Alliances: Part One by solargriffin |  |
This is a sequel to my series Rebirth.
I would suggest reading that story before attempting this one. Also, I would
like to thank my friends at Cougar Canyon for allowing me to use their Neopets
in this story. Sorry it took so long...
"SO, WHAT YA gunna do now, Lone Star?" I am Lone Star, a cowboy Lupe trying
desperately to leave behind the life I once knew and loved. I scour the desert,
rooting out and apprehending any outlaws that crossed my path.
"Let him go! He has no part in this." I was currently
enjoying my stay at the small western town of Bristle Burrow, a peaceful, quite
little place renown for its lack of excitement. Usually…
"If you want him so badly, come and take him,
you Chia-loving coward!" I let out a soft growl. I cared little for the Lupe-Chia
controversy. All I saw was a criminal and an innocent hostage; species was of
no concern. I stood facing a black Lupe, a member of a pack of outlaws who had
recently taken up residence just outside Bristle Burrow. They delighted in pestering
the town's inhabitants, purloining their homes and wrecking their shops. This
particular Lupe had been terrorising a saloon owner, until I drove him into
the street. Feeling cornered, he grabbed a terrified Chia, and was now holding
him hostage. Though he taunted me, I knew better than to approach. If I dared,
the Chia's future would not be very bright. "Not so brave now, are ya?" the
bandit sneered. The citizens, too afraid to watch from the street, peeked out
from between their shutters and leaned over their balconies, anxious to see
my reaction. I simply cast my eyes downward. "Yea, I thought as much," he gloated.
Quickly, I lifted my eyes, glowing with an eerie light. "What the-?" stammered
the black Lupe. The pebbles around my starry paws shook slightly, before launching
into the air and bombarding the outlaw. The Lupe cried out and tossed his captive
aside, flailing his arms wildly as he tried to fend of the attack of tiny missiles.
He stumbled backwards and slipped, falling to the ground stunned. I approached
menacingly and gave a dry laugh.
"Just a little trick I learned from a faerie.
Useful, huh?" The Lupe glared up at me but said nothing. Suddenly, he whistled
a high note, and from between the side streets a jet-black horse cantered into
the lane. It sharply cut me off from the outlaw, who quickly leapt onto its
back.
"You'll pay for this, Lone Star," he growled,
before spurring his steed and taking off. I was determined to follow and put
the Lupe safely behind bars, but I didn't make it two steps. The citizens of
the town had swarmed into the streets, cheering and applauding…and blocking
my way. I tried to push through the mob, but it was hopeless. Standing on my
toes to look over the crowd, I saw no sign of the outlaw. He had gotten away.
I sighed and turned around where a Shoyru and a Blumaroo were helping the Chia
to his feet. When he looked up and saw me watching him, he became flustered.
"Th-thank you M-Mr. Lone Star," he stammered.
I merely snorted a response and turned to leave when I bumped into someone in
front of me. It was a red Scorchio dressed in a fancy green vest with gold trim,
the mayor. He didn't seem to notice that I nearly ran him over, for he was positively
beaming. He snatched my starred paw in his claws and shook it vigorously. My
whole body wobbled and my hat slipped over my eyes.
"Well, done Lone Sta! Well done! Three outlaws
in one week. Whateva would we have done without ya, boy? This calls fer a celebration!
And this time," he added, "I mean fer ya ta show up!" I winced. The inhabitants
of the town were very enthusiastic, and threw huge parties whenever I had small
victories over the bandits. I had taken great care to be mysteriously absent
for all of them. "What's the matter, son, don't ya like parties?"
"Not really…" I replied sadly, remembering the
last celebration I had been present for.
"Poppycock! Everyone like parties!" The mayor
said joyfully. I tried in vain to free my paw from his grasp as he steered me
through the crowd of roaring spectators. "Now, this will take some planning.
What would be a good time? Midnight? Yes, midnight is perfect!" The little Scorchio
continued to ramble as he led me into the local tavern. However, his speech
was cut short as soon as we pushed through the swinging doors. The screeching
chairs mixed with the cheers of the people inside as they leapt from their seats
and crowded around me like I was some type of celebrity. We made slow progress
through the room, having to stop and shake paws, claws, and hooves with everyone,
not to mention the select few that I had to greet twice. We had almost made
it to the stairs when a young Lupess held out an ivory starred paw.
"Hello, Lone Star," she said softly.
"Err-" I stammered, feeling rather uncomfortable,
but I was saved from further conversation when the mayor cut between us.
"Now everyone, will ya please let us pass? You'll
be able ta see Mr. Lone Sta at the party!" The crowd let out another cry and
my ears drooped. The mayor chuckled and escorted me up the stairs. "Now," he
continued, "Ya will have to rest in order ta be refreshed fer ya grand entrance."
He stopped in front of a closed room and opened the door, revealing a pleasant
little guestroom with a table, bed, and a window.
"I don't think-" I began to protest, but the
Scorchio pushed me into the room and shut the door with a click. "Hey!" I yelled,
as I went over and twisted the knob. Locked! "Let me outta here!" I called while
bagging on the door. I heard the Scorchio chuckle merrily on the other side.
"Now don't take this the wrong way, son, but
like I said, I intend fer ya TA show up at this party! We can't have ya sneakin'
off now! I'll make sure someone comes fer ya at midnight," he replied. Then
the mayor began to hum cheerfully and the sound his footsteps fell faint.
"These people sure know how to kill you with
kindness," I growled under my breath. With that, I backed away from the door,
took a deep breath, ran at it at full speed, and… BONK! "Owww!" I groaned,
rubbing my shoulder. "Not smart…" I glared at the door, but knew there was nothing
I could do. With a sigh, I walked over to the window and pulled back the curtain,
only to be met with another loud cheer and a round of applauds. Quickly drawing
the shades, I trudged over to the bed. There was no hope of escape just yet,
not while the crowd was still so hyped. So, I heeded the mayor's advice and
flung myself onto the bed, taking a much-needed nap.
I awoke some time later. Exactly when, I could
not be sure, but the moonlight was streaming onto the floor and all was dark.
Sitting up with a yawn, I looked around and guessed that it was somewhere around
ten thirty or eleven. I stood up carefully and silently made my way to the window.
Cautiously pulling back the drapes, I stole a glance outside. Empty! I gave
a sigh of relief and looked about. A great ruckus was coming from the room downstairs,
but the streets were barren. "Perfect," I said with a wry smile. As softly as
possible I let out a whistle and strained my ears for a sound. Moments later
I was rewarded when I heard the soft clomping of hooves. My horse galloped out
of the darkness and stopped beneath the window, his eyes turned up to me expectantly,
his liver-chestnut fur and champagne mane glittering with silver tints in the
pale moonlight.
"Ha! When will they learn that locked doors
can't contain the crafty Lone Star?" I said proudly, to no one in particular.
Then I looked down at my steed. "Good boy! At least I can always count on you,"
I praised as I climbed into the window frame. "Now don't move," I warned, and
then confidently leapt from the ledge. As I fell, I saw my horse's eyes widen,
and he took one giant step forward. "Ahhh!" SPLOOSH! I floundered around
and gasped as my head broke the surface of the water. I had landed in the water
tough. Glancing up, I saw my horse watching me. "Why you no good double crosser!
Whose side are you on?!" He simply whinnied mockingly. "Oh, you find this funny?
Well, let's see if you're still laughing when-" but I was never able to finish
my empty threat.
"Who's out thar? What's all that racket?"
"Shnikies…" I mumbled as I heaved myself out
of the trough. Even as I did, I heard the crowd inside the tavern running towards
the door. I quickly swung into the saddle and desperately urged my steed into
a gallop. Relief washed over me as we sped away, and I chanced a glance back,
where, outlined by the light from the saloon, I saw the mayor and a bunch of
spectators standing dumbfounded. I gave a wave and called over my shoulder,
"have a good time without me!" With that, I turned around laughing and rode
off into the night.
To be continued... |
