Setting: Old West
Disclaimer: The following is a work of fanfiction based on the CBS television series, The Magnificent Seven. It is in no way intended to infringe on the copyrights of CBS, MGM, The Trilogy Entertainment Group, The Mirisch Corp., or anyone else who may have legal rights to the characters, settings or song references. I don't own the characters. This story is strictly for entertainment. No monetary gain will be made from anything contained in this story.
Thick mud. Dark, dank, hot and suffocating. It surrounded him, filling his heavy head and pressing his body down. He struggled to free himself, fighting against the smothering wall. It reminded him of the winters he spent during the war, trudging through swollen rivers during storms. Then a voice split through the muck, splitting it in half and freeing his bound body. Someone was calling him. Someone needed him. Someone was desperate. He knew that voice.
"Buck?" he croaked, forcing his eyes open. For a split second, he thought he was still dreaming. He blinked rapidly, hoping to dispell the garish sight. Vin was sprawled crookedly on Buck. The Texan was soaking wet, his head was dripping streams down the flushed face. "Vin?" He groaned, trying to sit up. Then he saw the knife and moved so quickly, the spinning room was left in the dust. He tore the sling off without flinching. "No!" He cried, grabbing the injured man's wrist. "Gimme that knife ... what the hell are you doing?"
That voice cut through the anger, taking the red wall down and releasing a stream of heated emotions. Vin turned stunned and gazed at the irate face of his brother. He was here! Teheno was alive! His jaw trembled, he remained frozen in shock, unable to tell if it were real.
Chris didn't see the stunned face and fevered eyes grow wide in blue amazement. He didn't see the pale lips trying to form a word. He couldn't see the tears forming in the delirious man's eyes. What he saw was a slack white face on the pillow. He didn't hear Buck's horrid, loud congestive breath. Was Buck dead? Was he too late? Fearing the worst, he shoved the weak attacker hard, sending him sprawling. "Buck, Buck ... " he tapped the stilled face, cringing at the imprints of Vin's hands on Buck's neck. He saw blood on the pillow and frowned, his fumbling fingers finally found a pulse. "Shit!" he sighed, dropping his head as a groan sounded. "Buck, you okay? Can you hear me?" He lifted him forward as the blue eyes shot wide open, the mouth a frantic oval. "Take it easy, cough it up. Come on, dammit," He ordered, pounding Wilmington's back hard. Finally a huge burst of air came forth, coughing and spitting up water and phlegm. The hands waved frantically, alarmed and fearful. "Calm down! I got you."
"V ... i ... n ... " Buck whispered, rubbing his throat. " ... got ... knife ... where ... he ... Chr ... "
"I know," the blond eyed the fallen Texan, who was huddled against the wall, not moving. "I'm gonna go check him now." Then he stopped and looked around as another groan was echoed across the room. "J.D.?"
"I'm ... okay ... Chris ... " the youth stood, rubbing his head and shaking the stars from his vision. "Vin's crazy ... he's talking Indian again."
"Vin?" Chris stood and started to move to the wall.
"Chris, be careful, he's got a knife." Buck warned, still coughing and feeling the blade on his neck. "He damn near slit my throat."
"He's terrified, Buck. From his eyes, he's thirteen, all alone in the world and just saw his family slaughtered. He won't hurt me," the other predicted, squatting down. "Vin, are you okay? Can I have that knife?"
He rose his head slowly, afraid to look. All the andrenalin was gone now, leaving him a pile of aching bones and throbbing flesh. His head was the worst, so painful it brought tears. He leg was on fire, his back and arm burning as well. His jaw trembled as his blurry vision took in a strange room , filled with his enemy. Then he heard his brother's voice and cocked his wet head. His breath came in hot pants and his tongue felt too big. Breathing heavily, he raised his eyes in trepidation. "Teheno?" He whispered, hope shining through his eyes.
"Yeah, it's me, Vin." Chris sighed, shaking his head. He held his palm out. "Give me the knife."
"Gai!" Vin hissed, too frightened to trust his instincts. What happened? Why were they here in the enemy's camp? "Hagani naakwa?"
"You got hurt," Chris answered the panic blue pools shimmering just a few feet away. "See," he nodded to the bleeding leg and pointed to the ragged head wound. "These people are helping you, they care about you. They won't hurt you ... "
"Gai! Gai!" Vin denied, baring his teeth. His heart was pounding so hard it hurt. The sweat poured down, stinging his eyes and making hard to see. " ... Daiboo.." he pleaded to Teheno. Why did his brother turn against him? "Daiboo. ..Bazi ... "
"No!" Chris answered the fear and trembling body, "They didn't hurt her. The man that did that is dead. Do you understand, Vin. He's dead. I saw it, it's true. Okay?" Chris pleaded, inching closer. Still Vin made no move to turn the knife over. Chris wouldn't force it, Vin needed to understand there was no threat here. "These people are my friends, they won't hurt you."
" ... hainji?" he questioned of the word 'friend' and motioned to the two strange men. How could that be? "eN?" He nodded to his brother.
"Yeah, they're my friends." Chris soothed, watching the grip on the knife ease up. He also saw the blood pooling on Vin's leg. That concerned him, knowing the surgeon took such care to repair the damage. "Nobody will hurt you, I promise."
His hand trembled, his fevered eyes fought hard to stay open. They drifted to the two men and back to Teheno. He stared hard at his brother's eyes and sighed. Teheno would never hurt him. He handed the knife over and dropped his head. How would he ever become a great warrior, if he kept messing up?
" ... su'ahaibei ... " he shamed, his voice trembling.
Chris handed the knife to J.D. and moved closer, next to the fallen man. He didn't know what that word was, but he knew what it meant. Vin was ashamed, afraid to look at him. He tipped the chin up and gripped the shoulder with the other hand.
"I understand, Vin, it's not your fault." He pressed, "You woke up in a strange place, hurt and alone. Scared you huh?"
"Haa," Vin nodded, swallowing the lump in his throat. Teheno was real; he was here and the hand on his shoulder wasn't going away. He took several steadying breaths and lifted his head.
"Better?" Chris asked.
"Haa," Vin agreed, coughing and wincing. His throat was on fire. "Baa ... baa ... Teheno?"
"Yeah, okay," Keeping a hand on Vin, he turned, "J.D. get me some water?"
"Sure," the youth paused as Buck's bed, watching the amazement on Wilmington's face.
"If I didn't see it ... " Buck answered J.D.'s look.
"Yeah, I know." The youth concluded, making a quick trip and getting a pitcher of water. He poured two mugs, handing one to Chris. He helped Buck drain the first one, not hiding the relief in his face.
"Hell, J.D., I ain't a ghost," the rogue found a small smile and felt a flush of warmth at the concern the younger man housed.
"Easy Vin, don't drink it too fast, you'll throw up." Chris predicted, steadying the weak hands that held the cup.
Vin frowned, came up for air and then nodded. He stuck his tongue out, pushed two fingers into it and gagged, recalling the previous explanation. He smiled then, pointing the cup to his brother. "Teheno ... ha ha ... "
"You thought that was funny, huh?" Chris eased, glad to have gained the trust back.
"Haa!" Vin chuckled, then coughed, turning his face into Teheno's strong palm. Did his brother know how glad he was to see him again? "babi ... " Vin choked, his eyes filling.
"Yeah, I know," Chris smiled, cuffing the cheek lightly. "Come on, let's get you back to bed ... "
"Gai! Gai!" Vin backed up, hitting the wall, his heart pounding.
"Yes!" Chris thundered, his eyes flashing like lightning. "Quit foolin' around and get back in bed."
"Daiboo!" Vin denied, eyeing the strange room.
"Fine, have it your way!" Larabee angered, standing, "I'm leaving. Goodbye." With that he turned, not able to see the horror painted on the fevered Texan's face.
"Chris ... " Buck warned, only to be cut off.
"I know what I'm doing, Buck, stay out of it."
With that he was gone, having disappeared into the side room, which was dark. For several minutes, nobody moved. Buck turned sideways, and then regretted it. Vin Tanner was one of the most dangerous men he'd ever met. But that man was gone. In his wake, a young boy, terrified and all alone in the world. His lower lip trembled and his wide, wet eyes were glued to the darkened doorway. His face was an anguished mask of sorrow. One hand rose up, reaching out to where Larabee disappeared.
"Te ... he..no ... "
It wasn't a voice, it was a whispered prayer. A broken plea that left both of the onlookers speechless and helpless.
"Te ... he..no ... " he called out, voice quivering. The pain in his head was unbearable; his leg throbbed and he was dizzy. But without his brother, he couldn't survive. He was sorry. He wouldn't disobey again. He would be good. "Te..he..no ... " he sobbed, tears rolling. He reached his hand out again, grasping air. " ... go'aiH ... " he begged, if only his brother would 'come back'. "Te..he..no.. Go'aih ... " he sobbed harder, his voice raw and ragged. It was too late, he'd lost his brother for good. He dropped his head, sobbing harder. "Gai ... Gai ... " he choked in disbelief, he'd failed, now he was truly lost and alone.
Buck started to get out of bed, needing to wrap this young Vin his arms and chase that fear away. But J.D. stopped him, knowing how delicate the surgery was on the rogue's injured leg. "Buck, you can't ... "
"Jesus, Chris, you're breaking his heart!" Wilmington implored, his own heart on shaky grounds.
"Are you going to behave and do as I tell you?" The stern voice requested from the dark.
"Haa ... Haa!" Vin choked, pulling his head up. His heart began to pound hard and his fevered eyes were glued to the door. They were searching, hoping and praying. Then he smiled, choking in relief through his tears, as Teheno reappeared.
Ignoring Buck's black look, bordering on rage, he dropped to Vin's side. He flinched at the desperate hold the fevered man had on him. The need to feel it was real was more than evident. The claw like grip was born of a dark fear. He gathered him close, rocking him slightly as the coughing and choking plagued the trembling body. "Cut that out, before you throw up all over me!" He chastised gently, leaning close to Vin's ear. "I'll never leave you. I have faith in you. I'll take care of you." That did it, the terrible tremors slowed, the coughing died down and dissolved into hiccups. He felt a cloth pressed to his hand. "Thanks, J.D.," He pulled Vin back and wrinkled his nose. "You're a mess, Tanner." He wiped the face and held the cloth over the very runny nose. "Blow ... good ... better?"
"Haa, " Vin sighed, not able to keep his eyes open.
"Let's get you back in bed and fix that leg, okay?"
"Maiku," Vin agreed quietly, touching Teheno's cheek, "babi.." he sighed in content, before passing out in his brother's arms.
"He's out again, Chris," J.D. felt Vin's head. "His fever's worse. I'm gonna find Nathan. Come on, I'll give you a hand." He went to grab Vin under the arms, but Chris hadn't moved yet. Vin was pressed sideways to his chest, the wet head tucked under his chin. Chris's face was a strange mixture of relief, deep affection and fear.
"You okay, Chris?" Buck asked, seeing the same thing the young sheriff did.
"I don't know," Chris whispered, reluctant to give up his hold on the fragile soul and broken heart. Finally he moved, taking Vin's knees under one hand.
"Here, Chris, let me help you," Dunne offered, only to be cut off.
"I got him," Chris vowed, rising slowly, ignoring the pain that ravished his own body.
"You're hurt Chris, you shouldn't be ... "
"I got him!" the blond bellowed, standing and moving to the bunk. They didn't understand, how could they? He felt his guts shred and land on the floor as soon as Vin latched onto him. Something was born inside. A part of him felt a need to help this younger Vin heal completely. Maybe, somehow, that way, when Vin returned to them, the unwarranted guilt he felt over his family's death would be purged for good. That was his job. He gave his word and he wouldn't fail.
"Go on, Kid, get Nathan," Buck nodded, waiting for J.D. to disappear. "Chris, you need to put some pressure on his leg. Chris?"
"Yeah," he said thickly, wiping the sweat-laden face of the unconscious man. He studied the fine features, saw right through the swollen bruises to the relaxed face. That he held that power, to take away a wound festering for far too many years, left him speechless and awed. He took a deep breath and then turned his emotions off temporarily. He cut the long johns off, made two trips to get hot soapy water and washed the jagged wound. Some of the stitches were gone, but it wasn't as bad as he first thought. He managed to stop the bleeding, douse it with carbolic and rewrap it. He continued to bath the fevered body, speaking softly when the unfocused eyes would open. Upon hearing his voice, a soft smile would form and satisifed, they would close again.
"Where the hell is J.D.?" Chris stood finally, covering Vin lightly. "It's been a half hour."
Had it been hours or minutes? Ezra peeled an eye open and swallowed hard. Daylight streamed in the room. The degree of brightness and the angle told him it was late afternoon. He sighed, realizing he'd passed out only for a few moments. Deathly still and barely drawing a breath, there was no pain. Maybe ... perhaps ... he gritted his teeth and tried to rise, only to have a paralyzing pain rip through is back.
"God ... " He groaned, panting heavily as sweat ran off his face. From his side vision, he saw his multilegged black friend, crawling past his elbow. "How reassuring, you haven't deserted me." He paused as the insect moved again. "Nothing personal, I assure you," he took a deep breath and flicked his upper arm. The bug went flying and the pain slammed into him.
"Ahhhhhh!" He cried out, clenching his eyes shut. "God spare me this agony and take me now."
"Ezra?"
His eyes shot open and shifted. For several seconds, nothing changed, then a body appeared. A graying hair and smokey eyes.
"You look disappointed," Josiah knelt down.
"You ... weren't ... who ... I was ... expecting ... " the southerner clenched his teeth.
"What happened?" the eldest looked around the trashed room. "Looks like you interrupted a robbery. Can you move at all?"
"In order of appearance," the other spat in frustration, "I have no idea, there was no intruder and is it not apparent to you that I am not exactly up to a tango?"
"Myself, I prefer blonds," Sanchez dryly added, "But you are kinda cute."
"Spare me your droll sense of humor and dispense a physician."
"Where's Nathan?"
"I have no idea." Ezra's voice changed then, as he recalled the anguished face. "I arrived to find him tossing the drawers around."
"He did this?"
"Is there something wrong with my speech? Or is it your hearing that suffers!" Standish spat back. He was in agony and now to add to his embarrassed state, his bladder was about to erupt.
"He left you here? Maybe he went to get help?"
"No, he misunderstood my rather hysterical reply. I approached him while he was ... uh ... sleepwalking I suppose. I didn't realize until it was too late, that he was revisiting the scene of the accident. He lashed out, I landed here and feared movement of any kind. He bent to aid me and I screamed 'No'. I didn't mean it the way it sounded, I think he blamed himself ... "
"I'll get some help, I saw Doctor Smith downstairs."
"I have an urgent matter that requires immediate attention."
"What urgent matter?" the preacher frowned, then saw the flush rise. "Oh, that kind ... how much is it worth? I could retire a wealthy man."
"I could use a little less of your weak attempt at humor." Ezra snapped, the pressure building to a boiling point. "Name your price."
"Hmmm ... " Josiah rubbed his chin, rose and took a vase of flowers from the window. He took the flowers out and knelt back down. "I'm sure in light of your newfound generosity, you'll be far more giving to the church fund."
"Agreed," Ezra clenched, "Proceed!" he hissed.
"Nathan, are you in here?" J.D. asked, poking his head in the door. "What happened to the ... " The ransacked room seemed unimportant. His hazel eyes widened at the sight before him. "Oh My God!"
"Good Lord!" Ezra groaned, his face flaming, he glared openly at Sanchez. "That supreme being you are so fond of has a wicked sense of humor." He heard the rolling laugher above as he finished urinating and Josiah tucked him away.
"Could be worse, Ezra, it could have been Buck." The preacher rose and put the flowers back in the full vase. "Now that would have put a real dent in your income." He turned back to the youth, who was still staring. "J.D. shut your mouth, you're attracting flies."
"Where's Nathan? Vin got loose, he's talking like an Indian again, like when he was young. He ripped his leg open. It's bleedin' bad and he almost killed Buck."
"Slow down ... " the eldest put his hands up. "Where's Vin now?"
"He's in bed. Chris finally got through to him. He thinks Chris is Teheno again. Chris figures Vin is about thirteen and it's right after his family was murdered. He don't trust anybody ... well except Chris."
"Okay," Josiah sighed, "Nate's not here. He had a bad nightmare and Ezra got caught in the middle. He can't move, he hurt his back. I'm gonna find Doctor Smith. Once we get Ezra squared away ... "
"Nonsense," Standish absorbed the words. "As long as I remain still, I am in no pain. Send the doctor to examine our fallen comrade."
"You must be delirious, Ezra, you're gettin' downright chivilrous," the preacher smiled, "J.D. you stay here with him. I'll send somebody up with a wide board. You keep Ezra on it and put him on the bed, understand?"
"Yeah," the other nodded, "But where's Nathan?"
"I don't know, Son, but as soon as I get Vin taken care of, I'll find out." He paused at the door, watching Ezra's flushed face. "You be sure to keep your hands warm, in case Ezra has to heed the call again."
"Huh?" J.D. screwed his face up, then flushed bright red. "I'm not doing that! You best be in shouting distance, Preacher."
"Why didn't I go East that day?" Ezra groaned, recalling the trip to the dusty town where'd he first met the others.
He found himself at the river, stripping down, he quickly dove into the rushing water. The sharp cold teeth invigorated him. He swam back and forth, releasing all his tension. Finally, exhausted he collapsed on the bank. The hot desert sun baked his skin. He pulled his pants on, leaving his dark chest bare. He staggered to the horse, grabbed the bottle of whiskey from the saddlebag and sat down. He took a swig and eyed the smoldering ruins on the other side of the water. With every swig of courage, the pain went away. He welcomed the numbness when it arrived, lying back under a tree, he closed his eyes. The screams came, the burned bodies appeared, skin dropping off in bloody piles at his feet. He rocked on the ground trying to wade through the tangled mountain of arms, legs and body parts.
"No ... leave me alone ... " He screamed. "God in Heaven I'm sorry," He sobbed, rocking back and forth. His troubled mind took him back in time, to another day by a river. He saw her there, arms reaching out. She was beautiful, warm and loving. She welcomed him, with a smile and a heavenly light around her.
"Mama ... " he whispered, collapsing into her embrace and letting her soft lullaby ease him into a deep sleep.
The harried preacher made his way through the crowded lobby, searching for the skilled surgeon. He was about to turn back and search outside, when he heard his name called. He turned to the judge, as the older man touched his sleeve.
"Josiah? What's wrong?" The former solicitor clearly saw the frantic look in the younger man's eyes.
"Orrin, you seen Doctor Smith?"
"He went to send a wire, why? Is Vin worse?"
"Yeah," he sighed, wincing as he rubbed his sore shoulder. "Ezra's back went out on him, he's on the floor in his room, he can't move and Nathan's missing."
"Missing? When? How?"
"From what J.D. said, Vin's reliving his family's murder, he's back in time. The only one he trusts is Chris. Nathan tore the room apart living out a nightmare, lashed out at Ezra, who ended up on the floor. Then he took off. I need to get Ezra off the floor without hurting his back anymore, he can't move. Slide him on a board and put the whole thing on the bed. Seems being on that hard surface, helps him somehow."
"Alright, I'll get a couple soldiers and take care of that. You find Smith and take him to Vin. Then we'll search the town for Mister Jackson."
"Okay," Josiah ducked outside, heading for the telegraph.
Chris was sitting in a chair next to Vin's bed. The pain in his head went far beyond where normal headaches end. His side was throbbing and he knew the burning eyes needed sleep. But there would be no rest tonight. He was positioned between Vin and Buck, his legs on the edge of Vin's bed. Buck's breathing wasn't any better and he was worried. A series of small, unintelligible moans took his gaze from Wilmington to Tanner. He pulled his legs down and stood up, bending over the tortured body. He had no more cloths and the water was warm. He hated to leave Vin, but the water was in the kitchen. He saw a bowler hat bobbing by the window and then the youth appeared.
"Where the Hell have you been!" Chris growled, then noticed the youth was alone. "Where's Nathan?"
"Gone."
"What do you mean gone?" Chris's eyes narrowed, only making his throbbing temples pulsate quicker.
"I'll explain in a minute," he held his hand out for the basin. He returned several minutes later, talking quickly. "I found Ezra on the floor in his room, it was all torn apart. He walked in on Nathan having a living nightmare of somekind. He shoved Erza, well ... I don't think he knew him ... anyway, Erza can't move. When Nathan 'woke up' and realized what he did, he bolted. Orrin got some men to move Ezra back on his bed. They got an army doctor to look at him. It's not serious, but he can't be moved. He gave Ezra something to make him sleep. When I left, some Red Cross nurse came in to keep an eye on him."
"Thanks," The tired leader took the cool water, laced with rubbing alcohol and set it on the table. "Sorry, Kid, didn't mean to take your head off ... "
"You call that hollering?" Dunne teased with a grin, knowing Chris's 'bear' came out when one of his family was hurting. "Josiah found Doctor Smith, he went to get his medical bag. He should be right over. Josiah and Orrin are searching all over town for Nathan. What are we gonna do when we find him? I mean, how do you fix that?"
"I'm not sure, J.D." Chris admitted, "But we'll do whatever it takes. He's been there for every one of us at one time or another, we owe him." He frowned, pulling Vin's top sheet off. "It's soaked ... "
"Hold on," Dunne disappeared and returned with new bedding. "Turn him towards you and hold him, I'll push the wet one over that way and lay down the dry one." This worked and in a few minutes time, Vin was resting on clean dry sheets and another clean one was pulled to his waist. They worked in tandem, each taking a one side of Tanner. As they finished as laid him back against the dry side of the pillows, two blue slits appeared.
"Vin?" Chris snapped his fingers and pointed to the water. In a flash, the cold mug was in his hand. "Here, I got some water." He knew by the unfocused glaze, Vin had no idea where he was. The brows furrowed, as sweat beaded on the wrinkled forehead. More moans escaped his parched lips and his head twisted. A sharp cry of pain sounded. "Easy, Vin, come on, open up, I got water for you." He spoke louder this time, close to Vin's ear and the head turned. The half-lidded eyes regarded him for a moment and the mouth opened. He eased the water down, getting the whole cup into the fevered man. Vin slumped then, temporarily sated. No sooner had he sat down, when Buck began to choke.
"Christ, where the hell is that doctor!" Chris growled, jumping up and hauling Buck over his arm. "Cough it out, Buck."
"..m'okay ... " Buck wheezed, gasping for breath. He didn't realize the deathgrip he had on Chris, until he heard the other man hiss. "Sorry ... " he pulled his hand back. "How's Vin?"
"Same." Larabee pulled Buck upright, adjusted the brace on his leg and inspected the flushed face. "You should eat, it might help that fever."
"I got chicken noodle soup in the back, fresh bread and some herbal tea." J.D. announced.
"Steak, rare and bloody, big potato, lots of butter," Buck coughed, 'Whiskey ... many ... many ... bottles."
"One bowl of soup, coming up!" J.D. grinned, "Chris, you look awful. You ought to take a hot bath and get changed. You got throw up, Buck crud and blood all over you." He announced. " ... and you stink pretty good."
"Buck crud?" The rogue turned smacking J.D., who grinned and left. Then he saw Chris and winced. The shirt was filthy, encrusted with vomit, blood and 'Buck crud'. His unshaven face was covered in sweat and grim. His hair was damp and sticking up. One eye had a shiner and his bandages were dirty. "He's right, Pard, you look like shit!" He paused, wrinkling his nose. " ... and you do smell pretty ripe."
"Kid's gettin' too Goddamn cocky!" the blond sighed, "You're in no position to be critical, Buck," Chris yawned, scratching his thigh. "I feel kinda itchy."
"Small wonder ... " Buck saw the door moving and the physician arrive. "The calvary's here ... "
Chris turned, relief pouring down his face. He moved aside to let Miles Smith between the two beds.
"Fill me in, Chris," the doctor pulled Vin's sheet down, taking the bandages off the leg. He listened thoughtfully, as Larabee filled him in. "Alright, let's get this leg cleaned and re-stitched. I'll redress his arm as well. Has he been drinking water?"
"Yeah, every time he wakes up. His head seems to be bothering him." Chris added.
"I don't doubt it, it's a very serious injury. Complications are quite common. For several weeks, he'll be prone to blackouts, memory loss, nausea, his vision might be effected ... any number of possibilities." He frowned, placing a hand under the victim's arm. "He's fever is dangerously high, that is our top priority. After I tend to his leg, I'll need some ice. We can pack burlap bags of it under him and around him. The hotel has an ample supply beneath the ground in the ice cellar."
"I'm on it," J.D. set a tray in front of Buck. He went to leave only to find his arm snagged.
"Thanks, John Daniel," Chris said quietly, for all the young man had been doing over the past week. "Seems to me you grew a few inches this week."
"This mean I'm not the 'kid' anymore?" the proud youth replied, beaming.
"Hell no, get your ass in gear," the blond grinned, ruffling the dark hair, "Kid."
"When you finish that, Buck, I want you under a steam tent." Smith ordered, hearing the awful wheezing. "I have an herbal pack in the kitchen, I left earlier. That should help. When you're done, you can have some tea and I'll rub you chest with some menthol balm."
"How 'bout we get ... one ... of ... of ... " Buck coughed and winced, " ... them pretty nurses to ... play ... with my ... chest."
"You can't keep a good scoundrel down," Larabee teased, smiling at the dopey grin the sick man wore.
"Actually, that's a very good idea, they're very skilled and I could use the help." He turned to Chris, "How are you feeling?"
"I'm okay,"
"No you're not and I'll repeat the question, I want an honest answer," the surgeon poured carbolic on the open wound, causing both of Vin's eyes to shoot open. Before Smith could utter a sound, a body moved in on the other side, one hand gripping the shoulder, pinning him to the bed, the other on the confused man's chin. He never said a word, but his presence alone seemed to calm Tanner, whose lips moved to speak. "Water ... while he's awake."
"Yeah," Chris fumbled, taking the cup from the doctor. "Drink up, Vin,"
"Gai ... Gai ... " Vin croaked, he didn't want anything, his stomach was churning. He didn't want to get sick, Teheno would get angry.
"Yes!" Chris countered, then sighed, "You got a high fever, you need the water. Try for me, okay?"
"Haa" his voice dropped, he felt the stinging in his leg, unaware that the surgeon was stitching him up. He parted his lips and kept his eyes glued to the black ones above. It didn't take long, and his stomach spasmed. He cried out, jerking his body as the bile rose. Tears burned as the pain of the rejected water came back over his broken ribs. Pain ... so much pain. Someone was holding him and he relaxed, knowing before the words that is was Teheno. He recognized the touch. Gasping in pain, he curled into the broad chest, mumbing his apology.
"Hey, take it easy, it's okay," Chris said gently, wiping Vin's face and neck.
"Here, Chris, try this," the doctor handed him a mug of warm tea. "It will help his stomach."
"Medicine, Vin, for your belly," he nudged the mouth, which was tucked against his abdomen.
"Gai ... Teheno ... " he issued weakly, not wanting that pain to return.
"For me?" Chris felt awful about that, he knew why Vin didn't want to drink. He'd suffered through broken ribs and coughing was no picnic. Throwing up was unbearable. It took several minutes, but the liquid diappeared. He eased the fevered body back then, catching the blinking eyes with his own. He cupped the chin, "You did good ... get some sleep. I'll be ... "
"Daiboo!" Vin hissed, seeing the stranger next to him. He forced his frail body the other way, hitting a muscled wall.
"No, he's a good man, Vin, a doctor, a healer. He's helping you."
"I'm Doctor Smith, Vin, and I'm glad to meet you." The physician knew about the delirium and had seen episodes like it before. He spoke in a gentle tone, and offered his open hand and a smile. The brows furrowed as the wary eyes regarded him. Then a hand came up and he took it. "Your arm is burned and I'd like to check it. Would that be okay?"
"Haa," Vin agreed, as long as he could feel Teheno behind him. As the medicine took effect, his eyes grew heavy. He watched through half-mast lids, as the gentle hands put a cold cream on his burning skin. It felt good and it sighed; it took the pain away! " ... aisheN ... " he sputtered, sighing again and tapping the stranger's arm. " ... aisheN ... Doc ... tor ... "
"Uh ... " Smith looked at Chris who mouthed the word 'Thank you' and nodded. "You're quite welcome, Vin. Would you like some soup?"
"Haa ... " Vin decided, as he was straightened in the bed. He sniffed, wrinking his nose and turning to Teheno, waving his hand in front of his face. Teheno smelled like Buffalo chips. This motion got a laugh from Buck, so much so, he began to cough.
"Everybody's a critic." Chris grimaced, as the doctor returned.
"Chris, I had a good reason to ask you how you felt. When we pack him on ice, he's gonna fight. I'm gonna need you." He gave the determined leader the cup. Chris held it to Vin's lips and watched carefully, as the liquid disappeared. They both relaxed a little, when the young man sipped it carefully, moaning as the flavored broth went in easy.
" ... tsaangesunga ... " Vin groaned, sipping the broth again.
"Good booze?" Chris grinned and saw the head bob.
"Haa!" Vin enthused, blinking hard. "Te ... he..no ... " he slurred.
"Sleep," Chris said quietly, taking the empty mug. He tipped Vin's head back against the pillow. The mouth parted slightly, as the fevered man slept. "What can I do?"
"Get a hot bath, a hot meal and let me check you wounds. Then you get a short nap. It'll take a while for his body temperature to adjust. You rest until then, agreed?. I need you strong. Moreover, I need him to see you, you are the one he hears."
"Agreed," Chris rose, "I'll put that water on to boil for Buck's croup tent, then I'll go."
The winter wind blew through the camp, sending shivers down his spine. His feet were numb, the cardboard soles worn through. He trudged through ice and slush, trying to ignore the hands that tugged at his legs. He kept his numb fingers wrapped around the stretcher handles, he didn't see the eyes on him or hear the feeble plea of the dying. At least he thought he didn't. They couldn't be helped, save the ones that could be ... that was what they were told.
"Please ... help ... please ... God it hurts ... medic ... medic ... please ... "
"No! I can't do nuthin' ... " he screamed, "leave me alone ... "
He sat up in a hurry, panting and unnerved. His body trembled from fear and cold. The sun was going down and the air near the river was cold. He was bare chested, covered in sweat and very sick. He crawled to the river, dousing his face and drinking. He saw his shirt nearby and pulled it on, before gathering wood for a fire. As the flames rose, he thought on the bizaare episodes in town. Blackouts for no reason, hearing voices that didn't exist, see dead folks where there were none. He saw the eyes then, they haunted him. Josiah's compassionate blue eyes, Vin's fevered sky eyes, Buck's struggling navy eyes and worst of all, Ezra's terrified green ones. What if he'd been digging a bullet out when a spell came? He could have killed one of them.
He sighed, feeling as if an elephant was sitting on his chest. He gazed at the setting sun, burning a hole in the horizon. He felt as if those firey rays were encompassing him. He had too many questions and no answers. He picked up the half empty bottle and took a long draw, flinching as the burning liquid scorched his stomach. His dark eyes regarded the liquid swirling in the bottle. The wind picked up and he shivered, taking another drink. The voices carried on the wind, calling to him, mocking him. He tried to hide, covering his ears and curling up, but they found him. Begging, pleading for mercy, bloody hands rising up, crimson spilling through their dying lips.
"No ... no ... " he cried out, rolling to his knees. He crossed his arms over his chest and took his soulful, brown eyes to the pink and orange sky. "Lord, hear my prayer ... "
Chris eased his lean, battered body into the steaming hot water. He groaned in pleasure as the heat caressed every inch of his flesh. He rested his head for a moment, before using the scrub brush and a new bar of Pears soap. He scrubbed every bit of grime and filth, from his head to his toes, using his good arm. He eased back then, resting his eyes. Movement outside brought his hand to his gun and his keen eyes to the window. He picked up the soap and heaved it at the door, satisfied when the body passed by, stopped.
"You find him?" He asked, when Josiah appeared next to the tub.
"Nope," the preacher replied, slumping a bit. "We looked everywhere. How's Vin? I sent Orrin over there."
"His fever riding high," Chris eased back, feeling the heat stroking him, "The doctor's gonna pack him in ice. He thinks it could get dicey later. Buck's not good either, his lungs are a mess." He paused, wondering if Josiah heard him. He knew how close he was to the missing man and how worried he was. "He'll be back."
"Will he?"
"He will, despite what's happening to him, he's got a healer's heart. He won't desert Vin or Buck."
"I need to find him, Chris." Sanchez sighed, "Before he disappears into those nightmares forever."
"Too dark to head out now ... " Larabee rose and took the large towel offered. "He's not far, hes' hurt and confused, but he's not crazy. We'll go at first light. We'll bring him home, make the circle complete again."
"How do you feel?"
"Wet!" Buck coughed, as the doctor removed the small tent over his bed. He was dripping wet, the invasion of steam helped. He felt movement in his chest, where there was none before. He'd coughed up a ton of crud. He felt lightheaded and a little dizzy, but better.
"I think a bath and rubdown will remedy that." He dried the excess moisture off and made the infirmed man sit up. He took a stethescope to his back, listening to the lungs. "That sounds much better. I'd like you take some more soup and tea."
"Okay," Buck rested his aching head, he saw Vin was raised up, courtesy of the bags of ice under him and packed on his chest and leg. He saw a blanketed pair of legs beyond that as well. "You got Vin all iced up."
"Yes, Chris is sleeping. It will be a few hours before Vin reacts. That's when I'll need him. Josiah is staying with Ezra and young Mister Dunne is dining with the judge. He'll be back shortly." He strode to the kitchen door.
"Hey, Doc," Buck called out, thinking back to the endless days and nights this man had endured. " ... thanks, you've been great through all of this." The warm smile he received in return was felt deep. He took his eyes around the room, heard the faint piano music in the background as darkness settled onto the bustling town. Then he noticed a pair of woeful blue eyes staring at him.
"Hey, Vin!" He reacted normally, forgetting for a moment that this was not the man he knew. The eyes blinked, the body shivered and a long, painful sigh escaped the forlorn lips. He looked so sad. Buck frowned, watching the fevered eyes darting around. He smiled then, lowering his voice to a rich, caring tone. "He's sleeping right next to you, he's okay, just wore out, see?" He pointed, "Go on ... look."
Vin heard the white man's words and turned slightly, crying out as the fire in his head erupted. Teheno was indeed, resting. Satisifed his brother was safe and closeby, he turned back to the man with the tickling voice. That is what it felt like, when this man spoke, it tickled his insides. He liked the smile and how it felt when the words came out. He stared hard at the face, as it was a little blurry. He saw the bruises on the man's body and the strange box around his bandaged leg.
"Gizhaa?"
"Huh?" Buck strained, barely able to hear the weak voice. He followed Vin's finger, which was pointing to his leg. "Oh," he relaxed, "Hell, Son, that ain't nothin' for you to fret about, old Bucklin's been through a lot worse. Don't you worry, you're gonna be okay, the ... "
"Buck ... lin?" Vin repeated, cocking his head. "Buck ... lin ... "
"Yeah," Buck grinned, hoping that small light he saw in Vin's eyes was a spark of recognition.
Why did that word tickle his heart? He did not know this man. Yet the warm voice, the kind eyes and the wide smile made him feel good, like when he drank hot cocoa by the fire. He thought on Teheno's words. Friend. That is what his brother said of this man. Teheno would not lie; this meant he was his friend too.
" ... hainji ... " Vin decided, giving his new friend a shy smile. " ... Buck ... lin ... hainji ... " he grinned, tapping his heart with a closed fist.
"Aw, hell." Buck whispered, feeling like a firecracker exploded inside. He didn't need an interpreter for that. He mimicked the motion, putting his closed fist over his own heart. " ... hainji ... Vin ... "
"Haa!" Vin nodded, nearly beaming. "Haa ... Buck ... lin ... "
"That's my name, Son, don't wear it out!" He teased, watching the heavy eyes fighting hard to stay open. The flushed face was damp and the long hair looked like rat tails. But to Buck, he looked like a million dollars. "Get some sleep, now. When you wake up, Chr ... uh ... Teheno will be waiting for you."
"Maiku," Vin nodded, shutting his eyes, then peeling one open. "Bucklin ... AishenN ... "
"You're welcome," he said gently, with a broad smile, watching carefully until the tension left the Texan's face and he slept.
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