The Good, the Bad & the Raccoon - Chapter 7: Rattlesnake Rock

About over an hour and a half ago, Tennessee and his small posse had left Hindus Valley in search of Rattlesnake Rock, which has been said to be the home of the infamous Rancid Riders; now having Weasen and his goons as their guests. Needless to say, Percy was not enjoying himself. The blazing hot sun was shining down on them as if it was lord's way of punishing them. For what reason, Percy doesn't know. All he knew as it was dreadfully hot and that he to cool off one way or another.

"Can we stop please?!" Percy whined. "It's so fuckin' hot out here!"

"It's the desert, Percy…" Warden Jones remarked. "It's gonna be hot! Dontcha have a water bottle with ya or somethin'?"

Tennessee, who couldn't help but overhear the conversation, turned his head slightly to catch a glimpse of his jackrabbit friend trailing behind him and Warden Jones."Don't worry, Percy, we'll get out of his heat soon. If I'm not mistaken, the Flooded Mine should be around here somewhere."

"You really think we'll find anything there?" Warden Jones questioned. "I get where ya comin' from, Tennessee, but this doesn't sound right. From what I've heard, that mine is long gone."

"Our little friend said that Weasen's office was still in tact," Tennessee replied. "I saw a hole just above Weasen's office when we were down there. If we can find it, then that'll be our way in. We'll just poke through his stuff and if we can't find anything, then we'll leave. I just wanna make sure ta not leave anything behind."

"Hopefully we find it soon…" Percy muttered, looking around.

XXXXXXXXXX

Eventually, the trio found what they were looking for. Near the Flooded Mines, on top of a small mountain was a large hole. Inside the hole was the large cavern that used to be Weasen's hideout; the place was filled with water to the near brim.

Just like the rat goon said, Weasen's hideout was in fact still standing. Carefully, Tennessee climbed down the hole first, followed by Warden Jones, and then Percy. Together, the trio entered the room, where they noticed most of Weasen's belongings to be in tact. It was almost as if the weasel didn't bother to come back for most of his belongings. A few items were missing, according to Tennessee since he was the only one of the three to get a good look of the place when he was rescuing Jessica from these mines. But besides that, the place looked untouched.

"Whoa, look at this stuff…" Percy observed as he made his way over towards the large bookshelf, where many novels and photo albums were on display. "Weasen's a collector, it would seem." he began pulling out a few photo albums, placing them on a nearby table before going through them.

"Quite the fancy little fucker, ain't he?" Warden Jones quipped as she made her own round in the room. "Such a shame most of these items were probably stolen."

"I've seen places like this before, and trust me, most of the time it ain't earned properly." Tennessee replied to the vixen while going through Weasen's main desk.

"H-Hey, someone, check this out!" Percy called from across the room. Warden Jones made her way to the jackrabbit's side while Tennessee continued his thoro search.

"What is it?"

Percy pointed at a photo of a younger-looking Weasen in front of a circus tent. "Weasen use ta be in the circus!"

"Yer point?" Warden Jones raised an eyebrow. "Percy, we ain't here for a slideshow. We're here to figure out what Weasen is up to!"

"Wait, there's more…" Percy pointed at another photo, this one being Weasen as a child with a large number of family members. "Look at the background of this photo," he instructed the warden. "Doesn't that one building back there look oddly familiar?"

Taking a closer look at what he meant, Warden Jones' eyes lit up. In the background of Weasen's family photo, dead center with his family flanking the view in the foreground, was the town hall.

"What the hell?" Warden Jones took the album off the table and inspected it further. She then turned the page, seeing similar family photos. "There's been no history of his family in Hindus Valley…"

"You guys," Tennessee called, getting the duo's attention. "Ya may wanna see what I have found…"

Hesitantly, Warden Jones and Percy made their way to Tennessee's location at Weasen's desk. In front of them were a series of journals and blueprints scattered on the desks' surface. Warden Jones picked up one of the journals and began to read it to herself. Tennessee and Percy watched as a horrified look appeared on the vixen's face.

"Gentlemen…" she whispered, looking up at them. "The rat was right. Weasen's family are the real founders of Hindus Valley."

"What?!" Percy gawked. "How can you be so sure?!"

"Listen to this…" she cleared her throat before reading.

Dearest Journal,

I am pleased to announce that my plan is coming into fruition. At the time I am writing this, my dearest friend Thomas had set out on his mission to retrieve the Rancid Riders for a prison break. My smile grows and grows with each passing moment, knowing that he will not fail in relinquishing the infamous Blood-Red Ted.

It's been hard, but when I heard of the Riders and how their leader had been arrested by those who claim justice, I immediately put a plan together. Soon, I will leave these mines and head over to Hindus Valley, where I will collect the Riders' payment for their troubles in assisting me. How do I know they'll help? The answer is simple: I have what they want, and they have what I want. It's a win-win situation.

Once I have the Rancid Riders at my side, I will begin working on phase two of my plan: the takeover of Hindus Valley! For too long, my family had to suffer the humiliation of losing what was rightfully ours. The Evans family are nothing more than thieves who have murdered my ancestors and stole their land. And if it wasn't insulting enough, those fools used my grandfather's blood to create a symbol of what my ancestry had lost. Their beloved Blood Diamond will soon be no more, and I'll happily recreate that cursed rock with Mayor Evans' blood.

History will repeat itself, and I'll see to it that everything goes as planned. No one steals from me or my family. I've worked too long and hard for this very day, and I will see to it that no one gets in my way.

Until next entry,

Weasen Wilson

"T-T-That can't be right!" Percy shrieked, snatching the journal out of the vixen's hands. He began going through the entry in a state of panic. "How is this even possible?!"

"Um...I hate ta break it to ya, but it is…" Tennessee frowned, holding up a piece of paper. Both Percy and Warden Jones went into a state of shock when they saw the founding document of Hindus Valley, signed by Weasen's grandfather at the time.

"No…" Percy whispered. "No, no, no, no, no!"

"Percy, calm down…" Warden Jones tried to place her hands on his shoulders, but flinched when the jackrabbit stepped back. "How the fuck could this be happening?! Why didn't Mayor Evans tell us?!"

"Percy, calm down!" Tennessee interjected.

"Calm down? CALM DOWN?!" Percy shot daggers at Tennessee. "I just learned that my home was built on murder; a lie! So please, tell me...HOW THE FUCK CAN I STAY CALM?!"

SMACK!

Percy's eyes widen with shock as he slowly reached for his left cheek, rubbing it softly as Warden Jones stood in front of him, her breathing getting heavy.

"Listen to me," she grabbed Percy's shoulders, making him stare into her eyes. "There's no need ta panic. We can still put an end to Weasen's plan! We know he's the rightful owner of the town, sure, but that doesn't mean we have ta yell!"

"She's right," Tennessee agreed. "Weasen's family may have founded Hindus Valley, but that doesn't mean we're givin' him a free pass ta do what he wants. Not after what happened with Sheriff Henderson."

"...He's really gonna blow up the town, isn't he?" Percy murmured to himself.

"When we interrogated Weasen's spy," Tennessee began, not understanding that the question was rhetorical. "He said somethin' 'bout Weasen brinin' Hindus Valley ta ashes. I'm pretty sure that's what he meant when he said that."

Warden Jones sighed heavily, nodding in confirmation. "There's no denyin' it."

"...WE'RE ALL GONNA DIE!" bellowed Percy.

SMACK!

"Pull yourself together!" Warden Jones shook the jackrabbit by his shoulders. "We can figure this out! We're gonna save the town, one way or another!"

"She's right," Tennessee added with a resolute frown. "But we ain't gonna get anywhere standin' around here all day. Let's move."

Soon enough, the trio were riding their horses across the desert, still shaken from what they'd discovered in Weasen's hideout. Warden Jones, who took the map from Tennessee, lead the trio. Tennessee turned to look at Percy, who looked the most horrified than all three of them. Tennessee didn't blame him; he'd be the same way if his whole life was a lie.

"Hey," Tennessee said awkwardly, breaking the silence. Percy hesitantly looked back at the male raccoon. "Are you okay?"

"Do I fucking look okay?" Percy replied with a slight sense of sarcasm. "How am I supposed ta look at Mayor Evans in the eyes again? Hell, how can any of us look at him the same way again?"

"Hey, don't try pinning all this on the mayor, Wilcox," Warden Jones frowned. "His ancestors are the ones who did somethin' bad, not him. As long as I've known him, Bill Evans has always held his people's happiness and safety as his top priority."

"Yeah, I agree with Sarah. What are ya suggesting, Percy?" asked Tennessee. "That the mayor's at fault here?"

"Exactly, dontcha think it's weird how the mayor hasn't said a thing about this?" Percy inquired. "If I didn't know any better, I'd say he knew about Weasen's family all along while growing up and decided to keep the act goin'."

"Ya mean the same mayor who cared for ya like you were is own son?" Warden Jones argued. "The same mayor who grieved alongside you and yer grandpa and brother when the Riders murdered yer folks?"

"Politicians will say and do anything to keep their power over the people," Percy argued back. "If he truly cared about us, then he'd stand up and come out with the truth of how Hindus Valley came ta be!"

"ENOUGH!" bellowed Warden Jones.

The trio came to a hult after the vixen's outburst. Tennessee watched as Warden Jones climbed down from her horse and made her way to Percy, dragging him off his own horse before slamming him onto a nearby rock.

"Listen here, Wilcox." she spat. "Don't go around sayin' shit that ain't true. We don't know what happened to the town's true history in the archives, so don't just assume that the mayor knew, because he doesn't keep secrets!"

"Not ta mention he didn't really recognize Weasen when he first came ta town that day," Tennessee added.

"Thank you," Warden Jones said to Tennessee politely before whipping her head back to face Percy. "Say one more negative thing about the mayor on this mission, and I swear ta god, I'll be using ya as bait fer Ted when we reach Rattlesnake Rock! Do I make myself clear, cottontail?!"

"...Yes, ma'am." Percy replied timidly, shaken from the vixen's outburst.

"Good," Warden Jones let Percy go. "Now get back on that damn horse and shut yer piehole! We'll discuss this with the mayor when we return ta town, but fer now we got some outlaws to deal with!"

Without a word, Percy climbed back onto Ricochet before continuing to follow the the Raccoon and Vixen across the desert. When the proceeded to move, Percy gave Tennessee a nervous look.

"She's fuckin' scary." he whispered.

Smirking, Tennessee nodded while patting the jackrabbit's shoulder before the duo caught up with the vixen. It was going to be a long trip, for sure.

XXXXXXXXXX

A few hours later, the sun was beginning to set over the horizon, leading the posse to decide to camp out for the night and continue their journey in the morning. Sitting around a small campfire, the trio patiently waited as the marshmallows they held over the fire roasted in the flames.

"I sure do enjoy toastin' marshmallows," Tennessee smiled. "Reminds me of when I went campin' with my pa when I was a kid."

"Ya sure talk about your pa a lot, Tennessee." Percy observed. "He must've been one hell of a fella."

A small smile appeared on the raccoon's muzzle. "He sure was."

"Wanna tell us more 'bout him? Like, what did he do fer a livin'?"

Tennessee paused, unsure of how to answer the question without revealing his family's line of work, especially in front of the warden of Iron Rock.

"Well, uh," Tennessee began, "he always taught me how ta think on my feet, how ta find a way out of any fix no matter how hopeless it seemed."

"Is that how yer able ta do what we've seen ya do? Walk on ropes and slide down track rails like it's nothin?"

"Sort of, he also taught me how ta shoot, how ta ride, how ta be a gentleman to the ladies, all the things I need ta get ahead in life."

Tennessee turned towards Warden Jones and asked, "How 'bout you, warden? Got any happy memories you have of yerself and yer daddy?"

Warden Jones paused, slightly startled by the sudden question. "Oh, well, ummm…" she then let out a sigh. "My daddy was one in a million, I'll tell ya that. Despite his reputation of bein' the warden of the most frightening prison in the West, he was a kind and gentle soul. Sadly, work always came first, even when my ma died. However, he always did make time for me when the day as over or when he had lunch break. It was hard growin' up in Iron Rock, but-"

"Hold up," Percy nearly gagged on his marshmallow. "You were raised in Iron Rock?"

"You grew up there?" Tennessee inquired, just as curious as Percy.

The vixen nodded. "Yup, that's where I got my tough demeanor."

"Damn…" Percy murmured. "I'd never woulda thought you actually lived there."

"Well, my daddy built that prison, so we had no choice. Unfortunately, not every memory I've had of him were pleasant."

"What's the most unpleasant memory you've got of him?"

"Percy!" hissed Tennessee. "Ya can't just-"

"Nah, it's fine." Warden Jones interrupted Tennessee. "When I was thirteen, my daddy caught a nasty bug and died a few weeks after that. I inherited the place and was trainin' ta become the next warden. George Henderson was an old friend of my daddy's, so he took me in as his protege."

"Did he also teach ya how ta use that whip or was it yer pa that taught ya?

"Self-taught," said the vixen proudly. "Whenever my daddy was busy with work, I'd always explore the prison. One day, I found the storage room and started playing with one of the nooses; I used it as a whip. My daddy found out and on my tenth birthday, he gave me this here bullwhip," she patted the whip that was latched onto the side of her belt holster. "Been with me since then."

"Sounds like a good way ta learn what weapon suits ya," Tennessee smiled. "Did he do anything else with ya as a kid that was fun and memorable?"

"My daddy let me hang my first prisoner when I was eleven." replied Warden Jones so casually.

Both Tennessee and Percy's color faded from their faces at the new piece of information they received. The thought of an eleven year old girl hanging a prisoner sent shivers down their spines and honestly made them lose their appetite.

"Anywho," Warden Jones got up, dusting her legs off in the process. "I'm gonna hit the sack early. You boys don't stay up too late, now. We've got a long day ahead of us tomorrow! Night, fellas!"

"...Uh, goodnight Warden." Tennessee smiled uneasily, trying to get the image of an eleven-year old girl cheerfully hanging a prisoner while her father praised and her.

He turned his attention to Percy, ready to wish him goodnight when he saw the young jackrabbit staring into the campfire seemingly lost in thought with a concerned look on his face.

"As if she couldn't get any scarier…" Percy said to himself in a hushed voice.

"She is somethin', ain't she?" Tennessee chuckled. His smile faded when he saw Percy's expression hadn't changed.

"Still bothered about what we found in the Flooded Mine, pal?"

"No, it's just...I'm scared, okay? I'm gonna be facin' Blood Red Ted again. The same bastard who sent my parents ta the grave."

"Well, look on the bright side," Tennessee tried reassuring Percy. "We've got Warden Jones; she's the scariest and toughest person we know!"

"Ya don't get it, do ya Tennessee." Percy countered with a frown. "Ted's not just an outlaw; he's a demon; a fuckin' monster who keeps me up at night. Do you have any idea what it's like ta live with the fear of knowin' someone like Ted is out there ta slaughter and kill wherever and whenever he feels like it? That he could sneek up on ya when ya least expect it and kill ya where ya stand?"

"...I do." Tennessee frowned. "I know exactly what you're goin' through."

"No, you don't!" Percy snapped. "You don't wake up every night in cold sweat with the fresh image of a monster eatin' what's left of your parents'! How can ya possibly know how I feel?"

Tennessee stopped and began to think about his next set of words. With a heavy sigh, he got up from his log and took a seat right next to the teenage jackrabbit.

"I may not know what it's like havin' Ted on my tail...but I do know what it's like ta have a monster lurking in yer family's shadows."

"What do ya mean?"

"My family's had this one enemy fer as long as I can remember. I was afraid that he was goin' ta get my pa, and I'm afraid he'll come right fer me and my family one day. Sometimes I have night terrors, Percy. Just like you."

"What...what's this monster like?" Percy asked, using the log they were sitting on as a drum with his fingers, his eyes not leaving the fire.

"An owl," Tennessee replied, placing a hand on the jackrabbit's shoulder. "An owl bigger than any bird you've ever seen. Its replaced its entire body with metal; not a single feather or talon on it that's organic. Its claws are sharp enough ta slice through steel and a beak that can snap bones like twigs."

"...What?" Percy asked, almost not buying what he was hearing.

"It's true."

"Yer tellin' me that a big-ass bird replaced his body...with metal?"

"...Yes." Tennessee answered.

The two sat there for a while, staring at each other in silence. Suddenly, Percy started bursting into a laughing fit.

"That's the craziest thing you've ever told me!"

Tennessee began to chuckle heartly. "Yeah, I guess it does sound a little crazy, huh?" he rubbed the back of his neck, watching as his friend began to calm down his laughter. "The point is, Percy...is that we all have monsters in our closets. The only thing we can do is try ta overcome those fears. And ya know how yer gonna get over yours?"

"How?"

"With teamwork," grinned Tennessee. "I promise that by the time we're done with Ted, you'll be able to get good night's rest."

"Ya think so?"

"I'm sure of it. Now let's get some sleep, we've got a busy day tomorrow."

Percy nodded in agreement before the two parted to their sleeping bags, enjoying the sight of the starlit night sky before they joined their vixen friend in a peaceful slumber.

Unknown to the trio, a single shadowy figure was watching them from above a nearby hill, eyes narrowed in suspicion and hooves curled tightly into fists.

The next morning saw the trio continuing their journey, riding their horses until they reached the edge of the same forest they saw on their map.

"Well, here it is," Warden Jones announced. "In this forest lies the very indian tribe the rat told us about."

"And the same one that might kill us if we ain't careful enough," gulped Percy.

"It won't come ta that," Tennessee stated. "If we run inta any, we just tell 'em we don't want any trouble and that we're after the Rancid Riders. Now let's move."

Slowly, the trio rode into the forest, ears erect to detect the slightest bit of movement from what could be indians watching them. Despite the tranquility around them, the sun shining through the tree branches and birds chirping in the distance, the raccoon, vixen, and jackrabbit felt they were being watched.

"You seem pretty confident about these indians, Tennessee…"

"I just know how to get out of a sticky situation." the raccoon replied confidently. "Trust me, there's nothin' ta be afraid of but death itself."

"Which may be sooner than you think!" came a deep, unknown male voice.

THWAP!

"Gah!"

Percy yelped in alarm and the horses whinnied in shock as a tomahawk was suddenly thrown into the ground in front of them, making Tennessee and Warden Jones gasp in alarm. Two seconds later, a new figure dropped down in front of them from the branches above, allowing the trio to take a look at the apparent owner of the tomahawk.

He was a short yet muscular porcine individual, a peccary if the trio wasn't mistaken. He seemed to be somewhere between Percy and Tennessee's respective heights but looked burlier than the two of them combined. He clearly had more muscle than them and had short, black hair which stuck straight upwards in a "spiky" look. For clothes he wore no shirt, light brown pants with matching dark brown moccasins. His face had dark pink and blue markings drawn on both sides of his face, right on his cheeks and forehead. He also wielded a war club in one of his hooves which had a sharp spike on one side. Lastly, his face was twisted into an imposing snarl, displaying his sharp-looking tusks to the trio.

"Trespassers," the peccary sneered. "Leave these sacred grounds at once! This is your one and final warning…"

Tennessee and his friends jumped down from their horses. Percy approached Tennessee's backside, grabbing onto his shoulders while shaking them slightly.

"M-Maybe we should...listen ta him?" he gulped. "I don't feel like dyin' today."

"Shh!" Tennessee whispered back. He then slowly yet cautiously climbed off Dash.

"Your rabbit friend is right," snarled their attacker. "Leave now, or I'll return to my tribe with sacrifices for the spirits!"

"Please," Tennessee slowly started approaching the indian, both his arms up. "We mean you and your people no harm. We only wish ta pass…"

"Liar!" the indian snapped. "I have seen what your people can do, outsider! You say you wish to pass, but in reality, you wish to steal, rape, murder and enslave us!"

"That's not true!" Tennessee insisted. "If we were gonna attack ya, then we'd already be spillin' blood!"

"I know what you're planning, outsider. You wish to earn my people's trust, but I am no fool!"

"We're not tryin' ta cause any trouble here!" Tennessee countered before taking a breath to calm himself. "Look, all my friends and I want is ta cross this forest without any trouble. How can we convince ya we mean no harm?"

The peccary stopped and began to think. After a short silence, the swine seemed to have an idea.

"A battle."

"...Pardon?"

"If you wish to prove your innocence to me, one of you must defeat me in combat. This will be a fair fight, no using your bullets! If you wish to prove you are not a blood-thirsty enemy, then you must use your strength and skill from within."

"This is crazy!" Percy whispered into Tennessee's ear. "You're not seriously thinkin' 'bout-"

"I'll do it," Tennessee replied firmly, emptying the bullets out of his gun. "I promise, this will be a fair fight."

"We shall see."

Percy groaned as he and Warden Jones watched as their raccoon friend stepped forward.

"I can't watch this." he said in dismay, turning his head back.

The peccary wordlessly retrieved his tomahawk before standing across from Tennessee on the opposite side of the trail.

"This may be a fair fight, raccoon," he warned before raising his weapons. "But do not expect me to show mercy on you."

"I don't need mercy," replied Tennessee. "I just need to prove myself."

"Then now is the time!"

With a mighty war cry, the peccary charged at Tennessee with his weapons raised, swinging his tomahawk horizontally towards Tennessee's side. Fortunately, Tennessee raised his gun at the right time and blocked the weapon with his gun's golden hook. Tennessee then swung the perccary's arm to where he disarmed him, followed by a punch in the face, making him step back in pain, covering his face.

"A nasty trick, that was!" the peccary declared before charging towards Tennessee again, leaping over him before crocheting down low enough to swing his leg around, knocking the raccoon onto his back.

"Says you!" Tennessee retaliated, quickly rolling over before his foe had the chance to stomp onto his face.

Once Tennessee was out of harm's way, he used his arms to push himself up, followed by a backflip. Landing behind the swine, Tennessee struck the swine's left shoulder with his hook, making him grunt and drop his tomahawk. Spinning around with an angry snarl, the peccary tried swinging his war club at the raccoon, who dropped to his knees to dodge it and swung his gun's hook at his opponent's legs, knocking him onto his back.

Standing up, Tennessee planted a foot on the peccary's chest and asked, "had enough yet?"

"We've barely begun!"

The peccary seized Tennessee's leg and threw it to the side, causing Tennessee to stumble as he tried to regain his balance. Quickly getting back up, he grabbed Tennessee in a bearhug from behind.

"Surrender now!" he grunts into the raccoon's ear.

"N-Never!" Tennessee replied, before headbutting his opponent in the face, causing him to let go. He flipped over the swine before hooking the hook of his gun onto the peccary's neck, then swung the porcine around before throwing him into a nearby rock. As he was dazed, Tennessee knocked his assailant to the ground again and then pushed his gun's hook against the swine's throat.

"I think enough is enough, pal," Tennessee frowned sternly.

"Go ahead...finish me!" The swine choked out. "Claim your victory with my blood!"

Frowning, Tennessee sighed heavily. "No," he said, pulling away from the indian, tossing his gun to the side. "There will be no more bloodshed on your people's land. I promise you that."

"W-What?" the peccary asked, sitting up. "What do you mean by that?! Do not dishonor me by refusing your victory! Kill me! KILL ME!"

"No."

The peccary went silent at Tennessee's response, not saying a word as the raccoon continued.

"Ya may be keepin' me and my friends from goin' on our way, but I'm not gonna kill ya for it. Yer just an obstacle on our misson, and killin' ya won't gain us anything. So how about we declare this fight over?"

Tennessee reached out a hand to offer his opponent up, to which the peccary eyed it with uncertainty.

"You would spare me...even after I attempted to end your life?"

"There are much worse people in this world who's lived I'd rather end, fella. You just ain't one of them."

Looking back at the outstretched hand for a few seconds longer, the peccary slowly grabbed it and allowed Tennessee to pull him to his feet.

"...Perhaps I was too swift to judge you." The peccary remarked. "For so long I have felt for certain that your people would never show mercy to someone they would deem inferior to them."

"Well, lucky fer you, I don't judge others like that." Tennessee responded with a friendly smile. "Ya got a name, stranger?"

"I am Strongtusk," the peccary answered with a respectful bow. "And you have humbled me by sparing my life and fighting honorably; qualities I had assumed meant nothing to your people, especially after recent events."

"Yeah, well, we're hoping to change that." Tennessee gave Strongtusk a friendly smile before turning toward his small posse. "These are my friends, Warden Sarah Jones and Percy Wilcox. And my name's Sheriff Tennessee Kid Cooper."

"Sheriff?" Strongtusk inquired. "That means you pursue people who have harmed others so that they may face punishment, correct?"

"That's right," Warden Jones spoke up. "And what exactly do ya mean by recent events?"

At this, Strongtusk's expression darkened. "My tribe has suffered a terrible tragedy at the hands of dishonorable and cruel men, led by a demon of red fur."

"Demon of red fur?" Tennessee repeated.

"He came with his men out of nowhere and assaulted us with a vengeance. They destroyed our homes, burned our crops, and slayed our family and friends without mercy, including..."

Strongtusk paused, looking down as a pained look came to his face.

"Including...my own wife and child."

"...I see," Warden Jones said forlornly. "I'm sorry for yer loss, we all are. If it's any consolation, you ain't the only one here who's lost someone ta that son of a bitch yer talkin' about."

"You know of the demon of red fur?"

"Well, I wouldn't exactly call him a"demon" per se-"

"I would. Totally appropriate word to describe him."

"Thank you, Percy," Tennessee fowned towards Percy. "As I was saying, this "demon" ya speak of is the same bastard we're lookin' for: Blood Red Ted."

"We're after him and his gang after they stole somethin' precious from our home and killed someone we cared about," Warden Jones explained. "We've also learned through a reliable source that Ted and his cohorts are hidin' out in someplace called Rattlesnake Rock. That's why we're here, Mister Strongtusk; ta get ta Rattlesnake Rock, we gotta get through this here forest. We don't want any trouble with you or yer people."

"I see…" Strongtusk remarked. "This is news my tribe deserves to hear. Come, I will lead you to them and explain what you have told me."

"Your people won't try and attack us, will they?" Percy gulped once more.

"Surely not," Strongtusk reassured. "My brother is our new tribe leader. He will listen to reason after I discuss your situation."

"Then lead the way," Tennessee smiled before mounting Dash once more.

A couple miles from their previous location, Tennessee and his friends found themselves outside Strongtusk's tribe. A nervous Percy stayed close to his companions, not too thrilled for being surrounded by a tribe of indians who, quite frankly, didn't look too pleased to see them either.

Noticing this, Tennessee moved closer to his friend's side, whispering, "Hey, don't look so scared. I promise, nothin' bad is gonna happen."

"I hope yer right…"

"This way," Strongtusk directed, leading the trio towards the center of the village. Once they've reached the center, Tennessee spotted a slightly taller and older looking male peccary. He was nearly identical to Strongtusk, except he wore a feathered headdress that nearly resembled a crown of sorts and a piece of dark brown cloth that acted as a robe. His right side of his face was covered by a mask, which made Tennessee feel awkward just by staring at it, wondering if Ted and his Riders were the reason he wore it.

"Brother," Strongtusk nodded, coming to a halt. "I bring news."

"What you brought are outsiders who walk among us freely." the older peccary snarled. "Strongtusk, explain yourself!"

"These outsiders are not who you claim them to be, brother." Strongtusk replied firmly. "They are here to help."

"We don't need their help!" countered the other peccary. "We need no one but ourselves! Outsiders are poisonous; they do as they please without thinking of the dire consequences. Why should I, leader of our tribe, show them mercy when their people have shown nothing but mere carnage?"

"Because they showed me mercy, brother!"

Hearing this, the indians who have gathered around began to whisper and murmur to each other. Strongtusk's brother, however, slammed his staff onto the ground.

"SILENCE!" he roars, his eyes not leaving his brother. "Why would they spare your life?"

"Because we're not like those who've hurt you," Tennessee spoke up. "We're tryin' ta put a stop to some nasty people and require safe passage through these woods so we can get the job done."

"Nasty is a bit soft, don't you think, raccoon?" the tribe leader glared at Tennessee. "I saw you staring at my face, outsider. You wish to know what lies beneath this mask, don't you? Behold…" he takes off the mask covering the right half of his face, making Tennessee and his friends shocked from what they saw. The peccary's right side was suffering from first degree burns. "This…" he motioned to his face. "This is what your people have done. This is all your doing. I should have all three of you executed for even stepping foot onto our land for what your kind has done to us."

"...Only we're not like the demon of red fur." Tennessee countered. "We're nothin' like those men; we're the good guys!"

"Good, bad, there's no difference to me…" the tribe leader stepped forward, his eyes never leaving Tennessee. "All outsiders must be punished for what you have done! AND I'LL START WITH YOU!"

Tennessee quickly got off Dash and swung his cane to block the peccary's attack, struggling to push him back. Warden Jones and Percy got off their own horses, quickly moving to Strongtusk's side. "I thought you said your brother will listen!" hissed Percy.

"...I thought he would." Strongtusk replied, watching the scene in shock.

"You don't have ta do this…" Tennessee said as he pushed forward. "I promise that we really are here ta help!"

"You can help me by dying!"

"ENOUGH!"

Tennessee and the tribe leader froze as Strongtusk stepped forward, no longer being able to watch the scene in front of them.

"Brother, this is madness!" Strongtusk exclaimed. "If they really were here to kill us all, wouldn't I be dead already?"

Strongtusk's brother paused, allowing the logic of the question to sink in.

"They're only tricking you! Tricking us! Trying to gain our trust so they can kill us when given the chance!" the tribe leader countered before looking back down at the raccoon, who was struggling to hold his ground. "But I'll make it so we never make that mistake again…"

"I thought the same thing," Strongtusk stepped closer to the duo. "I have felt what you are feeling right now, brother. This raccoon fought with honor and had shown me mercy when given the chance to slay me. You know me, brother. I never tell a lie; why would I bring them here if I sensed they were a danger to us all?" he then placed a hand on his shoulder. "Please, I beg of you, stop this madness."

The tribe leader stared wordlessly at Strongtsuk for a short time before looking back at Tennessee with furrowed brows. Slowly, he lowered his arms and stepped backwards, indicating he would no longer try to attack the raccoon.

"I only show you mercy because that is what my brother asked from me. Do not think I trust you, outsider."

"Noted…" Tennessee replied, catching his breath.

"Now you claimed that you are in pursuit of the red demon that has ravaged our home?"

Warden Jones and Percy made their way to Tennessee's side. Percy helped his friend up while Warden Jones acknowledged the tribe leader.

"That's correct," she replied. "And what our friend said here is true, we do require safe passage through these woods. Will you be kind enough ta let us pass freely?"

"Very well," the tribe leader nodded. "On the condition that one of us goes with you."

"I will," Strongtusk replied with a determined frown. "I wish for revenge upon the demon of red fur who has taken my wife and child."

The tribe leader nodded at his brother and placed a hand on his shoulder before whispering into his ear, "Report to us immediately if they show signs of betrayal, brother."

"Glad ta know you're allowin' us ta pass," Tennessee said with a grin. "And I assure you, there will be no funny business."

"I'd hope so," replied the tribe leader, giving the raccoon a skeptical look. "Because if my hunch about you turns out to be true, then you will have the displeasure of facing the spirits. Do I make myself clear, outsider?"

"Like a window, sir."

"Good. Now be gone, do not overstay yourselves long enough to make me reconsider allowing you passage."

Nodding, Tennessee, Warden Jones, Percy and their new friend began making their way out of the village. While Strongtusk's brother was able to grant them safe passage with the younger's help, the tribe's people were still skeptical about the raccoon's posse.

"I think I'm gonna faint," Percy sighed heavily. "I haven't experienced a rush that bad since back at the Flooded Mine."

"That wasn't the worst of our troubles, kid." Warden Jones reminded him. "We still gotta deal with the Rancid Riders and Weasen."

"Who is this Weasen?" Strongtusk inquired.

"A conman who can do magic tricks to cause chaos and perform his criminal duties," Warden Jones informed. "He's actually behind all of this; he hired Blood Red Ted and his Riders ta help him blow up our town. Apparently, Weasen's ancestor was the original founder but was slaughtered. He claims the whole valley was stolen from him and wants revenge."

"But he won't blow up Hindus Valley, not as long as we're around." grinned Tennessee. He pulled out the map and began examining it. "I'd say it'd take a while for us ta get out of these woods."

"May I?" Strongtusk asked, reaching for the map. Nodding, Tennessee handed the map to the peccary, who studied it thoroughly. "Where is your destination?"

"Rattlesnake Rock," Tennessee replied. "It's by a town called Cottonmouth Bluff."

"I see…" Strongtusk eyed the map for several minutes before he stopped in his tracks, causing the trio to halt as well. "I know of a shortcut through these woods. There is a path just down this way…" he motioned to the right. "There, we will find a waterfall. If we go through it, there is a cave. Through there, we will reach a coal mine. If we go through there, we will reach your destination quicker."

"How do ya know all this?" Percy inquired.

Strongtusk offered the young jackrabbit a smile. "I tend to explore what is outside these woods. I used to sneak out to watch the iron horses move at an impressive speed."

"Iron horses?" Percy asked.

"Pretty sure he means trains," Tennessee clarified.

"Nevermind what he means," Warden Jones frowned irritably at the two. "Stongtusk, if you know where this shortcut is, then lead the way."

"Gladly."

The journey to the coal mines took longer than expected, but eventually, the foursome made it to their destination. On the other side of a valley of cacti was a huge hole in the canyon wall that looked like was created by TNT. Percy looked below the cliff they were on to see if there was any way to go around the cacti, but to his disappointment and utter dismay, there wasn't a single loop-hole to be found.

"It's no use," Percy groaned. "Looks like we're gonna have ta find another way."

"I wouldn't say that Percy," Tennessee observed the area, getting an idea. "I think I know a way for all of us to get over there. We're gonna have to do some climbing"

The others watched as Tennessee held his gun in his mouth and started climbing up the rock formation next to them, making use of the trees and vines that snaked up the side of the wall. They observed in awe as he started to walk across the narrow um fruth that was over their heads. Eventually, Tennessee makes it to the other side, grinning. "Alright, now, let's get to it!"

"No way," Percy shook his head. "There's no way I can pull off something like that! I ain't like you, Kid Cooper!"

"Maybe you don't have to," Warden Jones said, brandishing her whip. "I can just swing both of us across."

"Umm..."

Before Percy could respond, Warden Jones swung her whip, latching onto a branch that stuck out from the bottom of the um fruth above before grabbing a hold of Percy and swinging the two across. Once on the other side, Percy glared up at the warden, which earned a laugh from the vixen and raccoon. Warden Jones placed her whip back onto her holster before turning towards Strongtusk. "Alright, Strongtusk, can you find a way through?"

"Of course. My people believe in the spirits and their assistance to our cause. Watch and observe."

Before their very eyes, the trio watched in astonishment as the Indian sprinted towards the edge of the cliff and leapt forward, sailing over the ravine between them like a kite in the wind. He landed in front of the trio, crossing his arms. "The spirits give my people many gifts, as long as we continue to honor them. I will use these gifts to get my revenge on the coyote and his followers."

"If what he says is true, remind me to never get on his bad side." Percy whispered to Warden Jones.

Before the quartet could continue on, the sound of rocks rumbling met their ears. Looking up Tennessee saw a torrent of rubble crumbling down the wall above the cave's entrance.

"Incoming!" He yelled.

Instinctively, Tennessee lept into the cave before the falling debris could strike him. While he had avoided injury, he could see the fallen rocks had blocked the cave's entrance, preventing him from rejoining his friends.

"Tennessee!" Warden Jones yelled through a crack on the other side of the rubble. "Are you okay?!"

Groaning, Tennessee got up and lifted his head, barley seeing light. "Yeah, I'm fine!" he shouted back. "I'll find my way through here! Meet me on the other side!"

"Be careful!" Percy replied.

Tennessee, looking for some sign of an exit, managed to find a dim amount of light at the far end of his location. Kneeling down, he used his foot to break the crack in the wall, making enough space for him to crawl through. After getting to the other side, Tennessee was amazed to find that these caverns weren't just for coal, but also for gold.

Gold twinkled as it stuck out of the cavern's walls like a sore thumb, illuminating the entire room as the sunlight hits it. Taking further steps into the large open space, Tennessee could make out some gold that was already dug up! Grinning, Tennessee made his way towards the small pebbles of gold that were spread across the floor, taking some in his hands for observation. The inner thief in him called out to the treasure, telling him to take all he can.

"Well, well, what a happy accident this is!" Tennessee said to himself.

"I couldn't agree more!" Came a new, yet familiar voice.

Tennessee froze in his spot. No, it couldn't be...

Sheriff "John" Fox.

Turning around, while removing his sheriff's badge in the process, Tennessee found the male red fox glaring at him from the upper level of the cavern.

"Hey there, ringtail! What's wrong? No hello? I'm hurt."

"S-S-Sheriff Fox! Hey! How ya-"

"Shut the fuck up, Cooper!" Sheriff Fox growled. "It's been a mighty long time since we've seen each other. How long has it been? Days? Weeks? Oh, that's right...a month! You've managed to get out of my radar for a goddamn month, Cooper! I don't know how ya did it, or what yer doin' here, but I do know this: fate has sealed you up nice and tight, Cooper! 'Bout time I end this little game of ours, don't ya think?"

Tennessee gulped, keeping a firm grip on his gun/cane. "I might ask ya the same thing, Sheriff: why are you here?"

"I never gave up, Cooper. After the storm had passed, the boys and I returned to Cottonmouth Bluff. We went back out ta look for ya every day, hoping to catch you wander back into town. And here we are, finally, after a whole months-worth of searching."

Tennessee's eyes widen. "I'm...I'm home?"

"If by home, ya mean a jail cell, then yes." Sheriff Fox then aimed his gun down at the raccoon. "Now that you're back, let's quit with the chit-chat. Don't move, Cooper, or I will shoot you!"

"Sorry Sheriff, I can't stick around much longer. I'm actually in the middle of a job here."

"Not for long, you ain't..."

Tennessee didn't think twice about running. Sheriff Fox was on his tail, firing bullets at him as he pursued from the cavern's upper level. Tennessee could only curse his current misfortune. It was bad enough that he ran into his hometown's sheriff while on a mission with the warden of Iron Rock prison, but now he was at the borders of Cottonmouth Bluff, the place he hadn't been to in over a month. Was the town still weary of him? Was he in danger for coming back home? The raccoon shook his head, knowing it was pointless to think about that while he was being shot at. For now, he had to find out how to escape the vulpine sheriff.

Leaping from ledge to ledge, Sheriff Fox rapidly fired rounds of bullets at the masked law breaker, only to either miss, or have his target dodge. Tennessee leapt up in the air once he saw a minecart railroad, rail-sliding through the mines. In order to keep up with the raccoon, Sheriff Fox hopped into a mining cart on the other side of the mines, continuing to fire shots at Tennessee when he got the chance.

Eventually, the track came to a stop. Tennessee leapt off the rails and landed on a platform, racing towards the tunnel. Without looking back, he knew that the vulpine was still on his tail. Once he reached the end of the mining tunnel, Tennessee was surprised to find himself in a large, spacious room filled with cells filled with old mining equipment, mining carts, axes, and gold everywhere. His ears stood erect once he heard the sound of boots behind him.

"Yer trapped, Cooper! There's nowhere ta run!"

Sighing, Tennessee held his cane up high. "I didn't want ta do this, sheriff, but ya leave me no choice..." he quickly spun around and began firing his own bullets at the fox. Quickly rolling sideways, Sheriff Fox began firing from his cover, only to discover that Tennessee wasn't where he was anymore. Growling, the vulpine leaps towards the center of the room, scanning all around him.

"Come on out, Cooper!"

Tennessee watched with amusement from a beam above Sheriff Fox's head. He then dropped down from his location, landing on the sheriff. Sheriff Fox rolled backwards, got back up, and tried to regain his balance. Taking the opportunity, Tennessee began to whack the vulpine. Sheriff Fox went flying into a pile of sandbags, groaning in pain. With a growl, Sheriff Fox got to his feet and began firing again. Tennessee dodged the bullets as he got closer to the fox, used his cane to trip him, and crash-land onto his stomach. Tennessee then ran away, realizing how angry he just made the sheriff.

"COOPER!" he roared, getting back up. "Show yourself, coward! Come back out here and take it like a man!"

Tennessee tried to keep his breathing as low as possible, feeling his heartbeat speed up as the adrenaline increased. Eventually, Tennessee spotted something that caught his eye: a trap door. Grinning, Tennessee opened the hatch and leapt in. He began crawling under the floor, making his way to Sheriff Fox's location. Tennessee studied the floorboards above him and could tell that the wood was weak in this particular spot. With a deep breath, Tennessee leapt out of the floorboards, catching Sheriff Fox off guard. He then grabbed hold of his rival's bandana with the hook of his cane, swung the fox over his head to slam him onto the floor, and stomped on top of the vulpine, knocking him out cold.

After catching his breath, Tennessee looked around, hoping to find an exit. "Now that's one problem taken care of..." however, what caught his attention was one of the cells. Looking between that small gated-off space and the unconscious fox, an idea formed in the raccoon's head.

"Guess the roles have reversed, eh sheriff?" Tennessee dragged the taller male towards the cell, took away his gun, and placed him on the floor. Unfortunately for Tennessee, the vulpine began to stir and regain consciousness. Quickly, the raccoon closed the locked the cell, tossing the sheriff's gun towards the other side of the room.

"Ow, my achin'...Huh? Wha? What the- COOPER!"

Despite just being body slammed onto the floor, Sheriff Fox was still able to get right back onto his feet. He tried to shake the gate open, but to no avail. He shoots daggers at Tennessee. "Why you- Cooper, you have the balls to throw me behind bars?!"

"Don't worry, John, I ain't gonna do anything. I'm just passin' through, is all. Once my business is over and done with, I'll let you out so we can play cat and mouse again. How 'bout it?"

"Oh, you better hope to hell that I don't get outta this cell, Cooper! 'Cause as soon as I get out of here, I am goin' ta personally hang you myself!"

Tennessee smirked. "You're my best friend too, John!"

"It's sheriff, Cooper! Sheriff! Only my friend's call me John!"

"Whatever helps ya sleep at night," Tennessee began walking away, spotting his exit. He turned to tip his hat at the vulpine as he started making his way out. "See ya around, John! It was fun playin' with ya again! We should really do this again sometime; Tuesday good?"

Sheriff Fox growls, "It's sheriff! And if you think this cage will hold me, you're in for a surprise! I will find you, ringtail! You're a dead man, ya hear?! DEAD!"

Rolling his eyes and snickering, Tennessee rail-slid through the rest of the mines. Once he reached the end of the tunnel, the sunlight began to shine for him once more. The only downside was that the sun was beginning to set, making the area a bit more darker and colder than earlier. Exiting the cavern, Tennessee's heart melted at the sight: Cottonmouth Bluff. It looked exactly how he left it over a month ago. Taking in the fresh air, Tennessee sighed in content. "Home, sweet home..." he mused to himself. "Too bad I can't stay for long."

"Tennessee, down here!"

Tennessee looked down to see Percy waving at him from below the mountain, Warden Jones and Strongtusk in pursuit. The trio watched as their raccoon friend made his way down, landing right in front of them with ease.

"Glad ta see ya made it," Warden Jones panted as she and Strongtusk caught up with them. "Ya didn't have any trouble in there, did ya?"

"A little distraction that made me have ta pick up the pace." Tennessee answered vaguely. "Nothin' I couldn't handle."

"Good ta know," Warden Jones nodded. "Was afraid we may have ta go in there and fish ya out."

"Speaking of, look…" Percy pointed forward, noticing a river. "I think that's the river that leads ta Rattlesnake Rock. Am I right?"

Tennessee looked back at Warden Jones, who opened their map. Examining it further, a nod of confirmation was made.

"It is, which means we should be gettin' close."

"It is becoming dark," Strongtusk observed, "perhaps the darkness of the night will benefit us?"

"Perhaps, but what about when we get to Rattlesnake Rock?" inquired Percy.

Tennessee shrugged, leading the way. "We'll think of somethin'."

"Great…" groaned Percy. "Well, if we don't think of somethin', we're dead!"

Tennessee motioned for his friends to follow his lead as he ducked from behind a boulder. The foursome peaked from their cover and watched as some of Weasen's goons stood outside the cavern's entrance, acting as guards. Warden Jones nudged Tennessee's shoulder and pointed towards the right side of the cavern, where a train was being loaded with what looked like crates of TNT barrels.

"Looks like they're packin' up fer later…" observed Tennessee.

"If those bastards think they're gonna get away with this, then they're dead wrong!" hissed Percy. "I say we blow 'em up from here, trappin' 'em inside!"

"Don't be stupid," countered Warden Jones. " Even if we got a perfect hit, I doubt the cavern will close!"

"And besides, we don't wanna draw any attention onto us." Tennessee added.

Strongtusk leaned back and stared at Tennessee. "What do you suggest we do then?"

"Percy," Tennessee looked back at his jackrabbit friend. "Ya think any of 'em sleepin' darts can knock 'em goons out?"

"Knock 'em out? Shoot, they'll never live ta tell the tale. This is a job fer my posion darts!" Percy exclaimed with excitement before getting out his crossbow. After loading his weapon with the poison darts, Percy aimed his weapon at one of the patrolling horned lizards and fired, hitting them square in their necks. "Bullseye!"

"Nice shot, Percy!" praised Tennessee.

"Thanks."

"C'mon, let's move forward." Warden Jones took lead and started making her way towards the cavern's entrance. She could not deny that the entrance itself intimidated her, resembling the head of a rattlesnake about to strike as small streams of water flowed from a couple of stalactites on opposite ends of the cave's overhead which resembled fangs.

"Guess the Riders ain't fond of salesmen if they live in a place like this," Percy murmured.

Everyone followed Warden Jones into the cave, looking ahead to see a narrow wooden bridge that led to a dim-lit hallway. The vixen could make out some shadows moving, having her lift her right hand up while forming a fist, signaling everyone else to halt.

"What?" Percy whispered.

"I think I saw somethin'," Warden Jones replied cautiously.

"Do you suppose it was Weasen or his guards?" Strongtusk inquired.

Tennessee shrugged. "Dunno; everyone get yer weapons ready."

With a nod, the trio did what the raccoon commanded and armed themselves, carefully making their way across the wooden bridge. As foursome made it halfway across, they began to notice the bridge creaking more than usual. Once they'd stopped, Percy gulped, "What the hell was that?"

SNAP!

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" Everyone shouted while plummeting below.

They all soon landed onto the rocky ground below, sliding down an almost endless trail until flying out of a gap in a wall, crash-landing on top of each other in a huge lit room.

"Nice of ya'll ta drop in!" came a familiar sinister voice.

Everyone looked up to see Blood-Red Ted looming over them, his gang flanking the coyote. "And just in time, too!" before Tennessee or his friends could react, they were forcibly lifted up by some of Weasen's buffalo flashlight guards. "Dinner's almost ready! Oh, and ya'll won't be needin' those!" he nodded towards the buffalo guards, who snagged all their weapons before tossing them to the Rancid Riders, who quickly placed them on a nearby boulder.

"What the hell's goin' on here?!" sneered Warden Jones.

"That is an excellent question…" came another familiar voice.

Everyone was lead towards the center of the room, where a long dining table with matching chairs were on display. At the end of the table was a large red velvet chair, which was turned around by some horned lizard goons to reveal Weasen. A malicious smirk appeared on the weasel's face when he caught sight of the foursome.

"So nice of you all to join us." Weasen remarked with an oily smirk. "I do hope everyone here is hungry."

"The only thing I'm hungry for is watching ya squirm during yer hangin'!" Tennessee threatened.

"Now, now, there's no need to be so hostile, Mister Cooper. Have a seat, please." Weasen gave his goons a nod, watching as they forcibly strapped the raccoon, jackrabbit, vixen, and peccary into a seat. The Rancid Riders also took their seats at the table, looking quite smug at not being restrained like their captors. The only one absent seemed to be a certain Gold-Toothed armadillo.

"Ted, will you be so kind as to check on dinner?"

"Gladly," the coyote nodded before leaving.

"As I just said, I'm glad that we have you to join us tonight!" Weasen continued. "It's been a while since I've had such esteemed guests! And I do mean esteemed! Thomas, some music and red wine, if you'll please."

"Right away," Gold Tooth Tom nodded as he entered the room, turning on a record player to allow opera music filling the cavern.

"Hm, quite the classy fucker, ain't ya?" Warden Jones mocked. "Jessica wasn't kiddin' when she said you were ugly ta look at."

Weasen took his wine glass once Gold Tooth Tom offered it to him. "And you must be...Warden Sarah Jones of Iron Rock prison. Yes, Ted has told me all about you, my dear."

"Then you should also know what I do ta scumbags like you on a daily basis!"

"Tisk-tisk, Miss Jones," Weasen sighed. "Quite the mouth you have on you. How unladylike."

"Not ta mention stubborn," Ted sneered towards the vixen. "Never met a woman so determined not ta let the grim reaper take her away."

"Kinda a turn on…" grinned Iron-Horned Lou, resulting in getting a head-butt from Warden Jones.

"Well it just goes ta show you assholes that I don't like bein' ambushed and havin' my men killed. After that little stunt, ya'll had better be expectin' me ta come after ya."

"Which is just what I was hoping for," Weasen smirked as he sipped more of his wine. "I definitely can't have any interlopers meddling in my affairs. I felt for certain that someone would want to pursue us after Ted killed that old mongrel you called a sheriff, and who else do they send to deal with it but the same raccoon and jackrabbit who outfoxed me once before? If you'll pardon the expression, Warden."

"Don't you dare say another word about George!" Tennessee sneered.

"I hear you've been feeling quite guilty, Mister Cooper," Weasen turned towards the angered raccoon. "I wouldn't blame you. Bad things tend to happen to those close to you, don't they?"

"What do you mean?"

"Oh, Billy!" Weasen called out.

Tennessee and Warden Jones did a double take when they caught sight of a familiar rat making his way towards Weasen's side.

"What? How?!" Warden Jones exclaimed.

"Let's just say your town's gonna need a new doctor…" the rat goon, who was identified as Billy, informed. "Quite stupid of ya fer leavin' me alone with that doctor, Sheriff Cooper."

"Yes, how tragic." Weasen mocked. "Once Billy here returned with wounds, I immediately learned everything that has happened since I sent him to spy on your valley."

"That's right!" Billy beamed proudly. "Did I do good, boss?!"

"Indeed! Except for one, teeny-tiny problem…" Weasen then drew out his cane and without looking, electrocuted the rat in the head. "You got caught, old chap!"

Tom visibly blanched when he saw how casually Weasen killed the rat, tugging at his collar in nervousness as Ted let out a sadistic cackle.

"Um...B-boss?" Tom gulped in unease. "I-I hate to interrupt, but don't you think it to be inappropriate for behavior like that at this time? I'm beginning to lose my appetite as we speak."

"Oh, don't worry, Thomas!" grinned Weasen. "You won't be eating anything! But…" he then motioned to their four guests. "They will!"

"Like hell!" Percy sneered, speaking up for the first time.

"Oh, would ya look at that!" Ted cackled, making his way over to Percy's side. "Wilcox here's grown some balls!"

"Down, Ted!" Weasen commanded. "Shouldn't you be preparing their meal?"

"Fine," Ted grunted. "I'll be right back."

Weasen nodded, his grin widen. "Well then," he clapped his hands together. "While we're waiting on dinner, how about we play a little game?"

"And why the hell would we agree to that?" Percy asked.

"Because this is a dinner party, my dear boy!" Weasen exclaimed, followed by the Rancid Riders getting up and aiming their guns to each of their heads. "And we have guns!"

"Fuck…" Percy mumbled in defeat.

"I've heard of the methods you used to interrogate poor Billy, Mister Cooper…" Weasen turned to Tennessee. "Perhaps I'd like to play, too."

"Where ya gettin' at?" Tennessee asked, cautious of the gun being pointed at his head.

"Well, we're going to play a game of riddles!" Weasen explained. "I'll give each of you a riddle; guess right, and these fine gentlemen won't pull the trigger! However, if you guess wrong…"

As if to demonstrate, a rat guard aimed his gun at a horned lizard guard, blowing his head off.

"That happens! Although, just like with Billy, Mister Cooper, there's only one bullet in each gun. So, if you all don't wanna risk death, I suggest you cooperate!" Weasen laughed venomously. "So, shall we begin?"

Glancing at each other with great reluctance, Percy let out a resigned sigh.

"Fine...let's get this over with."

"Splendid!" Weasen clapped his hands together. "Now, Warden Jones, ladies first! I am old, horned, and am bleeding in the middle of the desert! Who am I?"

"Frank…" Warden Jones sighed in dismay both of how horrid and obvious the answer was.

"Good girl!" Weasen then glanced over to Tennessee. "Mister Cooper, you're turn! I am old, spent my days sitting on a rocking chair, and got mauled by an animal! Who am I?"

"...George Henderson…" Tennessee nearly whispered.

"I'm sorry, what was that? I couldn't hear you!"

"George Henderson!" Tennessee roared at the weasel.

"Good job, Mister Cooper! You may actually survive this! However, I didn't like your tone, sooo…" he nodded to Quickshot Vince, who pulled the trigger, causing Tennessee to flinch. When nothing happened, the raccoon sighed in relief.

"You're next, Mister Wilcox," Weasen motioned towards Percy. "I am young, full of life, but will soon have both ears torn from my scalp! Who am I?"

"If you lay one finger on his head-OW!" Percy glared at Boot Hill Bill, who whacked him aside the head. "Fine...it's Rudy, my little brother."

"Excellent! You're all on a roll tonight!"

He then turned his head towards Strongtusk, who was sporting a revolted glare at him.

"I'm sorry, I don't think we've been acquainted," Weasen remarked. "How embarrassing! Care to tell us your name, good sir?"

"Go jump into a pit of fire!" Strongtusk snapped.

Weasen sighed, shaking his head. "No...wrong answer." he nodded to Eight Eyed Enquire, who pulled his gun's trigger, resulting in nothing happening but the indian's flinch. "Now, let's try again...who are you?"

"...Strongtusk," the indian growled. "I am known as Strongtusk."

"Well, Mister Strongtusk," Weasen continued. "I certainly don't remember ever encountering any indians as of to dare. Not sure why someone of your ilk would involve themselves in my business."

"I don't think he's here regarding you, boss." Gold Tooth Tom replied, making his way to Weasen's side.

Before Weasen could reply, the sight of Blood Red Ted and a few rat goons appeared, carrying plates of meat.

"Dinner is served!" Blood Red Ted announced, placing plates in front of each of their four guest.

"...What the hell is this?" Warden Jones inquired.

"Isn't it obvious, my dear? It's dinner!" Weasen replied.

"That's not really specific enough fer me."

"There's no way in hell I'm eatin' whatever you're serving us!" Percy declared.

With a heavy sigh, Weasen replied, "It's some leftover meat. Honestly, gentlemen...and lady, dear Ted had slaved away preparing this for you! Show the man some respect!"

"Wanna talk about respect? Then let loose of these restraints!" Warden Jones threatened.

With another heavy sigh, Weasen pulled out a gun and aimed it at the vixen, then quickly changed his target to Percy, shooting him in the shoulder.

"GAH!" Percy screamed in pain, leaning forward.

"Percy!" Tennessee and Warden Jones exclaimed at once.

Tennessee then turned to Weasen. "You bastard!"

"Eat the meat, Cooper, or my next shot will be through his torso." Weasen threatened calmly.

"Just...do it." Percy hissed, looking back at his raccoon friend.

Sighing, Tennessee nodded before leaning back into his chair, allowing himself to be fed the mystery meat by a rat goon. Soon enough, the others were fed their own plates, causing Blood Red Ted to chuckle menacingly.

"Hey, Weasen, I've got a riddle fer our little piggy friend here…" the coyote turned to retrieve something from their small kitchen area before making his way towards the table. "I have loved, was adored by all, but am dead. Who am I?"

"I don't know, Ted, who?" Weasen asked innocently, although hinting he knew the answer.

"DINNER!" Ted howled evilly, tossing the two items onto the table.

What was tossed onto the table had caused Tennessee, Warden Jones and Percy to scream in horror. Two decapitated heads of a female and child peccary were on display, which was all they needed to know what they had just consumed. While the villains were laughing, Strongtusk eyed the heads in utter shock.

"My wife...my child…" he then started to see red, tears beginning to stain his face. "YOU MONSTERS!"

Gold Tooth Tom felt just as horrified and disgusted as his captors, his face starting to change into a sick shade of green and a familiar urge came over him.

"Oh, god," Tom moaned as the urge became stronger. "That's too much…"

Before anyone could think, Gold Tooth Tom lost his nerve and vomited onto the table, emptying the contents of his stomach as he continued to throw up a stream of digested food onto the table. The others could only stare in revulsion at what was going on, humor and horror suddenly vanishing like dust in the wind as they saw Tom projectile vomit uncontrollably.

Strongtusk was far too livid to pay attention to the armadillo, and with all his strength he broke free from his restraints and siezed his nearest captor by the throat.

"I'LL SEND YOU ALL TO THE FIRE SPIRIT UNDER THIS EARTH!"

With a furious roar, Strongtusk snapped the neck of the rat he held before using the fresh corpse to whack Quickshot Vince, sending the Gila monster to the floor as his guns skidded away. Deciding to take advantage of what was happening, Tennessee began rocking back and forth in his chair until he fell onto his back, eying the boulder that held his and his friends' weapons.

Strongtusk meanwhile showed no signs of ceasing his rampage, screaming like a lunatic as he bashed rats and horned toads left and right with tears of anguish flowing down his cheeks.

"DON'T JUST STAND THERE LIKE CACTI YOU FOOLS!" Weasen screamed. "STOP THAT SAVAGE NOW!"

Iron-Horn Lou immediately obeyed, lowering his horns and charged, pinning Strongtusk against a nearby wall. Unfortunately, the bull charged so fast that he didn't impale the swine on his horns and the wall he had pinned him to was close enough to the boulder where the discarded weapons laid.

With all his might, Strongtusk shoved Lou away and leapt towards the weapons, seizing his tomahawk before throwing it at Warden Jones' chair. Thankfully, the vixen was unharmed as the tomahawk cut through the ropes tying her down, and once she was free, she punched her nearest assailants away.

"Strongtusk! My whip!"

The peccary obliged and threw the Warden's weapon towards her while she lept into the air and grabbed it before doing a front flip, landing on her feet.

"Let's wrap this up," she declared. When a bunch of goons charged after her, Warden Jones preformed a handstand while spinning around, her whip lashing around her like a twister.

"Strongtusk! Warden!" Percy exclaimed. "Get me and Tennessee outta here!"

Plowing through foes towards his friends, Strongtusk siezed his tomahawk and cut the ropes binding Percy and Tennessee before handing them their weapons.

"Thanks!" Tennessee took his cane from the indian. "Now, let's get Weasen!"

"Look!" Percy pointed towards the upper level of the cavern, where Weasen, Gold Tooth Tom, Blood Red Ted and a couple of his Riders were escaping through a tunnel. "Damnit, they're getting away!"

"Not much longer!" Strongtusk roared, starting to charge after them. Just then, something long and scaly wrapped itself around the swine's legs, tripping him.

"Not so fast!" hissed Rattlin' Ray.

"Strongtusk!" Percy exclaimed. He then turned to Tennessee and Warden Jones. "Go after 'em! I'll help Strongtusk!"

With a hesitant nod, Tennessee proceeded to chase after their targets, Warden Jones following from behind.

"Let him go!" Percy shouted at the rattlesnake, aiming his crossbow.

"Or what, you'll shoot me?" Rattlin' Ray laughed. "Boy, I can assure you'll miss. Tryin' ta kill me has got ta be one of the dumbest thing anyone can do!"

"Well at least I'm dumb enough to try!"

Percy then fired a dart, barely missing Ray who stared in shock at the jackrabbit's audacity.

"Oh, you've done fucked up now, cottontail! Come on out, boys! It's rabbit season!"

Just when things couldn't possibly get any worse for the jackrabbit, a bunch of Weasen's rat and horned lizard goons emerged from the shadows of the cavern and charged towards him. Strongtusk then yanked the rattlesnake off of him before wielding his tomahawk and war club, getting to Percy's side, his back against his.

"You really are a dumb bunny…" Strongtusk commented. "But not as dumb as this snake!"

"Oh, I can just tell you're dyin' ta kill me, piglet!" Rattlin' Ray sneered. "However, I highly doubt it'll bring back what ya lost...especially what's in yer stomach!"

That was enough to trigger the indian. Strongtusk charged after Rattlin' Ray while Percy delt with Weasen's goons. The large rattlesnake hissed and dodged each of Strongtusk's attacks, slithering across the floor at an impressive speed. Meanwhile, Percy was able to dodge the goons' attacks by leaping over them, using their heads as stepping stones while aiming and shooting his targets.

Just when Strongtusk thought he had the upper hand, Rattlin' Ray managed to trip the swine, followed by wrapping his tail around his legs before lifting him upside down, his face towards his.

"One little piggy cried for her mommy," he gave Strongtusk a squeeze, making the indian grunt in pain. "One little piggy tried to fight," he gave another squeeze while baring his fangs, a wicked grin appeared on the rattlesnake's lips. "And this little piggy cried "wee, wee, wee"...as he suffered a long, slow, poisonous death!"

Strongtusk clenched his eyes shut, his head turned as the rattlesnake opened his mouth wide, his sharp fangs on full display. Just as the snake was about to bite Strongtusk's face, a sharp pain suddenly emerged on the reptile's skin, causing him to roar out in pain.

Percy grinned in victory as one of his poison darts had hit the rattlesnake's side, causing him to loosen his grip on Strongtusk, allowing him to fall and get up. As Rattlin' Ray shook violently on the ground, Strongtusk grabbed his tomahawk and, with a mighty roar, chopped the reptile's head clean off.

"Must not feel good fer a snake ta feel his own venom!" Percy grinned triumphantly.

"It appears so," Strongtusk began to catch his breath. "What should we do now? Follow the others?"

"We could…" Percy shrugged, looking around the cavern. "But I say otherwise. For now, at least."

"Whatever do you mean?"

"Well, we did see a bunch of Weasen's goons load that train up with a bunch of explosives, right? They had to have come from somewhere."

"I do not understand."

A grin appeared on the jackrabbit's face. "Let's burn this motherfucker down!"

Outside Rattlesnake Rock, Tennessee and Warden Jones emerged from the cavern's side entrance, spotting the same train they saw earlier. Once they saw Weasen and the others getting on the train as it began moving away, a look of determination appeared on their faces.

"They ain't gettin' away this time!" Warden Jones declared. "Cooper, on that train!"

"Right," Tennessee nodded before leaping onto the cart in front of them, followed by the vixen.

"These bastards have gotten away from us one time too many!" Warden Jones snarled. "It's time ta bring' em down!"

"That's what you think, bitch!"

Tennessee and Warden Jones spun around and looked upwards to see Boot Hill Bill flying over them, twin pistols clenched in both his talons. Warden Jones glared up at the vulture before turning towards Tennessee. "Start makin' yer way to the front of the train, Cooper. I'll deal with birdbrain!"

"Um...okay...if yer sure," Tennessee replied hesitantly before sprinting towards the next mine cart. "Don't die!" he yelled over his shoulder.

"Believe me, I ain't the one goin'..." Warden Jones replied in a whisper before looking back up at the hovering vulture. "C'mon, ya old fuck! Come and get me!"

Without a screech, Boot Hill Bill swooped down and started firing at the vixen, who immediately started running from the hail of bullets raining down towards her. When Boot Hill Bill swooped back into the air, Warden Jones looked around to see anything that may be of use to her. Once she'd spot a barrel, an idea hit her.

With all her might, Warden Jones swung her whip at the barrel, wrapping her weapon around it before tossing it towards the old vulture, who got struck in the face, causing him to crash down. Taking her chance, Warden Jones lept towards Bill, attacking the old bird. Gaining his strength, Boot Hill Bill grabbed the vixen by the leg and chuckled evilly.

"How 'bout a midnight flight, warden?!"

Warden Jones yelped in surprise as she was dragged up into the sky, hanging upside down in the process. Grunting, she used all her strength to perform a sit up, biting the vulture's leg.

"OW!" hollard Boot Hill Bill. "YOU LAW ABIDING WHORE!"

Before she knew it, Warden Jones was falling from the sky, crash-landing onto one of the carts. Sitting up, the vixen was able to make out the barrels upon barrels of TNT surrounding her, which sparked an idea.

"Hey Boot Hill!" She shouted up at the vulture "Are ya blind, old timer?! I'm right here!"

With a growl, Boot Hill Bill dashed downward, his pistols shaking in his talons as rage consumed him. "Adios, bitch!" he called out, firing at her.

Warden Jones smirked as she dodge him quick enough to throw another barrel at him, causing him to crash into the piles of TNT barrels. Once Warden Jones was safely on the next cart, she aimed her own gun at the explosives, ready to fire as she shouted back, "Adios, ya old fucker!"

Warden Jones squeezed the trigger, sending a bullet speeding into the nearest barrel of TNT as the buzzard stared at her in horror.

The last thing Boot Hill Bill saw was the cockily-smirking face of Iron Rock prison's warden before his entire existence came to a burning end.

BOOM!

The entire cart was soon engulfed in a sea of flames, separated from the cart the vixen was currently on. A sigh of relief escaped Warden Jones' mouth as she watch the last few burning train carts disappear into the night. The sound of whistling caught the vixen's attention as she turned her head to the left to see Percy and Strongtusk attempting to keep up with the moving train on horseback, her's and Tennessee's own horses following the duo.

"Howdy, Warden!" Percy greeted cheerfully.

"Howdy, yourself!" Warden Jones nodded back. "What happened with Rattlin' Ray?"

"Our native friend here chopped the evil bastard's head clean off!" Percy exclaimed excitedly. "Then we blew that damn cave to smithereens!"

"You're lucky, then!" Warden Jones replied. "We've still got the rest of these bastards ta take care of! I'll go on ahead and meet Tennessee on this train! You boys try ta keep up and meet us at the front; we're gonna need an escape plan!"

Percy nodded. "Already ahead of ya! Let's go!" he called to Strongtusk, who nodded as he began to follow the jackrabbit's lead.

With one last sigh, Warden Jones turned and entered the passanger's cart, making her way towards the front of the train with determination.

XXXXXXXXXX

Tennessee lepted from the top of the train cart he was currently riding on, waiting for Warden Jones to catch up. As if the mere thought of her was a summoning, the vixen jumped on top of the cart and made her way towards the raccoon's position.

"Percy and Strongtusk are keeping up with us on horseback," she informed.

"And those Riders who tried ta kill us?"

"Dead," she informed once more. "Weasen in there?" she questioned, motioning towards the next train cart.

"Yeah, he is," replied Tennessee. "Strange...I only saw him enter, but no one else was in sight."

"Obviously a trap…"

"Which makes it more fun," Tennessee smirked, loading up his gun. "Ready?"

"Let's do it!" Warden Jones replied, following Tennessee's lead as they jumped down from their position, making their way towards the cart's door. After receiving a nod of approval from Warden Jones, Tennessee kicked open the door with all his strength, quickly aiming his gun afterwards.

There, Weasen sat, in a chair behind a desk with his arms laying on the hardwood surface and fingers entwining as his head was lowered. The weasel lifted his head up once the door was flung open and heard the clicks on the two guns. A sneer appeared on Weasen's face as he eyed the two.

"Do you really think you've won? You cannot beat me, Cooper; Just like last time, I will rise from the bottom and prove that I am not to be trifled with." Weasen then rose from his chair and began to slowly raise his arms up. "Only I will be the victor."

Tennessee walked in front of the weasel but instead of shooting him, he lowered his weapon. Before Weasen knew it, he was being strangled by the very raccoon who caused him so much misfortune and was slammed up against the wall, the barrel of Tennessee's gun inches away from his face.

"Weasen Wilson," Warden Jones spoke, her eyes not leaving the weasel's sight as she continued to aim her gun at him. "As warden of Iron Rock prison, I'm placing you and your gang under arrest!"

A chuckle escaped the weasel's throat. "I'm flattered, but I must ask...on what charges, Warden?"

"How about masterminding an attack, aiding a most-wanted outlaw, kidnapping, murder, theft!" Tennessee growled at the weasel. "I've dealt with some bad men in my time, but you, sir… yer one of the worst!"

"If I'm really that bad, Cooper, then why don't you just pull the trigger?"

Tennessee would be lying if the idea of blowing off this weasel's head wasn't in the slightest bit tempting. His finger twitched as he tried to overcome the desire to end it all right here and now. Weasen was the source of everyone's problems; he masterminded everything that has happened this past month: Blood Red Ted's freedom, Jessica's kidnapping, Sheriff Henderson's murder. The list went on, and here he was, given the chance to finally put a bullet through his face so that no one could get hurt like this again.

"Tennessee…" Warden Jones said cautiously, noticing the raccoon's body expression. "Don't."

"But this could be it, Sarah…" Tennessee gulped, his forehead sweating. "I can end this fer all of us right here, right now!"

"Yes, but at what cost?" Warden Jones countered. "If you kill him now, you're no better than he is! He needs to face justice for his crimes! This is not how we do things!"

"I need to protect everyone; Jessica…" Tennessee murmured. "I can't almost lose her again."

"Then lower the gun and let's cuff him," Warden Jones pled. "If you do this, then it is a long, dark road to go through. Trust me, I know! It wasn't easy makin' my first kill at eleven, but at least it was done right. This...this ain't right." when she didn't get a response, Warden Jones said sternly. "Tennessee...you're better than this!"

A crooked smile appeared on Weasen's face as he lend forward. "Do it…" he whispered to Tennessee, daring him. "I can see it in your eyes, Cooper. You're no lawman, are you? You've killed before, and tonight, I'll make you do it again!"

"No…" Tennessee growled. "You know nothing 'bout me! I am a lawman, and I will end this game...the right way."

"The right way," Weasen scuffed. "The right way will grant me all the time I need to escape and come after those you hold dear…"

"And I'll be the one ta land the killin' blow!"

The group whipped their heads around to see Blood Red Ted aiming his firearm, his treadmark menacing leer plastered on his muzzle. Standing beside him was Gold Tooth Tom, who looked as though he had just suffered a harsh beating judging by his black eye and messed up clothes.

"This sure has been a hell of a night, Cooper," Ted snarled, "But we've got places ta go, things ta steal, and people ta slaughter! Almost makes me feel bad fer havin' ta kill ya seein' how much of a challenge ya made it fer us ta kill ya…"

His grin morphed into a contemptful scowl as he glanced at the armadillo beside him. "Course this night woulda been a lot better if only some short blue jackass knew how ta keep his lunch down!"

"Leave me alone!" Tom protested miserably. "I may be a crook, but I don't have the stomach for those kinds of crimes!"

"Well, while this has been fun," Weasen spoke up. "I must make my leave. So, if you'll excuse me, Mister Cooper, Miss Jones." he then snapped his fingers, disappearing into a cloud of red smoke before reappearing by his cohorts' sides.

"Hope you enjoy the rest of the train ride! Unfortunately the track ahead ends at a ravine, so this will be your last ride ever! Arrivederci!"

Tennessee and Warden Jones watched in shock as the door was shut, followed by Weasen disappearing into another thick cloud of red smoke, Ted and Tom alongside. Though before he vanished, the armadillo managed to mouth a single word with a pleading expression:

Help me.

"No!" Tennessee yelled as he ran towards the door, banging on in in frustration. "Goddamnit!"

"Well, this is just great!" ranted Warden Jones.

"Oh no, don't start with me!" Tennessee growled as he turned towards the vixen. "If ya hadn't talked me out of it. Weasen would be dead by now!"

"But it wouldn't be justice!" argued Warden Jones. "What are ya, Cooper: a lawman, or a criminal? Because I swear ta god, your answer had better be a lawman!"

Tennessee froze, the gravity of question hitting him like a brick to his chest.

"I...I…"

"Hey! Sorry ta inturrupt, but we got more important stuff ta deal with right now!" Percy snapped. "Like savin' all our asses from this train!"

Tennessee and Warden Jones turned back towards the door, where Percy stood on the other side. A heavy sigh of relief escaped Warden Jones' mouth as Tennessee grinned.

"Percy!"

"The one and only," half-joked the jackrabbit. "Strongtusk doesn't know how long he can keep up with our horses, so we gotta do this fast before we all crash and burn!"

"We'll have ta make a jump for it!" Tennessee declared. "Everyone ta the top of the train!"

"Jump for it?! Are you nuts?!"

Warden Jones gave Percy a glance as they both followed Tennessee's lead. "Ya have a better solution, cottontail?! Ya wanna still be on this thing when it crashes?!"

"Maybe I would, if ya'll would stop callin' me that!" Percy argued.

Once the trio was on top of the train, they could see the broken bridge that was on the train's route. "Somethin' doesn't make sense…" Warden Jones pondered. "Why would Weasen have his own train headin' fer a broken bridge?"

A look of realization appeared on Tennessee's face. "...Because he knew we'd follow him out of Rattlesnake Rock! You were right, Sarah, this was a trap! He never needed those explosives; this train was just collateral damage! "

"Bastard…" Percy murmured.

"Friends!"

The trio looked down to see Strongtusk riding alongside the train on horseback, the rest of their horses following. "The time to jump is nearing! I suggest you do it now, before it is too late!"

Tennessee and Warden Jones didn't think twice before leaping off the train, landing on their own horses without a problem. Percy, however, looked back and forth from the collapsing bridge and the risk of rolling off his horse and into a field of cacti.

"God, what the fuck am I doin'?!" he muttered before leaping off, barely landing on his horse's back.

The foursome then came to a halt, watching as the train made its way towards the broken bridge and plummeted downward. Once the train reached its end, flames engulfed the canyon below, illuminating the group's faces as they stared at what was almost their own demise.

"...We lived through that." Percy murmured incredulously. "How the fuck do we keep livin' through this crazy shit?!"

"A rabbit's lucky foot," Tennessee half-joked.

Strongtusk then cleared his throat to get the attention of his allies. "I am not sure if it is important at this time," he began as he held up a small sack, "but I was able to obtain this from the hideout as Percy and I were making our escape."

Opening the sack, he reached in and pulled out a familiar red rock to show to his partners, who donned looks of surprise.

"The Blood Diamond!"

"Well, Weasen and his followers may have escaped," Warden Jones declared, "but at least the town's founding treasure is safe with us once again!"

"Hopefully, for good this time, Warden," Tennessee nodded in agreement.

"Say Tennessee," Warden Jones added, catching the raccoon's attention. "Seein' as how we've been through enough shit together, I think "Warden" sounds a little too formal."

A kind smile graced the vixen's lips. "How about from now on, you just call me...Sarah?"

"Well, Sarah," Tennessee grinned. "How's 'bout we get this rock back ta good, 'ole Hindus Valley?"

"I couldn't agree more!" the vixen turned to the jackrabbit and peccary. "C'mon, fellas! We've got quite the journey ta home!"

As the foursome left the edge of the burning canyon, many thoughts clouded each of their minds. Strongtusk vowed vengeance for what Blood Red Ted had done to his small family, disgusted at what their deaths had turned into: a sick game and food for their stomachs. The indian swore to make sure all of their deaths will be slow and painful, ensuring justice to be served.

Percy wondered back to what Weasen had said to him earlier that night about Rudy during their little game. It made him burn with rage at the very thought of what Weasen had planned to do with his little brother. Whatever was going to happen, Percy wasn't going to stand for it. He was going to return home, confront the mayor about what they had learned during their mission, and then keep his younger sibling safe. After already losing his parents, he had no intentions on losing Rudy too.

Warden Jones felt like something was slightly off. Tennessee had been showing a more aggressive side as of late. In most recent events, Weasen had gotten to him, which was something the vixen hadn't seen in a long time; a criminal getting to a lawman. What was most curious this time, however, was the raccoon's body language. Tennessee almost looked like a nervous wreck, going as far to threaten Weasen's life, as if to keep a secret. Warden Jones wouldn't admit it out loud, but after they all regrouped with Tennessee back at the coal mine, she could tell something was up. She was going to get to the bottom of things, but for now, the vixen was going to just act like nothing was wrong.

As for Tennessee, a heavy feeling was released from his body. What luck the raccoon had today: running into Sheriff Fox and barley escaping while doing so, surviving yet another encounter with Weasen and the Rancid Riders, and fought an indian and his chief in order for him and his party to pass. At least he made a new friend, the raccoon thought while looking over at Strongtusk. While everything seemed fine at the moment, Tennessee knew - hell, all of them knew - that things were not over. Weasen, Blood Red Ted, Gold Tooth Tom, and the remaining Rancid Riders - they were still out there.

And they were going to be ready.