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Follow a gang of anthros on a hunt across the old west for a legendary treasure. |
| [Introduction]
I've been in sort of a western mood, lately, and I was feeling bored so I came up with this story. The year is 1884. Gangs of criminals run rampant across the western United States, leaving a trail of robbery and death in their wake. The Domergrey Gang is no exception. Members of the gang include... Jack Domergrey: The gang's leader, a wolf anthro who despite his reputation as a notorious criminal, is seen as a sort of father figure by the other members of his gang. Many of them he took in as family when they had no one else left to turn to, and he inspires fierce loyalty in them because of it. Bounty: $15,000 Hyena Joe: What else? A hyena man and former slave. Joined the gang after they rescued him from an attempted lynching. Bounty: $3,000 Sam Sanchez: A coyote from Mexico, already wanted in his home country for several robberies when he ran with another gang. Eventually they were captured and most of them hanged. Sam managed to escape to America and join up with Domergrey and his gang. Bounty: $7,000 Penelope Shay: A Siamese cat woman and part of a trio nicknamed "The Sirens", three beautiful ladies that scout out saloons and brothels in nearby towns, posing as prostitutes, then lure their "customers" to a secluded place to rob them. If they resist or try to fight, They'll usually knock them out and steal their valuables before heading back to camp. Although, they have been forced to kill a couple times when their targets got too violent and threatened them. Penelope claims to be a descendant of Egyptian royalty, though whether that's true or not is anyone's guess. Bounty: $2,000 Katherine Galloway: A curvaceous vixen and second member of The Sirens. Met up with Jack a few years ago when he entered a saloon where she worked as a showgirl. Long story short, she fell for him and began a life of crime in his gang not too long after. Jack is rather fond of her as well, and has killed multiple men that tried to threaten or otherwise harm her. Bounty: $750 Molly O'Keefe: A skunk woman, and third member of the Sirens. Her long, luxurious tail often makes luring in targets easy, and when things get dangerous, she carries a bottle of her special perfume, which she uses to knock out anyone attacking her or her friends. Bounty: $1,000 Franklin "Frank" Gates: A raccoon and the youngest and most recent addition to the gang. Barely even 16, his family were farmers that were butchered by a rival gang of the Domergrey's. He survived the massacre and joined Jack and the gang to hunt down his family's murderers. To anybody participating in this story, feel free to add any other gang members you can think of. Our tale begins as Jack, Joe, Sam and Frank prepare to rob a passing train. What they don't realize is that the train is carrying something much more valuable than mere cash. What they're about to find will lead them to the ultimate score, that is, if they survive long enough to reach it. |
| The locomotive plowed it's way along the tracks across the western plains. Aboard it, dozens of unsuspecting passengers ripe for robbing. But the real prize lay in the caboose, inside a safe guarded by federal troops. From atop a hill overlooking the valley, three men and a young teen sat upon their mounts, watching the train make it's course. Dressed in black coats with bandanas over their muzzles, if anyone were to spot them, it was quite obvious what they intended to do. The youngest of the group, a raccoon boy, couldn't help but feel nervous, as this was his first time on a job with his companions. The leader of the group, a wolf, patted him on the shoulder reassuringly. "Easy, son." He said "Just follow my lead, and this will all go off without a hitch. Everybody remember the plan?" Everyone nodded. The hyena and the coyote would handle the passengers, while the wolf and raccoon went for the safe. "Alright, boys, let's ride!" |
| Meanwhile, already in one of the cars, was a cougar. He wore a well-made vest, and a fine hat. Barely glancing at the scenery, he carefully watched the other passengers, while seeming to not pay attention to anything. That was when the rabbit sat in front of him. "Quite the journey," the rabbit said, as they took out one of those notepad things, jotting something down. "If you say so," the cougar said. "You've been a dull conversationalist ever since you got on," the rabbit said. "And you talk like a reporter," the cougar said. "New York Tribune," the rabbit said. "George Lepor." "Arthur Puma," the cougar said. "US Marshal." "Ever face any criminal gangs?" George asked. "A few," said Arthur. "Best tactic is to have more guns than them." "What do you think that the troops on this train are doing?" George asked. "None of my business," said Arthur. "I'm just on my way to pick up a prisoner." "Could you tell me who it is?" George asked. "No." |
| The four gang members rode up alongside the train, jumping from their horses one by one onto one of the platforms between the cars. Drawing their pistols and a large sack, they burst into the first passenger car. "Ladies and gentlemen, this is a robbery!" announced the wolf, none other than the infamous Jack Domergrey. His companions were, of course, members of his gang. "Believe me when I say, none of us want to hurt any of you. So just hand over whatever cash or valuables you may have on you, and we shall be on our way." The coyote and hyena went from seat to seat, as the passengers dropped whatever they had of value into the sack. While that was going on, Jack and Franklin, the raccoon, made their way to the very back of the train. In their haste, they failed to take notice of Arthur, who recognized Jack despite his face being covered. He'd seen his face several times on wanted posters before. Pulling his hat down to obscure his face, Arthur pretended to be asleep as the two criminals passed him and entered the caboose. The instant they did, they found themselves staring down the barrels of several Winchester rifles, all aimed at them by federal agents. "We know who you are." Said the leader of the troops, a tabby cat. "And why you're here. The question is, do you even know what it is that you're trying to steal?" Jack chuckled and nodded "Indeed I do. I have a question for you as well. Do you really want to risk your life like this, guarding something that you don't even know it's true value?" "Your silver tongue won't work on us." Said one of the agents. "Honest men is what we are, and you'll never convince us to stand down. Besides, we've got the both of you outnumbered." Beneath his mask, Jack smiled. "Maybe. But I've got the lot of you outsmarted." In one move, Jack grabbed something from the lining of his sleeve, and threw it on the ground. Like a smoke bomb, the glass object shattered and filled the car with a purple mist. Within a few moments, all the federal agents were comatose on the floor, while Jack and Franklin were protected by their masks. Wasting no time, Jack started cracking the safe, while Franklin stood guard at the door. "What was that stuff anyway?" Frank asked as Jack opened the safe in under a minute. "Some of Molly's special perfume, super concentrated." Replied Jack as he slipped something from inside the safe into his inner coat pocket. "They won't wake up for hours. We got what we came for, let's get back to camp. " |
| It was at that moment a sound caught Jack by surprise - that of glass breaking. Looking through the door window, he could see into the passenger car, and was just in time to watch as Sam was thrown out of a broken window along the side of the car. Of Joe, there was no sign, but the already broken window told Jack plenty, especially as Sam's assailant aimed a revolver at him. Jack had to grin as he recognized the cougar. "Arthur Puma." He gestured at the lawman, as if to say, "Nice to make your acquaintance." Arthur cocked the revolver. "Jack Domergrey, by the power invested in me by the United States Government, you are under arrest for assault and train robbery!" the cougar yelled, in an attempt for his voice to be heard in the other car. Jack chuckled. He didn't need to hear the words to know the speech. "You have to catch me first!" He grabbed Franklin, and the two ran out the other car door. |
| Arthur immediately gave chase, but the instant he stepped out the back door, everything went black as the two felons had been standing by the sides of the exit out of view, and Frank had clocked Arthur on the head with his gun, knocking the Marshall out cold. "Nice job, kid." Jack said, before giving a whistle for their horses. After the train and the robbers were a good distance from each other, they managed to catch up with Sam and Joe, who described their encounter with the Marshall as they all rode back to camp. |
| That evening, Arthur had a bandage around his head as he sat before a federal judge. The two of them were eating supper at a private room at a nice hotel. "Well, I can't fault you for what happened," the judge said. "You did the best you could to apprehend the bandits, and sustained an injury in the process. It's not your fault that they escaped." "Glad to hear it," said Arthur. "By the way, mind telling the General not to go too hard on the Captain and his men. They weren't expecting to get hit by modified Chloroform." "I'll get on that," said the judge. "You ought to take a few days rest before you take your prisoner away from here, unless you want me to ask for another Marshal to come and pick him up." "That might be better if you did ask for another to come and pick him up," Arthur said. "Getting hit on the head's bad enough, don't want folks thinking it was some crooked accountant that did the deed." The judge nodded. "I'll send the telegraph." "By the way, just what was so important that it was necessary to have federal troops protect it?" Arthur asked. |
| Meanwhile, at the Domergrey Gang camp... "Are you shitting me!?" Exclaimed Joe, as Jack revealed exactly what it was that he had stolen from the safe. "We went through all that for a scrap of cloth!?" In has hand, Jack held a withered piece of fabric, but as he quickly pointed out, it wasn't just any piece of fabric. "Calm down, Joe. This is a piece of a map. A very special map at that. It's taken me years to track down the locations of the pieces to it, but once we have all of them, it's going to make us all rich. Beyond imagination." Several of the gang members couldn't help but look skeptical. "Come on, now. Have I ever steered any of you wrong? All I ask is for some faith from all of you. Trust me. Now, everybody get some rest. Tomorrow we're moving further south. No doubt the law will be after us." Back with Arthur and the Judge... "I presume you'd like to bring Jack and his gang in?" Asked the judge. Arthur nodded. "Considering they robbed a train on my watch, and knocked me unconscious, I'd say they leaves me with a score to settle, yes." "Believe me, I understand. I've heard many stories of this particular gang for years. There's a $15,000 bounty on Domergrey's head alone. If you were to bring in the whole crew, you'd be set for life." "I'll do it because it's my duty, not for the money." The judge chuckled. "Very noble of you, Mr. Puma. Regardless, I must implore that you bring along some help on this mission. I know just the one to do it, too. The most ruthless bounty hunter in the west, they say." "Who is he?" "Actually, it's a she." |
| "That brings a few to mind," said Arthur. "Which one?" "Sadie Horn," the judge said. "A pronghorn by any chance?" Arthur asked. "I take it you've met," the judge said. "I'd say we've met," said Arthur. "I arrested her for drunk and disorderly once. Had to tie her arms and legs!" "Sounds like you put an emphasis on the and part of that statement," the judge said. "Something I should know?" "Not really," said Arthur. "Bad enough I had to carry her over my shoulders like a meat deer. What was worse was the fact that she'd caused me a certain amount of pain." "Ah, I see," said the judge. "She kicked you in the testicles." Arthur groaned. "Yes." "I can see why you'd be reluctant to partner with her in that case," the judge said. "Still, her own records speak for themselves. She tends to bring most of those she goes after in alive, although some didn't take too kindly to having been brought in by a female, and it seems that she has to, on occasion, do things like shaving them down to bare skin." "I've heard about that," said Arthur. "Lets hope she doesn't try it to me while I sleep. Where is she at?" "Room 107," the judge said. "Tell her that if she doesn't help you, you got a warrant to take her in." "What for?" Arthur asked. The judge slid a sheet of paper across the table. Arthur picked it up, and looked it over. "Seriously? A priest?" "Apparently he was a little drunk, and a little handsy, and this wasn't the first time he decided to get rough with a woman," the judge said. "If he wasn't a priest, I'd drop it, but aside from that, he came from an important family, and they have money, lots of it. They want the killer of their kin captured or killed, and they don't care which. Get Sadie to help you, and maybe we can help her." "I see," said Arthur. "I'll talk to her." |
| After finishing his meal, Arthur made his way to room 107. I wonder if she remembers me?, He thought to himself. He knocked on the door, and almost immediately, was greeted by the sight of the business end of a sawn off shotgun pointed at his face point blank. "What do you want?" Sadie growled. Looks like she does remember, Arthur thought before saying "Hello, Sadie. Long time no see. Seeing as you have a gun pressed against my forehead, I'm guessing you knew I was coming to see you, or were expecting some other trouble?" Sadie grunted, and lowered her weapon. "Can never be to careful in my line of work." She said as she holstered her gun. "For all I know, some gang leader might have gotten wind I was in town, and sent some of his thugs after me. Don't think I've forgotten you, Marshall. Last time I saw you, you had be tied like a hog over your shoulder." Arthur gave a slight twinge as he remembered their previous encounter as well. He still wasn't sure if he'd ever be able to have children after that incident. "I'm actually here because I have a proposition for you." Sadie chuckled. "I thought you worked alone?" "I do, normally. But this time, I'm going after a whole gang of criminals, the Domergrey Gang, in fact. Heard of them?" Sadie nodded. "Well, help me bring them in, and a judge friend of mine will see about helping you with that priest incident." Sadie's eyes widened in surprise. "How do you know about that?" Arthur smirked "I have my sources. I'll even let you keep the bounty money for each gang member we bring in. Deal?" Sadie figured she wasn't going to get a much better offer than that, so she and Arthur shook hands on it and began to plan how they would bring down one of the most notorious gangs in the west. "Any idea where to start?" Sadie asked. It was only then, that Arthur realized he had no leads on where the gang's hideout was. Looks like this will be harder than I anticipated, he thought. |
| One good thing about the town was the fact that it had the nearest general store for 50 miles, meaning that, sooner or later, everyone bought something there. In this case, a cat, a skunk, and a vixen fitting the descriptions of the trio known as "The Sirens" had stopped by with a wagon, and had purchased a decent amount of goods, enough for about half a dozen people of mixed diets to last a little over a month. "Not much to go on, but useful," said Arthur. "They don't plan on coming back to town for a while," said Sadie. "Neither should we in that case," said Arthur. "We're going to need a wagon." "Can you handle the supplies?" Sadie asked. "If you can do that, I can get us a wagon." "Mind telling me how?" Arthur asked. "Blacksmith owes me a favor, and that's all I'll say," said Sadie. "I won't ask," said Arthur. "Got any special dietary things I should get besides the usual herbivore stuff." "See if they have forbs," said Sadie. "Nothing like some good flowers to brighten a meal up." Arthur chuckled. "Sure thing, but I hope you know that I like pronghorn meat." "Well, just so long as its from the wild pronghorn, and not People pronghorn," said Sadie. "I'll keep that in mind," said Arthur. Some hours later, the two had stopped for the night. Arthur was eating his dried meat, and Sadie was eating her flowers. Arthur looked at the pronghorn. "Tell me about the priest. Why him?" Sadie looked at the cougar. "Why do you want to know?" "Judge said that normally he'd ignore the situation, if not for the priest's family's money and influence," said Arthur. The pronghorn sighed. "I wasn't always a bounty hunter. You ever work in a saloon?" The cougar shook his head. "I've worked other jobs but never in a saloon." "Females don't always work in one standing up," said Sadie. "Sometimes those poorer trail hands and prospectors could be very gentle, as if they didn't want to scare the first female they've seen in weeks besides meat animals. Then there's certain wealthy clients, who were anything but gentle. The priest was of this last bunch." "What did he do?" Arthur asked. "There was a young rabbit, who liked to talk to her clients," said Sadie. "He thought that she talked too much. He was mean when he was sober, denouncing sin in all its forms, but when he got to drinking, he became a monster. He took a knife and slit her ears, on up to the tips. Then there were a few others he'd cut up, and ruin for that sort of work." "What about you?" Arthur asked. "He thought that I was too beautiful, and thought that he could skin me," said Sadie. "Problem for him was, I was still sober, and I was able to get the knife away from him. After that, well, all I could think about were the other ladies he'd ruined, so I stabbed him in his black heart." "Sounds like self-defense to me," said Arthur. "His family saw otherwise," said Sadie. "Money is a powerful influencer." "Well, I know the judge, and knowing him, he'd save your life," said Arthur. "How would he do that?" Sadie asked. "A good hangbeast knows his knots, and can do just what is needed to bring one to the brink of death," said Arthur. "In short, Sadie Horn hangs for murder, and within the hour, a well-dressed Sally Gira boards a train for New York City, looking nothing like the dead bounty hunter." |
| It's been about five days since the gang robbed the train. At this point, they've set up camp about a mile outside a town by the name of New Hope in southern Texas. The men are sitting around a makeshift table playing poker, while the ladies are working on getting a fire going. As Sam looks over his hand, he asks "So, boss, what's so special about this map we're after?" Jack, without looking up from his own hand, replies "Haven't you heard the stories?" "There's a lot of stories out here." Said Sam "You're gonna have to be more specific." Beneath his cards, Jack smiled slightly. "Ever since I heard the legend as a pup, I knew I would be the one to find it, that it was my destiny." "Find what?" Said Joe. " Quimoro." At this everyone but Franklin looked up in surprise. "You can't be serious!" Exclaimed Joe "Si, you must be loco!" Said Sam "Quimoro is just a fairy tale!" Franklin, noticing the commotion, couldn't help but be curious what the fuss was about. "I'm sorry, but just what is Quimoro?" Placing his cards face down on the table, Jack reacher into his pocket and pulled out a gold coin like none of them had seen before. It had strange symbols etched into it, and looked to be very old. Showing the coin to the group, he asked "Have any of you ever heard of the Kanowa tribe?" Sam and Joe nodded, but Franklin shook his head. "They were a tribe of natives, supposedly distantly related to the Aztecs. Legend has it they guarded their greatest treasure for centuries before they were basically wiped out and the treasure lost. That treasure was Quimoro, which in their language meant "The Shining City". It was an underground city carved into the very earth, filled with more gold and jewels than you can imagine. " "So that's where the coin came from?" Asked Frank, and Jack nodded. "My grandfather set out to find Quimoro, and claimed he did. By the time he came back from his expedition, he was half mad from the heat and isolation, and died shortly afterwards. He gave me this coin he brought back as proof on his deathbed, and from that day forward, I swore I would find the city myself. No matter the cost." "But amigo, do you know why your grandfather died so soon after finding the lost city? The curse." Said Sam, and Jack rolled his eyes. "The city exists, of that I am certain. But curses and magic, I couldn't believe less in." "Quimoro is cursed?" Asked Frank, and Sam nodded grimly. "Si. To anyone that discovers the lost city, that day will be their last." Jack picked up his cards with a scoff. "Come on, Sam. Are you really going to let some ancient superstition stand between you and a life you've only dreamed of?" Sam hesitated. "I don't know, boss. Where I come from, we don't meddle in such things." Later on, the gang gathered around the fire, as Jack explained the next step of his plan. "Now then, in the nearby town, three families run the show. The Belles, the Calvins and the Deverauxs. They're all former plantation owners, so Joe, no offense my friend, but you should probably sit this out. Joe did not protest, as he never wanted to set foot on another plantation so long as he lived. "I have intel that says one of these families has another piece of the map to Quimoro, we just don't know which one. So, ladies, I want you to head to the town saloon. I know that men from all three families frequent the place. Do what you do best, cozy up to them, and get whatever info you can. Sam and Frank, you're with me. We'll all meet back at camp after sundown. Everybody got that?" Everyone nodded. "Okay, let's do this." |
| It was about that time that Arthur and Sadie pulled into New Hope, only, instead of looking like a Marshal and a Bounty Hunter, they looked more like a well-to-do traveler, and a high quality mistress. "Got to like this dress," said Sadie. "I certainly look like I'm worth money." "Let them think that," said Arthur, as he adjusted his collar. "If nothing else, wearing this outfit is worth it to sleep in a good bed and not out in the open." |
| Meanwhile, Penelope, Katherine and Molly pulled up in their wagon outside the town saloon. Each of them were dressed in their best outfits and carried folding fans with them, with matching feathers in their hair. Together, the three of them stepped through the swinging double doors of the saloon and quickly surveyed the area. There was a large bar at the far end, a piano being played to the left, and several table on the main floor, most of them occupied by gamblers and a few drunks, as well as some locals and passing travelers. Before they had arrived, the trio had agreed that they would each seduce one man from each of the three families, and try to get them to reveal if they had a piece of the map. Molly would go for Abraham Belle, a German Shepherd and owner of the local bank, Penelope would go for Jonathan Calvin, a black cat and the local undertaker, and Katherine would go for Robert Deveraux, an eagle who's family had turned to growing and selling tobacco after the war, and had grown into a national brand. The Sirens split up as they casually approached their targets, each of them putting on their most sultry voice and seductive smile. Katherine found Robert at the bar, and gracefully sat beside him, immediately getting his attention with her pretty face and lovely figure. "Hello there, handsome." She said, pretending to not notice him staring at first. "Greetings, little lady." He replied, trying to sound as gentlemanly as he could. "What brings a pretty thing like you to New Hope?" Katherine giggled, and quickly made up a story as to why she was there before inviting Mr. Deveraux upstair for a more private talk. Penelope and Molly's conversations went much the same as Katherine's, and one by one they escorted their marks to private rooms on the second floor. While that was going on, Jack, Frank and Sam were preparing Jack's Plan B, incase the ladies couldn't get anything useful from the saloon job. They would disguise themselves as traveling salesmen, and go to each family's household and pretend to make a sales pitch, to distract the residents of the home. While that was going on, Franklin would excuse himself to the privy and use that opportunity to search the home for the map piece, or anywhere it might be hidden. The three men dressed in nice pinstripe suits and tophats, each carrying a large suitcase. "It's no secret all three of these families have plenty of money, and they love to flaunt it." Said Jack "So it shouldn't be hard to get them interested in our merchandise, so to speak." "What if they suspect something is up? Or they try to swindle us instead?" Asked Sam, and Jack chuckled. "Then we'll improvise." |
| At about the time the Sirens started chatting their marks up, Arthur and Sadie were eating their supper. "Well, those three fit the description of the Sirens," said Sadie. "Noticed their marks?" Arthur asked. "Young males from rather wealthy families if nothing else." "Well, those three aren't the only ones who know how to use their beauty to get what they want," said Sadie. The pronghorn wiped her mouth off, and walked over to a table of well-to-do folk. "Excuse me, gentlebeasts, but my husband and I just came into town, and we had some questions we were hoping could be answered." An eagle, who bore more than a passing resemblance to Katherine's mark, looked at her. "What sort of questions?" "My husband comes from a rather well-off family back East, although he doesn't like to say whom he's related to," said Sadie. "As for myself, money has never been an issue. Problem is, what we do have needs to be kept in a safe place, and my husband dislikes having to watch strangers who have greedy eyes, if you understand what I'm saying." "I see," the eagle said. He turned to a German shepherd. "Fredrick, your cousin runs the bank. Perhaps you might want to get him so that business could be done with this lady and her husband can rest a little easier without so much money to worry about." "I'll see what I can do," the German shepherd said. "Hopefully he hasn't knotted that female he went upstairs with." "Not the only one whose cousin is with some female," said a cat. "At least mine went with one of his own kind." Sadie looked at him. "I do hope you're not against mixed-species marriages. My husband dislikes folks who are against mixed-species marriages." She carefully looked at Arthur, who was watching. "There was a bobcat who took an objection to him having married me. Claimed that I was no good. Challenged him to a duel actually. Well, my husband is against killing, but he wasn't going to let my name be slandered. Also, my husband is a very good shot. I can tell you this much, he can shoot the maleness off a bobcat at twenty paces." The cat gulped at this. The eagle chuckled at this. "We'll let him know if we need that sort of targeting skills." Sadie walked back to Arthur. "What was that last bit about?" the cougar asked. "Cat seems to have an issue with mixed-species relationships," said Sadie. "Told him you shot the maleness off of a bobcat that objected to our marriage." Arthur chuckled nervously at this. "There's a ring of truth to that story you told. Cousin of mine married a white-tailed deer. Some lynx insulted his choice of mates. Understandably, a challenge was made, and my cousin accepted. Problem was, Hank hated guns, and never wore one. I tried to take his place, but he told me that he'd never hear the end of it if I did the deed. Well, they both had one bullet in their guns, did the ten paces, turned, and fired. Hank got hit in the shoulder, but as for that lynx - no female will want him for sex." "Yes, I'd heard about it," said Sadie. |
| Upstairs, the Sirens were getting friendly with their targets, starting with some casual conversation, followed by a little flirting. Katherine sat on a bed beside her mark, telling him how she was a former showgirl in another state. That part was at least true, and seemed to pique Mr Deveraux's interest quite a bit. The rest she was pretty much making up as she went, which if it wasn't for her target being basically hypnotized by her beauty, he might have suspected as much. "But anyway, enough about me. Why don't you tell me about yourself?" This snapped Robert back to attention, and he seemed a bit flustered before he began. "Oh, well, you see, my family has been in the tobacco business for nearly twenty years now. We used to grow cotton, but after the war and the Yankees freeing the slaves, we had to find a new crop. I actually inherited my family's plantation rather young. I was only sixteen when my father was killed in battle at Gettysburg. We had some hardships after the war ended, but eventually we tried growing tobacco, and now our crops rival what they grow in Cuba." "Fascinating." Said Katherine, pretending to be interested. "Tell me, does your family collect anything interesting? You know, as a hobby of some sort?" "As a matter of fact, yes. "My father was an avid collector of certain artifacts, and I inherited his collection alongside my family's property. Since then, I've been continuing to add to it." "Anything particular of interest?" "Well, let's see...there's some pottery from Mexico...family heirlooms, such as my great grandfather's musket...oh yes, and a map." "What kind of map?" "Well, it's really only a piece of a map. Quite old, too. My daddy bought it at an auction ages ago. Never did find out what it was for." "Do you still have it?" "Of course. It's in a display case in my family's collection room." "Sounds interesting. I'd love to see your collection sometime. How about I'll show you something of mine, if you show me something of yours?" Katherine said seductively. Robert smiled eagerly. Katherine reached behind her back, undoing the strings of her dress, letting it drop away to reveal a tight corset underneath and black lace stockings that stopped halfway up her thighs. But before things could go any further, there was a knocking at the door. "Occupied!" They both called out, but the knocking only continued, quickly becoming a pounding instead. Getting annoyed at the interruption, Robert stood and answered the door, only to be suddenly grabbed and shoved aside as Arthur pulled him out of the room. "Sorry sir, Federal Marshall. No time to explain." He said quickly as the confused eagle made his way back downstairs. Arthur drew his pistol and pointed it at Katherine. "I know who you are." He said "I'd really rather not shoot a lady, so just come quietly." He felt a tap on his shoulder, and turned his head to see who it was, only to be greeted by a blast of purple mist to his face. Molly and Penelope, having gained nothing useful from their marks, bid them farewell and were turning the corner to find Arthur threatening their comrade. Fortunately, Molly always kept her special perfume on hand for such emergencies, and snuck up behind the marshall and sprayed it directly in his face. Arthur's eyes watered and his nostrils burned as he had inhaled the noxious concoction, and his vision began to go black. "God damn it." He thought before falling unconscious for the second time in less than a week. Slipping her dress back on, Katherine and her companions made their way out of the saloon, to the wagon they had parked in a back alley. But as they prepared to leave, they heard the sound of a gun cockng. They looked up to see Sadie standing in front of the alley, a repeating rifle in her hands. After Sadie had seen the trio leave the saloon with Arthur nowhere in sight, she knew something was wrong and followed them. "You ladies going somewhere?" Sadie said with a smirk. Rather than question who Sadie was, the Sirens all pulled small pistols from hidden holsters on their bodies and aimed at Sadie. "Whoever you are, just get out of our way." Said Molly. "No can do, missy. You ladies and your friends are my ticket to a free and better life. I'm warning you now, you may have me outnumbered, but I bet I can fire this here rifle faster than you lot can your pistols. Y'all are wanted dead or alive, so it doesn't really matter if I shoot you or not. Surrender, and nobody has to get hurt." |
| "What in tarnation is going on here?" yelled a voice. Sadie looked carefully past the Sirens, and saw several lizards with badges, and revolvers, covering all four of them. "You the Sheriff?" "I am," the one said. "Put those guns down, now, all of you!" Sadie looked back at the trio. "Looks like a standoff. Either of us shoot, they shoot." It was then that Arthur came out of the saloon, coughing. "Federal Marshal Arthur Puma!" he yelled. He pointed at the Sirens. "Those three are under arrest for murder!" "And the other one?" the Sheriff asked. "She's with me!" shouted Arthur. "Special Deputy Marshal Sadie Horn! I'm sure you've heard of her!" The lizards shared a brief glance at each other, before adjusting the aim of their guns, pointing them all at the Sirens. "Much better," said Sadie. |
| With their only options being to surrender or die in a hail of bullets, the Sirens dropped their pistols and raised their hands above their heads. A few hours later, Jack and his accomplices were returning from their salesman charade back to camp. Frank had found the next map piece locked inside a display case in the Deveraux manor, and they were planning their next step to retrieving it. On the way back, as they passed through the town, they overheard the locals talking about how the infamous Sirens had been captured right there in New Hope, and there was sure to be a public hanging within the next few days. After meeting up with Joe back at camp, they immediately began to plan their next phase. "Joe, Sam, you two will sneak into the Deveraux manor and grab the map while Frank and I rescue the ladies." Jack ordered, and they mounted their horses at once splitting into two groups. Frank noticed he and Jack were heading the wrong way. "Aren't we heading into town?" "Not yet. First we go to the nearby coal mine. We're going to need dynamite, lots of dynamite." |
| "So, what do you think will happen next?" Sadie asked. "What would you do if you found out that your buddies have been captured?" Arthur asked, as he sat in a chair. "Guess it would depend on what kind of buddies they were to me," said Sadie. "If they were a could friend of mine, I wouldn't want to leave them behind." |
| Unknown to either of the gang's pursuers, the remaining members were planning to rescue the Sirens at that very moment. After stealing some dynamite from the local coal mine, Jack and Franklin rigged the explosives to the center of a bridge that lead out of town, which stretched across a river. The plan was that Franklin would start a fire to the town livery after dark, to distract the locals and lawmen, while Jack would bust the Sirens out of jail, pick up Frank in a stolen carriage, and race across the bridge to make their escape, detonating the TNT after the halfway point to destroy the bridge and prevent anyone from following them. Jack stood pressed against the corner of the New Hope Jail, , waiting for the signal from Franklin. He didn't have to wait long, because shortly after there were cries of "Fire!" echoing throughout the town, and everyone came rushing out to assist however they could. From around the corner, Jack saw Arthur come out of he jailhouse, along with a pronghorn he didn't recognize. The two of them ran to see where the fire was, and Jack slipped inside. "Jack!" Said Katherine as she saw him enter. "I knew you wouldn't leave us." "Of course I wouldn't." Said Jack, grabbing the cell keys from a hook in the wall "Wouldn't be a very good leader if I left my family to rot." Unlocking the cell, Jack and the Sirens exited the jail, just in time for Frank to pull up with the carriage. With Frank holding the reins and Jack riding shotgun, the ladies quickly piled into the carriage and they began to make their getaway towards the bridge. |
| Soon enough, Sadie and Arthur got to the site of the fire. "What do you think the odds that there'd be a fire the same time we capture elements of a notorious gang to be?" Sadie asked. Arthur groaned, and turned to the Sheriff. "Tell me that you left a couple of deputies to guard the jail." The lizard's eyes widened. "Oh no!" "What's the fastest alternative route out of town?" Arthur asked. "Why do you want to know that?" the Sheriff asked. It was at that moment an explosion was heard. "That sounded like dynamite to me," said Sadie. "Probably the north bridge," said Arthur. "Alternative route?" "Pick a compass point, and there's a route that way," the Sheriff said. "Find out which way they are going, and there's the Northeast and Northwest routes, or any of the other routes." |
| Meanwhile, Joe and Sam lay in the bushes outside the Deveraux manor, observing the patrolling guards, waiting for an opportunity to slip by. "I really wish Jack didn't send me on this job with you." Joe whispered. "Nothing personal, I just really hoped I'd never have to set foot on another plantation again. Brings back a lot of bad memories." "I understand, mi amigo." Sam replied. "But we shouldn't be here too long. We get in, get the map and leave. Simple as that." "Easier said than done." Joe remarked "There's a lot of guards waking around, it's almost like they were expecting us." Just then, a maid that had been dusting the display room opened a window to Iet in some fresh air. "Now's our chance." Slinking from bushes and trees, the duo made their way to the manor house, slipping inside through the window. Just as Franklin said, the map piece was locked inside a display case amidst other items. Shattering the glass would risk alerting the guards, so Sam tried to pick the lock while Joe stood watch. "Sure is a lot of valuable stuff in here." Said Joe. "Do you think we should..." "No." Sam interrupted "Too risky. Just stay focused, I've almost got it open." |
| "Something about this still doesn't sit right," said Sadie. "I mean, what were they doing in town anyways?" "We'll ask them when we capture them," said Arthur. |
| Back at camp, Jack, Frank and the Sirens were waiting for Sam and Joe to arrive with the second piece of the map. As Jack sat in front of the fire, Katherine came up and kissed him on the cheek. "What was that for?" Jack asked, feining ignorance "For rescuing us, of course." She said with a flirty smile "What do you say we go over to my tent and and I'll really show you how greatful I am?" "I just might take you up on that. But answer one question first, how did you three get busted in the first place?" "We were working our marks like usual, then some marshal interrupted us. Molly knocked him out, and we were about to escape when we got held up by some deputy and the local sheriff." "Was this marshal a cougar, by any chance?" "Actually, yes. How did..." "We had a run in with him on the train. Looks like we've got someone on our tail." "Where are we going next, anyway?" "We'll be heading east in the morning, to New Orleans. That's where the next map piece will be. Now, you said about showing me your gratitude?" With a devious smile, Katherine lead Jack to her tent. "Oh, I'll be showing you more than that, honey." |
| Arthur and Sadie were busy checking the tracks. "Lets see," said Arthur. "Wagon came this way, and they joined with two riders. Guess that means all seven are together again." "What do you think the other two were doing?" Sadie asked. "Probably robbing their target," said Arthur. "Don't matter much really." "Which way do you think they'll head now?" Sadie asked. "The one's wanted in Mexico, so I doubt they'll head that way," said Arthur. "The rest are a little too Wanted west of here. There isn't much north, so I figure east." "We could use some extra help," said Sadie. "Yes," said Arthur. "First town we come across, we'll send out a wire. There's a few people who owe me." "Might as well settle down for the night," said Sadie. "I don't fancy breaking a wheel." "Right." A while later, Arthur had pulled a canvas over the wagon, sheltering the pair as they got ready to sleep in the back of it. "Tell me," said Arthur. "Back in that saloon you used to work at, ever take on a cougar for a client?" "Some," said Sadie. "Why do you want to know?" "You seemed rather open to mix-species marriage," said Arthur. "Also, I'd be a liar if I stated that I'd never had sex with someone outside of my species." "Money is money," said Sadie. "Lonely livestock herder or prospector isn't going to be too picky about what the female is, unless there's a serious size issue." She then looked at him. "Who is this female?" "She was a white-tailed deer," said Arthur. "I'd been on the trail of a killer for over a month when I'd come into town. That was when the trail vanished. I couldn't find him. Well, I thought that if I could clear my head, maybe I'd pick up the trail in the morning. This doe, who ran the place, offered to service me herself. Turned out, she wanted me dead, as she was the killer I was after. Found that one out the hard way, after she'd tied my wrists to the bedframe for some extra pleasure, only to place a blade to the side of my face. She made a big mistake when she decided to brag by coming right up in my face. There was just enough distance between me and her for me to quickly move my head and grab her throat with my teeth. I've never bit anything as hard as I did her that day. Between blood loss and her being unable to breath, she passed out, and dropped the knife. I took a chance, let her go, grabbed the knife with my teeth, and managed to cut my hand free, before freeing my other hand. As for her, she didn't die from the bite, but by then, I'd not only bandaged her, I'd restrained her, and was on my way to see the judge, with her in the back of a wagon I'd commandeered. She was hung for her crimes." |
| "Damn!" Said Sadie "Makes me glad you only arrested me after that kick below the belt I gave you." Arthur chuckled "Well, you were only wanted for disorderly conduct, she was a murderer. Pretty big gap between the two of you. We'd better get some rest, now. Something tells me we'll need it to find where this gang is headed." By dawn the next day, the Domergrey gang had already crossed the border into Louisiana. As per usual they set up camp close enough to the nearest settlement, but far away enough that random passerbys wouldn't discover them. "So, what's the plan, boss?" Franklin asked as the gang was eating breakfast. "Well, I have good news and bad news ." Said Jack. "Good news is I know exactly where to find them next piece of the map." "And the bad?" "It's in the hands of the Locusts." The Louisiana Locusts were a notorious gang of criminals known throughout the state.. They were also a much larger and more bloodthirsty gang than Jack's. While Jack and his accomplices had something of a code of honor, more or less, the Locusts were known to kill anyone, man, woman or child, just for the fun of it. Since the end of the civil war they had terrorized the state, a good many of them being former Confederate soldiers and sympathizers. Upon hearing this, rather than hesitating as Jack expected, Franklin suddenly became angry. It was the locusts that are responsible for the death of his family and why he joined Jack's gang in the first place. "So what's the plan? We hunt those bastards down and fill them with lead?" This shocked the entire gang, as Franklin was usually the most calm member of the group, and sort of timid. Yet here he was excited at the prospect of murdering countless targets in cold blood. Even if they deserved it, it was still not like him. When questioned on it, Franklin responded "You'd be the same if you saw your father gutted like a fish, your mother raped before having her throat slit and your home burned to the ground." Jack placed his hand on Frank's shoulder to try and calm him down. "Easy, son. I promise we'll get the ones who wronged you. But for now, we need to focus on the big picture. Here's the plan..." |
| Some hours later, Arthur and Sadie were in Louisiana. "Can't say that I'm a fan of this state," said Sadie. "I hope we don't have to deal with any swamps." "There's swamps in Texas," said Arthur. "Always preferred prairie landscapes," said Sadie. "More life to them." |
| In the Louisiana bayous, there lay a relatively small settlement that had been abandoned for years after an outbreak. After the Locusts were formed, they moved in and rebuilt the town, using it as their headquarters, dubbing it Locust's Landing. The settlement was surrounded by a high wooden fence, with lookout towers every few dozen yards and only one way in or out. The lookout by the entrance saw two figures approaching, and raised his rifle calling out "Whoever you are, state your business or prepare to be dropped!" The figures were Jack, who had his hand tied behind him, and Franklin, leading him from behind at gunpoint. ""I have a delivery for your boss!" Frank called back, "I believe she and this wolf are well aquainted." It just so happened that the Locusts were lead by a woman, one Belladonna Jackson, better known as Wild Bell. A former plantation mistress who had been one of the Domergrey gang's early targets when it was just beginning. Jack, who had cozied up to Bell as part of a scheme, lead her to believe he wanted to elope with her. Long story short, it ended with Bell's home literally going up in flames as Jack and his accomplices rode off with her family's prized horses. So, needless to say, she really had it out for Jack. After her home burned to the ground, she turned to a life of crime, joining the locusts and eventually becoming their leader. The lookout signaled to open the gate, and Frank and his hostage were allowed inside. Of course, this was all a trick to get close to the Locust's leader, as per Jack's plan. A Trojan Horse, so to speak. Meanwhile, the rest of the gang were watching from a distance, rifles at the ready incase something went wrong. |
| Arthur and Sadie found themselves in the nearby town. "I am not a fan of this place," said Sadie. "I prefer drier areas." "I don't blame you there," said Arthur. "Sheriff over there is an alligator. Not much fun when one's in a bad mood. Hard to take alive." "Sledgehammer to the back of the head did the trick for one I was after once," said Sadie. "Of course, he wasn't up for conversation after he woke up in jail, not that I blame him." That was when the alligator sheriff approached. "Mind if I ask what you're doing in these parts?" he asked. "You don't look like typical travelers." Arthur showed his badge. "Federal Marshal Arthur Puma." He then indicated Sadie. "This is Special Deputy Marshal Sadie Horn. We're looking for the Domergrey gang. Perhaps you've heard of them. They've been going on a robbing spree lately, and their trail has lead us to this area." "A female Marshal?" said a deputy, yet another alligator. "What's so special about her? Female lawfolk is foolish. Like the story about a whore becoming a bounty hunter." At this, Sadie jumped from the wagon, tackling the deputy, holding a knife to their throat. The Sheriff was about to go for their gun when Arthur called out. "Hold it a moment," he said. "Youngster wanted to know what was so special about her, so I think its fitting you know what you're about to tangle with. Sadie, do you want to explain, or should I?" "I'm the whore who became a Bounty Hunter," said Sadie. "And if I ever hear of you abusing any whores, I'll skin you alive." "You'd best believe her, youngster," said Arthur. "She don't mess around." He then looked back at the Sheriff. "So, the Domergrey Gang? Any word on them?" "Can't say that there is," said the Sheriff. "Got my own issues with Locust members causing trouble. Mind letting my deputy up? He's an idiot, but he's my wife's nephew." "Understood," said Arthur. "Sadie, let the fool up." Sadie got off the young alligator. "Remember what I said." She climbed back onto the wagon. |
| Meanwhile, Belladonna Jackson sat in her makeshift "office", for lack of a better word, her feet propped up on a desk as she leaned back in a chair. If one were to have known her several years ago, they would never be able to tell that this rough and tumble bandit queen was once a dainty and respectable high class lady. She was a black catwoman, dressed in ragged clothes and a straw hat, a scar running from her right eye across her cheek, filing her claws with a large knife. One of her flunkies entered, announcing she had guests. Confused, she said to let them in. Her eyes immediately widened in surprise and fury when the wolf whom she blamed for her current predicament was marched into her office, hands tied behind his back and a young raccoon holding him at gunpoint. "Hello, Bell. Long time no-" Jack started to say, before being cut off by a swift punch tongue stomach from Belladonna, forcing him to his knees, grasping in pain. "You two timing son of a bitch!" Said Bell as she took her knife and held it under Jack's throat. "I ought to slit you wide open and hang you with your own guts after what you pulled!" Jack said nothing. As he gazed into her eyes, all he could see was burning, bitter hatred. Bell looked to Franklin and said "I don't know how you know about me and this snake in wolf's clothing, but frankly, I don't care. For over a decade I've been waiting for this moment, so if there's anything you want as as a reward, name it." "Actually, I hear you have something I am very keen to aquire." Said Frank "A piece of a map, rather old and written on cloth. Sound familiar?" Bell gave a look of surprise "Come to think of it, I do remember this map. Don't know why you want it, but that's none of my business. It's a small price to pay for this two faced bastard being delivered to my doorstep." Bell ordered two of her men to lock Jack up in the town jail for her to deal with later, while she lead Franklin to receive his "reward". The easy part of Jack's plan was done. Now it was time for phase two. |
| Meanwhile, Arthur was at the Sheriff's Office with Sadie. "Locust Gang, I've heard a little bit about them," he said. "Been causing trouble since the end of the war." The alligator nodded. "Most folks try to let bygones be bygones. Not these folks." He poured a shot of whiskey. "If they think that you're a Federal, or work for them, you end up on their Death List. I've had to deal with a few bullets myself from them. Thankfully, I got tough skin." |
| "Anywhere nearby these Locusts like to hang out?" Arthur asked. The sheriff nodded again "Locust's Landing. Used to go by another name, till the town was abandoned due to cholera. Then the Locusts moved in and made it their base. One of them in particular, their leader, Wild Bell is a real nasty piece of work." "Wild Bell?" Said Sadie "I've heard of her. Used to be a rich plantation owner's daughter, till her family home was destroyed and they ended up destitute. Turned to a life of crime to survive." "That's right." Said the Sheriff "Around these parts, she's a unholy terror of the bayou. Once killed a man that was either very brave or very stupid, for trying to bring her in all on his own. Left him skinned and hanging outside Locust's Landing as a warning to anyone that got the same idea." "Do you think the Domergray gang might be at their base? Maybe looking to join forces?" Asked Arthur, and the Sheriff shrugged. "It's possible. But if I were you, I'd steer clear of that town like the plague. Anybody who goes there that isn't part of their gang never come back alive, and that's if they come back at all." |
| "How many members?" Arthur asked. "At least forty at any rate," said the Sheriff. "Do you have a Gatling gun and ammunition for it?" Arthur asked. "No, but I could get my hands on them," the Sheriff said. "What do you have in mind?" "Overwhelming firepower," said Arthur. |
| "I thought Federal Marshalls are supposed to do things the lawful way." Said Sadie "Now you're suggesting we massacre this gang?" "Considering that said gang has been terrorizing this state for nearly twenty years, and directly confronting them typically ends in a bloody death, I think the judge would agree with me on this matter." Said Arthur "Besides, we may just also take out the Domergreys in the process, and you can get on with your new life afterwards. Two birds with one stone." When he put it that way, Sadie really couldn't argue. |
| Franklin followed Bell through the streets of Locust's Landing, to what had once been the town bank. Inside, two gang members stood guarding the vault. They stepped aside as they saw their leader approaching, one of them opening it for her. "Wait here." She said to Frank, and stepped inside the vault, which was practically filled to the brim with all sorts of stolen valuables, from cash to jewels. Bell exited the vault, map piece in hand. She handed it to Frank, saying "Consider yourself lucky, kid. You're the only one to ever set foot in my town that wasn't part of my gang and live." She ordered another one of the Locusts to escort Frank to the gate, and another to prepare Jack for some "private time" with her. |
| Soon enough, Arthur, Sadie, the Sheriff, and a few deputies were on their way, with the Gatling Guns. "Think this will work?" Sadie asked. "If nothing else, it will rid folks of a Locust infestation," snorted Arthur. "Have you run into them before?" Sadie asked. "No, but I know the type," said Arthur. "Some folks don't like the way a war ended, so they try to start it up again. Dealt with a similar group once. They burned a lot of folks' homes, and killed many more. Took two dozen Marshals to stop them, myself included. Ten of them were killed during the attack on the gang. Some were good friends of mine." |
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