Strapped to the chair. Alone. One room. One light.

Lily was in that chair. And the one person she thought would never be there, was. He pulled down the gag over her mouth so gently, like he always would. It was sick.

"Lily, I'm sorry," said Archie.

"You're sorry?!" Lily snapped back, aggressively. "Do you think an apology is gonna fix this?! What are you doing?!"

Archie lowered his head. For a moment, he stayed quiet, but Lily stared into his soul.

"Colm put a price on the O'Driscoll Slayer." Archie lifted his head, seeing Lily's skin turn pale and mouth hang open in horror.

She knew exactly what this meant.

"Y-You can't! Said Lily. She lunged forward in her chair and pleaded. "Archie, you can't! Sam's-"

"A murderer," said Archie, "like his mother."

"And so am I!" Lily bit back. "This ain't Valentine and this ain't us frolicking on your farm! Those people Sam killed are bad people."

"Like the ones you're running with?" said Archie.

"The ones you're with are even worse!"

Archie shook his head. "They're all criminals."

"And you think killing Sam will make you better?" Lily said, eyes watering up.

"We need money, Lily! I'm trying to help you," said Archie. "I know Sam dragged you into this, but I promise you it'll end soon."

Lily jerked forward. "Archie! That's not-"

Archie turned to the door. There were gunshots outside. Lily tried to say more, but the young man covered her mouth again gently.

"I'm sorry."

Lily could only try and shout through her gag, but no matter what she was trying to scream, Archie did not or would not listen to her.

When Lily opened her eyes, she was once again greeted by the sight of the quivering form that was Sam. He was still laying down on the floor of the carriage with his cousin and Arthur hovering over him.

With Arthur and Lily by his side offering words, holding his hands and giving reassuring touches, it was difficult for Sam to remain hysterical… at least for the whole ride back.

Lily managed to wipe down Sam's face without too much fuss. With the blood and dirt gone, he actually didn't look too bad, but the burns on his chin and cheek along with the bruises in relatively the same areas were apparent, not to mention his black eye slightly making it hard to open it.

Despite the tears, Sam managed to close his eyes. LIly wasn't sure if he was asleep or not, but the rest would do him some good. After cleaning up his face, she could really see the dark circles he had under his eyes. His lips were still shaking, as if wanting to say something, but didn't know what.

Dutch was up front. He stood up as Lenny drove the carriage into camp, the horses following behind. It was counted as a blessing that Aurora and Adonis were found at Maccomb's End with O'Driscoll horses.

"Everyone, clear a path!" Dutch ordered.

His voice made Sam gasp, eyes snapping open. He jolted, upper half moving to sit up, but two pairs of hands were on him almost immediately, one on his back. A yell escaped from him, but his arms were held still. Sam's eyes darted around, seeing both Arthur and Lily and the rest of the gang that was following them.

"It's okay," Lily spoke, softly. She and Arthur lowered him back down while Sam caught his breath.

A sob escaped from Sam's mouth as his head was gently eased back down by Arthur. He couldn't see much, with the covered wagon he was in, but he could hear other voices, hear Cain's barking, smell the campfire and Pearson's cooking. More tears emerge from his eyes. Relief. He felt Arthur's calloused hand run through his hair, grounding him, the warmth of the other hand he was gripping assured him that this was real. He was home.

Once the carriage came to a stop, Lily gave Sam a pat on the head before standing up and dismounting. Already, people were rushing over to see the damage, and Miss Grimshaw was already rushing over to make sure the poor boy got some space.

Sam whimpered as Dutch and Lenny dismounted the carriage from up front. His pitiful look from the floor told Arthur everything. Sam's fear-addled mind thought they were just gonna leave him in the carriage.

Arthur thought to himself for a moment, thinking about the state of his room and how he left his bed. Then he locked eyes with Sam.

"Alright," he said, softly. "Let's get you inside."

The reverend, Charles, and John, pitched in to help Arthur get Sam off the wagon. Once he was at the edge, Arthur jumped down first and pulled Sam into his arms. Of course, being jostled around wasn't fun for Sam and he cried out in pain as he was moved off the wagon and into Arthur's grip, one arm under his knees and the other around his back, but quickly after that, he was limp, trying to catch his breath, pain threshold almost at its limit.

"You make it?" said Arthur.

Sam opened his eyes, vision blurred for a moment and then saw Arthur's face.

"Jus… about…" Sam replied, fuzzily. Arthur wiggled his shoulder to have Sam's head lean into him, before heading into the house.

Lily was in the infirmary. She was getting out bandages, needles, thread, medicine, scissors and anything else she needed. Hearing Sam's whimpers made her turn to the door, and while she had cleared Sam's cot, Arthur walked right past the room, while in the hallway and headed up the stairs. The reverend followed closely after them. Lily growled, but decided there was no stopping the outlaw's stubborn ass. So, she gathered her supplies into a crate and hurried after them.

It was a painful sight to see Sam's almost limp body being set down on Arthur's bed. Another pained yelled escaped from him while Arthur muttered apologies and reassurances. When he got up, Sam's arm flailed around until Arthur got a hold of his hand.

Lily quickly walked in and set down her box of supplies. With some scissors, a needle, some thread and some whiskey, she stood up and gestured to the reverend to join her.

Swanson shut the door while Lily looked over Sam for a moment. He opened his eyes again just in time to see Lily pick up the scissors and tightly shut his eyes again.

With his body still shaking, the reverend held Sam's leg still, while Lily cut through the bandages and fabric of Sam's pant leg. She tore it off revealing the stab wound that had resumed bleeding upon Lily's removal of the gauze. Sam tightened his grip on the sheets below him and in Arthur's hand and Lily poured some whiskey on it. As much as she wanted to ease the pain, she needed Sam awake until this was over.

Soon, Lily pulled out some herbs from a bag in the crate and mixed it into some water in a tiny bowl. Then, she grabbed a clean cloth.

"L-Lily…." Sam managed to mutter.

"You'll be okay, Mr. Hawkeson," the reverend reassured him.

Lily dipped the cloth into the mixture before applying it to Sam's wounded leg. The patient groaned and turned his head away, kicking a little with his good leg.

"It's okay," Lily spoke, softly, using a free hand to reach over and pat Sam's chest. Sam usually had a good pain tolerance, but given the current circumstances, the girl wasn't surprised. "I know it hurts, but your leg needs tending to."

Sam just nodded frantically. Arthur rubbed his thumb over Sam's held fingers and then turned to his lover's cousin.

"Do what you gotta do," said Arthur.

Lily just nodded and kept wiping down Sam's thigh before setting the cloth aside, her patient breathed a sigh of relief. It was short lived once Lily had the needle ready.

"Sorry about this," she said. The girl held her teeth tightly, lips still closed, while straightening out the string, while the reverend held down Sam's leg. Arthur went ahead and gently held Sam down by his shoulders.

Sam gritted his teeth, as well, his head leaned back and an agonized groan escaped as his cousin poked the threaded needle through his skin. His closed eyes stayed that way, but grew tighter, palms balling up and gripping a handful of Arthur's comforter.

"I'll go as quickly as I can," said Lily, "but I need to be careful."

"I know," Sam wheezed. "I know."

Arthur brushed Sam's forehead with his hand. "You've done this before, Sam. You've got this."

Lily continued looping the thread, closing Sam's wound with every stitch. Reverend Swanson and Arthur continued holding Sam still, the patient moving his hands to grip Arthur's arms for strength.

Finally, Lily looped the final stitch and tied off the thread with a knot and cut the end. She then grabbed a cloth to wipe off the excess blood, which had the same medicine on it.

"See?" Lily said, a small smile forming on her face. "Almost done." She picked up a swath of bandages and the reverend helped lift Sam's leg, so she could loop it around. Once it was done, they let his leg back down.

Sam had resumed holding Arthur's hand. He used his free arm to wipe his eyes, a few tears falling from the pain.

"Hang in there," Arthur ordered. "You're doing good." It managed to get a small grin from Sam, his eyes glazed over, and mouth just hanging open. Lily walked into his view and she reached down to unbutton his shirt. He flinched, and then his brain again registered that Lily was here to help him.

"Good lord…" Swanson muttered under his breath.

Sam's chest and abdomen were littered in bruises. Arthur just glared, a fire stirring in his heart at what had been done to him. Lily growled, too, but stifled it and just grabbed another rag. Her patient made a small whine, when Lily examined him, fingers poking and prodding his ribs. Even though he knew he was safe, pain was still pain.

"Anything broken?" Arthur asked.

Lily shook her head. "Just bruised." She looked back down at Sam. "Just lie still."

Sam kept staring for a moment and then nodded his head. "Yes, ma'am…" he said, softly. He barely moved at all, while Lily wiped down his chest and then went over it again with medicine. Tears then emerged from his eyes.

Lily immediately lifted her hands. "Does it hurt?"

"I d-didn't tell them… anything," Sam managed to grunt.

Lily nodded. She forced a warm smile and finished up. All the wounds Sam endured told her, Arthur and Swanson everything. "We know. You're almost done." She put all the dirty rags into a bin by her feet. Then waved the older outlaw over. "Arthur!"

With just the call of his name, he was ready and at Lily's side. Sam forced his eyes shut, weakly groaning as he was lifted to get his shirt and coat off, before moving him so that he laid on his side. Sam was sure his clothing privileges would be revoked until he was out of the woods, but that was the least of his issues. It would be easier to treat his back if he was lying on his stomach, but with his wounded leg, that couldn't be helped. Sam turned his face into the pillow and whined. Arthur grabbed Sam's hand again, while Lily knelt down with more whiskey and a clean needle and thread.

"Almost there," Arthur reminded Sam.

Lily just huffed. She stood up and cleaned up the wound on Sam's back with whiskey and the same herbs, before looping the thread through the needle.

People were in and out of the house, waiting for an update on Sam. Little Jack spent the whole afternoon scribbling a drawing for him, while the men, Sadie and Karen, switched out sitting downstairs and going out on patrol. Miss Grimshaw made sure the camp was still in shape, but found herself waiting in there, as well.

Micah even came in and asked about Sam. "Quite a business," he said. Though, no one believed he was being genuine.

Finally, in the early afternoon, Reverend Swanson came down the stairs. Everyone practically held their breaths, wondering what he would say.

Dutch had been in the sitting room all day, along with Charles, John, Lenny, and the girls, who managed to squeeze in time to sit in the room.

Mary-Beth stood up, shaking as Swanson entered the room. Tilly and Karen were at the edge of their seats. Lenny had been reading a book to calm his nerves, immediately closing it upon the reverend's entrance. Charles had played the harmonica, mostly for himself, but it seemed to calm a few of the others.

"Ms. Hawkeson managed to close up his wounds," said Swanson. "He's got bruises on his chest and stomach, but as long as he rests, he'll be fine."

There were audible sighs and a few smiles. The tension seemed to be lifting.

"She just administered some medicine for the pain, but Sam requested to see Dutch," Swanson added. "The rest of you should see him once he's gotten some sleep."

Dutch didn't need to be told twice. He was already up and Hosea was going with him. There were no objections.

The reverend had to get a few things to clean after the procedure, so Dutch and Hosea went up the stairs alone. They turned and went down the hallway to Arthur's room, where Lily, having heard their footsteps, met them at the door.

When she glanced in Sam's direction, she frowned as if sorry for his pain. When she looked to Dutch, all those emotions faded away. The gang leader might as well have been looking at a blank slate. Regardless, the gang leader opened his mouth and asked her.

"How is he?"

"He'll live," Lily answered, "but he needs rest. He's still shaken up, so no sudden movements, and keep your voices low."

"D… Dutch?"

Sam croaked weakly from Arthur's bed. Arthur was writing in his journal, sitting next to him, when he saw Sam stirring, trying to sit up.

Everyone was at his side almost immediately.

"Hey," Lily quickly said, hands gently on Sam's chest with Arthur placing one on his shoulder. "Take it easy."

They lowered the injured Sam back down with ease, but Sam fought the urge to sleep and opened his eyes, blurry visions seeing new people had entered the room.

"D… Dutch?" he practically whispered.

Arthur passed his mentor Sam's hand. The gang leader knew Sam was strong, but holding his hand made Dutch know how delicate he was right now.

"I'm right here," said Dutch. Sam was covered up with a thin blanket up to his shoulders, the remnants of his clothes piled up with his boots in a corner. From what Dutch could see, Sam's leg was elevated with pillows, and bandages were looped around his torso to cover up his wounded back.

"C-Colm…" Sam spoke, stifling the urge to sob. Tears filled his eyes while his free palm balled up, gripping the bed sheets. He tried to raise his head, but whatever Lily put in his system made even that difficult, and his head sank back down with a noticeable plop. "He… H-He killed… He killed Kieran."

"Of course he did," Dutch said, rubbing his thumb over Sam's fingers. His hand was warm, but given Sam's ordeal, he wouldn't be shocked if he caught a fever.

Sam sniffled as the tears escaped. "I-I tried to stop h-him…" he said, voice broken. "I-I really did…"

Dutch didn't need to be told that. The rope indents on Sam's wrists said it all. He pulled out his handkerchief and wiped the boy's eyes as he shuddered.

"Shh…" Dutch hushed him. "I know you did everything you could."

"But-"

"But nothing," said Dutch. "You're home now and everyone else is safe."

"Dutch is right, kid," Hosea added. "You held out so we could get to you and we did."

"Reckon you should just rest," said Dutch. "Everything's gonna be okay. You just concentrate on getting strong, son."

Sam sniffled again, but seemed like he had stopped crying. Dutch stayed where was, letting himself, Hosea, Lily and Arthur be the calming presence Sam needed.

Arthur had looked over at Dutch at the word "son." He let it slip sometimes, but… he couldn't shake what Colm said. Was it why Dutch raced to Sam's side when he could? He knew better than to believe the likes of Colm O'Driscoll, but why would he mention something so specific?

Finally, the medicine kicked in fully. Despite Sam's incoherent mumbling and protests, his head turned to the side, relaxing into the pillow beneath it and his eyes slid shut. It wasn't long before Sam's breath deepened and his grip on Dutch's hand loosened.

The reverend brought some extra chairs to Arthur's room. The three men sat around, while Lily tended to Sam, working on curving the spike on Sam's incoming fever with a cool washcloth on his forehead.

"He been feverish?" Hosea asked, looking up from a novel he was reading.

"Yes," Lily answered. She leaned over and continued wiping down Sam's face. "It's not serious, but I'll do my best to keep it that way."

Arthur tucked Sam in more securely. "Bastards left Sam bleeding almost all night. He might be weak from blood loss."

Dutch looked up from his book, which was another one of Evelyn Miller's. "Animals."

"I don't think he slept all night either," said Lily. She left the wash cloth on Sam's forehead and petted his hair, seeing his closed eyes and the eye bags beneath them.

"And what happened to you?" said Dutch.

Lily turned her head to face him. "Pardon?"

"Charles told us what you did yesterday."

"Hey!" Lily piped up. "If I hadn't shown up, Sam wouldn't be here right now."

Hosea sighed through his nose and turned the page on his book. "We know, Lily. You were scared and distraught, so you rushed off to find him, but you worried everyone."

Lily brushed her fingers unsuccessfully through her hair. "I got chased by these weird people. I managed to make it to Brandon's old hideout. Then, when it was morning, I saw smoke across the river, and that's how I found Maccomb's End. It was-"

"Stupid and dangerous," Arthur growled, his voice low to not wake the sleeping Sam. "Why did you point your gun at Charles?"

"He was gonna stop me!" Lily snapped. "Why is that stupid? So, robbing and killing ain't stupid?"

Hosea lowered his book and looked at Lily. "Alright," he said. "Let's just calm down."

"Don't tell me to calm down!"

The three men were all stunned silent. Sam stirred a little but other than that, didn't wake.

Lily's father would've chewed her out for her volume. She'd been taught to watch her voice around patients for proper bedside manners.

The girl, realizing the quiet was dragging on, pulled down a gulp and took a step back. She saw the small mirror on Arthur's shaving station and noted the state of her frazzled hair and dirty clothes… another thing her father would've chided her for, dirtiness while treating patients. Of course, she had at least kept her tools and hands clean.

"I… should go wash up." Lily turned on her heel, arms around herself, and stumbled out of the room, leaving Sam in the company of Arthur, Hosea, and Dutch. All three of them could see it.

Something was still wrong.

Sam slept the rest of the day and into the night. That much was to be expected, given the circumstances. The girls were in his room a few times to sit with him, as he was one of the only men to help with laundry, cleaning and other mundane things the other's never thought twice about. Plus, Sam was great company and enjoyed reading silly drama and romances sometimes. It was the least they could do.

Charles and Lenny were there for a while separately. They weren't much for talking to the unconscious, but hoped that reading or doing whatever hobbies they did while offering their presence would do something for Sam.

Of course, Abigail stopped in with John at some point. They had no intention of letting their son see Sam in such a state until he was completely out of the woods, but they decided it was the least they could do, with how good he was with Jack and for making Arthur so happy with love for the first time in years.

Meanwhile, Lily kept to her word and after getting some air, she wandered a distance from the house to wash up. Normally, she'd go into town to clean up, but her heart compelled her to stay near her cousin.

Luckily, they had boiled some water for bathing purposes. Lily brought a bucket of it to the swampy river, far from the rest of the camp, shedded her dirty clothes and refreshed herself with the clean water. Somehow standing in the coming night and hearing nothing but the crickets and ripples she made with her ankles in the water, silenced the racing thoughts in her head.

Finally clean, Lily tossed on her clean nightgown and picked up her dirty clothes, deciding to clean them in the morning. She let out a deep sigh as she walked back towards Shady Belle, somehow a bit calmer, as if she wasn't just fighting for her life today.

The men had gone ahead and boarded up the windows in every room after the attack, and the infirmary she was in was no exception. In hindsight, it was probably for the best that Sam was upstairs for his recovery, as the infirmary was quite close to one of the exit doors. If by some awful act of the divine someone got past the patrols, they could sneak in and the infirmary wouldn't be far. Upstairs, an intruder would have to get past four of the best gunslingers she had ever seen to get to Sam.

That in mind, Lily went ahead and closed both doorways before sitting down on her cot, relieved to be off her feet. The longer she sat there, the more she found herself leaning forward more and more, elbows on her knees and hands in her hair. She wished she could've scrubbed her face harder, feeling disgusted every time she remembered Archie touching it to remove her gag or place it back on… with the same gentleness he always had with her… even when they were kids.

She wanted to vomit.

"Colm put a price on the O'Driscoll Slayer."

Lily tightened her grip.

"You can't! Archie you can't! Sam's-"

"A murderer."

"And so am I!"

Lily had stooped low, but so had Archie. He lost his father to sickness, but Lily lost hers to the bullet. A government bullet. Of course she would do anything to avenge him, and of course she would do anything to protect Sam.

Archie was doing the same for his mother, but…

Even if it meant leaving Sam to die?

"L-Lily?"

Lily opened her eyes, not realizing tears had formed in them until she was in the presence of Mary-Beth.

The girl quickly wiped her eyes. "Oh, hey, Mary-Beth. "S-Sorry."

"It's alright," said Mary-Beth. "W-We all had quite a day, especially Sam. But… you?"

Lily forced a giggle. "Not the first time I've gotten kidnapped, unfortunately." She paused when Mary-Beth passed her a glass of wine. She took it without a second thought. "Thank-you. I… Arthur told me what happened here. I'm… sorry."

Mary-Beth then sniffled. Lily took a big drink.

"I can't believe they killed Kieran like animals!" Mary-Beth then cried. She wiped her eyes and settled down next to Lily when she moved over to give her room on the cot. Lily reached over the box of tissues and passed a sheet to the younger girl, which she graciously took. "He was… such a gentle soul."

Lily took another sip. "I guess I was too angry at his old gang to notice."

Mary-Beth shrugged, sniffling more. "That's okay. I know how strongly we don't like O'Driscolls, especially with what they've done to us. And poor Sam… and Arthur."

Lily lowered her glass. "Yeah, I know."

"Th-They didn't hurt you, did they?"

The blonde shook her head. "No, but…"

"Archie did" was what she wanted to say.

A hand was on her back, pulling LIly from her mind.

"I-I don't exactly know how they killed him. Sam said Colm did it, but won't know for sure until he's more cognitive."

Mary-Beth placed her hands on her lap. Her hands balled up into fists. "Colm's been tried and sentenced multiple times, but he always gets away…"

Lily turned her head. Never in her time of being in the gang did she see Mary-Beth furrow her brows, frown and have a fire stir in her eyes.

"I know Brandon took Colm in to the police…" she continued. "Promise me, he'll pay for this!"

Lily just took a big swig of her wine and nodded.

"Yeah," she said after a hard swallow. "They all will."

The storms rolled back in soon enough. Even with Sam back safe and sound, there was mostly silence in the camp, even more so when the rain returned. It didn't rain as hard as the other night, so not everyone needed to hunker down in the house tonight.

But as the storm raged on, so did Sam's fever.

Blinding light flashed through the window, along with a sickening loud bang of thunder.

Sam jolted awake, the room darkened by the nighttime in the air. Where was he? What's going on? All he remembered was the light and the noise… a figure had stood in the light while they pulled the trigger.

"Kieran!" Sam scrambled to get off whatever was covering him. This was no time to sleep!

A figure approached him immediately. Sam's heart pounded. They were tall. Which O'Driscoll was it? He didn't know, but with his body in agony from trying to sit up, he didn't have time to think. As soon as a hand was on him, Sam jolted and punched whoever it was on the side of their face. They doubled over, cursing while Sam threw his legs off the bed and stood.

"Damn it!" he heard.

The young man only managed a few steps before his legs buckled and he fell onto his knees and elbows. His whole body ached, while being covered in sweat, which he didn't understand, because he was shaking cold. A deep sadness bloomed in his chest. Why was he here? Thoughts formed in his throbbing head as everything swayed.

Kieran!

With a whine, Sam forced his legs to work, his right thigh repaying his effort with pain as he tried to lift himself and get to the door. Just as he did, however, a strong arm wrapped around his torso and dragged him back to bed.

Sam was almost ashamed of the audible yell he let out as he was bundled none too gently back into the blankets on the bed. The same looming figure held him down by his shoulders.

"No!" Sam screamed. The blankets held his arms by his sides. "NO!" He tried to kick, but the figure was on top of him, leaning his weight on his legs. "Get off me! GET THE HELL OFF ME!"

The figure didn't move. "Christ!" they yelled back. "It's me! It's Arthur! Quit struggling! Gonna hurt yourself worse!"

But Sam wouldn't listen. He twisted his torso and threw his head back and forth, trying in vain to wriggle out like a worm. Finally, the soreness and fatigue won and he slumped back against the pillow with a sob. Sam tried to speak, but all that came from his trembling mouth were whimpers and slurred sounds of what could have been words.

There was an audible sigh. "Right. You gonna stay still now? Or do I gotta wait until you pass out again?"

More tears pooled and escaped from Sam's eyes as he laid still, breaths still rapid and heart pounding so hard, he felt his pulse in his head. The figure reached down for something and Sam sobbed again.

What method of torture was he reaching for? he thought. No! It can't end like this!

He's gonna kill me! He's gonna kill me!

Arthur had grabbed his lamp just as Lily rushed into the room with Dutch. Once it was lit, the two saw Arthur leaning over Sam who had fallen into a stupor.

Dutch was still in his union suit, hair slightly messy from sleep. "What happened?" he said.

Arthur grimaced as he felt Sam's forehead. He had fallen asleep while watching Sam, so he hadn't changed out of his day clothes. "Damn fever spiked…" he hissed. Slowly, he moved himself off of Sam and Lily rushed over to him.

Lily had been in her nightclothes all evening and her clean hair was once again a bit frazzled. With just one touch, Lily could tell Sam's fever had spiked. Considering his injuries and the environment he was kept in while held captive, she wasn't really surprised, but it was still a bit of a scare, and it was hard to see when it was the person who was practically her brother. Still, she practiced her steady breathing, learned from her father for situations like these, and took charge. She ordered Arthur to bring some water, while she tended to Sam. Dutch stayed to help out and be a strong person to hold Sam down if necessary.

Sam had gone limp, his eyes remaining half-open, as Lily pulled the blanket back from the bottom of his feet to check on his leg, but it didn't look like his sight was focused on anything. Lily was gentle, shushing her patient who flinched at her touch. Dutch held Sam still while she checked on him, and again, when she had him roll Sam over to check on his back. The wounds had gotten pretty red, but that was to be expected. Actually, she should've expected this. Bastards wounded him with dirty weapons and just let him bleed!

While there was a bit of blood to clean up, no stitches were torn. Lily dabbed Sam's wounds with more herb diluted water, before applying new bandages. Arthur was back soon enough with more water and held Sam up in a sitting position while she wrapped his chest and leg in new swathes of bandages. Lily wiped down his bruised up chest with another dose of ointment before wrapping the blankets back around him nice and securely.

Dutch came over with some medicine to bring down his fever. Arthur remained behind Sam, letting him lean against him, while Lily poured the liquid into a small cup. Somehow, Sam managed to calm down, his eyes closing before Dutch tapped his head.

"Come on, Sam," said Dutch. "You need to drink."

Lily put the cup to his lips, and he groaned at the taste.

"I know," she spoke, gently. "But you need to drink it to feel better."

Another whine escaped him. He jerked, but Arthur's strong arms kept him in place. Sam began to sob, but the cup touched his lips again, silencing him and with tightly shut eyes he forced the mixture down until it was empty. Dutch then passed Lily a small cup of water which Sam drank, as well, and then they lowered his body back down, head gently landing on the pillow. He was back out in seconds. Arthur picked up a fresh rag and dipped it in water, ringing it out before wiping the tears off his face and placing it on Sam's forehead. He soon pulled up one of the chairs and sat back down by Sam's side, holding his hand again.

It would do Sam some good to get more rest. The storm outside wasn't much help, though, making Sam whimper, like the sounds were haunting his dreams. Arthur tightened his grip on Sam's warm hand. Dutch sensed his son's distress and placed his hand on Arthur's back, while Lily cleaned up as quickly as she could.

Arthur sighed. He should've stayed! He could've prevented this. Why did he have to go and figure out his stuff with Mary, while they were in the middle of what was basically war at this point? The outlaw stared at Sam's sleeping form and for a moment… he saw his mother… he saw Eliza…. He saw Issac.

"Arthur!"

The outlaw snapped back to the present at the sound of Dutch's voice. Sam groaned in his sleep. Arthur cursed to himself, realizing he gripped Sam's hand too tightly.

"Sorry," he mumbled. Still, he looked at Sam's pale face as if he were awake. "Don't you die on me!" He whispered it, but it sounded like more of a demand. "I'll follow you there and drag your sorry ass back here if I have to."

Lily walked over and took the rag away. She soaked in the water Arthur brought, before ringing it out and placing it back on Sam's forehead. He looked so pale, and the storm wasn't helping his shaking form. She grabbed another rag and dabbed Sam's face, frowning mightily at the black eye she saw.

Her jaw tightened.

Archie did this!

"Just… keep on top of the fever," said Lily. Her voice was going flat again. His voice was in her head again.

"Colm put a price on the O'Driscoll Slayer."

"Lily."

Lily turned to Dutch, just before her brain could drag her away from where she was.

"Hosea and I can watch Sam for the night," the gang leader said. "You and Arthur need rest."

Arthur piped up. "Dutch-"

Dutch stayed firm. "This isn't like before, Arthur," he said, his words slow, but concise. "Sam's gonna be fine. We just need to beat this fever. We've done it before." With that, he patted Arthur's knee. He kept staring at Sam's unconscious form, but Dutch knew he was listening. "Now go get Hosea, and you can sleep in here while we watch him."

Arthur swallowed some saliva, his sullen look still present. He leaned forward in his chair, wiped his eyes with his thumb and index finger and slowly passed Sam's limp hand to Dutch before standing up. Even though he was hesitant, he held himself to Dutch's word and made his way over to Lily who was sitting at the foot of the bed, looking onward for a while before the outlaw patted his shoulder. She flinched, but other than that, she didn't retaliate.

"Let's go," said Arthur.

Lily dipped the rag in the bucket again, before handing it to Dutch.

"Thank-you," Lily said, but her voice was devoid of all emotion. Still, she stood and followed Arthur out of the room. She watched him go down the stairs, a hand on the doorway. "But I can't rest tonight." And she left before the gang leader could question her.

Once they were downstairs, Arthur went towards Hosea's room, Lily went back to the infirmary. As soon as she set foot there…

…she made her choice.

Lily shedded her nightgown and changed into a fresh pair of jeans and clean shirt. THen she slipped her feet into her boots, tied her handkerchief around her neck, buckled her gunbelt and grabbed Sam's weapons and satchel, a bow, and a quiver of arrows.

Hosea walked out of his room and headed upstairs. Arthur was about to follow, when Lily stormed out of her room, fully dressed and towards the front door.

"Lily?" Arthur asked.

Lily didn't answer him and kept going down the hall. Molly, who was huddled up in the sitting room with the other girls, saw Lily walk by. She looked up, hoping for her acknowledgement, but she, like Dutch, acted like she didn't exist. The girl reached the entrance and opened the door, the rain still pouring from the sky.

"Lily!" Arthur raised his voice. "Where are you going?!"

Finally, Lily stopped. Once again, her hand was on the doorway. She didn't turn back entirely. She just turned her head and answered.

"To murder Archie Downes."

Arthur was just silent. Lily turned away and slammed the door shut. The outlaw put the pieces together in his head. She was angry, and when she wasn't, she had this cold, lifeless look in her eyes, like she was staring across an entire field. Even when feverish, scared Sam was in front of her, she had that same look in her eyes. If Archie was truly behind what happened to Sam…

Damn it! Arthur thought. Why didn't I see it?!

Of course he would know when vengeance was on the mind. He had that look once, himself.

So, Arthur turned around and raced up the stairs.

Lily made her statement clear to Arthur. She just wasn't aware who else heard her.

The girl led her horse away and once they were at the gate, she hopped into the saddle. Without a word, she rode off into the night.

But she wasn't alone.

It wasn't long before Lily heard additional hoof beats. She turned her head and her eyes landed on someone approaching her on a horse, as well.

"LILY!" She knew that voice: Sadie Adler. "I heard everything!"

Lily just glared and urged her horse to go faster. "Don't try to stop me!"

"I ain't stoppin' you!" Sadie called back. "I'm coming with you!"

Lily said nothing else and just her follow along. However, as she turned back to facing the road, she couldn't help the small smile that grew on her face.

Arthur informed Dutch and Hosea of everything as soon as he made it back upstairs.

"You gotta stop her, Arthur," Hosea was the first to speak up.

"Now, hold on, Hosea," Dutch interjected. "Arthur, who's she going after?"

"Her old flame from, uh… Valentine," said Arthur. "His father owed us money. Archie, I think."

"Colm O'Driscoll is in custody, there's no reason for this," said Hosea.

Dutch shook his head. "Archie's the reason Sam's like this." He gestured to the shaking form on Arthur's bed. "His old town, not even his old friend had any shred of loyalty."

Everyone looked over at Sam who had mumbled incoherently. His eyes were moving beneath his closed eyelids, his mouth trembling.

Dutch refreshed the washcloth and wiped down Sam's forehead once again. He flinched at the cold contact, but a firm hand on his chest was enough to stop him, while the gang leader wiped down his face.

"Sam's good to us," said Hosea, "but let's not forget the facts: The town didn't hesitate to abandon him, because of his thievery and antics. That boy had to do something. We stole their money."

"So, Sam deserved this?!" Dutch almost barked. He stood up and so did Hosea. "They chose to take that money! It's legal work!"

"Oh, don't let Strauss fool you," said Hosea. "We both know it's predatory. I'm not saying Sam deserved this, but think about it from that boy's perspective. He had nothing and needed money. You'll do anything to survive when you're in that position. You know it and I know it."

Sam suddenly yelped in his sleep as lightning flashed through the window. Arthur crept over to him and Dutch ran his hand through Sam's sweaty hair. Curse those damn curtains! They were thinner than a damn napkin!

"Sam, it's okay," Dutch muttered. "We're right here. Easy."

Arthur rubbed Sam's blanketed shoulder. "Listen to Dutch, Sam. We're right here."

Despite the fever burning through him, Sam's lips were trembling. His body shook, but the gentle touches and voice were too soothing for him to remain hysterical in sleep. Slowly, he stilled, whatever dream plaguing him seemed to have left him alone. The mumbling stopped, but his breathing remained heavy.

Dutch felt Sam's forehead. "It ain't worse, but it's got a mean grip on him."

"Lily should be here," said Hosea. "He needs his family."

"We are his family!"

Hosea grimaced. He saw Arthur glance in Dutch's direction, before turning back to Sam. "You know what I mean."

"I won't let Sam die!" Dutch snapped. "If that boy wanted to kill him, I need to show him the consequences! Lily is just acting before I could think of it!"

"On a boy? A boy Sam's age? Left with nothing? Fighting to survive? Just like us?"

"You think those Grays were trying to survive when they killed Sean?!" Dutch growled, pointing in the general direction of where Rhodes would be. He lowered his hand. "You think Colm was trying to survive when he killed Kieran?!"

"They're not Archie!" Hosea bit back. "And we're not the Grays or the O'Driscolls! Don't let us become them!"

And for once, Dutch didn't have a response. He slowly sat back down. Hosea did, as well. He reached out and held his arms.

"I know, you ain't one to take bullshit lying down," said Hosea, "but you didn't. We all got Sam back and he's gonna be fine."

Arthur continued looking over Sam. Hearing Dutch's audible sigh made the outlaw's heart sink. The gang leader leaned forward in his chair and rubbed his face with his hands.

"Dutch, you're tired and angry," said Hosea. "I get it, but you showed a great example to everyone with Colm. Don't go back on it."

Dutch shook his head. "No more. We're not losing any more."

"Of course not, but you need to stay calm, just like you told all of us."

Dutch nodded. "I… I think I need some air, Old Girl," he then said. Dutch stood up, knee cracking as he did and stepped towards the balcony outside.

Arthur watched him go. "Take your time, Dutch."

The door closed and that's when Hosea spoke up again. He looked over to Arthur, who was running the rag over Sam's sweaty face, while the older man picked up his mystery novel.

"You know what to do, Arthur," said Hosea.

"What are you talking about?" Arthur muttered, his face stern. He took Dutch's chair and sat down by Sam, holding his warm hand. "I told that boy what would happen if he tried to take his revenge."

"I don't think it was revenge. If Lily causes havoc-"

"Ain't we caused enough already in the Bayou?'

"And causing more, is gonna draw more to us."

Arthur shook his head. Other than that, he didn't respond.

"Now Javier and Bill ain't much for thinking," Hosea continued, "but you-"

"Nah, I ain't much of a thinker either," Arthur interjected. "You know that."

Hosea scoffed and patted Arthur's knee. He let the silence drag on for a moment. "I know you like to play the act of the big dumb brute, but we both know that ain't true… at least to a point. You got a brain, Arthur. Use it."

Arthur tightened his grip on Sam.

"Then hit me!"

"What?"

"If I ever… if I stop being myself, hit me! Hard!"

"... save me and Lily from becoming monsters."

"Sam's not going anywhere," Hosea reassured his unruly son. "He's running one hell of a fever, but he's gonna be fine."

Arthur would've said something if he had a retort… but he didn't. Sam was safe. He wasn't alone in a house with someone waiting to break in and kill him. Hell, the camp would eviscerate anyone who tried.

The two of them sat for a bit longer. Arthur despised the thought of leaving Sam right now, but he should've noticed Lily's change in demeanor earlier.

The outlaw sighed heavily. He lifted Sam's hand close to his face, acting as if Hosea wouldn't notice whether or not he kissed the back of Sam's hand, before setting it back down on the bed and standing up. He wordlessly grabbed his gun belt, satchel, and hat, before heading out the door.

Hosea just smiled and cracked his book back open.

"Atta boy…"

Arthur made his way down the stairs quickly. They were on the run. People were dead and there was no need for Lily to contribute to more death than necessary.

But… he didn't have much of a plan. Where was he supposed to go?

"So, you're going after her?"

Arthur glanced over and saw Charles in the infirmary. He was looking for some spare bandages for the wounds he just finished cleaning on himself.

Arthur just nodded. "Yeah, seems like it…"

Charles finally found a roll and tried to cover his arms. That's when Arthur stepped over and just finished the job for him.

"I saw Sadie ride off with her," Charles added.

"What?!"

"Something set her off. Whatever it was, happened in that shack, and I'm not just talking about Sam's kidnapping."

Arthur sighed irritably. Sadie and Lily were friends, and they shared similar pain. No wonder Mrs. Adler tagged along.

"I know," Arthur said, tying off the bandages before ripping the end of the roll away. "It's the bastard who lured Sam there. I"m gonna stop her before she gets herself killed… or someone else."

"You know where to look?" Charles asked, running his hands over his newly covered arms.

Arthur shook his head. "Not really. Last time I saw any sign of Archie's family was in Saint Denis. She's probably headed there, since Sam tells her everything."

"I'll come with you."

"You can't," Arthur said, gesturing to Charles's bandaged up self. "Look at you."

Charles just shrugged and picked up his weapons, anyway. We're tracking Lily. Not fighting her."

Arthur snorted, hands on his gun belt. "Hopefully not."

Rapid, moderate footsteps creaked against the floorboards of the stairs. John had come down and hurried into the infirmary.

"Arthur, I just saw Lily and Sadie ride off," he said. "They ain't back yet."

"I know," Arthur replied, glancing away from Charles to face his brother. "You coming? We could use a hand."

Charles nodded. "The more the merrier."

John was shocked to hear that. Charles was usually such a private man.

"Alright," John agreed.

Rain continued to pour over Lemoyne. While thunder shook the ground and lightning flashed across the sky, Saint Denis didn't sleep. Even that was so for a woman of the evening, who had just stepped out the back door of a building. She looked up and realized too late that it was pouring, for when she tried to go back inside, the door had already been locked. So, the woman just counted the bills in her hands, sighed heavily, and tucked the money away before starting the walk home… if that was what she could call it.

Not many people were getting around on foot tonight due to the rain. Of course, that didn't stop the carriages. The woman peeked out from the alleyway she was in and looked both ways before stepping out and walking on the pavement down the street. She passed by some stores and restaurants, trying not to get distracted by the warm, inviting lights she could no longer afford to be in.

In one, she stopped at the sight of a waiter serving a family of three: A husband, a wife, and their little boy. The child took one bite of his food and his eyes lit up as he took another. The father smiled warmly and ruffled his hair. The mother picked up her wine glass and so did her husband. With their child picking up his glass of apple juice, they all bumped their drinks together.

The woman found herself placing a hand on the glass. Slowly, she found her own reflection on it. Underneath that cheap eyeliner and lipstick was nothing but a shell of what she used to be.

She soon realized her own hand had dirtied the surface of the window. Horrified, the woman recoiled and rushed away from the warm scene to the cold lonely street ahead.

It was finally quiet once she was back in the slums. The sidewalks there were more uneven and cracked, so she had to watch her footing.

A shiver went up her spine. The woman swore she heard a second set of footsteps. However, when she turned her head, she just saw an empty street.

Finally, she came upon an old abandoned house. The paint was faded and peeling off the wood, which was old and rotting away. There wasn't even a lock on the door.

The woman made her way to the back door, hoping to be more discreet. With one knock, however, the door opened on its own. She began to tremble and called out for her son.

"Archie?"

Edith Downes entered the abandoned house, and saw the kitchen table had been flipped to the side. All the contents on it had been scattered on the floor, which wasn't much except for a few plates. The cabinet doors had been broken off, and to her horror, there were bullet holes in the farthest wall from the door.

"Archie!" Edith yelled again. There was still no response. She stopped inside and shut the door, seeing that the heavy things she and her son would block the door with, were knocked over. Edith rushed across the house. Surely, her son was here, somewhere.

And then the door slammed shut.

Even though the house was already dark, it didn't really sink in how dark it was until a warm, but ominous light was behind Edith.

"Hello, Mrs. Downes."

Young. Female. Edith Downes knew that voice. It didn't feel like it was her slowly turning her body to see her.

"Lily…?" Edith could barely say. She almost couldn't look at her. Even so, she recognized the golden hair that framed her face, her hazel eyes and the smooth skin over her cheeks, nose and lips.

Lily didn't say a word. Lantern in one hand and Sam's revolver in the other she started walking towards her.

Mrs. Downes' heart jumped. Her feet dragged her away. She ran towards the other door, when another woman pushed her back. Her hair was blond, her eyes brown, and her voice raspy when she spoke.

"Going somewhere?!" Sadie Adler hissed.

Edith was pushed back into the kitchen. Her sights landed on Lily again.

It used to feel like the sun was shining when Lily spoke, but when she just greeted her, that sunny feeling was completely gone. There was no smile on her, no joy in her voice, and no shine in her eyes. The green brown color in her irises was there, but nothing else.

Edith was too caught up in the past and she was too late to do something about what happened next. Pain bloomed on the side of her face. She was hit by the barrel of a gun and she fell to the old wooden floorboards. Hard.

For a moment, Edith saw a brief memory of Lily reaching out her hand and gently touching her face. They had been in her father's clinic. She always felt safe there with them.

But not anymore.

Mrs. Downes crawled away, dragging herself to the farthest wall as Lily and her friend closed in.

"Start talking!" Lily commanded.

With a whimper, The destitute woman sat up and pulled her legs close to herself. "What are you doing?!" She yelped when Lily cocked the gun.

"Oh, don't you dare start with the morality speech, you two dollar whore."

Edith's eyes burned. She already knew?!

"S-Sam? Is this about-"

"He's alive."

"What?"

"Stabbed twice and running a fever."

When Lily stepped forward again, Edith tried to scoot back even more, as if she could phase into the wall. She really wished she could right now.

"Your response already tells me you knew this was gonna happen," Lily growled.

Mrs. Downes was literally backed against the wall. Her hands lifted up, trembling as if they could block the danger of Lily's gun, stop her advance, or just hide. Maybe it was all three. All she could do was be the nothing she had become…

…and beg.

"Pl-Please…" Edith pleaded, whole body shaking. "S-Sam's alive! You don't have to do this!"

"The only thing I want from you at this point is an answer." Still aiming the gun, Lily crouched down, her lifeless cold eyes looking into Edith's.

The older woman saw it: They were matching.

Both of them were suffering.

"Where. Is. Archie?"

The horses galloped into Saint Denis. With the streets cleared, it was easy for three men to navigate the roads and head towards the slums. In this weather, it would be difficult to locate one girl and her blue Nakota. The stone pavements of the roads didn't leave much for clues and the falling rain would surely wash any clues away.

The three passed the small church. Arthur remembered it was where Sam was around when he chased that street who stole that nun's cross.

He started slowing down, his eyes darting around for any sign of Lily and Sadie, or their horses.

"You sure it was here?" Charles asked.

Arthur brought Soleil to a complete stop. His eyes met the set of stairs Edith was standing on when he saw her. "Yeah…" He cleared his throat when he recalled how she looked. "Well… right before she tried to send the law on me for no reason."

John scoffed. "What the hell was her problem?"

Arthur shrugged. "Beats me," he lied.

"Well, let's look around and ask some people. Surely, someone around can-"

BANG!

Shortly after that sound a scream rang out. It was a woman's.

"This way," Charles ordered, charging ahead on Taima.

Arthur and John followed after Charles and perceptive hearing. The three came upon an old, rickety house. The front door was open, and no one was there. Already, the three men were off their horses and they raced in. Arthur pulled out his lantern to light the way.

The living area had been torn apart, including the kitchen, but in between both areas was no one other than Edith Downes, who hadn't moved from her spot, but was sobbing quietly.

"Mrs. Downes?" Arthur spoke.

Edith immediately sprang to her feet. "God, no!" she shrieked. "Not again!" She tried to run, but Charles grabbed a hold of her arm. "NO!"
Charles guided her back, gently. She shriveled up and just slumped back against the wall.

"We won't hurt you," Charles spoke, softly. "What's going on?"

Mrs. Downes looked up at the outlaw, her tears had ruined her eyeliner and blush, making it run down her face.

John tapped on Arthur's shoulder and pointed towards her. Or rather, he pointed past Mrs. Downes. Just past her was the wall and it had a fresh bullet hole in it.

"Shit…" Arthur hissed.

"Sh-She came here…" Edith said, quivering. "Sh-She wouldn't leave until… I told her where Archie was." The woman then wiped her eyes.

"Your son?"

"She's gonna kill him!" Edith cried.

Arthur put his hands on his gun belt. "I told your son what would happen," he stated, firmly. "I told him he was a fool to enter the vengeance game."

Edith glared. "Then why are you here?! To laugh in my face about it?!"

"Is that what you would've done if Sam died instead, you goddamn coward?" John bit back.

"Enough." Charles' voice was quiet, as usual, but it was still enough to silence the two brothers. He stepped in front of John and Arthur, and crouched down to the shaken Mrs. Downes. "Ma'am, I need to know where Lily went, so we can stop her from killing your son."

Edith sniffled. She wouldn't even make eye contact with Arthur, or John for his remark, but her face softened a little for Charles. "Why? She said if I tried to stop her…" Slowly, the woman raised her hand and pointed to the bullet hole behind her.

Arthur just shrugged. "Well, you can either take your chances with us in hopes that we can get to your son before Lily, or can leave him to die like you and Archie did to Sam. It's your call."

Edith looked away, head looking down towards her lap. The rain pounded on the roof still as her eyes really took in where she was at this point. Running in the mud, struggling to survive. And now, her… current employment.

She really wasn't better than them, was she?

"I came in… and this place was torn apart. I assume O'Driscolls took Archie… because Sam managed to get away, so they came for him." She slowly lifted her head to face the outlaws, more tears rising up to fall from her eyes. "They're probably in that shack up in Bluewater Marsh. It's near Copperhead Landing."

With that, Edith gave into her tears. John just left without another word. Charles at least gave a nod before leaving. Arthur, however, said nothing, but stood by the crying woman for a while longer. He remembered when she ran out towards her late husband's side, Sam's yell, and meeting the barrel of his gun, finally seeing Sam's mettle out in the open and not in the shadows. The way they all looked at him…

But then, Arthur remembered Sam's tears, how he flailed, how he sobbed and clung to Arthur like he would fade away if he let go, with his beaten, bloody and broken body and soul.

All because of Colm.

All because of them?

Arthur finally turned and left, leaving Edith Downes to her tears and the darkness. He took longer than the others to get to their horses, but once they were mounted, they got back on the road.

"What happened?" said Charles.

"What do you mean?" said Arthur.

"You took a bit longer. Did she say something else?"

"No." Arthur rode up and took the lead. His response was a little too clean cut, but it didn't seem like he was in the mood to talk about it.

"What do we do when we find Archie?" said John.

"That's for Lily to decide," Arthur said, as they turned a right around the corner.

"I thought you wanted to stop her."

"Stop her from becoming a monster."

"Which, we all are."

"She only kills when she has to."

Charles nodded. He taught her well… at least he hoped.

"We ain't Micah," said Arthur. "And I sure as hell ain't gonna let Sam wake up to Lily becoming like him."

"Right," John said, as they headed onto the main street. He turned away from his brother and focused on the road. "Our code…"

Bluewater Marsh was just north of the Bayou. Being in Lemoyne for a few months helped Dutch's gang learn the layout of the land. Arthur, John, and Charles got on their horses and rode out of the city. This place was nowhere in the tree-filled areas of the Bayou, so Night Folk encounters were low.

They saw a house once they were far enough from the town. It was elevated off of the constantly muddy grounds with patches of dried grass. The house itself was old and rickety like many of the abandoned homes out in those parts, but this was elevated off the muddy ground with firm wooden stilts in the foundation. This house, however, was abandoned, at least not anymore. When the trio got close to the house, they could see light through the windows, and hear yelling and laughter.

Everyone dismounted and rushed towards the house. They heard thuds and Archie's screams. There was also a smell in the air.

"They're beating him…" John whispered. Everyone had their sidearms and crept under the house. Charles went a bit further, just past their shaded hiding spot.

"There's a front and a back door," Charles whispered. "We can charge in and take them by surprise."

Arthur and John nodded. They went towards the front door and Charles took the back. They crept quietly, the rain masking the sounds of their movements.

"I gave you Sam! It's not my fault he escaped! My mother-"

There was another hit. Archie cried out.

"We'll have fun with her later!" an O'Driscoll yelled back.

"No, please!"

Another hit.

"What the hell stinks so bad?" John hissed, as they crept up the ramp.

"Smells like bad shine…" Arthur whispered.

Once they were at the doors, John snuck around the house and saw Charles at the other door. With all the laughing and yelling, no O'Driscoll could hear John's voice in the pounding rain.

"One! Two! Three!"

Arthur and Charles charged in through both doors. The O'Driscolls inside stepped away from Archie and the others from their tables, but it was too late. Arthur opened fire on Archie's attackers, while Charles shot the two rising from the tables.

Archie covered his head, shaking as the bodies flopped to the floor. Charles looked around for anything dangerous or useful, while Arthur rushed over to the beaten young man.

Archie's body shook at the sound of footsteps. The outlaw grabbed a hold of him and forced him to sit against the wall. His hair was a mess and he had bruises on his face, with a black eye matching Sam's. The young man made eye contact with the outlaw's stern face.

"I-It's you?" said Archie.

"You find the bastard in there?" John hollered, as he stormed inside.

Arthur was silent. For a moment, it was like Sam was sitting where Archie was. He cleared his throat.

"John, you and Charles go make sure, there ain't more coming," he said. "After that we're all gonna have a little chat."

Charles nodded. "Sure. Come on, John."

John nodded. He did it again at Arthur, but he didn't take his eyes off Archie until he was outside.

"Why…" Archie hissed, and grabbed a hold of his ribs. "Why are you-"

"I told you what would happen if you tried the idiots game," Arthur growled, hands on his gun belt.

Archie wiped his mouth. "It weren't about revenge. We needed money."

"So you decided to sacrifice Sam?" said Arthur. He could barely hold his anger back, now. "Did you think Ms. Hawkeson would run back to you if he died?!"

Archie turned away, Arthur's voice bellowing like a roaring bear. The younger man's mouth was leaking blood… like Sam's had been earlier. Good. Still Archie wouldn't answer, at least when he mentioned her.

It made Arthur's blood boil.

There were voices outside. Some of them were horses. They had to move, or the reinforcements would finish the job on Archie.

"Get up," Arthur then spat.

Archie shivered. "What?"

When Archie didn't obey immediately, the outlaw marched over and dragged him to his feet by his arms. The boy yelped, but Arthur didn't care, and made his way to the door. He heard the O'Driscolls yell and felt relief. Good. John and Charles had it handled.

"Are you gonna keep my momma in black like you promised?" Archie asked. There was no fear in his question. Even though his body shook, his voice was flat, like he had just given up.

The O'Driscolls that came were already dead, their horses running away in terror. However, they were all covered in arrows… and he didn't remember Charles bringing his bow.

Still, Arthur didn't falter. "I ain't decided yet. Even if I did, it ain't up to me. Now, come on!" With that, they headed outside, the distinct, strong smell filling the pair's nostrils, before they went down the ramp.

And then Archie screamed.

An arrow flew through the air and pierced into Archie's shoulder. Arthur moved Archie to the ground and saw no one other than Lily emerging from the bushes, her hair flowed in the wind, wild like a beast's and a bow was in her hand, along with a new arrow.

"Lily!" Archie yelled.

The girl was unphased by Arthur's presence. The girl pulled out Sam's revolver, but didn't point it at Archie. She was pointing it to the ground.

"Stand aside, Arthur," Lily grimly stated. "He betrayed my family."

Arthur didn't move. He looked into her eyes. When the lightning flashed, she looked like Sam…

In his nightmares.

Arthur pulled Archie to his feet and then Lily fired. This was when Arthur figured out the source of that strong smell.

A wall of fire sprung up from behind her and it began to spread around the perimeter, like a giant ring.

Archie shoved Lily towards the opposite side of where the fire started. "Run!" The boy knew his window to escape was limited, and he ran without hesitation.

Lily growled. She holstered her sidearm and stormed over with her bow, but Arthur stepped in her way, blocking her aim.

"Move!" Lily ordered.

"No," Arthur responded.

"Even if he gets away, Sadie will find him! Now move!" She stepped to the left, but Arthur blocked her again.

"Don't fight me," said Arthur.

Lily just growled again. She stepped back, more and more. Even if she couldn't shoot straight she could try an arc shot, but when her eyes looked around the area in the ring of fire, she didn't see Archie anywhere. Still, she wasn't going to lose him now, and she wasn't going to let some man stop her.

"If we do… the O'Driscolls win."

"You can move…" Lily threw down her bow.

Arthur formed a fist with his right hand. He knew where this was going.

Everything was moving in slow motion all of a sudden. He could hear his heartbeat in ears, and the air blowing around him. The seasoned outlaw could see the twitch of the girl's trigger hand, and how her trigger finger was getting itchy.

So he acted accordingly.

"...or I can shoot you!"

BANG!

Just as Lily drew her gun, Arthur drew his much sooner and fired. The revolver flew from her hand and landed into the mud.

Although stunned, her eyes shined for a moment, while she looked at her hand and then the ground. At that moment, Arthur saw the real Lily.

"Just calm down!" Arthur yelled, walking towards her. Lily held her hand near herself, still looking towards nothing. He reached out his hand. "Let's just-"

Arthur barely managed to step out of the way when Lily swung at him with a knife. The outlaw grabbed her hand, but he should've known better. She kicked him in the knees, making him stumble while Lily jumped back before rushing towards him.

Arthur grabbed her arm when she swung again, a huff escaping the girl. "You're my friend, Lily."

"Give. Me. Archie."

"Not until you calm down."

That's when Lily yelled again, and jabbed the outlaw in the stomach with her elbow. Just as his top half fell forward, she used the movement to push him into the ground, hat toppling off. Arthur yanked her down with him. The knife slipped from her grip as soon as she hit the ground, bouncing a distance and landing away from them. Lily wasn't strong, but she was smart and nimble. Her time as a doctor helped her know exactly where to hit to at least stagger a person for a second.

With the ring of fire completely around them, Lily saw no reason to run away.

"You're defending a murderer!" Lily barked. She threw fists at him, but Arthur rolled over and pinned her down in the mud. She wasn't entirely wrong about Archie being a murderer. While he didn't kill anyone, his actions did get Kieran killed.

"Then stop acting like one!"

Lily's hand slipped free and she threw mud in his face. "Why do you care?!" she yelled as Arthur moved back, just in time for Lily to kick him away with her feet. "You're an outlaw!"

Arthur wiped his eyes with his sleeve, just as Lily was getting up. She took one step and Arthur charged at her. Lily lost sight of her opponent as she staggered and flailed, soon she was facing the fire, arms around her torso and locking her in against Arthur's chest. The girl screamed, squirming, kicking and swinging her arms. It made her feel small, like when she'd throw a tantrum and her father had to calm her down as a child.

"We need money, Lily! I'm trying to help you!"

Lily erupted with a despairing roar. She slammed her hands into Arthur's arms, nails digging into his skin, but still, his grip didn't loosen and she continued to struggle, screaming like the crying Night Folk woman who tried to kill her.

The storm brought her home, even though that place wasn't her home anymore. It was just the place where her father was taken from her, where Sam bled from his head and was forced to take his first life, and days later, she took her own first life.

She remembered mourning her father, Archie comforting her while he plotted his own exit with his mother. She was there for him and he and Mrs. Downes threw her away.

It was Sam. It was always Sam by her side, and he tried to take him away. Yet another man who decided for her that world was better off without someone she loved.

Lily hadn't even realized she had stopped struggling until Arthur let her go. She immediately fell onto her hands and knees, gloves and pants getting stained with mud, but she didn't care. Tears flowed freely from her eyes and into the ground below her.

Arthur walked around and crouched down to her level. With the rain still falling, the fire Lily started was dying down.

Arthur picked up his hat, shaking it around to make sure most of the mud was gone before putting it back on. He caught his breath. "You with me, Lily?"

Lily shivered. She didn't understand. No, she did understand. She came all this way, and all it took was Arthur to stop her. Not only did she lose, she lost with almost devastating swiftness.

"Yeah… I guess you won… again," Lily lamented. "Like every single man who thinks they know what's best, and who deserves to live in this goddamn world."

Arthur shook his head. "I never said that!"

Lily shifted her weight, moving off her hands to sit on her knees. "Then what?!" she snapped. "You came here to stop me, when you know Archie deserves it. Milton decided that hunting down Dutch was worth more than my father who healed the sick and injured and saved lives! Archie decided that money was worth more than Sam! And now you're saying that Archie living means more than making Archie understand the consequences of harming my family! He even convinced himself that Sam brainwashed me!"

"So you tried to kill me?!" Arthur bit back. "Have you lost your goddamn mind?!"

"I have lost everything!"

"Then who are those goddamn people waiting in camp for us, huh?! Who's the woman who came out here to help you track that bastard down! Who are the men who came out here, to help you, thinking you were going to do something stupid?! Who's waiting for you back at camp with a fever and two stab wounds. Sam needs his cousin!"

Lily's breath was heavy and it shook as the tears kept coming. Sobs were heard, but Arthur could hear her holding back.

"...And how did you feel when you saw what they did to Sam?" the girl asked.

Arthur sighed, heavily. "Worried," he admitted. "I was worried about whether or not he was alive and if he'd be okay. And yes, I was angry, but Sam is more important."
Lily just sniffled.

"And he is alive," Arthur continued, his voice becoming more gentle, "and he's gonna be fine. He needs you with him, though. I can't stop you from going after Archie, but I ain't gonna let you turn into a monster. Do you understand?"

Lily shrugged. "Why not? You just stopped me right now."

"Yes, but no matter what happens, you keep trying. You don't stop until you cut through whatever's blocking you. That's why you're here, right?" He picked up Lily's limp hand and clutched it in his. "You didn't even come out here for yourself. You're here, because of Sam. That's strong if I've ever seen it."

Lily nodded slowly, more tears flowing from her eyes. Arthur stood and with his hands on her shoulders, he carefully pulled her up and back onto her feet.

"Sadie's gonna come back with him," she muttered.

Arthur patted her shoulders and guided her towards the small house. "And we'll be waiting for them."

Lily's crying continued. It was quiet, but Arthur allowed her to just feel. Then he stopped, his grip on Lily's shoulder's tightened, making her stop, too.

"Lily," he said, sternly. The girl turned around slowly and faced him. Her face was tear stained, but that was the least of their trouble since they were both getting drenched in rain water. Arthur grabbed her shoulders, and made sure he made eye contact. "Don't try to kill me again."

The girl lowered her head. "I won't. I promise." And Arthur let Lily hug him. She looked like she needed it.

Once they were inside, Arthur stepped out to pick up Lily's knife and Sam's revolver. After that, he went back inside to just toss the bodies out. It wasn't like they were going to hang out in that house much longer.

Arthur just cleaned himself up and left Lily's weapons on the table for her. She merely spared a glance before she resumed wiping the mud off her face the best she could, almost worryingly silent.

A few more minutes passed before footsteps approached the shack. Arthur peeked out quickly to check and saw Sadie leading John and Charles back towards the house.

Arthur stepped back. "How the-"

"Nice to see you, too, Arthur," Sadie quipped. "We ran into each other out there."

John followed in soon after and Charles came in last with a tied up Archie over his shoulder.

"We all agree that what happens next, is up to Lily," said John.

Lily just pointed to the floor and Charles dropped him like a pound of rice. Archie looked around, eyes on Arthur.

"H-Help…"

The older outlaw shook his head. He wandered to the corner and just lit up a cigarette, leaning against the wall. Charles and John walked over to block the doors.

"So, he's alive?" Lily finally asked.

"Looks like it," Charles replied.

Lily nodded. "Sadie."

Sadie walked over and bent down to cut Archie's limbs free. The second they were loose, Lily stood up from her chair, walking over, her movements almost robotic.

"Get up!" she ordered.

Lily heard a whimper escape as her old flame stood, a hand on his slowly bleeding shoulder. Finally, he locked eyes with Lily, and even though he was taller, he felt like he was staring up at his doom.

"What do you want?" Archie asked.

Finally, her anger busted through. "You snake!" Lily yelled, pushing Archie back. When she pulled out Sam's revolver, everyone drew their guns, even Arthur, with a cigarette still in his mouth. "YOU LEFT SAM TO DIE!"

"B-But-" Archie clammed up. His hands were raised. "S-Sam's-"

"And you are nothing but a cowardly traitor! Does this look like I'm not in control!" she said, gesturing to the outlaws around her. "Does it look like I'm here against my will?!"

"I-I… What was I supposed to-"

"Answer me!"

Archie's jaw quivered. He saw Lily, he saw John and Charles by the doors, Sadie by her side, and Arthur enjoying his cigarette. All of them were behind Lily.

"N-No," he answered. "You're in charge."

"All those years, Archie," said Lily. Her anger faded as if the thorns of a rose fell away for a moment. "We've been together ever since we were kids!"

"And look where we are now!" said Archie. "Do you think either of our dads wanted this?"

"Have you seen yourself?! Your mother?! No one wanted this and our dads certainly don't want us killing each other to get money from the same people who destroyed our home."

Archie's jaw dropped, staying down this time. He saw the tears leaving Lily's eyes like the same night he casted her out. Once again…

He made her cry.

Lily wiped her tears away. "I'm not yours to save." She raised her sidearm again. Archie turned more and more pale. "I know what I am, and unlike you, I'm not going to hide from it. I'll look it right in the eye."

Archie kept his hands up, but they shook. While Lily kept staring him down, Archie could no longer. Like before, he turned his head away, avoiding the truth.

Finally, tears fell from his eyes and onto the old, damaged floors.

"I-I… I'm sorry…" he croaked.

Lily frowned mightily. Her brows were still furrowed, but tears left her eyes.

"Yeah… me too."

And she lowered her gun.

"Now get out of here."

Archie looked up. The gun was back down by her side. And Lily repeated her words from when they met again in that alley. This time, she answered his question.

"And I don't want to see you again."

John slowly moved from the door and opened it. Archie glanced at the door and then at Lily again. With the other guns still drawn, he knew he only had one option. He ran to the door, but stopped to look back for just another moment.

Lily hadn't moved at all. Not even to look at him.

Finally, Archie turned away and raced back out into the rain.

When John finally closed the door, Lily dropped the gun and began to sob. Sadie was by her side and guided her to the table to sit.

"You… let him go?" John asked.

Lily just shrugged. "What's the fucking point? He's got nothing, now." Charles handed her his handkerchief. "Thank-you," she said, before wiping her face. "After that, she looked at the native black man. "And… I'm sorry for what I did." She sniffled and wiped her eyes again. "I was-"

Charles knelt down. "You were worried about Sam. I'm not mad."

Finally, Arthur finished his cigarette and put it out on the floor. "Reckon we should get moving before anyone sees this mess."

"Right," said John. "Lily, I reckon you ride with someone."

Lily nodded and Sadie helped her stand. "Yeah, thank-you."

When Lily was ready, everyone filed out of the house one by one, with Arthur being last. Lily ended up getting on a horse with Sadie. John took up the front with Charles riding next to Sadie. Arthur brough up the rear, with Adonis following behind them.

If Arthur felt anything at this point, it was relief. He absolutely couldn't wait to return to camp and nap on the floor or something.

He just hoped he made Sam proud…