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Title: All Hearts Dream (W.I.P.)
Rated: PG (Some mild language, situations, and other hog-tying!)
Author: Krystle M. Mueller
Keeper of Ezras Cowardliness
Disclaimer: I do not own em, I do not know em, I do not sleep with em, hence this warning. Im giving ahead of timethat I dont wish to infringe anyones rights, as I said, I didnt create em, I wish I had, then I wouldnt be writing this piece of fic, someone else would be.
MGM, Mirisch, and CBS Broadcasting own the seven sexiest men in the universe!
P.S. I own Xeney, as she is me, lol, just kidding.
Type: Mag7, OW, DF (DeathFic, although not for any main characters)
Summary: Xeney K. Toureador is an honest, gambling 18 year old vixen, after some troubles, she runs into a certain gunman, who introduces her to the southern drawl, meet, play poker, who knows? Also includes the other seven in a rip-roaring tale of demons, adventures, love and hope
Warnings: None. Just dont read this unless youre crazy! A few choice words that I wouldnt recommend to the younger pards, and situations as well. This was written during those long and dull hours at work on 3rd shift, Im sure youll understand. So its the culmination of caffeineand oh yeah Caffeine, and some kind of lust for Ezra.poor him Read on!
Feedback: Kmueller31@hotmail.com I want to hear what you think! Good or bad! Help me improve!
A Heros Heart
~I Stare across that solitary plain,
each and every dawn, always
searching for a heros heart,
A stranger bleeds, his hope lays near death
Clutching a tangled wreath to crown a
Heros heart.~
~Im not the way they see me, not who they think
I am, Im just a man. And I have need of you
Sweet woman. Not for the velvet of your touch,
But for the weaponry of your mind. Theres a
Hole that needs mending, my own Achilles heel.
So I offer up my need. Teach me, noble
Lady. Teach me to write.and to read.~
~~~Vin Tanner-Achilles~~~
The Girl was astonished and encumbered at the sight; it was heart-warming to her almost always-cold gambling heart made of stone. To her face that rarely ever smiled, her absent courage sometimes made her think less of herself, but it didnt matter. Courage didnt exist in her world: Only survival. In the real southern world she lived in, would a girl be expected to hold her own in a fight? No, theyd be expected to quit and move on, but that was something she never did. Girls werent expected to be in the line of fire at all, it was rare when they put themselves there, and then they werent appreciated by the town folk very much. Even one who was on her own. See, there were a lot of female faro dealers and even a few hard to come by poker dealers. But a woman gambler slash hustler, who was actually good at it, was about as rare as a green sky with snow. It never happened, especially one who was only 18 years of age. This girl or woman rather, was: Xeney. Queen of cowardliness and clumsiness everywhere she went. No one knew the real her though, and she intended to keep it that way.
As the sight changed, her eyes dimmed out.
**********************************************************************************
Damn!!!!! She yelled out loud, as she tumbled out of bed, being all mixed and twisted up in her blankets. The floor was as cold as a lake covered in ice; just frozen. But she groaned loudly and pulled the sheets slowly up over her head, then her mind drifted back to what had just happened
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The dream was always the same; always, without fail. So, lying on the floor for the millionth time in her life, she recounted the ending to it this time, trying to decide if it meant that her next poker game would go bad. Unfortunately, her brain wouldnt, or didnt want to work properly. After all, it was only 7:00 in the morning, and she despised early mornings. Xeney hardly ever slept, but when she did, it was from 5:00 a.m. until noon. She just plain, flat-out believed that it was a waste of time, and well..dreams bothered her. Technically, she couldnt sleep. She was trying to think what time she had crawled up to her hotel room. 4:00? 5:00? Or when she had actually fallen asleep, it was 7:00 now though, thats what her pocket watch told her. Not being bothered or scared about the re-accuring dream, she drifted off into a restless half slumber because her eyes hurt.
In the dream shes lost in the darkness of what she assumes to be a forest. Birds are twittering, and there are fresh smelling flowers surrounding her, along with some animals. This shouldnt be scary! Xeney doesnt care that she feels lost, because shes felt this way her entire life. On the other hand, in her *nightmare* there is a shadow standing right next to her, it didnt matter much to her, that she couldnt see who it was. All she knew was that they were lost too. Whenever she tried to see who it was, even the gender, the *nightmare* puts her alone in an even darker field, and the shadow is gone. (It was probably best to just let it be revealed to her on its own.) She feels a shiver run through her. Was it real? Or was it all in her head?
After much determination, shed been relieved of her nightmares as a child, when she finally let go of the past. It had stripped her of too much..
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BOOM!!! A noise rings through her head. BOOM! There it was again. BOOM! Okay, this time it definitely wasnt in her head, it was on her hotel room door. Well, uh, ugh, she though, whos knocking so rudely so early? No respect..at first it sounded like a gunshot that it scared the shadow next to her, and it vanished into thin air.
Xeney, dont be afraid..
It was a southern drawl.
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Whoa! Once again, she awoke with a start, breathing heavily, and soaked with sweat. She jerked her head around quickly and realized the knocking hadnt stopped. So she untangled herself from the covers that were still strewn on the floor and collected her clothes, which consisted of: Light tan leather pants, a mid-length light tan leather coat, a red frilly armed shirt, also an assortment of colors of the same kind of shirt. Black boots, with star-shaped spurs, which she never used by the way, her horse Xarch was too precious to her. No, the spurs were more to protect herself. She threw all her extra clothes in a bag. She didnt have much time, so she quickly looked at her disheveled medium length, dark curly hair in the mirror, and sighed. Xeney always had to leave in rushes, so she was prepared to leave things behind. Lately, she hadnt though, because after years on the road, certain things just disappeared. Lastly, she strapped her shoulder holsters on, that held two Colt Lightenings all shiny and in immaculate shape, then a thigh holster that also held two Colts, and finally, her pop-out knives were placed behind her back. She also tested the little pocketknife that popped out of the front of her right boot. Its true, shed spent lots of money on her weapons, especially the guns, but she wore them proudly. Before anyone could have noticed, she had snuck out the window. While climbing down the pole, she lost her grip and banged into the side of the hotel, and was dangling really high in the air, until she got back on, mumbling obscenities. Finally, she slithered down the pole that lead to the bottom. Just in time, as three dirty looking cowhands broke down the door. (I guess they got tired of knocking, Xeney decided). They glanced about, and were obviously disgusted at not being able to find her.
Told yas she were a quick un, one spoke out loudly.
Well, well see her gain, got ta, she owes usbig ime, the leader slapped the other two on their shoulders, shes just a purdy ittle thing anyhow.
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My dream saved me, at least its good for something, other than torturin me.
She knew who and what the knocking on her door was for. Earlier that morning she had hustled *or cheated, depends on your point of view* three ugly cowhands out of more than a thousand bucks. It wasnt her fault that they were stupid. They were stupid, but smart enough to want revenge, and to know how to get it. More often than not, men tended to be sore losers, at least the ones that she had come in contact with. They couldnt afford to lose their reputations to a woman, or actually a girl. How embarrassing.
Xeney had decided that it was time to move on anyhow
Now it was the dream of that figure, whoever it was, still lingering that led her west towards the border of Texas.
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The next night..a new place, a new town..somewhere even farther away, it was the same dream, the same figure, Xeney couldnt figure it out. If it bothered her more not knowing, or the fear of finding out.
For reasons unknown, she didnt believe in love. But after being left alone throughout her childhood, one could only ponder why.
Changing the sights everyday just made her more weary, not any happier, and all the gambling money in the world didnt brighten her days. It defiantly had to be the dream that was getting her spirits down so much. Usually the cards were good, as good as her luck, and it made her smile.
That night, being far, far away from the evil cowhands, Xeney rested easy. As easily as possible.
Ah, damn..
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All she had discovered was a southern drawl, which could be half the men shed met on her journeys. Hell, at least she knew it was a man. One thing was for sure, it wasnt Doc Holliday. Xeney giggled at the thought, while making the way down the hotel stairs and out the doors to the Saloon next door. Granted it was 4:00 a.m., but some people were addicted, right? Like her. Well, she wasnt, she just couldnt do anything else. Surprisingly the Saloon had a few customers, enough to make a profit; she approached the bar carefully. Because some guys would see her periodically and try to hit on her. And relationships just werent on her mind for some strange reason. She wanted, no wished, with all her heart that the shadow of a man in her dreams was real.
Whaddly it be Little Miss? The over weight bartender named Pauly asked, getting her attention.
Um..Red Eye Whiskeyll be fine.
He laughed.
Whiskey? For a Little Thang like you? Why, Id think it would kill ya! How bout a nice glass of milk?
Milk?..Xeney laughed at that, louder than he did before, listen,.
Ah, it was normal, she sighed angrily, and it was really getting on her nerves.
Can I go to a place that wont try to sell me Milk instead? Its aggravatin and self-degradin, so listen buddy, I am old enough to drink what I request of SIR, and I know you wont turn down the money or the business opportunity, because quite personally, these people, aint rich, she pointed out the dirty ranchers and cowhands.
Xeney could be pretty convincing when she had to be, and sometime downright mean. It got her things though, things she normally couldnt get by being nice.
Well, you d rive a hard bargain Little Wild One, but Red Eye it is, Pauly handed over the bottle, not even giving her a glass, because he reached for one, saw Xeneys reaction, and decided to forget it.
Ouch, he thought, something turned sour in her eggs this mornin, best not to question her.
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Dont you know, ya crazy dirt heap, that four of a kind beats a pair? Or were yas born in a barn with the door wide open, aint you got any common sense?!
Xeney was sitting backwards on a stool, at the bar watching the ugly ranchers go at each other. It had almost occurred to her to look for tells, instead of wasting time. She was really good at that.
Uh, yup, I reckon that Little Missus over there could beat your ugly, yellow, no good rump into hell, A man of slightly cleaner sight drawled, indicating Xeney.
This caught her attention and she got up to approach the poker table.
Whaddya say girlie?! Wanna turn this silly feller upside down by his ankles?
Dont know, whats in it for me?
Xeney double checked her holsters.
Well, whatever this pard wants to bet
Hah! The cowhand jumped up and shouted, scaring everyone in the place, even Pauly, Id like to see youse beat me at my game. Whoever loses, the price is slavery, whoever wins, wins the slave and $500, sound bout good, huhhhhhhh?
Hah! The cleaner gentleman screamed just as loud, well take that bet, right Little Cowgirl?
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After ragging her brain for a few moments, and having a very confused look on her face, Xeney reached over the table, and called the cowhand on a down-right awful cheat, that she was surprised the cleaner gentleman hadnt picked up on.
A card up the sleeve! My, my, Brother, you sure just got yourself up a creek! Floating that-a-way, buh-bye, he waved.
Ill play, Xeney stated cooley, but,.Mr. Magician there has to keep his purdy ittle sleeve on the table at all times.
This procured a big toothy grin from the cowhand, named William.
"Sure, sure, whatever ya say Cutie Pie!"
The gentleman jumped up quickly, grabbing William by the throat, and banged him up against the wall. Then he started squeezing.
"Boy, I've got half a mind to pop your worthless eyeballs out of their sockets, then rip you in half! This here is a woman, she ain't no "Cutie Pie" and she sure as hell ain't your "Cutie Pie", ya got that?"
"I---I---Ye-Yes," William squeaked out.
"What was that?" He teased, letting up a little bit.
"Yes!!!" The scared cowhand shouted, and he finally was let loose.
It took one look from Xeney and the gentleman to make him run out the back door, his eyeballs practically dragging behind him on the ground.
"Hmmm...wonder what scared him off," the man laughed, sitting down, and picking up a deck of cards. He began to shuffle, quite quickly, and doing fancy tricks. "I'm guessin' all bets are off, huh Little Missus? But why don't you go on and have a seat anyhow's, I'm sure there's more folk in this joint that want 'ta gamble. Sure don't talk much, do ya? Oh, actually I'm talking a bit much, so you just tell me to shut up."
Xeney seriously thought he was crazy, the stunt he had just pulled, wouldn't work, never in a million years. It was so strange to her that she knew what would happen next, compared to a man of his stature. She wasn't talking because she was too busy thinking; maybe this man wasn't an active gambler, because a real one would have thought ahead. So, she remained standing, it was going to be a long day.
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"Flush! And I think that about does it for you, Buddy! You're about flushed down the John!"
"You're a cheater! I swear's!" A really gruff and dirty rancher cried, "ain't no way you could pull a flush two hands in a row!"
"Okay, I'm sick of listening to him,..." Xeney thought.
Just then, William burst through the back doors, banging off his two old handguns a mile a minute. The really loudmouth stylish man had just enough of a realization to remain standing, but move out of the way. But Xeney was prepared, as this is what she had been waiting for. It was the truth when she said that it had happened a million times before, so she could determine he'd come back with vengeance.
BANG! BANG! BANG!
The sound of Xeney's two thigh-holstered Colt Lightenings rang through the Saloon, hitting the poor surprised cowhand squarely in the chest three times, not missing one single second.
After it was done, and William had taken his last breath, thereby, Xeney had taken her first real breath as a killer; everyone in the Saloon backed up.
Then Xeney holstered her Colt's faster than she drew them, and finally after the blood had spilt, the big mouth gentleman, was in awe. His mouth was hanging open.
"Hey!" He managed after what seemed like forever," You're a mighty good shot! Forget Billy The Kid! Holy....! I mean, you saved my hide there cowgirl! The name's Buck." He tipped his hat.
"Don't mention it," Xeney had already started to walk out the door, because the stares were getting on her last nerves. She had called it, and it came true, now her dream really was torturing her. There was only one more thing she could do, the last thing she could think of, and that was to move on. Plus the town Marshal would be there soon to investigate, and who knew what the other patrons would tell him. Self Defense? It could have been, only calling someone "Cutie Pie" didn't qualify as assault. Truthfully, it hadn't even bothered her. "Buck," she growled, "it was his fault, uh, so like a man to blame it on a woman!" But Xeney hated thinking that way.
"Where you going pretty little lady?!"
"Oh no, he's chasing after me, this one really is trouble."
Now she was already outside in the middle of the street, with Buck close behind, trying to fix his hat.
Oh come on! At least give me the pleasure of buying you a drink! Hell, after all that you gotta be thirsty!!
Xeney kept moving, then she realized that she had only said two sentences to him within a period of 3 and a half-hours. Really, it was unfair, and she decided to give him the benefit of the doubt.
Alright, you can buy me a drink.
No kidding? Okay, lets go.
But not in this town, not right now
They were in front of the hotel and everyone that was out and about on the streets at 7:30 in the morning looked at them strangely. Xeney didnt know why, she didnt care why either, it was just important to get out of town.
Why not?
Two reasons, One: I just killed a man. Two: I wore out my welcome. What about you?
Me?
Yeah, Buck-aroo, why you still following me? Got tired of cheating poor people finally, Xeney leaned up against a pole that was there.
No Maam, I dont cheat, I just play good. Okay, okay, every once in a while I happen to find six kings in a deck, but merely by accident, trust me.
Sure.
Enough was enough, and talk was getting cheaper by the second.
Nice meetin ya, Ill be goin now. Bye.
And with that, Xeney opened the hotel door and barged in, not even waiting for his parting words, time was short, and her dream was beckoning her. Only thing was that she didnt hear the dream tell her that Buck could help solve the unraveling mystery. Maybe it was because her brain was shut down, who knew? Something was driving her out of her mind.
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She packed her clothes just as fast as she had earlier, if not faster. Xeney had just enough time to look out the window, which was a great view, and she hated to leave after seeing it. It made her jealous to think of all the women out there with families and people to care about, things to do. Like being a normal 18-year-old. What was normal? Surely, it wasnt her life. Shed given and given and given and all people ever did was take. Well, by now she was plum out of feeling nice and giving. The next person who comes along better make an effort, she whispered.
The sun had just risen an hour ago, so with it came that beautiful orange hue, lined with gray and Xeney figured that it might rain today. She shook her head at the sight down below, 2 men were getting into a brawl over a woman, Pretty sad. Honestly, she couldnt remember the last time a man had cared about her.
On her way out the door, she grabbed a black suede cowgirl hat that she had bought the minute she arrived in town.
Cowgirl, she said to her reflection, Tch. And a wink.
She stepped outside the door.
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Of course, there stood the lady-killer, who she almost ran smack into. His dazzling charms just didnt stop and Xeney didnt easily fall victim to those sort of men.
Hey purdy little lady! I didnt catch your name?! He ran to catch up to her.
Xeney! She didnt turn around.
Well Ill be, Buck exclaimed, I know a girl with that same exact name back home!
It was too late to out run him, and he had such a big mouth you had to listen, because those things always did mesmerize her. But she whirled around to face him at the bottom of the steps.
And where is back home Buck? Im a little quick for that line!
Four Corners little one, home of the short winded and long skirted! Nothing like here. Say, why dont you accompany me there, I do owe you that drink and I know someone youd like if you met him.
Not if hes anything like you, she laughed to herself.
Now it definitely was far too late to say: No or turn back, because if she did, shed fall into a black nothingness, devoid of feelings.
Well, saddle up partner! Xeney slapped him hard on the shoulder, making him wince in pain.
Shes a helluva woman!
They met outside by the livery stable to get their horses, just as the town marshal walked into the saloon.
Xeney breathed a sigh of relief.
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That night they bunked at another nearby town, seeing as how there was no time to get to Bucks town of Four Corners.
Hey Little Darling! Buck sashayed out of the bathroom, changed into his union suit pajamas.
Gimme a break, Xeney walked past him into the bathroom, and slammed the door on his nose before he could object.
She didnt even know why they got the same room, but it was harder to trace.
Someones sleeping on the floorand its not me!
Once she had changed into her sleeping attire, which wasnt much different than her usual dress, she came out of the bathroom to find Buck on the bed.
Lets get some shut eye, he claimed, and shut off the light.
Xeney just stood there in the dark, until she decided what to do. As it came to her, a huge grin lit up her face even in the pitch-black room. She hated sleeping with all the lights off, but shed have too.
12.3!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ahhhhhhhhhhhh!
Buck Wilmington got the fright of his life, as the whole mattress got picked up and tipped over, and the unrealizing defenseless skinny man toppled onto the floor with a sickening crunch.
See it was an easy plan, Xeney dusted off her hands, after all, why would an 18-year-old sleep with a 30-year-old? Some may have their reasons, but she didnt, not to anyone even her own age.
I do believe I landed on my..my.animal magnet..er
Humph! Xeney grunted, and crawled into the bed grumpily.
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Dont be afraid
Im not
Xeney was talking to the yet un-solved figureshe couldnt hardly believe it, the dream was actually different for a change. His face, still was not yet disclosed. Which was disheartening.
Are you sure?
That cute little drawl was to die for! It was literally driving her crazy.
Sure, why wouldnt I be?
Together they were standing under the shade of two over-grown willow trees, in the dark forest, their breaths and voices the only sound noticeable. It was also hard to hear, because even though they were only ten feet away from each other, the trees sucked up his gorgeous sound.
There are scary things in the forests at night, Xeney.
Not here, not now.
Why Xeney, you must be one brave and courageous woman. Id be scared, aw hell! I am scared!
I never am!
Stepping closer to him, she felt a chilling wind go by, and shivered in spite of herself. She still wasnt close enough to see him, and thats all that mattered to her, it seemed to have turned into her sound quest over night, right now, Xeney would do anything to solve the riddle and what it meant for her future.
Dont come any closer little darlin!
Why? What are you so afraid of? Is it me? If it is, Im sorry.
He laughed.
Oh, it was good to hear that sound again; it brought back her weakening spirits. She herself had not laughed, or tried to in at least a year.
Whats so funny?
Oh.nothing.
The shadow finally quieted down.
I dont think a miniscule sweet, child such as you could harm the hair on a horse
Neither do I, she smiled a tiny smile.
It was time to try again, this time Xeney was going to attempt to brush against him, or touch him. She wanted to know if he was real, or all in her head. Her hand stretched nearer to him, inches away from his face.
When it reached her goal, a loud gunshot went off through her ears, ringing them, and rocking the frightened shadow back to limbo, or wherever it had come from. She didnt know where the shot had come from, but it didnt matter, he was gone.
In her life shed never been so dismayed or depressed. An invisible force was controlling her life, and thats not how it works.
Then Xeney noticed it, the blood.
And she screamed at the top of her lungs.
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Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!
The dream was pulled into reality, and her blood-curdling, hair-on-the-back-of-your-neck-standing-up scream echoed through the already hallow room with extra thin walls.
Ahhhhhh!
Xeney still was half-asleep, not realizing that it was just a dream. Anyone knew it wasnt her imagination though. She kept kicking her feet, and rolling around, spastically. Still in a sleep walking state, she reached over to the nightstand and grabbed a hold of her colt lightening.
Then fired at nothing
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Whoa!!!!!!!!
Buck woke up from the shot, finally. He had heard the scream, at least he thought so, but he figured it was that rabid pack of women running after his animal magnetism, and Xeney heading the pack. At that he grinned slyly. Fat chance, he had to face the facts.
Hey! Hey! Hey!
He went over to the bed, feeling his way in the darkness, hoping he wouldnt grab anything in particular.
Xeney was sitting up in bed, gripping her gun protectively, breathing heavily, and wet as a fish from sweat. So Buck, being the kind-hearted gentleman he was, did the only thing he could do, (Since he knew she would freak out more if he touched her) he went over to the light and flicked it on. Bad idea
She grabbed for her knife so fast, and flicked it at Buck, that his head just about spun off. It ended up stuck in the door and he had to give it a second look to see how close he actually had come to being killed, Whew close! Buck sighed to himself, If I ever do get killed, itll be by a woman.
Ok, ok, you pack a purdy good wallop being a little on and all. Whatsa matter, ya have a bad dream?
It sounded like Bucks sarcasm was in that comment. But he failed to realize that he wasnt talking to any of his buddies.
So what happened?
Xeney, now broken from the fright of something she didnt understand, finally squeaked out:
He was thereI know he was, Hey turn out that light!
Sorry, sorry..jeez, yad think I twisted up your panties with that attitude! He rushed to shut off the light.
All that was left was heavy breathing and the rustling of the bed sheets. No shadow, no real blood, nothing. She didnt feel any holes either, but then a thought came to herwhat if she wasnt the one who got shot??
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The forest was free from harm until that gunshot, because the birds twittered, and the animals smiled. There was no gun smoke either, but it now hung indefinitely in the air.
She was pushing through trees and bushes now, looking in every crack and at every shadow, desperately searching for him, the one who had all the answers, who knew why she shouldnt be afraid. She sought his wisdom, and his warmness. When the time came to see his face, Xeney was sure he was beautiful beyond words..
Who! Who! Who!
A brown owl, perched above her head greeted her, it also broke her of her search mission.
Rise n shine little lady! Breakfast!!!!!!
Her blurry eyes started to focus, and unfortunately her ears opened to what the gunman was saying.
Hmmmm?
Xeney rolled over for the millionth time to glance at her pocket watch; it was 5:30.
I have to stop going to bed early, its giving me nightmares! This made her laugh.
A nightmare? Of what? Someone else buying my lines and marryin me? I only have eyes for you!
He was eating biscuits and drinking coffee, quite happily, at least in Xeneys case. The troubling dream did not end, and it was as if she didnt sleep a wink. So, his happiness was making her sick.
Dont bother having eyesit wont get you anywhere. He frowned.Two things, one: I never eat breakfast, two: I dont wake up at 5:30, Buck-a-roo
Then a boot flew by his head, narrowly missing it.
Come on now! Gotta get up an catch that early bird I reckon, or was it worm?
Buck scratched his head confused and repeated the rhyme to himself a few times and was unable to achieve what he was aiming for.
The covers were all on the floor in a heap, and Xeney finally realized it. But she didnt want to pick them up; she found no reason to.
We gotta get out of here, the cowgirl scolded him.
Whats the rush?
I thought we were goin back home? To escape retribution by Williams clan? Or had that slipped your mind?
Oh, you mean that?? Pshaw! Youre kidding me?!
Xeney nodded, getting out of the bed and grabbing Bucks bag, then throwing it at his blabbering head. It knocked him off the chair and onto his ass.
That was. He rubbed his ass.
What?
She grabbed her stuff, threw her coat on and literally ran out the door. Women mesmerized Buck; this one positively drove him batty. He shook his head to rid it of failure.
I was just gonna say, that was uncalled for
But Xeney obviously didnt care.
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No, no, no, you gotta be kidding!
The towns livery stable owner had just dashed Xeneys hopes.
Buck was following, but slowly, like he was crawling on all fours, because Xeney was mad at him, or so he thought.
Whats going on? He questioned.
I was just telling this young lady that the horses you rode in on are gone missin, The dirty rancher drawled.
Gone missing? Bucks mouth hung open.
Yea, as in, NOT HERE!!
Xeney was having fun teasing the tall gunmen, but he was getting on her nerves.
Come on, she pulled him along, so they could find another way out of town.
We could catch a stageIm sure ones going to Four Corners, he suggested, as they walked down the middle of the dusty road.
Hmmm, thatll take too long, we gotta leave now.
Do you have to keep emphasizing Now? I mean I realize that.
Xeney socked Buck in the shoulder, causing him to spin completely around, dazed.
I told you, ya gotta listen to me, or else youll be in as much trouble as I would be if I got caught.
I realize that little one, but Im telling you right now that there aint no way outta this town but on a stage. So if you dont mindIm not getting no blisters on my feet walking home.
Buck found the nearest stage, and it would be leaving during the half-hour.
Ugh, Xeney complained, I want my Xarch! And I am not going to leave him behind.
It wasnt before long, that Xeney left Bucks side without him knowing to search for her loving horse, she wanted to know who would do such a thing.
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The town marshal was nowhere to be seen, after Xeney had searched his jailhouse from the outside of course. She was checking so that she could freely look for Xarch. The last thing she needed was a tail.
Like I was saying beforeyou need 6 kings.to a queen, Buck looked up and saw that Xeney was missing, about an hour later, Oh Sh!! He thought, She decided to run off without me
He also felt panic, because he knew how men liked to take advantage of younger girls. Men like.well.him. Since that was his worry, and the fact that any of Williams clan could be after her, Buck took off, searching every nook and cranny he could think of.
But Xeney was almost on the other side of town by the time he noticed. She was asking every person she saw.
Have you seen a black horse with a white saddle??
And was getting desperate.
Please! Sir! Sir! Have you seen a horse?
Yea, a whole bunch of em, that is what people ride, the man looked at her funny.
I know that. But its MY horse!
Aint all horses the same?
Ugh!
Xeney stormed off angrily.
Hey! Hey! The man, or rancher exclaimed, chasing after another even dirtier rancher.
Whut?
It was the 2 cowhands that broke into Xeneys room earliershe hadnt even recalled what they had looked like.
I seen that girl!
Whut girl? Are ya roostered or sumpin?
No! I swears Im not!! That gurl who owes us a thousand smackers! And shes alone!! Lets git er!
After we tell the boss.
Shell be gone by then! The overly excited cowhand said.
Ok. But the consequences are on your hands Brudder! The older one worried.
They followed her down the alley.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Meanwhile Buck was frantically searching for his lost companion, doing the same as her, just asking passer-bys.
Say, say, have youuh.nuts!
Buck waved off a grumpy old man.
Hello Maam. Have you seen a lovely little lady, about 57, curly brown hair, bout down to here, he pointed to his shoulder.
Get real! She slapped him across the cheek.
He stood there stunned for a minute, then wondered what the hell she meant by that..
After thinking it over, he roamed down a nearby alley. Buck didnt think anything of it.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The two cowhands had reached their target, after chasing her down countless alleyways and ducking into the shadows when she turned around suspiciously.
Out of nowhere, the two cowhands jumped Xeney and had pinned her against a wall; tightly.
What do you want?! Xeney growled.
They laughed, Whut you scared that no ones going to come save ya? Ya owes us a lot of money little girl. I suggest you hand it over, fore its too late.
I..I.donthave it, Xeney rasped innocently.
She knew what to do, this had happened many a time to her. If she played innocent, and dangling from the air. Theyd never see or hear the blade stick them.
Slowly, Xeney began to push up on the lever above her big toe, to make sure she had the right location. Second thoughts were in the very back of her mind. What came first was finding Buck to make sure that he hadnt gotten into any trouble, as weird as that sounded.
Of course they didnt believe her, Hahaha, youse a nervous bundle, I do believe you have it somewheres!!
They started searching her coat pockets, lucky for Xeney, she had it pinned inside her shirt. Where even she didnt want to look.
I suggest you get your hands off of me Xeney threatened.
Or whut??
Or thisll happen!!!!
In a flash, her knife-boot activated, landing straight in the older cowhands stomach, he doubled over, blood oozing from the wound.
One scream came out of his mouth, and that was it, all his energies and stamina drained, he finally slumped down into the dirt; dead.
The other rancher had a look of immense fear on his face, but he couldnt bear to move. As if standing still would protect him from Xeneys wrath. She was angry.
And taking no chances on letting them escape, because somewhere down the road, theyd show up, and stab her in the back.
Before he could run off, Xeney held up her right fist, and said:
Nice robbin ya blind, and I dont cheat!
Smack! Smack!
He was out cold. That would do for the moment, after all this he would be too scared to chase after her. Or so she hoped, but men could be stupid. The time would come someday, when all her evil deeds would come back for her, but the present wielded no such truth to it.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Buck practically was waltzing down the street. Despite all his problems, he was in his usual jolly mood. But he hadnt given up on Xeney.
Down the next alley, Buck heard a strange noise, it wasnt no animal, but maybe a bit of animal magnetism going on.
His eyes lit up, and he strode down the alley.
Hold it Mister, Buck heard the all to familiar click of the hammer behind him, so he turned around slowly.
Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! Hands in the air!!
Now whats this all about? Oh, excuse me, I forgot to say Howdy! What might your name be?
Lucifer.
A just name it seems, do you always hang out in alleys askin for spare change?
Okay clown, up against the wall
Sure thing, as soon as you tell me what this is all about Buck stalled, looking for a quick exit or rescue.
Simple, William
Ah, William, I do recall a man by that name, somewhere along the line.
The man pushed Buck onto his ass, and took out another gun and aimed it 1 inch away from Bucks forehead.
This is going to teach you not to kill innocents
I didnt kill that cheater, Buck grunted, miffed off.
Oh, so now hes a cheata!! Boy you up to your neck in troubleyou best start prayin!!
If he could roll over and wrestle the guns away, hed have a chance..but, it was two guns, plus the man had his knee in Bucks stomach.
As the situation turned desperate, he realized that there was no way out.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
This is not happening, Xeney decided.
.You best start prayin!
She heard the evil cowboy threaten Buck, and Buck had no way out of the situation.
Thats stupid, he should have known better. Then guilt set in when she realized he was only in this jam because he cared about her, and she slapped herself for thinking ill of him.
She snuck as far up as she could, without being seen, and withdrew the two colts strapped to her thighs. Then positioned herself for a perfect aim. Xeney had already killed two men, men that possibly deserved it, yes, but still men; People. No matter what scummy things a person did, they really didnt deserve to die for it.
Somehow, in the last few months, the dream had become too much to bear, and It exploded in a bad way of rage.
You might want to.uhhhh Buck rasped, I mean before you kill me.er, uh, dont you want to know how I did it?
The cowboy friend of Williams kneed Buck harder and growled:
Why? You think Ill letcha off then? As if it makes any kinda difference??!
No, not really, just thought youd be a tad curious.
Buck saw the shadow of a woman behind the nervous cowboy, and he thought hed died and gone to heaven, for surely it was some kind of angel. Hed been grateful to see women in the past, but not half as grateful as this moment. He swore hed never flirt another day in his life if he got out of this jam. Whoa, maybe that was a bit much too soon; well hed for sure take his time.
Just say your prayers busta!
And the gun was pushed harder to Bucks head.
Then Xeney slipped out of the dark, and Williams friend never knew what hit him, it was a surprise attack from behind, making it all the more easier.
How bout you pray, and we laugh
The quick 18-year-old grasped his guns and wrestled them away.
She used her trained eye to aim at his heart.
You aint.gonna shoot me? Is ya?
That all depends..Buck, you alright?
Xeney turned her head around to ask.
Whew! I sure am!
Lets tie up this troublemaker and get the hell out of here then!
Buck finally jumped up, and grabbed a rope that was lying nearby.
Together they did knot after knot, then tied it to his feet, so the cowhand could not escape unless someone found him and released him.
Youre gonna pay! Ya floozy! You and Mr. Big Stuff, well get ya!!.
With that Xeney stuffed a hankerchief into his mouth.
The times were full of hard times, times when people only threatened. And got what they wanted. Her whole life shed been on guard for anything, constantly watching her back, and those anythings usually came true. However, if all things bad came true.what about good things?
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Thats the second time you saved me girl!! Now I really owe ya!
Buck strode alongside her.
Dont mention it.
What in the hell do you mean?! You just saved my life. Actually, thats twice in 2 days, you damn well better admit to it girl!
If I did, what would it matter?
It would matter to me! I like you! I wanted to thank you, you sure got my mind occupied, otherwise I wouldnt have gotten into theses messes.
They were headed in the direction of the livery stable.
Good news! The stable owner ran up to Xeney, We found your horses!
Where were they? Buck rushed forward.
Dont know, one second I was lookin and they like werent here, then they was, strangest thing, He shook his head.
There was no one around? Xeney was looking over Xarch, and he seemed to be fine. Buck was brushing off Beavis who was a little dirty.
Nope, no ones!
Xeney thought about it, then finished saddling her horse and mounted, not waiting for the skinny annoying gunman.
He mounted his horse as well, and tossed some money to the horse watcher.
Thanks Pal, Buck nodded.
Yes Sir!
Buck tapped Beavis into a gallop to catch up to Xeney, Say, where were you while I was about to be sacrificed?
Isnt it enough that I saved you Twice! as you so exuberantly put it, but now you want to know my whereabouts as well? Can someone say nosy?!
I think thats the biggest sentence youve ever said to me woman, wait until I get over the shock
There was a pause.
Okay, Im done now.
Xeney turned and scowled at him in the bright sunlight, For your information I was in a bit of a tight spot myself Bucklin!
Ha!!! He expressed, you so kindly save others and yourself, could Williams clan be that big?
No, it wasnt Williams clan, it was an old debt that I never owed.
Beavis whinnied.
Whoa boyso youre saying?
Two guys held me up in the next alley lookin for this money of theirs that I won, fair and square. They sure got a surprise.
I wouldnt doubt it, That sly smile came across Bucks face, youd make a good Sheriff.
Xeney whipped her head towards him quickly. That was just his idea of wry humor.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
They rode into Four Corners in complete silence, with no more nagging problems on the way.
The town seemed no different than any other shed been to, in most aspects. But it wasnt very big, she was used to the bustle of the bigger towns, so shed get used to quietnessshe hoped. If anything, the saloon looked promising, with many different kinds of people milling about inside the bat wing doors, and outside. There were foreigners, gentlemen, cowhands, thieves, and ranchers. Which was odd, even bigger towns shed been to didnt have all of them. Xeney was a pro at calling thieves, it was something she recalled from her childhood fondly. Impeccable timing was their key. Thats why Bucks comment about Making a good Sheriff had stung her deeply, because she was even better than any lawman would ever be. All the territories just didnt know it yet.
It was going to work out, she could feel it, and she was going to stay here for a long time to come.
Four Corners, huh? Xeney turned to Buck, while she dismounted her horse and tied him up.
Yup, Bucks grin was huge, the place where men sell their souls.and the women reap all the benefits.
I think Ill check this place out for myself, she suggested, Im sure you have things to do.
At least she hoped.
That I do, Buck wandered down to the jailhouse, while Xeney watched on, confused.
No evidence had been given to her yet, so she decided not to bother.
The streets were alive with stages, horses, and arguing cowboys. But a lot less than normal. There were only a few buildings; The Saloon, A pool hall, A hotel, A newspaper office, and a livery stable. No whorehouse, strange, she thought.
Xeney kicked the dirt at her feet along, while walking until the buildings stopped; a General Storewas the last one.
Out of nowhere a guy came up behind her, grabbing her around the waist. Sine she had no time to grab her knife on her back, she pulled out a colt, leveled it, and knocked the guy backwards off his feet, not knowing or caring one bit who he was.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
OUCH! OUCH! OUCH! OW!
Xeney turned around to see a guy about her age on the ground, bleeding from a shot to the leg. That was a horrible shot, she thought, it should have killed him. But she was glad that she hadnt.
Are you just going to stand there??! He shouted at her, Get Buck! Hurry!
Before she could ask him how he knew Buck, or go get him, he came running. And kneeled down by the injured kid.
Oh no kid, Buck worried, What happened?!
Owowow! Ask her! The angry kid pointed to Xeney. Who by this time was just standing there dumbfounded when she noticed the kid was wearing a Sheriffs badge.
I thought I told ya to take that off! Buck yelled, slapping him.
Ow! Come on Buck..are you just going to let me die?! Arrest her!!!
Huh? Who, her? Buck laughed at Xeney, no buddy, sorry, we cant.
He growled, Ahhhhhh, why not? When Chris gets word of this Buck hell string you up!
Xeney kneeled down by him too, Im.Im sorryI thought you were someone else! Dont worry, youll be okay.I think.
Gee thanks for the confidence girlI have shot people myself by accident, so He coughed, Names JD Dunne, whats yours?
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Xeney, she paused before saying her last name, Toureador.
Buck looks up from tending to JDs wound and says, Haha! Thats a funny name!
She glares at him, lapsing him into quietness.
Okay, up we go pard
The gunman picks up the young kid and hoists him over his shoulder, being careful of his leg wound.
Wait for me!! Xeney ran to catch up, following behind, to make amends for her wrong, Where are you taking him?
We know a healer, taint that right JD? Buck turned around.
Yep, asWHOA! WHOA! WHOA! Buck, you put me down right now, or my bad aiming might hit you. Nathans a good doctor, but Im fine, a little rest.some tea
He rattled on and on.
Whats the matter with him? Xeney asked, worried.
Buck stopped for a minute and laid JD on the ground again. Dont know, maybe hes sick
JD saw him waggle his eyebrows and groaned, Ah, youre the sick one Buck. I just dont wanna go to Nathans clinic is all.
None of us ever do, but you know hed never forgive himself if somethin happened to us.
Easy for you to say! You arent facing the dreaded Tea and way too much niceness from all concerned. Can you picture Chris?
Xeney reached down and felt his foreheadHe feels kinda warm. Maybe we should hurry up so it doesnt get infected, then theyll have to cut it off!
JDs eyes got real big and he almost started crying, No! No! Buck!!!!!! He screamed, Tell em I need my leg!! Dont
Thanks a lot sweetheart
Buck hoisted the hysterical kid back over his shoulder and then walked up two flights of stairs, Xeney stayed behind, so she wouldnt cause any more problems then she already had.
When she had been waiting longer than a half-hour, she left; knowing Buck could find her later.
Xeney strolled along the boardwalk, with no set direction or purpose, when she came upon the jail. She had tried like hell to avoid it. It didnt matter if she was 1,000 miles away from the place she had committed a murder or a crime. Sometimes lawmen could just tell that about a person, and taking those chances was ridiculous.
Instead, she walked, thinking about poor JD.
I hope hell be okayhes a nice kidcould be a good friend.
Just like in the past few days, out of nowhere she got a surprise
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
A tall, menacing figure dressed in all black blocked her way. He freaked the hell out of her, then she finally came to, and realized he had stepped out of the jail.
Xeney was on her way around him on the right side, when he moved that way too. She tried one way and the other, and he kept blocking her way.
No way, but the way I came from. She decided.
And turned her back on him, hoping he was just a *nightmare*, but quicker than she could shoot, he was in front of her again, green eyes ablaze, burning into hers.
She sighed, exhausted with this current situation.
Is he going to talk? Xeney wondered to herself, cause Im not! He stopped me
The man looked at her.and looked at herand looked at heruntil Xeney couldnt take it anymore and said:
Excuse me, Sir, but can I get by?
She used a puppy dog look and a sincere smile.
He continued to glare at her, knowing she was the one, who in fact had pick pocketed a resident of town less than 10 minutes before hand.
Chris Larabee didnt do much, but grit his teeth, growl, and walk away.
Xeney shook her head, Geez that guys got an attitude problem.
Chris shook his head too, wondering why he had let her off so easily. He never did that to people. His anger took him into the saloon.
And after much thought, Xeney went through the bat wing doors and entered the saloon as well. She didnt go in to follow the black clad gunslinger, she just really needed a drink..Red eye preferably.
That was fine with Larabee, as he knew she was following him, but he grabbed his usual table in the corner where no one would see him and pulled his hat lower. Then poured some Red-Eye into his glass.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Xeney wandered over to the bar, and finally had no problems getting her drink and just the bottle. She turned to her right, ready to walk over to her own table, when she literally banged smack into a man.
He was dressed in almost the same way as her. Minus the frilly shirt of course. But was wearing all tan leather. She realized that he was probably a buffalo hunter at some time. Xeney was also lost in his long curly hair, also done like hers. It was beautiful.
His blue eyes pierced her hazel ones sharply.
What? Xeney asked, glaring at him.
She got no reaction from the texan, only a little blink.
Damn! Is every man in this town nuts? She asked, turning to walk away from him and to a table.
Vin Tanner shrugged; walking away mystified to sit at Chris table in the corner. Xeney checked him out the entire way.
Maybe this could be an interesting town, she put her feet up on the table with a grin.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Vin sat down on the empty chair next to Chris, who was by this time on his 5th shot glass of Red-Eye whiskey.
The tracker leaned back and smiled warmly at his best friend.
Chris finally turned his eyes upwards, realizing that he was being stared at.
Guess that new wind thats blowin blew her in, huh pard? Vin nodded towards Xeney, giving her a lopsided grin, and pulling his hat off his head. Then he grabbed the glass that Chris had shoved at him the moment he had sat down. Pouring himself some, he looked at ChrisFigure shes gunna stick around?
Not if I can help it, the black clad gunslinger gritted his teeth harshly, glaring towards the con girl.
Why? Howd she get you so riled up?
Chris looked at his friend with a glare that could kill a herd of sheep in one moment; She picked Mr. Smiths pocket ten minutes ago
Vin turned serious, then had to scoff, That purdy little thing? He didnt believe it, is that all?
It was all, up until I recalled her face from a wanted poster Vin, Chris finished, for murder.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
After watching the 2 men talk, Xeney decided it was time to keep exploring.
And she found herself a little ways down the street standing in front of a beautiful church. It looked like someone had put a lot of time and energy into it too.
The wind kind of picked up, so instead of standing around and swallowing dust balls, she climbed the stairs of the church, and creaked open the front door.
Xeney didnt see or hear anything, so she decided it was safe and entered.
She went up to the front, and took her hat off quietly.
Then folded her hands to say a silent prayer, Xeney found this to be the oddest thing, being that she had never once stepped foot inside a church, much less prayed. But she felt like she had to at this moment. She was in a lot of trouble, and she knew it.
One thing she wanted to ask God was: Why?
Why go through all the trouble and strife of this dream if it doesnt make any sense? Because she couldnt solve it and she was wasting her life away, for something
Why, hello there, A voice said from the left of her. Xeney slowly opened her eyes to see a big, tall, man standing there with blue eyes and graying hair. All physical attributes aside, she could tell he was the preacher, or at least a preacher. He smiled at her; Get all the answers ya wanted?
She quietly shrugs, not wanting to discuss why she had come here in the first place.
Sometimes, all the answers we need cant be writtenor even dreamedGod can only show you the window, but you gotta find the door on your own, Josiah Sanchez prophesized.
Im not dreaming any answers at all, just questions.and more questions. I dont think there is a door
Yes there is, but you need to realize that first. What is your dream about? The preacher sat down by her, his face a mask of genuine concern; after all you came in here, so it must be a good one.
Xeney shrugs again, I dont know why I came in here really. She was trying to avoid the question.
Youre troubled, Josiah points out, That much is obvious, nowno ones going to judge, just tell me what brought you here.
If there was a reason to keep it to herself, shed lost it, and since he seemed to be able to read her, the 18 year old had no choice, I have been on a quest to find someone, a man, I keep having this dream. And every night it was the same, that was until I met Buck.
The Preachers eyes widen, but he doesnt want to startle her, Uh-huh, and.?
Then the dream changed..Ior well, someone in the dream got shot. I just look down and theres all this blood, She sighs, looking to the ceiling.
Perhaps you are waiting for someone, and that blood shows your fear of who or what this man is, Josiah points out, and rubs a hand through his hair.
Waiting, always waiting, Im sick of that, if God wants to show me someone, he should just do it and get it over with. She of course didnt voice this out loud, but complained in her head. Maybe coming in there had been a very bad idea. Sometimes she got answers she didnt like, and in her current state that might make her go over the edge.
After she hadnt said anything for a minute, The Preacher brought up another subject, So, tell me about your father.. W-What? Shock and fear took over her as her face turned pale
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