Blue Kitsune: Hey what's up everyone, did everyone have a good week so far. Yeah been busy as of late but I'm here and ready to post the next chapter for everyone to read. I also like to thank Insearchofsunrise who has been a big help and like to dedicate this to her as she has been like my best bud and beta and hope you guy enjoy the story. Please read and review.

Disclaimer: Blue Kitsune does not own John Carter or Disney but the character aka Evelyn is my own creation and please enjoy.


Chapter 01

Fort Grand Outpost, 1868

It was getting very cool that evening as they were riding down the chilly trail to where the closest outposts were within the vicinity. As they rode in, they could tell that winter was right around the corner so they quicken their pace to reach the store to gather more supplies.

Evelyn turn to look over at Carter as he rode alongside her. She had tried talking to him, mostly to convince him to get clean up before they enter the town. He looked barely human to anyone who notice them coming this way. His beard long and insect-ridden, his buffalo skins stank of sweat and dust. Not to say she smelled like a bed of roses either but her uncle, it was enough to make her nostril sting at the scent coming off him.

His saddlebags hung practically in tatters; his mule was half dead. But it was his eyes that would scare most folks as they glinted with the fire of madness. Now Evelyn was not sure how Dix, the general store keeper would think once he see them stroll into his store to pick up more supplies but her uncle could care less what others think more less what they must believe them to be fools for being out here.

They reach the post and made to tie his mule along with Evelyn's mare and letting them drink from the trough. Evelyn was getting off her steed when Carter said to her in a gruff voice, "No, you stay out here. Don't want nothing to happen while I go inside."

Evelyn frown but then saw two other horses tied to the opposite posts and suspect there were some people inside that her uncle might be wary and for good reason she assume. She looked into her uncle's eyes, mismatched blue-green meeting steel gray.

"You know I can take care of myself. I'm no child uncle." She made to sidestep him and was ready to go in but Carter reach over and grab her arm, grimy fingers digging in and forcing her to stay where she was.

"I didn't say you were but I'm telling you to stay here and keep a look out for me. You can do that right?" She scowled at him, wanting to say otherwise but seeing how he would not let her go unless she complies with his wishes. There was no other way and so she nod her head and felt his grip release her. She look down at the smudge his hands left on her coat and knew was going to take a lot of scrubbing to get the grime off them.

"Just promise me one thing. If you get into trouble, holler and I'll come running." She knew he might not do that, course he was no pushover and doubt if anyone try to take her uncle on, they'll wind up regretting it. The corners of his mouth turn upward slightly though she couldn't really see under that grizzly mass around his face but knew the look on his face.

"Course Eevee whatever you say." He walked past her and went inside the store, ready to restock and then head back out towards the mountains once again.

Carter walked in and saw the people in the room. Dix and two men but thankfully didn't look much to be a threat to him. He looked towards the storekeeper who rolled his eyes and turned away when Carter shambled inside.

Two thick-bodied roughnecks sat drinking at the counter though he thought he recognized them before as he and Evelyn came in here a couple times and knew they had the tendency to harass his niece. It was a good thing he told her to stay put outside since he didn't want these two to try anything while he was here. One of them turned to smirk at him. "Come to stock up on spider bait, Carter?"

"Yeah where's that prutty little thing you always have with you, is she around? I wouldn't mind saying hello to her." The other snickered. Carter ignored them, strode up to Dix, and dropped two heavy saddlebags on the bar. Dix just shook his head. "No more Carter."

Carter smoothed his beard, peered at the shopkeeper. "There's a problem, Mister Dix?"

"Yeah you're a loon and same for that girl you always seem to bring in here since she must be half as mad as you to be following the likes of you up these mountains."

"Don't call her that." He practically growled. It wasn't his fault his niece decided to come along with him, even as he try to tell her otherwise. The roughnecks laughed and slapped the bar, probably thinking otherwise what he said. But Dix's face was deadpan serious, even angry.

"I call them as I see them. I done took all your money, Carter. Your tab's a hundred dollars in arrears."

"I'll pay," Carter replied. "I'm close. This old Yavapai I met, he said he'd seen the cave up near—"

"Stop." Dix held up a hand. "Not one more word about your cave of gold."

"Now, now," one of the roughnecks said. "Show some respect, Dix. It's the evil spider cave of gold."

The roughnecks howled again and clinked their glasses. Carter was starting to get frustrated with those two and wanted to shut them both up.

"You're cut off, Carter." Dix's stare didn't waver. "Now get on home."

Carter didn't move. He wasn't leaving here until he got what he came for. Slowly the roughnecks rose to their feet. The first one pulled out a knife and stuck his face up very close to Carter's. "I believe he done told you to get out of here."

The second roughneck put a hand on his Colt. "I'll leave when these bags are full," Carter said. He was not fazed by either of them even as they try to scare him by drawing weapons. The first roughneck twitched.

Carter grabbed a lid from a jar on the counter, blocking the knife thrust easily. The man grunted and dropped his knife, but Carter was already whirling around to grab the second man's Colt barrel. Carter jammed both gun and hand up into the man's own face, breaking his nose. Then in one swift motion he jabbed the jar lid up into the first man's jaw with a sickening crack.

Both men went down, unconscious. Serve them both right after what they try to do with Eevee and wouldn't like to done more to them but turning back to the matter at hand. Carter grabbed the roughneck's Colt and whipped around, sticking it right to Dix's face. He knew what the shopkeeper kept hidden under the counter.

"Drop the shotgun, Dix." Dix swallowed. His gun clattered to the floor. Keeping the Colt trained on Dix's head, Carter reached into his pocket with his other hand. He fished out a small object and tossed it to the stunned shopkeeper. That oughta get his attention.

"Found that two days ago, up by Bonita. Ought to cover my tab and then some." Actually his niece had been the one to pinpoint it and together dig it right out and saw it as a sign that they were getting close.

Dix's eyes widened. He stared at the object, a small Apache figurine about two inches tall. A nine-legged spider worked in shiny, glistening gold. Dix raised his head to Carter, staring in shock. "Why didn't you just show me this first?"

"Didn't care for your attitude." Carter lowered his gun, slammed a grocery list down on the counter. "Beans. First item is beans."

"John Carter?" Carter didn't turn around, but he recognized the tone. Cavalrymen—more than one, by the sound of it. He swore under his breath. He'd been so preoccupied with the locals that he'd failed to watch his back.

But why hadn't Eevee come in to warn him? Maybe she hadn't been around to notice, not that he could blame his niece for anything since he didn't like to get her involve in this kind of situation. And that which included these people that were right there and waiting for him to reply.

Maybe it was a good thing Eevee hadn't been waiting out there otherwise some of these boys would have wound up getting a fistful of his niece's and she did pack a pretty mean punch when she wanted to.

He said nothing but that didn't seem to keep the person in charge from speaking once more, "Your presence is requested up at the fort. I suggest you come peaceably."

Carter's hand tightened on his pistol. "Do you, now." He spun around—right into the butt of an army Remington. He had just enough time to register the disgusted face of a sergeant, flanked by three privates. Then he sank into a sleep of spiders, pain and regret.

But where was Evelyn, that was his last conscious thought as he was concern for her safety.


Evelyn was unaware of what was happening inside as she had strolled off to take a walk around the area, trying to stay warm since she was practically freezing out here. The nights out here were much colder and nothing she like more than to go and sit curled by the fire and under a ton of blankets so she wouldn't have to freeze her rear. But they needed supplies if they were to continue their search and wanted to have something to fill their grumbling bellies in the morning as they finished off their last can for dinner right before coming down here.

She was wondering what was taking him so long as it seem to been already a few minutes since he walked inside the store. He should have gotten their supplies by now but guessing must've run into trouble.

Or some locals that dare to make comment on them and laughing at her uncle. Damn, she knew this might happen. She tip back her hat, looking towards the sky and felt the cold breeze brush against her face and chilling her to the marrow of her bones.

She let out a deep sigh, watching the puff of cloud that her breath had created upon contact with the cold air and pulling her coat close together. Yet it wasn't the chill that was bothering her, it was more the fact that her uncle had told her to stay out here. She knew that she would usually go with him inside the store or sometimes send her off on an errand by herself to go fetch some necessities while he continue the dig. It was only because he didn't want her to go where there might be some men, the usual kind that loiter around this time as she met a few and seen many leering at her from time to time.

She rolled her eyes and wondered what made today so different since she had met men like them before in their travels around the country. Honestly why did he think she not could handle herself; she was nineteen, almost twenty for crying out loud. There was no real need to baby her. She knew that any foolhardy man dares think can try to get at her would not be able to.

Otherwise he'll be eating lead, she thought as she pat the gun where she usually kept it and always made to have it loaded in case they run across any trouble while they were here.

Though they had been spending weeks up in the mountains and the only things that were out and about were the critters and those seem hardly a threat, unless one counts the snakes or bugs that carried venomous poison inside their bodies. But they were always careful about that. For the last couple days here, they had been searching high and low for the rumored mine that was suppose to be somewhere around these parts. She knew they had to be getting close to it and soon all their efforts would be pay off in full and would be worth its weight in gold when they found the mother load in the end.

She smiled to herself, thinking how wonderful that will be when that becomes a reality for them. She could almost see the look on Carter's face when they finally hit paid dirt and be up to their riches in gold.

Partners, splitting it fifty-fifty, that's what he promised her once they did find it but it wasn't really the gold she wanted, it was being close to her uncle was what made her tag along on this journey across the states to be by his side through it all.

She had always looked up to her uncle ever since she was a little girl, only knee high and wide eye but always yearning to be something like him. A brave man, a good man, that's what he was to her and hoping to be just as great as him.

She had been taught everything there was to know, from learning to shot a firearm, riding horseback and fighting with her fist (though her uncle told her unless it was a matter of life or death since he didn't like to have her roughhousing like some hooligan). She was also taught to think about other possibilities that not even she could have thought if not for Carter's teaching her about it, especially when it came to survival in the wilderness.

No woman in her right mind would dare do such a barbaric thing but Evelyn wasn't like the other gals who cared what society think of her. She didn't care what anyone might say. Call her foolhardy, a woman who dare waste her time being knee deep in muck instead of being prim and proper, looking for a husband to settle down and run the household.

That wasn't the life for her, not really. She was anything but that and prefers it that way. She didn't give a rat's ass what they thought of her uncle either right now, he was the only one that matter to her and that was that.

But there were other things that greatly concern her since she knew that even underneath the hard weathered mask, her uncle still felt torn over for the lost of his wife and daughter, her sweet aunt Sarah and darling little cousin Caroline.

If only they were still here she thought as she look towards the sky and thinking how they were probably watching them now as they were along with her parents up there. They must be looking down from wherever they were beyond the heavens.

Would they be happy or disappoint with the choices they made, with her as she was going on this excursion to find treasure alongside her uncle?

She shook it off and told herself they probably would've eventually understood, considering what her uncle had been put through and all. She was doing what only family would do for their kin and give him all the support she could give him. It was sad to see how much it hurt to feel the loss of a loved one and even harder to try to fill that gaping hole while time and patience was all she could offer him. She knew that even as they were doing this, it could never replace the pain within his heart, a part of his soul now missing and left behind someone who didn't know what else to do but find a new purpose. But maybe someday he would be able to find something to fill that hole within and—

Her train of thought came to a halt when Evelyn came across a man out back behind the shop. Although she meant to avoid looking in his direction, she did caught a quick glimpse of him in the faint moonlight. He was kind of handsome she thought in a rugged sort of way. But she wasn't in the mood to go chit-chatting with some random strange when she's suppose to wait for her uncle. Beside she can only imagine what Carter might do if he saw her with some stranger and get the wrong impression.

Lord know what he might do and didn't want a repeat of what happened in the last town when it did.

She saw a well nearby and went to fill her canteens with water. She did not fail to see the man look up and finally notice her as she passed by. He began to walk towards her while she was filling them up.

"Hello ma'am I ain't never seen no woman round here before. Especially as nice looking as you."

Evelyn's cheeks flushed a light pink and hoping he couldn't tell she was blushing. It was rare for her to meet someone who wasn't oogling her or trying to cope a feel off her person. Maybe this one was someone she wouldn't mind getting to know while she waited. She turned around and said, "Well I'm not here alone ya see."

The man tip back his hat as he look at her, wondering what a nice gal like her was doing out here by herself even though she said she wasn't. When she didn't say a word, he thought that perhaps she took it the wrong way and shouldn't go bothering her. "Pardon me little lady, I guess I'd go on my way then". Said the gentleman. She turned her back from him with a smile and started to walk towards her horse.

Then the man abruptly turn around as he realize something, "Wait I didn't get your name."

Evelyn turned with a smile to face him again "The name's Evelyn".

"Your not from here huh?" Evelyn could see he wanted to know more about her but she figuring now was not a good time to get so acquainted with some stranger, even if he was mighty handsome in her book and rare to find such among the men that hung around here.

"You ask to many questions sir but I do admit that I'm not from these parts." With a grin on his face, he came closer to her. This time Evelyn frown when she saw he was closing distance between them. Ok she take it back about what she thought before of him and realize he was like all the others. While trying an unwelcome friendly gesture to slowly grab her around the waist. She quickly grab her colt .45 gun from her holster and pointed it right on his crotch.

She let him pull her closer to him, and met his gaze while pretending to be interest in what he was doing. "You feel that," She said softly, making her voice come off husky and wanting him to lose his guard.

"Say, you're a frisky one aren't ya?" He said grinning and Evelyn grin back while saying, "Look down."

He did and his eyes widen when he saw where it was aiming at below the belt. "Whoa there didn't mean no harm," he took several steps back with a shocking look on his face and holding his hands up as she kept the gun at him.

"Now I suggest you leave before I use you testicles as adornments for Christmas."

He raced back to his horse and was gone, leaving a trail of dust in his place. Evelyn made to put the gun back in its holster and went back to her horse.

And to think just when I was beginning to like the guy he had to ruin it. They always do. She wished, just once she could actually meet somebody who was decent and not some jerk who thought her to be just a woman and not a equal. But that was only her wishful thinking as she doubt she'd find one someone out here.

Then she heard noises back inside the shop. She had return to the area, ready to see if Carter had already finished up only to see the door being thrown open and saw four men dragging her uncle out. Evelyn while staying in her hiding spot, resist the urge to groan out loud when she realized what happen. She remained in the shadow, watching them move out with her uncle in tow.

Shit! Another thing she had been supposed to been doing was watching out for those men in blue. She knew her uncle might not blame her for not sticking around but she had promise to stay put and instead left to go wandering and now return to find this happen!

She should never have gone and taken that walk and stuck here. She found the boys hauling Carter out and threw him over the back of one of the horses and carrying him away. She was cursing loudly in her head, feeling stupid that she had not been keeping an eye out like she was supposed to. And now her uncle was being carted like some prisoner and they were getting away. Oh this was just dandy. It looks like she'll have to find a way to bust him out.

She quickly got on her horse and grabbing the reins tightly as she turn her around and went to follow after them. She made to keep a safe distance between them so she would not to be spotted as last thing she wanted was to find herself sharing a cell with her uncle. Though she doubts that possibility but still didn't hurt not to play on the safe side. It would not do to give herself away until she had a plan of how to get her uncle out. He had fought as a hero in the last war and if what she assumes what these men were doing was to drag him right into another when it wasn't even his fight at all and he barely recovered from the last one.

Hadn't he done enough for his country already, didn't they see that he wanted not to be a part of this? Apparently not, she thought angrily but one thing she was going to do is help him get out of here even if it kills her.

Even though it was not fair to have innocence lives hurt, her uncle was the only other person she could think that needed more her help than possible. And family never goes abandoning family. Don't worry Uncle I'm coming.


"You're a difficult man to find." That's what he heard as he was starting to regain his consciousness. Of course Carter couldn't remember which had come first: the sharp words or the splash of cold water in his face. He sputtered back to the living in a wooden chair, dead center of a spare, makeshift military office. Two guards gripped his shoulders in meaty hands. A gruff, weary, middle-aged colonel stood before him holding a dossier full of papers.

"Captain John Carter," the colonel continued. "First Virginia Cavalry, Army of Northern Virginia. Confederate States of America." He bent down to face Carter directly. "I'm Colonel Powell. Welcome to the Seventh Cavalry of the United States of—"

Carter lunged forward, head-butting Powell with all his might. The colonel's head snapped back, trailing blood. Carter sprang to his feet but lurched off balance, still groggy. The two guards moved in, grabbed him expertly and threw him to the ground.

As Powell dabbed blood from his nose, grimacing in disappointment, Carter fell beneath the guards' blows.

Twenty minutes later and after a few attempts to escape, Carter stood handcuffed to the bars of the fort's stockade cell. His face was bruised, his eye still bleeding. Powell stood outside, calmly reading from the dossier as if nothing had happened.

"…excellent horseman, fine swordsman. Decorated six times, including the Southern Cross of Honor. At Five Forks, the company under your command nearly turned the tide."

Carter sniffed contemptuously, then winced at the pain. Everything hurt.

"In short," Powell continue, "a born fighter. And in the eyes of Uncle Sam, a necessary man for the defense of the Arizona territory—"

"No." Powell looked up from the dossier, his eyes hard. "We're up to our chinstraps in Apache, son."

"Ain't my concern," Carter said.

"I believe it is your concern, Captain. Folks are being attacked in their own homes. Slain. They need protection."

"You all started it. You finish it." Powell's eyes narrowed at him, "Gone native, have we?"

"The Apaches can go to hell, too." Carter rattled his cuffs, felt the old anger growing inside him. "Mankind's a savage, warlike species. I want no part of it."

"You're a cavalryman. That makes you valuable to our country and our cause."

"Colonel Powell. Sir." Carter pushed his bruised face through the bars as far as he could, "Whatever, it is you suppose I owe you, our country, or any other beloved cause, I have already paid. In full." He spat through the bars. Powell faced him down, impassive.

"But I tell you what I will do," Carter continue. "I'll get out of this cell, claim my gold, trade it in fortune in filthy money and then buy your righteous flat blue behind just so's I can kick it around the block all damn day long." Suddenly savagely, Powell gut-punched Carter through the bars. Carter fell back onto the floor of the cell, coughing.

Powell stared down contemptuously at his prisoner. "Captain," He said slowly, "I am finding it difficult to reconcile the man in my dossier with the one I'm looking at. I suggest you find the horse sense to accept my offer before I give in to my better judgment."

And what better judgment is that, beside trying to wallop some more into me until I say I'll do it. Carter would never, not for the likes of Powell or any man let himself be force into that position. The door slammed and Powell was gone. Carter swooned on his knees, thinking, Don't pass out. And if you do, for God's sake don't dream of Sarah. But of course he did.


Evelyn manage to reach the post right after sunset and made to overlook the area from a cliff that was right above them. Through her spyglass, she saw the man, the Colonel most likely stepping out from the stockade, his face red and look ready to lash out at anyone who dares to come straight over to him.

Look like uncle told him off and said no to his proposition. She figured as much that he would not be allow to get force into something as her uncle once told her, 'you can lead a horse to water, but you can't go and make him drink it.'

She knew that right now this might not be an easy thing to do since they'll have someone watch over her uncle in the cell until it was time to have him head out. Also with all these boys in blue it was not going to be easy getting him out once they saw who he was.

She needed a full-proof plan. She knew she couldn't just simply walk right in, a woman among these soldiers. It would simply not do. The answer was very obvious, they would not know she was a woman if she didn't look like one. She quickly climb down and went through the area, sticking to shadows and taking cover when she saw a few soldiers walked near her hiding spot.

But thankfully she manage to get to the storage room where they kept their goods and rummaging about until she found an extra set of uniforms. She found one in her size and quickly undress and pulled on her new attire. She was not short as she was on a bit the tall side about five nine to Carter's six' two but at least no one would notice. She was kinda grateful for being a few inches more than regular standards even though others might think otherwise.

She fix the bindings a little to help flatten her chest as well as making sure she had enough room so that she could breath. It had not done much, maybe put her down a size or two but hopefully would be unrecognizable as long as they didn't try to get too close or put their grubby hands on them.

She then stuff her hair under the cap, making sure it was nicely secured in there and pulling the bill down so that her face was mostly in shadow. When she walked out, no one seem to stop and take another glance her way as she did. So far it look good now time to go secure a few things before heading to get her uncle.

She would see to that come morning have them both riding out of here and giving the Colonel the answer her uncle had said once they were long gone.


Meanwhile, inside his cell, Carter was trying to think of how he could make his escape while he was in here with someone watching him. He should have saved his energy and not waste it by blowing smoke in the Colonel's face. But seeing his handiwork on Powell's broken nose did lift his spirit a smidge. Not a lot but just enough to make him please that he made that damn bastard bleed for having him dragged out here like a goddamn prisoner.

He lean back against the wall and wonder what Eevee was doing. Probably wondering what was taking him so long since he had up and left her back at the post. He knew he told her to keep watch but he guess he couldn't blame her since she had been left sitting in the cold and he had been too busy to take notice that they had gained up on them. She probably was going to be throwing a fit about it and wonder if she even knew this happen.

Now he needed to figure a way out of here. His thoughts were cut short when he heard the door open and looking up to see someone in the doorway. Carter saw the young soldier walking in, his cap pull low to hide most of his face. He salute the guard and spoke in a low gruff voice, "Evening, Colonel said I should take over now. You may go and leave it to me."

Carter notice their was something off about this person and not because of the way they walked right in, no he could tell that he recognize it and inwardly grin. The guard looked at the soldier confused, "But it hasn't even been a full hour, the next shift isn't for another…"

The guard was now scowling as he look at the person in front of him, trying to see his face yet looking him up and down and stop as he notice something off on the chest area.

"Hey wait a minute, you aren't a—" Suddenly the soldier move and thrust their fist into his face and then putting his hands on their shoulder and brought up their knee directly in the crotch. The guard bend over, putting his hands over the area where no man should be kicked at all. He then keel over and fell like a sack of potatoes, but not before the soldier sidestepped out of the way when he did.

Carter would've sympathize with that person but he turn his direct attention to the soldier who was busily removing their cap and letting long blond hair cascade down her shoulders. Blue-green eyes twinkling as they turn their gaze upon him.

"Hey, sorry it took me awhile to get here. My goodness they really did a number on you. What they do, throw you through a window or something?" She saw the many bruises and cuts on him and know some were more self-inflicted than others. Probably as he try to fight his way out of here.

"You could say that." He didn't really want to go into full detail but all that matter was that he was glad to see her. Evelyn reach down to pull the large ring off the unconscious guard. She saw there were about a dozen keys hanging onto it and trying to guess which one it was. She jam the first one in but saw it didn't budge then tried a different one after that.

Carter watched as his niece push in one key after the other, knowing he didn't want to go pressuring her but didn't know how long before another guard might show up. "I got to say I'm really glad you showed up when you did. That kid was grating on my nerve and was a little too cocky for my liking. Also that was a nice punch you land on him, you really let him have it."

"Yep I certainly did and you know you were the one who showed me how it was done. I was taught by the best after all." She smiled even though the sixth key didn't get through and try another one, "I figure if my disguise didn't work, a good jab in the face and a swift kick in the johns always does the trick. No offense."

"None taken." She bit her lip as she look to her uncle, "But about earlier, I'm sorry that I wasn't there to warn you. I know I was suppose to be keeping watch and instead I let you get dragged here and wound up getting beaten and all..."

Carter saw that Evelyn was upset for what happen and didn't want to go beating herself over it. Especially if she was thinking of that time when…

Everyone makes mistakes and would never have held it against her since she was his family and already forgave her.

He reach out to cup her chin and force her to look up towards him, "Evelyn listen to me. It doesn't matter what happened then but honestly, I was glad that these guys hadn't seen you with me at the time. Who knows what they might've done if they knew you were my niece and I would never forgive myself should anything happen to you."

For all he knew the colonel would have made Evelyn suffer ten times worse in his place until he eventually consent and that was no fate he wanted anything to fall on his niece's head.

She understood what he said and thought he was right since she was here and that was all that matters. "You're right, I guess we got lucky and you should know that I would always be there for you cause I was not going to let you get left here to rot or die out on the front." She pick up another key and pray this was the right one as she jammed it in and turn it. She heard it make a click sound and saw it unlock his cell.

Carter step out of the cell and saw his niece toss him an extra set of clothes she had found and hide under her shirt. She turn so that he may get dress but wasn't like she hadn't seem him half-naked before, it was more the principals plus also to see if anyone try to come in while he was doing that.

"Well the good news is I don't think anyone notice me coming in since everyone was busy and got you another horse that's waiting for us now so get change and let's go."

She quickly tied her hair up in a ponytail and putting on the hat once more. Once Carter was ready, the two quickly hurried out and wanting to put as much distance between here and the fort.


They were five miles up in the Arizona hills with the sun now high in the sky before the Calvary caught up with them. Carter steered the horse up a steep hillside, his niece following right behind him, and took a quick glance back.

Six mounted soldiers led by Powell himself, gaining fast. And the colonel didn't look happy. He heard Evelyn swore and would've like to do the same himself, but instead urge their horse forward faster.

The sun was blazing down on them and the coat and hat were making the two of them sweat. The hats flew off but not like they really care much for them anyways, but the guns might still come in handy.

"Ah uncle I don't want to make you worry, but I can see they're still coming right behind us." Evelyn kept looking back at them and making sure to stick close to Carter as they continue on their way. As they approached the crest of the hill, the thunder of hooves grew stronger behind them.

They had them, he knew. Unless there was something unexpected over this ridge…

There was. A dozen Apache warriors were standing there dressed in full war regalia and heavily armed, with modern rifles.

Carter swiveled his horse to a halt, Evelyn did the same and they both held up their hands in surrender. The Apache moved towards them, suspicious. Then they heard the sounds of their pursuers and snapped back to alert.

"Ok uncle I think it's time you go and work your magic here right about now." She knew Carter had picked up a few things on his way and even though she did know a little of the Native language yet she didn't have it down pat like he did. Carter had a better hand at it and so she would leave it to his capable hands to get them out.

Slowly and carefully, Carter addressed the Apache in their own language. He explained that this was an exercise, a game the white men were playing among themselves—not an attack against the natives.

The Apache leader, a man called Domingo, listened warily, but his men's guns didn't waver from Carter's or Evelyn's head. Domingo seem to have a beef with the local white men. Carter could relate. There were lots of white men he didn't care for himself and wanted to make sure he and his niece didn't wind up eating lead for breakfast today or any other after.

By the time Powell's cavalrymen charged over the ridge, Carter had almost talked Domingo into not killing them all.

Evelyn kept her eyes on the soldiers while her uncle did the talking with the Apaches but saw one of the men behind them looking a little too jumpy for her liking. A twitchy corporal called out, "Sir!" and the Apache moved to charge him.

Evelyn resist the urge to smack her head since she had a feeling this was not going to end pretty. Any moment there was going to be bullets flying and she and her uncle would get caught in the crossfire. She just hope their luck hasn't run out on them just yet.

"Shut your damn mouth, Corporal," Powell said. He trotted over towards Carter and Domingo, whose men kept their guns trained on him. Powell's men fanned out slowly, guns also raised. Apache and cavalrymen watched each other's every move, fingers quivering on the triggers.

"What's he saying, Carter?" Carter grimaced, held up his hand for silence. But Domingo was already growing agitated, accusing Carter of leading the Apache into a trap. Evelyn saw that this was getting a bit out of hand but her uncle kept his voice low, calm but insistent, explaining to Domingo that this was purely a matter between Carter and Colonel Powell.

"Carter, what the hell are they—" Finally Evelyn had enough and looked straight at the colonel and if looks could kill he would already be buried six fee under with her glowering at him.

"Would you shut your goddamn trap, can't you see that he's busy talking with them while you're yapping at him. Do us all a favor and keep your big fat mouth shut."

Powell turn and narrow his eyes at her, "Watch it little lady, I don't know who you think you are but you have no right to speak to me that way—"

One shot rang out—Carter never was sure who started it—and that was all it took. The ridge exploded in gunfire. Evelyn wanted to tell Powell that this was his fault but didn't really have the time as she found her horse now had a mind of its own and galloping off like mad.

Carter's horse also bolted down the hill, almost throwing him off as they did. He struggled with the reins trying to get back control. His niece thankfully had manage to subdue hers but still the beast was looking around wildly as the fight continue.

It was chaos, pure chaos as the Apache were firing at the men and each one being knock down with a bullet in them and their horses gallivanting off. He watched the cavalrymen fall—one, two, all six in the end, their horses running wild back over the ridge. And just behind them—

"Carter!" Evelyn send her uncle a look, doesn't that man know when to give up. He wish he would too but Powell was in pursuit, his eyes red with rage.

Then a stray shot hit the colonel. He screamed and slumped forward on his horse, which panicked, racing up even with theirs.

"You got to be kidding…" But she watched as Carter reached out and grabbed the horse's reins, thinking he must be crazy. His niece would also say the same since this was the same man who had try to recruit him and now were dragging his sorry ass with them while being shot at by the Apache.

Grimacing, Carter struggled to maintain control of both mounts. Evelyn came to give her assistance as she took the reins and was able to handle it better than he was. She let him lead and she follow right behind him with Powell just enjoying the ride. Domingo was shouting obscenities, but the three riders had a pretty good lead. Still, the Apache would be after them soon enough.

Powell grimaced, clutching his bleeding shoulder. "I thought—you didn't care." Evelyn saw her uncle send the colonel a look and said gruffly, "Shut up."

But Powell wasn't finished as he mutter, "To think you wouldn't go fight against the Apache and yet you dare risk to save my life—"

"Are you sure we can't reconsider leaving him behind? He seems to be doing just fine as he can still yap his trap with no trouble." She couldn't stand the colonel. He had not only had his men kidnap her uncle then had beating the tar out of him when he refused to be recruit but just simply she didn't like the man at all.

Although she may not tolerate him, she didn't want to let it sit on her conscience for the rest of her life by abandoning the man to those people. And neither was Carter one to go and leave a injured man behind. Even if he was really being a pain in the arse while they continue on their way. They were still being in hot pursuit by the native and knew couldn't stay to chat.

Up ahead, the sparse desert terrain narrowed into a thin canyon winding upward between high hills. It was their only chance. Carter grab Evelyn's rein while she made sure to keep a grip on both hers and the Colonel's. He pulled hard on both sets of reins, aiming the horses towards the canyon.

He knew the Apache were gaining on them but being silent as damn coyotes. Carter yanked the horses to a halt at a large cave mouth and quickly dismounted. Evelyn did the same and together help ease the groggy Powell from his horse. Powell glared briefly when Carter took his guns but said nothing. He handed one to Evelyn and saw her tuck it safely into her trousers, held securely by the waistband. Then they hauled Powell to his feet and dragged him inside the cave and sat him up against the wall.

The cave was dark, but there was only one entrance. Carter doubted he could bring down a dozen Apache single-handed. Not even with Evelyn who could shoot flies off a horse's rear, but at least they'd be able to see them coming.

"Uncle I can hear them heading this way." He could too and from outside, the faint clopping of horses and knew they were here. Powell stirred, grimaced up at them. He held up a shaking hand to Carter, "Gimme a gun, Carter."

Carter turn to Evelyn who seem very reluctant to do so but finally handed one to the colonel.

"Look I don't like you very much right now but I'm only doing this because we got a bunch of pissed off Apache on our tail and my uncle and I would rather not be letting ourselves get shot by the likes of them." She turn and started walking towards the front of the cave, leaving the two of them behind.

Powell looked from her rescinding back to Carter, "Can see where she gets her temper from?"

"Yeah it's a given she's my niece after all." Carter didn't stay to talk with him. He raised his own rifle and cocked it back. Evelyn, who was waiting for him to show and when he did made to follow right behind him. He had also given her the other pistol as he figure she could help take on the Apaches while he made to reload and take cover until then. He knew two guns were better for her but would waste double the ammo if she didn't get all of them.

The Apache rode into view in full force, framed in the opening of the cave mouth—and stopped dead, their mouths open in horror. Their horses whinnied in fear. Domingo locked frightened eyes with Carter for just a moment, shook his head. Then he gestured and the Apache turned and rode swiftly away.

Carter turned to Evelyn, who shrugged as she had no clue what just happened either. "Well that was very odd uncle, what do you suppose got them spook?"

She knew the natives around here did have their superstitions and whatever scared them had just saved their hides from being riddle with bullets. She saw her uncle was planning on finding out and she made to follow him. Just in case this was some sort of trap and the Apache plan to get them when their guard was down.

Slowly, his rifle still raised, Carter crept toward the cave opening. He stepped outside, eying the last dust raised by the Apache as they disappeared over the ridge. Then he turned to look up at the mouth of the cave, and his heart seem to skip a beat. Evelyn came right beside him and notice the look on his face, "Uncle what is it, what do you see up—"

She followed his gaze and saw what he was staring at and her eyes widen when she saw it too. Carved over the entrance was a circle with nine lines radiating from it. It was the nine-legged spider.

This was it, this was the cave they had been searching for. Evelyn turn to her uncle, an ear-splitting grin on her face as she realize they had done it. After months of endless searching, they finally found it! It looks like fortune was now smiling down at them finally. She saw Carter turn to stare at his niece who couldn't help but threw her arms around him as not only did they make it in one piece but also manage to locate the treasure. She lift her gun and point it towards the entrance as she grin at her uncle, "Shall we then?"

Carter held his hand out for her and bowed in a gentlemanly gesture, "After you then."

She smirked before doing the same, "Age before beauty." She saw him chuckle and then together arms link as they went in, feeling that their luck was finally changing and all for the better.


A few minutes later, deep inside the cave, Carter and Evelyn were moving about within the dark catacomb up until there was no more sunlight left to lead them. Yet luckily Evelyn kept a spare matchbox and pass to Carter and saw him lit a match. They both saw what was there.

Artifacts filled the room: a rotting canoe, pieces of old arrows. But an eerie, complex lattice of lines stretched all along the walls, apparently carved long, long ago. And at the far wall stood a stone platform, a large, carven rock with the same nine-legged spider pattern on it.

"What do you suppose this all means…" Evelyn was very fascinated at the discovery they found, even with no sign of any gold but still these markings were very astounding.

She knew they had to mean something since not only had these been carved into the hill above as well that gold piece she found before. There had to be some sort of meaning behind them as why these carving depict such marks. She just wish she could figure what they say.

Behind them, Powell grunted, giving off his two cents, "This place for sure ain't Apache."

"For once I agree with him," Evelyn heard her uncle mutter and saw Carter move about the room. He fanned the match around slowly—and something on the wall reflected its glow. Eyes wide, Carter followed a shiny vein upward along the wall to the ceiling, which glimmered bright against the match flame.

"Evelyn, Eevee come here quick!" Evelyn turn her gaze away from the wall and following where her uncle beckon her over, "Yes what is it?"

"Look up and tell me what you see?" She did and her eyes widen, "Gold," she whispered, "It's gold." But as she look to him she saw something among the shadows move and hearing Powell cry out as something held what look like a dagger in its' grasp.

"Uncle watch out!" Carter whirled to see the strange robed figure advancing towards them. It wore a medallion with the nine-legged spider design. A deadly black dagger seemed to appear in its hand from nothing at all.

Evelyn was wondering how the devil did he do that. How he did pop out like that she had no idea but she didn't stop to go ask questions as she quickly drew her gun, Carter doing the same and they immediately open fire. It took one shot from each of them, one in the chest and the other at the head. The figure clutched its chest and fell backwards.

"What in the world was that…?" Evelyn said as she walked towards the person, Carter wanting to stop her since he could see the figure was still breathing yet was drying all the same.

Powell limped into the room, staring at the figure, "He wasn't there. And then he was—"

So I wasn't the only one who saw it, Evelyn thought since she thought it might have been the trick of the light yet the figure was very much real as well the blackish blood oozing out onto the floor.

The figure struggled to rise, but they could see it was dying. It lifted its medallion, which glowed bright blue now, and began to chant.

"Och Ohem, Och Tay, Wyees—" A gasp of pain, "Och Ohem, Och Tay, Wyees B—"

Evelyn turned to Carter, wondering if he had any idea what he was saying. "Do you know what that means?"

"Honestly I'm not sure." They saw the medallion slipped from the creature's limp fingers and Carter snatched it up. The creature was struggling to speak but vaguely heard it whisper on the wind before it finished and was lying dead by their feet. The medallion lost its glow and Evelyn and Carter were even more uncertain as to what just happen.

"What do you suppose he was trying to say just now, Wyees Bar? Bars-Bar-soo?"

She heard her uncle muttering the words and was unaware the medallion seem to glow once more. Evelyn did however and immediately thinking something was wrong when she saw what it was doing. She tried to grab it from her uncle, to throw it before something terrible occurred but it was already too late. Her uncle finished by saying the last words, "Wyees Barsoom…"

Then the next thing they knew, they found themselves being flat on their backs, surrounded in bright blue undulated light. They only had just enough time to see Powell reach out towards them, crying out in alarm when he saw what was happening.

One moment they were there standing right there with him, and then they were both gone in a blink of an eye. Space and time seem to slow down and so suddenly they were swallowed into an obscure abyss. They finally hit rock bottom only to be found in the unknown.