Dokis, whiskey, and gun powder

	Anon rolled another cigarette as he sat at the bar. He hated this town, but it was home for the time being. No bounties were coming through since the snow was coming in. He was unsure if it was because they didn't want bounty hunters dying in the cold, or if they were just dry for the moment. At least he had his savings, plus the sheriff would pay him for arrests around the town.

Four women broke his thought as they crashed through the door of the saloon.

A girl with light brown hair began speaking,"Thank god we found a town. I hate sleeping out in the wilderness. All the sounds at night keep me up."

"Oh come on, we're tougher than anything out there." Said a small girl with pink short hair.

A tall girl with purple hair looked up from her book, "Or really? What about the bobcat?"

"That's different! He snuck up on me. Besides, I would have had him had Sayori not came and took care of it anyways.

A girl with a bow in her hair began to chuckle, "I know Natsuki, I just had a clean shot is all."

They all began to laugh. Anon began to take inventory. While they seemed like harmless travelers, he still had an obligation since he was on the sherrif's payroll.From what he could see,

Brown hair had a Schofield revolver on her hip.
Purple hair had an...1860 conversion? She seemed a little young to have that.
Pink hair, or Natsuki, had a colt pocket revolver on her hip. Odd, but with her size and all...
And red bow, or Sayori as he gathered, carried a colt Patterson.

He kept quiet, trying to gather information on there business here.

"Yuri, you've always got your nose stuck in a book. C'mon! Get a drink with us." Said the brown haired one.

"You know me Monika, I don't drink whiskey." Said purple hair.

'Okay, so they've all got names. Sayori, Monika, Natsuki, and Yuri. Now what are you doing in this town?' Anon thought, trying to hang onto their every word.

"Yuri, would it kill you to let loose every once in a while?"

Yuri gave Monika a sharp look, "Remember? About eight months ago on our last delivery? It almost did."

"Oh come ON! I said I was sorry."

"As that may be Monika, I still want to have a clear head until we make this delivery."

'Okay, so they're delivering something. what is it?'

Anon took a swig of his beer, "Well, I guess I could go ask them. Heck, they're all pretty cute girls, I'll even buy them a round. Who knows?" He mumbled.

He got up and walked to the table, "Howdy ladies! How are ya this evening?"

Yuri blushed and hid her face.

"Who invited this joker to the table? Monika, did you give him a look?" Natsuki said, giving Monika a look of displeasure.

"Natsuki, don't be rude! I beg pardon mister. She a bit of a hard one."

"No pardon needed. I figured I would welcome you to the town and buy you a round. Sound okay?"

Sayori looked up, "That'd be great, mister...."

"Anon, currently out of work bounty hunter. Kinda stuck in town at the moment until work comes through."

"Maybe go look for some criminals then Mr. Anon. Can't be too hard to find. It's the west after all."

Anon chuckled, "That's the sheriff's job, mines to get the one's he can't, or doesn't want to."

Monika piped up, "We'd love a round and for you to join us."

"Barkeep, take these girls orders and put it on the tab."

Yuri ordered tea, probably from her last time with alcohol.
Natsuki ordered scotch
Monika ordered a shot of whiskey
And Sayori had a'big, foamy, beer.'

"So, I couldn't help but hear you were delivering something. What are y'all hauling? And where? You know there's a hefty snow storm comin' in off the mountains."

"It's....a contract delivery." Said Monika quietly.

"Ah, a job from Uncle Sam. Say no more."

Anon had a small thought. It wasn't...they didn't. He leaned in towards Monika, "Please tell me it's not weapons. If you left a wagon of weapons unattended...."

Monika simply looked down.

"Son of a bitch!: Anon hopped up and ran out the door.

Sure enough there was the wagon. While covered, it still had a shipment of weapons. Not only that, Uncle Sam's weapons. Had they got stolen those girls cold get the noose.

"Monika! Out here, Now!"

Monika timidly peered out the door, "Y-yes Mr. Anon?"

Anon sighed and pushed his fingers into his eyes, "Here's the money for the round of drinks as well as the rest of my tab. When Y'all are done, please come out here. I would like to know where these are going."

"Okay Mr.-"

"Just Anon, ma'am."

"Okay Anon."

***

All the girls met Anon next to the wagon.

"Okay, so what's your plan? Where are these going?"

"W-we have to get them to the depot at the fort over the mountain." Yuri stammerd out.

"What weapons we haulin'?" Non asked, trying to get a fix on the weight of the wagon.

Monika leaned in, "Mainly small arms, but two boxes we were told not to open. We were not told anything other than to be careful."

Anon's eyes widened, "Well, that explains why they didn't send it railway. I'd be surprised it there's any actual small arms in any of those boxes. Have you checked any of them?"

Sayori chimed in, "No, we were told specifically not to open anything."

Anon's suspicion was right, "What is your story for the delivery, then? The one you should've told me."

"We didn't have one. We weren't told one. I guess we have to shoot you now."

Anon couldn't tell if Natsuki was kidding or not.

"Well, let's all head to somewhere private to discuss the details. I'm telling you now it's not exactly safe to get over the mountain this time of year, let alone if anyone else figures out your cargo. I got a place, Sheriff paid me with the house of a convict I bountied. It's not the best, but it'll save ya money on a hotel, plus it's got a bath."

All of their eyes lit up at once.

***

All the girls had bathed and Anon had fixed some venison stew. They were now all getting prepared. Anon had underestimated the girls. They had brought all their personal weapons off the wagon. As it turns out, they were packing some serious heat.

Natsuki had a Mare's leg 1887. That seemed like a lot of gun for someone so small.
Yuri was cleaning her Winchester 1886. It was odd as Anon had one as well.
Monica had leaned her coach gun next to the door.
And Sayori was still figuring out her Hotchkiss rifle.

"So, this is the path set by the Government. They specifically did not wanting us deviating from it."

Anon rubbed the stubble on his chin. He wish he had time to shave before inviting four pretty girls over.

"Of course they did, and set you up with a pretty shit path. So, we have a river to cross. Hopefully it's not frozen over yet. If so, then we will have to deviate. Now, Just north of the river is injun country. Now, while they normally are docile, they have been known to attack people they may think are government. So, it's a chance. Not to mention these same woods are where a lot of the bounties I nabbed came from. There's a lot of game out there for the outlaws to live off of, so there could be bandits out there. Not to mention wildlife; bear, bobcats, mountain lions, you name it it's out there. I see y'all are at least prepared."

"It's not our first rodeo, Anon. We've been through some pretty bad stuff before."

"Yeah, I heard about the bobcat at the bar."

Yuri tried to cover her chuckle.

"Well Anon, we're actually ahead of schedule. We were hoping to maybe stay in town an extra day and relax."

"Well, I suppose it couldn't hurt. After all, I need to let the sheriff know I'm leaving. Plus, we should gather up supplies for the journey."

Monika smiled, "Ya hear that! We'll be staying that extra day. So, if there's anything you can't live without, ya better snag it tomorrow."

She turned to Anon, "Now, how about sleeping arrangements?"

Anon blushed a little, "Well, I got an extra room that has a bed that Sayori and Natsuki should fit in okay. And there's my bed, and then someone can sleep on that couch there."

"Great, Yuri and I will take the bed, and you can take the couch, Anon."

Anon couldn't help but feel a little rejected, "W-well, I could sleep...."

Monika gave him a look with her big, emerald eyes. Anon knew he wasn't winning this one.

"Okay, I'll take the couch. Ya'll head to bed. I'll start in the morning on supplies such. Ya'll make sure you don't forget anything."

"We won't." Monika said, giving Anon a wink. What he'd give to drive her cattle home right now.

Anon kicked his boots off and pulled his hat down over his eyes. At least the fireplace was warm.

***

Anon woke up with a bad kink in his neck.

"Hrng! Well, I'll be feeling that the rest of the day. I guess I better get started."

Anon opened his tobacco tin, he was running low. Add that to the list of necessities for the travel. He rolled himself a cigarette, holstered his single action, and walked out the door. He started with the general store to get his tobacco, food, and a new set of warm gloves for the trip. His current ones probably won't make it through. When he walked in he saw Yuri looking at the meager selection of books.

"I don't think those count as necessities, darling."

She nearly jumped out of her skin, "OH! A-Anon, I'm sorry. I didn't notice you. I'm a-about done with my current book and I need something to keep me occupied during my down time. Not to mention I'm waiting on the gunsmith to fix my Bowie."

"Well, just make sure you get what you need for the trip, hon."

"A-Anon, we'll all be meeting at the saloon at around six. I-If you want to join us, that is."

Anon gave her a sly smile, "I'd like that."

Yuri blushed as Anon began to grab his necessities.

"Who's the pretty young bird, Anon?" The store owner asked.

"Oh, she and her friends are delivering something on the other side of the mountains. I'm gonna travel with them. Mighty dangerous up there this time of year."

"Most definitely Anon. Usual tobacco can?"

Anon gave him the list of stuff he would need. He paid and bid his farewell. Next stop; Gunsmith.

Anon walked into the gunsmith and met Natsuki and Sayori standing there, discussing business. Natsuki was being abrasive with the clerk, "What do you mean you only have 8 shots of 10 gauge? YOU provide the town with their firearm need, and you don't have any more than 8 rounds of 10 gauge? Ridiculous!"

"Natsuki, you should've gotten the 12 gauge like Monika and I told you." Sayori's words fell on deaf ears as she berated the poor man.

"Hey, if you keep yelling at him maybe more will appear Natsuki."

Natsuki turned around and got red in the face, "W-Well, it's stupid that he wouldn't have any 10 gauge shells!"

Sayori's eyes lit up, "Hey Anon, what are you doing here? Getting ammo for the trip?"

"That, and to see if smithy here is finished with my baby."

"Oh, yes Mr. Anon, let me grab it for you."

He ran to the back and grabbed Anons 1886 for him. "All fixed up. You shouldn't have any more feeding issues. I didn't have any when I shot it anyways."

Anon cocked the lever. It felt way smoother than before. "Wow, this feels much better. What did you do?"

"Oh, there were some manufacturing imperfections on it. A few burs here and there."

"Well fantastic! I'm also gonna need a few things from you."

Anon gave him a list of his needs, and paid the man. He leaned in close, "Don't take it personal Smithy, she's that way with me."

He nodded, and handed Anon his items. Now he just needed to tell the sheriff and make sure his horse was ready for the trip. He headed towards the jail, which was close to the public stable.

"Hey sheriff, doing alright?"

The sheriff gave him a snore for a response. "I'll take that as a yes. Hell, guess he's just getting a note." Anon jotted down his resignation, and pinned it to the door with the sheriff's knife.

He headed to the stable where his horse was waiting. Monika was in there as well, checking on their horses.

"Hey Anon, what're ya doin' here?"

"Oh, just seeing if Sally is ready for the trip. Been a while since she's been on a long one."

"Awww, well, she's a beautiful steed. I'm sure she'll be okay."

"What are their names?"

"Well, This one is Elle, and this one is Arthur, but we call him 'Ar' for short"

Anon had a little chuckle, "Elle and Ar? Odd names, but okay."

"Well, I'm getting ready to head to the saloon, care to join us for a drink?"

"Anytime, ma'am."

Anon hopped up and followed Monika out of the stables. when they got to the bar the other girls had sat down and already had drinks ordered. There was quite a commotion going on in the bar.

"Go 'head and sit with the others, I need to speak with the keep for a second."

Anon walked up to the bar, "The hell all these people come from?"

"Cattle drive. Passing through. They're gonna be a problem, I can already tell."

"Well, I'll take care of it if anything gets out of hand. Is my tab good, or do I owe you anything?"

Suddenly, someone had bumped hard into Anon, almost knocking him over.

One of the cattle drivers was already piss-his-pants drunk.

He slurred out, "wachit buddy, I whoop yer ass you run into me again."

Anon tensed up, this drunk had his piece on him still.

"Well, I think you're mistaken friend. Now, I'll tell you this much, you need to hand me that piece you got. Do weapons possession wwhile intoxicated."

Anon went to show him his badge. SHIT! He turned it in already.

"Whoduya think ye are? The Sheriff?"

"Doesn't matter who I am friend, what matters is that you're in no condition to have that weapon. You can hand it to me or the barkeep. We'll see you get it back."

He began to slowly take it out, "Okay, you win. I'll hand it-"

Suddenly, Anon's vision blurred. He just got clocked by the butt of the pistol.

And then all hell broke lose.

His buddy came in with a follow up shot, which had been blocked by Monika. Natsuki jumped on the first drunkards back. Sayori had went to back Monika up, and Yuri was helping Anon off the ground, all while trying to avoid the bottles being thrown. At least nobody was shooting...yet anyways.

"Are you okay Anon? That was quite a hit." Yuri asked as she pulled on Anon's arm.

"Ain't nothing. I've had worse."

Natsuki was now being slid across the bar. Anon grabbed her and sat her back on the ground.

"I had it under control!"

"I know you did sweetheart."

Sayori was punching a man in the groin. Monika was now being backed into a corned. Anon ran to Monika, while Yuri and Natsuki ran to Sayori.

"Surprise, fucker!" Anon turned one the men around and knocked him out. The other one turned to face Anon.

"Som'bitch! That was a dirty-"

A bottle was smashed over the other man's head, causing him to fall to the ground.

"Thanks for the help, Anon." Monika smiled at him.

He gave it right back at her, "I should say the same."

Anon and Monika turned to see the girls all handling their own. Yuri was squaring up with a man who was trying to fight off the Natsuki the was hanging off his back. When he finally shook her off, Yuri Gave him a punch square in the nose.

"You okay, Nat?"

"Yeah, son of a bitch threw me hard."

Yuri helped her up, keeping an eye out for anyone else trying to harm them.

Sayori seemed to have no trouble holding her own, surprising enough. She had already sent three of the men to the ground, and was wearing down a fourth.

Suddenly, a gunshot rang out.

"You sure made a fuckin' mess for me, Anon." The sheriff said, re-holstering his weapon.

Anon gave him a smirk, "Well, if yer lazy ass weren't sleeping the day away, then this wouldn't have escalated."

"Bullshit. You escalated it. I know that much is true."

Anon gave a chuckle, "But it was for the best intentions."

"Now that I believe. Help me get these bastards to the cells."

Anon gave a nod, "Girls, go ahead and head to the house. I'll be there later. Gather up everything you'll need for tomorrow. I'll be back soon."

As they passed the sheriff, he tipped his hat, "Ladies."

After they left, he looked at Anon, "Bullshit you pulled all them women. Yer to ugly for that."

"No, I'm helping them with a delivery. Anyways, what are we gonna do about these guys?"

"Ah hell, they'll spend the night in jail and I'll release them in the morning. They probably don't wanna be around after getting their asses handed to them by a washed up bounty hunter and four girls."

"Not washed up, out of work."

"whatever lets you sleep, Anon"

****

Anon walked into the house, the beating he suffered from the bar now setting in. He felt his cheek pulse and throb with pain.

"Ah, nothing a shot of whiskey can't cure. And maybe a smoke."

To his surprise, someone had already rolled him a cigarette and poured him a glass.

"Thank you Anon. I appreciate you looking out for us back there."

"Ain't nothing Ma'am."

Monika hesitated, "C-Could you call me Monika, please? Ma'am sounds too proper."

"Of course, Monika."

Anon gave her a smile, which was traded for a blush.

"So, what time we headin' out tomorrow, Anon?"

"Well, It doesn't have to be terribly early. We can sleep in just a little. Besides, the cattle drivers are only getting a night in jail, so it might be best if we try to leave after them."

"That's a good idea."

"Where are the other's Monika?"

"Oh, they're all taking turns in the bath."

And then Anon's head was filled with so many thoughts it was impossible to decipher his favorite from them.

"What about you?"

"Oh, I already took one."

Anon lit his cigarette, "So, why did you gals get into something so dangerous? Actually, here's a better question; how do you all work together? You all seem like polar opposites."

"Honestly, we all met when we were younger, And we all just decided to stay together. We all used to play cowgirls growing up, but that's something you can't do now. The west is becoming tamed by the U.S. Government and there's no stopping it. Give it 20 years and the west as we know it won't exist, or at least in the capacity we know it. Give it another 20 after that and it'll be gone entirely. At this rate you'll be out of a job Mr Bounty Hunter."

Anon turned his gaze to the bedroom, "Yeah, it's honestly a fear of mine. I don't know anything other than this gun on my hip."

Monika had a look of guilt in her eye, "Hey, who knows, maybe the federal government will stay out of our business and let us be."

"Now that's just sill, Monika."

They both share in a chuckle.

Yuri, Sayori, and Natsuki walk in from the washroom with towels on.

Anon turned his head, despite everything telling him not to, "My apologies ladies. Go ahead and make your way, I'm not looking."

They all hurried to the second bedroom.

Monika smiled, "You really are a gentleman, aren't you Anon?"

Thankfully she couldn't read minds.

The other girls all piled into the room with their pajamas on.

"evenin' ladies. I hope you're all well. You're not too sore from the saloon are ya?"

Sayori answered in her chipper tone, "No, I'm fine! Not even a scratch!"

Yuri looked down at Natsuki, "I'm okay, other than a couple bruises. What about you Nat?"

Poor Natsuki looked deflated. She had been tossed around pretty good back there. Bless her heart she gave it her all though.

"I-I'm okay. I just...wish I could help more."

Anon turned to her, "You did great Natsuki. You helped Yuri take that big guy down. Without you hanging on him, Yuri could've been really hurt."

She looked up with a light in her eyes and gave Anon a smirk, "Well, you know, it was kinda hard to hold on to him."

The all had a laugh.

"Well, I guess I'll make us some dinner."

Can we have more of that Venison stew?" Sayori said, pushing her fingers together.

"Well, I'm out of Venison. But, I can get a deer while we're out in the mountains and make it then."

As Anon began dinner he looked around the room at the girls. He probably wasn't getting his bed tonight.

"So, Same sleeping arrangements as last night?"

"Well, I offered to let you sleep in the same bed as Yuri, and I was gonna take the couch. But unfortunately Yuri didn't feel comfortable sharing a bed with you."

Anon tried to hide his rejected feeling.

Monika continued, "So, Yuri is going to squeeze into bed with Nat and Sayori, and you and I will sleep together.

 Anon perked up a little. He'd have a woman is his bed, with him. He tried to hide his excitement.

"Are you sure you're okay with that, Monika?"

"Why wouldn't I be? besides, after the brawl it's only fair you get your bed before we head out."

Anon finished dinner and began grabbing bowls, "Well, I appreciate it. Anyways, It's all done ladies. Come get it!"

They all lined up while Anon served them.

Natsuki began devouring her stew, "Anon, this is great! What is it?"

"White bean chicken chili."

The poor thing looked like she hadn't eaten in a week. She almost drank it in one gulp.

Yuri chuckled, and handed Natsuki a rag, "Here Nat, you've got it all over your face."

Natsuki grabbed it and hastily wiped her face, "Can I have more Anon?"

"Of course. I made plenty so we could have strength for the trip tomorrow."

She gave a toothy grin, "You're the best, Anon!"

"Y'all get your fill, I'm gonna go make sure everything is packed and ready for tomorrow."

Anon went into the other room and began gathering his supplies.

***

Everyone's bellies were full and they were winding down. Yuri was looking at the Bowie knife she had picked up earlier that day. Anon had a thought. He went to his room and dug around in the dresser.

"AH, there it is. I bet she's like it."

Anon grabbed it and hurried over to Yuri, "Hey, that's a fine looking knife you got there. A bit big though don't you think?"

"W-well, it's saved me a few times. Despite it's size it's been a great help to me."

Anon handed over the little knife over to her, "Here, this was on the bounty that owned this house. It's a boot knife made by a Cherokee tribe. I have no use for it."

Her eyes lit up, "It's beautiful! Just look at the detail. and the handle is so comfortable. T-Thank you Anon."

"No problem, like I  said, I have no use for it. You looked like you'd appreciate it more than I did."

Natsuki was at the table, deflated at her meager amount of shells for her 1887, "Eight shots, seriously? That's all he had. What kind of gun smith keeps so little around his shop?"

Anon walked over to his ammo box. He used to have a 10 gauge until he lost it in that ambush last year. The poor thing was destroyed beyond repair. He should have at least twenty shots left for it.

He snuck up behind Natsuki and tapped her opposite shoulder. She turned to see no one there. Anon then sat the shells on the table in her small pile.

"W-where's all these come from? Anon, were you holding out on me?"

Anon chuckled, "I forgot I had a few. I don't need 'em anymore. my 10 gauge is gone."

"Well, I appreciate it Anon!"

Anon looked over at Sayori, who was still trying to figure out her new rifle. He walked up to her and sat close, "Those bolt actions are pretty cool, huh?"

Sayori gave him a smile, "Yeah, but...I'm still figuring out. I bought it at the town before here. I'd been saving up for a new rifle and fell in love with this one. It's a bigger round than the old Henry I had."

"Yeah, luckily we can pool Ammo since you, Yuri, and I have rifles for 45-70. It made it easier to buy us all ammo earlier too."

He motion to hand her the rifle, and she obliged.

"Here, so you simply open the bolt. like this." He slapped the bot up and pulled it back, "Then, it's a little awkward, but you put the bullets in here and load them by pushing back. The nice part about this is you can use the gun while lying down, since the lever is at the top."

Anon handed her back the rifle. Sayori began working the bolt. Anon got up and left her to figure out the rest of the weapon. She was smarter than she looked, she would get the hang of it. He looked at Monika studying the map they had laid out yesterday.

"Anon, are you sure we can make the route they set up for us? Listenin' around town the people say it's supposed to get pretty bad."

Anon placed his hands on her shoulders, "We'll be okay. I know those Mountains pretty well. And the Injuns shouldn't be a problem. That is, assuming they remember me or the chief hasn't died."

Monika gave him a inquisitive look, "Have history up there?"

"Oh, there was a mountain lion giving the local tribe trouble last year. I took i upon myself to help them. This thing was massive too, bigger than normal."

"Well, lets hope they remember you then. Okay gals, I think it's time we all turn in for the evening. We got quite the travelin' to do, so we need to get our rest."

Yuri, Natsuki, and Sayori all shuffled into the extra room to get their rest. Anon gave Monika a look, "Well, I'm headin' to bed myself. You turnin' in soon?"

Monika gave him a look like she had something on her mind, "Well, I-I'll be a minute. You go on ahead."

Anon thought it odd for Monika to stutter. She was always so confident.

"Ah well, I'm too tired to think about it." Anon thought as he kicked his boots off. He pulled the covers open and slid inside. He lay thinking if this was worth his time. Would they be fine on their own? They were tougher than they looked, that was for sure.

Anon felt a motion in the bed. It must be Monika, he thought. He simply lay there, not wanting to make it weird to ask if she was comfortable.

Suddenly he felt an arm wrap around him. This took him by surprise, as he didn't think any of the girls had looked his way. He wondered if he should say something, maybe initiate more. He lay there for several minutes when he finally decided to turn and say something, "Are you com-"

He was interrupted by a loud snore. He wondered if she just inadvertently put her arm around him, or if it was intentional. Either way, he was disappointed that he didn't turn sooner.

"Goodnight, Monika." He mumbled, as he closed his eyes.

*****

The next morning Anon woke up. Monika wasn't there.

"Must have gotten an early start." He grumbles, still a little sore from the saloon rumble. He smelt something cooking. It was the aroma of pancakes, bacon, and sausage. He walked out of the bedroom.

"Mornin' Anon! I hope you're hungry."

Anon nodded, "I can always eat." He pulled out a chair at the dinner table next to Yuri, who had her face in a book. Sayori was trying to do tricks with her revolver, and failing miserably at it.

"Sayori! You're gonna hurt someone. Stop it." Natsuki scolded her. Sayori sat the gun down and pushed her pointer fingers together, "Aww, I just want to be a cool cowboy like Anon."

"Maybe one day I'll show you Sayori. The problem is that gun isn't really balanced well for it. If we get the chance, I'll teach you with mine."

"Really, Anon? That would be amazing. It always looks so cool!"

Monika began sitting plates in front of them, "Eat up girls! Don't leave anything behind. Big couple of days ahead of us."

Anon hurried with his plate. "That was great Monika! I'm gonna get the cart ready. Y'all take your time, no rush."

Anon walked out the back and began throwing supplies into the wagon. Natsuki came out to help him. She had on a a long sleeve white button up, covered by a pink vest with a white cowboy hat and light brown chaps covering her jeans. She climbed into the wagon to grab things from Anon.

"Hey, so is the path really that dangerous, Anon?"

"Well, it can be. Hopefully the storm that's supposed to be brewin' isn't as bad as they say."

Natsuki grunted at a heavy box, "Well, I'm sure we'll be fine with you around."

Anon blushed a little. Where did this Natsuki come from?

"Where are the others, Natsuki?"

"Oh, Sayori is cleaning up inside. Yuri and Monika went to get the horses for the cart."

"Ah, I see. So, who's controlling the cart?"

"Oh, Sayori and I switch off driving. Monika and Yuri provide security on horseback."

"Ah, I see. So, what's my position in all this?"

"I'm not sure. Monika mentioned something about you leading the pack since you're familiar with the area."

"Well, that's not a bad idea."

Yuri and Monika rounded the corner, riding horses while having two in tow. Anon and Natsuki grabbed the two horses and began attaching them to the wagon. Yuri had on a black button up shirt covered by a deep purple vest with black chaps, accented with a black cowboy hat. Monika Had a light blue button up shirt covered by a light brown vest, with a light brown hat and cow skin pattern chaps.

"So, who's leading the pack, Monika?"

"well Anon, if it wouldn't be too much trouble...and since you know the area and all, would you?"

"Of course, I'd be happy too."

Sayori came out of the back door with two cigarettes in her hand. She handed anon one and put the other in her mouth. She had on a gray button up shirt with a black vest and dark brown and worn cowboy hat, with light brown chaps accompanied with frills.

"Much obliged, hon." He said, lighting his cigarette with his match, then moving to Sayori's. She caughed a little bit on the inhale.

Natsuki gave a surprised look, "Since when do you smoke?"

Sayori cleared her lungs, "Well, I always wanted to try it."

Yuri shook her head, "That will kill you, you know?"

Yuri hopped down from her horse and walked into the house. Monika began organizing the cart to make more room. Sayori hopped into the drivers seat and made sure everything was comfortable for her and Natsuki. The seat looked like it had seen better days.

"Hey Sayori, If you want you can grab some of the pillows off the beds. If they get damaged I'll replace 'em when I get back."

She smiled incredibly wide, "Now my butt won't hurt!" She jumped down and skipped past Yuri, who was coming out with the long guns for the trip. She sat the other girls guns on the seat of the wagon, then slug hers on her back. She grabbed Anon's and tossed it too him.

"Thanks Yuri! You think we got enough ammo? Yours, Sayori's, and mine all take 45-70."

"I always make sure we have stock of ammo for all of our guns. Well, except for Nat's, she had to have the 10 gauge."

"Well, it fits me just fine."

Sayori came skipping out, giggling at Natsuki, "It took you a while to get used to it. It was too much gun for you at first."

Natsuki blushed, "Well, I just wasn't expecting it is all."

"I'll be back, I gotta go get my horse."

Soon, they had all the horses hitched up and all the supplies in the cart. Anon rounded the corner of the house, "I'm ready whenever you are. I didn't see the cattlemen anywhere on my way to or from the stables. I think they left town already."

Monika adjusted her hat, "Alright gals! Let's ride"

Anon moved to the front of the wagon. Monika followed suit and rode closely to him. Yuri was riding behind the wagon. Sayori had taken the reins and Natsuki was literally riding shotgun, her 1887 in hand.

Anon led them down the street, which seemed pretty open for the time of day. Not to far into the distance a man walked to the center of the road and squared himself with their convoy.

"Oh shit." Anon thought, checking the cylinders of his colt.

"Anon, I'm callin' you out. I wanna settle what was started yesterday. You embarrassed me and my crew with those ladies of yours. We'll leave the ladies out of it if you agree to a duel."

Natsuki began shouting, "You embarrassed yourself you drunk!"

The convoy had stopped now. Anon noticed several men with rifles pointed at his crew.

"Where's that drunk of a fuckin' sheriff?" He thought, hoping down from his horse. Yuri had dismounted her horse the moment they stopped and had her rifle leveled at the man in the road.

"Tell purple there to lower her gun, unless she wants one of my boys to level her. I'd hate to do it to such a pretty thing, too."

"Yuri, lower it."

She nodded, lowering the weapon but keeping her position. Sayori and Natsuki had now taken shelter in the covered wagon.

"We ain't got time for this crap drunkard. Hell, that was yesterday, let it go. Get yer cattle where they're going and move on. Is it really worth your life?"

"It ain't my life ending today. Square up and get ready. At the strike of the clock, we're duelin'!"

Anon rolled his eyes, "Monika, in the event this joker gets the drop on me and wins, I need you guys to ride hard in the direction we were headin'. I'm sure they'll turn to you if they win. Don't let 'em get ya."

Monika nodded, "Okay, but this guy looks like a pushover. I'm sure we'll be fine."

Anon nodded, "It's...been a while since I've dueled."

Anon walked and squared up to the man. The clock was three minutes away from the strike. He took in everything he could. The man was sweating profusely. Good, he nervous, he might hesitate at the bell. His hand was slightly shaking. Maybe he'll fumble with the gun.

-tick- Two minutes.

Anon wiped the sweat from his face. His hands were dry and ready. He wanted to check on the girls, but couldn't risk turning around. He hoped that Monika got Natsuki and Sayori ready to run if needed. Had Yuri saddled her horse?

-tick- One minute.

Or was she still in cover? He tried not to focus on the riflemen that were perched above, watching them. He cut out all thought in one brief moment.

The clock had struck noon.

A single gunshot rang out through the sound of the clock chime.




END PART 1