next chapter! i might actually almost be done here...wow


The other jockeys tried to slow their horses as number 2 fell. While they did, Firebird flew ahead of them across the finish line. She had won her race, but the only attention she got was that of track workers who rushed to catch her and lead her back to her stall. Mustang lay still on the grass on the inside of the track. Medics had been informed and were making their way over. Track workers gaurded her still form from reporters who were trying to find out what was happening. In the stands, the newsies fought to get onto the track. The workers were distracted by the crowd of newsboys and didn't notice the man in the over coat who walked with a heavy limp as he jumped over the wall and ran across the track. He pushed through the crowd and fell to his knees beside his jockey, his friend, the one person who had listened to him. He pushed the name and memory of his sister out of his mind.

"Mustang, come on kid, wake up," he whispered, cradeling her head. He didn't hear the shouts of everyone around him. Meanwhile, more and more newsies were coming down the stairs. Those who had arrived first - Dutchy, Kid Blink, Jack, and Racetrack - were arguing with those who tried to keep them in the stands. Finally, Blink punched the security gaurd in the face and jumped over the wall. Of course, since one had been hit, more gaurds seemed to appear. Dutchy punched one in the gut and as he doubled over, climbed on his back over the wall after Blink. Now that a fight had started, the others knew what they were doing and fought through as well. Dutchy and Blink pushed through the crowd to where Mustang was. The track medics had arrived and were carrying her away on a stretcher. They looked up at Rattler. "Come on, we can follow her." The three of them started forward. Dutchy stopped suddenly and turned to the other newsies.

"Jack, can you go an get Dunder?" Jack nodded and hurried away with a few of the others. Dutchy and Blink hurried after the crowd. They found themselves ushered into a small hospital wing attached to the barn. Rattler had chosen to stay outside, he'd wait until the newsies had had their time. And so the newsies looked down upon a sight most of them were starting to feel was becoming all too familiar. Mustang out cold. Through the day, the group dwindled until Dutchy was the only one sitting in a chair beside the bed. Kid Blink sat against a wall near the door, head resting on his knees. Jack had gone to walk around the barn again. Rattler alternated between visiting Firebird, standing outside the door to the hospital wing, and peeking in the check on Mustang. For a very long time, there was nothing to report when he looked in. All Dutchy could do was slowly shake his head.

"Chris," Mustang muttered in her sleep as the sun was starting to set. Dutchy leaned forward and took her hand in his.

"He ain't here," he whispered, "but I am. Please wake up Mustang." Her eyes twitched and Dutchy felt her squeeze his hand.

"Cowgirl," she murmered. Her breathing became faster. Blink stood and walked over. Dutchy looked up at him, but neither knew what to do. "Blink." Her words were mumbled, the boys could just barely understand her. Blink took her other hand.

"I'm heah, open yer eyes an see." She turned her head away from them in her fitful sleep. She stopped moving and her grip on their hands loosened a little.

"Dutchy," she whispered. Holding back his tears, Dutchy raised her hand to his lips and kissed it.

"We're heah Mustang. But yet not gonna see dat unless yeh wake up." As if listening to what he was saying, Mustang turned her head back towards them and slowly opened her eyes. She stared up at them. "You alright?" Her eyes met Dutchy's and she just looked at him for a very long time.

"Cowgirl," she finally whispered, "please, where's Cowgirl?" Dutchy and Blink looked at each other.

"I'll take care of it," Blink said. He gently pulled his hand from Mustang's and walked out. Dutchy took the hand Blink had released and rubbed his thumb gently over her fingers. He couldn't hold back the tears anymore. He feltone slipping down his face. Mustang reached up and wiped it away. "Don't cry," was all she said. Outside, Blink found Jack.

"We need Dunder." Jack lead him to a small field where the track workers had allowed him to put the horse.

"She awake?" Blink nodded. "An wants her horse?" After a pause, Blink shook his head.

"She wants Cowgirl. I don't think she remembers us anymore."