Gunshots blasted loud and clear as they hit the paper body target hanging
three yards from where Gaby stood, her ears plugged with two separate
attachable headset ear covers that were fit for haren's ears. Like woren's,
their ears came out of the top area of the head, meaning all the wax and
open area's that functioned for the sense of hearing were right around that
area. While Gaby was reluctant to wear the two piece ear guards, Draco
finally 'convinced' her to wear them.
As the end shooting session bell rang, Gaby removed the two ear pieces and pressed the button nearby to bring the target marker in. The shooting range was a kiddy type, mostly for those who wanted to grow up and become sharp shooters or the now extinct Peacemakers. As the target sheet was brought in, Gaby looked it over with a sigh, each of her shots still were either misses or out of the body range.
"Still not good as I wanted." She said with a deep sigh.
"It's not a big deal... takes a good while to learn how to gun-slinging like an ace." Draco claimed walking over to glance over Gaby's test results.
"A good while!? Then what use am I to you guys when the regents attack, a problem?" She asked in despair.
"No, but you could get in the way. That's why you should just leave them to me and Lecha. You still are young, you shouldn't get into a fight like that at your age, and you still should live a few more years." Draco mentioned.
"What, just cause I am twelve years old you don't think I can handle them?" She replied angered.
"No no no, it has nothing to do with age. You're not as trained as me or Lecha to handle them at all. Please understand that it is for your safety that I say you should stay out of our battles when they are with the regents. Understand?" Draco inquired, his eyes locked onto Gaby's.
"I guess..." She answered doubtful.
"Good, now go take a break, you earned it." Draco claimed, patting Gaby on the shoulder and giving her a warming smile.
Gaby nodded, as she walked outside, her face down on the ground, a frown pursed on her lips. She knew she was a bad gunslinger, but she could hold her ground. Though only in defense by her agile skills was she easily able to stay alive, she still needed to train herself to become more accurate with the shots she gave off. The lone talent she excelled in was stealing, though that was only in a town full of scum. She managed by at least befriending one of the big-time crooks, but the guy recently was murdered by another rival gang.
She did though figure out the tricks of stealing from him and now decided to put them to 'good' use, for herself if anything. Slowly pushing the door that was a one way push and pull type, the bell rang as she entered, alerting those inside of a customer coming into the store. She glances around at all the candy placed neatly onto many shelves, all the sweets any young child would just jump for joy over to her was a snatch-and-hide-in- your-pocket-game.
She glanced around seeing mirrors placed in areas to prevent anyone from getting away with their products. Gaby knew it would be trouble if she was caught, even if she was twelve years old; she was old enough to at least know better. The clerk though was busy looking at things, though cocked his head up to glimpse at her for a few seconds then looked back down. Gaby innocently walked along the path, looking at each and every item that was shelved. She walked with a more slow, steady, and well-postured steps. She had also changed her articles of clothing since the arrival, mostly with Lecha taking her out shopping.
Lecha had wanted a more formal dress for Gaby, but thanks to Draco's convincing, as he could tell by Gaby's unwelcoming smile, she was able to choose the casual everyday cloths she wanted. Finding several new pieces of cloths, she chose them immediately. A nice short sleeved shirt white for less heat absorbent, hip hugging black pants that came down round her ankles and white leather boots with a midway heel that would give her a better feel on the feminine side. She still felt incomplete, but Draco seemed to read her mind, getting her a nice tan colored children's size jacket, the wrists collars hugging around the wrists and finally, a light red hat that almost everyone wore, but this one Draco had cut a few holes in to make sure her ears would slide through, giving them more room to breath.
She smiled when she first saw it, no longer was she a kid in some cloak, she was a girl dressed for action. Even with the costume, she was still only considered only a kid by anyone, who only looked and laughed at her. Even with all the mockery, she ignored it and focused on other things.
Glancing back up to the mirror, she made sure the eyes of the clerk were still glancing down at the paper and not locked on her. She had to be very careful since she was not in the old town Kenton anymore, the party she was with was now in the calm normality of a small town called Yanford. At the right moment knowing not a soul was looking did she snatch a candy bar and stuff it deep into her pocket. She moved along like any customer, glancing over each product and glancing up at the clerk to see if anything was up. Nothing out of the ordinary from her eyes, normal as any stop in store could be.
She snatched a few more bars up, including a beef jerky she had seen Draco eating before, this time getting a large pack so he would have more to eat up. So far she had gotten away, not seen by the bored store clerk at the check out counter, who still seemed to be staring at the paper. Gaby took a sigh, heading over to the door, as she stepped outside, heading back to the shooting lounge where she was so far training to become skilled with a gun.
She took only a few steps away from the store when the store owner shoved open the door.
"Hold it right there ya little thief." She shouted holding a shotgun in his hand, aiming it directly at the girl.
"I know damn well you shoplifted a few candy bars and some beef jerky, you ain't the first to come around these parts, so either you give me them back or your going to be working them off here." The clerk said still aiming his gun at her.
"Is that a threat?" Gabby asked with a smile.
"No, it's a promise, now march yaself back into that store and put'dum back where ya picked them up from." He shouted still holding his gun in his hand.
"I think you better just get inside and close your shop, cause I am a student of the great outlaw 'Draco 'Hundred Kills' Carter' and if you piss him off, your gonna feel his wrath." She said turning and making eye contact with the man.
"Ya think I was born yesterday, I ain't fallin' for that again." He mentioned pumping his gun, ready to open fire.
BANG!!
In one swift shot was the shotgun the clerk held sent flying out of his hands and onto the ever so sand covered ground. Draco stood a few feet away, his gun smoking as he glanced to the now wide eyed scared stiff clerk who shook as if he was looking directly at a ghost.
"You were born yesterday, cause Gaby here is my apprentice... now do yourself a favor, get back inside, stand behind the counter, and tell that boss of yours you were robbed at gunpoint if he asks." Draco commanded, the clerk nodding as he did as told, running to the counter.
"Unkey Draky, please don't tell Mrs Lecha about this... pwetty pwease, wit a cherry on top." She begged glancing up at Draco.
"Depends, what kind of food did you snatch up?" Draco replied, already knowing she called him Draco for amusement, but knew she was just a kid.
Rummaging through her pocket, she picked out each of her candy bars, munchies bites, and lastly the super size beef jerky that Draco only smiled when she held it out for him to grasp.
"You stole that for me?" He asked, taking it from her hand as she nodded innocently.
"Ya little rascal, always knowing how to bribe your way outta trouble I see." He mentioned tearing the covering of the beef jerky off, and taking a bit out of it.
"Tee-hee, only the best for you Unkey Draky." She replied with the irresistible smile.
Draco took a deep sigh, shaking his head to her.
"What am I going to do with you Gaby?" He said shaking his head as she only gave a toothy smile, that amused him to just chuckle.
***
The game so far was not going well for Thomas, who made only a few balls in and Hudson now had six in, and two to go to win. Hudson aimed his cue stick accurately; ready to send the cue ball directly into the red stripe twelve ball, one eye closed to get an accurate shot.
"Lord Hudson... urgent news, it appears that Draco has defeated the regent known as Invulnerable Blake. We have eyewitnesses claiming he is a dragon." The messenger announced through the intercom.
The news immediately came at the time Hudson made his shot, he slipped as the cue ball smacked the twelve ball sideways, sending it down into a corner. Hudson didn't curse; it was to him a mere game, nothing serious as the matters he usual dealt with at work.
"Did you say a dragon?" He mentioned turning to the speaker box.
"According to the people of Kenton, it appears there was one. It was him, the red coat, the purple hair, it is without any doubt Draco." The female voice stated.
"Hmm... any word on how Blake was killed?" Thomas asked as he glanced over in the direction, his hand busy chalking up the cue sticks tip.
"From what is known, a highly powerful gunshot from the black gun her carries. If the rumors are true, that gun is called the 'Devils Hand', mostly by the triple digit six marked along it in blood red letters. Those could be the very same models those dragons could have made to harness their powers more." The person stated.
"I see... you've done well Coli, you're dismissed." He ordered, as the transmission went dead.
"If he has the power to take down Blake, the others may fall. Hudson, let me handle it, I can-"
"NO... not yet... Draco may have defeated Blake, but if anything that was luck. His gun can't save him forever, and when we find a weakness, he will fall." Hudson said with a smile.
Thomas only shook his head, but knew Hudson was more of a leader then he was. Taking trust in his decision, he stepped up, making his next shot.
"So whose gonna be next?" Thomas asked, as he tapped the cue ball gently, sending it to a solid near the corner pocket, the cue ball tapping it lightly as it sent the solid into the slot.
"Gargol should be able to handle it, he is based off the guardians who long ago slayed the dragons. I think he can manage." Hudson mentioned with an even smirk.
Thomas shrugged, but concentrated on his next shot.
"Thomas, were gonna have to postpone this game. Things are not going well as I planned. Assemble the regents we have yet to contact, including Fox if he is still alive." Hudson mentioned sighing.
"I'll contact him last... the others I might try to catch up on times with." Thomas replied, placing his cue stick back on the slot fitted shelf.
"Fine by me... but manage your time, this meeting will be tommarow afternoon, and I hope all are there." Hudson said raising his voice.
"I'll see what I can do." Thomas replied walking on out.
***
Once more the bell rang, this time pop-up targets appeared, those with guns, and those who were unarmed. Shots went off, as each was picked off in weaker areas of the body. Gaby shot each of her guns, reloading the cartridges for her guns in order to keep the pace. Draco watched from a camera, relaxing in his chair as he chewed the beef jerky in his mouth.
So far he was a bit amused, seeing Gaby shoot the armed men, and easily recognize the innocents. She was still below average, since she shot only in areas that would delay the attacks for a short while. With her limited four rounds per shot pea shooters, her dual arsenal was nothing that would do well in defense.
"How's the little rabbit doing today?" Lecha asked walking into the room.
"So far so good." Draco answered, seeing Gaby make a few shots that any man would flinch at.
"I hope your not spending money on junk food for her. I know that beef jerky wasn't something I bought for you little snacks." She mentioned with a scowling glare.
"We still have enough; we just got some cash since the owner of this place was surprised at how great of a gunner Gaby was becoming." He mentioned as he watched her nail one of targets dead in the heart.
"Is that so, then why is it that the town is claiming not only that you are here, but you have a partner around four foot three inches, large rabbit ears from her light red hat, age around twelve years old and a female." She sternly said, glaring angrily at Draco.
"Well, she does make a good sidekick for someone like me. Draco and Gaby, the duo of chaos." Draco motioned with a sly smile pursed on his lips.
"She robbed a store, didn't she? And you helped her get away with it, didn't you?" Lecha suspiciously asked, leaning over and glaring into his eyes.
"Not rob, just shoplift a few snacks. Though she was caught and held at gunpoint, so being her 'master', translation 'guardian' of her, I have to defend her when she is in danger." He lectured, only boring Lecha.
"Well genius, you now gave away our location. Soon enough some damn regent is going to get here and where going to have another fight on our hands." Lecha shouted, her eyes of fury locked directly onto Draco's as she rose her voice.
"Lecha, ya gotta learn to relax, 'sides if some regent does come to town, then I'll just go out and beat its ass. Remember, I have the power of the dragons to protect me." He said, Lecha only sighed displeased at his idea of how to raise the girl.
"Unkey Draky, Unkey Draky I finished the course already. So whatcha think... Hello? Ain'tcha there?" Gaby called up to one of the cameras waving her hand to it.
Pressing down the intercom key, he responded loud and clearly.
"Present as always, you did well Gaby, but ya might wanna practice drawing your guns a bit faster, its all about the first shot when it comes to gun- slinging, the first-hey, Lecha, what's the big idea!" Draco demanded as loud taps and a few growls and snarls could be heard in the background.
"GABY, GEDDUP HERE RIGHT NOW!!" Lecha yelled in a shrill tone of voice.
Gaby only took a deep gulp, knowing she was aware of the theft she had done recently. When your being trailed or tracked down by the regents, the intensity really can put fear into ones mind more often. Gaby already knew what Lecha would do when she arrived in the room. Lecha would rant on and on about how she should have done it, ask questions that would not be answered and so forth. Gaby didn't care about it though; she was Draco's partner, at least one of them. She walked slowly through the hallways finally arriving at the door, as she opened it up walking inside.
"Sit!" Lecha hissed pointing to a nearby chair.
"I'd rather stand." Gaby remarked calmly crossing her arms, keeping her face concealed with part of her hat.
"NOW!!" Lecha shouted with wide small iris eyes, teeth clenched tightly as her lips furrowed in a down to a frown.
Gaby made no remarks, but walked over, taking a seat in the chair, taking not a breath or a sigh.
"I'm not very amused by either one of you. Gaby, shoplifting food is still the same as stealing, I don't approve of it one bit, but to get caught and then tell him that Draco is with you is worse. We are trying to keep a low profile and here you are already causing trouble." Lecha said, glaring down at her, seeing that Gaby only looked to the floor. "ARE YOU LISTING TO ME?" Lecha spat seeing that Gaby was not glancing up.
"Yeah, I hear ya 'mother'." Gaby said, emphasizing the word mother to sound more like a label.
"Don't you get brash with me Gaby, you already are walking on a thin board with this thievery." Lecha said, moving closer to her, as she spotted Draco yawning.
"Draco, you I'm very disappointed with, going out there and even saving her I can accept, but playing along with her is just as bad. You both know full well what we're dealing with. Gaby, I expect you to stay in our room for the rest of the night, anything else and we will make you pay off that man you robbed from, by means of work." Lecha replied, walking to Draco as she spoke to him, and then to Gaby when she warned her of the result.
"You know... I think Mrs. Lecha needs a break for once... whaddya think Unkey Draky?" Gaby asked glancing to him.
Draco remained silent, he knew how bad it was to have to remain low when wanted. He lived that way for a decade now just to keep himself alive. He had enough bouts of fighting, but unlike those days, he never face a threat that throughout the land had been known to be the worst of anyone as it was. He closed his eyes taking a deep breath.
"Gaby... your to remain in your quarters until further notice." He replied, opening his eyes to glance at her, his glasses not cloaking them from his emotion.
Gaby remained speechless; for once she had been punished, only for trying to help. She frowned, already did she have a deep hatred for Draco, he was her own master, and here he was siding with Lecha's decision. She clenched her fists, breathing more faster then before, glaring at him with tears streaming from her eyes.
"I HATE YOU!!" She yelled, and ran out of the room.
Draco was about to run out, but Lecha stopped him.
"Let her go, she already is enough trouble with us." Lecha said shaking her head.
"...Fuck you Lecha." He muttered shoving her aside as he walked out.
Draco already felt pity, but she was though pushed a bit too much by Lecha. He did though understand how it was, as a child who had a mother; he knew why punishment was necessary. Though, Gaby, being a girl from a corrupt neighborhood, she probably was only smacked for anything she did wrong. Still, Draco already was worried about her running off, she still was his responsibility and like any guardian, he needed to explain to her why he made that choice, to get her to understand.
***
Within a torch lit temple, a voices of prayer echoed throughout the wall, a huge statue of a women remained in the front, her hands crossed. Several robed figures kneeled before it, worshiping her with their prayers, one of them standing before, but not cloaked, for he was a gargoyle, his skin sleek as anything, with a large red tunic hung on his upper body, as his large ruby wings hung out. He was a reddish-brown like color, resembling what one of the known Guardians of the past had been. Though how he came to life long ago was unknown to him, he only knew he existed about thirty-one years since his memory was not so short-termed.
As the prayers stopped, loud footsteps treaded through the hallway, running into the prayer hall.
"Brother Gargol, you have an urgent message that has arrived for you." The member announced, waving the envelope in his hand.
Slowly did the Gargoyle stand, turning to the recently arrived man, as he walked down from where he usually prayed and over to where the man was, taking the letter from the mans hands and opening it slowly.
"Hmm, thank you Brother Hans, you are dismissed." Gargol said, Hans bowing in dismissal as he turned and walked slowly back to his study hall.
Reading the message that was sent possibly by telegram, Garr sighed knowing full well he was called upon by the same group who he joined. The Gunsmith Regents, even though a few had not represented using firearms, they still joined because of skills that did prove invaluable to the Gunsmith Regents. Gargol was a weapon user, who used a halberd for killing an opponent. He knew a bit of magic, but lacked the will to make it effective as most had.
Reading it to the last bit, he place the paper in one of his vest pockets, as he walked over to the door and heading out of the room, knowing his duty to the regents was something far more important then a praying ceremony to a god.
"So, Draco 'Hundred Kills' Carter is the target. Well, guess things are about to interesting." He muttered to himself.
***
"Gaby!" Draco called walking through the town, a few people out, but acted normal as Draco ran by them, their faces though still expressed fear as he ran by.
Draco though was least concerned with the people, since Gaby was his concern. He ran into the alleyway, finding her perched on one of the trashcans, still crying as she did when she ran out. Walking towards her, he stop a few feet in front, as she glared up at him, cheeks wet from the amount of tears that came from her eyes.
"Go away!" She yelled, still crying.
"I know, I guess maybe I did hog it, but Lecha is right. You are going a bit too far claiming I am your partner. Then again, I guess I also went to far and still don't suffer for it. So how does a trip to the ice cream shop tomorrow sound to you?" He asked setting a hand on his shoulder as he explained to her his reason for punishing her and what he planned to do to forgive her.
"Really, you will take me there tomorrow?" She asked already cheering up as she glanced at him with tear stained eyes.
Draco nodded as Gaby immediately hugged him, snuggling into him. Draco patted her on the back, knowing full well he was a lot happier then usual to see her not so angry at him.
"C'mon, lets get you back to the inn before Lecha really turns into a bitch." He said, releasing her from his hug, as she blushed giving a nod to him.
The two started off, Draco at his normal walking speed, and Gaby skipping adorably behind him.
***
All had been quiet when the two arrived back, mainly since Gaby wanted to remain at her quarters to each, mainly hating Lecha for being such a bitch to her earlier. She remained there for the night, mostly watching the TV in there when Lecha didn't want it. Still, all was a not as big of a deal as it normally was when they talked along the lines of where the next stop would be.
"Draco... I want answers... not about Gaby, but about Dragonier. I know your part of the clan that once owned that area, but what do you intend to find there?" She asked curiously.
"I don't know... all that my mother did was tell me to go there. She didn't say why." He replied taking a deep sigh.
"You-your mother. How could your... unless it might mean..." Lecha had one guess, the dragons were able to communicate to people in the real world through the area of unconsciousness.
"I don't know why she would want you to go there, that town is ruins now. Nobody lives there, they says its haunted, the cries of the slaughter echo throughout the area." She mentioned glancing to him with fearful eyes.
"Children's tails... nothing but rumors. I don't know why you are so scared, their ain't no damn ghosts in the area. Just tales some bastard made up and spread like any grapevine does." He mentioned sitting back and relaxing.
"I don't know, but right now you better be ready, any bet a regent is on its way here. This may be an age of struggle, but word spreads faster thanks to the communications networks." She mentioned shaking her head.
***
Night passed with a serene environment, peaceful to easily give anyone a good nights rest. Lecha had awakened early and left the room mostly for her own privacy. Walking into a restroom, she shut the door, taking out the communicator, knowing the line was secure by the frequency Neo Rogue used in order to remain secret from the organization they fought.
"Ruby Flamingo to Blue Phoenix, line frequency seventy-four on password code Pandora Key." She said, securing the line, as she had usually done before when she made a transmission.
"Blue Phoenix here, line is secure. What do you have to report?" He asked, waiting for an answer.
"We have another passenger with us, female haren, and street-wise orphan around the age of twelve. Any idea if a regent has characteristics matching this?" She asked wanting to know if Gaby was a regent or not.
"We don't know, the regents do have new members at times, even with thirty years passing, they still are getting new ones on occasion. There is a chance your 'passenger' is a regent." He mentioned, taking a sigh.
"Hmm, she could be one of them... I mean she did seem to just try to steal from me first. Though she lacks trying to steal a few candy bars from a stop-shop. A regent definitely is on there way here, and knowing anything, my partner has taken her out." She mentioned sighing.
"Hmm, it is not a big issue, but right now we are stepping up operations in finding support. They stepped up shipments with guards and that spells alotta trouble for our supplies." He reported.
"Understood, we're right now heading to Dragonier, my partner is determined to get there. I'd rather not explain the details." She said uncomfortably.
"Dragonier, that place. Your outta your mind, but if the rumors that word above has claimed, your partner may have a reason to go there. Whatever the case, keep your guards up; especially for that guest you have, she may be young, but I sense trouble." He mentioned, warningly.
"Affirmative Blue Phoenix, Ruby Flamingo out." Lecha said, disconnecting to the line.
She finally got off the john, sighing as she flushed to seems as though she wasn't in there for a few chats. There were a few people who were after Neo Rogue mostly for the fact that they were making more loose end deals. She decided to roam through the town, knowing somewhere in the quiet place Draco would be.
*** "C'mon Gaby, we don't have all day you know." Draco called out, waiting impatiently for her to get a move on.
"I'm coming, I'm coming." She shouted back, walking out of her room with her wrinkled attire she wore most often.
"Finally, now lets get some ice cream." Draco remarked as he left the inn, locking the door behind him.
"Hey Draco, I wanna know something... what was the battle between you and Red Baron like? From your view at least, I heard the tales, but they all seem so stretched." She asked, glancing up with begging eyes.
"That battle," He said taking a deep breath. "Noon, in the town of Integra, silent it was with only one breeze that pushed the sands into several breezes."
***
"Tell me kid, 'fore I kill ya, wuts ya name?" The red trench coat man asked in a deep toned voice.
"Draco, Draco Carter." The near adult youth replied, holding the gunmetal handgun in his hands.
"Well Draco, bid ya life adieu, the Red Baron be sending ya te hell soon enough." He replied reaching for his gun, as Draco opened fire, the target his heart, the bounty hunter stumbled back, but still stood as he cackled out loud.
"Imprudent adolescent, never leave yar lifeline open to anyone." The Baron stated opening his coat to reveal his plate armor that he used to protect himself.
Draco only gasped, scared out of his wits by the unanticipated move. For once someone had avoided being killed by covering the intended target with the perfect armor.
The Baron laughed, taking out his shotgun, he opened fire near Draco, who sidestepped and ran, fearing being hit by such a wide-spread shot. Draco ran off, diving behind a parked car, as he took a few breaths, already was he shocked by the armor plate that prevented the bullet from striking the spot of victory.
"Ya can't hide forever kid." The Baron shouted as he fired at the car.
Draco easily tried to concentrate, but he never had at any time dealt with something like this. Anytime before he always shot first and ended up being alive, but this time he was now forced to fight. He already was panicing, fearing he would die if he tried to make a move. The footsteps of the baron loudly advanced in rapidly, closing in on where Draco was hiding.
"C'mon Draco, think, Think, THINK!!" He mentally told himself.
Draco already knew he was in trouble, as he dashed out, the shotgun fired once more, a bullet striking Draco in the calf as he stubled, but still ran, the Baron reloaded his gun. Draco easily took one option as he went inside one of the shops, mostly an antiques place with several types of fancy dishes and vases.
He took cover behind one of the shelves, taking several deep breaths, as his hand felt his now wounded leg. He still felt himself in a fearful state, his heart pounding and his forehead now glistening with beads of sweat trickling down his cheek. He already heard a few shots go off, the shatter of glass, the Baron still advancing in toward the store.
"Ya can't hide forever kid. Come on out, 'fore I come and getcha myself." The Baron shouted with a loud mocking laughter.
Draco crawled slowly on the floor, his eyes shooting to the door that was his only way to salvation and to keep an eye out on where the Baron presently was. He slowly but surely made his way, as he stood, opening the door quickly and rolling inside and behind the wall as the Baron opened fire.
"Damn it, how the hell is this guy so good?" Draco asked himself, still wondering how he was so easily overcome by the man.
"He is more calm and precise unlike your mind of anxiousness to get it over with. You Draco are flawed, you always were alive before because you were able to get the first shot off to the most fatal areas, now you are in an situation where you are not even familiar. Spare my life, and please, leave my shop." The old man begged, pleading for his life.
Draco would have said something but a few shots blew through the wall, the old man easily struck by each, as he bleed slowly, falling to the ground, dead from the intense shots.
"HAR-har-har-haarrrrrrr, sounds like I got something, better be you kid." The Baron said, as he closed in.
Seeing another door, Draco took advantage, as he opened it up, escaping as the Baron entered, finding the dead old man.
"Shit... damn bystanders, always making a hunt a problem when the going gets tough." The Baron muttered, really displeased at who was killed.
The Baron immediately noticed the door kicking it open as he glimpsed out, finding nobody around. Taking one step out, as shot was fired and nearly hit him at his foot. Glancing up, he found Draco at the plaza area of the town, right near a corner, as he moved to cover, leaving no open shot for the Baron.
"Bastard." The Baron muttered, running out of the alley as he glanced around the plaza area, waiting for a shot.
"Over here Captain Shitty." Draco yelled from a tombstone that represented the town monument of when the town was founded.
Turning he unleashed a few rounds on the monument, each bullet stopped dead in the tracks. Draco jumped out; returning a few shots, his gun reloaded as he easily hit the feared bounty hunter in the arms, forcing him to drop his shotgun. The Baron immediately grasped his gun, pulling it out of his holster; he opened fire, sending a bullet around Draco's left side of his chest. Draco easily flinched, but in a blink of an eye returned a shot the blazed the face of the Baron, who stood stunned by the near fatal shot.
"Ya damn bitch, ya almost killed me!!" He shouted, feeling the now bleeding slit that was on his face.
"Why don't you cry like the coward you are Red Bastard." Draco remarked, as he stood to his feet, shaking from the wound.
"You won't get away with this yet." The baren remarked getting out another magnum as he opened fire, forcing Draco to run.
"Shit, he's packing a lot!" Draco mentally thought, seeing the bullets blaze by at his feet, one lodged in his biceps and one blazing his left side, nearly hitting his heart.
Draco easily locked the last clip in place, as he turned and opened fire, this time making a few good shots, two to each of the mans knee's, and the last ones struck right between the Barons shoulders and neck. The Baron fell to his knees, gasping as the blood leaked from his shoulders. Draco stepped forward, smiling in a ominous nature, he raised his handgun to the mans head, making one shot that ended the one famous and most feared outlaw ever to roam the west. Draco took the man's coat and whatever was valuable, finding a hospital that would treat him, with a few 'extra' offers he was able to get the highest service of medical treatments then anyone could.
***
Draco took a sigh, the time was tough, but to think of it now was almost a blink, shorter then he could imagine.
"And since then you became known as Draco 'Hundred Kills' Carter, wanted man alive." Gaby stated with a giggle
"I earned that name when I killed so many bounty hunters in one day... I doubt it was a hundred, but it was more then ten that I killed." He stated not wanting to be more feared, but more accurate.
"Yeah, but you're a softie under that blood red trench coat you wear." She said, nuzzling against him.
"So young you are Gaby, yet so naïve. One day you will understand." Draco stated, as he walked into the ice cream polar, a few people quieted as he entered, the cashiers easily stood frozen in fear.
"Yeah, um... I'll just take a moose track, and gaby here will have um..." Draco glanced down, not very sure just what she wanted at all.
"Triple-peanut-butter-fudge-with-chocolate-chips-whip-cream-and-gummy- worms!" She said, leaving the entire area of people wide eyed and confused as she innocently looked up to the clerk who stood their puzzled.
"Dija get that?" Gaby asked as the male cleark only gulped, sweat dripping down his forehead.
"Don't sweat it ya wuss, I don't have a clue what she- uaragh." Draco glanced down to the ever so steaming red faced Gaby who really was not pleased with what Draco had done.
"Damn it, your not suppose to mmph." Draco cut her off as he placed a hand over her mouth, smiling to the clerk, as Gaby struggled to get his hand off her mouth.
"Just make it three scoops of your best chocolate flavors, with the chocolate chips, gummy worms and whatever else the kids like these days. And keep the change my good fellow." Draco said tossing what was around a thousand zenny on the counter, as the clerk remained their puzzled, but nodded, as a few other got to work, having it to Draco in only a few seconds.
"Hmm, good choice, by the way, can you get me a bit of the sour dough cookie ice cream, one scoop on a cone." He said letting Gaby go as he received both, placing it on a carry tray her picked up off the shelf, and walked out, Gaby following as she wasn't planning to remain behind.
"Why the hell are you acting all out of character, I swear, you're not acting like the Unkey Draky I know." Gaby said angrily.
"That's because right about now, I'd rather not be considered the outlaw I am. It has its kicks, but I'd rather just be a normal Joe sometime soon." Draco stated, showing he wasn't fully a monster like anyone had stated he was.
"Wussy, you're a complete softie and a... a..." Gaby wasn't to smart, and finding the right words was not that easy.
Draco though, trying to enjoy his ice cream was not listening, as he licked each of the now melting cream, loving each bit of it.
"Gaby, just enjoy your ice cream already." He muttered, not liking to hear her damn mouth.
Gaby sighed, taking a spoonful of her ice cream, with a few of the toppings, as she placed it into her mouth, the flavor easily taking her mind off of the more irritating innocent, as she started to take more spoonfuls of it, faster and quicker, finishing it up faster then Draco had finished his. Throwing the bowl in the trashcan, she took a deep breath, taking a seat on the bench, glancing to the ground as Draco continued to eat his ice cream up.
It took a while, but Draco eventually finished his cone, eating it down to the last bit. He sighed in relief, placing his hands on his gut, feeling himself stuffed enough as it was.
"Now that was a nice and sweet dessert now wasn't it?" He asked, glancing down at Gaby.
"Yeah, best dessert I ever had. But do I have to stay in my room?" Gaby asked, already with the begging frown on her face.
"I'm afraid so Gaby, I don't like having to follow it, but Lecha is right though. I have to punish you when you do something wrong, it is the only way to discipline you, cause I care." He said glancing to her as he spoke.
Gaby remained silent; for once she felt the feeling of truth, the type that always did seem to bring an understanding to those who experienced the feeling of understanding. Draco did care for her, but he wasn't too deep into care that he forgot his duties as a parental guardian. He wanted to do what was right, not spoil her and turn her into a brat. She immediately hugged him, smiling brightly with her eyes closed.
"Sorry for saying I hated you." She said, still embraced to him.
"No need, I know you are." He said, patting her on the head.
"Awe, how touching, pity it ends here for you dragon!" Came a deep voice, as Draco glanced over to the flesh gargoyle nearby.
"Gunsmith Regent I presume." Draco said, reaching for his gun.
"Correct, I am Slayer Gargol, and you Draco are the intended target, as is that other female you have for a partner." Gargol mentioned, as he held his halberd in his large hand.
"Gaby, find Lecha and bring her here. As for ugly-ass Gargol here, leave 'em to me." Draco stated, as he pulled out his gun, ready for a gun- slinging.
Gaby nodded, trotting off to find Lecha, Draco stood in the town, a few people already running for shelter, knowing full well the dangers of any gun-slinging fight.
Draco made the first shot, the bullet impacting in the creatures skin, but not penetrating it's easily multilayered skin.
"Ha, you pellets are not going to penetrate my skin, not in a lifetime." The creature remarked with a snicker.
"We'll just see about that." Draco commented and opened fire again, this time his shot hitting around the hand that grasped the halberd.
Draco smirked, as the creature began stepping forth, his halberd grasped tightly in both hands, ready for an attack. He reached for his katana and dashed forward his blade slashing forth, but was halted by the halberd. Draco kept his gaze locked on the glowing red eyes, he teeth clenched, still remaining strong against the ever do dangerous foe.
"Give it up dragon, you cannot win. My halberd shall slay you like it did your kind long ago." Gargol stated, ready to strike.
Slashing vertical, Draco made his side step; the halberd only impacted the ground with dust flying to each side.
"Your too slow large ass. Give it up, your out of your time and league." Draco stated as he took another shot, this one to the horns that stuck out around the ears.
The shot did break through, lodged inside the horn, as the gargoyal growled angrily.
"May the flames of holiness purge your of this planet." Gargol yelled, clamping his hands in prayer position, to summon the holy flames.
A large sheet of ice shot out from the ground, and burst forth, the shards were forced into the gargoyle's skin, as he groaned in pain. Draco glanced to the side, finding Lecha nearby, gun in one hand, the other hand extended out, already casting a spell. Gaby was right next to Lecha, jumping in sheer joy and excitement, and cheering Lecha on.
"Yeah, take that you ugly demon. Chill him to an garcilce Mrs. Lecha." Gaby said, as she took out her guns, ready for a fight.
"So, you know my weakness... fire always was my weak spot, but I still have my halberd to take you down." He mentioned as he dashed over to where Gaby stood.
Gaby remained standing, as the gargoyle trusted the halberd down; Gaby easily sidestepped the attack as she hopped on, doing a few little dances, before pulling her bottom eyelid down and sticking out her tongue. Gargol easily tried to swat her off, but she ducked, and easily placed the nose of her gun to the eye of the beast, with a devious toothy smile on her face.
"Pop goes your eye out!" She sung, as she pulled the trigger, delivering a bullet into the eye of the gargoyle.
The gargoyle coved her eye, as Gaby jumped off, and pacing back from the huge behemoth. He groaned, pulling his hand away, all three remained shock, as they noticed the eerie circuitry that was behind the eyes.
"Shit, he's an android." Draco stated as he noticed already the circuitry involved with the being.
"An-droid?" The beast muttered, glancing into a window, noticing his reflection.
"What... no... how can it be... I'm a machine... it... it doesn't make sense..." Gargol said, suddenly shaking violently.
"Auron does do robots, though to think they created one of the regents to be one, I didn't expect it." Lecha told herself, as she watched the android still shook viciously.
"They never told me... they knew I wouldn't understand..." The Gargoyle remarked, as a loud pop easily blew out from his joints.
"Best stop yourself, your going to self-destruct." Draco yelled, taking aim at the overloading beast."
The beast made no remark, but flapped his wings as he ascended into the air at a more rapid speed, going high into the sky, a loud blast followed when he was in safe distance, easily he was not willing to accept that he was nothing but a mere machine.
"Auron, to think they could create beings near human, yet they turn them all into war models for their own gain of weaponry." Lecha said shaking her head.
"Mrs. Lecha... what is Auron?" Gaby asked, not aware of all that was happening.
"Kid... it's a long story, but right now... your still grounded, so march yourself back up into your room." Lecha said, with a glare on her face, as Gaby nodded, walking back to her room.
"I'd say it's high time we leave town." Draco mentioned, walking over to Lecha.
"Yeah, and Draco..." She said, glancing over to him with what seemed to be a welcoming smile turned to a bitter face, as she slapped him across the face. "Don't contradict my judgments ever again." She remarked walking off, as Draco stood there, puzzled by what just happened.
"She has her reasons... guess I did go a bit far in taking Gaby out for a treat." He thought to himself, as he followed Lecha back to the apartment.
***
Once more the jeep was packed, ammunition was now more stocked, food and water was still good enough to last, and the jeep had a full tank of fuel.
"Draco... where is Gaby?" Lecha asked, stationed at the passengers side, as she leaned back in her seat, her elbow rested on the window ledge, as her hand held her forehead.
"Oh, she had one last thing to do." He mentioned, as he smiled, seeing her run to the car with a few angry clerks chasing her.
She hopped into the back seat through the opened window on the right side, as she took a deep breath, glancing to Draco.
"Lets get out of here." She said anxiously, as Draco started the jeep once more, jamming on the acceleration pad with his left foot, and leaving a storm of dust behind him for the angry clerks to eat.
"Eat our dust ya bastards." Draco commented with a chuckle.
"Gaby, what did I tell you." Lecha asked aggravated.
"I didn't get caught shoplifting this time, I basically just made a big mess of the tower of items. Sides, I did get a few good candy bars." She said, giving the beef jerky to Draco.
"Grrr, this is going to far Gaby." Lecha spat, sick of the thievery Gaby now seemed to pull off.
"Unkey Draky, I did also steal something else," Gaby mentioned, reaching into her pocket, as she pulled out necklace with a dragon tear on it.
"I snatched two, one for me and the other for you. To symbolize our bond as apprentice and master mostly." She mentioned, not with the childish voice she used often, but with more trustworthy voice.
Draco smiled, for once he had the trust of a kid, and something he never had once before. Perhaps Gaby did look up to him as a role model rather then just her guardian, and really took it serious enough to give him one of the most expensive pieces of jewelry ever to be sold.
"I'll keep it with me always." He said, placing it in his pocket.
"Humph, kissing up as usual Gaby." Lecha muttered.
"I got you something Mrs. Lecha." Gaby said, as she pulled out a t-shirt from her pocket book.
"Anything not stolen?" Lecha asked.
"Nope, they don't got the shirts at the outlets, hot off the presser." Gaby said, taking a bunched up shirt out and tossing it to Lecha.
Unwrapping the shirt, she glanced over it, before growing deep red, a frown pursed upon her face.
"GABY!!" She said raising her voice.
"What, you deserve to be 'wench of the year' with the way you treat me." She mentioned, with a giggle.
Lecha only opened a window tossing it outside, a bit of sand getting inside, but nothing to big.
"Hey, that cost me a few hundred zenny." Gaby cried out.
"Oh come on, hundred dollars ain't a lot. Sides, I think I'll let you off the hook. Your pretty brave to jump onto that halberd the way you did today." Lecha mentioned, as she gave a sly smile to Gaby.
"Poked him right in the eye." Gaby replied with a giggle.
"No, technically you shot his eye out." Draco said with a snicker.
"Yeah, I-shot his eye out, I shot his eye out, I shot his eye-"
"Gaby please... two times or three is enough, but don't overdue it." Lecha said, waving an index finger at her.
Draco only smiled, for once the two seemed to settle down and get along again. He was relieved, hating to hear them argue over something childish, but even when grown up, there is always something the adults fight over. He kept his eyes on the road, still wondering what awaited him in the ghost town ruins of Dragoneir.
**************************************************************************** **********
Next Time:
Ryu: Separation... we all need a time alone, especially to release our sorrow. Though finding it when you're hunted is not easy. The Regent's step up the force, with robots attacking from all sides, doom lurks under my very feet, as the regents send in their best underground specialist of all and their best assassin.
Next Chapter: Underground Menace.
Author's notes: Not my best chapter yet... to me at least, but going back and revising it is not gonna happen for a few months, my schedule is booked and right now enjoying what I can is something I try to grasp when I can. Anyways, thanks to Kilik, FaKe DaRtH, Artificer Urza, and others, thanks.
Now then... I will try to get what I can done, but right now, I might need to take a little break, just to relax and probably come back better then before, it worked before.
As the end shooting session bell rang, Gaby removed the two ear pieces and pressed the button nearby to bring the target marker in. The shooting range was a kiddy type, mostly for those who wanted to grow up and become sharp shooters or the now extinct Peacemakers. As the target sheet was brought in, Gaby looked it over with a sigh, each of her shots still were either misses or out of the body range.
"Still not good as I wanted." She said with a deep sigh.
"It's not a big deal... takes a good while to learn how to gun-slinging like an ace." Draco claimed walking over to glance over Gaby's test results.
"A good while!? Then what use am I to you guys when the regents attack, a problem?" She asked in despair.
"No, but you could get in the way. That's why you should just leave them to me and Lecha. You still are young, you shouldn't get into a fight like that at your age, and you still should live a few more years." Draco mentioned.
"What, just cause I am twelve years old you don't think I can handle them?" She replied angered.
"No no no, it has nothing to do with age. You're not as trained as me or Lecha to handle them at all. Please understand that it is for your safety that I say you should stay out of our battles when they are with the regents. Understand?" Draco inquired, his eyes locked onto Gaby's.
"I guess..." She answered doubtful.
"Good, now go take a break, you earned it." Draco claimed, patting Gaby on the shoulder and giving her a warming smile.
Gaby nodded, as she walked outside, her face down on the ground, a frown pursed on her lips. She knew she was a bad gunslinger, but she could hold her ground. Though only in defense by her agile skills was she easily able to stay alive, she still needed to train herself to become more accurate with the shots she gave off. The lone talent she excelled in was stealing, though that was only in a town full of scum. She managed by at least befriending one of the big-time crooks, but the guy recently was murdered by another rival gang.
She did though figure out the tricks of stealing from him and now decided to put them to 'good' use, for herself if anything. Slowly pushing the door that was a one way push and pull type, the bell rang as she entered, alerting those inside of a customer coming into the store. She glances around at all the candy placed neatly onto many shelves, all the sweets any young child would just jump for joy over to her was a snatch-and-hide-in- your-pocket-game.
She glanced around seeing mirrors placed in areas to prevent anyone from getting away with their products. Gaby knew it would be trouble if she was caught, even if she was twelve years old; she was old enough to at least know better. The clerk though was busy looking at things, though cocked his head up to glimpse at her for a few seconds then looked back down. Gaby innocently walked along the path, looking at each and every item that was shelved. She walked with a more slow, steady, and well-postured steps. She had also changed her articles of clothing since the arrival, mostly with Lecha taking her out shopping.
Lecha had wanted a more formal dress for Gaby, but thanks to Draco's convincing, as he could tell by Gaby's unwelcoming smile, she was able to choose the casual everyday cloths she wanted. Finding several new pieces of cloths, she chose them immediately. A nice short sleeved shirt white for less heat absorbent, hip hugging black pants that came down round her ankles and white leather boots with a midway heel that would give her a better feel on the feminine side. She still felt incomplete, but Draco seemed to read her mind, getting her a nice tan colored children's size jacket, the wrists collars hugging around the wrists and finally, a light red hat that almost everyone wore, but this one Draco had cut a few holes in to make sure her ears would slide through, giving them more room to breath.
She smiled when she first saw it, no longer was she a kid in some cloak, she was a girl dressed for action. Even with the costume, she was still only considered only a kid by anyone, who only looked and laughed at her. Even with all the mockery, she ignored it and focused on other things.
Glancing back up to the mirror, she made sure the eyes of the clerk were still glancing down at the paper and not locked on her. She had to be very careful since she was not in the old town Kenton anymore, the party she was with was now in the calm normality of a small town called Yanford. At the right moment knowing not a soul was looking did she snatch a candy bar and stuff it deep into her pocket. She moved along like any customer, glancing over each product and glancing up at the clerk to see if anything was up. Nothing out of the ordinary from her eyes, normal as any stop in store could be.
She snatched a few more bars up, including a beef jerky she had seen Draco eating before, this time getting a large pack so he would have more to eat up. So far she had gotten away, not seen by the bored store clerk at the check out counter, who still seemed to be staring at the paper. Gaby took a sigh, heading over to the door, as she stepped outside, heading back to the shooting lounge where she was so far training to become skilled with a gun.
She took only a few steps away from the store when the store owner shoved open the door.
"Hold it right there ya little thief." She shouted holding a shotgun in his hand, aiming it directly at the girl.
"I know damn well you shoplifted a few candy bars and some beef jerky, you ain't the first to come around these parts, so either you give me them back or your going to be working them off here." The clerk said still aiming his gun at her.
"Is that a threat?" Gabby asked with a smile.
"No, it's a promise, now march yaself back into that store and put'dum back where ya picked them up from." He shouted still holding his gun in his hand.
"I think you better just get inside and close your shop, cause I am a student of the great outlaw 'Draco 'Hundred Kills' Carter' and if you piss him off, your gonna feel his wrath." She said turning and making eye contact with the man.
"Ya think I was born yesterday, I ain't fallin' for that again." He mentioned pumping his gun, ready to open fire.
BANG!!
In one swift shot was the shotgun the clerk held sent flying out of his hands and onto the ever so sand covered ground. Draco stood a few feet away, his gun smoking as he glanced to the now wide eyed scared stiff clerk who shook as if he was looking directly at a ghost.
"You were born yesterday, cause Gaby here is my apprentice... now do yourself a favor, get back inside, stand behind the counter, and tell that boss of yours you were robbed at gunpoint if he asks." Draco commanded, the clerk nodding as he did as told, running to the counter.
"Unkey Draky, please don't tell Mrs Lecha about this... pwetty pwease, wit a cherry on top." She begged glancing up at Draco.
"Depends, what kind of food did you snatch up?" Draco replied, already knowing she called him Draco for amusement, but knew she was just a kid.
Rummaging through her pocket, she picked out each of her candy bars, munchies bites, and lastly the super size beef jerky that Draco only smiled when she held it out for him to grasp.
"You stole that for me?" He asked, taking it from her hand as she nodded innocently.
"Ya little rascal, always knowing how to bribe your way outta trouble I see." He mentioned tearing the covering of the beef jerky off, and taking a bit out of it.
"Tee-hee, only the best for you Unkey Draky." She replied with the irresistible smile.
Draco took a deep sigh, shaking his head to her.
"What am I going to do with you Gaby?" He said shaking his head as she only gave a toothy smile, that amused him to just chuckle.
***
The game so far was not going well for Thomas, who made only a few balls in and Hudson now had six in, and two to go to win. Hudson aimed his cue stick accurately; ready to send the cue ball directly into the red stripe twelve ball, one eye closed to get an accurate shot.
"Lord Hudson... urgent news, it appears that Draco has defeated the regent known as Invulnerable Blake. We have eyewitnesses claiming he is a dragon." The messenger announced through the intercom.
The news immediately came at the time Hudson made his shot, he slipped as the cue ball smacked the twelve ball sideways, sending it down into a corner. Hudson didn't curse; it was to him a mere game, nothing serious as the matters he usual dealt with at work.
"Did you say a dragon?" He mentioned turning to the speaker box.
"According to the people of Kenton, it appears there was one. It was him, the red coat, the purple hair, it is without any doubt Draco." The female voice stated.
"Hmm... any word on how Blake was killed?" Thomas asked as he glanced over in the direction, his hand busy chalking up the cue sticks tip.
"From what is known, a highly powerful gunshot from the black gun her carries. If the rumors are true, that gun is called the 'Devils Hand', mostly by the triple digit six marked along it in blood red letters. Those could be the very same models those dragons could have made to harness their powers more." The person stated.
"I see... you've done well Coli, you're dismissed." He ordered, as the transmission went dead.
"If he has the power to take down Blake, the others may fall. Hudson, let me handle it, I can-"
"NO... not yet... Draco may have defeated Blake, but if anything that was luck. His gun can't save him forever, and when we find a weakness, he will fall." Hudson said with a smile.
Thomas only shook his head, but knew Hudson was more of a leader then he was. Taking trust in his decision, he stepped up, making his next shot.
"So whose gonna be next?" Thomas asked, as he tapped the cue ball gently, sending it to a solid near the corner pocket, the cue ball tapping it lightly as it sent the solid into the slot.
"Gargol should be able to handle it, he is based off the guardians who long ago slayed the dragons. I think he can manage." Hudson mentioned with an even smirk.
Thomas shrugged, but concentrated on his next shot.
"Thomas, were gonna have to postpone this game. Things are not going well as I planned. Assemble the regents we have yet to contact, including Fox if he is still alive." Hudson mentioned sighing.
"I'll contact him last... the others I might try to catch up on times with." Thomas replied, placing his cue stick back on the slot fitted shelf.
"Fine by me... but manage your time, this meeting will be tommarow afternoon, and I hope all are there." Hudson said raising his voice.
"I'll see what I can do." Thomas replied walking on out.
***
Once more the bell rang, this time pop-up targets appeared, those with guns, and those who were unarmed. Shots went off, as each was picked off in weaker areas of the body. Gaby shot each of her guns, reloading the cartridges for her guns in order to keep the pace. Draco watched from a camera, relaxing in his chair as he chewed the beef jerky in his mouth.
So far he was a bit amused, seeing Gaby shoot the armed men, and easily recognize the innocents. She was still below average, since she shot only in areas that would delay the attacks for a short while. With her limited four rounds per shot pea shooters, her dual arsenal was nothing that would do well in defense.
"How's the little rabbit doing today?" Lecha asked walking into the room.
"So far so good." Draco answered, seeing Gaby make a few shots that any man would flinch at.
"I hope your not spending money on junk food for her. I know that beef jerky wasn't something I bought for you little snacks." She mentioned with a scowling glare.
"We still have enough; we just got some cash since the owner of this place was surprised at how great of a gunner Gaby was becoming." He mentioned as he watched her nail one of targets dead in the heart.
"Is that so, then why is it that the town is claiming not only that you are here, but you have a partner around four foot three inches, large rabbit ears from her light red hat, age around twelve years old and a female." She sternly said, glaring angrily at Draco.
"Well, she does make a good sidekick for someone like me. Draco and Gaby, the duo of chaos." Draco motioned with a sly smile pursed on his lips.
"She robbed a store, didn't she? And you helped her get away with it, didn't you?" Lecha suspiciously asked, leaning over and glaring into his eyes.
"Not rob, just shoplift a few snacks. Though she was caught and held at gunpoint, so being her 'master', translation 'guardian' of her, I have to defend her when she is in danger." He lectured, only boring Lecha.
"Well genius, you now gave away our location. Soon enough some damn regent is going to get here and where going to have another fight on our hands." Lecha shouted, her eyes of fury locked directly onto Draco's as she rose her voice.
"Lecha, ya gotta learn to relax, 'sides if some regent does come to town, then I'll just go out and beat its ass. Remember, I have the power of the dragons to protect me." He said, Lecha only sighed displeased at his idea of how to raise the girl.
"Unkey Draky, Unkey Draky I finished the course already. So whatcha think... Hello? Ain'tcha there?" Gaby called up to one of the cameras waving her hand to it.
Pressing down the intercom key, he responded loud and clearly.
"Present as always, you did well Gaby, but ya might wanna practice drawing your guns a bit faster, its all about the first shot when it comes to gun- slinging, the first-hey, Lecha, what's the big idea!" Draco demanded as loud taps and a few growls and snarls could be heard in the background.
"GABY, GEDDUP HERE RIGHT NOW!!" Lecha yelled in a shrill tone of voice.
Gaby only took a deep gulp, knowing she was aware of the theft she had done recently. When your being trailed or tracked down by the regents, the intensity really can put fear into ones mind more often. Gaby already knew what Lecha would do when she arrived in the room. Lecha would rant on and on about how she should have done it, ask questions that would not be answered and so forth. Gaby didn't care about it though; she was Draco's partner, at least one of them. She walked slowly through the hallways finally arriving at the door, as she opened it up walking inside.
"Sit!" Lecha hissed pointing to a nearby chair.
"I'd rather stand." Gaby remarked calmly crossing her arms, keeping her face concealed with part of her hat.
"NOW!!" Lecha shouted with wide small iris eyes, teeth clenched tightly as her lips furrowed in a down to a frown.
Gaby made no remarks, but walked over, taking a seat in the chair, taking not a breath or a sigh.
"I'm not very amused by either one of you. Gaby, shoplifting food is still the same as stealing, I don't approve of it one bit, but to get caught and then tell him that Draco is with you is worse. We are trying to keep a low profile and here you are already causing trouble." Lecha said, glaring down at her, seeing that Gaby only looked to the floor. "ARE YOU LISTING TO ME?" Lecha spat seeing that Gaby was not glancing up.
"Yeah, I hear ya 'mother'." Gaby said, emphasizing the word mother to sound more like a label.
"Don't you get brash with me Gaby, you already are walking on a thin board with this thievery." Lecha said, moving closer to her, as she spotted Draco yawning.
"Draco, you I'm very disappointed with, going out there and even saving her I can accept, but playing along with her is just as bad. You both know full well what we're dealing with. Gaby, I expect you to stay in our room for the rest of the night, anything else and we will make you pay off that man you robbed from, by means of work." Lecha replied, walking to Draco as she spoke to him, and then to Gaby when she warned her of the result.
"You know... I think Mrs. Lecha needs a break for once... whaddya think Unkey Draky?" Gaby asked glancing to him.
Draco remained silent, he knew how bad it was to have to remain low when wanted. He lived that way for a decade now just to keep himself alive. He had enough bouts of fighting, but unlike those days, he never face a threat that throughout the land had been known to be the worst of anyone as it was. He closed his eyes taking a deep breath.
"Gaby... your to remain in your quarters until further notice." He replied, opening his eyes to glance at her, his glasses not cloaking them from his emotion.
Gaby remained speechless; for once she had been punished, only for trying to help. She frowned, already did she have a deep hatred for Draco, he was her own master, and here he was siding with Lecha's decision. She clenched her fists, breathing more faster then before, glaring at him with tears streaming from her eyes.
"I HATE YOU!!" She yelled, and ran out of the room.
Draco was about to run out, but Lecha stopped him.
"Let her go, she already is enough trouble with us." Lecha said shaking her head.
"...Fuck you Lecha." He muttered shoving her aside as he walked out.
Draco already felt pity, but she was though pushed a bit too much by Lecha. He did though understand how it was, as a child who had a mother; he knew why punishment was necessary. Though, Gaby, being a girl from a corrupt neighborhood, she probably was only smacked for anything she did wrong. Still, Draco already was worried about her running off, she still was his responsibility and like any guardian, he needed to explain to her why he made that choice, to get her to understand.
***
Within a torch lit temple, a voices of prayer echoed throughout the wall, a huge statue of a women remained in the front, her hands crossed. Several robed figures kneeled before it, worshiping her with their prayers, one of them standing before, but not cloaked, for he was a gargoyle, his skin sleek as anything, with a large red tunic hung on his upper body, as his large ruby wings hung out. He was a reddish-brown like color, resembling what one of the known Guardians of the past had been. Though how he came to life long ago was unknown to him, he only knew he existed about thirty-one years since his memory was not so short-termed.
As the prayers stopped, loud footsteps treaded through the hallway, running into the prayer hall.
"Brother Gargol, you have an urgent message that has arrived for you." The member announced, waving the envelope in his hand.
Slowly did the Gargoyle stand, turning to the recently arrived man, as he walked down from where he usually prayed and over to where the man was, taking the letter from the mans hands and opening it slowly.
"Hmm, thank you Brother Hans, you are dismissed." Gargol said, Hans bowing in dismissal as he turned and walked slowly back to his study hall.
Reading the message that was sent possibly by telegram, Garr sighed knowing full well he was called upon by the same group who he joined. The Gunsmith Regents, even though a few had not represented using firearms, they still joined because of skills that did prove invaluable to the Gunsmith Regents. Gargol was a weapon user, who used a halberd for killing an opponent. He knew a bit of magic, but lacked the will to make it effective as most had.
Reading it to the last bit, he place the paper in one of his vest pockets, as he walked over to the door and heading out of the room, knowing his duty to the regents was something far more important then a praying ceremony to a god.
"So, Draco 'Hundred Kills' Carter is the target. Well, guess things are about to interesting." He muttered to himself.
***
"Gaby!" Draco called walking through the town, a few people out, but acted normal as Draco ran by them, their faces though still expressed fear as he ran by.
Draco though was least concerned with the people, since Gaby was his concern. He ran into the alleyway, finding her perched on one of the trashcans, still crying as she did when she ran out. Walking towards her, he stop a few feet in front, as she glared up at him, cheeks wet from the amount of tears that came from her eyes.
"Go away!" She yelled, still crying.
"I know, I guess maybe I did hog it, but Lecha is right. You are going a bit too far claiming I am your partner. Then again, I guess I also went to far and still don't suffer for it. So how does a trip to the ice cream shop tomorrow sound to you?" He asked setting a hand on his shoulder as he explained to her his reason for punishing her and what he planned to do to forgive her.
"Really, you will take me there tomorrow?" She asked already cheering up as she glanced at him with tear stained eyes.
Draco nodded as Gaby immediately hugged him, snuggling into him. Draco patted her on the back, knowing full well he was a lot happier then usual to see her not so angry at him.
"C'mon, lets get you back to the inn before Lecha really turns into a bitch." He said, releasing her from his hug, as she blushed giving a nod to him.
The two started off, Draco at his normal walking speed, and Gaby skipping adorably behind him.
***
All had been quiet when the two arrived back, mainly since Gaby wanted to remain at her quarters to each, mainly hating Lecha for being such a bitch to her earlier. She remained there for the night, mostly watching the TV in there when Lecha didn't want it. Still, all was a not as big of a deal as it normally was when they talked along the lines of where the next stop would be.
"Draco... I want answers... not about Gaby, but about Dragonier. I know your part of the clan that once owned that area, but what do you intend to find there?" She asked curiously.
"I don't know... all that my mother did was tell me to go there. She didn't say why." He replied taking a deep sigh.
"You-your mother. How could your... unless it might mean..." Lecha had one guess, the dragons were able to communicate to people in the real world through the area of unconsciousness.
"I don't know why she would want you to go there, that town is ruins now. Nobody lives there, they says its haunted, the cries of the slaughter echo throughout the area." She mentioned glancing to him with fearful eyes.
"Children's tails... nothing but rumors. I don't know why you are so scared, their ain't no damn ghosts in the area. Just tales some bastard made up and spread like any grapevine does." He mentioned sitting back and relaxing.
"I don't know, but right now you better be ready, any bet a regent is on its way here. This may be an age of struggle, but word spreads faster thanks to the communications networks." She mentioned shaking her head.
***
Night passed with a serene environment, peaceful to easily give anyone a good nights rest. Lecha had awakened early and left the room mostly for her own privacy. Walking into a restroom, she shut the door, taking out the communicator, knowing the line was secure by the frequency Neo Rogue used in order to remain secret from the organization they fought.
"Ruby Flamingo to Blue Phoenix, line frequency seventy-four on password code Pandora Key." She said, securing the line, as she had usually done before when she made a transmission.
"Blue Phoenix here, line is secure. What do you have to report?" He asked, waiting for an answer.
"We have another passenger with us, female haren, and street-wise orphan around the age of twelve. Any idea if a regent has characteristics matching this?" She asked wanting to know if Gaby was a regent or not.
"We don't know, the regents do have new members at times, even with thirty years passing, they still are getting new ones on occasion. There is a chance your 'passenger' is a regent." He mentioned, taking a sigh.
"Hmm, she could be one of them... I mean she did seem to just try to steal from me first. Though she lacks trying to steal a few candy bars from a stop-shop. A regent definitely is on there way here, and knowing anything, my partner has taken her out." She mentioned sighing.
"Hmm, it is not a big issue, but right now we are stepping up operations in finding support. They stepped up shipments with guards and that spells alotta trouble for our supplies." He reported.
"Understood, we're right now heading to Dragonier, my partner is determined to get there. I'd rather not explain the details." She said uncomfortably.
"Dragonier, that place. Your outta your mind, but if the rumors that word above has claimed, your partner may have a reason to go there. Whatever the case, keep your guards up; especially for that guest you have, she may be young, but I sense trouble." He mentioned, warningly.
"Affirmative Blue Phoenix, Ruby Flamingo out." Lecha said, disconnecting to the line.
She finally got off the john, sighing as she flushed to seems as though she wasn't in there for a few chats. There were a few people who were after Neo Rogue mostly for the fact that they were making more loose end deals. She decided to roam through the town, knowing somewhere in the quiet place Draco would be.
*** "C'mon Gaby, we don't have all day you know." Draco called out, waiting impatiently for her to get a move on.
"I'm coming, I'm coming." She shouted back, walking out of her room with her wrinkled attire she wore most often.
"Finally, now lets get some ice cream." Draco remarked as he left the inn, locking the door behind him.
"Hey Draco, I wanna know something... what was the battle between you and Red Baron like? From your view at least, I heard the tales, but they all seem so stretched." She asked, glancing up with begging eyes.
"That battle," He said taking a deep breath. "Noon, in the town of Integra, silent it was with only one breeze that pushed the sands into several breezes."
***
"Tell me kid, 'fore I kill ya, wuts ya name?" The red trench coat man asked in a deep toned voice.
"Draco, Draco Carter." The near adult youth replied, holding the gunmetal handgun in his hands.
"Well Draco, bid ya life adieu, the Red Baron be sending ya te hell soon enough." He replied reaching for his gun, as Draco opened fire, the target his heart, the bounty hunter stumbled back, but still stood as he cackled out loud.
"Imprudent adolescent, never leave yar lifeline open to anyone." The Baron stated opening his coat to reveal his plate armor that he used to protect himself.
Draco only gasped, scared out of his wits by the unanticipated move. For once someone had avoided being killed by covering the intended target with the perfect armor.
The Baron laughed, taking out his shotgun, he opened fire near Draco, who sidestepped and ran, fearing being hit by such a wide-spread shot. Draco ran off, diving behind a parked car, as he took a few breaths, already was he shocked by the armor plate that prevented the bullet from striking the spot of victory.
"Ya can't hide forever kid." The Baron shouted as he fired at the car.
Draco easily tried to concentrate, but he never had at any time dealt with something like this. Anytime before he always shot first and ended up being alive, but this time he was now forced to fight. He already was panicing, fearing he would die if he tried to make a move. The footsteps of the baron loudly advanced in rapidly, closing in on where Draco was hiding.
"C'mon Draco, think, Think, THINK!!" He mentally told himself.
Draco already knew he was in trouble, as he dashed out, the shotgun fired once more, a bullet striking Draco in the calf as he stubled, but still ran, the Baron reloaded his gun. Draco easily took one option as he went inside one of the shops, mostly an antiques place with several types of fancy dishes and vases.
He took cover behind one of the shelves, taking several deep breaths, as his hand felt his now wounded leg. He still felt himself in a fearful state, his heart pounding and his forehead now glistening with beads of sweat trickling down his cheek. He already heard a few shots go off, the shatter of glass, the Baron still advancing in toward the store.
"Ya can't hide forever kid. Come on out, 'fore I come and getcha myself." The Baron shouted with a loud mocking laughter.
Draco crawled slowly on the floor, his eyes shooting to the door that was his only way to salvation and to keep an eye out on where the Baron presently was. He slowly but surely made his way, as he stood, opening the door quickly and rolling inside and behind the wall as the Baron opened fire.
"Damn it, how the hell is this guy so good?" Draco asked himself, still wondering how he was so easily overcome by the man.
"He is more calm and precise unlike your mind of anxiousness to get it over with. You Draco are flawed, you always were alive before because you were able to get the first shot off to the most fatal areas, now you are in an situation where you are not even familiar. Spare my life, and please, leave my shop." The old man begged, pleading for his life.
Draco would have said something but a few shots blew through the wall, the old man easily struck by each, as he bleed slowly, falling to the ground, dead from the intense shots.
"HAR-har-har-haarrrrrrr, sounds like I got something, better be you kid." The Baron said, as he closed in.
Seeing another door, Draco took advantage, as he opened it up, escaping as the Baron entered, finding the dead old man.
"Shit... damn bystanders, always making a hunt a problem when the going gets tough." The Baron muttered, really displeased at who was killed.
The Baron immediately noticed the door kicking it open as he glimpsed out, finding nobody around. Taking one step out, as shot was fired and nearly hit him at his foot. Glancing up, he found Draco at the plaza area of the town, right near a corner, as he moved to cover, leaving no open shot for the Baron.
"Bastard." The Baron muttered, running out of the alley as he glanced around the plaza area, waiting for a shot.
"Over here Captain Shitty." Draco yelled from a tombstone that represented the town monument of when the town was founded.
Turning he unleashed a few rounds on the monument, each bullet stopped dead in the tracks. Draco jumped out; returning a few shots, his gun reloaded as he easily hit the feared bounty hunter in the arms, forcing him to drop his shotgun. The Baron immediately grasped his gun, pulling it out of his holster; he opened fire, sending a bullet around Draco's left side of his chest. Draco easily flinched, but in a blink of an eye returned a shot the blazed the face of the Baron, who stood stunned by the near fatal shot.
"Ya damn bitch, ya almost killed me!!" He shouted, feeling the now bleeding slit that was on his face.
"Why don't you cry like the coward you are Red Bastard." Draco remarked, as he stood to his feet, shaking from the wound.
"You won't get away with this yet." The baren remarked getting out another magnum as he opened fire, forcing Draco to run.
"Shit, he's packing a lot!" Draco mentally thought, seeing the bullets blaze by at his feet, one lodged in his biceps and one blazing his left side, nearly hitting his heart.
Draco easily locked the last clip in place, as he turned and opened fire, this time making a few good shots, two to each of the mans knee's, and the last ones struck right between the Barons shoulders and neck. The Baron fell to his knees, gasping as the blood leaked from his shoulders. Draco stepped forward, smiling in a ominous nature, he raised his handgun to the mans head, making one shot that ended the one famous and most feared outlaw ever to roam the west. Draco took the man's coat and whatever was valuable, finding a hospital that would treat him, with a few 'extra' offers he was able to get the highest service of medical treatments then anyone could.
***
Draco took a sigh, the time was tough, but to think of it now was almost a blink, shorter then he could imagine.
"And since then you became known as Draco 'Hundred Kills' Carter, wanted man alive." Gaby stated with a giggle
"I earned that name when I killed so many bounty hunters in one day... I doubt it was a hundred, but it was more then ten that I killed." He stated not wanting to be more feared, but more accurate.
"Yeah, but you're a softie under that blood red trench coat you wear." She said, nuzzling against him.
"So young you are Gaby, yet so naïve. One day you will understand." Draco stated, as he walked into the ice cream polar, a few people quieted as he entered, the cashiers easily stood frozen in fear.
"Yeah, um... I'll just take a moose track, and gaby here will have um..." Draco glanced down, not very sure just what she wanted at all.
"Triple-peanut-butter-fudge-with-chocolate-chips-whip-cream-and-gummy- worms!" She said, leaving the entire area of people wide eyed and confused as she innocently looked up to the clerk who stood their puzzled.
"Dija get that?" Gaby asked as the male cleark only gulped, sweat dripping down his forehead.
"Don't sweat it ya wuss, I don't have a clue what she- uaragh." Draco glanced down to the ever so steaming red faced Gaby who really was not pleased with what Draco had done.
"Damn it, your not suppose to mmph." Draco cut her off as he placed a hand over her mouth, smiling to the clerk, as Gaby struggled to get his hand off her mouth.
"Just make it three scoops of your best chocolate flavors, with the chocolate chips, gummy worms and whatever else the kids like these days. And keep the change my good fellow." Draco said tossing what was around a thousand zenny on the counter, as the clerk remained their puzzled, but nodded, as a few other got to work, having it to Draco in only a few seconds.
"Hmm, good choice, by the way, can you get me a bit of the sour dough cookie ice cream, one scoop on a cone." He said letting Gaby go as he received both, placing it on a carry tray her picked up off the shelf, and walked out, Gaby following as she wasn't planning to remain behind.
"Why the hell are you acting all out of character, I swear, you're not acting like the Unkey Draky I know." Gaby said angrily.
"That's because right about now, I'd rather not be considered the outlaw I am. It has its kicks, but I'd rather just be a normal Joe sometime soon." Draco stated, showing he wasn't fully a monster like anyone had stated he was.
"Wussy, you're a complete softie and a... a..." Gaby wasn't to smart, and finding the right words was not that easy.
Draco though, trying to enjoy his ice cream was not listening, as he licked each of the now melting cream, loving each bit of it.
"Gaby, just enjoy your ice cream already." He muttered, not liking to hear her damn mouth.
Gaby sighed, taking a spoonful of her ice cream, with a few of the toppings, as she placed it into her mouth, the flavor easily taking her mind off of the more irritating innocent, as she started to take more spoonfuls of it, faster and quicker, finishing it up faster then Draco had finished his. Throwing the bowl in the trashcan, she took a deep breath, taking a seat on the bench, glancing to the ground as Draco continued to eat his ice cream up.
It took a while, but Draco eventually finished his cone, eating it down to the last bit. He sighed in relief, placing his hands on his gut, feeling himself stuffed enough as it was.
"Now that was a nice and sweet dessert now wasn't it?" He asked, glancing down at Gaby.
"Yeah, best dessert I ever had. But do I have to stay in my room?" Gaby asked, already with the begging frown on her face.
"I'm afraid so Gaby, I don't like having to follow it, but Lecha is right though. I have to punish you when you do something wrong, it is the only way to discipline you, cause I care." He said glancing to her as he spoke.
Gaby remained silent; for once she felt the feeling of truth, the type that always did seem to bring an understanding to those who experienced the feeling of understanding. Draco did care for her, but he wasn't too deep into care that he forgot his duties as a parental guardian. He wanted to do what was right, not spoil her and turn her into a brat. She immediately hugged him, smiling brightly with her eyes closed.
"Sorry for saying I hated you." She said, still embraced to him.
"No need, I know you are." He said, patting her on the head.
"Awe, how touching, pity it ends here for you dragon!" Came a deep voice, as Draco glanced over to the flesh gargoyle nearby.
"Gunsmith Regent I presume." Draco said, reaching for his gun.
"Correct, I am Slayer Gargol, and you Draco are the intended target, as is that other female you have for a partner." Gargol mentioned, as he held his halberd in his large hand.
"Gaby, find Lecha and bring her here. As for ugly-ass Gargol here, leave 'em to me." Draco stated, as he pulled out his gun, ready for a gun- slinging.
Gaby nodded, trotting off to find Lecha, Draco stood in the town, a few people already running for shelter, knowing full well the dangers of any gun-slinging fight.
Draco made the first shot, the bullet impacting in the creatures skin, but not penetrating it's easily multilayered skin.
"Ha, you pellets are not going to penetrate my skin, not in a lifetime." The creature remarked with a snicker.
"We'll just see about that." Draco commented and opened fire again, this time his shot hitting around the hand that grasped the halberd.
Draco smirked, as the creature began stepping forth, his halberd grasped tightly in both hands, ready for an attack. He reached for his katana and dashed forward his blade slashing forth, but was halted by the halberd. Draco kept his gaze locked on the glowing red eyes, he teeth clenched, still remaining strong against the ever do dangerous foe.
"Give it up dragon, you cannot win. My halberd shall slay you like it did your kind long ago." Gargol stated, ready to strike.
Slashing vertical, Draco made his side step; the halberd only impacted the ground with dust flying to each side.
"Your too slow large ass. Give it up, your out of your time and league." Draco stated as he took another shot, this one to the horns that stuck out around the ears.
The shot did break through, lodged inside the horn, as the gargoyal growled angrily.
"May the flames of holiness purge your of this planet." Gargol yelled, clamping his hands in prayer position, to summon the holy flames.
A large sheet of ice shot out from the ground, and burst forth, the shards were forced into the gargoyle's skin, as he groaned in pain. Draco glanced to the side, finding Lecha nearby, gun in one hand, the other hand extended out, already casting a spell. Gaby was right next to Lecha, jumping in sheer joy and excitement, and cheering Lecha on.
"Yeah, take that you ugly demon. Chill him to an garcilce Mrs. Lecha." Gaby said, as she took out her guns, ready for a fight.
"So, you know my weakness... fire always was my weak spot, but I still have my halberd to take you down." He mentioned as he dashed over to where Gaby stood.
Gaby remained standing, as the gargoyle trusted the halberd down; Gaby easily sidestepped the attack as she hopped on, doing a few little dances, before pulling her bottom eyelid down and sticking out her tongue. Gargol easily tried to swat her off, but she ducked, and easily placed the nose of her gun to the eye of the beast, with a devious toothy smile on her face.
"Pop goes your eye out!" She sung, as she pulled the trigger, delivering a bullet into the eye of the gargoyle.
The gargoyle coved her eye, as Gaby jumped off, and pacing back from the huge behemoth. He groaned, pulling his hand away, all three remained shock, as they noticed the eerie circuitry that was behind the eyes.
"Shit, he's an android." Draco stated as he noticed already the circuitry involved with the being.
"An-droid?" The beast muttered, glancing into a window, noticing his reflection.
"What... no... how can it be... I'm a machine... it... it doesn't make sense..." Gargol said, suddenly shaking violently.
"Auron does do robots, though to think they created one of the regents to be one, I didn't expect it." Lecha told herself, as she watched the android still shook viciously.
"They never told me... they knew I wouldn't understand..." The Gargoyle remarked, as a loud pop easily blew out from his joints.
"Best stop yourself, your going to self-destruct." Draco yelled, taking aim at the overloading beast."
The beast made no remark, but flapped his wings as he ascended into the air at a more rapid speed, going high into the sky, a loud blast followed when he was in safe distance, easily he was not willing to accept that he was nothing but a mere machine.
"Auron, to think they could create beings near human, yet they turn them all into war models for their own gain of weaponry." Lecha said shaking her head.
"Mrs. Lecha... what is Auron?" Gaby asked, not aware of all that was happening.
"Kid... it's a long story, but right now... your still grounded, so march yourself back up into your room." Lecha said, with a glare on her face, as Gaby nodded, walking back to her room.
"I'd say it's high time we leave town." Draco mentioned, walking over to Lecha.
"Yeah, and Draco..." She said, glancing over to him with what seemed to be a welcoming smile turned to a bitter face, as she slapped him across the face. "Don't contradict my judgments ever again." She remarked walking off, as Draco stood there, puzzled by what just happened.
"She has her reasons... guess I did go a bit far in taking Gaby out for a treat." He thought to himself, as he followed Lecha back to the apartment.
***
Once more the jeep was packed, ammunition was now more stocked, food and water was still good enough to last, and the jeep had a full tank of fuel.
"Draco... where is Gaby?" Lecha asked, stationed at the passengers side, as she leaned back in her seat, her elbow rested on the window ledge, as her hand held her forehead.
"Oh, she had one last thing to do." He mentioned, as he smiled, seeing her run to the car with a few angry clerks chasing her.
She hopped into the back seat through the opened window on the right side, as she took a deep breath, glancing to Draco.
"Lets get out of here." She said anxiously, as Draco started the jeep once more, jamming on the acceleration pad with his left foot, and leaving a storm of dust behind him for the angry clerks to eat.
"Eat our dust ya bastards." Draco commented with a chuckle.
"Gaby, what did I tell you." Lecha asked aggravated.
"I didn't get caught shoplifting this time, I basically just made a big mess of the tower of items. Sides, I did get a few good candy bars." She said, giving the beef jerky to Draco.
"Grrr, this is going to far Gaby." Lecha spat, sick of the thievery Gaby now seemed to pull off.
"Unkey Draky, I did also steal something else," Gaby mentioned, reaching into her pocket, as she pulled out necklace with a dragon tear on it.
"I snatched two, one for me and the other for you. To symbolize our bond as apprentice and master mostly." She mentioned, not with the childish voice she used often, but with more trustworthy voice.
Draco smiled, for once he had the trust of a kid, and something he never had once before. Perhaps Gaby did look up to him as a role model rather then just her guardian, and really took it serious enough to give him one of the most expensive pieces of jewelry ever to be sold.
"I'll keep it with me always." He said, placing it in his pocket.
"Humph, kissing up as usual Gaby." Lecha muttered.
"I got you something Mrs. Lecha." Gaby said, as she pulled out a t-shirt from her pocket book.
"Anything not stolen?" Lecha asked.
"Nope, they don't got the shirts at the outlets, hot off the presser." Gaby said, taking a bunched up shirt out and tossing it to Lecha.
Unwrapping the shirt, she glanced over it, before growing deep red, a frown pursed upon her face.
"GABY!!" She said raising her voice.
"What, you deserve to be 'wench of the year' with the way you treat me." She mentioned, with a giggle.
Lecha only opened a window tossing it outside, a bit of sand getting inside, but nothing to big.
"Hey, that cost me a few hundred zenny." Gaby cried out.
"Oh come on, hundred dollars ain't a lot. Sides, I think I'll let you off the hook. Your pretty brave to jump onto that halberd the way you did today." Lecha mentioned, as she gave a sly smile to Gaby.
"Poked him right in the eye." Gaby replied with a giggle.
"No, technically you shot his eye out." Draco said with a snicker.
"Yeah, I-shot his eye out, I shot his eye out, I shot his eye-"
"Gaby please... two times or three is enough, but don't overdue it." Lecha said, waving an index finger at her.
Draco only smiled, for once the two seemed to settle down and get along again. He was relieved, hating to hear them argue over something childish, but even when grown up, there is always something the adults fight over. He kept his eyes on the road, still wondering what awaited him in the ghost town ruins of Dragoneir.
**************************************************************************** **********
Next Time:
Ryu: Separation... we all need a time alone, especially to release our sorrow. Though finding it when you're hunted is not easy. The Regent's step up the force, with robots attacking from all sides, doom lurks under my very feet, as the regents send in their best underground specialist of all and their best assassin.
Next Chapter: Underground Menace.
Author's notes: Not my best chapter yet... to me at least, but going back and revising it is not gonna happen for a few months, my schedule is booked and right now enjoying what I can is something I try to grasp when I can. Anyways, thanks to Kilik, FaKe DaRtH, Artificer Urza, and others, thanks.
Now then... I will try to get what I can done, but right now, I might need to take a little break, just to relax and probably come back better then before, it worked before.