Chapter 37: Rivalries at Odds

Baron, on the other hand, felt his stomach drop as he approached Crash, who was chuckling at some joke shared by a group of contestants. His heart hammered in his chest as he tapped the armadillo on the shoulder. The conversation around them hushed as everyone sensed the tension. "Crash," he said, his voice low and tight. "Can I have a word?"

Crash turned, his eyes lighting up at the sight of the buzzard he met the first time, not knowing that he was Harmony's friend. "Oh, howdy there, partner!" he said cheerfully. "What can I do ya for?"

Baron took a deep breath, trying to calm his racing thoughts. "It's about Harmony," he began, his voice tight. "I know you've been helping her out here, and I just wanna make sure... you know, that she's... she's got a lot on her plate."

Crash cocked his head, his eyes searching Baron's. "I reckon she does," he said, his tone measured. "But she seems like she can handle it. Tougher than she looks, that one." Seeing that this was the first time he met Baron, he asked him. "You know her?"

Baron swallowed hard, his claws curling into the dirt beneath his boots. "Yeah," he said gruffly. "I do. We've known each other since we were chicks." He took a step closer, his feathers ruffling in the dusty wind. "And I'd appreciate it if you didn't go filling her head with any nonsense." Oh no, why can't he think straight before saying what could be the wrong word leading to a misunderstanding?

Crash's smile never wavered, but his eyes grew shrewd. "What kind of nonsense you talkin' about, partner?" He leaned against the fence, his tail flicking idly. "I ain't got no beef with Miss HawkTail, just lendin' her a hand where I can. And she's given me a fair share of good advice, too. I wanted to return the favor and show that she has my thanks. Nothin' too personal."

Baron felt his feathers fluff up, his frustration growing. "Look," he said, his voice strained, "I know you mean well, but she's... she's got enough to deal with without any... any distractions." He paused, trying to find the right words. "I just don't want you to get the wrong idea, is all."

Crash's smile remained, but his eyes grew serious. "I understand where you're comin' from," he said, his drawl slow and steady. "But I reckon Harmony's a smart cookie. She knows what's what. And as for me," he leaned in closer, "I've got no designs on her, if that's what you're worried about. Besides, I got a wife back home that'd skin me alive if I did." He chuckled, trying to lighten the mood.

Baron felt a flicker of relief, but his suspicion didn't completely dissipate. He knew Harmony could take care of herself, but he couldn't help the protective instinct that surged through him whenever he thought of her getting hurt. "Just watch yourself," he said, his voice still gruff. "I've seen enough trouble come her way." Maybe he was overreacting, but he couldn't shake the jealous feeling that had taken root in his gut, telling him to warn others to stay away from Harmony before he had his chance to tell her about his feelings.

Crash nodded, his eyes still sharp. "I'll keep that in mind," he said, his smile not quite reaching his eyes. "But I reckon she can handle herself just fine." He slapped Baron on the back, his armor clinking slightly. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got a rodeo to win." He turned back to the group of contestants, the conversation resuming as if nothing had happened.

Baron watched him go, his heart pounding in his chest. He knew he had to talk to Harmony, to explain himself. But how could he tell her about the tornado of feelings that swirled inside him? He had always seen her as a sister, a friend, but lately, something had changed. He couldn't put his claw on it, but it was there, gnawing at him like a pesky rodent. He took a deep breath and headed back to the stands where he sat with his horse Thunder, trying to focus on the rodeo.

Just as he was about to sit down, a figure stepped out of the shadows, blocking his path. Baron tensed, his hand instinctively reaching for his gun. The figure was an anthropomorphic coyote, tall and lean, with piercing blue eyes and a stern look etched into his furry face. He wore a leather vest with the words "Crash's Posse" stitched in gold thread across the back. "HEY YOU!" the coyote growled, his voice low and menacing. "I've heard a lot about you."

"Do I...know you?" Baron asked, his hand hovering over the butt of his gun. The coyote stepped closer, his eyes never leaving Baron's.

"I hear you've been causin' trouble for Crash," the coyote said, his voice a low growl. "Messin' with my friend's head ain't exactly the best way to win any favors around here." He stepped closer, his stance challenging. Baron could feel the tension coiling like a rattlesnake ready to strike. "I'd watch your feathers if I were you, bird," the coyote added, a hint of a snarl in his tone, leaning menacingly down on Baron. "It ain't nice throwin' out accusations for no reason."

Baron's feathers bristled, his grip tightening on his gun. "I've got no beef with your posse," he said, his voice even despite the racing of his heart. "But if you're here to cause trouble, then I suggest you take your paws off me and back away." His eyes narrowed, daring the coyote to make the first move. The crowd's roar grew louder as the rodeo events continued, oblivious to the stand-off happening at the edge of the arena. He tried to sound brave, but he couldn't shake the fear that made his legs feel like rubber.

The coyote leaned in closer, his hot breath fanning across Baron's face. "You're the one causin' trouble," he spat. "Messin' with Crash's head, threatening him like that." He paused, his eyes narrowing to slits. "I don't take kindly to folks messin' with my friends."

Baron's heart hammered in his chest, his eyes darting around the shadows for an escape route. But as he shifted his weight, his booted foot slipped on the slick ground. Before he could react, he found himself flapping his arms wildly, trying to regain his balance, but to no avail. With a splash, he tumbled backwards into the trough of water behind him, soaking himself from head to tail feathers. Nobody had seen what happened then.

The water was cold and murky, filling his ears and nose with its metallic taste. Baron sputtered and coughed, pushing himself upright with a grunt. His hat floated away, and his feathers were plastered to his body, weighing him down like a soggy blanket. The coyote loomed over him, his snicker turning into a full-blown howl of laughter. "Looks like you're in a bit of a pickle, bird brain," he jeered. "Can't even stand your own ground."

Baron's face burned with humiliation, but the coyote's words stung deeper than the cold water. He knew he had overreacted with Crash, and now he was being called out on it. As the coyote's laughter echoed in his ears, he couldn't help but feel that there was some truth to the accusation. What was it about Harmony's friendship with Crash that had gotten under his skin so badly? He'd always been the one to stand up against injustice and prejudice, so why did he feel so threatened by an innocent relationship that only just started? He climbed out of the trough, water dripping from his feathers and splashing onto the dry earth. The coyote's laughter trailed off, leaving only the distant sound of the rodeo to break the silence. Baron took a moment to gather himself, his mind racing with thoughts of Harmony and the path their friendship had taken over the years. They'd been through so much together, and she'd always been there for him, no matter what. Was it possible that he was holding onto her too tightly? That his fear of losing her to someone else was blurring his judgment? He took a deep breath, feeling the weight of his drenched clothing and the burden of his own feelings. "Look," he began, his voice softer than before, "I never meant to cause trouble. I just..." He paused, trying to find the right words. "I just care about Harmony, that's all."

The coyote's laughter subsided, his expression growing more serious. "Care, or claim?" he asked, his eyes boring into Baron's.

Baron felt his feathers ruffle again, but this time it was from the sting of truth rather than fear. "I... I care for her," he said, his voice a little more certain. "But I know I got no right to claim her. She's her own hawk, makes her own choices." He refused to cry, yet the water clinging to his lashes made it look like he was. Now he felt ashamed, not just for falling into the trough, but for the mess he had made of the situation with Crash...and with Harmony, causing a misunderstanding that could potentially ruin their friendship. "I guess I just got a bit... protective."

The coyote's grin faded, and he offered a paw to help Baron out of the water. "Well, that's a relief," he said, his voice less hostile. "Name's Bruno Wild Paw. Crash's right-hand man. I thought you were another one of those bird-brained buzzards that's been goin' after me n' my friends lately. I thought he followed us all the way here."

Baron took the paw, feeling the rough fur and the surprising strength behind it. He hauled himself out of the water, his feathers sticking to him like a second skin. "I'm Baron Buzzard," he said, trying to shake the water off his hand before it dripped onto Bruno's paw. "And I've got nothin' against you or Crash."

Bruno's expression softened, and he let out a low chuckle. "Guess we're both a little too quick on the trigger, huh?" He slapped Baron on the back, sending a fresh spray of water into the air. "Crash is a good sort. He's got a good heart, and he'd never do anything to hurt Harmony. Or you, for that matter. Sorry for the mix-up and the misunderstanding." Not to mention the mistaken identity.

Baron nodded, feeling the tension between them dissipate like the ripples in the water trough. "I know he is," he said, his voice still thick with embarrassment. "And I shouldn't have been so jealous of him... or Harmony's friendship with him." He knew that he had to set aside his own fears and insecurities for the sake of their friendship. Harmony had never given him any reason to doubt her, and he had to trust that she would always stand by him. "It's just...I've lost a lot in my life, and she's the only one that's been there through it all," he added, looking down at his sodden boots. "I don't want to lose her, too."

Bruno's eyes softened, understanding flickering in them. "I get it," he said. "Crash is like a brother to me. If someone talked smack about him or tried to harm us, I'd be ready to rumble too." He paused, his tail swishing thoughtfully. "But if she's a good hawk, and I'm guessin' she is, she'll know who her true friends are."

Baron nodded, feeling a pang of regret for his earlier behavior. He knew he had overstepped, allowing his fears and past to cloud his judgment. "I reckon you're right," he said, his voice still a little shaky. "I just need to trust her, like she's always trusted me." He felt a lump in his throat as he realized just how much he had hurt Harmony by questioning her friendship with Crash. "I owe him an apology," he said, determination in his eyes. "And I'll make it right. And I owe his friends an apology, even you."

Bruno waved off his words with a flick of his ear. "Don't worry 'bout it," he said with a wry smile. "We all get a bit riled up now and then. But remember, we're all on the same side here. The rodeo's almost over, and there's no better time to patch things up than right after a good, clean competition." He gave Baron's shoulder a nudge. "Besides, if you can win this thing, it'll show Harmony that you're still the same buzzard she's always looked up to."

Baron nodded, his thoughts racing as he watched Harmony from a distance, her feathers ruffling in the breeze as she focused on the final event. He knew he had to make things right, not just with Crash, but with himself. He couldn't let his fear of losing her consume him. He had to be the friend she needed, not the overbearing guardian he was becoming. The last thing he wanted to do was behave like some possessive control freak. He took a deep breath, the scent of dust and leather filling his nose, and made his way through the crowded rodeo grounds.

Spotting Crash at the edge of the arena, he approached him, his steps slow and deliberate. The non-bird looked up, surprise flickering across his face when he saw Baron's bedraggled state. "You okay, buddy?" he asked, his voice filled with genuine concern. Baron was wetter than a drenched kitten that had just fallen into a river, and his hat was missing.

Baron took a deep breath, trying to compose himself. "Crash, I need to talk to you," he began, his voice serious. "I'm sorry for how I acted earlier. I had no right to question your friendship with Harmony. She's her own person, and I should've trusted her judgment." He looked down in shame, feeling the water dribble down his beak. "It's just...our families..."

Crash nodded, understanding in his eyes. "I reckon I know 'bout yer past like I do my folks' history," he said gently. "Well, that's the thing, it's all in the past. Harmony finds the good in folks, and she ain't gonna hold your kin's past against ya or mine neither." He offered a paw to his friend, his expression earnest. "And neither should you."

Baron took the paw, feeling the strength and sincerity behind the gesture. "You're right," he said, his voice a little stronger now. "I gotta stop livin' in fear of what could be and start livin' in the here and now. Harmony's her own hawk, and she's got a good head on her shoulders. I'll always be there for her, but I can't be the one to dictate her choices." In other words, even though Baron knew he started a career as the apprentice for Silas to become an undertaker, different from the job of a deputy, he knew Harmony had the heart for it. "She and I once helped free this here town from tyranny," Baron added, "and she's got what it takes to keep it that way."

Crash looked at him, his eyes reflecting understanding. "You ain't gotta tell me," He said. "I've seen it with my own two eyes. Harmony's got more grit than most I know." He paused, his gaze drifting over to where Harmony was preparing for the next event. "And she's got a good heart, too. That's why I'm here, to make sure she knows she's got friends outside of town, too. And to thank her for helpin' us out when we needed it most."

Baron felt a weight lift from his shoulders as he looked at Crash. "Thank you," he said, his voice filled with sincerity. "For everything." He knew that Crash's friendship was something to be cherished, not feared. It was a reminder that the world was bigger than his own pain and that there was still goodness in the world, even in the most unexpected places. "Once this rodeo is over, I'll talk with Harmony," he said, his voice firm. "I need to make sure she knows how much she means to me."

Crash nodded, a gentle smile playing on his lips. "I'm sure she'll appreciate that," he said. "And who knows? Maybe we can all go out for a round of sarsaparillas after this, huh?" He clapped Baron on the back, the gesture surprisingly comforting. "By the way, if you don't mind me askin', how did you get all wet?"

Baron chuckled, feeling some of his tension ease. "Ran into a bit of trouble with one of your friends, actually," he admitted. "Bruno Wild Paw. Thought he was up to no good, but it turns out he's one of the good guys." He shook his head, still feeling the sting of his own folly. "It was just a misunderstanding. I got a little too protective, and we had a bit of a...disagreement." He paused, looking over at the coyote, who was now laughing with some of the other Posse members. "But we've patched things up. He ain't so bad, for a coyote."

Crash grinned at the revelation. "Bruno, huh?" he said. "He's got a way of makin' first impressions, doesn't he?" He chuckled, his eyes twinkling. "But he's got a heart of gold, and he's loyal to a fault. If he's on yer side, you ain't got nuthin' to worry 'bout." Crash knew what else this was about as he recalled another incident, he hadn't told Harmony or about just yet. "Besides, we had some troubles back home with another buzzard whose name or identity we have yet to uncover. But I'll have a talk with Bruno about it, if it's all the same to ya."

Baron nodded, feeling a little sheepish. "I'd appreciate that," he said. "I just didn't want it to cause any more trouble between us." He looked over at Harmony again, who was now in deep conversation with Becky. "You know, she's the only one that's ever truly believed in me," he said, his voice low and earnest. "Even when everyone else hated me for bein' a buzzard." He knew there would still be others out there mistrusting of vultures due to the history of the great war that ravaged the land of Moo Mesa.

Crash's smile grew, and he put a paw on Baron's shoulder. "That's what makes her special, ain't it?" he said. "And if she sees the good in you, then I reckon that's good enough for me." He gave the buzzard a firm squeeze. "Now, let's go cheer her on, yeah?" If Baron signed up for bareback bronco, Crash knew they needed to go stand in line for the event.

The two friends made their way through the bustling crowd, the air thick with the scents of roasting meat, leather, and excitement. The announcement came that it was now Harmony's turn to take her place in the final event. Baron felt his heart race as he watched her mount the bucking bronco, her eyes focused and determined. He knew that she could handle herself, but he couldn't shake the feeling of protectiveness that had been bred into him for so long. Not to mention that he allowed his personal feelings to get in the way of knowing the real danger. Bonnie Bobcat and Wrangler Weasel were still out there, and their intentions were anything but friendly.

At the arena, Bonnie's score for Bareback Bronco was announced to a roar of applause. She had scored a 9.2, a formidable score that set the bar high for the rest of the contestants. The crowd was alive with whispers of anticipation as they awaited Harmony's turn. Baron's heart thudded in his chest, his eyes never leaving Harmony as she approached the chutes, her gaze unwavering. The tension was palpable as the gate swung open and the bronco bucked wildly, Harmony clinging to its back with the grace of a dancer on a stormy sea.

Baron watched, his wings digging into the wood of the fence as Harmony's spurs flashed in the sun, the rhythm of the bucking beast and the fiery determination in her eyes a sight to behold. Each second that passed was an eternity, each twist and turn a silent battle cry. He knew that she was more than capable, but fear for her safety still clawed at his insides. It wasn't just the competition; it was the thought of her facing danger that made his feathers stand on end.

The rodeo announcer's voice boomed out over the speakers, "Next up, riding the infamous Dust Kicker, we have none other than Avian City's own, Harmony HawkTail!" The crowd erupted into cheers as the gate swung open and Dust Kicker shot out like a cannonball, bucking and kicking with a ferocity that would make even the bravest of souls think twice. Harmony clung to the saddle with a tenacity that would have made Clarence proud. Each powerful kick from the bronco sent dust flying into the air, a reminder of the chaos and turmoil that had once engulfed their town.

Baron leaned against the fence, his heart pounding in his chest as he watched Harmony's every move. He had seen her ride before, but the stakes had never been so high. He knew that she had the skills, the strength, and the heart to conquer the beast beneath her, but the fear of losing her was a gnawing ache that wouldn't quit. He watched as Harmony's spurs dug into Dust Kicker's flanks, her eyes never leaving the horizon. It was as if she was riding not just for victory, but for the very essence of justice that her father had fought so hard to restore.

The bronco twisted and bucked, throwing Harmony into the air in a display of pure power and agility. Baron held his breath, his eyes following her every move as she gracefully fell back into the saddle, her grip unbroken. The crowd roared as she continued her dance with danger, each second passing feeling like an eternity. It was in this moment that he realized how much he had been holding onto the past, afraid to let go of the pain and anger that had defined his life for so long. Harmony was a beacon of hope, a living embodiment of Clarence's spirit, and it was time for Baron to move forward with her. Even his father Avery would have been proud of her, he thought, if he could see her now. It didn't matter if he and Harmony might have different careers, different paths, or even different beliefs about the world around them. What mattered was that she had the strength to stand up for what was right, and that was something he could never doubt. Once the rodeo was over, he had to tell her the truth about his feelings instead of keeping her in the dark about everything that would just strain their friendship even further.

Meanwhile, in the shadows of the grandstands, Bonnie Bobcat's eyes narrowed as she spotted Wrangler Weasel lurking in the distance, his lean form barely visible in the shadows. She had noticed him earlier, slipping into the darkness with a smug look on his face. Her heart raced as she watched him give her the signal, his hand moving in a swift, practiced motion that could only mean one thing. The plan was in motion, and she had to ensure that it went off without a hitch. Harmony had to be taught a lesson, one that would show her who truly ruled the roost in Avian City. Bonnie's competitive spirit had always driven her to be the best, but now it was fueled by something darker—a need for dominance, a desire to prove herself superior.

Wrangler's gaze remained fixed on the action in the arena, his eyes flickering with excitement. He knew the stakes were high, but the prize was worth the risk. The gold glinted in the sun, a tantalizing promise of wealth and power. Bonnie had promised him a cut if he helped her win, and he wasn't about to back out now. His hand hovered over a big horn instrument that would cause chaos when played.

Harmony's ride on Dust Kicker was nothing short of breathtaking. Each leap and kick of the bronco seemed to defy gravity, and the crowd watched in awe as she remained glued to its back. The seconds ticked away, each one feeling like a lifetime to Baron, who had never felt so powerless. He knew he had to trust in Harmony's skills, in her strength, and in the bond they had built over the years. Yet, the fear of losing her was a storm cloud hanging over him, threatening to unleash its fury.

The bronco reared up, and for a moment, Harmony's grip slipped. Baron's heart stopped as he saw her body hover in midair, a tableau of determination and grit. But she was quick to recover, her legs wrapping around the bucking beast once more. The crowd collectively gasped and then erupted into an even louder roar of approval. Becky and Ruby watched from the sidelines, their own hearts racing with a mix of fear and pride. Silas was on the edge of his seat, his paws clenched into tight fists. Harmony started to feel the toll of the wild ride, her muscles screaming in protest, but she gritted her teeth and held on. She knew that if she could just stay on for a few more seconds, she could beat Bonnie's score and win the event. The crowd's cheers grew louder, spurring her on as she locked eyes with the bucking bronco, willing it to submit to her control.

"HONK!" A sudden piercing sound came through the crowd, so loud and unexpected that it hit Dust Kicker and spooked him so much, he leaped in the air and accidentally threw Harmony off his back as she landed into another corral nearby...on a water trough. She emerged from the water, coughing and sputtering, her feathers plastered to her body. The crowd's cheers turned to gasps and murmurs of shock and concern. Baron's eyes darted to the source of the noise—Wrangler Weasel, sneaking and disappearing into the darkness away from the crowd before anyone saw him.

The commotion had drawn the attention of the corral's other occupant—Dynamo, the massive bull that Harmony had faced earlier in the bull riding event. His eyes rolled in his head, and his nostrils flared as he stomped the ground, charging towards the new disturbance. Harmony's heart skipped a beat. She had barely survived her first encounter with the bull; now she was in the corral with him again, unprepared and without any protection.

"Not again!" Harmony exclaimed through a cough as she stumbled to her feet, water droplets flying from her feathers. Her eyes widened as she took in the sight of Dynamo, the monstrous bull that had tested her mettle earlier that day. He was charging towards her, his eyes full of rage and confusion, the sound of the honk echoing in his enraged snorts. There was no time to think as she made a run for it, her legs moving as fast as they could in the thick mud of the corral. The bull was gaining on her, his massive hooves pounding the ground like a war drum.

In a flash of desperation, Harmony spotted the corral fence and made a daring leap, her body flying through the air. Her lasso swung around one of the top wooden bars as she clung to it, her boots digging into the wood. For a moment, she hung there, suspended in midair, the bull just feet away from her. The crowd watched in awe and horror as she swung herself over the fence with a grace that defied the situation's chaos. Windstorm, the grey mare, was tied up on the other side of the corral, watching the unfolding events with wide eyes.

Her heart hammering in her chest, Harmony knew she couldn't just leave Windstorm behind to face the enraged bull alone. With a quick decision, she called out to the horse, her voice steady despite the fear that tightened her throat. "Windstorm! Stay with me!" The mare obeyed, approaching the fence with cautious steps, her eyes never leaving Harmony's. With a grunt, Harmony managed to pull herself over the fence, landing on the other side in a crouch. She untied Windstorm and swung onto her back, the horse responding immediately to the urgency in her voice.

The crowd watched, holding their collective breath, as Harmony and Windstorm bolted out of the corral, the bull's thunderous footsteps following closely. Baron, his eyes wide with concern, pushed through the onlookers to the corral's entrance, his hand hovering over the butt of his gun. But it was unnecessary; Harmony had the situation under control. She leaned low over Windstorm's neck, guiding the horse through the narrow opening in the fence, the bull's horns missing them by a hair's breadth.

Once they were clear, Harmony didn't stop. She rode Windstorm straight towards the bull, her eyes never leaving the beast's fiery gaze. Baron's heart stopped as he watched, unable to believe what she was about to do. But as they approached, Harmony swung her lasso in a wide arc, the rope landing perfectly around Dynamo's horns. With a sharp tug, she turned the bull away from the crowd, his momentum carrying him back into the corral. The crowd erupted into cheers as they realized the danger had passed. Harmony's daring had not only saved her life but also prevented a potential disaster.

Baron couldn't help but feel a mix of awe and terror for his friend. He knew she had the heart of a warrior, but this...this was something else. As Harmony brought Windstorm to a trot, she looked over at him, a grin spreading across her wet and muddy face. "Looks like we've got some unfinished business, Baron," she called out, her voice filled with excitement and adrenaline.

The crowd's cheers grew even louder, and Baron felt a swell of pride for her. But the relief was short-lived as he saw the glint of anger in Bonnie Bobcat's eyes from the sidelines. She knew she had been outsmarted, and she wasn't about to let it go unchallenged. Bonnie stomped off, out of sight, and Wrangler Weasel followed her without being seen, his expression unreadable. It didn't help when Bonnie heard about the score for Harmony in the bareback bronco event, despite falling off Dust Kicker.

Baron made his way to Becky, who was standing by the corral, her eyes fixed on Harmony. The buzzard looked visibly shaken, and Baron could see the concern etched deep into her feathers. "Ma, are you okay?" he asked gently, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder.

Becky took a deep breath, her eyes still glued to the scene. "I'm... I'm just worried about Harmony," she murmured, her voice tight with emotion. "Every time she does something like that, it feels like... like I'm losing Avery all over again." Harmony may not have been Becky's daughter, but she had been a constant presence in their lives since the days of the first rebellion, and the buzzard had grown to care for her deeply.

Baron nodded, his own heart racing from the close call. "I know, Ma," he said softly. "But she's got the heart of a hawk, and her daddy's spirit in her. Nothin's gonna hold her back, no sirree."

Becky looked at him, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "But what if it does?" she asked, her voice cracking. "What if she gets hurt, or... or worse?"

Baron took her hand in his, his gaze steady. "Ma, Harmony knows what she's doin'. We've all faced danger before, and we've all come out stronger for it. This is her path, and she's walkin' it with honor."

Becky nodded, her expression softening. She knew he was right. Harmony had proven herself time and time again. Baron learned to humble himself this time around, knowing that sometimes, the best thing to do was to support his friend from the sidelines, even if every instinct told him to swoop in and save her. After the bareback bronco event was over and the dust had settled, Becky approached Harmony as she was helping the ranch hands corral the animals. Her eyes searched the hawk's, looking for any signs of injury or distress. "You know, you scared the feathers off us all back there," she said, her voice a mix of scolding and affection. "Your ma and I, we've seen a lot in our days, but you... you've got the recklessness of a tornado, girl."

Harmony looked down at the mud-caked ground, her cheeks flushing a deeper red. "I know, Becky," she said, her voice quiet. "But I had to do it. I couldn't just sit by and watch Dust Kicker go wild again. And that bull Dynamo, he was gonna hurt someone if I never got him under control."

Becky's expression softened as she saw the genuine concern in Harmony's eyes. She sighed, her feathers ruffling in the cool evening breeze. "I know you did, child," she said. "But you gotta promise me, you'll be more careful. You got a lot of folks that care about you, and I don't wanna see you get hurt." She and Ruby understood that Harmony was not a little girl anymore, capable of handling her own battles, but it was hard for them not to worry.

Harmony looked up at Becky, her eyes earnest. "I promise, Becky. I know I got a lot of folks countin' on me. I'll be more careful." She leaned into the buzzard, her soaked feathers mingling with Becky's dry ones. The two friends shared a warm embrace, their bond growing stronger in the face of the danger they had just escaped. As they pulled apart, Harmony spotted Bonnie in the distance, her fur bristling and her eyes flashing with anger. "But Becky," she began, her voice low and determined, "I can't let Bonnie win like that. We gotta show 'em all that we ain't backing down."

Becky sighed, her expression a mix of pride and concern. "Harmony, you've already proven yourself a hundred times over. You don't have to win every fight, darlin'. Sometimes, it's about knowin' when to walk away." She wasn't fully aware or informed yet of who was really responsible for the chaos, but she knew that Harmony's spirit was one that could not be contained.

Harmony looked Becky in the eye, her own gaze unwavering. "I hear ya, Becky. But this ain't just 'bout me no more. It's 'bout my pa and all he believed in. If I don't take a stand 'gainst folks like Bonnie, then who will?" The memory of her father's sacrifice burned brightly in her heart, fueling her determination. "It ain't about winnin' the rodeo, it's about doin' what's right, even if it means fightin' dirty."

Becky knew Harmony's spirit was a mirror of Clarence's, and she couldn't help but admire the hawk's courage. "Alright, Harmony," she said, her voice firm. "But you remember what your pa taught ya: use your head for more than a hat rack. And if things get too hairy, you come back to us, ya hear?"

The hawk nodded solemnly. "I will, Becky." She knew Becky had her best interests at heart, even if she didn't always agree with her methods. Harmony looked over at Ruby, who was talking with some of the townsfolk, and she could see the same concern in her mother's eyes. She knew that she was pushing her limits, but she couldn't help the fire that burned within her to uphold justice, no matter the cost. "I hope Ma sees it the same way," she murmured.

The rodeo announcer's voice boomed across the arena, cutting through the chatter like a knife through butter. "And the score for our next contestant in the bareback bronco event is... Harmony HawkTail with an amazing 9.8 points!" The crowd erupted in a cacophony of cheers and claps, the sound echoing through the canyon walls of Avian City. Baron's eyes widened in astonishment, and even Becky looked surprised. Despite the fall, Harmony had scored higher than Bonnie, whose score was a respectable 9.8 points.

Bonnie's ears flattened against her skull, and her eyes narrowed into slits as she stared at the scoreboard, not believing what she saw. The whispers grew louder as the townsfolk began to murmur among themselves, their expressions a mix of shock and admiration for Harmony's resilience. Wrangler stepped up beside her, his own tail swishing back and forth in agitation. "What happened?" he hissed, his voice barely audible over the din. "We had this in the bag!"

Bonnie's eyes darted to the judges' stand, searching for any sign of foul play. "They must've made a mistake," she growled, her teeth bared. "There's no way she scored higher than me." She remembered not to draw any suspicion, and so she turned away from the scoreboard, her paws clenched into fists at her sides.

Wrangler leaned in closer, his voice low and urgent. "We need to do something, Bonnie. We can't let her win like this." His own eyes glinted with greed as he thought of the prize money and the notoriety that would come with it. But Bonnie was already thinking three steps ahead.

"Don't worry," she purred, a malicious smile spreading across her features. "We got five more shindigs ahead. Lotsa chances to make sure she don't ride off with that prize." Her tail twitched with excitement as she plotted their next move. "But first, let's go congratulate the little hero. We can't have the crowd thinking that we're sour sports now, can we?" Then she almost forgot that Wrangler is supposed to be hidden within the crowd, telling him to stay behind. "Oh, I forgot. Stay where nobody sees ya. We don't need any extra attention on us, not yet anyway," she winked.

Baron watched as the bobcat strode over to Harmony, her eyes glinting with something other than friendship. He had noticed the tension between them since the shooting contest, and he couldn't shake the feeling that something wasn't right. As they talked, Harmony's expression grew stiffer, and she nodded politely, but her eyes remained guarded.

The crowd had dispersed, leaving Harmony, Becky, Ruby, and Baron standing in the now-empty arena. The sun was setting, casting long shadows across the ground and painting the sky with hues of pink and orange. Harmony looked up at her friends, her eyes filled with a quiet determination. "I've got to win the next event," she said, her voice firm. "For Pa, for the town, for all the times I've had to watch people like Bonnie get away with their tricks."

Bonnie walked out of the arena, her steps heavy with frustration. How could this happen? Her mind raced with thoughts of sabotage and cheating, convinced that there was no way Harmony could have bested her fairly. The townsfolk's whispers followed her like a dark cloud, their shock and awe at Harmony's score stinging like a swarm of bees. She had to find a way to regain the upper hand. As far as she knew, this rodeo was far from over and no hawk girl would stand in her way.

AN: Looks like things between Harmony and Baron have cooled down for now...for now I mean, but there are still many things for them to settle and discuss without having to keep secrets from the other about feelings. Doing that can prevent learning the hard way when it comes to encountering others who might take it the wrong way like one of Crash's friends just did, mistaking Baron for someone else. And Bonnie is not ready to throw in the towel and call it quits when she's determined to get more aggressive in the next upcoming events.