The Cooper Adventures: The Untold Stories of the Cooper Clan

by Nixter97

Everyone has their secrets; everyone has their stories. Not just anyone can battle witches, demons, monstrous outlaws, and a war and still be alive to tell the tale. These raccoons, however, can tell you, for they have survived some of the most dangerous unexpected adventures of their lives. *RATED "M" for dark themes, language, drug use/references, and some sexual themes*

9. The Battle of Hindus Valley

Hindus Valley, after the takeover

Two Nights Later…

In the time since Tennessee had been carted away and Weasen had taken over, Hindus Valley had become a cold, dead wasteland. Weasen's men patrolled the streets as the citizens were forced to remain inside the buildings at all times. Only two days had gone by, and some were slowly starving to death by the lack of proper nutrition and water supply. Words were rarely spoken in the buildings, but it was not necessary to speak when everyone knew the same facts. Tennessee was an outlaw, their mayor and his family were hiding a nasty secret, Warden Jones betrayed them, and now everyone was scared as to what was going to happen next. Whatever 'big plans' Weasen had in store for the whole valley, no one was excited for it. Except for the remaining members of the Rancid Riders, of course, who took upon themselves to get cozy in town hall.

Inside the building, in the mayor's office, Weasen situated himself comfortably behind the mayor's desk. Sitting across from him was Mayor Evans, his expression hollow and broken. Gold-Tooth Tom and Blood-Red Ted stood on each side of Weasen as he began pouring some wine into two glasses. Two of his personal buffalo guards stood by the door, watching the meeting in progress.

"I know what you're thinking, and you're right: these past few days have been hell. Oh, Bill - may I call you Bill?" Weasen asked as he finished pouring the raccoon's drink. When he didn't get a response, Weasen simply pushed the glass over towards him gently. The weasel watched as Mayor Evans stared at the glass before picking it up. "I think now's the time I formally introduce myself."

"...I already know who you are," Mayor Evans sneered softly, not making eye contact. "Professor Weasen Wilson, Illusionist Extraordinaire."

Weasen hummed in response. "Oh, no dear Bill...that's merely my stage name." he watched as the male raccoon finally made eye contact with him. "Let's get to the point. My true name is Charles Wilson, and this here town is mine by birthright."

"Yer angry about somethin' that happened decades ago." Mayor Evans retorted.

"This whole valley is mine by birthright, and you of all people should know it!" Weasen hissed. "For too long, my family has lived in disgrace and humiliation because we were run out of town by your ancestors. I grew up with the stories of this injustice and vowed to one day take back what my family had lost. You see…"

He then laid a document on the desk and slide it over towards Mayor Evans. It was the official and original deed to Hindus Valley, signed by Kenneth Wilson himself. "I legally own this town."

"All of this, just so I can hand the town over to you?" Mayor Evans glared at the weasel. "I ain't surrenderin' that easily."

Weasen furrowed his brows. "Stubborn, aren't we? Very well…" he took back the original deed and put it back in the desk drawer before bringing his attention back onto Mayor Evans. He leaned forward and folded his arms on the desktop.

"Let's go over your situation, shall we? Your town has been overrun by yours truly and his associates - who have quite the nasty reputation in these parts. Not only is your sheriff dead, but your two means of protecting this town are unable to help; Warden Jones has betrayed you all by handing over Tennessee to Sheriff Fox of Cottonmouth Bluff. Said raccoon has been living a lie under your noses these past few months, and he's been your last hope. And finally, I can have those you care about killed with just the simple snap of my fingers, and you better believe that Mister Woolen here shall seal their fates. Now I ask you…" Weasen studied the male raccoon's face. "Give up. Sign this town over to me; let me take back what is mine. I am a gentleman, Bill, but I will take drastic measures. The choice is yours."

Mayor Evans glanced at the weasel. "Charles Wilson…" his voice lowers. "Go to Hell."

At first, Weasen's facial expression is unreadable. But soon, a sigh escaped his mouth as he leaned back into his chair. "Have it your way…" he then looked up at Blood-Red Ted. "Mister Woolen, bite the young Miss Evans's head off."

"With pleasure…"

Mayor Evans watched in horror as the coyote began to leave the weasel's side and towards the office doors to hunt down Jessica, not noticing that Gold-Tooth Tom's face had turned white and green as Ted walked off.

"WAIT!"

Blood-Red Ted stopped in his tracks and sneered as he turned around.

"I'll sign it…" Mayor Evans gasped, tears threatening to leak from his eyes. He quickly turned to face Weasen, his hands folded as if he were praying. "Please, don't hurt my daughter. I'll sign the damn papers, just please leave my daughter out of this!"

"Ted, stand down," Weasen instructed. The coyote looked displeased by this; a grunt escaped his mouth as he made his way back to the desk, taking his place at Mayor Evans' side this time. "A most wise decision, Mister Evans. By all means, sign."

A stack of documents was placed in front of Mayor Evans. He eyed the paper - a new deed. A heavy sigh escaped the raccoon's mouth as he shakily took hold of a pen and began to initial the papers, giving Weasen exactly what he wanted. Once his part was done, Weasen grinned as he initailed his part of the papers. Once he was done, Weasen stood up from his chair and made his way around the desk, and took Mayor Evans' hand.

"It was a pleasure doing business with you, Bill." he shook the raccoon's hand. Weasen then looked back up at Ted. "Return him to the others below. I still have a use for him."

"Whatever ya say," Ted replied. He then yanked the raccoon out of his seat and lead him towards the door. "Get movin', Evans."

Mayor Evans turned to take one last look at the weasel before he disappeared through the office doors. "You won't get away with this!"

"My good man…" Weasen replied with a wicked grin. "I believe I already have."

---

Mayor Evans grunted in displeasure as he was shoved into the archive room below town hall. Ted slammed and locked the door behind him, a low chuckle was heard before he disappeared back upstairs. Also locked in the archives were his daughter, Stacy, Percy, and Rudy. The female raccoon removed her attention from one of the bookshelves to see her father on the ground.

"Daddy! Are you okay?!" Jessica exclaimed as he ran towards her father, helping him up before he began to wipe off the dirt from his pants.

"I'm fine…" he lied.

"Ya don't look fine," Stacy observed as she sat next to Rudy. "Ya look like ya just did somethin' awful, Mister Evans."

Percy looked up from his spot in the room and furrowed his brows. "What'd they want?"

"Weasen…" Mayor Evans looked defeated. "He made me sign the town over to him. He's now the legal owner of Hindus Valley."

"What?" Stacy gasped in horror that she shared with her love's sibling. "He's...he's the head of the valley now?!"

"And ya gave him just what he wanted?" Percy groaned in anger as he got up and made his way over towards the duo. "Don'tcha realize what you've just done?!"

"If I hadn't, they were gonna kill my daughter!"

Jessica placed a hand on her father's shoulder. "Don't fret about it, Daddy. Ya had to do what was necessary."

"To hell with necessary!" Percy argued. "With those documents in his name, Weasen can do just 'bout anythin' in this town! He's gonna destroy us all and turn this place into an oversized playground fer them outlaws!"

"I...I don't think he's gonna be too quick ta kill us all, Percykins," Stacy gulped. "I...r-remember hearin' a couple guards say they'll keep me and Jessica around fer...entertainment before they kill us."

"God almighty…" Mayor Evans whispered

"This is bad...really bad." Jessica helped her father sit down before pacing around the room. "This is all Warden Jones' fault! Because of her, Tennessee's in jail and expected ta hang in the mornin'! How could she abandon us?!"

Percy rubbed the back of his neck. "I ain't gonna lie, we're all in deep shit here. The good news is at least we know where Tennessee is."

"How's that good news at a time like this?! We've no means of gettin' there from in here!"

"Well...what if we were ta find a way out of here? Sneak our way out of town, and break Tennessee out of his cell?"

Jessica looked at him as if he grew another head.

"Have ya lost your mind?!" she asked in disbelief. "How the hell could we possibly get out of here?!"

"Um...guys…?"

The duo stopped and turned towards Rudy, who managed to find a small hole in the ground. Both Jessica and Percy made their way over there and studied the hole that the young jackrabbit discovered.

"This looks like it leads ta outside." Rudy observed.

"How'd ya find this?" Jessica inquired.

Rudy shrugged. "I remember my brother talkin' 'bout secret passageways in the archives, and so...I just started lookin'."

"Rudy, this is great!" Stacy studied the hole even further. "This hole oughta lead right outside, we can slip out without anyone bein' the wiser!"

"Not sure if we can do that," Mayor Evans stated. Upon receiving confused looks, he sighed and continued, "that hole's just too small for any adult ta fit through. None of us will be able ta make it out there."

"I will."

Everyone looked at Rudy, the boy sporting a determined frown as he stared at the hole. "I'll be the one ta go through."

"Rudy, are you insane?!" Stacy protested. "You have any idea what'll be out there if ya go through this hole?! If ya get caught, you'll be torn ta shreds! Percy, please tell him how crazy he's soundin' right now!"

To Stacy's disbelief, the older Wilcox sibling did not agree with her, instead looking down in contemplation of what Rudy was suggesting.

"Oh no…"

"You are not sendin' a child ta go out there, Percy Wilcox!" Jessica lectured. "Especially yer own brother!"

"Don't talk 'bout me like I'm not here!" Rudy stood his ground. "I may be just a kid but we've got no choice! Every minute we spend here's a minute closer ta Tennessee gettin' hung and we gotta get a move on here!

Jessica's eyes softened. "Rudy...ya do realize that if you venture out there...you may get into serious danger."

"I'm know the risk," nodded the young jackrabbit. "But I'm the only one who can crawl through there, and we need Tennessee back. Now."

"But ya don't even know where Cotton Mouth Bluff is!" argued Stacy.

Percy's ears perked up and glanced over at one of the tables, which was piled with books. "Hold on, I think one of those books has a map."

Jessica and Rudy watched as Percy made his way towards the table and frantically searched for a map of the West. After a few minutes of searching, Percy finally found what he was looking for. He tore out the pages and pasted them together before carefully folding it.

"Here," he said, handing his brother the folded paper. "That should help ya find Cottonmouth Bluff."

Rudy nodded and hugged his brother's torso. "I'll miss ya, Percy. I promise I'll be back with Tennessee."

Percy hugged his brother back. "I'll miss ya too. Be safe out there."

Rudy turned his attention towards Jessica and hugged her. "I'll bring Tennessee back."

"Just be careful," Jessica sighed, ruffling his hair. "I wouldn't want ya dead out there."

"Don't worry, this ain't the first scrape I've found myself in," Rudy smiled playfully before approaching Stacy, who was sniffling as she embraced him.

"You be careful out there, ya hear Rudy?" Stacy whimpered. "Yer brother may be the love of my life, but I don't wanna imagine a future with him that yer not in too!"

"I'll be fine, Stacy. Last thing I want is my future sister-in-law in tears like this."

"Rudy!" Whined a blushing Percy.

Snickering as he stepped away from Stacy, Rudy turned to face the last adult in the room. Mayor Evans sat on the floor staring forlornly at the child before him.

"How could it come ta this?" The raccoon lamented. "Askin' a child to risk certain death so we got a chance of survival for our home."

"I know ya don't like this, Mister Mayor," Rudy said, "but we got no choice. Somebody's gotta save Tennessee and it looks like it's up ta me."

"…I know," Mayor Evans sighed. "Just wish there could be another way…"

Rudy turned and began to approach the hole until Mayor Evans called to him, "And Rudy?"

The jackrabbit looked at the old raccoon, who was sporting a look of hope in his tired eyes.

"...Godspeed."

After one last nod, Rudy took in a deep breath before crawling into the hole. Jessica and Percy stood up before covering the hole with a small bookshelf, so that no one would suspect a thing. The female raccoon turned to look at the male jackrabbit.

"Ya think he'll make it?"

"Trust me, Rudy's a stubborn lil' bunny," Percy assured. "He's small and sneaky; he'll rest easy once he gets to his goal."

"I hope yer right," Jessica looked back at the covered hole. "Now we can only hope he makes it in time."

XXXXXXXXXX

Rudy huffed in exhaustion as he finished shoving a large rock out of his way. Once emerging from the hole, Rudy found himself surrounded by some bushes against town hall. Rudy chuckled at the thought of how sneaky this was. Whoever was responsible for creating this secret tunnel, Rudy mentally thanked them.

The young jackrabbit quickly ran towards the side of the old library, peeking his head around the corner to see some of Weasen's buffalo flashlight guards patrolling. Rudy shuddered at the sight of the large guns that they held; he did not want to get caught. However, as if the universe had a cruel sense of humor, a hand landed on Rudy's shoulder.

The boy's blood ran cold at the unexpected physical contact. Not knowing who had found him did not change the fact that he'd been caught red-handed and they were most likely going to put a bullet in him or worse for catching him outside. He was so struck with fear that he had to be turned around to look at who had found him; a familiar armadillo with an unreadable look on his face and a pistol in his hand.

"...Gold-Tooth Tom." Rudy whispered in dread

"In the flesh" the armadillo whispered. "You're the younger Wilcox boy. Rudy, is it?"

As Rudy nodded, Tom continued, "If you value your life, boy, you will keep your mouth shut and do as I say. Understood?"

Rudy nodded as Gold-Tooth Tom began checking his surroundings before motioning.

"Follow me," to Tom's pleasure, the young jackrabbit did as he was told and followed him into the shadows where they . A sigh of relief escaped his own mouth. "Alright, the coast is clear for now"

Fear giving way to confusion, Rudy quirked a brow at the armadillo.

"W-what? Aren't you gonna rat me out ta Weasen?"

Gold-Tooth Tom scowled distastefully at the weasel's name. "No, Rudy...I've put up with Weasen enough for one lifetime ."

"Huh?"

"Look...I'll be the first to admit, I've done some rather...unsavory things in my life. I've swindled, I've conned, I've cheated, I've lied. However, even I didn't think I'd be involved in any of this. Ambushing the warden of Iron Rock, helping free the leader of the most repulsive outlaws in the West, joining them in their murder of this valley's original sheriff, and participating in every insane scheme Weasen has concieved. To tell you the truth...I've put up with this madness long enough and I'm going to help you put an end to it."

Rudy took in every word that was spoken to him. He furrowed his brows as he folded his arms.

"It's a bit late ta grow a conscience, ain't it Gold Tooth? Ya didn't seem ta have a problem with all this before, so what changed yer mind? Why'd ya follow Weasen ta begin with?"

"You think I wanted to be involved in this sort of carnage?!" Gold-Tooth Tom hissed. "When Weasen plucked me from the gutter and helped me get back on my feet, he claimed that working for him would earn me a future where we would live like kings. He seduced me with promises of a life of prestige and welcomed me into his gang with open arms as his right-hand man. I may have enjoyed helping him swindle and scam every town we visited, but when he began recruiting so many men, and why he wanted to enlist the Rancid fucking Riders I didn't realize it would lead to this level of bloodshed! I was only thinking about the money! I had no idea his plan involved laying siege to this town or killing lawfolk! That's a death sentence in of itself!"

Rudy's eyes widen. "The takeover...This town…"

The armadillo nodded in conformation. "Weasen wanted to find all the manpower he could get, and the Rancid Riders were the final piece of the puzzle. Then, well, you know the rest…"

"So, what, yer gonna betray Weasen and the Riders?"

"If it means I no longer have to work with that lunatic coyote and his goons, I'll take whatever punishment Warden Jones wishes to inflict on me."

Rudy actually managed to smile at that. "Come with me, then! I'm on my way ta free Tennessee before his execution!"

"Alas, I can't do that." Gold-Tooth Tom shook his head. "I'm a criminal, remember? If Warden Jones and Sheriff Fox see me, I'm good as dead. I can, however, help you get out of this valley here so you can save your friend."

"Y-You will?"

Gold-Tooth Tom gave the kid a small smile and nodded. "I can, and I will. But you have to follow my every instruction - no questions asked. Can you trust me?"

"If what ya say is true, then yes."

"Good," Gold-Tooth Tom nodded. "Then come, off we go!"

Rudy followed the armadillo throughout the town, hiding whenever Gold-Tooth Tom instructed him to. Just as they were nearing the Wilcox barn, a voice filled the air that made the duo halt in their tracks.

"Gold-Tooth Tom!"

"Hide!" the armadillo hissed at Rudy, who quickly dove into some bushes.

Gold-Tooth Tom turned around to see Eight-Eyed Enrique making his way towards their location. The armadillo looked nervous and eyed the tarantula as he finally came to a stop.

"I thought I saw you," the tarantula said. "Señor Weasen's been looking for you."

"O-Oh? Has he now?"

Eight-Eyed Enrique nodded. "Mhm. We're celebrating our victoria at the Evans' mansion. He told me to fetch everyone, and that includes his little secuaz."

Gold-Tooth Tom blinked. "O-Oh...I see."

The tarantula's eyes narrowed in suspicion. "What are you even doing out here, Gold-Tooth?"

"I should ask ya the same thing!" Tom defended, only to realize how stupid that sounded. Eight-Eyed Enrique looked bewildered; he blinked.

"I already told you wht, so don't play tonto, idiota!" the tarantula hissed. He eyed the nervous-looking armadillo carefully, and lend up so that he was towering over the mammal more than he already was.

"Are you...hiding something?"

Rudy peeked from his hiding spot, the color fading from his face has he watched the exchange in dread. He could tell that Tom was struggling to keep a straight face, and from the look on Eight-Eyed Enrique's face, it was hard to imagine anyone being able to stand their ground against such a terrifying arachnid.

Still, if they were going to get out of this mess alive, Rudy had to put as much faith in his sudden ally as possible. However, judging from his body language and facial expressions, it seemed like this confrontation was going to take a miracle to get through it alive.

"N-No…" Gold-Tooth Tom almost gulped. "Whatever makes you say that?"

"You truly are something especial…" Eight-Eyed Enrique replied dryly. "Need I spell it out? You look like there's something that you don't want me to find. Whatever could it be, hmm?"

Gold-Tooth Tom watched the arachnid began walking circles around him. "Are you hiding something, armadillo? Or perhaps...you are hiding…" he then stopped once he was in front of the armadillo again and leaned in close to his face. "Someone?"

Rudy nearly gasped and ducked lower into the bushes as he possibly could. He could practically hear both his and Gold-Tooth Tom's hearts beating out of fear. However, as luck would have it, Gold-Tooth Tom actually managed to pull through.

"A cake!"

"...Pardon?"

"Fine, you caught me! I didn't want to say it, but you've made me spoil the surprise!"

This peaked Eight-Eyed Enrique's interests. "Oh? Do tell."

"I was actually heading towards the Wilcox farm to bake a cake!" Tom lied through his teeth. "This coup Weasen's orchestrated is the pinnacle of his career! And such an occasion only seems worthy of being celebrated with a cake, doesn't it?"

"So you would have me believe that you're going to the now abandoned home of the Wilcox familia just to bake a delicious pastel for the boss-man?"

"Without a doubt!" Tom replied firmly. "I'm only doing it there so that Ted's sense of smell wouldn't ruin the surprise, but I guess I don't need to worry about that now that I've told you, haven't I?"

Eight-Eyed Enrique eyed the armadillo suspiciously before lowering his body back to its normal position.

"Very well, you may proceed. I'll inform the rest of la cuadrilla and have them keep this a surprise for the jefe. But so help me God, if you do not return with a cake, I will cocoon you in my webs and drain all the blood from your body until you're nothing but a withered husk. Comprende?"

Gold-Tooth Tom gulped and nodded frantically. "Of course!"

Eight-Eyed Enrique hummed in response before turning around to take his leave. Once the coast was finally clear, Rudy emerged from his hiding spot and grinned at the armadillo.

"Well, good news is ya managed to give him the slip!"

Gold-Tooth Tom sighed. "Yeah...but now I've gotta bake a cake."

"Well, you're in luck! We have plenty of supplies for cake!"

"I'll remember that. Come, let's get out of here before someone else shows up!"

The duo continued the trek to the Wilcox homestead, not noticing a pair of eyes watching them from the tree branches above them.

XXXXXXXXXX

After reaching his family farm and getting saddled on Dash, Rudy exited the barn, ready to leave for Cottonmouth Bluff. Gold-Tooth Tom approached the young jackrabbit and handed him a satchel, as well as a more appropriate map of the West. As much as Rudy loved his brother, he had to admit that the map he gave him was a bit of a bad idea. The two pages weren't even sticking together good enough. It just goes to show how anxious his older brother can get, though he can understand why.

"There's some food and water that I managed to find in your house. If you follow the map correctly, ya should arrive at Cottonmouth Bluff by sunrise."

"Then I shouldn't waste anymore time." Rudy nodded.

"Are you sure you're fine with doing this, Rudy?" Tom asked. "It's not that common for a child to go riding off through the desert on his own."

"I'll tell ya what I told my brother: I don't have a choice. Tennessee needs ta be saved, and it looks like I'm the only one who can do it. Wish me luck."

He snapped Dash's reins and began to ride off, but stopped when Tom called out to him.

"Wait! Before you go...I just wanted to say thank you for not drawing attention back there. Thank you for allowing me the chance to redeem myself."

Rudy smiled gold at him. "You're welcome, Tom. Guess that tooth of yers ain't the only thing made of gold. Once Tennessee is back, everyone will be free from Weasen, includin' you!"

"That'll be nice," the armadillo nodded. "Now get goin'!"

Rudy nodded in agreement and quickly rode away with Dash. He was really doing this; he was really going to save Tennessee, and the people of Hindus Valley. Gold-Tooth Tom smiled and waved to the disappearing silhouette of the young jackrabbit before turning around towards the Wilcox house.

"Alright…" he miserably sighed. "Now, about that cake…"

---

Tennessee laid on the wooden 'bed' that hung against the wooden walls of his cell, a wave of emotions clashing against him as a multiple thoughts struck his brain like lightning to a tree. His arms were folded behind his head, used for support as his left leg folded over his right one. To say that Tennessee wasn't too thrilled about his situation was an understatement. He didn't know how, but Sheriff Fox was able to locate him. Something about it just wasn't right. It had been two nights since his capture, and Tennessee was on the verge of giving up. He tried to come up with an escape plan, but nothing seemed to work. Sheriff Fox's men were on constant patrol, guarding his cell from both inside and outside the building. His belongings were taken away as well, which meant his chances of surviving were severely low, if he even managed to break out of his cell.

There was no use in trying, anyway. By the time the sun rose, Tennessee Kid Cooper would be no more. The raccoon's time had come; Sheriff Fox finally caught him. With just a few hours left of moonlight, all Tennessee could do was reflect on his life. He thought of his father, and how he would bring him along for smaller heists, so his son could see him in action. Tennessee always stayed far away, of course, in case things got too intense, but on rare occasions the young Cooper would be given tasks to help get the thieving done. He remembered the last moments of his father, too. Tennessee was promised a big role in his father's upcoming heist, and when that day came, it surprised them both. The group of sheriffs that they ran into were well-trained with outlaws like his father, and by the time they had gotten ahold of him, it was too late. All Tennessee could do was watch from a far away distance, terrified as he watched his father getting hanged. That memory was forever engraved in his memory, and tomorrow morning, he would meet the same fate. It felt ironic to Tennessee, going out the same way his father did. He wondered if he would meet his father again in the afterlife; would it be in Heaven, or Hell? Would his father be proud of him for carrying the family tradition, or ashamed that he had deliberately lied to an entire town and put on a mask; a false badge of the law?

Suddenly, all thoughts soon went towards Hindus Valley, and what an impact it landed on the male raccoon. The people he'd met, the places he'd seen - it was a wonderful breath of fresh air. Percy and Rudy were kind enough to welcome him into their home with open arms, and it pained Tennessee that he had kept secrets from them. Even after coming out as an outlaw, it still placed a guilty conscience on him. Miss Benson and the kids of the schoolhouse were an interesting bunch. The otter schoolteacher always having to deal with the most rambonscions group of children was one of the more lighthearted and humorous things that Tennessee had witnessed. It kind of made him think about what Jessica had told him, about a future.

Jessica Evans...the one who he had the most regret on. She was such a kind and gentle soul, even if she were on the fussy side at times. Jessica had the warmest smile, the cutest laugh, and was so motherly towards the children of the town. She made Tennessee want to start over, to try and live a normal life. What kind of a life could he possibly offer her? Always running from the law was no life for a well-mannered, beautiful, kind young woman. In a strange way, Tennessee's situation was sort of like a favor for Jessica. With him gone, she wouldn't have to worry about being hunted down by lawmen and always looked at as an outlaw's woman. Still, the thought of seeing her cry and miserable without him made Tennessee's heart break even more. If the situation was different, Tennessee would happily move things forward with Jessica. He'd give her everything that she'd desire: marriage, a family, and even a simple life. Tennessee would hang up his cane and give Jessica the life she deserved. However, the chances of that happening now were forever gone.

The thought of what Hindus Valley could end up like made Tennessee feel even worse. With him gone, who would help protect them against the threats that were still at large? Weasen and the Rancid Riders were still out there, and once they learn he's gone, those monsters would make the town their playground. Weasen would get his revenge, and Blood-Red Ted would see to it that the town they've been terrorizing for years will come to a horrific end. The blood boiled in Tennessee as he thought about those monsters and what they're capable of. The thought of what will happen to those he care about haunted Tennessee, and there was nothing he could do about it. A sickening feeling filled the raccoon's stomach. There was no coming back from this.

"Comfortable, are we?"

Tennessee's ears twitched at the familiar voice. His hands clenched as he continued to stare at the ceiling, not wanting to give his visitor the satisfaction of seeing him broken. If Tennessee was going to die in the morning, the least he could do was show no fear and anger towards those outside his cell.

"Yer lucky, ya know. The poor bastards in Iron Rock don't get beds of any kind. Just hard, cold, stoned floors. Count yerself lucky I haven't ripped that bench off its hindges and whacked ya with it."

A sigh escaped Tennessee's mouth, knowing full well that this visitor would not leave unless they had a chat. Tennessee turned his head to his right, seeing Warden Sarah Jones on the other side of his cell bars, staring directly at him with an unreadable expression. Her tail flicked as it swayed, her hips bent towards her left as her arms folded against her chest. Her face didn't show it, but Tennessee could tell through her body language that the vixen was being smug.

"What do ya want, Warden?"

"Just checkin' on you, makin' sure ya don't try anythin' funny."

A snort escape Tennessee as he began to sit up, his feet coming into contact with the wooden floors as he folded his own arms against his chest. "Ya think I'd try somethin'?"

"Ya do know what tomorrow is, don't ya?" the vixen replied. "You'd think an outlaw such as yerself would come up with an escape plan. I know fer a fact that my criminals down at Iron Rock would at a time like this. So tell me, why aren't you?"

Tennessee narrowed his eyes at her, a heavy sigh leaving his nose. "I ain't got an escape plan, Warden," he sneered. "My weapons were taken from me, the jailhouse is surrounded from the outside, and I've come ta terms with my fate. And in case ya missed it, sweetheart, we ain't at Iron Rock, so stop comparin' me to them sons of bitches ya got locked up in there."

A small smirk soon appeared on Warden Jones' face. "I see ya still got some fight left in ya, Cooper. I'm impressed. Ya sure you ain't the least bit frightened 'bout tomorrow mornin's 'festivities'?"

"I've seen things far worse than a noose around a neck, Warden."

"Oh, I'm sure ya have," Warden Jones tapped her arm with her fingers. "Been ta Hell and back goin' up against them Rancid Riders sure does change a person."

"What are ya even doin' here? What about Hindus Valley and their safety? We still don't know what has happened ta Weasen and his 'friends'."

"They ain't yer concern anymore, 'Sheriff Cooper'," Warden Jones replied sarcastically. "I've had some of my men from Iron Rock stay over there for protection, and they'll contact me if there are any problems. It's been two days, and nothin'. I'd say after I snap yer neck with that noose in the mornin', Hindus Valley will still be in good hands when I get back."

Tennessee stood up and started approaching the cell bars. "Ya really think certain people over there'll forgive ya fer executin' me? When I'm gone, they ain't gonna respect you, Warden. They're gonna hate ya."

"They're delusional," Warden Jones declared. "They wanna paint me as the bad guy, while you're the one whose been playin' hero this whole time. Yer an outlaw who did what outlaws do best: run away. Ya sought sanctuary at town that didn't know yer name, and played 'em like a fiddle. Ya even got me ta believe in ya, which makes me even more furious 'bout this whole ordeal. You are most certainly not in the right, Mister Cooper. I don't care what yer family's reasonings are. If yer an outlaw, then you get what's comin' to ya. It's not that hard of a concept."

Tennessee grasped the cell bars and leaned his head against the cool metal. "Now that ya mention it, how did I manage ta fool ya? Almost everyone has heard of Iron Rock, and I'm quite surprised yer little prison hadn't come across any of my posters."

"As I've said before, Tennessee: dumb luck. We're around the same area as Hindus Valley. If they hadn't recognized ya, then I hadn't, either. Besides, I've spent most of my years in Hindus Valley. Outlaws that my prison get aren't usually out in yer area. Consider yerself my first from these parts."

"I'm honored."

The sound of boots caught the thief and warden's attention. Sheriff Fox and Deputy Beaks approached the cell, a knowing look on the former's face. "Everything alright over here?"

"Mhm, just havin' a little chat, is all." Warden Jones assured.

Sheriff Fox nodded. "Good. It'd be a shame if our…'guest' caused any trouble."

"Especially since ya promised me I get ta end his life."

The vulpine nodded and folded his arms across his chest. "Indeed, I had. And I never break a promise, Warden, especially for a lovely lady such as yerself."

Warden Jones bit her lip, a faint blush emerging on her cheeks from the grin that the vulpine in front of her was giving. "Ya still sure you wanna let me do that, even though yer the one whose been chasin' after him fer all these years?"

Sheriff Fox's grin dropped, a serious look now displayed on his face. "Ya came ta me with valuable information, Warden Jones. Ya knew exactly where Cooper was hidin' and lead me right to him. It's only fair that I give you the honor."

"I scratched yer back, now you scratch mine?"

"Ya got it." the vulpine grinned with a wink.

Tennessee watched the two law-abiding citizens' exchange, finding it strange. Something about the two didn't seem right at first, until he saw something in Sheriff Fox's eyes.

Oh…

A smirk appeared on Tennessee, no longer paying attention to what the two foxes were saying to each other before Warden Jones left the scene. As soon as the vixen was out of sight, Tennessee brought his attention back onto the vulpine, noticing the way he was watching her leave.

"Oh my god," Tennessee snorted. "Yer fuckin' the warden!"

Deputy Beaks gasped while Sheriff Fox's head snapped back to Tennessee, his eyes shooting daggers at him. "I'm 'bout five seconds away from takin' out my gun and shootin' both yer knees!"

"Now, now, Johnny-Boy, remember yer promise to the lady." Tennessee laughed. He soon stopped laughing, noticing the vulpine's hand reaching for his pistol. "Okay, okay, sheesh! But in all honestly...do ya like her?"

Sheriff Fox blushed, from both embarrassment and anger. "I ain't havin' this conversation with the likes of you, Cooper!"

"The likes of me?" Tennessee placed a hand over his chest, a mock hurt expression on his face. "John, I'm hurt! I thought we were best friends?!"

"Shut it, Cooper!" Sheriff Fox sneered. "Ya know, yer lucky you're behind these bars. I still haven't forgotten 'bout our little encounter at the mines!"

"Aw, yer still bitchin' 'bout that?"

"Damn right, I'm still bitchin'! And ya know what? I'm gonna enjoy watchin' ya die in the mornin'. You've been a thorn in my side fer too long."

Tennessee hummed in reply. "Ya honestly can't say ya didn't enjoy chasin' me. You live for the chase, just like I do."

"Then why go into hidin'?" Deputy Beaks asked.

"I told ya: I just wanted a vacation. I just wanted some time away from runnin' from you fellas. Even thieves need rest."

Sheriff Fox snorted. "Yeah, some vacation. Sarah told me everythin' 'bout yer excuse."

"Sarah?" Tennessee smirked, noticing how the vulpine referred to her by first name.

The blush returned on Sheriff Fox's face, realizing what he had said. "Shut up, Cooper! Do ya really enjoy tryin' folk in situations like this?"

"Yeah, it's nice, you should try it."

"Sheriff?" Beaks asked mildly. "Fer what it's worth, I'm happy yer gettin' along so well with Warden Jones. It's almost like you were made fer each other."

"Don't," Sheriff Fox warned. "Don't encourage him."

"John and Sarah, sittin' in a tree! K-I-S-S-I-N-"

BANG!

Tennessee flinched and Deputy Beaks yelped as he jumped back. There Sheriff Fox stood, his gun pointed at the ceiling with smoke emerging from his pistol, an angry look on his face.

"The next shot'll be in yer leg if ya don't shut up! And Beaks…" he looked down at the frightened owl, who timidly looked back up while fiddling his feathers. "Give Cooper anymore ammo, and I'll lock you up in one of these cells for the next three days without rations! Understand?!"

"Y-yes Sh-sheriff...S-sorry Sheriff," Beaks stuttered meekly.

"Aww, c'mon Johnny-Boy, don't be so hard on lil 'ole Beaks! Say, why don't I help ya out? I've known Warden Jones fer some time and gotten ta know her. I could hook y'all up, put in a good word fer ya…"

Sheriff Fox sneered and aimed his gun at Tennessee's face.

The raccoon gulped and chuckled nervously, "I-If ya want…"

"We already got a previous engagement...at yer execution."

"Wow, a weddin' and a funeral?!" Tennessee grinned. "Johnny-Boy, ya sure know how ta make things excitin' for them ladies!"

"Not that kind of engagement!" Sheriff Fox snapped.

"It is quite chivalrous of ya ta let her be the one ta carry out the execution, Sheriff," Beaks tried to compliment.

"Beaks…" the vulpine warned with a growl.

The owl quickly shut himself up, remembering what his superior had warned him about. "R-Right. Sorry, Sheriff…"

Sheriff Fox sighed in annoyance, knowing that speaking to this outlaw was going to be a waste of time. "Whatever, Cooper. If I were you, I'd enjoy my last few hours. 'Cause once that sun is up, yer as good as dead."

Tennessee watched as the vulpine began walking away from his cell, his smirk never leaving his face. "Can ya read me a bedtime story, John?"

"SHUT UP, RINGTAIL!"

A short laugh escaped the raccoon. It was always fun to tease Sheriff Fox, no matter the situation. However, all joy faded away from Tennessee when he realized that he won't be around to laugh anymore. No more Jessica, no more pulling off heists, no more picking on Sheriff Fox. No more anything. They were all right: he was an outlaw, and he was going to meet his fate by the time the sun rose up.

"...Tennessee?"

The raccoon looked at Deputy Beaks and watched the owl pull a small bottle of whiskey out of his coat pocket and set it on the ground in front of him in his cell.

"I know it ain't much, but...I suppose ya deserve one last drink before yer date with the grim reaper tomorrow."

Tennessee gave the owl a confused look and cautiously picked the bottle up. "Wouldn't Johnny-Law notice one of his bottles missin'?" he asked as he popped open the top.

"Not if it ain't one of his bottles."

Tennessee arched an eyebrow while taking a drink. "Not his, huh? Well, aren't you the kind and generous one. Here I am, an outlaw - a most notorious one at that - 'bout ta have the grim reaper drag me ta the afterlife. And here you are, a lawman, offerin' me a drink while havin' a chat with me like we were as thick as crocodile skin. Why are ya so nice ta me, Deputy Beaks? How come you of all people here stand out from the rest? What could I have possible done ta earn yer respect when all I've ever done is cause nothin' but trouble fer y'all?"

"Cooper, we may be on opposite sides of the law, but you ain't my enemy," Beaks explained. "Why do you think I took this job ta begin with?"

"'Cause kissin' a sheriff's ass was easier than runnin' from his wrath?" Tennessee half-joked, taking another swing of his drink.

"I took this job because I care. The sheriff and Warden Jones may think catchin' crooks like you always comes first, but I care too much about the innocent people they hurt ta stand by and do nothin'. The safety of the people always comes first fer me, and ridin' with the sheriff helps me make sure nobody gets hurt."

Tennessee snorted at what he'd just heard. "Innocent?! Beaks, yer either as pure as a child or blind as the elderly if ya really think people like me are innocent. I can't be forgiven fer what I've done."

"I don't believe that."

Tennessee leaned in a bit closer. "I disgraced the badge. Ready ta kiss and make up?"

"Hindus Valley was different." Beaks retorted.

"How?" Tennessee scoffed. "I lied to an entire town of 'innocent' people by pretendin' ta be somethin' I ain't. I've let a good man - and possibly others - die. I ain't no hero or some lawman, my little friend. I'm a crook; an outlaw. I'll never change, and I'll never have the chance to. So tell me: how the hell could I be a good person in your eyes?!"

"...Because you ain't the most heartless crook I've ever chased."

"Ya know, fer someone with such big-ass eyes, yer quite blind…" Tennessee took one last swing before grasping the bottle tightly in his hands. He stood up straight and frowned at the owl. "I'm still a crook, Deputy. Heartless or not, I caused nothin' but trouble. I even tugged at a young lady's heartstrings and will never make her an honest woman. I deserve what's ta come fer me in the mornin'."

"...Well, if that's truly how ya feel, I've said all that I can." Beaks spoke solemnly as he took the empty bottle from Tennessee. "I know you ain't lookin' forward to tomorrow, but if it's any consolation...I'll try and convince the sheriff and warden ta go ta Hindus Valley as soon as the execution's over. Goodnight."

Tennessee watched as Deputy Beaks turned to make his exit. The raccoon stuck his head out from between the bars as much as he can.

"Deputy?"

The owl stopped, but didn't turn his head.

"...You were always one of the nicer ones, and I guess I sorta liked ya fer that. Thank ya kindly."

Deputy Beaks looked back at the raccoon, eventually giving him a solemn nod before turning back around to make his exit, now leaving the outlaw alone.

With a heavy sigh, a now saddened Tennessee made his way back to his bench, curling to his side as he began to allow sleep to take him. As he started to feel the effects of slumber taking over, Tennessee began to have thoughts of Jessica again. He could already see the dream of them living the rest of their lives together, how happy they were. She was by his side, child in arms. They looked so peaceful and full of life. A tear slid down the raccoon's face, knowing that he'll never get to live that kind of life with the one he loves.

At least he could spend his last hours dreaming happily, with nothing able to take him away from the things he loves.

---

Out in the middle of the desert, a young jackrabbit bounced on a horse's back as he rode through the cool night. Rudy Wilcox was desperate to reach Cottonmouth Bluff before Tennessee's hanging in the morning. The longer he rode through the night, the more his anxiety built up. Rudy had never been this far away from Hindus Valley, and he never would have guessed that the desert was a huge place. He could feel the air brush up against his fur, slightly touching the skin underneath. It was strange the young jackrabbit; it was humid in the desert by day, but by night, it was cool. The thought occurred to him that it was probably the late August air, or perhaps he was putting too much thought into it.

Rudy eyed the open space, not caring what was around him. All that mattered was getting to Cottonmouth Bluff, and fast. The night was halfway over and he was determined to make every second left count. There was so much to do, and very little time. How was he even supposed to get Tennessee out of the jailhouse, if he even managed to make it there in time? Maybe he could use his slingshot and fire some rocks at a few of the sheriffs? Or perhaps he can play the missing child card in order to get inside? But if either of those worked, how would he find the key to Tennessee's cell? Where was Tennessee's cell?! What would happen if Sheriff Fox or Warden Jones spotted him?

As all these thoughts continued to swim through the young jackrabbit's mind, a huge gust of wind broke Rudy out of his thoughts. He yelped as he felt himself beginning to slide off Dash's back. He quickly grabbed onto the horse's neck, trying to prevent himself from falling. As soon as he believed it was safe to let go, Rudy quickly got out the map Gold-Tooth Tom had given him and observed it.

"Where am I?!" Rudy frantically looked all over the map, searching for some clue as to where he was. He then made a mental note to never fall asleep during Miss Benson's geography lessons again. That is, if he were to ever have them again…

Before Rudy knew it, wind was picking up speed again, and a large gust came blowing by, ripping the map from his hands. The young jackrabbit's eyes widened in pure horror.

"NO!" he bellowed, but it was too late.

Rudy made Dash come to a complete stop. He needed some time. It was awful, what he was feeling. Hindus Valley was being destroyed - his own home, soon to be gone. His family and friends were depending on him, Tennessee was to be set free. But now...he was lost. There was no map, and there was no clue as to where the boy was. Tears started to trickle down Rudy's face as he clutched himself, his eyes shut.

"I'm sorry…" he sniffed. "Oh God, I'm so sorry!"

Rudy didn't like this. He wanted to go home; he wanted everything to be alright. This wasn't how he pictured his life to be. Everything he loved was being taken away from him, and Rudy felt like he couldn't do anything now. More tears started to pour down the jackrabbit's face as he began to think about his older brother back at home. Percy was all the family he had left, and now he was never going to see him again. Jessica and Stacy were always like older sisters in the young boy's eyes, with them always looking out for him when Percy wasn't around. Rudy remembered the simpler days when he and his friends would go fishing by the lake, or when he would sneak some pieces of pie away from Jessica when she brought her treats to the fair, or when he gave Stacy enough ammo to go after his brother. All of those happy memories were now going to be shredded, and everything the poor boy held dear was to be reduced to ashes.

"What...what am I gonna do?" He sobbed. "I'm lost...Tennessee's gonna get hung...My family's gonna be gone forever...All my friends and neighbors will be killed...Dear God I need a miracle...anything…"

As if on cue, a faint light shined in the distance. Rudy blinked, wiping his tears away to get a better look. It almost seemed like…

A fire!

Rudy wasted no time. After quickly getting himself back together, Rudy had Dash take them towards the source of the fire, soon revealing a sight for sore eyes. Strongtusk sat in front of a freshly-lit fire, carefully placing logs and grass into the flames to help build it up. It didn't take long for the indian to notice the young Wilcox making his way over towards his location. As soon as the jackrabbit came into the light, the swine froze in place and looked up at the boy on the horse's back.

"Rudy Wilcox?" he asked in confusion

"Strongtusk!" Rudy cried, quickly leaping off Dash.

The indian had very little time to react before being engulfed into a hug. The young jackrabbit began to sob uncontrollably into his chest, making him slightly uncomfortable, uncertain as to what to do.

"Child, what has become of you?"

"Strongtusk! I'm sorry! I'm so sorry!" Rudy sobbed. "I...I-I failed! I failed everyone!"

"Failed? What are you speaking of, Rudy Wilcox?"

Rudy looked up at Strongtusk, his eyes red and puffy. He then let go and took a few steps back, wiping his eyes once more.

"A-After ya disappeared...T-Tennessee was...taken away by some...sheriffs! A-A-And then...W-Weasen and those...R-R-Rancid Riders showed up, and...and…" he coughed, trying to keep himself calm. "Hindus Valley is being held captive! Weasen plans ta do somethin' terrible in the mornin'! I was able ta escape in order ta find Tennessee, but…" he coughed once more, his tears coming right back as his body began to shake. "I LOST THE MAP! I'm lost, Strongtusk! I've lost my way out here, and I don't know what to do! Everything I love will be gone, and it will be all my fault!"

To Strongtusk's surprise, Rudy collapsed onto the ground. "I JUST WANNA GO HOME!" he bellowed. "I don't want ta fight like this anymore! I just want everything ta go back ta the way things were! I don't want everything and everyone I love ta die like this!"

Taking in each word the boy cried out, Strongtusk's expression grew more and more grim. The demon of red fur and his allies had overthrown the valley this child had come from and now they were going to do to him what they did to Strongtusk when they invaded his home. The indian approached the boy and kelt down, placing a hand on his shoulder.

"Do not fret, little bunny. You will not break...not today."

"H-How can ya say that?!" Rudy gasped as he continued to cry. "My brother, he'll...he'll be dead by tomorrow, just like Tennessee!"

"Your brother will not perish, and neither will Tennessee Kid Cooper." Strongtusk declared as he stood up. "I may not have known them as long or well as you do...but they are my friends. They allowed me the opportunity to avenge my family and I will not go without repaying them for their kindness to me."

"But…" Rudy sniffed, looking up at him. "I don't even know where Cottonmouth Bluff is!"

"If you seek to find the home of Tennessee, then I will help you find it and save him from death. And we will not require a map in order to find it."

Rudy blinked, wiping the remaining tears from his face before standing up. "Y-You...You know where Cottonmouth Bluff is? How?"

"When we sought out the lair of the Demon of Red Fur," Strongtusk explained. "We came across the home of our raccoon friend. They were in hiding near the town's outskirts."

A look of hope came to Rudy's face as he asked, "So...you'll help me save Tennessee and my home?"

"The Demon of Red Fur has already robbed me of a future I could have shared with my wife and daughter. I will not stand by and do nothing as he does the same to you."

"But...how will we find our way there? It's too dark, we're in the middle of nowhere, and the sun will be up in a few hours."

"Fear not," Strongtusk assured. "I have walked this land for many moons. We simply let the wind guide us, and put our faith in the spirits above."

Rudy gave Strongtusk a blank expression. "Ummm…"

"Just follow me," Strongtusk sighed. "Don't worry, I will help you. I shall help you all."

Overcome with renewed hope and relief, Rudy embraced Strongtusk once again, only this time shedding tears of gratitude for his porcine salvation.

"I don't know how ta thank ya!"

"There is no need," Strongtusk assured. "However, before we go, I think it would be best if you rest your eyes, and your horse."

"What?! But what about-"

"You are not going to be of any help if you look like the dead, child," Strongtusk urged. "Get some rest. I promise, I shall alert you when we must move. We will arrive on time, I promise you."

Rudy didn't like the idea at first, but the mention of sleep did sound tempting. That, and his eyes were beginning to get heavy, betraying the boy's belief in his ability to stay awake. With a hesitant not, Rudy got comfortable in front of the fire pit, his body curled up. Strongtusk sighed as he approached the child and laid a cloth over his smaller frame, before turning to head back to his spot.

"Strongtusk?"

"Hmm?"

"...Thank you..."

---

Tennessee stirred from his sleep, feeling a small pain in his back that was keeping him from his slumber. As his eyes blinked open, he was greeted to an unusual sight: he wasn't in Sheriff Fox's jailhouse anymore, but in the middle of the desert. Confusion swept through his body as he sat up and surveyed his surroundings. It was nighttime, the landscape illuminated only by the light of the full moon that shone bright in a star-filled night sky.

In any other moment, Tennessee would have marveled at the beautiful scene he stood in, but he was too confused as to how he got there to acknowledge this beauty. Standing up, he began looking around for something, anything that might have indicated how he had gotten here.

"Hello?!" Tennessee called out, "Anybody out here?!"

He received no reply but the echo of his own voice. Panic began to fill Tennessee once he realized he was out in the middle of nowhere with no idea how close he was to the nearest town. As he kept looking around, his eyes fell on a lone figure standing several feet away from him on a rock with his back turned to Tennessee. The raccoon may not have known who the stranger was, but he was grateful to see he was no longer alone.

"Uhh...excuse me, sir…?" Tennessee asked approached the stranger. "Where exactly am-"

Tennessee froze in his place. His eyes grew in shock as soon as he got a good look at the stranger. As soon as he got closer, the stranger's identity was soon revealed to be none other than an old friend, one who had perished before he could be given the help he so desperately needed.

Sheriff Geroge Henderson.

The hound dog didn't move, not even to turn around to face the raccoon. Tennessee at first was alarmed that his deceased friend wasn't going to say or do anything, given how stiff he was. The deceased bloodhound was almost like a statue to the confused raccoon.

"...So, ya finally made it," the old bloodhound spoke up, slightly startling Tennessee. "And here I thought I'd be waitin' here fer an eternity. Not that I'd have the choice, of course."

Tennessee watched as the bloodhound finally turned his head to look up at him, a small smile appeared on his face.

"How've ya been, Kid?"

"...Is this the afterlife?" Tennessee asked. "This is the afterlife ain't it? Beaks decided ta poison me with that whiskey he gave me, and now I'm here."

An amused snort escaped Henderson. "Ya really think that little owl would have the balls ta finish ya off?"

Tennessee scratched the back of his head. "Well...it's always the one ya least suspect, ain't it?"

"You ain't dead, Tennessee," Henderson explained. "At least not yet anyway."

Tennessee blinked with confusion. "Okaaaayyy…" he then motioned around them. "Then where the hell are we, if not the afterlife?"

"In yer head," Henderson explained. "Or more specifically, yer dream."

"...What?"

"Listen," Henderson sighed. "I don't have time ta explain every damn thing to ya, Cooper. Just know that my little visit in yer noggin' has a reason. And I'm thinkin' there's somethin' ya'd like ta chat about"

Tennessee stared at the canine in confusion for a few seconds. Then his expression fell as he lowered his head in guilt.

"...I'm sorry, Sheriff Henderson," Tennessee began sadly. "I'm sorry I wasn't there ta help ya out against the Riders. I'm sorry I failed ta keep Hindus Valley safe. And furthermore...I'm sorry that I lied to ya. This whole mess is all my fault."

"Hmph," Henderson then got up from his rock and faced Tennessee, a serious look on his face. "I've met some whiners in my day, but Tennessee, this is just pathetic."

"What?"

"Listen," Henderson sighed. "I couldn't care less if ya kept the truth from me 'bout who ya really are. Ya stuck yer neck out for them folk back at Hindus Valley, and I couldn't be more grateful of all ya done. Tennessee, look at me…"

Tennessee flinched slightly, before nervously looking back up to face the old bloodhound.

"I don't blame ya fer anything. I chose ta put my own life on the line the minute I donned the badge, it was only a matter of time before my time came. Never ferget 'bout that. So, whatever guilt ya have over me, just brush it off yer shoulder and move on with yer life."

"That's easier said than done," Tennessee retorted. "I'm ta be hanged in the mornin'."

"Better late than never, then," Henderson sighed. "I don't want ya ta feel regret, Kid. Truth be told, I was...happy...when I was on the verge of death."

"H-How could ya-"

"I've lived a long life, Tennessee," Henderson explained. "Throughout my years wearin' the badge, I've protected, served, and downright risked my damn life fer that town. Sarah was right...I wasn't gettin' any younger or better, doin' things my own," Henderson snorted with amusement. "She was always the bold one, always sayin' what was on her mind, makin' sure it needed ta be said if no one else would have the balls ta say so themselves."

"Well, she's bold alright," Tennessee frowned. "She's the one hangin' me in the mornin'. We still don't even know what's goin' on with Weasen, and she's too focused on my execution ta even think about it."

"I know," Henderson sighed in aggravation. "I swear, that vixen can be so hard-headed that I sometimes wonder if she's half mountain goat."

"I don't know what ta do here! She's not gonna listen ta me when I have a noose around my neck, God knows Sheriff Fox won't believe a damn thing I say, and Beaks wouldn't be able ta talk some sense into those two, even if he wanted to! I'm doomed!"

"Hey, now," Henderson stepped forward and placed a hand on the raccoon's shoulder. "I've seen what you can do. You're Tennessee Kid Cooper, the craziest son of a bitch I've ever seen. I believe you can get out of this. If you can outrun Weasen and the Rancid Riders all at once, then you can sure as hell get out of this."

"But how can I get outta somethin' like this with nobody in my corner?"

"You'll think of somethin', Kid," he gave Tennessee a wink. "I know ya will. You've helped a lotta people lately, so don't start thinkin' they won't return the favor."

Tennessee took in the old bloodhound's words and placed a hand over his heart. While Henderson made a good point, that didn't mean that everything was valid. Even if someone were to try and rescue him, they'd have to face the wrath of not one, but two law-abiding foxes, and those two were dangerous together. The chances of any rescue seemed unlikely. However, Tennessee had to remind himself of one thing: he was a master thief, and if he truly was as crazy as Henderson claimed he was, then there was no other choice.

Tennessee had to find a way to escape by himself.

It was crazy - and incredibly difficult - but the raccoon now had the motivation to do so, thanks to his deceased friend. Tennessee looked back up at the bloodhound and nodded, a smile of gratitude on his face.

"Thank ya, Henderson. I really do miss workin' with ya."

"I missed workin' with ya too, Kid," Henderson smiled back. "Now, what are ya gonna do?"

"I don't know yet, but I'll think of somethin' soon. And hope ta god it gets through ta those foxes."

"Well, ya better hurry up, then…" Henderson frowned. "The moon won't stay in the sky forever."

Tennessee gave him a discomforting look before nodding. He then watched as Henderson began to turn around and walk away. Before the bloodhound could get out of his sight, Tennessee stepped forward, his voice hesitant to leave his mouth.

"H-Henderson?" he watched as the bloodhound stopped, his back still facing him. "Um...ya wouldn't happen ta know a...Carson Cooper in the afterlife, would ya?"

Henderson shook his head slightly and angled his head to where he was barely facing the raccoon behind him. "Can't say that I do. Why?"

"...He's my father."

"Ah," Henderson cleared is throat and fully turned around, offering Tennessee a smile. "If I ever run inta him...I'll be sure ta tell him 'bout all the good you've done."

Eyes watering with unshed tears, Tennessee gulped, "A-And if ya see him...tell him I did my best ta make him and our ancestors proud...and that I miss him every single day."

"I will," Henderson nodded. "Now if you'll excuse me, Lucy and Harvey Wilcox wanna know about the fella whose been lookin' after their boys. I'll make sure ta tell 'em how he's been like family to 'em since they met."

Tennessee smiled, wiping his face before nodding at the bloodhound. "Yeah, go on and do that, Henderson. Thank ya...fer everything."

"Take care, Tennessee Kid Cooper, and good luck."

And with a final smile and tip of his hat the spirit of Hindus Valley's old bloodhound sheriff turned and began walking away into the desert, leaving Tennessee alone.

---

Back in Hindus Valley, a certain weasel stood inside the mayor's office, watching as dawn began to draw near. His wicked grin never left his face, knowing fully well what today was. The doors to the office creaked just as Weasen reached into his shirt pocket to retrieve his watch, observing the time.

"Um...good morning, boss…" Gold-Tooth Tom gulped. "You're up awfully early."

"Today's the big day, Thomas," Weasen replied. "How could I possibly sleep at a when my moment of victory is close at hand?"

The armadillo gulped and approached his superior and looked out the window with him.

"This is it, Thomas," the weasel continued. "As soon as the sun has taken its place in the sky, Tennessee Kid Cooper will be no more. That cursed raccoon will finally be out of my life, and the final stage of my revenge will go uninterrupted."

"Y-You really think so?"

Weasen glanced down at Tom with a malicious look. "Of course I do. Now…" he looked back at the window, starting to notice the sun making its presence known. "Let the countdown begin."

XXXXXXXXXX

"...Strongtusk! Strongtusk, wake up!"

A groan escaped the indian's mouth as he began to stir, noticing Rudy grabbing onto his shoulders and shaking him. "W-What are you…?"

"We overslept!" Rudy exclaimed. "C'mon, we gotta hurry! The sun's risin'!"

Strongtusk's eyes popped open and quickly shot up. "Shit! Quick, Rudy, we must not waste anymore time!"

Rudy quickly followed Strongtusk's lead and got settled on Dash's back, following Strongtusk as they began to race the clock, hurtling through the desert.

"Hang on, Tennessee! We're comin'!" Rudy cried

XXXXXXXXXX

Tennessee's ear twitched as he heard the sound of his cell door being opened. He looked up from his spot in the corner to see Deputy Beaks and two of Sheriff Fox's men accompanying him. A knowing look was on the owl's face, making the raccoon's ears and shoulders drop.

"It's time." Beaks stated in a solemn voice.

XXXXXXXXXX

Rudy kicked Dash's sides, hoping the horse would go faster. He did the best he could to keep up with Strongtusk, making sure to follow his every move as they snaked their way through the desert.

XXXXXXXXXX

Tennessee let out a heavy sigh as he began to get cuffed by the law men that Beaks brought with him. The two stared at each other, completely unsure of what to say. Finally, after getting restrained, Tenenssee was shoved before being grabbed by the shoulders. Beaks said nothing as he turned around, now leading the trio outside of the cell.

XXXXXXXXXX

Strongtusk turned his head to make sure that Rudy was still following, and thanked the spirits that he was. A sigh escaped the indian as he turned around and kicked his horse's sides, trying to go faster.

XXXXXXXXXX

Tennessee said nothing as he was being escorted through the jail's halls and towards the main room, where more of Sheriff Fox's men stood guard. Upon their arrival, the doors to the jail's backyard were opened. The sun's piercing light blinded Tennessee for a moment before he managed to catch sight of what awaited him. Sheriff Fox and Warden Jones stood on top of a gallows, where a noose was being tied. Tennessee felt himself gulp before being shoved once more.

XXXXXXXXXX

Rudy looked up at the sky, noticing that the sun was rising higher. Anxiety filled the young jackrabbit as he quickly looked back at Strongtusk, who was now leading them towards an old coal mine.

"Faster, Dash, faster!" Rudy cried, kicking the horse's sides.

XXXXXXXXXX

Tennessee shakily began to walk up the platform's stairs, now coming face-to-face with Sheriff Fox and Warden Jones. A smirk appeared on the vixen's face as she watched the raccoon being lead to the center of the stage, where the noose was now being wrapped around his neck. She then turned to Sheriff Fox and gave him a nod.

Sheriff Fox nodded back and approached the end of the stage, clearing his throat for all his loyal men to hear.

XXXXXXXXXX

The sun was at its peak, and Strongtusk and Rudy just barely made it. They managed to reach the prison, noticing a large wooden fence at the back. A male's voice was soon heard, and Rudy was able to identify it as Sheriff Fox. Without wasting anymore time, the duo quickly got down from their horses and made way towards an opening in the fence, their eyes wide with shock to see that they were on the verge of being too late. Sheriff Fox stood on top of the gallows with Warden Jones on the opposite side, the lever to the trap door at arm's reach. She watched the vulpine with both hands of her hips, her fingers tapping them in anticipation of executing the male raccoon that stood dead center, now with a noose securely tied around his neck. Tenenssee didn't look sad, but he didn't look angry either. Instead, he stood there, as still and emotionless as a statue.

Sheriff Fox cleared his throat before speaking. "My fellow lawmen...and woman. Today is a day of celebration. For many years, I've been tryin' ta get ahold of his bastard, and now...I've finally got 'em! Thanks ta the lovely Warden Sarah Jones of Iron Rock…" he motioned he hand over towards the vixen, who blushed and fluttered her eyelashes at him. "...and a keen loyalist to our cause, Tennessee Kid Cooper has finally been put in his place. Now then, before we begin, I'd like ta say a few words…"

Rudy watched with horror. He quickly grabbed onto Strongtusk and shook his arm. "We gotta do somethin'!" he hissed in a low voice.

"I know!" Strongtusk hissed back. "But what can we do?! There are too many lawmen in there, to go in and demand Tennessee would be suicide!"

Suddenly, an idea came to the boy's mind. "I think I have an idea! It may be crazy, but it's crazy enough that it might work!"

Strongtusk eyed the boy for a moment before leaning in. "Very well, what is it?"

XXXXXXXXXX

"...Now then," Sheriff Fox looked back at Tennessee. "Anythin' ta declare? Any final words before we let ya go, Cooper?"

Tennessee didn't say a single word, making the vulpine sigh and shake his head. "Suit yerself. Been one hell of a ride, Cooper. Now, Sarah, if you'd like ta do the honors."

The grin on Warden Jones' lips expanded as she grabbed a hold of the lever and pulled it. Tennessee nearly gasped at the sudden feeling of the floor below his feet disappearing. At the moment, it felt like time had slowed down. Just as he was about to accept his fate, bracing himself for death to take him away, nothing came. Instead, the feeling of something - or rather someone - grabbing his feet from below and holding him up made the raccoon's eyes open. He glanced down and received perhaps the greatest surprise of his life when he saw who was standing below him while clutching his feet.

"Sorry, Cooper!" Rudy grinned up at him as he shook under the shocked raccoon's weight. "But the grim reaper's ain't gonna take ya today!"

"What the-RUDY?!" Warden Jones shouted in shock. She gritted her teeth and growled while unlatching her whip.

"A kid?!" Deputy Beaks exclaimed. "How'd he get in here?!"

"Wha-What do ya think yer doin'?!" Sheriff Fox shouted in anger at the child from above the stage. "GET OUTTA THERE!"

"Make me!"

"Very well, then…" Sheriff Fox looked at his men. "Don't just stand there, ya jackasses! Get the boy!"

Before anyone could make a move, a battle cry was heard, making everyone look to see Strongtusk leap down onto the stage and throw a tomahawk at Sheriff Fox's feet, making him instinctively back away. He growled and got out his gun, aiming to fire at the peccary. Strongtusk noticed this and quickly fled just as the vulpine began firing at him. Warden Jones leapt over Strongtusk and landed right next to Sheriff Fox. While dodging his bullets, Strongtusk sliced the rope, allowing Tennessee to fall freely below, leaving Rudy to help get him out of his restraints.

"Rudy! Strongtusk! Ya both came ta save me! I was thinkin' I was a goner till' you two showed up!" Tennessee grinned gratefully as Rudy cut away the ropes binding his arms with a knife Strongtusk gave him. Once they were off, the child embraced Tennessee in a bone-crushing hug, which Tennessee returned as Rudy looked at him with joyful, teary eyes.

"Of course we came ta save ya! I still owe ya fer savin' me, remember?" Rudy smiled before breaking the embrace. "Now come on! Let's get Strongtusk and split, we've got a valley ta save!"

Sheriff Fox gawked back and forth from the peccary and to what was going on below. Just as he was about to make a move as the raccoon and jackrabbit child pulled themselves out and began to flee, Warden Jones stepped forward.

"Take care of that damn indian! I'll deal with Cooper and the kid!"

"Deal with him how?! He's just a kid!"

"Shut up Beaks!" both foxes snapped at the protesting owl.

Sheriff Fox nodded, watching as the vixen leapt off the stage to chase after the duo. Soon, the entire jail yard was a battleground. Strongtusk was surprised by how well he managed to stand his ground. He noticed from the corner of his eye that Warden Jones was inches away from Rudy and Tennessee, making him quickly throw his tomahawk. Warden Jones flinched and leapt back as soon as the weapon flew pass her face, coming into contact with the wooden walls next to her. She screamed out of anger when she noticed the duo getting away. The vixen got out her gun and started firing at the peccary, who also managed to give her the slip.

"Pretty sneaky of ya hidin' under the gallows like that!" Tennessee complimented as he and Rudy kept running around the yard to avoid their pursuers. "So what's the plan now?!"

"Uh...I don't really know!" Rudy confessed sheepishly, making Tennessee gawk. "I guess I was so focused on the rescuin' you part that I didn't think we'd make it this far!"

"Well, let's hope yer just as a lucky rabbit as yer brother!" Tennessee half-joked, helping Rudy as they continued to slip past frantic lawmen, who were torn between going after them and dealing with Strongtusk.

Tennessee and Rudy were mere feet away from the yard's exit, until Rudy felt something wrap around his ankle, making him yelp as he was yanked from Tennessee. The male raccoon made a quick halt and turned to see the young jackrabbit in the arms of Warden Jones, two of Sheriff Fox's men flanking her.

"And where the hell do you boys think yer goin'?!" she growled.

"Let him go, Warden!" Tennessee barked. "He's just a kid!"

"A kid who interrupted a hangin' and almost assisted an outlaw in his escape!" she tossed Rudy to the two lawmen, who restrained him. "Hold onto him, boys! This outlaw's mine!"

Tennessee glared at the vixen, his fists clenching as he noticed her flinging her whip, ready to pounce. He may have been without his signature weapon, but Tennessee had always managed to hold his ground in hand-to-hand combat. If the warden of Iron Rock wanted to rough house with him, then that was exactly what she was going to get.

"Ya really wanna do this, huh…" Tennessee sneered. "Okay, Warden...ladies first!"

With a snarl, Warden Jones raised her arm and snapped her whip at Tennessee, which he was able to sidestep to avoid getting struck. When Warden Jones snapped her whip again, Tenenssee caught it by allowing the whip to wrap itself around his arm. The vixen's quick instincts acted, making her yank the raccoon towards her. Tennessee was dragged across the ground, looking up to see Warden Jones about to slam his face with her heel. Quickly, Tennessee dodged by rolling over and yanking the whip once he stood back up. The vixen was surprised by this move, herself tripping forwards slightly before Tennessee snaked around her, holding her close in a chokehold. Warden Jones let out a growl; she then grabbed the male raccoon and threw him over her head, causing him to crash into the wooden fence in front of them. Tennessee barely had time to dodge when he noticed Warden Jones snapping her whip at him again. He quickly rolled over and hid behind a wheel barrel.

"Had enough yet, Cooper?!"

"Just when things are gettin' interesin'? Not a chance in hell!"

Tennessee leaped over the wheel barrel and did a leap, followed by a roll before getting up and threw a punch at the vixen, who blocked. Warden Jones went in for a kick, getting Tennessee in his side, making him grunt in pain before spinning to perform a kick of his own, getting the vixen in the gut and causing her to fall back some. This gave the raccoon time to leap forward to pin her down. With another growl, Warden Jones kicked the male raccoon off of her and delivered another kick, this time getting him square in the head. Tennessee went into a daze, giving Warden Jones the chance to grab onto him while he was down on his knees.

"Ya know what, Cooper?" she sneered as he pulled out her gun. "A noose is too good fer ya. How's 'bout we put an end to ya the old fashioned way?"

"N-No!" Rudy cried, wiggling in the lawmen's grasps.

"Adios, 'Sheriff'!" Warden Jones hissed, the gun's barrel now touching the side of his head.

BANG!

The entire jail yard froze.

XXXXXXXXXX

A pleasing smile appeared on Weasen's face as he stared at the now fully-risen sun. A sigh of content escaped him as he placed his pocket watch back in his shirt pocket and grasped his cane.

"What a glorious morning, indeed," he sighed happily. "Goodnight, sweet prince. You shall not be missed. Now, Thomas," the armadillo stood straight. "Do please be a good lad and alert the Riders, along with my men? Now with Mister Cooper officially deceased, it is time to put the final stage of my plan into action. We are going to put on a show for Hindus Valley; one that they will never forget!"

Tom nodded, watching with unease as his boss exited the room. He looked out the window one last time, a gulp escaping him before quickly following the weasel.

XXXXXXXXXX

Everyone in the jail yard froze. Not a single word was spoken. Rudy's eyes were shut tightly, tears trickling down his face.

"That's enough!"

Rudy's eyes snapped open, looking over to see a steamed Sheriff Fox on the gallows, his gun pointed skywards as smoke emerged from the barrel. A gasp escaped the jackrabbit, hope filling his eyes as he quickly turned to see Tennessee still alive. Warden Jones herself even looked startled by the tod's sudden eruption. Strongtusk was now surrounded by a group of lawmen, their guns aimed at him, giving him no chance of escape. Sheriff Fox studied the crowd, a livid look on his face.

"The next person who moves gets a bullet through 'em!" he barked. "Now get those three together where I can see 'em! On the double!"

Not wanting to upset their leader, the posse members brought Rudy and Strongtusk over to where Tennessee was being held down and pushed them towards the raccoon. Warden Jones stepped away from Tennessee and let Strongtusk and Rudy help him as every lawman in the vicinity had their firearms pointed at them. And standing right in front of the trio was a seething angry Sheriff Fox, a displeased-looking Warden Jones, and an apprehensive Deputy Beaks who was not comfortable at all with the sight of firearms being pointed at a child.

"...Cooper, I gotta say, you've managed ta surprise me," Sheriff Fox began coldly. "It wasn't enough ya had ta mock the badge by impersonatin' a Sheriff at Hindus, now yer gettin' Indians and children ta do yer dirty work. I didn't think you could stoop this low, but boy did you prove me wrong."

"I couldn't agree more," Warden Jones added as she glared at the youngster. "I expected this kind of behavior from yer brother, Wilcox, but I didn't think ya'd get yerself wrapped up in this. I am extremely disappointed in you."

Rudy did not look afraid, or even ashamed, but bitter as he castes a glare towards the warden of Iron Rock. "Ya know what, Warden Jones? I feel the exact same way about you."

"Wait a minute, everyone just hold on a minute!"

All eyes turned towards Deputy Beaks, whose eyes were wide with fear and concern for the child who had interrupted the hanging.

"Look, I know that tensions are very high right now, but if we could all just take a deep breath and try ta figure out what's goin' on here, there'll be no need for any bloodshed!"

He paused once he got a better look at Rudy, his eyes narrowing in confusion.

"Say…this kid's face looks familiar. Ain't you one of them folks from Hindus Valley we ran into when we came fer Kid Cooper?"

"As I also remember, yer the one who called us all idiots as we were takin' him back here ta Cottonmouth," Sheriff Fox scowled at the boy, who glared back defiantly. "Least we ain't the ones gettin' themselves neck-deep in trouble by interruptin' an execution. I got half a mind ta throw you and that piggy friend of yers in the slammer fer obstruction of justice."

"Half a mind?" Rudy snapped. "I figured ya only have half a mind, because someone with a full mind wouldn't just haul off our ace in the hole without leavin' behind someone ta look after our valley!"

"Shut up, ya bucktoothed brat!" Sheriff Fox demanded. "I don't know what the hell made you and that indian think tryin' ta save Cooper's miserable skin was a good idea, but I don't give a damn. As soon as Cooper's got a bullet in his brain, we're throwin' that porker in the slammer and takin' you home!"

"...Home?" Whispered Rudy in disbelief. His expression then turned livid. "Home?! WHAT HOME?! I don't have a home after all that's happened!"

"What do you mean after all that's happened?" Deputy Beaks asked in concern as he glanced towards Warden Jones. "Warden, what's he talkin' about?"

Deciding to ignore the owl, Warden Jones approached the young jackrabbit and knelt to his level. "Rudy…" she said in a firm voice, placing a hand on the child's shoulder and continued, "Ya do still have a home. Hindus Valley's still safe. I had some of my men stay over there ta keep an eye on the place. They were ordered ta report ta me if anything was wrong, and I received no word from them since I left. Everything is perfectly okay."

To her disbelief, Rudy slapped her hand away and pushed her so hard that she fell onto her backside, gaping as the jackrabbit glared at her.

"Perfectly okay?! Is that some kind of joke?! You left us completely unprotected once you and these pinheads came and took away our last line of defense, I haven't seen anyone who looks like they've come from Iron Rock, and now Weasen and the Riders have made the valley into their own playground fer outlaws! My home has completely gone to the dogs AND IT'S ALL YOUR FAULT!"

Deputy Beaks helped the vixen back on her feet, who looked taken back from the child's outburst and gave the child a questionable look.

"What are ya talkin' 'bout, son? Who's this Weasen fella? Who are the Riders? Warden…" he looks back at her. "What's he goin' on about?"

Tennessee's ears stood erect at the mention of those names. His eyes widened as he quickly glanced at Rudy.

"D-Did ya say what I think ya just said…?!"

"Will someone tell me what the hell is goin' on here?!" Sheriff Fox barked, clearly irritated about being left in the dark.

"What's goin' on is that a lunatic weasel magician's gathered up the most heinous army of crooks the West has ever seen and used them ta take over my home! And it happened only hours after you all took Tennessee away where he couldn't protect us! Because of all of you takin' away our last means of protection, I'm gonna lose my home, all my friends, and the only relative I have left in this world!"

Sheriff Fox stared at the child for a moment before turning at Warden Jones. "Is what he sayin' true, Sarah?"

"...Yes," she sighed. "It's a long story, but he 'bout summed it up. Some weasel pullin' magic tricks had devised a plan ta takeover their valley as part of some petty revenge. We all believed he was gone, lickin' his wounds after our last confrontation with him."

"And ya didn't think ta tell us 'bout this sooner?!" Deputy Beaks demanded. "Warden…"

"Quiet," Sheriff Fox barked at the owl before turning back at the vixen. "Okay...Sarah...I would like ta know more 'bout this guy. If what this kid says is true, then maybe I could help. What's he look like?"

Warden Jones scoffed, her eyes rolled at the very thought of the weasel. "Tall, slim, yellowish fur, twirlin' mustache…"

"Did he dress well-mannered?" Sheriff Fox asked, the description sounding familiar.

"...Yes."

There was a dead silence before the vulpine let out a heavy sigh. Everyone watched as he walked towards the side of the jailhouse, just standing there. Before they all knew it, he was throwing a tantrum.

"WHY THAT NO GOOD, LYIN', SNEAKY SON OF A BITCH!" he roared.

"Wait...have you met Weasen before?" Strongtusk inquired.

Sheriff Fox turned around and snapped his head towards the indian. "Met him?! He was my source on Cooper's whereabouts!"

"...He must've figured out I'm a wanted man here!" Tennessee realized. "He sold me out ta ya cuz he knew if ya took me away, Hindus Valley would be defenseless and easy ta take over!"

"Pinheads, the lot of ya!" Rudy exclaimed. "Now do ya see why we came all this way ta stop this execution?!"

"Kid...I...we...how could…" Beaks stammered horrified that they had condemned an entire valley of innocents just to get at one criminal. "We had no idea that-."

"Don't." Rudy hissed icily. "Don't even waste yer breath tellin' me yer sorry about this when ya don't even mean it."

He then sent a hateful glare towards the vixen and fox who had let Weasen ruin the lives of everyone in his home. "And don't you two act like yer worried about the folks Weasen's put in danger at Hindus Valley, 'specially you Warden. After what you've done, I can see now that ya never gave a damn about my home and ya never will."

Insulted, Warden Jones stomped over to glare at the child badmouthing her. "What the hell, Wilcox?! Of course I give a damn about Hindus Valley and the people in it! Why else would I've stuck around the place after my convoy got slaughtered?! Fer a vacation?! You know damn well Henderson and Tennessee couldn't have kept everyone safe on their own and I stayed there outta the goodness of my heart and worry fer the people Weasen and Ted were gonna put at risk!"

"Like you care!" Rudy snapped. "You think I didn't see how excited you and yer boyfriend looked at bein' ready ta hang Tennessee?! As if justice had anything ta do with this!"

"What are you…?" Warden Jones began, trying not to blush at what Rudy had referred to Sheriff Fox as.

"Why don't ya just come out and say it Warden?! You and yer ego just couldn't stand the fact that you had no idea Tennessee was an outlaw until after you two and my brother went out ta get back the Blood Diamond!"

"An outlaw who lied and disgraced the badge!" Warden Jones snapped. "I know it's hard ta understand, with you still bein' a kid and all, but what Tennessee's done...that's somethin' that needs ta be paid for!"

"Disgraced how?! By swearin' ta keep the people of my home safe after Sheriff Henderson was killed? By goin' out of his way ta get back what Weasen stole from us even when he coulda stolen it fer himself and went home? Tennessee Kid Cooper has done nothin' but good ever since he came into our valley, but yer stupid pride couldn't handle the fact that ya couldn't tell what he really was from the get go and you decided that it was worth screwin' over the entirety of Hindus Valley ta make yerself feel better! Tennessee ain't the problem here, Jones! The problem's that yer lettin' yer pride keep ya from seein' the bigger picture here just like Weasen is! If only Sheriff Henderson could see what yer doin' now!"

Warden Jones stood there and stared down at the jackrabbit. Never in her life had she been told off by anyone other than George Henderson. Now here she stood, getting chewed out by a child.

"...Warden Jones…?"

The vixen didn't say anything, nor did she move. She stood there with a sour look on her face. Tennessee let out a heavy sigh before continuing.

"I...I know what I did was...well, wrong. Yer right...I did keep the truth 'bout who I really was from ya, where I came from. But the truth of the matter is...I cared. I cared enough ta stay and try ta make things right. Truth be told, I was gettin' a little exhausted, runnin' from Johnny Law all the time. That was the main reason why I left in the first place. Seein' how I was able to put smiles on everyone's faces rather than frowns...it made me, well, happy. I was able to make friends, enjoy myself, and most of all...live life. When George gave me that badge, I...I felt born anew. Workin' by yer side was an honor, Sarah, and knowin' that I've hurt ya...it makes me sad. Not only you, but everyone: Percy, Miss Benson, the children, Strongtusk, Rudy, but most importantly...Jessica. I would never be able ta forgive myself fer lettin' my friends - my loved ones - ta die because of me and my ways. Please, Warden...ya don't have ta forgive me, but at least help me make things right. After that, I'll willingly go with ya. I just want Jessica and the others safe. I want Hindus Valley safe. Please…"

Warden Jones let out a sigh and turned around to look at the male raccoon.

"Yer pathetic, Cooper," she claimed. "However...yer right. All of ya are, and fer that...I'm sorry."

Rudy's eyes lit up. "Y-Ya mean…?"

"I may not like what ya had ta do ta accomplish it, kid," Warden Jones turned back at Rudy with a resolute look. "But you've made yer point. I've been lettin' my damn pride keep me from seein' the bigger picture here and now people's lives are at risk because of it."

Sheriff Fox stared in disbelief at the vixen. "Ya can't be serious, Sarah! Cooper's finally gettin' what's comin' ta him, and we're just gonna let him go?!"

"Ta hell with the execution."

Sheriff Fox spun his head to look at Deputy Beaks, wearing a stern frown directed at his superior.

"Beaks…"

"No Sheriff, not this time," Beaks snapped. "When I took this job, it wasn't just ta help ya keep crooks from runnin' around ta do as they please, it was ta make sure no harm would come ta the innocent folk that got caught in the crossfire. Thanks ta yer damn obsession with catchin' Tennessee, we've screwed over an entire town of innocents, and I'll be damned if I just sit by and see 'em get hurt by those bastards!"

"But...but we're so close! We literally had Cooper in a noose and now ya just wanna let him go free again?!"

"Not entirely," Warden Jones replied. "I may not like it as much as you do, John, but Cooper's our best bet into apprehendin' Weasen and the Rancid Riders. Besides, if true to his word, then he will follow us when we're finished...right?"

Tennessee nodded while being pulled up from the ground. "I'm a man of my word, Sarah."

All eyes were back on Sheriff Fox, glaring in frustration at everyone that was disagreeing with him. After what seemed like an eternity, he let out a resigned groan.

"...Fine. I'll suck it up and help ya'll deal with this Weasen...fer now."

The vixen hummed in approval as she approached him before letting loose of his restraints. "Okay, Cooper, I'll trust ya one last time. Now...what's the plan?"

"Weasen's got a whole army of goons and the remainin' Rancid Riders on his side. We barely fought 'em off with five of us. If we're gonna give him what's comin' ta him, then we'll need more men and firepower."

"Well, we got me and my men."

Tennessee gave Sheriff Fox a sly grin. "Aww, John, ya shouldn't have…"

"Shut up, Cooper! I'm only doin' this fer the warden, not because I like ya!"

"And fer the innocent people of Hindus Valley?" Deputy Beaks asked expectantly.

The tod's face reddened in frustration. "Yes, them too!"

Tennessee let out a snicker, which earned another glare from the vulpine before looking over at Strongtusk. "We're gonna need more than a bunch of lawmen. Strongtusk, ya think ya can convince some of yer tribe members ta lend a helpin' hand?"

"There are still warriors among my village...warriors who seek revenge against Blood Red Ted for what he and his allies have done to our home. I imagine they will be willing to assist us."

Tennessee nodded. "Excellent! Sarah…" he turned to the vixen. "Exactly how many Iron Rock guards do ya have who'll kill fer the chance ta go toe-to-toe with the Riders?"

"That depends...how many do ya reckon we need?"

"As many as possible!" Tennessee grinned.

"Now, hold on," Beaks spoke up. "Surely there's more to this than roundin' up a bunch of lawmen and indians then charge right at 'em!"

"He's right…" Sheriff Fox sighed. "Ya got a plan, Cooper?"

Tennessee's ever-so-sly grin never left his face. "Oh, I can think of a few things…"

---

The door to the archive room creaked as it opened, alerting the raccoons and jackrabbits who were trapped inside. Quickshot Vince stood from the other side of the door, accompanied by a few of Weasen's rat and horned lizard guards. He eyed the room until he caught sight of Jessica and Mayor Evans and pointed at them.

"You two are comin' with us," he informed, the guards making their way to collect them. "Boss wants ya fer his openin' act."

"O-opening act?" Jessica gulped fearfully as her father held her close.

"Yeah, and it's a killer!" Vince let out a laugh. He stepped aside while the father and daughter were escorted out of the room. He gave Percy and Stacy one last look, a sneer on his face.

"Don't fret now, cottontails. I'll be back fer y'all later."

Stacy flinched as soon as the door was shut, the footsteps of the Rancid Rider fading away. She turned to Percy and grabbed onto his arm.

"What are they gonna do ta them?! What did he mean by 'openin' act'?! Where's Rudy?!"

"I dunno," Percy told her solemnly as he wrapped an arm around her. "Wherever he is, we've gotta pray that he's managed ta talk those damn foxes outta executin' Tennessee...somehow."

XXXXXXXXXX

The sun's piercing light blinded Jessica and Mayor Evans as they stepped out of town hall. After a few seconds of regaining their sight, the two raccoons were able to see what had become of their beloved home. All the townsfolk were being herded like sheep towards the town square, and at the end of the town hall's stairs was a stage that looked to have been recently built. The sounds of screaming and commands from the guards filled the air, making Jessica shiver from fear. She felt her father's hand grasping hers in order to try and comfort her. Jessica did the same, but that could only do so little in order to simmer her nerves.

"Up on stage, Evans!" hissed a guard.

The raccoons were then dragged onto the stage and shoved at the near center. They looked around, now getting a clear glimpse of Hindus Valley's citizens. Seeing what has become of them brought fresh tears to Jessica's eyes. Never in her life would she experience Hell all over again. But here she was, and it seemed almost as bad - if not worse - than the last time, when she was only a little girl.

"LADIES AND GENTLEMEN!" boomed a familiar voice. "Step right up for the main event! The once in a lifetime show! The end to all your miseries! Step right up for the one, the amazing, the spectacular master of illusion…" a puff of red smoke appeared on stage, revealing Weasen dead center with Gold Tooth Tom by his side. "ME!"

With teary eyes, Tom wheezed and coughed to get the smoke out of his lungs and used a handkerchief to wipe his eyes dry. "I swear I'm going to get tuberculosis from breathing this smoke…" he muttered in discomfort.

Ignoring the armadillo's complaint, Weasen flipped his cape and stood straight and tall, his cane balancing him. "People of Hindus Valley, welcome one and all to my main event! To be quite frank, I cannot express how much I appreciate you all for being here! But alas, I cannot take all the credit…" he motioned to both sides of the stage, where each member of the Rancid Riders stood. "A big round of applause to the Rancid Riders, for their devious and clever characteristics! Without their help, I don't believe this little gathering could be possible!"

The audience stood timidly until they were threatened by the armed guards, making them clap frantically.

"Thank ya, thank ya, yer all too kind." Ted grinned as he bowed and removed his hat from his head. "Gotta say, I had my doubts Mister Wilson here could live up ta the promises he made when he hired us fer this job of his, but now I'm happy ta know he proved me wrong!"

"Now, now!" Weasen wagged his finger back and forth as if he were lecturing him. "I don't believe I deserve all the credit! To my assistant, Thomas…" he patted the armadillo's head, making him stiff. "For actually succeeding in the breakout of Blood-Red Ted and earning the trust of the Rancid Riders! Without you, my dear armadillo, they wouldn't be alongside me, helping me to take back what is mine! We all have you to thank, Thomas! Another round of applause!"

The audience was urged to clap again, only this time there were more than a few dirty glares directed at the armadillo who grinned nervously as his eyes darted back and forth.

"Just one thing I need to add, boss," Lou spoke up as he looked at the armadillo. Tom immediately broke out in cold sweat assuming the worst.

"...the little bastard surprised us pretty good with that cake he made. I don't know whether to shoot him for holdin' out on us with his bakin' skills or kiss him for the cake he made us to celebrate last night."

Weasen hummed and nodded in reply. "That truly was glorious surprise! And Thomas, what a delight you are for remembering my favorite flavor: lemon!"

"I-I aim to please sir!" Tom grinned. "It would've been a crime for me not to have made something to for us celebrate the pinnacle of your career over!"

"You're too kind. For Thomas, everyone!"

Another round of applause was forced. After a while, Weasen hushed the audience and leaned forward, his delightful demeanor now replaced with someone far more twisted and hateful.

"Ladies and gentlemen...while it is true that I have my associates to thank for this day, my deepest and most heartfelt thanks must go to the ones who are the most responsible…" he then stood back up straight and turned pointed at the two raccoons with his cane. "To Mayor Bill Evans and his lovely daughter, Jessica Evans, for bringing us all here today! After all, if it hadn't been for them, I wouldn't even be here!"

While the audience began chatting amongst themselves, Weasen approached the two raccoons. His eyes landed on Mayor Evans, a scolding look appeared on his face.

"Do it."

Mayor Evans blinked. "W-What do y-"

"The papers that you've signed," Weasen explained. "I now own this whole valley, remember? I want you to publicly address the situation at hand. Tell them all who their new leader is. Then, afterwards...tell them the truth about your family and who you Evans really are: traitors, liars, murderers...thieves!"

"A-And if I don't?" Mayor Evans gulped.

As if on cue, Quickshot Vince pushed his gun's barrel onto Jessica's side, causing her to gasp. She and her father exchanged glances; her face showed plea, begging for this nightmare to end.

"Now," warned Weasen.

Mayor Evans let out a heavy sigh, completely defeated by Weasen and his methods from Hell. A nod was returned as a reply, causing the weasel to grin with victory. Turning around, he grabbed Mayor Evans by the arm and led him towards the center of the stage. The crowd was soon silenced upon witnessing the action, curious as to what their captor plans to do with their beloved mayor.

"People of Hindus Valley…" Mayor Evans spoke, his expression grim. "I'm afraid that I haven't been...entirely honest with y'all. The truth of the matter is...my ancestors never found this here valley. It's true origins lie within Weasen's family tree."

The crowd soon broke out into murmurs; some of confusion, while others were of anger and sadness.

"Which is why," Mayor Evans continued over the crowd. "I, William Evans, hereby step down of my political status immediately, for I have granted Charles 'Weasen' Wilson his rightful place as this valley's leader. As of this very moment, Mister Wilson is the mayor of Hindus Valley."

"Thank you kindly, Bill!" Weasen clapped, urdging the audience to clap along.

Weasen looked over towards Quickshot Vince and nodded, to which he replied by forcibly leading Jessica towards the center of the stage, right next to her father. The crowd then screamed and gasped in shock as soon as two of Weasen's horned lizard goons approached the father and daughter from behind and restrained their hands with rope before shoving them on the ground, making them sit on their knees.

"Now, then," Weasen waved Quickshot Vince away, back to his original spot, before stopping right behind the sitting duo in front of him. "As my first order as mayor, I hereby cleanse this godless valley of the Evans dynasty. As of this very moment, Bill and Jessica Evans are sentenced to death!"

Screams of horror erupted from the crowd, Jessica began to tremble and cry, and her father paled, his heart racing as his face began to sweat.

"And furthermore!" Weasen shouted, his armed men attempting to silence the ongoing crowd. "Let this be a lesson to all who dare to provoke me! Let this be a lesson to all who dare to get in my way! With their deaths, my revenge shall be complete, and you, Hindus Valley, shall watch my show until before endearing a fate worse than theirs! Today, my legacy begins, and it starts with the death of Bill and Jessica Evans!"

Jessica and her father exchanged scarred glances as Weasen drew out his gun. The audience was soon silenced by the guards, threatened with bullets to their own heads if they were to make a scene. Weasen leaned in between the two and stated, "Farewell."

Jessica closed her eyes, her breath barely keeping up with her as she began choking on her own sobs. Bill followed his daughter's lead and closed his own eyes, internally praying while bracing himself for the bullet to shoot through him.

CLICK

Jessica let out a sobbing gasp when she felt the gun's cold barrel coming into contact with the back of her head. This was it.

BANG

Confusion filled the air. A gun fire went off, but Jessica was still alive. She continued to sob, however she did begin to slowly opened her eyes. Weasen lifted an eyebrow and drew back his gun, looking around to see if he could detect any dead persons. He didn't pull the trigger yet, but there was still a gunfire. No dead body was seen; even his guards the Rancid Riders were bewildered by the mysterious source of gun fire.

"Who was that?" Quickshot Vince questioned.

After a few more seconds of silence and still no answer, Weasen decided to leave it be and prepared for his kill once more. As soon as his gun's barrel retouched Jessica's head, she let out another gasp of fear.

"Umm...b-boss…?"

"What?" Weasen snapped, his finger gently laying on the trigger as he turned his head at Gold-Tooth Tom.

The armadillo with a horrified expression raised a shaking hand and pointed at the other side of the stage. Weasen looked to his left to see one of his horned lizard henchmen oozing blood from his stomach. He coughed up some more blood from his mouth before collapsing onto his back, alarming the audience and Eight-Eyed Enrique and Iron-Horn Lou, who were right next to the goon. Weasen's eyes widen, his teeth clenched together as he retreated his gun from Jessica's head. He began to look around him, searching for signs of an attacker.

"Find whoever made that shot! Whoever it is, they'll pay dearly for interrupting this ceremony!"

"No need fer that, ya skinny bastard."

Everyone's attention was drawn towards the source of the voice, a lone figure who stood several feet away from the stage with a smoking pistol in his hand. Nobody could identify who he was, as he was clad in a poncho and a sombrero tilted down to obscure his face.

Lowering his arm carrying the pistol, the figure slowly and silently made his way towards the stage, his spurs clinking as he walked until he reached the top of the stairs and was on the edge of the stage.

"Listen jackass, I don't know where the fuck you got the balls ta do that just now, but you'd best get back in line before we try ta see how many bullets we can put in ya!" Snarled Ted threateningly, his gun pointed at the figure just as every other guard was.

The mysterious loner seemed unphased by the coyote's threat, which confused the psychotic outlaw. Instead of showing signs of backing away, the figure let out a chuckle and replied, "Well that ain't too friendly, ain't it Ted?"

Everyone present went as silent at the grave at what they just heard, for it was the voice of someone they thought, and in some cases hoped, they would never see again.

"No...it can't be…" Ted muttered in shock.

"Oh, but it can, and it is," the figure chuckled before lifting the brim of his hat to expose his smugly smirking face.

"Ya miss me, Teddy Bear?" Tennessee joked at the stunned coyote.

Shaking off his shock, Weasen let out a growl as his gripped his cane. "YOU!" he bellowed, followed by firing a strain of lighting at the raccoon. Thanks to his fast reflexes,Tennessee was able to dodge and perform a backflip away from the stage, the audience making room as they scurried away.

"HOW MANY TIMES DO I HAVE TO KILL THE SAME FUCKIN' RACCOON?!"

"Tennessee…" Whispered Jessica in astonishment at the sight of her thought-to-be-dead love alive and well before her. "Yer alive."

Her shock slowly blossomed into joy as a look of utter glee came to her face, her heart soaring with a newfound hope.

"THANK GOD ALMIGHTY, YER ALIVE!" Jessica shrieked in delight.

"'Course I'm alright," Tennessee assured while removing his disguise. "It's me, remember? Now, then…" his eyes moved back onto Weasen. "I've got a weasel ta deal with."

"Oh, do you now?"

Tennessee nodded. "That I do! Gotta say, I tip my hat ta ya, Weasen. Lettin' ol' Johnny Law in on where I've been was a neat trick, but I think you've underestimated me. We Coopers always find a way out."

"And what about now?" Weasen challenged. "Look around you, Cooper...you're surrounded! You're all alone, and got nowhere to run! You may be right about my mistake in underestimating you, but now that you're here, I'll see to it that mistake won't be made once more!"

Tennessee smirked. "Think again…" he whistled, "NOW, RUDY!"

Everyone on stage turned to their right to see the young jackrabbit peak from the corner of a building. He waved at everyone with a sly grin before revealing a horn and blowing into it, signaling a battle cry. Soon enough, lawmen and indians leaped out from their hiding places, alerting everyone in the area.

"CHARGE!" Tennessee bellowed.

All hell broke loose.

Everyone in Weasen's captive audience screamed as they all began to scatter in order to avoid getting mixed up into the violence. Indians and lawmen leapt into action and started the attack on the outlaws on stage. The Rancid Riders took cover and choose their shots wisely, Weasen's goons began to scatter in order to try and hit their targets, but to no avail. Gold-Tooth Tom quivered before curling himself back into a ball and rolling away, bouncing off stage and towards a safe location.

Weasen snarled at his lackey and barked, "COME BACK HERE, YOU COWARD!"

Just then, a bullet zipped past the weasel's ear, making him flinch as he turned around to see a livid Sheriff Fox glaring at him. "Weasen, yer under arrest!" he barked.

"Another time, perhaps?" Weasen suggested before disappearing into a cloud of red smoke.

"Where the hell'd he go?!" Sheriff Fox exclaimed, taking cover from behind Mayor Evans' statue.

"I believe we have more important things ta worry 'bout!" Warden Jones suggested while joining his side, firing a bullet at a rat goon trying to sneak his way towards them.

"She's right!" Tennessee hollered over the gun fire, holding his ground. "We've got them Rancid Riders ta worry 'bout! But first…"

Tennessee wasted no time to sprint towards the stage and leapt over a couple of Weasen's horned lizard and rat goons. After landing in front of a quivering Jessica and Bill Evans, Tennessee quickly turned around and used his crackshot technique to put an end to the goons before helping the father and daughter onto their feet, leading them to a safe location near the jailhouse.

"Tennessee!" Jessica exclaimed, latching herself onto him. "I thought I'd never see ya again!"

"Shh, it's okay, I'm here now…" Tennessee murmured, hugging her back. He then let go and looked at Bill. "Mister Mayor, I need ya ta get Jessica underneath this building. I'm sure yer aware of the trap door leadin' to them cells below. Stay down there until one of us gets ya. Understand?"

Bill nodded. "Of course, but what 'bout you?"

"I'm gonna teach them Rancid Riders and that good for nothin' weasel what happens when ya try ta put Kid Cooper to his grave. No one messes with me or the ones I love and gets away with it."

Jessica stood up on her toes and placed a kiss upon his cheek. "Thank ya, Tennessee. Good luck…" she then turns around to join her father, before stopping. A gasp escaped her mouth before turning to face her beloved one last time. "Oh! I almost forgot! Percy and Stacy are still locked up in the archives below town hall! Ya gotta get 'em outta there!"

"I will, I promise!" Tennessee assured. "Now go!"

Jessica and Bill watched as Tennessee exited the jailhouse before turning to head towards the trap door.

---

The walls and ceiling began to shake violently as Percy and Stacy took refuge near the back corner of the room, clinging onto each other as if the building were to collapse on top of them at any moment. The door to the archive room soon opened, revealing Tennessee and Rudy. The jackrabbit couple's eyes went wide, their horrified expressions soon replaced with relief as they both got up.

"Tennessee! Rudy! Yer both okay!" Stacy exclaimed happily, welcoming Rudy with a hug as the younger jackrabbit ran towards them.

"What's goin' on out there?!" Percy shrieked.

Tennessee joined them inside the room adjusted his hat. "Got a showdown between them outlaws and what firepower I could come up with. Sheriff Fox, Warden Jones, and Strongtusk were more than happy to oblige."

Percy lifted an eyebrow. "Warden Jones...actually helped?"

"Mhm, and she's holding out pretty good! But enough talking; we need ta get you guys outta here before-"

CLICK

The foursome turned to see Iron Horn Lou standing at the archive's entrance, a sour expression on his face.

"Yer in trouble now, Cooper…" he sneered. "Gotta say, I'm disappointed ya didn't get hung. But at the very least, I get ta put an end to ya myself! It'll make the boss so pleased!"

Tennessee and Percy shielded Stacy and Rudy as they began walking backwards, soon hitting the wall behind them. Just as the Rancid Rider member was entering the room, guns in hand and ready to begin his massacre, a heavy force struck his back and sent him crashing onto the floor. Strongtusk stood a few feet behind him, surprising the others.

"Strongtusk!" Percy exclaimed.

"Go, now!" Strongtusk instructed. "I will deal with him!"

Without arguing, the foursome fled the room at an incredible pace. Iron-Horn Lou groaned as he got up and turned to see his attacker. His eyes narrowed as he let out an irritated huff.

"You again?"

"Yes, me again…" Strongtusk growled. "I will not let you harm anyone else!"

Iron-Horn Lou let out a laugh. "Oh, will ya now? Hasn't anyone ever told ya that if ya mess with the bull, ya get the horns? Slammin' inta me like that...you just signed yer death warrant. No one messes with the bull and lives ta tell the tale!"

Strongtusk clenched his fists. "And no one messes with me and my loved ones! I haven't forgotten about my family! What you did...my wife, my child...my tribe! You took everyone I ever cared for away from me, and as the spirits as my witness, I will make you pay!"

"Well, then…" Iron-Horn Lou challenged. "Prepare to join them!"

Pawing the ground with his foot, Lou lowered his head and charged horns-first at Strongtusk, planning on impaling him against the wall. Fortunately, the pecarry was able to dodge at the last second before Lou collided with a bookshelf, knocking its contents down and skewering some of the books on his horns.

Taking advantage of his foe's dazed state, Strongtusk brandished his war club and tomahawk and began whacking the bovine as hard as he could. However, his enemy didn't stay dazed forever. Regaining his balance and composure, Iron-Horn Lou swung his arm, causing Strongtusk to fly across the room and collide against the wall.

The bull began to charge after the peccary, causing the two to crash through the wall and into the hallway. Iron-Horn Lou let in a few punches before throwing Strongtusk down the hall before charging at him again. Strongtusk was faster this time, being able to dodge roll before making his way up the stairs, shutting the door from behind. Just then, the doors behind him burst opened, and Strongtusk went flying across town hall's main lobby.

"Where do ya think yer goin', piggy?!"

Strongtusk glared at his attacker and grabbed a nearby vase before hurling it at the bull, causing it to collide against his head. While dazed, Strongtusk sprinted towards him and jumped into the air, kicking him in the face before landing back onto the ground to run past Lou.

The bull groaned as he shook off his daze, his vison still blurry. However, before he could regain himself, A large and heavy book from one of the lobby's shelves collided with his face, causing him to scream. Once sitting up, Iron-Horn Lou caught his target sprinting up the stairs.

"YOU'LL PAY FER THAT!"

Strongtusk began to sweat as he frantically ran down the second floor hallway, hearing Iron-Horn Lou's heavy footsteps close behind him. Eventually, the Rancid Rider caught up to him, grabbing and picking him up before slamming him onto the ground before kicking him across the hall, flying through the wall next to them.

Strongtusk groaned as he quickly got up, noticing that they were now in the mayor's office. Iron-Horn Lou let out a roar as he charged through the wall and towards the pecarrey. Quickly, Strongtusk raised his arms and caught Lou's hooves in own, and the bull and pecarrey started pushing against each other with all their might.

"Have you had enough?!" Strongtusk challenged.

"I've barely even started!" Lou roared, bringing in more of his strength. Strongtusk gasped as his legs began to bend, causing him to quiver as he lowered slowly.

Lou noticed this and grinned. "Say hello to yer tribe fer me…"

"N-No…" Strongtusk struggled, being risky enough to use one of his hands to reach for his tomahawk. "Say hello to your fallen brothers for me!"

Strongtusk let himself go limp as Lou was flipped over onto his back, leaving him dazed enough for Strontusk to raise his tomahawk and bring it down onto the bovine's head.

WHACK

Iron-Horn Lou screamed in agony as Strongtusk's tomahawk collided right into his scalp, between his eyes. His vision began to blind as blood poured down his face. Strongtusk backed away, crashing against the back wall as he watched his opponent frantically crashing into objects around the room, like the desk and bookcases. Eventually, the bull's vision was completely gone, and while flailing backwards, Iron-Horn Lou tripped over the sofa that was in front of the large glass window and fell through it, shattering the glass and falling to his death below.

Strongtusk sat there, catching his breath as he sighed in relief. Eventually, he made his way towards where the bovine fell, peeking his head through the body-shaped hole to see Iron-Horn Lou's lifeless form laying on the ground in a puddle of his own blood.

"May you enjoy eternity in the fiery pit with your brothers, horned one. You will not be missed in this life," Strongtusk muttered coldly at the corpse below. He then turned and left to rejoin the battle, ready to give Lou's comrades the same fate as their bovine accomplice.

---

Tennessee and Percy dragged Stacy and Rudy as they ran out of the town hall, avoiding gunfire and finding places to take cover in hopes of getting any of Weasen's goons off their backs. Just as they were reaching the town square, they caught sight of Sheriff Fox, who from the looks of it, was managing to hold out his own. Deputy Beaks and some of their own troops were spread out, making room for Tennessee to help lead his friends through the battle.

"Cooper! There ya are!" Sheriff Fox grunted as he grabbed a rat goon before slamming him onto the ground. "Thought we'd lost ya!"

"Nah, just had to help some friends," Tennessee assured. He scanned the area. "Where's Warden Jones?"

"She went after some guy called Blood-Red Ted," Beaks explained. "Said she wasn't gonna let him get away from her again, and that he was gonna pay fer what he's done."

Tennessee nodded before turning towards the trio behind him. "Jessica and Mayor Evans are at the jailhouse. We better get y'all there safely before-"

"I'm stayin' ta fight too!" Percy declared.

Tennessee shook his head. "No, Percy, ya need ta-"

"What I need ta do is stick around ta help my best friend take these assholes down and take back our home!" Percy snapped. "I've spent too much time livin' in fear of the Rancid Riders and I'll be damned if I'm told ta just sit on the sidelines and do nothin' ta get 'em outta here!"

Just as Tennessee was about to open his mouth the argue, an explosion caught them off guard. They all turned to their left to see a thick cloud of smoke rising from the edge of town.

"What was that?!"

Sheriff Fox's eyes widen. "Sarah's over there! Cooper, get yer friends to the jailhouse! I'm gonna check it out!"

As soon as the vulpine was out of sight, a bullet hit the ground near Stacy, making her shriek and jump into Percy's arms. The rest of the group turned to see Quickshot Vince standing on top of the saloon, a grin appearing on his face.

"That was just a warnin' shot!" he hollered. "Next one won't be so fergivin'!"

Tennessee turned to Percy. "Get Stacy and Rudy to the jailhouse. I'm the best shot; I'll take care of this son of a bitch."

Percy nodded and led his girlfriend and brother away while Tennessee stood his ground against Vince, his own pistol brandished in preparation for the imminent shootout.

"You've given us quite a lotta trouble, Cooper!" Vince snarled. "But now it's time fer you ta see why I put the monster in Gila Monster!"

"Is it because yer so ugly even whores wouldn't touch ya?"

Vince let out a growl before jumping off the saloon's roof, landing a few feet away from the raccoon.

"Why're ya mad?" Tennessee shrugged, now pointing his gun at the Rancid Rider. "Just a simple question."

To Tennessee's surprise, Quickshot Vince lived by his name, because before he knew it, bullets were zipping past him. Tennessee quickly leaped towards an overturn wagon to take cover behind and catch his breath.

"Damn," he muttered. "He really is quick. Gotta find a way ta slow him down some…"

He then noticed a couple of flowerpots lying on the ground near him. Grabbing one of them with the hook of his gun, he threw it upwards and watched it explode as Vince instinctively shot at the new target.

Taking advantage of the diversion, Tennessee got up from behind his shelter and fired at his attacker, managing to shoot him in the thigh and make the lizard scream and hop around in agony. He leapt up from behind the wagon and charged at Vince, whacking at him with reckless abandon once he was close enough.

Soon enough, Tennessee was whacked away by Vince's tail, causing him to crash against a nearby building's wall.

"You little ring tailed bastard!" Snapped Quickshot Vince, firing at Tennessee again.

The raccoon quickly dodged the bullets and leaped before rolling to get to cover again. However, his safety was short-lived, as Quickshot Vince charged towards his location before forcibly grabbing Tennessee and chucking him at the mayor's statue. Tennessee grunted in pain as he hit the statue's base, his entire back bruising due to the rough surface.

"Ya ain't so tough," Vince watched as Tennessee struggled to get up, steadying himself by grabbing onto the mayor's statue. He began approaching the raccoon. "I can't seem ta remember a time where I faced someone like you - weak!" he punched Tennessee in the gut before lifting him up and throwing him across the town square, causing him to crash into the saloon.

"You ain't gotta chance at winnin' this, Cooper!" Vince growled hatefully as he approached the raccoon. "We took over this here town, and now I'm gonna make sure ya never get the chance ta stop us again!"

Tennessee growled as he got up and glared at his opponent. He began to walk backwards, subtly observing his surroundings.

"Yer right, Vince - ya did take over this town. Hell, now y'all pretty much own it. Ya got the town, the riches, and a magician who can pull off more than any of ya Riders ever could," he earned a hiss from Vince. "However…" Tennessee felt himself collide with the saloon's bar. "There's one thing ya don't got."

"Pfft, and what's that?" Vince mocked. "Heart? Soul? Honor? C'mon, now, Cooper, I've heard it before. Try somethin' original."

"No...it's none of that…" Tennessee looked up, noticing the chandelier before getting an idea. "But allow me ta show ya!"

Before Quickshot Vince could act, Tennessee picked up and threw a mug at him with his cane, hitting the lizard in the face. Taking the chance, Tennessee leaped up into the air and grabbed onto the chandelier, swinging across up towards the second level of the building. He then quickly turned and aimed for the chain chandelier hung from, firing a bullet. Quickshot Vince looked up, his eyes widened, and with very little time, dodged the impact.

"That all the best ya-"

BANG!

Tennessee watched as his opponent fell with a bullet through his head, smoke emerging from his gun.

"That is the best I can do, Quickshit Vince," Tennessee replied as he blew the smoke from his gun's barrel.

"Tennessee?! Tennessee!"

Tennessee looked down to see Mayor Evans stumbling inside the building, his face slightly disgusted by the corpse that laid in front of him. However, he shook it off once he caught sight of the younger raccoon leaping down from the saloon's second level.

"Mister Mayor, what are ya doin' out here?! Shouldn't ya be under the jailhouse with Jessica and the others?"

"That's just it!" Mayor Evans exclaimed in panic. "Against my wishes, Jessica fled to the schoolhouse ta help Miss Benson with the children! When Percy arrived with Stacy and Rudy, they all left too! I-I just couldn't stay inside while my daughter went out in this danger! Ya gotta go after 'em!"

Tennessee sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose.

"Stubborn girl…" he muttered. "Alright, but ya'll better get yerself back to the jailhouse, Mister Mayor. I'll go and help 'em out."

"Oh, thank god!" Mayor Evans sighed as Tennessee began to leave. "Please make sure my daughter's safe, son! Keep her alive and I may start seein' a future with you as my son-in-law!"

Tennessee nearly choked on his own saliva as his face went red. "Umm...how 'bout one thing at a time, okay?"

Mayor Evans let out a chuckle and nodded, watching as Tennessee left the building.

---

Jessica hurried the remaining children inside the schoolhouse as Miss Benson returned with the last of them. The female otter nodded at Jessica as she whipped a few strands of hair away from her face.

"That's the last of 'em," she informed. "We should all be safe in here once it's all over."

"Agreed," Jessica nodded. "Just let me-"

"Jessica!"

The female raccoon turned around and gasped at what she saw. "Percy?! What are ya doin' here?"

"Comin' ta get ya!" Percy informed. "I dropped Stacy and Rudy off back at the jailhouse with yer father. What were ya thinkin', Jessica? It ain't safe out here!"

"Which is exactly why Miss Benson needed someone ta help with the kids!" Jessica argued.

"Then ya should've left someone else ta do it!" Percy snapped. "Now, it's a nice gesture, and I'm glad yer safe, but now's not a good time ta be out here! I barely made it out here alive, so be lucky I'm here tellin' ya how stupid and reckless ya were! What if one of the bad guys got ya, huh?!"

Jessica stared at Percy. Miss Benson awkwardly went inside the building, giving the two some privacy.

"I'm...I'm sorry, Percy."

Percy sighed, "We can talk 'bout this later, Jessica. Right now, we gotta-"

"Percy!"

The duo looked to see Stacy and Rudy running up the hill towards them. Just when Percy was about to scold them too, something caught his attention from the corner of his eye. Looking up to his right, perched in the leafless branches of a nearby tree, was a very familiar spider.

"STACY! RUDY! RUN AWAY!"

"Wha- AHHH!"

Jessica and Percy watched in horror as Stacy and Rudy got ensnared by webs and yanked towards the tree. Percy growled and glared daggers at Enrique and aimed his crossbow at him.

"NOT MY FAMILY!"

Enrique let out a sadistic laugh and scurried down the tree, his eyes focusing on Percy. Jessica shrieked and fled to a safer spot to watch the showdown.

"How valiente…" Enrique smirked. "The little conejo wants to fight like a man…"

"Bring it, ya eight-legged freak!" Percy scowled. "I'll make ya wish you and yer gang never touched these lands!"

"No mercy this time, chico!" Enrique hissed. "I was generous enough to give your abuelo a quick death to see your parents, but you've been too much of a bother to deserve that same fate!"

Percy gritted his teeth. "BASTARD!" he bellowed, firing his crossbow.

Enrique laughed as he dodged the attack by leaping over the jackrabbit. Percy gasped as he turned around, finding himself leaping backwards as the tarantula began spitting webs at him. Eventually, Percy's foot got webbed, making him curse under his breath as he began yanking his foot. Enrique took the advantage to swing towards Percy, but was too late as Percy was able to escape from his webbed trap, dodge rolling away.

When Percy shot back up to aim his crossbow again, he got confused to see that Enrique had disappeared. However, he learned from last time to never underestimate him. Percy cautiously moved around the schoolyard, sweat dripping from his forehead, his heart beating at an unsteady pace, his adrenaline pumping, expecting the spider to pop out.

"Who's that down there?" came a mocking voice.

Percy gasped and looked up, not having time to dodge before Enrique landed on top of him straddling his arms and legs.

"Don't feel so bad, chico," Enrique taunted as he kept the jackrabbit teen pinned down. "You knew you were gonna meet death at our hands sooner or later. Those little stunts you pulled before only slowed us down, but once you're out of the picture along with that whore warden and fucking mapache, we're gonnamake this valley a playground for every-"

"Oh, shut up!" Percy spat, struggling to get free.

"If you insist!" Enrique's fangs popped open, causing Percy to look away to brave himself.

"HEY!"

Enrique and Percy looked up and turned to see Jessica and Miss Benson standing outside the schoolhouse, with the children flanking them.

"Get off him!" Jessica spat.

"Or what?"

"Or this…" Miss Benson snapped her fingers. "Children, attack!"

Enrique's eyes widened as he was tackled off Percy, the children beginning to attack the spider with all their might, some of them wielding sticks, rulers, chalkboards, rocks, anything they could get their hands on. Jessica and Miss Benson quickly fled to Stacy and Rudy, helping them free from their webbed restraints. Once free, Stacy growled as she marched over towards the chaos and snatched a large, thick stick from one of the boys before shoving a few of the children away. She let out a scream before brutally whacking Enrique in the head.

"LEAVE!"

WHACK

"MY!"

WHACK

"BOYFRIEND!"

WHACK

"ALONE!"

Everyone backed away and watched the scene unfold in front of them. Once Stacy was finished, now covered in Enrique's blood, she began catching her breath and dropped her weapon, getting off of the now deceased spider.

"Whoa…" Rudy said in awe. He then looked up his brother. "Marry her."

Getting a grip of herself and straightening her dress out despite it being covered in spider blood, Stacy turned back to the onlookers and asked calmly, "Is everyone okay now?"

"We are now that the spider's dead," Barry remarked dumbly, still gazing at the tarantula's beaten-up cadaver.

"That was...wow…" Percy rubbed the back of his neck. "Remind me ta never get on yer bad side."

"Oh Percy, you could never get on my bad side, silly!" Stacy giggled just as a familiar figure raced up the hill.

"JESSICA!"

Jessica gasped happily and ran to meet Tennessee at the top of the hill. He hugged her before inspecting the female.

"Yer father told me that'd you'd be here! Are ya okay?! Are ya hurt?!"

"No, Tennessee, I'm okay!" she beamed. "Thanks ta Stacy, we all are!"

"Well, that's a relie- HOLY MOTHER OF CHRIST!" Tennessee jumped back a little as he caught sight of Enrique's brutally beaten corpse, which was now being poked by some of the boys with sticks. Miss Benson began hushing them away, taking their sticks from them in the process.

"What in the hell happened here?!" Tennessee asked.

"Stacy happened, Mister Cooper," Becca answered with a smirk. "Guess that's what happens when ya threaten the love of a woman's life."

"What's goin' on down there in town?" Miss Benson asked. "Is everything goin' alright?"

Tennessee nodded. "Yeah, we're holdin' our ground!"

"And what of the lawmen ya brought?"

"Sheriff Fox went out towards the outskirts of town where an explosion took place. He said that's where Warden Jones went after Blood-Red Ted."

"Wait…" Percy stepped forward. "An explosion...on the outskirts of town?"

"Um...yeah," Tennessee folded his arms. "Why? Is somethin' wrong?"

Percy's eyes were filled with worry as he looked out towards the outskirts, right past where the Evans mansion was. "Why, that's the most dangerous place in Hindus Valley! It's been forbidden fer anyone besides officials ta go out there!"

"Why, what's out there?" Tennessee asked, now getting worried.

Percy sighed and looked at Tennessee. "The railway graveyard."

---

On the outskirts of Hindus Valley laid a place where all scrap metal and broken down trains and railroads went to rust. The inhabitants of the town had called it the 'Railway Graveyard' since its first rejected train, a few months after settling in. Train cars and railroads that were no longer good were thrown into this eerie graveyard, making it dangerous. The local railroad workers deemed it unsafe for anyone to venture into; even they didn't enter the grounds. Reports of injuries (and sometimes death) were not uncommon. Hazardous for the people of Hindus Valley, but a perfect getaway for an outlaw on the run.

Warden Jones had caught Blood-Red Ted scurrying off sometime after the battle began in town square. The coyote began to feel outnumbered once he began noticing his own men falling victim to Tennessee and his posse. Deciding that it wasn't worth it, Ted fled in hopes of escaping the law. However, that plan could only do so much. It was only a matter of time before someone noticed him making a run for it, and that person of the very same vixen who threw her off a cliff and murdered her men in front of her. Typically, Warden Sarah Jones would play by the book and let justice realm supreme on the vermin who committed heinous crimes. However, this one outlaw in particular was a rare exception.

Blood-Red Ted was going to die by her own hands.

Small rocks crumbled under her boots as Warden Jones carefully made her way through a maze of rusted train cars, keeping her breath slow and steady, almost afraid that Blood-Red Ted was stalking her. With her gun loaded and bullwhip on hand, Warden Jones felt ready to face the beast that lurked these forbidden lands. She wiped some sweat from her forehead, her hair in a wet mess due to the humility of the confined areas within the Railway Graveyard. A gasp escaped her mouth as the vixen turned after hearing a noise. Her nerves died down after realizing it was just a desert mouse scurrying away from an old furnace. Warden Jones eventually found herself climbing down from a box cart that laid on its side. She emerged from the door that was facing the ground and landed into another train car. She repeated the process until the desert's surface touched her boots, allowing her to side down the small hill until she reached a larged, open area.

The vixen took note of her surroundings. She was now surrounded by the collective junk that filled the graveyard. It was so quiet that she could hear the wind slowly breezing through. It almost seemed unnatural. Unknowing to Warden Jones, a tall figure loomed over her, perched on a caboose that was high above ground. A snarl escaped the onlooker, drool dripping down his muzzle as his sharp white teeth bared. Warden Jones took a few more steps before coming to a halt the moment something wet tapped onto her head. With a shaking hand, the vixen touched her hair and brought her hand back down in front of her face. After inspecting the strange substance, she looked up, gasping as she barely had enough time to react.

Warden Jones leaped forward and flipped into the air, landing safely on the ground and getting out her whip. Now standing strong and ready to fight, the vixen watched as the figure that had crash landed on the spot where she once stood rose up. Standing in all his terrifying glory was Blood-Red Ted, holding his gun by the barrel in preparation to stab his foe with the blade on it.

"Aw, I missed." Ted mocked.

Warden Jones gritted her teeth. "Runnin' away so soon, Woolen? I never would've thought cowardice was somethin' you'd stoop to. I'm kinda disappointed."

"Not cowardice, warden," Ted countered. "Call it what you will. I ain't stickin' 'round when the odds are startin' ta go against me. Time ta start over. With my men gone, a change is in order. Survival of the fittest, Warden Jones. Don'tcha know that?"

"All I know is that yer a monster, and that there will never be a time when you'll escape me."

Ted let out a laugh. "What, ya gonna kill me, Warden?"

"You bet yer ass I am!" Warden Jones sneered.

Letting out another chuckle, Ted got into a stance. "Alright, Warden...give me yer best."

Warden Jones charged towards the coyote, her bullwhip held tightly as she jumped into the air. She then snapped her whip, hoping to slash Ted's face. Instead, the coyote held his arm up to allow the whip to wrap itself around it. Warden Jones then yelped as she was then yanked downwards and met with a punch to the face. The vixen flew away from her opponent, bullwhip disarmed. Warden Jones groaned as she began to get up from the ground before noticing Ted wielding her own weapon.

"Nice toy ya got here, Warden…" he snarled. "Mind if I play fer a bit?"

Warden Jones gasped as Ted snapped her whip at her, slashing her leg as she quickly scrambled to get up and run. Ted let out a laugh as he chased her, taunting her with her own weapon.

"Not so tough without yer whip, ain't ya, Warden?!" Ted jeered as he fired at her with his own gun. Warden Jones leapt to the side to avoid getting shot and hid behind a pile of scrap for cover.

"A whip ain't the only weapon I know how ta use, jackass!" She shot back and brandished her own pistol.

Warden Jones leaped up and turned around from her hiding place, her pistol pointed at her target. She began firing, causing Ted to quickly take cover of his own. Warden Jones quickly ran towards a boxcar and hid right next to the opened door. She began catching her breath as she slowly peered out, catching Ted sniffing her out. She brought her head back in and began fiddling with her gun.

"I need to get my whip back!" she muttered. "But goin' at him like this is suicide...I need ta surprise him."

"Peek-a-boo!"

Warden Jones screamed as a large clawed hand swiped towards her from outside the boxcar, nearly scratching her face. The vixen growled and fired her gun, getting Ted in the arm that held her whip. He let out a yelp and dropped the weapon, giving Warden Jones the chance to make a run for it, picking up her whip in the process. Turning around, Warden Jones snapped her whip and wrapped it around Ted's leg, forcibly dragging him along the ground before leaping up and landing onto his back, cracking his spine before wrapping the bullwhip around his head like a noose to choke him.

"You bastard!" she swore. "You've destroyed lives! You stole from the less fortunate! You even had the audacity ta kill my own men in front of me! Prison is too good fer ya, Woolen. Consider this yer execution!"

Ted let out a cough. "N-No, Warden...consider this...yours!"

Warden Jones screamed as she was grabbed and thrown over Ted's head, crashing into a wall of steel. She quickly scrambled into the rails, crouching to try to sneak around her attacker. However, the vixen wasn't so lucky. Ted began digging through the rails, nearly grabbing her and slicing her, letting out a laugh as he continued to scare her. Eventually, he took out his gun and started to fire at the rails, hoping to kill and crash the warden. However, that never came. Instead, Warden Jones quickly emerged from the rails and leaped towards him, kicking him in the face and making a run towards the other side. A growl was heard from Ted as he began chasing her.

The vixen desperately looked around until she saw what looked like barrels of TNT near some old train cars. An idea popped into her head. A scream escaped her as claws soon came into contact with her back, making Warden Jones collapse. Ted loomed over her, snarling down at her.

"Any final words, Warden?" he aimed his gun at her.

"Yeah…" she aimed and kicked high, getting Ted in the balls. He let out a roar and crouched down as the vixen leaped over him and aimed her gun at the barrels. "GO TA HELL!"

BOOM

Everything went black for Warden Jones.

XXXXXXXXXX

Warden Jones let out a cough as she began to open her eyes. Though her vision was blurry and her ears were ringing, there was no sign of Blood-Red Ted, but smoke now filled the air as fire scorched the Railway Graveyard. The vixen tried to get up, but the impact of the explosion let her motionless. She groaned as she continued to try and lift herself up. A tall, shadowy figure soon emerged from the fire. Blood-Red Ted approached the vixen, his expression couldn't get angier. Warden Jones gasped as she continued to try and get away, but to no avail. She then screamed, tears rolling down her face as Ted placed his foot on her back.

Rolled over, Warden Jones's eyes widen as Blood-Red Ted got on top of her, his face expressing that of a predator who had caught and was about to devour his prey.

"I'm gonna enjoy this…" he bared his teeth.

Just as Ted opened his mouth, the vixen beneath him screamed in pure horror.

CLICK

Blood-Red Ted's ears twitched at the sound.

"Let her go…"

Ted slowly turned his head to see a vulpine standing a few feet away from them. His expression was cold as he held his gun straight, pointed right at the coyote's face. Ted stared at the new arrival, completely unphased at the sight. But then, a sinister smile crept on his face, followed by a short cackle.

"How wonderful! Two meals fer the price of one! Welcome to the barbecue, partner! White meat or dark?"

"Shut the fuck up and let her go! NOW!" barked the vulpine.

"Ooo, spicy...I like that," Ted quipped. "Sadly, though, I can't do that. This bitch has made her bed, now she's gonna sleep in it...fer goot. So unless ya wanna be next, I suggest ya scurry along outta here. Comprende?"

"In case yer blind, partner," spat the vulpine. "Yer the one with a gun pointed at yer face. So I suggest ya let the lady go before I blow yer fuckin' brains out, you sick fuck!"

Ted let out a sigh. "Lawmen...whatcha gonna do?"

Blood splattered out of the coyote's shoulder as the vulpine fired his gun. Warden Jones winced as Ted roared in pain. He glared dangerously at the vulpine and sneered, "Partner, ya really shouldn't have done that…"

"JOHN, RUN!" Warden Jones exclaimed.

Sheriff Fox fired another bullet before making a run for it. Blood-Red Ted howled as he chased after his new prey. The vulpine leaped over whatever obstacle came into his way. He turned to see that the coyote was hot on his tail. Sheriff Fox fired a bullet of his own, making Ted scramble to avoid being hit. The vulpine didn't know how far away he was now, but he eventually found himself on an unfinished bridge. Below were sharp rocks and rapid river.

Blood-Red Ted leaped towards Sheriff Fox, making him dodge and fire his gun again. Ted dodged the shot and swung his arm, knocking the gun away from the vulpine as he was tossed across the bridge, colliding into a pile of coal. Sheriff Fox quickly grabbed onto a metal pole and used it to block Ted as he leaped forward to bite him, his teeth catching the pole. He growled as he stared at the struggling fox. A scream was heard before Ted was knocked away by an unseen force.

Warden Jones began to catch her breath and quickly bent down to help Sheriff Fox up. They both began to make a run for the Railway Graveyard's entrance to escape, but were met by Ted, who knocked them towards the side of the bridge, their backs against the wooden railing. The coyote snarled as he approached them. Warden Jones and Sheriff Fox both took out their guns to fire, but soon realized that they were out of bullets. Their expressions dropped, their hearts stopped as they were met with a laugh from their soon-to-be-murder.

"Oh dear, out of bullets are we?" Ted laughed.

"N-No…" Warden Jones's eyes went wide. She clutched onto Sheriff Fox, her eyes closed shut as she buried her face into his chest.

Sheriff Fox held her close, his eyes not leaving the coyote as he towered over them.

"Normally, I'd put a bullet in ya, but I think this is a rare exception. After all, I prefer my food the natural way...bloody raw!"

Sheriff Fox roared in pain as teeth made contact with his shoulder. Warden Jones jumped and screamed. She punched Ted's face away, causing him to jump back. He growled at the vixen and dove in, until-

BANG!

Blood-Red Ted stared down at his torso in shock, noticing blood oozing out. He slowly turned around to see where the shot came from, until he was met with a gunshot to the head. Both Sheriff Fox and Warden Jones quickly scrambled to their feet, watching as Ted's limp body crashed between them, falling off the bridge and into the rapids below.

Blood-Red Ted was dead.

The two foxes began to catch their breath, looking back and forth between each other and the rapids below. Slowly, they turned around to see something completely unexpected.

"...Gold-Tooth Tom?" Warden Jones gawked in shock.

Indeed, the one who had fired the fatal bullet that ended the life of the leader of the Rancid Riders was none other than Weasen's rolly-polly henchman, smoke still emanating from the pistol in his hand and a relieved look on his face.

"Finally," Tom breathed in relief as he lowered his gun, "I was beginning to worry that nothing could kill that monster in coyote's skin."

Warden Jones stared in disbelief as she and Sheriff Fox helped each other up.

"But...Aren't ya...Why...How?"

"If you're asking why I've chosen to save you instead of leaving you to Ted, it's because I've had to stomach more than enough carnage from having to work alongside that cretin and Weasen," Tom explained. "I know it probably doesn't count for much given my involvement in this whole fiasco, but Warden…"

He tossed his firearm at the feet of the two vulpine lawfolk.

"You can consider that rescue my apology for that ambush on your convoy before."

Warden Jones took in those words and looked back at Sheriff Fox. The vulpine shrugged, rubbing the back of his head in the process. Upon viewing Hindus Valley from their location, the place where Blood-Red Ted met his end, and back towards Gold-Tooth Tom, the vixen let out a sigh.

"Well, look...yer quite the bastard, Tom. Hell, I should strangle you right now fer what you've done. However...if there's one thing Cooper's taught me, its that not all lawbreakers are as heartless as they seem. So, here's what I propose...we finish the rest of Weasen's gang...and then take care of him. We've got bigger problems to deal with, after all. But after that, when this is all over, I think you and I need ta have a little talk…"

"When this is all over, I'll take whatever punishment you wish to inflict on me," Tom replied resolutely. "No amount of money is worth this level of carnage, and I certainly won't let Weasen carry on with it. He needs to be stopped."

"Well, then," Sheriff Fox nodded. "I think that settles it, then. We should all head back to town. I reckon this fight is just 'bout over."

"Yer right," Warden Jones nodded, starting to lead the way. "Let's go. Oh, and Tom...thank you."

Gold-Tooth Tom shook his head. "No, it's not a problem, Warden. I hated every second spent having to work with that cur."

---

Upon returning to the town square, it was clear who had won the battle. Weasen's men were piled on top of each other left and right. Citizens emerged from their hiding places, families reunited, and as soon as the indian tribe hollered in victory, so did the rest of the town. All's well that ends well, it would seem. Tennessee peered through the crowd, making sure everyone was safe. After racing to the schoolhouse to make sure Jessica was safe, he instructed her to return to the jailhouse with Stacy and Rudy while he and Percy fought alongside the others. It wasn't just Weasen's men who had fallen. Indians and some lawmen had met their end in the heat of battle. However, only a few were lucky to be alive, but had to live with severe injuries. Warden Jones made her way through the crowds with Sheriff Fox, eventually meeting Tennessee near the mayor's statue.

Tennessee eyed the two foxes, his face showing a mixture of concern and unease.

"You two look like ya came from Hell and back," he commented.

"How nice of ya ta notice," Warden Jones retorted.

Sheriff Fox winced as he came to a stop next to the vixen. "Had a run-in with that coyote...he did a number on us."

Tennessee winced at the mention of the outlaw. "Blood-Red Ted? Oh yeah, now I remember...what happened?"

"He's dead," Warden Jones reported. "Apparently, Weasen's little round toady had a change of heart and saved our asses."

"Gold-Tooth Tom?" Tennessee questioned with surprise. "Well, that's a relief. Quite a turnaround, if ya ask me."

"Believe me, I was as shocked as you are," agreed the vixen. "Tom's checkin' up on any survivors. Told him I'd be havin' a talk with him once this is all over. Speakin' of...any sign of Weasen?"

Tennessee shook his head. "No, not since we stormed the town. He just...vanished."

"Tennessee!"

The trio turned to see Mayor Evans, accompanied by Percy, making their way towards them. Tennessee frowned when he saw the dreaded looks on their faces.

"Mayor? Percy? Is somethin' wrong?"

"Jessica's missin'!" Percy announced.

Tennessee's eyes widened. "What? But…" he turned to Mayor Evans. "I thought she was with you? I had her return to the jailhouse with Stacy and Rudy after we took care of Enrique."

Mayor Evans shook his head. "Only Stacy and Rudy returned! We've been lookin' fer her ever since they arrived!"

"Alright, lets remain calm!" Warden Jones instructed. "I'm sure she couldn't have gotten far. Wherever she is, we'll find her. Let's all just take a moment ta-"

"I bet you're feeling quite proud of yourself right now, Cooper."

Everyone's attention was brought to the front of town hall. Both Tennessee and Mayor Evans' faces went white with dread, their hearts stopped at the sight in front of them. On top of the town hall staircase was Weasen, holding Jessica in front of him with the crystal ball on his cane glowing with electricity and aimed at her cheek. The female raccoon had a look of terror on her face, tears streaming down her cheeks like raindrops on a window. Tennessee and Mayor Evans raced towards the staircase, coming to a complete halt when they noticed Weasen pressing the cane's handle directly on Jessica's cheek.

"Not another step, gentlemen!" he commanded.

Tennessee gritted his teeth and clenched his fists. He shot the weasel a glare.

"You better pray that I make your death fast and painless!" he growled.

Weasen looked unphased by the raccoon's threat. "How touching," he replied. "However, I'm afraid that day won't be today. You see, Tennessee, I had this all planned out; gaining back what is rightfully mine. And now...you've gone and ruined it."

"Enough of this crap!" Tennessee roared.

Weasel glared at the raccoon. "You see, Mister Cooper...what I'm getting at here is my whole life, things have been taken from me. First, my home...second, my family…and thirdly, my army. Today was supposed to be my day - the day I would finally reign supreme and make history! And now, you have ruined everything! Years of preparation, destroyed! You've been doing an awful lot of taking, Cooper...I think it's time I do some taking of my own!"

Tennessee's eyes narrowed, realizing what the weasel was planning to do. Mayor Evans began to catch on as well, and stepped forward to join Tennessee's side.

"Like hell you are!" Tennessee snarled, beginning to run up the stairs.

"Uh-uh-uh…" Weasen pushed the cane's handle against Jessica's cheek more roughly "What did I just say?" noticing Tennessee's aggravation and stepping back, the weasel hummed with approval. "This is my final warning, Cooper. Stay still, or else I'll allow Ted to do whatever he pleases."

"No, he won't!" came a new voice. Everyone turned to see Gold-Tooth Tom emerge from the crowd. He glared up at his 'boss'. "Blood Red Ted is as dead as the rest of his gang, and he'll no longer harm anyone ever again."

Weasen's expression dropped to that of a displeased parent about to scold their child. "How disappointing, Thomas. I expected better…"

Weasen then pulled the gun away from Jessica and aimed it at Gold-Tooth Tom, alerting everyone in the crowd. Noticing this, Mayor Evans was the first to act. He quickly made a run for it up the stairs. Tennessee gasped and reached his arm out, wanting to warn the older raccoon that what he was doing was reckless. Jessica watched as her father raced up the stairs, almost as if everything started to go in slow-motion. From the corner of his eyes, Weasen was able to see the older raccoon sprinting up towards him. Without much of a thought, the weasel drew the his cane back and pointed at Mayor Evans, taking his shot.

ZAP!

Everyone watched in ure horror as Mayor Evans' body went flying down the stairs, crash-landing onto the ground with a severe wound. Tennessee quickly knelt to the older raccoon's side. Jessica's watery eyes widen.

"DADDY!" she screeched.

"Hush, now!" Weasen yanked the girl closer towards him. He then turned back to Tennessee, who soon locked eyes with him. "You want to be the hero, Cooper?! Then meet me at the old theater, alone! And don't be late; it's very ungentlemanly to keep the leading lady waiting! Ta-ta!"

Weasen, along with Jessica, disappeared in a thick cloud of red smoke. Tennessee looked distraught; he was torn between going after the one that he loved and making sure that the mayor received help. Warden Jones approached Mayor Evans' body, inspecting him before looking back up at Tennessee.

"Bill's gonna live," the vixen assured Tennessee, "but Jessica won't if ya leave her with Weasen."

Tennessee felt frozen in his place until he felt a hand fall on his shoulder. He looked to see Percy nodding at him.

"Go," he encouraged while pointing in the direction of the old theater. "Jessica needs you. We'll make sure her father makes it. Show that weasel no mercy."

"R-Right!" Tennessee nodded before making a run for it.

Tennessee looked over his shoulder one last time before bringing his attention back to the path in front of him.

"Alright, Weasen…" he thought angrily. "Time ta pull the curtain on yer act!"