New Beginnings: Segment 2

Summary: In their attempt to help Jesse and Joe's new friend Luis, the Seven encounter a couple of surprises along the way.

Here we go. Second segment in the New Beginnings series. Again I state I do not own any part of The Magnificent Seven. All rights belong to someone else. Just taking the boys for a quick ride, that's all. Wink. Wink. lol. Please remember this is a work of fiction. Warning: May contain disciplinary actions toward teenagers. If you find this offensive, please by all means don't read. You have been warned. This has not been beta'd. All mistakes are my own. Review are welcomed.

Chapter 1

"Now how did I get stuck going along with you?" Exasperation and weariness coated those words.

Vin rolled his eyes for the umpteenth time since Ezra and he began their journey. "Ya forgot it was yer idea." He enjoyed poking fun at Ezra.

"My idea!" The gambler spluttered. "I merely suggested…"

"And that's why we're here."

"I didn't think…"

"Ezra that's yer problem ya don't think."

"I take umbrage against that!"

Not again. "You suggested it because ya really wanted to help. Admit it." Vin could see right through the other man's ploy. "Ya know it gives those two a chance to work through this."

"Mr. Tanner, you are no fun at all."

His friend smiled in spite of everything the other put him through. "Come on; let's get a bite to eat." They tied their horses to the nearest hitching post and entered the town's saloon.

Meanwhile two others watched them enter the saloon. "How long do you think they'll be?"

"Long enough." His waiting was over it was time to start searching again. This time no one would stop him. "Think ya can do it?"

"Of course." He kept up the pretense for his friend, although his insides felt otherwise. His mark would be that fancy dressed man. Someone like that should have more than enough money to sustain them for at least a month. The rest of their plan relied upon his friend and his abilities. They'd practiced enough times at least by now it should work.

Like they had thought both men came out of the saloon and went their separate ways. They too split up each with their own agenda. As soon as it had occurred Ezra pretended not to notice he had been pick pocketed by a mere boy. The boy's failings would be Ezra's reward.

Likewise with Vin, he too knew someone trailed his every move. Ezra would have called this person an amateur and Vin would have wholeheartedly agreed. He too would wait it out and see what his true intentions were.

"You get it?" A voice whispered from the alleyway catching the other boy's attention.

"Yeah, but I think we need to go." The boy furtively glanced around. "I think they're onto us."

"I've been thinking the same thing." He helped the other up and onto the borrowed horse and quickly rode out of town during the darkest hour of the night. A short time later two more rode out after them.

"I can't believe you waited until now to go after them."

"What are you complaining about? They have my horse."

"Well you let them take him. I certainly hope they can control him. It amazes me how they even got him to do that."

Vin wasn't happy in the least. His horse usually shied away from strangers; even he had a time or two controlling the beast some days. Then two boys up and steal him away without even a sound from the horse. If he hadn't been aware he might never had known.

They kept enough of a distance allowing the boys to think they got away with it. Complacency always worked to their advantage. They wanted to know more about the boys so they listened to them talk that night before they formulated their own plan of action.

"What was that?" One of them said jumping at the various sounds and shadows.

The other whispered, "It's the creaking of the trees. Damn you're jumpy."

"I don't know Fox something jus' don't feel right." The shorter boy said as he kept furtively glancing at the shadows.

"Stick with the plan T.J. Even if they followed we'll soon lose them." They moved on in the darkness.

T.J. stumbled a few times over the rocky terrain. "Come on slowdown!"

"We ain't slowin' down. Because, if we do, they'll catch us, so stop yer complaining, and keep moving." His friend chided.

"How old do you think our miscreants are?"

"About the same age as Jesse."

"I was thinking the same thing. What kind of name is Fox?"

"Probably a nickname."

"Or maybe a surname." Ezra commented. "When should we intervene?"

"When they fall asleep."

The boys divvied up watch duty; however, T.J. could barely stay awake and ended up dozing. Come morning they both had quite a surprise waiting on them.

Fox woke to the sounds and smell of a crackling fire. His mouth watered to the smell of something scrumptious roasting over it. Wait a minute! T.J.'s camp skills are not that great. He rolled over and encountered an unfamiliar boot propped next to his head.

"Morning." The man smugly touched his hat brim.

He tried to scramble away when two arms stopped his progress. "Hey! Let me go!"

"Now we can't likely do that. Seeing that ya got my horse over there and yer partner there," The man with the long hair pointed to T.J. who sat on the ground with his hands tied. "Has my friend's money."

The fancy dressed man then said. "Boys, did it ever occur to you that you'd get caught?"

"We didn't mean no harm." T.J. protested.

"Stealing another man's horse is a hanging offense."

Fox struggled some more as he said, "We were only borrowing him."

"And when were you going to return him?"

Neither of the boys answered.

"Son, I believe it would be in your best interest if you tell us your plans."

Both boys remained defiantly quiet.

"Why do they always think they know best?"

"I don't know Ezra." Vin began sharpening his hunting knife while Ezra shuffled his deck of cards.

Time was running out. Both boys knew it. Approximately thirty minutes passed and one of the boys spoke, "Hey, how long you going to keep us tied up?"

"Until you or your friend tell us what we want to know."

"Fine! We need to rescue a friend of ours." Sly remained impassive whilst T.J. spun their tale.

"Sounds to me like you forgot some details."

Damn, are all adults this perceptive? "That's all I'm willing to share."

"Can't help iffen ya don't share."

"Sorry, but I don't trust you."

"Feelings are mutual." Ezra interjected.

The boys' hands remained tied while they sat around the campfire. A few complaints were made although experience taught both men not to give in.

Seeing that there was no way out of this one of the boys caved. "If we tell you will you let us go?"

"All depends on what we hear."

The boys again sighed in exasperation. One nodded to the other and the rest of the story unfolded.

"So what you're telling us is that Mr. James, the cattle rancher has forced you into his servitude."

"I find that hard to believe." Vin replied. "What does he need with boys your age?"

"I think I can answer that Mr. Tanner. He's taught these boys the fine art of thievery."

T.J. interrupted, "Actually he didn't." Sly shot his friend a dark look. T.J. ignored him although an elbow caught him in the ribs.

"None of that now, let your friend here speak his mind."

T.J. whispered, "It's time we trusted someone else."

Sly hissed, "I only trust one adult."

"Yeah, and where is she now?" The look upon his friend's face had him apologizing ever so quickly. "Sorry Sly, but I don't know how much longer I can hold onto that hope."

His friend huffed in defeat. "Fine." As much as he wanted to hold onto her coming to their rescue he knew she wouldn't be able to stand up to the likes of that man.

"Sly's father taught us how to con people. Plus our job was to lure other orphan kids to help them."

"Is that right?" That sixth sense of Vin's hummed knowing the other boy had more to say. "Out with it."

The words that tumbled from Sly's mouth surprised both men. "If I don't do what he says, he promised to kill my mother."

"Have any idea where she is?"

The boy shrugged. "She left to find work, since she knew she couldn't rely on him any longer to support us. The last I knew is that she headed west."

"How long ago was that?"

"Over a month."

Something sounded off to both Ezra and Vin. "And you haven't heard from her."

Sly shook his head no. T.J. then continued in his friend's stead. "Recently he tried to contact her and his father caught him. Beat him pretty badly. He told Sly that he knew where his mother was and if he didn't do as he said he would give the orders to have her killed."

In a small voice Sly said, "Pa blames me."

"Blames you for what?"

"He blames me for the one that got away."

"Who got away?"

"It's been over a year and yet he won't let it go."

T.J. continued with the explanation when Sly faltered. "Some kid that was good with a gun. Sly couldn't convince him to stick around."

Vin wondered if Sly was ordered to kill the other kid and found that he couldn't pull the trigger. In the meantime Sly's memories came back to haunt him.

Flashback

He held onto her begged her not to go. "Please mama don't leave me with him."

"You will be alright my dear. Your aunt and uncle will keep you safe. You must stay strong." She held him close. "When I return we will be so much happier," She then kissed the top of his head.

His mother had no idea that her brother-in-law and his wife would never stand up to his father. That man lived to watch people squirm.

When that memory faded another took its place…

"Remember Sylvester, lay on the charm. I don't want him leaving town. He will make a fine addition. If you can't convince him then shoot him. Don't fail me or you will feel the bite of my displeasure later."

Boy did he try, but the other boy saw through his con. When he tried to go for his gun the other boy had pulled his faster. "Don't make me shoot you."

Those words made Sly wonder if the boy had ever shot someone close to his own age. Sly conceded defeat, even apologized.

He gave the boy directions on how to get out of town and that was the last time he ever saw him. Later that day he endured one of the worst beatings he had in his young life. It was this particular memory that gave him the determination to break free of his father's cruel grip and help the other lost souls, while he continued the search for his mother.

"Sly! Sly!" He could hear someone calling his name.

Breaking out of his reverie he answered, "Huh? What?"

"Mr. Tanner asked you a question?" T.J.'s concern shone from his eyes.

"What was that boy's name?"

"I don't remember his name. However, I'd know him if I saw him."

The men exchanged a quick glance before the one known as Ezra spoke. "Here's the deal," Garnering both boys' attention before continuing onward. "We'll help you out of this fix as long as you help us get the ones responsible for your current dilemma." The boys began to protest when Ezra added, "We will even help you to find your mother."

"But we need to get Luis…"

"Whoa hang on there. Is this Luis about this tall," The long haired man gestured with his hand, then proceeded to give a description of the boy that Jesse and Joe had befriended.

"Yeah, that's him. Where is he?"

"Safe in Four Corners," Vin said as he cut the rope tying the boys' wrists.

"Is that why you are here?"

"Yep, we followed Luis' directions to where he was held. We wanted to see for ourselves what kind of operation Mr. James was running this time."

"You've tangled with him before?"

"Oh yes indeed." Ezra's eyes twinkled with delight, "and won."

T.J. couldn't believe who they were talking to. It now made sense why their plan didn't work. "Sly, do you realize who these guys are?" His eyes were as wide as saucers. "You are part of those seven men from Four Corners, aren't you?"

They both touched their hat brims. "Word travels fast."

"I won't repeat the words my pa and Mr. James had to say." Sly added.

"Thank you kindly for not mentioning them."

"I think it's time we head back and inform the others."

An indignant Sly shouted. "You're not going to put a stop to this!"

"We were sent to scout it out and report back. The last time we took on James and his men we had a total of six against more than a regiment of men. The two of us are not enough."

"You mean the four of us."

"We are going back to formulate a plan then upon our return we will dispense with the justice. But until then…"

"Can we at least purchase another horse?" The Fox whined.

T.J. exclaimed, "I've got money to spend!" He met Ezra's glare with lighthearted laughter. "You never asked for it back." He teasingly replied.

"Come on, the next town over might have a horse for sale."

Four Corners

When they reached the town they were greeted by J.D. and Buck. "Well look at what the cat dragged in. Howdy boys! Looks like you had an eventful journey."

"Where's Larabee?" Tanner testily questioned.

"Which one?"

Vin frowned. "Not in the mood J.D. Where's Chris?"

"At the jail waiting on ya."

"He's been a might worried. Thought you ran into a bit of trouble. And from the looks of things," Buck cocked his head to one side, "I reckon y'all did."

They walked their horses into town and hitched them to the post. "How have they been?"

"Better, but we all can see it's going to be a bumpy ride." They walked into the office including their two new charges.

Chris gave each of his men a nod upon their arrival. Then he raised an eyebrow at the two young boys accompanying them. "Care to explain?"

Vin told him everything. Chris nodded in the right places then turned to J.D. "They're over by Mary helping her out today. Tell them I want them here now. If Jesse gives you a hard time you tell him…"

"I know. I'll be back."

While they waited Ezra and Vin told the boys to go outside for a moment. Buck said he'd keep an eye on them.

"What do you think T.J.?"

"Let's see how Luis is and go from there." He murmured to his friend while he kept watch on this Buck character.

"Don't be planning nothing. I can hear just fine."

Jesse, Joe and Luis came running up the boardwalk. Jesse abruptly stopped upon seeing the new arrivals hanging back some, while Luis overjoyed to see his old friends ran ahead. Joe stayed in between the two.

Too many emotions rolled through Jesse. The conflict showed plainly upon his face. Joe watched as Jesse stalked past him to where Luis and the other two stood.

"Jess?" By the time it took Buck to stand up Jesse had already punched one of the newcomers in the face.

The taller of the two toppled off the boardwalk from the impact onto the dusty road below. By the time Sly registered who had hit him he was the recipient of another blow. That's it! The two tussled some before they were pulled apart.

Neither would back down and struggled against the hands that held them. "Knock it off, Sly!" He heard Vin's warning but chose to ignore it as the other did the same.

Both teens glared at one another as they tried to catch their breath. "Someone better start talking iffen they knows what's good for them." Vin growled.

T.J. pointed at Jesse, "He punched Sly in the face."

The man in dark attire growled, "Is that right?"

Buck confirmed with a nod.

The one known as Jesse righteously defended himself saying, "He had it coming.".

"What's the matter with you? You just met him. How could he deserve it?" The man holding him asked.

Regrettably Sly admitted "We've met before."

"Jesse's the one that got away!" The fancy dressed man shouted.

Chris' grip relaxed as he became momentarily distracted by the discussion. Feeling that slight give Jesse took full advantage and lashed out. Chris swore as the pain forced him to let his son go.

Again Jesse tried to exact his revenge. He was stopped mid swing by the strong arm of Josiah. "You owe your pa an apology."

Sensing the injustice of the situation, Jesse turned on Josiah catching the big man off guard with a well-placed hit to the man's midsection and took off running; eager to put as much distance between him and the ones he knew as family.

Great, Chris thought.

"Sorry Chris," Josiah winced as he said it.

"You tried." Chris continued to massage the hurt his son inflicted upon him. "I apologize on his behalf." He then looked to Vin and Ezra for some further explanations.

"Sorry cowboy. We had no idea that would happen."

"Friends of Luis?" Chris hazarded a guess.

Luis answered, "Si, Senor Larabee."

"Figured as much."

Buck then asked, "How do they know Jesse?"

"Only Sly here knows Mr. Larabee's son."

Chris shook his hand once more. "Start talking."

"He told me his pa was dead."

"His father and mother are dead. I adopted him. Quit stalling."

Vin relaxed his hold on Sly, although he didn't completely let go fearing the boy would also take off. "Tell him what you told me and Ezra."

Sly couldn't help but ask, "How much trouble is he in?"

"It depends on what you tell me."

Sly told them what he knew as they sat inside the Sheriff's office. When he finished Josiah solemnly stated, "Something doesn't make sense. If I know Jesse, something else must have happened to make him feel the way he does. Are you sure you haven't left anything out?"

"That's the last I saw of him." Sly disputed.

After listening to what had been said, Nathan brought up a good point. "Is it possible your pa got to him in some way?"

Sly thought on it. "I guess he could have." A sinking feeling settled in his gut. No wonder Jesse hated him.

"Chris, what are you going to do?" A concerned J.D. questioned.

"Find my son. I'm sure he's left town."

Tanner inquired, "Which one do you think he sought this time?"

"Your guess is as good as mine." Chris replied.

Instead of resting after their journey, Sly and T.J. found themselves accompanying the seven and friends to Kojay's land. Both boys were a bit nervous when a few natives rode out to greet their large group. They visibly relaxed when Vin and Chris greeted one of the warriors who in turn led them further onto the tribal land.

Chanu told them Jesse was here and that his father awaited Chris' arrival. When Kojay emerged from his dwelling he looked none too pleased.

"He does not wish to see any of you."

"I take it he's surprised I found him so quickly."

"Yes that is so."

"I need to speak with him." Kojay nodded. Chris walked to the Chief's dwelling and entered.

"Jesse."

"Go away." The youth spat.

"Talk to me son."

"Why? You've already passed judgment what good will it do?"

His son could be infuriating at times. "Alright, if you won't talk to me then I'll get someone you will." Chris left and a few minutes later someone unexpected entered the dwelling.

Sly had not wanted to do this, but Mr. Larabee was quite insistent. He held up both hands in a gesture of surrender. "You know your pa is a bit intimidating."

"I could same the same about yours." Jesse replied.

"If my pa did something to ya I didn't know about it."

"Sure you didn't."

Sly protested, "I didn't! When I came back empty handed he beat me. You can ask Luis or even T.J. I swear Jesse!"

Jesse did not want to believe Sly. The kid had conned him in the past. "I don't believe you."

"Fine, you want proof!" His emotions got the better of him. "Here, I'll show you the proof!" Sly lowered his suspenders and hastily unbuttoned his shirt. "Is this proof enough?" He had turned around exposing his back to his enemy.

When Jesse looked upon the other boy's bared back he inhaled sharply and swore. There before his eyes were plenty of reminders that Sly suffered a worse fate than he had that day. Remorsefully he admitted, "I didn't know."

Sly put his shirt back on and said, "Neither did I." As he put his suspenders back into place he asked, "What did he do to you?"

"Tried to kidnap me, but I wouldn't go quietly. I had other things to attend to and I determinedly did not let him stand in my way. He shot me."

Sly looked astonished. "He did?"

"It grazed me. No big deal…So, um are you…"

"Yeah, I'm still dealing with him. He's the reason why Luis is here."

"That son of a bitch!"

"Yeah I feel the same way. Think you want to talk to your pa now?"

Jesse gulped, "Uh, not really. I'm in a lot of trouble."

"What's the worst he could do?"

"Don't ask."

"He's got to be better than mine."

"Okay when you put it that way I agree. However, my backside tends to disagree." The two boys openly laughed.

"Should I send him in?"

"No, I'll come out and join you." Before Sly could exit the dwelling, Jesse said, "Thanks." He held out his hand.

Sly extended his and they shook hands. "No problem. I'd rather have you as a friend than an enemy."

Relief washed over Chris and the rest of them when they saw Jesse follow Sly out of the Chief's dwelling.

Jesse stood in front of his pa. "I'm sorry pa."

"We'll talk more when we get home."

Hanging his head he answered, "I kind of figured we would." He then went on over to Josiah and offered another apology.

"All is forgiven." Josiah reassured him.

"Kojay, thanks for your advice."

The Chief shook his head and said, "Go on home, all of you."

To be continued...

So, what do y'all think? Good, bad, or indifferent. My inquiring mind wants to know.