WE'RE BACK FOLKS! 🎉🎉🎉
Whew. What a week. Not only did I start playing Final Fantasy 16 which is awesome BTW! 😁
But I also finally started my movie review page on Deviantart. They're not videos like on YouTube mind you. Like these fanfics they're all meant for reading. If anyone is interested in seeing my thoughts on certain films I'll select and talk about. Feel free to check it out. I'll leave a link to it on my main user page. 👍
Also coming up this Tuesday on the 4th of July is…MY BIRTHDAY! 🎉
So before I get ready for BBQs! Treats and gifts! I'll post this chapter for everyone to enjoy, as I have some action sequences and surprise character appearances here in this chapter! 😉
But first it's time to answer some comments.
SPYRO 101: Oh yeah. This was a crossover that needed to happen. Not only was there a comic book about it. But given that Zorro's reboot and original show is owned by Disney. This was legit. Thank you for helping write these chapters as always. 👍😉
RustyPete12: Thank you! Good guess. But those rocks are for other means. But the Heartless are involved somehow. I won't give it away yet. Also no. The Cavendish Gang were dealt with in the movie. But the Latino Rogue will fill in those shoes for this world's visit. Also yes. Jawanio Akicita was a Maverick before Connor. But he won't be discussed yet. At least not in this chapter. But they'll talk about him soon. Also no. Namor's anti-hero days are over. Since he's based on the aftermath of Marvel Ultimate Alliance. And he's the King Of Atlantis instead of Talokan from the MCU. So he's more based on the classic Sub-Mariner.
But it may be different for the Namor of Orion's Mirrorverse. 👌😉
If you like to ask anymore questions feel free to ask here or on my PMs.
Alright! Now that we're all here!
LET'S GET DANGEROUS! 😎
Get Along Little Mavey!
That night at the Cor Leonis' camp...
As Leonis' caravan wrapped up with gathering up all of the captives that were held in force labor around the mining camp. They were taken across the Cave Creek forest where thr caravan lead to a large camp surrounded by trees. Several large tents that almost resembled an army's camp were stationed all around. Near a river. Where trees surrounded the entire camp, making it hard to be caught so easily. Several loyal troops of the Meridian Resistance all dressed as Cowboys in white suits were stationed around on watch duty.
Cor Leonis was there. Wearing a black themed weastern attire with a coat and matching pants and boots. With a ten gallon hat. He was busy keeping the fire lit in the middle of the camp. When he saw Maverick and Tsunami come up to him. He smiled as he stood up to greet them.
"You two have been making the stars shine lately." Cor remarked as he shook their hands.
"It wasn't too hard. I had help." Maverick replied as he shook his hand.
"And it has been fun." Tsunami said before shaking Cor's hand. "It's good to see you again."
"Likewise. I know you're both busy gathering those shards. But as you can tell, things are getting in heat out here." Cor stated as he gestured for them to take a seat on a log near the fire.
"Really? It gets hot out here. I never guessed." Maverick quipped as he sat down.
"Heh. Smartass." Gladiolus scoffed as he came over and sat next to Cor along with Ignis.
Donald and Goofy along with Prompto were busy helping the refugees out by passing along food and medicine. While Dug and Mini Mav were keeping the children entertained.
"So. I get the whole corrupted foreign military leader deal. But any idea what he wants with this stuff?" Maverick asked as he held up a purple orb from the shipment.
"I've seen a rock like it once." They heard Tonto say as they looked over at the right of the fire.
Tonto was sitting near them on a log, while they were talking. Which kinda spooked Maverick abit.
"Were you sitting there the whole time?" Maverick inquired weirdly.
"You weren't here that long." Tonto said in a calm tone while he was feeding his dead bird.
Maverick still looked wierded out as he leaned over to Tsunami. "I don't wanna know the bird's story." He whispered.
"You know where the rocks came from?" Tsunami asked.
"The village chief who guarded the patriarch of the rocks. Kemosabe and I buried him. After the Rogue burned him. And his entire village down." Tonto said solemnly but camly.
"Oh." Tsunami looked saddened by this news of a native village being burned down. "I'm sorry something so awful happened."
"Something aweful always happens. Always will in the old west. Which is why Kemosabe and I fight." Tonto stated.
"Speaking of the Lone Ranger. Where is he?" Maverick asked.
"Gathering information from refugees, along with this Zorro." Tonto said in a calm voice before adding. "Also trying not to start a duel between each other."
Maverick looked over to see the Lone Ranger and Zorro asking around the refugees tents while not even looking at each other. Talking to people in different directions.
"So about the rocks. What do you know about them?" Tsunami asked Tonto.
"Rocks hold great power. Power of the stars." Tonto went on to explain, catching the couple's attention. "Fell from the sky, eons ago. Long before USA voyaged across the land. The inhabitants, even animals, protected the rocks. Safeguarding it's power, until the earth claimed all beneath."
"And what can they do?" Tsunami asked curiously as they both followed what he was saying.
Tonto took a piece of bread from a plate next to the fire. And he took a piece of a purple rock. He slowly touched the bread to the rock. Until when they barely touched. The rock glowed a purple light and magically switched places with the bread on the plate.
"This." Tonto stated as he held both pieces of bread.
Much to Tsunami's amazement.
"With these rocks. Juan Moreno can use their power to switch all of the US currency. Dollars. Gold. All of it with those rocks. Like robbing Fort Knox without even stepping one foot inside." Cor Leonis explained.
"Damn. So Colonel Cartel's big plan is Die Hard With A Vengeance?" Maverick asked as he was kinda blown away.
"Pretty much. His plan would cripple this Nation's economy." Cor Leonis said with a grim look.
"We have to stop him before it's too late." Tsunami said with a serious tone.
"Juan can't. Not yet." Tonto stated.
"Because America's gold is almost infinite. Juan would need trillions of these rocks. Enough to cover a whole state. He doesn't just need to match the number of gold. But to almost match how much they're all worth. And so far we delayed him by taking the train, but he won't stop." Ignis stated the details.
"So he would be looking for a large supply of that stuff like another Gold Rush but a purple addition. Any idea where he'll try next or what his next move is?" Maverick asked.
"I do." They heard as a new woman walked up.
Gladiolus narrowed his eyes at her as the woman smirked at him. This woman was Aranea Highwind. Commodore of Attuma's Empire. She had light skin and long pale blonde hair in a ponytail. She was wearing a white button up shirt with buttons on both sides of the shirt, rolled up sleeves, black leather pants and steel toed boots.
She gave everyone a mischievous smirk before sitting down.
"Everyone, this is Aranea Highwind." Cor Leonis introduced her. "She used to be Commodore of Atuma's Empire's Third Army Corps, 87th Airborne Unit. She's now working with the Resistance."
Aranea can seem naughty. But she means well.
"Highwind? As in the gummi ship Plucky and Rover Man traveled in?" Maverick caught the last name. As he was referring to Donald and Goofy's ship.
"Well, who do you think gave the royal tech team the plans to build their Gummiship? Steve Jobs?" Aranea asked with a mischievous smirk.
"She's been feeding the Empire info since day one. Aranea also has been feeding info to Emperor Mouse on everything Attuma was up to." Ignis stated.
"And how much did you earn from stealing those blueprints off of Atuma's tech team?" Maverick asked while sounding skeptical at first.
"Oh come on. We're talking about the fall of Atuma. Do you really think I would ask for payment for such valuable and important information?" Aranea asked with a smirk that gave them the answer to her question, which was yes.
"I like her already." Maverick quipped with a grin under the mask as he caught on.
"Achem?" Tsunami gave him a one eyebrow jealous look.
"Not that kinda 'like'. Besides We're underaged. And taken." Maverick muttered quietly to to Tsunami before he spoke up to Aranea. "Getting back to the part where you say you know where Colonel Counterfeit might find more rocks."
"Yes. I do know." Aranea said while getting slightly serious. "According to the spies I have imbedded within Juan's ranks, they overheard him speaking about procuring a large amount of explosives to search inside the ruins of Montezuma Castle."
"Hold on. Montezuma? As in the national monument in Yavapai County?" Gladiolus inquired.
"I'm gonna have to agree with Point Break here. That place is nothing more than a tourist attraction for conspiracy theorists. I investigated in my world already." Maverick pointed out.
"That may be the case for your Marvel world, Maverick. But let's not forget that things are different in this world than there." Aranea pointed out.
"For example. Atlantis doesn't exist in this universe. But it does in another." Ignis reminded them.
"That's true. The same could be said about Atlantica." Tsunami added.
"Alright. Fair enough. So...wait explosives? Around this age in time? Juan would have to get into some real money and stir up some attention to get explosives that big." Maverick realized.
"Well apparently, word is that the Governor of Arizona is actually on his payroll." Aranea revealed to them.
"What?!" Tsunami gawked.
"How the ***k is Colonel El Sanders able to afford the Governor's pocket?!" Maverick asked in shock.
"Well, it turns out the governor has overcome several lawsuits over the last few years and is soon to lose support for his next election." Cor Leonis informed them. "Knowing this, Juan revealed his plan to Governor Travis Dixon, and even told him how he planned to share his soon to be wealth with all those who promised him power in return. As you might guess, the governor has chosen to go along with the plan."
"***k me..." Maverick muttered as he heard these details.
"Are there any other political leaders in Juan's future payroll?" Tsunami asked.
"At the moment, it's only the Governor, which can do enough damage as it is." Aranea said with a nonchalant look. "Why else do you think the local law enforcement never showed up to help those civilians and slaves you people rescued?"
"Wow. A corrupt US leader who's doing favors for insubordinate powers on a Mexican leash. Like we've never seen that before." Maverick sarcastically quipped.
"Where exactly is Juan getting all the explosives from? I mean if we stop him from acquiring it maybe he'll have no way to blow through Montezuma Castle." Tsunami figured.
"We're way ahead of you there, Melody. I sent out a young scout to gather information in regards to Juan's dynamite shipment. She should be back by the morning with what she learns." Cor Leonis explained.
"Until she does, everyone get some shut eye. We're all gonna need it." Gladiolus said to everyone.
"Alright. And Cor? Mind if I call you Cor?" Maverick said as Cor was getting up.
"I don't mind." Cor nodded as he gave him his attention.
"I'll help you take down Colonel Jalapeño. But afterwards, I'll have to focus on finding the rest of those shards. Both of us aren't going to beat Attuma until we have King Aquarius' trident." Maverick said with sternness but respect.
"I understand." Cor said with a serious nod. "And I'm grateful for your side in this."
As Aranea walked off to go check on her troops. And Cor walked off to turn in. Gladiolus came over to ask Maverick a question.
"What's your read on the ex Commodore Lady?" Gladiolus asked him.
"I didn't sense a lie in her heart. Something tells me she's got a grudge. That could either be bad for us. Or really bad for Attuma." Maverick figured.
"Hmmm. I don't exactly trust her completely. But you do have a point." Gladiolus said before glancing over where Aranea went. "I just hope us putting our faith in her doesn't come back to bite us in the ass."
"I feel ya. But if she really did split with Attuma. She could be valuable. For now. Let's see what she's got. But not let our guard down." Maverick stated.
Gladiolus nodded in agreement as he walked off. Then Maverick and Tsunami walked over to a decent quiet area in the camp. Where a large tent was made for them. Donald and Goofy had one next to theirs.
Donald and Goofy came over as they looked exhausted.
"Hey. How did it go?" Tsunami asked the Disney Duo.
"Exhausting." Donald sighed and yawned.
"But helpful." Goofy said optimistically.
"Cool. We just found out a lot about what's going on around here. But we'll bring you both up to speed in the morning." Maverick said.
"Good. I'm bushed. Goodnight." Donald groaned out tired before trudging into his tent.
"Right. Goodnight you two. See ya in the morning." Goofy said as he followed behind Donald into their shared tent.
"Night Tiny Toons." Maverick snorted as he walked into the other large shared tent with Tsunami.
Inside their own personal tent. Maverick saw Dug their dog already asleep on a soft blanket in the corner. With Mini Mav powered down and laying against him.
Maverick found a decent corner and formed two twin size beds out of his neon abilities. Both were comfortable and enough for them to stretch in.
Then Maverick shifted back into Connor as Tsunami shifted back into Melody so they could take off a bit of their clothing to sleep comfortably.
"I always imagined myself meeting my icons as actors at some Western Comic Con. This totally blows my fantasy outta the water." Connor said as he hung up his coat and hat on a neon rack he constructed.
he was still geeked out about meeting the Lone Ranger and Zorro.
"I know how you feel. I felt the same way when we first met Hercules, getting to meet a historical icon I've read about in my history books and stories." Melody said as she took off her hat as well as skipping her coat off and removing her boots. "Makes me wonder who else from history we might get the chance to meet.
"Right? And not just people from history. Or just folks from mythology. But also fictional characters. Wait I mean. Well technically mythological characters are fiction. I mean not all, they're just thought to be fiction. I'm they may be fictional in another world or not but- Damn it! What am I trying to say?!" Connor smacked his forehead in frustration as he lust his words
"Hehehehe. I have no idea." Melody mused with a giggle.
"Aight. What I mean is. Historical characters. Mythological characters. But also get to meet fandom based fictional characters. Or in this case, Old Western fiction. But my Mom was based on marvel fiction so that part blew me away. I was reading all about her before I even knew who she was." Connor said as he was reflecting on things he never thought was possible. While he was taking off his vest.
"I bet that must have been quite a shock for you when you learned about your Atlantean heritage, especially in the Marvel Universe." Melody said with a cheeky smirk.
"Nah Atlantis would've been shocking enough. But the Marvel Universe being real. That was a Discovery Channel special." Connor remarked.
Then Connor held his hand up to construct a neon folding screen. For Melody to change behind.
"Here, I washed these a few days ago." Connor said as he handed Melody her white pantalettes and matching camisole.
Her underclothes didn't exactly disappear when she was given her Greek attire. They were just shifted into another room. Mostly the Sub's laundry room. Melody's underclothes fit well as sleepwear for the old west.
"Thanks. I'll go get changed then." Melody said before went behind the folding screens to change in privacy.
"No problem." Connor said as he got into just a pair of blue underwear and a tank top. As he sat on the bed. And continued the conversation while Melody was changing. "I think one of my other biggest childhood discoveries was meeting Spider-Man for the first time. He's the reason I became a marvel fanatic."
"That must have been exciting. How did your first time meeting him go?" Melody asked as she continued changing.
"I was speechless. And I felt like my sanity went numb and my equilibrium flew to Europe." Connor humorously answered and remarked. "Noctis would've even nuts than me if he had met the X-Men."
"Guess he was a bigger fan of the X-Men over the Avengers?" Melody asked as she hung her cowgirl attire up on the shade.
"Oh we both adored the Avengers. We just had our personal favorites. Noct admired the anti-prejudice passion that he always fought for. Especially for someone like me. Meanwhile I related to the shy awkward outcast who becomes a confident hipster type hero." Connor explained.
"Then let me ask you a question." Melody said as she stepped out, looking cute in her underclothes and barefoot. "What category do you think I fit in?"
"Personally. The Femme Fatal side. Basically you're a mystical cosmic heroine who could be anyone under the armor. And you're a shining example to other youthful girls who think they don't have it in them." Connor said while grinned back at her. "So as far as anyone's concerned. You're a fresh category."
"Aww. That's so sweet of you to say." Melody said as she walked over and wrapped her arms around his neck. "And I think you fall in the lovable classics category."
"Or the category of wise cracking smartasses." Connor remarked as he held her in his lap.
"In that category. You'd be at the very top." Melody said before giving her boyfriend a kiss.
Connor kissed her back as he slowly stood up with her in his arms. He carried her bridal style and placed her on her bed as they finished their kiss. And as he tucked her into bed. He saw a cute little pleading face that came with her famous irresistible puppy dog eyes.
"What?" Connor inquired.
"Will you tell me a story, please?" Melody asked, looking very cute.
She even quivered her lip with a very cute pouty face that Connor thought was adorable. And rolled his eyes amusingly as he sat back down next to her head and patted his lap. Melody smiled gleefully as she got up on his lap.
And then he started to tell a story.
"There was once a Chinese woman who lived with her husband in Toronto, Canada. She cooked a meal of baozi which is what we call Chinese dumplings. for her and her husband. And just as her husband went off to work after finishing his meal. The woman saw that one of her dumplings came to life, as a baby." Connor started the first part of the story as he softly stroked Melody's hair. "As her maternal instincts kicked in. She felt adornment after the shock. And decided to raise the dumpling as her own son."
"Really? That sounds very sweet." Melody said as she leaned closer. "What happened next?"
"She continued to raise it like any parent would. Gave the dumpling a home. Fed it gourmet dishes from her cooking. They would even go out to run errands together. But the mother became too over protective of the dumpling. And the dumpling felt like he was being cuddled too much. Pretty soon as the dumpling grew older. He became more rebellious. And desired an increasing amount of independence. Which soon would create a rift between him and his mother. Soon the dumpling was always going out with his friends. Never having time to be with his mother. And felt too cool to hang out with her. Until one day. The dumpling found a girlfriend. And eventually purposed to her." Connor said the middle part of the story. "Soon he was about to leave with his fiancee. But the mother protested for him not to go. But it was insistent. And in a fit of desperation...She ate him."
"She what!?" Melody gasped in horror. "How could she do that!?"
"She would not let her son go. She was too clingy and over protective of the baby she raised. That she ended up destroying her relationship with him. And he would not acknowledge the woman that loved and brought him up. That night she was still crying in her bedroom. Until finally the door opened up...and She could see her son." Connor stated as he was nearing the end. "Not as a dumpling. But as a human being. Because it turned out her life with the dumpling was just a dream. And a metaphor that represented her life with her real son. Who's head and face resembled the Dumpling's in the dream."
Melody gasped in understanding.
"Oh my... So it was all a dream about not wanting to let go of her son." Melody said in understanding.
"Totally. The father called her son and told him what a wreck she was. She had been crying all night after having that dream. Feeling bad for how things went. The son came over. After buying a package of the pastries they used to eat together while riding the tram. The mother wasn't open at first. Feeling too bitter about how things went. But when the son sat on the bed and shared a pastry. The mother couldn't hold on to her resentment and took responsibility for holding her son back too much. They both realized while they clinged their own personal resentment, they were letting go of the first thing that brought them value. Each other." Connor told the ending. "And so they tearfully enjoyed the pastry. And leaned against each other's head and reconciled. Ever that day. They were closer than ever. The son even invited his fiancee over. Who of course was the same girlfriend from the dream. The family of course fell in love with her. Especially since she quickly learned how to make a perfect dumpling when the mother was teaching her and the son. And the father. He was content to see that the dumpling was back with the mother."
"Aww. That's so sweet. I love when a story ends happily." Melody said.
"Yeah...Not all of ours end that way. But we can make what we have now end the same way." Connor said as he stroked her hair. "What did you think of your Mom and Dad before we met? I mean before you knew the truth? About why they built the wall and kept you from the ocean."
"Well, before I learned the truth, I was just frustrated and confused, about why they would close off our home to something so vast and beautiful." Melody said her thoughts.
"Alright well beside that. Did you get along with them?" Connor asked curiously.
"Well of course I did. Despite a few differences in opinion, I love them greatly." Melody said honestly. "I always have and always will."
Plus Melody's relationship with her parents will only increase now that she knows the truth. And they're all in this together.
"Same. Me and my old man haven't been all that close during our last few years together. The vacation on our plane was meant to get us reconnected." Connor said solemnly and admitted. "He was getting more busy with his cop duties and I was too busy trying to grow up. And adapt. Before we knew it. Time was passing and we weren't as close as we used to be. Before I had asthma. Before...I had to move out of California."
"You mean when that plane crash happened, right?" Melody asked with a sad look.
"Yeah..." Connor nodded as he stroked her hair. "I just couldn't forgive him for making us move to Destiny Islands. Instead of staying in Smithville with the rest of the family. I just had no idea he was looking for Mom."
His father Joe Ramsey really missed Namorita. Despite her warning to not look for her. He never gave up. Even after Atuma's men found and attacked their home. He moved to Smithville where the rest of Joe's family went. But he only lived there with Connor for six years. And then the lead came in about where he went. And he moved back with his son.
On the bright side, even after leaving behind his cousin Penny and everyone else. And his father never explained. Connor met Noctis there.
But it still hurts for Connor's to find out the reasons. Coming to full grips in understanding. He won't ever forgive himself for resenting his father.
"Hey, don't be so hard on yourself. There's no way you could've known unless he told you." Melody said softly, seeing the guilt in his eyes.
"No. I was thinking too much about how I felt. I didn't take into account how he felt. I barely showed appreciation. Treated him like a plague. Distanced myself." Connor admitted as he was looking off. "At a certain point after I became the Maverick. I focused on doing small crimes on the surface. But at a certain point. I stopped pulling my punches. I got bitter. Rageful."
"But you seem to have gotten much better. What changed?" Melody asked.
"I guess my Uncle tolerated my actions. He had very little respect for the surface world for a time. So. I would only report to him. And he would only tell Mom that I was doing a good job. Until one day I tracked a drug dealer that caused several kids in Seattle to get an overdose. I tracked him down at his house. When I saw him beating on one of his 'employees'. He ran from me in the streets. But I cornered him..." Connor hesitated to say.
"It's ok. You can tell me." Melody said softly, placing a gentle hand on his cheek.
"I...beat him to a bloody pulp. As he was begging me to stop. I didn't. I kept going and going. Even after the blood was flying all over the walls. I kept going. Until finally he stopped moving. Barley breathing. I was going to do a lot worse to him. And then I heard sobbing. Coming from the corner of his apartment. Was a little girl. Seven years old. Watching the whole thing. I looked over and she cried for me not to hurt her. Especially after she just saw a demon in the night, beating her daddy near death. I couldn't see how far I went at that moment. Sure. I let all of my victims live. Because I wanted them to hurt like me. I figured spreading the pain would make it easier. And for a while it did. Until I saw that girl's eyes and it said to me. 'You're a goddamn monster.' " Connor said with heavy regret as he stared forward.
Melody never heard Connor sound this way before.
"Connor..." Melody said with a slight gasp, shock and horror for what her boyfriend had been through. "I'm so sorry."
"To be honest. None of them will ever know who it was. I didn't use my powers on them. Even my suit used to be completely blank. Just a black metal suit. No face. No color or identity. Until that night I stood out in the rain. Right up there on the space needle. Reflecting on all the pain I caused. Even after his death I was still causing pain." Connor said with remorse. "I didn't know how long I stood up there. Until I heard sirens blasting from firetrucks. Road raging over towards a spoke coming from a bridge in the distance.
"What was happening over there?" Melody asked.
"There was a car wreck. Probably someone's vehicle collided with another. Maybe a drunk up driver. But either way two vehicles were lit on fire. I formed my neon pattern and revealed my eyes inside the mask as I went over to help put the fires out. Thankfully no one recognized me as the nameless shadow that caused the pain of many low lifes. But a kid was traped in a turned over bus. A ten year old boy." Connor stated as he still had a low tone.
"What happened to him?" Melody asked.
" I heard his dad scream for him as he was about to fall down with the bus. But then I grabbed the bus with my bare hands and pulled it back. The mother ran in to grab the boy. And I let the bus go to check on them. I saw...relief. And nothing but love in their eyes as they held each other. It was at that moment I realized. My power was never forced on my satisfaction or my personal vendetta. But it was for them. For the people who can't shoot lasers or water. I realized my purpose. And I vowed to live and fight only for others. And never for my own selfish ambitions." Connor said with a sense of absolution. "The father looked at me and asked me who I was...I answered...'Maverick'...And I flew off in a stream of water."
Melody smiled at him before hugging him tightly.
"I'm so proud of you." Melody said softly.
Connor hugged her back.
"Promise me one thing." He said.
"Anything." Melody said while holding him close.
"We're gonna see many more worlds after this one. We'll see not just the best of those worlds. But also the worst. horrible things will happen. Mostly because of those who are drawn to darkness. And it will tempt us to want them to feel the pain they cause." Connor stated before he urged her softly as he stroked her hair. "Don't. Ever become like I was. And pull me back if ever you see my hold habits return."
He doesn't want to return to that dark place he was in during his early life as the Maverick. And he certainly doesn't want the same thing to happen to Melody. His beloved Princess.
"I won't. I promise you. I will not let myself go down that path." Melody said reassuringly.
Melody then kissed his cheek to confirm she meant it. As she laid back down against his lap and was starting to get sleepy. Just having him there was doing it for her.
"It's...Why I talk like a witty smart ass most of the time. I figured I won't act too serious, if I don't take everything too seriously. So far it worked. And I'm a much better person for it." Connor remarked.
"Well, I for one love your jokes." Melody said with a yawn as she started to feel sleepy.
Connor snickered as he wondered.
"Even all of the dirty ones?" Connor asked.
But he noticed Melody was now fully asleep. As she was sweetly snoring quietly on his lap. And sighed with a smile as he helped her slowly by placing her head back on her pillows. And kissed her cheek.
"I love you." He whispered.
Melody smiled in her sleep as Connor went over to his bed and got in it. And fell fast asleep. His journey in this western world will continue in the morning.
That morning...
*'Wake up! Connor Wake up!'*
Connor jolted awake to Donald shaking him and looking anxious.
"Donald? What time is it?" Connor inquired as he groaned a bit while rubbing his tired eyes.
"Connor, Cor's scout is coming down the road. Come on, we gotta meet with her." Donald said to the Maverick.
Connor looked over and saw Melody already getting dressed over by the screen he constructed. Which means he better hop to it fast.
"Go gather up Mini-Mav and Goofy. I'll meet you all there." Connor replied.
Connor quickly got up. Back into his cowboy uniform and then shifted back into the Maverick with his western attire on him as well. Melody shifted into Tsunami in her western attire and they both went out to meet with the others.
Later outside Cor Leonis' Camp...
Maverick and Tsunami went out to where Cor was standing with Ignis, Gladiolus and Prompto. Donald and Goofy were with Zorro, Lone Ranger and Tonto. Mini-Mav and Dug were there too to see Cor's scout coming up on a brown horse.
Maverick and Tsunami came over and stood with the group to see that Cor's scout was a fifteen year old girl with short hair. Brown eyes. Light skin and a black tank top with a red checker neckerchief scarf around her neck. A black western hat. Some red checker shorts and black boots.
This girl was Iris Amicitia. Gladiolus' sister. And Gladiolus stood with a stern frown and his arms crossed.
"What kept you?" Gladiolus inquired sternly.
"Oh, just taking in the sights." Iris said teasingly. "Why? Did you miss me?"
"Where's Rinoa?" Gladiolus asked as he was still looking serious.
"We had to split up to search the area more. But don't worry. She can take care of herself just fine." Iris said nonchalantly.
"Did you find Squall?" Cor asked.
"Not exactly." Iris said in a deflated manner. "I spent all night searching the town, until I found some of his signature bullets left behind at an empty dairy farm. But there was no one there."
"Crap. It's not in Squall's M.O. to leave souvenirs like that. He must be slipping." Prompto sighed as he had expectations for their next recruit.
"Unless he did it on purpose." Ignis added in as he pushed his glasses up in a cool fashion. "Perhaps a trail for us to follow?"
"Sorry but not really. Whatever trail he left. It ran cold in the house. There was nothing else to follow." Iris dejected.
"What if I took a closer look?" Maverick spoke up as Iris and everyone looked at him.
"Iris, I would like you to meet Connor Ramsey, the current Maverick. And these are his teammates, the Guardians of the Depth." Cor Leonis introduced, gesturing to the team.
"And I'm Tsunami. One of the newer members and this clown's girlfriend." Tsunami offered a handshake to Iris.
While Maverick mouthed 'clown' under his mask as he found that amusing.
"Well, you all look like a fun bunch." Iris said with a smile as she shook Tsunami's hand. "Looking forward to working with you."
"And speaking of working. No I don't need an application, I work complementary. Where did you find this empty diary?" Maverick asked wittily.
"It's located at that one lake near McDowell Town." Iris answered, gesturing her hand towards said direction.
"Gotcha. Also." Maverick turned to face Lone Ranger and Tonto who were busy talking the whole time. "What are you three up to? I noticed you've all been quiet while we were getting brought up to speed."
"We already spoke with Cor Leonis before you arrived. We're heading into town to investigate a lead Tonto has on where Juan's shipment of TNT is coming from." Lone Ranger explained.
"And I'm gonna be heading out there to scope on one of Juan's inside men." Zorro said.
"You know. You could both get the jobs done easily if you both work together." Tsunami pointed out encouragingly.
Lone Ranger and Zorro looked at each other before they broke out laughing just a bit. Not in a hysterical way. But just in a causal way. They still don't trust each other.
"Hahahaha! Good one." Lone Ranger replied as he stood up confidently and whistled for Silver, his horse.
While Tonto signaled for his horse, Scout. And Zorro called for Tornado, his horse. Once they got on. Zorro and Lone Ranger scowled at each other.
"You keep your distance, clear?" Lone Ranger said with narrowed eyes.
"Same warning to you." Zorro said before the two rode off in separate directions from each other. Before heading in the same direction a few seconds later.
Tonto turned to address the guardians before leaving himself.
"Their rivalry is like indigestion. It will pass the moment they realize it stinks." Tonto said bluntly before turning his horse in the direction the Lone Ranger went towards. "Here's to hoping I won't be in the room when it happens."
With his piece said, he rode off after his partner.
"Did he just make a fart joke?" Maverick inquired.
"I think so. And I'm speechless." Donald said with a flabbergasted look and a facepalm.
"Thank the Maker! Your voice can be classified as cruel and unusual torture!" Mini-Mav exclaimed.
"Anyway...What about you three?" Maverick asked. Ignis Gladiolus and Prompto.
"We'll be tagging along with you to see if we find any leads that were missed." Ignis answered while adjusting his glasses.
"You sure you can keep up." Tsunami smirked as Maverick summoned their horses Sorbo and Camelia.
"You just watch us, and try not to fall behind yourselves." Prompto said confidently.
"Last one there's a dry cactus." Gladiolus remarked as he, Ignis and Prompto walked over to their their horses.
"Yeah but the first one's gotta eat it." Maverick remarked as he helped Tsunami onto her horse before he got on his horse. And then he addressed Mini-Mav. "Mini-Mav, you and Dug keep an eye on the camp. If anyone comes by and does anything stupid. Those new defenses I installed into you should paint their town red."
"I only paint pain in blue and green!" Mini-Mav declared and saluted.
"Now to go find a squirrel! Or a cowboy! Or a cow-squirrel!" Dug panted as he ran off to go and play in the camp.
After that. Maverick snapped his reins as he rode ahead with her. And Gladiolus. Ignis and Prompto rode with them. They ride outside of Cor's camp, soon out of the woods and onto the road towards the dairy. Where they hope to find another lead.
Down at the McDowell Dairy...
The Dairy farm down the stream looked just like any dairy farm. Especially around this age. There was a lot of land. Grass as green as any. With a red barn still intact next to a silo of grain. And a moderate one story house.
The problem is the farm was empty. The gates looked stable. But there were no animals to be seen. Not even a farmer working the fields. An abandoned Dairy farm shouldn't even be looking like this.
"Hmmmm...This place seems to be in perfect condition for it to even be abandoned." Ignis stated as he was looking through binoculars ahead of the road as everyone was on their horses.
"That might mean that the owners of this place could have gone missing recently." Gladiolus surmised as they kept riding.
Just then Maverick signaled everyone to stop.
"I don't know about you and us 'Bananza of the future' bunch. But I reckon the direct approach is too easy." Maverick quipped cautiously.
"You're thinking this could be an ambush." Gladiolus said with a serious tone.
"Could be. Normally I could tell from this angle. But the fact that there's barely any noise inside, has me wondering if this is either an ambush or some draft board employee is inside. Either way I don't recommend we go for the front door." Maverick suggested.
"Hey. How about the indirect approach?" Prompto pointed as some large bushes on the side of the grassy fields behind the farm.
They could all see since they were looking through their own binoculars.
"That might work." Ignis said with a nod before addressing Maverick and Tsunami, as well as Donald and Goofy. "Gladio, Prompto, and I will wait behind the entry gate while you two head behind the bushes for an element of surprise. Donald and Goofy, you both search for another means of entry."
"You got it, Secret Service." Maverick winked as he parked his horse and Melody's over by a tree while he teleported himself Tsunami in position.
There's an irony to that joke Maverick just made. But he'll learn it later.
"Uuhhh...What kinda entry are we looking for Donald? A secret tunnel to the root beer cellar?" Goofy asked as he and Donald parked their horses.
"I don't know. Just anyway we can get in without being seen." Donald said as he got off his horse.
Meanwhile over by the bushes. Maverick and Tsunami appeared behind them and Maverick listened in with his super hearing.
"Shhh...I hear voices inside." Maverick whispered to his girlfriend.
"Can you tell what they're saying?" Tsunami whispered back.
"Not really, they're using a lot of western slurs that didn't find their way in the dictionary." Maverick whispered as he was listening in. "I can hear about...Five people behind the wall in front...And fifteen near the front door and kitchen area."
"That means there are at least twenty people in there." Tsunami whispered. "Can you tell by the way they're talking whether or not they're friends or foe?"
"The fact that twenty people are leaving a recently vacant dairy farm unintended is a huge bad sign there. I mean unless they're the group from Red Dead Redemption 2. I'm not sure." Maverick whispered as he listened closer.
*"HEY! SOMEONE BREAKIN IN DAT DERE DRINK CELLAR!"* Someone yelled inside sounding like a hillbilly.
*"None fellers take other folk stuff from us and get dat dere dill away from it, cowpoke!"* Another one yelled.
***GUN SHOTS!***
The sound of guns firing went out inside as bullets flew out of the wall. Then Goofy Donald came running out.
"WOAWAOHOHOW!" Goofy yelled in terror as he ran and tripped into the bushes Maverick and Tsunami were hiding behind.
"WAAAAAAAAK!" Donald screamed in terror as he ran fast and hid behind the same bushes.
"Come back here! Varmints!" Someone yelled inside.
And started shooting two pistols at some trees. Thinking they were hiding behind them. Maverick and Tsunami gave them some weird looks.
"So. What do you both think? Friend or foe?" Maverick asked smoothly.
"If you have to ask that, you need your eyes checked!" Donald snapped back.
"When Donald and I snuck in, we saw a bunch of stolen money bags inside the house. And those crooks got the owner locked up inside a supply closet." Goofy said.
"Huh? So much for being abandoned." Maverick said as he sounded confused.
"COME BACK OUT HER SO I'S CAN MOUNT Y'ALL OVER MY BOOZE!" One of them yelled.
Maverick looked over and saw three different outlaws with black scarf masks and casual western attire. Standing by the back entrance. And he came up with a plan once he saw the chimney.
"Mel. Head up the roof. Wait for my signal to flood the chimney with an ocean wave." Maverick whispered as he handed her a special water pearl.
Something the keyblade couple were practicing with on the Stingray simulator.
"On it, Connor." Tsunami said before she began making her way to the roof.
"You two. Once I deal with those three in front. Go get the owner and run out the way you both came in." Maverick whispered to Donald and Goofy.
"Ok." Donald said, nodding.
"We'll take care of it." Goofy said with a nod.
"Good. Meanwhile..." Maverick stared mischievously at the three at the backdoor.
As the three western outlaws locked and loaded their pistols again. They were still aiming at the tree.
"Are they still there?" The first outlaw asked.
"Should one of us go and check?" The second outlaw asked.
"And let those sassafrasen chicken micken goody two shoe varmints get away? No way in hell? We're staying where the money is." Maverick said in a western hillbilly tone right behind the three.
"He's right, boys. We're standing our ground." The third outlaw said with the other two nodding in agreement, oblivious to the fact that it was Maverick who spoke.
"Yeah!" The first outlaw agreed.
"I totally feel y'all!" The second outlaw agreed.
"Damn tootin! Which is why we already won I reckon. Why don't y'all wash the day away?" Maverick suggested with a grin.
"Yeah! That sounds like a rootin tootin idea!" The second outlaw cheered before pausing. "Hey, wait a minute... It ain't bath day yet!"
"IT IS NOW!" Maverick yelled the signal as he startled them all.
Tsunami immediately took the signal and used her aquakinesis ability to expand a water pearl into an ocean wave was it fell down the chimney and flooded the whole house.
***WOOOOOSH! SPLAAAASH!***
"AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"All of the outlaws screamed as they were washed out through the front door being sent through the large water wave that came out from all directions of the house. Until the wave dispatched and they were all moaning on the ground.
Ignis. Gladiolus and Prompto came over running and were astonished to see how all twenty western thugs were dealt with and all groaning on the ground as the water wave had such an impact. The outlaws were all sore.
Then Maverick came out from the front door and Tsunami came down from the roof to stand on the front porch.
"Woowee! We really should get paid six figures for spring cleanin." Maverick quipped.
"Maverick's and Tsunami's Cleaning Service. We clean up homes, and crime." Tsunami said humorously.
"Mind your step, Ya'll! It still smells like stray leftovers but the pest are gone!" Maverick called over Gladiolus, Ignis and Prompto.
"I'm not worried about the smell. We've smelled worse during some of our more unsavory missions." Gladiolus commented as they walked over.
"That was awesome! You totally flushed these living turds without even trying!" Prompto exclaimed.
"Yes, it was impressive. But now, on to business." Ignis said as he stared down at the crooks with an intimidating gaze.
Tsunami waved her hand as the water on the ground formed rope as she used to tie every single one of the thugs down.
"Speaking of which. Goofy just informed us that they have piles of money bags inside. I saw it all. It's enough in there to buy a whole town." Maverick informed them.
"And don't worry. I made sure the water only hit the thugs. The house is barely soaked. Well. Mostly the entrances and windows are soaked. And the chimney. But that's it." Tsunami meekly assured.
Donald and Goofy walked out as they were relieved to not deal with more thugs.
"Whew..." Donald sighed in relief.
Then the owner of the farm came out from behind them. An older gentleman in a white shirt and blue overalls and a beige farmer's hat came out. It was the farmer who owned the place.
He was leaning on the rails as he seemed a little worn out from dealing with these men.
"Need any help sir?" Tsunami came over to help the farmer.
"Oh, I'm alright, dear." The farmer said as Tsunami helped him to stand. "Thank you so much for saving me."
"No problem." Donald said to him.
"So. What did these awful men want with your property, Sir?" Goofy asked.
"I honestly don't know. I haven't even opened the dairy farm yet." The farmer said. "I was going to open it up a week ago. But most of the cattle in this here town were owned by a ranch. I came back here to get myself ready for a trip to Flagstaff and see if I could find any cattle and livestock on sale. The next thing I know, these outlaws outnumbered me and tried to take my property as a base."
"Who do they work for?" Ignis came over and asked curiously.
"Not sure. But I did overhear one of those bandits mentioning the Governor's name. Travis Dixon." The farmer said, scratching the side of his head in thought.
Ignis wondered as he looked at one of the bandits. One in particular was still conscious on the ground and trying to fight against Tsunami's restraints as he was muttering profanity.
Ignis went over and saw a police badge on the guy's right shirt.
"This one's not a bandit. He's a cop." Ignis realized.
"So, the governor really is crooked." Prompto frowned. "This was nothing but a quartermaster disguised as a raid."
Gladiolus looked angry as he reached down and grabbed the crooked cop by the scruff of his shirt and pulled him close. It was time for Gladiolus to use his old fashion interrogation skills.
"If you know what's good for you, I'd start talking if I were you." Gladiolus snarled in an intimidating tone.
"Wooboy." Maverick muttered.
"Uh oh." Tsunami whispered nervously.
"I'm gonna get some air for this one." Donald muttered as he walked off to another area.
"Uh...But there's air everywhere Donald." Goofy said confusingly as he followed him.
Tsunami went to follow them as she figured this would probably get ugly. While Maverick brought out his gummi phone camera not wanting to miss the show.
"I ain't tellin you shit." The crooked cop answered Gladiolus.
**CRACK!**
Gladiolus punched the ground to the right of the crook's head, cracking the ground and leaving an imprint of his fist, shocking and scaring the cop at his strength.
"I think you might wanna reconsider that." Gladiolus said in a calm and threatening tone. "So, unless you want the next thing to be indented to be your face, you better tell us who sent you."
"Ugh...Alright... No one did. This is all just part of the system. This guy's land. He's just part of a routine. Set a crime up, so we can roll in with back up to take them down." The crooked cop answered.
It's actually an evil but effective plan. With crime not happening in a lot of places. Making one cop stop it, will give you credit if the people don't know it was you in the first place.
"Why not just kick your feet up on the desk and wait for actual danger? It's not like you need the money." Maverick asked the crooked cop.
The cop didn't answer at first.
"I think that's exactly why they did it." Gladiolus said to Maverick before looking down at the cop. "The town's going broke, ain't it?"
"Are you kiddin? It's not about the town or the money. It's about the Governor's campaign. The cops work for him. And if we rolls in, sent like knights in shining armor to save the day. How high do you think thr support for his next campaign will go?" The cop.
"Spoken like a true liberal." Maverick muttered in disgust before he asked."What about all the money inside? Who does it all belong to?"
The crooked cop stayed quiet for this one. He knew not to speak about this one.
"You know. I make it a point to punch something at least three times a day. I still have two punches to go." Gladiolus said with a stern look. "Do you want to try my patience any further? Answer his question!"
"I'd talk if I were you. I don't want to clean up any blood this time." Prompto teased.
The crooked cop sweated as he was getting nervous.
"It belongs to every bank neighboring McDowell town. These guys robbed them from banking coaches across the roads. We were gonna return it after we busted these guys. But my men never showed up for some reason. This was supposed to be dealt with last night." The crooked cop answered truthfully.
Maverick nodded to Gladiolus letting him know he heard The crooked cop's heart and knows he's telling the truth.
"Okay. I believe you." Gladiolus said before he punched him hard enough to knock him out. "Enjoy your nap."
Maverick sighed as he looked around to see if there was a trail to follow.
"Well now what?" Prompto asked.
"Now, we try to pick up where the trail left off and follow it." Ignis said as he adjusted his glasses.
"Well, any ideas for where to start?" Gladiolus asked.
"They were all inside the house. It's probably like a candy store of clues." Maverick figured as he went up to the farmer.
Tsunami. Donald and Goofy came back over to see that the interrogation was over.
"How ugly was it?" Tsunami asked.
"I've seen Batman do worse." Maverick remarked as he asked the Farmer. "Mind if we check inside the house Mr?..."
"Leonhart. Leander Leonhart. And I don't mind, Son. I was bout to head out into town anyway. Gotta report to the town sheriff about all this." The farmer answered.
"You sure the Sheriff can be trusted?" Ignis asked out of caution.
Some of the law enforcement around her are dirty after all.
"Oh, of course. I would trust him with my very life." Farmer Leander said reassuringly. "After all, Sheriff Squall is my grandson."
"Squall?!" Prompto gasped out in shock.
"Well I'll be damned." Gladiolus muttered as he didn't see that coming.
"How about I accompany you on the way? To ensure that no one else tries to attack you." Ignis offered to the farmer.
"Donald? Goofy? Go with him. See if you guys can help them recruit Squall." Maverick requested from the Disney Duo. "If Cor's info is right. He might know something about Emperor Mickey."
"Okay, Connor." Donald said.
"You can count on us." Goofy.
"Well, if you're offering to help, I can't exactly turn that down. I'd be mighty grateful." Farmer Leonard said.
Farmer Leonard came down from the steps and went towards his horse drawn wagon to head out into town. While Ignis. Donald and Goofy went with him. Maverick entered the house with Tsunami. Prompto and Gladiolus.
Maverick started pushing a few buttons on his wrist to try and come up with his crime scene program.
"Hey, Kid. You sure you can find us a trail to follow?" Gladiolus asked.
"Well I practiced finding secrets from all the scavenger hunts me and my cousin used to plague the backyard with. This will be like ten levels above." Maverick remarked as he held his hand out.
And suddenly a geographic hologram covered the walls and floors like a checkered wall cover. As it lit the entire place in blue and green.
"Woah, man. That technology of yours... It's so next level." Prompto commented in awe.
"Yeah well Atlantis ain't exactly underwater hobos." Maverick shrugged as he started scanning the place and he scanned the residue of smoke in the room.
"Mmmmm...The Red Country brand of tobacco ain't exactly bought in Flagstaff. They're a common brand in Phoenix. Not exactly something these tip pinching thugs could afford." Maverick noted.
"I highly doubt they can afford dirt at the rate they're going." Tsunami commented.
"So, our next clue might just be in Phoenix, right?" Gladiolus guessed.
"Not really. Because Red Country wears out its fermented nicotine on the exact day it's made and bought. These are not exactly none perishables. So the carbon in the air and mix of bourbon suggests that these were given to them a week after they were bought." Maverick stated as he scanned the air and smoke as he was compiling more data.
"So what? Are we looking for the people who gave them the smokes?" Gladiolus asked.
"Not just that. But also where it was given." Maverick answered as he scanned some of the bullet casings on the ground. "Hmmm. These bullets are not exactly expensive but they're not easy to get. They come with modified gun powder inside. Meant to blow a person's limb off on contact. Only the local Maricopa tribe knows how to make these. And they don't ever like sharing with lowlifes."
"What are you thinking?" Gladiolus asked.
"They probably have a captive native. Or someone betrayed their tribe." Maverick figured. And then he scanned one of the jackets on the ground. And picked one up to get a closer look. "These guys got more sloppy than we thought."
He actually found a good lead.
"What? What did you find?" Tsunami asked.
"See this label?" Maverick pointed at the yellow mountain label at the back end sleeve inside the jacket. "This was used by one of the prospectors working at the coal mine in Scottsdale. That place is bound to have a truck load of dynamite over there."
"Enough to blow up Montezuma, no doubt." Gladiolus said with a serious tone, clenching his fists.
"I've got a trail. If we follow the mix of bourbon. Tobacco and gunpowder residue within the vapor in the air. We'll lead it back to where they came from." Maverick said as he formed a holographic line in front of them.
Prompto stepped in front of the line and saw how it extended forward as he got closer. To indicate that it's leading them.
"That thing's wicked." Prompto beamed.
"Well then, let's hurry to the horses, and follow that trail before it gets cold." Gladiolus said.
"Right." Prompto nodded as he and Gladiolus ran to their horses while Maverick and Tsunami followed one their horses.
Once they got on. They rode off to follow the trail on the road to wherever it leads. Hopefully they'll find what they're looking for that will lead to Juan's next plan.
Meanwhile in the town of McDowell...
The Lone Ranger and Tonto were on their horses riding across the local area with their hats down. Well mostly Lone Ranger who kept his white hat tipped down to hide his masked eyes while Tonto was feeding his bird again.
The town looked pretty moderate with a clear road and small shops and buildings on both sides. Like any old western town would look like.
Zorro was riding next to him. Hiding his eyes with his hat as well. Everyone in town seemed too busy to take notice of them.
"You couldn't leave the crow back at camp?" Lone Ranger inquired at his partner.
"Where I go, he goes." Tonto said calmly, feeding the dead bird.
"Don't I know it." Lone Ranger muttered.
"Any idea what we should be looking for, Senior Ranger?" Zorro asked.
"Ah. Senior. Does that mean you'll be respecting me now?" Lone Ranger grinned mischievously at Zorro.
"Not at all. Thanks for asking." Zorro replied.
"Just keep a lookout for that Latino Rogue Spy." Lone Ranger said with an eye roll. "An informant back at the camp said he'd be here to report back to Colonel Moreno himself."
"Wouldn't this spy be mingling around like he would live here?" Zorro figured.
"Just keep an eye out for anyone who's Hispanic." Lone Ranger groaned out.
"I hope you're not pointing at me." Zorro raised an eyebrow.
"Oh yes. Of course I'm pointing at you. I knew you were the spy all along. So I'm having you keep an eye out for yourself." Lone Ranger said very sarcastically.
Zorro sighed as Tornado made a small whiny noise. "At least it's not you talking back." Zorro whispered and he patted his horse.
"Perhaps a doctor? Someone less conspicuous?" Tonto wondered.
"No. My people have had spies often work as a common worker to not waste supplies or risk stealing to give away their positions. But the local prostituta would be paid to keep their mouths closed. Unless you pay them more." Zorro stated a fact.
"I take it you've had such experience first hand?" Lone Ranger asked with a look.
In Zorro early days. He had a thing for wine and women. But those days are behind him and he isn't going to let Lone Ranger know that.
"I'm married actually, sabelotodo." Zorro muttered that last part.
"Might I suggest, Kemosabe, that you go into the main tavern and talk with local escorts?" Tonto suggested calmly.
"What?! Why me?!" Lone Ranger gawked.
"My bird scares ladies and he is married." Tonto pointed out.
Zorro shrugged with a grin as if to say he's got a point.
Lone Ranger let out an exasperated sigh.
"I can't believe I'm doing this." Lone Ranger groaned out, essentially saying yes.
Lone Ranger then got off of Silver near a perch to park their horses and he walked over to the main tavern in town. While Tonto and Zorro remained outside.
Inside the tavern was a common place filled with tables that were mostly occupied. A counter and bar with people drinking and seated or just one of the two. A guy on a piano playing classic western tones. Smoking. Gambling. And other accommodations. Especially a barber at the back.
Lone Ranger figured the best way to get the 'local prostitute' or in this case the newest on the list' is to request for a bath. Which was common in the old west to pay for a bath. After all, indoor pumping was not so common yet.
Lone Ranger approached the barkeep as he was wiping the table.
"Howdy. Can I help you?" He greeted Lone Ranger, not able to see his mask with the hat down.
"Yeah, hi." Lone Ranger said as he leaned against the table. "I'm hoping to get a bath."
"Sure thing. That'll be two dollars. Head over on the door to the left of the hall in front." The barkeep answered as Lone Ranger paid.
Lone Ranger nodded and followed the directions. He went inside and saw the tub. Along with some lit candles everywhere and an unopened bottle of whiskey was laying on a small table next to the tub.
The tub was already filled fresh with hot water and soap. On account that it has to be refilled every hour and after it's used so that it's clean for customers.
Lone Ranger decided to work this undercover act by being less suspicious. And that would work by taking off the mask and hat and laying it behind a desk. Which he did.
Then he got out of all of his clothes and sat in the bath exhaling as it felt good to do this. But he stayed focused while in character. Knowing who would come in for a deluxe bath. Which was just fifty cents more.
***Knock Knock Knock.***
*"Would y'all like some assistance?"* A light female voice asked from behind the door.
That's gotta be her. Lone Ranger had to play this as the old charming Texas Ranger he used to be. John Reid.
"Sure! Come on in!" John answered with a charming smile.
Then the lady came in while looking all skimpy and just so dang hot.
The woman was light skinned and blonde with blue eyes. She wore a black and white dress with the straps on her arms, long black gloves, long black stockings, and heels.
"Hey there." The woman said with a flirtatious smile and a hand on her hip.
"Howdy, Ma'am. You new here?" John greeted casually with a handsome smirk.
"Why, yes I am." The woman said in a seductive voice as she took a few steps forward. "Fresh out of the employment line, and it's only my third week here."
Then the woman got down on her knees and did her duties of helping him bathe as she got to scrubbing the back of his muscular shoulders with a washcloth.
"Ooooh yeah...It's been a rough last few years for me." John muttered.
"I can see. You feel so tense." The woman said sweetly as she washed her shoulders.
"Nah. My mind is telling my body to stay on its toes. So I'm staying on top of everything else." John remarked as he relaxed in her fingers pressing on his nerves. "My God that feels good..."
"Oh Sweetie. This is nothing." The woman said flirtingly. "If you really want to feel good, how's about we take this upstairs?"
John was doing his best to hide what feeling he just sparked under the water. As he had to remember what he was here for.
But he stayed in character.
"I oughta warn you. I can be very chatty. I might ask the wrong questions." John warned with a grin.
"Oh, don't worry. I'm sure you're not as chatty as a certain... Rogue Spy." She hinted, giving him a knowing wink.
John's smile faltered a bit as he wasn't sure how to read that at first.
"You know who I'm looking for?" John asked.
The woman didn't say anything at first as she got in front of him and placed a hand on his chest.
"You don't need to be fretting. I'm a huge fan of yours." The woman said as she walked two fingers up his chest teasingly as she smiled at him. "Ever since you took down the Cavendish gang, the bastards who raped my sister, she was finally able to recover from that horrible experience."
Just from that info alone. John figured out who she was. Her sister's tragic event and recovery was all over the papers.
"You're Linda Vidal. You and your sister, Emily. You were both some of the most famous stage performers in all of San Francisco." John realized.
"We were, until my boss owed Cavendish money and decided to use my sister to settle the debt. And if I wasn't recovering from a broken arm, I would've been a part of it too." Linda said with much hatred before she calmed down again. "But thanks to you, my sister was able to climb out of her personal hell and started to really live again. And I want to return the favor."
"Does this mean you'll tell me who's Juan Moreno's spy?" John asked.
"Of course I will." Linda said in a seductive tone before leaning forward to seductively whisper in his ear. "For a price."
"And what price would that be?" John smirked as he stroked her cheek.
Linda let out a giggle as she leaned in close.
"You know what." Linda said with a pur before passionately kissing him on the lips.
John kissed her back as he was matching her passion and lust as he felt the heat of the moment. If this is the payment that's required. How can he say no?
It's been too long for him since he had this.
"Do we need to go upstairs first?" John asked as he kept kissing her.
"No need. The walls are soundproof and the doors are locked. Besides, who needs a bed?" Linda said flirtingly before she kicked off her heels and started to remove her stockings slowly.
John's eyes widened as he felt his excitement grow. After all, The tub is very large.
Almost twenty minutes later outside...
Tonto and Zorro were waiting out by an alleyway near the gunsmith store and the tavern. Needless to say, Tonto expected the Lone Ranger to take his time inside there. And he could only assume he got more than what they were bargaining for.
Zorro knew that the spy they were looking for would still be around here until sun down. So there wasn't that much of a rush. Just the urge to rush.
"Are there any chances he is dead inside?" Zorro asked Tonto.
"If he is, I will place Kemosabe next to my other friend here." Tonto said as he fed his dead bird.
Zorro raised an eyebrow briefly but left the subject alone.
"You know. I wasn't the first Zorro to ride the winds of the west. I had a mentor, who the mask once belonged to. Everything he had was stolen by a man like Juan Moreno. And my brother and I used to live a life of crime. After his death the original Zorro found me. And trained me to take his mantle. In the end. His pursuit cost him his life. And I choose to keep him alive by wearing the mask." Zorro stated as Tonto was listening.
Then something came to Tonto.
"You don't just wear a mask. You wear your brother's heart over your eyes." Tonto said while gesturing to his eyes.
Zorro nodded as he looked out and wondered.
"Does the Lone Guardabosque wear someone's heart over his face?" Zorro asked.
"Hmm. His brother's heart." Tonto said with a slight nod.
Zorro nodded as he looked down for a moment. Maybe he and the Lone Ranger have a lot more in common than they realize.
Just then John walked out while he was back in his Lone Ranger attire and mask. Only just slightly loose like he had just put it back on and he looked totally out of breath. But he came back over with a face that read good news.
"Tonto. You're not gonna believe our luck." Lone Ranger almost said.
"What's with the bite on your neck?" Tonto asked as he noticed the hickey on his left side.
Realizing what he was referring to, blushed and covered it with a hand.
"Oh, well... It's just that the place has quite a few giant insects flying around. One got me here. They should really take care of that." Lone Ranger said quickly while trying to hide his blush.
"It's fine, Amigo. I had a few too many nasty bites in my free days." Zorro grinned.
"Anyway." Lone Ranger said loudly as he proceeded to change the subject. "I found out that the spy is working at the back of the Lumber Mill. And he's going under the name Jesús."
"Jesús? Huh. Ironic." Zorro figured.
"Yeah. You're telling me." Lone Ranger said as they walked towards the horses.
Once they got on their horses. Lone Ranger. Tonto and Zorro rode off for the lumber mill. Hoping to find their spy before anything else happens.
Down at the McDowell Lumber Mill...
As the western masked heroes were riding towards the lumber mill which was just a mile away from town. They passed by a bunch of chopped down trees and stocked up piles of large wooden logs. Which means they were there.
Once they came up to a brown wooden open mill. It was built like house. Only the large doors were wide open and you could see employees and workers hammer and sawing logs inside as a daily 9 to 5 routine.
A muscular man in black overalls and a brown shirt with black gloves and brown boots with a brown cap was seen. He had a chart in his hand as well as a beard on his face. This was the Mill Foreman. The man in charge over the labor and responsible over the daily quota.
Lone Ranger. Tonto and Zorro were see as their horses came up to him. Some of the workers gasped in shock seeing them show up.
"Hmm?" The foreman inquired before he looked up and staggered in shock as they stood up to him on their horses.
This could probably mean trouble. But they heard very little about the 'man with a mask and Indian'. But they weren't sure what to make of him.
"N-n-now look fellas! We don't want any trouble!" The foreman panicked.
"Good, cause we're not looking for any." Lone Ranger said to the Foreman. "We just wanna talk to Jesús. We were told he works here."
Thr Foreman lowered his tension when he was told.
"He...works down in the field straight ahead. He's the one currently chopping the last tree." The Foreman pointed down at the incline field.
Where they saw a Hispanic man with a mustache and a bald head chopping down a tree while wearing field work casual overalls.
"Great. Thanks." Lone Ranger thanked the foreman as he and Zorro stepped off their horses in order to approach Jesús.
Tonto stayed at the entrance while on his horse to be ready incase Juan's spy tries to make a break for it.
As the Lone Ranger and Zorro came up to Jesús as he was chopping down on the tree that just fell. Trying to chop it into individual logs. He saw the Lone Ranger and stood up. But when he saw Zorro, He looked worried.
"¿Eres Jesús? Nos gustaría tener una palabra con usted. Sobre tu verdadero jefe." Zorro stated with a serious tone.
Translated: "Are you Jesús? We would like to have a word with you. About your real boss."
Jesús chuckled a bit as he wiped his forehead as he took a step backwards. And before they could say anything...
Jesús flinged his ax at them but Zorro switched his sword to block it as Jesús took off running. But as he made it down the hill.
***Bang!***
Jesús halted as Lone Ranger fired a warning shot from his pistol. The bullet hit near the spy's boot.
"The next one won't miss." Lone Ranger warned in a threatening tone as he and Zorro approached, Lone Ranger's gun pointed at Jesús. "So you better choose your next move very carefully."
Jesús slowly turned as he was holding his breath. Not wanting to do anything to piss them off.
"Guardabosques solitario. Colonel Moreno will have my head." Jesús muttered as he exhaled. "Alright. I'll talk. But only if you promise to let me live."
"As long as you tell us what we want to know, you'll have our word." Zorro said with a stiff nod.
Jesús sighed as he decided to confess. "Alright. Listen. Juan has a base hidden under the city hall in Phoenix. But he's not alone. He's made a deal with some kind of demonic looking man in a black attire." He said anxiously.
"Well, now we know where to go next." Lone Ranger muttered.
"Tell us. Who is this demonic man you mentioned?" Zorro asked.
"I don't know what he is. But I heard his name. It's...It was..." Jesús was trying to remember until his eyes widen as he recalled. "Oh! Juan called him Izunia. Be had long spreaded scarlet hair and a-!"
***Gun shot!***
Zorro and Lone Ranger were alerted as someone from behind Jesús shot him in the back causing him to collapse and die instantly on the ground. As they heard shouts and eluting Hispanic cheers as a group of Latino Rogue troops came down from the hills behind with guns. And they started shooting.
"Quick! Take cover!" Lone Ranger shouted as he and Zorro dove behind some overturned logs to use as shields against the gunshots.
Just then as he was refilling his pistols. While Zorro pulled out his sword.
"I have a plan! Are you willing to trust me this time?!" Zorro said to Lone Ranger.
"Well, since my only other option is to be shot, why not?" Lone Ranger said as he loaded his weapons, agreeing to trust Zorro for the time being.
"Take their attention while I get around them." Zorro said in reply as he readied his sword.
Lone Ranger didn't hesitate as he got there attention by running and rolling towards another cover point behind a second log and started shooting from his spot.
As the Latino Rogue thugs got busy shooting back at Lone Ranger. Zorro dashed over into another direction as he used his parkour and acrobatics to leap over the fallen logs and up the hills. While Tonto who heard the gunfire was doing the same. Running next to Zorro as they were heading for the action.
As the Latino Rogue goons were too distracted with trying to shoot at the Lone Ranger who had managed to shoot down four of the thugs. And only twelve more were left. Tonto tossed two daggers into a thug's neck from the left side as the thug fell. Another one looked over and was about to shoot when Zorro dashed over and slashed at the goon's hand.
"Aaaaai!" The Rogue Thug shrieked at his decapitated hand before Zorro slashed at his neck.
Then Tonto leaped over and tossed two tomahawks at two more thugs only for Zorro to rush in and slash and flip his sword to impale another.
Lone Ranger, using his eagle-like focus, managed to shoot down three more thugs as he looked up to see Tonto and Zorro using their weapons to finish off the last of the thugs. Lone Ranger smiled as he ran in and started to shoot at them.
But the few remaining Rogue thugs ran for their lives. Tonto shot a poison dart at two of them. Zorro picked up a pistol as he and Lone Ranger double teamed to shoot the last two down.
They both lowered their weapons and sighed to see that the fight was over.
"That was some pretty damn good fightin, Z." Lone Ranger finally complemented Zorro's skills.
"Thanks. You weren't so bad yourself with those guns of yours, Guardabosque." Zorro complimented.
"Kemosabe. We should check the workers. See if any are harmed." Tonto suggested.
Since the bullets were flying towards the mill.
"Yeah, you're right. Let's go." Lone Ranger agreed and began moving back towards the mill.
Once they made it back over. There seemed to be no casualties. Some of the workers got bruises from tripping over tables and falling over while trying to run earlier. But the Foreman was checking on a worker that got shot in the leg. He was tending to the worker as some of the others were doing the same.
The Foreman saw the Lone Ranger. Tonto and Zorro come on over. And he stood up while wiping some blood off his hands from helping with his employee's wound.
"God damn. Here I thought the bank would be the first to get bullet holes. I don't know how to thank y'all." The Foreman sighed as he appreciated their heroics as he asked solemnly. "I reckon Jesús didn't make it?"
"No. He was the first to go down. Shot him right in the back like a bunch of cowards." Lone Ranger said with a slight snarl
"The dead don't spill secrets. That's why. But they were too slow." Tonto stated a fact on why they would shoot their own.
Zorro and Lone Ranger had to admit. He had a point. It's obvious Jesús was saying too much. So they killed him to ensure he wouldn't. The problem is he already said enough which they will find out soon.
Just then one of the mill workers pointed. "Look! It's the Sheriff!"
Lone Ranger. Tonto and Zorro turned around to see a man on a black horse come over from the ridge. He was wearing a black western leather jacket with a white shirt. Long black jeans. A pair of matching boots and a black western hat.
The guy also was light skinned with a scar across the side of his right eye down across the bridge of his nose. He had short brown hair with bangs in front. And he had a large shotgun-like sword holstered behind him.
This was Sheriff Squall Leonhart.
Squall came down from his horse as he had a frown while looking around. At all of the dead bodies up on the incline hills of chopped down trees. And a man with a wound being tended.
"The Lone Ranger I presume?" Squall asked.
"That's me." Lone Ranger said, tipping his hat in greeting. "And you're the sheriff here?"
"Damn right I am. Squall Leonhart." Squall held his hand out and Lone Ranger shook it and Zorro's hand and when he reached out to shake Tonto's hand. He was busy feeding his dead bird with his hand making Squall retract slowly as he had a small weirded out look. Before talking to Lone Ranger. "Anyway...I was informed about this 'Rogue' by Ignis. Who was some shorty who looks like a duck and some weird guy with buck teeth. They even informed me about some crooked cops leading some thugs who invaded my Pa's home."
"Ah, yes. Those odd ones are with us... In a sense." Zorro said while scratching the back of his head. "And what they told you is true."
"Were you able to get any info out of these bastards before they were dealt with?" Squall asked.
"We were able to squeeze some information out of one of their spies before the others showed up to silence him, permanently." Lone Ranger said, referring to Jesús. "The most important bit we were able to get was that Juan apparently is working with some demonic-ish guy named 'Izunia'."
Squall looked surprised before he narrowed his eyes while looking away. "Ardyn." He seethed.
"I take it you know who the spy was talking about?" Zorro asked, seeing Squall's anger.
"I do. Head back to Cor. And tell him that Ardyn Izunia is back. And that I'm in. Just like he always wanted." Squall said as he walked back to his horse.
"I'm picking up some tension here. And not just about this Ardyn. The way he said Cor's name." Lone Ranger muttered to Zorro and Tonto about the venom in Squall's voice.
Squall got up on his horse as he looked back over. "And also. Tell him, he owes me." He added about Core.
Then he snapped his reins and rode off onto the road to handle some other business. While leaving Zorro and Lone Ranger completely confused.
"We should head back. Cor mentioned Leonhart as a recruit he wanted." Zorro suggested.
"Yeah. That's probably a good idea. Let's get going." Lone Ranger nodded in agreement.
After that, The Lone Ranger. Tonto and Zorro got on their horses and rode back to Cor's camp. Not long after. The Sheriff would send some men over to help with repairs and help out any who were wounded while compensating for any damages. Thanks to all the stolen loot he found. It shouldn't be a problem.
Later down on the road north from McDowell...
Going up towards the trail, heading to what might be possibly the location of whoever sent those outlaws to the farm. Maverick and Tsunami along with Prompto and Gladiolus were riding alongside each other. On the ride pass cave creek while following a holographic trail. Ignoring some of the looks of folks passing by and seeing the hologram trail.
One guy figured he should lay off the hot sauce after seeing that.
"Damn. I don't think I've ever been this hot." Prompto breathed out as he wiped sweat from his forehead.
"I think the only other time I've sweated this much was during that volcano mission we had a few years ago." Gladiolus said, running a hand through his hair.
"Exactly. I wasn't with you guys at the time. Probably would've fallen in." Prompto snorted.
"Here" Catch. I got spares." Maverick called over as he tossed over a water canteen. Over to Prompto who caught it. "Splash some on your face. It won't fall out."
Prompto, without saying anything, opened the canteen and drank from it before splashing himself with some water from it.
"Oh, sweet relief." Prompto sighed in relief as he cooled himself off. "You really are a lifesaver."
"So I've heard." Tsunami smirked at her boyfriend. Who can't help but be a hero. Just another reason why she loves him.
"Did you have anyone else besides your Zoey 101 AKA baby sister as a scout? No offense." Maverick quipped as he had a curious question.
"None taken." Gladiolus said with a chuckle before turning serious. "Besides my sister, we sent out another. Rinoa Heartilly. They were both spotted when checking out the farm. So they chose to split up and went in separate directions so Iris could escape and report back to us "
"What do you think happened to her?" Tsunami asked about Rinoa.
"knowing her, one of three possibilities." Prompto said before listing off those possibilities.
"One, she kicked their asses. Two, she escaped after kicking their asses. Or three, she got captured on purpose to lower their guard, and kicked their asses. Either way, she's fine."
"She's a deputy who works for us. She often uses the legalizations Cor has around these parts." Gladiolus stated.
"You make it sound like she's a dirty cop. And not the naughty kind." Maverick quipped.
"Cor has government connections around quite a few small worlds like this one. It's how we're able to find potential recruits." Gladiolus said while wiping his forehead.
"It's how he recruited us." Prompto pointed us.
"Wait. You're both not from Meridia?" Tsunami asked while a little surprised.
"Nah. I came from a world called Twilight Town. I was originally a street performer till Cor found me during one of my slow days and saw great potential in me. And brought me on board their little band." Prompto said with a big grin. "Ignis came from the same world as me, only he was originally a member of the British Secret Service. Until he was promoted to a different Unit under Cor's alias."
See? That's what made Maverick's 'Secret Service' remark earlier very ironic.
"And I used to be a part of a Gummiship race circuit in Iron City for a time." Gladiolus said as he thought back to those days. "Later, I became a Boxer, and eventually became champion. That's about when Cor found and recruited me."
"I'm guessing you were all promised a sweet gig in return?" Maverick figured.
"You bet! Adventure. Excitement. And let's not forget the ladies." Prompto said excitedly.
"I hear ya. When I started my voyage. All I was doing was training with my bio illuminated fingers on a deserted island. The next thing I knew, I got this jewel of the seabreeze on my tail. She never stopped following me ever since." Maverick quipped teasingly referring to Melody.
"And you've loved every minute of it since." Tsunami said with a cheeky tone.
"Except for the part where they almost destroyed your birthday cake...Ugh!" Maverick twitched for a moment. "I just had some violent flashes for a moment."
"Yeah. That was definitely a terrifying night." Tsunami admitted.
Just then they were coming up on the entrance to a cave. The hologram trail ended near the entrance. Inside a cave with a lot of junk and empty supplies all around the outside. As if someone didn't clean up after themselves.
"It's up in there." Maverick pointed as they slowed their horses down.
"So, their hideout is a cave, in Cave Creek." Prompto said before muttering. "Irony."
"If we go in there and find Heartless the shape of bears. Then talk to me about Irony." Maverick muttered.
"Connor, you just jinxed us, again." Tsunami said with a cheeky tone.
"Pfft! Like hell, Sea Horse. I'll know it when I see it." Maverick waved it off as they parked their horses.
Once they went inside the entrance of the cave. They went down a short tunnel quietly. While Prompto and Gladiolus had their guns ready. And Maverick readied keyblade pistols.
Tsunami had the same pistol with her keyblade. Only she used her aquakinetic ability to form a Winchester repeater. A water gun some would call it. Only it does more damage. But she won't use it for lethal means. Since it only stuns human enemies.
Once they went down the tunnel. Maverick guided them to take cover behind a boulder. And they look over from their hiding spot to see a couple of tents inside surrounding a fire. There were lit torches everywhere. Several animal carcasses in the corners which left a foul stench. Along with a human corpse….With a Native attire on it.
"I knew it wasn't deliberate." Maverick whispered as he noticed.
"Bastards." Gladiolus whispered as he noticed too.
In the open area near an escape ramp. a bunch of common Outlaws were busy loading up a large supply of TNT in over a hundred different crates.
And over at the left side. Was a cage with a young woman tied to a pole. The woman seemed to be in her mid twenties.
This woman had long black hair and dark brown eyes. She was wearing a white sleeveless top underneath an open vest, both showing off her cleavage and left her stomach exposed. She also wore a brown skirt, black gloves, and black boots, and a brown cowgirl hat.
This was Rinoa Heartilly.
"Rinoa." Gladiolus sighed.
"Oh no. That's Rinoa?" Tsunami whispered in worry.
"It's okay. Watch. She's got this." Prompto whispered.
Maverick heard his steady heartbeat which told him Prompto wasn't bluffing. But he was curious to see what this new girl has got.
"So! Are you almost dressed for our date?! Don't forget to wear heels!" Rinoa called out trying to aggravate the outlaws.
"Shut your trap, you stupid bitch!" One outlaw yelled back at her.
"Woah! Are you gonna talk to Gill like that?!" Rinoa called over mischievously, referring to the second outlaw.
"IT'S BILL!" The second outlaw answered!
"Wow! My head is spinning from your breath! Do you all gurgle with raw sewage every night before you head?!" Rinoa called back trying to get them irritated.
"Yeah! You're half right! I find a nice tang to my breath to maintain my personal space!" Bill answered.
"Do you even know what I'm saying to you?! Or are you too stupid to understand the words coming in through your ear holes?!" Rinoa yelled back.
"What?! What's an ear hole?! Talk sense why don't ya?!" Bill replied in confusion.
"You idiot! She's insulting you!" The first outlaw yelled before turning back to Rinoa. "And I'd be careful how you use that tongue if you want to keep it!"
"Awe. Don't you wanna use it first? It'll be a shame to waste something valuable." Rinoa made a dirty remark.
Which made the first outlaw blush before he glared and approached the cage. And banged on it with his fist. The cage echoed. And it only made Rinoa smirk.
"Last warning! Shut up! Or we'll make sure you're unrecognizable to your family when they find your corpse!" The first outlaw seethed in anger.
"Will you use a real or artificial dick?" Rinoa winked as she.
"Sheesh. She's gotta layers." Maverick whispered as he was watching.
"We gotta help her." Tsunami whispered.
"Hold on. Watch." Gladiolus gestured to calm her.
Then the outlaw growled as he flung the cage door open and pulled out his pocket knife.
Then Rinoa flung her left leg up to kick the outlaw in the chin and then her ropes came loose instantly as she yanked the knife and slit the outlaw's throat. Killing him.
"SHE ESCAPE!" Bill the outlaw yelled as all ten other men in the cave turned and ran over to shoot her.
But then Rinoa rolled over and jumped into the air and fired her Meridian wrist crossbow at five of them in a multi shot and took down four more with a multi crack shot of her pistol in her other hand.
Just before she landed on her boots and pointed both her wrist crossbow and pistol at Bill who was last.
But instead of shooting at her stupidly. He just held his hands up.
"Honestly. I hate working with these folks. They're so weird." Bill admitted.
Then Rinoa waved her fingers amusingly as if to say goodbye. When in reality she's telling the idiot to get lost.
Then Bill bolted and ran out of there as fast as he could. Good thing he parked his horse outside in the woods. He's going to go back to clown college.
"You and Prompto can come out now, Gladio." Rinoa called over.
She knew they were hiding up there as Gladiolus. Prompto. Maverick and Tsunami came out of hiding and went over to her. Needless to say. Maverick and Tsunami were very impressed.
"For the record we could've ended it sooner." Maverick muttered to Gladiolus.
"Yeah. But you have to admit, it was fun watching." Gladiolus said with a smirk.
"Hey there, Rinoa. You're as good as ever, I see." Prompto greeted with a grin.
"Kay that was violent and educational. Mostly violent...Got any non lethal tips for a young Mav with envy?" Maverick hurmously asked.
"Maybe when you're a little older." Rinoa said teasingly.
"Rinoa. Meet Connor Ramsey and Princess Melody." Gladiolus said, gesturing to Maverick and Tsunami. "Also known as Maverick and Tsunami."
"Hi." Tsunami chirped.
"Yo! What up- wait...What do you mean older? My real name could be Will Smith." Maverick furrowed on his mask eyes.
"Yeah and I'm the star of a JRPG." Rinoa said sarcastically with a smirk.
"Every top member in the Resistance knows who the Maverick is. We never told anyone." Gladiolus explained.
Maverick paused for a moment as he cleared his throat. And then.
"WhaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaAAAAAAAAAAAAT?!" Maverick echoed and said. "How many people know who I am?!"
"That's classified." Gladiolus said while smirking.
"Don't worry. Everyone who knows is someone who can be trusted." Rinoa said while smirking.
"Ugh...Is there anything that can change the subject?" Maverick exhaled.
Just then they all heard what sounded like a demonic bear roar.
****ROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAARRR!***
"Oh NOW IT SHOWS UP!" Maverick exhaled loudly as they turned to see a Heartless Bear.
Also known as a Grizzclaw Heartless.
It was huge. It had black fur, glowing yellow eyes. Crooked sharp teeth with drool seeping from its maw, giant claws. And the Heatless emblem on its back.
"A Heartless Bear." Tsunami muttered before saying tauntingly. "You did it again, Sweetie."
Rinoa pulled out her weapons as Prompto pulled out her pistol and Gladiolus pulled out his sledge sword.
And then Tsunami and Maverick charged at the Grizzclaw. As Tsunami formed a water whip and cracked it and the neck making the Grizz Clae stagger and growl as it slashed at her but Maverick teleported to take its slash and it got him in the back.
"Ugh!" Maverick cried out as he was clawed at the back. But it rolled over and shot a beam of neon at its head.
Then Gladiolus came in and slammed his sledge sword at the back only for Rinoa's to jump across Gladiolus' back and shoot four arrows at its back.
Prompto shot four rounds at the front for Tsunami's to send a thunder spell to shock the bear as she performed a triple slash from her keyblade.
Then Maverick came in and charged Gladiolus' sledge sword with neon as Gladiolus smirked and he jumped into the bear and lets out a loud roar as he slashed his sword on top of the Grizzclaw's head.
And then it collapsed.
Then everyone huffed as the fight was over. Maverick leaned against a rock and used a curaga spell to heal the scars on his back.
"Shit that stung." Maverick muttered about the Heartless Bear's claw attack.
"Connor. Are you ok?" Tsunami asked in concern as she came over to check on her boyfriend.
"Oh yeah. I had worse scrapes from Tiger Shark. Or was it Sabertooth-" Maverick almost wondered.
When suddenly...
***ROOOOOOOOAAAAAAR!***
The Grizzclaw got back up and alerted everyone. But then as it was roaring.
***CRACK SHOT! BOOOM!***
"UUUGH!" The Grizzclaw finally fell dead large bullet holes to the chest.
As everyone turned to see. Ignis. Goofy and Donald. Standing with Squall Loenhart who fired explosive rounds from his gun blade to kill thr Grizz Claw.
As the Bear Heartless finally vanished with its heart floating away.
"Uh huh." Maverick muttered with a nodded.
"Well, aren't you a sight for sore eyes, Squall." Rinoa said in a flirtatious tone as she walked over with a sway of her hips.
"I figured you needed my help, Rinoa." Squall said with a cold tone.
"Only at the very last second." Rinoa said teasingly before her smile became more genuine. "It is good to see you again, Squall."
"You too, Rin." Squall gave a small but genuine smile at her.
"Aw..." Tsunami mouthed as she watched.
"Achem. Are they...In a ablestay elationshipray?" Maverick muttered to Prompto.
"Oh, they're childhood sweethearts. On again off again." Prompto said with a humored smirk. "They were off just a few years ago, but are probably on again now. It's both humorous and tiring."
Rinoa currently was recruited by Cor after her deputy days was put behind her. Infact Cor was the reason they were. Squall and Rinoa have been to other worlds and seen what the Multiverse has to over. But the rest would always be their home. And the Latino Rogue are the reason Rinoa came back.
More like the second reason. Squall was the first.
Maverick walked over to see the large stockpile of dynamites. And saw that it would be the right amount to blow a certain monument that's in the way of a certain insubordinate colonel.
"I could take care of this large supply of boom sticks if you want." Maverick offered as Ignis and Gladiolus walked over.
"Don't worry about that. We'll take care of it." Ignis said, adjusting his glasses.
"Meanwhile, I think you should escort Rinoa and Squall back to camp." Gladiolus said to the Maverick. "He'll wish to speak with them, especially Squall."
"Gotcha. Don't even let Michael Bay get his hands on those." Maverick quipped as he walked over to Tsunami. "Ready to head back?"
"Definitely. I could use a breather." Tsunami said with a sigh.
Maverick nodded as he and Tsunami went outside with Rinoa and Squall, along with Donald and Goofy while Ignis. Gladiolus and Prompto stayed to deal with the TNT stockpile.
They figured this would get Juan Moreno's attention soon and probably get him desperate. That's when he'll slip up. He's been running this anarchic crusade against innocent lives long enough. And he'll soon learn not to mess with the Guardians Of The Depth. Or the Lone Ranger and Zorro for that matter.
There's only one question that remains. Who is Ardyn Izunia?
THAT'S ALL FOR NOW FOLKS!
To avoid any offense. Remember. Jesús in Spanish starts with a 'Y' sounding J. So no, I'm not attacking anyone's religion. Please be reminded. Family Guy and South Park did much worse.
"Even worse than my swear slurs." Maverick remarked.
So yeah. Two additional characters from Final fantasy 15 as well as Squall Leonhart and Rinoa Heartilly from Final Fantasy 8.
Only Leon is a variant of the one from Kingdom Hearts. But with a spin that's different. He and Cor have some history as allies who's alliance ended on a sour note.
Also as for Linda Vidal. She's inspired by Linda, the widowed wife of Dan Reid. John Reid's fallen brother. But since her name was changed in the movie. I decided to take her comic character and make her something more unique and sexy. Don't worry. This isn't the last we've seen of her. 😉
Thank you all so much for reading!
Don't forget to Fave and Follow if you like what you see and do not forget to leave comments to let me know your thoughts.
And as always Disney/Square Enix fans!
FISTBUMP! 👊👊👊👊👊👊👊👊👊👊