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.
"You look good with a cane, Ezra!" J.D. commented on the black oak cane trimmed with a silver handle. It was midafternoon and they were in the merchantile. Ezra paid for the handsome cane, which gave him support, and strode slowly towards the door. His eye caught a sign above the shelf in the corner. "Mister Dunne, a favor?"
"Depends..." J.D.'s eyes narrowed.
"I was wondering if you could get my flask filled," he handed his silver prized possession to the other. "Sipping Whiskey, the best, this should cover it. Procure an extra bottle as well. I have another purchase to make." He handed over some silver and waited until he was alone. He hobbled back to the counter and tapped it with his cane. "Madame, do you have that in stock?" He pointed to the sign.
"Yes, as a matter of fact, we got a new shipment this morning. We can't keep them on the shelves." She leaned across the counter. "All the way from San Francisco..."
"Excellent!" his eyes lit up. "I'll take a box."
J.D. waited for Nathan to approach and handed him his bottle and flask. Then they preceeded into the makeshift clinic. J.D. went in first, his eyes shot to Vin, who was still sleeping. Then the other man looked up, flipping the newspaper away.
"Hey Buck, look who I found!"
"Hey, Ace, you look fit as a fiddle!" Buck commented, eyeing the nattily attired gentleman. The rogue was dressed and out of bed. The doctor agreed that if he was careful and put no weight on the injured leg, he could sit at the table. The leg was resting on the pillows on the edge of the bed. "Soon as I can get over there, I'm gonna wire a donation to the Red Cross in San Francisco. Angels of mercy..." he paused, hearing an almost rapid growl. "You okay? Sounds like you ate somethin' funny." His eyebrows wagged then, "Hey, pull up a chair and I'll tell you about Abby's magical fingers." He exuded, wiggling his fingers, "You got the good shit, gimme some of that."
"Spare me the sordid details of your amourous adventure. While you were seducing the lovely Miss Bauer," he hissed, taking a liberal sip of his flask and hobbling further into the room. "I was being manhandled by a gruesome creature whose plundering fingers and bestial bedside manner may have scarred me for life." He sat the bottle in front of the smirking, mustached man.
Buck was in mid-laugh, when he saw Vin was awake finally and his whole face screwed up. He'd been sleeping all day, except when J.D. coaxed water into him. It was obvious that the lost tracker didn't know what to make of Ezra Standish. The blues eyes narrowed under furrowed brows, the shaggy head was cocked to one side. The gaze went up and down the flashy dressed southerner and the nose wrinkled. This made Wilmington laugh even harder.
"This here is Erza Standish, Vin, don't pay him any mind, we don't," Buck chortled, slapping the gambler's leg lightly.
"Thank you!" Ezra shot back, turning his attention the bedridden Texan.
"Kinda hard on the eyes, isn't he?" Buck needled.
"Haa!" Vin agreed, screwing his face up again at the stranger.
"You being the resident fashion assassin," the gambler shot back, "...are in no position to comment on my apparel." He turned back, "Hello, Vin." He looked awful. His face was swollen and discolored. The burned arm was resting on his bandaged chest. The horrid , ragged cut on the head stood out too clearly. J.D. warned him that Vin was still lost in the past. He approached with caution. "How are you feeling?
"Gizhaa," he grimaced, his head was pounding and he was dizzy. "Ede iN" he waved a hand in front of his hot face.
"Although I don't understand the meaning of those words, as usual your animated efforts speak clearly. You look decidedly unwell and feverish."
"Hagai?" Vin screwed his face up, shaking his head. Then he looked at Buck and J.D., both were laughing.
"Hell, Ezra, we can barely follow what you're sayin' at times," Wilmington joked, "Try to remember who you're talking to."
"Understood, I'm sorry." Ezra nodded, "May I?" he pointed to the chair and saw he head dip once. "I've brought you a gift, would you like to open it now?"
"Haa!" Vin shot upright, eyes wide. A present! He moved too quickly and the room began to spin around. "Gai... Gai..." he denied, not wanting to pass out. He felt someone righting him and backed up, seeing the red coat coming near. It reminded him of a rooster strutting around.
"Better?" Ezra waited, watching sweat running down Vin's face. "Would you like some water?"
"Haa!" Vin took the cup and drank it, pausing to issue a loud, wet burp. "AisheN..."
"It's reassuring to know that some part of you remains," Ezra smiled, then paused when Vin drew an loud exclaimation of breath and craned his head.
"Hinga?" Vin demanded, pointing to the stranger.
"What?" Ezra puzzled, moving closer, "Is there a problem?" Before he could react, Vin's finger pried his lip open. "What on earth are you doing?" He moved, wiping his mouth. Vin was adament, moving again and tugging at his tooth.
"Ohapite!" Vin demanded of the yellow tooth. It shone like the sun! "Ohapite!" he held his hand out, wiggling his fingers.
"Keep your filthy paws out of my mouth!" Ezra stood up, but Vin followed, sliding his slim body into a sitting position and grabbing the red coat.
"Ohapite!" Vin demanded, tugging on the coat and reaching for the gold tooth.
"Of all the gall," Ezra huffed, peeling Vin's arms from his jaw. The fact the J.D. and Buck were nearly breaking blood vessels laughing didn't help. "A hand, gentlemen?"
"Not all the tea in China!" Buck coughed, "You're on your own, Ace."
"Have a heart, Ezra, give him the tooth." J.D. added.
"You cannot have that, it's my tooth, it's attached to my gums..." Ezra gritted, finally shoving the octopus like arms away. "Furthermore, you're behaving like a wild animal."
"Haa!" Vin growled, trying again, but then the room began to swim. He'd taken too many breaths and now his lungs wouldn't work. Instead, a fire exploded in his chest. Suddenly he was clawing at air. He couldn't breathe, the fire in his chest was great. "Te...he..no..." he managed, panicking.
"Shit!" Buck's smile died, "Ezra grab him... J.D. get him back in the bed. "Vin, you okay? Vin?" He fretted, "check his leg, J.D..."
"Okay Vin?" the youth remained next to his friend, wincing at the deathgrip Vin had on his hand. He used the free one to take a wet cloth from Ezra and wipe the ill man's face.
"Maiku," Vin nodded, grateful for the help. The stranger's face was as red as his coat. Vin felt foolish then. He saw the wrapped package next to the Ezra man and frowned. Perhaps he was too angry to give the gift. He had to change his mind. He felt his face flush and curled up.
"Vin you want some water?" J.D. asked.
"Gai," Vin whispered into the pillow.
"Now look what you did!" Buck hissed as Ezra made his way to the table. "You hurt his feelings. I know it's hard, Erza, cause he looks the same. But he's not. He's a kid, remember. Nobody should have to watch their family get butchered, least of all a kid."
"Alright, one blue-eyed albatross is enough!" He sighed, moved back to the bed and sat down. "I'm sorry if I upset you. I didn't mean to offend you. If there is any way I can make amends..."
Vin turned his face up, widened his pain filled eyes and sighed, shrugging. He saw the man's eyes change. They softened and slid to the package. It was working! He sighed again, letting out a soft whimper, rubbing his head. "Te...he..no..."
"Uh... uh..." Ezra struggled, looking to Buck who seemed equally at a loss.
"He'll be back, Vin," J.D. tried but the sorrowful face remained.
"Oh Dear," Standish sighed, taking the flask out and taking a good dose.
Vin's eyes slid to the pretty silver object. Then his nose twitched. He knew what was inside! "...hibi..." he whispered, mouth watering.
"Would you like to open your gift now?"
Vin sighed and took his saddest eyes to the stranger. He shrugged again, resting his head on the pillow and wincing in pain. Through blue slits, he saw the green eyes soften again. He muffled a cry and fisted the sheet.
"Here now," Ezra managed, "none of that. Perhaps this will help."
"Now that's what I call a miracle" Buck laughed, watching the tranformation. In the span of a few seconds, the suffering soul who was barely able to move, sprang to life. The slim body sat up and took the box, nimble fingers ripping the paper off. "Damn son, slow down!" he laughed, J.D. joining him.
Vin's nose told him before he opened the box. He couldn't believe it and his heart began to hammer. He took the lid off and let out a short war call. An action which temporarily took his breath away. Despite the pain he felt, the aroma of the contents was overpowering.
"It's candy!" Ezra acknowledged, smiling at the joyful and youthful outburst.
"...Haa!" Vin nodded, shoving several of the tiny chocolate pieces into his mouth. "AisheN..."
"Vin, slow down, you'll get sick and Chris'll kill me." Buck shouted, "Ezra get the box back."
"Vin, perhaps if..."
"Gai!" Vin twisted away, shoving more into his mouth.
"Stop that this instant, you're acting like a spoiled chi... uh... give me that."
"Gai..." Vin denied, trying to hold onto the box. But the red coat took back. "...Gai Gai!" he reached and clawed, only to be denied.
"First, if you insist on behaving in this manner, you'll get no more. Second, you know how to speak English and from now on will do so. Do I make myself clear?"
Vin thought for a moment, his belly warring with his mouth for more of the tasty candy. His thoughts went to the silver flask as well. "Haa..."
"Excuse me?" Ezra tilted his head, studying the face, trying not to smile at the chocolate all over his lips and running down his chin.
"Yes..."
"Much better. After you've eaten some supper, later, you may have some more." Ezra huffed, handing Vin his hankerchief. "Wipe your mouth."
"Mine!" Vin demanded, then huffed in anger when both the red coat and his box moved away. He wiped his mouth and tossed the soiled article away. He crossed his arms over his chest and pouted. He wanted more. "Hah..." he scowled, turning his body into the pillow.
"You riled him up, but good," Buck nodded, "Looks like he always had that hot head. Hey, nice move on the English. I was afraid to scare him off."
"Has the doctor said when he'll recover... that is... gain his memory back?" Ezra asked, pouring them each a drink from the bottle. He pulled out a deck of cards.
"No, he damn near died on us last night. The doc says he has a long way to go... that shot to the head was a whopper. You up for a game?"
"Is the Pope a catholic?" the gambler replied, dealing the cards.
"I'm gonna finish my letter to Casey and maybe buy her a little gift. The judge is leaving tomorrow and I'll send it back with him."
"Okay, Kid, but get her something nice, okay, a girl present." Buck called after the departing youth. "Josiah and Chris should be back soon. I sure hope Nathan comes with them."
While the two men played, the room became warm. Ezra shed his jacket, tossing over the chair next to Vin. He paused a moment, watching Vin's pained face. Even in slumber, he couldn't escape it. He returned to the table and picked up his hand. Unbeknownst to the men, the sly fox was awake.
Vin slid his blue slits to the men, who were involved in their game. He eyed the coat, the bulge in the pocket and moved his hand slowly. He got to the box of candy first, slipping his hand inside and taking out a lot. He shoved them all in, sucking on the wonderful sweet treat until they melted and he could swallow. He was thirsty. He eyed the other bump in the coat. Through slits, he gazed at the table again and slipped his hand inside. He slid the bottle under the pillow. Deft fingers undid the top. One more glance to ensure he wouldn't be caught. He took a great gulp, nearly belching at the fire. He replaced the lid and the bottle in the jacket. Hearing movement, he feigned sleep again. It was hard to remain still, this was different fire water. It burned a lot! He felt his eyes tearing as he held it in.
"He okay?" Buck asked, watching Ezra move to the bed.
"His face is flushed and his eyes are tearing." The gambler misread the pained look. "Can't they give him something for pain?"
"The doc's comin' by with his dinner, he doses him up after." Buck paused, hiding a smile as Ezra's hand went to the cloth in the bowl next to Vin. He wiped the hot face and eyes, before turning to move away. He frowned, seeing a stain on his jacket. "That's funny..." he reached inside, noticing the loose cap. He refilled the flask and returned it to the pocket.
After the two men resumed the game, the sly fox's repeated his movements. It was hot. Very hot. He felt sweat pouring from him. His stomach didn't feel so good. His head was pounding, his chest on fire. He needed help. He tried to open his eyes, but they wouldn't work. He felt hands on his face and squinted.
"Te..he...no..."
"Why is he so hot?" Ezra asked, wiping his face again. "Moreover, where is Chris?" He saw Buck starting to rise, his handsome face creased in worry. "No! Sit down. I'll get Doctor Smith." He took his cane and began the slow journey.
"Take it easy Vin... you hang in there, okay?" Buck called over, watching the body squirm.
"Dy...ing..." Vin gasped, he was sure that is what this sickness was.
"Of course you ain't dying." Buck snapped, angry that he was stuck across the room. The moans slipped out, soft at first, then stronger. The slim body moved again, face glistened in sweat. Vin curled up into a ball and screamed in pain. Then his eyes shot open and his body began to hunch and flex.
"Shit..." Buck eyed the distance between them. "J.D.! Ezra!" he turned back to the body fighting back vomit. "Toss it up Vin, you're gonna choke." Then the eyes rolled back in his head and he fell backwards, not moving. "Aw, hell... he'll choke..." Buck feared of the vomit rising. "Vin! Vin!" There was no movement. The echoes of the warnings of the doctor lingered in his ear, which spoke of how close he came to bleeding to death. Despite the delicate surgery that nearly cost him his leg and the ramifications of his actions, he had no choice. He eased his injured leg off the bed, barely supressing a scream as circulation streamed back.
"God..." he clenched, eyes tearing of the pain. Sweat poured down his face an he licked his dry lips, clenched the edge of the table and stood on his good leg.
"Buck! What the hell are you doing?"
"Chris!" The other man sighed in relief. "Thank God!" He heaved, collapsing into Larabee's arms. "Something's wrong with Vin... choking I think... Erza went for the... the... doc...tor... shit!" He cried out, pain exploding in his leg.
"Lean on me," the blond directed, getting the injured man back to his bed. He gently raised the leg over the pillows and watched the dark blue eyes rolling in pain. The mouth opened in a silent scream; locked in too much agony to verbalize. Finally, the eyes focused on him, full of pain, in a wet face.
"I'm... okay... see... to... Vin..." Buck clenched, gripping the side of the bed.
"Nathan and Josiah are right behind me..." he updated, moving to Vin's side. "Vin?" He eased Vin over his arm and pried his mouth open. A hard wet cough ensued, spilling a mouthful of residue on the floor. He eased the body back, tapping the cheeks and unfocused blue eyes blinked at him.
"...he.no!" Vin cried out, lifting his arms and babbling half in English.
"Slow down!" Chris felt his face, flinching at the heat. "When did this start?"
"...not... long..." Buck managed.
Vin frowned, despite his own misery, when he heard Buck's voice. Craning his neck, he saw the agony the other man wore. "Buck...lin... hurt..." he whispered, sitting up and trying to get out.
"No, stay put!"'
Vin paled then, realizing his new friend had maybe reinjured the leg because of him. It was at this time, he belly began to boil. "Te..heno... move..."
"Move?" Chris asked, not fast enough. Vin's threw up violently, all over him and the bed. The backwards motion of the acidic residue over broken ribs caused enough pain to make the younger man pass out. Fearing he'd choke, Chris pried his mouth open, but it was empty.
"What happened?" Nathan demanded, running up the aisle. "Buck?"
"...s'okay... Nate..." he managed, biting his lip, then smiling when the familiar sight of the worried brown eyes appeared. "Hey... missed that face... you stayin'?" His arm shot up, trying to find the other man. He felt it take hold and gave a good grip.
"Somebody has t'kick yuh fool ass... told yuh t'stay off that leg!" He cut the bandages off, relieved when no blood shown through. "Looks okay...but yuh're no more chances. I'll wash it up and rewrap it in a minute. I want to check on Vin." He went to move away and felt his wrist snagged.
"Are you okay?" Buck worried, more about this man's inner wounds.
"I will be, Buck. I had a lot of pain inside, rottin' away for years. It's out now." He paused, feeling the strong hand locked onto his wrist. He covered it with his own. "I know it's gonna take some time t'heal... but I'm on the right road now."
"You need to talk... I'm .... here... help..."
"Yuh already did, thanks Buck!"
"What the hell?" Chris demanded, wrinkling his nose in disgust at the mess that covered him. "Chocolate and whiskey?" He frowned, then glared hostily at Buck. "Where the Hell did he get chocolate and whiskey?"
The Beelbezub-like bellow from hell brought the unconscious man's eyes open. He fought the hand on his face at first, then welcomed the wet cloth. He tried to suck on it, and found a mug tipped to his lips. Through blurry eyes he saw Teheno. There was no mistaking that murderous look. His brother was angry! As sick as he was, he knew he was in trouble somehow and tried to work his magic again. "...hurts..."
"I'll bet it does," Chris growled, tapping the slack face. "Wake up, Vin. Quit playing 'possum. Where'd you get that whiskey?"
"Whiskey?" Vin's eyes widen in feigned confusion.
"Yeah," Chris snarled, gripping the shoulders, "this stuff you threw up all over me. Answer me!"
The loud voice was like a knife in his head. He cried out and curled up, yanking his arm free and covering his head. "...the rooster... the rooster..."
"Chris, you're hurtin' him" Buck warned, watching Vin carefully, until the body went limp in the stench-ridden gunslinger's arms. "He's out again."
"Chris, yuh gonna have to move, I have t'clean him and that bed up." Nate persuaded. It didn't take them long to strip Vin and move him. While Nate got water boiling in the kitchen, the other two men tried to piece the puzzle together.
"Was he alone at all?"
"No..." Buck replied, "well, I dozed off for awhile, but I don't think anybody came in..."
"But he could have gotten up..." Chris theorized half-heartedly.
"No, I don't think so... he damn near fell out of the bed when he sat up." Buck replied, "I'm sorry Chris, I guess I messed up. Maybe... somebody dropped supplies off in the other room and left a bottle on the end there,' he nodded to the table. "I didn't see..."
"It's not your fault, Buck." Chris disarmed, "The rooster?" he puzzled, taking his soiled shirt off. "Thanks, Nate," he nodded as a small bowl of soapy water appeared. As he washed, he thought on the clues. He tried not to flinch, but his side was throbbing and his shoulder roared to life.
"Keep yuh shirt off 'til I look at that wound," the healer ordered, washing the unconscious Texan carefully. He peeled back the bandages on the leg, just as the doctor reappeared.
"Nathan," Miles Smith paused, resting his hands on the younger man's shoulders. "I'm so sorry, I should have spoken with you sooner. I had no idea."
"Miles, it's not yuh fault," Jackson heard every bit of conviction.
"You should know something else," the doctor eyed Vin's wound over the ex medic's shoulder. "I've traveled throughout these United States and I've practiced in many hospitals. I've stood shoulder to shoulder with the finest surgeons in this fair land of ours. I was never prouder than working next to you at the crash scene."
"I don't know what t'say..." Nate shook his head, chest filling. He felt his eyes burning and took a steadying breath.
"I heard that just fine," Miles Smith smiled, "Why don't you see to Chris's side and I found his sling and had it cleaned. It's all ready."
Buck chuckled at the face Chris made, as Nathan began to fuss over him. While he denied he needed it, over the healer's scolding head, he winked at Buck and grinned.
"Good work, Pard!" Buck mouthed, "Hey Nate, you got any horse piss? My leg's killing me. How about giving a real patient some attention?"
."Wait a minute..." Chris hissed, as his arm was placed back in the sling. He wouldn't admit it, but it did feel better there. "Did you say Ezra was here?"
"Yeah, he gave Vin some chocolate, but only a few pieces." Buck paused, flinching as the healer probed his leg. "He didn't give him any whiskey..."
"He had his red coat on?" Chris saw the dark head nod. "I think I found the rooster."
"No, Chris, he did good. He got Vin talking English, scolded him good, took the candy away when he started shoveling it into his mouth too fast. He never gave ..."
"What?" Chris asked, moving closer.
"That little sneak," Buck shook his head, wincing as Nathan reapplied his bandage. "Not so tight..." He let Nathan slide two pillows behind him and sighed. "Thanks Nathan."
"Finish." Chris's eyes drew together.
"Ezra couldn't figure out why his flask kept leaking. Every time he got up to check Vin, his pocket was wet and the damn thing was empty."
"So was this," a voice said, hobbling into the room. He put the empty box of chocolate on the table. "I'm sorry," he turned to Chris. "I am afraid I was the unwilling victim in an unsavory scheme."
"Vin conned you?" Chris blew out a hot air and shook his head.
"With every moan, rolling blue eyes and pain filled gyraton he could muster," Ezra sat down next to Buck. "I've seen clouds with more color. Perhaps you need a nurse. I know of an available one, highly trained in massaging hard to reach places."
"Here Buck," Nathan handed him a mug of liquid. "Yuh drink that down, it'll take the pain away." He turned awkwardly, not sure of what to say to Ezra Standish. "Ezra... what I did... there's no excuse. I could have hurt yuh bad. I'm glad yuh're okay... I'm sorry."
"I'm sorry, too, Nathan," Ezra extended his hand, shaking the other's "That you had to endure such a festering wound. I only wish I could have helped, rather than send you fleeing from town. I wasn't screaming at you, I was afraid of being moved."
"I didn't even know yuh were there," the healer shifted, "I couldn't see anything but bodies and metal. I was trying to find yuh in that train. I didn't...realize how much guilt I was holdin' onto from... the... w...w..ar." He whispered, it still hurt, as raw wounds do. "I... we... were taught t'pick up them that we could fix. The others... grabbed... needed help... God..." He swallowed hard.
"Perhaps we should go outside and get some air?" Standish offered, a little uncomfortable with the show of emotion. "Although I have no idea of what horror you were forced to live through, I can say your actions were beyond heroic and certainly there is no cause drop your head."
"Thanks, Ezra," he sighed, "I don't know what I need. I feel sort of uncomfortable in my own skin. How is he?" He asked Doctor Smith, changing the subject.
"His fever is up a bit, but I am confident it's due to the alcohol. Unfortunately, he'll have to be careful of his diet, until his head injury heals more. Too much rich food will cause him to become ill. Soft, mild foods, soups, eggs and the like, should stay down."
The rest of the afternoon passed slowly. Buck and Vin slept, under Josiah's watchful eye. Nathan's hangover kicked in and he retired to his room. J.D. and Chris went to meet with Orrin, Major Kelly and the Secretary of Transportation. Chris wasn't happy about the report, but it was better than he hoped.
Dinner came and went, Vin slept on. While the others ate quietly nearby, he battled nightmares. He was tied up again, flames roared around him. A devil with blond hair was using a spear, stabbing him. He struggled against his bindings, fighting hard. Then the picture began to change. Instead of his grandmother, Bazi and the others, it was his new friends who were hurt and bleeding. The bearer of the spear lit the end, causing a flame to glow bright. He snapped his wrist back, aiming it at his unprotected head. But Teheno leapt at the evil man, taking the spear instead.
"Chris, what's wr..." Josiah didn't get a chance to finish his thought, the blond tossed his chair back and crossed the room in three long strides. He got to the beside, just as the scream erupted.
"No!"
"Vin!" Buck sat up, blinking and coughing.
"Wake up, you're having a bad dream," Chris issued sharply, pressing the flailing body down against the bank of pillows. He was covered in sweat and shaking all over. His eyes were wild and frantic; most likely not seeing anything in the room. His chest heaved in short, painful pants. "Vin," he tapped the cheek lightly and the eyes blinked. Vin took a shuddering breath and immediately launched into a confused, mixed up dialect. "Slow down... calm down..."
Vin snaked his arms through Teheno's and tugged at his shirt. Why weren't they helping? Didn't they see the spear wound?
"What are you doing?" Chris pulled back, after three buttons were undone.
"...fire... on spear... in yer chest... he... I... will... kill him... I will... he... tied... stabbed... he will die..." Vin coughed loudly, his exertion getting the best of him. He couldn't stop shaking, it was so real.
"I'm fine, nobody used a spear on me, take a look," he peeled his shirt away. The fingers probed his chest and the face furrowed, but then satisfied, the hand retracted.
"Here, Chris," J.D. moved in with a mug of water. "You okay, Vin?" He winced when his friend turned away, face flaming. "Eveybody has nightmares Vin, it's nothing to be ashamed of..."
"Thanks, J.D.," Chris took the mug and shook off the rest. "Here," he managed to get the water into the suffering soul, before the body turned away. "You need to eat, how 'bout some soup?"
"...no food..." Vin whispered, the pain screaming in his head. His stomach was churning again, his chest and leg throbbed. "...it hurts..."
"I know," Chris said softly, knowing Vin wasn't fooling around this time. "Nathan has some tea with medicine in it."
"Easy now, yuh got yuhself all worked up..." Nathan stopped when the body moved backwards, trying to escape. "Vin's what's wrong?"
"Na...than..." Vin lifted his eyes, looking at a man with brown skin. He stared up at the face as saw caring brown eyes.
"Nathan Jackson," Nate said, taking the seat Chris vacated next to Tanner. He saw the eyes flash a moment, over his shoulder to where he knew Chris stood.
"It's okay, Vin," the gunslinger soothed, "Nate's a healer, like the doctor. He's a good man, he's my friend."
Vin considered that a moment, then took his eyes back to the kind brown ones. He nodded then, "...my friend too..."
"Good," Chris said, "You get that tea in you, I'll be right there," he pointed to the table. He wanted Vin to trust Nathan and that meant letting him go.
"Here yuh go, easy now," Nathan coaxed, guiding the cup of tea. "I know about bad dreams, I been havin' some myself. They're real scary...sometimes yuh don't know when yuh're sleepin' or awake."
"I saw... they killed... my family..." Vin's jaw trembled. "I see it again... she's lookin' at me... I tried... I tried... I did..."
"I know yuh did, Vin, yuh got lots of courage, yuh did all yuh could. Them bas... uh... bad men beat yuh..."
"Do they come while ya sleep?"
"Yeah," Nate nodded, watching the tea disappear. "I was in a war a few years back. There was lots of men that got hurt. Some of them were dying. I was helping the doctors t'fix up the wounded. My job was t'carry them t'the... where the doctor was. But I couldn't help them all, there was t'many. That's what I see sometimes when I sleep. Them dyin' men, hollerin' at me... callin'... reachin'... I couldn't save 'em..." he stopped suddenly, not aware that he'd said so much. His jaw trembled as the pain came back. "I tried too... Vin..." He closed his eyes and felt a hand on his cheek. He opened them and spotted a light of empathy shining blue and strong.
"...we will fight... together... Na...than..."
He smiled then, seeing Vin Tanner the man so clearly in the boy revisited. Wherever Teheno was, he'd done a helluva job. "Okay, Vin..." he agreed, urging the remainder of the tea inside.
"I don't want them anymore," Vin sighed, glad for the strong dark hand that supported his slender pale one. He turned his pained eyes to the other man, "Do ya... have... medicine... that will... make them go away.?" He paused, watching the kind eyes deepen in sorrow and pain. "Please... I'll be good..."
"I know yuh..." Nate choked, taking a deep breath. If Vin's normal eyes were bad on the soul, the one's from a lost thirteen year old were brutal. "...will, Vin. How 'bout we help each other, okay? Close them eyes and get some sleep. I'll stay here in case them bad dreams come back."
"...make more medicine?" Vin blinked, his grip on the brown hand slipping.
"Yup," he coached, easing Vin's limp hand under the blanket. One eye peeled half open. regarding him a moment.
"...Na...than take medicine... fir...first... I okay..."
"Damn," Nate choked, watching the body rest finally. "Yuh got yuh'r own medicine inside, don't yuh Vin Tanner."
While Nathan spoke with Vin, Ezra was pouring shots in everyone's coffee. Chris declined, taking a straight shot. He sighed, sipped it carefully and shook his head. "I'll take a good gunfight over this anyday," he paused, "this business of saving souls is too wearing on a body."
They laughed then, content for the moment to make a circle around the two that still needed healing.
"If our two comrades are to heal, I don't think this is the proper environment." Ezra noted, "...especially for Vin. We can't hide him in here forever. What reaction will he have when he encounters that army outside? They won't see him as we do..."
"Ezra's right, it's gonna get hairy," Buck added from his bed. "We need to get them out of this crowded town. They won't find peace here..."
"What did you say, Buck?" Chris sat up, green eyes keen.
"Peace?" Buck repeated, "That's what they need to get well."
"I know a place," Chris said, nodding thoughtfully. Tomorrow, he would make the arrangments. Tonight, they would stay close to their two emotionally wrought friends. They'd draw the circle tighter, holding on to the weak links until they could stand again.
The smell was smothering him. It invaded his deep sleep, stabbing at his wounded psyche. The vile odor of burning flesh invaded his black void, ripping it wide open. They streamed through, the undead, black sockets where eyes should be, limbless bodies raining down on him from above. The thuds of the bloody torsos hitting the ground was deafening. He try to flee but he was trapped; the bony arms of the corpses held him down. The bodies landed on him, the stifling stench of rotting flesh was smothering him. Higher and higher... they covered him... the smell... the sound... he couldn't breathe... he was going to die. He tried to scream, but the decaying flesh filled his mouth.
It wasn't much of a sound, but to the keen-eared tracker, it was like a scream. He blinked into the darkness above his bed. He cocked his head and heard it again. He sat up, clutching his throbbing head and waiting for the room to stop spinning. The muffled cries were stronger; someone was in pain.
"Teheno?" His first thought was that his brother was hurt. He stood and hissed as pain lanced through his leg and up his back. He tiptoed over to the next bunk, then sighed. His brother was sleeping soundly. The sound returned, frantic and desperate. He staggered a few feet, holding onto the edges of the bed, hoping that the floor would stop moving. He paused, peered into the near darkness and saw the problem.
"Na...than..." He whispered, eyeing the distance to where his new friend was suffering. He was doing fine, until he came to a span of ground with nothing to hold onto. Sweat poured down his face, neck and back, soaking his nightshirt. Still, he perservered, taking a deep breath, he moved forward, stumbling and falling, unable to breathe. Gasping on his hands and knees, he crawled, fumbling with his hand until he felt wood. Groping, he pulled himself up far enough to sit on the edge of the bed.
In the dim light, he could see the dark skin covered with a fine sheen of perspiration. The body twitched, the hands moved harshly against the air, as if digging. The head thrashed on the wet pillow, the mouth was gasping for air, but there was no sound.
"Na..than..." Tentative at first, he waited, but the man seemed to be worse. He reached hand out, shaking the damp flesh on the man's shoulder. "Na...than..."
"No!" the agonizing soul trapped in the nightmare said, lashing out and hitting flesh. A cry brought his eyes open. At first, he couldn't breathe, sweat ran off him like river water and his whole body shook. He eyed the inky air and wondered where they were. He gripped the side of the bunk, just as a hand touched his arm.
"No!" He cried out, shoving the arm off. "Leave me alone... why can't yuh leave me alone? Go away!"
"...m'sorry... Na...than..." Vin mumbled, stunned by the viscious words. He tried to leave, but his legs wouldn't work. His face was hot and he felt sick. He felt the man's leg move, coming off the bed and landing next to his own. He tried to move away, sliding backwards until a hand grabbed him. "Gai Gai!" he panicked, feeling the room flying around.
"Vin?" Nathan blinked down at the trembling body on the floor. His fuzzy head tried to make sense of this scene.
"...I tried t'help... fight... dreams..." Vin panted. "...thought... ya... needed... help..."
"Aw, damn," Jackson slumped, wiping a hand over his worn features. "I'm sorry, Vin. I was so lost in that dream I didn't realize. Yuh come all the way over here... for me?" He saw the coughing head bob once and winced. "Here, let me help yuh up... I hope yuh didn't bust any stitches..."
"No... leaks..." Vin coughed. "'m'okay..." He felt himself lifted and eased onto the bed. He coughed again, gripping the arm next to him hard. The fire crested in his chest and he panicked, gagging and shaking.
"Calm down, yuh gettin' yuhself all worked up!" Nate ordered, kneeling in front of Vin and grabbing his jaw. "Look at me!" He ordered sharply, watching the head rise. "Slow and easy, in through yuh nose and out through yuh mouth. Come on now..." he coached, feeling the tension leave the slim man's body as the exercise worked. "better?"
"Haa!' Vin nodded, still shaken.
"Hold on, I'll get yuh somethin' to drink."
"Hibi..." Vin released automatically, then frowned when a deep laugh escaped his new friend's lips. He felt the strong hand on his shoulder and cocked his head.
"No, yuh'r flagged. No more hibi!" Nathan chuckled, "Yuh turnin' into a little lush. How 'bout some water?" He saw the tracker's nose wrinkle, but got two full mugs into him. He rested a hand on the Texan's forehead and frowned. "How's that belly?"
"...full o'jumpin frogs..." Vin choked, trying hard. "...no throw up... Teheno will be angry..."
He smiled then, as the injured man's eyes unconsciously went across the room to where Larabee slept. "Come on, I'll help yuh back to bed. How 'bout some tea? It'll help yuh'r belly."
"Thanks... Na..than..." Vin sighed, stood and they latched onto the body next to him. "...make it stop... moving..."
"Yuh won't fall... I gotcha..." he eased the weak man back to his bed, supporting most of his weight. He turned the pillows to the fresh side and made sure they were fluffed. Vin's breathing was much better when he was raised. He turned the lamp up a little bit, before easing the body down. "I'll be right back," he gave Vin's knee a pat and moved to the kitchen. He returned with a tray bearing a mug of broth, a mug of tea and some crackers, as well as coffee for himself.
"They're bad spirits..." Vin said, watching the other man's face. "they're hidin' in yer eyes... I don't like that!" He pouted, sniffing the steam rising.
"I don't either, Vin and they sure are bad," He took his coffee and nodded, "...go on and sip some of that broth." He was rewarded after the first sip, with a moan. "Good, huh, better than hibi?"
"No!" Vin smiled evilly. "I like the rooster's shining bottle... and his candy!" He took more sips, breaking crackers into the broth and easing them down. Then his blue eyes grew wide. "Did ya know he has a golden tooth!"
Jackson laughed again, enjoying this young Vin's perspective.
"He does! I seen it... it shines like the sun..."
"Probably conned it off of some poor bas... nevermind," the healer chuckled, nudging the cup closer.
"My brother will be chief one day... there is nobody braver than Teheno..." Vin proclaimed proudly, then wrinkled his nose. "sometimes he gets angry... says I'm like fire ants in his breeches..." Vin paused then, hearing the deep laughter. "...it's not funny!"
"I'm sorry, Vin," the healer wiped his eyes, "...yuh sure are crazy about the brother of yuhr's."
"One day... we will hunt together... fight side by side..." Vin jutted his chin out.
"I bet yuh will at that." Nate pushed the cup again. "Go on, now drink up... it'll help yuhr fever."
"Na..than?" Vin burped and took a sip of tea. "Do ya have brothers too?"
"Sure do," the brown face broke into a soft smile. "Six of 'em."
"Six!" Vin was impressed, blinking as the herbal tea began to take effect. "Yer lucky..."
"I sure am, Vin," he noted, sending a silent prayer of thanks for his six new brothers. He looked at the fevered man then and smiled. "Yuhr brother's lucky too..."
"Hah!" Vin grinned boldly, his eyes heavy. "I'm sly like the fox and brave like the wolf..." he yawned, turning his blinking eyes to his sleeping brother. "...one... day... I will... make... him... proud..."
"Yuh already do, Vin, he busts his buttons every time he looks at yuh."
"...he does..." Vin blinked, trying to find the healer's face.
"He sure does." Nate proclaimed, moving the tray away. He returned then, taking the seat next to the sleeping patient. He filled a basin with alcohol and water, using a cloth to wipe the face, neck and chest. One blue slit regarded him silently, the lips moving as a hand came up. Nathan took the hand and bent lower.
"Didn't I tell yuh to close them eyes?" He scolded gently, watching Vin struggle hard to stay awake.
"...no... sleep... fight... bad... spirit... prom...ised..."
"What the hell are yuh doin' to me, yuh damn raggedy assed Texan," he choked, gripping the hand tighter. Finally the eyes closed and he pulled the sheet up to Vin's neck. He sat down in a chair next to the bed. Vin Tanner would sleep in peace tonight, his brother was on duty. Pity the nightmare that tried to steal his dreams.
"Hey, Hey,"
"Huh?" Nathan blinked, spotting a brown pair of pants. "J.D.?"
"Is Vin okay? Why are you sleeping in the chair?"
"...fever went up... wiped him down..." Nate groaned, stretching, standing and resting his hand on Vin's flushed face. "...ain't worse... What time is it?"
"Almost seven, the Judge sent me for you and Chris. They're having a breakfast meeting at the hotel in ten minutes."
"Vin can't be left alone."
"He won't be, Buck'll be here and Abby is coming over."
"Well, I won't stay long." He moved to the kitchen. He stripped to the waist and got washed. He was drying his face, when a hand appeared with a clean shirt. "Thanks."
"How's Vin?" Chris asked, sitting on a chair by the dry sink. He was also cleaned up, with J.D.'s help, and his arm was in a red sling.
"Ouch!" Nate laughed, eyeing the unLarabee like shade.
"Vin's idea... he goaded J.D. into swapping. Little wiseass..." He sipped some coffee and frowned, "When he wakes up I'm gonna have a talk with him about that stunt he pulled yesterday. He's gonna apologize to Buck and Ezra..."
"Chris," Nathan interruped, with a soft voice, soulful eyes and gentle touch. "Don't be too hard on him. Last night..." he paused, struggling for a moment. "I had a bad dream... he drug himself clear across the room... wanted to chase the bad spirits away... go downright angry at 'em..." He stopped again, taking a deep breath. "I gotta him settled in the bed and got some tea and broth in 'im. He never took his eyes offa yuh. Yuh shouldda heard the pride in his voice..." he pulled the shirt on, watching color flood the other man's face, nearly matching the sling. "'then again, he told me Teheno told 'im sometimes he was like fireants in his breeches" The both laughed then, Nate enjoyed the soft light shining in the green eyes. "I watched him sleepin'... kept thinkin' 'bout him bein all alone after his family was killed. Then tossed in a prison... I tell yuh what... whoever Teheno was, he did one helluva job."
"Yeah," Chris agreed, scratching his chin. "Come on, the Judge is waiting."
Nathan was barely in the private dining room, when Orrin Travis as pressing his hand. The other was on his shoulder, pressing firmly. He saw the concern in the aging eyes and heard sincerity in the rich voice. "
"Nathan, how are you?"
"Better, Sir, thanks. I ain't out of the woods yet, but I can see the river..."
"If there's anything I can do, you let me know. How's Vin?"
"His fever's up a little, but that's not so uncommon." he saw the question in the eyes. "He's still lost back in time."
"That does concern me..." the judge move away and watched as they filled their plates. "I want to thank you for your patience during this investigation. It will be several weeks before all the knots are untangled, but the President assures me that the public will be made aware of all the details." He paused at the dark faces and a scoff by the brooding blond. "Spit it out, Chris, before you choke."
"I wouldn't waste my breath!" Larabee seethed.
"What's done is done," Travis tried to placate, "Unleashing that temper of your won't change history. You... we... have to put it behind us and move on."
"Don't patronize me!" He pounded the table and stood, "They used us for fuckin' cannon fodder! Buck, Ezra and Vin damn near got killed guarding a bunch of rocks! I read that report, Orrin, every boring paragraph of double talk. They could have saved a whole lot of ink. Three words...that sums up what those arrogant bastards did.' He paused, chest heaving. "We fucked up! That's what the damn thing should say. They used words like 'unfortunate occurance', 'ill advised information'," he raged, then laughed sarcastically, "oh and I memorized this line , "...preliminary findings indicate that no incendiary devices were used in the attack."
"We haven't been able to determine what caused that explosion."
"You make me sick," Chris spat out in disgust to General Reinhardt, who spoke as he appeared in the doorway. "You and Kent both damn well know dynamite was used."
"General Kent has assigned a team of the most well trained..." the flushed General began.
"General Kent couldn't find his ass with two hands and a map." He turned away disgusted, "We've all seen how his fine plans evolve. I got dead people all over the fuckin' countryside, I got three friends lucky to be alive and that bastard comes out of this smelling like a rose. Jesus!" he kicked the door so hard the windows next to it rattled.
"Chris," Josiah stood, moving next to the nearly out of control leader. "Take it easy...Orrin and the General aren't the enemy, they didn't know either."
"The fact remains that the report that they both approved lacks vital facts and is shaded strongly to suit their purposes." Ezra added hotly, shoving his plate away.
"They covered their asses," Nate translated, thinking on the burned children he'd tended to. "...on the backs of those poor folks who died and worse. It stinks."
"That is does, Brother."
"Go ahead and file your 'official' report, General. Go back to Washington and wine and dine those overpaid senators to get more money for your fuckin' army."Larabee turned now, moving to put his face inches from the army man's. "I was there... I saw what happened and the truth will be published. I'll make damn sure of that. It's written in their blood... they deserve that much!" He noted of the dead."
"I'm sorry, Chris..." the General said bruskly, "I heard your friend has a serious head injury. I hope Mister Tanner.."
"Don't you fuckin' say his name," He raged, only Nathan's hands kept him mobile. "I'm sorry, too, sorry for a lot of things. Sorry for all those kids whose parents are scattered in pieces all over the county. Sorry for the poor bastards that Miles had to cut free..." He growled, swiping the spit that ran from his lip, he gripped Nathan's shoulder then, "and sorry for the living hell they put this man through."
"Chris..." Nathan flinched uneasily.
"It's okay, Nathan, I'm done." He turned away, "I'm outta here..."
"No, wait, Chris, we'll leave. Doctor Smith wants to speak with you all." Orrin rose, pausing briefly on his way out to extend his hand. It took a full moment and he felt the green eyes burning right through him, but the other returned it.
Miles heard most of the argument and waited five minutes before speaking. He sipped some coffee and fiddled with a biscuit.
"I just examined Vin and I'm sure Nathan told you his fever is rising. That might be a common occurance until he's fully healed. So will the upset stomach and raging headaches."
"What about his memory?" Josiah asked
"I don't know, Josiah," Miles admitted, "head injuries are difficult to diagnose. The wound he suffered was severe and in a delicate area. Coupled with the trauma of the train crash and his inner turmoil concerning the army, it would be enough to kill most men. THen in his delirium, he encountered the very beast who was responsible for slaughtering his family. I don't think I have to spell out the ramifications of that."
"Why can't he see Chris?" J.D. finally spoke, "I mean, he can see all of us, but he can't see Chris."
"He doesn't wanna see Chris," Nathan answered, "I think... out there in that desert when he found Garrett... something happened. He... was lost... hurt... fevered and he heard someone calling to him. ...he heard Teheno's voice 'cause he was lookin' for him."
"Well said, Nathan," Miles agreed. "I'd say for years, too many years, he's been carrying an unfathomable amount of guilt inside. He blamed himself for his failure to protect his family..."
"But he was just a kid and they beat him... tied him... how could he have done more?" J.D. blurted out.
"He couldn't J.D.," Ezra agreed, "...but that doesn't lessen the burden. I think the fact the Teheno perhaps gave him the responsiblity of 'watching and guarding' his wife and new son is the key. He never saw him again and feels perhaps, he failed his brother in the worst possible way. It left a gaping wound inside."
"So, that's why he sees Chris as Teheno," J.D. nodded, "but what if he never comes back. I mean, how's he gonna get better?"
For a few moments, no one spoke, until Ezra lightened the mood, "I certainly hope a solution is found, I don't think there is enough 'hibi' in this town."
"I have an idea," Miles eyed the silent blond, "but I don't think you'll like it, Chris."
"Let's hear it," Larabee turned to the doctor.
"You have to leave."
"No way," Chris denied, "that's out of the question."
"Hear me out, Chris," Miles continued. "As long as he clings to you as Teheno, he'll never heal. I'm not saying to desert him. Spend some time with him for the next couple days. Talk to him, take that pain away that's been eating at him all these years. Do you realize the opportunity you have here? As Teheno, you are the only person that can mend his soul."
Chris didn't reply, but he did mull over the physician's words. What he wanted and vowed to do when he found Vin in the desert, was just that. To take that pain away, let him breathe again.
"Chris, last night you said you knew a place...a special place," Josiah asked, "a place full of peace. Maybe... and it's just a thought, if in a few days, we take Vin there..."
"You remain behind and arrive several days later, hopefully, as Chris Larabee." Ezra finished.
"Oh, that's great!" Chris shoved his body from the table. "He's gonna look right at me and want Teheno. I went through that once... you weren't there... you didn't hear his voice..."
"You're getting too attached to him... who he was... it's time to let go," Ezra said. "His well being is at stake. Rest assured, Mister Larabee, we'll keep watch over him, until you return."
Nathan stood and walked to the window, wincing at the pain radiating off Chris Larabee's tense frame. He took a deep breath and laid his hand over the clenched fist.
"I know it's tearin' yuh'r guts up... man have to be blind not to see how much yuh care for that boy. But as much as the boy Vin needs Teheno, the man Vin needs his best friend. Bring him back, home, Chris."
Chris thought for a few minutes, thinking on every word each of them said. He thought of the young man he'd been priviledged to see over the last few days. A part of him envied Teheno, for being someone so pivotal in Vin's life. He closed his eyes, saw the youthful face in the desert that mimicked him that first night and smiled. They were right... it was time for Vin Tanner to come home.
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