Author's Note: All properties are the rights of their respective owners, Dynamite Entertainment, Rockstar, etc.

ian12091995: Hopefully you mean 'interesting' in a good way. If so, hopefully you feel the same about this installment.

For those curious to my thought process, I wanted this opening arc to be Sonja's introduction to the Old West period, which is why it may not be as focused as I might otherwise like. Hopefully y'all enjoy meeting the cast and seeing Sonja meet them too.

She-Devil of the Frontier

Chapter 2: The Outlaw's Return

Atop her horse, Sonja's eyes roved over the land, a beautiful, untamed plain, fields of grass waving in the breeze on either side of the trail the four horses trotted along. After accepting Caroline's offer, Walker and Sonja had gathered their items and collected their horses, meeting the woman after one of her 'ranch-hands' had arrived and brought McLaughlin's horse with him. They all set out together towards what Sonja understood would be her new home for….

She didn't know exactly, and the concept was as foreign to the She-Devil as the land around her. Since taking up a blade, she had led a life on the move, drifting from town to town, only staying as long as whatever business she found herself embroiled in was resolved, often with her blade bloody, coin purse full, and thirst for ale slaked. On occasion, that business had taken some time, sometimes a week, occasionally a few, but rarely longer. Before they left the town, Walker had gone to the 'telegraph office' and returned with a stack of papers, on each of which was printed a man's name in large blocky letters, his portrait, his crimes, and the words 'Wanted: Dead or Alive' with a number that Sonja took to be the reward for his life.

The Hyrkanian quickly realized that these were the men they were after, and she was astonished with each of the papers. She had never seen penmanship so uniform and precise before, even the most talented scribes in the courts of kings could not have written in such a way, nor could they have drawn the portraits of each man, each of which showed remarkable detail. Sonja could see that these men were not unlike the bandits of Hyboria; rough, vicious looking cutthroats made up a majority of their number, though a few did appear to make some effort at grooming. Their efforts could not hide the scars collected during the violence each had committed, and each was a violent sort. They had committed murder, robbery, arson, rape, kidnapping, extortion, and other crimes that Sonja did not know and did not care about. She committed all of their faces to memory as best she could, certain that all of them would die by her blade.

At some point during this, Sonja realized that this would be no small task, even for her, and even with a man as capable as Joshua Walker at her side. The difference between the brigands of her world and this was, as Walker had so succinctly put it the night before, 'Most of the ones here carry guns.' The Hyrkanian had seen time and again just how formidable the magnificent weapons were in the hands of Joshua, and despite him saying, and she believing, that most men would not be as good with them as he was, Sonja knew that adapting to their ubiquitous presence would be a challenge.

For the first time since she had gotten it, the sword she carried on her hip, the blade that had served her well in numerous battles and slain countless men, felt inadequate.

"We're almost there y'all. The Ranch is just over this next hill," called back Caroline as the horses began to ascend the slope. Sonja understood that this 'Ranch' was a type of farm, and the Hyrkanian couldn't help but conjure memories of the farm she had grown up on. A simpler time, long since passed, spent in the warm embrace of her parents and brother in peace on a quaint little plot of land. The Hyrkanian wondered if she would find something similar waiting for her over the next hill, and it was one more reason Sonja was compelled to destroying the men of this gang.

Reaching the crest, Sonja was taken aback by the sight that lay before her, as it was unlike anything she had seen in her years of travel in Hyboria. The MacLaughlin Ranch was no small family farm, but a sprawling complex of buildings and fenced areas that housed a half dozen different types of livestock and fields with various crops. "Here we are, home sweet home," proclaimed Caroline.

"Mighty impressive," drawled Walker as the horses trotted down the hill.

"Why thank you," answered the Rancher before turning to her companion, "Lyle, thanks for riding with us, go on ahead and spend the rest of the day with your family. I'll show our guests around." The man tipped his hat and steered his horse away, leaving Caroline, Joshua, and Sonja riding together across the bridge over a dry creek bed and into the ranch. Caroline pointed at a lavish looking two story building on the right, "That there's the farmhouse where Pa and I live." Sonja could not keep the shock off her face, the building was a far cry from the cramped home of her childhood; she couldn't fathom that both were 'farmhouses.'

Caroline didn't see Sonja's expression, and kept her horse moving, pointing to a stone building opposite the mansion. "That's the Foreman's Office. It's also where we lock up good-for-nothin' outlaws." There were numerous thick trunked trees with enough leaves to provide shade between the buildings on each side of the track through, and around, the ranch, standing proudly amidst the grass and smaller shrubs that predominantly covered the ground. It was a stark contrast to the sand and rock she had seen dominate the landscape the day before.

"To your right is the General Store. You won't find Parisian high fashion, but it's good for the essentials," said MacLaughlin, turning to look poignantly at Sonja.

The Hyrkanian glared back, "My attire has served me well, it allows me great freedom of movement. I need none of this 'Parisian high fashion.'"

Sonja saw the Rancher blink and continue to stare, and Walker interjected. "That's very convenient. I don't think I've ever seen a ranch with its own store before."

Caroline finally did turn back around, she pointed off to her right, "And here's the corral. This one's for the horses. What do y'all think?"

"Well I'm no expert, but it certainly seems like a fine corral," answered Joshua tentatively.

Sonja could see the stables that held the animals, but they opened up to a large, albeit fenced in, field for them to freely roam about. "It is good you let the animals have some freedom, lest they be confined to their stables."

MacLaughlin turned around, eyeing Sonja curiously, "You've never heard of a corral before?" she asked, and the Hyrkanian shook her head. Caroline didn't pry further, merely shaking her head, "Over there's the chicken coops, then there are the pig pens. And here at the far end of the line is our well, windmill, and kitchen."

Sonja noticed that there was something else, the land was marked with stakes and had seemingly been cleared. "What is the nature of all this?" she asked.

"Oh, just some new project Pa's working on, he hasn't told me what it is yet," she replied dismissively.

Sonja noticed Walker scrutinizing the woman. "You don't approve?" he drawled.

"Change is only good when it makes things better, Mr. Walker," replied Caroline before leading them to the left, following the trail as it circled the Ranch around another corral for the livestock, this one containing cattle, before reaching the largest building on the Ranch. "That's the barn over there, Pa built it himself when I was just a little girl."

A little further on, and they reached the dried creek at the far end of the farm, "And there we are, back at the farmhouse. I'll take y'all to your guesthouse to get settled in. I'll come get y'all for dinner and then we can head out on patrol," informed Caroline as she led the duo to a group of small cottages and stopped in front of one cottage that was set away from the others. "I'm afraid we've only got the one…."

"We've been companions travelling for some time now, we have endured far worse accommodations," assured Sonja as she guided her steed to a hitching post alongside the cottage and dismounted. "We will await your call, Caroline MacLaughlin."

Walker grabbed the brim of his hat before dismounting and hitching his own horse to the post. Both fighters began to unpack a few vital items from their saddlebags while Caroline watched for a moment, and then said, "Be sure and let me know if y'all need anything, ya' hear?" before she rode off.

Sonja then turned to the Bounty Hunter, "Joshua Walker, is there any conduct I should know about for this dinner?" she asked.

"Well Sonja," he said, scratching his chin, "It'd be considered impolite if you drank all of their whiskey."

"Damn."

"Come, Joshua Walker, we have been summoned," informed Red Sonja upon her return to the guesthouse, a bottle of whiskey in hand. The Hyrkanian had refrained from indulging her thirst for drink during dinner, but after Walker told her that there was whiskey to be had in the general store, she had gone to get one for herself, and Tombstone was surprised she had only returned with the one bottle.

"Let's not keep 'er waitin' then," drawled Joshua as he let out one last puff from his cigarillo, having picked up a pack of them at the store himself, along with the fresh shirt and pants he now wore. He then stood up and pulled on the duster that had been laundered by the ranch hands before joining the redheaded woman at the door, picking up his Winchester, and stepping out into the night. "You holdin' up alright, Sonja?" he asked as they walked through the MacLaughlin Ranch.

"As best I can, Joshua, your land is a strange one. I cannot help but feel the outsider I am," she answered stoically, but Walker could hear the tinge of pain in her tone. He was about to try and reassure her when she continued, "But that is no new sensation to me, and anonymity is a refreshing reprieve from the fame that dogged me throughout my travels. What I have seen of this place intrigues me, and I wish to explore your land as I did mine."

"Hold your horses, Calamity Dame, gotta take care of business here first," reminded Walker as he dropped and stamped out his cigarillo just as they reached the fence around the MacLaughlin house.

"Of course, now let us get on with this, I wish to cross swords with this Simon Gang again, only this time I will not hold back," she vowed as they approached the door.

Reassured by her answer, Walker hummed before raising a hand to knock on the door of the MacLaughlin house, only for it to open and reveal the surprised face of Caroline on the other side. "Ah, Ms. Sonja, Mr. Walker, come in, come in," she beckoned as she stepped aside, "I trust you aren't having any issues making yourselves at home?"

"None as of yet, Ms. MacLaughlin," answered Walker, he looked to Sonja, but the Hyrkanian had nothing to add. "And I can speak for Sonja when I say that neither of us have really had a home like this."

"Well I hope you enjoy your time with us nonetheless, both of you," replied Caroline before the Rancher's face lit up, "Ah, before I forget, I have something for you Ms. Sonja." The brunette disappeared into the next room and returned with an old, if well kept, carbine, which was offered to the Hyrkanian. "Unlike your friend here, I noticed you didn't have a gun, so I went and found this one."

Sonja accepted the gifted weapon awkwardly, but the Warrior Woman seemed to recall the lessons Walker had given her. Joshua eyed the gun for a moment and asked, "Spencer?" Caroline answered with a nod, prompting the Bounty Hunter to speak to Sonja. "A fine, reliable weapon from the Civil War, hard hitting with that fifty-six fifty-six Spencer, accurate too. Cartridges?" The last word was directed at Caroline, who produced a trio of thin tubes about a foot long. Extending a hand towards each woman, Walker took one of the tubes and the Spencer, "Now watch." Slowly, he undid the latch on the back of the buttstock, "Pull that out," he told Sonja, who promptly removed the plunger, exposing the tube magazine, down which he poured the contents of the tube Caroline had given him. The metallic cartridges clattered together as they fell into place and were pressed together by the plunger Walker reinserted into the stock. "There you go, seven shots, just work the lever like the Winchester and thumb the hammer back like the revolver when you're gonna shoot."

Sonja took the rifle back and immediately cycled the action, chambering the first round as her eyes shone with intrigue. Satisfied, the Hyrkanian said, "The weapons of your land continue to fascinate me. I am eager to see how this one will perform against Simon's men."

"Let's go see if any of them are snooping about then," said Caroline as she pulled on her own gunbelt, only instead of a pistol, strapped to the Rancher's leg was a cut down Winchester with enlarged lever loop. "And if not, well, the country's really beautiful around this time."

Now armed, the trio went outside, to the horses that were hitched outside the Foreman's office. Both Sonja and Walker's horses had been given a much needed bit of care by the ranch hands, and were freshly washed and reshoed before having their saddles refitted. Giving his saddle a check and his horse, Shelby, an affectionate rub on the muzzle, Walker was satisfied that everything was as it should be and climbed into the saddle. After reaching down to double check that his Winchester was where he'd left it, Tombstone joined Caroline and Sonja when the former said, "Right, follow me. Keep your eyes peeled for anything suspicious."

Around them, the Ranch had gone eerily still, the hands had mostly retired for the evening, and even the animals were still in their pens as the trio set out. "I appreciate you two agreeing to come out here and help. My people are good hands, but they aren't fighters."

"I appreciate having one of your magnificent weapons for myself," replied Sonja before her eyes turned to Walker, "He was not eager to share unless our situation was dire."

"You can use my guns when you let me use your sword," drawled Joshua in reply, his eyes still scanning the country around them.

Sonja huffed, and Caroline had to stifle a laugh and said, "Between your itchy trigger finger, his glare, and my feminine intuition, we should make quite a team." As the group passed the house and came to a field of crops all planted in neat rows, Walker saw a flicker of movement in the corner of his eye, surprisingly close. Hand reaching down to the Model 3 on his leg, Joshua's head swung around to see, "These goddamn rabbits are at it again!" bemoaned MacLaughlin as she brought her horse to a stop and slid off, "Go on Sonja, put that Carbine to use, I want some for the pot."

The Hyrkanian looked a bit ridiculous as she shouldered the weapon and took aim, cocking the hammer before firing, but her aim was true, with Walker able to see one of the critters collapse. The others were startled by the Spencer's report interrupting their nighttime snack and froze for a second while Sonja cycled the action and fired again, killing a second varmint. The remaining animals bolted and Walker drew his Schofield, thumbing the hammer back as he raised the revolver and loosed a .44-40 WCF round, killing one of the running rabbits before pulling the hammer back and firing again, killing the last varmint before Sonja managed to chamber a third round.

Seeing both women staring at him with different expressions, Sonja's lips pursed and Caroline's mouth hanging open. "Where'd you learn to shoot like that, Mr. Walker?" asked MacLaughlin once she managed to reign in her shock.

"Had a good teacher," he replied, spinning the Schofield as he slid the gun back into its holster, "Sonja did okay too, for her first time with a long gun."

Now Caroline's shock returned, this time focused on the Hyrkanian. "Is that true?"

Sonja nodded, "I too, had a fine teacher," answered the She-Devil, eyeing Walker, "But I prefer my steel to these, 'Shooting Irons.'"

The trio returned to their horses, "In any case, much obliged for the help. Them rabbits can be wily little critters. If it's not Simon's rustlers stealing our cattle, it's the rabbits stealing our crops," Caroline bitched as they settled back into their saddles.

"Living off the land is never easy," answered Sonja as they resumed their patrol. "You could always venture to one of the big cities Joshua has told me about and become a lady of leisure, as many have done in my land."

"You go on about how crazy we are, but wherever you're from must be a hoot, especially if all the ladies dress like you, Ms. Sonja," quipped Caroline. But before Sonja could reply, the sound of a snarling animal had all three searching for the source when MacLaughlin shouted, "Damn coyotes are back! We can't afford to lose anymore livestock. Kill 'em!"

The Rancher drew her custom Winchester and snapped off a shot at one of the canines, but missed. Walker had drawn a revolver and was taking aim only for a blur to fly into his field of vision as Sonja's horse charged forward, kicking up dust as the Hyrkanian up in her stirrups as she drew her longsword. Not wanting to be left behind, Walker put the spurs to the flanks of his mount, "Hiya!"

Shelby went straight into a full gallop as Walker watched the She-Devil wade into the pack of wild dogs and swing her sword, cleaving through the neck of one of them. In a single swift motion, Sonja brought her blade down on a coyote on the other side of her horse and speared the tip of her blade into the creature, eliciting a pained wail when Caroline and Joshua caught up to the marauding Hyrkanian. The Rancher raised her cut-down weapon and fired, sending a coyote sliding across the road. "Follow me, Sonja, some are running into the corral! Walker, you gotta keep 'em outta the coops!"

Splitting off, Walker wheeled his horse around and dashed towards the wooden chicken housings before pulling back on the reins to bring his horse to a stop. With himself between the oncoming canines and the coop, Walker drew both Schofields as a trio of the animals bore down on him, teeth bared. Twisting in his saddle, Walker leveled the revolvers and fired them one after the other, the barrage of lead stopping the oncoming canines in their tracks.

Lowering the smoking guns, Walker could hear the women finish off the rest of the pack and contemplated going to help them for a second before thinking better of it. Shelby's hoof scratched at the ground and the Bounty Hunter tried to calm his mount, "Easy there Shelby," he said, scratching at the horse's neck while listening to the echo of gunshots.

When Caroline returned with Sonja, who still held her bloody sword in hand, Walker had just finished reloading his pistols. The Ranch owner looked down at the dead coyotes before fixing Joshua with a wide-eyed look of realization that prompted the Bounty Hunter to smirk while holstering the Schofields. "Thank y'all for the help tonight, you two are quite useful to have around here, that's for sure. But I remember our agreement, and if there's anything I or the ranch can do to help, we will."

Walker, flattered, tipped his hat, "I sure appreciate that Ms. MacLaughlin," he said, though a glance at Sonja confirmed that she, like him, had no desire to take the woman up on her offer.

"Don't you forget it, either," insisted the rancher, "Now come on, I wanna make one more loop to make sure everything is quiet before we turn in for the night."

"Your weapons are magnificent, Joshua Walker," began Sonja as she picked up her freshly reassembled and reloaded Spencer carbine, "But, Tarim's blood, are they a pain in the ass to care for." That morning, after breakfast, Sonja had to endure a lengthy lesson from Walker on how to care for her gifted weapon while he worked on his own Winchester repeater, explaining each part's function in painstaking detail. Sonja, for the most part, marveled at the craftsmanship on display in each intricate component. "Certainly more demanding than my blade."

"You'll get the hang of it," assured Walker in his calm drawl, "Just gotta practice." The mere thought elicited a slight grown from the Hyrkanian, prompting the man to chuckle as he went through the slightly more arduous loading process of his preferred 'long arm.' "But I've been thinking about our little predicament here. If we want this Simon guy, we're gonna want to learn about his gang."

"A wise strategy," agreed Sonja, "How do you propose to do that?"

"I'm thinking we go back to Deming, see if we can find those fellas you got into a tussle with, or maybe some of their pals are around. We can talk to 'em, or maybe follow them," suggested Walker as he worked the lever action of his own rifle.

Sonja pondered this idea, and nodded in agreement, but made a suggestion of her own. "Do you know of this fort where they reside? Perhaps we could see where our foes reside?"

"Why tip 'em off? We ain't gonna get 'em all in one go Sonja. Gotta be smart about this, try to pick these guys apart, maybe get some help if we need it," countered Walker. Frowning, Sonja internally conceded the point, the numbers arrayed against them gave even her pause, and she knew that Walker was not one to be easily cowed into caution. "Let's go check in on our host, make sure we aren't needed," intoned the Bounty Hunter as he finished loading his rifle and got to his feet.

The pair walked from the guesthouse towards the lavish MacLaughlin house, which Sonja and never seen the like of before. Most noble houses were more defensible, but the size and fine finishings of the farmhouse told of wealth, or at least craftsmanship. Around the pair, the entirety of the Ranch was at work, animals and crops being tended to by the 'hands' that worked there. Sonja had never seen a farm like this, most Hyborian farms were small, family affairs or were on the land of wealthy landowners, tended by peasants or slaves.

When they arrived, Walker approached the door first and entered, and Sonja could hear the upbeat Caroline greet them as they entered the home, "Oh, Mr. Walker, Ms. Sonja, how're y'all doing today?"

"We're well, Miss MacLaughlin, thank you," returned Walker, tipping his hat to the woman. "How are you?"

"Well I'm fine, thank you," she returned, heading down the stairs towards the duo. "You know, neither of you mentioned how it was you two met…" began the rancher, looking to Walker, and then Sonja, for a response.

"No," said Joshua, and Sonja could see the man tense.

"Why not?" pressed Caroline, "If you don't mind me asking."

"I don't mind you asking, so long as you don't mind me not telling," deflected Walker.

The Hyrkanian could tell that Caroline was undaunted by the Gunslinger's retort and pressed in further. "Well I apologize if I seem to be prying," she drawled, sarcasm permeating the woman's every word.

"And I apologize for my reticence," answered Joshua. Sonja could tell he was attempting to be polite, but she could also see his words were unsuccessful.

"Of course, Mr. Walker. I understand that a city dweller, such as yourself," she said, gesturing towards Tombstone, "Likes to have some exotic secrets so that us country folk are impressed."

Sonja could see something new in the man's blue eyes, a hint of raw emotion flickered in them for the briefest of moments. For a man so stoic and reserved at all times, it was a shock for Sonja to see that flicker in the Gunslinger. She did not fear that he might lash out, but she could stand this verbal dance no longer. "It is not a tale which you are likely to believe. Walker was recently a visitor to my land. We worked together because we share a profession."

"Is that so?" responded a surprised Caroline, her eyes shifting towards Sonja. "And where is it you're from, exactly?"

"Hyrkania," answered Sonja truthfully.

"Hyrkania?" repeated MacLaughlin, though she badly butchered the name of Sonja's homeland. "Where is that exactly? Europe?" Sonja was about to correct the woman when she saw the expression Walker wore, teeth clenched and lips drawn back. Rolling her eyes, Sonja deferred to Walker's judgement and nodded. "Tell me, can you Hyrkanians ride?"

"Quite well," returned Sonja, puffing her chest out pridefully. She may have obscured her origins, but she would not let the reputation of her people be sullied by this woman, pleasant as she was.

"Show me," challenged MacLaughlin, and Sonja grinned eagerly at the proposition. "Let's have a race, right now. Everyone wagers five dollars; winner takes the pot." Without hesitation, Sonja nodded and extended her hand, accepting the wager as she shook Caroline's, who then repeated the gesture with Walker. "Now come on, I'll show y'all how we ride 'round these parts!"

Sonja followed Caroline out the door and to their horses, where the three climbed into their saddles and made for the edge of the fields where cattle haplessly grazed under the morning sun. "Alright, this trail here loops around the whole ranch, first round is the winner, got it?" she asked. Sonja answered by leaning forward and gripped the reins of her horse with one hand, so she could use her other for balance. Looking across the line, she saw Walker pull his hat down low and pull the cloth he kept around his neck up over his face before hunching over, like warriors might, and she knew he could fight from his horse, but did not know if he could race it. Caroline adopted a stance similar to Sonja, and the Hyrkanian realized the woman had some skill to back up her boasting. "On the count of three. Three… two… one… go!"

Flicking the reins, the Hyrkanian felt at home with her horse leaping into action beneath her, but to her surprise, the two Americans were able to get more from their animals. Squinting against the dust the others kicked up, Sonja saw that they slammed the back of their boots into the flanks of their horses and recalled the 'spurs' Walker had on his boots and surmised Caroline had some on hers. Despite the burst of speed the pair were able to coax from their mounts, both soon slowed, with Caroline able to speed through the first bend and get out ahead of Walker.

The Bounty Hunter was a remarkably steady rider, his upper body barely moved despite the speed of his horse, but Sonja as able to close the gap with him through the first bend. With Caroline far ahead, Sonja was focused first on passing Walker, but the Bounty Hunter turned back to see her onslaught and sought to foil her attempt. "Damn you Joshua," she cursed lowly as she watched him steer his horse onto the middle of the trail, thwarting her attempt to pass.

Looking ahead, Sonja could see the next bend as the trail snaked up over a small rise in the plain. Caroline flew through the bend and up over the hill, out of sight, and Sonja gritting her teeth, determined to catch up to the Rancher. Fortunately, Walker gave her a chance, slowing down to ease his turn, confirming that he was a steady, warrior who could ride, but he was no Hyrkanian warrior, born in the saddle. Moving to the outside of the end and flicking the reins, Sonja leaned into the turn, coaxing her steed through the turn as fast as she dared.

Passing by Walker and cresting the hill, Sonja saw that Caroline had opened her lead and flicked the reins once more, counting on her wily Hyborian horse to reel MacLaughlin in. As when she called upon the creature's speed before, it answered gamely, unleashing another burst of strength as it surged forwards, closing the gap. Leaning on either side of her horse to guide it through a chicain, Sonja soon found herself within a few lengths of Caroline as they neared a hairpin turn.

Grinning, Sonja sped into the tight bend, betting that Caroline wouldn't have the skill to negotiate such a turn. Yet the Rancher surprised the She-Devil, slowing down just enough to wheel her horse through the hairpin and then kicked with her spurs to urge it out, causing Sonja to push herself to match MacLaughlin. Coming out of the corner, Sonja found that her deficit had shrunk, but not nearly enough as they raced down towards the final turn. Coming down the inside, Sonja expected Caroline to do as Walker had, but the brunette surprised her, matching the She-Devil and going inside to block her.

Seeing her opportunity, Sonja tugged on the reins and urged her horse slowly to the outside as they neared the turn, and only committing to that line as they drew close. And just as before, Caroline's horse shifted to cut her off, but the Hyrkanian would not be denied. Pulling hard, Sonja steered her horse to the inside and dove through the turn as fast as she dared, leaning hard into it as she slipped past MacLaughlin and came out just half a length ahead.

With a straight shot to the finish line, Sonja leaned in and willed her horse to beat out her competitor, with the thunderous pounding of hoofs drowning out her own thoughts as they bore down on their destination. Slowly, but surely, Sonja proved to have the better of the flat out race and pounded across the finish line a length ahead of Caroline, relaxing and pulling back to bring her horse to a stop. Giving her animal a rub, Sonja couldn't help but grin victoriously at MacLaughlin, who was shaking her head in disbelief, "Damn you're good," admitted Caroline, but Sonja heard no malice in her words. At the same time, Walker arrived, a handful of lengths back from the two women, not good enough to be mistaken for a Hyrkanian rider, but not a bad one, Sonja judged. "How was the view back there?"

"Very nice," answered the Bounty Hunter without missing a beat, causing both women to shake their heads, but Sonja couldn't keep the slight smile off her face.

"Well, good to see we all had fun. Let's head back to the house, I'll give Sonja her winnings and get y'all some cold drinks while we give the horses a chance to rest," suggested Caroline.

The prospect of money caused Sonja's smile to widen, "Lead the way," she agreed, and the trio returned to the ranch. "Say, after this, I have to make a run into Deming and I could do with the company. Would y'all mind riding with me?"

"We were planning on heading there ourselves, if you didn't need us then we we're gonna talk to the Law there," replied Walker.

"Y'all are gonna get help with this Simon gang? Smarter than I thought," she replied, amused. "Maybe there's hope for y'all yet."

"Wouldn't bet on it, Sonja did want to go straight at 'em," drawled Walker.

"Not straight," she corrected, "I was thinking we sneak in, kill them in their sleep, or burn down their fort."

This assertion elicited wide eyed stare from MacLaughlin, "Well, there's always hope. You can't be a rancher in this country if you don't believe that."

"An admirable attitude," agreed Sonja.

"I suppose so, I just can't think of any other way to stay sane, to be frank," admitted MacLaughlin before pausing. "What about you? Have you ever lost hope, Sonja?"

The Hyrkanian shook her head, "I have my swordarm and my goddess, I need nothing else," she declared.

Sonja saw the eyebrow Caroline raised at her, but the Rancher didn't reply, instead turning to Joshua, "What about you, Mr. Walker?"

"Hope hasn't really entered things, so it hasn't ever left," answered Walker with a shrug. "I can't say I ever really thought about it much."

"A peculiar outlook," answered Caroline, "I can't really say I understand either of you. Sonja says everything like it makes sense, only it don't, and you, Mr. Walker, sound like you're being deliberately enigmatic."

"I'm not, miss," retorted Walker.

"Yes you are!" shot back MacLaughlin, more exasperated than angry. "You are being deliberately obscure as a substitute for having a personality!"

Joshua sighed, and Sonja found herself fascinated with how this woman needled Walker so boldly. While she felt sympathy for the Gunfighter, she was too amused to intercede on his behalf. After a moment of pause, the man just seemed to give up. "I just know that there are two theories to arguing with women… and that neither one works."

"I'm not even going to dignify that gibberish with a response!" exclaimed MacLaughlin before turning to Sonja. "I can't fathom how you put up with that man!"

"He has earned my respect, just as I think I have earned his," replied Sonja truthfully. She then added, "And I have always been able to get what I want from men."

"Ha! I bet!" hooted MacLaughlin. "Still, I don't think I'll use your methods for myself!"

Sonja smiled but did not feel the urge to respond as her mind drifted. She knew little of Walker's story, of how he became the man he was, Sonja simply knew the man, and that was enough, at least for now.

"Much obliged for the help, and the company. It was nice not being alone on these trips, for a change," drawled Caroline as the trio finished loading the Rancher's wagon with newly bought feed, amongst other supplies.

Walker tipped his hat, "It was our pleasure, travel safely miss," said the Bounty Hunter. The Rancher climbed back into her wagon and gave the pair a wave as she flicked the reins and began the journey back to her home. Turning to Sonja, Walker said, "Before we go see the Marshal, let's go do some shopping."

With that, Tombstone led the way to the building proudly labeled 'Gunsmith' and entered to find a well stocked shop. Shelves full of ammunition and tools of various use, a display case full of handguns near the counter where the owner looked up from his books, and a rack of long guns lining the wall behind him. "Greetins!" enthusiastically called the man at the counter, "Jack Murphy's my name, welcome to my shop. Feel free to look around and holler if you need anything."

"I want to see your finest pistols and rifles, go ahead and get out your best," answered Walker as he collected a few boxes of ammunition for his own weapons.

"If you don't mind me saying sir, but you seem to be well armed as you currently are," replied Murphy.

"Not for me," returned Walker as he pointed towards Sonja, "For her." The pair then walked to the counter, Walker amused at the gob smacked expression Murphy wore as he took in Sonja in her entirety.

The small, slight, bespectacled man was towered over by the Hyrkanian warrior woman, but his mouth eventually closed and began to form words. "The lady wants to protect herself, eh? Well I have several fine Derringers that she could conceal… though that might be a challenge with her current attire."

"No Derringers, just full sized wheelguns," returned Walker, "Gunbelts too." Slowly but surely, Murphy complied, reaching into the case and pulling out several models of revolver, most of which Walker recognized, but there were a few newer models in the mix. "Alright Sonja, you have your pick of the litter."

The Hyrkanian leaned over the counter, eyes roaming over the row of weapons before her hand followed suit, "Joshua, what is the difference between these."

Leaning in closer, Murphy began to answer, "Well, you see, this one here…."

He was cut off when the Hyrkanian grabbed him by the collar, "I did not ask you," she sneered before shoving him back. "I do not see the type you wield amongst this lot. So I ask you, which of these is most suitable for me?"

Giving a moment of thought to the question, Walker reached over and picked out three weapons, a Colt, a Remington, and a Merwin & Hulbert. "I'd stick with these," he advised, nodding towards the three nickel-plated guns. Sonja picked up each one in turn and got a feel for them. Walker looked up and saw the shopkeeper trying, and failing, to discreetly ogle Sonja until the Gunslinger cleared his throat, "Belts," he commanded as he fixed Murphy with a glare.

While the shopkeeper scurried out the back door, Joshua could see the smile play at the Hyrkanian's lips. "You were quite harsh with him, weren't you Joshua?" asked Sonja as she set the Remington aside.

"I don't like him leering at my 'Red Rose,' is all," muttered Joshua under his breath, slightly ashamed when he realized he was being a tad possessive, but that flicker faded when he saw the look on Sonja's face. "I know you don't need it, but… ah, damn it."

The Hyrkanian chuckled, but did not chastise him as she continued her examinations of the revolvers, manipulating the controls of each to get a feel for how they operated. "Your concern is endearing," replied Sonja, her accented voice laced with amusement that caused Walker to grumble incoherently. The Hyrkanian must've sensed his discontent, because she leaned against him and planted a quick kiss on his face, causing him to blush, much to Sonja's delight.

When the back door opened and Jack Murphy returned, Walker was almost thankful that he did, as Sonja ceased her teasing and held up the nickel plated Colt Single Action Army, its shortened 4 ¾ inch barrel marking it as a 'Civilian' model. "This is the one I would like," announced Sonja as she pushed the other revolvers aside.

"A fine choice, miss," declared Murphy before laying out a few gunbelts of varying styles. "I see you have a sword on your left hip, so I have belts where the holster is somewhere else. Here, try them." One after the other, Sonja tried the belts on until she settled on one with a crossdraw arrangement, the revolver's holster on the left side of her waist and canted at an angle across her stomach. Stacking up the selected items and tallying them up in his log, the shop owner asked "Will that be all?"

To Joshua's surprise, Sonja shook her head and pointed at the back wall. "Which of those is the most powerful?" asked the Hyrkanian warrior flatly.

Jack burst out laughing, and only stopped when he looked at the pair of fighters to see both wore serious expressions and quickly calmed himself under a pair of withering glares. Turning to his stock, the man offered up an example of the venerable Remington Rolling Block rifle that dated back to 1860's but had been renowned for its simplicity, reliability, and accuracy. This one featured a long octagonal barrel and a massive bore, the blue finish standing out from the lovingly polished Walnut stuck. "Careful miss, it's heavy," cautioned Murphy, only for Sonja to take the 14 pound rifle and bandy it about with ease.

"Chambering?" asked Walker as Sonja stared at the weapon, the gears of her mind turning.

"That, my good sir, is a true buffalo gun, firing fifty-ninety Sharps, but it can take the hundreds and one-tens too. I sell all three," replied Murphy.

Sonja, bewildered, raised and eyebrow and asked, "Buffalo gun?"

"Buffalo is a big game animal up north, they're bigger than… most things I guess," supposed Walker. "Calamity Dame, trust me, that thing's got enough power to kill anything we're liable to come across. If anything survives, it'll wish it hadn't."

The grin that appeared on the She-Devil's visage made Walker slightly nervous. "I will take this one too, and some ammunition," she declared, already clutching the weapon close to her chest.

Standing there like a fool, Murphy's mouth bobbed for a few moments before he finally managed to say, "That brings the total to, er, sixty dollars and…" he never got to finish as Sonja eagerly slammed a few bills down onto the man's counter, much to his bewilderment. The Hyrkanian happily scooped up her new purchases and made for the door, oblivious to the two men watching her leave.

Walker picked up his newly purchased ammunition, taking care to bump into the leering Murphy. "Keep the change," grunted the Bounty Hunter as he followed Sonja.

"Nice doin' business with you!" called Murphy as the duo left the small shop and stepped into the New Mexico sun.

Returning to their horses, the pair took a few minutes to situate themselves, with Walker stowing his newly bought ammunition and Sonja having to strap her new pistol belt around her waist, the leather coming to rest at a slight angle on her hips as she holstered her Colt and filled the loops on the belt with its Forty-Five Long Colt cartridges. Strapped to the belt was a small leather pouch to hold some of the massive rounds for her Rolling Block, which she slung across her back.

"Now that we're prepared for it, let's go see what kind of trouble we can get into," drawled Walker as he led the Hyrkanian down Main Street towards the Marshal's office. Striding up to the open door, the Bounty Hunter saw a modest desk to the immediate left of the door, with a lamp, some papers, and another odd contraption that Joshua didn't recognize. There was also a gun cabinet on the wall with a handful of documents pinned into the wood. On the right was a pair of holding cells, their floor to ceiling iron bars coated in a thin patina, and both occupied. "Excuse me," said Walker, announcing his presence to the two men.

In the far cell was a rough, haggard looking man in a stained shirt and scruffy beard, and he gave Walker a once over before turning to the man who was laying on the mattress in the other, open, cell. "Hey, hey! You got a visitor!" called the bearded man, prompting the other to slowly rouse from his slumber.

Hacking up a wad of phlegm and spitting it onto the floor as he sat up, the man with a gun belt, black vest, and brass star badge over his heart fixed Walker with a wary glare. His head then whipped back to the occupant of the other cell, "Shut up you!" snapped the Deputy. He then looked towards Walker, "An' whatchu want?"

"My name is Joshua Walker," said Tombstone before he gestured to Sonja, and the redhead entered the small building to stand along side him, "This is my partner, Sonja. You'll want to speak to us."

"I will?" questioned the deputy, bushy eyebrow raised as his eyes darted between the pair. Walker nodded, "Why?"

"Because we're in the business of the law," returned the Bounty Hunter evenly.

The deputy stood and stretched while he ambled towards the open cell door. Leaning up against the bars, the deputy looked at Sonja and cocked his head, "You fellas here about that cathouse permit?"

"No," returned Walker, holding the man's gaze, "We're here about Fort Cassidy."

That caused the Deputy to perk up instantly, straightening as his right hand dropped down towards his holster. "Fort Cassidy?" he asked, his scratchy voice now an octave higher. His hand went to the grip of his pistol and pulled it, but not before Walker had swiftly drawn his own Smith & Wesson. The two men stood, their weapons trained on each other, and in the corner of his eye Walker could see Sonja standing there, hand on her sword but he held a hand out to try and keep her from leaping across the room and killing this fool. "You two are a part of Shane Simon's bunch!"

"Calm down," commanded Walker evenly, his gun steady even as the deputy's began to tremble.

"Go on! Shoot 'im mister! Shoot 'im!" goaded the man locked up in the far cell.

"G…go on what? You getting cu… cute with me, boy?" stuttered the deputy.

"This is not 'cute,' your life hangs in the balance," warned Sonja, and the last thing Walker wanted was for the She Devil to scare the frightened deputy into doing something stupid. He needed the man to calm down.

With a fresh stack of telegraphs in hand, Marshal Jed Cooper marched back towards his office, only as he approached he could hear the muffled shouts of his deputy and someone else emanating from within. Shaking his head and removing his hat as he walked up the small flight of steps outside his office, the greying Lawman removed his hat and stepped inside. Seeing his deputy drawing down on an odd pair of strangers, Cooper set the dispatches in a tired stack on his desk and asked, "What's going on here?"

His deputy spat another wad of spit onto his floor before answering, "I got me two of those Simon bandits." Cooper could see the way Jonah was rocking like a tumbleweed and hoped the boy would keep his wits, if only because he knew that he was as likely to be hit as his intended target.

"And I got me one of them idiots who give marshals a bad name," returned said intended target, tone as steady as the finely kept Schofield in his hand. Even if his frame was draped in a worn duster, the veteran Marshal could see this was a hard man, and the way he had a second revolver holstered on his left hip reminded the Marshal of the pair of Remington Model 1875s he had slung low on his own pistol belt.

While this man gave the veteran Marshal pause, his companion stopped him dead in his tracks. She was a gorgeous redheaded woman in an outfit that did less to conceal her modesty than those worn by the soiled doves at the saloon. With just a few pieces of oddly pattered metal over her breasts, pelvis, and buttocks, all held together by leather straps, there was a lot of skin on display. What she did show off was that she was more muscular than any woman Cooper had seen in his 56 years on this earth. Even with a rifle slung over her back and a pistol belt around her narrow waist, her gloved hands were resting on the hilt of an honest to god longsword, if the length of the scabbard that rested on her hip was any indication. Her skin was marred by a few marks that told of experience that Cooper could relate to, but the Marshal suspected she was as deadly as she was strikingly beautiful.

One thing was for certain; these two were none of Shane Simon's bandits.

"Jonah, put your gun down," Cooper instructed around the cigar cinched between his teeth. After hesitating a moment, the deputy complied, slowly lowering his weapon and slipping it back in his holster. Jed saw the strangers relax as well, the man stowing his pistol and the woman's hand coming away from her blade. "You two must be those phantoms that rode into town a few days ago."

"We're no phantoms," returned the man, the woman took a step away, her eyes swinging between Jeb and Jonah, her muscles still tense.

"So I see, you certainly seem real enough to me," agreed Cooper. A veteran of the Civil War, he had seen a lot since he'd joined the Georgia Cavalry.

"Listen," began the man, nodding towards Jonah, "That dog ain't too bright, but he seems loyal."

Cooper nodded and turned towards his deputy, crossing his arms, "Jonah, get outta here for a minute."

His subordinate crossed his own arms and deflated. "Yes sir, Mr. Cooper, sir," he huffed before sulking out, but not before sneering at the pair on his way toward the door. "And yous, I done seen enough of your hides around here."

The woman clearly wasn't in the mood for Jonah's lip. "I take no orders from a mangy mutt," she hissed in a strange accent. Not southern, and not Yankee either, that much was for sure.

Jonah turned to give the stink eye to this woman, who was totally unaffected, at least until the man with the Schofields let out a low bark of laughter. "I think there's some school children down the way you can go an' frighten," he drawled, a slight grin visible under the brim of his hat. Growling, Jonah stalked out the door while the man added, "Hope your bark is worse than your bite."

"Oh, hardy fucking har!" hooted the deputy, flailing his arms about before tacking on, "Dickhead."

Once the deputy had gone, the two strangers turned to face Cooper, with the man speaking first. "Joshua Walker," he introduced with a tip of his hat.

"Sonja," added the woman simply, hands on her hips.

"Marshal Jed Cooper," he returned. Grunting, Cooper walked past them towards the cell door Jonah had left open. "What are you two doing here?"

"We're here to capture or kill Shane Simon," returned Walker, voice as dry as the desert.

Slamming the door shut, Cooper couldn't help but laugh at the audacity, if not the foolhardiness. "Okay," was all the veteran Lawman could manage in response as he waved at his prisoner, a drunkard who'd already caused a public disturbance this early in the day, and got a one fingered salute in reply.

"Can you help us?" asked the woman.

Cooper sighed, "He's outside my jurisdiction. He's in the next county." Retracing his steps back towards his desk, Jed sat on the worn wooden top and pulled the cigar out of his mouth. "Of course, Shane Simon and his boys have tended to keep themselves away from my town, at least when it comes to causing trouble."

Looking up, Cooper saw that the man was frowning, his blue eyes concealing whatever he was thinking. The woman was more vocal in her displeasure. "So you are happy that he is out there?" she asked, stamping her foot on the floor.

Shrugging, the Marshal admitted, "Well, I ain't happy but I also ain't suicidal." Putting his cigar back in his mouth and letting out a puff of smoke, he turned to this foreign woman and clarified, "My job is to keep this town safe, not clean up all these three counties. It's hard enough around here."

"I hear you speak," began the man, his tone now had a chill in it that only made it drier, "And I'm reminded of how some of the people I respected most in my life had a problem with authority."

Reaching down for the bottle of scotch he kept tucked away, Cooper returned with it and some glasses. "Well I'm sure you and her have pursued some fine and noble causes," he began, the marshals gruffness unable to overpower the sarcasm in his words. "My cause is to keep this town from turning into a living hell for the folks who live here. The whole world has problems mister, and I'm here, doing what I can," he explained as he poured three glasses of liquor.

Cooper didn't bear Walker any ill will, the kid wanted to do good, but Jed had seen a lot of good young kids do stupid things and throw their lives away. He was getting old now and didn't have the time for the fanciful thoughts of youth. Still, he did have time to share a drink with them, and he offered both a small glass of scotch.

They shared a look, but it was Walker who took the first step forward and accepted a glass, with Sonja soon following suit. "Why? What's happening?" asked the woman, hostility replaced with curiosity.

"Right now?" he asked, and he got a nod back. "I got the railway, the people who pay my salary, trying to get me turning a blind eye to them burning down settlements up there," he began, noting the flicker of disgust on Walker's face. "I got a bunch of cattle rustlers up near box canyon need shutting down, not forgetting the gang that keeps murdering homesteaders out in the back country, and I got a buncha hoods over in the saloon, drunk, threatening to shoot up the whole town," listed off Cooper. Managing a wry grin, the Marshal said, "That's all I got today, but it's early yet. Give me a couple days and there'll be more."

The Marshal threw his scotch back to offer some relief to his dry throat, but to his surprise, the pair of fighters in his office were exchanging looks. "I'll tell you what," began Walker before downing his scotch, "She's quite good at dealing with the hoods in your saloon," he said, gesturing towards Sonja.

Jeb raised an eyebrow, he'd heard the story of the woman who'd taken three of Simon's boys to task, but believed they were horseshit. If this was that woman, then he could maybe buy it, however. Sonja nodded, knocking her scotch back with gusto, "Then we discuss Simon," she said.

Weighing the offer for a second, Cooper extended his hands and took back his shot glasses. "Okay then, you two're persistent little cusses, ain't ya?"

"When it matters," confirmed Walker as they headed out the door.

Following this 'Marshal' down the street of the town, Sonja wasn't sure just what to make of the man. He bore the look and disposition of a warrior despite his years, but, like Walker, he lacked the love of a fight that Sonja was used to the fighting men of her realm having. Standing above both Walker and Sonja, this Marshal carried a pair of pistols on his belt in a similar style to Joshua, and with a confidence that couldn't help but remind Sonja of her partner. Unlike everyone else she had come across, he barely gave her more than a second glance, and his gray eyes more often looked at her sword than her tits. The man also had the graying beard and similarly colored, thinning hair under his wide brimmed hat that attributed to his aged appearance as much as his weathered face. Sonja did not look down upon him for this, she had long learned to be wary of old men in a profession where men died young.

Doubly so since the old man had a scar around his neck that indicated that even the hangman's noose hadn't been able to end him.

"Who're we looking for?" asked Walker lowly.

"A bunch of two-bit hoodlums, led by this fella called Walton. Goddamn road agents who prey on stages comin' in and out of town," returned Cooper in a growly voice. "Drivers spend more time with their hands in the air than on the reins these days."

"And it pleases you that they drink in your tavern?" asked a shocked Hyrkanian.

"Happy? No," replied Coper. "But, the way I figure it – better they're carousin' in there then out robbin' decent folk."

"That's an interesting approach to law enforcement," drawled Walker.

Sonja saw Cooper about to respond, but the Marshal came to an abrupt halt, "There's that dumb rat-bastard now," he sneered. "Let's follow him, see what kind of hole he crawls into, mount up." The trio dispersed, each of them rushing to grab their respective horse and climb into the saddle as Walton did the same. Unaware he was being followed, the outlaw rode out of Deming at a leisurely pace with a heavy armed trio in tow.

Pulling alongside the Marshal, Sonja asked him, "If this man is such a scoundrel, why not kill him now?"

"Because that isn't how the law works, miss," replied Cooper as if it were that simple.

"Is that so?" asked Sonja, finding this man, and his role, more perplexing.

"And, alive, he can still talk," added the Lawman.

"Is he the sort that can be reasoned with?" asked Walker.

"He ain't," confirmed Cooper, "But a few days of my hospitality and he'll be tellin' me what I need to know. Walton's gang has been growing fast. I need to know how."

Sonja's assessment of the Marshal ticked upward, but her opinion of this 'Walton' hadn't. "Weak men seek easy money, the sort that comes from banditry."

Cooper turned to respond, but before he could, Walton finally turned around and saw his tail. The bandit's horse picked up speed, "Crap, he's seen us, after him!" called Cooper. At once, all three of them had their horses at a gallop as they followed Walton off the main road and onto a smaller side trail, so narrow that they had to proceed single file. The chase went through a few rolling hills, and after the bandit disappeared around one, the Marshal's horse began to slow. "He's headed for the old Pleasance house, it's the only thing up this trail," he said before he steered his mount off the trail. "We'll leave the horses here and approach on foot."

Once all three had dismounted, Sonja followed the Marshal up the next hill when she heard someone yell out, "Looks like we got company boys!" Sonja came to a stop and stood tall to try and see her foe, only for Walker to yank her arm to pull her down to a crouch right as the distinct, thunderous crack of a pistol shattered the desert silence.

The Hyrkanian could hear the bullet pass overhead, a zip as the ball of lead missed her, but at once her body reacted. Adrenaline and fury mixed in her blood, but her lust for combat was tempered by the memories of what such weapons could do in capable hands, and the realization that she did not truly know how to fight them. "Damn! Take cover," snapped Cooper as both men drew their revolvers and Sonja did the same, the weapon still feeling unnatural in her hand. The trio cowered behind a pair of large rocks as more shots rang out and the Marshal said, "We work our way up this hill."

Sonja peered around the rock to see a bandit firing his revolver, but before she could bring her own to bear, she saw Walker spring up and fire a pair of shots with remarkable speed, sending the man spinning to the ground. "Move up, stay low," advised Walker as the trio pushed forwards, spreading out behind whatever shelter they could find, a ruined wagon, a large stone, even an outhouse, before a hail of bullets from the cabin atop the hill.

"You better be at peace with the Lord!" came a shout before more bullets flew down at them. Standing, Sonja returned fire, firing a shoot at the window she saw a man in, but missed, Walker followed up with a more accurate shot that sent the man's head snapping back. More men came rushing out of the cabin, firing shots wildly at the trio as Sonja tried to steady her hand and land a shot at the man she picked out twenty paces away from her. Despite her best efforts, the second round kicked up dirt just short of the running bandit, but did cause him to stop as Sonja thumbed the hammer back and fired again, this time her shot struck the man in the leg. He cartwheeled to the ground, hands wrapped around his leg as he writhed in the sand, and Sonja fired again, causing him to spasm and fall still.

A trio of rounds pinged off the boulder Sonja was behind, prompting the Hyrkanian to duck down as chips of rock dug into her scalemail. With jerky, amateurish motions, she did as she had practiced, pulling the hammer to half cock and flipping open the loading gate of her revolver before ejecting the spent casings and replacing them with fresh cartridges from her belt. All around her, the sounds of the gun battle raged on, and the constant reports of revolvers and repeaters drowned out any thoughts the Hyrkanian might've had as she struggled against her weapon.

When she finally had reloaded, she looked up just as Cooper called out, "We gottem on the run! After 'em!" Sonja saw that the last two men ran back towards the cabin, firing their guns errantly at their pursuers. Seeing that they posed no real threat, Sonja leapt from cover and employed tactics more familiar to her, a charge. Rushing headlong at the retreating scoundrels, Sonja ignored the shouts from the two men behind her and the bodies she leapt over as she fired her Colt at the men, but found it impossible to be accurate as she sprinted with all the urgency she could muster.

With a few shots still left in her revolver, Sonja switched the gun to her left hand as the last man disappeared around the corner of the building and reached for her preferred weapon. Closing the distance until she was running along the side of the house, Sonja saw the man reappear from the backside of the cabin. A look of shock flickered his face as he tried to bring his gun to bear, but he was too slow. Yanking on her sword handle, Sonja's steel sliced through the air before it cleaved through the bandit's arm and he screamed while his forearm fell to the ground, gun clutched in his severed hand. While he was still in shock, Sonja spun and swung her sword again, burying her blade where his neck met his shoulder and causing a geyser of blood to erupt from the wound as he slumped to the ground.

Yanking her blood-soaked blade free, Sonja was about to round the corner when another gunshot rang out, stopping her in her tracks. More shots followed until she heard the metallic clicking of an empty gun and leapt around the corner, swinging her sword as the man stumbled back and managed to avoid her blade as he scampered around the corner. Sonja ran after him and came around the corner just as the man got to his feet, and the Hyrkanian drew her blade back and thrust it forward, running the man through.

While Sonja finished off the last lackey, the men had arrived and were preparing to go through the door, the Marshal shouting, "Take Walton alive!" As Sonja twisted her blade in the man she had impaled, Walker kicked the door open only for Walton to reply with the blast of a shotgun. "Shit! He's gone one barrel left!"

Letting out a war cry, Sonja bent her legs and leaned into the man she had run through, pushing him forward as she turned her sword, steering the man into the doorway. The body absorbed a blast from Walton's scattergun, violently twitching as blood erupted from his back and the body went totally limp on Sonja's blade. Standing tall and raising a boot, Sonja kicked the corpse off her sword while holstering her pistol and grabbing her sword by the base of her blade and swung it with all the strength she could muster, striking the man in the knee with the pommel of her blade, getting a satisfying crunch in answer.

"Argh! You broke my leg you bitch!" wailed Walton, hands around his shattered joint as he writhed on the floor. Sonja towered over the felled man, only when she saw him reach for something, she drove the base of the hit down on his gut, knocking the wind out of the bandit when the others came rushing in.

Walker holstered his pistol and pulled out his rope, tying the man up in a way that Sonja had experienced the first time they met, and the Hyrkanian had no remorse as she watched the man struggle against his hastily applied bindings. "You're killing days are over, Walton, it'll be trial and the rope for you!" declared the Marshal before whistling.

Sonja was surprised that the old man's horse trotted up a moment later, and the restrained highwayman was hefted up by Cooper and Walker and draped across the animal's rump. "That was good work you two. You're certainly as good a shot as Tombstone was," he said to Walker before turning to Sonja, "They say not to bring a knife to a gunfight, but you use that meat chopper well enough, Sonja," admitted the Marshall before climbing up into his saddle. "Next time y'all are in town, check in with me."

"We don't want to be no policemen, Marshal," drawled Walker.

"Nor did I, my friend, I can promise you that," chuckled the weathered Lawman before tipping his hat at the pair and riding off.

Turning to Walker, Sonja said, "Is that what your bounty hunting is like, Joshua?" Tombstone gave her a curt nod, and the woman followed up, "Then I have much to learn about your profession and look forward to the next, but first, the heat is exhausting, and I need a drink."

"Agreed."

Closing Notes: More setup here, there will have to be some of that I'm afraid, since there is a rather large supporting cast to introduce, I need a bit longer to do that than I might otherwise like, hopefully Marshall Cooper (I wonder if anyone will get the reference) and the other characters will at least be a bit interesting to y'all. Next chapter'll be up in a couple of weeks.

Stay Frosty, Misfit Delta out.