Chapter 69: Sad and Sweet

Kyra continued her rounds at the impromptu field hospital. While medical experience was in rather short supply, she knew a little of first aid and had enough time on her hands to help the many wounded. While the attack on the Pelt-Brutes had been quick and decisive, many of the eager or just plain inexperienced gunners had taken some hits during the attack. In addition, the flight of the tribals had left behind quite a few "thralls," largely women or children who performed the bulk of what day-to-day labor the Pelt-Brutes engaged in. Fearing the worst, the thralls submitted to the force after being abandoned by their "protectors," and currently a woman named Daphne was overseeing their further care, leaving Kyra on her own with some of the… special cases.

"Hey, nurse? Nurse? Yeah, you with the bomb-ass tits, I need your help!"

Mostly she was just happy to have something to do after that stunt she pulled with the carcass. She had no idea what came over her to charge through the village riding a giant dog with a corpse dragging behind her and a head in her hand, but the effect was evident. The sight of what appeared to be their chieftain dead urged the once fearsome warriors to flee, saving who knew how many lives in the process. Of course, cleaning up afterward wasn't something she had considered, however, Hypatia's mount proved very valuable for "disposing" of the body. Kyra believed that she would be seeing the animal licking its bloody chops in her nightmares for many years to come.

"Nurse? Nurse Jugs? You with the hair and the legs, help!"

Hypatia was gracious as always. Upon retrieving her dog, she took one look at Kyra before remarking that the head she was carrying had her eyes. Kyra responded by tossing the skull into the waiting maw of the woman's dog, stroking her muzzle and cooing words of encouragement to the animal. Hypatia rolled her eyes as she turned to trot away, Kyra calling after her and sarcastically saying that she would miss her, secretly being grateful that her wound was cared for.

"Your ass isn't too bad to look at either. Nurse Ass? Is that any better?"

A particular familiar face she had seen since was Rosa, who stopped by while she was being simultaneously berated by Jimmy, Carla, and Cass, the adrenaline clearly still coursing through her body. She had been told explicitly to remain in the medical pavilion until further notice, on threat of bunking with Dalton for the remainder of the trip. After they left to presumably reconnect with Amos and Larain, Tobey had come down to presumably give Rosa a similar tongue-lashing. What he did not seem to expect was for Rosa to launch herself onto his body, forcing the marshal to stand and carry the woman as her legs snaked around his waist and she began making out with him. Kyra may or may not have heard the words "I am so fucking horny" whispered into Tobey's ear before the two vanished from the pavilion.

"YO, NURSE HOTASS!"

Kyra wheeled towards the most verbal and obnoxious occupant she had to deal with. "WHAT?!"

"Could I have some water?" Matty asked.

Kyra stormed away, grabbed a pitcher off a table, and stormed back over to Matty, where she then began to guzzle the pitcher in front of him. Matty had barely been grazed by a stray bullet during the fight, and the wound on his arm had more than enough bandage to cover it. Really, she had a suspicion that all he really wanted was an excuse to ogle the prettiest girl in camp. Matty, on his part, eagerly watched a few water droplets fall from her chin, down her neck, and into her cleavage. She was so into him, he just knew it. Kyra pulled away the pitcher as she swallowed.

"…You're so hot."

"Hey, culero, why not leave the senorita to her rounds?" Toni yelled from the other side of the tent, clutching the wound on his chest. He and Toni had taken some pretty bad hits during their fight. While both would survive, the odds of them continuing to work in the field was due to be put on hold for the immediate future, based on the severity of their wounds. Both tried to argue with the decision, but Gael put his foot down. Either they were at one hundred percent, or they were liabilities who needed to return home.

Someone entered the tent, drawing a groan from Javier. "…Y pensé que esta idiota era mala," he muttered under his breath.

Kyra turned to see Hypatia storming into the room, still clutching her wound as she approached the other woman. "…I need your help."

Kyra almost laughed in disbelief until she saw the look in Hypatia's eyes. It was a mixture of emotions she wasn't sure Hypatia was capable of. That of fear and desperation, even perhaps a little shame. And Kyra had a feeling she knew what this was about.

"…Barabbas?" Kyra asked.

"I need you to talk to him," Hypatia exclaimed as she grabbed Kyra by the arm and tried to drag her away. Kyra wrenched her arm out of the Amazon's grip, pushing her away as she stood her ground.

"I'm done with Barabbas," Kyra folded her arms, making it clear she wouldn't tolerate any argument from Hypatia.

"He's totally lost it," Hypatia shot back. "He's… he's going to kill a friend of mine. Sophia as well, and the old guy. I… we need you to talk him down. Please."

Kyra then turned to the wounded Federales. "She said "please." That's new. Usually, I had to put up with "slave" or "pet" or "whore" coming from her. That whole thing with the ghoul, by the way, was totally her idea," she exposited to her southern friends, who in turn began glaring at Hypatia.

"…You want me to apologize," Hypatia growled as she clutched her wound even tighter, glaring down Kyra, who stood unmoved by the implied threat in her tone.

"…I would never expect you to apologize for anything, Hyp. It's not in your nature, after all. Besides, what do I need an apology from you, anyway? I'm free and done with the Legion, that's all I ever wanted," Kyra turned away.

"You're the only one he'll listen to!" Hypatia called out. "The only one who could make him stay his hand or change his mind! He's…" Hypatia gulped. "…Falco tried to reason with him, and Barabbas drew his sword and threatened to kill him if he tried to challenge his decision."

Kyra turned back to look at Hypatia. The pleading look in Hypatia's eyes told her that the Amazon was telling the truth. Falco was the closest thing Barabbas had to a friend, Kyra remembered.

"…That bad?" Kyra could only reply.

"…No one else can challenge this decision. Maybe Pariah, but she can't right now, and by the time she can it may be too late. Kyra, we… I need your help," Hypatia gulped.

Kyra remembered how Hypatia laughed when Kyra found out she had been set up with a ghoul at Rez-by-the-Rez. She remembered listening to her taunts and threats during camp, going as far as to encourage the other riders to join in. And she remembered the day she was beaten by her. It would serve her right to reject the request for aid and force her to grovel for help that would never come. That way, they'd be square. That would be karma. Forcing her to ditch that pride and arrogance collapse onto itself would be the most beautiful sight Kyra could ever expect from someone like Hypatia. She could only imagine the look on her face when she told her so.

Hypatia fell onto her hands and knees. Kyra watched as the Amazon pressed her head against the dirt floor in complete and total submission, of her own volition and will, despite her pride. "…P-please, I need your h-help," Hypatia choked out in shame at her situation and disgust at her actions. As humiliating as it was, she couldn't have asked any of the others on her behalf. She knew Kyra had no loyalty to the Legion, and as a free woman no obligation to help them. So Hypatia could only offer the one thing she could to Kyra that she felt might spur her to action, and even then, it was a gamble. Even so, it was only her pride at stake.

A hand grabbed her by the shoulder and pulled her from the ground. Hypatia looked and saw Kyra holding a pitcher in front of her. From the opening, she splashed the water into Hypatia's face. Sputtering in surprise, Hypatia watched as Kyra poured the rest of the contents over her head. Tossing it away, Kyra knelt down beside Hypatia and began whispering in her ear. "…There, if anyone asks why your eyes are red, you have an out. Now take me to him."

Barabbas paced and snarled angrily in the barn his riders had acquired. Belua lay in the stable, passed out from near exhaustion, while Pariah lay before him, unresponsive. He once again applied some healing powder to her swelling forehead, doing anything to take his mind off the last few hours.

"Sir, I beseech you, I understand you're under duress, but I-"

"BUT WHAT, FALCO?! WHAT COULD I HAVE OVERLOOKED WHEN MY MOTHER LAYS DEAD BEFORE ME?!"

"Sir, I assure you Dan did everything in his power to protect her, as well as Sophia who venerates her as the rest of her sisters. Their loyalties are not in question, I only ask that-"

"THEY WILL DIE! Once Pariah recovers, I shall dole out the penalty myself. The matter is settled, centurion, now begone!

Barabbas remembered turning his back to his subordinate and realizing that he did not follow his order. Instead, Barabbas could sense Falco placing his hand hesitantly on the handle of this gladius.

"…You seek to challenge me, old man? Might you believe yourself above my anger?"

"No, my friend. But these actions are unbecoming of you."

"Remain here and I shall be your undoing. LEAVE!" Barabbas commanded.

The mental attack forced Falco's body to betray his mind as he forcibly expulsed himself from the building. Since then, none of the others had attempted to "reason" with him.

Barabbas thought of the three bound and awaiting their execution. It wasn't enough, they weren't the sole ones responsible for the atrocity. No, there was also the blind man. Wounded and attended by that woman, Barabbas resolved to meet with him and get his account of what happened. Being so close to the incident when it occurred, the Legate could comfortably discount his innocence in his involvement with the death of his mother. Yes, he would pay the blind man a visit, and this time he'd bring his sword with him.

The riders outside began to squawk amongst themselves. Barabbas wouldn't have been surprised if they were entertaining a mutiny to save the lives of the disgraced guard captain and the slut. At this point, Barabbas almost wanted to dare them to try. Give him the opportunity to imagine putting down that idiot with the flaming sword riding atop that lizard. What he wouldn't surrender to personally kill every deathclaw he came across for the rest of his life…

The voices outside began to quiet. The barn door creaked open. Barabbas winced at the sound. He gripped the handle of his cleaver as he growled in anger. "…Do not think our friendship can afford you mercy, Falco," he snarled as he wheeled towards the intruder.

Kyra stood before him, her arms crossed, staring at him. Barabbas's expression didn't change, but he loosened his grip on his blade as he turned away. "…Just say your piece and leave," he growled as he returned his attention to his comatose sister.

Taking a deep breath, Kyra began. "…Hypatia told me about what happened, and before I start anything, I just want to say I'm sorry abo-" she stopped when she realized that some distance away, a familiar cape was draped over a figure in the corner of the barn, a pair of feet and some hair near the top spilling out. "…I'm sorry to hear about your mom."

"You didn't come to offer condolences," Barabbas sneered. "So quit wasting my time and do what Hypatia and Falco sent you to do!"

"I came for me!" Kyra shot back. "Falco didn't ask me to do anything and Hypatia… knows better than anyone about setting you off. I came because I wanted to see how you were doing since we parted."

"I remember you saying you wanted nothing more to do with me." Barabbas rumbled. "About being finished with the Legion, and yet here you are to defend the lives of those you want nothing more to do with."

"This isn't right," Kyra replied. "And you know it."

"I will not permit myself to be questioned by the likes of you!" Barabbas snapped as he wheeled back towards her, gnashing his teeth inches from her face.

Kyra merely brushed the hair from the side of her head, exposing her neck. "I can think of one way to shut me up," she taunted, daring him to pick up his sword and decapitate one of the only women he ever shed tears over.

"Do you think this is a joke?" Barabbas curled his lip.

"I mean, considering all the chances you passed up before to "put me in my place," I can't bring myself to see you starting now," Kyra mocked. "So, either you bring yourself to do the one thing you couldn't bring yourself to do or listen to me. Fair?"

Barabbas towered over the smaller woman. "…You have five minutes."

Kyra sighed in relief. Plenty of time. More than enough, as it would happen. After learning about what Hypatia had told her, coupled with her experience in Fort Wrath and knowledge of Legion customs and politics, she already knew exactly what to say.

"…You can't kill those three outside because it was the Oracle's own fault she got killed."

A hand immediately lashed out and throttled her neck. Kyra let out a gasp, then gulped as she realized she could still breathe. Barabbas had only restrained her, but still, his grip was plenty snug. Kyra had never seen him that angry at her, now that he no longer had his mask and helmet. The old Kyra, the slave, would have probably tearfully begged for forgiveness, pleading with him to stay his hand. The new Kyra, though, realized that Barabbas didn't want to hurt her, but was perfectly fine trying to intimidate her for badmouthing his mother.

"Kyra. Choose. Your next words. Very. Very. Carefully," Barabbas whispered, the rage behind his words clearly evident.

"…The guard captain. Dan, right? He traveled out all this way with your mom, by himself. Was that his idea?" Kyra asked. Barabbas did not loosen his grip. "And that other Amazon, Sophia, she pledged her life to protect your mother from anything that she could. Is that oath something she'd ever go back on?" Kyra asked. Barabbas did not loosen his grip. "And that old guy, Dinner-oh, what was he supposed to do?"

"They were all Legion," Barabbas gritted. "They all swore to protect the Oracle with the rest of my family. The fact that they're all alive while she lies dead means they failed her! Means they failed me!" he began to scream.

"And what's the best way to protect the Oracle?" Kyra shot back. "Keep her out of the dangerous wasteland. You know how dangerous it is out here. Remember how sick you felt about your sister being alone? And your mother only brought one guard with her. One. Look at you. You have psychic powers on top of being built like a brick outhouse, and you still have seven bodyguards with you. Your mom had to choose to be out here with one."

Barabbas didn't say anything, prompting Kyra to continue. "…I know you're angry at the guard captain, but if he really wanted to protect your mother, he never would have been able to."

"What are you talking about?" Barabbas snarled.

"The safest place for your mother was back in Dallas, surrounded by her Amazons. Instead, she chose to leave and take a single bodyguard. Dan could have saved her, but that would involve doing something he could never have done; telling your mother no. The only way they could have changed anything was by making the Oracle do something she didn't want to do. Barabbas, is that possible?"

Barabbas thought about her logic. The Oracle outranked everyone, including him, and her authority was never to be questioned by any of her subordinates. Dan was many things, some of them annoying, but he was indisputably loyal. Sophia would never dream of issuing anything resembling an order to her master, and the less said about Dinero the better.

Finally, his mind went over the aspect of the scene that he didn't want to address; that clearly a fight had broken out involving Pariah, the blind man, and the Oracle. A full-fledged psyker battle was something that his mother had described to him as something that those without the Sight would be unable to withstand. Unable to comprehend the visions and realities of the mental plane, let alone incapable of defending themselves without prior knowledge or training, the possibility of anyone being in a position to influence anything between the three was rather minuscule. Perhaps even impossible.

Kyra began to feel the fingers loosen around her neck as Barabbas drew away his arm. He returned his attention back to Pariah, watching as her breathing slowly began to steady. Kyra looked at his back, slowly beginning to realize what had been going through Barabbas's mind. "…It's not the guard captain's fault. It's not Sophia's fault. It's not the old man's fault. Or the blind man, or your sister's fault. And no, Barabbas, it's not your fault either."

Barabbas let out a gasping sob, his face collapsing into his hand as the breathless weeping began. He fell onto his knee as he tried and failed to gain his composure. As he had been drilled for years, he had to be the master of his emotions, and outbursts were a sign of weakness. And having her of all people witnessing his failure was all the more degrading. Still, he felt overwhelmed.

"…T-tell Falco that I've… re-rescinded my previous o-order and…" Barabbas began.

"I'm not your slave anymore," Kyra replied, turning away from the sight, lest she end up joining him. "Do it yourself." Barabbas reached after her, wanted to call out, but stopped himself. Left alone, it was all he could do but sob and whimper.

Kyra stood before the rest of the familiar riders. At the side, bound and on their knees, was a dejected-looking legionary cowboy, a distraught Amazon spy, and an oddly serene-looking old man who seemed to be mentally disconnected from his very situation. Returning her attention to the centurion, Kyra began to speak. "…I wouldn't go in there if I were any of you," she warned. "But I think I got my message clear to him."

Falco nodded. "It was all we could ask, Ms. Kyra. I would never ask you to take such a risk, but-"

"There was no risk," Kyra replied. "I know how he thinks. He's an emotional guy who wants to be rational. Once you get that, he's easy to talk to."

"…That's very incisive," Falco replied, surprised by how Kyra had picked up on that. Falco had known him for years and that thought never came to him. "Were you able to-"

The barn door opened as Barabbas exited the barn. The riders all stood at attention, most saluting. Barabbas did not respond in kind, not even concerned that his eyes were still red. He led out Belua, and draped across her back was the shrouded body of the Oracle. He paused as he turned to look at the three prisoners. "…I've… I've rescinded my previous order regarding your sentences. I was… I acted rashly and without regard to justice," he confessed. "…Cut them loose," he finished.

"A thousand blessings and mercies upon you, my liege!" Sophia cried out as Ferra immediately began cutting her bonds.

"Aw, thanks, sir. I promise you I will earn your forgiveness proper-like," Dan grinned as Hypatia hugged him from behind.

"Is Marcy OK?" Dinero interjected, perking his head up.

"…She's stable, and will recover in a few hours," Barabbas answered, for the first time not snapping at Dinero for calling her Marcy.

Dinero exhaled at the news, going as far as to let out a giggle over how he had found himself more concerned over someone else in the face of his pending execution. Marcy was safe, and right now that was the most he could ever hope for. After all these years, somehow that was all he had going for him right now, and that realization didn't bother him as much as he thought it would.

"…I'm going out for a while to bury her," Barabbas announced. "If anyone wants to go and say their final words, they are welcome to join. If not, then remain here and camp until the next morning, we'll take our leave of these people then."

"Yes, Legate," the riders announced in unison.

"Caesar, actually," Dan interjected at the end. Slowly, every head turned towards the guard captain. Dan looked over their blank expressions until realizing his mistake. "Oh, right! After all that happened, I forgot to inform you guys. Yeah, so Caesar Lanius was… kind of killed back in Dallas, so Barabbas is technically the new and rightful Caesar! Congrats, sir! I mean, apart from the whole… dead parents thing… huh…" Dan slowly petered out.

Falco strolled over and immediately punted Dan in the gut. "WHY DID YOU WAIT SO LONG TO INFORM US, ANIMALUS?!" he screamed.

Wheezing, Dan sputtered out, "I couldn't decide if I was supposed to tell him before the execution or after!"

Hypatia then began swatting Dan over his head. "YOU IDIOT! HOW STUPID ARE YOU?!"

"I didn't want it to be awkward!" Dan whined. Barabbas looked over the incident unfolding before him, seemingly unable to process what he had been told. Kyra walked up to him as Falco and Hypatia took turns berating Dan. "Barabbas, are you-" the former Legate and current Caesar dropped the reins to Belua and retreated back into the barn. Kyra chased after him, shutting the doors behind him as she watched Barabbas hunch over, steadying himself on a wooden beam of a stall as he tried to steady his breathing.

Mid panic attack, Barabbas tried desperately not to vomit. The events of the morning already threatened to overwhelm him, and now the news that he was effectively the leader of the entirety of Imperial Dallas was the last thing he wanted to process in this lifetime. Mother dead, Father dead, sister in a coma, nearly killing his loyal subjects, he keeled over and felt like he was going to retch. A gentle hand started to caress his back. "Just focus on breathing, Barabbas," Kyra softly cooed, trying to calm him.

"I… I'm… I'm fine, Kyra," Barabbas tried to collect himself.

"You're not, and that's OK," Kyra countered. "The timing of all this could not have been worse. Right now, however, you just need to focus on one thing at a time. Being Caesar can wait, let's just focus on mourning the Oracle. Until then, don't even think about Dallas, it won't do you or anyone else any good."

Barabbas's breathing seemed to steady. "…P-Pariah," he got out. "…Someone has to look after Pariah."

"I say let her sleep," Kyra replied.

"I need you to look after her while I take care of Mother," Barabbas turned to Kyra. As Kyra was about to open her mouth, Barabbas interrupted. "That's not an order, I'm asking. I need someone I can trust."

"…Well, why not just have Dinner-Oh do it?" Kyra asked.

"I said I needed someone I can trust," Barabbas replied.

"Oh. I see. …Sure, I'll stay with her until you get back," Kyra nodded.

"…Thank you, Kyra. It was good to see you again, and…" Barabbas desperately wished his helmet was still intact because right now he wanted nothing more than a stoic veneer to protect him. In the end, he could only nod as he quietly left Kyra with his sister, his mind slightly more at peace.

Lars and Cade strolled through the encampment as the Liberty Clanners milled around and gathered up their "loot" that they had re-stolen from the Pelt-Brutes, in addition to helping themselves to the raider tribe's plunder. Overhearing several clanners talking about follow-up reprisals against the Pelt-Brutes or preparing for something called a "Sovereign Election" prompted Lars to pester Cade with a lot of questions, to which the normally taciturn gunslinger was surprisingly forthcoming to answer.

"…The Tran Kyle Community has had historical beef with the Hooper Collective, and a couple of skirmishes broke out every few months or so, but I wouldn't call it a war," Cade replied, derisively.

"And you're with the… McGrath Clan," Lars snapped his fingers at remembering that detail.

"I'm more of a freelancer," Cade answered. "I like to come and go when I please."

"Lucky bastard," Lars laughed. Something about the phrase or how the man said it made the gunslinger snort out a quick laugh.

"MOM!" a voice screeched out. Looking down the road, they saw a small girl running into the arms of a waiting woman. "Tia!" the woman sobbed as she embraced her daughter. Lars smiled at the sight. "You know them?" he asked Cade.

"Daphne Rogers," Cade answered. "Runs the spies and whores of the McGrath Clan."

"Does that mean the spies are whores or are all the whores spies?" Lars asked.

"…Yes," Cade nodded. "A while back she hooked up with Kenzie's brother, and he put that baby in her. That relationship fell apart before long, though, and Doug damn near kicked her out of the Clan while keeping the kid. Course not long afterward he got killed out in the wastes while Daph was working out of the Rez. Real convenient, huh?"

"That's one way to have a problem solved," Lars concurred. I know, Cade thought to himself.

Before long they crossed by a tent that caught Lars' eye. "…That's Rosa's backpack," he announced as he approached the shelter. "I'm thinking I'll surprise her. Want to join in?"

"I'll pass," Cade smiled. "We… didn't exactly part on the best terms. Here," he passed the sniper rifle to Lars. "Hand that over to Matty when you see him if you don't mind. I've got some other matters to attend to."

"Sure, I can do deliveries. Who's Matty?" Lars asked.

"Just go around asking which "brah" that piece belongs to. You'll find out," Cade smiled as he walked away, throwing up a V-sign. Something about the request made Lars shudder. Nonetheless, he placed the rifle on the ground as he went to the tent flap. "Hey, Rosie! Here's Da-OH SWEET GOD!" he screamed as he suddenly scrambled away.

The tent inside began to rustle as the occupants began scrambling for their clothing in a panic. Before too long the marshal stumbled out of the tent flap, scrambling by Lars as he dropped some of his gear in a panic. "…Dropped your helmet," Lars called after him. The marshal returned and picked it up by Lars' foot. "…Thank you, sir," Tobey said, not making eye contact.

"Anytime, Tobey," Lars replied, not making eye contact either.

Rosa followed not long afterward, pulling down her shirt and wiping her mouth, glaring at the Governor. "…Ok, how and why?"

"…Glad to see you, too," Lars shot back. "No hello?"

"Oh, fucking spare me! How many times did I end up walking in on you with a girl?" Rosa replied.

"Hey, that was just sex! That was… what the hell was that?" Lars asked.

"…It's called an Over-Easy Highwayman," Rosa rolled her eyes.

Lars shuddered. "…It's fine, you're an adult, you can make your own decisions, I support you in all things, but… why?"

"Well, excuse me. I just pulled some hero shit and wanted to celebrate. What a crime!" Rosa pouted.

"Hero shit?" Lars asked. "…Well, Dunk did mention something about an idiot running through the camp and slashing at folk with a mache- Oh, come on!" he screamed in exasperation. "You almost got yourself killed?!"

"I HAD EVERYTHING UNDER CONTROL!" Rosa lied.

"THERE YOU ARE!" An older woman screamed as she stormed up to Rosa. "I TOLD YOU TO STAY PUT!" she screamed as she shoved a finger into Rosa's mouth, fish-hooking her by the cheek to drag her away.

"HEY, I WAS BUSY YELLING AT HER FIRST!" Lars screamed at the older woman while fish-hooking Rosa on the opposite cheek. The two began an impromptu tug-of-war with Rosa in the middle as she desperately tried to escape what felt like being stuck between the world's shittiest fishermen. As Lars pulled his daughter close, he caught a glance at the older woman. He dropped his finger as soon as he made eye contact with her, and the older woman did the same, relieving the girl between them.

"…Lars?"

"…Cass?"