Dokis, whiskey, and gun powder Part 2

	Anon had drew his gun and fired. The drunkard was lying on the ground, gasping for air. Anon had managed to hit him,

"Monika, get ready to roll out, we're done here."

Suddenly, another shot rang out. One of the riflemen had taken a shot.

"Move out, NOW!"

Sayori had whipped the horses and the wagon began speeding off. Monika was bringing up the rear. Anon looked for a place to take cover.

"Over here, Anon!" Yuri had taken cover next a building, peeking out to give cover fire.

Anon ran as quickly as he could to the building, revolver in hand.

"Can you see where they're at? I know I saw on on the building to the left."

"I know there's one on the right as well but, I'm sure there's more I cant see right now."

"Okay, I got a plan. I'm going to run out and draw their fire. When I do you get to your horse and go after the others. I won't be far behind."

Yuri gave him a sad look, "Do you promise?"

Anon was taken back by that. Why should she care if he doesn't make it?

"I promise, Yuri."

"Don't make promises you can't keep, Anon. Are you ready?"

"Whenever you are."

Anon ran out, fanning his revolver's hammer and aiming towards the roof. Yuri ran from the cover, whistling for her horse. When Anon's cylinder was empty, he holster his Colt and pulled his 1886 from his back. He had gotten the riflemen to take cover.

"Good, now I can try and get you bastards when you poke your heads out." Anon thought, cocking the lever of his rifle. He felt a hand land on his shoulder.

"Anon, way to make a mess of my fuckin' town."

Anon couldn't help but smile at the sheriff, "I told him not to duel me but no, he had to be a hard-ass and lose."

Yuri sped past on her steed.

"Where are the other girls at?"

"Don't worry sheriff, they left right after the duel. She stayed behind to help me."

"Well, they ain't shootin' at her, so they're more concerned with you. What's the plan, Anon?"

"I'm gonna shoot back at them until they're all dead. That or until they kill me. Either way the outcomes not an easy one. Besides, I promised Yuri I'd be right behind her, and she seemed dead set on me keeping that promise."

"Well Anon, how about I give you cover and you leave. I can only see three of them. Besides, I doubt they want to lose any more men for their cattle drive. So, go ahead and whistle for your horse, I got ya covered."

Anon nodded, and gave his horse a whistle. His steed came speeding down the street.

"Run, Anon! I got ya covered."

Anon ran to meet his horse, feeling the rounds from the riflemen hit the ground around him. He quickly saddled up and rode through the middle of town, spurring his horse the whole time.

Soon, he was out of town, and the reports of rifle fire ceased. He saw looked around for Yuri, but she was nowhere to be found.

"Maybe she caught up with the others by now."

He turned to the sound of hooves slowly approaching him.

"Hey, Anon. I see you made it out okay."

"Yeah, the sheriff came to give me cover. I hope the ole' bastards okay."

"Well, I-I'm glad you kept your promise, Anon. I was worried."

Anon gave her a smirk, "I ain't no one to worry about, hon. Did you catch up with the others?"

"Yes, they're just up ahead. I came back in case you had a tail coming out of town."

"You're pretty smart girl, I wouldn't have thought about that. Let's get moving, we've wasted enough time and we haven't gotten anywhere."

Yuri nodded, taking the lead and escorting Anon.

"I hope I didn't worry them too much. Did they all make it okay, Yuri? Are you okay?"

"They didn't seem to want me, they were after you, so I'm alright. Kinda strange, isn't it? We were all in that bar fight."

"Yuri, some men, even the drunkards, have standards. They gave y'all a free pass. I assume it's because you're women. However, when you aimed your rifle at the one, I don't think they would've given you another chance."

Yuri nodded, "The others are okay as well. One stray bullet hit the wagon, but no merchandise was damaged. I just hope we're done with them."

"Well, depending on what the sheriff does we'll have to see."

Anon saw the wagon in the distance. He and Yuri spurred their horses. Sayori was waving her arms trying to get Anon's attention. He heard a small giggle come from Yuri.

"That girl is something else, huh?" Anon said, giving a smile to Yuri.

"She's always been that way. I'm not sure how she does it, Anon. She always has a positive outlook."

They regrouped with the others and dismounted their horses. Sayori ran up and grabbed Anon, "I was so worried, Anon! They didn't hurt you did they?"

"I'm fine, darlin'. It would take more than that to get me. I hope I didn't worry you too much."

Natsuki gave him a huff, "No, we're just behind schedule now because of you."

Monika chimed in, "Actually, we're still on schedule, Natsuki. Just barely though, so we should get moving as soon as possible.

Anon re-saddled his horse, "Well, no time like the present. Let's get a move on!" He took lead of the pack.

"M-Monika, may I ride up front with Anon?"

"Sure Yuri, I don't see why not. I'll take the rear. You still driving Sayori?"

"I got it, and Natsuki's got security."

Anon began leading the girls on the trail to the mountain.

"Why did you wanna ride with me, Yuri?"

She blushed and turned her head, "Well, I...uh, get nervous riding in the back. If something happened to me it could be a while before anyone noticed."

Anon had his doubts about her reason. The stutter didn't help his suspicion either.

"I see. Well, It's nice to have riding buddies. I never really travel with anyone else. It can get pretty lonely."

"I'm sorry, Anon. I-I'm glad you decided to travel with us, Anon."

"So am I, Yuri. I'll be back. I'm gonna drop back by the wagon and let Sayori know where we're stopping for camp tonight. The mouth of the river that flows from the mountain. There we can catch some dinner and make our plan for the rest of the trail."

Anon lightly pulled the reins of the horse until Sayori caught up with him, "We'll be setting up camp in about twenty miles, Sayori. It'll be at the mouth of the river. There's plenty of fish in that river, so we can have dinner."

Natsuki and Sayori looked at each other with a smile. Anon pulled his reins again and allowed Monika to catch up.

"Hey, Anon! Enjoying the ride with Yuri?"

"Of course! I just dropped back to let you know in about twenty miles, we'll be setting up camp at the mouth of the river. We'll also set up a plan of how to get up this mountain."

"Sounds great, Anon. I could definitely eat." She gave a smile as her stomach gave a small growl.

"Don't worry, hon, it shouldn't be too long."

Anon spurred his horse and caught up to Yuri.

"Miss me?"

Yuri turned and blushed, "N-no. I mean yes! I mean...oh dear." She blushed even harder, hiding her face.

"Don't worry about it Yuri." Anon said, giving her a wink.

****

Anon stopped the convoy and hopped down from his horse, "Alright, everyone get comfortable. I'll start grabbing dinner."

Sayori shouted, "Awww! Can I come too? I've never been fishing!"

Anon gave her an odd look, "You've never been fishing? Well, you have to be quiet when fishing, Sayori. If you can promise to do that then you can come along."

Sayori pumped her arm, "YES!"

Anon began grabbing his supplies from the cart. He had brought his fishing rod, as well as a net for catching the salmon coming down stream.

"Come on girl, lets get going. Everyone's hungry and we gotta catch dinner. We'll be back Monika."

"You two be careful now!" Monika called as Anon began walking away.

Sayori hurried along behind Anon. "So Anon, why did you decide to come with us?"

Anon wasn't really sure himself.

"I don't know. Boredom, I guess. Nothing was really going on in that little town."

"But, isn't this dangerous, Anon? I mean, from what you said. Plus, we had the incident back in town."

Anon rolled his eyes, "I didn't start that, I just finished it."

Sayori giggled, "Well, you technically did at the saloon. You should have just let him be. He really wasn't hurting anyone."

Anon shot her a look, "He was drunk and had a gun. I've had to break up fights in there that would have surely gotten out of hand if they had their piece's on them."

Anon stopped in his tracks. When he did, Sayori bumped into him.

"OW, Anon! Why did yo-"

Anon put his hand up to quiet her, "In the tree line, we're being watched."

Sayori looked to where Anon was focused. She saw 3 Natives peering at them through the trees. they bolted off when they found out they had been spotted.

"Are we in danger, Anon?"

"Well, it was too small for a war party. It was probably hunters or they were just curious about who we were. Either way, they're gone now. Probably nothing to worry about. Let's get started."

Anon threw his net out towards the river's mouth. He than began to dig in the mud for a worm.

"Here we go. Sayori, Hand me the fishing rod. I'll show you how to do this."

She ran to him with the fishing rod. He grabbed it and squeezed the hook with his thumb and index finger, "So, first you gotta bait the hook."

Sayori suddenly  gave a look of horror, "We have to stab the worm?!"

"...Yes, Sayori. Even fish are too smart to bite the hook without being enticed."

Sayori pushed her fingers together, "Well, I just don't want the worm to get hurt is all."

He raised an eyebrow at her. There is no way she could be so naive.

"Sayori, this is how nature works. We need food, so we use the worm to get the food. The worm is food for the fish, the fish is food for us, and when we leave, we become food for the worm. It's how the world works."

Sayori looked at Anon with a bit of sadness in her eyes, "I know. But, wouldn't it be great if none of them had to get hurt?"

"Yeah, I suppose it would. But until then, we have to bait the hook."

Anon stabbed the worm, "Now, throw the line out into the water. And then just keep an eye on the bobber. If it goes under, snap back on the rod, and pull it in."

Anon stood behind her and watched. She was excited, even though nothing was happening yet.

She whispered to where she thought Anon couldn't hear her, "I'm gonna catch the biggest fish ever."

Anon hid his chuckle. He coudln't help but find her adorable.

Suddenly, the bobber sunk down.

"Pull Sayori!"

Sayori had pulled the pole and hooked the fish. Now she just needed to bring it in. Anon got the hand net ready in case it was something big.

"You got it girl, bring her in!"

"If feels huge, Anon!"

"You got it, Sayori. Just keep calm, I'll get him with the net."

Sayori managed to get it close enough to the shore for Anon to get it in the net.

"Good lord, girl! this is a lunker!"

Sayori had brought in a nineteen in large-mouth bass.

"That was so exciting Anon! Can we try again?"

"Well, let's check the net first."

Anon brought in the net. He had managed to snag 8 Salmon.

"Well, we've got plenty to eat for now. I think we should head back."

Sayori tried to hide her disappointment.

"Sayori, we need to take from the land what we need. And when we have the chance, we need to give back to the land. Understand?"

Sayori gave a nod, "I guess so, it was just really fun is all."

"Well, I'm sure we'll get to do this again."

"I hope so. I really enjoyed it, Anon."

Anon stuck the bass in the net with the salmon, and hoisted them over his shoulder. While walking back he kept his eyes on the trees. He was still unclear as to why the natives were watching them. He didn't want to say anything, but he feared an ambush.

They had made it back to camp. Sayori ran to Natsuki, "You gotta SEE the fish I caught Nat! It's huge!"

Yuri was busy making a fire pit. She was banging flint and steel together, trying to get a spark. Monika was rummaging through the wagon, preparing bed rolls for the evening.

"Well, I'll begin cleaning the fish. Sayori, can you get the cookware for me?"

"Of course, Anon!"

Anon sat near a flat rock and began filleting their dinner. Sayori had brought him the cook ware.

"Much obliged, doll."

Sayori tried to hide her flushed cheeks.

"Dammit, I knew I should've sharpened this before I left. This'll take forever."

Yuri cleared her throat, "Here Anon, Use my knife."

She tossed him her Bowie knife still in it's sheath. He took it out. It cut as though the knife was hot and the fish were butter. It made things way easier. He began laying strips in a pan.

Hey, Natsuki, do you wanna start on cooking these?"

"I suppose I can, Anon." She grabbed the ban and sat next to the fire.

Anon noticed Yuri staring into the forest, "Is everything okay, Yuri?"

"I'm just feeling on edge is all. I feel like we're being watched."

"Damn injuns are still out there." Anon thought, as he finished filleting the bass. He didn't want to say anything to worry the others.

Natsuki shouted out, "First batch is done! Come get it!"

Anon walked over with the second pan and began searing the fish.

"Anon, do you want me to do that?" Sayori said, placing a hand on his shoulder.

"I'm fine, hon. Go ahead and eat. I'll join you when this batch is finished."

Sayori went and sat next to Natsuki.

Yuri chose a spot next to Anon. She grabbed a piece of salmon and held it next to Anon's mouth.

Anon instinctively bit the fish. His lips touching Yuri's fingers.

"Thank you, Hon. I appreciate it."

"N-n-no p-problem, Anon."

The fish Anon was searing was done.

"I've got seconds here, along with the bass Sayori caught. Come get it."

Anon grabbed a few pieces and set them in his plate. Sayori grabbed a strip of bass.

Soon they all had their fill.

Sayori began gathering the dishes, "Come help me with these, Natsuki. We'll wash them in the river."

Natsuki agreed and helped her with the dishes. The sun was about to set, but Anon still had the natives on his mind. He walked up behind Yuri and whispered to her, "You saw the injuns too?"

"Yes, Anon. There were three in the forest. I'm a little concerned, but I don't want to worry the others."

Natsuki and Sayori had returned from their trip. The sun had just set and the star were beginning to light up.

Monika began, "Alright everyone. I think it's time to turn in for the night."

"Monika," Anon turned to her, "I think I'm going to pull a night shift and keep watch."

Monika gave him a look, "Okay, if you say so."

"I-I want to keep watch too. If that's okay with you and Anon."

She gave the same look to her, "Okay, but you don't get to complain about being tired tomorrow, you two."

They both nodded in agreement. The other girls had wrapped themselves up and had all fallen asleep pretty quickly.

Anon sat there, scanning the forest. Anon looked over at Yuri, who had turned her attention to the stars.

"They're beautiful out here, aren't they?" Anon asked.

"Yes, it's one of my favorite things bout this job. When we travel, I always get to see the most beautiful things this country has to offer." Yuri never broke her gaze from the skies.

"Yuri, why do you do this? I mean, the traveling and all. You're clearly well read and well spoken. Why do it?"

"To tell you the truth Anon, I want to write novels. The problem is I have no knowledge of the real world. I had never seen what was outside of the town we grew up in. When Monika asked me to join her in delivering stuff I immediately jumped on the offer. I don't regret it for a second. This is the most fun I've had in my life. My parents would have never let me do this if they were...."

She trailed off and lowered her head. Anon moved to sit next to her, "I'm sorry, Yuri. This land is unfortunately cruel to everyone. Those who deserve it, and those who don't."

She lay her head on Anon's shoulder, "It's okay, Anon. I know they're looking down on me. I just wish I could tell them....how much I miss them...."

A lone tear rolled down her cheek. Anon wrapped his arm around her, "They know Yuri. They have found their way to the lofty realm where the great spirit awaits us all, and in that realm they feel the sorrows and joys of those they leave behind on Earth. That is why you do not weep for those we lost. When you cry in this world, it makes those waiting for us in the next feel the sorrow."

Yuri tried to hide her sobs from Anon, but it was no use. She grabbed him and pulled him in, "It's not good enough that they know. I need to tell them. I never got to say goodbye, Anon."

It all made sense now, what she said during that shoot out.

"Yuri, we don't get to make those decisions. The only comfort I can give is that one day we all get to join the spirit, and all those who left us behind. But those who await us do not want us pining after them, and want us to live our lives. You adventuring with the other girls is exactly what they would want you to do. If it makes you happy, it makes your parents happy."

Yuri shook her head into his chest, "You're right, Anon. But, it still hurts. I don't know where I'd be without the others."

"You just don't need them, Yuri. Where do you think the girls would be without your level head?"

Yuri gave him a confused look through her tears, "What do you mean, Anon?"

"When you stayed behind with me in town, your hand didn't shake. You had nerves of steel. You thought of nothing but helping me, even disregarding your own safety. I imagine that you make these girls feel safe. You help keep them in line. They need you as much as you need them."

Anon wiped the tear from her cheek, "I know it can be crushing, the weight of it all. But that's part of what makes you YOU, Yuri. You're a strong woman, and don't let anyone take that from you."

Yuri cuddled even harder against Anon, "I'm glad you joined us, Anon."

"Me too, Yuri, me too."

Anon lay his head on her, hoping to give some sort of comfort to her. After a while, Yuri began to cheer up. She shared with anon her childhood, and all the things she would write about when her adventures were done. Suddenly, she grabbed her rifle and stood up.

"What's wrong, Yuri?"

"They're back, Anon. I can't see them but I heard a rustle in the trees, and it wasn't an animal."

Anon grabbed his own rifle, "Which direction?"

Yuri nodded towards the direction where she heard the noise. Anon was amazed, he didn't hear anything. She must have the hearing of a bat.

"Why are they back? Did they send the war party? I know they were checking on Sayori and I when we were fishing. Why would they be back?" Anon thought, as he scanned the trees for movement.

Yuri had her rifle as she scanned the same tree line, "I see at least four. I can't tell because they're all on the move. Didn't you say you had history with a tribe up here?"

"Yeah, but I'm not sure if it's the same tribe or not. I know the tribe I dealt with had war tribes of at least ten. So if we're only seeing four that means they're just checkin' us out. Still, stay at the ready, they may not have expected us to still be up."

Yuri nodded, as she kept her rifle ready. Anon put his back against Yuri's.

"Until they leave, I think we should stay back to back. If they decide to ambush we can cover each other."

"Agreed, Anon." Yuri seemed incredibly confident in that moment, despite her normal demeanor. After a few hours, the natives slowly slunk away. Anon and Yuri sat back on the log next to the fire.

"Well, that was tense, huh Yuri?"

Yuri nodded, "I know they're curious, but I wish they would just come speak with us. All this spying on us makes me incredibly nervous."

"I assume you don't know much about what the 'pale face' did to them, do you?"

"I do, Anon. I just wish they would understand we aren't all the same. I actually get upset thinking about what happened to them."

"Yuri, some tribes understand, and some tribes don't. It's the nature of the human experience."

"Anon, how did the tribe you helped accept you? I've always heard that most tribes will not accept the white man's help under any circumstances."

"Simple! I had to fight the war chief. Hand to hand combat. What's funny is I lost. He gave me quite the beating."

"Then, why did they accept your help, Anon?"

"I wondered that too, Yuri. It turns out that I never had too win, I just had to fight the war chief. It turns out most 'pale faces' won't even attempt a trial by combat with the injuns."

Yuri lay her head in Anons lap, and turned her gaze to the stars, "Were you just trying to make me feel better, Anon? About my parents and the sorrow they feel?"

"Yuri, with my short time with the tribe, I felt they were more sure about the afterlife than any preacher man or clergy I had ever spoken with. I believe it, for whatever that's worth."

Yuri closed her eyes, "Then I will try to stop my feelings of regret. Besides, if the Natives are right, my parents know I love them and I will get to tell them all about my adventures one day."

Anon wordlessly brushed her hair, hoping it would make her feel better, After a few minutes, he was met with her snoring. Anon slowly scooted out from under her. He then set her up a bed roll and lifted Yuri up to lay her down.

"Come on girl, the log is not a good place to sleep."

Yuri awoke slightly as he sat her down, "Thank you, Anon. You're a wonderful person."

Anon couldn't help but flinch at that sentence. He felt that he was anything but wonderful, especially with his line of work.

"Sleep well, Yuri. I'll see you in the morning." Was all he could muster up, as he pulled a cover over her.

He sat up the rest of the night, as he thought about how 'wonderful' of a person he really was.

****

The birds began their Morning chorus as the sun rose. A heavy fog was rolling down from the mountain tops, almost enough to block out the sun. Anon decided to start breakfast so the girls wouldn't have to wait for it. He got the supplies from the cart. One after one, the girls woke to the smell of his cooking.

"That smells great, Anon." Sayori said, rubbing the sleep from her eyes.

They all joined around the fire and had their breakfast. After they were all finished, they began loading up the bed rolls.

"So, Anon, ready to go over the trail?" Monika said, laying the map in front of Anon.

"Of course! So, we'll follow this trail until we hit the river. When we hit the river, there will be a trolley that we can use to cross. Unfortunately, we'll have to make multiple trips across, as it's not big enough to handle all of us at once. When we cross, there's a small cabin that's abandoned. I doubt anyone other travelers will be using it. We'll hold up in their for the evening. Tomorrow is when the storm should be starting, so we'll get the heavy clothes out while we're there. Not too far up the mountain from the cabin, we'll be in Injun country. Like I said before, I don't know if they'll remember me, so it's a shot that we may not be bothered."

Monika nodded, "Well, I guess we have a good days ride ahead of us, don't we?"

"Yup, a lot of our time will be spent on that damn trolley at the river."

Soon, everything was loaded up and everyone was taking their roles. Anon took the lead, and Monika joined him. Yuri took the rear security, and Natsuki was driving the cart while Sayori was passenger side security.

"Let's move out, gals!" Monika hollered, as she gave her horse a small nudge.

Anon lightly spurred his horse and the convoy began moving. Monika was silent for the first few minutes of the trip with a look on her face like she had something to say.

"Something on your mind, girl?"

"Well, Anon, I just wanted to thank you for last night."

"Oh, no problem. I don't mind keeping watch."

"Not just that, Anon. I woke up last night and heard you talking with Yuri. She hasn't said much about them since she lost them. I've been worried about her, but she shuts us out and tells us she's fine. Thank you for getting her to open up."

Anon felt a little embarrassed. That conversation was meant for Yuri, he didn't really want anyone else hearing it.

"She's a strong girl, Monika. You're all strong in your own way. Just remember not to take each other for granted."

Monika nodded, "Thank you, Anon. We all appreciate you traveling with us."

Anon nodded, puling a cigarette from his pocket.

"Those things will kill you, Anon." Monika said, giving him a judgemental look.

"I almost died twice yesterday. If these things kill me when I'm sixty then I'll consider myself lucky."

Monika just shook her head at him. She wondered how a man could have such disregard for his health.

"We've got about two hours before we reach the river crossing. Hopefully the ferry rig is still working."

Anon spotted a native peering at them from behind a tree. He was hoping they got their fill of his party last night. Apparently they were still interested in them.

"We've got company, Monika. There are injuns keeping an eye on us."

"Is that why you stayed up last night?"

Anon nodded, "I caught them spying last night when Sayori and I were fishing. When I got back to camp, Yuri mentioned seeing them as well. I only see one as of right now, but I'm sure there's more out there. If there's more than ten, be ready. Usually anything more than ten is a war party. I'm gonna pull back and warn the others. Keep your guard up and whistle if you need me. I shouldn't be long."

Anon lightly pulled his reins to allow the cart to catch him.

"Sayori, Natsuki, be on the look out. We might have company."

"Is it the natives, Anon? I thought you said there was nothing to worry about."

"Well, they seem to be really interested in us. It's still not clear why, so just keep your guard up, 'k?"

Sayori and Natsuki nodded, as he dropped back to catch Yuri. She clearly had saw them as well, seeing as she had her revolver out and at the ready.

"You saw 'em too?"

"I heard them before I saw them, but yes. I've counted three so far."

"Shit, well, we only saw one, so there's three to four of them. Not enough for a war party, but it's still making me nervous."

Yuri nodded, "I hope these are the ones you know, Anon."

"Me too, Yuri. I better catch up with Monika. If you need anything, give me a whistle and I'll be back here."

Yuri nodded, continuing to scan the woods around them.

Anon gave his horse a light spur, and it trotted towards the front of the pack.

"I let them all know. Yuri spotted three. Still not enough for a war party, but it's still concerning."

Monika nodded, "I thought you said we weren't near the natives village yet. Don't they live high in the mountains? what are they doing this far down, Anon?"

"Well, sometimes they come down to the foot of the mountains if game is scarce up there. But, I don't think that's the reason. If they were hunting game, then they wouldn't be so concerned with us. They're wasting a lot of hunting time on us."

As they traveled up the trail, Anon would occasionally catch a glimpse of a native here and there peering through the trees. After a while, the natives either lost their interest or found out what they wanted, as their numbers slowly dwindled to zero. Eventually, the party made it too the river.

"Okay, let's all take a few and rest." Monika said as she discounted her horse.

"I'll go bag lunch for us." Anon said, trying his steed to a tree.

Natsuki's head perked up, "Hey, Anon. Would you mind if I joined you?"

Anon raised an eyebrow at her, "You wanna go hunting with me, Nat?"

"Well, I've been hunting before, I've just never got anything when doing it."

She lowered her head, thinking he would reject her offer.

"Yeah, but leave your shotgun behind. We won't need it. We'll be using my rifle. Get yourself ready, girl."

She grinned ear to ear as she sat her gun in the cart. She hopped down and waited for Anon to grab what he needed from hi horse. Anon joined her, and they set out for the woods.

"Have fun you two! Please be careful!" Monika called out as they sat out into the woods.

The two walked about twenty minutes before Anon stopped, "I think here is good.We're upwind from that buck's mark on the tree." Anon pointed to a tree that had it's bark scraped off. He handed the rifle to Natsuki, "You'll be grabbing dinner today, girl."

She smiled, but was hesitant to take his rifle, "Are you sure, Anon?"

"I absolutely am! I'm sure you can do it. Now lie down and when the time comes I'll tell you what to do."

The lay next to each other near fallen tree. It didn't take long for a good sized buck to show up. Anon leaned in close to Natsuki's ear and whispered, "Are you ready?"

She nodded, taking aim.

"Aim at his heart. When you're ready, breathe out and squeeze the trigger."

Natsuki took twenty seconds, before a shot rang out. The deer immediately dropped to the ground.

"Good shot, girl! That is exactly what you want."

Natsuki couldn't contain her excitement and immediately ran to the deer. Anon tried to keep up with her.

"Do you know how to field strip, Natsuki?"

"Well, I was taught but never actually did it."

"Go ahead and start, and I'll correct you if needed."

Anon moved to the head of the deer.

"What are you doing, Anon?"

"This your first deer, right?"

"Yeah, pretty good for my first time, huh?"

"Yeah, it is. But now it's time for one of the most important parts."

Anon handed her a cup.

"Uh, what is this?"

"You have to thank the animal for it's life, and the experience it gave you."

Natsuki cringed, "Is that it's blood?"

"Yes, it is."

She reluctantly grabbed the cup, "D-do I really have to?"

"This animal gave it's life for ours. You could at least show it some respect and thank it for that."

Natsuki took a drink from the cup. She turned her head like it was a sour shot of whiskey.

Anon grabbed the cup from her and drank the rest, "Thank you, buddy. May you have happiness in the next plane."

****

Everyone had their fill of the deer. Anon had brought some salt and other spices to help preserve the remainder of the meat, at least until they made it to the colder part of the mountain.

"Okay, Anon. How do we go about this ferry?" Asked Monika, saddling her horse.

Okay, So first we'll send the cart across with Natsuki. Then, It'll be You and Yuri with your horses. Then, Sayori and I will go last with my horse."

Nastuki moved the cart onto the ferry. The others began using the pulley system to move her across the river. Once she made it to the other side, she removed the cart from the ferry and gave a whistle. They brought it back to the other side.

"I'd recommend dismounting while on the ferry. Sometimes the horses get spooked from the sudden movements and can rear up if they do."

Yuri and Monika dismounted as they lead the horses to the ferry. Once again, they started the process of moving the ferry. The girls had made it across. They sent the ferry back to Anon and Sayori.

"You ready, hon?"

Sayori nodded, "Y-Yeah."

She sounded nervous. Anon led his Sally onto the ferry. Sayori stumbled as she walked towards him. He managed to catch her, "Are you okay, girl? You gotta be more careful."

She nodded, "Thanks for cathin' me, Anon. I'll be fine."

The girls had began to pull the ferry to the other side. Sayori seem to shake as it started to move.

"Nervous?" Anon said, putting a hand on her shoulder.

"J-Just a little."

"Don't worry, hon. I got ya."

She smiled at him, "Thank you."

She moved next to Anon's horse, "So, why is she named Sally? seems like a bit of an odd name?"

"Oh, she's part Mustang. That's why."

Sayori began to rub Sally's muzzle, "She's a beautiful girl."

"Yeah. I got her from a farmer for free. A mustang had gotten into his stables and impregnated her mom. He tried to break her, but her mustang blood made it very difficult. He said if I could break her, I could have her. Poor thing, he didn't even bother giving her a name."

Suddenly, the ferry began to hit the rapids. This spooked Sally, and she slightly reared up. This knocked Sayori off balance and she tumbled into the water.

"Sayori! Hold on, girl! I'll get ya!" Anon desperately looked for a rope. There wasn't anything on the ferry, and there was noting attached to his saddle.

"Anon! She can't swim!"

Anon immediately dived into the water and swam as fast as he could towards her. When he caught up, she was bobbing up and down. He grabbed onto her, "I got ya, girl. Don't worry, we'll get you to shore."

Anon began to worry. If he didn't act fast, they would be into the heavy rapids. If they hit those, there would be no making it to shore.

"Anon! Catch!" Monika had thrown a rope with a loop tied in it towards them. Anon pulled the loop around Sayori' under her arms and held on to the loop with his hands.

"Okay, Monika! PULL!"

Tried as she might, Anon and Sayori, combined with the pull of the rapids and water, were too much for her and her horse. She struggled as Anon made his decision.

Anon let go of the rope.

"Anon!" Sayori screamed, as he floated down stream.

"Don't worry, I'll be fine! I'll grab land down stream and we'll catch up!"

Anon really hated that lie. If he didn't drown in the rapids, he would die falling over the falls. Soon, the river had taken him away from his friends. At this point, he just went limp and let the water do it's job. He began to be tossed around as he hit the heavy rapids. Soon, he felt the weightlessness of being tossed over the falls.

"At least Sayori is safe." He thought.

As he fell, he began to think about the 'wonderful' life he led.


END PART 2