Chapter 5

Monday, September 7th

9: 12 P. M.

"Tannen?" Marty blurted. "Holy shit, Doc, who's next? Jennifer's family?"

"I wouldn't be surprised at this point."

Buford favored the teen with a look of contempt. "Yeah, Tannen. I've killed 12 men, and that's not with Injuns or Chinee," he bragged. "So one more ain't gonna make a difference."

Mysteria, however, found the name tugging at her memory. "Buford Tannen, Buford Tannen, I've heard that name before. . . ."

Buford gave her that loathsome smile again. Looking at it, Marty could tell exactly where Biff's looks had come from. "I'm sure you have, little lady. I'm famous."

Mysteria snapped her fingers. "I've got it! You're Mad-Dog Tannen!"

Buford's face darkened. "Mad-Dog?" he repeated in a dangerously soft voice. Mysteria, sensing she had made a major blunder, backed away from him. "I hate that name. I hate it, you hear?" His voice raised to a loud growl. "Nobody calls me Mad-Dog!"

Suddenly, he pulled his gun and fired into the wall beside Mystie! She shrieked and jumped aside. "So let that be a lesson to you, missy. Nobody calls me Mad-Dog. Not even a pretty filly like you."

"Do that again and they'll be calling you 'dead'," Doc snarled, eyes starting to glow. He could feel an urge to leap onto Buford's horse and bury his fangs in his neck. He could see Mysteria was struggling to contain a similar urge. "I don't take it lightly when my fiancee is threatened."

Buford glowered at him. "What could you and the runt do, Grandpa?"

Doc was about to show Buford what he could do by tying him into a bow knot when someone else thankfully intervened. "Leave 'em alone, Buford," a voice said behind them. Everyone turned to see a stranger riding up, looking very self-assured.

Buford glared at the newcomer. "You stay out of this, Wayne. This ain't your fight."

"Maybe it is, maybe it isn't. I remind you, Buford, quite a few people know you killed Jackson Strickland's paw. From what I've heard, he's got revenge on his mind. He'll take any excuse to string you up." Wayne jerked his head towards the area past the Clock Tower. "If you really need someone to torment, there's some duded-up stranger walking to town. Funniest-looking clothes I ever did see. I offered him a ride, but he gave me such a look. . . ."

The Time Trippers stared at each other. That had to be Biff! All of them had to repress smiles as they realized Buford would be bullying his own descendant.

Buford seemed to think Wayne's lead was worth checking out. "This ain't over between us, Wayne," he warned. "You still owe me $20 from the town festival."

"And I still say I won that shooting contest fair and square. You cheated, and incredibly you lost. It's your problem, Tannen."

"Wrong, Wayne. It's yours. You'd better be looking behind you when you walk, 'cause someday I'm gonna put a bullet in your back." With his threat delivered, Buford and his gang rode off.

Wayne smiled after them. "Like a bullet could harm me," he chuckled. He turned back towards the Time Trippers. "Well, what brings you here, strangers? I thought I was the only vampire in Hill Valley. 'Til I smelled you out."

"I recognized your scent immediately too," Doc nodded. "Thank you for helping us with Buford."

"It was nothing," Wayne shrugged. "Buford's simply easy to torment. Extremely thin-skinned. By the way, which Partial belongs to you? I can hear those double-heartbeats quite clearly."

"Clint here," Doc said, slipping an arm around Marty. "I had to make him one to save his life. That man you saw in the strange clothes? He's from the East. He nearly killed our friends here, and we want revenge."

"The East? Those wacky duds must be some new style. You think a man would have enough sense to change for a trip out here, though."

"He hasn't got sense," Mysteria said. "What's your name, mister?"

The strange vampire tipped his hat. "Clint Wayne, at your service."

Doc and Marty smiled, surprised. "What a strange coincidence. He's Clint Eastwood, and I'm John Wayne," Doc commented.

"Barbara Stanwyck and Lucille Eastwood," the girls introduced themselves.

"Pleasure to meet you all. How long are you staying in Hill Valley?"

"Hopefully not very."

Clint looked a little crestfallen. "Oh. It's just that it gets lonely out here, with no other vampires to talk to. I've got friends, but they're all human. I don't dare tell them about my real nature." He looked at them hopefully, hopping off his horse. "Can I at least show you around the town?"

The friends managed to stop grins. "We'd appreciate a guide. Thank you."

Monday, September 7th

9: 28 P. M.

Biff plodded along resolutely, trying to ignore the horrible pain in his feet. He had had no idea how far the forest was from 1885 Hill Valley! He had been walking for 2 and a half hours, and he still hadn't reached the town! "Damn it, why couldn't he have lived in a place with cars?"

The sound of galloping hooves caught Biff's attention. He looked up to see a group of horses being ridden up to him. "Doubt it's the welcome wagon," he thought, wondering who these strangers were. Maybe if he was lucky, he could steal one of their horses.

The gang slowed to a trot once they reached him. The 4 of them stared at his clothes - a loud blue jacket, red and yellow checked shirt, and yellow pants. "I didn't know the circus was in town!" one joked.

Biff frowned. "What's wrong with my clothes? I don't have to wear that stupid coverall every minute of the day." "What's it to you, butt-head?" he snapped.

The gang drew back slightly, surprised by the stranger's spunk. Buford decided to figure out what was with this stranger. "Whose kin are you? What's your name?"

Biff nearly said his real name, but decided against it. "Taylor," he said. "Bill Taylor. Who are you?"

"Buford Tannen. I own these parts."

Biff blinked, stunned. "Tannen? Holy cow! He must be - Jesus!"

Buford didn't notice Biff's shock. "What're doing here, Taylor? Cause if I don't like it, you ain't doin' it."

"I'm trying to kill Clint Wayne," Biff snapped, recovering. "The bastard did something to me I didn't like, and now he's gonna pay."

Buford looked at him a moment, studying him. Then his face cracked into a Tannen-style smirk. "That no-good egg-sucking gutter trash?" He cheated me out of $20, and I aim to get it one way or another." He whistled to a member of his gang. "Eyepatch! Let Mr. Taylor ride on your horse. What happened to your horse, anyway?"

"Uh - ran off. Something spooked it," Biff lied lamely. He couldn't believe his luck. Now he had a ride and help from his own past! Now Clint Wayne's death, and the subsequent removal of any vampire competition from his own time, seemed assured. "Thanks for the ride." He climbed awkwardly onto Eyepatch's horse.

Eyepatch looked curiously at the wooden stake Biff was clutching. "What's that fer?"

"Getting Wayne. Makes less noise than a gun," Biff said, settling himself on the horse. "If you want to shoot him though, it's fine with me."

"I plan on shooting him whether you like it or not," Buford informed Biff gruffly. Biff just shrugged. The gang turned back towards town, carrying its new passenger.

Monday, September 7th

9: 38 P. M.

Clint Wayne led the way into the Palace Saloon. Even at this late hour, there were a few customers inside. "Hello, Clint," one old-timer greeted him.

"Hello, Jack," Clint replied with a smile. "How's your wife?"

"She's fine. Visiting her sister."

Clint nodded, then smiled at the bartender. "Hello, Chester," he said, going up to the bar.

"Clint," Chester replied, getting a glass. "Your usual?"

"Sure." He indicated the Time Trippers, exchanging surprised looks at Chester's question. "These are a couple of newcomers. I've been showing them around. This is Mr. Clint Eastwood, Mr. John Wayne, Miss Barbara Stanwyck, and Miss Lucille Eastwood."

"Hi," Jennifer said.

"What'll it be, strangers?" Chester asked, for some reason handing Clint the empty glass.

"Same as I'm getting for Mr. Wayne and Miss Stanwyck," Clint interjected.

"Oh. You related to him, Mr. Wayne?"

"No, we just happen to share a last name," Doc said semi-truthfully. "And I can't hold alcohol, so I'll have what Clint is having."

Chester handed them 2 empty glasses. "Well, the horse's trough is out there."

"What do you mean, 'the horse's trough is out there'?" Mysteria demanded. "Don't you serve water in here?"

Chester shook his head. "In here, we sell strong whiskey and sarsaparilla. Sorry, ma'am, but I only serve drinkers." He looked at Marty and Jennifer. "What'll you two be having?"

"Say sarsaparillas," both Doc and Mysteria thought to their Partials. "I'm pretty sure there's no alcohol in that."

"Two sarsaparillas," Marty ordered. Chester promptly served them as Doc and Mysteria went outside. They found Clint by the trough, drinking glassfuls of water from it. "I can't believe you let him do this to you," Mysteria said, wrinkling her nose.

"I've seen the water inside," Clint said, scooping up a fresh cupful. "This stuff is much cleaner."

A saloon girl came outside. "Heard you came back to town, Clint," she said with a French accent. "I thought you might have moved on and left me."

"I could never leave you, Nat," Clint said tenderly. "I've told you that at least a dozen times." He planted a kiss on the saloon girl, holding her close. Doc thought he saw Clint's eyes glow a bit. "Nat, I'd like you to meet some newcomers to Hill Valley. Mr. John Wayne, Miss Barbara Stanwyck, this is my girl. Natalie de Brabrant."

"Pleased to meet you," Natalie smiled.

"Like - likewise," Doc stammered. He couldn't believe his eyes or nose. It was Natalie from his present, all right, but she was still human! It went so completely against what he knew of his friend that Doc was having trouble reconciling it. "From - from France, I assume?"

"Oui," she giggled. "I moved here with my cousin, Louis Drayven. He works as Chester's assistant."

That boggled Doc's mind even more. "Great Scott! Are all my vampire friends humans now?"

Mysteria leaned over to him. "I knew I had heard the name 'Clint Wayne' somewhere too," she whispered. Clint was busy chatting with Natalie and wasn't paying any attention to them. "If it weren't for him, no souled vampires would be in Hill Valley at all. He creates the beginning of the population. Louis is the first he changes. Magnus, myself, and someone else who shall remain nameless moved here after the population was fully developed. Even the soulless vampires know who he is."

Doc put two and two together. "And the leader of the soulless vampires is here," he whispered back. "So that's what Biff is here for! If he kills Clint before he changes Louis, he effectively eliminates all competition from his life back in 1986!"

Marty suddenly butted in mentally. "Doc, I had an even worse thought."

"Were you listening in?"

"You bet. Doc, Buford Tannen's got a grudge against Clint too! What if Biff lets it spill to his ancestor he's there to get rid of him, and they team up?"

Doc looked at Mysteria in horror as he relayed Marty's thought. "Fighting 2 Tannens at once?! That would be a nightmare!" Mysteria exclaimed.

"Then it's a good thing Buford's son isn't here," Clint said, overhearing. "Why are you worried about him? He can't hurt any of us."

"Yeah, but that man you sent him to tease - he knows about our condition," Doc said. Clint looked surprised.

"A hunter?"

"Not exactly. I doubt he'll be fond of you, though. Maybe you should take a temporary vacation or something."

"Or at least hide, Clint," Mysteria added. "Otherwise, it could be ashes to ashes."

Natalie looked nervously at Clint. "Clint, honey, are you in danger? I know Buford ain't too fond of you, but you keep telling me that he can't hurt you."

"This could be different, Natalie," Clint said, hugging her. More to himself than to her, he added, "People will probably think I'm yeller, but if they see me get shot. . ." He frowned, then nodded. "I think I'll follow your advice, Mr. Wayne and Miss Stanwyck. I know a place where I could hide out. That old abandoned shack a few miles out, Natalie, Louis still own it?"

"Sure does, Clint," Natalie assured him. "He still wants it to be our house. He won't mind if you use it. We're both your friends."

Doc smiled. "Go there and hide out for a few days. We'll take care of the stranger. This is between him and us anyways."

"Okay. Thank you for warning me. I'll see you later, my Natalie." He kissed her, then leapt onto his horse and rode out of town. The vampires looked at each other. "Well, that was simple," Mysteria said.

"Too simple," Doc replied. "Both times we felt everything was going in our favor, we were sadly proven wrong. Let's deal with Biff before he can get to Clint."

Monday, September 7th

10: 01 P. M.

As Buford and his gang returned to town, Clint Wayne galloped past them. Buford pulled out his gun as Clint rode past. "I warned you, Wayne!" he yelled, firing twice. The bullets found their mark, but Clint rode on, not slowing.

"He must have a stomach of iron," Eyepatch said, surprised.

Biff knew the real reason those bullets hadn't hurt Clint. He became extremely eager to follow him and get the job done. "Let's go get him!"

Buford snorted. "The last man I shot, it took him 3 days to die," he commented. "He'll die sooner or later."

"I don't want to stick around for 3 days waiting," Biff said impatiently. "I want to kill him now."

Buford couldn't help but be impressed again. This stranger had spunk. "Okay, Taylor." He nodded towards an unattended stallion. "There's a horse. Go get 'im. I've got things to do here."

"Whatever," Biff said, hopping off Eyepatch's horse. He nervously mounted the stallion. It tried to throw him, but Biff managed to subdue it. He rode off in hot pursuit of his prey. Buford and his gang looked on for a moment, then trotted into town, looking for someone to torment.

They quickly found it in the persona of Seamus McFly, heading to the Palace Saloon for a quick drink. "Hey, McFly! I thought I durn done told you never to go in there."

"You did," Seamus said pleasantly.

This put Buford off-balance for a few moments. "Uh - so why are you going in?" he asked, confused.

"I don't have to follow your orders, do I?"

That got Tannen back on track. "Listen, McFly, I'm not taking any guff from you. If I give you an order, you'd better damn take it!"

"I'm not going to fight you, Buford. I'm just getting a whiskey before bed."

Why did Seamus have to be maddeningly pacifist? Buford scowled at him. "You walk in there, Seamus, and you'll be sorry."

"I'll have me pride," Seamus replied simply, walking in. Furious, Buford jumped off his horse and followed him in, intending to either shoot him or humiliate him.

Only to be met by the Time Trippers, who had overheard everything. "Why can't you leave the man alone?" Mysteria demanded.

"When is this your business, woman?" Buford demanded.

"Seamus McFly did us a favor, Tannen. We're simply repaying him," Doc snapped. He had a hunch that confrontation in front of the saloon hadn't happened until they had arrived, and he didn't want it to escalate. If Seamus died when he shouldn't have, the repercussions on the space-time continuum could be disastrous. "Better an argument with us. God, I wish Biff Tannen had never gotten a time machine. I'm going to have a heart attack from all this potential paradoxing." "It takes a low down coward to torment someone when he's not even looking for a fight - Mad-Dog."

Everyone in the bar turned and stared at Doc. Buford turned an interesting shade of puce. "I told you, I hate that name," he snarled, reaching for his gun.

"I don't think you deserve a proper name. Bullies never do. And if you fire that gun, you'll know what you'll do? Make me - or Seamus, if that's who you intend to shoot - a martyr for standing up to you. And there's still Sheriff Strickland. So just turn around and walk away."

"I don't like your attitude, Wayne," Buford growled.

"Then leave us alone." Satisfied that history had been preserved as much as possible, the Time Trippers turned back to the bar.

But Buford had other plans. Before anyone could react, he snatched Marty from the fold and dragged him outside. Marty used his super strength to shove Buford off him and make a run for it. Unfortunately Buford recovered quickly and grabbed a lasso. He jumped onto his horse and chased after the fleeing teen. After a few moments, he roped him like a stray cow. Marty was none-too-ceremoniously yanked off his feet. Buford pulled him in and tied him up tight to prevent a second escape. With a whoop of victory he and his gang rode through town, displaying their prize to the few people still in it.

As they passed Joe Statler's Horse Farm, Maggie McFly came out carrying William, wondering what all the fuss was about. Buford felt an idea come once he saw her. As he rode by, the leaned down and managed to snatch baby Will from his mother's arms. Maggie shrieked and crossed herself. "WILLIAM!"

Buford stopped just before the shanty town, putting his plan into action. He carefully got off his horse, clutching a bawling William tight. He yanked Marty off the horse and held him in the crook of his free arm, drawing his gun at the same time. He waited with an evil grin for everyone to arrive.

As the people came, the gang rode in front to act as a form of crowd control. "Well, Wayne!" Buford called as Doc pushed his way past them. "What'll it be? I know you don't want your friend Eastwood here in an early grave." He switched the gun between hands to point it at Marty's head. Then he turned it on baby William. "But we don't want no babies to die, do we?"

Doc stared at the scene, horrified. Now he wished he had done nothing and let history play itself out. Because, no matter which he chose to save, Marty would end up dead. This was more a choice between which death to choose - a shot to the head, or a painful erasure from existence. "Great Scott, that's the price I pay for interfering in past events. Why couldn't he have tried to shoot me? I'd be all right, thanks to the vampire!"

It hit Doc like a bolt of lightning. Buford was the only one in front of him. Everyone else was behind. Well, that wasn't technically true, but Will was only a baby, and Marty knew his secret. Praying that he was doing the right thing, Doc looked Buford square in the eye.

Then he vamped out.

The effect was immediate. Buford turned as white as a sheet. He stumbled backwards, somehow keeping a grip on both his captives. His mouth opened and closed, with no sound coming out. His thoughts provided Doc with all he needed to know. "Oh, God, a demon. . ."

"I'd let them go, if I were you," the scientist said impressively. Buford, shaking, put William on the ground and let go of Marty. The teen, who had managed to weaken his bonds, snapped those on his arms and untied his feet. Then he picked up the crying Will and brought him back to his mother.

"I believe this is yours, ma'am," he smiled at her, relieved.

"Oh, William," Maggie sobbed, gratefully accepting her baby. "My little William. . . . Thank you, Mr. Eastwood, Mr. Wayne."

"Aye," Seamus said, extremely grateful. "But how did you break that rope so easily?"

"It was old and cheap," Marty shrugged.

"Buford!" one of the gang yelled to Tannen. "Boss, are you okay?"

Buford finally found his voice. "He's a demon! A demon from the fiery blazes of hell!" he shrieked, pointing at Doc.

Doc turned to face the rest of the population, normal again. He frowned at them. "I'd say he's the demon, wouldn't you?" A few brave people nodded.

"He's a demon," Buford insisted. "His eyes were burning with the fire of damnation. And he had fangs!"

"I'd say you've had too much to drink, Buford," a familiar voice spoke. Doc blinked as his eyes found the speaker - a human Louis! He smiled at Doc. "Heard you helped out my cousin's friend. Much obliged for her happiness."

"I haven't been drinking!" Buford snapped.

"Your breath said different," Marty said, waving his hand in front of his face for emphasis. Tannen gave him a dirty look.

"He's a demon, I tell ya," he insisted. "He just looks human." He pointed his gun straight at Doc's chest. "But I'm gonna sent him back to Hell."

"Tannen, you shoot that man and you'll be hanging from the Clock Tower," Sheriff Strickland promised.

"Besides, if he is a demon, that gun won't hurt him," Louis pointed out. "I think you'd better to find someplace to rest up, 'cause you'll have a heckva headache tomorrow."

Before Buford could reply, someone new came riding up. "Hey, Dravyen! I was riding home and I saw some colorful stranger near your house. It looks like he's trying to burn it!"

The Time Trippers looked at each other, aghast. "Clint!" they all exclaimed. Biff had obviously seen and followed him. If he succeeded. . . . "We need to get out there!"

Doc rushed up to Joe Statler. "How much for 4 of your fastest horses, on rent?" he asked hurriedly, pulling out his wad of cash.

"$120 for the 4 of you."

"5 of us," Louis corrected, getting out $30 of his own. "That's my house he's trying to burn!"

Joe Statler grabbed the money and sent his handlers for 5 fast horses. Seamus McFly followed them and returned with his own horse. "I'll come with you too. It's the least I can do for you, since you saved my son."

"If I hadn't shot my mouth off in the bar -" Doc began, feeling guilty. "What do I always tell Marty on these trips? Don't mess with past events!"

"It might have happened anyway," Seamus finished for him. "Tannen said he'd make me sorry if I went inside the saloon. And he's just the sort of man who would shoot a baby. The important thing is you saved 2 lives."

"Yeah, Doc, don't kick yourself," Marty said mentally as they got onto their horses.

"Don't kick myself?! Marty, you nearly died because of me!"

"How the hell were we supposed to know he'd do that? And none of this would of happened if Biff hadn't got his hands on a time machine and decided to screw with history."

"Even still, as a responsible scientist, I shouldn't have taken that risk."

"Doc, we have a time machine. If something bad had happened, you could have gone back and prevented it all. I know what you were trying to do was keep history from getting mucked up worse. You can't waste time worrying about it."

"You're right, I suppose. I'm just sick of having such terrible luck." Doc gave his horse a tap in the ribs and rode off after Louis, determined to stop Biff.

They arrived just in time to see a pile of hay against the left wall of the house ignite. Biff, spotting them, hoped for luck and leapt onto his stolen stallion. "One event down, 2 to go," he thought happily as he galloped back towards the woods and VAMPIS.

The Time Trippers saw him go. Doc felt an urge to follow him, but refrained. Clint was the top priority now. "Louis, Seamus, see if you can put out the fire. We'll check inside for Clint." He and Mysteria rushed inside while the teens stayed out to help with the flames.

Clint was pinned to the bed, a look of shocked horror on his face. Doc yanked the stake out as Mysteria provided some of her blood to speed the healing process. The wound healed rapidly, and soon Clint was sitting up, moaning. "Dammit, I should have taken a different route."

"It's okay, Clint. We found you in time. We'd better get you out of here; there's a chance this place is going to burn to the ground." Doc and Mysteria each took an arm and helped Clint out.

Jennifer dumped a bucket of water on the fire shortly after they emerged. "Don't ask where I got the water," she warned, causing everyone to smile. "How's Mr. Wayne?"

"I'm fine, but Clint here seems to need a doctor," Doc said, looking curiously at the vampire.

"Buford Tannen shot me in the back," Clint shrugged. "I need the bullets removed."

Louis came over, worried. "Clint, you look like you've gone through hell itself."

"I have. That stranger tried to kill me. If it hadn't been for all of you, I would have burned to death."

"You're my cousin's special friend. There's nothing I wouldn't do to help you," Louis said.

"You've done me many a kind turn too, Clint," Seamus nodded. "Maggie and I are very grateful for your help. Poor Maggie. She'll be worried to death bout me."

"Let's get you to a doctor," Louis said, taking Clint off Doc and Mysteria. "My cousin'll be happy you're all right."

Clint smiled at his friends. Then he looked down at his ripped shirt and the blood staining it. A strange look passed over his face. He motioned Seamus over. "Louis, Seamus, have you ever wondered what it might be like to live forever?"

Doc felt his worry about history ease. It appeared Biff's attempt on Clint's life had merely encouraged the souled vampire to make fledglings. The fight he'd just had with Buford still weighed heavily on his mind, but at least this was back on track. He and his friends watched as a confused Louis and Seamus helped Clint onto his horse and rode him back into town.

"I wonder what's going to happen to Buford," Jennifer pondered aloud. "Do you know, Mystie?"

"Yeah, I do. Despite the fact it was a hard life, I did like the Old West. I research it whenever I get the chance to see if it corresponds with my memories. I found Buford in the library my first visit to Hill Valley. He dies 6 months after today. Jackson Strickland hangs him for holding up a stagecoach and killing the driver."

"Or does he?" Doc wondered fearfully. "Our interference may have caused a serious disruption to the space-time continuum. Why didn't I leave well enough alone in that bar!"

"Honey, you can't blame yourself. If Biff hadn't come here, neither would we have. You wanted to keep history straight! Besides, if history had changed, shouldn't my memories have too?"

"Not for a while. It takes time for changes caused by time travelers to catch up to the travelers themselves. But you're right, just like Marty was right. I'm definitely going to be more careful, though. Now can you see why we don't take more time trips?"

"Yeah, you go crazy about not causing paradoxes."

"Doc, why don't you just look up Buford in that future history book you have?" Jennifer asked.

"I intend to very soon. Hop on, kids. Someone will find the horses, if Joe Statler is like most used car salesmen."

Monday, September 7th

11: 02 P. M.

As the vampires landed beside the DeLorean, Doc's watch alarm went off. Doc shrugged off Marty and checked it. His eyes went wide in surprise. "Doc? What is it?" Marty asked.

Doc let everyone see the watch. Scrolling across the display was

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 15TH, 1955, 2: 45 P. M.

"Whoa, Doc! That's just 3 days after you sent me back to 1985!" Marty exclaimed.

Doc looked at the date again. "November 15th holds more significance than that, Marty."

"Really? Why?"

"I'll explain once we arrive." Without bothering to change, everyone piled into the DeLorean. Doc set the time circuits for 1 minute after Biff's arrival, and they flew off.