What If Arthur Morgan Never Got Tuberculosis?
Alternate RDR2 reality: What If Arthur never got tuberculosis, kills Micah and Dutch escapes.
Disclaimer*
I do not own these characters, all rights reserved to their respective creators at Rockstar Games.
I've played the original Red Dead Redemption multiple times and have completed Red Dead Redemption 2 a couple of times. This is a story for those of us who wish Arthur had never gotten sick during his visit to Mr. Downes. Eventually, I will do my best to eventually make it tie into the first Red Dead Redemption story line. The events of this story take place after chapter 6 and before the epilogue.
If you're against an Arthur/Sadie ship, this may not be your story.
Part 1
Arthur Morgan, A Free Man
Copperhead Landing, Arthur thought. He had to make it back, though his doubts had begun to grow with his current condition. He had fought off Micah in his weakened state, and as he had him in his scopes, Dutch had shown up. Imagine that, Dutch showing up in a time of need, Arthur had nearly forgotten what that was like.15 years Arthur had given Dutch, only for him to walk out on him and his loyalty. He did, however, allow Arthur to finish off Micah before vanishing.
As Arthur went off on foot, he really felt the loss of the Turkaman that served him so loyally for years. He was a good boy, that Beau was. His mind seemed to be going faster than ever, despite being so hindered physically. He had sustained a broken nose and what felt like severely bruised ribs from his scruff with Micah. That rat bastard.
The sun had begun to come up as Arthur continued his journey. He couldn't help but think back on what he believed to be his final moments with those he cared for and . . . loved most.
"You gotta go get that boy.. Come on, get outta here."
"Arthur, what are you doing?!" Sadie asked, with a slight break in her voice as she mounted her horse.
"I gotta go have a little chat, before it's too late.."
Abigail, sobbing, cried, "Oh Arthur."
"Don't you 'oh Arthur' me, neither of you two, not now. You both know…
"You're good women, good people. The best. You go get that boy. There'll be time for sorrow later."
"If you're headed back there Arthur, take this I don't need it anymore. There's a chest in them caves, hidden under the wagons… Dutch's chest. With all our money. I know John told you I knew where it was." said Abigail.
"Abigail Roberts…"
"I always was a good thief" she said, unable to hold back her tears once more.
"That you was," said Arthur, grabbing her hand. "Go on, get outta here" and looked away with a soft voice.
Arthur kept moving, more determined than ever to see those left of the only family he ever had… Then he remembered his final moments with John.
"We ain't both gonna make it. Go… now. I'll hold em off." taking off his hat and giving it to John, he continued, "It would mean a lot to me… please. There ain't no more time for talk. Go" He took off his satchel and handed it to him.
"Arthur!" John said.
"Go to your family!"
"Arthur!"
"Get the hell outta here and be a gahdamn man!" he began to walk up the rocks when John said, "You're my brother."
"I know," Arthur told him, thinking it would be the last time he saw him, "I know."
Arthur made his way down to Annesberg to ride the stagecoach down to Saint Denis, where he would stop before heading to Copperhead Landing.
The trip wasn't a memorable one. Being so drained from helping John escape and fighting Micah, he slept nearly the entire trip. He awoke in the swamps just before getting to the city. I hope Mrs. Adler's okay, he thought to himself.
Wow, first chapter is done! Thanks for sticking around. I know it's on the shorter side, but I had to create a nice hook somehow. I plan to make the following chapters a little longer. I'd really appreciate any feedback, especially on characterization-it seems to be what I focus on the most. Stay tuned for chapter two!
