A/N: Hello everyone. Unfortunately there was no chapter release last week. The rough draft was finish but never got to edit it. Things just sorta got piled up and busy. But I'm excited we have reached this far. We're still in the Kaneshiro arc at the moment.
Also to the reviewer who asked me a question regarding Django Unchained, yes I have seen that movie. I remember seeing it in theaters and loving its over the top western film vibe. I've gotten a few recommendation so far regarding western films and I have been watching and enjoying a few of them. So thank you for the suggestion. It almost feels crazy that this odd idea I had on a drive home from work lead to this. Its been one of my favorite projects to work on honestly and I'm happy many of you have been enjoying it so far.
Please enjoy today's chapter and feel free to review.
Chapter 21
A few Days Prior, 1885
Akechi was not in a good mood when this train pulled up to HQ. He kept his princely persona on the outside but the inside he was reeling. He had half the evidence left from Madarame's case after some of it caught fire, a cigar wasn't properly dispose of near the cargo. This had cause some of it to alite burning his case to the ground very quickly. But if there was one person more grouchy than him at the moment, it was Sae Nijima.
"What's with the scowl?" He dare asked.
"I've sent my sister a letter a few weeks ago but haven't heard back. It's very unlike her," she mentioned.
"You look more angry than worry though, does she normally act like this?"
"No. I have very little time as it and its inconsiderate to keep me waiting."
"If she's anything like you, I'm sure she's fine. Now if you'll excuse me I have more problems to figure out on recovering my evidence." The young detective walked passed and up to his office carrying the remaining non burnt files. It contain Madarame's banking transactions, journals, and personal effects. Dumping them on his desk, Akechi rubbed his scar on his nose in stress. He had a gang of thieves and a runaway artist to deal with. The only other word he got was that the apprentice was seen going in the same direction as the gang. Two knocks were heard at his door, "Come in."
"Detective, you're needed in the Captain's room," the messenger said. Moving down the hall to the Captain's room, he himself knocked two times before being granted in.
"You wanted to see me Sir?"
"Yes, I want you to take a break from your current investigation and proceed on another federal case. This one deals with illegal mining, we've been receiving a few reports about that around our departments. The mining deposits are located west of the town of Northsbury. Take who's available, preferably keep it to a two men team and check out the sources. More information will be in the folder here. Any questions?"
"Is there a reason I'm being taken of Kobayokawa's murder case. There's been multiple deaths surrounding it?"
"Leave it be for now Detective."
"Then no Sir, I have no more questions. I'll be taking my leave." A two man team to investigate an illegal mining deposit over a murder case? This would be something assigned to lower case worker, the most he can check out were permits. He was on the cusp of something much larger, with these deaths. Akechi walked back down the flight of stairs looking for a specific person for this case. Finding him in the training room, he called out."
"Loki, suit up, we got a new assignment."
Present Day, 1885
Ren, Morgana, and Yusuke finished piling up the dead guards into a wagon to be taken to burn.
"I believe that is all of them. Mona, you know what to do," the elder brother directed. Ren turned around to address the few civilians looking on in wonder, "Is there a person of authority I can speak too?"
"I'm afraid our Mayor was shot and the Sheriff and Deputies hung a few days right after when these men came. So we don't really have one, we couldn't do anything, we got overrun by this gang." An older civilian spoke out.
"Then what is your name Sir?" Ren asked.
"Me? Toranosuke Yoshida."
"Good, your my liaison for right now. Can you and a few volunteers gather up the town folks at the Town Hall?"
"...Of course," the older gentlemen said as he left to complete his task.
Ren let out a loud whistle and waited a few moments before Arsene gallup back into town. "Ever faithful Arsene," he said patting his deep red coat. He reached in his satchel to grab a can of ointment and some bandages. He wasn't quite sure how long they will be out here but he could always start looking for herbs in nearby fields. All of his teachings with Dr. Takemi became useful in the wild.
Ryuji and Ann were off to the side on a bench, his bloody vest was laying next to him as Ann pour water from a canteen onto a piece of cloth attempting to wipe the blood away.
"Here. Once you're done cleaning that, meet me at the Town Hall." Ren handed them the health items and walked away. Yusuke was sitting on the ground leaned up against a chair catching his breath.
"How you holding up?" Ren asked crouching down to his level.
"It's not the first time killing, but it stills feels terrible each time." The artist tried his best to rid the felling of throwing up.
"First?"
"We were held up on the road, my old teacher and I some time ago. I only had a dagger to defend myself."
"I see." He reached out his hand pulling Yusuke up from the dirty ground. "I'm gathering the town folks at the moment, can you head back to camp and wrangle the others up and bring them back here?" Nodding his head, Yusuke goes to where he last left his horse tied up before the shootout.
The Town Hall was recently updated for the town and connected to the town's Bank. He was told the vault doors were made from forging special minerals found in the mines. The hall room itself was found on the other side of the building and was slowly filling up with people. He sees the older man he spoke with earlier and approached him.
"Mister, this is about everyone," he told Ren.
"Thank you Mr. Yoshida. Please stand here for now, I think the town folks would like to see a friendly face.
"Sure"
Standing in front of everyone, he can sense their nerves with a new stranger. After being ruled by outlaws and freed, they dare to reignite their hope.
"Dear citizens of Northsbury, my name is Ren Amamiya, I am here to help you. I understand that the man previously in charge has abused, used, and swindle you out of your livelyhood. He is a dangerous man that I will make sure faces justice. My companions and I will assist you during this recovery period. While he most likely will be back, we need to get you all ready. Is there anyone else amongst you that is skilled with a gun?" Ren had asked the crowd. It was nothing but silence from them, in fact a second look at the group he notice it mostly consisted of older men, women, and young children.
"Where are all the young men?" He questioned.
"They've been sent to the mines Mister." Yoshida moved to stand a few steps behind him, "We are relentlessly taxed by Kaneshiro regardess of what we do. If we cannot pay, one of the able-bodied men are force to work at the mine as punshiment. We hardly hear from them."
"Please help get my son back!"
"My husband was also taken. Please Sir!"
More shouts about fathers, brothers, and husbands were sent hurling at him. "Everyone, please settle down!" Ren yelled trying to shout over the crowd and their complaints. "Mr. Yoshida, how long have these men been away from their families?"
"Maybe four or five months. Some men have tried to resist and fight back, unfortunately we had to bury them." More people losing their lives or being trampled upon, he can see why Samuel kept the company he keeps.
"We're going to get those men back and stop Kaneshiro, that I promise you the citizens of Northsbury."
Ren tried to answer a few more questions asked by the crowd, but they needed to cut the meeeting short to start work on cleaning the buildings this time. The men of the group worked all day removing the broken glass and plywood debris with other town members. They worked tiresomely through dinner except Ryuji, he was forced to rest after aggravating the wound attempting to help. The town folks were kind enough to let them use the Inn free of charge. A thank you for getting rid of Kaneshiro's men for now.
"Oh its been so long since I've had a real bath and real sleeping bed. Hey Lady Ann, give it a try."
"No thanks Morgana, I'm going to use the room down the hall," Ann said declining his offer.
"Are you sure its wise to use any rooms? Wouldn't there be other guest that need it?" The knife wielding artist asked.
"People have been scared off from staying at this town especially during its occupation." Makoto had been on her better behavior the past few hours, so Ren allowed her to join them. "It's a gift for what we did, don't look at it in the mouth."
"We?" Ryuji questioned Makoto.
"Regardless of what you did, I'm still a bit suspicious of you."
"Well please be suspicious in your own room, I need some rest." The blond gunslinger got up gingerly with Ann putting his arm on her shoulder, helping him walk to their room. His leg was fairing well the past few weeks but was re-aggravated in the earlier fight.
"I can walk just fine Ann." He muttered under his breath. The two were heard bickering all the way down the hall.
"Today has been a long day, its best we all get some sleep. There should be enough space on this floor to have two to a room; Shinya your staying with Yusuke, Makoto and Shiho can take the other room."
The Phantom Thieves had a much deserved rest after the long day., sore bodies laying on a soft mattress was welcomed. The next morning the owner of the Inn treated them to a hearty breakfast in the main floor room.
"Whoa! Is this for us!?" Morgana exclaim as he drools at the mouth.
"Please help yourselves, its not much but we appreciate you getting rid of Kaneshiro's men for us. Many of us are just happy to not have a shadow constantly watching."
"We're happy to help Ma'am, but our works not done. Kaneshiro himself and the last of his men will be back. If he's hauling money out of here, he'll be back for it." The older brother spoke. He took a helping of grits and bacon for himself, though nothing is as good as Boss's food.
"You town folks must've been cut off a lot of supplies seeing as merchants wouldn't want to be bother with the taxes coming here. Low food, medicine, other trades. A few of us can go out and hunt some food and medicinal herbs for you."
"You don't have to do that Mr. Amamiya." The owner was a bit flustered at having some genuine food once more.
"I insist. Morgana, saddle up the horses and I'll get Ryuji, the three of us will track down some game." Morgana went and asked to borrow a wagon from the butcher to carry excess meat.
Ren had walked upstairs to wake up Ryuji who hadn't come down for breakfast at all. He's normally the first to inhale food when it came to meal time. Moving closer to the door, Ren could hear panting and grunts coming from the room.
First thing in the morning. Seriously?….., Ren thought to himself. It would be best to slide a note underneath and wait for their business to conclude.
"Change of plans Morgana, it's just you and me," he said coming back down the steps shaking his head.
"Blondie's not coming?"
"No. He's….occupied at the moment.
"Can I come instead?" Makoto had asked the two brothers to join their small hunting trip. Ren didn't see the harm in it. Her wounds were healing nicely and she hasn't tried anything to get herself killed playing hero.
"You'll ride with me then. Morgana you have the 's move, were wasting daylight" The three set out to find some game for the town, borrowing the wagon while Ren borrow his brothers rifle. Makoto sat behind Ren on Arsene as they travelled up the road to open field.
"So what are we looking for particularity?" She asked the brothers.
"Deer, rabbits, other small critters. Can't feed everyone out of a can from the grocery store." The younger brother mutter.
"Sometimes the can food taste better."
"So you've also tried hunted food before?" Ren questions.
"Well no…..But what about you? How long have you to had to hunt?"
"About 5 years, Boss taught us. We had eaten wild animals before but never hunted it ourselves."
"Boss?" she questioned.
"He was our caretaker for the past few years. Took us in when we hit the bottom. Kept bounty hunters off of Ren too."
"I see. What was your life before that than?"
It feels so long since he remembered life before living on the run. He could almost smell his Mother's cooking, watching his Father work. "We lived on a farm out west, hills as far as the eye can see," he decided to confess to her. "We had various animals to tend to, we even had a black cat. Our Mother did various crafts and trinkets, taught us to read and write. But they got sick and well….."
"I'm sorry to hear that, I also always wanted a cat myself but my sister thought it would interfere with my studies."
"That's too bad. Morgana was a good cat in his own right, he lived for about 12 years.
"You name your cat after your brother?" Makoto wondered.
"More like my brother name himself after a cat. He's really a Jr." Ren had laughed when he found out his younger brother didn't want to be named after their father but to that of a cat. But after their father's death, he didn't want the reminder.
"Hey Morgana is a good name!"
"Never said it wasn't brother."
"You two seem close for brothers?" Their brown hair companion asked. She was almost jealous of their bond.
"Of course, I'll always have Ren's back especially in all the fights we've had."
Makoto had dropped her head wishing her and her own sister shared this bond, but she was more focus on her own work. It almost feels like she was shipped off to be moved out of the way.
"Welp this looks like a good place to start. Morgana, pull the coach to the side over there." Parking off the road, Ren headed further out to hunt leaving Makoto and Morgana watching the wagon.
"It sucks being the younger sibling sometimes."
"Why would you say that Morgana?"
"Cause your always looking sad. I know the feeling, I've strive myself to make sure to be useful for Ren. I didn't want him to leave me on the side while he goes out and tracks down his targets. The only suggestion I can offer is that its gets better over time"
"Maybe…"
The two would hear a few gunshots over the course of an hour or so. Ren came back and forth with some bucks and rabbits handing them from Arsene.
"We may have to do this over the course of this week. But if the town folks are willing to trade ammo for meat, I don't mind." The brothers help carry the large buck into the back to be carried to town.
"Uh…..you guys, I see someone coming down the road and they don't look friendly." Peaking around the wagon, Ren took a look at what Makoto saw. A pair of riders were wearing a particular style of clothing, these weren't regular travelers; they were federal agents.
"Mona!" he whispered urgently, signalling his brother over. "We have feds, act natural." The elder Amamiya brother took a side glance to the woman with them. Who's to say she won't rat them out, she holds no loyalty with him. But he seen and knowns the look in her eyes. It was the same look that appears at him in his own reflection
The pair got closer as the three tried to pack up the meat. The younger looking agent had greeted them with a nod and went on his way…..is what Ren hoped for, but it wasn't going to go his way. The younger agent took a second glance at Makoto before stopping his horse.
"Makoto?" he asked.
"Excuse me sir, but do I know you?"
"No Ma'am, but I know your sister, she has shown me your photos." He got down from his horse and removed his glove to offer a hand. "Its nice to finally meet the younger Nijima, I'm Goro Akechi."
A/N Mr Akechi has enter the fray. (And Tora!)I remember another person had ask which side Akechi was going to fall on sadly I can't give that away, you just gotta continue
But its been so fun writing him especially since everyone is aged up and not in a high school setting.
I had made sketches on what some of the characters looked like in the wild west but i don't know if I'll post them. Obviously Joker would be wearing his thiefs outfit minus the mask but under the grey vest its a white shirt.
Ryuji tends to wear just worn work jeans but he did get a new pale yellow vest a few chapters ago (cause his ranger color is yellow ba dum tsh)
Ann does have a red shirt but mostly wears regular pants.
I've also notice I hadn't described Yusuke outfit yet(ack) but I guess image those yukata shirts or just a plain samurai shirt with some loose pants.
Morgana prefers to wear darker clothing (black vest, black pants etc) but always has his yellow bandana around his neck for comfort. (I know that some Royal screenshot shows possibly human morgana. My version comes across a bit gruffer even though he's young but no beard
I kinda went long on my A/N ending lol but anyhow, I will do my best tto release the chapter on time. Probably looking at Thursday/Friday release once more. Its also posted on AO3 as well.
Thanks again for reading and feel free to review.
