Lights Out 2023 (Oct '23).

chapter 1. tragedy

It was a brisk and cold night in the midwest woodlands. The gang was gathered around a fire, patiently waiting for their prey to approach. They were a closely knitted group of bloodthirsty outlaws. A band of thieves and killers, but not senseless murderers. They prided themselves on their finesse, problem solving skills, and ability to act under pressure.

They laid in the grass and bark, well hidden by the trees on an outlook above the train tracks where their robbery would soon take place. They passed the time with hearty banter, exchanging crass jokes and snaking on small provisions that they had lined their pockets with.

In total there were six members of this gang, which at this point was the lowest their numbers had dwindled. At their height they were twelve strong. Little did they know that their time together was coming to an end.

Their gang was hierarchical in nature. Their leader had banded them together and was responsible for the majority of the job planning. He was a natural born leader, charismatic and charming in his own odd way. Like all of those that followed him, he was an outlaw, some would say the greatest outlaw that ever lived. Chris Peacock was his name.

His second in command had the gift of the gab. Able to talk himself out of most any dangerous situation. His buffoonish nature was merely an act to lul enemies (and allies) into a false sense of security. Though he wasn’t much of a fighter, he had keen senses and an ability to read people that was vital to the gang’s operations.

The remaining four members of the group were largely autonomous in that they followed the orders of those above them and acted with equal authority. A pair of cousins and long time friends of Chris named Ricardo and Sonny. A wild and devious woman who was the newest member of the gang named Violet. And the man they called Alyster Black.

Those four members were on equal footing, though one of them stood out amongst the group. That was Alyster, and the reason why he stood out amongst the group was that he as a gunslinger, brawler, and tactician was arguably as good as if not better than Chris Peacock. The greatest outlaw in the west had an equal, and he was fortunate enough that this equal was one of his followers.

Over the last few months Alyster’s skills had been recognised by the upper brass in the gang, and he quickly had become Chris’ right hand man. As Allan had advised the fearless leader; it was better to keep him close and indoctrinate him than to feel threatened and drive him away.

It helped that Alyster was likeable and loyal enough that he and Chris had fast become the best of friends.

Around the fire sat the four grunts of the gang. Alyster, Violet, Sonny and Rick. Whilst Sonny and Rick were busy stuffing their mouths with salted meats and exchanging boisterous (and mostly untrue) stories, Alyster was content to listen on while oiling his six shooter.

Violet Dreyer scoffed as Rick finished describing, in excessive detail, his “latest” exploit into town featuring three large breasted women and a donkey.

“That never happened.” She picked up a piece of dirt and threw it at Rick’s head, “Ain’t no woman alive got the stomach to take on a donkey like that.”

Rick threw his hands up, shielding himself from further clods of dirt. “She did, I swear it! Sonny was there too, he’ll tell ya.”

“It’s true, in fact I think you’re missing a few details. There was five women, two donkeys, and a golden retriever.”

“There ain’t a sheriff, nay, a community in these whole United States that would put up with such debauchery.”

“The civilised world hasn’t reached its claws into every nook and cranny of this fine country. There weren’t any law to be found in this town. People was free to express themselves.”

“And if a woman wants to earn some coin while indulging in her base beastly fantasies then who are we to deny her?”

“You’re both pigs, I’m surprised you weren’t part of the show.”

“Never said we wasn’t.”

That was the final straw for Violet who could no longer contain the urge to gag. She leaned over to her side and made a show out of trying to contain her bodily fluids. “You Diamond Dogs are a pair of sick fucks.”

“At least we spin a good yarn.” Rick laughed heartily before turning to Alyster, “What do you think of our story, big man?”

Alyster looked up from his gun and shrugged his shoulders, “Truth be told I tune out a lot of what you two have to say. Otherwise it’d be far more difficult to maintain my composure during a job.”

“Like it would hurt ya to lose your cool. With that mask on and you waving that six shooter around you’ll have the whole train pissing their pants. They might empty their pockets if you go a little crazy on ‘em too.”

“We’re professionals fellas, we ain’t a band of psychos. There ain’t no need to scream like one of those mentally deranged when a six shooter pointed at your face can do the job just fine.”

Alyster put away the cloth he was using to wipe his gun then began showing off for the gang, twirling the gun on his finger and throwing it high into the air, just to catch it and continue twirling it. He hopped up to his feet, still spinning the gun on his finger and quickly returned it neatly to its holster before taking a bow and leaving.

“Show off.” Violet called out after him, “Alright fellas, I’ve got a juicy one for ya. Lemme tell you about the time I took on the Hunter twins with nothing but a broken plank of wood, some kerosene and only one match.”

Alyster ventured to the edge of the overlook, finding Allen and Chris deep in conversation whilst looking out over the tracks. Alyster walked up behind the two of them and clasped each of them on the shoulder. Allen recoiled in fright and Chris immediately drew his pistol.

“How’re we lookin’ fellas.”

“Fuck Alyster, you shouldn’t sneak up on a fella like that. You’ve given Allen a heart attack and I almost put a bullet in your brain.”

“It’d have dodged it. You can barely hit the side of a barn with that thing anyway.”

“I can certainly hit the side of your mother when I want to.”

Both men shared a bright chuckle as Allen was busy steadying his nerves against the nearest tree.

“Jesus, are y’all ready for this job over there?” Allen barked at Alyster whilst doubled over, catching his breath.

“They’re gettin’ a little antsy, Violet’s tellin’ the Hunter Twins story again.”

“That story is gruesome. Those Diamond Dogs are in for some nightmares tonight.” Chris perked up, turning his nose up to the night air. It twitched perceptively and the faintest sense of a smile crept upon his lips. He quickly hopped down from the overlook, sliding down the hill to the train tracks and placed his bare hand on the track. He could feel a faint vibration, their target was close.

“It’s time, get everyone into position now.”

Alyster nodded his head and ran back into the trees. The gang was ready, quick to take their positions. The four of them waited amongst the trees as the sound of a great steam engine began to roar through the woodlands. Allen waited at the top of the overlook, urging Chris to come join him. Chris refused, standing atop the pile of explosives that the gang had planted on the tracks to ensure that the train came to a stop.

A bright light soon began to shine through the trees as the train turned a corner and sped down the straight toward the ambush site. The roaring of the engine began to quieten down, the screeching of the breaks were the new dominant sound that echoes through the trees.

A smile crept across Chris’ face as the train came to a stop just a few feet away from him. The conductor began screaming at him but was quickly silenced by the sound of gunshots as the gang boarded the train. Ricardo and Sonny took the engine while Chris and Allen made their way into the first cart while Alyster and Violet took the back.

Passengers screamed and were silenced by the back of fists as the gang worked their way along the train, quickly taking control.

Violet remained at the back of the train. She and Alyster had disarmed two guards who were way out of their depths. Alyster worked his way through the train, meeting Chris in the middle who was in the middle of giving a speech, standing atop one of the passengers benches so that all eyes were on him and shouting loudly.

“Folks, today is a tremendous and lucky day for you because today is the day that you enter the realm of legend. You find yourselves playing a role in yet another Chris Peacock caper. The Last Great Outlaw has selected your train and your possessions as the prize that he wants most. Now give yourselves a hand.” He really liked to make a show of these proceedings.

“Now if any of you have a problem with this then you will be intimately introduced to the fist of one of the many fine men and women who ride alongside this outlaw, and let me tell you that ain’t the polite type. They ain’t afraid to hit women, children or the elderly. Tell ‘em Allen.”

“We are armed and we are dangerous. We have killed before but we don’t want to have to. If one of you has to die for us to leave her safely then we will not hesitate to pump you full of lead.” Allen held a burlap sack open, he was soon joined by the Diamond Dogs who brandished sacks of their own. “Now, me and my fine compatriots here will be coming around to take collection. Please folks, please, give until it hurts or we will make sure it really hurts.”

While Allen and the boys were busy alleviating the passengers of their valuables Alyster and Chris exchanged a look. Alyster nodded his head and Chris hopped down from the bench. He began to make his way to the back of the train.

“Have you got any idea whose train you’re robbing mister?” One of the passengers chirped, giving Chris pause for a moment.

“It’s my train now friend.”

“I’m tellin’ ya, you’re not gonna get away with this. She’ll come for you.”

“She’d have to find me first. And even if she did, do you really think she can take me on? This isn’t the first one of her trains I’ve robbed, kid. Now do yourself a favour and shut the hell up.”

Chris then bashed the man in the face, punching him square in the nose. The man recoiled, reaching for his nose which was now bleeding. Chris then continued on his merry way, approaching Alyster who had his gun drawn and pointed right in his direction.

Chris recoiled as Alyster shot right in his direction. Time seemed to stand still as Chris inspected his body for a wound, he was sure that Alyster had aimed to take him out. His ears rang and his vision was blurred, as he slowly returned to reality he could hear the sound of women and men alike screaming and turned to see the dead body of the mouthy passenger that had almost slain him.

In his hand was a pistol, and in his head was a bullet. Alyster had saved Chris’ life.

Fury overtook the charismatic gang leader. He took the gun from the dead passenger as well as his own pistol and turned to the rest of the train. “What is wrong with you people?”

Chris fired, shooting a woman right in the head, “What part of this being a gift did you not understand?” He fired again, shooting a man who was shielding his child. “Why the hell should you care that we’re robbing this train, fuck this train.” Two more passengers were needlessly slain by Chris Peacock as his gang watched on in horror.

The passengers were too frightened to say or do anything, only watch on as their fellow passengers were murdered in cold blood by a crook who had lost his composure.

“Well? What do you all have to say for yourselves?” Chris towered over a child. He pulled his gun up to their forehead and cocked the hammer.

Alyster placed a hand on his shoulder and Chris wildly swung an arm around, bashing Alyster in the skull with the butt of his gun.

“Fuck.” Chris gritted his teeth before holstering his pistol. “Are you okay bud?”

Alyster was more than fine, he nodded his head and motioned for Chris to follow him. “Come on, Vi is working on the safe.”

Chris nodded his head and followed while Allen got to work calming down the cart and continued to part the passengers with their valuables.

“What the hell happened out there?” Violet spat as the two gunmen entered the back cart. She had taken cover behind a set of shelves. “It sounded like a real firefight broke out there.”

“I’m glad you came to help then.” Chris scoffed as he pushed past Violet and went straight for the safe. The two guards were tried up and left on the floor, bloodied and beaten by Alyster and Violet earlier. “Have you fellas given up the combination yet or am I going to have to make widows out of your wives?”

While Chris was busy fenangling the combination from the guards, Violet cozied up to Alyster. “The fuck happened out there?” She whispered before noting a bloody patch pooling up in Alyster’s mask, “What happened to you?”

“Maintain your composure, I’ll talk to you when the job’s done.” He reached out, squeezing her wrist to assure her that everything was fine.

“Ah, we’ve hit the jackpot now.” Chris remarked as the safe swung open. He collected a handful of state bonds and began to shuffle through them. “There’s got to be at least ten thousand dollars here, maybe more.”

Chris was delighted beyond belief, as was Violet. Alyster however felt dread creep through his soul.

The gang reconvened a few miles south of the sight of the train robbery and exchanged notes. Not a single member of the gang brought up Chris’ needless slayings, nor did Chris himself acknowledge the senseless act.

As they always did after a big score they all escaped in different directions and met at their usual rendezvous point across state lines. The take was equally shared amongst the gang, though Chris and Allen were sure to keep an extra share for themselves as they’d planned the heist.

It was then that Chris and Allen sent their four loyal soldiers south into the countryside to lay low and recoup.


chapter 2.

Alyster, Violet and the Diamond Dogs stayed in a cottage on the edge of civilization. Surrounded by nature and beautiful country, they were able to live on the land and forgo the stresses of city living.

The masked bandit was at peace at times like this. He had time to reflect on the jobs that the gang had worked, but mostly he had time to let his mind go blank and get in touch with his soul.

The incident on the train was alarming to the entire gang. They had prided themselves on their finesse and ability to maintain control in any situation. But Chris was their leader and a good one at that, none of them wanted to create tension in the gang. However, what troubled them most was that this was not the first instance of Chris inhabiting this sort of behaviour. Still, they all knew that they had a good thing going and wanted it to last for as long as possible.

They were the last of their kind. They all knew it. Civilisation was closing in around them. Their cabin in the countryside was only a day's ride away from the reaches of the law. As much as Chris Peacock was laundered as a hero amongst the people, he was as he labelled himself “The Last Outlaw”.

Books were published of Chris Peacock’s exploits. They were wildly embellished but the basic stories were mostly true. The people viewed him as the last bastion of the West. The true embodiment of freedom. When a man could go out into the world and stake his claim, where if he put in the work he could take care of himself and his kin. They saw Chris as the last barrier, putting a halt to the march of progress. Slowing down the machine that threatened to consume the West.

His biggest believes were those that followed him, which was to be expected. The phrase “honour amongst thieves” wasn’t without merit. They believed in something and were willing to fight for it.

It had been a month since the train robbery, tensions had finally lowered. The gang, minus Allen and Chris had ventured out into the woods to hunt. Bucks were plenty out in the country.

“The cabin could use some decor.” Sonny mumbled as he chewed on a lump of tobacco. Spitting onto the bark covered ground he raised the barrel of his rifle up and inspected the sights. “So we’re gonna bag the biggest buck we can find and mount its head on the wall.”

Violet rolled her eyes, “You are the kind of sick fuck who would take a trophy like that.”

“What have you got against taking trophies Vi? You’ve got no problem huntin’ with us.”

“I hunt to survive boys. I don’t go out looking for glory or to act like a barbarian and mount heads on poles.”

“I dunno ‘bout that Vi, that Hunter Twin story you tell paints a different picture.” Ricardo felt his stomach turning as he reminisced over the ghastly tale.

“We ain’t taking no trophies boys, we’re just getting dinner.” Alyster chirped up from the back of the pack. He hardly paid attention to the banter, his attention was more focused on the world around him. He followed the gang by the sounds of their footsteps and kept his eyes fixated above, taking in the sights of the beautiful orange leaves above, and the clear blue sky even higher.

“Again boys, there’s a difference between survival and pleasure. I ain’t surprised that you two can’t tell it apart. Y’all are just like Chris in that way.”

Both Sonny and Rick stopped dead in their tracks and looked back at Violet. She and Alyster stopped in their wake. The look on the Diamond Dogs face was that of bewilderment. Alyster meanwhile hadn’t quite heard what Violet had said and tried to move things along.

“Come on now, the riverbed ain’t too far. Let’s keep moving.”

The Diamond Dogs weren’t about to get into a fight with Violet Dreyer while Alyster Black was around, they exchanged a few looks then continued on their way. Violet slowed her pace, walking beside Alyster and urged him to fall behind too.

“Well, you could have cut that tension with a knife. Seems the lapdogs ain’t willing to talk over what happened during the train heist.”

Alyster cocked an eyebrow then realised what the commotion earlier was about. He sighed and looked over at his raven haired compatriot. “It’s a tense subject. Those boys are loyal to Chris, they don’t want to hear any talk of him losing his cool.”

“Then they’re loyal to a fault because outbursts like that ain’t why I joined up with this gang.”

“I know. Believe me, I don’t like it anymore than you do.”

“Aye, I know. It’s just frustrating watching a guy like you sit back and take orders from someone who’s losing their mind like that.”

“Hey! What are you two talking about?” Rick shouted from up ahead, he and Sonny had come to a stop and waited for Alyster and Violet to catch up to them.

“Whatever the hell we want. You got a problem with that?” Alyster spat back in a calm manner. Though his tone wasn’t harsh, his choice of words sent chills down Sonny and Rick’s spine.

“Right, right…look we know Chris has been…unpredictable as of late.” Sonny looked to Rick for reassurance, his fellow Diamond Dog nodded his head. “But that ain’t no reason to lose confidence in him. Loyalty’s gotta count for something and that train robbery was about the biggest score we’ve ever had. I mean, we’re practically done now. That was enough to set us up for life.”

“Do you really think Chris is gonna give up this lifestyle? He could steal enough money to live a thousand lifetimes and it wouldn’t be enough for him.”

“We know that, and we’ll still follow that man to the ends of the Earth. This is about more than ripping off rich bastards. It’s a lifestyle, it’s the reason why God put us here.”

“I ain’t gonna argue that point. What we do is fun. But slaying innocent people for no reason isn’t good enough.”

“The man’s under a lot of pressure. I’d like to see how well you’d do in his shoes. Do you know what goes through his mind? He has to take into account everything. He’s taking care of us, making sure plans go off without a hitch, and he’s made sure that it’s his name that spreads out there. He’s made a target of himself to take care of the rest of us.”

“Come on Sonny, you know that ain’t true. He loves the infamy. He loves that his name is on the tip of everyone’s tongue. He gets a massive erection at the thought that people launder him as some sort of hero, that kids out there playing with their toy guns pretend to be him. He doesn’t give a shit about the rest of us, not really. We’re just here because he’s only got two hands.”

“Hey, you’d better watch what you say. We don’t care that you got the big guy here watching your back. You talk like that and you could fall victim to any number of accidents.”

“I ain’t scared of you two pussycats.”

“It ain’t just us you should be scared of.”

The conversation comes to a brief pause and the three gang members look back at Alyster, waiting for his input.

“I dunno what y’all want me to say here. Chris has done good by us, you’re right there. Things are going well. That train robbery was a disaster though, and our heist before that…so many needless deaths.”

“That’s Peacock’s right hand man talkin’ there.”

“Hey now, I didn’t say nothin’ bout questioning his leadership.”

“You better watch yourself Dreyer.”

“Don’t you two talk to her like that. Now listen, it’s just us out here. We can talk, we can get things off our chests, and we can trust each other to keep quiet about what we hear. Does everyone agree with that?”

Alyster is met with a resounding yes from everyone present.

“Good. Now, tensions are running high again so I suggest we get back to the task at hand. Rick, Sonny, lead the way and don’t you go listening to our private conversations again.”

The Diamond Dogs grumble to themselves before venturing further into the woods. Alyster and Violet wait a little while before following, making sure they’re out of earshot.

“You’ve gotta be more careful with what you say. You’ve gotta know your audience. Everyone here is loyal to Chris, not just the Dogs, me too.”

“Yeah, all I’m saying is that things aren’t hunky dory. We’ve got problems, and those problems are intolerable. He’s lost his mind. Frankly, you’d make a better leader.”

Alyster stops in his tracks, exhaling sharply as his eyes close and he ponders Violet’s train of thought.

“You’ve considered it before haven’t you? Killing Chris and taking over the gang. You’d beat him in a gunfight, we both know you would. You’re as deadly as they come.”

“He’d kill me without a second thought. Besides, I could never raise my gun to Chris.”

Violet grumbled, she muttered something quietly, but not enough that Alyster couldn’t hear it. “The Wolf wouldn’t have stood for this.”

Those words stung deeply. The Wolf was a former friend, a member of a gang Alyster and Violet once rode with. The finest man Alyster ever knew. He would be disappointed if he could see Alyster now, and the masked man knew it.

They marched on in silence, following the Diamond Dogs to the riverbank where surely there was a buck or two drinking, ignorant to the danger that was approaching.

The foursome returns to the cabin early in the evening, just as the sun is setting. They were greeted by a familiar face. Allen Price sitting atop his chestnut brown Thoroughbred horse.

“Vacation time’s over children. Chris is callin’ y’all back.”


chapter 3. reckoning

Chris Peacock was a three days' ride away, hiding out in an old abandoned manor called “Belle’s Cave”. An old plantation estate that had been reappropriated by moonshine runners that the gang had cleared out some months prior.

Alyster had time to think during his travels. To think about the future and where Chris’ leadership would take the gang. His outlook remained positive in spite of Chris’ erratic behaviour.

Mostly however Alyster was looking forward to sharing Chris companionship again. He grew weary of the constant bickering and threatening nature of the rest of the group and wanted nothing more than to relax, plan their next escapade and have a good time.

Chris greeted his returning gang from atop the second floor balcony. With a cigar in hand and stovetop hat placed on his head Chris looked quite dapper and excited. Though if one looked carefully they could see evidence of sleepless nights and paranoia on his face. Dark bags accentuated Chris’ sunken eyes, his skin looked more pale than usual and his hair was straw-like and stringy.

He exchanged the usual pleasantries with each member of the gang. Receiving them as they hitched their horses around the side of the estate. He offered each of the Diamond Dogs a cigar of their own which they accepted haphazardly. Violet turned down the offer, instead choosing to chew on tobacco and take in the sights on the edge of the property.

Alyster soon joined her. They found a pair of fishing poles down the lake on the property and spent the rest of the day there. They spoke at length about issues that had been broached during their earlier hunting trips. It was during this time that Violet had made a startling confession to Alyster. One that would come into play later in the evening.

Hours later, Chris Peacock joined them, sitting with the duo and making idle conversation for a few minutes. He then requested that Alyster join him inside the manor so that they could speak in private. Alyster followed him inside, still exchanging pleasant chit chat until they reached the foyer.

“So why have you called us back boss?” The masked man inquired as he followed Chris up the ascending spiral staircase inside the foyer of the manor. “You can’t already have another job lined up. The heat’s not died down since the train robbery.”

“I’ve got my reasons Al. It ain’t always about pulling another job. Maybe I wanted the family to come together and bond. Have you ever considered something like that?”

At the top of the stairs was a long hallway, they rounded a corner and found themselves in what used to be the master bedroom. The estate was rundown, the walls covered in moss and peeling. Wooden splinters from gunfights in the past and dust covered the floors. A large chuck on the East wing had been damaged by cannon fire. But still, the manor was safe, out of reach of the law and tucked safely in its own corner of the country.

“Bonding is important for a family, otherwise you’ll find that members grow paranoid and turn on one another.” Chris pulled a chair out from the desk situated in the corner of the room, he spun it around to face Alyster then sat down and chomped on the edge of his cigar, smoke blew out the sides of his mouth as he breathed.

“Or turn on their leader. Is that what you’re worried about Chris?”

“I can’t get anything past you can I? That’s why I value you most above the rest of ‘em. You’re perceptive. And you’re loyal, you’re the best soldier I’ve ever seen.”

“I appreciate the sentiment boss.” Alyster found a relatively clean space on the wall to lean against. He folded his arms over his chest and stared up at the ceiling.

“I’m serious, after me you’re about the best gunslinger in the West, and I know I can trust you with my life. And speaking of which…”

Chris didn’t need to say anything else, Alyster knew exactly what he was insinuating.

“They’re a little freaked out, you lost your cool during the train robbery and it ain’t the first time it's happened. But they’re all loyal, they'll follow you until the end.”

“Sure, that’s true of the Dogs, but what of your girl Violet?”

Alysters hands closed into fists as any semblance of friendship faded out of Chris’ tone and expression. But he falls silent, unable to answer Chris directly. That silence is all Chris needs.

“I thought so. Allen’s gonna be keeping a close eye on her from here out. And I’m gonna be trusting you to keep her in line.”

“That’s unnecessary, she’s loyal to the gang. She’s loyal to you. You trust me right? You can put that same faith in Violet Dreyer.”

Chris leans back, not afraid that his chair will tip over. He takes his cigar and rolls it over the edge of the table, letting the ash fall gently down to the wooden floor below. His eyes close for a brief moment, sleep may have finally reached him.

“Do you hear that?” Alyster mumbles from across the room before running toward the balcony.

Chris could hear it, the sound of marching in the distance. He sprung to his feet and joined his right hand man, just in time to see a small militia approaching the estate. Brandishing torches and firearms. Lead by a blonde woman on horseback.

“Shit.” He pulled his pistol from his holster, “How’d they find us?”

“Who are they?”

“Law most likely.”

“They must have spotted us coming in during the day. I told ya the heat was still on us. They’ve got to have at least two dozen men, all armed to the teeth.”

“I can see that.”

“So what’s the plan here?”

“The plan? We survive, no matter what it takes.”

Alyster readied his hand by his holster. “Understood.”

The small militia stopped only metres away from the front door of the manor, all situated behind a lavish fountain that had once been filled with water and exotic fish, but now was dried up and in disrepair.

Chris shouted from the balcony to their leader, “Y’all are trespassing on private property. Turn around and leave before we open fire.”

The blonde woman dismounted her horse and stepped ahead of the pack, never once taking her eyes off Chris Peacock as she did so.

She spoke back with a surprising Dutch accent that was filled with confidence. She had no need to shout, her voice commanded the attention of everyone around her.

“This, like everything else you have in your possession, is not your property thief.”

Chris smirked, “Possession is nine-tenths of the law, but I can see you ain’t here to discuss the finer points of property ownership. Who are you and what do you want?”

“I’m insulted that you don’t recognise me. Chell von Horrowtiz, of the Horrowtiz Rail Company. I’m the woman whose trains you’ve been robbing. I don’t normally sully my hands with petty crooks but for you and your gang I’ve made an exception.”

Chris turned to Alyster and exchanged a look before turning back to Chell, “Now listen ma’am, I’m sure you didn’t come here for some sort of pretty revenge bu-”

He was interrupted by Chell, “Oh, but I did come for petty revenge.” She reached down to her gun belt, fingers lightly tapping the handle of her pistol, ready to draw at a moment's notice.

Chell von Horrowtiz had a reputation as a vicious gunslinger. Even amongst the civilised world where she’d made her fortune as a rail tycoon. She maintained control of her vast empire with ruthless abandon. Unafraid to fill cemeteries in order to achieve her goals and maintain order. Though she was above handling thieves personally, usually dispatching mercenaries to do the job for her.

“Right, I don’t suppose you’d be willing to settle this sensibly with a duel? There’s no sense letting our men duke it out in a violent firefight.”

“A duel is precisely what I came here for. But not with a simpleton like you. I want that masked gentleman beside you.”

Alyster nodded his head, immediately making way for the door to go downstairs and fight. Chris grabbed him by the shoulder and stopped him in his tracks.

“What do you mean you want the masked fellow? I’m the one that robbed your train lady.”

Chell rolled her eyes, “And for that you will hang. But I’m after the best gunslinger inside that manor. The man who killed my Gerald. That masked bastard.”

“Who the hell is Gerald?”

“The man your masked friend there viciously gunned down in cold blood aboard the last train you robbed. Now get down here masked man and meet your maker!”

Alyster was eager for a fight, he brushed Chris’ hand off his shoulder and marched for the door. Chris followed him inside, furious..

“What the hell is wrong with that woman? I’m the best gunslinger in the west and she wants to duel you?”

“It doesn’t matter Chris, I’ll put her down and then I’ll put down each and every dog she’s got following her. If she wants a fight then she’s got one.”

“She wants to fight me, she’s just confused.”

The boys descended the staircase and met the rest of the waiting gang who were armed and crouched by the windows, already in position for a firefight.

“What’s the plan boss?” Allen called over to Chris from across the hall.

Alyster answered before Chris was able to, “I’m gonna take her out, and if she’s a woman of her word then the rest of her lap dogs should turn tail and run. If they don’t you all open fire.”

“That ain’t the plan. Fuck.” Chris exhaled sharply then made for the front door, “Follow my lead.”

He kicked the doors open and shot wildly, aiming for Chell’s head but the woman was ready for him, barely managing to move to safety in time. Her militia opened fire and Chris took cover behind the door. Alyster stood on the other side, and the entire gang returned fire.

It was a bloodbath. Chell’s militia were outclassed, the gang were far more experienced. Alyster personally dropped a dozen men, shooting six perfectly and then six more after reloading. From the bushes surrounding the estate more men joined the fray. Chris ordered Violet, Ricardo and Allen upstairs to return fire whilst he, Alyster and Sonny pressed forward.

Alyster darted out from the building, ducking behind a pillar and offered suppressing fire so that Chris and Sonny could join him outside. The sound of glass shattering could be heard upstairs as Violet, Ricky and Allen began taking out mercenaries from higher ground.

During the fray Allen Price was hit, shot in the shoulder and rendered immobile from shock. The rest of the gang were able to fight with relatively minor injuries. Debris and glass cut up Alyster’s skin, he was not the only one injured this way.

Sonny was shot in the thigh, fortunately the bullet travelled clean through and his injury was relatively minor.

The rest of the gang was able to fight off the assault, taking out every hired merc until the remaining few survivors simply lost the will to fight and turned tail. Running like cowards.

Chell von Horrowitz was defiant until the end. Shouting at her men to return to the battle, calling out their cowardice.

She was gunned down in cold blood by Chris Peacock and Alyster Black. Both men shot her from across the yard, each hitting her in the chest and then approached her body and put her out of her misery with two bullets to the head.

“That was fucked.” Chris was breathless. He wiped the sweat from his brow with the back of his sleeve then returned to the manor to regroup with those inside.

“That was reckless.” Alyster remarked quietly to himself before following.

The manor was a worse mess than earlier. Fresh bullet holes decorated the walls, and pools of blood decorated the floor. Sonny and Allen were both hit and Violet was nowhere to be found.

Alyster and Chris ventured upstairs to find the dead body of Rick, next to the whimpering body of Allen Price.

“She killed him.” Allen mumbled.

Chris fell to his knees, placing a hand on the cold cheek of his fallen comrade. “Who killed him Allen?”

“The girl, Violet.”

Chris’s head sunk, his hand closed into a fist and he began to shake from rage.

“She had a clear shot on you Chris, she was about to take you out and Rick caught her. So she shot him dead and ran for it.”

“No…” Alyster hunched over in disbelief, “She’d never.”
Chris rose to his feet, turning to his masked friend and for the second time in as many months bashed him over the head with the butt of his gun. He didn’t stop however, he continued striking Alyster repeatedly until the masked man was bloodied and left whimpering on the ground.

“You lied to me.” Chris spat with venom. “I trusted you, and I trusted her! You both lied to me!”


chapter 4. reconciliation

Violet escaped into the night. Ricardo was dead. Sonny and Allen had been shot. Alyster was down following a vicious assault from Chris Peacock. The gang was in no shape to pursue their betrayer.

The bodies outside were numerous and in the midday heat had begun to smell.

Off in a little corner by a broken window sill and nursing what was surely a broken nose was Alyster Black who was busy wrestling with conflicting emotions and bickering thoughts.

Chris had crossed a line, this was not up for debate. Alyster knew that he had to respond to the pistol whipping, and that his response would likely kill Chris. The only reason why he hadn’t acted yet was due to the actions of Violet Dreyer. Alyster had vouched for her when Chris’ faith in her was at its lowest. He knew what state she was in, knew what she was capable of.

She’d confided in Alyster. About how she’d lost faith in Chris as a leader. How she thought Alyster should take over the gang. And most importantly, on the eve before the gunfight, whilst fishing at the lake when they were alone, Violet confessed to Alyster her plan to assassinate Chris Peacock.

He should have acted there and then. The moment the words left her lips he should have killed her.

But he couldn’t. Much like he couldn’t bear to harm Chris, he too couldn’t bear to harm Violet. She was important to him, the last remnant of his friendship with the Wolf. A friendship he’d forsaken in his selfish pursuits.

He should have sent her away then. Forced her onto a horse and told her to never return. It would have been best for the gang, more importantly it would have been best for her.

Chris was right about Violet. He knew she was dangerous, but he underestimated just how dangerous she could be. Ricardo had died because of this, and Chris laid the fault squarely on Alyster’s shoulders.

There was a commotion across the foyer, Alyster could hear rumblings from the otherside of the manor. Chris, Allen and Sonny were deep into a heated discussion. Likely about what they’d do with Alyster, and what they should do about Violet Dreyer.

Alyster knew that as long as he lived, Chris would now pursue and would kill Violet.

How much more was the masked man expected to put up with? Chris’ tantrums had pushed the gang to its breaking point. The needless slaughter of civilians still weighed heavily on Alyster’s mind. He felt the weight of each death crushing his soul. Killing never bothered him, not when it was to survive. But those people on the train died needlessly.

Alyster banged his still aching head against the wall.

What did they stand for? What values did they still hold dear? By standing by and allowing Chris’ actions to go unpunished then Alyster was every bit responsible for those deaths as Chris was. He may as well have pulled the trigger himself.

He looked out toward the horizon, the light of the sun reflected off the lake. He could leave, jump on his horse and go after Violet. He could join her and they could live a life on the run together, looking out for one another.

Or…

Alyster looked to the foyer and placed a hand on his hip, reaching for his gun.

He could put an end to all of this right now. God knows Chris deserved to be put into the ground, friendship and loyalty be damned. Maybe Violet was right, maybe things would be better with him in charge. The gang didn’t have to die. Alyster could breathe new life into it. Make it better, make it stand for something and keep it going into a new age.

The sound of footsteps approaching put Alyster on edge, but he smartly removed his hand from the handle of the gun and waited patiently for whoever it was to join him.

From around the corner turned Allen Price, his arm held in a makeshift sling. He sighed deeply as he approached Alyster, taking a wooden chair and dragging it behind him as he walked. He set the chair down a metre away from the masked man and sat. They stared at each other for a short while, the air was tense. Finally it was Allen who broke the silence.

“I know what you’re thinking and I have to advise you against it. You’ve got no reason to fear Chris Peacock.” Allen leaned forward, “That man loves you like a brother. He thinks the world of you, Alyster Black. He depends on you, you’re his best soldier. So don’t you go betraying his confidence now. Not when that man has given so much to this gang. Not when he is at his lowest.”

Alyster was slow to reply, mulling Allen’s words. The talkative man continued on.

“What Violet did can’t go unpunished, you have to understand that. You all took an oath when you joined this gang and she broke it. You all knew the deal. You especially understand what that means. Lest we forget that Wolf you used to ride with.”

Allen was close to provoking Alyster, he could tell. Even with the mask obscuring his face, Allen Price could still see the fury bubbling beneath.

“I apologise if I touched a nerve there. I know it’s a sore subject, and one that you likely turned to the girl for support with. But I know you, you’re a hard man and you don’t appreciate bullshit, least of all the bullshit I spew. So I’m doing you the courtesy of being direct and honest. The least you can do is listen to me and consider what I’m saying.”

He was right, Alyster did appreciate his brutal honesty and acknowledged Allen with a nod.

“Good. Cause I’ve got more things to say and you may not like them but they need to be said. Firstly, whatever notion you may have of running away or taking revenge, you need to get over it right now. You need to appreciate where Chris Peacock is coming from, understand just what pressure he’s going through. A lesser man would have snapped if they were in his position. Juggling impending doom, considering the safety of the gang, and having to look over his shoulder every minute for betrayers. It takes its toll, and that means that sometimes a civilian might die. It means that sometimes those who make mistakes, especially mistakes that lead to the death of our loved ones, are dealt with harshly.”

Allen made sure to motion to Alyster’s face, leaving no doubt as to what he’s talking about.

“But in the end you need to remember that he would never really hurt you. He loves you like a brother and you love him like a brother. That’s what’s most important here. Pride needs to be set aside for the good of the gang. Do you understand Alyster?”

“Yeah, I understand.”

“Wonderful. But, just so we’re clear. What are you gonna do?”

Alyster bit his tongue, he wanted nothing more than to beat the ever loving piss out of Allen, but his hands were tied. Loyalty to the gang mattered too much to him. Everything Allen said was true.

“I’m gonna do nothing until I’m told otherwise.”

“That’s right. You’re a good soldier Alyster Black.”

Allen stood up and reached out, patting Alyster on the shoulder before leaving him alone again. Alyster continued to stare out the window, he wondered which direction Violet had escaped in and where she planned to hide. Mostly, he wondered how he would ever find her again.

Later in the evening Chris summoned what was left of the gang.

“Last night was almost the end of this gang. But we survived, by the skin of our teeth we survived.”

The men had gathered outside among the horses. They were packed and ready to ride off. They needed to and soon, else the law tracked them down. If the Von Horrowitz Rail Company could find them then who knows what else was to follow.

“We lost a good man in Ricardo. A loyal soldier, one that’s been with us since day one.”

Sonny was beside himself, red faced with fresh tears streaming down his cheeks. He’d lost the will to go on, that much was clear. Allen and Alyster remained silent. There was a sombre feeling in the air.

“He went out a free man. Not a slave to the machine that’s tearing this country apart. He died an outlaw, he died a gunslinger. He died on his feet, fighting for what he believed in. Ain’t no one or nothing can take that away from him.”

Sonny spoke up, his voice was lifeless and dispassionate. “That was beautiful Chris.”

Peacock was too self-absorbed to read Sonny’s tone and accepted his words at face value. “Thank you. Now, we have to move and we have to move quickly. This gang is gonna break up for a little while. Sonny, I’m sending you south to hide out and heal. You get better, you hear me?”

Chris placed a hand on Sonny’s shoulder. The still-living half of the Diamond Dogs, named for their prior exploits as diamond thieves, nodded his head. He would travel south with all of his ill gotten gains and he would quietly retire. He had no desire to ever rejoin the gang as Chris had planned and instead would grow fat, lazy and meet his end in a whorehouse south of Tijuana.

“Allen, I need you to head home. Keep your ear close to the ground and, well… You know the drill.”

This was the last time Allen would ever see Chris. Unlike Sonny, news of Chris’ death would reach him and in the following weeks Allen Price would hang himself. Without Chris Peacock for Allen Price to leech off Allen saw no hope in the world, especially one where he was a wanted man.

Both Allen and Sonny rode off into the night, leaving Chris and Alyster alone.

“What’s the plan Chris?” Alyster’s voice was hoarse, almost threatening.

“You and I are gonna ride out into the next county. We’re gonna rebuild this gang and we’re gonna start by pulling a bank together. Just you and me, the way it should be.”


chapter 5. legend

A week later Alyster and Chris had found themselves situated in a small town where the bank they had planned to hold up resided. The town itself was small, only a few dozen citizens called it hom. But the town acted as a hub for travellers that passed by, mostly for residents of the two nearest big cities.

The bank, as it were, acted as a mediary for the two cities. Travels moving to-and-fro utilised its services regularly. And the bank itself sent a bi-weekly, that’s once every two weeks, stagecoach East, and a weekly stagecoach West.

Chris’ brother owned a house on the far East side of the town, at the end of the main road. From the most western window one could watch the busy main street and most importantly, could see the bank in the far distance. With a pair of binoculars one could track the movements of each and every one of its patrons.

With his brother’s family out of town for the foreseeable future this homestead is where Alyster and he bunkered up. Chris spent most of the next month sitting on a wooden chair by the most western window. He kept the curtain peered open ever so slightly and watched the bank vigilantly. He meticulously kept tabs on the goings on inside the bank, comparing notes that he had taken with scribbles left behind by his brother. This job had fallen into Chris’ lap under his brother’s suggestion, and the Peacock sibling expected a large cut of the take for his efforts.

Alyster spent a large amount of time unmasked, ingratiating himself amongst the local populace. A daily pilgrimage to the general store allowed him a closer look at the security situation. He quickly determined that security was largely a joke except for one day every two weeks when two stage carts were scheduled to depart, one to the East, and one to the West.

The night before would be the most ideal time for them to enact their heist. The bank would be holding onto its largest possible take.

Two nights before their planned robbery Alyster and Chris sat down to dinner. Since the incident on the train and the firefight at Belle’s Cave Alyster and Chris had remained largely professional toward one another. Neither man wanted to upset the other, especially Alyster who viewed Chris as irrational, angry and ill-tempered as of late. Chris was in fact irrational, angry and ill-tempered, but his mood was far worse than Alyster could ever have imagined.

Since the death of Ricardo, Chris had barely slept. At night he would lay awake in bed staring at the ceiling. A face looked back to him, but not of his fallen comrade. It was the face of everyone who had ever done him wrong. Not individual faces, but an amalgamation. A face that resembled a hundred other faces.

What worried Chris was that the face bore a resemblance to Alyster.

Alyster his best soldier, right-hand man, and friend.

The man he trusted most in the whole world, so much so that he brought him out into this county to rob a bank and rebuild his precious gang. He wanted to do this together with Alyster, not Allen, not Sonny. Not even with past members of the gang, former friends and confidants.

Only Alyster.

In turn, Alyster also remained sleepless. Worried about the state that Chris Peacock was in. The two had frequent fights in spite of their professional nature. Always over petty topics, but Chris was in every instance the aggressor. Alyster could see in his eyes that Chris blamed him for the death of Rick. Worst of all, Alyster knew that Chris had become bitter, paranoid and jealous. His reaction to Chell challenging Alyster to a duel at Belle’s Cave confirmed it.

Chris could not believe and frankly did not understand why Cell would want to challenge Alyster. Especially since Chris was there. He fancied himself the greatest gunslinger in the west and relished the opportunity to gun down another killer with a ruthless reputation. But she was after Alyster, not Chris, and she considered the masked man a more worthy challenge.

Alyster could tell that this didn’t sit well with Chris, and could see in the little gleam in his eye that he planned to murder him.

Alyster laid awake at night, his hand firmly placed on the handle of his gun, waiting for Chris to try. But Chris never came in the night, in spite of how vile and dishonourable as Chris had become, he couldn’t bring himself to murder his best friend while he was asleep, not that he ever seriously planned to.

It was during dinner that Chris extended an olive branch. Attempting to make amends with a gift. He slid a small box across the wooden table to his last remaining partner.

“Here, this is for you.”

“What is it?”

“A gift. You can call what you will. An apology, a thank you, a desperate attempt to make sure you’re still on my side. It’s all of that, and more. Please open it.”

Alyster removed the lid from the box and reached inside, touching a cold metal that was as alluring as it was deadly.

“It’s beautiful.” He remarked as he pulled out a brand new Colt Single Action Army. The gun shined in the light though it was unique in colour, with a black pearl handle and black iron metal. The gun was almost dark enough that light appeared to disappear inside of it.

“A black hearted killer like yourself deserves a gun to match his style. You, my friend, are about the finest gunslinger I’ve ever had the pleasure of calling a partner. And tomorrow, I want you to wave that about and strike fear into the hearts of anyone that stands in our way.”

Chris slid his chair out from under the table and stood up. Casually walked toward the window sill and stared out into the street.

“You’ve stuck with me in spite of everything that’s happened. I’m not stupid, I know how you feel about everything that’s gone down. It doesn’t sit right with you. But you’re a good soldier, and you’re loyal, and I appreciate that you’ve stuck by me. I appreciate that you’re here with me. And I need you to understand that there’s no hard feelings between us. That we can move on from the past and together we can build something better.”

Chris paused for a moment, mulling over what else he wished to get off his chest. Never looking back at the man he had just armed.

“You and I, we’re gonna go down in infamy. The greatest outlaws that this country has ever seen. We’ll do things differently. Do jobs together that no one else thought possible. We’ll become rich beyond our wildest dreams and we’ll halt the march of progress. Any oilmen, railmen, or big city developers, we’ll cut them down. The west belongs to us. And when we’ve become kings of this land, then we’ll take care of every little problem. We’ll find that traitor Violet, we’ll execute her and then we…we…”

Chris was silenced by the sound of a gunshot. He reached for his back where a bullet had just penetrated through and pierced his lung and heart. He was a dead man standing, and he knew it. Blood pooled in his lung and he choked heavily. He never looked back at the face of the man who’d murdered him.

The man he trusted more than any other.

His best friend.

His killer.

Alyster exhaled sharply and allowed the gun to drop from his grasp. It hit the floor and chipped the wooden board. Its pristine condition was immediately ruined, the metal casing was scratched by splinters.

The masked man kicked out his chair and rushed to the fallen body of his comrade. He turned Chris onto his back and cradled his body in his arms. Shaking him violently, begging for him to waken.

But Chris was dead, and already turning cold. He had no breath with which to speak and no heart to speak from. But Alyster could still hear his voice, haunting him, telling him how much Chris had trusted him.

The bank job was never completed. The gang was never given a second chance at life. Those concepts died with Chris Peacock.

Stricken by grief Alyster Black collected the body of his fallen comrade and laid him down over his horse. He took the horse by the reins and led it to the sheriff’s office on the other side of town, adjacent to the bank.

Alyster approached the sheriff, told him who he was and the identity of the dead body on his horse. He was laundered as a hero. The gunslinger who brought down the infamous outlaw Chris Peacock in an epic duel that would go down in legend.


epilog.

The sheriff and his deputy were busy sharing a bottle of whiskey at the sight of Chris Peacock and Alyster Black’s epic duel. Chris Peacock had been killed only a few days prior and Alyster Black currently found himself residing inside a prison cell, waiting for trial.

“I’d have thought there’d be a little more blood in here.” The deputy remarked as he casually kicked at a pile of dust and spread it across the floor.

“That’s the thing about gunfights son, you only need to be hit once and it doesn’t have to be a big hit either. It’s not like any limbs were taken off.” The sheriff found himself by the most western wall and peered open the blinds. He had a clear view of the main street and of the bank at the end of it.

“Could you imagine the damage these boys would have done to this town if they’d ‘ad’ve pulled it off?”

“I imagine we’d both be sitting in graves instead of Peacock, that’s for sure.” The deputy picked up the overturned chair by the dinner table and set it down. He sat down and put his tired boots up on the table, leaned back and imagined the firefight. “It must ‘av been a real epic. Two gunslingers, real life genuine outlaws knowing that only one man would be leaving this abode alive.”

“And they say those two were the best of friends. It’s like one of them bible stories about those brothers who have to kill each other. I mean, you heard that Alyster Black in his cell, begging for forgiveness, apologising and praying. You can tell that this really tore him apart, y’know? You can imagine how tense the conversation must ‘av been before hand..”

“You read too many books son.”

“Have you ever read one of those Chris Peacock books, sheriff? They’re 100% true and they describe every caper, every gunfight, every damn shit he took in detail. That man lived a life worthy of tellin’ stories about.”

“That doesn’t necessarily mean he died as he lived.”

The sheriff joined his deputy, carefully examining the window sill at which Chris Peacock had met his end.

“What d’you mean by that?”

“What I mean is, sometimes a man gets shot on his feet while fighting the good fight. And sometimes a man is struck down in cold-blood, shot in the back before he even suspected that a bullet with his name on it had stepped into town.” The sheriff turns around, facing the deputy with his arms crossed. “Course, there is another theory.”

The deputy raised his chin, beckoning for the sheriff to continue.

“That the gun went off by mistake.”

The deputy broke out in laughter; “Oh sheriff, you’re a riot. Like Chris Peacock could ever get taken out like that?”

The sheriff smirked and approached the table, taking the half-empty whiskey bottle and poured another shot from himself and his depty.

“Ah maybe not. But it’s fun to theorise.” He raised his shot glass and the deputy did so aswell; “Here’s to us never having to deal with the likes of these boys again.”

“Here here!”

In the end Alyster Black had killed Chris Peacock in cold blood. He was considered a hero amongst the civilised world and a bastard amongst the freemen out West. Tales of his and Chris’ epic struggle entered the realm of legend and as all tales do, theirs was embellished for entertainment purposes. No one knows for sure what really happened inside the homestead of Chris’ brother. The only person who knew for sure was Chris Peacock’s killer, who spent his final days inside a forced labour prison camp where eventually he went crazy and was put down like a rabid dog.