[Fanfic] Red West III. - Chapter twenty eight
Title: RED WEST III.
Author: Kasumi
Rating: NC-17
Genre: Western, Drama, Romance, Adventure, Historical fiction
Warning: AKame pairing - AU; vulgarisms, violence, explicit content
Beta-reading:
atago4
Summary: A direct sequel of Red West II. - Masterpost
A strange company of three young gunslingers and one Indian is on their way to Montana, while the infamous Black Riders continue their fight against Silver King of Colorado… Will they succeed or fail in the clash with the cruel environment and heartless Governor? Will their friendship, brotherhood and love persevere or be destroyed by greed, bloodshed and vengeance?
Thank you: To Kamenashi Kazuya and Akanishi Jin, because this story wouldn´t have existed without them.
A/N: Another, this time a bit shorter, chapter done, hope you´ll enjoy it.
I´m grateful for any opinion or advice, you help me hone my writing skills with them.
Thank you for taking time to read this story. I´ll be happy if you reward me with a comment for it.
Previously:
Prologue // Chapter one // Chapter two // Chapter three // Chapter four // Chapter five // Chapter six // Chapter seven // Chapter eight // Chapter nine // Chapter ten // Chapter eleven // Chapter twelve // Chapter thirteen // Chapter fourteen // Chapter fifteen // Chapter sixteen // Chapter seventeen // Chapter eighteen // Chapter nineteen // Chapter twenty // Chapter twenty one // Chapter twenty two // Chapter twenty three // Chapter twenty four // Chapter twenty five // Chapter twenty six // Chapter twenty seven //
Constraint
Cameron Henderson approached the tall window leading to the back yard of his newly rebuilt residence and opened the curtains. The usual view was drowning in thick fog. It was a damp, cold November morning, but it would take a lot more to spoil his mood.
He had already overcome the bitter disappointment from not being able to deal with Kazuya Kamenashi himself, but truth was that with the persistent Indian Agent gone, he could fully focus on Akanishi. And so far, everything was proceeding well.
In fact, he had quite a good idea about the identity of that mad assailant who had blown up his mine. He remembered a skillful Irishman corresponding with Tanaka´s description, who repeatedly refused Cameron´s offer to work for him. Nevertheless, he had an older brother who accepted it, got sick soon after and died. Therefore, that man had a motive and abilities to carry out such a deed. None of it mattered though, since it was a perfect opportunity to deal with Jin Akanishi.
It was a real effort to persuade Alexander Botkin that Black Riders were in all probability responsible for the attack. Marshal was experienced and sharp, not easy to manipulate. However, the seed of suspicion had been sown and it was only a matter of time, before the proper results would grow out of it.
Cameron was already certain that Koki Tanaka belonged to the Riders´ gang. He had changed his style and appearance a lot ever since he saw the formerly blonde brat in the Laporte quarry, but seeing his panicky expression at the clinic confirmed his assumption right away.
Then there was the other youngster with stupid and certainly fake name Kiddo, who defended him so actively. Both of them were - quite apparently - acquainted with Akanishi and Kamenashi considering they were willing to risk their lives so frivolously. It was simple to figure out how they all got to know each other. He was only unsure about the fact whether the rest of the gang was currently in the city as well or not. In any case, it could not affect his plan to rob Akanishi of all his friends, hopefully also of his younger brother. Then it would be finally that cheeky bastard´s turn.
With a thick glass in hand, Cameron walked into the middle of his workroom and looked up. The expressive painting on the wall did not seem to care for his mood, but his master was never one to show all he was thinking. Would he be satisfied or upset that this whole payback for his premature passing took so long to carry out? Not that it would matter much…
The sharp knock interrupted his thoughts. Cameron finished his drink and turned to the door.
“Ahem, sir?” the head of his assistant peeked inside. “Sorry for disturbing you…”
“It´s all right,” he gestured him to enter. “What is it, Danny?”
“One of our men just arrived from the city, sir, and… I thought you´d want to know right away.”
He raised his eyebrows over McFly´s hesitating tone. “To know what?”
“Akanishi was arrested, sir,” Danny announced tensely.
For the first time in a very long while, Cameron remained speechless.
“Say it again?” he asked then quietly.
“More precisely, they say the Marshals arrested the leader of Black Riders and are about to transfer him to Billings for the trial,” Danny provided some additional, even more surprising details.
The whiskey glass ended up on the spacious table with an audible thud, as Cameron rather put it aside and took a deep breath.
This was against his expectations. Was it possible that Botkin acted so damn fast?
“How in the hell did that happen?” he turned to the youngster again sharply. “Leo Akanishi would have never exposed himself like this. How did they find him?”
Danny shook his head though. “It´s not like that, sir… It seems they arrested Jin Akanishi.”
“…What?”
***
Feeling chilly, Cora wrapped herself up in a thick woolen plaid, yet she shivered at the sound of chains rattling between the legs and hands of her handsome bodyguard.
She was just one of many Bozeman citizens standing on the street. Everybody was watching the huge stagecoach with the five-pointed star on its door in front of the Sheriff´s Office building. Marshal Botkin was already sitting inside, while his men were working on strapping his wheelchair on the accompanying cart. The rest of U.S. marshals, who had recently arrived to the city, just brought the prisoner outside and escorted him to the coach.
“Is it true?” a voice whispered in Cora´s ear. “Jin said that he leads the Black Riders?”
She didn´t look at Dana, not ever tearing her eyes off the staggering man with hunched shoulders, when she replied: “He did, but I doubt it´s true…”
“What do you mean by that?” the harlot gaped at her.
Before Cora could say anything else, an indignant shouting attracted their attention. It was Harada´s stable boy, running to the group of Marshals around Jin.
“Stop! You can´t take him away!” Mike yelled, trying to get through the tight circle.
“Get lost, kid!” one of the men shoved him away.
The boy did not keep his balance and fell to the ground, yet did not stop protesting.
“You can´t! Jin didn´t do anything!”
“Where are the parents of this brat?” another Marshal looked around. “Shut him up or I will!”
Mike scrambled up on his feet, trying to get through one more time and once again, the man in brown coat stopped him by grabbing his shoulder roughly.
“Let me be!” yelled Mike. “Jin! Tell them you lied! Just tell them!”
Akanishi raised his head and looked at the boy, saying something that did not reach the veranda of Cora´s brothel. Mike shook his head tearfully.
“No… You can´t…” he started sobbing and looked around the gathered crowd. “Why none of you say anything? You all know him just as I do!” he shouted accusingly.
Cora gulped down heavily, already tempted to go and take the boy away. Before she could take a single step, somebody else outran her. Harada approached the armed group cautiously, explained something quietly and took Mike over from the upset Marshal.
“That´s right, isn´t it?” Dana spoke again suddenly. “We all know Jin! How could he be that infamous leader?”
“And what do you propose that we should do?” Cora reacted with her throat tight. “He confessed, Dana.”
The girl pursed her lips, but fell silent, clearly just as lost and helpless as Cora was.
Harada patted the boy´s head comfortingly. Then they stood there, while Mike kept crying and watched as Marshals pushed Jin inside the coach. Before its door closed, Cora caught the last glimpse of her employee and friend sitting inside. He seemed to be lost in his own world.
She closed her eyes suppressing the tears of regret. She felt guilty for lying to him. At least, she should have told him the truth about that night they spent in her bedroom. She should have told him whose name he called in his sleep.
She really got to like Jin Akanishi and hoped that if he believed that he slept with her, it would give her a chance to get closer to him. It was wrong and she would not have a chance to remedy it.
***
Sitting with his back leaning over the tall spruce, Kame grimly watched as Nayati re-bandaged his broken leg. It seemed it was no longer at risk of inflammation and his body temperature kept at its normal. The dull drums disappeared from the back of his head as well, and his stomach was just eagerly processing baked fish, which they had for modest lunch.
Treatment, food and rest. He could ask for no more in the middle of wilderness. Yet, the Crow Indian kept taking care of him without a word or reaction on his questions and it was getting on Kame´s nerves.
His right leg tingled and ached, the cuts on his hands itched and his muscles were stiff, but otherwise, he felt well rested and fully sane. Carefully and with Nayati´s help, he was able to move around, as when he took a pee or rinsed in the river under the swashing waterfall. That was also why he was getting more nervous with each hour from just sitting here on his ass.
“Thank you,” he said flatly, once Nayati finished his work with the healing wrap.
The Indian straightened up and went to add more wood to the fire.
All right… Kame took a breath. Since the polite attitude brought him absolutely nothing so far, he decided for another approach.
“I need you to take me to the city.”
Nayati just sat down by the fireplace, not reacting.
“I know you have a horse nearby, so you can ride me there,” Kame continued persistently. “Somewhere close to the first buildings will be enough.”
The Indian figure resembled a statue.
Kame stared at him. “If you have some objections, just tell me.”
Still nothing.
“Fine,” he snapped, pulled back the covers, which protected him from cold and reached for the long, strong stick, which he had looked up in advance.
Ignoring Nayati´s derisive look, Kame took a few deep breaths. He knew it was going to hurt, but it could not be worse than through what he has been already.
Relying on his unhurt leg and the stick, he stood up slowly. His weak legs were trembling, but he managed to remain standing. Taking his time, he prepared to take the first step. The stick slammed hard against his hand, as he leant on it with all his weight, but he did it. It seemed he would need at least two of these temporary crutches to move properly. He would find the other later then.
Breathing hard, Kame made another step away from the fire and then another. He staggered, already feeling tired.
So what, he told himself. Of course, it would be hard and slow, but still better than doing nothing at all. He just had to…
The tall figure stood in his way before he could make another strenuous step.
Kame looked up and glared at the Indian´s stony face, “If you don´t take me to the city, than get out of my way.”
Nayati shoved him back. Only gently, under normal circumstances Kame would not have moved an inch, but being in the state he was, he staggered back, almost losing his balance.
“You no power,” Nayati stated harshly.
“If you think you can discourage me from going, save your breath,” Kame barked at him.
The Indian smirked and approached him again.
“Stay away from… Hey!” Kame protested when Nayati snatched the stick out of his shaking hand.
Trying to find balance on one leg, he eyed the Indian witch contempt, which rose inside him suddenly. “Coward,” he snapped.
Nayati´s expression hardened. He grabbed Kame´s shoulders, pushing him back to the campfire. Upset by own incompetence, Kame fought back and naturally tripped, falling down to the ground and taking Nayati with him. The impact of his broken leg with the ground sent hundred stars into his brain and the fall of Indian´s body on his chest made him gasp.
Nayati pushed himself up, but remained hovering above him, some strange shine appearing in his eyes. He leant down again, so close Kame felt his hot breath, and inhaled deeply, mumbling something in Indian language that Kame did not understand.
His anger was gone. Just pain, exhaustion and anxiety remained.
He returned Nayati´s look, suddenly realizing there was something in them what he knew but did not want to name. The Indian eyed his face, then chest and the whole body down and up again, his expression somewhat hardening. Kame held his breath, not sure what to expect, but prepared to fight back.
Nayati suddenly straightened and stood up, as if preventing himself from doing something he would regret. Tired and feeling helpless, Kame raised up on his elbows, trying to catch his eyes.
“Take me to Bozeman. I must get there. Please.”
The Indian stood on the spot for a while longer, before he shook his head and turned away from him.
“Shit…” Kame whispered, lying on his back again.
Just how should he persuade this damn stubborn Indian that he just could not lie around here?
Before he could think of anything, Nayati returned. Carrying a rope in his hands…
***
“Where do you think you´re going?” Cullen hissed, dragging Ryo back to stand by their horses. “You did more than enough. Stay here, I´m gonna check the situation.”
With that, the old wolf of Black Riders pulled his hat deeper over his forehead and set off from the shadow of the butchery building. Ryo watched him gloomily as the man crossed the busy, late afternoon street before he turned to Leo and Jane, who were looking in the same way with identical cheerless expressions.
“I know I screwed up, but must he still be so bitchy?” Ryo complained. “Those idiots Botkin had sent after me did not detect anything about us after all.”
Cullen had been right about him bringing along some uninvited guests. Fortunately, they had enough time to hide any evidence of more than two people living at Kame´s house before they appeared on the driveway. They even let them search the property while Leo and Jane were hiding behind anxious Ukushi and very grumpy Kuro, who definitely seemed dangerous enough for the deputies not bothering to check their little stable.
Leo gave him a sideway look. “He wants you to remember your mistake.”
“Bah, I assure you that´s not necessary.”
“You know Cullen, Ryo,” Jane noted amicably.
“I do, but he should know me already as well,” Ryo grumbled and sat down on the edge of a huge log.
“That´s why he did not let you go and attract even more attention to yourself,” Jane explained caustically.
The other Rider did not react on that.
Jane sighed and turned to her frowning fiancé. Following her instinct, she approached him quietly and pressed against his back, hugging him tight.
“Keep the faith, my love,” she whispered. “If anyone can save Jin from himself, it´s you.”
Leo sighed, turned and took the beloved woman in his arms.
“I just hope you´re right,” he muttered.
*
Cullen returned sooner than they had expected and dropped in their hiding spot so suddenly it made both Leo and Jane reached to their gun belts.
“They´ve already left,” he informed them before Leo could ask.
“Shit,” the Riders´ leader cursed. “How much of a lead they have?”
“Eight hours, at least.”
Surprised Ryo jumped on his feet: “Damn it, we should been faster.”
“Preparations are just as important as speed,” Cullen stated in a cold tone.
“Spare me another lecture, please,” the younger Rider requested annoyed.
“It doesn´t matter,” Leo cut in. “We must go after them.”
“Right away?” Jane looked at him worried. “There´s barely an hour of day light left.”
“I know… But we must act fast or we´ll lose him.”
Both Cullen and Ryo nodded in a rare harmony.
Leo grabbed her fiancée´s hand. “Jane, you should rather…”
“I know,” she interrupted him softly. “I´ll stay here with Koki.”
“Exactly. We´ll let you know as soon as possible.”
She smiled sadly. “I´m counting with that…”
He grabbed Jane´s face between his palms and kissed her lips softly. “Stay safe.”
“You too. And… Remember what I said.”
***
They left the majestic outlines of the Rocky Mountains far behind as the sturdy stagecoach hurled forward to the open plains of south Montana. The cold wind was blowing along the road throwing dust in faces of men who accompanied the coach in saddles. It was slowly getting dark and they would need to stop for the night soon. It would be too risky to continue riding for various reasons.
Marshal Botkin drew the curtain down over the small window and focused on the chained prisoner sitting on the opposite bench between two of his deputies. Akanishi was leaning back with is eyes closed, but he was sure that the young gangster was not sleeping.
Usually, all the captives were transported on the cart behind the coach, but Botkin did not want to let this man out of his sight. If he was right and there were more of the Riders in Bozeman, they had definitely started following their track by this time. So if possible, he wanted to take all the precautions, which would prevent this man from slipping out from his fingers. And to drive to their destination as quickly as possible, of course.
“Who was Kamenashi to you?” he asked from a sudden impulse.
On that, his prisoner opened his eyes and stabbed him with a dark look. Well, well. No other question, with which he kept bothering Akanishi in regular intervals, awoke any reaction.
“Officially, he was employed by the Indian Office, but… Was he a member of your gang as well?” Botkin pressed on.
“I´m not interested in talking with you, Botkin,” Akanishi said stiffly. “If you´re so bored, chat with your deputies,” and with that he closed his eyes again.
So, it was a hit to the bull´s eye, Marshal thought.
This arrogant, reckless man was a mystery to him. Akanishi was lying all the time, but at the same time, he was telling the truth. He also carried some great pain with him, which sometimes soaked through that dispassionate mask of his, but he did not seem to wait for any rescue. He was reconciled and calm.
Well, soon, they were about to see if he would keep on this attitude also during his trial and execution…
***
With his eyes closed, Kame listened to the night woods and to soft swishing of the nearby waterfall, trying to ignore everything else including the ties around his wrists. It was hard, but he was trying to clear his mind off all thoughts and meditate just as Cloud Dancing had taught him. He was hoping that in such a calm state he could finally find a way out from his situation.
He had been pondering Nayati´s behavior and there was only one conclusion he came to in the end. The Indian seemed to despise him on the surface, but at the same time, he desperately wanted to keep him close, at his side. There were not many possibilities why he wanted that. Nayati might have been curious about him, trying to find out what was behind his motivation to help the Indians in the reservation. He had already noticed this kind of curiosity in him before. Though, there was also one more option, but Kame did not like to think about it, because he was here at the Indian´s mercy.
According to what he did before, when they fell on the ground, Nayati seemed to be somewhat attracted to him. Nevertheless, Kame was not sure about what kind of attraction it was and if Nayati would succumb to it. Would it be wise to make the Indian admit it or not?
Breathing slow and deep, he was trying to find an answer to how he should behave, how to make Nayati understand and help him.
Then, something started to bother him and tore him out of his pondering.
Opening his eyes, he found Nayati sitting right next to him, literally staring at him with his dark eyes. Kame returned his look unmoving and then, he leant forward. “What do you want from me, Nayati?”
What the Indian did then, Kame did not exactly expect.
He moved so quickly that he would not manage to move away even if he could and knocked him to the ground. Nayati lowered himself and just as before, he took a deep inhale of Kame´s scent. His expression turned pensive as he observed Kame´s face as if looking for something.
Kame took a deep, little shaky breath, gathering courage to speak openly. “I don´t know if you want to eat, kill or fuck me, but I´ve had enough of this game, so stop being such a dam coward and just do it!”
Nayati stared at him with his eyes wide.
“So, what it´s gonna be?” Kame urged on him already upset and damn tired of trying to get any clear reaction from the other man.
The Indian seemed to be frozen up in one moment and in the next, his lips were pressed against Kame´s and his harsh, hot tongue slipped between them, trying to penetrate in his mouth. It was a wet, hungry and conquering kiss, which tightened up Kame´s throat.
So, I was right… he thought.
Not that he would be exactly happy about it. Now he had to handle this as well.
When he felt a hard hand slipping under the covers, heading low, he managed to shake the surprise off and jerked with his head to escape.
“Let go, Nayati,” he hissed and pushed with his tied hands against his chest. “I said let go!”
With no care to reply, Nayati leant down even closer to him, pressing against him hard, trying to slip with his hand under Kame´s trousers.
“Don´t…!”
The rest of his protest was stopped by Nayati´s mouth on his lips and his tongue forcing his way through again. Kame was too weak against the rested and muscular Indian. Terrified, he tried to shake him off again, kicking. He ended up rewarded with the wave of sharp pain in his right leg.
Nayati straightened up, looking defiantly in his eyes. “Calm down,” he stated hoarsely. “You want.”
“Why the hell you think that!” Kame snapped. “Go to… hell!” he finally managed to kick the Indian´s stomach with his left knee and rolled away.
It was dam clear now, what Nayati wanted to do, but he was not eager to find out what it would be like.
“This is it?” he snapped at the Indian before his horny rescuer could make another move. “This is how you behave in Crow tribe? Taking an advantage of those who cannot fight back?”
Nayati stiffened, his expression somewhat slackened and then he pulled back so quickly as if Kame had become poisonous to him.
Only then both of them noticed someone else joined them at the small camp in the middle of the woods. A tall figure was standing between the two trees. With a great effort, Kame raised himself up, afraid to believe his own eyes.
“Liwan…” he breathed out shocked and with great relief at the same time.
His Indian friend did not reply, though similar feelings were written all over his face. Then he focused on Nayati, who straightened up somewhat stiffly.
“You. Leave,” Liwan hissed, apparently angry.
Suddenly somewhat ashamed, Kame realized that his blood brother had to witness the whole scene. He looked up to the other Indian anxiously. Nayati took a breath and seemed to hesitate, but then he turned and left without a word.
Kame stared after his leaving back, his veins still filled up with adrenaline, remaining unsure what to think about the taciturn Indian.
“Thank Manitou…” Liwan rushed to him and pulled out a knife to cut his ropes. “My heart is overwhelmed to see my brother,” he said then with such an apparent joy, that Kame could not help but raise his freed hands to hug him.
“I´m happy to see you too, Liwan,” he breathed out.
*
“How did you find me?” Kame asked as they sat by the fire. He would love to set off right away, but apart from the fact that it was deep night, it was apparent that Liwan desperately needed rest.
“Father sent me here. He knew you need help.”
“Cloud Dancing knew?” Kame repeated, not really surprised. It was not the first time the old shaman was aware of things nobody else could even imagine. “I owe him then. Again.”
Liwan eyed him seriously. “My brother owe Nayati as well?”
Kame sighed: “Yes. He saved me. I wouldn´t have made it without him, but…”
“Liwan know what he wanted to do. His eyes told.”
“I don´t understand him at all…” Kame murmured, wrapping himself into the blanket.
The young shaman replied only after a moment of thoughtful silence: “Nayati looking for himself.”
Kame frowned, once again confused. “What do you mean?”
“Nayati need someone…” Liwan hesitated, searching for right words. “To push his insecurities onto.”
“So… He wanted to take it out on me?”
“That can be said.”
Liwan did not mean to tell his dear blood brother that Nayati´s attitude towards him was probably a way more complicated. He felt it from him - the Crow Indian hated Kame, as he hated all Palefaces, but at the same time he was curious and felt strongly attracted to the brave man who stood up for Indians. It was very difficult for him to handle these feelings.
“How can you tell?” Kame wondered.
The Indian avoided his look. “I… could connect with Nayati. In certain way.”
“What do you…?” suddenly, Kame realized what his blood brother probably meant and it shut his next words down.
Liwan took a breath and locked his eyes with Kame. “I think you know, my brother, but maybe it is time to let my mouth say it aloud. There was time when my heart would do anything to have you just as Akanishi had.”
Kame returned his shining look speechless, aching somewhere in his chest.
“If Nayati did what he wanted, Liwan would kill him,” his blood brother stated seriously.
“Liwan… I don´t know what to say,” he breathed out hesitantly.
“No need for more words. It was said, my brother heard. And… it is in past,” the young shaman added quietly.
“Because you´ve got Migisi now, right?” offered Kame, a bit eager to change the topic.
“Not truly. Partially - yes. But Migisi nothing like you to me.”
Suddenly understanding, Kame knew how to react: “You are very important for me too, my brother,” he stated seriously. “You must know you will always have a special place in my heart.”
A faint smile brightened up Liwan´s face. “Liwan grateful to have Kame as friend and blood brother.”
Hi words were sincere and finally made Kame´s anxiety disappear.
“What my brother want to do now?” the Indian asked then.
“I must go back to Jin,” replied Kame almost immediately.
Liwan frowned a little: “Why my brother so desperate?”
Kame hunched over, staring to the flames. “He thinks I´m dead…”
His blood brother nodded: “Liwan understand. We leave when the sun rise.”
- To be continued -
Author: Kasumi
Rating: NC-17
Genre: Western, Drama, Romance, Adventure, Historical fiction
Warning: AKame pairing - AU; vulgarisms, violence, explicit content
Beta-reading:
atago4
Summary: A direct sequel of Red West II. - Masterpost
A strange company of three young gunslingers and one Indian is on their way to Montana, while the infamous Black Riders continue their fight against Silver King of Colorado… Will they succeed or fail in the clash with the cruel environment and heartless Governor? Will their friendship, brotherhood and love persevere or be destroyed by greed, bloodshed and vengeance?
Thank you: To Kamenashi Kazuya and Akanishi Jin, because this story wouldn´t have existed without them.
A/N: Another, this time a bit shorter, chapter done, hope you´ll enjoy it.
I´m grateful for any opinion or advice, you help me hone my writing skills with them.
Thank you for taking time to read this story. I´ll be happy if you reward me with a comment for it.
Previously:
Prologue // Chapter one // Chapter two // Chapter three // Chapter four // Chapter five // Chapter six // Chapter seven // Chapter eight // Chapter nine // Chapter ten // Chapter eleven // Chapter twelve // Chapter thirteen // Chapter fourteen // Chapter fifteen // Chapter sixteen // Chapter seventeen // Chapter eighteen // Chapter nineteen // Chapter twenty // Chapter twenty one // Chapter twenty two // Chapter twenty three // Chapter twenty four // Chapter twenty five // Chapter twenty six // Chapter twenty seven //
Constraint
Cameron Henderson approached the tall window leading to the back yard of his newly rebuilt residence and opened the curtains. The usual view was drowning in thick fog. It was a damp, cold November morning, but it would take a lot more to spoil his mood.
He had already overcome the bitter disappointment from not being able to deal with Kazuya Kamenashi himself, but truth was that with the persistent Indian Agent gone, he could fully focus on Akanishi. And so far, everything was proceeding well.
In fact, he had quite a good idea about the identity of that mad assailant who had blown up his mine. He remembered a skillful Irishman corresponding with Tanaka´s description, who repeatedly refused Cameron´s offer to work for him. Nevertheless, he had an older brother who accepted it, got sick soon after and died. Therefore, that man had a motive and abilities to carry out such a deed. None of it mattered though, since it was a perfect opportunity to deal with Jin Akanishi.
It was a real effort to persuade Alexander Botkin that Black Riders were in all probability responsible for the attack. Marshal was experienced and sharp, not easy to manipulate. However, the seed of suspicion had been sown and it was only a matter of time, before the proper results would grow out of it.
Cameron was already certain that Koki Tanaka belonged to the Riders´ gang. He had changed his style and appearance a lot ever since he saw the formerly blonde brat in the Laporte quarry, but seeing his panicky expression at the clinic confirmed his assumption right away.
Then there was the other youngster with stupid and certainly fake name Kiddo, who defended him so actively. Both of them were - quite apparently - acquainted with Akanishi and Kamenashi considering they were willing to risk their lives so frivolously. It was simple to figure out how they all got to know each other. He was only unsure about the fact whether the rest of the gang was currently in the city as well or not. In any case, it could not affect his plan to rob Akanishi of all his friends, hopefully also of his younger brother. Then it would be finally that cheeky bastard´s turn.
With a thick glass in hand, Cameron walked into the middle of his workroom and looked up. The expressive painting on the wall did not seem to care for his mood, but his master was never one to show all he was thinking. Would he be satisfied or upset that this whole payback for his premature passing took so long to carry out? Not that it would matter much…
The sharp knock interrupted his thoughts. Cameron finished his drink and turned to the door.
“Ahem, sir?” the head of his assistant peeked inside. “Sorry for disturbing you…”
“It´s all right,” he gestured him to enter. “What is it, Danny?”
“One of our men just arrived from the city, sir, and… I thought you´d want to know right away.”
He raised his eyebrows over McFly´s hesitating tone. “To know what?”
“Akanishi was arrested, sir,” Danny announced tensely.
For the first time in a very long while, Cameron remained speechless.
“Say it again?” he asked then quietly.
“More precisely, they say the Marshals arrested the leader of Black Riders and are about to transfer him to Billings for the trial,” Danny provided some additional, even more surprising details.
The whiskey glass ended up on the spacious table with an audible thud, as Cameron rather put it aside and took a deep breath.
This was against his expectations. Was it possible that Botkin acted so damn fast?
“How in the hell did that happen?” he turned to the youngster again sharply. “Leo Akanishi would have never exposed himself like this. How did they find him?”
Danny shook his head though. “It´s not like that, sir… It seems they arrested Jin Akanishi.”
“…What?”
***
Feeling chilly, Cora wrapped herself up in a thick woolen plaid, yet she shivered at the sound of chains rattling between the legs and hands of her handsome bodyguard.
She was just one of many Bozeman citizens standing on the street. Everybody was watching the huge stagecoach with the five-pointed star on its door in front of the Sheriff´s Office building. Marshal Botkin was already sitting inside, while his men were working on strapping his wheelchair on the accompanying cart. The rest of U.S. marshals, who had recently arrived to the city, just brought the prisoner outside and escorted him to the coach.
“Is it true?” a voice whispered in Cora´s ear. “Jin said that he leads the Black Riders?”
She didn´t look at Dana, not ever tearing her eyes off the staggering man with hunched shoulders, when she replied: “He did, but I doubt it´s true…”
“What do you mean by that?” the harlot gaped at her.
Before Cora could say anything else, an indignant shouting attracted their attention. It was Harada´s stable boy, running to the group of Marshals around Jin.
“Stop! You can´t take him away!” Mike yelled, trying to get through the tight circle.
“Get lost, kid!” one of the men shoved him away.
The boy did not keep his balance and fell to the ground, yet did not stop protesting.
“You can´t! Jin didn´t do anything!”
“Where are the parents of this brat?” another Marshal looked around. “Shut him up or I will!”
Mike scrambled up on his feet, trying to get through one more time and once again, the man in brown coat stopped him by grabbing his shoulder roughly.
“Let me be!” yelled Mike. “Jin! Tell them you lied! Just tell them!”
Akanishi raised his head and looked at the boy, saying something that did not reach the veranda of Cora´s brothel. Mike shook his head tearfully.
“No… You can´t…” he started sobbing and looked around the gathered crowd. “Why none of you say anything? You all know him just as I do!” he shouted accusingly.
Cora gulped down heavily, already tempted to go and take the boy away. Before she could take a single step, somebody else outran her. Harada approached the armed group cautiously, explained something quietly and took Mike over from the upset Marshal.
“That´s right, isn´t it?” Dana spoke again suddenly. “We all know Jin! How could he be that infamous leader?”
“And what do you propose that we should do?” Cora reacted with her throat tight. “He confessed, Dana.”
The girl pursed her lips, but fell silent, clearly just as lost and helpless as Cora was.
Harada patted the boy´s head comfortingly. Then they stood there, while Mike kept crying and watched as Marshals pushed Jin inside the coach. Before its door closed, Cora caught the last glimpse of her employee and friend sitting inside. He seemed to be lost in his own world.
She closed her eyes suppressing the tears of regret. She felt guilty for lying to him. At least, she should have told him the truth about that night they spent in her bedroom. She should have told him whose name he called in his sleep.
She really got to like Jin Akanishi and hoped that if he believed that he slept with her, it would give her a chance to get closer to him. It was wrong and she would not have a chance to remedy it.
***
Sitting with his back leaning over the tall spruce, Kame grimly watched as Nayati re-bandaged his broken leg. It seemed it was no longer at risk of inflammation and his body temperature kept at its normal. The dull drums disappeared from the back of his head as well, and his stomach was just eagerly processing baked fish, which they had for modest lunch.
Treatment, food and rest. He could ask for no more in the middle of wilderness. Yet, the Crow Indian kept taking care of him without a word or reaction on his questions and it was getting on Kame´s nerves.
His right leg tingled and ached, the cuts on his hands itched and his muscles were stiff, but otherwise, he felt well rested and fully sane. Carefully and with Nayati´s help, he was able to move around, as when he took a pee or rinsed in the river under the swashing waterfall. That was also why he was getting more nervous with each hour from just sitting here on his ass.
“Thank you,” he said flatly, once Nayati finished his work with the healing wrap.
The Indian straightened up and went to add more wood to the fire.
All right… Kame took a breath. Since the polite attitude brought him absolutely nothing so far, he decided for another approach.
“I need you to take me to the city.”
Nayati just sat down by the fireplace, not reacting.
“I know you have a horse nearby, so you can ride me there,” Kame continued persistently. “Somewhere close to the first buildings will be enough.”
The Indian figure resembled a statue.
Kame stared at him. “If you have some objections, just tell me.”
Still nothing.
“Fine,” he snapped, pulled back the covers, which protected him from cold and reached for the long, strong stick, which he had looked up in advance.
Ignoring Nayati´s derisive look, Kame took a few deep breaths. He knew it was going to hurt, but it could not be worse than through what he has been already.
Relying on his unhurt leg and the stick, he stood up slowly. His weak legs were trembling, but he managed to remain standing. Taking his time, he prepared to take the first step. The stick slammed hard against his hand, as he leant on it with all his weight, but he did it. It seemed he would need at least two of these temporary crutches to move properly. He would find the other later then.
Breathing hard, Kame made another step away from the fire and then another. He staggered, already feeling tired.
So what, he told himself. Of course, it would be hard and slow, but still better than doing nothing at all. He just had to…
The tall figure stood in his way before he could make another strenuous step.
Kame looked up and glared at the Indian´s stony face, “If you don´t take me to the city, than get out of my way.”
Nayati shoved him back. Only gently, under normal circumstances Kame would not have moved an inch, but being in the state he was, he staggered back, almost losing his balance.
“You no power,” Nayati stated harshly.
“If you think you can discourage me from going, save your breath,” Kame barked at him.
The Indian smirked and approached him again.
“Stay away from… Hey!” Kame protested when Nayati snatched the stick out of his shaking hand.
Trying to find balance on one leg, he eyed the Indian witch contempt, which rose inside him suddenly. “Coward,” he snapped.
Nayati´s expression hardened. He grabbed Kame´s shoulders, pushing him back to the campfire. Upset by own incompetence, Kame fought back and naturally tripped, falling down to the ground and taking Nayati with him. The impact of his broken leg with the ground sent hundred stars into his brain and the fall of Indian´s body on his chest made him gasp.
Nayati pushed himself up, but remained hovering above him, some strange shine appearing in his eyes. He leant down again, so close Kame felt his hot breath, and inhaled deeply, mumbling something in Indian language that Kame did not understand.
His anger was gone. Just pain, exhaustion and anxiety remained.
He returned Nayati´s look, suddenly realizing there was something in them what he knew but did not want to name. The Indian eyed his face, then chest and the whole body down and up again, his expression somewhat hardening. Kame held his breath, not sure what to expect, but prepared to fight back.
Nayati suddenly straightened and stood up, as if preventing himself from doing something he would regret. Tired and feeling helpless, Kame raised up on his elbows, trying to catch his eyes.
“Take me to Bozeman. I must get there. Please.”
The Indian stood on the spot for a while longer, before he shook his head and turned away from him.
“Shit…” Kame whispered, lying on his back again.
Just how should he persuade this damn stubborn Indian that he just could not lie around here?
Before he could think of anything, Nayati returned. Carrying a rope in his hands…
***
“Where do you think you´re going?” Cullen hissed, dragging Ryo back to stand by their horses. “You did more than enough. Stay here, I´m gonna check the situation.”
With that, the old wolf of Black Riders pulled his hat deeper over his forehead and set off from the shadow of the butchery building. Ryo watched him gloomily as the man crossed the busy, late afternoon street before he turned to Leo and Jane, who were looking in the same way with identical cheerless expressions.
“I know I screwed up, but must he still be so bitchy?” Ryo complained. “Those idiots Botkin had sent after me did not detect anything about us after all.”
Cullen had been right about him bringing along some uninvited guests. Fortunately, they had enough time to hide any evidence of more than two people living at Kame´s house before they appeared on the driveway. They even let them search the property while Leo and Jane were hiding behind anxious Ukushi and very grumpy Kuro, who definitely seemed dangerous enough for the deputies not bothering to check their little stable.
Leo gave him a sideway look. “He wants you to remember your mistake.”
“Bah, I assure you that´s not necessary.”
“You know Cullen, Ryo,” Jane noted amicably.
“I do, but he should know me already as well,” Ryo grumbled and sat down on the edge of a huge log.
“That´s why he did not let you go and attract even more attention to yourself,” Jane explained caustically.
The other Rider did not react on that.
Jane sighed and turned to her frowning fiancé. Following her instinct, she approached him quietly and pressed against his back, hugging him tight.
“Keep the faith, my love,” she whispered. “If anyone can save Jin from himself, it´s you.”
Leo sighed, turned and took the beloved woman in his arms.
“I just hope you´re right,” he muttered.
*
Cullen returned sooner than they had expected and dropped in their hiding spot so suddenly it made both Leo and Jane reached to their gun belts.
“They´ve already left,” he informed them before Leo could ask.
“Shit,” the Riders´ leader cursed. “How much of a lead they have?”
“Eight hours, at least.”
Surprised Ryo jumped on his feet: “Damn it, we should been faster.”
“Preparations are just as important as speed,” Cullen stated in a cold tone.
“Spare me another lecture, please,” the younger Rider requested annoyed.
“It doesn´t matter,” Leo cut in. “We must go after them.”
“Right away?” Jane looked at him worried. “There´s barely an hour of day light left.”
“I know… But we must act fast or we´ll lose him.”
Both Cullen and Ryo nodded in a rare harmony.
Leo grabbed her fiancée´s hand. “Jane, you should rather…”
“I know,” she interrupted him softly. “I´ll stay here with Koki.”
“Exactly. We´ll let you know as soon as possible.”
She smiled sadly. “I´m counting with that…”
He grabbed Jane´s face between his palms and kissed her lips softly. “Stay safe.”
“You too. And… Remember what I said.”
***
They left the majestic outlines of the Rocky Mountains far behind as the sturdy stagecoach hurled forward to the open plains of south Montana. The cold wind was blowing along the road throwing dust in faces of men who accompanied the coach in saddles. It was slowly getting dark and they would need to stop for the night soon. It would be too risky to continue riding for various reasons.
Marshal Botkin drew the curtain down over the small window and focused on the chained prisoner sitting on the opposite bench between two of his deputies. Akanishi was leaning back with is eyes closed, but he was sure that the young gangster was not sleeping.
Usually, all the captives were transported on the cart behind the coach, but Botkin did not want to let this man out of his sight. If he was right and there were more of the Riders in Bozeman, they had definitely started following their track by this time. So if possible, he wanted to take all the precautions, which would prevent this man from slipping out from his fingers. And to drive to their destination as quickly as possible, of course.
“Who was Kamenashi to you?” he asked from a sudden impulse.
On that, his prisoner opened his eyes and stabbed him with a dark look. Well, well. No other question, with which he kept bothering Akanishi in regular intervals, awoke any reaction.
“Officially, he was employed by the Indian Office, but… Was he a member of your gang as well?” Botkin pressed on.
“I´m not interested in talking with you, Botkin,” Akanishi said stiffly. “If you´re so bored, chat with your deputies,” and with that he closed his eyes again.
So, it was a hit to the bull´s eye, Marshal thought.
This arrogant, reckless man was a mystery to him. Akanishi was lying all the time, but at the same time, he was telling the truth. He also carried some great pain with him, which sometimes soaked through that dispassionate mask of his, but he did not seem to wait for any rescue. He was reconciled and calm.
Well, soon, they were about to see if he would keep on this attitude also during his trial and execution…
***
With his eyes closed, Kame listened to the night woods and to soft swishing of the nearby waterfall, trying to ignore everything else including the ties around his wrists. It was hard, but he was trying to clear his mind off all thoughts and meditate just as Cloud Dancing had taught him. He was hoping that in such a calm state he could finally find a way out from his situation.
He had been pondering Nayati´s behavior and there was only one conclusion he came to in the end. The Indian seemed to despise him on the surface, but at the same time, he desperately wanted to keep him close, at his side. There were not many possibilities why he wanted that. Nayati might have been curious about him, trying to find out what was behind his motivation to help the Indians in the reservation. He had already noticed this kind of curiosity in him before. Though, there was also one more option, but Kame did not like to think about it, because he was here at the Indian´s mercy.
According to what he did before, when they fell on the ground, Nayati seemed to be somewhat attracted to him. Nevertheless, Kame was not sure about what kind of attraction it was and if Nayati would succumb to it. Would it be wise to make the Indian admit it or not?
Breathing slow and deep, he was trying to find an answer to how he should behave, how to make Nayati understand and help him.
Then, something started to bother him and tore him out of his pondering.
Opening his eyes, he found Nayati sitting right next to him, literally staring at him with his dark eyes. Kame returned his look unmoving and then, he leant forward. “What do you want from me, Nayati?”
What the Indian did then, Kame did not exactly expect.
He moved so quickly that he would not manage to move away even if he could and knocked him to the ground. Nayati lowered himself and just as before, he took a deep inhale of Kame´s scent. His expression turned pensive as he observed Kame´s face as if looking for something.
Kame took a deep, little shaky breath, gathering courage to speak openly. “I don´t know if you want to eat, kill or fuck me, but I´ve had enough of this game, so stop being such a dam coward and just do it!”
Nayati stared at him with his eyes wide.
“So, what it´s gonna be?” Kame urged on him already upset and damn tired of trying to get any clear reaction from the other man.
The Indian seemed to be frozen up in one moment and in the next, his lips were pressed against Kame´s and his harsh, hot tongue slipped between them, trying to penetrate in his mouth. It was a wet, hungry and conquering kiss, which tightened up Kame´s throat.
So, I was right… he thought.
Not that he would be exactly happy about it. Now he had to handle this as well.
When he felt a hard hand slipping under the covers, heading low, he managed to shake the surprise off and jerked with his head to escape.
“Let go, Nayati,” he hissed and pushed with his tied hands against his chest. “I said let go!”
With no care to reply, Nayati leant down even closer to him, pressing against him hard, trying to slip with his hand under Kame´s trousers.
“Don´t…!”
The rest of his protest was stopped by Nayati´s mouth on his lips and his tongue forcing his way through again. Kame was too weak against the rested and muscular Indian. Terrified, he tried to shake him off again, kicking. He ended up rewarded with the wave of sharp pain in his right leg.
Nayati straightened up, looking defiantly in his eyes. “Calm down,” he stated hoarsely. “You want.”
“Why the hell you think that!” Kame snapped. “Go to… hell!” he finally managed to kick the Indian´s stomach with his left knee and rolled away.
It was dam clear now, what Nayati wanted to do, but he was not eager to find out what it would be like.
“This is it?” he snapped at the Indian before his horny rescuer could make another move. “This is how you behave in Crow tribe? Taking an advantage of those who cannot fight back?”
Nayati stiffened, his expression somewhat slackened and then he pulled back so quickly as if Kame had become poisonous to him.
Only then both of them noticed someone else joined them at the small camp in the middle of the woods. A tall figure was standing between the two trees. With a great effort, Kame raised himself up, afraid to believe his own eyes.
“Liwan…” he breathed out shocked and with great relief at the same time.
His Indian friend did not reply, though similar feelings were written all over his face. Then he focused on Nayati, who straightened up somewhat stiffly.
“You. Leave,” Liwan hissed, apparently angry.
Suddenly somewhat ashamed, Kame realized that his blood brother had to witness the whole scene. He looked up to the other Indian anxiously. Nayati took a breath and seemed to hesitate, but then he turned and left without a word.
Kame stared after his leaving back, his veins still filled up with adrenaline, remaining unsure what to think about the taciturn Indian.
“Thank Manitou…” Liwan rushed to him and pulled out a knife to cut his ropes. “My heart is overwhelmed to see my brother,” he said then with such an apparent joy, that Kame could not help but raise his freed hands to hug him.
“I´m happy to see you too, Liwan,” he breathed out.
*
“How did you find me?” Kame asked as they sat by the fire. He would love to set off right away, but apart from the fact that it was deep night, it was apparent that Liwan desperately needed rest.
“Father sent me here. He knew you need help.”
“Cloud Dancing knew?” Kame repeated, not really surprised. It was not the first time the old shaman was aware of things nobody else could even imagine. “I owe him then. Again.”
Liwan eyed him seriously. “My brother owe Nayati as well?”
Kame sighed: “Yes. He saved me. I wouldn´t have made it without him, but…”
“Liwan know what he wanted to do. His eyes told.”
“I don´t understand him at all…” Kame murmured, wrapping himself into the blanket.
The young shaman replied only after a moment of thoughtful silence: “Nayati looking for himself.”
Kame frowned, once again confused. “What do you mean?”
“Nayati need someone…” Liwan hesitated, searching for right words. “To push his insecurities onto.”
“So… He wanted to take it out on me?”
“That can be said.”
Liwan did not mean to tell his dear blood brother that Nayati´s attitude towards him was probably a way more complicated. He felt it from him - the Crow Indian hated Kame, as he hated all Palefaces, but at the same time he was curious and felt strongly attracted to the brave man who stood up for Indians. It was very difficult for him to handle these feelings.
“How can you tell?” Kame wondered.
The Indian avoided his look. “I… could connect with Nayati. In certain way.”
“What do you…?” suddenly, Kame realized what his blood brother probably meant and it shut his next words down.
Liwan took a breath and locked his eyes with Kame. “I think you know, my brother, but maybe it is time to let my mouth say it aloud. There was time when my heart would do anything to have you just as Akanishi had.”
Kame returned his shining look speechless, aching somewhere in his chest.
“If Nayati did what he wanted, Liwan would kill him,” his blood brother stated seriously.
“Liwan… I don´t know what to say,” he breathed out hesitantly.
“No need for more words. It was said, my brother heard. And… it is in past,” the young shaman added quietly.
“Because you´ve got Migisi now, right?” offered Kame, a bit eager to change the topic.
“Not truly. Partially - yes. But Migisi nothing like you to me.”
Suddenly understanding, Kame knew how to react: “You are very important for me too, my brother,” he stated seriously. “You must know you will always have a special place in my heart.”
A faint smile brightened up Liwan´s face. “Liwan grateful to have Kame as friend and blood brother.”
Hi words were sincere and finally made Kame´s anxiety disappear.
“What my brother want to do now?” the Indian asked then.
“I must go back to Jin,” replied Kame almost immediately.
Liwan frowned a little: “Why my brother so desperate?”
Kame hunched over, staring to the flames. “He thinks I´m dead…”
His blood brother nodded: “Liwan understand. We leave when the sun rise.”
- To be continued -