Notes: Lawton was originally supposed to just chase the priest out, but when I saw the priest's personality, I saw that wasn't going to work, so . . . things got darker than planned.

Chapter Seven

There's Vultures and Thieves At Your Back

Crash Town had been operating for several years now. In all that time, they had never had a pastor that stuck around. The first two who had shown up had given up after a while when it was clear the town was too focused on the mine and money to listen to sermons. A third had been chased off by Malcolm's stooges. A fourth couldn't adjust to the climate, made desert-like from the nearby Zero Reverse incident that had split Domino City in two.

It was the fifth who was determined not to be uprooted. Undeterred by the people's worldliness and by Malcolm's Crew, he set up shop in the small white building and held services week after week. Sometimes it was only Klaus and his grandchildren and West and Nico who came. Other times, a few others trickled in here and there. During the week the man went about town, interacting with everyone in a friendly and non-judgmental manner and putting up with harassment from Malcolm's bullies.

Radley hadn't been receptive to the other men of the cloth who had passed through town—although he hadn't done anything against them other than not attending their services. But he did end up perking up and showing more of an interest in the fifth. Religion tended to bring back painful memories of his strict and judgmental family and their unrelenting behavior towards him and anyone else they felt was falling short of the mark. This pastor, however, actually seemed to believe in an approach that felt Christlike, and Radley was drawn in in spite of himself.

The first time Pastor Green saw Radley, curiously peering in from the open front door of the church, he gave a broad smile and beckoned for him to come inside. "Hello," he said brightly. "How are you?"

Surprised and encouraged, Radley went in. "Hello," he said. "I'm alright." He shifted. "You're . . . not like the others. . . ."

"Oh? How do you mean?" Pastor Green asked. He set several books on a shelf and turned to give Radley his full attention.

"The first guy said I'm going to Hell because of what I'm doing here. The second said I'm going to Hell because I'm wearing an earring. The third chickened out. The fourth was okay, but this place took its toll on him." Radley placed his hand on the doorframe. "And none of them invited me in."

"I like to know all sides of a story," Pastor Green said. "Why is it that you're running Crash Town the way you are?"

"I wouldn't really say I'm running it," Radley said. "I'm . . . trying to stop Malcolm from running it. I don't know what else to do." He looked away. "And I'll admit I like the money I get the more dyne that gets mined and shipped out."

"Malcolm definitely seems like a powerful foe," Pastor Green said. "How long has this been going on?"

"Oh, let's see. . . ." Radley stared off at the ceiling as he calculated. "It must be going on four years now."

"Four years!" Pastor Green exclaimed in disbelief.

"For a long time Malcolm waged an all-out war against us and the townspeople," Radley said. "That must've gone on for a year, maybe more. Then the duels started. So . . . maybe close to three years for those."

"You must be exhausted," Pastor Green said.

Radley gave a dry smirk. "I look it, huh? Sometimes I feel about twenty years older than I am. When I first came out here, I didn't even have any of these lines on my face." He came in farther and sank down on the edge of a pew.

Pastor Green went over and sat next to him. "You know, I suppose that in some way you and I are alike."

That was the last thing Radley had thought he would hear. "What?! How do you figure that?!" He stared at the man. "I'm not really religious; I haven't been for years. My family kind of turned me off of all that."

"Well, you know how a pastor feels like his congregation is his flock and he needs to look after them?" Pastor Green gave him a kind smile. "You understand that principle very well. I've seen how you look after everyone in your care. And it sounds like you've been trying to look after the entire town as well."

". . . Not the entire town," Radley said awkwardly. "Some of them side with Malcolm and don't want a thing to do with me. But . . . the ones that look to me for help, sure."

"That's quite the responsibility," Pastor Green said. "I can see Malcolm is a dangerous man. You must be very formidable to be able to keep him at bay."

"We were directly holding him off until the duels started," Radley said. "Now it's up to the Duelists I hire. There hasn't been a good one in a while." He rubbed his eyes tiredly and leaned back, staring up at the high, pointed ceiling.

"But even when your Duelist loses, you're still here and Malcolm is unable to assume complete control," Pastor Green said.

Radley fell silent. "I'm afraid someday I won't be able to keep protecting them," he confessed. "If something happens to me, I don't know what will happen to the guys, or the town." He shuddered. "I don't want to die. . . ."

"Very few people do," Pastor Green said. He paused. "Although I think at least some of the Duelists being hired come here giving up on hope."

Radley frowned. "From what I've seen, they're mostly greedy punks hoping for easy money." He paused, thinking of Jordan. "Or . . . maybe not greedy, always . . . but still hoping for that easy cash."

"Some likely are," Pastor Green said. "These kinds of events always attract those kind too."

"And like I said, I like the money myself." Radley sat up straight again. "The Duelists all agree to the rules. So are the duels themselves really wrong?"

"I'm afraid that's a loaded question," Pastor Green said, leaning back with his hands on his knees. "This seems like a very complicated situation. If you don't duel, Malcolm will take over and that will be worse. But . . . people's futures are being wagered on games of luck, even if they're agreeing to it. And I've heard some very unsettling rumors about what goes on in Malcolm's part of the mine."

"But would he really hurt his workers?" Radley exclaimed. "That just wouldn't even make sense from a business standpoint!"

"Sadly, there are many people in this world who don't make sense," Pastor Green said.

". . . What do you think should be done?" Radley asked.

"I don't know," Pastor Green admitted. "In all this time, hasn't anyone tried to contact law enforcement agencies for help?"

"Our communications are monitored by townspeople loyal to Malcolm," Radley said. "We can't get any word out."

"Oh, I see." Pastor Green's brow furrowed. "I've heard about towns like this. I never thought I'd end up in one." He straightened. "Well, I guess the only thing to do, then, is pray for guidance and try to get Malcolm to see the light."

Radley burst out laughing. "Malcolm chased out the guy two preachers ago! And he's tried to bribe or intimidate every one of them to work for him. There is no way he would ever 'see the light'!"

"Maybe I'm old-fashioned, but I like to believe everyone has a chance at redemption," Pastor Green said.

"It's your funeral." Radley started to get up, but paused. "I'm sorry, that wasn't respectful at all. You deserve better than that. You're a decent guy and I just don't want you to get hurt. Malcolm isn't someone to mess with."

Pastor Green stood as well. "I'll be careful," he said. "God is on my side, so I'm not afraid."

Radley sighed. "The problem is, people with God on their side aren't immune to death."

Pastor Green laid a hand on Radley's shoulder. "I know God cares about this town and everyone in it," he said. "I know He loves you very much."

". . . That's the exact opposite of what my family told me," Radley said. "They thought I'd go to Hell too. They kicked me out so I wouldn't risk dragging them all to Hell with me on my 'devil machine.'"

"I don't think God would judge you for superficial things like your hair length or a pierced ear, do you?" Pastor Green kindly said.

"No, I don't," Radley said. "At least, I hope not."

"And honestly, I like motorcycles myself." Pastor Green gave him a mischievous smile. "Maybe sometime we could take a ride together."

Radley stared at him. "I've never met a preacher like you." He started to smile. "Sure, I'd like that."

xxxx

Malcolm only put up with Pastor Green for a short time more before he implemented a new strategy. Since he couldn't intimidate or bribe the man, he was sure he knew someone who could take care of the problem one way or another. He quietly sent out a communication one night and waited eagerly for the response.

It was two days later when it came. It was daytime, and the townspeople were going about their normal business—shopping, visiting, running their properties—when a bizarrely loud noise echoed off the tallest buildings from the plateaus and mountains to the South. Everyone stopped, murmuring in confusion among themselves.

Suddenly what looked like a drill machine burst into view, flying down the mountainside and landing with a screech in the town center. Stunned and apprehensive, Radley pulled West and Nico to him as he stared down the machine.

"What is that?!" West exclaimed.

The driver stood, taking off his helmet to reveal a sneering, dark-haired man. "Which one of you is Pastor Green?" he drawled in a fairly good imitation of John Wayne.

"I am!" came Pastor Green's voice. He approached from the sidewalk. "Hello, Sir. Who are you, if I may ask?"

"I'm Lawton, Malcolm's kid brother," was the reply. "He wired me for help taking care of a little problem he's been having."

Malcolm came out of the barbershop, grinning with pride. "I knew you'd come, Lawton! Now, everyone will see for sure why they should never mess with Malcolm's Crew!" He sneered at Radley.

"Okay. Let's get started." Lawton looked to Pastor Green. "Do you duel?"

"I'm afraid not," Pastor Green said. "It looks like an interesting game to play just for fun, but I'm not into using games as ways to solve serious problems."

"Well, then." Lawton sat back down and put his helmet on. "You'd better start running, Preacher."

"And why should I?" Pastor Green calmly replied.

"Because this is how I'm chasing you out of town." Lawton revved the engine and every drill on the device emerged and pointed right at Pastor Green.

West and Nico screamed.

"You can't do that!" Nico cried. "It's a terrible sin to hurt a man of God!"

"Oh, is it now?" Lawton replied.

"Yeah, and we won't let you!" West exclaimed.

"Well, aren't you the bold one," Lawton jeered. "You'd better watch out or you might be next."

Somehow Radley doubted this person would just bluff at harming kids. There was danger and cruelty emanating from him on a level far beyond even what Malcolm was capable of. "Get behind me," he ordered the kids. "Don't say anything more, either of you!"

Lawton promptly turned his attention to Radley. "And just who are you now? That charismatic fool that Malcolm can't seem to get rid of?"

Radley hoped he didn't look as afraid as he felt. He felt like he was shaking. The fear was palpable across the town square; no one could really believe what was happening.

"Oh, is that how Malcolm describes me?" he said at last, and managed a smirk. "I would have thought he'd use a bluestreak of words not acceptable for children's ears."

Malcolm snarled. "You rat!"

"Now how could I forget? Comparing me to rodents is your favorite thing to do," Radley said with a sweep of his hand. "Maybe I was wrong about that bluestreak. Your vocabulary probably doesn't cover that much."

"Why, you - !" Malcolm roared. The rest of his spiel was drowned out by Lawton's machine.

Lawton sneered. "So you've got wit and spunk. Just know that I'm not under your spell, Radley, and someday I'll probably end up dealing with you too. But right now you're not the problem." He started to roll forward.

The townspeople were forced to scatter. Pastor Green, too, had no choice but to run when it was clear that Lawton was going to keep bearing down on him. The chase continued down the main street and out the other end, while everyone stared in mounting horror.

"How could that man do this?!" Nico burst out.

"He can't do it!" West yelled. "Come on! We've gotta stop him!" He started to run, but Radley grabbed him and held him back.

"There's no way you could go up against a machine like that!" he exclaimed. ". . . None of us can."

"But . . ." Tears slipped from West's eyes. "We can't go on like this! We just can't!" He kicked and pulled away from Radley, but then just stopped and stared helplessly at the vehicle in the distance. It was too far away to be able to fight against now anyway.

"I know we can't," Radley said. His shoulders slumped. He was so tired. . . . "I don't know what to do."

"Our hero has to come!" West sobbed. "He has to!"

It was only moments later when Lawton rolled back into town and sneered at everyone still standing and staring in horror. "And that's that," he said. "He was a coward in the end, just like all the rest." He locked eyes with Radley. "I'll be seeing you around sometime again, Radley." With a mock salute, he started back the way he had come.

It was Radley who noticed the fresh red stains all over the main drill. Suddenly he was dizzy and ill. "Oh my God!" He fell to his knees in absolute horror. "Oh my God . . . !"

The children ran to him. "What is it, Mr. Radley?!" Nico exclaimed. "What's wrong?!"

Radley just shook his head. He couldn't tell them.

Billy and Scotch ran to him too. "Radley!" They draped his arms around their shoulders and helped bring him upright. He was shaking in their grasp.

"You saw it too, huh?" Scotch said softly.

So had many others of the townspeople. They were murmuring among themselves in alarm and horror.

"Lawton killed him," Radley whispered. "He killed him!" His knees buckled and he nearly hit the ground again, but his friends held fast.

"What are we going to do, Radley?" Billy asked.

Radley just shut his eyes tightly and shook his head. He didn't know anymore.

"I wish . . . West was right about a hero coming," he finally said. "I wish there was a way to escape this living nightmare. I'm so sorry I dragged you into this with me. . . ."

"Hey, we chose to come," Scotch insisted.

Billy nodded. "It's going to be alright, Radley. . . . I don't know how, but I know it will be. As long as you're here. . . ."

Radley sagged in his arms. It was all on him, but he couldn't do it. He had never been able to do it. The Bunch idolized him so much they couldn't see it.

"God help me," he whispered without real hope. God hadn't helped Pastor Green; why would He help this sinner?

I think I actually started to believe West was right about you being our hero, Kalin. When you kept winning for us, you seemed like the answer to that hopeless prayer. I thought maybe you really would get us out of our nightmare. You'd keep dueling until Malcolm had no one left to hire. Instead, all along you wanted to lose! Ha! Well, that sounds about like the kind of luck we'd have.

. . . Although . . . when I talked to Jordan in the mines, he said you were trying to help the kids. So maybe in the end you did do something instead of wallowing in your misery. I didn't know what to think when you started saying all those things in your duel with Yusei. You sounded crazy. But I still wanted to believe you'd come through.

Did you lose that duel on purpose? No, I really know you didn't. I saw you were fighting with all your might. But I finally broke and yelled at you when we got taken to the mines. I'm sorry for that. After everything, I . . . just couldn't take any more. And I couldn't face a lifetime of being in Malcolm's part of the mine. I had to get out, any way I could.

I guess I got more than I bargained for with that too, didn't I? I died.

xxxx

Kalin had calmed down at last, but he was still sitting forlornly next to the bed, gripping at Radley's hand without fully realizing what he was doing.

". . . I can't believe I was so wrong about him," he said sorrowfully.

"Now don't beat yourself up over this too," Crow exclaimed. "I mean, he was always talking about making money, wasn't he?"

"Yes," Kalin said. "He never directly said anything about protecting the town. But . . . he showed in so many ways that he cared. Even when I first arrived, I met the kids and they said Radley had been helping them since their father was taken to the mines. It went in one ear and out the other. I always thought the worst of him. When I saw a picture of him with his old girlfriend, and I knew the girl wasn't here, I immediately jumped to the conclusion that he'd had his fun with her and left her to go after the next girl. Instead, it was the girl who'd hurt him."

"You just weren't in any shape to process things clearly," Yusei said.

"That's right," Jack insisted.

"I wonder if he'll ever be able to accept that and forgive me," Kalin said.

"Well . . ." Crow shifted. "He kept trying to reach out to you even though you kept turning him down. That sounds like somebody who'd forgive."

"Or maybe by now he's just finally had enough," Kalin said. "Someone can only take being hurt so many times before they just crack. It wouldn't surprise me at all if I pushed him to that point."

"We can't know until he really wakes up," Yusei said. "And even if he feels that badly hurt when he does, he might feel different when we explain the full story."

Kalin stared down at the pale hand just lying limply in his. "When he wakes up," he repeated. Would that time really come? He longed so much to feel Radley move, even if he immediately jerked his hand away. But the more time that went by, the more it seemed like it just wouldn't happen. Radley sounded like he very well might have lost hope, judging by his words when he had stirred. Still, he was alive. Kalin had to focus on that. Maybe he really did want to live.

The door creaked open again and a man in a wheelchair was there, his eyes filled with kindness and concern.

"Wow, this place is a party tonight," Crow said.

"Can we help you?" Yusei asked.

"I came to see how Radley is doing," the man replied. He rolled into the room and over to the other side of the bed.

"He's alive," Kalin said quietly. "That's about all I can say."

"That is a lot." The man gently laid his hand over Radley's. "Radley? Radley, can you hear me?"

Radley groaned, turning his head to the side. "Pastor . . ."

"Pastor?!" Kalin stared.

"Well, this just keeps getting weirder and weirder," Crow said. "Again."

"You're dead," Radley whispered. "Lawton killed you. . . . All the blood . . . !"

"No, I'm alright." Pastor Green gently brushed Radley's hair away from his face. "Well, he tried to kill me, I'll give him that. But it wasn't as bad as it could have been. Some of the prisoners in the mine found me and brought me inside. They've been nursing me back to health."

"How did they do all that without the guards noticing?!" Kalin said in disbelief.

"They had to be very clever," Pastor Green said. He stared sadly at Radley. "What happened to poor Radley? I've only heard bits and pieces. But once I knew Radley was in trouble, I had to come out."

"He sure is popular in these parts," Crow said.

"Anyone who has seen the goodness in his heart cares deeply about him," Pastor Green said. "He brought light and life to this little town and the people are aware that he's been fighting for them all these years. For some of them, they think of him as their champion."

Jack quirked an eyebrow. "And others?"

". . . Some see him as a young boy caught up in a big mess, which is also true," Pastor Green sighed. "And there are those who feel he lost sight of his original goal and became too obsessed with money. When I spoke with him several months ago, he hadn't forgotten his original purpose. But he did enjoy the money, I must admit. Still, that doesn't make him bad."

"No, it doesn't," Kalin said softly. "Just human. I see now . . . he never wanted to hurt anyone and he didn't want anyone to be hurt. He even was trying to save Malcolm's miners, in his own way."

Pastor Green nodded. "He is a very complex soul. As are most people, if not all."

"I wish he could know that he's still loved," Kalin rasped. "He thinks he's all alone and abandoned. I don't know how much you've heard about what happened yesterday and today, but . . ." He shook his head.

"I know about Lawton's arrival and how frightened Radley's Bunch became," Pastor Green said. "In the mines I heard about Radley being brought there, but I couldn't go to him. Then I heard the horrible news that the guards were laughing over killing him. They said they knew he was dead because his collar had stopped transmitting a heartbeat right after the last overload of electricity." He shut his eyes and looked away. "My heart broke for him. When I found out here that he was alive, I felt joyous again. If anyone deserves another chance, he does."

"It's a little soon to rejoice," Jack said. "It might not last."

"We have to keep hoping," Yusei interjected.

"As for what happened to him that got him into this mess . . . he saved the life of a prisoner in the mines. He just couldn't save himself too." Kalin's voice cracked. "Yes, the guards killed him. That was their plan all along."

"But you're trying to save him," Pastor Green surmised. "You brought him back, God-willing."

"I'm doing all I can," Kalin said. "Yes, his heart is beating again, and he's breathing, but . . . something is keeping him under and I don't think it's just the physical trauma from what he suffered. He's losing hope and I don't know how to help him find it again. The few times he's said anything, he always seems to be lost in his sorrow and pain. I don't know how to get through to him or help him to understand why I treated him so poorly in the past. I don't know how to convince him that this time will be different."

"All you can do is keep trying," Pastor Green said. "Radley is a kind and forgiving person. I believe you can and will get through to him."

"I wish I could believe that," Kalin said. "It seems less and less hopeful."

Pastor Green sighed sadly in concern. "I would stay here with you, but I need to check on all the patients brought back from the mines. . . ."

"You look like you're a patient here yourself," Jack bluntly remarked.

"I am," Pastor Green said. "The nurse probably won't like me going around at all; I'm being transferred to the hospital in New Domino City soon since they have more advanced treatments and equipment. But I couldn't stay still when I knew so many people were hurting. It's been so long since I was able to go around and try to help anyone. . . ."

"You must mean a lot to Radley, for him to respond to your voice," Kalin said.

"I must have made quite the impression," Pastor Green said. Sorrow flickered in his eyes. "And some of that is no doubt from him believing I was killed. Poor Radley. . . . He's always had such a heavy burden on his shoulders. . . . That no doubt has made it worse."

"I had no idea before tonight," Kalin said. "He never talked about it. Although . . . maybe he would have if I'd shown any interest in the things he did say. . . ."

"I doubt he would open up if you didn't seem interested," Pastor Green agreed. "And even with those who would be interested, such as his gang, he didn't like to burden them with dark thoughts and feelings. He always tried to keep them happy."

"The more I learn about him, the more I see how I failed him," Kalin said.

"Kalin, you weren't well," Yusei insisted.

"And if he's really as great as all that, he'll accept that when he's told," Jack added.

"I believe he will," Pastor Green said. "I'm afraid I need to leave, but I will pray for him first."

The Enforcers bowed their heads and listened as the pastor delivered a heartfelt prayer that Radley would find peace and be able to recover. To Kalin's surprise, Pastor Green also prayed for him, that he would find comfort and peace and know best how to help his friend.

"Thanks for including me," Kalin said at the conclusion. "We're . . . really not friends, though. I saw to that."

"I see in you the sincere desire to make right what went wrong," Pastor Green said. "You care deeply about helping Radley recover, and Radley desperately needs someone to stand by him. I believe there is the potential for friendship here."

"Maybe," Kalin said. "If he gets better."

"He will," Pastor Green soothed. "With God's help . . . and yours."

Kalin looked back at Radley. It was a nice thought anyway.