Chapter 22

Jimmy tried to protect every one from Carson's wrath. He pushed and pulled people out the way. People ran into nearby buildings. Carson just laughed and was relentless, intending on killing every one. The fire cast bright light upon the two monsters. One intent on killing, the other intent on saving. Carson had enough. He spun on Jimmy. The two stood sizing each other up.

"I was wrong about you. Pathetic." Carson growled.

Jimmy looked on with hate filled eyes. He lunged for Carson. He sank his fingernails into his flesh. Carson did the same. Teaspoon and the others could not do anything but watch as the two fought. Cody remembered.

"The syringe! It is probably in his room at the hotel!" He raced away.

Buck and Teaspoon watched the two fight when Raven appeared. Noah moved over beside Teaspoon as Buck ran into the fray. He saw the silver of her blade as she got ready to swing.

"Raven! No!" Buck yelled.

Carson heard. He sliced into Jimmy's neck and spun him to face her. Buck ran in front of Jimmy. Raven stopped.

"Move! I will kill you!"

"That's Jimmy! He is not a monster!"

"Move!"

"He is my brother!"

Carson ripped into Jimmy's throat. Buck spun and saw Jimmy fall onto the ground in a pool of blood. He stood staring into the red eyes of Carson. He towered over him. Buck froze. He could hear Raven screaming for him to move. The drool dripped down onto his face. Carson smiled with jagged teeth. He swiped a clawed hand, knocking Buck to the side. He jumped onto Raven. Her sword flew from her grasp. He pinned her underneath him.

Carson was quickly thrown to the side. Jimmy was standing above her as he let out a long howl in the night air. He nodded at her. He launched himself onto Carson. Raven jumped back to her feet.

"Buck! This is the only way to stop him! My sword is forged of pure silver!"

"Raven, please! You can't kill Jimmy. He is innocent here."

"You cannot even tell them apart!"

"I can! He has on my medicine pouch! He just saved your life! Can't you see!"

Raven seemed to take in his words as they looked on. Jimmy pushed his claw like fingernails into Carson. He shoved him back against the wall. He twisted his claws as Carson yelled. Cody came rushing down the street. He held the syringe. He saw the two squaring off. He looked at Buck who pointed at his neck. Cody saw the pouch then. He ran around and behind Carson. He plunged the needle into his back. Carson went slightly still in Jimmy's grasp. Jimmy let go and pulled his claws out. He stepped back. Carson stumbled and staggered out onto the street. He fell to his knees. He began to morph back into himself. Raven didn't stutter. She raced over and swung. Buck watched as his head rolled down the street. His body fell to the dirt. Raven turned to Jimmy. Buck held his breath as she lowered her sword. Jimmy stood panting. They watched as he glanced around. The town folk began to move out onto the street. He fell to his knees as he changed back into himself. Raven walked over to where he was kneeling.

"Running Buck is right."

She turned and walked away. Jimmy looked around. Several buildings were burning. Teaspoon, Noah, and Buck were hurt. Cody was limping. He looked at Carson. Dead. He looked up at the sky. Dawn was approaching. He collapsed onto his chest.