A/N Very short chapter this week. Things have been crazy back home, with getting a cat, moving things around, new job schedule etc. So its a bit hectic trying to get the chapters out recently. Thank you all for your patience and apolgizes for a small chapter this week.

Hopefully things get settle down and I can put more focus in the story. Never the less, please enjoy Until the Sun Sets.


Chapter 17

4 years ago, 1881

A young woman was living in a decent size house in the city that was originally owned by her parents. Her mother died when she was really small and her father killed in the line of duty. All that was left was her and her sister. But even then it just felt like it was her. Her elder sister constantly left on long trips to help out in some justice department in one of the bigger cities and tend to only stay for a short weekend at most.

" I've enrolled you in an all-girls prep school, it should be good for you. I expect nothing less than your very best Makoto." Her sister had finished packing her suitcases and was ready to leave for the train. "You are to report to this address in one week's time."

" ...Ok." She wanted to have a different discussion tonight but never got the chance. Makoto wasn't interested in learning how to be a lawyer. She wanted to follow in their late father's footsteps, to be a detective. She's read any books she could get her hands on about crime and outlaws. News clippings she keeps hidden in a box under her bed. Her sister had worked hard to bring their father killer to justice, but he was set free-roaming the lands.

Their house would be left empty while both were away. Makoto had other plans though when she left. She wanted to find her father's killer and bring him to justice one way or another. She didn't want to feel useless. But that's how it still felt. Useless.

1884 was the year she left the school. Reading and studying day in a day out for the past few years for what her sister wanted out of her. Makoto didn't mind reading, it was enjoyable, to be honest. But she was antsy lately. Her elder sister contacted her less and less as the months and soon years dragged on. She would set out and prove her usefulness. This brash thinking was what got her into the current position now.


Present Day, 1885

Makoto had tracked her father's killer to a gang of outlaws. He was apparently a lower-tier outlaw working for someone higher up. They had been station in the town of Northsbury, draining folks of their money with these bogus tax laws. People get tax whenever they come in, tax if someone leaves, tax if they don't share their portion to the boss. It was excessive. People had feared for their lives, starving practically since no one wanted to bring food in fear of being reprimand.

Makoto had snuck in when she met a young working girl by the name of Eiko. She was able to see the horrible things committed by this gang. She had to do something. The young aspired detective stayed hidden for a few days trying her best to plan her attack. The only thing she had on her was her father's old gun, a gun that only contained one bullet. If she could get a good shot, it would be enough.

She saw her opportunity four days later. The man in charge of taking over this town. A large set man with a cigar in his mouth, surrounded by others. They stood nearby the main Town Hall and eagerly watch the startled townsfolk attempt to go about their day. She took her position and aim for his head. Cocking the revolver back as her father told her years ago, she pulls the trigger and fired…..


Elsewhere

"Are we all ready to leave?" Ren had asked his companions. They had finished packing extra clothes, food, and other essentials they needed for the trip to a new wagon. The horse Ann, Ryuji, and himself collected earlier were strapped in front ready to go.

"We're all set back here brother," Morgana said from behind the wagon. Yusuke and Ann were going to take the backside while he and Ryuji would guard the front. Shiho and Shinya would be in the wagon while Morgana drives. They were following Mishima last lead to Northsbury. Upon some further recon, they would be packing heat, and their group needed to be ready.

Ann and Ryuji were practicing on her shooting while idling in town. Yusuke was constantly seen sketching various things. Ren had talked to him the previous day about his skills in knives. Having him throw a few in the back of the Saloon. He was accurate was all Ren could think of. It would do for now.

"Alright, let us move before it gets too late."

"Wait kid before you go," Sojiro had pulled him to the side. "I heard things are going to get rough where you going. Watch your back and be careful. Some men hold no prisoners."

"I understand Boss. You and Futuba take care. We'll be back when we can." With that, they headed out of town and up the road. It would take a few days before they were there, they would need to find another hideout, somewhere near the town itself but far enough to remain undetected.

Mishima's report to Ren was vague but still important. His informant told Mishima who then informs Rens.

Arms Crowded

Cage Lion

Hidden Gem

The coded message had told Ren. The town was heavily armed by hired gun, but civilians were locked in, the man in charge tends to stay hidden. This was going to be a firefight, unlike the previous encounters.

"So Ren this next guy is also associated with who we're looking for? I mean doesn't seem like this one is concerned with hiding when they're taking a town," Ryuji said.

"Just because they have money, doesn't mean they're smart. This isn't a Kamoshida or Madarame, this is going to be dangerous. Morgana and I are use to being outgunned, you sure you feel comfortable with this. Does Ann?"

"She's a natural though Ren, you should've seen her the other day," Ryuji replied back.

"Shooting at game or empty bottles compared to live ammunition being fired above your head makes one act differently. I wouldn't know what it's like to be in love but I'm sure you would be devastated if something happens to her."

"I would be upset to lose any close friend."

"Cut the bullshit Ryuji, I know you don't treat Shiho like you treat Ann. The stays during nightmares, the disorganized clothes when you two come from an outing. I don't care if you two are lovers. I just ask you don't do anything that will get all of us killed." Ren just didn't understand why they insisted. Did Ryuji think Ren and Morgana really care that about him and Ann being together? Well, Morgana might mind with his "Lady Ann."

Sighing on his horse, Ryuji was probably glad they were out of hearing range of the wagon and the rear riders. "I do what I can to make her feel better but I'm no good for her. She deserves much better. I'm some punk that can't read shit and lived in a dump my entire childhood. She came to that town looking for a better opportunity and that sunava bitch used her. She deserves better than me," he said. Ren could see they cared for one another and wanted nothing but the best for the other. If Shiho was close enough she probably would think the same.

They had travel a good distance during the day before settling down off the road in some ways. Hunkering down with a fire starting, the group gathered as they waited for the salted meat to finish cooking. Ann went out to gather some water in a bucket for them. It wasn't a large stream of water but flowing enough to fill it up. She was almost done when she saw something attempt to crawl away from the bank. It looks like a person, a young woman perhaps?

Ann gently flips the body over with her foot, they were still breathing but barely. A bullet wound could be seen on the top of their shoulder. She was going to head back to camp to get help when a hand grabbed her ankle.

"Hel..p….me."


A/N As I mention before, this was a very short chapter, shortest one so far. I will do my best to get things out in time for next week. But I can't promise with all the chaotic stuff happen. Plus con season is starting for me so my weekend are being taken up for that as well.