It was mid-evening by the time they walked back to the house. The kid had stayed with him all day, helping in the forge as best he could. After their fight, they had been apart for a while, and Soul had found the time apart strangely disconcerting. He had become used to the kid's constant presence. Soul wouldn't admit it, but today he had enjoyed having the kid's company once again.
They were almost at the door to the house when the rain came. They stood side by side in the shelter of the porch and watched as it slashed in wind-hurried drifts, flattening the grass and hitting the cottonwoods with a snapping noise, like flags bucking in the wind. Lightning flashed, and the trees and far off mountains were silhouetted black against a sky of beaten silver.
This land, Soul thought. You worked it, and fought it, and coveted it, and in the end, you wound up loving it so much it scared you.
He felt Maka as a solid presence beside him. Together they could build this place into the biggest and best spread around, hell maybe even all of Texas. So maybe, he thought, it didn't matter that they both found it impossible to wholly understand one another, for he knew one indomitable truth about the kid: he couldn't be beaten. Hurt, yes. Cut bone-deep and bruised soul-deep, but never beaten. The kid was far more scrappy than he had ever given him credit for. The kid's childhood and the last few years had not been easy ones, judging by the tears he had spilled in the forge.
The kid's honesty and sorrows had touched something within him. Down deep inside the guts of himself—in that secret, vulnerable place within a man where he lived— where that small child, covered in blood, clutching a knife had lived.
The kid had also glimpsed darker parts of him; the wild, savage, dark places that he tried to hide from others. He had seen that part of him and understood it. He had witnessed Soul, for who he truly was, and had, in his own way, excepted him for it.
It was strange, to think that after all these years, meeting many different people, it would be a kid from across the ocean who made him feel at home in his own skin again.
Soul had been a fool to assume that the kid was his enemy. He had misjudged him poorly. Black Star's words came back to him, like a slap in the face.
"Maybe you should get to know the kid better, boss."
He was right. From now on, he would make more of an effort for the kid.
Maka stirred next to him, bringing Soul out of his deep thoughts.
"It's beautiful." The kid sighs as he leans off the porch, letting the cold rain run down his palm.
Soul chuckles at the pure wonderment that shows on the kid's face. It's like he's never seen rain before or something.
"It's my first Texas rain." He says as if reading Soul's thoughts.
"It can't be much different than rain from England," Soul says, amused by the kid's ever-changing facial features.
"Oh but it is!" The kid insists earnestly. "In England when it rains, the streets flood, and the trash from the city floats in great heaps. It smells horrid for days."
"That sounds pretty gross."
Maka nods in agreement. "I like the rain here though, it smells fresh and earthy."
The corner of Soul's mouth twitches. "Well, I'm glad you like the rain, by the end of the round-up I'm sure you'll be sick of it though."
"I could never tire of the rain, I-..."
His words sink in slow, and it takes everything in him not to laugh at the kid's dumbfounded face.
"I... the round-up?" The kid stutters.
This time Soul didn't hide his smile as he spoke. "I was worried about you being too green and getting hurt at first, but I reckon if you're crazy enough to pick a fight with me and hold your own, then you'll do just fine on the round-up."
The kid's face, despite still battered and bruised, broke into a sunny smile.
"I get to go on the round-up? I don't have to stay here?"
"Yep, you've changed my mind on the matter, plus if you're planning on sticking around, you'll have to learn eventually."
"Do you mean it? You're not jesting with me are you?" The kid whispered in awe.
"Nope, I rarely jest kid. I'm not that kind of man." Soul grunts as he leans against the porch railing.
"I don't know Evans, I'm sure you've got a sense of humor in there somewhere." The kid teases, elbowing him in the ribs.
Soul threw his head back and laughed and the kid's cheeks flushed brightly.
"One minute you make me lose control of my temper, the other you make me laugh. How can you bring out the best and the very worst of me kid, all in the same breath?" he asked as his laughter quieted.
The kid shrugged and averted his still water green eyes.
"I guess that's what friends do." He murdered sheepishly.
The kid's quiet answer shook Soul down to his boots.
Friends huh?
Other than Black Star and Tsubaki, no one had ever shown interest in becoming his friend. Soul felt an odd mixture of hesitation and contentment.
"Do you usually make friends with people who beat the tar out of you?" He asked with a chuckle.
The kid flashes him a cocky grin. "If I remember right, you were the one on the ground after the dust had settled."
"Only because you walloped me in the balls."
The kid had the decency to look mortified.
"That was downright dirty fighting by the way kid. We'll have to teach you how to fight proper, eventually."
The kid sighed heavily, his eyes roving the rain-drenched land.
"I'm not sure I'm ready for another fight anytime soon."
Soul looked over the poor kid's face and felt a guilty twinge. They had made amends, fixing what had been broken between them... but he still felt shit about it. Probably would for some time too.
"It's important for you to learn how to fight. It might seem peaceful here on our spread, but out there it's a cruel and hateful world. You have to learn to fight, survive, and overcome impossible odds."
The kid was quiet for a time, his eyes far away as he considered Soul's words.
"What if I don't have the strength to fight, or the will power to see it through?"
"Then you die, or someone else dies." He said bluntly.
The kid's eyes turn into wide green disks. He didn't want to frighten the kid, but he needed to know the dangers of living on the frontier.
"This isn't England, we're not as civilized here. Our country is still new compared to yours. There are dangers here you don't even know exist yet. If you want to live, you have to be strong and always prepared. Do you understand what I'm trying to say, kid?"
Maka nodded slowly, his brows scrunched in determination.
"I think so."
"Sometimes we're asked to do things that go against our moral grain, but once you're trained up properly you won't have to worry about it. You'll easily be able to defend yourself, and by default, keep those who are important to you safe as well."
Soul noticed the kid's jaw set stubbornly, determination in his stance. "Alright, Evans. I'll learn everything you have to teach me. For the sake of keeping others safe."
Soul nodded his head approvingly. Fancy pants Albarn was learning right quick.
"I must admit it won't be easy though, violence isn't in my nature, being raised by a pacifist father."
Soul touches his jaw gingerly and grimaces.
"Not violent huh? You sure fooled me then, those fists you threw sure weren't sweet and tender."
The kid grinned, his eyes lighting up in the gathering gloom of the storm. "I suppose you bring out the worst and the best in me too."
Far off thunder rumbled and the wind picked up its frenzied smattering of rain.
"Let's get out of this wet weather, I could use some hot grub about now," Soul said, his stomach rumbling almost as loud as the sky. He hadn't eaten since yesterday morning, and judging by the kid's pale face he hadn't either. He'd make sure Fancy pants ate an extra-large helping tonight. The kid needed his strength for the work that was ahead of them. Round-ups were no walk in the posey patch.
Soul couldn't help the chuckle that escaped his mouth as they left the rainy porch behind.
"What's so funny?" Maka asked.
"Nothing, kid. I was just thinking. I predict you're going to regret insisting on joining the round-up."
The kid pursed his lips, looking slightly offended.
"I'm confident I won't regret it."
"We'll see, kid." Soul laughed. "We'll see."
Regret was such a strong word.
Yet, self-reproach was definitely a contender for Maka's current mindset. She had blindly rushed into something she didn't truly understand. She had been so concerned about not being left being, that she hadn't fully contemplated what this journey would entail.
Soul had barged into her room early, long before the sun had risen, and ripped the covers from her sleeping form.
"Up and at em' kid! Time to go!"
He was far too cheerful in the morning. Maka rhought balefully as she clutched the covers to her unbound chest.
The rest of the wee hours had been a chaotic blunder in the dark as everyone loaded up and moved out.
"I want you to head out with Black star at first light." Soul had ordered as he saddles up his pinto. "I want the two of you to head to the north section and round up any stragglers that might have drifted that way over the winter. After you find them, head back east. We'll meet up by the river and set up camp there."
"Stragglers? Maka asked, her newness clearly showing.
"We'll be tracking stray cattle and herding them back to the main group." Black Star explained, patient with her as always. For that Maka was beyond grateful.
After barking a few more orders out Soul had left with the rest of the men; breaking out into four separate groups. Maka felt a strang pulling in her chest as she watched him leave. She was disconcerted to see him go, but a big part of her was also relieved. She needed some time away from him. After her shameless thoughts the night before in the forge, she didn't really know how to feel about the man. She needed to sit down and inspect her own feeling, but so far she hadn't dared to do so. She felt like a madwoman. She felt scared of her own clearly felt confused about him, and for now, that would have to do.
The sun was almost up as she got ready to leave. She packed a few small things in her saddlebags; canteen, an extra set of clothes, and a coat for the chilly nights ahead.
Tsubaki came out to the barn and hugged Maka goodbye and whispered, "Be careful hun. It'll be hard work, plus you'll be camping with a bunch of rowdy men. Keeping your secret will be more troublesome without privacy."
"Don't worry, I'll be careful," Maka assured her.
Black Star walked up then, leading both of their horses. Tsubaki looked wistfully at him as if she wanted to hug him goodbye as well.
"You be careful too." She called softly.
Black Star smiled and tipped his hat to her.
"Always."
"Always." She repeated.
Without another word Maka and Black star had departed, leaving the ranch behind them. Maka had felt an unbound sense of excitement. Other than going to their little town, she had never been this far away from Forsaken.
That had been hours ago though. Now with the sun high up and beating down on them Maka couldn't help but feel a little deflated. The wind, which was usually a constant, hung stale and flat. Not even a breeze to dry the sweat that ran down her neck in rivulets. The cowboy saying 'Hit the old dusty trail', had a new meaning to her. The dust clung to everything.
Why did I open my big stupid mouth? Maka thought as she swatted at yet another buzzing insect. They had been bombarding her most of the day. One even being so bold as to fly into her open mouth. She gagged, and even if it was the epitome of unladylike decorum she spat it out like a true tobacco flinging cowboy. Black Star, who rode next to her, cackled at her distress.
"I've never seen so many insects in all my life!" She declared as she righted herself in the saddle.
"It only gets worse the closer we get to the cattle. Better get used to it English." Black Star teases.
"Are we getting closer then?" Maka asks, perking up instantly, her eyes eagerly searching for possible bovines in the vicinity. Yet, all she could see was an endless region of grass and an empty sky. Not even the clouds were out today.
"Well, it's hard to tell. Sometimes cattle can be a little tricky to track down. For being big beasts they can do a damn good job at hiding when they want to."
"It feels like we've been searching forever."
Black Star laughs his big booming laugh. "Don't get in a rush English, we just got started and we've got weeks left to go."
Maka was about to reply with a long-suffering groan, but out of nowhere, a high pitched lowing broke the silence. Maka's eyes went wide and Black Star shot her a wide grin.
"There's our missing beeves. Sound like it came from the other side of that creek bed. Stay close and quiet."
Maka nodded and followed as Black Star took the lead. They waded into a small creek, the water nearly touching the horses' bellies as they crossed. They rode up the creek bed and through a small thicket of pine spiced furs and white trunked birch trees. The humid, stifling heat, intensified by the smell of grass and weeds in bloom, dominated the thicket. Maka had to wriggle her nose so she wouldn't sneeze. Weaving through the underbrush they finally emerged from the trees into an open clearing.
There, in the middle, was five of the biggest cattle Maka had ever seen. They weren't much to look at, those cows. Their rough hides were mottled red, like withered apples, except for a triangle of white on their foreheads that gave them a bald-faced look. They were called short-horns, though Maka couldn't imagine why, since their horns were long and bowed and pointed.
"How are we supposed to move them? Maka whispered.
"We'll move up behind them and push em' forward."
"They won't hurt us will they?"
"Cattle are usually peaceful, but every once in a while they'll get ornery and act up. Watch out for the horns and the hooves. The most dangerous times are when they stampede. Lucky for you, there are only five. This will be a great learning experience for you. It's much more dangerous when there's a lot of them."
Maka's throat bobbed nervously, but she was determined to learn. Luckily, the cattle were rather cooperative. They were big lumbering creatures that made a loud fuss but were docile and easily led.
The rest of the day was long and uneventful; boring for long stretches at a time, with nothing to see but flat land, dust, and the bony hind ends of the cattle. The endless roving prairie swayed and danced under the hot sun. Heat rose from the ground in great shimmering waves, the rain from yesterday's storm evaporating, playing tricks on the eye.
Off in the distance, Maka thought she saw a lone rider and squinted hard, only for her eyes to water terribly. She rubbed her face with her sleeve, but there was no one there. It made her shiver slightly, even in the heat of the day. She didn't have long to think about it though as Justin came riding in from the south, hard and fast.
Both man and horse looking winded as they approached.
"Found some dead rawhides in the lower 40." Justin gasped as he pulled his mount up. Black Star's face turned suddenly grim.
"How many?"
"At least 12. It's hard to tell though, everything was picked clean."
"Did the cattle die from the winter weather?" Maka asked.
Justin shook his head. "No, some one killed them."
"Who would kill our cattle? Maka asked, horrified.
"It could be bandits, cattle thieves, or possibly Indians. Although we haven't had any trouble from Indians around these parts for about two years now." Black Star mused, his face pinched with worry.
"That's not all!" Justin cut in. "A few of them were fresh kills, no more than a day or two old. The damn thieves could still be in the area!"
Maka's heart stopped cold and her eyes flew to the horizon. The lone rider from earlier lingering in her mind, like a bad dream.
"I saw someone a while ago, I thought it was the heat playing tricks on my eyes though," Maka whispered with dread.
"We need to leave. Now." Black Star ordered in a hushed voice. Maka nodded mutely, her voice clogged by fear.
Black Star threw his head back and laughed like she had just told him the funniest joke known to man. Maka could only look at him in shock.
"Let's get going before the boss sends out a search party for us." He boomed as he turned his horse to the East.
Maka understood then, what he was trying to do. They had to stay calm, as if nothing was amiss. Someone was watching them.
"Stay calm, but aware. Got it?" Justin whispered as he pulled his horse up next to hers.
Maka nodded ever so slightly. They pushed the cattle forward at a steady pace for some time. It took everything in Maka to keep her eyes trained ahead and not look over her shoulder. She could feel it though, unknown eyes on her. She could feel them running down her back.
Justin stretched lazily in his saddle and turned to take his canteen from his saddlebag.
"They're definitely following us." He said as he took a sip from his canteen.
"How many are there?" Black Star asked.
"Not sure. I can't see them, but there's a haze from their horses kicking up dust. So there's a few."
"What are we going to do?" Maka asked, trying to keep the tremble from her voice.
"There's a dry creek bed and a small stand of trees up ahead." Black Star whispered. "Once we get into that tree line, I want you to get off your horse and hide behind anything you can find. Got it?"
"Yes."
Maka's heart slammed in her chest as the riverbed and trees came into view.
"Steady." Black Star breathed. "Not yet."
"Here, take my bandana," Justin said casually, passing her a red piece of cloth from his saddlebag. Maka accepted the rather heavy cloth, the flash of cold steel peeking between the fabric. It was a pistol. Maka had been on hunts, and had handled guns while in England, but always in secret against her Papa's wishes. She had never held a weapon with the intent to shoot a person. Her hand trembled as it closed tightly around that red piece of cloth. She didn't have long to think on it though. They were a few yards from the trees and Black Star whisper yelled, "Now!"
Both men jumped from their steeds and smacked them hard on their rears, effectively scattering the horses and cattle away from the area.
Maka flung herself from the saddle and ran headlong toward the creek bed. She stumbled down the ravine losing her step as she went. A pair of strong arms wrapped around her waist and hauled her to her feet.
"Don't stop!" Justin yelled, practically dragging her up and over the opposite bank. They hit the trees at a dead run. Branches stung her face as she rushed in headfirst. Brambles and blackberry thorns clawed at her hair and clothes, but her feet never slowed. All she could hear was the rush of her own heart and the heavy panting of Black Star and Justin right behind her.
"Stop. Here's far enough." Black Star grunted, grabbing her by the arm. If he hadn't stopped her, she probably would have run forever.
They crouched down behind an outcropping of rock and thickly wooded trees, silent as the dead. Black Star and Justin quickly pulled out their weapons and trained their eyes on the opposite bank.
"Now we wait and see what we're up against." Black Star whispered. "English, get up here and get that pistol ready."
Maka did as she was told, but her hands wouldn't stop shaking.
Justin cut his eyes. "I think I just spotted a blue shirt across the river. Not that that means a whole lot. Could be an Indian wearing it."
"Could be but I'll bet it ain't. I think we're about to get fell on by a bunch of bandits." Black Star whispered.
"Hallo the camp!" A shout came from across the river. "We're friendly folks and wouldn't harm nary a butterfly. Can we come over and share our meager food with y'all gents?"
"Are they friendly then?" Maka whispered lowering her pistol.
"No, don't let your guard down. Decent folk don't stalk others unless they have bad intentions." Justin growled as he cocked the hammer back on his pistol.
Black Star raised his voice. "Keep on travelin'. We ain't in the mood for no company."
"That's a terrible unchristian thing, friend," the shout was returned. "We are all poor pilgrims wandering in a vast and hostile land, ain't we?"
Black Star's reply coarsened considerably and he told the as yet unseen man where he could go and the shortest way to get there. His language was colorful and left no doubt that he was angry.
"I don't think you're a very friendly person," the shout came from across the river.
"I don't much give a damn what you think!" Black Star hollered. "But I know you best keep on travelin'."
"Whatever you say, friend. We'll pray for you over our supper."
"Say a prayer or go to hell. Just get gone from here," Black Star replied with a growl. He turned to Justin and Maka. "They're sure to have people all around us.
"What do we do?" Maka whispered.
"Get ready to kill," Balck Star said shortly.
"Just like that?" Maka questioned.
"Just like that. Believe me, they'd kill you and leave you for the ants without blinking an eye."
"I don't know if I can shoot someone!" Maka squeaked.
Black Star's gaze darkened as it scanned the river bed.
"Right now there's no time to think about that. Cock that pistol. 'Cause here they come!"
Black Star and Justin did not hesitate once the first shot was fired from across the river. A second after the ball whizzed past their heads, they pulled back and fired. Across the river, the shooter dropped his rifle, threw his arms into the air, and pitched face-forward onto the bank. Justin fired and the ball struck a man in the stomach, doubling him over, screaming. He dropped to his knees and wailed in pain. Horrified Maka shot from behind the rocks and her shot struck a man in the hip, spinning him around. Like the others, he dropped his rifle and went down.
Black Star had been right, there was no time to think about it, instead, Maka continued to aim and fire at anything that moved across the river bed.
Black star sighted in and let another round fly. From the other side came a fearful shriek and a man thrashed around in the brush and then fell out into the clear and rolled down the bank, coming to a stop at the water's edge. Silence quickly followed as the smoke and dust lifted.
"I think that's the last of em'." Black Star said, reloading quickly.
"Stay here English and watch our backs. Justin, you go to the left, make sure they didn't try to flank us. I'm going to slip over and take a look."
Without waiting for her response Black Star slid down the embankment and ran across the ravine in a low crouch. Justin melted into the trees to their left, leaving without a sound. There were few trees on the other side, so Maka could easily make out Black Star as he went from one body to the next, inspecting the dead. There was so much blood, Maka couldn't tear her eyes away from the horrible sight. A bit of motion caught her eye as something moved in the underbrush. Black Star saw it too and approached with caution. The man who Maka had shot in the hip was dragging himself, slowly trying to flee. Black Star was on him instantly, knocking the gun from his bloodied hand. He bent down and spoke to the man for a brief moment. Then stood and raised his pistol.
"No! Don't!" Maka shrieked. But it was too late. Black Star put a bullet in the man's head. Maka turned away, revulsion and acid clawing at her insides. She emptied her stomach in great heaves as the violent image pressed against her closed lids. She stayed that way, on her hands and knees as the dizziness passed. A soft clicking noise made Maka open her eyes. A man she didn't know stood over her. She tried to scream, but it died in her throat as he placed the barrel of his gun to her head.
"Quiet kid, I'm taking you as a hostage." The man says with a toothless snarl. His rancid breath washed over her, but she dared not move as the cold metal bit into her temple.
Quick as a flash, someone came roaring out of the brush and crashed into the outlaw. The blow sent both men sprawling to the ground in a flurry of fists and rage. In the scuffle, Maka saw the sandy blonde of Justin's head and the flash of the gun being wrestled between the two. Justin managed to knock the gun from the outlaw's hands and the gun went sailing out of reach.
"Shoot him!" Justin yelled above the sound of fists connecting with bone.
Maka fumbled for her forgotten pistol in the dirt and raised it high. The men were rolling so much she didn't know where to point it.
"Stop or I'll shoot!" She screamed.
Both men stilled. The outlaw had managed to pin Justin to the ground, a knife held to his throat.
The outlaw chuckled, his eyes hateful.
"Ya shoot me, and I'll make sure ta slit yer friends throat first."
"Shoot the bastard Maka." Justin growled in pain as the outlaw pushed the tip of the knife deeper into his neck.
Maka couldn't stop her trembling as she watched the blood trickle down Justin's neck.
The outlaw laughed again, mocking her, challenging her. He could see the fear in her eyes, see the quivering of her body. He knew she didn't have the grit to shoot him.
"Please, don't hurt him. Take whatever you want and leave," She pleaded softly. "Take me instead. Wouldn't a woman make a better hostage?"
The outlaw looked at her baffled. He ran his filthy gaze up and down her body. She had no leverage to negotiate, but his momentary lapse in concentration was enough. Justin grasped the man's wrist and forced it upward, knife and all, sinking it deep into the man's chest. Blood sprayed out in all directions and the outlaw looked down at the knife protruding from his chest in dulled surprise. Without thinking, Maka pulled the trigger. The crack of the gun going off was deafening as it bounced off the trees and rocks, sounding its violent symphony of death. The outlaw face went slack and he slumped backward from the blow. Justin shoved the body off of him and crawled over to where Maka still sat. He gently took the gun from her shaking hands.
"Hey! Everyone ok? What's going on over there?!" Black Star yelled as he rushed to cross the creek bed back to them.
"We're fine! Go find the horses would ya? We need to get out of here." Justin yelled back.
"I'm on it!" Black Star yelled as he trotted out of sight. He didn't look very happy to leave them, but after all the gunfire finding the horses would probably take a while.
"Are you alright?" Justin asked, searching Maka's blank face. She didn't reply.
"Hey, look at me, Maka." He said, gently shaking her shoulders. It was enough to snap her out of the shock.
Justin's face was pale beneath the viscous red clinging to his skin. Maka's hand went up to her own face, what she thought was sweat running down was too sticky and warm. She felt a scream welling up inside her. She tried to look at the body lying lifeless only a few feet away, but Justin used his body to block it.
"Don't look." He said gathering her up in his arms.
He walked down into the creek bed, holding her close like a frightened child. They walked downriver for a time, leaving the violence and destruction far behind them. The sharp copper smell of blood and death still clung to them though, no matter how far they walked.
Here downstream, the water was deep and still, it was a calm that only one of them mirrored.
Justin gently sat her on the ground next to the cool running water and rolled up his sleeves. He pulled a clean bandana out of his back pocket and dipped it into to river. He brought it to her face to wipe away the blood and grime, but Maka flinched away.
The banana was red, the color of brutality.
"Easy now." Justin hummed as he ran the cloth down her face and neck.
He spoke softly to her like he would a skittish animal. She felt as if she was suffocating, the weight on her chest tightening.
"I killed him." She said, the tears finally coming.
Justin paused his washing and looked her straight in the eye.
"Yes, you did take a life. It was us or him. Life or death. You chose life, and not even God can condemn you for that."
He sounded so sure of himself.
"He was a bad man, right? I didn't make a mistake? It feels as if I have." Maka whispered, tears still running down her cheek.
"He was a bandit, a killer. He wasn't just here to rob us. We're safe now." He reassured her gently. "I know it's hard now, taking a life is never an easy thing, but life is a gift now. Every day you breathe and grow, that pain will get smaller and easier to bear. Promise."
Maka gave him a watery smile. "Thank you, Justin."
He shrugged as if it was no big deal.
He dabbed his banana back in the river, rinsing out the blood before he brought it back to her face.
"Are you ok?" Maka hedged, seeing how much blood was on him too. Justin's once sandy blonde hair was stained with dirt and blood, and he had a long cut under his right eye. The knife wound on his neck was leaking thick clumps of crimson.
"I'm right as rain miss, don't worry about me."
His hands stilled as the words left his mouth. Maka felt her whole body jolt with trepidation.
"So you know."
It wasn't a question.
He nodded, and continued his ministrations, fixing her with a small smile. "I've known for a time."
"Bloody hell! How long have you known?" Maka squeaked.
Justin furrowed his brows in thought. "Oh, about a week or two after you came to the ranch I reckon."
Maka tilted her head, considering the cowboy.
"Why didn't you say anything?"
"Wasn't my business." He said simply.
Maka crossed her arms over her chest, feeling extremely vulnerable at this moment.
Justin, ever quiet and wise read her like a book.
"Telling that snake you were a woman was both dumb and gutsy. You saved my life today, and for that I am grateful. I owe you a big debt. The least I could do is keep your secret safe a while longer. If that's what you want?"
Maka looked up at him, surprised by his offer. A small glimmer of hope fluttered in her chest. That was three people now, who knew her secret and wished to support her. Maybe there was redemption for her yet. So far, she had not dared dream people would accept her or her foolish lies, but if Justin and Tsubaki could accept her, then maybe Stein would too.
"Do you not think me mad for pretending to be a man?" Maka asked, her cheeks burning with shame.
"We all have secrets. It doesn't make you mad, just human."
Justin scratched his chin in thought but winced at disturbing the cuts on his face.
"Here, it's your turn now," Maka said softly, taking the bandana from his hand and pressing it gently to his face. His brows scrunched up in pain, but he didn't protest her doctoring.
Most of the blood washed away easily, but some of it was still seeping from his wounds. The struggle between the two men had been brutal. Maka was both leery and impressed by this strange cowboy.
What kind of a man could possess so much wisdom, be gentle and kind, and still be capable of great acts of violence? Had he always been this way? Or had living in this harsh and wild country changed him over time?
As she looked at her blood streaked knuckles Maka wondered if living here would change her as well, for better or for worse.