Thrown into a Western

by Draco'sDragonheartMaiden

When a young woman wakes up in an unfamiliar place she must learn how to make a life there. How will she fit into the camp and will she find love in this new place?

This story begins with a young woman waking up in an unfamiliar place, "mm...where am I?" she said to herself as she raised up and looked at her surroundings. As she sat up she noticed that she was in a camp of some sort but she still had no idea where she was. It was then that a voice caught her attention, "so...you're awake?" She looked in the direction of the voice and saw that a man wearing somewhat flashy clothes was approaching her. "I am..." was her only response as he knelt near her. "Well that's good, we weren't sure if you were gonna wake up but being that you have...means you'll recover." She stared at him warily, "who are you?" she asked. "Dutch Van Der Linde and you are in our camp...I don't know what happened to you but you're safe now." The young woman sat in silence for a moment before Dutch spoke again, "how did you end up here in the Heartlands?" he asked. She rubbed her head slightly, "I'm not really sure and I don't remember what happened either." "Well you don't need to worry about that...not while you're in our camp. Now may we know you're name?" Dutch asked. "I'm called Skylar..." she replied. "Now that's a very unique name for a young woman...it sounds Native American." "It is...I'm from the Cherokee people..." she answered. "The Cherokees? Well you're certainly a long way from home aren't you? But I hope that you can find a home here with us. Just rest now we'll talk more later." Dutch stood up and turned towards one of the women, "Mary-Beth.." She looked in his direction, "yes Dutch?" "Please look after our new family member while she recovers," he asked. "Sure thing..." she answered as she sat next to the bed that Skylar was currently on. "See to it that she gets what she needs," he gently instructed as he walked away. "You got it Dutch," Mary-Beth then turned to the young woman beside her, "you must have really been through something to not know how you ended up here." "Yeah...I just wish I could remember what happened to make me end up here," Skylar replied. Mary-Beth looked at the young woman sympathetically, "I'm sure it will come back to you soon enough...here..." she picked up a cup of water and handed it to Skylar, "drink this...it will help replenish your strength." "Thank you..." Skylar said. She took a sip and it was bitter on the tongue and Mary-Beth noticed, "yeah it's a bit rough but Charles said it's the best thing for you to drink to help you recover." Skylar looked at her, "Charles?" "He's our half-native, half-african american man that's over there by the fire. He fixed it for you and said to make sure that you got it as soon as you woke up," she explained. Skylar nodded to let her know she had heard her words. When Skylar had glanced over at the fire she noticed a couple of other men next to Charles, "who's the two men next to him?" she asked. Mary-Beth looked in the direction, "oh that's Arthur and John they found you and brought you to us." "They did?" Skylar asked. "Yes they're good men...but sometimes they make stupid decisions," Mary-Beth answered. Skylar let a yawn pass through her lips, "you should get some rest...you can get to know you're new family when you're feeling better," Mary-Beth suggested. Skylar nodded as she snuggled back under the covers and went back to sleep.

After she dozed off Arthur and John came over to her, "how is she doing?" John asked. Mary-Beth gave a worrying smile, "she's still tired and she still can't remember anything that happened to her." Arthur looked at the sleeping Skylar, "perhaps it's best she don't cause whatever happened to her could be too traumatic for her if she does." "Arthur's right let whatever happened to her go. Besides probably wouldn't do her much good anyway...not with the way she's dressed. Have you ever seen anyone dressed the way she is?" The three looked at her before Arthur spoke, "John's right she's dressed in very strange clothes." "Well I did hear her say that she's a Cherokee so she's a long way from home, wherever home is," Mary-Beth said. "Wow she really is a long way from home...where do you think she came from?" John asked curiously. "Who knows one thing is for sure she's safe in this camp and if we can find a way to get her home we will," Arthur replied. The three remained silent for a moment or two before turning in for the night and letting Skylar get some much needed rest.

It was about midnight when Skylar woke up again from a nightmare, she sat up in the bed she had been given, slightly panting. She subconsciously clutched at her necklace she always wore as a voice cut through her thoughts, "are you alright?" asked a voice. She turned her head to see a dark-haired man sitting in the chair where Mary-Beth had been earlier, "yeah...I guess..." she replied not sounding very sure. "You're missing home aren't you?" the man asked. Tears welled up in her eyes, "yes I am...but more than that I'm missing someone very dear to me." The man noticed she clutched her necklace charm in her hands, "you mean Luke?" he asked. She looked at him, "I saw the charm earlier when we brought you here." "That's what Mary-Beth told me...she also said your name is John..." she said. "That's right...and the other man that helped me. A man called Arthur...was with me when I found you. We don't know how you got there but you were in pretty bad shape so we brought you here," John explained. She nodded in understanding, "thanks John...I owe you my life." "Think nothing of it...oh by the way what's your name?" John asked. "It's Skylar..." she replied. "That's not a name you hear everyday. Is that Native American?" "Yes it is..." she replied looking down slightly. "I know you're far away from home. Where did you come from?" John asked. "Tennessee..." she answered. "Wow I never been to Tennessee, what's it like out there?" he asked. "It's beautiful out there untouched countryside and slews of animals everywhere, I love it there.." Skylar explained. "It sounds beautiful I'd like to see it one day," John said. "I hope that I will get to see it again besides, there's someone there that wants me there with him," she replied as her unshed tears rolled down her cheeks. John reached into his pocket and retrieved a bandana, "here...dry your eyes." She gently took the bandana from him and wiped her tears from her face. John remained silent for a moment before speaking, "don't worry Skylar if we can find a way to get you home we will...I promise you that," John said placing a gentle hand on hers. She looked at him and gave him a small smile, "there's a smile...try to get some rest..." he said standing up but was stopped when he felt something on his hand, "please...don't go." John stood there for a moment before sitting back in the chair, "will you stay with me, just until I fall asleep?" she asked with almost pleading eyes. He gave her a gentle smile, "sure..." he said. She smiled, "thanks John.." she murmured as she layed back down on the lay there looking up at John silently before shutting her eyes and dozing off, still clutching onto John's bandana. He sat there for a moment or two longer before getting up and going to his tent that was near hers, "I wonder what I could do to help her to get home?" he said to himself as he dozed off too.

When the sun rose the next morning it found Skylar just starting to stir from her slumber. As she sat up she noticed that everyone else was still sleeping, "guess I'm the first one up this morning," she said pulling the covers off her and standing on unsteady legs. She held to the pole of the tent she slept in before trying to take a few steps to test out her legs. She gingerly took a step and found that her legs were a little more sure, "ok time to have a look around this camp I'm in..." she said to herself. She pulled on her boots and began to walk around the camp a little to get use to her new surroundings. She quietly crept from her tent and made her way past the other sleeping members of the camp towards the cliff that overlooked the valley below. When she reached the cliff she looked out over the land, "wow...it's so beautiful..." she murmured.

She was unaware that someone had been silently watching her as she explored the camp, "she's up and moving around, that's good." He continued to watch her for an instant before getting off his cot and making his way out of his tent to fix some coffee. Once he had the water boiling he poured himself a cup and then decided to bring Skylar one as well, "she could probably use it." He made his way over to her but was stopped by a voice, "John...hey John!" He looked to see Abigail coming towards him, "what is it Abigail?" he asked. She looked at him then noticed he held two cups of coffee in his hands, "oh how sweet you brought me a cup of coffee.." she said as she reached for it but was surprised when John moved it out of her reach, "no it's for the new girl, Skylar." She looked at him then turned towards the strangely dressed woman standing on the cliff, "so you know her name? You seem to be staying around her, afterall you were the one carrying her when you and Arthur brought her here. Are you sweet on her now?" she asked. John scoffed, "it ain't like that...I'm just being nice to her. She's a long way from home and she really needs a friend right now. Not my fault she feels comfortable around me. You know maybe you should be nice to her too. You two might hit it off." Abigail remained silent before looking at the girl then him before walking away to see to Jack.

John rolled his eyes as he walked towards Skylar who had been watching him and had seen the confrontation between him and Abigail. "Good morning John..." she greeted as he neared her. "Morning Skylar, how are you this morning?" he asked. "I'm alright, just trying to get use to my new surroundings." He nodded in understanding, "here I thought you could use a cup of coffee...thought it might help." She smiled, "thanks..." she replied as she gently took the cup from him. "How did you sleep?" he asked. "I slept alright but I dreamt that I was back in Tennessee with my..." she stopped short as she subconsciously clutched the charm around her neck. "You really miss him don't you?" he asked knowing the answer. She merely nodded as she sipped on the coffee and sat on a nearby boulder. John stayed silent to see if she would say anything more, "it breaks my heart that I'm not where I want to be and away from the one person I love more than anything.." she said as a stray tear rolled down her cheek. John saw this and wiped it away which gained her attention, "everything is going to be alright Skylar," he said sitting next to her. She looked down slightly before looking at him, "will it really? Will everything really be alright if I can't return home?" she asked. John was sympathetic to what she was feeling but didn't really know what to tell her to make her feel better. So he did the only thing he knew to do and that was to put a comforting arm around her shoulders. Upon feeling the contact she looked up from her cup, "I don't know what it's like to feel what you're feeling right now but no matter what I'm gonna try and help you get back to where you belong." Skylar's eyes quivered with unshed tears so she rested her head against John's shoulder to try and find some comfort in him.

Some distance away Abigail had been watching the interaction between the two and was silently resenting the new girl that was taking John's attention. "It's not fair...she just came into camp last night and John's paying attention to her and not me." Abigail wiped away stray tears that fell from her eyes so no one would see them. What neither of them knew was that Arthur had been watching and was silent wondering what John was up to, with spending time with the new girl. He knew that if it hadn't been for John spotting her on the side of the road she would've died, "I need to really talk to him about some things," he said to himself as he continued the entry in his journal. The pair continued to sit there on the boulder talking, completely unaware that they were being watched. "So Skylar, you really don't remember anything before waking up here in the camp?" John asked. She shook her head no, "I wish I did remember so I would know what to do to go home."

It was then that Arthur began to make his way over towards them with the intention of speaking with John but stopped short when he saw Dutch making his way over to them, "damn...I'll have to try later," he muttered as he went to get some coffee. "So you're up and about this morning?" Dutch asked as he approached. "Yeah..." was her only response. "That's good it means you're not as bad off as we thought you were. Is your memory still fuzzy about what happened to you?" She merely nodded as Dutch continued, "they may return to you...in time and you'll be able to piece together what happened." He then turned to John, "so you're keeping a close eye on her are you John?" John looked at him, "yeah I am...she's having a hard time." Dutch looked at John then noticed that Skylar was huddling closer to him, "well you let me know if you need anything ok Miss?" She looked at Dutch and merely nodded to let him know she had heard him, "Hosea?" Skylar watched as a grey-haired man approached them, "yes Dutch?" "Hosea do you think you can do some looking around so that we can help this young lady get back home?" "Of course...you know I have my ways of finding out the information I need," he looked at the young woman sitting next to John and knelt down in front of her, "I'm gonna need a little information from you dear so I can do a better job of finding out how to get you back home." Skylar nodded, "ok..." she murmured. "Now can you tell me the last thing you remember before waking up here in camp?" Hosea asked gently. Dutch stood near them as he listened to every word that left her lips but he couldn't help but notice that John was being somewhat protective over this young woman. He made a note in his mind to keep an eye on John and Arthur, knowing that they were the ones that had brought her into the camp in the first place. He was brought out of his thoughts as Skylar finished speaking with Hosea, "I wish I could give you more than that Hosea...I really do but that's all that I can remember." "Don't worry yourself too much I should be able to find out something with what you've told me. Don't worry I'll do whatever I can to help you get home," he said as he stood up once more. It was then that Dutch spoke, "Hosea's right he's the one man in this camp that can find out almost anything. With Hosea looking into this you'll be going home in no time," he said as he and Hosea walked away.

Now left alone again Skylar was able to relax a little, she didn't like Dutch...it was something about him that made her feel very uncomfortable. John took notice, "you don't like Dutch much do you?" he asked in a whisper. She shook her head no, "it's just something about him that makes me uncomfortable when he's around." John didn't think much of it but she didn't know him the way everyone else did but still, he wanted to reassure her, "it's gonna be ok if anyone can get good information Hosea can. You'll be headed home in no time." There was silence for a moment or two before John spoke again, "hey why don't we go into town? Maybe you'll see something that will help." She seemed to perk up a little bit at his suggestion and he turned to Dutch, "Dutch I'm gonna go into town and I'll take Skylar with me. Maybe she'll see something that will help." "That's a good idea just make sure you're not noticed by anyone...don't need to bring the pinkertons down on us just yet," Dutch replied. It was then another voice spoke up, "I'm going too...besides an extra set of eyes never hurt," Arthur added. "Alright Arthur..." Dutch said. "Come on you two let's go," Arthur said walking towards two horses at a nearby hitching post. "Skylar you can ride with John," he added. John picked up Skylar and placed her into the saddle before getting on the back of his stallion too. With that the three set out towards Valentine in hopes they could find something that would help Skylar get back home. As they rode away Abigail stood there and watched them disappear from sight but she also took notice that the new girl was riding double with John. She was silently seething in anger and jealousy as tears stung her eyes.

Now out and away from camp Arthur spoke, "alright now that we're away from camp John we need to talk." "Not now Arthur," John said. "Are you blind John? Can't you see what's going on here?" John looked at his brother, "what are you talking about Arthur?" "Can't you see that ever since we brought her into camp that Dutch has been watching us like a hawk? He doesn't trust us and she certainly doesn't trust Dutch. She was uncomfortable when he even came near her." John glanced over his shoulder at her as Arthur continued, "and aside from all that Abigail is losing her mind with jealousy at the fact you've been staying close to Skylar since we brought her to camp." Skylar looked down slightly at Arthur's words, "I'm causing so much trouble for them..." she said to herself as tears welled up in her eyes. John was silent for a moment before speaking, "are you sure about all this Arthur? Are you sure you aren't being paranoid?" "I'm sure...we need to keep her safe especially from Dutch," Arthur replied. John was silent as he absorbed Arthur's words, "come on let's keep heading to Valentine..." Arthur said giving his stallion a gentle kick. John followed suit but he noticed that Skylar had become withdrawn upon hearing everything Arthur had said, "hey..." Skylar looked up at him, "yeah." "Are you ok?" he asked. "Yeah..." she replied in almost a whisper as she continued to hold onto him.

It didn't take long to reach Valentine, "here we are Valentine..." Arthur said then turned to look at the woman on the back of John's horse, "does anything look familiar to you?" he asked. Skylar looked around at the surroundings but shook her head no, "well maybe going into town you'll see something that will trigger a memory," John said as he urged his horse to move forward with Arthur following right behind him. They made their way down the street and Skylar glanced around at all she saw but it didn't bring any of her memories back to her. They stopped in front of the general store, "come on let's go in and gather a few supplies we need for the camp," Arthur said. "Ok..." John looked at Skylar, "you want to come in with us?" he asked. "No...that's ok...I'll wait here for you to come back," she answered. "Alright stay close to the horses, we won't be long.." John said gently as he slipped from the saddle then helped Skylar down. Once she had her feet on the ground she surpised them both by wrapping her arms around John, "thank you...for saving me..." she murmured. John was initially surprised by the gesture but returned to gentle hug before letting go of her, "you're welcome." She gave him a small smile, "we'll be right back..." Arthur said distracting the two from their interaction. She watched the men walk into the general store and she stood there by the horses silently debating what she should do.

Inside the store the men began to speak privately, "so tell me something John...why are you staying so close to Skylar?" Arthur asked. John looked at the man, "she's scared and I can tell she really needs a friend so I'm trying to be there for her. Besides ain't you doing the same thing?" Arthur shook his head, "I am trying to be there for her but I'm not staying as close to her the way you are. You ain't turning sweet on her are you?" he asked. John looked very much annoyed, "you sound like Abigail...I'm just being nice to her. You seen how shy and scared she is?" "Yeah I have but I think it's more to it than that," Arthur said.

Outside Skylar petted John's horse for a moment or two before placing a kiss on the animal's nose then doing the same to Arthur's horse. Before walking away she turned to where the men had gone, "goodbye Arthur...bye...John..." she murmured as she began walking away to try and get back home on her own.

Back in the general store the men were completely unaware that Skylar had walked away, "all I'm saying John is be careful you don't want to be caught between two women having to make a hard decision." John rolled his eyes, "yeah yeah whatever you say Arthur. Come on Skylar is waiting for us." The pair paid for their items then walked outside to their horses only to find the woman not with them, "where could she have gone?" John asked. "Maybe she went to have a bath in the hotel..." Arthur suggested. "I'll go have a look," John said after stowing the items in his saddlebag. "Alright I'll look in the bar and see if she went there," Arthur replied. "Ok..." John said walking towards the hotel and walking inside.

Upon entering the hotel a man behind the desk spoke, "hello sir can I interest you in a room for the night so that you may rest from your journey?" "No thank you...I'm here about a woman. Have you seen a young woman that's dressed in strange clothes and wears her hair in a braid?" John asked. "She didn't come in here but I did see her standing out there with you and your friend's horses before walking towards the stables," the man said. "The stables?" John asked. "Yes after that I didn't see her anymore," the man said. "Thanks for the information..." John said bolting out the door, "Arthur!" Upon hearing his name he looked up, "did you find her?" he asked. "No but the man in the hotel said that he saw her walk towards the stables," John said. "The stables? Why would she go that way?" Arthur asked. "I don't know but we better go have a look," John said taking off towards the barn.

When they walked in the stablehand looked up from his chores, "hello gentlemen can I help you today?" he asked. "We were wondering if you've seen a young woman dressed in strange clothes? Did she happen to come in here?" John asked. "She poked her head in and asked which way to the mountains were. Said something about finding a way to get home," the stablehand answered. "The mountains?" John turned to Arthur, "what is she thinking? She's gonna get herself killed going up there." "I don't know but we need to go after her before something else happens to her," Arthur turned to the stablehand, "thank you for the information." With that they exited the barn, ran to their horses and took off towards the mountains to look for the wayward young woman, "please let us find her unharmed.." John said to himself.

In the mountains Skylar had gotten some distance away from Valentine and was making her way down the road, "is this the right way? Will this road take me back to Tennessee?" she asked herself. She continued onward but then a sudden boom of thunder made her jump, "*yelp*!" After the second clap of thunder the rain began to pour down and drench her clothes, "I need to find somewhere to get out of the storm." She looked around for a moment or two before spotting a cave some distance up the hill, "a cave...at least in there I can get out of this storm," she said making her way up the hill. Once she reached it she shivered from having on wet clothes, "I wish I had some dry clothes.." she murmured. It was then that she heard a sound coming from behind her and upon turning around she found a she-wolf standing behind her. She was slightly startled at the animal's prescence but she slowly knelt down to the she-wolf's level in hopes she would calm, "easy sister I mean you no harm...I only seek refuge from the storm." She remained calm as the she-wolf cautiously approached the young Cherokee woman. She sniffed her hand before backing off allowing the young woman to rest in the cave with her. Skylar slowly walked deeper into the cave and then sat down a few feet away from the she-wolf so she wouldn't be too close. Skylar watched as the rain began to fall harder and the lightning light up the entire area, "looks like I'm gonna be in here for a while...at least til the storm lets up enough so I can continue on my journey."

By now the boys were making their way up the same trail that Skylar had been on before the storm broke, "where could she have gone...I mean we weren't in the store that long so how can she get all the way out here?" John asked. "I don't know John Native Americans can get places much faster than most but with this storm I imagine she sought shelter from it," Arthur replied. "Yeah but where would she go?" John asked. "There's gotta be a cave close by it's the only shelter she could find," Arthur answered. They searched for the longest time but couldn't find anything, "come on John let's head back to camp we ain't gonna find anything in this storm," Arthur said. "You can go back if you want but I'm not gonna leave her out here alone," John replied. Arthur shook his head at John, "alright let's set up camp and wait out the storm and then we can continue to look for her." With that the men made quick work of setting up a camp to wait out the storm.

In the cave Skylar was sitting against the cave wall still shivering from the wet clothes. It was then that the she-wolf approached the shivering woman and laid down beside her to provide some bodyheat. Skylar was surprised but grateful to the she-wolf, "thank you sister..." she whispered to the wolf as they continued to watch the storm rage outside the cave.

Back at the temporary camp the men sat silently in the tent, "I really hope she's ok.." John said. "I'm sure she's fine afterall she's a Cherokee woman," Arthur replied. "But still she's far away from home and she's alone..." John said but then he got very silent. Arthur took notice, "what's with you John?" "If anything happens to her...I'll never forgive myself.." John said. "Why do you feel like you're responsible for her John? You barely know this girl.""Because if it won't for me...for us...she'd be dead right now so of course I feel responsible for her," John answered. Arthur remained silent for a moment before speaking, "well look who's finally decided to grow up." John didn't say anything as they continued to sit in the tent and watch the storm outside.

In the cave Skylar had dozed off and was now leaning against the she-wolf sound asleep. The she-wolf remained on guard to anything that was nearby. In the distance she saw a fire flickering brightly and she carefully got onto her paws and eased out of the cave to go check out where the fire was coming from. Unbeknownst to the two men the she-wolf eased into the camp and began to check it out carefully. As she sniffed around she found some food that had been left just outside the tent. She crept closer and quietly stole the food from beside the fire, "hey!" She looked in the direction of voice, "damn wolf drop that food!" Arthur shouted as she ran up the hill and away from the men. John stood there for a moment, "that was strange." "Yeah..." Arthur said. "Wolves don't come near people...not usually," John added. "You're right but the other part that's strange is that the wolf didn't try to eat the food she stole," Arthur replied. "What are you thinking?" John asked. "What if that wolf was taking her food back to her den?" "You think we should follow?" John asked. "Yeah come on," Arthur said as they got atop their horses and rode after the wolf.

Back at the cave Skylar was just starting to wake up, "mm...huh wonder where sister wolf went?" It was then that she heard a low whine and upon turning her head she saw the she-wolf with food in her mouth. "Did you get this for me?" she asked the wolf. The she-wolf stepped closer and placed the food in Skylar's hands, "thank you girl.." she murmured as she began to eat the food. The she-wolf bedded up beside Skylar once more and rested her head on her paws. As she ate Skylar glanced out the cave and noticed there was a fire in the distance, "a fire? I wonder who could be out here? Could it be John and Arthur looking for me?" she asked herself. It was then she noticed two horses approaching her location and they were two she recognized, "it is them." The she-wolf began growling slightly which drew Skylar's attention, "easy girl they're friends...they came looking for me." Skylar placed a gentle hand on the wolf's neck which seemed to calm her enough for her to lay back down beside the woman.

The men were now getting closer to the cave where Skylar and her wolf companion were located, "look there...a cave.." Arthur said. "You think Skylar is in there?" John asked. "Yeah I do come on..." Arthur said as he urged his horse forward with John following right behind him. Upon reaching the cave the she-wolf was on her paws near the entrance protecting her den. The men got down from their saddles and slowly approached, "come on girl we're just here for our companion," John said. "John you're a fool this wolf don't understand you, she'd sooner eat you as look at you," Arthur said raising his rifle. Before he could pull the trigger a voice called out, "no wait stop!" They turned their heads to see Skylar coming towards them and getting between them and the she-wolf. "Skylar?" John couldn't speak. "Woman are you crazy? This wolf could turn and eat you. What are you doing in a cave with a wolf anyway?" Arthur asked still not lowering his weapon. "She took care of me..." Skylar replied. The men watched as she approached the she-wolf, knelt down beside her and wrapped her arms around the animal in a tender hug. The wolf gave her cheek a gentle lick, "she really does trust you doesn't she?" John asked. Skylar looked at the men, "yes she does and I trust her. She could've attacked and killed me but she didn't, instead she took care of me and let me rest in her cave with her." It was then that Arthur let down his weapon and placed it back on his saddle, "well I'm glad you're safe Skylar but what the hell were you thinking running off like that? You could've been killed or kidnapped.." Arthur scolded. "Arthur..." John started to speak but was cut off, "no John you know I'm right so don't get soft on me now." Arthur then turned to the Cherokee woman, "what were thinking woman?" he asked. Skylar shrank back slightly at Arthur's tone, "if you want to run then go ahead I won't stop you." It was then that Skylar found the strength of the wolf inside herself and rounded on Arthur, "what do you care? From the way you were talking earlier it sounds like you don't care either way what happens to me anyway? John is the only one that truly seems like he actually cares about what happens to me. The rest of you think of me as a nuisance..." Skylar snapped. Arthur was surprised being that she hadn't said much on the ride into Valentine, "I didn't mean..." she didn't want to hear it, "save it...if I'm such a nuisance then I'll be on my way...alone." She turned her back to them and refused to look at them, "Skylar?" John said as he approached being mindful that the she-wolf was watching his every move. He gently reached out to her and placed a hand on her shoulder making her glance over her shoulder at him, "will you please look at me?" he asked gently. She looked away at first but then decided to at least hear what he had to say, "why did you run away like that?" he asked in almost a whisper. Skylar looked down slightly, "because it seems like I'm causing you all sorts of trouble, first with that woman and now with your brother. Maybe it's better if I did leave." John wrapped his arms around her which surprised both her and Arthur, "you're not causing us any trouble we're just being protective of you because you've already been through so much and we know you really need a friend right now." Skylar looked into John's brown eyes and saw he was looking her straight in the eye. It was then she knew that he had spoken the truth and her walls came down and she wrapped her arms around him and cried into his chest. John held her close to him to try and bring her some comfort and after a moment or two she was able to stop crying. She then realized that she still had John's bandana in her pocket. She took hold it and wiped her tears away, "are you ok now?" John asked brushing her bangs away from her face. She nodded, "come on we need to get back to camp.." Arthur said. "Alright..." Skylar then turned to the she-wolf, "thank you sister for letting me into your den. I won't forget you, don't forget me ok?" she said hugging the she-wolf gently. When she let go of the hug the she-wolf licked her remaining tears from her face and wagged her tail slightly making Skylar smile. "Come on Skylar let's go back," John said extending his hand to her and helping her to her feet. With that the three riders left heading back Horseshoe Overlook but as they did the she-wolf let loose a howl saying goodbye. In return Skylar howled back to her wolf sister as they rode out of sight.

By the time they reached the camp it was close to evening and they were greeted by Dutch as they rode in, "where the hell have y'all been? I was ready to send Charles and Javier out looking for you." The pair of men were silent for an instant before Arthur spoke, "we got caught in a rough storm on the way out of Valentine so we had to seek shelter to wait it out before coming back here." Dutch glanced between Arthur and John, he couldn't see Skylar because she was sitting behind John with her arms around him. It was then that Hosea spoke up, "I did see some pretty rough looking clouds earlier but I guess the storm was closer than I thought it was. Anyway I'm glad you three are safely back in camp, come on Pearson just finished making dinner. Y'all must be hungry after being out most of the day. Oh Arthur did you and John pick up some supplies while you were in Valentine?" "Yeah we got'em I'll bring'em over to Pearson's wagon," Arthur said unloading the supplies from his saddlebag. "Very good," was Hosea's only response as he walked away. As John helped Skylar from the saddle Dutch spoke, "so...did you find anything that helped you remember anything?" he asked. Skylar stayed standing in front of John and merely shook her head no, this action only seem to irritate Dutch, "is there something about me that makes you uncomfortable young lady?" he asked. Skylar refuged to look at him as she clung to John, "come on...Dutch, she's a young woman in a strange place around a bunch of outlaws, cut her some slack," John said placing an arm around Skylar's shoulders. Dutch could clearly see that John was being very protective of her and that Arthur was staying near them too, "I suppose...you're right...I'm sorry if I came off a little intimidating." Skylar turned her gaze to Dutch, "apology accepted..." was her only response. Dutch merely nodded as he walked away silently wondering if there was something they won't telling him. Once Dutch had walked away Skylar relaxed slightly as Arthur stepped near them, "that was strange, I've never seen Dutch get that way with a new member before. Just remember what I said on the trail John we need to protect her, especially from Dutch. Did you see the way he was looking at her?" John nodded, "yeah I did...it's like he was deciding if he wanted her or not." It was then that Skylar spoke, "back home we call that undressing with their eyes." The men looked at her then turned back in the direction that Dutch went, "an odd phrase but it's right though cause that's exactly how he was looking at you Skylar." "Sky..." the men looked at her, "what did you say?" John asked. "You two can call me Sky but just you two, no one else has earned my trust the way you two have," Skylar said. "Ok Sky, come on let's get some dinner.." John said. "Ok.." with that the three walked towards the large pot hanging over a fire and got some stew from it.

They made sure to stay close to each other so they sat by main fire but remained away from Dutch. Around the fire there was some chatter but Skylar didn't pay much attention to it as she ate the unfamiliar food. She then turned to Arthur, "Arthur can I ask for a favor?" "Sure Sky what is it?" "I was wondering if you could do something for me. That she-wolf that took care of me today, do you think you could take her some food? I don't think she's been able to find much up there." "Well I don't see why not but I don't think she would trust me to come near her the way she does you," Arthur answered. Skylar looked down slightly, "but there is a way you can be able to go see her whenever you want though." She perked up slightly, "really how?" she asked. "By getting you a horse," Arthur replied. "Really?" she said. It was then that John spoke, "yeah I can take you to go pick one out tomorrow." "Oh you two are the best," she replied with the first genuine smile they had seen.

The rest of dinner was eaten in silence as they listen to the other gang members talk around the campfire. What neither of them knew was that Abigail was watching them and silently wondered why Arthur and especially John were staying so close to Skylar. She decided then that she would take John's advice and speak to the girl later on and maybe find out some more about her.

Sometime later everyone settled down for the night but some remained around the fire, telling stories and drinking. Arthur decided to speak to Hosea and see if he was able to find out anything that would help Skylar. When Arthur walked away John spoke, "I think I'm going to my tent...it's been a long day." "Ok," Skylar replied quietly. John thought for a moment before speaking, "do you...would you like to come to my tent for a minute?" he asked. She smiled and nodded, "alright come on.." he said standing from his place at the fire with Skylar following right behind him. Several members watched them walk to John's tent and out of sight but remained silent.

Now in his tent John sat on the cot as Skylar followed suit, "I uh..." John looked at her, "I want to apologize for running off before, you two brought me into your camp and I just ran off." "It's ok Sky if the tables were turned I'm sure I woulda done the same thing," John replied. "I want thank you too...for coming to find me and also defending me from Dutch," she added. John smiled, "think nothing of it Sky you would've done the same for me." Skylar smiled but then she looked at John with shy eyes as she asked her next question, "can I ask you about...you and that woman? What's going on between you two?" she asked. At the question John looked down, "uh nevermind it's too personal of a question..." Skylar replied quickly. "No...no it's ok I was just surprised by the question but the thing between me and Abigail...it's complicated. She and I...she was a working girl that rode with us. We all had her but when she got pregnant she told me it was mine but I'm not sure. I'm not any kind of father material and aside from that Jack doesn't look like me. Honestly he looks more like Arthur than anyone else."John then stopped short and looked at Skylar, "sorry that was more than you wanted to hear." "No it's ok.." she replied. "It's just that...she's trying to force me into being something I'm not and I'm not happy. I don't know it's all so complicated," John said. Skylar was silent for a moment before speaking, "that's not right...she shouldn't be pushing you into doing something you don't want to do and it ain't right that she's trying to change you. If you're not happy then maybe it's time for a change." "You think so?" he asked. "Yes I do, you shouldn't have to be unhappy in a relationship," she replied. John smiled at Skylar, "you know you're pretty wise for a woman." Skylar laughed, "I'll try to take that as a compliment." John was glad to see that she was happy being around him like this. It was then that she let a yawn pass through her lips, "maybe you should try and get some sleep Sky.." John said. "Yeah maybe you're right," but as she went to stand up John spoke, "wait um..." she looked at him, "yes." "If you want um...you can sleep in the tent...with me.." John said. Skylar gave him a funny look, "I didn't mean it like that but if you would feel more comfortable to, you can stay in here for the night. You can take the cot and I can sleep on the ground." Skylar was silent for a moment before speaking, "ok..." she replied. John stood up from his spot on the cot which allowed Skylar to lay down while he grabbed the extra blanket and lay it out on the ground so he could lay down. Skylar snuggled down into the soft pillow as John lay on the blanket next to the cot, "night John.." she whispered. "Night Sky.." he replied as he dozed off.

It was about mid-night when Skylar awoke from a nightmare, she sat up and looked around for an instant but breathed a sigh of relief that she was still in John's tent. She then lay back down on the cot as she tried to calm her racing heart and settle her mind down. She glanced beside her to see that John was still sleeping peacefully and a small smile played on her lips, "he's so kind to me..." was her only thought as she went back to sleep.

The next morning found John already awake and standing by the fire sipping on a cup of coffee. Every so often though he would glance back at the sleeping Skylar. He was so deep in his thoughts that he didn't notice Abigail calling him, "John!" He was brought out of his thoughts when he felt a touch on his shoulder, "oh Sky you're..." when he turned he saw that it was Abigail, "oh it's you." Abigail was somewhat surprised, "is that how you speak to me?" "Nevermind what you want Abigail?" he asked. "I wanted to talk to you about our son but..." she was cut off by John, "I can't do this anymore Abigail." "What? What do you mean John?" she asked. "Us...I can't do this anymore." "What?" she asked. "I'm unhappy Abigail, you keep trying to change me into someone I'm not and you're pushing stuff on me that I don't want. I'm sorry Abigail.." John said. Abigail couldn't believe what she was hearing as tears began to sting her eyes, "I...I can't believe what I'm hearing. How long have you felt like this?" she asked. "Long enough to know I'm tired and I can't keep doing this..." John said as he walked away from her and back to his tent leaving Abigail standing there in tears. She stood there for the longest time before walking away to sit away from the others while she cried. In his tent he sat on the stool near the cot and sighed in relief. He had finally gotten how he truly felt off his chest and he felt like a weight had been lifted off of him. He now felt somewhat free of everything he had been feeling for the longest time. He closed his eyes for a moment or two before turning his gaze to the woman sleeping in his tent and letting a small smile play on his lips, "thank you Sky..." he murmured.

Later that morning Skylar was awake and over by John's horse, giving him a good grooming, "there you go boy I bet that feels good huh, "she said to the stallion. The stallion moved his head up and down, making Skylar laugh, "you're just full of yourself aren't you," she said coming around and brushing the stallion's forelocks. "There we go you're all gorgeous again can't have you lookin' all gnarley now can we?" she gave the stallion a kiss on the muzzle before setting the brush back in the bucket. It was then that Arthur came over to her, "Sky.." she looked from the stallion to Arthur, "hey Arthur." "Well you seem in good spirits this morning," Arthur said. "I am..." she replied with a smile. "Glad to hear it, I see you've been grooming our horses. I've never seen them look so clean before," Arthur said petting his stallion's nose. "Yeah well they really seemed to enjoy being loved on and I enjoyed myself, being around horses calms me," Skylar answered. It was then that John walked over, "wow look at that...they're the two best looking horses in camp." Skylar smiled when she seen John, "thanks guys." The men smiled, "so you ready to have a horse of your own?" John asked. "Yes I am," she replied. John turned to Arthur, "you want to come with us Arthur?" "I would but I can't Hosea wants to take me hunting but I look forward to seeing your new horse when I return Sky," he said. "Of course," she replied. "Well I'm off, probably be gone a couple of days. John you take care of her," he said. "I won't let anything happen to her," John said. "Alright good, I'll see you when I return," with that Arthur got atop the black shire and rode out with Hosea. Once he had left John turned to Skylar, "you ready to go?" She nodded, "you bet." "Alright let's go," John lifted her into the saddle, then got onto his stallion's back before riding out of camp and heading towards the stables.

As they rode along Skylar kept her hands on John's sides and from time to time she would rest her head against his back, "you ok back there Sky?" he asked. "Yeah I'm fine John just enjoying being out and about, plus being back in the saddle. I can't wait to be atop my own horse again," she replied. "Did you have horses back home?" John asked. "Yeah I did but not anymore...they died. So it's been a long time since I've been in the saddle...I've really missed it," she explained. "Losing a horse is hard before you came here Arthur lost his horse too. She had been injured so severly that she had to be put down, he took it hard. He had raised her from a filly," John explained. Skylar remained silent as John continued, "but now that he's got his new horse he seems happier." "What his horse's name?" Skylar asked. "Lightning because of the markings on his legs," John answered. "What's your horse's name?" she asked."Old Boy...because he older than any of the other horse in camp," John replied. "My horses' names were Smokey, War Chant and Garnet," Skylar added. "Three horses wow I bet they kept you busy." "Yeah they did but I loved them dearly, I babied them." "You really miss them don't you?" John asked. "Everyday," Skylar replied. "Well we're nearly at the stables so in a few minutes you'll have a new horse," John said. Skylar smiled, "I know.." was her only response as John brought Old Boy to a stop in front of the barn. "Here we are," he said sliding from the stallion's back before helping Skylar down. Skylar looked around for a moment or two, "come on let's go inside and look at the horses," John said. "Ok," she replied as she followed him into the stable.

Upon entering the stable owner greeted them, "hello there can I help you with anything today?" he asked. "Yeah we came to get the lady here a new horse," John replied. The stable owner turned to look at the woman, "please look around Miss, we have a few horses in here and there are some others outside in the pasture. Have a look around and let me know which horse you choose." "Thank you," Skylar said as she and John walked over to the stalls to have a look at the horses. Skylar was completely enthralled at the beauty of the animals as she moved from one stall to another. She paused in front of a dark colored stallion, "that one there use to be a race horse he was retired after he got to old to race," the stable owner said. She continued down to the last two stalls as John spoke, "do you want to have a look outside?" She looked at him, "yes..." she replied. "You want to have a look outside Miss?" the stable owner asked. She merely nodded as they walked outside and over the pasture fence to look at the horses that were grazing in it. John leaned against the fence as he watched Skylar closely, "wow look at them...they're all so beautiful..." Skylar said. "Yes they are," John remarked. "Some of these horses have been here for a long time so I decided to keep them out here instead of keeping them in the stalls," the stable owner remarked. As she looked them over she was taking note of everything about them and it was then that one mare looked up at her and walked over towards the fence. Skylar watched the mare as she approached, "hello girl..." she murmured as she reached out her hand. The mare sniffed her hand gently before stepping closer, allowing Skylar to touch her. "Seems someone likes you Miss, that little mare there was found abandoned at an old homestead over near Valentine. The owners left in the middle of the night but left her behind," the stable owner explained. "She's so sweet and look at those markings," she said. The mare then stepped even closer to Skylar and nuzzled her affectionately, "aww you're such a sweet mare." John smiled at seeing Skylar so happy, "is she the one you want?" he asked. She looked up at him, "yes she is..." she replied nuzzling her cheek against the mare's forehead and rubbing her neck. "Well alright come on then I'll write up the papers and I'll get the young lady to sign'em," the stable owner said. Skylar smiled then turned to the mare, "I'll be right back girl..." she gave her a quick kiss before following John and the stable owner back into the barn.

The stable owner drew up the papers stating that this mare belonged to Skylar, "alright little lady I've drawn up the papers now I just need to sign'em." "Ok," Skylar gently took the pen from the stable owner and signed her name and wrote the name of her new mare. "Alright let's see now," the stable owner looked at the papers, "Kiyaya...well that's an unusual name but Miss Skylar you are now the proud new owner of a buttermilk buckskin paint kentucky saddler. Treat her well and she'll remain loyal to you always.." the stable owner said handing her the papers. She smiled, "thank you so much." "I'll have one of my stablehands saddle her up for you and here, a brush and some treats for her." "Thank you," Skylar said. "You're very welcome Miss," the stable owner replied.

Both John and Skylar walked outside to see the stablehand placing the saddle onto Kiyaya's back, along with a saddlebag. Once she was saddled the stablehand turned to Skylar, "she's all ready for you Miss." "Thank you," she replied before walking over and placing the papers and treats into the saddlebag. John was glad to see Skylar so happy, "shall we take your girl home?" he asked. Skylar looked at him and nodded, "alright let's go." Skylar turned to her mare, "come on girl let's get you home," she said climbing into the saddle and sitting atop her horse. John was already in his saddle and waited for Skylar to urge her mare over towards him. Once she was next to him he gave his stallion a gentle kick as Skylar did the same to her mare and they made their way back to camp.

Now out on the trail John spoke, "so do you like your new horse?" "I love her thank you so much for getting her for me," Skylar said. "You're welcome but I gotta ask what does the name Kiyaya mean? Is it Native American?" he asked. "Yes it is, it means howling wolf," she replied. "She's ceratinly a unique looking mare, a buttermilk buckskin paint. Never seen one before but she certainly is beautiful," John remarked. Skylar smiled as they neared camp, "do you think anyone will be jealous?" she asked. "I don't know about that but with her at your side you'll certainly be the center of attention for a while," John answered.

Upon entering camp a few heads turned in her direction, "wow look at that horse..." Javier said. "That's a beautiful animal," Bill added. "Such a unique coat and markings," Charles said. "So pretty..." Jack said. "She sure is," Abigail murmured. Dutch came out of his tent, wondering what the commotion was about but when he did he saw why, "now that...is a horse..." he said. He stood there for a moment or two before Mary-Beth noticed him, "Dutch look Skylar went and got herself a new horse." "I see that and what a horse that is too, never seen one like it," Dutch replied. John dismounted and placed the reins on the hitching post before helping Skylar down from her saddle. Skylar then took the reins and tethered them to the hitching post, "well this is your new home girl," she said to her mare. It was then that Mary-Beth approached, "that's a beautiful horse Skylar.""Thanks Mary-Beth," Skylar replied. "What's her name?" Sadie asked. "Kiyaya, it's Native for howling wolf," she replied. "That's very unique name you chose Skylar but then again you yourself are a very unique young woman," Sadie added. "Thanks Sadie," she replied. John was pleased that Skylar seemed calmer now and more comfortable with everyone in camp, "I guess having a horse is really good for her," he said to himself. After the excitement settled down everyone went back to what they had been doing before Skylar and John had returned to camp. Dutch then came over to John, "John...I'd like you to go into Valentine and see what work you can find. We need money so we can disappear before the pinkertons find us." "Ok Dutch..." he said. "Make sure you're not noticed," Dutch added as he walked away. John watched Dutch go into his tent and out of sight before speaking to Skylar, "Sky..." she looked up from her mare, "Dutch is sending me into Valentine to find some work. If anything happens stay near Sadie..." John said. "Ok John, is Dutch not letting you take me with you?" she asked. "Yeah it looks that way..." John turned to his saddlebag and then returned to Sky's side, "here...keep this with you while I'm gone. Use it if it's absolutely necessary," he said handing her a revolver. "Ok..." she replied as she tucked the revolver into her saddlebag for the time being. "I'll be back as soon as I can," John reassured her knowing that she didn't like being away from him. "Don't worry everything will be ok," John said. Skylar nodded before wrapping her arms around him, "please John don't be gone too long.." she said raising her head to look at him. Unaware of her movement he looked down at her only to have their lips meet in a chast kiss. When they let go of each other Skylar's face was slightly red, "sorry..." Skylar said. "No...no it's alright..." John replied. There was silence between them for an instant before John spoke again, "well um...I should probably head into town but I'll be back soon...I promise." She smiled at him, "ok..." she then turned to Old Boy, "you bring him back home safely ok?" she said gently. Old Boy raised his head just enough to nuzzle her face which made her laugh, "I think that's a yes..." John laughed. "I guess so," she replied, "be careful John." "I will Sky," with that John rode out of camp.

Skylar stood there for moment as she watched him leave then turned to Kiyaya, "you want a nice brush down girl?" The mare nickered to her, "I'll take that as a yes," she replied as she removed the saddle and began brushing the dust and dirt from the mare's coat. While she groomed her mare she remained vilgilant knowing full well that Dutch was still in camp but she was brought out of her thoughts when a voice reached her ears, "that's a beautiful animal you got there." She turned to see Charles, "thank you...uh Charles?" "Yes that's right...I'm glad to see you're healing well, we were worried you might not make it," he replied. "I appreciate it and thank you for the herbal drink you made. It may have been bitter but I do feel like I've got my strength back," Skylar said. "You're welcome, your name is Skylar isn't it?" he asked. "Yes it is." "I've never heard of a woman with that name but I do know of the Cherokee people. You certainly are a long way from home," Charles said. "Yes I am, I long to return to my home and my husband," Skylar replied. This surprised Charles, "you're married? As young as you are?" "Yes I am," she replied. Then Charles asked her something that caught her off guard, "I know it's none of my business but with you being a married woman why are you clinging to John so?" She looked at him, "well...he was the one that brought me here..." "Along with Arthur," Charles added. "But he...he's the one that made me feel comfortable here and made sure he protected me from..." she placed her hand over her mouth. "Protect you from who?" Charles asked, then lowered his voice, "is it someone in this camp?" Skylar merely nodded, "is it..." he glanced at Dutch then back at her silently asking her the question to which she merely nodded. "I understand, I saw the way he was looking at you so I don't blame you for wanting to feel comfortable around someone, especially in an unfamiliar place." Charles said. "If I'm being honest with you Dutch is the only one I don't trust and he makes me feel very uncomfortable. I don't know what it is but I can't put my finger on it," Skylar admited. Charles nodded, "I assume Arthur knows this as well?" She nodded her head yes, "well not to worry know that I've got your back as does Sadie. We won't let anything happen to you when Arthur and John aren't here." "Thank you Charles...that makes me feel better," she said. He smiled, "oh I almost forgot...here.." he handed her a small satchel, "there are some herbs in there that are good for your horse, it will keep her strong and healthy. Just mix a little into some water once a week, it will ensure that she doesn't get sick." "Thank you," she replied giving Charles a hug. He returned it, "I'm going out on a hunt be sure to let me know if you need anything." "Sure..." she said as he walked away leaving her alone with her mare once more.

In Valentine John had found some work and was headed back to camp when something caught his eye, "huh...what's that?" he said walking over to the window. "That's really pretty," he said as he walked into the shop. "Hello young man can I help you?" the cashier asked. "Yes I was wondering how much that necklace is in the window there?" John asked. "You mean the blue stone charm?" she asked. "Yes that's the one," John replied. The cashier walked over and picked it up and brought it over for John to see, "it's ten dollars." "Ten dollars?" John asked. "Yes it's handcrafted by a Native American tribe that lives in the hills," the cashier replied. John was silent for a moment before speaking, "I'll take it." "Ah there must be someone special in your life for you to spend that kind of money on a necklace," the cashier said. John remained silent as he handed the money to the cashier, "here you go and I placed the necklace in a box for you too." "Thank you," John replied. "Have a good day sir," the cashier said as John walked out of the shop. John tucked the gift into his saddlebag, got onto his horse and rode back to camp. "I can't wait to see her face when she sees this," he said to himself as he urged his horse onward.

Upon entering camp he found her sitting at his tent writing in a journal Mary-Beth had given her, he watched her for a moment before going into his saddlebag and retrieving the gift he had gotten for her. As he made his way over to her she looked up from her drawing to see John approaching her, "hey John how'd things go in town?" she asked. "They went really well actually and...I also got you something," he said which gained her attention. "Ooo what is it?" she asked. "This..." he said as he held it out to her. When she opened it and saw what was inside tears welled up in her eyes, "John it's beautiful." She set her journal aside, stood up and embraced John warmly, "thank you so much John, I love it." "I'm glad...here let me put it on you," he said gently taking it from her and placing it around her neck, "there we go." She looked at the charm then at him before embracing him once more, "you're so sweet.." she said. Silence passed between the two for a moment before John spoke, "so what were you writing in your journal?" he asked. "Well it's actually a sketch," she said picking up her journal and showing it to John. When he looked upon what she had done he was surprised, "you drew this?" he asked. "Yeah I've always had a talent for drawing and animals are the easiest to sketch," Skylar said. The sketch she had created was of her new mare, Arthur's horse and John's horse standing at the hitching post, "this is really good...you're really talented." She smiled as she gently took her journal back from John, "so how are you gonna spend the rest of the day?" she asked. John sat next to her, "I'm not really sure yet, it's a little warm out...might just relax in the shade for a little while." She smiled, "want some company?" she asked. He smiled and nodded, "yeah I'd like that." With that they went over and sat in the shade by the cliff so they could enjoy the view as well and that's where they spent the majority of the day.

A day or so later Arthur returned from hunting with Hosea and was filled in on everything that had happened while he was away. Arthur was amazed at Skylar's talent as an artist and at her new horse, "she's amazing..." he commented as Skylar told him about her. "She's a lucky little mare to have you as her new owner, I know you'll love her more than anyone else would," he stated. "That's very true," she replied as she, John and Arthur ate dinner together.

As they settled down for the evening there were stories being shared around the camp fire and for once, Skylar decided to sit and listen along with John and Arthur. The gang member that was speaking was Bill, he was telling what happened after he got out of the army and how he met Dutch. As she listened she began to see that maybe there was more to these people than meets the eye but she still didn't trust Dutch. As they sat there together she side-glanced at John and she felt something stir within her, "what's coming over me?" she asked herself. John was looking into the flames of the fire as if he were deep in thought, "I wonder what he's thinking about?" she thought as she rested her cheek against his shoulder. Feeling her soft touch John glanced at her out the corner of his eye and smiled before turning back to look at the flames flickering in front of him, "why is it that whenever Sky is around me I can't help but smile? Maybe Abigail was right, maybe I am becoming sweet on her. How can I not? She's so sweet and kind...but...she's a long way from home and I promised to help her get back there." John silently wrestled with his thoughts as other members told stories, "I came to America because I killed a man in Mexico, a powerful man. I knew if I stayed, everyone I love would die. I ran, not for my life but for theirs. In this country...I spoke no english, I was afraid. I had nothing except from my fear, for I left in a rush. I was starving, feeble and alone. I thought I would die crossing the desert. I thought I would be get here and be sent back. I thought I would be killed here. Instead I was simply starving because no one cared. Then I met Dutch. I was out stealing chickens and he uh...I met him doing the same. And we laughed and he took me in and fed me...and he clothed me and I met all of you. I don't believe I shall ever go back home now...for this, this is my home now. You...you are all my home now." For a moment or two there was silence until Skylar decided to speak, "that's so sad that no one tried to help you when you first came here Javier." He glanced in her direction, "yes it was but I got lucky that Dutch found me and brought me here."

There was silence once more as several members got up from their places beside the fire and headed to their tents for the night. The only ones that remained by the fire were Arthur, John, Skylar and Hosea. "Well isn't this just like the old days, me, Arthur, Dutch, John, sitting by the fire late at night remembering our adventures. You know when I met Dutch I was in a bar in Chicago...and he had come in to grab himself a whiskey. I seen him and thought maybe I could rob him so I walk over and start spinning this yarn about a mile long and before I realized it both my gun and my money were gone *laugh*...he had pickpocketed me before I even realized it. A pair of hucksters us...so then we figured we could face whatever lay ahead together and well...y'all know how the rest of that went," Hosea said. Arthur laughed, "it's been a long road for you two." "And there's more to come I'm sure," Hosea added. Silence passed between them before Hosea spoke once more, "well I'd better turn in got more work to do in the morning." "Night Hosea," Arthur said.

They watched the old man walk to his tent and go inside, leaving them alone at the fire. Arthur was amused by a memory, "you know when they found me I was in the middle of nowhere, I had run away from the orphanage because the house mother would beat us. And one day I...I got tired of it and set out on my own. I was convinced that if I ran away from that bad place then everything would be ok. My mama died when I was young and that's how I ended up there. I never knew my daddy and I don't think mama did either. Anyway I wasn't doing too well out in the wilderness by myself so I started slipping into homesteads at night and stealing food to survive. Then I decided that I would go to this small town and have a look around there. I seen that people were always going into the general store and getting food and clothes and weapons so I...I decided to try my luck. I waited til sunset cause I figured I could slip in just as they were closing up and they wouldn't see me but boy was I wrong. The store I slipped into had a guard dog and before I could even react the store owner jerked me up by the collar and was ready to take me to the sheriff when Dutch appeared out of nowhere and hit the guy over the head. When I hit the floor I sat there for a minute then I turned to Dutch and followed him back to his camp. What I failed to realize though was that he knew I was following was laying beside the fire pretending to be asleep and when I tried to slip into his camp he sat up and pointed his pistol at me. After that he took me in, raised me, taught me to read and write. He's the closest thing I got to a father and Hosea, he's...he's like an older brother. If it won't for them I woulda died...a long time ago." It was then that John spoke, "I'm not much different from Arthur...my mother died in childbirth and my dad...well he was a drunk. So I ran away and found myself on some farm as a farmhand. The ranch owner was a mean son of a bitch...and would sooner beat me as look at me. So one night I ran away from there and ran into Dutch holding up a traveler, he took a look at me...seen I wasn't doing so good and took me in. He taught me to read and write...gave me a home..." he trailed off. "When I met Arthur we didn't get along, always trying to out do each other. Then one day we were out doing some hunting and I stumbled upon a timber rattler. Needless to say that I got bit. So I'm trying to get back to camp and Arthur finds me in a bad way. So what does he do? He kneels down and sucks the venom out of the bite on my leg. Afterwards we wraps a piece of cloth around my leg and helps me get back to camp. He saved my life and after that I called him my brother," the men shared a smile before silence returned to the camp fire. After a few moments Arthur stood up and made his way to his tent for the night, "night brother," John called after him. "Night..." he called back.

Now alone Sky decided to speak, "you two certainly have been through a lot together." John nodded, "yeah we may drive each other crazy sometimes but he's my brother and I love him." Skylar smiled as she sat there with John but she couldn't help but blush as she remembered what happened between them, "I wonder how he felt about the kiss?" She looked at him and silently wondered if she should ask him. When she looked at him she noticed that he was deep in thought, "hmm I wonder..." she was about to say something but John beat her to it. "Sky can I ask you something?" he asked. "Sure what is it?" "About the...the kiss...did you mean to..." he stopped short when he saw her red cheeks, "uh on second thought nevermind." She looked at him curiously, "John..." he looked at her, "is there something you want to tell me?" He was silent for a moment or two before finally speaking, "I was wondering I know you want to go back to Tennessee but..." he paused mid-sentence. "But..." she encouraged. "But what if...if I..." he couldn't bring himself to say the words. Skylar waited patiently for John to speak again. John mulled it over in his head then noticed that Skylar was patiently waiting for him to continue. He decided to go with his gut so he turned to Skylar took hold of her hand and spoke, "Sky I know that we've talked about trying to find a way to get you home but I was wondering...do you think that, you would..want to stay?" She was surprised by the question but she knew in her heart she wanted to see her beloved husband again so she didn't know how to answer his question. She looked at him for a moment, "John I...I really don't know how to answer that right now. I wish I could give you an answer now but I can't." John nodded in understanding, "it's fine...I shouldn't have even brought it up. I know you want to go home, you don't want to be here," he let her hand drop in her lap and turned his gaze back to flames. Skylar looked down slightly before standing up and walking away, she needed to be alone with her thoughts. John watched her go to the edge of the camp and sit beneath the tree he often sat under to read, "guess she just needs to be alone right now..." he said to himself as he stood up and went to his tent for the night.

Skylar sat beneath the tree for the longest time just staring up at the star-filled sky and bright moon hoping that maybe she could find some answers. She didn't know what to think or how to answer John's question, "why would John want me to stay? I mean I've only been here a couple of days...he barely knows me." She then glanced over at her beautiful mare and saw that she was resting her head on the hitching post along with John's horse. She watched them a moment or two but then she noticed that John's horse was gently nuzzling her mare, "aww..." she said seeing the tender moment between the two horses. Then it struck her, "wait a minute...could John...does he? Is he sweet on me?" she wondered. With that thought in mind she made her way over to the tent and poked her head in to see that John was sleeping on the bedroll that he had placed on the ground. She silently crept in and sat on the cot before pulling out her journal and jotting down a quick entry before laying down on the cot and falling asleep.

It was just before dawn and John was already awake, "*groan* too early..." he mumbled. As he sat up he glanced beside him to see Skylar laying there asleep but what surprised him was that it seemed as though she had been crying. "What would make her cry? Is it something I did? Something I said?" He continued to watch her for an instant before flopping back down on the bedroll but as he turned his head he noticed that her journal was laying on the ground and that it was open. He knew she didn't keep it that way, "I wonder?" He reached over and picked it up to close it but it flopped open when he dropped it. He now had a decision to make, he could either shut it and not envade her privacy or...he could peek at it and maybe know what was bothering her. "I can't betray her trust..." he said to himself picking up the journal, closing it and placing it back on the table where he knew she kept it. John knew it was futile for him to try to go back to sleep so he got up and made himself a cup of coffee in hopes that it would help to sooth his restless mind.

As he sipped on it he was still reeling after what he had seen in his tent, "why would she cry? What would make her cry? Is she just homesick? Or is it something else?" he wondered. He was so deep in thought that he didn't notice Arthur calling him, "John...hey John!" When Arthur got closer he spoke again, "hey John!" Finally a voice cut through his thoughts, "oh huh?" he looked to see his brother Arthur speaking to him, "morning Arthur." "Well you finally noticed that I was calling you?" Arthur teased. John looked away slightly, "what's eating you this morning? Is there something on your mind?" John was silent for a moment before speaking, "it's Sky she was crying in her sleep...but I don't know why. I also noticed that her journal was on the ground too and she always keeps it on the table since it was given to her.""Oh John...you didn't read it did you?" Arthur asked as he was ready to scold him. "No...no I didn't read it, I almost did but I couldn't betray her trust. So I picked it up and put it back on the table.." John explained. Arthur was proud of his 'brother' he was starting to grow up and take things serious, "well I'm proud of you John." John smiled at Arthur's statement but it disappeared as soon as it appeared on his face, "I wish I knew why she was crying in her sleep like that. What do you think would make her do that?" he asked. Arthur scratched his chin for a moment before speaking, "maybe whatever she was dreaming about made her cry." John pondered what Arthur was saying, "maybe your right...do you think I should ask her?" Arthur merely shrugged, "that's not for me to say John afterall you're the one she seems to cling to between the two of us." John had to admit that Arthur had a point but he now wondered why she clung to him over Arthur or any of the women in camp. Then a thought struck him that made him look at Arthur, "do you think...do you think she might be becoming sweet on me?" he asked. Arthur shook his head, "I don't think that's it...I think it's got something to do with us bringing her into camp and protecting her from..." John nodded as Arthur continued, "I think if anyone is sweet on anyone it's you." "Me?" John asked. Arthur nodded, "come on John look at yourself...ever since we saw her laying on the side of the road you've been a completely different person. You were the one that insisted that we bring her back here and have been staying near her ever since. You've allowed her to ride on the back of your horse, you insisted to keep looking for her when she ran off. You bought her a horse...and I saw that necklace you gave her. For as long as I've known you, you've never been like that with anyone not even Abigail." John looked down slightly before looking back at his brother, "and speaking of you even ended things with her. What were you thinking John?" Arthur asked. John then got very serious, "because I was tired of Abigail trying to turn me into something I'm not and pushing stuff on me that I don't want. I was unhappy with her...all we did was argue and I couldn't take it anymore." Arthur could completely understand but he had one question, "what made you decide to finally break ties with her?" John took a breath and looked Arthur square in the eye, "Sky did." "Sky? How'd she know about any of that?" Then it hit him, "you told her didn't you?" John looked down, "John you've never even told me about that, I mean I was right there when all that was going on but still. You usually keep your cards close to your chest and never really let anyone in before. Why did you let Sky in?" he asked. "She's so easy to talk to...and sympathetic...she never judged me for telling her everything the way someone else would have." Arthur nodded, "well I guess you've got a point there but even so...there must really be something about Sky for you to completely open up and let her in like that." John looked at Arthur, "was I wrong to do that?" Arthur shook his head no, "everyone needs someone to talk to, to confide in. Look at me, I don't talk much about my past and what we went through as kids but you see even I opened up to her about it too. But...you're the only one that knows how I truly feel about Mary and how things went between us. Then again there ain't many people I can completely trust." "Yeah I know..." was John's only response knowing what Arthur was talking about. After their little discussion Arthur went to see to his horse while John walked back to his tent to see if Skylar was awake and bring her a cup of coffee.

Upon entering he found her awake and writing in her journal, "so your awake?" he asked. She looked up upon hearing his voice, "morning John." "Here I brought you some coffee," he said handing her the cup. "Thanks John.." she replied as she accepted the cup and took a sip. There was silence for a few minutes and Skylar seemed to notice, "John your unusually quiet this morning. Is something bothering you?" she asked. John looked down slightly before looking back at her, "well..." he took a breath as he continued, "when you were asleep...why were you crying?" She looked at him curious, "what? What do you mean?" she asked. John looked her square in the eye, "when I woke up I saw you crying in your sleep..." he said. She looked down slightly as John spoke again, "Sky..." he murmured, he placed a hand beneath her chin so she would look at him, "was it something you dreamed that made you cry?" he asked. She knew she couldn't hide it, "yes..." she whispered, "it was." "Do you want to talk about it? It might make you feel better.." John said. She took a breath as she spoke, "in the dream...I was home...in Tennessee and I was with..." she stopped short as she glanced at John. She didn't know if she should tell John her secret but knew that he had confided in her and felt that maybe she should return the confidence. She took a breath as she spoke, "I was with my...husband.." this was a real surprise to John, "what? You're married? But you're so young." She nodded, "yes I am...anyway I was there with him in Tennessee and we were in our home and we were spending time together. We don't get to see each other very often because well...it's complicated...anyway one minute I was there with him and the next I was waking up in an unfamiliar place surrounded by people that I didn't know. Then the next thing I see is this group of men around me, holding me hostage and taking 'turns' with me." John understood that if the tables were turned and he was in her position he'd be shook up too. He placed a gentle arm around her shoulders to calm her, "everything is ok now Sky...it was just a bad dream." She rested her head against John's chest while he rested his chin on her head. It was then that he felt her shudder and he knew that she was crying again. He did the only thing he knew to do, he wrapped his arms around her and held her to try and bring her some comfort, "sh shh it's ok...I'm here..." he soothed as he rubbed soothing circles on her back. John's mind was reeling at everything he just heard her say, "I can't believe it...she's so young but she's married. No wonder why she wants to go home," he said to himself. He remained silent and let her cry all the tears that needed to fall, he wanted to be her comfort. After several minutes she got quiet, "Sky are you ok?" John asked. She didn't respond so he looked down at her and when he did he saw that she had cried herself to sleep, "poor girl..." he murmured as he gently stood up off the cot and lay her down gently before covering her with his coat, "rest well darlin'..." he murmured as he slipped from the tent and went to see to their horses.

Upon seeing John approaching Arthur spoke, "did you talk to her?" John spoke when we got closer to Arthur, "you ain't gonna believe this but she's married." Arthur's eyes widened slightly, "what? Married? Are you serious?" "Yeah..." John said."She's so young but married? I never woulda thought a young woman like her would even think about marriage," Arthur said. "I know...I'm not sure how to take that," John said. "What else did she say?" Arthur asked. "She didn't really say anything she just cried...so I just held her and let her get it all out," John answered. Arthur was silent for a moment before speaking again, "what did she say after she stopped crying?" "She didn't...she cried herself to sleep so I lay back on the cot in my tent and covered with my coat," John replied. Arthur gave John a curious look but said nothing as he continued to groom Lightning, "it's understandable that she'd be upset, being away from everything she knows and being away from her husband especially." John merely nodded as he unsaddled Old Boy and began grooming him. After several minutes Arthur spoke again, "so what are you gonna do...now that you know her secret?" John paused his brushing, "I don't know...I know I want to help her get home but..." he trailed off but Arthur knew what he was thinking, "but there's part of you that wants her to stay." John nodded, "what do I do Arthur? I'm torn I...I've never felt like this before...and I don't know what to do." Arthur looked at his brother squarely, "in all honesty John I don't know what to tell you. You need to decide that for yourself...you also need to decide how you feel about her. Do you really want to keep her here and be selfish...or are you willing to put yourself aside to make sure that she's happy? That's the question you need to ask yourself." John let Arthur's words sink in as he continued to groom his stallion. Silence passed between the men as they worked Arthur knew that John had a lot on his mind right now and he needed to figure it out on his own.

It was about mid-morning when Skylar woke up after having cried herself to sleep, "hmm what? John?" she sat up and saw that she was alone in John's tent. "Guess he's out doing errands for the gang..." she said as she brushed a stray piece of her hair out of her face. When she let her hand rest in her lap she felt something beneath her fingertips, "huh what's this?" She looked down to see that it was John's coat draped over her, "I guess he covered me after I fell asleep." She found herself smiling but then she caught herself, "why am I reacting this way?" she asked herself. She ran her fingers across the fabric and tracing the buttons with her fingernail before letting her hand rest in her lap once more, "well time I went and looked after Kiyaya and give her a nice brush down." When she stood up she folded John's coat as best she could before exiting the tent to go see to her mare.

Once she stepped outside she noticed her mare had already been looked after, "I guess John took care of Kiyaya for me while I slept." She walked over to her mare and rubbed her neck affectionately then noticed that her saddle had been cleaned as well, "aww the guys took care of things for me...they're so sweet..." she said smiling as she reached into her saddlebag, grabbed a sugarcube and gave it Kiyaya. A thought occured to her neither Old Boy nor Lightning were tethered to the hitching post. As she looked around a voice cut through her thoughts, "if you're looking for Arthur or John they're out running an errand." Skylar looked to see that it was Sadie approaching her, "oh hey Sadie...how long have they been gone?" she asked. "For about an hour I'd say. Come on you can come sit with me over in the shade, you look like you could use some company," she offered. Skylar was silent for a moment, "alright..." she replied as she followed Sadie over to the tree she had sat under the night before. She remembered what John had told her, to stay near Sadie or Charles when he was away because they would protect her. While they sat under the tree Sadie cleaned her gun, "so how you likin' the camp? I imagine it ain't nowhere what you're use to." "You're certainly right there but it's alright...I guess," Skylar said. "You don't sound so sure," Sadie said. "I've just got a lot on my mind is all...being away from..." she stopped herself. Sadie knew what Skylar was saying, "your husband?" Skylar looked at the woman in front of her, "did John tell?" she asked. Sadie shook her head no, "it's obvious...I see the look you get whenever you look out into the distance. Like you're looking at more than the scenery around you. I understand completely...cause I still do it too. A wife knows when another is missing her husband." Skylar was silent as Sadie continued, "don't worry honey it'll get better and hopefully with the help of John and Arthur we'll get you home and you'll be with your husband again," Sadie said placing a gentle hand on Skylar's as a way to reassure her. Skylar smiled at the woman, "thanks Sadie..." she said. Sadie nodded, "well I'm here if you need me Skylar." "Sky..." "Excuse me?" Sadie asked. "You can call me Sky..." she said. Sadie smiled, "alright Sky...well if you ever need to talk you can always come to me." "I appreciate it," Skylar replied as they sat in the shade talking about different things and getting to know to each other.

By the time the boys returned Sadie had taught Skylar how to handle the revolver John gave her for protection, "alright nice and easy...take a breath and get steady...place your finger on the trigger and squeeze it slowly." Skylar did just as Sadie instructed and fired, hitting the target dead center, "there you go...good job," Sadie praised, "you got good aim." Skylar smiled as she put the safety back on, "thanks Sadie I had a good teacher." Sadie smiled at the woman in front of her, "oh looks like your boys are back...let's take a break. We can do some more lessons later.." Sadie said. "You sure?" Skylar asked. "Yeah go ahead and see'em," Sadie replied. Skylar gave Sadie a quick hug then made her way over to John and Arthur.

When she reached them they looked in her direction, "hey look who's up?" Arthur said motioning over to Skylar as she approached. "Hey Sky...you been spending time with Sadie I see.." John said. "Yeah we've been talking and she was also teaching me how to handle the revolver you gave me," Skylar explained. The men looked at one another before looking back at her, "you seem more confident than you did before," Arthur commented. Skylar smiled, "yeah you seem like a completely different woman than when you came into camp," John added. Skylar just smiled as she spoke, "I see you guys took care of Kiyaya for me." "Yeah figured that we could do it cause we didn't know how long you would sleep," Arthur said. "Well I appreciate it...thank you," she said giving both Arthur and John a hug and a kiss on the stood there for a minute before Arthur spoke, "well I better tell Dutch how that errand went." "Alright Arthur," John said as Arthur walked away from the pair. Now alone John turned to Skylar, "I'm glad to see you in such good spirits I have to admit I was a little worried." Skylar's face softened, "aw..." was her only response. John gave her a bit of a crooked smile before speaking again, "how'd you like to take a ride say around sunset?" Skylar was a little surprised, "you mean like a date?" she asked. John gave her curious look, "a what?" She giggled, remembering that he didn't know her lingo, "I'd love to." John smiled, "well good there's a pretty place I'd like to show you and it's the prettiest at sunset." "Ok I look forward to it," she replied.

Throughout the day the pair became inseperable and a few gang members noticed, "hey Dutch have you noticed that Marston is staying pretty close to that new girl?" Bill asked. "Yes...I know...I wonder why that is?" Dutch said. Bill glanced at the pair before looking back at Dutch, "what are you thinkin' Dutch?" "I'm thinking I need to find out who that girl really is and why John is staying so close to her," Dutch replied as he turned back to go into his tent but not before glancing over his shoulder at them, "I'm watching you..." he murmured. Completely unaware that they were being watched Skylar and John took care of chores around camp when John noticed the time, "oh right..." he turned to Skylar, "Sky do you still want to go for a ride?" he asked. She smiled at him, "I'd love to," she replied. "Alright let's go.." he walked over to his horse as Skylar followed. They got into the saddle and rode out of camp without a word. Dutch had been watching them with his thoughts running wild in his head and decided he would deal with John later.

Out on the trail Skylar spoke, "so where are we going?" she asked. John could see she was bubbling over with curiousity, "you'll see soon enough darlin'.." he replied as they rode towards the lake. Upon realizing she began to smile and did her best to keep up with John. When they reached the railway John spoke, "nearly there..." he said. "Ok..." was her only response. They rode down the trail and finally reached the lakeside, "wow the view is so beautiful," Skylar said as she looked at the scenery in front of her. John smiled, "yes you are..." he mumbled. Skylar looked in his direction, "what did you say?" she asked. "I said yes it is...the sunset on the water, it's really pretty," John said. They sat atop their horses for a moment or two before John slid from his stallion's back. He made his way around the side of Kiyaya and looked up at Skylar, "here let me help you down." Skylar smiled, "why thank you.." she said turning sideways and taking hold of John's hands. He kept her balance as she slid from the saddle and stood in front of him. In that instant something passed between them and Skylar's cheeks flamed pink. John saw this and merely smiled at her, "come on let's take a walk on the beach." "Ok..." she replied as he let go of one hand but kept the other in his. They walked along the beach hand in hand enjoying this time together and the beautiful scenery before them. When they stopped walking Skylar let go of John's hand for an instant to look at the sunset on the water fully, "it's so breathtaking don't you think so John?" she asked. He was awestruck at view before him, Skylar standing by the water, with the sunset glimmering against it and the wind gently blowing waist-length hair around her, "yeah...breathtaking..." he breathed. She turned to see that he wasn't looking at the lake but at her and her cheeks suddenly felt very warm. John moved to stand next to her as he placed an arm around her waist. She was surprised by the gesture but leaned into him and rested her head against his shoulder. As they stood there enjoying the view John was mulling something over in his head and upon deciding what to do he spoke, "Sky?" "Yes..." she looked up at him. "I uh...there's something I want to...tell you.." he said. "What is it?" she asked. He turned to face her fully, "I...I...I'm..." then he remembered what Arthur had told him, "you need to decide that for yourself...you also need to decide how you feel about her. Do you really want to keep her here and be selfish...or are you willing to put yourself aside to make sure that she's happy? That's the question you need to ask yourself." Sky waited patiently and wondered why John got so quiet, "John...is something wrong?" she asked. John looked at her and wondered if he should truly open up to her or if he should just keep it to himself and help her find a way to get back home. He looked her in the eye as if searching for an answer but then he felt his body move of it's own free will as he leaned down to kiss her, "what am I doing? She's a young woman far from home and she's got a husband that she wants to get back to. So why can't I stop myself?" he thought to himself. Skylar was surprised at what he was doing, "what? What's he doing? Better question is what am I doing? Why can't I pull away? Why am I letting him do this? Why don't I want to pull away from him?" she thought to herself. There were mere inches between them now and John could hold back no longer and fully pressed his lips to hers in a tender kiss. At feeling his lips against hers she was stunned but quickly recovered and returned the kiss. She then reached up and wrapped her arms around him and he wrapped his arms her waist as the sun set behind them. When they broke the kiss for air Skylar spoke, "John I...I didn't know you felt that way." John looked away for an instant before turning his gaze back to her, "I was unsure if I should tell you or not because I know you're a long way from home and have a husband that you want to get back to. But I knew that if I didn't tell you and you left without knowing then I would regret it." She looked at him for a moment with pink cheeks as she searched for her words, "well it is true that I do want to get back to my husband..." hearing this made John immediately regret kissing her until she continued, "but...on the outside chance that I can't get back home...I will still have someone that will always be by my side." John looked at her and smiled before pressing his lips to hers once more as she returned it. When they let go of the kiss again John spoke, "we better get back to camp before Dutch sends someone out after us." "Ok..." Skylar replied as they got back into their saddles and made their way back to camp.

When they arrived in camp they noticed that everyone was around the campfire and Dutch was standing in the middle and speaking,"I know we've had a rough few weeks but we are making money...slowly, and once we get enough we are gonna disappear." They dismounted from their horses and made their way over to stand with the rest of the gang but remained on the outer edge so they wouldn't be noticed. Dutch continued to speak as he noticed them standing on the edge of the gang, "but if any of you are doubting me...then go...leave...cause it proves you ain't got what it takes to run with me." John was apprehensive when he noticed Dutch staring right at them, "what is he up to? Why was he staring at me so hard just then?" he thought to himself as he took hold of Skylar's hand. She looked down and saw that he was holding her hand firmly in his before turning to look at John. She had noticed him tense up just then and wondered if it was because of what Dutch had said, "I'll talk to him about it later.." she said to herself as she looked back at Dutch. "We ain't done yet and we are gonna get the money we need and find a place where we can call home and finally be rid of the pinkertons on our tail," he said finally as he walked away to his tent. John and Skylar looked at each other for a moment or two, "what was that about?" Skylar asked. "I'm not sure but it can't be good," John said narrowing his eyes. It was then that Arthur made his way over to the pair, "hey Arthur what was that about..." he was cut off, "shh...come on...we need to talk.." Arthur said as they made their way to John's tent and closed the flap behind them.

John and Skylar sat on the bed as Arthur sat across from them and began to speak, "this is bad John...Dutch is starting to lose it. I heard him and Hosea talking earlier, they had the tent shut so they didn't know I was listening. Anyway Dutch was telling Hosea that he thought it was odd that you had stayed so close to Sky ever since she's been here." "But you've been around her same as me since we brought her here," John said. "Yeah I know but not as much as you have lately and for whatever reason Dutch is starting to question you," Arthur said. John looked hard at Arthur, "do you really think I'm that much of a threat that Dutch would start doubting me now? After all these years I've been with this gang...he's really questioning my loyalty?" John was really starting to get angry. Skylar did the only thing she could and that was place a hand on his and giving it a comforting squeeze before she turned to Arthur, "is it really that bad me being here? What is Dutch trying to suggest? That I'm some sort of spy or something because that is ridiculous...I'm not the type of girl to do something so stupid...I don't stoop so low as to do things like that," Skylar replied angrily. Both Arthur and John were slightly surprised at her sudden anger. John knew that Skylar was already uneasy around Dutch but now she had even more reason to not like Dutch, "maybe I should go and give him a piece of my mind.." she said. Arthur stopped her thought right there, "that's not such a good idea Sky." "And why not?" she asked. "Because Dutch might not take too kindly to you calling him out like that and I know John feels the same way I do. We don't want anything to happen to you," Arthur reasoned. Skylar understood the guys' concern but she knew how to handle herself especially after the lessons from Sadie that morning but she also had a secret weapon none of them knew about. "I appeciate what you guys are saying but I'm not as helpless as I look..I may be small but I know how to handle myself." Before either of them could stop her she was on her way out of John's tent and headed towards Dutch, "this is bad..." John said. Arthur nodded, "yes is it come on.." he said walking out the tent with John following behind him.

When Skylar got to Dutch's tent she called him out, "hey Dutch! Get your ass out here!" Upon hearing someone speak to him he appeared outside of his tent but was surprised to see it was Skylar, "what is the meaning of this young lady..." she didn't let him finish speaking, "what's with being suspicious of me huh Dutch. I don't take to kindly to someone talking about me behind my back. You got a problem with me then you tell me to my face," she growled as she glared at Dutch.

Upon hearing the commotion several other members of the gang came out of their tents to watch what was happening, "girl's got guts...I'll give her that.." Sadie said to herself as she stood near John and Arthur. Dutch was appalled at how this young woman was speaking to him, "I haven't the patience nor do I care to deal with you right now." "I don't give a damn how you feel about anything I want to know why the hell you wanna be suspicious of me when you don't even fucking know me. All you seem to do is undress me with your eyes and I'm here to tell you there is no part of me that you'll ever be able to lay a finger on. My body belongs to someone else and will never belong to you." "I'm sorry?" was Dutch's only response as she continued, "yeah you will be sorry if you even try anything with me Dutch. I'm not like the call girls in town I don't give myself away like that, I have more respect for myself than that." She stood her ground as she continued to stare down Dutch with the entire gang looking on, "look at that she's not backing down one bit," Hosea said. "She's got more balls than any of us," Bill commented. "She's really brave," Abigail murmured. "Or stupid..." Miss Grimshaw added. "I've never seen anyone stand up to Dutch like that," Tilly said to Mary-Beth and Karen. Dutch stood there dumbstruck at Skylar's words, "who do you think you are speaking to me that way? You, who I allow to be here in my camp with both Arthur and John looking after you? You need to learn your place!" Dutch yelled. "Oh my place huh...and where's that Dutch? Where you tell me? I don't think so, I gotta a mind of my own and I choose my own path and I decide where I belong, not you.." she shouted back. Dutch was now very angry as Micah approached Skylar, "hey girl you are nothing more than what we tell you and you'll do as you're told.." he got really close to her and placed a hand on her cheek, "then again maybe I'll make you my woman and give you way more than John ever could.." he sneered. Skylar was seething in hatred for the man and showed exactly what she could do by slapping his hand away and punching him in the jaw before taking hold of his arm and flipping him over her and kicking him square in the stomach. When he landed on the ground he was bruised and bloodied and had the wind knocked completely out of him. The entire gang stood there in complete shock and awe at what Skylar had just done, "wow...did you see that?" Lenny said to Hosea. "Yes I did...she just made Micah regret ever messing with her," Hosea said. "What the hell was that?" John asked."I don't know but she just put Micah in his place for once," Arthur replied. "Hell yeah she did!" Sadie half-cheered. At Sadie's words the women clapped for Skylar, both Charles and Javier came over and patted Skylar on the back. She felt her heart swell with pride at being achknowleged as a strong woman and not to be underestimated. Dutch stood there staring at her before looking over at Micah as he tried to stand but found he couldn't. He then turned back to Skylar as she stared hard at him with a hard look on her face, "well...it seems I have underestimated you..." was his only response. "Damn right you did and I'll do the same to you if you try the same thing he did," she warned. Dutch was speechless, in all the years he had led this gang he had never had anyone stand up to him like she had just done. "She ain't messin' around Dutch..." Molly said. He side-glanced at her before looking back at Skylar, "alright...you've made your point..I'll leave you alone..." he glanced over at Micah, "and so will he.." he finished as he turned to go back in his tent with Molly right behind him. Once he was out of sight Skylar breathed a sigh of relief as a few members approached her, "that took guts girl..." Hosea said. "Yeah and a hell of a lot of bravery," Karen added. "Your even stronger than me," Sadie complimented. "I don't know about that," Skylar replied as she tried to be modest. "Sadie's right you know, you're the bravest young woman I've ever seen. You have my upmost respect," Susan said as Javier and Charles both nodded. "Thanks Miss Susan," Skylar replied. Skylar now felt as though she had finally gotten the respect she had always wanted and she also felt like people would take her more seriously now. Arthur and John were proud of her for standing up for herself like she did but they also knew that it might come back to bite her later when it came to Dutch but remained silent as they let her have her moment. Bill approached Skylar, "Miss Skylar I know I haven't really tried to get to know you since you came here but with what happen back there I'd like the opportunity to get to know you and maybe call you a friend." Everyone was shocked they had never seen Bill be so humble before, "wow...she even changed Bill..." Arthur said. John chuckled, "yeah so it seems." Skylar smiled, "I'd like that very much Bill." That was the first time that anyone had really seen Bill with genuine smile on his face. However the moment was short lived as Micah finally found his feet and made his way over towards her, "hey you little bitch, you think you can talk to Dutch like that and treat me that way?!" he growled as he charged towards Skylar only to be stopped by Bill, "get out of my way Bill." Bill stood his ground, "you ain't gettin' anywhere near her Micah...you'll have to go through me." "You?" Micah sneered. "And me.." John said stepping in front of Skylar. "And me..." said Arthur as he, Charles, Javier, Sadie, and Lenny stepped beside Skylar. "Looks like you got an army to get through Mr. Bell.." Susan said as she took a firm hold on her shotgun as Pearson and Hosea stood near her. Micah looked at them, "you all are pathetic..." was his only response. "Face it...ain't no one gonna put up with your shit Micah," Abigail said as Mary-Beth and Karen stood together. "She's got the entire gang behind her. What have you got Micah?" Hosea said. Micah glared at the group of people standing in front of him before sneering and storming off. The gang members that stood near Skylar cheered, "wow Sky...you've truly united everyone in a way I've never seen before. You got a gift girl.." Pearson praised. "He's right you know...you got a fire in you that comes from a pure heart. Something that only comes with having Native American blood in your veins.." Charles said as reached into his satchel and placed an eagle feather in Skylar's braid, "wear this feather with pride." Skylar nodded as she smiled at the people around her, "I don't know what to say except thank you my friends it means a lot that you'd all have my back." Several gang members nodded before they returned to their tents to get some rest. Skylar then turned to John and Arthur, "well I'd say I've been fully accepted by everyone here." "Ha you got that right," Arthur said. John then placed his hands on her shoulders before hugging her close to him, "I'm proud of you." "Me too," Arthur added. "Thanks guys...now lets get some sleep," she replied. "Good idea," Arthur said going to his tent. John walked with Skylar into his tent and closed the flap behind them as they too turned in for the night.

Early the next morning Skylar was awake and seeing to her mare, "there you go girl...a nice brush down feels good doesn't it. I love you so much..." Skylar said as she finished brushing out the mare's coat. She then turned her attention to Kiyaya's mane, "how bout a little decoration in your mane...make you look even more beautiful." She had a few rubbedbands in her back pocket and made good use of them as she made Kiyaya's mane have a net look by linking a lock of hair with another until she ran out of rubbedbands. When she was done she stood back for an instant to look at her work, "that looks perfect and you look absolutely beautiful Kiyaya," she said to her mare as she reached into her saddlebag, grabbed a sugarcube and gave it to her mare.

What she didn't notice was that John was awake and had been watching the interaction between her and Kiyaya. He was brought out of his thoughts by Sadie, "morning John." He looked to see Sadie standing there, "morning Sadie.." he greeted. She smiled as she poured herself a cup of coffee, "you looking a little lovestruck there John..." she teased. He looked at her, "no I don't." Sadie chuckled, "oh yes you do...it's obvious at the way you look at Sky that you have feelings for her. And I imagine...that she has'em for you too...even though she has someone back home waiting for her." John looked down slightly, "Sadie am I wrong...to have for feelings for a woman that has a husband waiting for her to come home?" he asked. Sadie looked at John as she spoke, "no...no you're not wrong for having feelings for a woman that has a husband. But...what you need to be asking yourself is will you be able to let her go if she finds a way to go home?" John knew Sadie was right, he looked down slightly as her words rang in his ears, "I know that's what I should be asking myself but...I...I can't bare to think about her going back even though I think about only making her happy." Sadie knew that this was gonna be hard on John but she knew that he only wanted the best for her. She placed a hand on his shoulder, "I'm sure you'll do what's best for her because you care so much for her," she said as she walked away.

Now alone with his thoughts he finished his coffee and then walked over to Skylar, "hey Sky..." he greeted. Upon hearing his voice she smiled, "hey John how are you this morning?" she asked. "I'm well..." then he looked at Kiyaya's mane, "well now that's a beautiful mane." She looked her mare and then back at John, "yes it is...I saw the look in a magazine back home and decided to try it out on Kiyaya's mane and it turned out beautifully." He smiled at her and then took hold of her hand, "uh Sky can we talk for a minute?" he asked. Sky looked at John, "sure honey.." she replied as they stepped to the edge of camp to talk privately. Skylar looked at John, "what is it you wanted to talk to me about?" she asked. John fumbled over his words for an instant before speaking, "Sky...how do you feel about me?" The question caught her off guard but she knew she had to find a way to answer his question. She had thought about it a lot but she still didn't know how she felt. "What should I tell him? Should I tell him the truth or try to let him down easy? I miss my husband more than anything but there's no guarantee that I'll be able to get back. I mean I'm from the modern world and this is...well...this is the old west. I don't know how I even ended up here but I know that I don't belong here...I belong back home...with my husband." She looked at him but she looked away from him, "I wish I could tell you John but I just...I don't even know. I mean I know we've kissed but...*sigh* I'm just so confused." John felt his heart break but kept it out of his voice, "is there anything I can do that would help you?" he asked. "Help me? Help me how?" she asked. "Help you sort out your thoughts so maybe you won't be so confused anymore," John answered. She was silent for the longest time before speaking again, "it's just...I'm far from home, I'm in an unfamiliar place but I don't know I can't explain it." John remained silent as she continued, "I mean my heart is in Tennessee with my husband but...I feel like a part of me is also here. So I'm completely torn...I don't know what to do." She looked up at John as he patiently listened to her, allowing her to get all her thoughts out in hopes that she'd be able to figure out some things. Deep down Skylar knew she had to tell John everything about her but she wondered what he'd say if she did. She took a deep breath as she began to open up and tell John her secret, "John there's uh...something that I haven't told you yet and I'm not really sure how you're gonna take it." John looked at her curiously, "you can tell me anything no matter what it is," he said caressing her cheek. "Ok here goes...you know I'm not from around here well there's more to it than that. It's more like I'm not from this time..." she said. John gave her a funny look, "what? What are you saying exactly?" "I'm saying that I'm from the modern world but somehow I ended up here in the old west. I have no memory of how I ended up here in this time but all I know is that I'm here and there's no guarantee that I'll even be able to get back to the present," Skylar explained. John stood there completely dumbstruck as he let all her words sink in, "you mean to tell me...that you time travelled here?" he asked as he let go of her hand. She merely nodded as she looked down slightly, John couldn't believe it and he didn't really know how to take it. He was confused enough as it was but now that he knew this, he was even more confused. Skylar remained silent as she let John think about everything she had told him, she knew that it was a lot for someone to take in. John finally turned to look at her squarely in the eye, "Sky...is everything you told me true? You're not just taking me for a ride?" he aked. "I promise John, everything I told you is the truth.." she looked at him with almost pleading eyes that threatened to well up with tears. John noticed this but he still didn't know how to take it so he remained silent. "John...please say something..." Skylar said. John refused to look at her and seeing this it broke her heart, "I see..." she said walking away from him. She retrieved her journal from his tent, walked over to Kiyaya and placed it in the saddlebag. She then placed the saddle on her mare's back, fastened the straps then got atop her mare and rode out of camp without a word as tears began to sting her eyes.

Arthur had seen Skylar ride out of camp in tears so he made his way over to where John still stood, "hey John...what the hell happened? Why did Sky just ride out of camp without a word and in tears?" he asked. John was silent and didn't really look at Arthur, "John..." he said but he didn't receive an answer. Arthur was losing his patience so he did something drastic, he balled up his fist and made it collide with John's head which brought him out of his somewhat catatonic state, "hey what the hell was that for Arthur?" "Well I tried calling you but you seemed like your mind was a million miles away," he replied. John looked down, "what's going on with you John? I want to know what just happened between you and Sky just now." John took a breath and spoke, "ok you wanna know so bad here it is.." he said as he began to unravel everything that Skylar had told him. By the time he was done Arthur had the same look on his face that John did, "wow...she really told you all that?" he asked. "Yeah she really did...Arthur how am I suppose to take that? I mean it sounds crazy but...I don't think she was making up any of it," John said. Arthur scratched his chin, "well that would defiantly explain why she's dressed so strangely and talks so strangely. But right now you need to figure out what you're gonna do." "What? Why me?" John asked. "Because you're the one she told first and if you won't so blind you'd see what we all already see," Arthur said. "And what's that?" John asked. "Come on Marston do you really need for me to spell it out for you? Haven't you noticed the way she looks at you? I mean for crying out loud she's kissed you right in front of me. What does that tell you?" Arthur reasoned. John knew Arthur was right but he was unsure of what he should do now, "yeah I know you're right but..." Arthur cut him off, "but you need to wake up and realize what you've got before you lose it forever." John had to admit that he had been a lot happier with Skylar and everyday always seemed brighter with her around. It was then that it hit him, "I love her..." he murmured. "What did you say?" Arthur asked. "I love her..." John repeated, "I do...I love her, I know that she's defiantly not from around here and even though I still don't know what to say about everything she told me earlier...right now...it doesn't really seem to matter. She's never lied to me...not once. But I hurt her just now how am I suppose to make that right?" "You'll need to ask her that John," Arthur answered. "I've got to talk to her...I've got to make this right," John said. "Then go after her," Arthur encouraged. John nodded as he rode out of camp and followed after Skylar.

Now in the mountains Skylar was making her way to the same cave she had come to before in hopes of finding the she-wolf that took care of her. When she reached the cave she found that it was empty, "I guess she left and found a pack of her own.." she said sadly. "Well may as well set up camp in here...ain't no one coming after me this time," she said to herself as she gathered up some firewood and built a fire inside the cave. Kiyaya stayed close to Skylar knowing full well that she needed her comfort. Skylar retrieved her journal from her saddlebag and began an entry: Well here I am...alone in a cave again *sigh*...I decided to leave that camp. I don't belong there...I don't belong in this time but there's no way for me to get back home. I'm stuck...trapped here in this time...forever. I see now that there's no way me and John will ever work out, we're two different people and he's not where my heart truly lies...I know that now. I'll just live out here alone and hope that I'll be alright. Just me and my mare Kiyaya...I wish I had found that she-wolf here in the cave but I hope that she's doing well wherever she is. After finishing her entry Skylar placed her journal back into her saddlebag and sat beside the fire and just stared into the flames. Her mind was on a lot and she didn't know what she would do now and she wasn't even sure if she would survive out here alone. As she sat there her mind was a million miles away as she looked at the charm that she now had clasped in her hand, "oh my love...you don't know how much I love you and how much I miss you..." she half-sobbed as tears filled her eyes once more. Skylar was so wrapped in her thoughts that she didn't notice when her mare started to paw the ground. It was only when Kiyaya whinnied that she looked up from the fire, "huh what is it girl? What's the matter?" She looked towards where the mare was looking and noticed a shadowy form approaching, "who's there?" she asked. It was only when the figure was close enough that Skylar recognized who it was, "easy...easy girl..." she said taking a gently hold of the mare's reins and soothing her. Skylar then took a rawhide and held it out, "come here girl I know you're hungry." She watched as the she-wolf came close enough to gently take the rawhide from her, "there you go girl...a nice treat for you." She was happy to see her wolf friend, "I was hoping to see you again girl." The she-wolf laid down near the fire to chew on the rawhide she had been given. "Guess she's out here alone too...just like me," Skylar said to herself as they stayed by the fire enjoying the company and the warmth.

He had been out riding for the longest time searching for Skylar but hadn't managed to find her yet, "come on John think, where would she go?" he asked himself. He thought it over for the longest time and then it hit him, "I know where she went.." he said, "come on boy to the mountains." As if understanding his words Old Boy got his legs moving towards the mountain as his rider had asked him to. "Hang on Sky...I'm on my way.." John said.

Back in the cave Skylar was petting the she-wolf as a thought ran through her mind, "you know I was thinking that maybe I should keep you with me. What do you think girl do you want to be part of my family?" she asked the she-wolf. The she-wolf looked up at her and licked her face, "I'll take that as a yes.." Skylar said scratching the she-wolf behind the ear affectionately. "You know I think you need a name...how does Alpha sound?" she asked. The she-wolf licked her face as her tail wagged happily, "alright...Alpha it is," Skylar said.

Now nearing where he thought the cave was John urged his horse on before slowing him down for a moment to have a look around, "ok now where is that cave?" he said to himself. After surveying the area he spotted a light near the top of the hill, "there it is...come on boy lets go.." John encouraged.

Inside the cave Skylar was staring out looking at the land around her and it was then that she noticed a rider approaching, "who's that coming?" she asked. When the rider got closer she recognized the horse and rider immediately, "it's John...he came for me..." she said. Alpha was on her paws standing near her but never let out a growl because she recognized the scent and knew that this person was a friend. When John reached the cave he saw that the she-wolf was standing next to Skylar, "I see you found your friend again," he commented as he dismounted from his stallion. Skylar looked at Alpha before looking back at John, "actually she found me and she's got a name now...Alpha." "You gave her a name?" he asked. "Yeah I did, she's a part of my pack now," Skylar replied. John looked at her, "are you serious? You're gonna keep a wolf with you?" he asked. "Yeah I am," Skylar answered. "I don't think Dutch..." she cut him off, "I don't care about what he wants remember? Or did you forget about what happened yesterday?" she shot back. John shook his head, "no I haven't forgotten and I didn't come here to argue with you." "Then what did you come here for? Thought you didn't want me?" she said turning her back to him. John knew he had hurt her and that she was angry but he had to push forward, "listen Sky I know you're angry and I hurt you...but Arthur talked to me after you left and talked some sense into me. And it made me realize something..." he slowly approached her and turned her to face him, "it made me realize how much you mean to me and that I...I..." Skylar held her breath as she wondered what John was gonn say. "It made me realize that I love you...Sky.." John said. Skylar's eyes widened slightly, "really?" she asked. "Yes...I do...I love you very much and I don't care if you're from a different time all I care about is that you're here with me now," John replied. Skylar smiled as she looked up at John, "is that how you truly feel about me?" she asked. John caressed her cheek, "it really is Sky and I don't care if you don't feel that way about me yet, I'm willing to wait for you. No matter how long it takes...it only matters that I still have you beside me," he said taking her in his arms and embracing her. Skylar didn't know what to think about what John had just told her but she knew he was right, she didn't feel that way about him yet. Honestly she didn't know if she ever would really be able to love him the way he loved her but right now that didn't matter. All that mattered to her was that he had come for her and she was in his arms. They held each other for the longest time before they let go of each other, "Sky...will you come back to camp with me?" he smiled and nodded, "ok..." she replied as she put out the fire she had built. Once that was done she got into the saddle then looked to her wolf, "come Alpha...time to go.." upon hearing her name she was up on her paws. "You're really gonna bring her back with you?" John asked. "Yeah I am, don't worry I'll make sure everyone understands," Skylar said as they rode away from the cave together and headed back to camp.

When they finally returned all eyes went to them and the wolf standing beside Skylar's horse. She and John stayed atop their horses for a moment before the silence was broken, "what's the meaning of this? Why is there a wolf in my camp?" Dutch boomed. It was Skylar who responded, "she belongs to me...she saved my life some time back and now I'm taking care of her. If you gotta a problem with that you gonna have to go through me." Dutch was silent as Micah spoke, "Dutch are you just gonna let that little bitch talk to you like that?" "I guess I am...I ain't looking to get my ass kicked like you did," Dutch replied as Micah scuffed and walked away as Dutch went into his tent. Several members of gang slowly approached when she and John dismounted from their horses, "it's good that you came back Sky.." Sadie said. "Thanks Sadie," Sky replied. Sadie glanced down at the wolf beside Skylar, "so what's her name?" "I called her Alpha..." Skylar replied as she petted her gently, "Alpha say hi to Sadie." Alpha slowly padded up to Sadie and licked her hand, "hello Alpha..." she turned to Skylar, "she's very sweet." "I'm gonna teach her who the good people are in camp," Skylar said. "That's good I'd hate to see anything happen to your wolf," Sadie said petting Alpha behind the ear before going to the cooking pot to get some dinner.

Skylar then noticed young Jack approaching so she knelt down to his level, "Miss Sky is it ok if I say hello to your wolf?" he asked timidly. She smiled gently at him, "of course come here..." then she turned to Alpha, "come here girl...say hi to Jack." Jack watched as Alpha slowly came up to him, "just hold out your hand and let her come to you," Skylar said softly. Jack did as she told him and stood calmly beside Skylar as Alpha sniffed his hand then stepped close enough to allow him to pet her. Jack smiled as Abigail came over to see what he was doing, "Jack what are you doing?" Then she noticed the wolf, "why are you allowing my son to be near a wild animal?" she asked. Jack looked at his mother, "it's ok mama she's really sweet see.." he said as he continue to pet Alpha. Then Alpha stepped close enough to give his cheek a lick which made Jack giggle. Abigail looked a bit uncomfortable at the idea of her son being so close to a wolf. Skylar could clearly see it, "Alpha can you say hi to Abigail?" she asked kindly. Then she looked at Abigail, "kneel down to her level Abigail that way she'll know that you're not a threat to her and that your a friend." Abigail did as Skylar asked her and allowed the wolf to come to her just as Jack had. Jack then got next to his mom, "you have to hold your hand out mama. Like this..." he said as he held out his hand again. "Ok Jack," she said holding out her hand. When Alpha got close enough she sniffed her hand then gave it a lick. This gentle gesture made Abigail smile, "hello girl.." she greeted softly. Alpha wagged her tail as she sat beside them, Skylar smiled, "she likes you.." she replied. Abigail smiled, "well as long as she's nice to Jack I don't see the harm in him being around her.." she said standing up, "come on Jack let's get some dinner." "Ok mama," he then turned to Alpha, "I'll see you later ok girl." The she-wolf gave his cheek a lick which made him smile as he and his mom walked away. Skylar smiled, "Alpha com'ere girl." As soon as her name was spoken she came and sat at the Cherokee woman's feet, "you're such a good girl being gentle with Jack and Abigail.." she said scratching her behind the ear affectionately. After Skylar had Kiyaya unsaddled she looked over at John who was still standing there looking at her, "what?" she asked. "That was very sweet, what you did just then with Jack," he said. "Oh it's no big thing Alpha has to meet the people here anyway, except for Dutch and Micah. I don't want her to get close to them nor do I want them close to her either...I don't trust them anyway." John nodded in understanding before he spoke, "well as long as she doesn't jump on anyone we'll be fine." Skylar nodded she knew that she'd have to make sure all introductions went smoothly. She gently turned to her wolf, "please guard the horses and camp...ok girl." Alpha gave a bark and wagged her tail, "that's my girl.." she said kissing Alpha on the muzzle. With that she turned to John, "you ready to get some dinner?" she asked. "Yeah I'm starving," he replied. She smiled as he walked around Old Boy and took Skylar's hand in his as they made their way over to the cooking pot to get some food.

Around the campfire the gang members ate together in comfortable silence, each reflecting over what had happened over the past few days but they all knew that soon enough Dutch would set a plan into motion. They would get the money they needed and then they'd move again but they could have little idea that it would come sooner than they thought. When they all turned in for the night they were completely unaware of what was coming or of how much things would change around them.

The next day was slightly chaotic, Dutch took several members of the gang with him to hit a train...meaning that he took Arthur and John with him much to Skylar's objection. "I have to go darlin' Dutch won't let me stay behind," John said. Skylar was upset that Dutch was taking her men away to do some stupid train robbery, "you could get yourself killed," she said. John caressed her cheek, "don't worry I will come back to you and so will Arthur." "He's right we'll both be back I promise. Try not to worry...everything will be ok," Arthur added. Skylar sat by the fire as the thoughts of what the guys had told her before they left played in her mind. She remain confident that they would be ok and they would come back to her. As she sat there she petted Alpha as she lay near her, "just stay positive..." she told herself. It was then that Sadie came over to sit next to the Cherokee woman, "a little antsy are we?" she asked. "Sadie...yes I am...I'm worried about them. What is Dutch thinking anyway?" she said. "I don't know what to tell you Sky but you can be sure that your guys will come back to you. Everything is gonna be ok..." Sadie decided to spend some time with Alpha and showed her who her friends were. By the time the members of the gang returned Alpha had met the remaining members of the gang and knew who she had to protect. The only members she knew to avoid was Dutch and Micah and remain wary of Strauss but not to be aggressive with him. Skylar was extremely patient and moved slowly when teaching Alpha about her family. Alpha was a smart wolf and listened to Skylar closely, "you're such a good girl Alpha," she praised while she petted the she-wolf. When Skylar saw the gang members returning she was relieved to see Arthur and John with them, "they're safe..." she breathed. "John! Arthur!" she called when she caught sight of them. Upon hearing her voice they dismounted and ran over to her and embraced her, "Sky!" "I told you we'd come back to you," John said. "We always keep our word," Arthur added. She looked up at them, "yes you do...I'm so glad that y'all are back and y'all are safe.." she said. They smiled at her but the happiness was interrupted by Dutch speaking, "alright pack up let's move!" Arthur looked at the 'couple', "I'll speak with him.." he said. John nodded as he turned to look at Skylar, "so how'd the intros go with Alpha and the rest of the gang?" he asked. "It went well, she knows who to trust and who not to and not to be aggressive unless she needs to," Skylar explained. John gave her a funny look, "she's really that smart?" he asked. "Yeah watch this..." she turned to Alpha, "com'ere Alpha." Once her name was spoken she was on her paws and walking to her mistress, "Alpha...Abigail." Alpha responded by wagging her tail and giving a happy bark, "wow..." John commented. "That's nothng watch this Alpha, Micah..." as soon as the name was spoken she bared her teeth and began growling. "Ok good girl..." she replied petting the wolf and Alpha came over and licked her face happily. John was impressed, "that's impressive..." he commented. "Thanks John.." she said.

It was then that Arthur came over, "we gotta go...we're moving camp..." he said. John looked at Skylar, "looks like we're gonna have a new campsite." She nodded as she helped load John and Arthur's tents onto a wagon before getting atop Kiyaya only to be stopped by Jack, "Sky!" he called. "Hey Jack," she greeted. "Can I ride with you?" he asked. "Only if it's ok your mama," she said looking at Abigail, "it's ok Jack but you listen to Skylar ok." "Yes mama," he replied. "Good boy...now you hold on tight," Abigail said as she lifted Jack onto Kiyaya's back. Abigail then got onto the wagon with Susan, Tilly, Mary-Beth and Karen while Lenny drove the wagon with Hosea.

As the gang left Horseshow Overlook John rode on one side of the wagon with Alpha running along side and Skylar on the other side so Jack would remain close to Abigail. Sadie also stayed close to the wagons to keep a watchful eye out as they travelled.

It was a bit of a ride to the new campsite but they reached it just before sunset, "wow look at this place.." Skylar said. "It's so pretty..." Jack commented then turned to Abigail, "look mama." "Yes Jack it is really pretty especially with the sunset reflecting on the water," Abigail replied as the wagon came to a stop. Once she had hopped off the wagon she came over to Skylar's horse and retrieved her son, "thanks for letting me ride on your horse Sky." "Your welcome Jack," she replied as she helped him down to his mother. Skylar brought her horse over to a small tree and tethered her mare there, "wait here a minute ok girl," she said to her mare as Alpha came over and sat beside Kiyaya. Skylar made her way over to John as he grabbed some poles out the back of the wagon, "John do you need some help?" she asked. He glanced over his shoulder at her, "yeah grab the canvas and follow me." "Ok.." she replied as she did what he asked. They brought the poles and canvas beneath the large tree in the campsite and placed them there. "Alright now to just drive the poles in, then hoist the canvas on them," John said. "Sounds easy enough, no different than planting fence posts," Skylar replied. This comment caught John's attention, "you know how to plant fence posts?" he asked. "Course, it ain't hard to do..." she said. "I'm learning more about you all the time," John said. "And there's plenty more to learn honey," she replied kissing him on the nose. They made quick work of planting the poles and draping the canvas over them and John's tent was up in no time. "Alright that's done now for the next one," Skylar said. John nodded and followed Skylar back over to the wagon to retrieve the next tent to put it up. "Looks like we picked up Arthur's," John commented. "Alright let's put it up," Skylar replied. It didn't take the two them long to have Arthur's tent up and ready to use. They helped Sadie and Abigail with their tents next then moved to help Charles set up his tent. The only ones they didn't help were Dutch and Micah.

Once the camp was set up Dutch spoke, "this is a perfect spot...Arthur, you and Charles did well." The men both nodded as Dutch walked away from them but became on alert when Lenny spoke, "Dutch we've got company." Dutch looked in the direction, "well looks like we have vermin in our camp," he said. "Agent Milton...and this is Agent Ross, we've come to make a deal," the agent said. "We don't do deals with vermin," Skylar spat gaining everyone's attention. "And who are you to speak to me that way ingune?" Milton sneered. "Who I am, is none of your buisness," Skylar replied as Alpha bared her teeth at the men and growled. "Dutch, I'm here to make a deal with you. You come with me and Agent Ross and I'll let the rest of these misguided fools go live their lives as they please," Milton said. Dutch looked at the pinkerton, "and am I just suppose to believe you Agent moron?" Milton narrowed his eyes, "if you don't then everyone here will die..." he sneered. Dutch narrowed his eyes at the pinkertons, "get out of my camp." "Yeah let's go..." Lenny said taking hold of Milton's arm only to have it jerked away, "get your hands off me boy!" he spat as he and Ross left. Dutch looked at Lenny, "Lenny make sure they leave. Javier, Bill...patrol the area and make sure none of their friends are sniffing around. I've got some planning to do.." with that he walked to his tent as the others did the same.

John and Skylar went to his tent to rest for a while making sure to close the flap behind them. Alpha kept guard outside, "you know that was pretty bold...standing up to those pinkertons like that," John commented. Skylar waved off the compliment, "they don't scare me...they're weak..." she growled slightly. John was a bit surprised at her sudden aggression, "don't worry darlin' they're gone now.." he said placing a hand on hers and giving it a comforting squeeze. She smiled at him before leaning in and kissing him tenderly on the lips but as John returned it there was more to the kiss than any they had shared before. John knew that she felt his love when he kissed her but now he felt something in her kiss that he hadn't before, "her feelings are growing stronger..." he said to himself as he continued to kiss her. It was when she wrapped her arms around him that he responded with wrapping his arms around her. They lay back on the cot with Skylar laying beneath him, he kissed her lips then moved to her neck and kissed his way down to her chest. He looked at her for an instant, "Sky...are you sure?" he asked in almost a whisper so the others wouldn't know what they were doing. She merely nodded as she kissed him hard which only ignited the flame within him as he lay his gunbelt on the table and slipped off his shirt as she did the same with her t-shirt. When he looked down at her he saw she had removed her shirt and was wearing what looked like a bra but it didn't distract him as removed his pants and she did the same. Now only in their undergarments a blush covered Skylar's cheeks and John saw this, "you look so cute darlin'..." he murmured as he lean in to kiss her again as she returned it. John pulled back only enough to remove her bra so he could play with her breasts. She allowed him to pleasure her this way, "just be gentle.." she whispered. He nodded to let her know he had heard her as he continued by placing his mouth on her breast and began to roll his tongue around her nipple. She had never felt such pleasure but she enjoyed it and did her best to remain quiet so as not to alert any of the others to what they were doing. After teasing one breast John switched and teased the other with his tongue before sliding her underwear from her hips before removing the rest of his undergarments. Now bare before her she could see his erect member which only made her blush darken slightly but she was caught up in the moment and let herself enjoy this with him. John moved slowly as he entered her, being gentle with her, allowing her to adjust to him before he continued. She reached up and brought him down to her so she could kiss him tenderly on the lips while he began to thrust into her slightly. Upon feeling him move she whimpered slightly trying to be as quiet as she could. He knew she restrain herself as much as she could but he was having trouble doing that because she felt so good around him. He held back as much as he could but couldn't any longer as he moved in a rythym that felt so good to Skylar. With every thrust she felt how much he loved her and she also felt her feelings growing stronger as well, "John..." she panted. He looked into her eyes, "yes Sky," he breathed kissing her neck again. "I love you..." she panted out. Hearing this made him look at her, "what did you say?" he asked. She smiled at him, "I love you John..." she repeated before kissing him hard. He felt her passion and let loose as he got back into the steady rythym, thrusting into her body and caressing her every curve as he did. She wrapped her legs around his waist to hold him there as he continued to move. With every thrust he felt the passion building between them and began feeling a tingling sensation deep within his body and he knew he was close. Skylar also felt the same feeling and knew she was close, "John...I'm...I'm..." "I know darlin'...I know..." he panted as he continued to thrust into her. With three hard thrusts he came hard within her and he kissed her to silence her as she came right behind him. They lay there for several moments, their bodies shuddering as they rode the waves of ecstacy that flowed over them. After a moment or two John disconnected from Skylar and lay next to her as she lay her head on his chest to listen to the sound of his racing heartbeat. As they lay there they remained wrapped in each other's arms, "Sky..." John murmured. "Yes.." she replied looking up at him. "I love you..." he whispered. She smiled, "I love you too.." she replied kissing him tenderly on the lips as he returned it.

A little bit later they got dressed and joined the gang around the campfire for dinner. Around the campfire it was unusually quiet until Bill spoke, "so Dutch...what are we gonna do? I mean the pinkertons followed us down here and they know where we are." Dutch was silent for a moment, "I've thought about it and I think our best bet is go into town and have a look around and see what we can find," Dutch replied. "What do you think we'll find down here Dutch? I mean it's a small town...I don't imagine there will be much there," Sean said. It was then that Hosea spoke, "I've been down here before...a long time ago. There's two families down here that hate each other and there is a rumor that they're both hiding gold." "Gold?" Bill asked. "That's the rumor...one family, the Grays...one of them is the Sheriff in Rhodes. The Braithwaites well, they're into making and selling moonshine but they also have some high-price horses." This intrigued Dutch, "alright well looks like we have a plan." The rest of the evening was spent in silence and once everyone had finished dinner they turned in for the night.

The next morning John awoke first to find Skylar still sleeping peacefully so he merely placed a kiss on her forehead before going to get his morning coffee. As he approached the campfire a voice caught his attention, "morning John." He looked to see Arthur walking over to him, "morning Arthur.." he greeted. Arthur poured himself a cup of coffee before he spoke, "so...didn't see much of you two before dinner last night. Was there a reason for that?" he asked. John was caught off by the question and looked down slightly and refused to look at Arthur. "Oh so it's like that is it?" he teased. John looked at his brother, "please Arthur don't say anything..." John said. "Oh relax John, as long your good to her...I don't care what you do in your private time," Arthur reassured. Hearing this made John relax a little but still something was on his mind, "Arthur can I ask you something?" "Sure brother what is it?" Arthur replied. John fumbled over his words for a moment before speaking, "being that you seem to know what we did last night...I was wondering..." he couldn't really get the words out but Arthur knew what he was saying. "Come over here, it's best to talk in private," Arthur said as they walked over to the lake and sat on the log. John was silent as Arthur began to speak,"now as for your question if you're worried that you got her pregnant last night then the only advice I have for you is take care of her and any baby y'all have together. I know I don't talk about this much but when I was with Eliza and she told me that she was pregnant with Issac. At the time I was both excited and nervous because I wasn't sure if I'd make a good father. The few times I went to see him I did right by my son and her, to try and take care of them. I still think about if I had just been there that day then they'd still be here but I couldn't protect them. I know you can protect Skylar and you'd never let anything happen to her." Hearing all this made John feel a little better but he was still worried. Arthur placed a reassuring hand on John's shoulder, "just take it slow and if that does happen then just remember what I told you." John smiled, "thanks brother.." he replied as he finished his coffee. It was then that Dutch called Arthur over, "hey Arthur..." he called. "I'll be right there," Arthur replied before turning back to John briefly, "if you need anything you know where to find me." John nodded as Arthur walked away to sit alone with his thoughts. He sat there for a moment before going to see if Skylar was awake yet.

When he reached his tent he saw Alpha laying near the entrance protectively, "morning girl," he greeted as he gently petted her before walking into the tent. Upon entering he found Skylar gathering up her clothes and getting dressed, "well good morning beautiful," John said. When she heard his voice she jumped slightly but smiled as she planted a kiss on his lips, "good morning yourself handsome.." she cooed. John noticed that Skylar seemed happier than she had been over the pass couple of days and it made him happy. "You seem in a good mood this morning," he commented. Skylar smiled, "back home we say we're chipper when we're in a good mood." John chuckled and shook his head slightly, "such strange sayings you have." She just smiled, "I'm gonna look after Kiyaya," she gave a quick kiss to John before walking out the tent with Alpha on her heels. John stood there staring after her, "wonder what's made her so happy?" he asked himself as he went to see to his horse as well.

Later that morning Arthur rode out of camp with Dutch and Hosea to go fishing. Skylar had seen them leave, "aw I wanna go fishing," she murmured to herself as she groomed her mare. It was then that Kieran spoke, "so you like to fish?" he asked. She looked up at him, "yeah I do...I love fishing...me and my husband would always fish on the weekend. It's our favorite way to spend time together." Kieran looked at Skylar funny, "weekend?" he asked. She giggled remembering that people here didn't know her lingo, "it just means we would always fish on Saturday and Sunday...back home we call it the weekend," she explained. Kieran nodded in understanding, "well it is a good way to enjoy an evening or as you said, the weekend." Skylar smiled she had heard several members of the gang give him a hard time but she saw that he was a nice man. "I think you've gotten a raw deal Kieran..." he looked at her as she spoke, "how you were treated by the O'driscolls and then by them when you were brought here. It's not fair..." she said. He appreciated her sympathy, "I appreciate that Miss and you're right. Even when I was in the O'driscoll's camp they treated me the same way but at least here they are starting to give me a chance." She nodded to let him know that she had heard him, "yeah the people here are a lot nicer than I thought but if I'm being honest though, I still don't trust Dutch or that bastard Micah." "Yeah I don't like that guy either...just between us he's a snake. I'd keep an eye on him if I were you.." Kieran said. "Don't worry I've got a very keen eye on him and Dutch...if either of them try anything Alpha here will teach them a lesson," she said petting her she-wolf companion. Kieran looked at the Cherokee woman next to him, "so how did you come across Alpha?" he asked kneeling down to greet the wolf calmly. "I found her in a cave alone and decided to take care of her," Skylar replied, leaving out the part about her running away from Arthur and John when they went to Valentine. "She certainly is sweet especially if you're kind to her," Kieran commented. "Yes she is, she knows who all to protect and who to avoid," she answered. Kieran nodded in understanding, "I'm just glad that she sees me as a friend." John looked over at Skylar and saw her talking to Kieran and seemed to be enjoying the conversation, "she doesn't have any problem making friends.." he commented. Once he had finished grooming his stallion he decided to sit in the shade and read for a bit.

Some time later Arthur, Hosea and Dutch came back to camp in a boat and were singing, which John found amusing. As he sat there he listened to them speak, "well that was fun..thank you boys...it's just what I needed." "Yeah it was," Hosea commented. Dutch turned to Arthur, "Arthur I want you to meet me and Bill in Rhodes in couple of days and see what we can find out about these two families." "Alright Dutch..." was Arthur's only reply as he walked to his tent to lay on his cot to rest.

A little while later everyone was enjoying dinner John, Skylar and Arthur were sitting together as they always did but this time Sadie and Charles sat near them too. The five of them were close friends with one another and enjoyed each other's company. The rest of gang had become very comfortable at their new campsite but more than that they were more confident than they had been before. Ever since Skylar had come into camp she had somehow given everyone a voice and made them feel better about themselves. Dutch had also noticed this and it made him and Micah both suspicious, "what do you think Dutch? About this girl? She's got an air about her that has made everyone else seem more positive and more confident," Micah said. Dutch looked at the man beside him then looked back to the gang around the campfire, "I know it's all very...interesting." The pair remained silently suspicious about her but knew better than to comfront her with everyone around, especially her wolf companion. They silently went to their tents for the night but remained wary of her and everything going on. As late evening turned to night the gang turned in for the night because they knew there would be work for them in the morning. John had gone to his tent before Skylar did because he was altering it a little bit so they could be wrapped in each other's arms while they slept. By the time Skylar came into the tent she was delighted to see what John had done for them. So when they lay down that night they were wrapped in each other's arms and cuddled togther while they slept.

The next morning Arthur rode out of camp once more headed toward Rhodes to meet up with Dutch and Bill. It was only later they found out that they had been deputized by Sheriff Gray. John had to roll his eyes after what had been thought up this time, "is there anything that Dutch won't do?" he asked sarcastically. Arthur chuckled, "no I don't think there is.." he said, "I don't know what to think anymore but Dutch has a plan for the shine we brought back." "What is that?" John asked. "I'm not sure but I'm pretty sure that Hosea is behind it," Arthur chuckled. John knew Arthur was right because Hosea was amazing at swindling people into anything. Arthur went on to tell John about these two families and what the rumor was about them, "yeah these two families are something else, it's like some kind of Romeo and Juliet from two families that hate each other." John laughed, "and you heard that there is gold hidden around there somewhere?" he asked. "That's the rumor but I don't know if I can believe that," Arthur said. "Stranger things have happened...or at least that's what we say back home," Skylar said. The guys just look at her but merely nodded at her comment, "you're probably right there darlin'," John replied kissing her temple. Arthur was a little surprised that John was being a little more open about his relationship with Skylar but figured if he was happy then it won't no point in saying anything. Skylar looked at Arthur, "So what's our next move?" Arthur tilted his head slightly, "what do you mean?" "I mean as far as leaving the pinkertons behind what is our next move?" Skylar asked. "Aside from getting involved with those two families I don't know," Arthur said. Their conversation was interrupted by Dutch calling Arthur, "ugh damn let me go see what he wants now. Maybe Hosea has come up with a plan for the shine...I'll see y'all later." "See ya," John said before turning to Skylar, "so now that we're alone what would the lady like to do?" he asked as he held her in his arms. She smiled as she thought for a minute, "why not take a boat ride out to that island across from here and see what's over there?" John looked at where she was talking about then back at her, "why there?" he asked. "I'm curious as to what's over there," Skylar replied. He smiled, "whatever the lady wants.." he said kissing her hand before they made their way towards the boatdock. When they reached it John got in first then held his hand out to Skylar, "let me help you in." She smiled at him as she placed her hand in his before stepping into the boat. She sat on the bench seat as John began to row towards the island to go explore.

The ride over to the island was peaceful and calm they enjoyed this time alone together. John defiantly enjoyed it but it was more than just the ride to the island. He enjoyed his relationship with Skylar a lot more than he ever did with Abigail. All she did was nag and try to change him into something he wasn't but Skylar was sweet and kind, she never tried to change him and she loved him for who he was on the inside. When she looked at him she didn't see an outlaw she only saw him, John...and that's all that mattered to her and he knew that and that's why he loved her so. When they reached the island John got the boat to the land and made sure it was secured before helping Skylar out of it, "my lady.." he said as he held his hand out to her. She smiled as she placed her hand in his and climbed out the boat, "thank you baby," she said as she placed her feet on the sand.

Now on the island they walked hand in hand on the beach just enjoying the scenery, "this is so beautiful.." Skylar said looking at the sun shining on the water. John looked at Skylar, "yeah...beautiful..." he replied. She looked at him and smiled before she placed a kiss on his lips as he returned it. When they let go of the kiss they continued to walk along the beach and found a beached ship, "wow look at that..." John said. "Yeah the old pirate ship ran a ground," Skylar said as she let go of his hand and made her way towards it with John right behind her. "How do you know it's a pirate ship?" John asked. "Look at the colors they're waving," she said motioning towards the draping flag at the top of the mast. John was impressed, "how'd you know that?" he asked. Skylar just smiled, "when I was home we would watch movies about it and they always fly the same colors on their mast. Ye ole' skull and crossbones they called it," she said using her pirate imitation. Hearing this made John laugh, "darlin' you have quite the sense of humor." She laughed as they got closer to the ship, "she was once a fine vessel before they ran a ground." "How do you think it happened?" John asked. "I imagine they got caught in a storm and the winds blew'em into the cove and made'em run a ground," she explained. "Hmm...wonder if there was any treasure aboard?" John said. "No way to tell unless I check her hull," Skylar said going into the opening of the ship and looking around. John waited outside for her and when she reamerged she was wearing a pirate hat, "well look at that." She smiled as she did her pirate imitation again, "aye I be a pirate and this is me fine vessel now to find me treasure." John burst into laughter at her as she too began laughing. After the laughter died down Skylar spoke, "it's a shame there's no treasure aboard that would've been quite the find." "True enough but that hat is a find if you ask me, I mean you don't see that kind of thing around," John said. "Yeah I guess you got a point there," Skylar said placing it on John's head, "it suites you." He smiled but dared not to try imitate a pirate, "come on let's see what else is around," he said taking hold of her hand once more. They didn't find anything else on the island but they enjoyed their walk together, "it's been so nice being away from the camp today," Skylar said. "Yeah it has it's been kinda tense since we got here and the pinkertons showed up right after," John said. Skylar nodded as she sat on a nearby log with John sitting beside her, "John can I ask you something?" "Sure baby," he replied kissing her hand. "Have you ever thought about leaving the gang to make a life of your own?" she asked. John was silent for a moment before answering, "well the truth is I have tried to one time before but I...I haven't thought about it none since then." She looked at him, "don't you think that maybe you should though?" she said. John looked at her, "how you mean?" "John you're a good man, you're smart, you've got so much potential. You shouldn't waste it with them," she said motioning towards the camp. John looked at the camp and then back at her, he knew she was right but he had no idea of how to do that, "and what if I did decide to do that? What would I do? Where would I go? I mean all I've ever known was the gang, never really learned anything else aside from how to read and write." She placed a hand on his cheek so that his gaze met hers,"honey the whole world has a lot to offer a man like you if you just give it a try." John looked her in the eye and saw the senserity in her gaze, "you really think I can?" he asked. "Of course I do, you put your mind to it ain't nothing you can't do," she replied. John smiled he loved that she encouraged him instead of nagging him the way Abigail had, "you believe in me that much?" he asked. Skylar nodded, "yes I do." "Ok darlin' I'll think about what you said," John replied. She kissed him tenderly on the lips as he returned it.

They watched the sunset together before returning to camp but when they were rowing over they noticed that the camp seem to be in an uproar, "hey John look there's something going on over there." "I guess we'll find out what when we get there," John said as he continued to row towards camp.

When they landed at the dock they noticed Arthur had returned with Hosea and Abigail seemed to be worked up, "where's Jack? Has anyone seen Jack?" she called out. Hearing this brought John's ear to full attention, "what was that about Jack?" he asked. Skylar knew there was some doubt about who Jack's father was but Abigail had taught Jack that John was his dad. Skylar went to check on Kiyaya while John spoke to Abigail, "what happened?" "I had gone to fetch some water and left Jack at the tent for only a moment and when I came back he was gone," she said slightly clinging to him much to Skylar's annoyance. Arthur came up beside Abigail and put a comforting arm around her shoulders, "don't worry we'll find him." Hosea spoke, "that Braithwaite woman must've had something to do with this." "You're probably right...come everyone mount up and let's ride out," Dutch called. Skylar just stood there next to Kiyaya with Alpha sitting at her feet. John turned to Skylar, "are you riding with us?" he asked. She shook her head no, "I'm staying here maybe he just wandered off." John looked at her as Sadie stepped up beside her, "she's right..and besides somebody has to guard this camp with y'all gone." "Very well the rest of you ride with me!" Dutch called as half the gang rode out of camp, headed towards Braithwaite Manor.

It was late when the group returned from their trip out to the manor and Skylar was sitting by the fire with Alpha laying next to her. She stared blankly into the flames as her thoughts raced through her mind, "why...why did he have to ride with them? He doesn't even claim Jack...if it hadn't been for Abigail teaching that boy wrong he wouldn't know who his father was. In all honestly he looks like Arthur and maybe Arthur suspects that Jack is his, why else would he take him fishing." Skylar was so lost in her thoughts she hadn't noticed John sitting beside her, "darlin'..." he said. He gently shook her shoulder to get her attention which it finally did, "oh John you're back..." she murmured. John gave her a funny look, "you don't sound all that happy to see me," he said. She looked at him as she debated whether or not to talk to him about how she was feeling but decided that now wasn't the right time, "it's nothing baby I'm just tired...I've been waiting up for you." He smiled at her, "you're sweet baby now come on let's get some sleep we've got a long day ahead of us tomorrow." She knew what that meant, "we're moving the camp again ain't we?" she said. "Yeah we are..." was John's only reply as he picked her up in his arms and carried her to their tent. He lay her down on the cot and as soon as her head hit the pillow she was asleep. John brushed her hair back out of her face so he could place a kiss on her forehead, "goodnight darlin'...I love you," he whispered before laying on the cot beside her and falling asleep.

Early the next morning found Skylar already awake and looking out over the lake, "it's so peaceful here...I wish we didn't have to leave..." she said to herself. It was only when Alpha came up beside her that she was brought out of her thoughts, "what do you think girl? Do love this spot as much as I do?" she asked. Alpha merely licked her face which made Skylar smile, "I'll take that as a yes." Even though she enjoyed this time she was spending with Alpha her mind was a million miles away with thoughts from yesterday. "John needs to make up his mind about what he wants. Does he want to be with me or does he want to go back to her and Jack? Cause he can't have it both ways...I won't let him." Her thoughts were making her angry and she didn't even notice when John came up beside her and sat down. He noticed that she seemed awful quiet and knew it was about what happened yesterday, "Sky..." he said into her ear which brought her out of her thoughts, "you seem mighty quiet...is something wrong?" he asked. She looked at him but then looked away, "why do you care?" she asked a little harsher than she had intended. This caught John completely by surprise, "darlin' what's wrong? Why the hostility?" he asked calmly. "No reason..." she replied. John knew she was trying to avoid the subject but knew if she didn't talk about it then she would only remain cold towards him and their relationship couldn't work like that. "Come on baby I know that there's something bothering you and that you want to get it off your chest cause your thoughts are driving you crazy," John said. Skylar looked at him, he knew her too well and he had learned her ways, especially when she was upset, "*sigh* you know me too well..." was her only response. He was silent for a moment to let her calm down before speaking again, "you know whatever it is you can talk to me about it." Hearing those words made her think of her husband back home in Tennessee and how he had always told her that. She knew that no matter what was bothering her she could always talk to him about it but now that she was stuck here she wondered if she could truly confide in John that way. At first she wouldn't look at him but took a few deep breaths to try and calm herself before she tried to speak. John was being very patient with her and knew not to push her until she calmed down enough to talk, "do you feel like talking about what's bothering you?" he asked quietly. She took once last deep breath before nodding, "yes..." was only her response. He nodded, "ok and whatever it is I'm not gonna get mad or anything, you can tell me anything." She looked at him, "ok...well it's just...ever since yesterday...the way you were acting about what happened. I just thought that...I don't know...that you had put all that stuff with her behind you.I know that she taught him to call you his dad and I get that everyone here looks out for him but I just..." she looked down slightly. John knew what it was now, "just because of yesterday doesn't change anything between us darlin' you know that." "I know you told me that you didn't think that Jack was yours but what did you tell Abigail when you broke things off with her? What she say when you told her that?" Skylar asked. John looked down slightly, "I didn't say anything to her about him...cause honestly I didn't feel like getting into it with her about it.." John said looking away because he knew what she was getting at, "I know what you're saying darlin' but how do you explain that to a boy as young as Jack." She placed a gentle hand on his shoulder, "maybe it's finally time for him to know," Skylar said. "Yeah...I guess you're right," John said.

Their moment was interrupted when Arthur walked over, "morning you two what are y'all talking about?" he asked. John was about to answer but Skylar beat him to it, "that maybe Jack ain't John's and that maybe he's yours." This caught both men completely off guard, "what? Are you serious? You really think that Jack is..." "Yes I do..." was Skylar's reply. He turned to John, "do you think this too?" he asked. "After what Sky said, yeah I do...he looks like you Arthur even you can see that," John answered. Arthur had to admit that he had noticed what Skylar was saying but he wasn't sure if she was right, "are you sure about this? You...you really think that Jack could be my son?" he asked. "Yes.." she said. Arthur thought it over for the longest time to let her words sink in before speaking, "actually I've often thought that because he looks like me...he has my hair color. It's just that the only other son I ever had died a long time ago, he and his mother Eliza were killed by someone who had come to rob them. Issac...he and Jack look similar to each other, so you could be right." There was silence for a moment or two before either of them spoke, "you need to talk to Abigail.." Skylar told him. "Yeah I know but first we get Jack back then I'll talk to her about it," Arthur replied.

It was then that Dutch called out, "alright everyone time to get up so we can get moving before the pinkertons come back here for us. Arthur, John let's go..." "Well there goes the peace and quiet," Skylar replied. "Yeah well while y'all pack up I'll speak to Dutch and tell him a place we can move to," Arthur said walking away. Now alone John turned to Skylar, "well looks like we gotta get started," he said. "Yeah..." was her only response as she stood up and began helping John take down their tent and packing it onto the wagon. In no time they had the camp torn down and they were on the move again and they were headed towards a place called Shady Belle.

The whole way there John and Skylar stayed close to one another with Alpha following close behind them. Arthur and Lenny had cleared out the bandits that had been calling this old house home so the gang could move in. When they reached it Skylar wasn't really sure what to think about the place, "rough looking place.." was her only comment, John didn't say anything but silently agreed with her. They brought their horses to a stop and dismounted, "here you go girl stay here for a minute," she said to Kiyaya as she tethered her to the hitching post beside Old Boy. She turned to her she-wolf, "Alpha please keep watch for me ok." Alpha responded by giving her a lick on the face, "that's my girl." She and John then helped the others set up camp but what surprised them was that she, John and Arthur were given a room in the house along with Dutch and Molly. Skylar silently wondered where Abigail and Jack would stay while the gang was here, she put that thought aside for now as they relaxed in their room. "It feels good being in an actual house for once," John said. "Yeah I agree, I ain't been in a house since I got here," Skylar agreed as she turned to John, "I've got a question for you." "Ok what is it?" he asked. "When we find Jack where is he and Abigail gonna stay?" she asked. John thought about it for the longest time, "I honestly don't know right now." Hearing this made Skylar wary, "they'll end up in here with us...I know it.." she said to herself. John knew what she was thinking, "don't worry darlin'...if they do end up in here with us it's only so Jack won't be out there in all the bugs and snakes." Skylar looked at him, "how'd you..." He chuckled, "believe it or not baby you're kinda obvious." She looked down until he placed a hand on hers, "but right now we have the room to ourselves and while we do...why don't we make use of it..." he said, his voice thick with desire. He kissed her lips passionately and she returned it with the same passion. Once they let go of the kiss she saw in his eyes that he desired her. The look in his eyes told her everything she needed and she let herself give into him as they stripped themselves of their clothes. They became entangled as they made passionate love to each other, the only sounds that were heard was their panting and her whimpering. "Oh John..." she moaned out as he captured her lips in another heated kiss. As he continued to thrust into her as she kept her legs wrapped around his waist, she enjoyed the feel of him in her. It made her body burn hot with desire and passion and it made her hungry for him. With three hard thrusts he came deep within her and she came right behind him. Their bodies shuddered slightly as they rode the waves of ecstacy and panted for every breath they took. All the while John kissed Skylar's lips and forehead, Skylar enjoyed this tenderness they were sharing. After a moment or two John disconnected from Skylar, lay beside her and wrapped an arm around her body to hold her close to him. Skylar rested her head on John's chest and listened to his heartbeat. John loved the feel of her body against his, it calmed him in ways he couldn't explain but it felt so right with her. For the time being they enjoyed this alone time together and let sleep overtake their bodies.

Outside Abigail was frantic as she talked to Arthur, "Arthur I don't know what I'm gonna do if...if I..." "Now don't think like that we'll find Jack and bring him back to you," Arthur said placing a gentle hand on her shoulders. She looked up at him before her emotions overflowed and she cried into his chest. This action surprised Arthur but he placed an arm around her shaking shoulders to try and bring comfort to her.

What Arthur was unaware of was that Sadie was watching them and she couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy run through her to see Arthur holding Abigail in his arms, "why can't that be me?" she said to herself. Since she had come to the camp she had come to know each member of the gang but there was always something about Arthur that intrigued her. She had even ridden with him a couple of times and when she did she felt a part of her smile in a way that it hadn't in a long time. She would never admit it but she was actually very fond of Arthur, he always found a way to make her day better. Whenever she was around Arthur she couldn't help but smile, this feeling she felt deep within told her that she was more than fond of Arthur. She wanted to talk to him about it but now was not the time, "guess I'll just talk to him later..." she said to herself as she walked away.

As he held her, Arthur thought about what Skylar and John had told him and wondered if now was the right time to talk to her, "Abigail I know you've got a lot on your mind right now but can we talk?" She wiped her tears away before speaking, "yeah I guess." Arthur looked at her, "why don't we talk over here away from everyone," he said walking to the side of the house and sitting on the steps. There was silence for a moment before he spoke, "there's something I've been wanting to talk to you about for a while now but I never felt like it was the right time." "And you think that now is the right time?" she asked. Arthur looked down slightly before nodding, she thought for a moment before speaking, "alright...what is it you want to talk about?" Arthur took a breath and let it out slowly before speaking, "Abigail what I want to talk to you about is...well...Jack." "Jack? What about him?" she asked. "I know that when you and...John were together he talked about Jack not being his. I've just been wondering if...um...if...Jack could be...mine." Upon hearing this Abigail gave him a funny look, "what? Why do you ask after all this time?" He looked at her, "because at the time you were with John and I didn't think I should say anything then but now...I don't know. I've just been noticing things about Jack and making comparisions and it got me to thinking that maybe he's mine." Abigail let all his words sink in before speaking, "actually Arthur I think you might be right because when I look back at things and I think about it...I look at Jack and I see you. He has my eyes but a lot of things about him, is just like you...so he very well could be your son." He let everything set in before saying anything, "so...when we bring him back home what do we tell him?" he asked. Abigail sighed, "I guess I'll just have to tell him the truth but in all honesty you've always been more of a father to him than John ever was. So I think that Jack will understand and he'll see you as his father." Arthur was quiet for a moment as old thoughts began to creep back into his mind but was brought out of them when Abigail spoke, "now can I ask you something?" "Sure," he nodded. "What made you decide to finally ask me about this?" she asked. Arthur had never spoken about this with anyone really but maybe she should at least know, "well actually Issac..." he said. "Issac? You mean the son you lost a long time ago?" she asked. "Yeah whenever I'd think about him, I remember his voice, his laugh, how much he looked like me and then I look at Jack...and I see a lot of things that remind me a lot of Issac." Abigail nodded in understanding before speaking, "so...they looked very similiar?" she asked. "Yeah a lot alike and I just...I knew I finally had to bring it up and find out for sure," Arthur replied. After talking about everything they settled on how things would go when they brought Jack home.

Meanwhile Dutch and Hosea were talking about some things before talking to Arthur about going to find Angelo Brante and bringing Jack back. "I know what you're sayin' Dutch but Angelo Brante ain't just some easy going guy, he's got a town at his disposal and the pinkertons in his back pocket just like Cornwall," Hosea explained. "I'm fully aware of that Hosea but we've got to get Jack back no matter what," Dutch said. It was then that Arthur approached Dutch and Hosea, "so what's our plan to get the boy back?" he asked. "We've got a plan...grab John and let's go bring Jack back," Dutch said. Arthur nodded and went up to the room John and Skylar were in. When he reached it he saw them snuggled up together, "well guess he's not going..." Arthur said to himself as he went back downstairs. When he got back downstairs Dutch looked at him, "where's John?" Arthur rubbed the back of his neck, "he's um...kinda preoccupied..." he said. "Well we can't wait let's go," Dutch said as he and Arthur mounted up and rode out of camp and headed towards Saint Denis.

A couple hours later Skylar awoke to the sound of rejoicing, "huh what's going on?" she asked then she looked at John, "John...John wake up." When he heard her voice he opened his eyes and raised up, "hmm what's going on?" he asked. She looked at him, "I don't know but it sounds like there's a lot of excitement." John thought about it for a minute then sat up before grabbing his pants, "that must mean they brought Jack back.." he said. Skylar smiled, "that's good...I'm glad he's ok." John nodded, "come on let's go downstairs and have a look," he said. Skylar raised up and got dressed along with John. Once they were both dressed they made their way outside to welcome Jack home with the rest of the gang.

Now outside the old mansion they saw Abigail embracing her son happily which made John sigh in relief, "glad he's ok," was his only response. Jack looked at everyone around him but then noticed John and Skylar, "Miss Sky!" he called out. She smiled at him as he ran into her open arms to be welcomed back home, "it's good to have you home Jack we were all worried about you." John also decided to speak, "she's right Jack we didn't know if you would come back to us or not," John said kneeling down to the boy's level. Jack just laughed, "oh pa..." he said embracing the man. Abigail stood there with Arthur at her side, they knew that they'd have to talk to Jack about some things but right now was not the time. Right now they celebrated Jack coming home with the rest of the gang.

They celebrated long into the night but a little later Abigail pulled Jack away from everyone else. This move made everyone think that they were turning in for the night but in truth she needed to talk to her son. She brought him inside and sat him down on the bench next to the piano, "it's real good to have you back son, I really missed you.." she said. "I missed you too mama," Jack replied but his next question caught her off guard, "are you ok with pa being with Miss Sky?" She looked at him, "yeah I'm ok but that's not what I wanna talk about. What I want to talk about is your pa." "What do you mean mama? Isn't pa my pa?" he asked. Abigail knelt down to his level and looked him in the eye, "no...no son...he's not, your pa is actually Arthur." "Uncle Arthur is my pa?" Jack asked. "Yes son he is," Abigail answered. "How do you know mama?" he asked. "Well...Sky help me find that out, I'll tell you the details when you're older but right now all you need to know is that Arthur is your pa," Abigail explained. Jack was silent for a long time before going to look for Arthur with Abigail right behind him but he didn't have to look far because he found him sitting in the gazebo writing in his journal. "Pa..." Jack said. Upon hearing the boy's voice he looked up from his journal and looked at Jack, "hey son..." he said. Jack moved closer to Arthur, "are you really my pa?" he asked. Arthur nodded, "yes Jack...I am." After a moment or two Jack ran to Arthur and embraced him warmly as Arthur returned it. As he held the boy he felt something inside of him smile in a way that hadn't done so for a long time. Now that he had a son again, he felt happiness spread out through his body. When they let go of each other Arthur looked at Abigail, "you told him?" he asked. She nodded, "yes...I felt the boy should know that you're his father.." she said sitting next to Arthur. There was silence for the longest time until Arthur spoke, "you know maybe I could keep a better eye on the boy if we stay together in my room." Abigail looked at him, "you mean like a normal family?" she asked. He nodded, "yeah..." he replied as he stood up with Jack in his arms, "come on.." he said as they walked inside together. They made their way to the room that was to the right of the stairs, there was a couple of cots in the room for them, "here y'all can sleep on one cot and I'll sleep on the other," Arthur said. After walking into the room they settled in for the night.

Sadie had watched the whole interaction between Jack, Arthur and Abigail but upon hearing Abigail's words she felt a pang of hurt run through her heart. Her eyes quivered slightly as she faught back the tears. She went around the side of the house to sit on the steps to be alone with her thoughts, "I really need to talk to Arthur about how I feel..." she said as went to her tent for the night. John and Skylar also began making their way inside for night and upon reaching their room they made love again before falling asleep wrapped in each other's arms.

It was early morning when John was jolted out of a dream that left him panting slightly. He sat up looked beside him to see that Skylar was still sleeping peacefully, he brushed a piece of hair away from her face then placed a kiss on her cheek. He watched her for a moment or two more before getting up and getting dressed. He grabbed his pants and began to slide them on but as he grabbed his shirt he became preoccupied with his thoughts, "everything has certainly changed around here and out there, this world is not the same as it use to be." He glanced at Skylar once more before slipping on his boots and going outside to see to their horses. Once outside he made his way over to where Old Boy and Kiyaya were standing and also noticed that Alpha was laying next to them. Upon seeing John coming towards them Alpha was up on her paws and padded over to him, "good morning girl.." John said kneeling down and petting the she-wolf gently. She licked his face which made him smile, "can you go to Sky and keep an eye on her for me?" he asked her kindly. She wagged her tail and licked his face once more, "that's a good girl.." he said standing up as Alpha ran inside and went up to where her mistress was still sleeping.

Once she was out of sight John unsaddled both horses and began grooming them, ridding their coats of dust and dirt. As he took care of them he found himself smiling, "life is good..." he said to himself. It didn't take him long to rid both animals of the dirt that they had accumulated from being ridden down the dusty trails. He placed both saddles on the hitching posts to give both horses a break from them, "there you go...that feels better now doesn't it?" he said petting their necks. John looked at Kiyaya and noticed that the mare's mane was still just as Skylar had fixed it and, to his surprise, noticed that it hadn't frayed at all.

After seeing to their horses he began doing the camp chores, one being bringing hay to the horses. He walked over and picked up a bale about the same time that Arthur was grabbing one as well, "well good morning Arthur.." John greeted. Arthur smiled, "someone is in a good mood this morning." John nodded, "I am...for the first time in a long time I'm truly happy." "Well that's good to hear, I'm glad.." Arthur said. "How about you Arthur? How is it having a son again?" John asked. "It don't really seem real...I mean it's been so long since I lost Issac but I hadn't actually thought that I'd have another son," Arthur replied. John nodded in understanding as he set the bale down so the group of horses could eat while Arthur set the other down as well. "I understand, I imagine losing him was really hard on you," John said. "It was but now...knowing that Jack is mine, I don't know. I feel like I got back something that I didn't know was missing and that I didn't know that I really wanted again.." Arthur said. John smiled because he hadn't seen his brother this happy in a long time, "you know I've never seen you so happy but I'm glad that you have found it." Arthur smiled, "thanks John...it means a lot." The men exchanged understanding smiles before going about the camp chores, Arthur chopped the wood while John brought the sacks to Pearson's wagon.

By the time they had gotten the camp chores done everyone was up and about and starting their day. Arthur and John were enjoying a cup of coffee while they rested for a moment, "so how are things with you and Sky?" Arthur asked. "They're great, I'm really happy with her...I'm actually thinking about doing something for her," John chuckled, "you've done quite a bit for her what more do you want to do?" he asked teasingly. John thought for a moment or two before speaking, "I think...I want to maybe...ask her to marry me." Arthur's jaw hit the ground, "are you serious?" he asked. "Yes I am...I love her Arthur and I want to be with her always. She makes me happy and I want to always make her happy too," John answered. Arthur smiled, "well I'm glad that you've found happiness too little brother," he joked. John chuckled because Arthur hadn't called him that since they were kids but he knew that Arthur cared about him otherwise he wouldn't look out for him. Now it was John's turn to ask Arthur something, "now I've got something I want to ask you about." "And what would that be?" Arthur asked. "How do you feel about Sadie?" he asked. Hearing this question almost made Arthur get strangled on his coffee, "what?" he asked surprised. "Come on Arthur...you think I didn't notice that you and her have been spending time together?" he asked. Arthur had to admit that John was right, he and Sadie had been spending time together. He didn't know if it was just friendship or it was turning into something more. "I honestly don't know how I feel about her or if she even has feelings for me," Arthur said. John had to chuckle, "what's so funny Marston?" Arthur asked slightly annoyed. "It's just I know how you must've felt when I came to talk to you about my feelings for Sky.." he replied. Arthur was silent for a moment before speaking, "well I guess being that you confided in me I'll confide in you. Now that you mention it there is something about Sadie that does captivate me but I just don't know if I should talk to her about it. After what happened between me and Mary I've always tried not to get too attached to someone romantically but with Sadie...she's a special kind of woman." John remained silent as he let his brother get his thoughts out, "well it's like you told me, you won't know if you don't talk to her." "Yeah I know you're right little brother alright I'll go talk to her," Arthur replied. John smiled because he wanted his brother to be happy with someone too like he was with Skylar.

Meanwhile back in her room Skylar was just starting to wake up, upon doing so she found Alpha laying beside her, "hey girl...did John send you to come to stay with me?" she said. The she-wolf wagged her tail as Skylar scratched Alpha behind her ear affectionately. She sat up slowly as she felt a little dizzy but just chalked it up to her sinuses acting up, "ugh wouldn't you know that they'd act up and I ain't got my medicine with me to take care of it.." she said to herself as she stood up. She grabbed her clothes to get dressed but as she went to pull on her pants she felt the world start to spin and she stumbled forward, catching herself on the bed, "what's wrong with me?" she said to herself. After the dizziness passed she got dressed and made her way outside to take care of Kiyaya with Alpha right on her heels. When she got outside she noticed her mare wasn't wearing her saddle, "guess John already took care of her for me," she said with a smile. She glanced around the camp and noticed the boys sitting together drinking coffee, "there they are..." she said walking over towards them.

Upon seeing her coming towards them John's face lit up and Arthur noticed, "what's got you lookin' so happy?" he asked as he turned in the direction John was looking. He smiled at her before looking back at John, "here comes your girl.." he teased. As they watched her approach they noticed that she seemed a little unsteady, "hey Sky are you alright? You seem a little unsteady this morning," Arthur asked. "Yeah I'm fine...think it's just my allergies acting up making me dizzy," Skylar answered. John moved to stand beside her, "are you sure you're alright darlin'?" he asked. She was about to answer when her head started to spin again, "John...I..." she didn't get to finish her thought as she blacked out and went limp in John's arms. "Sky! Sky are you ok?" he asked. She didn't respond, he looked at Arthur with worry laced all over his face, "what happened to her?" he asked. Arthur placed a gentle hand on John's shoulder, "stay calm John I'm sure there's a reason for what caused this..." he said. John lifted her into his arms and carried her back inside to their room with Alpha following right behind him.

Upon entering he placed her back on the bed to let her rest, he brushed her hair away from her face, "please be alright...I can't lose you darlin'.." he whispered as he held her hand in his. Alpha jumped onto the bed to lay next to her and resting her head on her paws. A little later Arthur came in to see how Skylar was doing, "how is she?" he asked. John looked up upon hearing his brother's voice, "she hasn't woken up since she passed out, out there. What's wrong with her Arthur?" he asked. Arthur looked at John, "I don't know but I'm sure your Sky will be fine, she's strong." John was quiet for the longest time before he spoke, "but what if...what if she..." he couldn't bring himself to say the words, "I can't lose her." Arthur had never seen John so upset so he placed a gentle hand on his shoulder, "don't worry John...she's the strongest woman I know whatever is wrong with her won't take her away from you." John nodded as he turned his gaze back to her, "I hope you're right brother." Arthur then left to let her rest, "I'll come check on her later I need to speak to Dutch," he said. "Alright thanks Arthur...for stopping by," John replied. Arthur nodded then walked out of the room to leave John alone with her once more.

A little bit later there was a commotion outside that drew John away from the sleeping Skylar, "what the hell?" he asked as he looked on. "It's Kieran!" Dutch shouted as O'driscolls came out and started shooting. John ran outside to help protect the camp but a voice drew attention, "pa!" It was Jack calling for Arthur, "Jack!" Arthur shouted. "I got him!" John called back as he tucked the boy close to him and got behind the sandbags where Abigail was hiding. With them protected Arthur focused on protecting the camp, "everyone get inside!" he shouted once they had beaten the O'driscolls back a bit. Arthur and Dutch scrambled downstairs to gather everyone inside, "come on everyone inside quick!" Arthur called out. Abigail and Jack ran passed him with John then himself following closely behind. "John, you and Arthur barricade that door," Dutch called. "Right," they said together as they put a dresser on it's side to keep anyone from getting inside. Every member of the gang covered a window to try and protect everyone until a voice was heard outside, "what the hell was that?" John asked. "It's Sadie!" Arthur said."Alright you go help her, I'll cover you.." John said. Arthur managed to get outside and help Sadie beat back the O'driscolls, "that was one helluva fight..." Arthur said once all the O'driscolls were dead. After tossing the bodies into the bayou everyone got back to what they had been doing before the attack, "that was crazy," Arthur said to Dutch. "Yes it was...poor Kieran.." was his only response. "How did they even find us out here?" Arthur asked. "I don't know but one thing is for sure I am going to find out..." Dutch replied. After speaking with Dutch Arthur went to check on his son, "pa!" Jack called running up to him. Arthur embraced the boy, "hey son." "That was scary...all that shooting..." Jack said. "It's ok now Jack all those bad men are gone," Arthur said. "Are you sure? What if they come back?" Abigail asked. He looked at her, "don't worry Abigail they won't be back.." he said as they went to eat dinner with the rest of the gang.

Around the fire there wasn't much talk among the gang cause they were still in shock after what happened to Kieran and the fact the O'driscolls had found them. Sadie sat alone for a little bit but then decided that now was her opportunity to talk to Arthur, "hey Arthur can we talk?" she asked walking over to him. He looked up at her upon hearing her voice, "sure Sadie have a seat..." he offered. She sat next to him as she began to speak, "well first off I wanted to thank you for helping me back there...you saved my life." Arthur smiled, "think nothing of it Sadie..." he replied lightly. She could tell that there was more to it than that but decided to press on with her thoughts, "there was also something I wanted to ask you...well two things actually. First thing, just now there seemed like there was more to what you were saying...is there something you want to tell me?" she asked. Arthur took a breath as he sorted out his thoughts for an instant, in truth there was a lot more than what he had said before. When he heard her scream like that when the O'driscolls were attacking, he felt fear race through him for her because he didn't want anything to happen to her. He looked at her as he spoke, "you're right there is more to it than what I had said. Actually when the O'driscolls attacked and I heard you scream like that...I felt fear race through me because...I couldn't bare the thought of something happening to you. I know you can handle yourself but it still don't stop me from wanting to look out for you," Arthur explained. Hearing his words left Sadie somewhat speechless, "Arthur...I didn't know you felt that way.." she said. Arthur then surprised her with his next gesture, he took a gentle hold of her hand as he spoke, "I do...and I have for a while now but I was hesitant to open up to you because I didn't know if you felt the same about me." Sadie couldn't hide the blush on her face and she had to admit it to herself that her heart raced in her chest whenever he was near her. "In truth Arthur...I've been thinking about you and me a lot lately but I didn't know if I should tell you or not because of the thing with Abigail and Jack," she replied. He smiled as he spoke, "the thing between me and Abigail is merely friendship afterall she is the mother of my son but with you...you're very special to me Sadie. Since you came into this camp there was just something about you that always intrigued me. You're so strong, more so than some of these men in camp including me." She giggled slightly at his words as he continued, "but it's that strength that made me admire you as much as I do." She smiled at him, "I admire you too..." was her only response as he let her hand rest in her lap. There was silence between them for a moment before Sadie spoke again, "so where does this leave us?" she asked. "I don't know but I'm sure we'll find out," Arthur replied as they sat together for a while longer.

Back inside the house though John was sitting by Skylar's bedside, she still hadn't woken up since she had passed out and it was starting to worry him. As he sat there his thoughts were on her and their future together but his thoughts were interrupted by Abigail's voice, "hey John..." she said. He looked over at her through the hole in the wall, "hey.." was his only response. "Arthur told me what happened to Sky earlier. How is she doing?" she asked. "She's still unconscious...I mean she just passed out. What would make her do that?" he asked. Abigail was silent for a moment as she thought back for a moment or two then a thought struck her. She knew they had been intimate but she didn't know if she should ask such a personal question. "I don't know what to tell you John but maybe she should see a doctor, maybe he can tell you what's wrong with her, "Abigail suggested. "Maybe you're right..." John said, "what do you think it could be?" he asked her. She mulled it over in her head and decided to ask, "John...let me ask you something, it's kinda personal though." He looked at her, "go ahead...cause I need an answer," John said. Abigail took a breath before she spoke, "were you and Sky...intimate?" John was a little embarrassed at the question but answered it anyway, "yes...we were but what are you getting at?" he asked. Abigail leaned against the hole in the wall as she spoke, "I'm saying that maybe she's...you know..." she said. John gave her a curious look until it hit him, "you mean you think she's?" "Yes...Arthur told me that she kept feeling dizzy and she passed out. That's a symptom of pregnancy..." Abigail said. John was silent for the longest time before he spoke, "you really think...that Sky is pregnant?" he asked not really believing the words coming out of his mouth. Abigail nodded, "yes I remember what mine were before I had Jack and I know I had a few dizzy spells.." she explained. John thought about everything Abigail just told him as he looked at Skylar, "she's pregnant...with my baby..." he thought to himself. Abigail could see that he was deep in thought so she silently stepped away to let him be alone with his thoughts. It was then that Arthur came up the stairs, "hey Abigail what are you doing?" he asked. "I was just talking to John about Sky..." she replied. Hearing this caught his attention, "what about Sky?" he asked. Abigail thought about telling him but figured it better to hear it from John, "perhaps you should talk to him...be better if you hear it from him..." she replied as she walked into the room to see to Jack.

Arthur walked over to the room and he could see that John was deep in thought, "hey John how's our girl?" he asked. Upon hearing his brother's voice, "hi Arthur...she's still unconscious but she seems to be resting well though." "That's good..." Arthur said. "I've been thinking about some things and Abigail actually helped me figure out some things," John said. "Oh did she? How she'd do that?" he took a breath as he spoke, "well I was telling her about what happened to Sky and she was telling me that...when she was...she got dizzy spells too." "When she was what?" Arthur asked then he thought about it and it hit him, "wait...you mean...she's..." "Yeah Abigail helped me figure that out..." John said. "Wow..." was Arthur's only response. "I don't know what to think...I'll actually have a child that I know is mine, with a girl that I love more than anything. That's a lot to take in, in one day..." John said. Arthur chuckled, "yes it is but I know that you'll do fine." John smiled at his brother but the moment was interrupted by a voice, "hmm John..." it was Skylar. They looked at her, "Sky?" John said. "What...what happened?" Skylar asked. "You passed out and John has been sitting with you the entire time," Arthur replied gaining her attention. "Arthur? What are you doing up here?" she asked. He smiled at her, "I came to check on you...I'm glad to see that you're alright." "Thanks Arthur...hey how did Jack respond when he found out you're his father?" she asked. "He was actually really happy and I am too...he gave me something I didn't know that I was missing. After I lost Issac I didn't know how much I wanted a son again until I found out Jack was mine. I'm happier than I've ever been in a long time," Arthur replied. Skylar smiled, "I'm happy for you Arthur..." she then turned to John, "help me up.." she said gently. John took hold of her hands and helped her to her feet, "are you alright darlin'?" he asked. She stood there for a moment or two and found that she was sturdy on her feet, "I think I'm ok now," Skylar said. John smiled at her, "that's good...listen there's something we need to talk about." She looked at him, "sure what is it?" she asked. Arthur knew that was his cue, "I'll see y'all later I'm gonna take Jack out for a ride on Lightning," he said walking away. "Bye Arthur," Skylar replied. She then turned to John, "now what is it you want to talk to me about?" she asked. John took a breath, "well when I was watching over you Abigail stopped by and I told her what happened to you. After I told her that you got to feeling dizzy and that you passed out she told me something. She said that she remembered she got like that when she was...pregnant..." he said. When she heard this Skylar had to stop and think about what he just said, "wait...you think I'm...that we're...gonna have a baby?" she said. John was silent for a moment, "yes I think so..." he replied. Skylar was surprised as she sat on the bed to think about what she just heard, "is this really happening?" she asked. John knelt down in front of her, "yes darlin' it is..." he said brushing her hair out of her face. Then he noticed the look on her face, "sweetheart what's wrong? Aren't you happy about us having a baby?" he asked. She closed her eyes as a stray tear rolled down her face, "Sky...what is it?" he asked, sitting beside her. Skylar couldn't speak as her tears fell, John didn't know what was going on but he wrapped his arms around her and held her. Skylar was a flood of emotions, she didn't know what to think. She had always imagined that she'd have a baby with her husband back in Tennessee but now that she was carrying John's baby...she was scared and it broke her heart. John knew that this wasn't what she thought it would be like but he also knew that she was scared, "don't worry darlin' everything will be alright...I'm gonna stay right by your side no matter what," John reassured. Even though she heard his words she still didn't know what to do or what to say, "John...I...I don't...I mean I'm..." she couldn't talk, "I know baby...I know you're scared but it's all gonna be alright," John said as he continued to hold her.

Out in the camp the gang was sitting down to dinner and listening to the stories around the camp fire. However Dutch and Hosea were devising a plan to hit the bank in Saint Denis and Dutch was also thinking about hitting the trolly station as well. He had already filled Arthur in on the plan and Arthur had suggested bringing Lenny and not Micah. They had everything ready to go down for the next day when they would hit the trolly station. It was then that Dutch spoke, "alright everyone get some rest because we've got things to do tomorrow," he said as he went into the house to turn in for the night while everyone else went to their tents to get some rest.

In their room Arthur was writing in his journal and watching over Abigail and his son while they slept. He had a lot on his mind and he could barely believe everything that had happened recently for him and John. He found out that Jack was actually his son and John found out that he was gonna have a baby with Skylar. He didn't know what else lay ahead for them but he did know that their world would never be the same again. With that thought in his mind he lay down on his cot and fell asleep.

It was about midnight when Skylar awoke from a nightmare, she jolted out of bed and was panting slightly, "what a horrible dream..." she mumbled to herself. She sat there for a minute before looking beside her to see that John was still peacefully sleeping. She smiled as she brush a stray hair out of his face before getting up and going to stand on the balcony to get some air. A gentle breeze was blowing and she breathed in deeply to try and clear her head from the nightmare she had just seen. As she stood there her mind was on all that had happened to her, "first I wake up here with no memory of what happened to me to end up here, all that stuff in camp with Dutch and Micah. Then we move here and me and John find out we're gonna have a baby together. I had always imagined having one with..." her hand subconsciously went to the charm she always wore around her neck. The thought also made her a little sad because she was missing her husband now more than ever and she didn't know if she would ever be able to get back to her time and back to him. She was so wrapped in her thoughts that she hadn't noticed that Arthur was standing there. He stood there for a moment more before speaking, "Sky..." he whispered. She turned around to see him standing there, "oh Arthur...what are you doing up?" she asked. "I could ask you that," he said walking out on the balcony with her. She looked down slightly before turning her gaze to him, "I woke up from a nightmare and couldn't go back to sleep just yet." He nodded to let her know he heard her, "I've just got so much on my mind and I can't think straight," she said leaning on the railing. Arthur knew all of this was hard for her, "I can imagine that all of this has been hard on you...I mean you're so far from home. Or should I say...you're far from your time." Hearing this her eyes immediately went to him, "how did you...?" He gave her a gentle smile, "John told me after you rode out of camp that day you took off on Kiyaya and came back with Alpha." "Oh..." was her only response as she looked away from him. He placed a gentle hand on her shoulder, "I know that you still don't have any memory of how you ended up here but I promise that both me and John are gonna do whatever we can to help you get back to where you belong." She smiled at him before wrapping her arms around him in a tender embrace as Arthur returned it, "I know you're scared but everything is going to be alright," he said. They stood there for a moment before letting go of each other, "maybe you should try and go back to sleep besides it's not just you that you have to worry about now," he said. Skylar knew what he was talking about and she kinda figured that maybe John had already told Arthur about the baby, "yeah maybe you're right...night Arthur," she said hugging him once more. "Night Sky..." he replied returning the hug. He watched her walk back into the room she shared with John before going back to his room to get some more rest as well.

The next day Arthur rode out of camp having been told that Dutch and Lenny were already in Saint Denis and waiting for him. In camp everyone was either taking care of the camp chores or were seeing to their horses. Inside the house Skylar was talking with Abigail while John was helping Charles with guard duty. Everything was pretty layed back in camp for once that is until Lenny returned with Dutch in the wagon and Arthur leading their horses. Susan came running over, "what the hell happen to you boys?" she asked. "The trolly job was a setup...Bronte set us up. He's trying to intimidate us to show us that he runs that town but he don't know who he's messing with," Dutch said as he climbed down from the wagon. "Yeah it was crazy...as soon as we got into the trolly station the law was all over us," Lenny explained. "Well what are you gonna do now Dutch?" Bill asked. "I don't know yet but I'm gonna figure it out, I refuse to be made a fool of by some Italian weasal," Dutch replied as he walked into the house to rest. After leading their horses to where the others were Arthur went inside to change his clothes and get some rest.

When he entered his room he saw Abigail and Skylar talking, "hey girls..." he greeted. Upon hearing his voice they looked at him, "damn Arthur what happened to you? You look like five miles of bad fencing," Skylar said. Abigail gave her a funny look before looking back at Arthur, "what happened?" she asked. "Dutch, Lenny and I hit the trolly station...turns out it was a setup...Bronte set us up and now Dutch is trying to figure out a way to get back at him," Arthur explained as he sat on his cot. The women looked at each other before looking back at him, "so what are you gonna do now?" Skylar asked. He let a yawn pass through his lips, "now I'm gonna clean up and change clothes...I'm tired." Skylar nodded as she stood up, "I'm gonna get me some rest too...I'll talk to y'all later," she said walking out of their room and going to one she shared with John.

When she reached their room she found John there waiting for her, "hey John.." she greeted as she wrapped her arms around him. He held her close to him as he spoke, "hey darlin' how are you feeling today?" he asked. "I've been feelin' fine, haven't had anymore dizzy spells.." she replied. He smiled at her, "I'm glad..." he then placed a gentle hand on her still flat stomach making her blush. She placed her hand on his before kissing him tenderly on the lips as he returned it. When they let go of the kiss she spoke, "how was your day on guard duty?" she asked. "Thankfully uneventful but it feels good to be back inside with you, being wrapped in your arms.." he said kissing her hand before kissing her lips again. She returned the kiss for she knew what he was doing as he began kissing the side of her neck, "hmm trying to get something started?" she cooed. He smiled against her skin, "maybe..." he murmured into her ear which made shivers run down her spine. She tilted her head to the side slightly to give him more access to her neck as she enjoyed the feeling of his lips on her skin. They stood there for a moment or two before moving over to the bed. John began kissing her again as he lay back on the bed with her in his arms and her laying beneath him. She looked into his eyes and could see his desire for her, without a word spoken the two began to make passionate love to one another. John pulled off his shirt, leaving his chest bare while she was clad in her bra and jeans. John began kissing her feverishly once more and as they kissed the passion ignited a fire between them. Ridding themselves of the rest of their clothes they dove into each other hungrily, kissing, caressing and holding each other tenderly. John turned his attention from her lips to her soft mounds on her chest, he took one into his hand and began kneeding it gently while he suckled on the other, using his tongue to make circles around her nipple. Feeling this sensation drove Skylar wild as her fingers got tangled his hair, he was making every part of her body tingle with anticipation. John could tell by her reactions what his touch was doing to her, so he switched to the other breast to tease it as he had done to the first. Having both her breasts fondled in such a way was more than she could take as she grabbed him and kissed him hard. John was a little surprised that she was being so bold but he was enjoying this moment with her as he returned the kiss with the same passion she was giving him. When they finally let go of the kiss for air John turned his attention to her most intimate place and began using his tongue on her. He teased the little bundle of nerves located there making Skylar arch her back slightly at feeling his tongue. She was feeling as though she was in a delightful dream that she never wanted to wake up from. She looked at him with lust-filled eyes and John knew then that she wanted him more than ever. With his member fully erect he entered her hot core that was dripping as it clinched tightly around his shaft. She moaned out his name as he did so, "hmmm John..." He loved the sound of his name on her lips and dove down to kiss her once more as he began thrusting into her. With every thrust Skylar whimpered and moaned as John panted slightly as the passion continued to run through his body. His thrusts were full of love and desire for her and Skylar could feel that, she knew how much he loved her and in that moment she knew how much she loved him. She stopped her thoughts there after what she had just realized, "I do love him..." she whispered. John paused for a moment to look at her, "what did you say?" he asked. She looked into his deep brown eyes as she spoke, "I...I love you..." she panted. Hearing this reignited the fire within him as he kissed her passionately and began thrusting into her again, "Sky..." he panted heat was building between them as the waves of ecstacy flooded over them and with several passionate thrusts John came deep within her body as she came right behind him moaning his name, "John..." They panted for every breath they took as their bodies shuddered slightly from their exersations. After several moments John disconnected and lay beside Skylar as he grabbed a sheet to lay over them. Skylar rested her head on his chest and listened to his racing heart that beat within before placing a kiss there. John smiled at her affection as he kept an arm around her waist, enjoying the feeling of her body being against his. Skylar knew she had told John that she loved him before but at the time she hadn't truly let herself feel this emotion. However now it was different, now she truly loved John Marston in the same way that she loved her husband back in Tennessee. John knew it too and it made him happy to know that Skygrazer truly loved him the way he loved her. There wasn't a word spoken because right then they felt that nothing needed to be said as they let sleep overtake their tired bodies.

The next day was a little chaotic because Dutch and Arthur were looking to find a boat driver to bring them to Bronte's so he could get back at him for setting them up on the trolly job. A little later they returned to camp to gather up some of the members to go after Bronte. Dutch chose, Arthur, Bill, Javier, Lenny, Hosea and also John...much to Skylar's protest, "you can't go with them...if you do Dutch is gonna get you and Arthur killed," she said to John when he told her. John knew she didn't want him to go but Dutch told him he had to, "I don't know what to tell you darlin' I tried to get out of it because I don't think we should do this but Dutch won't let me stay behind." Skylar was angry she knew that Dutch was suspicious of them but now she was beginning to think that Dutch was trying to get both Arthur and John killed. "Please John...please don't go..." she said looking up into his eyes. John caressed her cheek lovingly, knowing that she was worried about them doing this, "I'll come back to you...I promise..." he said kissing her lips tenderly. She knew he could handle himself but it also seemed to her that Dutch was purposely putting them in the line of fire and she didn't like it. When they let go of the kiss John grabbed his rifle and made his way out to where the others were waiting for him. All Skylar could do was watch him and Arthur ride out of camp not knowing if they would even come back.

When they reached the bayou boatdock their boat driver was waiting for them, "good that you made it.." he greeted. "Yes and it is good to see you...how's the boy doing?" he asked. "He's doing fine Mr. Dutch now come on let's get going," he replied. Dutch looked at his men, "let's do this..." he said getting into the boat. John and Arthur looked at each other as both were thinking the same thing, "this is a bad idea..." They got into the boat with the others as the boat driver pushed off and head towards Bronte's. As they rode along John and Arthur spoke silently to each other, "this is a bad idea Arthur...if we do this they won't stop till we're dead," John said. "I know John but Dutch is hell bent on getting back at Bronte for the trolly job," Arthur replied. "What does he expect us to do when we get there? Does he think that it's gonna be easy getting in, taking out Bronte and then getting outta there before anyone realizes what happened? I don't see that happening.." John said. Arthur knew what his brother was saying he was apprehensive about all this and wasn't real sure why Dutch was even doing this.

They soon reached the back of Bronte's mansion and began making their way in without being noticed. John and Arthur stayed close to one another as they approached two unsuspecting guards, "alright if we're doing this you take one I'll take the other." "Right..." John replied. They silently took out the two guards and it was going fine until Dutch decided he was tired of hiding in the shadows and ambushed the guard, "take these bastards out!" he yelled. John and Arthur stayed in cover, "what the hell is he thinking?" John asked. "I don't know but we need to take care of these guys, come on John.." Arthur said. "Right behind you Arthur.." John replied as they began taking out the guards one by one. "Get in that house and find Bronte!" Dutch boomed. The gang stormed the mansion and began clearing rooms and taking out any guard they found. John and Arthur took the upstairs and found Bronte hiding in his bedroom with the door locked. Arthur quickly rendered Bronte unconscious and carried him downstairs as the whistles from the Saint Denis cops could be heard coming from outside. "Ohh shit the law is here..." he turned to John, "let's get out of here." "You ain't gotta tell me twice..." John replied as he followed close behind Arthur. When they got out to the courtyard of Bronte's mansion there were cops everywhere, "come on let's get rid of these bastards!" Dutch called as the gang began taking them out one by one.

When they reached the boat they loaded the still unconscious Bronte into the boat and rowed away from there. Dutch moved to stand over Bronte as he slapped him awake, "what now you Italian maggot...you're out numbered now." Bronte narrowed his eyes, "you're nothing...you came from nothing and you'll never be nothing." "We took out you're men there is no one to help you now," Dutch said. "You don't own your own men..." he turned to look at the gang members, "a thousand dollars to the man that kills him and sets me free," Bronte said. No one made a sound as Dutch spoke, "see you can't break loyalty." "Then they are bigger fools than you.." Bronte sneered. "Oh your right...you are so right...people like you need to be disposed of!" he shouted as he held Bronte's head under water, "you call them now...you call them!" he yelled forcing Bronte's head deeper into the water. After holding it there for several moments Bronte stopped struggling and then Dutch picked him up and tossed him to the waiting alligators. "Jesus...what part of your phylosphy books cover throwing a guy to the damn alligators Dutch?" John asked. "The part that covers weakness...that part. It ain't nice I know it but it is either us or him!" he stepped up onto the dock before turning to look back at the water, "I figured it might as well be him.." he said as he walked away. John and Arthur looked at one another before turning back to see the water turn red with blood, "he's losing it..." John said as he walked over to his horse with Arthur following right behind him.

Back in camp Skylar was sitting on the bed petting Alpha while the rest of the camp slept, "please let him come back to me...to us..." she said as she subconsciously placed a hand on her still flat stomach. She was brought out of her thoughts when she heard the sound of hoofbeats coming into camp. She ran to the balcony to see John and Arthur riding back into camp with the others. Upon seeing him she let out a sigh of relief before going back to their room to wait for him. After dismounting for his horse John made his way inside knowing he would find his Skylar waiting for him, as he had seen her standing on the balcony when they had returned. He made his way upstairs to his room to find Skylar sitting on the bed with Alpha sitting near her, "hey darlin'..." he murmured. She looked at him when she heard his voice and moved to embrace him warmly, "I'm so glad your back safely John.." she said. He smiled at her as he pressed his lips to hers in a tender kiss. When they let go of the kiss for air he spoke, "I missed you too darlin'...but it's only gonna get crazier from here. Now that Bronte is dwelt with Dutch is even more determined to hit the bank in Saint Denis." She knew there had been talk of it throughout camp but she had hoped that they wouldn't go through with it. She looked up at him before resting her head on his chest as he held her in his arms before he picked her up and placed on the bed, then got in beside her. They began kissing once more but it quickly gave way to them making love before allowing sleep to overtake their tired bodies.

Arthur was still standing next to his horse as thoughts of what had just happened ran through his mind, "what the hell was that? What was Dutch thinking? He had to know that it was a bad idea." He was so wrapped in his thoughts that he hadn't noticed Sadie approaching him, "hey Arthur..." she said. Hearing her voice brought him out of his thouhts, "hey Sadie...what are you still doing up?" he asked. "I couldn't sleep...so what happened?" she asked. Arthur let a heavy sigh pass through his lips, "we hit Bronte's and after we stormed the mansion me and John found him cowering in his bedroom with the door locked. By the time we brought him outside the law was all over the courtyard. Then we get him in the boat and Dutch threw Bronte to a damn alligator," Arthur explained. Sadie was surprised but reamained silent, "and now I don't even know if we should do the bank job. I would think that after this the law are gonna be more alert now," Arthur said. "Yeah you're probably right there but what can we do?" she asked. "I wish I had the answer to that question..." was Arthur's only response. Sadie looked at him sympathetically, she knew he was worried about what would happen now. She stepped closer to him and placed a gentle hand in his, gaining his attention, "it's all gonna be alright Arthur..." she said looking at him. He gave her a small smile, "I hope you're right Sadie, I really do.." he replied giving her hand a gentle squeeze. She then let go of his hand, "well you should get some rest," she said. "Yeah...night Sadie," Arthur said. She gave him a gentle smile, "goodnight Arthur," she said walking towards her tent for the night. Arthur watched her for an instant before turning to his stallion, "you did real good tonight boy," he said petting Lightning's neck as he gave him a sugarcube. He then made his way into the mansion and up to his room to get some rest.

The next couple of days were filled with the gang running through the plan to hit the bank before they actually went through with it. Skylar knew that Dutch had invovled both John and Arthur once again in his plan and she was very wary about it and she also had a very bad feeling that something was gonna go wrong. Then early one morning there was a stir of energy around camp because the gang was getting ready to hit the bank in Saint Denis, "this is gonna go just like we planned so stop worrying Hosea," Dutch said. "I just wanna make sure we've got everything in place, we don't need another Blackwater massacre," Hosea replied. Dutch looked at his long-time friend and brother, "I know you're right...Hosea..." he said patting him on the shoulder before walking away. In the house John was preparing himself to ride out with Arthur and the others, "I really think that it was a bad idea to go after Bronte like that..." he was brought out of his thoughts when he heard Arthur, "hey John..." "Hey Arthur." "You ready to do this?" Arthur asked. "Honestly...no I'm not...Arthur it was a bad idea to go after Bronte. So how can Dutch think that this will go good?" he said. "I don't know John but it don't seem like Dutch knows what he wants no more. He ain't been himself..." Arthur said. "Or maybe he's not the man we all thought he was," John replied. Arthur had to admit that maybe John was right, even he had noticed that Dutch hadn't been acting right since the Blackwater job. "I don't know John let's just get this done and then we can get out of here and get somewhere the pinkertons won't find us," Arthur said. "Yeah alright...I'll catch up with you in a minute," John said. "Alright..." was Arthur's on reply as he walked outside. John sat there for a moment or two before he went to where he knew Skylar was, "I've got to talk to her before we leave."

With that thought in mind he went outside to find Skylar with her mare and wolf companion, "Sky.." he called. Upon hearing his voice she turned to see him walking towards her, "hey John..." she greeted. John could see that she wasn't herself, "darlin' is something wrong? You don't seem yourself today. You've barely spoken two words to me all day." She looked away from him to try and hide the tears in her eyes, "please darlin' look at me.." John said kindly. He could tell that something was bothering her, "baby..." he said placing a hand on her shoulder to make her look at him, "please..." he said. She couldn't look at him, she shut her eyes as the tears continued to sting them. John placed his other hand on her shoulder and gently turned her to face him before placing a hand beneath her chin to make her gaze meet his. When he saw her tears his face softened, "aw darlin'..." he murmured as he held her in his arms. She couldn't hold them back anymore and she let them fall as sobs followed, "baby...talk to me. What's bothering you?" John said kindly. She couldn't speak because she was afraid...afraid for him and for Arthur and she had a really bad feeling about this, "please...*sob*...don't go...*sob*..." she said between her sobs. John just continued to hold her and rubbed soothing circles on her back, "did you see something in a dream?" he asked remembering what she had told him. She looked up at him as she wiped away her tears, "yes I did...and I don't want you or Arthur going on this job. I've got a really bad feeling that something is gonna go wrong," she replied. John looked at her, "what do you mean?" he asked."I saw in my dream last night that when y'all get in the bank the pinkertons are gonna cover the front of the place. I also saw that pinkerton Milton...he's gonna...he's gonna kill one of y'all." Hearing this made John fully alert, "what? Who?" "I don't know but that's not all." "There's more?" he asked. "Yes there is...it's gonna be more than one that's not gonna make it. But what worries me is that...that you're not coming back to me...to us..." she said placing his hand on her still flat stomach and resting her hand on his. John knew she had become far more protective since they found out she was carrying his baby but he didn't know it was that bad. John caressed her cheek before pressing his lips to hers, when he let go of the kiss he spoke, "did you see anything else in the dream?" he asked. "Yeah...it's gonna be a while before any of you will be coming back," she replied. He gave her a funny look, "what do you mean?" he asked. "I'm not sure that part of the dream wasn't clear I just know that nothing good will come from this," she said. John kissed her once more taking to heart what she had just told him. She could feel the passion in his kiss and knew he was worried too, "please be careful my love...come back to me, to us.." she said placing her hand on her stomach. He caressed her cheek once more, "I promise I'll be careful...and I will come back to you and our baby," he replied. "I love you..." she said. "I love you too," John replied kissing her once more before walking away.

When John joined Arthur and the others they rode out of camp with her words ringing his ears, "alright let's go rob ourselves a bank!" Hosea shouted. Everyone let out excited whoops as they rode out of camp, everyone except John and Arthur. "I will come back to you...I promise.." John said looking back at her as they rode out of sight. Arthur could tell something was eating John, "what's wrong John.." he asked. "She told me some things Arthur and we gotta be very careful..." John said. "What do you mean?" Arthur asked. "When we get a minute to talk I'll tell you," John replied. "Alright..." Arthur said as his mind began to run wild, "what could she have told him that would make him worry this much?" he said to himself.

When they got closer to Saint Denis John became very apprehensive, "alright everyone...one last score and then we can disappear." "Where have I heard that before!" John said. "You doubting me now too John?" Dutch asked. "It just seems like everytime we try this something always goes wrong," John replied. "Where's your loyalty?" Micah shouted. "Shut up Micah didn't nobody ask you," Arthur snapped. "Listen I know we've had some bad luck but no more, we will get the money we need and disappear. Now shut up and get your heads on straight," he then spoke to Hosea, "how long do you need?" "Not long..." Hosea answered. "Ok we'll see you there," Dutch replied. "Good luck gentlemen," Abigail said.

The group of men rode into town they kept their heads on a swival especially Arthur and John, "I don't like this..." John said to Arthur. "I know I don't either..." he replied. They were quiet for a moment when they reached the spot to tie their horses but then John went over to Arthur, "so...you still wanna know what she told me?" he asked. Arthur nodded his head and John unraveled everything that Skylar had told him but quietly so the others wouldn't hear them. When he was done Arthur was even more wary, "what? Are you sure about this?" he asked. "I'm sure Arthur...I believe her," John said. Arthur didn't know what to think but he knew John would never make up something like this and Skylar had never lied to either of them since she had been there. With this new information now in his head Arthur and John knew they had to watch each other's back more so than ever. It was then that an explosion got their attention, "ha I love that Hosea!" Dutch said. While the law was scrambling the gang members quietly made their way towards the bank with Dutch leading the way, "alright let's do this..." Dutch said pulling up his bandana before drawing his pistols then walking into the bank. "Everyone this is a robbery stay calm and no harm will come to you," he then turned to Bill, "Bill you and Arthur go take care of the safes we'll handle crowd control." "Alright Dutch," Bill said as he and Arthur went into the back to clear out the safes. Out in the front John was getting antsy, "I don't like this..." he was looking around keeping in mind everything that Skylar had told him, "I hope her bad feeling was wrong.." he said to himself. "How's it going back there?" Dutch called. "It's good...there's a lot in here..." Bill called. "Well get as much as you can and let's get out of here," Dutch answered. It was then that a whistle was heard, "uh guys we got company!" John called out. Then a voice called out from outside, "Dutch Van Der Linde! This is agent Milton with the pinkerton detective agency and we are here to arrest you. Come on out...we have you surrounded!" Milton said. Dutch got near the door, "agent Milton? Why don't you just let us go or these innocent people are gonna get shot unnecessarily?" "We have your man Mr. Van Der Linde..." he said grabbing Hosea and placing him out front for the gang to see. Hosea looked at Dutch but as he looked back at Milton, Milton let loose a bullet and shot Hosea where he stood, "Hosea!" Dutch called. "God damn-it!" Arthur shouted. John was speechless, "she was right..." he said as the realization of everything she said hit him. Dutch couldn't believe it, "Hosea...light these bastards up!" he shouted. The gang fired as many bullets as they had, "where are they all coming from?" John said. "I don't know but we gotta get out of here!" Arthur said. "Yeah we do but how are we gonna get out of here?" John replied. "I don't know..." Arthur said. "Hey Arthur get back here!" Dutch said. "We've got to get out of here," Arthur said. "I know here...use this..." Dutch said handing Arthur some dynomite. Arthur placed the stick of dynomite onto the wall, "alright..." he got behind the desk, "fire in the hole!" he shouted. He fired and blew up the wall so they could escape but on his way out Javier threw him a rifle, "here Arthur take this and cover us." Arthur quickly made his way up onto the roof and began covering the gang as they made their way up the ladder to the roof. When Dutch got to the roof he looked at Arthur, "we lost John." "What? Dead?" he asked. "No arrested...come on let's make our way across the roof," Dutch said. Lenny went in front of Arthur on the roof but was killed as two pinkertons put two bullets in him. Arthur reacted quickly and put both men down, "he's dead..." he said. "Come on nothing we can do for him now," Dutch said as they ran across the roof to try and find a place to hide. They quickly snuck into an empty room to hide from the law, "now what?" Arthur asked."Now we wait...wait for nightfall...give them time to stop looking for us then we sneak out one at a time, meet back at camp, we gather the family and then we leave," Dutch answered. The gang members sat tight and waited for nightfall.

Back at camp Skylar was pacing back and forth nervously, she looked at Alpha before petting her behind the ear. Even Kiyaya could tell that Skylar was unsettled so she turned her head to nuzzle her affectionately. Skylar smiled at her mare, "you're always looking out for me aren't you girl?" she said kissing the mare's nose. It was then that a voice caught her attention, "everyone get packed up we gotta get outta here!" Skylar looked to see Sadie rallying everyone, "Sadie what's going on?" she asked. "We gotta go before the pinkertons get here," Sadie said. "Wait what about the others?" she asked. It was then that Abigail answered, "things went wrong in Saint Denis...we need to go now." Skylar felt fear race through her, "what happened?" Skylar asked. "I'll explain it to you once we're out of here," Abigail replied as she helped get everything packed up on the wagons and they got moving out of there. They made sure to grab everything so as not to leave anything behind. Skylar ran to hers and John's room to grab their possessions and pack it on Kiyaya and ride out of camp. Once they had everything they left; Susan drove one wagon and Abigail the other while the rest rode their horses and stayed close to the wagons.

Back in Saint Denis Arthur had his eyes closed and was deep in his thoughts, "*frustrated sigh* what am I gonna tell Sky? How is she gonna take it? How are we gonna get John back?" He couldn't think straight but he knew he had to start figuring out some things so he could find the answers he needed.

Back on the trail Skylar was riding next to Sadie while Alpha stayed by her side, protecting them. "So what happened in Saint Denis?" she asked Abigail. Abigail looked at her, "me and Hosea had set off an explosion to draw the law away but after someone raised the alarm at the bank the pinkertons swarmed around the bank and began firing but that's not the worst of it. Agent Milton...well he...he killed Hosea..." she said. "What?" Susan asked. "Are you serious?" Tilly asked. "No Hosea..." Mary-Beth sobbed. Karen wrapped an arm around her shoulders to console her. Uncle and Pearson were speechless, "I can't believe it..." Uncle said. "Yeah I thought he'd outlive us all," Pearson said. "Uncle Hosea..." Jack sobbed. "It's alright Jack..." Abigail murmured as she tried to comfort her son. As they travel there wasn't many words spoken, all that could be heard was a few sobs here and there. Skylar had worry racing through her as she looked at Abigail, "what about the others? John and Arthur? Are they alright?" she was almost afraid of the answer. "Arthur and the ones that were in the bank are alright but John got grabbed by the pinkertons," she replied. Skylar looked at her, "where'd they take him?" she asked. "I don't know I got out of there so they wouldn't find me but I'd guess they took him to jail," Abigail said. "I have to get him back," Skylar said but Sadie spoke, "Sky I know you're worked up but right now we need to focus on getting everyone here some place safe. We can go after John once that's done," Sadie said. Skylar felt anger race through her, "I'm not willing to wait that long..." she said. Sadie was sympathetic for the woman, "don't worry Sky we'll get them settled and then we'll go see if we can get some information on where your John is," she reassured. Skylar let a frustrated sigh pass through her lips but inside she was seething with rage, "I will make them pay..." she growled in her head as she continued to ride along.

The group of travellers were still on the trail when a voice called out to them, "Sadie! Sky!" The pair of women looked over their shoulder to see Charles riding towards them, "Charles...you're alive..." Skylar said. "Yeah I'm ok have you seen any of the others?" he asked. "No we haven't not since we left Shady Belle," Sadie answered. "Well come on let's find us somewhere to lie low and get out of sight," Charles said. They continued on till they found a small swampside village to call home, once Charles and Sadie dwelt with the occupants of course.

Everyone settled into the old cabins to try and get some rest while they hoped that the others were alright. Skylar sat outside as the sun set in the Bayou as her thoughts remained on her, John, their unborn child and Arthur, "I hope they're ok..." she said to herself as she continued to sit outside with Alpha at her feet. Sadie was standing by the open door of the cabin, she could see how worried Skylar was and even she had to admit that she was worried about Arthur because over the past month she had become quite fond of him. In her head her mind was racing with thoughts of not seeing Arthur again, "please be alright Arthur...I don't know what I would if I..." she shook her head slightly, "what's come over me?" she said to herself. She focused her mind on the current situation and told herself she had to remain strong for everyone else's sake. There would be time to worry about the others later.

It was now nightfall and the gang was still hiding in the abandoned building as Dutch woke them from their sleep, "hey wake up...come on the coast is clear let's get out of here," he said. The members got to their feet and followed Dutch out the window and across the roofs before finding a ladder and climbing down. They shifted through the alleyways and managed to get to the railyard and sneek through the trains to get onto the docks. Arthur decided to create a diversion to get a small group of men away before slipping onto a boat with the others. Dutch managed to persude the captain to take them somewhere for them to lie low before they went back to gather the family. Arthur was real apprehensive as his mind was on everything that had just happened as well as John and Skylar. None of them could have little idea what was about to happen to them as they left the time went on several members were beginning to worry that none of the others would return, "what are we gonna do now that Dutch and the others haven't come back?" Uncle asked. "We need to figure out what we're gonna do," Mary-Beth said. "Yeah but how? It ain't like we would know where to start looking for'em," Pearson added. Tilly looked at Sadie, "Sadie...what do you think we should do?" she asked. Sadie was quiet for a moment before speaking, "for now we try to make the best of it. Abigail see what you can find out in Saint Denis...see if anyone is looking for them and maybe see what happened to Hosea. We need to bring him home and give him a proper burial." "Right..." replied Abigail. "Me, I'm gonna try and find out what happened with John and see where they took him," Sadie said. Skylar spoke as she walked inside, "for now we need to pull together and hope they come back, ain't nobody gonna be looking for us in the bayou." "But what if someone does find us?" Uncle asked recieving several glares in the process. Skylar's face darkened slightly, "well then..." she grabbed her rifle, "I'll just to show'em what happens when they mess with my pack," she replied. Sadie, Charles and Abigail were a little surprised by Skylar's tone, they knew she was fiery but not like this, "she's right we need to be even more aware of our surroundings and be very protective of where we are, cause we're not the only ones out here. We got the nightfolk to worry about, not to mention the gators and snakes. Everyone keep on your toes...and no one goes anywhere alone," Charles added. With that the group of women, Jack and what few men were left settled down for the night to try and get some rest.

It was about midnight when Skylar woke up having only slept a few hours, "*sigh* I can't sleep..." she said to herself as she stood up and walked outside on the porch. She leaned against the railing and looked out across the swamp and listened to the sounds of the night. She was so deep in thought she hadn't noticed Charles approaching, "Sky..." he murmured. She jumped slightly upon hearing his voice but was relieved that it was him, "oh Charles...it's you...what are you doing up?" she asked. He noticed her startled state but said nothing, "I was just checking on you...I figured you might be awake because John's not here." She nodded, "you know me well..." she replied. Charles merely nodded as he spoke, "not to worry I heard some men talking about him when I snuck out of Saint Denis. They're moving him to Sisika island, a maximum sercurity prison." Skylar let his words sink in before she spoke, "so he's ok?" she asked. "As far as I know..." Charles answered. He could see the relief wash over her but he still saw the worry on her face, "don't worry we'll rescue him and bring him back to you." She smiled, "thanks Charles that makes me feel a little better." "I know he wants to get back to you afterall, you are carrying his baby," he said. When she heard him say this she looked at him, "did he tell you?" she asked. "No I overheard him talking to Arthur about it back at Shady Belle," he answered. "Oh..." was her only response. "You don't seem very happy about it," he commented. "It's not that...it's just that I always thought that I would have a baby with my husband back in Tenneessee but...I just feel like I'm being disloyal to him by carrying John's baby," she explained. He was sympathetic, "I don't know anything about having children but I do know that you love your husband and I don't think that you're being disloyal to him. Sometimes things just happen..." he replied. "You really think so?" she asked. He placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, "I really do...for someone so young you really seem to worry more than most but I understand why." She nodded as she let a yawn pass through her lips, "you should try to get some more rest besides it's not just you that you need to worry about.." Charles said. She merely nodded as she walked back inside to her hammock to try to get some sleep and hoped that what Charles said was right.

Several weeks went by before anyone had heard word that the gang had returned, when she heard this Skylar became very alert. As each member rode into their temporary camp her heart sank but then one day she was inside writing in her journal when she heard Abigail call out, "Arthur! Hey Arthur's back!" She perked up as she watched him enter the run down cabin. When he saw her he came over and embraced her as she let her unshed tears fall, "I'm so relieved that you're ok..." she whispered. He knew that she had been worried about him and John but he was just glad to be back, "I've missed you too Sky. How have you been feeling?" he asked. "I've been too worried to notice how I've been feeling," she replied as they let go of each other. He nodded in understanding and then came the question he knew was coming, "how are we getting John back?" she asked. "I'm not sure but I'll speak to Sadie because I'm sure she's got some sort of plan in mind," he replied. After they spoke briefly he cleaned himself up and changed his clothes as the others returned as well which unfortunately included Micah and Skylar knew that also meant Dutch.

A day or so later after Arthur had returned the door swung open to reveal Dutch standing there. Everyone except her and Arthur were happy to see their leader back home. There was lots of excitement as Abigail filled Dutch in on everything that happened while they were away, like them stealing back Hosea and Lenny's bodies and burying them beside each other.

A moment or two later Bill crashed through the door raising sand about having asked everyone he could find until someone knew that the group was out here. No sooner did that happen did a voice come from outside, "this is agent Milton and we're here to arrest you!" he called. "Son of a bitch!" Bill said. "You asked everyone you could find huh Bill?" Micah sneered. "Shut up Micah!" Arthur snapped. It took only a split second for the pinkertons to begin raining bullets down on the cabin and the gang, "everybody get down!" Arthur cried. Once down on the ground he and Sadie crawled outside to try and flank the pinkertons and once they got the upperhand the rest of the gang came out and began killing pinkertons until none were left. Arthur wiped the sweat from his brow, "we ain't been back that long and they were already on top of us," he said. "Yeah they were and I wonder why that is?" Micah sneered. It was then that Skylar spoke, "I bet it was you Micah...you seemed like you're the only one who didn't seemed surprised when they showed up." "Are you accusing me of something?" he asked sarcastically."No I'm flat out saying that you told them about us when you got back and led them straight here!" she shouted. Everyone looked at her completely surprised by her actions, "your head is in the clouds..." Micah sneered. "Getting awfully defensive aren't you?" she shot back. He narrowed his eyes at her, "you're playing a dangerous game bitch.." he said stepping towards her. Alpha was up on her paws and baring her fangs at Micah as Arthur placed a hand on his weapon as did Sadie and Charles. Seeing he was outnumbered he back down as Dutch spoke, "we need to get out of here..." he turned Arthur, "Arthur...you and Charles go and check out Beaver Hollow and clear out any degenerates you find, we're moving up there because I believe we can hold there.." he said completely brushing off what had just happened.

With that Arthur and Charles mounted up and went up to Beaver Hollow to make it ready for the gang to move there. Even though he was glad to be leaving the swamp Arthur was still thinking about what Skylar had said to Micah, "maybe she's right...he didn't seem too surprised to see them." They made quick work of the degenerates that were occupying the cave and even took a girl that had been kept hostage there, back home. When he returned he found the camp already set up and Skylar waiting for him, "hey you're back.." she greeted. He embraced her briefly as he spoke, "yeah...but that was pretty bold of you to call Micah out like that. Are you sure that was wise?" he asked. "I'm tired of Micah and I noticed some things and I think it's time to put him in his place," she replied. "Even so you shouldn't risk your life or the life of your unborn child," Arthur replied. She knew he was right but she always followed her instincts and her instincts were telling her that she right. A little later Sadie spoke to Arthur privately and Skylar knew it was about getting John back. She was relieved that they were looking out for her and the wellbeing of her unborn baby. As they settled in for the evening Skylar overheard Sadie say to Arthur that they were leaving in the morning to go bring John home. So when she went to sleep that night she was smiling.

Early the next morning Arthur and Sadie slipped out of camp and headed to Copperhead Landing to set out for Sisika Island. When they reached the landing there was already a small boat at the dock, "alright let's do this..." Sadie said hopping into the boat. Arthur untied moring line from the dock and shoved off from the dock, "you row while I cover us," Sadie said. Arthur did as he was asked and rowed to Sisika, "here we come brother..." he said to himself as he rowed as quickly as he could.

When they got to the island they stayed low so as not to be spotted by the guards, "Arthur come on this way.." Sadie said. Arthur stayed close to Sadie as they moved towards the gate, taking out guards as they went. They just about reached the bridge when a guard pointed his rifle at Sadie, "put down your weapon," he instructed. She just stood there as Arthur put his pistol against the guard's back, "you first..." he said. The guard stood there frozen in fear, "now I'm only gonna ask you once where is John Marston?" Arthur questioned. "He's not working today..." the guard answered. "Well let's go get him..." Arthur said urging the guard forward keeping his gun on him as they moved. When they got to the bridge the guard spoke, "they're not gonna let you do this." "Well now that depends on you partner," Arthur said. When they got across the bridge the guard called out, "hold your fire! Hold your fire!" Arthur then spoke, "where is John Marston? Bring him out here right now! Or this man's brains are gonna get splattered!" Arthur called. A few moments went by without anyone making a move, "I'm not playing around I'll kill him! I'm not joking! I'm counting! 1...2...3...4...5..." Arthur said before looking at the guard, "you count for me." "Yes sir," the guard stammered as he picked up where Arthur left off afraid that if he didn't then he would be dead, "6...7...8...9...10..." he counted as he began to cry. Arthur looked up at the guards on the wall, "bring John Marston out here right now!" "Bring him out here you bastards!" the scared guard called out finally. A moment or two went by before they sent John out still shackled, "John..." Arthur breathed, he had never been so happy to see his brother than he was at that very moment. Sadie shot the shackles off John's ankles, "it's your lucky day..." Arthur said to the guard before shoving him away from him. The three took cover behind some sandbags as the other guards began firing on them. "Let's get out of here!" Sadie called. "Alright move now!" John called as he sprinted away with Arthur and Sadie on his heels. "Come on John there's a little boat at the end of the island we gotta get to it," Sadie then turned to Arthur, "shoot us some space so we can get to the boat!" she called. Arthur drew his rifle from his back and began firing back at the guards so his brother and Sadie could escape. After he beat them back a bit he joined Sadie and John in the boat and rowed to shore as fast as he could.

When they reached the dock they all breathed a sigh of relief, "that was a close one...I thought they were gonna hang me for sure," John said. Arthur placed a hand on John's shoulder, "we would never let that happen to you." John nodded, "thank you..." he said as they got onto their horses, John got on with Sadie. Now on the trail they filled John in on everything that had happened, "it's good to see you again Arthur. What happened after the bank robbery?" John asked. "While we were escaping across the roofs these two pinkertons came out and killed young Lenny," Arthur said. John couldn't believe it, "it don't seem real first Hosea then Lenny. What about the...the money?" he asked. "At the bottom of the ocean," Arthur answered. "What? How the hell did that happened?" John asked. "We end up on a boat and shipwrecked on an island west of cuba," Arthur replied. "I can't believe this..." John replied. "I know...and I should warn you...Dutch didn't want us to come after you," Arthur said. Hearing this John was dumbstruck, "so much for no man left behind..." then it hit him, "how's Sky? Is she alright?" he asked. Sadie was the one to answer, "yeah she's fine...she's also been causing quite the stir in camp. She called out Micah right in front of Dutch." "What? Why would she do that?" John asked. "Because when we got to Lakay the pinkertons found us and tried to kill us all. Sky said that she noticed that Micah wasn't surprised to see them. She flat out said that he led them right to us," Arthur explained. John was speechless, "damn...what did Dutch say?" "That's the thing he didn't say anything, he just ignored what she said," Sadie said. John knew now that Dutch had betrayed them, "you know in the bank when they grab me...Dutch saw it and he coulda done something about it but he didn't. He just let them take me away," John said. Arthur was shocked, "I can't believe it..." was his only response. "And you remember me telling you what Sky told me?" John asked. "Yeah..." Arthur said. "She was right...she's really got the gift of sight," John said. "That's amazing..." Sadie replied as they rode into camp.

When they brought their horses to a stop all eyes turned to them but only one pair of eyes glared at them. Skylar had been sitting in their tent when she heard them return and when she saw John sitting atop Sadie's horse she was relieved, "John!" she cried. Upon hearing her voice he looked towards her as she ran to him, "Sky!" he called hopping off Sadie's horse and running towards her to embrace her fully in his arms. "John...John...I've missed you so much..." she wept as tears ran down her cheeks. "I've missed you too darlin'..." he said as she pressed her lips to his. He returned the kiss before setting her back on her feet, "how have you been feeling?" he asked. "I'm ok baby...we both are..." Skylar replied. Their happy moment was ruined by a voice coming from near the cave, "John!" They looked to see Dutch coming towards them, "what the hell are you doing here!?" he half shouted. "Good to see you too partner.." John said sarcastically. "I mean I hadn't sent for you yet," Dutch said. "There was talk of hanging me Dutch..." at these words Skylar went to lunge at Dutch but John kept her behind him. "They was talking...they was talking...and now they may come and hang us all..." Dutch said as he and Micah walked away.

After a moment or two John and Skylar walked to their tent but not before Skylar embraced both Arthur and Sadie, "thank you...thank you so much, you don't know what this means to me." "Your welcome Sky..." Sadie replied embracing the woman. "Anything for you Sky..." Arthur added, embracing her. When they let go of each other Skylar spoke, "I love y'all..." she said. "We love you too Sky," Sadie replied before she and Arthur walked away. John and Skylar then walked hand in hand to their tent to be alone. Now in their tent John wrapped his arms around Skylar once more, it felt so good to hold her in his arms again, he had missed her so much. She looked up at him with desire-filled eyes and John knew because he wanted her too. They quickly rid themselves of their clothes and began making passionate love to one another, each enjoying the feel of their bodies against one another. After several passionate moments they lay on the cot panting slightly, John was being even more affectionate than normal as he placed kisses on her face and neck while they rode the waves of ecstacy. Skylar enjoyed this moment with him as she lay beneath him tracing circles on his chest before he disconnected from her to lay beside her. She rested her head on his chest to listen to the sound of his heartbeat against her ear while he wrapped his arm around her small frame. "I've really missed this..." Skylar sighed. John looked at her, "me too..." he said rubbing her arm with his free hand. Then a thought struck her, "what if we leave from here?" John looked at her, "what do you mean?" he asked. "I mean we gather our stuff and leave. We get Sadie, Arthur, Charles, Abigail and Jack to come with us. I already know Mary-Beth, Tilly, Pearson and Uncle are planning to leave too," Skylar replied. John let her words sink in and he had to admit he had thought about leaving after finding out Skylar was carrying his baby. "When do we leave?" he asked. "I'll speak to them and we'll figure it out from there," Skylar answered. "Ok..." was John's only response as they lay there enjoying this moment together.

At her tent Sadie was speaking to Arthur, "you know something Arthur...I have to admit that while you were gone, I was actually kinda worried about you." This caught Arthur's attention, "you were?" he asked. She got quiet for a moment before she spoke, "yes I was...and I've been asking myself why. I mean I know we've spent some time together but I never thought that I'd..." she paused mid-sentence. Arthur's face softened slightly as he placed a hand on hers, "you've gone sweet on me haven't you?" he asked. She looked at him with pink-twinged cheeks. He smiled at her, "the truth is...I've gone sweet on you too," Arthur admited. She smiled at him before she became serious, "I think we need to leave and get John and Sky to come with us." "Yeah I think you're right and we'll get Charles to come too," Arthur said. Sadie nodded, "I'll speak to him, you speak to Abigail and Jack. No sense in leaving them here," she reasoned. Arthur knew she was right, "alright I'll talk to them..." with that in mind they went to speak Charles, Abigail and Jack. Sadie found Charles first, "Charles..." upon hearing his name he looked up, "hey Sadie." "Listen some of us are getting ready to leave," Sadie said. "What? Seriously?" he asked. "Yeah we're gonna get John, Sky, Abigail and Jack to come with us...are you in?" she asked. Charles thought about it for a moment before answering, "yeah I'm in...when do we leave?" he asked. "We're gonna talk to John and then go from there," Sadie replied, "just make sure that Dutch and Micah don't find out about this." "I understand..." was Charles response as he went to his horse to groom her while Sadie went to do the same to her stallion.

At that moment Arthur was speaking to Abigail, "we're planning to leave here and I can't leave you and my son behind..are you in?" he asked. Abigail didn't have to think about it, "yeah I'm in...besides I saw Mary-Beth, Tilly, Pearson and Uncle preparing to leave too. So I don't think it will be long now..." she replied quietly. Arthur nodded, "that's good because it's clear that Dutch has come unwound like Micah and he also betrayed us all by telling the pinkertons where we were." "When do we leave?" she asked. "Best we do it at night fall while the others are asleep so they won't notice us," Arthur replied. Abigail merely nodded to let Arthur know she had heard him.

With that Arthur went to his tent he shared with Abigail to help them get ready to leave. While he sat there though he had something else on his mind, "hmm I wonder if I should talk to her about it?" he said to himself. He was referring to Sadie, while she had been with them he had become quite fond of her and he wondered how she felt about had thought much about it but had never shared his thoughts with anyone, "is there a chance she could have feelings for me too?" he said to himself. He decided to speak to her but as he was about to walk over to her a voice called out to him, "hey Arthur..." he looked to see it was Dutch. He mentally cursed as he looked at the man he once looked up to, "what is it Dutch?" he asked. "Arthur...I want you and John to create a little distraction so the pinkertons will get off our trail," Dutch said. Arthur gave the man a funny look, "are you sure right now is the time to do this? It will only draw them to us if we do this..." he replied. "Are you doubting me now Arthur?" he asked. "I would never doubt you Dutch it's just that things have gone too far and with every job we do we got sloppy and I've seen you come undone one too many times now, just like Micah," Arthur shot back. Dutch looked at the young man in front of him, "have a little faith Arthur...this is the right call..." Dutch said before walking away. Arthur just stood there with a look of disblief on his face, he just shook his head and went to John's tent.

In their tent both John and Skylar were still laying on the cot, wrapped in each other's arms and half dozing when Arthur's voice came from the other side of the flap, "John? You awake in there?" he asked. He looked in the direction of the voice, "Arthur is that you?" he asked. "Yeah it's me...listen will you ride with me?" he asked. "Yeah I'll be right there," John answered raising up slightly. He looked down at Skylar as she dozed peacefully, he crept gently off the cot and began to get dressed. Now clad in his clothes he placed a gentle kiss on Skylar's cheek before slipping out of the tent to meet up with Arthur. As he approached his brother he noticed Sadie standing near Arthur, "hey Sadie." She looked at him upon hearing his voice, "hey John..." she greeted. "Can you keep an eye on Sky for me? We won't be gone long.." John said. "Sure I'd be happy to," Sadie replied. "Thanks Sadie.." he turned to Arthur, "alright where are we going?" he asked. "We've got a job to do..." was his response. John shook his head as he got into the saddle, "of all the times to do this..." he said only loud enough for Arthur and Sadie to hear. "I know...let's just get this done..." Arthur said as he turned to Sadie, "listen um...when we get back there's uh...there's something I'd like to talk to you about...in private." This got her attention, "ok Arthur..." she replied with a smile. With that Arthur got onto Lightning's back and rode out with John close behind him.

When they got out onto the trail and away from the prying eyes and ears of the others John spoke, "so what's he got us doing now?" he asked. "He's got us getting dynomite and blowing up the bridge over the ravine," Arthur answered. "Are you serious? What's Dutch thinking?" he asked with anger in his voice. "I don't know anymore and I don't completely trust him anymore either," Arthur replied. John just stared down for a moment before looking at Arthur, "I say we take our women and get out of here while we can," John said. Hearing this made Arthur look at his 'brother', "what are you talking about?" he asked. "You know exactly what I'm talking about...I know you're sweet on Sadie," John said. Arthur had to admit that he did like Sadie but he didn't know how strong his feelings were for her, "come on Arthur you can tell me, afterall I confided in you about what Sky had told me about being from a different time and having the gift of sight." Arthur knew John was right, "you're right...and I do like Sadie but I don't know how strong my feelings are yet and I don't know if she even like me that way or not." "Only one way to find out," John encouraged. "I know brother...I'll talk to her, besides I already told her that I wanted to talk her before we left camp," Arthur replied. The rest of the way was spent in silence and they made quick work of the blowing up the bridge and once it was done they stood there for a moment or two, "listen John all this is coming to an end anyway so when the time comes you go and don't look back," Arthur said. John merely nodded knowing what Arthur meant but he also knew that they were gonna leave together and start over somewhere else.

Then they left and headed back to camp to find the women waiting for them near their horses, "there you two are..." Skylar greeted as she wrapped her arms around him, John held her close before pressing his lips to hers. Arthur smiled at the couple before turning to Sadie, "now then...can we talk?" he asked. Sadie nodded as they walked to the edge of the forest to be out of earshot of the others. Sadie leaned against a tree as she spoke, "so what is it you wanted to talk to me about?" she asked. Arthur fumbled over his words for a moment or two before speaking, "Sadie I need to ask you something...how do you feel about me?" he asked. To say she was surprised was an understatement, "I'm not quite sure what you mean." "I mean..." Arthur looked her in the eye and she could see the shy look on his face. This surprised her, she had never seen him like this before, "Arthur what are you asking me?" she asked gently. Arthur took a breath as he spoke, "Sadie...I um...I really like you and I wanted to know...how do you feel about me?" he asked shyly. She gave him a gentle smile, she had to admit that Arthur had intrigued her but she wasn't sure why. She thought about it for a moment or two going back in her memory at the little moments they had shared together. She knew she deeply cared about Arthur but she didn't know if she could call it love...at least not yet. "Arthur..." now she found herself feeling shy, this was unusual for her but she pressed onward, "I deeply care about you...you know that, I'm just not sure I can call it love." Arthur felt his heart sink that is until she spoke again, "at least...not yet but, I'd like to find out.." she said with a smile. He smiled at her before embracing her warmly. She returned the hug and she had to admit that it felt good being in his arms, no man had really caught her attention, not since she lost her husband. "Just have to take it slow and see where this leads us..." she said to herself as she looked up at Arthur. Arthur was able to genuinely smile down at the woman in his arms, "I wonder where this will lead?" he said to himself.

John and Skylar were sitting by the fire with Alpha laying beside them, keeping a watchful eye on everyone. Jack was leaning against Alpha's side and petting her gently. Abigail was in the tent she shared with Arthur deep in her thoughts, "what's wrong with me? Why do I feel so much jealousy in my heart?" she scanned the camp to try and find Arthur,"now where is he?" she said to herself. After a minute or two she spotted him over in the treeline with Sadie but she noticed that he had her in his arms. She felt a pang in her heart, "what? But how?" she was left speechless when she realized what it was that was causing her to feel this way, "I have feelings for Arthur..." she murmured. She did her best to hide her tears so no one would see her cry. Still by the fire John kept an arm protectively around Skylar's shoulders and when he turned to look at her he saw Arthur walking over hand in hand with Sadie close beside him. He smiled, "good for you brother..." John said to himself as he rested his head against Skylar's. Arthur sat next to them and exchanged knowing looks but remained silent as they enjoyed dinner with the rest of the camp.

By the time the sun set every member of the gang was either asleep or drunk, Dutch on the other hand was contemplating his next move. He was also keeping a very close eye on several members of the gang because he felt like they were up to something. In the tent John and Skylar were cuddled up together asleep, Arthur and Sadie were sitting together and talking while Charles was keeping an eye on Abigail and Jack. He knew everyone was on edge and he also knew he had to protect those that meant something to him.

Everyone turned in for the night, except for Arthur and Sadie they were still talking over by the fire, "so Arthur what's the plan for getting us out of here," she asked quietly. Arthur thought for a moment before answering, "I'm not sure but I've got a couple of ideas...making sure that Dutch don't find out before we can slip out of here." Sadie nodded in understanding but then she changed the subject, "so Arthur...how long have you been sweet on me?" she asked. Arthur looked at her with surprise written all over his face, he wasn't expecting her to ask that question. So with twinged cheeks he spoke, "well...ever since we were at lake-side campsite.." he replied. She nodded, "so why did you wait so long to talk to me about it?" she asked. He rubbed the back of his head nervously, "well...I wasn't sure if I should even tell you because I didn't think that you would have any kind of feelings for me aside from friendship." She laughed, "you know that when we got back from bringing John home that I told you that I'm sweet on you," Sadie said. "Yeah I know but I was still just unsure," Arthur admited, "aside from that I didn't think you'd be ready to look for anyone else after you lost your husband." She was touched that he was being so considerate of how she felt, "well you're partly right but I think enough time has passed for me now...so I don't see the harm in seeing where this goes." As Arthur looked at her he saw her genuinely smile at him, "she seems so happy now more so than I've ever seen her." He swallowed his nerves and gently held his hand out to her and was pleased when she placed hers in his. The pair smiled at each other, this was just a small step for them and they knew there would be more for them. "Well we best being getting to bed and get some rest," Sadie said. Arthur merely nodded and reluctantly let go of her hand as they stood up, "sweet dreams Sadie..." he murmured. "You too Arthur..." she replied as she embraced him. Arthur returned the embrace but as they looked into each other eyes their bodies moved of their own free will and they pressed their lips together in a tender kiss. This was their first kiss and it was just as they had imagined it, tender yet full of their feelings for one another. When they let go of the kiss both wore a slight blush on their faces, "that was um..." Arthur couldn't speak. "Yeah..." was all Sadie could say as her cheeks burned and they smiled at each other. They stood there holding each other for a moment before reluctantly letting go of each other, "we should get some rest..." she said. "Yeah...night Sadie..." he replied softly. "Night Honey..." Sadie replied before she walked to her tent for the night while Arthur did the same.

It was about midnight when Skylar woke up from a nightmare that left her slightly shaking, "what a horrible dream," she said to herself as she sat up slightly. She stood up for a moment before she reached for her journal to jot down a quick entry: So much has happened to me recently...first John and I find out that we're gonna have a baby then he gets taken by the pinkertons to Sisika. Then Sadie and Arthur go spring John from Sisika prision and bring him back to me. Then we begin to make a plan to leave from here and make a life for ourselves. Hopefully everything goes the way we want it to. After finishing her entry she lay back down on the cot and snuggled against the warmth of John's body. She had to smile to herself because she was happy with the way things were going right now. Even though she was happy, she also felt a little sad because she was still missing her husband back in Tennessee. She subconsciously clutched the charm around her neck before bringing it to her lips to place a kiss on it, "Luke..." she murmured to herself as a stray tear rolled down her face as she fell asleep.

Early the next morning Skylar was awake and sitting on a log that overlooked the river that ran past the campsite. She was deep in thought, she had so much on her mind and she was also torn. Since she had first woke up in the camp she wanted to find a way to get back home to her time. Now with everything that happened between her and John she didn't know what to do...she felt like her heart was being torn two ways. "What am I gonna to do? I mean I want to go back home to where I belong but...part of me...wants to..." her thoughts were interrupted by a voice behind her, "talking to yourself again?" asked the voice. She turned to see Arthur standing behind her, "oh Arthur it's you..." she said. He chuckled, "were you expecting someone else?" he asked. She smiled but it quickly faded, "I guess I've just got so much on my mind and I don't know what to do." "Would talking about it help?" he asked. She looked up at him for a moment before speaking, "it's just...ever since I woke up in your camp I just felt like...like I was in some nightmare that I can't wake up from. I mean I'm so far from where I should be...from where I want to be...but I don't have any idea how to get back to my time." Arthur remained silent to allow Skylar to get everything off her chest, "when I found myself in this time all I could think about was getting back home but now after everything that's happened...between me and...I just feel like...I'm torn...I'm torn between two worlds...the world I know and this one.I don't know what to do Arthur...I'm so confused..." she couldn't speak anymore as she let her frustrated tears fall. Arthur came over to sit beside her and put a comforting arm around her, "it's all gonna be ok Sky...you'll see..." he said resting his chin on the top of her head. She cried into his chest and he just remained by her side quietly offering what comfort he could. When she was finally able to stop crying she wiped her remaining tears away with the bandana that John had given to her the first day she was in camp. She looked up at Arthur for a moment but remained quiet, "are you alright now?" he asked. She merely nodded as Arthur spoke, "try not to worry we've got a plan ready so we can leave here and start over somewhere else...be ready at sunset..." he said as he stood up. She looked up at him, "ok..." was her only reply as he walked away. Skylar continued to sit there alone for a while longer as Alpha came over and sat at her feet.

John had been watching the interaction between Skylar and Arthur and decided to speak to his brother to find out why she was crying. He made his way over to Arthur, "hey brother..." Upon hearing his voice Arthur looked up, "hey John." "Can we talk?" John asked. "Sure..." Arthur said grabbing him a cup of coffee before the pair went over to John's tent to talk. "So what's going on?" Arthur asked. "I was just wondering what was going on with Sky...I saw her crying..." John said. Arthur looked at John, "she's just upset...she feels like she's torn between her time and this one and she don't know what to do." John gave him a curious look, "what can we do? Is there even a way for her to go back to her time?" John asked. "I don't know...I've done some looking around but never found anything that gave me some answers. I honestly think that she may be stuck here in this time with no way to go home," Arthur explained. John looked down slightly, "I don't like seeing her unhappy but I just...I can't...imagine this time without her in it." "I know but you remember what I told you before...you need to do what's best for her and make sure she's happy. No matter what that means..." Arthur said. John now knew how Skylar was feeling, "now I feel torn..." was his only words. "I know but if it makes you feel any better the plan is ready to be set in motion, be ready at sunset cause we're gonna ride out of here and start over somewhere else. Away from all this..." Arthur answered. John looked at his brother, "alright Arthur..." was his only response as Arthur walked away.

Later that morning there was a bit of excitement as Eagle Flies rode into camp looking for Charles and Arthur to get help with getting their horses back from the army. Both Arthur and Charles agreed to go as did John, "I thank you my friends without our horses we cannot hunt and if we can't hunt we will perish," Eagle Flies said. "Don't worry we will help you," Charles replied. Eagle Flies nodded but then noticed the wolf sitting at the foot of the Cherokee woman, "good day to you Skylar." Upon hearing her name her eyes widened slightly, "how do you know my name?" she asked. He gave her a gentle smile, "Charles tells me that you're a long way from home and that you hail from the Cherokee." "That's right..." she answered. "I know of your people but I'm afraid there are none here in these lands...you are very far from home," Eagle Flies said kneeling in front of her. She looked into his gentle dark eyes as she spoke, "yes I am...I long to be back where I belong but I feel so torn because of the friends I've made here," she replied petting the she-wolf beside her. Eagle Flies held his hand up to Alpha to allow to her sniff his hand before he was allowed to touch her. Skylar smiled, "she seems to know you." He nodded, "she does I raised her when she was a pup." "It's good to know that I'm not the only one making friends with a she-wolf," Skylar added. "Worry not sister I will do what I can to find your people for you. I may not be Cherokee but we are all one people and we look out for one another," Eagle Flies replied placing a gentle hand on her shoulder. Skylar placed hers on his briefly before he stood up once more, "come we must retrieve our horses..." he said turning to Arthur, John and Charles. "Alright let's go," Arthur said. "I'm right behind you," John then turned to Skylar, "I will be back soon as I can.." he said kissing her forehead. "I know you will return to both of us," she replied placing a hand on her stomach. With that John caught up with Eagle Flies, Arthur and Charles as they got into the saddle and rode out of camp.

Now out on the trail Eagle Flies spoke, "she's carrying your child?" he asked John. "Yes she is..." he replied. "I can tell that her heart is heavy...she has much on her mind," Eagle Flies replied. Arthur was as surprised as John was, "how do you know that?" he asked. The Lakota warrior looked over his shoulder as he spoke, "it's in her eyes...she's a woman far from where she should be and carrying a child. I can also tell she has a strong warrior spirit in her heart because she travels with an alpha she-wolf and rides upon a buckskin paint. No woman in my tribe has such strength in them." John looked down slightly as Charles spoke, "yes she does I've never known a woman like her either but I admire her for it." Eagle Flies nodded his head, "hmn I too admire her for her strength...she has a wolf in her and she calls upon it to keep moving forward." Arthur and John felt a little out of place with the native talk going on between the chief's son and Charles. They quickly made it to where the tribe's horses were being held, "come...they're keeping our horses in here..." Eagle Flies said as he dismounted from his father's horse with the three men following behind him. They silently crept inside the barn and freed the horses in the stalls, "alright that's all of them...let's get them out of here quietly," Eagle Flies instructed. The men nodded and followed him carefully, making sure to keep the animals calm as they led them out of the barn and tethered them to the saddles. They did a quick head count before quietly riding away from the army's barn and heading towards the native encampment much to the relief and joy of the tribe.

Upon entering their encampment the Chief appeared out of his lodge and approached his son, "my boy...my precious boy you have returned safely with our horses and new comrades as well." "Yes father I have and all our horses are unharmed..." he then turned to the three men behind him, "father these are our new alies John, Arthur and you know Charles." "Yes it is good to have you in our camp," the Chief said. "It is good to look upon you Chief Rains Fall..." Charles greeted."And you too Charles," Rains Fall replied. He then turned to look at John and Arthur, "you are good men to help us retrieve our horses." "We are glad to help," John answered. It was then that Rains Fall spoke, "you are the one who is with the Cherokee woman?" he asked. John nodded, "I am sir." "How is she fairing?" Rains Fall asked. "She is fairing well but she is homesick...and with her carrying my child...she's just got a lot on her mind," John answered. Rains Fall nodded in understanding, "I'm sure she'll be alright but please bring her with you next time you find yourself out this way. I would very much like to meet this woman." John nodded as Eagle Flies spoke, "father she has a she-wolf with her as well as a fine buckskin paint." "I see so your little wolf pup has grown up and found her companion, how good it is that she's found a Cherokee woman to guide and protect. She must have a wolf spirit within her," Rains Fall said. "She does father...she possesses a warrior's heart as well...I saw it in her eyes," Eagle Flies added. Rains Fall smiled, "she is strong," then he turned to John, "young man...when you return to her you may bring her here and you all may join us here." Eagle Flies looked at his father, "that is very kind of you father but are you sure it is wise?" he asked. "I am sure my son...a woman that keeps a wolf at her side and has good men around her are welcome here," Rains Fall said. "I thank you wise Chief and I will be sure to tell her what you have said here today," John said. "Thank you son," Rains Fall replied before turning to his people, "my son...the warrior Eagle Flies has safely returned with our horses." The tribe raised their voices in happiness as Rains Fall continued, "and he also returned with new alies. Please welcome them into our tribe for they wish to make their home here with us." The three men were honored by the tribe, "we thank you for welcoming us," Charles said, "both John and Arthur must return to the camp to retrieve their women and child before making a home here." "I understand," Rains Fall turned once more to the two men upon their horses, "when you return we will have your lodges set up for you." "Thank you great Chief," Arthur replied before turning to Charles, "we'll return as soon as we can." "Alright Arthur, be careful that Dutch and Micah don't notice you," Charles said. "Don't worry we'll be careful," John said as they rode out of the encampment.

By the time they returned to the gang's camp everyone was in their tents asleep, everyone but Skylar, Sadie and Abigail as they had waited up for them. As they sat there they waited for Arthur and John to return, "wonder what's keeping them?" Sadie asked. "I hope they're ok," Skylar said. Sadie smiled, "I'm sure our men are alright.." then Sadie realized what she had just said. Skylar smiled at Sadie, "someone is smitten.." she teased. Sadie had a slight blush on her face, "yeah I guess I am.." she admited. Skylar smiled, "I'm so glad that you found someone too Sadie." The women smiled at each other meanwhile Abigail was sitting in the tent she shared with Arthur and keeping an eye on her son. She couldn't help but feel jealous because she was once again the odd one out and didn't have anyone to call her own, "it's not fair..." she said to herself. Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of horses returning, "looks like they're back.." she said as she began to collect her things.

When the two men rode back into camp they spotted their women sitting by the fire and waiting for them, "there they are..." Arthur said. John merely nodded as they dismounted and made their way over to them. "There you boys are..." Sadie replied once they were close enough. John smiled as he spoke, "yeah but we need to gather our things and leave while the gang is asleep." "I think we've got everything together we just need to load it on the horses and slip out of here," Skylar replied quietly. "Alright let's go," John said.

The small group quickly gathered their things and placed them on the back of one the horses they used for pack animals. Arthur walked over to his tent to bring Abigail and his son, "come on Abigail we need to go now.." he said once he was close enough. Abigail merely nodded, "alright..." she murmured as she roused Jack carefully and got him to his feet making sure he stayed quiet. Jack was gonna ride with Arthur while she got on another horse that was tethered to Arthur's saddle. Skylar had all her possessions stored on Kiyaya while John had his on Old Boy, "is that everything?" he asked. Arthur looked at his brother, "yeah I think so..." he glanced back at where their tents had once stood, having packed them onto their pack horses. As they readied themselves they saw Pearson, Uncle, Mary-Beth, Tilly and Susan slipping out of camp as well but they took Pearsons wagon. Arthur and John waved to them as they disappeared from sight, "I hope they'll make it alright out there," Arthur said. "Me too," John added as he turned to Skylar, "you ready to go?" he asked. Skylar nodded, "yeah I am.." she replied as she got atop Kiyaya. John got atop Old Boy as Sadie got onto her stallion and Arthur got onto Lightning's back. Abigail passed Jack to Arthur before she got onto the back a chestnut mare they had chosen to bring with them. Skylar looked to her wolf companion, "let's go girl but silently ok..." she said kindly. Alpha merely wagged her tail as she led them out of camp for the last time, never again to return.

Once they were out on the trail they all breathed a sigh of relief having finally left that place behind them, "I'm so glad to be away from there at last," Abigail said. "Me too...good riddance to the rest of those bastards," Arthur said as John nodded in agreement. Skylar looked at John, "so where are we going?" she asked. "We're headed towards the Native American encampment..the Chief there said we could stay with them," John answered. Skylar smiled at hearing this as they continued onward down the trail. A little ways down the trail Sadie spoke, "so what's this Chief like?" she asked. John glanced over his shoulder at her, "he's a very kind man and very wise, I thought that it would be good that we stay there for a little while and then move on to find a place of our own," he explained. "And he's letting us stay with them?" Abigail asked. "Yeah he said we could join them and be a part of their people," Arthur answered.

They soon reached the encampment and they were welcomed upon their return, "you have returned to us?" Rains Fall asked. "Yes wise Chief we have and this time I have my beautiful woman with me and Arthur has also brought his as well," John replied. Rains Fall approached the buttermilk buckskin paint, "so you are the young woman my son has spoken to me about?" "I am wise Chief...John has told me that you have welcomed us into your tribe?" she said. "I have and I am pleased to meet you," Rains Fall approached and took gentle hold of her hand and placed his forehead on her knuckles briefly before looking up at her. Skylar smiled at him before placing her hand on his, "you are very kind and I am pleased to meet you." It was then that Charles approached, "good you have returned, Eagle Flies and I have set up two lodges for you all to stay in. One for Sky and John and the other Sadie, Arthur, Abigail and Jack." "We thank you for welcoming us, "Abigail replied looking at the Chief. Rains Fall looked upon Sadie and Abigail, "Mr. Morgan these are your women?" he asked. "Yes sir Abigail is the mother of my son Jack and Sadie is my companion," Arthur replied. Sadie blushed at Arthur's words knowing what Arthur meant when he called her his companion. Rains Fall nodded in understanding, "well I'll let you all get settled in and then once you have please come to my lodge for a meal." "Thank you Chief Rains Fall..." Skylar replied. With that Rains Fall walked back to his lodge to speak to with his son while their new members began to settle into their new home.

Charles approached the group and helped Jack down to the ground while Abigail dismounted along with the others. "It's certainly peaceful up here," Sadie said. "Yes it is...I feel very comfortable here," Skylar added. John and Arthur were both happy as they brought their horses to the hitching post and began unpacking their belongings to place into their lodges. Abigail and Jack went into their lodge to rest for a little while as Arthur, John, Sadie and Skylar settled into their new home and placed their belongings in their lodges. The lodge that had been set up for John and Skylar was quite large as was the one for Arthur, Sadie, Abigail and Jack. The tribe made sure they had enough room so they would be comfortable, knowing that they had been staying in tents before coming here.

In their lodge Abigail was watching as her son lay on the buffalo mat that had been placed in there for them, "it's so soft mama.." Jack said. Abigail merely smiled as her son spoke again, "mama are you sad that we left the camp?" he asked. This question caught his mother of guard, "a little bit Jack but I'm also glad we left those bad people behind so we can make a new life for ourselves." Jack merely looked at his mother as he took the book out the satchel they had brought with them, "I think I'm gonna like it here..." he said. Abigail merely smiled but deep inside her mind she was both sad and lonely because she had no man in her life, not the way she wanted anyway. She silently sat there watching her son as they settled into their new home.

Outside Skylar was helping John unpack their horses and placing their belongings in their lodge. After they were done with that task Skylar sat on the buffalo mat to rest for a moment, "*sigh..." John looked at her, "darlin' are you alright?" he asked. She looked up at him, "oh of course dear I'm just content and I feel so relaxed being here." John smiled then knelt down and kissed her lips tenderly as she returned it. Meanwhile Arthur and Sadie had also finished placing their things into their lodge and decided to rest for a moment before going to Rains Fall's lodge for the meal he offered them. Arthur sat there for a moment beside Sadie before he glanced over his shoulder and noticed that both Abigail and Jack were sleeping soundly behind them. So he decided to talk to Sadie for a moment before they went to eat with the Chief, "Sadie...can I ask you something?" She looked at him, "of course what is it?" "Well I uh...I was wondering...I know we talked back in camp a little bit about...us. But I was thinking that maybe...we could I don't know, be more like Sky and John." Sadie gave Arthur a curious look, "you want us to have a baby too?" she teased. Arthur's cheek flared pink, "no...no...that's not what I meant..." Sadie remained quiet as she allowed Arthur to get his thoughts out. "I just mean that they are so open about that they're in a relationship and I was just thinking that..." Sadie understood what Arthur was saying, "you want us to be a little more open about our relationship.." she said. Arthur looked at her, "yeah something like that..." he replied. Sadie thought about it for a moment or two before speaking, "I see the way they are with each other and part of me was a little jealous. But after we talked about how we felt about each other. You know I feel like now...being with you, I found a part of me that was taken from me a long time ago. You gave me the answers I was looking for." Arthur looked at her and smiled, "I feel the same..." he replied. She smiled at him before pressing her lips to his in a tender yet loving kiss, which he returned as he wrapped his arms around her to hold her close to him.

A little later the group was making their way towards the Chieftain's lodge to take part in the meal he had prepared for them, as a way to welcome them into the tribe. Charles had led them to the Chief's lodge, "Chief Rains Fall..." he called. They patiently waited for the elder Chief to emerge, "please come in..." came his voice from the other side of the flap. With that Charles opened the flap and allowed Arthur and the others to enter the lodge. Upon seeing the new members Rains Fall smiled, "I am glad you decided to enjoy a meal with me." "We are honored that you invited us into your lodge," Skylar replied. Rains Fall nodded his head slightly, "please sit.." he said.

The group was comfortably able to sit in the lodge which surprised them slightly. Rains Fall then turned to Charles who still stood outside the lodge, "you may leave us." Charles merely nodded before walking away leaving the group to mingle in private. "Mr. Morgan..it is good to look upon you once more I trust you are fairing well," Rains Fall said. Arthur nodded, "I am as are the people I have with me.." he replied. "This is good..." he then turned to look at Skylar, "my son tells me that you're a Cherokee?" "Yes wise Chief I am...I come from a place called Tennessee.." she answered."You are a long way from home and I hope that you can get back to it," the Chief said. "Thank you Rains Fall," she replied as she nibbled on the food they had been given. It was then that John spoke, "how long have you all been here?" he asked. It was Eagle Flies who answered, "this land has belonged to our people for many generations...the creator allowed us to inhabit this land and to take care of it." "He speaks the truth, we belong to the land more so than the land belongs to us. We take only what we need and the creator rewards us for respecting the wildlife that shares it," Rains Fall said. The group nodded in understanding and they ate their meal in comfortable silence. Afterwards there was more talk about things reguarding the tribe and the encampment and by the time they had wrapped up their talk it was late. "Well I think it's time to turn in for the night, it's been a long day and we need our rest," Arthur said. "I hope you all rest well this night and awaken with the morning sun," Rains Fall said. With that the group exited the lodge and made their way to their own.

When Arthur, Sadie, Abigail and Jack got to their lodge both Abigail and Jack went straight to sleep but Sadie and Arthur decided to sit up and talk a little. "That was a good meal, a lot better than anything Pearson cooked," Arthur said. Sadie just laughed she was happy to see Arthur completely relaxed and happy, "yeah I know but I have to admit I was a little unsure how the food they had prepared would taste but I did like it." Arthur nodded, "yeah me too but I really enjoyed it." For a moment or two there was silence as they changed into their sleep clothes. After that they sat on the buffalo mat that lined the bottom of their lodge, "this is soft..." Sadie said running her hand across the thick fur. Arthur looked at her for moment before speaking, "you know Sadie I'm glad that we finally have time just for ourselves and...for us to explore our relationship." Hearing this made Sadie smile, "I am too...if I'm being honest I didn't think that we ever would have that opportunity because things were always so crazy but now that we have gotten away from that old life...I'm hopeful for us and our relationship." Arthur smiled as he laced his fingers with hers before leaning over to kiss her tenderly on the lips which she returned. They kissed for several moments before breaking away for air, and when they did both wore slight blushes on their faces. This was something new for both of them but they couldn't deny that what they were feeling was a good thing. Sadie now felt somewhat shy as she looked into Arthur's eyes as she spoke, "that was um...nice..." she murmured. Arthur smiled at her as he caressed her cheek, "yes it was." She leaned into his touch and smiled up at him, "maybe we should turn in for the night..." she said reluctantly. "Alright..." Arthur said. They lay back on the buffalo mat enjoying the feeling of the thick fur beneath them. As Arthur lay there he glanced beside him to see that Sadie was already half-dozing but then she surprised Arthur by turning onto her side and snuggling against him. Arthur didn't know what to think but he had to admit that it felt good to have her beside him in this way. He smiled at her before wrapping an arm around her and holding her close, "goodnight Sadie," he murmured, kissing the top of her head before dozing off himself.

In John and Skylar's lodge they were snuggled together on the buffalo mat, wrapped in each other's arms. Skylar let a concent sigh pass through her lips and John knew she was with them finally being away from the camp, Dutch and Micah. In truth he was content too being away from them as well, he now realized that he had never been when he had been in the gang. He just felt out of place and that something was missing in his life but since Skylar had appeared in his world, he now felt a happiness and contentment that he had never felt before. He held her close to him as they dozed off into peaceful slumber.

Sunrise found Skylar already awake and in the bushes, "blch why is this part of this condition?" she said to herself. It was then a voice came from behind her, "are you alright one who walks with a wolf?" She turned to see Eagleflies was standing behind her, "I'm alright except getting sick...I don't like this part of being pregnant." Eagleflies was sympathetic, "don't worry She-wolf it will be over soon enough." She smiled, "She-wolf?" she asked. "Yeah it's just a little something father came up with because you have a she-wolf for a companion," Eagleflies replied. She nodded as she stood up from where she had been crouched. It was then that John came over, "hey sweetheart...how are you feeling?" he asked. She smiled, "I'm alright baby..." she replied. It was then that John noticed Eagleflies standing near her, "hey Eagleflies, are you checking on Sky?" he asked. "Yeah I was telling She-wolf that her sickness won't last long," he replied. John gave the Lakota warrior a curious look to which Skylar replied, "it's just a second name that his father has given me because I have Alpha at my side." He merely nodded as he wrapped his arm around her, "you look after her well Mr. Marston.." he replied before walking away. John merely nodded then turned to Skylar, "I do wish I could take that part of pregnancy away so you didn't have to deal with it." "Aww you so sweet John," she replied before pressing her lips to his. When they let go of the kiss they made their way over to their horses to see to them.

In their lodge Arthur was just waking up and when he opened his eyes he looked down to see that Sadie was still peacefully sleeping next to him. He placed a gentle kiss on the top of her head before he quietly crept past the sleeping women and Jack and slipping out of the lodge to take care of their horses and prepare them something to eat. When he stepped from his lodge he saw that John and Skylar were looking after their horses with Alpha sitting at Skylar's feet. He just smiled as he made his way over to the campfire to prepare his little group something to eat. He went to his satchel and retrieved some meat he had procured the day before they left camp and roasted it over the fire. It didn't take long for the food to cook, "hey John, Sky..." Upon hearing his voice they looked towards him, "yeah Arthur..what is it?" Skylar asked. "I've cooked us up something to eat," Arthur replied. "Alright...we'll be right there.." Skylar answered as she and John finished grooming their horses.

In their lodge Sadie was just starting to wake up, "hmm...Arthur.." she murmured as she raised up slightly. When she noticed that he wasn't in the lodge she looked to see that Abigail and Jack were still sleeping peacefully. "Guess he went to see to the horse or something..." she said to herself as she got dressed and stepped from the lodge. Upon doing so she spotted him over by the fire, "there he is.." she said with a smile on her lips. She made her way over towards him and greeted him once she was close enough, "hey there handsome..." she said. When he heard her voice Arthur turned to see her standing behind him, "hey there Sadie...you hungry?" he asked. "Starving..." she replied as she took a seat next to him. "Here I cooked up some meat for us.." Arthur said. Sadie accepted the food and began eating as both John and Skylar approached, "hmm that smells really good.." Skylar said. John nodded, "yes it does..." he added. "Here you go.." Arthur said handing the pair some of the meat he had cooked. The couple sat by the fire to eat, "you're quite the cook Arthur..." John said as Skylar nodded in agreement. A little later both Abigail and Jack joined their friends to eat along with Charles. Their little group had to admit that they were happier than they had ever been. However they could have little idea of what was coming for them.

Back in Beaver Hollow Dutch and what was left of his gang were sitting around the fire, "so what now Dutch? Half the gang is gone?" Micah asked. Dutch looked squarely at the man sitting in front of him as he spoke, "I don't know...yet but I've got a plan. You and Cleet go out scouting and see if you can find any trace of them and then we'll go from there." "You got it Dutch..." Micah replied. He then turned to his henchman, "let's go..." he said. With a nod the pair mounted up and rode out of camp in search for the ones that left. As they disappeared from sight Dutch spoke, "they thought they could just leave like that well it's time they learned a lesson...no one and I mean no one just up and leaves Dutch Van Der Linde." It was then that Bill got to thinking to himself, "I wonder what Dutch is gonna do? Is he really gonna do something to them? To..." He was jolted from his thoughts by Dutch speaking, "Bill!" The said man looked at their leader, "yes Dutch." "Bill when Micah and the others get back I want you to go out and see what you can find. And Bill..." "Yes Dutch?" "Do it without being spotted," Dutch added. "Alright Dutch," Bill replied. Once their leader was out of sight Bill looked at the flames in front of him as some thoughts ran through his mind, "what will Dutch do to Skylar?" he said to himself. It was something that he wouldn't openly admit but he had become quite fond of the Cherokee woman that had come to the camp and he hoped that Dutch and the others wouldn't find any of the ones that had left to live out their own lives.

Back at the encampment everyone was taking care of their chores or helping with other things. Abigail was helping the women with the crops while Jack was with the other children playing and learning skills from Charles and Eagle Flies. Arthur was helping the men with building lodges and looking after livestock with Sadie's help. John on the other hand was speaking with Rains Fall and learning all he could about how to best take care of Skylar and their unborn child. While everyone else was keeping themselves busy around the encampment Skylar was tending to the horses and her she-wolf companion Alpha. She was also resting and writing about things in her journal, collecting her thoughts and feelings about everything she saw and learned. Right now she had so much on her mind, she still had no memory of how she ended up in this time. She also still had no idea of how to even get back to her time or if she could even get back to her time at all. So much had happened to her since she had woken up in this time. First waking up in a camp with people she didn't know, then she gets her a new horse and finds a she-wolf. She falls in love with one of the men that had saved her life and now she was carrying his baby. And on top of all that she, along with the few people she felt close to, were living in a Native American encampment and hiding from the gang that they had left behind. Skylar couldn't help but wonder if they truly were safe here in this encampment or they would ultimately lead them to these people. She worried for their safety and her own, as well as her friends.