Airheart felt the vibrations of her plane. The whole aircraft shook, moved, as if it was alive. It might as well be. After all, Airheart was, and she was just as much machine as she was human. She stretched her back as best she could in the small cockpit, trying to fit her back's air rudder into the slit that had been cut into the seat. "Note to self," she muttered. "Make that cut bigger."

Hearing a sound coming from her communication radio, she turned it up. Nothing. Of course. Sometimes, she would hear a song that Jimmy would sing and she'd get excited. And every time, it would be nothing.

Airheart flew in silence for a few more minutes, enjoying feeling of flying, relishing the fact that there was nothing beneath her but air. Suddenly, she picked up a crackling in the air. Turning her head so that her ears could pick it up easier, she realized it was a storm. "Well, that's just peachy."

The plane started shaking more than usual. The air currents were erratic, and Airheart fought to maintain control. "C'mon sweetheart, work with me, work with me!" She pleaded with her plane. It chugged in response, trying to obey her commands.

Airheart pulled her brass pilot's goggles down from her head and onto her face, making sure they covered her eyes. A sudden eddy forced her starboard wing up, and instead of fighting it, Airheart used the momentum to spin upside down, and then back up. Lightning was flashing all around her, and she tried to ignore the buzzing it sent through her head.

Then there came a flash, a small one at first, but it quickly grew in size, until it was bright enough to blind her. It was due to her tinted goggles that her eyes were saved.

Airheart scrunched her eyes and looked away. She felt a white-hot heat cover her entire body, but before she could cry out in pain, it was gone. The jostling and buzzing was gone, too. Her mind felt foggy, and she could hardly form a complete thought.

Her muscles and joints ached, and the only solid thing that she could feel, was something steady behind her back. No, not behind her. Beneath her. She was lying on her back, and as her center of gravity slowly returned her balance, she sat up and opened her eyes. Then promptly felt nauseous and leaned over to throw up. Pushing her goggles up onto her forehead, she looked around at her surroundings. Or lack thereof.

Desert stretched out as far as she could see, wrinkled only by hills and occasional plants. Shakily getting to her feet, Airheart turned around, and saw a small town. It's just like those towns in the western movies Jimmy liked to go see, she thought.

Airheart made her way to the town, still feeling dizzy. Hearing noise coming from the bar to her left, she pushed through the swinging doors, and stumbled up to the counter. The people in the bar casted curious glances at her, but went back to their business after a few moments.

"Hey, 'scuse me," Airheart addressed the bartender. He turned around, and she saw that his face bore a big, walrus moustache.

"What can I getcha, ma'am?" He asked, his voice gruff, yet friendly.

"Well," Airheart gave a stressed chuckle, "that's a good question. I, um, I don't- Where am I?"

"You're in Rake Town, Texas," the bartender told her proudly.
"Texas," Airheart whispered, flabbergasted, as she stumbled back a few steps.

The bartender looked on worriedly. "Hey now, y'alright there? Why dontcha sit down?"

Airheart pulled out a stool and plopped down at the counter. Crossing her arms on the countertop, she laid her head down on them, and took deep breaths.

"You seem like you've been through a lot," the bartender said. Airheart only nodded, her head still on her arms. "Y'want a drink?" He asked. Airheart shook her head. "Alrighty then. My name's Willis, by the way. Joe Willis."

"Airheart," said Airheart, sitting up and sticking out her hand. Willis shook it.

"So, what's the story with you?" He asked.

"Well, um, I'm not sure. See, I was flying, and then this storm came up, then there was this bright flash, and-"

"Hold up, hold up," Willis interrupted. "You were flyin'?"

"Yeah, I'm a pilot. So, there was this flash, right? And then I wake up outside your town-"

"But, how?"

"Well, that's the thing, I don't know what made the flash. I guess it might've been lightning-"

"No, I mean, how were you flyin'?"

"I told you, I'm a pilot." Willis' face remained confused. "Of an airplane?" Airheart prompted. Still, nothing. "You do know what an airplane is, right?" He shook his head. "I can't believe you don't-" She sighed, and shook her head. After a pause, she asked, "What's up with this town, anyway? You cats look like you're cowboys. Very old fashioned."

"Hey, it may already be 1870, but our clothes ain't that out of style," Willis said defensively.

Airheart stared at him for a second, then leaned forward. "What?"

"I said, it may already be 1870-"

"Listen wise guy. Don't pull some sort of joke on me, I'm not in the mood. It's not 1870."

Willis' face grew worried. "Yes, it is. Y- ya don't know what year it is?"

Airheart didn't answer, just looked around the bar, or rather, saloon, incredulously.

"Um, excuse me," said a voice next to Airheart. Turning her head, Airheart saw a young woman. "I'm sorry, but I couldn't help but overhear what you said about the flash, and you waking up in a strange place, and well, I think you should talk to the Blind Minstrel."

Airheart wrinkled her forehead. "Who's that?"

"She's this old woman who lives out in the desert. I've heard her tell a story, similar to yours, except that the flash blinded her."

"If you're lying to me-" Airheart began.

"She's not," said Willis. "Ask anyone around here. They'll tell you about her and her story."

Airheart considered his words for a moment, then asked, "So, how do I find this Blind Minstrel?"

"Well, you'll probably need someone to take you to her, since you're not from around here."

"Alright. Who do you recommend take me there?"

"I'd say Rex Marksley," said Willis.

"Who?"

"Why, only the finest marksman in the west, and the bravest soul to ever ride across the desert!" Exclaimed the young woman. "He'll be sure to get you where you want to go."

At that moment, a little girl in pigtails ran into the bar. "Rex is back!" She yelled excitedly. "Rex is back!"

The bar filled with cheers and loud conversations, as people rose hurriedly from their seats, and poured out into the street. Airheart, Willis, and the young woman joined them.

A man on a horse made of metal and gears was riding through the street. He had a white hat, white coat, and one of his hands was covered in a white glove. His other hand was encased in what looked like a copper gauntlet. As he grew closer, Airheart could see a broad smile on his face.

"Rex Marksley!" She called, fighting her way through the crowd. "Rex Marksley!" Confusion crossed the cowboy's handsome face as Airheart jumped and shouted his name. Stopping his horse, Rex dismounted and made his way over to her.

"What seems to be the trouble, little lady?" He asked, pushing his hat back from his face.

"I need you to take me somewhere, and the people around here say that you're the man to ask."

"Really? Well, I'd be glad to help you." Lifting his eyes from her face, he searched the crowd until he found who he was looking for. "Willis! Your saloon open for business?"

"You betcha!" Was Willis' reply.

Turning back to Airheart, Rex said, "C'mon, we can talk things over and have a drink. What's your name?" He started towards the saloon, leading his horse by the reins, and Airheart started after him, matching his stride.

"Airheart," she said.

"Pleased to meet you, Airheart."

Rex tied his horse to the post outside the saloon. When they were seated at the counter, Rex offered to buy her a drink.

"Thanks, but I don't drink," Airheart replied.

"Neither do I. How 'bout a sarsaparilla?"

Airheart gave a quick smile. "Sure." They were given their drinks, and after taking a sip, Airheart said, "So, I need you to take me to someone: the Blind Minstrel. Have you heard of her?"

Rex took a swing of his drink, then said, "More'n that, I've met her. She's way out there. How soon do you wanna leave?"

"You mean you'll help me?" Airheart asked happily.

Rex smiled. "'Course I will. I try not to turn down anyone needin' my help."

Airheart smiled back, but then faltered. "I don't have any money. But if you get me there, then I can give you something that will cover payment."

"No no, it's alright, I don't need you to pay me."

"Sorry buddy, but you're gonna get paid whether you like it or not. I know I should pay my debts."

Rex chuckled and put up his hands. "Okay, okay, don't bite my head off."

"So, can we leave now?"

"Well, it's almost sundown, so we'll have to wait 'til morning."

Airheart felt her heart sink. "That long?"

"I don't think you want the coyotes to attack you."

"Fine," Airheart sighed. "We leave at the crack of dawn."

"Wouldn't have it any other way." Rex slipped the copper gauntlet off, and offered his hand. "It's a deal."

"Swell," said Airheart, shaking his hand.