Tales of Hindus Valley - Chapter 1: Fair Day
Tennessee whistled a merry tune as he made his way towards the town jail, the morning sun peeking over the mountains and casting its rays on the valley. It had been a few days since the fiasco at the Flooded Mine, and after all that trouble Tennessee was eager to look forward to a relaxing weekend in his new home.
Entering through the jail's front door, he donned a smile at the sight of Sheriff Henderson seated at his desk, a mug of coffee in one hand and a newspaper in the other. Beside the old dog, in the only cell upstairs, was a tired looking goat who had both hands dangling out of the bars.
"Mornin' Sheriff," Tennessee greeted with a grin. "Who's that?" he wondered, referring to the prisoner.
"Just some drunk disturbin' the peace, Tennessee, nothin' ta worry about."
"Thank god for that," Tennessee sighed peacefully. "After all that shit went down at the Flooded Mine, I could use some peace fer a change."
"You really are one crazy son of a bitch," muttered Henderson before taking a sip of his coffee. "Goin' off blowin' up a dam like that."
"That ain't a complaint, is it?" Tennessee smiled.
"It was from Jessica and Percy, fer starters…" Henderson said with a small chuckle. "How's yer cheeks? Can ya still chew?"
Smirking, Tennessee gave him a quick shot from his middle finger just as a familiar vixen came through the jailhouse doors. "Mornin'!"
"Mornin', Warden!" Tennessee greeted cheerfully. "Get a good night's sleep last night?"
"A lot better knowing that my injuries are just about healed." Warden Jones replied politely. "Wouldn't want a bodily dysfunction when I hang both Gold-Tooth Tom and all the Rancid Riders fer what they did to me and my convoy."
"Well I doubt that chance's gonna come anytime soon," Tennessee quipped. "After I washed them all away, I'd say they're still busy lickin' their wounds ta show their faces around here."
"Which reminds me..."
SMACK!
"Ow!" Tennessee complained, glaring at the vixen while rubbing his right cheek. "What the hell?!"
"Rudy asked me ta give ya that fer your little stunt at the Flooded Mine." Warden Jones smirked. "Kid didn't enjoy that request as much as I did."
"And why would you enjoy that?! And why would he ask ya ta slap me?!"
"'Cause I hate seein' a lawman making dumbass decisions. As fer why, because he didn't want ya ta die. No one does."
"I'm sure they don't. But Rudy?" Tennessee asked with a frown. "And after I went an' saved his fluffy tail…So much fer gratitude."
"Ya want gratitude? Just be thankful I declined the idea for a "Slap the Deputy" booth at the Fair this year." Warden Jones quipped.
"That was a thing?!" gawked Tennessee. "Also, what fair?"
"Oh shit, sorry Tennessee, I forgot ta tell ya all about that." grunted Henderson, putting down his coffee and paper. "Hindus Valley holds an annual town fair every year. It's a fun day fer folks of all ages; there's games, activities, free meals, rides. It's to celebrate the town's founding anniversary."
"Sounds fun," Tennessee smiled. "I haven't been to a fair like that since I was a kid."
"Well then, hope you like it, 'cause you're on patrol with me and George!" revealed Warden Jones.
Tennessee's excitement sank once he got this new bit of information. He turned to Sheriff Henderson, a look of disenchantment on his face. "Aww, c'mon, really?" he whined like a child.
"Really," Sheriff Henderson confirmed with an apologetic look. "Sorry Tennessee, but we still gotta protect the town, especially since Weasen and the Riders may still be out there. We can't take any chances."
"Aw, c'mon, don't feel so down." Warden Jones placed a hand on the slouching raccoon's shoulder. "We each get a break and take turns taking shifts from the town's watch tower. You'll still get some time ta have fun. Believe it or not, this job ain't just all work an' no play."
The vixen's words made Tennessee's smile return slightly. "Eh, I guess yer right," he agreed, "and compared ta what happened earlier this week, playin' guard duty at a town fair sounds a lot more relaxin' than dodgin' bullets and blowin' up dams."
"That's the spirit!" Warden Jones patted his shoulder. "There is just one thing, though; a new rule for this year."
"What's that?"
"No magicians." Henderson smirked.
The three law enforcers broke out laughing at the sheriff's joke, agreeing that the last thing the townsfolk needed was a reminder of the most recent person who came to their town and dazzled them with magic tricks and illusions.
A short time later, the trio rode their horses to where the fair was set up and dismounted to see what awaited them on the fairground. Red, white and blue decorations were on display all throughout the vast, open area just outside of town, gaming booths held lines where eager customers awaited to play as inviting aromas emanated from different food booths. Tennessee took notice of the activities, which were held near the school yard. Children working on arts and crafts while adults helped guide them, Jessica Evans and Stacy Rivers being part of it. As for the rides, Tennessee noticed how Percy and a few other small handful of farm men held a small area for horseback riding. The most popular of the rides seemed to be the brightly-colored carousel, ferris wheel, and hot air balloon that gave riders a great view of the valley from above.
"Wow, this is one helluva turnout!" Tennessee grinned. "Just bein' here makes me glad we're in charge of security today!"
"Glad ta know you're impressed." Sheriff Henderson smiled. "Been here for as long as I can remember and not once have I not enjoyed myself. If only we had more outsiders like you ta come and enjoy these traditions."
Tennessee nodded "Maybe there will...after we deal with Weasen and the Riders?"
"Maybe, but let's not worry 'bout them now." said Warden Jones. "Let's just do our jobs while also havin' a good time."
"Good point. So where's this watchtower we're gonna be watchin' from?" Tennessee asked.
"Up there, it's too hard ta miss." pointed out Warden Jones. Tennessee looked where she was pointing to see a tall watchtower looming over the fairground, and as he squinted his eyes he could see a couple telescopes mounted up there.
"Huh," Tennessee observed. "You'd think I would've noticed that before."
"I thought the same thing." chuckled Warden Jones.
"Well no time for dilly-dally," Sheriff Henderson announced. "Let's set up our schedule. Now, Tennessee, the way this works is we each get an hour break every two hours of patrol. Warden Jones has agreed to take the first watch, then me, then you."
Tennessee smiled hopefully. "Ya mean...I can go have fun around here before my shift starts?"
"You bet, rookie!" grinned Warden Jones. "Besides, this is your first time at our fair! Go out and have fun! Two hours from now, George here will find ya."
"Oh man, thanks a lot!" Tennessee cheered. "I owe you both a beer fer this! I can't thank ya enough!"
Nodding, Warden Jones and Sheriff Henderson wave goodbye to Tennessee as he sets off on his merry way.
XXXXXXXXXX
The first stop Tennessee made was by the arts and crafts center, where he caught sight of Rudy and some of his friends making bracelets. When the young jackrabbit caught sight of him, he waved over towards his direction.
"Hey, Tenenssee, over here!" when the older male approached their table, Rudy held up his bracelet. "Whaddya think? Wanna join us?"
"Sure," Tennessee smiled, taking a seat next to Rudy. "I gotta say, this place is packed."
"Sure is!" Barry chimed in. "This is my favorite part of the fair, aside from the food stands."
"Well, everything does smell good over there, so I can imagine." grinned Tennessee. While working on his bracelet, Tennessee began to notice something weird about Rudy's group of friends. One of them was missing…
"Say, Rudy," Tennessee looked down at the young jackrabbit, who looked back up at him. "Where's Becca? She's usually with you fellas."
"I'm right here!" announced Becca, gaining the attention of everyone at their table.
Rudy's eyes immediately noticed the blue ribbon on her dress. "Golly, Becca, where'd ya win that?"
Becca smiled in pride, stretching out her dress to further display her ribbon. "Like it? I just won it at a livestock contest!"
"Well, that's somethin'!" grinned Tennessee. "What did ya breed?"
Just when Becca was about to reply, the earth below them shook as a large figure approached the young girl. All eyes were fixed on the overweight pig that took its place.
"Oh my god!" exclaimed Tennessee.
"Whoa!" Barry eyed the pig up and down. "What a pig!"
"Golly, what did ya do ta get it that fat, Becca?!" Rudy exclaimed, pointing at the pig. "It's fatter than both Barry and Gordy after an eatin' contest at the food stands!"
"Hey!" Barry frowned in annoyance as Gordy chuckled stupidly and poured a large amount of glitter on the paper hand turkey he was working on.
"It's true, though." said Gordy, as he started taking a bite of his chicken leg.
"YOU'RE NOT HELPING!" Barry yelled at his face-stuffing friend.
Becca rolled her eyes at her friends as they bickered. "Gee, I do hope someone actually pays attention ta me an' my prized pig…"
"Sorry, Becca." Tennessee brought his attention back to the young girl. "I gotta say, I'm mighty impressed. If anything, I'm even more impressed by how your pig can stand up."
"They said they wanted the fattest pig, so I delivered." grinned Becca.
Just then, the pig's weight caught up with it as it crashed onto the ground, shaking the earth underneath everyone's feet. After being startled by the small earthquake brought on by the pig, Becca sighed and walked away while announcing, "Anyone feel like helpin' me get this pig home?!"
As Tennessee and the other kids at the table broke out in laughter at this display, a familiar voice met his ears.
"Tennessee? That you?"
Tennessee turned his head to see Jessica approaching their table with a little fox kit by with one hand and a thick white candle by the other. A smile was displayed on her face and a light blush on her cheeks as she approached her savior and crush.
"Howdy, Miss Evans!" greeted Tennessee. "Whatcha doin' here?"
"I volunteered ta help out at the arts n' crafts area. Takin' little Duncan here ta dye this candle."
"It's birthday gift fer my mama…" said the small fox timidly.
"Ain't he just the cutest?" gushed Jessica. "Such a sweet little boy!"
"Not as cute as my Percy, though!"
All heads turn to see Stacy Rivers appearing by Jessica's side. "Jessica, I hope ya don't mind, but I'm gonna head over to the gaming booths. I signed myself up for the dunkin' tank!"
"Oh, that's fine, Stacy!" replied Jessica. "I'm almost done here, so it ain't no trouble."
"Why would ya want ta be the one gettin' dunked?" Tennessee wondered.
At this, a sly and sultry smile crossed Stacy's lips. "Oh, nothin' really…" she explained in a singsong voice. "I just have a little surprise for my Percy I think he'll be happy ta see…"
Before Tennessee could ask, she continued charmingly to him, "Speakin' of which, Mister Cooper, would you be so kind as ta bring Percykins over ta the dunk tank in about fifteen minutes?"
"Sure thing, Stacy!" Tennessee replied, trying to hold in his laughter.
"Excellent!" Stacy clapped her hands together. "Well, if ya'll be so kind, I'm gonna go get wet…" she announced before leaving.
"Boy, she must love the water…" Gordy observed.
"I don't think she was referrin' to the water." Tennessee quipped, earning a shocked expression from Jessica's crimson face while all the kids gave him confused looks as to what he was talking about.
"Tennessee!" Jessica exclaimed, her face redder than the decorations. "They're just children! You should know better than talkin' like that around them!"
Rudy however, was grinning ear to ear, excited to see what was going to happen at the dunk tank to make his brother embarrassed yet again.
"This is gonna be good…" Rudy giggled and rubbed his hands together.
About fifteen minutes later, Tennessee had located Percy and brought him over to the dunk tank, where Jessica, Rudy and his friends had gathered to watch the show.
Percy did not seem eager to be there, already pulling on his collar and wiping sweat from his brow despite Stacy not being present. Rudy meanwhile could hardly contain his glee and excitement as he danced in place, hands over his mouth as he giggled uncontrollably.
"What the hell is with him?" Percy asked Tennessee when they reached the dunking booth. "I haven't seen him this excited since that one time when he and Becca forged a letter to- oh no."
The color on his face faded. "Oh god, please, no, come on…"
"Stacy said she wanted me ta bring ya over here," Tennessee smirked. "Said she's got some...special surprise waitin' for ya."
"Oh god…" Percy facepalmed in mortification.
"Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy!" Rudy tittered in excitement. "I can't wait ta see what she's got planned fer ya here at the dunk tank, big brother!" He then turned to his friends with eagerness. "Who thinks she's gunna show up here ta sit in the tank naked fer Percy?!"
"Rudy!" Jessica gasped in a scolding tone. "How could ya think of somethin' so obscene?! I know Stacy's passionate about yer brother, but even she ain't crazy enough ta do somethin like that! She knows this town's got a law against public nudity!"
"PLEASE don't say somethin' like that!" Percy begged the two as Tennessee held back a snigger. "I'm already enough on edge not knowin' what Stacy's gonna do, and I don't need-"
"Yoo-hoo...Percykins..."
As soon as her voice reached his ears, Percy's ears went limp and his eyes went wide with dread. Slowly and reluctantly, he turned around while ignoring the poorly-contained laughter of his brother and his friends to face who had addressed him.
Slowly yet seductively, the ever-familiar form of Stacy Rivers made her way towards the dunk tank, not caring about the surprised yet intrigued looks of fairgoers that she passed as she approached her crush. Unlike how they saw her earlier, Tennessee and Jessica saw that Stacy was clad in a silky purple bathrobe while a sun hat was placed on her head, the brim covering her eyes.
"Oh, THIS oughta be good…" Tennessee thought to himself as Stacy stopped before Percy.
"Hello my love," She began seductively while tipping her hat up to gaze lovingly into Percy's eyes. "I'm so happy Mister Cooper managed ta find ya fer me…"
"U-um...W-what's th-this a-a-a-about, Stacy?" Percy stutterd, face red as a tomato as he fought desperately not to think what Stacy may be hiding beneath that robe.
"Oh...nothin' much," she assured as she slyly circled around the male jackrabbit. Rudy at this point had given up on suppressing his laughter, only leaning on Barry to keep from falling over.
"I just felt ya'll deserved a little reward fer riskin' yer life at the Flooded Mine. When I heard the fair needed someone at the dunk tank, I was the first ta volunteer."
She stopped back in front of Percy and finished, "I just wanted ta give ya the pleasure of bein' the first ta get me dunked. Should be easy with yer aim with that crossbow of yours."
Slowly yet cautiously, Percy allowed himself to lower his defenses and calm down slightly.
"Is...is that all ya want? Ta let me be first in line ta dunk ya?"
"Well…" Stacy began coyly as she slowly reached for the belt on her robe as he was distracted. "That's just part of what I wanted ta give ya."
Percy's expression became both confused and concerned at what she meant, Tennessee bore an eager smirk, and Rudy almost drew blood with how hard he was biting his lower lip.
"I heard tell it's gonna be pretty warm today," she began suggestively as the undid the knot on her robe's belt, "so I thought I'd slip on somethin' more...comfy."
"What-"
FWOOSH!
DROP!
"GOOD LORD STACY!"
Jessica's shriek was hardly acknowledged as everyone gaped in absolute shock at what had just transpired.
Stacy's robe was dropped on the ground behind her to show she was wearing nothing but two pieces of cloth tied tightly around her torso and crotch region. Other than that, the rest of her body was bare and exposed for the world to see: her arms, shoulders, hips, legs and feet were completely uncovered by any trace of clothing.
Rudy's fits of giggles were the only sound being heard in the crowd of shocked bystanders. Jessica, flustered, turned her head sideways while covering her right side of her face, hoping to never catch a glimpse of her friend's revealing body. Everyone else in the crowd was either too transfixed by what she wore, and some of the embarrassed parents there covered their childrens' eyes
"She's practically naked!" Jessica whispered to herself in shock.
"Oh my god." Tennessee covered his mouth, his eyes widen as he tried to hold in his laughter.
"...What. The. Fuck?" Percy muttered in dismay, watching as the female jackrabbit did a little twirl to show herself off.
"Like what ya see, big boy?" Stacy asked with a giggle as leaned close and batter her eyelashes flirtatiously at him. "I made it myself!"
Percy was unable to reply as he was still transfixed by what stood before him, face red as a tomato as a small amount of blood began to trickle down from his left nostril.
"...Well, uh," Barry coughed into his hoof, face also red as he averted his gaze from the scantily-dressed female. Noticing Gordy looking at her he lifted a hoof to cover the young toad's eyes."That's an awfully...revealin' thing ta wear."
"REVEALING?!" Shouted Chester as he gestured around hysterically. "SHE'S PRACTICALLY NAKED!"
"Please don't remind me." groaned Percy.
"Sssoooo…" Stacy grinned. "Wanna get me wet, Percy?"
"He already does," Tennessee snickered, causing Jessica to slap him aside the head in embarrassment while the surrounding kids gave the male raccoon confused looks. "Ow!" he whined, rubbing the back of his head.
Managing to cease his laughter for the moment, Rudy exclaimed "Of course he does!"
This made Percy snap out of his trance as he looked at his younger sibling in disbelief.
"He'd love ta be the first one ta dunk ya, Stacy! How 'bout you sit yer pretty self up there while Tennessee and I get him ready?"
Squealing, the female jackrabbit made her way to the top of the dunk tank, situating herself. While she was doing that, Percy made his way over towards the stand where the dunk balls were placed, but not before mouthing a, "You're grounded." to his younger brother, who just grinned at him sheepishly.
"Come on, Percy, this should be easy!" Tennessee encouraged and patted his friend on the shoulder. "If you can nab rats with that crossbow of yers, ya can certainly hit a target with a ball!"
"Yeah, but those rats didn't have…" he motioned to Stacy's chest with his eyes. "Those!" he whispered that last part so that no one else could hear him.
"Aw, c'mon, you'll be fine!" encouraged Tennessee once more. "Just focus on the target, nothin' else!"
With a heavy sigh, Percy nods before bringing his attention to the target. Even so, Percy could still Stacy in his peripheral vision, making his cheeks flustered.
"C'mon, Percykins!" sung Stacy. "Hit me with yer best shot!"
"If only you had more clothes on…" thought Percy before swinging his arm, releasing the ball from his hand, before it hits the tank, just barely hitting the target.
"Strike one!" Stacy giggled. "Oh, I know ya can do better than that! Just imagine you hitting me with somethin' other than a ball…" she winked at him, causing him to gawk at her.
Tennessee began to laugh while Jessica stared at her friend in disbelief.
"S-Shut up! T-T-That's inappropriate!" Percy screamed back at Tennessee before he turned back around to point an accusing finger at the female jackrabbit. "You're inappropriate!"
Stacy simply giggled at this and began fanning herself with a hand.
"It's gettin' awfully warm up here Percy," She smiled sexily and began tracing the water below her with a toe. "What I wouldn't give ta take a dip in this nice...cool...refreshin'...water..."
"THEN JUMP, WOMAN!" Percy bellowed.
Stacy giggled in response. "Aww, but Percy, that wouldn't be fair ta help you cheat like that. Gotta throw that there ball ta hit the target in order ta get me in here, 'member?"
Groaning, Percy threw another ball at the target, but missed once again.
"Aww, c'mon Percy!" Stacy whined. "C'mon, dunk me already!"
"Then quit distracting me!" Percy retort, his face still flushed. "How am I supposed ta hit the target when you keep actin' like this?!"
"Oooo, feisty! I love it!" Stacy squealed. "Aw, Percy, I'd bare your babies if only you'd let me!"
"THAT'S IT!"
With all his might, Percy grabbed the next ball and threw it as hard as he could at the target.
DING!
"EEP!"
SPLASH!
Percy had hit the target spot on and has soon as he did, the seat gave away from beneath Stacy as she plummeted down into the water tank with a satisfying splash.
Rudy and his friends erupted into cheers and clapped wildly as Tennessee playfully ruffled Percy's hair while he caught his breath.
"Satisfied?" smirked Percy.
"Shut up," Percy huffed, catching his breath. "I'm never gonna be able ta show my face in public after this…"
Rudy meanwhile had fallen onto his back, kicking his legs around in hysterics. "Oh...My...My ribs are killin' me!" He shrieked, "Somebody call a doctor!"
Stacy meanwhile rose from the water headfirst, giggling wildly and whipping her hair around with a relieved sigh.
"Ah…" she grinned, "Refreshing!"
She then looked back at Percy, who was still panting, and donned a loving grin again.
"Thanks, my love," She flirted towards him, leaning over the side of the tank and tracing it with her finger. "That was fun! Wanna go a second time?"
"Thanks but no thanks, I need a damn drink," Percy answered politely yet hurriedly as he turned and began walking away
"Wait, Percy!" Stacy yelled after Percy's retreating form. "Wanna come back here for some watersports?!"
"Yeah, Perc!" smirked Rudy. "Wanna take a dip with Stacy!"
"Again, I don't think she means swimming…" quipped Tennessee, earning another hard slap from aside the head from Jessica. "Ow!"
"We really need ta work on your language today, Mister Cooper." she declared.
Jessica then headed over to Stacy, still half-submerged as she rested her hand on one hand and gazed after Percy with a lovesick grin.
"You alright there, Stace?"
"He's so adorable when he's shy," sighed Stacy lovingly. "He's gonna be the cutest daddy one day."
"That is unless the stunts like this ya pull on him give him a heart attack."
The two ladies laughed, knowing how likely that was to happen due to Percy's shyness.
After the incident with Stacy at the dunking tank, Tennessee decided to spend the rest of his free time with Jessica Evans. The female raccoon had felt her cheeks flushed when the male had asked her to spend the rest of the evening with her, so of course she said yes in a heartbeat.
The two were currently walking through the fair, hand in hand as Jessica lead Tennessee to all the nearest booths and other visuals the town fair had to offer. Tennessee was honestly enjoying himself even more now that he had Jessica by his side.
All movement stopped when Tennessee caught Jessica eyeing one of the game booths, where a bunch of teddy bears were being handed out as prizes. A smile ran alongside Tennessee's muzzle as he nudged his lady friend while motioning to the gaming booth.
"See somethin' ya like?" he inquired.
"Wh-What?" Jessica's face flushed. "Um...no…?"
Deducing that the female wasn't going to give him a straight answer - an answer that he already knew - Tennessee made his way over to the same booth that he caught her eyeballing. Jessica, realizing what he was doing, quickly proceeded to follow the male raccoon.
"Tennessee, what are ya-?"
"Excuse me, sir," Tennessee asked the male badger who was in charge of the stand. "But how does this game work?"
"Just known down them bottles there," the badger motioned to the towering wall of glass bottles behind him. "You get three tries; get ta win a bear if ya manage to knock 'em down. Feel up fer it, Deputy Cooper?"
"I'd be honored to." nodded Tennessee.
Grinning, the badger handed three balls to Tennessee before taking a few steps back to watch the show. Jessica began mimicking the badger's movements and stood back, not wanting to get in the way of Tennessee's throwing arm.
Tennessee threw the ball with all his strength and successfully knocked the bottles over, much to the badger barker's amazement.
"Wow! Hit 'em on the first try!" the badger exclaimed with a grin before looking at Tennessee. "Guess yer aim ain't just good with a firearm, ain't it Deputy? Feel free ta claim yer prize!"
Tennessee immediately went and grabbed a light brown teddy bear before handing it to Jessica, who blushed when she accepted the fluffy stuffed animal.
"O-Oh, thank you kindly, Tennessee!" Jessica nearly squeaked. "Awfully kind of ya."
"Hey, I saw ya looking at it; knew you had ta want it. Were my thoughts correct?"
In response, Jessica hugged the bear closer to her chest as her uzzle found itself burying it into the bear's head. "Yeah…" she murmured, lifting her head up slightly to smile at the male raccoon. "You weren't wrong."
Tennessee found himself staring into Jessica's eyes. Both raccoons felt their body temperature rising just from the sudden eye contact. Before Tennessee could open his mouth and reply, the familiar voice of a certain vixen caught his attention.
"Hey Cooper!"
The two raccoons turned to see Warden Jones approaching them, a cup of lemonade in one hand and a stuffed bear in a jailbird outfit wrapped in the other arm while a hot dog rested in her other hand. "Time for your shift!"
"Alrighty then," nodded Tennessee before bringing his attention back onto Jessica. "Until next time." he lifted up Jessica's hand before planting a kiss.
As the vixen and the female watched Tennessee make his leave, Jessica's eyes dotted on the vixen's bear. "Aww, that's adorable, Warden Jones! Where'd ya get that cute little outfit?"
"The arts 'n crafts section," Warden Jones explained.
"Why a jailbird, if ya don't mind me askin'?"
"Ta practice hanging Weasen and the Riders," Warden Jones replied. "Plannin' on gettin' a bear fer each son of a bitch who's associated with that weasel."
Jessica's smile disappeared and a slightly disturbed look took over her facial features before giving the vixen a timid smile.
When Tennessee arrived at the watchtower, he could see Sheriff Henderson waiting for him.
"Enjoyin' yerself today, deputy?" The bloodhound smirked
"Oh, yes!" Tennessee replied. "I haven't had this much fun at a fair in a long time! Thank ya kindly fer letting me participate early, Sheriff!"
"It's no problem." Sheriff Henderson nodded. "Well, ya know the drill, Tennessee. Just stay up here on lookout and if you notice anything sketchy, report back ta me and Warden Jones before going off."
"Sure thing!" Tennesse agreed. "You plannin' on gettin' in on the fun here? Gonna hit any game booths or do any contests?"
"Oh, I did enough of that earlier," Sheriff Henderson replied. "I'm just gonna walk around, maybe get a drink or two. My old bones can't throw balls at bottles all day like yours, ya know. But I'm sure as hell gonna be hittin' the food stands ta see what there's ta eat around here."
"Ain't nothin' wrong with that. I'll get right ta work, you just go and enjoy yerself."
With a nod and tip of his hat, the sheriff walked off while Tennessee clutched his gun between his teeth and ascended up the ladder to the top of the watchtower.
Just as the bloodhound was leaving, Tennessee leaned against the watchtower's railing. He took in the view of the whole town, the fair included. The sight of a big red, white and blue balloon caught the raccoon's vision as he witnessed people exiting the basket for the next set of people. Those next in line were Jessica and Frederico, Rudy's Chiuaua friend from school.
A smile came onto the raccoon's face as he noticed how happy Jessica looked. It made him feel all warm inside knowing that he was able to make her afternoon by giving her something special, even if it was as simple as a stuffed bear.
He watched as Jessica and Frederico entered the balloon's basket before departing. Tennessee, deciding to start paying attention to the rest of the fairgrounds, averted his gaze from the hot air balloon. Just when he did, screams of panic were heard, making Tennessee's ears stand erect. He quickly turned to see the hot air balloon carrying Jessica and Frederico blowing away.
"You've gotta be shittin' me!" Tennessee cursed to himself before leaping from the tower, landing on the ground below.
"Are you fuckin' insane?!" Warden Jones exclaimed as she approached the raccoon. "Jumpin' off a bulding that high?! What could you have possibly-"
"Warden, look!" Tennessee pointed at the runaway hot air balloon carrying the screaming she-raccoon and Chiuaua pup. "You can bitch me out later! Right now, we've got a balloon ta catch!"
Warden Jones watched as Tennessee made a full sprint towards his horse. "Goddamn, that raccoon…" she muttered to herself before following his lead.
XXXXXXXXXX
Tennessee and Warden Jones were currently on the run, trying the best they could to stop the hot air balloon. Sheriff Henderson soon joined them the second he saw them running past the fairgrounds on horseback.
"This certainly wasn't somethin' I was imagined goin' on today!" Sheriff Henderson said as he caught up with his two partners. "Chasin' after a hot air balloon with two civilians."
"I see a rope," Warden Jones observed. "Maybe we can latch it onto somethin'?"
"We don't need to; look!" Tennessee pointed as the hot air balloon stopped.
The trio noticed how the rope got tangled in a bunch of tree branches, making Jessica and Frederico look somewhat relieved that the "ride" had stopped. Without wasting any time, Tennessee and the two law-abiding citizens raced to the base of the tree.
"Well, that's lucky fer us!" Warden Jones said. "Now what?"
"Leave that ta me!" grinned Tennessee before leaping up towards a hefty tree branch. Warden Jones and Sheriff Henderson watched as the raccoon lept from tree branch to tree branch before making it to the top, where he began walking on the rope, up towards the balloon.
"How the hell does he do that?" Warden Jones asked in amazement.
"Beats me," Sheriff Henderson shrugged. "All he said was it took lots of practice."
"Senorita Evans, look!" Frederico exclaimed, pointing at the rope-walking raccoon. "We're saved!"
"Oh, thank goodness!" Jessica sighed.
"Some ride this is, am I right?" Tennessee half-joked as he reached the basket and hopped inside. "Not everyday ya get carried off in a hot air balloon."
"Diputato Cooper! Muchas gracias you're here!" Frederico exclaimed. "Enough of the chistes and just get us down, por favor!"
Smirking, Tennessee grabbed the child and had him climb on his back, wrapping his arms and legs around his torso. Tennessee then took Jessica by the hand before picking her up bridal style. Down below, Warden Jones and Sheriff Henderson watched as Tennessee began carrying both citizens down the balloon's rope. Soon enough, other people from the fairgrounds appeared at the scene, the first being Mayor Evans, who looked panicked yet relieved seeing his daughter being saved.
Just as Tennessee made it halfway down the rope, the tree branches began to lose their grip on the balloon's rope before being seperated. The trio yelped in surprise as they felt themselves allow gravity to take over. Everyone down below gasped as they fell from the balloon's rope, preceded by crash-landing into the river below them.
"Holy mother of- ARE THEY OKAY?!" Mayor Evans shouted in a worried tone, racing towards the river.
"I hope so!" Sheriff Henderson made his way to the mayor's side, watching for any signs of movement below the water.
Eventually, Tennessee's body emerged from the water, with both Jessica and Frederico in both his arms. "Here," he said, getting the two closer to dry land. "Take 'em!"
Without haste, Mayor Evans and Sheriff Henderson dragged the duo onto shore. Tennessee climbed out of the river right next to them, panting heavily. "Did anyone see that? 'Cause I ain't doin' that again!"
"Quickly, everybody move! We gotta get these folk back into town ta get dry!" Warden Jones called out.
"But what about the balloon?" Percy questioned.
Without haste, Warden Jones whipped out her gun before turning around to fire at the balloon, causing it to crash on impact once it hit the ground.
"Yer welcome!" She shouted, before helping Tennessee on his feet.
Everyone watched as Tennessee and Warden Jones left, following Jessica and Frederico as they were lead back into town by Sheriff Henderson and Mayor Evans. Sooner than later, everyone else took their lead, not wanting to stay any longer.
A while later, the sun had gone down to let the moon rise, coating the night sky with stars as the lights around the fair came on. After returning to the fair after the balloon ordeal, Tennessee was immediately welcomed by Frederico's parents, all to grateful that their son was saved and allowing Tennessee to try some of their homemade guacamole, which Tennessee found as delicious as Rudy claimed it to be.
Tennessee made his way over by the ferris wheel, where Jessica stood in line. His right arm was hiding behind his back, which held a little surprise for the she-coon. The clearing of his throat caught the female's attention as she turned to face Tennessee.
"Howdy," he said.
"Well, if it ain't my savior." smirked Jessica. "Ya sure know how ta make a day interestin', Tennessee."
"Yeah, well, what can I say? I try, even when trouble finds me." he then brought his right hand out from behind his back, revealing another teddy bear. This one was also light brown, but with a purple ribbon tied around its neck. "Here, a little somethin' I picked up on my way over here. Figured you'd want somethin' that ain't drenched in water." he half-joked.
"Aww, Tennessee, yer so sweet!" Jessica gushed, taking the bear in her arms. "Thank ya." she said, leaning up to plant a kiss on Tennessee's cheek.
"Today sure has been a fine one, Miss Evans," Tennessee smiled, trying to ignore how he was blushing at the kiss. "I've never been to a fair like this since I was a kid when my pa took me. Glad ta know some things never change."
"You couldn't be more right." smiled Jessica, who began noticing the line shortening. "Wanna take a ride with me, Tennessee?"
"I'd love to." Tennessee smiled back, taking her by the hand.
As the couple took their place on the ferris wheel, they were immediately moved to the top of the ride, which stopped for the next set of passengers. As they waited, the sound of fireworks going off caught the raccoons' attention before taking a look at the sky.
"It's beautiful…" Jessica sighed, leaning her head against Tennessee's shoulder, her new bear clutched to her chest.
"It sure is," Tennessee replied happily, wrapping an arm around her.
It was certainly one of the best fair days Tennessee had ever had.