but there is price for this new life. The Demon is coming at dusk. The price must be paid." Charlie placed a hand on Lynn's shoulder and chanted briefly, then he nodded and walked away.

 

[poohlive]

Lewis rode back to his ranch, making sure he had plenty of time to get back before the fight.
"Hello sir," Joe was working on t he barn, along with half a dozen other strong workers. Lewis could see the skeleton of the barn already up, he smiled, it was so beautiful.
"How are you guys doing?" he asked.
"Should be done in a few days, everything back up and running."
Good good," Lewis ducked inside. He went to his bedroom, where not two nights ago Lucinda had slept there. Lewis pulled the bottom drawer out.
Inside were his father's two old guns. He made it a ritual to shine them once in a while, so they always sparkled. IT was a metallic gray, with long solid oak handles. Lewis gripped them, feeling the power they had. HE quickly loaded them, these particular guns were eight shooters, not six, Lewis never knew how his father did it, but he did.
Back to town he left, like lightening. His horse, tired from the first leg, was lacking now, but Lewis could afford it.
The sun was getting close to the horizon, but it had a good half hour before that happened. Lewis arrived in town with plenty of time. He wanted to go to Laura's house, wanting to say something to her, but didn't. They had said everything they wanted to say to each other.
Even when she touched his hand he didn't feel love anymore, Lewis knew who her heart belonged too, he just didn't have the guts to say it.
"What about Lucinda?"
Lewis looked up, Lucinda? What about her, she had amnesia the doctor and the deputy said. She would remember him if he danced a jig in the hula.
Lewis made his way back to the office, cheking all of his guns now. Everything was loaded ad waiting. He was ready. Lewis grabbed a shotgun first, making sure it was a splatter pistol, then went back inside the office.

 

[Moneytalks]

Lucinda let the store pass and smiled back at Laura. She was so nice, Lucinda thought to herself. Her mind as always was flickering all over the place, glimpses of faces and places like photographs flickering to life in her mind. None of it made any sense to her. It was like she was walking in a dream. She responded to Laura's polite questions about how she felt. She seemed happy with Lucinda's answers and left her to make herself comfortable in the room she had been given.

Lucinda looked around, only half seeing the pretty bed with it's carefully hand-stitched cover. The sparkling clean windows covered by a pretty floral print curtain. Lucinda walked forward and pulled the curtain aside. She could see people walking up and down the street from here. She noted that the windows where full length and in fact opened to the porch outside. She opened the door... for some reason still attracted to the warmth of the sunshine that beckoned her. She stood leaning against the porch railing and smiled happily as she felt the warm rays kissing her face.

She sighed... and shivered slightly. She frowned as she looked out into the horizon. "It'll be dark soon..." she whispered to herself. For some reason, unknown to her... she felt suddenly chilled to the bone. She heard something in the wind... calling her name. She smiled... it sounded like children laughing, beckoning her to join their fun. Without thinking she threw a leg over the railing. Once completely over it she lowered herself down. Her feet found the trellesing that in Spring held sweet jasmine vines now however they acted as a ladder to her small feet. She made it to the ground and turned towards the sound again. She was unaware of the tear in her dress, she moved as if in a trance towards the sound. No one was around to see her really, families had all been locked inside the men were rushing around to get ready for the upcoming attack.

Lucinda walked down a dark alley way. She looked up and saw a man riding a very tired horse. He was heavily armed. Her heart jumped on seeing his profile. She didn't understand why. "Lewis?" She whispered to herself. The insistant voices calling her again distracted her. She walked onwards...

[Edited by Moneytalks on 08-20-2000 at 03:59 PM]

 

[Jonas]

Lynn walked up toward the north end of town. An unnatural silence had settled in over the town. All activity had ceased, the town's people hidden and waiting. Looking toward the west, Lynn saw the sun starting to slip behind the bluffs. The sky was beginning to turn red.

"Deputy! Here!" It was Dawn. She was hiding by the general store. Lynn walked over to met her.
"You need to get off the street now Dawn. There's fixin' to be some trouble soon." Lynn stopped and faced the girl.
"Deputy, my grandfather will be ready for you when the time is right. Remember, you must protect the girl. Take this, it will protect you." Dawn opened her duster and pulled a leather pouch out of her pocket, handing it to Lynn. She turned to walk away. Lynn grabbed her shoulder, she spun knocking his hand off.
"Wait, hold on! I don't mean konw harm now. I don't understand what you mean." Dawn eased her stance and smiled at the cowboy.
"You will know when the time comes." She walked of again.
Lynn watched her disappear down an alley. He put the leather bag in his pocket, straightened his hat and headed up to the north end.
The wind began to pick up, blowing tumble weeds across the dusty street.

 

[Moneytalks]

Cook Senior steepled his fingers thoughtfully. He could feel the sun was close to setting. He was always stronger at night.

Travis Duncan watched his employer carefully. He was an intelligent man, not much to look at but he used what assets he had to his advantage. As a scholar he had read up on Indian folklore and such, had even written a small essay on the topic, which was how Cook Senior had discovered him. It was facsinating really, to see folklore become reality like this. Cook Senior glanced at Travis.

"You should start it now..."
"Yes Sir..." Travis grinned a cold smile. He opened his satchel and removed a dusty old tome. He opened it carefully and found the page he wanted. He started reading the words, his voice soft, melodic tantalising. He held out his hand and Cook Senior place a lock of hair in the mans palm. The hand closed around it and the chanting continued.

Cook Senior watched Travis chanting his spell for a while then he tapped the roof of the carriage. Jodie rode up. "Yes Sir?" His voice was muffled by the curtain.
"Get your men ready, it's almost time..."
"YES SIR!" His voice was full of anticipation and eagerness.
Travis continued chanting...

 

[Jonas]

Lynn met Dicky at the end of the street. The Sheriff had a short barrel scatter gun under his arm.
"You see Lewis yet Lynn." The deputy shook his head.
"Naw Dickey, I haven't. He should'a been up here by now."
The men pulled their hats down as a gust of wind blew dust over them. Down the street a man stepped out of a doorway and waived. Only a small orange arc remained of the days sun.
"That's the signal, they're starting to move." Dickey looked at the lankey deputy. "You just gonna carry that side arm?" Lynn tapped his holster.
"You know me Dickey, handguns all I need." Lynn smiled, the sheriff nodded.
"Yeah, I know, I know more than you figure I do. Com'on, let's do it." The two men walked to the center of the street and stood side by side.

"Grandpa, it's time." Dawn helped the old man stand. They left the small apartment down the alley, heading toward the
street. Stopping just out of view, Dawn began to draw the circle in the dirt.

Charlie watched as Lucinda staggered out of town. He gripped his medicine bag tightly and followed from a distance, remaining out of sight.

 

[poohlive]

Lewis stood in the alley, checking all of his guns, making sure, like he did five minutes ago, that they were all loaded.
"Lewis..." He looked up. Who had said that, no whispered it, someone whispere it. Lewis looked around, but there was nobody, it almost sounded like Lucinda.
Lewis shook his head, only the wind. He checked for the twentieth time.
Lewis looked up, the two men were slowly going down the street. It looked beautiful, almost heroic. Lewis left the alley, walking beside them.
"You're late," Dicky said.
"No offense, butthis isn't something I was looking forward too."
They both nodded, knowing what he meant. Lewis cocked the shotgun in his hand, awaiting the shoot out. This was going to be one for the record books. Lewis had never been in a shoot out before, never even aimed a gun at anyone before.
Today was a first for a lot of things wasn't it.
Lewis looked at the two men, they were brave souls, Lewis didn't consider himself as brave as they were, but he stuck with it. This was where he lived, and he had the right to defend it.
Lewis walked on...

 

[Moneytalks]

Lucinda walked trance like onwards towards the bridge that crossed the river. Unaware of the old Indian, sober for the first time in years trailing her progress. She was unaware of the dust that swirled around her or that her hair was mussed up... her tired legs wouldn't let her stop... she continued ever onwards.

Jodie and his posse noted the full moon lighting their way into town clearly. They saw the lone figure of a girl walking towards them and the bridge. Jodie heard one of his men cock his gun. He held up his hand indicating they should hold off shooting. As she drew nearer he couldn't help but grin. "Well now, looky what the duty blew in boys..."
Vixen's footing faltered as her tired body dragged itself onwards. She was so tired, her legs felt leaden, but the insistant voices wouldn't let her stop.

Finally she felt a strong hand on her arm. "Welcome back girl, we have some unfinished business."
She was lifted easily and found herself on a horse, someones arms around her. She whimpered, the voices still whispering to her. Suddenly Charlie ran forward catching Jodie's attention. He almost laughed seeing who it was... "Git outta here ya drunken scum!" He yelled. Charlie didn't listen, he thrust his hand into his medicine bag and flung a powder right into Jodie's face. Jodie was quick though and covered his face with his arm. The power fell harmlessly onto his jacket sleeve. "You stupid Injun... what the heck did ya think that was gonna do huh?" Two of his men dismounted and grabbed up Charlie though he struggled vainly to escape cursing Jodie as he did. Jodie laughed, "well now... looks like my fun is gonna have to wait 'til after the fireworks... let's get these two back to camp, the boss outta be mighty pleased with this little lady, even a man as cold as that would melt with this in his arms." He laughed cruely and they brought the two captives towards the heavily curtained carriage.

"Ahhh... Ms Malone... finally..." Was all that was heard before Lucinda was pulled into the carriage. Drunk Charlie was tied to a tree securely. He struggled against the ropes ignoring the jibes and laughter. Soon he was alone, clearly they didn't think it worth their time to guard him. All the men joined Jodie as he finally made his way into town.

 

[Jonas]

The outlaws raced around the corner of Main street. They were clearly outlined against the rising full moon.
"I count about 25." Dicky looked at Lewis, "What you figure?"
"I figure about 22 to many." Lynn laughed, the tension broken for a moment.
"Spread out boys." Dicky pushed Lewis to the left. Lynn went right about 10 feet. The riders pulled up, horses whinnying and rearing. Jodie pulled up in front of the three men, a hench men on either side.
"Well, well...look what we got here boys." He leaned forward in his saddle and remove his hat with his left hand.
Lynn stood rady, the man's gun was on his right side. "It seems the sheriff and his deputies are out protecting the town. Seen any outlaws Sheriff?" The pack laughed and hollered. "Com'on Jodie , get it over I need a drink."
Jodie looked back over his shoulder and signaled his men to disperse.
"Now Sheriff, why don't you and your boys just lay down your guns. It seems to me your a bit out numbered." Dicky spit and took a steep toward Jodie. The man's horse pranced nervously.
"It's Jodie..is it? Son you just take a look around now, it seems to me you have got the situation backwards." Dicky whistled, from every window and door in the town rifles and shutgun barrels appeared. The sounds of hammers cocking sent some of the outlaws fleeing back south, only to be cut off as wagons were rolled into the street. The trap had been sprung.
"Sheriff, I'm surprised at you. We not here for any trouble." Jodie passed his hat over his right hand and holster. Lynn's gun was out and firing before Jodie could aim. Jodie took the slug in the shoulder. He dove off his horse and ran for cover as gunfire erupted from all over town.

Charlie managed to free his right hand. He reached into his shirt and pulled out his eagle feather and claw wand. Muttering a silent chant, he went to work on freeing his other hand. He felt the demon's power building. Charlie knew he couldn't kill it, but he hoped he could distract it long enough to allow the girl to escape.

 

[Jonas]

Charlie works his other hand free, releasind himself from the tree. He pulls out a battered tortoise shell rattle from his shirt, holding it in his left hand, the eagle feather wand in his right. From within the carriage comes a force wave that knocks the old man down as it passes him.
He turns and watches it roll toward the town, like a ghost cloud, blacker than night itself. The evil so strong, he can see it with his eyes. Charlie struggles to his feet, steadying himself against the tree. He pulls off his flannel shirt and slips out of his worn jeans. Dressed only in his loincloth, he steps toward the carriage. Shaking the rattle, he starts to chant and for the first time in years he begins his dance.

The sudden winds had ended the shooting as fast as it began.
Lynn couldn't see his hand in front of his face. The dust was blinding. Then he heard the voice in his head <Come to the circle Lynn> It was Dawn, he walked toward the sound.

 

[poohlive]

Fire erupted everywhere. Lewis ducked behind a barrel as he emptied the splatter gun. He could see the oultaws were dropping one by one. Lewis threw down the shtogun, and got out his fathers eight shooters. One in each hand, he took down the hammers.
Suddenly, the rest of the men gathered behind the wagons, shooting the drivers. Using it as shelter. The guns kept going off, but it was doing little effect on either side.
Then, he saw Dicky go down, it wasn't a good shot, in the shoulder, but it did hurt him, as Lewis could see. Then, the sherrif went down as well. He was grabbing for his leg.
Lewis looked at the situation, something had to change.
"no..." it came as a low grumble in his throat.
He quickly got up from behind the barrel, "No..."
Dicky yelled at him, Get down you fool." Lewis didn't listen.
"NNOOO..." He walked towards the wagons, in plain sight. Gunfire came all around him, Lewis didn't see it, all he saw was where everyone had their position.
Dicky yelled at him, "You are gonna kill yourself, You are a married man for christ's sake."
Jodie yelled himself, "He's mind, he's mine."
the gunfire stopped, suddenly, Jodie got out himself. There they were. Jodie cocked his shotgun.
"You are one stupid mother fucker," he raised the gun.
"NNNOOOOOO..........."
He shot twice, in the chest. The man had a look of suprise in himself as he went down, for good. There was a huge gasp from his men behind the wagons as Jodie took his last breath.
Lewis cocked the guns again, but it was too late. One no one is one thing, but there were still at least ten guys.
The got hit, and went down beside Jodie. The pain was unbearable, but he was still alive.
Three bullets, one in the shoulder it barely knicked him, he could feel the exit wound. One in the upper thigh, it hurt worse, but still there was an exit wound. And the third, and final bullet in the stomach. Lewis didn't feel an exit wound, but he was glad about that, he was still alive, and the gunfire still went over him. Lewis screamed, tears coming from his eyes, but he knew no one could do anything.
Lewis thought of Lucinda before he went into unconscience, he knew he should of been thinking of his wife to be, but for some reason, the thoughts of Lucinda were more refreshing, more relaxing. Lewis passed out.

OOC: I loved that part in the movie Tombstone. I thought that was soo awesome, I didn't do it exactly, but close enough, lol.
Anyone notice how Lewis Lucinda and Laura have their names start with an L. I just relized that, lol.
Oh, one more thing. I just got that secret potion, and it still works for me. So, I will be all right, eventually. I want to post it though. Just a wishful wish, lol, thanks everyone.

 

[Jonas]

Charlie's dance brought on the dream state. He saw himself as a boy, sitting with the old Medicine Man who was his teacher, so many years ago.
"The power is in the spirit," the teachers voice echoed in his mind, "Spirit is in everything, and all around us. You must learn, young Falling Star, to gather the spirit to you.
For with the spirit, comes the magic. I will teach you to summon the power and to use it."
Charlie felt the tingle around him, the spirit was coming. He could see the white glow forming around him. He was ready.

Lucinda sat frozen in the carriage. Across from her, he sat. He wore a large black cape that covered his dark suit. On his head he wore a large brimed black hat. A black cloth was draped over his face, covering all but his eyes. A gloved hand reached out for the woman. She shrunk away from the touch, fear in her eyes.
"You don't want to believe do you. Yes..Yes, it's true, I can see it in your eyes. I feel something in you my dear, why...you have had a taste of the power haven't you." His laughter was dark, humorless. "I will give you more, my dear, more life, more power. We will rule together, the three of us. Oh yes my dear, you have a sibling, we will...Pardon me I need to attend to your Indian friend."
The demon leaves the carriage and faces Charlie. Charlie brings his spirit to a focus and shoots it at the man. A dark fog swirls from the ground and meets the white spirit, holding it at bay.
"Did you think to defeat me old one. You, who could not even save his own tribe from destruction." Charlie's teachers voice comes to him again.
"When you face the demon, you must not show fear. The demon knowns your heart and will attack you through your guilts, fears and weaknesses. The attack is powerfull, few can survive." Charlie's spirit again reached for the demon and again it was countered. Cook pulled the drape from his face. The skin was decayed, in some places it was gone. Under the skin was not musle, but fine roots, like those of a tree. His eyes glowed.
"Die now old man." The darkness surrounded the old man. Charlie focused his remaining strength and sent his thought to Lucinda.
"Run! Now! Run for your life!"

 

[Moneytalks]

Charlie faced the demon willing the girl to "Run... run for your life!" He heard a female voice screaming. It was a piercing sound and then there was silence. A thin rather short man emerged adjusting his specticles. He didn't seem at all surprised to see Charlie standing there. "Well now, hello Mr Snowfeather isn't it?" He smiled. Charlie gulped but stood his ground. No one in Paradise Valley knew his old name. "Yes, yes indeed, we've been expecting you."
"I don't know who ye are... but I want you to return Ms Vixen in one piece to me." Charlie managed to say firmly.
"Well now, Mr Snowfeather, let's be reasonable. Ms... err Vixen as you so fondly call her... isn't being held against her wishes by any means. In fact, let's ask her ourselves shall we? Does she want to go with you... a known alcoholic? Or stay with her father who can finally take care of her like a true lady should be? Hmmm that would be a hard decision I'm sure."

For the first time since Charlie had stopped drinking he began to feel doubt. The same feeling of doubt that had drawn him to drinking in the first place. The man before him seemed so reasonable, so confident.
"I... I'm not going no where until I've seen Ms Vixen..." He managed to say.
The man sighed as if he was trying to reason with someone clearly incapable of reason. "Very well... Ms Malone... would you be so kind as to come out and talk to your Indian friend here?"
The carriage rattled and a dainty foot emerged. Lucinda Malone aka Vixen stepped out of the carriage and walked smoothly towards the small man and stood by his side. She starred blankly at Charlie as if she'd never seen him before in her life.
"Yes?" Her voice was faint like she was talking from somewhere far away.
"This man is convinced we are keeping you against your will M'dear... perhaps you can reason with him?"
Vixen blinked and seemed to slowly focus on Charlie. "My father has come to collect me, I'm going to Capital City with him to live like a lady, just how my momma intended Sir... thank you for your concern however..." She smiled... it was a chilling kind of smile. Charlie couldn't put his finger on why it seemed so cold, but she seemed unharmed, he couldn't deny that. On the other hand, some powerful evil had been done today. He'd seen it emerge from that carriage himself.


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

Meanwhile in the town. Lewis unconcious on the ground with bullets flying everywhere above him. Laura had seen it all from her upstairs bedroom and she too was armed with her daddy's shotgun for protection. She screamed seeing Lewis go down but thankfully didn't lose her head. She ran down stairs and flung open the door. Someone had to save Lewis before any more bullets hit him.

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

The intense burst of power that had headed towards the town wasn't by any means a simple spell. Which was why it took Jodies dead body so long to respond. He twitched fittfully on the ground. He blinked a couple of times and then slowly he stood up. He looked down at the bloody mess that was his chest and gasped, realising he wasn't breathing. It was a horrible sensation. He quickly overcame that realising he was about to be shot again. He still held his shotgun and fired.

Several of his men also rose from the dead and seemed oblivious to the rain of fire from the screaming townsfolk who watched dead men rising. They had a mission and they intended to finish it. They grabbed grenades and started throwing them into store windows. At first no one realised what they were doing. After the first few explosions though they understood.

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

Charlie stepped forward as if to touch Vixen. She scowled at him coldy. "Don't touch me you heathen!" She screamed at him. He froze. Hurt. Of all the townsfolk, Vixen had always been one of the kindest to him, never a rude word. It hurt more than he could imagine hearing those words, especially without the warm comfort of whiskey in his veins. He stopped. "Well now, looks like the little lady has spoken... you're satisfied I hope?"
Charlie's reserve didn't fail him. He reached into his medicine pouch and withdrew a pinch of powder. He threw it into the small man's face and rushed towards Vixen who was too surprised to evade him. He chanted loudly pressing his wand against her neck. She screamed as if in pain struggling to get away but he held her arm tightly continuing to chant. The demon however was not so easily overcome, he lift his hand and punched Charlie hard over the back of his head. Charlie dropped to the ground.

Vixen was convulsing but Travis Duncan recovered from Charlie's power to rest his hand on her forehead and mutter a few words. Her eyes snapped open and glowed. He smiled to his employer. It would take a bit of work but the indian hadn't done as much damage as he'd feared. He pulled her to her feet and they dragged her back to the carriage. John Cook Snr looked at the girl and frowned. "Whats wrong with her?"
"I think we'd better get back to Capital City... she needs a bit of working on..."
"I don't want her hurt yet... "
Duncan sighed, his employer could be so crude sometimes he thought. "I understand Sir... but I don't have the necessary tools to fix her here... that Indian was trying to undo the spell... it'll take something a little extra to reverse that damage."
"Fine... I guess I'll have to pass on seeing Paradise Valley vaporised..." He didn't seem pleased.
"Just imagine all the fun you're going to have with your new family Sir." Duncan cajolled.
This managed to bring a smile to the man's face. "Yes... you're right of course..." He tapped the roof impatiently. "Driver!" He yelled... "Home! On the double!"

The carriage moved out.

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

"Dawn!... you must tell them... they must have some sort of charm on them that is keeping them alive... take the charm and they will die... run now girl warn the people!" Dawn looked at her grandfather with worry clearly written on her face but his determination convinced her.
"Yes grandfather!" She ran lightly out the door hoping this information would be able to save the town.

[Edited by Moneytalks on 08-26-2000 at 04:36 AM]

 

[Jonas]

Lynn stimbled down the street, his field of vision a kaleidoscope of images. He sees Dickey fall. He watches Lewis shoot Jodie, only to fall himself and Jodie to rise again. Lynn follows the voice. Around him the raiders are regrouping. Then he sees them, the old man and the girl, her voice becomes clearer.
"Touch my hand, hurry!" Dawn reaches out to him. Lynn extends his arm, their fingers touch and a shock rips up his arm. His head spins for a second, then his vision clears, the spell had been broken. "Lynn, the raiders have some kind of life charms on them. Remove the charms and they will die."
The sound of explosions spun Lynn around. The raiders were destroying the town. He ran back out on the street, his gun in hand. He saw them. Each raider had something glowing below their necks. Lynn fired, his shot hit a man right in the glow on his chest. The man dropped like a rock.
"That's it! Aim for the glow! Aim for the glow!" Lynn fired and dropped another. He ran down the street yelling and shooting, desparately trying to save the town.

Charlie slumped down to his knees and hung his head. He had failed again. He didn't save the girl, and he didn't die in the effort. Again, as when his people were killed, he must live with his failure. He felt the thrist again in his belly.

[Edited by Jonas on 08-27-2000 at 12:00 PM]

 

[Jonas]

Lynn fired until his gun emptied. By then several townsmen had heeded his words and began shooting at the glows. Reloading his gun Lynn ran out into the street and carefully fired dropping another rider. The battle had turned again, the riders began to flee. Shouts came from all over town as the people realized they had won. Lynn holstered his handgun. He was starting to aid the wounded when a buckboard shot out from an alley. The driver waived at Lynn. It was Jodie, and he had Ramon and Ryan. Jodie galloped the rig out of town leaving Lynn running in his dust.

 

[Moneytalks]

Vixen woke up from a horrible nightmare to find herself in a very dark carriage travelling somewhere. She blinked several times and looked around... feeling very stiff.

"Good to see you up Ms Malone..." came a voice from the darkness. With a groan, she realises her nightmare had only just begun.
Glaring into the darkness she found some of her old fire... "where are you taking me?... and what did you do to Charlie?"

"Charlie is fine Lucinda..." came another voice.
"Don't call me that..." Vixen hissed.
There was an amused chuckle and the owner of the voice leaned forward. Vixen stiffled her scream. She had hoped that this part was only in her nightmare. The face before her was horrifying...

 

[poohlive]

Lewis felt his arm. For some odd reason the pain was going away, fading some how. He hoped he wasn't dying. Lewis had heard that's how people die, things just fade away, was this true, was he dying.
Lewis felt the bullet wound, it was horrible, it was electrifying, it was...
"Gone???"
Lewis sat up, his head turning to his arm. There was a substancial amount of blood stained on his shirt, but the wound itself was completely gone. He couldn't even find a scar.
"What the..."
Lewis looked at his leg, it too had a lot of blood, but was gone as well. He looked up confused. What in the hell happened.
"Lewis, you up? Get a going, we need to kill these son's of bitches, before they destory the whole town."
Lewis shook his head, he didn't have time to worry about miracle cures, there were villans to kill.
Lewis got up, his head ache now completely gone, and ran towards the figthing. It was a geat time to be alive.

 

[Jonas]

Lynn staggered up the side walk and ran into Laura.
"Deputy, are you alright?"
"They took my kid's Miss Laura. I gotta git after'em least I lose their trail." Laura hung on to his arm.
"Wait, you can't go alone. Let's find Lewis and the Sheriff." Lynn shook his head.
"Dickey's dead Laura. I saw Lewis get hit, don't know how bad." Laura pleaded still holding Lynn back.
"Help me find Lewis, then we'll all go after them."

Charlie dressed again, walked slowly back to town. He couldn't quit, he had to try again. At the edge of town an old man in a black duster waited.
"Snowfeather, my name is Jones. May I speak with you? I believe we are allies."

 

[poohlive]

Lewis came running up to the two.
"LAURA!"
He was shocked to see her here, in all of this, "I wanted you to stay out of the fighting."
"I couldn't stay away when I knew you were hurt," she looked at his arm, "How bad?"
Lewis showed her, "Not even a scratch. I think something is wrong with me."
Dicky grabbed his arm, "No time Lewis, you are fit, let's go."
Lewis didn't argue. He Laura and Dicky made their way.

 

[Jonas]

Lynn rhode point, with Lewis and Laura riding behind in a rig. The sun was rising over the foothills in the east. Lynn held up letting the rig catch up.
"Reckon we should rest up some. There's a good spot over yonder, we can cook breakfast for we move on." Lewis pointed farther down the trail.
"Look at that wagon up there. You ever seen it before?"
"Yeah, I seen it. That's old man Jones and his granddaughter. Seems there may be more for breakfast."

 

[poohlive]

Lewis gave them both a plate full of viddles (always wanted to say that, lol). They both ate hungrily. He looked over at Laura.
He knew that he loved her, but was he really in love with her? Lewis didn't know, he didn't know much of anything anymore. He chewed a piece of bacon.
Soon the sun was going high in the sky, and the wagon trail looked fresh and read to go.
Laura was the first to speak, "Let's go."
No one disagreed with her. They all mounted up, following the trail. They were really working the horses, it would be soon, real soon. He jus hoped nothing happened to Laura...
or Lucinda.

 

[Moneytalks]

"Lucinda... be reasonable..."
He had withdrawn back into the shadows but Vixen kept her face averted. Not that it helped, that face remained vividly etched into her mind. She recalled what Mr Jones had shown her in the vision and shivered. She must not show fear.

The little man was cleaning his glasses fastidiously. She didn't know who he or the ugly man were, but she knew she was in trouble. Vixen felt so enclosed in the carriage. The dark curtains blocked out all light and made it impossible for her to even guess at where they were or where they were heading. She guessed they were heading for one of the cities.

The deep voice spoke again. "Lucinda, let me tell you a story..." She shivered, unable to contain her response. She turned to face the figure. "Do you remember your mother?"
Vixen frowned, "don't you dare mention my mother you freak!" She hissed at him. He chuckled clearly amused by her anger. The little man whispered something and the deep voice continued. "Do you remember?"
Vixen desperately searched for her memories trying desperately to hide the fact that apart from feeling a fierce love and devotion at the mention of her mother, she couldn't in fact recall anything else about her. Unbidden, a recent memory of Laura came to her. She focused on that one friendly face in her mind and it calmed her.

The little man watched her carefully.