New Beginnings

Melissa Kyle rode into the town of Four Corners tired and dirty. Man could I use a bath and a nice soft bed she thought to herself. She had been travelling for three days straight after receiving a letter from an friend she hadn't seen in a long time. He mentioned in the letter a problem had arisen and he needed some help. Melissa wired him back and said she would be in town within four days; she had other business to finish up before she could come. Two weeks had finally passed before she was able to head to Four Corners.

As she looked at the small town, she could see that the town was growing fast but still needed to be tamed from the ruffians of countryside. Melissa was eager to meet the men her old friend mentioned in the letter, seven men hired to protect this small growing town. The whole idea intrigued her and if the rumors she heard were true than they truly deserved the title the Magnificent Seven.

Seeing three men sitting over at the sheriff's office she nudged her horse Snow in that direction. "Well those fellas over there should be able to point us to the livery so you can rest up," she whispered to her horse. Snow neighed in delight and brought her master towards the sheriff's office. Then they can steer me to the hotel so I can get some much-needed sleep!

+ + + + + + +

Three men sat outside the Sheriff's office drinking their morning coffee. Each of them sat there enjoying each other's company and observing the town. Four Corners had been quiet ever since the trial of Nathan's father, for which each of the Seven were grateful. It had been a hectic the last couple of months and each of them were looking forward to some peace and quiet. Nathan took the opportunity to visit the Seminole village to see if they needed any supplies, and Josiah went with him. Chris was out on patrol, and Ezra was still asleep after a rather productive night of gambling.

However, not everyone was a happy with all the quiet. JD was still young man and he craved for some type of excitement. Listening Buck going on and on about the new girl Sally was more than he could bear. He sat there silently, half-listening to Buck and keeping an eye on the town searching that screamed trouble. His eyes suddenly rested on one of the most beautiful horses he had ever seen and stared opened mouth.

"So there a was ready to. . . hey Kid! Are you listening to a word I'm sayin'? Kid!" Buck shouted and waved his hand in front of his face. "What is so interestin' that?"

Buck followed JD's gaze and stared wide-eyed. "Sweet Jesus!" Vin looked at both of them strangely and peered around both of them to see what they were gawkin' at. When Vin saw the white horse trottin' gracefully down the street, it caused him to drop his coffee cup on the floor. He thought to himself, That's the most beautiful horse ever seen! Heck it even rivals Ezra's horse!

Apparently, these same thoughts were running in the minds of the townspeople. They were starin' along with the three men. The horse's coat was pure white and gleamed in the early morning sun. Its mane and tail was also pure white with hints of blonde streaked in its mane. The horse trotted with such grace the horse seemed to be floating on air.

Vin's eyes then traveled up to take a look at the rider, who was a stark contrast to its horse. The young looking man wore a pair of black leather pants, a knee length black coat, and a wide brimmed black hat covering his eyes. The only reason he didn't look like Chris' twin was he was wearing a white shirt and covered in a layer of dust.

The sharpshooter also noticed he was headin' in their direction and quickly picked up the coffee cup on the floor. He didn't realize his mistake until the rider came up closer and he was able to look at the rider's face. It was woman.

A very beautiful woman indeed, Vin thought. She had chin-length black hair which was tucked behind her ears, brown eyes so dark that they almost looked black, and her skin was well tanned. It looked like she was used to the outdoors and could take care of herself well. She seemed to be of Indian descent, but Vin couldn't quite pin the tribe she was from.

"Good morning gentlemen. Can you please direct me to the livery and then to hotel?"

The nameless woman gave a small smile. "I'm surprised even though I'm covered from head to toe in dust, you still feel the need to give me a compliment?"

"Please call me Buck and as for the dust. . . well, I'm sure underneath all of that dust is a woman more radiant than the sun!"

The woman laughed. "You sure are a charmer! Now, are you goin' to answer my question or do I have to wrestle the answer from the men behind you?"

Behind him, Buck heard someone clear his throat. He immediately snapped out of his trance and introduced the others. "Oh, forgive me ma'am! This is our sheriff JD Dunne, and a friend of ours Vin Tanner."

Each of the men tipped their hat to the lady.

"It's nice to meet you ma'am." JD said.

She swung out of the saddle and approached the three men. "It's a pleasure to meet you Mr. Dunne, Mr. Tanner," the woman replied shaking her hand with each of them. "I'm Melissa Kyle."

"Will you be saying in town long Miss Kyle?" Vin inquired. 'That name sounds familiar,' Vin thought to himself. From the looks of it, Melissa could obviously take care of herself. Up close he saw that she wore a gun belt around her waist.

Melissa shrugged helplessly. "Actually I'm not sure of that myself." She took off her hat and ran her hand through her short black hair. "An old friend of mine sent me a letter sayin' he needs to talk to me. I haven't seen him in a while, so how could I refuse?"

"Who is this old friend of yours? Maybe we know him or her." JD asked.

"It's a guy. But I would like to surprise him though. If one of you can direct me toward the livery I would like to take care of my horse and get some rest. Three days of riding straight can wear down one after all."

"If you like me to Miss Kyle I would be happy to take care of your horse so you can go to the hotel," JD volunteered.

"Thank you. Please call me Melissa."

"I'll call you Melissa if you call me JD."

"JD it is then," Melissa said with a smile.

JD hurriedly went down the steps and grabbed the reins. "She's a beautiful horse," JD commented, giving the horse a slight pat on the forehead. In reply, the horse nuzzled his hand in search of some sugar cubes.

Melissa reached in her coat pocket and offered the sweet treat to the horse. "Thank you," she replied as Snow gently licked the treat from her hand. "Snow has been with be for a while, seen me through thick and thin."

"Were did you get her? I have never seen a horse quite like that," Buck asked.

"Well, I got her from a breeder up in Denver who specializes in rare breeds of horses. Plus, he owned me a big favor." She then made a little hand gesture toward the horse. "Hence the equally big reward."

"Must have been a big favor," Vin mused.

"That it was Mr. Tanner."

"Well now that JD will take the horse to the livery, I myself would be happy to escort you to the hotel Miss Kyle," Buck said gallantly offering his arm to Melissa.

"The pleasure would be mine." She turned to Vin who was still reclinin' in his chair. "I guess I'll be seeing you around Mr. Tanner."

Vin simply nodded. "I imagine so."

Melissa nodded her head and she and Buck headed down the street towards the hotel, leaving Vin wondering why the name Melissa Kyle sounded so familiar to him.

+ + + + + + +

Later that afternoon, Vin, Buck, JD, Chris, and Ezra were sitting at their usual table in the saloon playing a game of poker and as usual, Ezra was winning. The saloon doors swung open and the rest of the protectors came in. They easily wove their way to their comrades' tables and helped themselves to some whisky on the table.

"Run into any trouble at the Seminole village Nathan?" Chris asked and took a drink.

Nathan replied, "None at all. Besides needing a couple of supplies, everythin' was in order. How about here?"

"Besides partaking in our usual revelries Mr. Jackson, I'm afraid this fine day has been quiet of late," replied Ezra in his distinctive southern drawl. "Perhaps the night shall procure some miscreant which might be able to provide some entertainment."

"But today hasn't been a total waste," Buck replied motioning to Ezra to deal him two cards. "I met myself the most beautiful woman this mornin'." "You mean you, Vin, and I met a her this mornin'," JD corrected his friend. He studied his cards and proclaimed, "I'm out."

"Oh?" Josiah replied, as he and Nathan pulled up chairs and settled in with the rest of the men. "And how could this one of God's creatures be any different from any other day?"

"Well," Buck leaned back in his chair reminiscin' about the encounter. "She looked to be to a survivor of sorts. She obviously can take care of herself; heck she looked like she could be a miniature version of Chris!"

"Why didn't you mention this before?" Chris asked, turning daggers at his best friend. "Anything that looks like trouble you need to speak up."

"Are you implying oh fearless leader, that you are trouble?" Ezra stated with a slight hint of amusement in his voice.

"I don't think she'll be much trouble Chris," Vin replied in his soft voice. "Said she got a letter from an old friend here and was visitin'."

Chris turned to Vin and digested the statement. Vin was a man of few words, but when he spoke, it was a good idea to listen. He could already tell from the tone of Vin's voice that he held some respect for the woman. Although he trusted Vin's judgement, he was still cautious. "Still, we should watch for any sign of trouble. Keep your eyes open fellas."

The rest of six men nodded in agreement. Trouble seemed to come easily to the growing town. The group of five players grew to two more, and they continued to play poker for the rest of the afternoon.

+ + + + + + +

Melissa Kyle awoke from her nap feeling refreshed. After taking a bath, she had gone to bed fully intended to be dead to the world. As she got dressed, she hummed a tune to herself. Melissa was from Asian descent, but she could quite place her heritage. She was found in the thick tropical area today known as Thailand and the group of nomadic warriors raised her as their own. She lived in their world, learning their warrior ways until some unknown tribe attacked their village. Everyone was killed, even the children. When she revived that day she vowed to her slaughter people she would kill the ones responsible. For years, her life was consumed with the thought of exacting revenge on the ones that destroyed her livelihood. It was during her travels that she first met one of her kind. He taught her the Game, and gave her a new purpose in life. He showed her there was more to fighting, one also has to live. Without him, she would probably never have survived to see 4,000 years of history. The demons were at rest for now, and Melissa would always remember his parting words, "Live, grow stronger. Fight another day." 'That was over 4,000 years ago,' she thought. 'Now look at me, playing cowboy.'

Melissa slipped into her clean black leather pants, buttoned up a red shirt and put her boots on. The next few minutes were spent searching for her gun belt. Finding it under the bed, she put it around her waist and then slipped her sword in her black coat and put it on. She fiddled with her hair in the mirror and took a moment to gaze at her reflection. 'Well, old girl lets find that friend of yours. Knowing him, he'll probably be drinkin' the night away,' she thought. Melissa walked out of room and headed toward saloon.

+ + + + + + +

The seven men had been enjoying themselves for several hours now, trading stories and sharing jokes. For once, someone else besides Ezra won. "Ahh, I knew one day I was going to beat you Ezra!" JD grinned triumphantly as he laid out his four kings, which easily beat Ezra's hand.

"And it only took you, oh about two hundred tries to do it JD!" chided Buck.

"I wouldn't be thanking God quite yet JD," the ex-preacher announced as he laid out his four aces.

The others enjoyed a good laugh as JD looked on dumfounded. For once in his life he had beaten Ezra only to have Josiah up stage him. JD felt like couldn't breathe.

"Quick Nathan, I think JD needs some medical attention. He ain't breathin'!" Bucked proclaimed, causing the rest of the men to laugh harder.

JD snapped out of his trace and gave an evil glare to the rest of the men. Flustered for words all he could say was "I don't think this is funny."

This caused the rest of the men to laugh until their sides were sore. After the men regained their composure, Josiah looked on to his rather large winnings. "I believe the appropriate words are 'Come to Poppa'," Josiah stated as he reached over to collect his winnings. As he was counting his winnings, a buzzing sensation reached his head. He lifted his head, his eyes searching the room for the source of the Buzz.

Vin noticed Josiah's far away look and drawled, "What's wrong Josiah? Too much money to count?"

But Josiah was too busy looking at the door. The other men turned to see what he was looking at and saw a young woman standing in the doorway. "Hey that's the woman we met this mornin'," JD announced to his friends.

Chris watched the young woman carefully. Buck was right, she did look a survivor of sorts. Something though told him to be careful of this woman.

When she turned her gaze at the Seven's table she stare would probably have caused the devil to go huntin' for its tail. Chris slid his hand towards his gun and leaned back in his chair. He didn't like to pull a gun on a woman, but if she was going to cause trouble he would just have to show her the door. Glancing around the table, he saw the others had followed his gesture. Each of the men was being cautious, though no one else went for their gun. Josiah on the other hand relaxed, a little and an amused expression fell over his face. The woman began to weave her way toward their table, her face softening a little, but her eyes still held a cold stare.

Josiah stood up, and JD asked a little hesitantly, "You know her Josiah?"

By then Melissa had reached their table and was face to face to Josiah. She was a good foot shorter than Josiah's burly form, but she had a commanding presence. "I heard you've been waitin' for me," Melissa said with no emotion whatsoever. "Can't you stop buggin' me this century?"

"What if I don't feel like it?" Josiah replied copying the same tone as Melissa.

Melissa narrowed her eyes to small slits and countered. "Well then, can you pick on someone your own size?"

"There is no one my size," Josiah replied as he drew closer.

The men watched the exchange with growing caution. Josiah and Melissa were practically nose to nose. The tension seemed to build around the two and could break any moment. Suddenly, Melissa's face erupted into a huge smile, and she started to laugh. This confused the men and they were further perplexed when Josiah gave her a huge bear hug and swung her around. "Josiah, you big giant, put me down!" Melissa yelled between fits of laughter.

Josiah finally let her feet touch the floor. "I haven't seen you years, what else I'm I suppose to do?" He noticed the others stared at him with surprise and shock. "Boys I would like for you to met an old friend of mine, Melissa Kyle."

He looked back towards Melissa. "These are my friends I told you about in my letter."

Melissa gave each of the men a warm smile. "Yes, I met some of them this mornin'." Noticing the long face of JD she asked him, "Having a good poker game JD?"

"Sour," JD replied bitterly.

The rest of the men smiled.

"Damn Josiah! You two made my heart drop to the floor. Afraid I goin' to have to patch you up there pard," Nathan scolded his friend.

"Hey, it's been a long time since we've seen each other." Josiah replied as he and Melissa settled in their seats.

"Yeah it been about. . . five years. I was sixteen then and a whole lot shorter," Melissa said giving out a slight chuckle. "It actually looked pretty funny both of standing face to face, me on my tippy-toes."

Josiah smiled slightly. 'She hasn't changed a bit. In the 1,800 years since I've known her, she still has and edge of humor,' Josiah thought. He had always mused how Melissa could have kept her sanity after seeing so much death and experienced so much trauma in her 4,000 years of life. He turned his thoughts back to the present and figured it was time for introductions. "You've met Buck, Vin, and JD already, the rest of my friends here is Chris Larabee, Nathan Jackson, and Ezra Standish," Josiah pointed each of the men to her and greeted her warmly.

"So," Melissa ventured, "you're the Seven I keep hearing about. Josiah has told me a word or two about you fellas."

"All good I hope," Nathan commented.

Melissa gave and enigmatic smile, "You're just gonna have to ask him. Secrets of his are not ones I give out freely." She looked casually over the table and felt itchin' for a game. "So is this a private game, or may I join?"

"I have to warn you all, Melissa here is pretty good," Josiah pointed out. He looked over to Ezra. "In fact I think she's a tad better than you Ezra."

"Now that is something I got to see!" proclaimed Buck.

"Well, my dear, it would seem Mr. Sanchez, vouches for your outstanding poker skills. Would you care for a challenge of the minds?"

"Challenges are my speciality," Melissa said smiling widely. "Deal me in."

Ezra was ready for this little duel. He was already enchanted with Josiah's friend. She appeared to very intelligent and along it her slight wit, her smile alone could brighten any room. 'Of course she could stare down the devil with that look of hers,' he thought remembering when he first spotted her in the doorway. As he dealt the cards to his friends around him he ventured a question. "So, Miss Melissa, what do you do to survive in the world we live in?"

Melissa looked at her cards and placed her bet in the center. "I am a bounty hunter, most of my income comes from that. But I've been doing odd jobs here and there when nothin' suits my fancy." She had been busy looking at her cards and missed the slight increase in tension and the hard looks they were giving Josiah, especially Chris. When she finally looked up she noticed how tense everyone was.

"Uh, don't worry fellas, Josiah explained to me about your predicament Vin. Eli Joe definitely was not a favorite of mine, and that son of a bitch is a hard guy to track." She turned sorrowful eyes toward Vin. "I'm sorry he died before you could clear his name."

The six of them breathed out in relief. "I think that rivaled the heart-stopper you and Josiah gave us a few minutes ago with that little stunt, Miss," Chris stated.

"Please call Melissa. Miss sounds too young for me." Her first death came at the age of twenty-five and the years since then, the harsh reality of life had made her seem older than she was. 'Even Josiah over there doesn't look as vibrant as he used to be,' Melissa thought sadly. Living lifetimes over and over again, with all the memories, good and bad, could destroy the very soul of person.

"Melissa Kyle," Vin suddenly declared, "you were the one that brought in Sam Jenkins." He knew the name sounded familiar. Jenkins had a reputation of being a murderer, ten times worse than Eli Joe. There was a 2,000-dollar reward out on him dead or alive, preferably dead. They way Vin heard, a woman bounty hunter was able to bring in him alive. The fact that Melissa was able to bring in the brute alone made Vin respect her even more.

"Sam Jenkins? *The* Sam Jenkins? You were the one who brought him in?" JD said with some awe.

"Just another piece of scum off the streets if you want my opinion." Melissa replied. She looked down at her cards and looked directly at Ezra. "I raise you five dollars."

Melissa and Ezra were the only ones left. Ezra gazed hard at her and tried to find any hint that could help his cause. 'She's good, not once during the game has she flinched.' Ezra carefully considered the cards in front of him. He had a full house going for him, but he had no idea what type of hand Melissa held. 'Could she possibly beaten me with a better deal of fate?'

To ensure a victory, Ezra decided to raise the ante higher. "See your five, and raise you ten."

The rest of the Seven looked on with interest. Usually Ezra never raised high unless he was sure he would win. They looked toward Melissa to see what she would do.

Melissa didn't even looked surprised at Ezra's suggestion. In fact their was a slight feral glint in her eyes. "I see your ten and raise you," she pause a minute looking thoughtful. "Twenty."

In unison, six heads turned to Ezra.

Not liking the turn of events at all, Ezra wondered if he should up the ante more or fold. Instead of risking any more money, for he did hate losing so much, he did something he rarely did when playing against his friends. "Has much it pains me to do this, I'm afraid I must decline raising the stakes to a higher level." I can't believe I'm saying this, "I fold."

Nathan reached over to Ezra's cards and peeked at them. "Not bad, full house." Everyone expectantly turned to look at Melissa.

Melissa broke into a huge smile and proceeded to show them her cards. A pair of twos.

The movement rendered complete and utter silence. "I can't believe she bluffed you with a pair of twos Ezra." JD said in awe.

"And that he lost twice in a row," added Nathan.

"I told she good," Josiah said good-naturally.

"Well that was a most interesting game you have wagered against me. Would you care for another?" Ezra said, fully intending to recollect his money.

"Is the sky blue?"

"I take that as yes," Chris said with small smile. Chris rarely smiled ever since the death of Sarah and Adam. He had shut his heart to the world and only his old friend Buck had been able to rescue him from those dark moments in which his demons took control. But ever since arriving in the town of Four Corners and being hired to protect the town with the other men, Chris Larabee's heart began to change. The boys became his family, supporting each other through the good and the bad. He could see how Josiah and Melissa were such good friends. They were in some ways alike, strong and independent, and they had such a strong presence. 'Sure'll be and interesting couple of weeks with Melissa Kyle in town.'

+ + + + + + +

Ezra Standish was up at ten the next morning, a rare occurrence indeed. 'I really need to convince the others anything with AM in it does not agree with me.' After playing a couple more hours of poker the previous evening, each of the men went their separate ways. Nathan wanted to make sure everything was in order back in the clinic, and JD decided to check up on the prisoner who was thrown in after starting a fight. Vin went out on patrol, no one knew where Chris went, and Buck was flirting with the new girl Sally. Josiah and Melissa went off to dinner and to hash up on old times. Ezra stayed in the saloon playing poker with some of the townspeople and was there well until midnight.

With a cup of coffee in his hand, Ezra headed toward the livery to go out on patrol. As he walked into the barn, a mass of white caught his eye. Stopping to look, he was surprised to see such a beautiful horse munching on some hay.

"Well hello there, and what could your name be?" Ezra whispered softly, patting the horse on its back.

"Her name's Snow," Melissa said as she walked inside the livery.

"Miss Kyle, you surprised me. I take it this beauty of an animal belongs to you?"

"Didn't a tell all of you boys to call Melissa?" She went up to stand next to him and gave Snow some carrots.

"I truly apologize Melissa," Ezra said adding a little gentlemanly bow. Melissa gave a little sigh of exasperation and turned back to Snow who was searching for more carrots. "Now Snow, you've had enough goodies already. I gave sugar cubes to you yesterday; you've had enough for now," Melissa firmly stated shaking her finger at the animal.

Ezra couldn't help it he began to laugh. It just looked so funny watching Melissa scolding her horse. Snow actually looked like it was sad.

"You are no help at all," Melissa stated giving Ezra a look.

"I apologize once again Melissa. It was one of those moments when one has to release their laughter inside for fear of exploding." Ezra said and Melissa smiled. They looked at each other for a moment, lost in each other's eyes.

"So, ummm," Melissa said turning her head away, " what are you doing up so early this morning? Josiah said you never get up before eleven."

"Normally, Josiah's information would be correct, but in is my turn to patrol the territory in which Four Corners is situated in."

"Would you care for some company? I haven't been here before and Josiah tells me there is some beautiful country out there."

Ezra contemplated for a moment. The patrols he and the men went on usually weren't too dangerous. 'What I'm talking about! She's a bounty hunter; she obviously can take care of herself.' "I would be happy to escort you around the countryside."

Ezra and Melissa proceeded to saddle their horses and headed out.

+ + + + + + +

Josiah walked purposefully toward the Clarion. When Mary saw him through the window, she quickly put away the journal she was writing in. Mary Travis headed Clarion, the towns only newspaper. Shea was one of the most influential citizens of Four Corners and she had become a good friend of the seven men. There was hardly a thing in town that didn't escape Mary's critical eye.

"Good Morning, Mary. I was wondering if you had seen Melissa anywhere?" Mary Travis had met Melissa the night before when she and Josiah were having dinner. She had invited Mary to join them and she accepted. She found Josiah's friend absolutely wonderful. Not a lot of women lived in town and those that did found the widow unapproachable since she ran the paper. Mary felt she could talk to Melissa easily and could tell that her position as a widow running a business didn't faze her at all.

"I saw her riding out with Ezra a couple minutes ago. I think he was going out on patrol and Melissa joined him for some reason. Is there something important you need to talk to her about?"

"Nothing that can wait. If you see her can you tell her I need to speak with her?"

"No problem Josiah, I tell her when I see her next."

"Thank you Mary," Josiah said and left the Clarion.

Mary watched his retreating back and saw him head toward the saloon. She retrieved the book from the drawer and opened the book to the last written page. The ink was a little smeared but otherwise legible. "Thank God he didn't see this book," she whispered in the empty room.

+ + + + + + +

It was about one o'clock in the afternoon, and JD was sitting in front of the sheriff's office, leaning his chair against the wall. His mind was engrossed in the latest dime store novel when Billy ran toward him. "JD! JD! JD!" Billy practically shouted. Billy was the son of Mary Travis. He had been living with his grandpa until recently. Fearful for her son's safety, Mary had sent him to live with his grandfather after his father was murdered. Only when the seven men made the town a little safer to live in, that she allowed her son to come back and live with her. Billy was very excited because he was able to see his hero Chris almost everyday. He liked the others too, and admired them as much he admired Chris. Billy's sudden yelling surprised JD and he tipped his chair over.

"Ooh, I'm sorry JD! I didn't mean to startle you! It's just the telegram man said this was important and I had to find one of you quickly!" He shoved the yellow piece of paper to JD.

JD was still sitting on the floor, and gave a sheepish smile to the boy. "That okay Billy." He took the telegram and scrimmaged around his pocket, trying to locate something. He flipped a coin toward Billy. "Here have a bit."

Billy's eyes grew wide, and he gave JD a huge smile as he caught the coin. He ran off and yelled "Thanks JD!"

But JD wasn't listenin'. He had finished readin' the telegram and his eyes widen in shock. He had to find the others immediately and took off runnin' to find them.

+ + + + + + +

Jesse Hunter was 4,100 years old. He looked to be about thirty-five years old with brown hair and the palest blue eyes. He had a large scar on his left cheek and on the inside of his left wrist was a tattoo of a crescent moon inside of a circle, a symbol of his long forgotten tribe. When he was young, his father had been a brutal man; a leader bent on conquering the world. He taught his son how to fight and to trust no one. That son grew to hate those around him and hate the people that had better things than he did. When he became Immortal, him and a band of men went about raiding across continents, and took and destroyed anything in their paths. He had lived off the wealth of those raids and every couple of centuries, he rode out with another gang of men and plundered the countryside to once again gather wealth to live off for a couple of more centuries.

This time Hunter picked America, specifically the western part of the continent. It was here he could hide from the law, and in the year he had been here no one had yet been able to track him down. They had just raided the town of Ballwin and were hiding in some caves.

'One more raid and I'll be set for the next century or two,' he thought. He studied the maps in front of him figuring which target should be next. 'Should I go for Bridgeton or Four Corners? Both are less than a week ride from here. Bridgeton is definitely a bigger town and should have more money in the bank than Four Corners. But, the last couple of raids have been a little too boring. Those seven men I've heard about should pose a decent challenge.' Hunter smiled wickedly, his decision made.

"Boys, round up the gear! We hit Four Corners next! Josh and Tyler, over here!"

Two men came running up to him.

"I want both of you to leave right away and scout the town for us. The rest of us will follow a day later, and I want you to meet us here," he pointed at the map, " at the edge of Red Eye Canyon."

"Don't be late, you know the price of failure." He gave a vicious sneer and sent the men on their way. Hunter watched them ride off, and thought to himself, In a week's time if all goes well, the town of Four Corners will just be a distant memory.

+ + + + + + +

Ezra and Melissa checked the surrounding areas for any sign of trouble but found none. Everything was in order so They headed back to town and started up a conversation on their various travels.

"You seem to have visited a great number of places Melissa. Whatever made you chose to visit our fair country?" Ezra asked.

"I guess it was for the excitement, the adventure." She gazed thoughtfully about the countryside. "This place offers so much freedom, not a lot of that political jumbo that's happening in Europe. There is a such mix of different cultures."

Ezra smiled widedly, his gold tooth clearly visible. "Yes, it does seem this little corner of universe as an appeal. But surely you must find it monotonous after a period of time? After all you've been to so many countries."

"Tired of travelin'? No, I never do. It's in my blood; every now to? go and do somethin' different. See what's goin' on in the world. I've also met a lot of interestin' people," Melissa replied. She looked at him thoughtfully. "For example the seven of you, you're all totally different people, yet you guys work well together. That in itself is amazing."

Ezra let out a small chuckle. "I would venture to say it was a miracle."

"It usually doesn't take much to build a friendship."

"How about you and Josiah, how did the both of you become friends?"

Melissa thought about the question for the moment. She had to phrase her answer carefully; after all she couldn't admit to him that she and Josiah have been friends for almost two thousand years. "We met when I was young, back in St. Louis Missouri. He still was a preacher then and his words were so powerful. He taught me a lot about life, changed some of my views. When I went to talk to him we found a common ground and he's helped me out sort through the terrors youth." She let out a small smile. "I must say he had I a lot of patience back then."

In reality, Melissa had found Josiah after his first death. He had died a martyr for his Christian faith. She knew of his impending immortality when they killed him in the market square. When he first revived, Melissa explained to him who he was and the purpose of the Game. She taught him how to defend himself against other Immortals, and in return Josiah helped her to put some of her demons to rest.

Melissa snapped back to the present when a gunshot echoed through the countryside. Both gave each other a side way glance and headed out to investigate.

+ + + + + + +

The two men had made steady progress to the town of Four Corners. Suddenly, the horse Tyler rode on reared, and sent him flyin' through the air. He hit the ground with a hard thud and Josh ran over to him to help him up. Besides a little sore, Tyler felt fine compared to his horse. A rattlesnake had bitten it and they were forced to shoot the unfortunate creature. The other horse ran off, spooked by the sudden noise.

"Damn skittish horse! What now? Hunter wanted us scout the town not dawdle out here!" Tyler yelled.

"Haven't you heard of walkin'? The town should be less than three miles from here. If we get movin', we'll be there before dark. Plenty of time to scout the town so we can inform the gang of the situation," Josh countered. Suddenly the pair heard the sounds of galloping horses. They both turned to the direction of the sound and saw two riders heading toward them. "Wait I've got a better idea," Josh grinned mischievously and told Tyler what to do.

+ + + + + + +

Ezra and Melissa arrived to see one man sprawled on the ground and another hunched over him. Off to the side they saw the dead horse.

"What happened?" Melissa asked.

The young man wearing a brown hat answered. "His horse was bitten by a snake and threw him! He hasn't moved! Please you have to help him!" he said rather desperately.

Melissa swung out of her saddle. Alarms were going off in her head but she felt obligated to help these two.

Ezra stayed upon his horse and carefully watched the other man. "Do you need any help?" he whispered so only Melissa could hear.

"Nah, just watch the other guy. Somethin' is just not right about this."

Ezra nodded and kept a watchful eye. Ezra was a very good judge of character and something told him to be careful. The gambler looked at the other man; he was younger than himself and his clothes were one a cowhand would wear. "I am assuming then the shot we heard was you gentlemen ending the horse's misery. Pray tell, can you enlighten us to where your horse disappeared to?"

"He got nervous because of the snake, and then when I shot the horse he ran off."

Melissa slowly approached the pair. The young man moved away from the prone form and toward Ezra and the horses. Melissa thought he was just giving her some room, but it was not the case.

Melissa bent over the unmoving form and did a quick examination. She checked his pulse and it beat strongly underneath her probing fingers. Melissa was about to turn him over when she found herself looking down a barrel of a gun.

Ezra saw the glint of the gun and was about to draw his own weapon when he heard the distinct sound of a gun cocking next to him.

"I would think better of it. Now get off that horse slowly and keep your hands where I can see them."

"And what if I decide against that measure?" Ezra drawled angrily.

"Then the little lady over here is going it." Tyler yelled. The gambler visibly clenched his jaw in anger. Tyler smirked at him and gave his hostage the once over. Melissa stared at him harshly. She snuck a peek over to Ezra. He barely caught her slight nod.

That told Ezra she'll be fine, and he noticed that a plan was forming behind those brown eyes. He complied with the gunman but inside he was seething. 'I can't believe we fell for one of the oldest tricks in the book.' Josh approached him and removed Ezra's gun from his holster.

'I can't believe we fell for that!' Melissa thought angrily. But she waited patiently, biding her time. In a lighting quick move she kicked the gun out of her captor's grasp. Then quickly bent down, she did a roundhouse kick and knocked him on the ground. Surprised by the sudden lack of air, the would be robber struggled to get up when boot found its way to his throat. Looking up in shock, he saw a gun pointed directly at his forehead. "You were sayin'?"

Melissa's action caused enough distraction. "What the?" Josh mumbled.

His attention elsewhere, Ezra activated his derringer and butted it up against Josh's head. "Excuse me sir, and I use the term loosely, would you be so kind to drop your firearm or you shall receive a little gift from my trinket here."

Josh immediately dropped his weapon and slowly raised his arms in defeat.

"Well my dear, that was an impressive move you demonstrated to our guests," Ezra stated the derringer still in place. "Would you like the honor of restraining the prisoners?"

"Gladly." Melissa then turned to her prisoner and gave him a vicious smile.

"Get up. You and your friend over there are goin' see the inside of a prison cell for a couple of days."

They walked toward the others and Ezra went to get the ropes. Melissa guarded the two and when Ezra returned, she tied up the two men. With that taken care of, they mounted their horses and headed back to Four Corners with the two men walking behind them.

The tied up man glanced at each other. Both knew they were in deep trouble. Hunter would not be pleased if they were stuck in jail. If they didn't show the next day, Hunter would be hopping mad.

Up ahead of them, Ezra and Melissa were talking about the recent encounter. "That was a most impressive move you enacted on your holder," Ezra stated, admirably. "Did you acquire the knowledge of the martial arts among your travels?"

"You know of martial arts?" Melissa was surprised. Not many people knew of the fighting style; many people she met were more interested in using guns rather than defending themselves with hand-to-hand combat.

"I had read that in the Orient, honorable combat was done hand-to-hand, using a series of kicks and punches to defeat one's opponent. I never really believed them until I saw you efficiently dispatch that delinquent."

"Not many people do, that is until they witness it themselves. My father taught me to fight ever since I was young."

"He taught you well."

"Yeah," she nodded wistfully, "he did."

Ezra noticed a small tear falling down her cheek. "Are you alright?"

Melissa gave a small nod, but stayed silent. He caught the fleeting look of pain in her young face. 'Must have brought up some bad memories.' But he felt a little envious of her. 'At least she got to know her father.' His mother Maude never told him who his father was and it pained him so. He figured he would never know and the thought alone hurt him deeply. Turning away from morbid thoughts, he said, "Let's get those two locked away, I'm sure JD will be ecstatic with somethin' to do."

"Yes General Standish!" She playfully saluted Ezra, and offered him a half smile. Both headed to Four Corners, each thinking of their pasts and wishing things could be different.

+ + + + + + +

Figuring the others would be in the saloon, JD headed in that direction. When he read the telegram tingles went up his spine. He saw Chris and Buck sitting at their usual table in the back and quickly weaved through the crowd toward them. In the process, he bumped into a couple of customers who did not take the motion too kindly.

"Hey watch where you're going shorty!" A burly man, obviously drunk, slapped a huge meaty hand on JD's shoulder bringing him to a halt. "Ain't you goin' to apologize or I'm I gonna have to beat it out of you?"

"I'm... ahhh, sor-sorry sir, is just that I ahhh, wasn't watchin' where I was goin'. I'm truly sorry."

"Not as sorry as your going to be you little..." the drunken man grumbled and took a swing at JD. His punch never hit his mark. Chris easily caught his arm and jabbed his gun in the man's gut.

"He already apologized once. I suggest you get out of here before your guts are on the floor," Chris said in a harsh tone.

The drunken man bit back his reply when he saw the look of pure darkness in the other's man eyes and staggered not too gracefully out the door.

"Whoa, JD! You look paler than a three-legged mouse at a cat convention! Don't tell me that fella scared you that much?" Buck teased.

"Nah, it's just this telegram that just arrived. Here take a look." He handed the telegram to Chris with shaky hands.

Chris frowned as took the telegram from JD. He had never seen the boy so shaken. When he finished the telegram, he understood why. The black clad gunslinger started muttering a string of expletives and Buck began to worry. It had been a long time since he had seen Chris react like that.

"What's wrong Chris?" Buck asked curious to as what could set him off. "Gather everyone up, we've got some plannin' to do," Chris replied then stormed out of the saloon.

Oh boy, it must be bad, Buck thought and he turned to JD. "What did the telegram say Kid?"

"The Hunter gang was spotted heading this way," JD replied. He also headed out intending to find the others.

Buck muttered a string of expletives of his own.

+ + + + + + +

The others had gathered in front of the sheriff's office and from Chris' demeanor, they knew there was a situation brewing which need all their attention.

Nathan noticed one person was missing. "Where's Ezra? I haven't seen him all day."

"He and Melissa went out on patrol," Josiah replied. "Mary saw them head out at about ten o'clock this morning."

Vin looked concern. "They should be back by now. It doesn't take that long to go around."

"Should we go looking for them?" JD asked.

"No, they can take care of themselves. But if they're not back by five we'll go looking for them." He waved the telegram in his hand. "Right now we've got other business to attend to."

"What's goin' on Chris?" Vin asked.

"The Hunter gang has been spotted headin' this away."

The others reacted with shock. They've all heard the reputation of Jesse Hunter and his gang. They were notorious for raiding towns and robbing them. It was rumored twenty men rode with him and no one heard from them afterward; they just seem to disappear into the night.

"Damn Chris! If that's true it's goin' to be hell. I've heard rumors they're at least twenty strong and their leader just doesn't die!" Vin exclaimed.

Josiah and Nathan's eyes widen at Vin's outburst. They had never heard the sharpshooter so vocal about anything.

"I heard down in Deadwood they shot him twice in the heart, yet the next week he was seen ridin'," Nathan stated grimly.

Josiah sat in his chair quietly. He knew had to be some truth to those rumors. 'If the leader is an Immortal, then we've got big problems.' His thoughts were interrupted when a Buzz reached his head. He glanced up and saw Ezra and Melissa riding in. Distinct shapes of two men could be seen walking behind them, each with their hands tied together.

"Looks like Ezra and Melissa are back with some presents for you JD," Josiah announced to the group and pointed out the riders to them.

"Good afternoon, gentlemen," Ezra greeted his comrades. "As you see before you we bear gifts. We intended to offer them to a drink at the saloon, but after they decided to reward our kindness with an attempt to steal our horses, we thought the jail would be a more suitable place for them to reside."

"No wonder it took you fellas so long." Vin drawled in a soft voice.

"Quite true Mr. Tanner. I must admit their company has been most vile." "Really. Then what I'm I?" Melissa asked.

Ezra swung out of his saddle and helped Melissa off of hers. "You my dear, are truly a gracious person to converse with. That is until these delinquents over here disrupted our conversation."

"It happens." Melissa hauled them up the stairs and headed toward the jail cells. The rest of the seven followed. "Hey JD where do you hide the keys?"

JD headed to desk a got the keys from the drawer and approached the three of them. "I can take it from here Melissa."

She gave him a small smile. "Thanks JD." She walked over to the others and noticed the worry etched on their faces. "So what's been goin' on here? All of you guys look ready to pounce."

"This arrived less than a hour ago," Chris stated and gave the telegram to her. Ezra joined her at her side and read its contents. They immediately looked grim.

"I have a feeling the peace and quiet we have all experienced the last couple of weeks is about to end," Ezra stated softly. No one argued with him. "So what is the strategy?"

"We're gonna have to tell everyone to stay inside at night," Chris said. "I want two us to take three hour shifts and patrol the town. Vin and I will be first, followed by Josiah and Nathan, then Buck and Ezra. JD, I take another shift with you."

"I'll partner up with Josiah if it's okay with guys." Melissa announced. Seven men turned to look at her.

"I don't like seenin' people get hurt," she stated simply.

Chris slowly nodded. He usually didn't trust people quickly, but he felt he could trust Josiah's friend. She seemed to be very open person and had strong morals. "All right, then Nathan you go ahead and take a watch with JD. Everyone agreed?"

The seven of them nodded and filed out of the jail; JD stayed behind to watch the prisoners. Buck and Ezra went to inform the town of the danger, and the others headed to the saloon, each of them suddenly needing a drink. The two Immortals headed off in another direction, quietly talking to each other.

+ + + + + + +

"So what do you think?"

"You've got a good thing here Josiah," Melissa replied as they walked toward the church Josiah's was renovating. "Your friends are very dedicated to this town." She glanced over to her friend. "And to each other."

Both of them entered the church and sat down on the well worn pews. Josiah stared at the recently installed crucifix behind the alter. "A lot as happened lately. I can't believe I stayed here for so long. It's been a while since I felt? so welcomed."

"Yeah, stayin' in one place for awhile ain't one of the requirements. Bein' an Immortal is hard Josiah. Never able to stay in one place too long. Always the past catchin' up with us." She turned toward him, her voice deadly serious. "Don't you ever feel afraid that one of your enemies is going to come lookin' for you and use your friends as leverage?"

"It's a risk I'll gladly take." He looked her in the eye. "Don't you ever feel lonely out there? You've been a bounty hunter for ten years Melissa. Does it feel worth it?" She turned away, from no longer wanting to hear his words. "Sooner or later a person needs the support of friends. They've become my friends, my family."

Melissa lapsed into silence. She closed her eyes and could just barely make out his face; the face of a man she lost so long ago. The emotion in her voice was heartbreaking. "I can't do again Josiah, I just can't." She got up and stood next to the open window.

Josiah cam up behind her and embraced her in his arms, offering her his friendship. "It's going to take some time. I know it still hurts."

"It will always hurt," Melissa replied listlessly, "always."

They spent the next couple of minutes looking out the window. She shrugged out his embrace and smiled at him. "Thanks."

"You're welcome," Josiah said. Melissa wandered around the church admiring how Josiah fixed up the place. "What took you so long? You said in your letter that you'll come two weeks ago."

Melissa let out a deep sigh. "Duncan."

"MacLeod?" Josiah smiled. "I haven't heard from him in years. How's he doin'?"

Melissa turned away and looked at the crucifix hanging in front. "Little Deer is dead. An Immortal killed the entire tribe while the men were out huntin';." She shook her head slowly. "He even killed the children. Duncan went berserk; he was bent on killin' the perpetrator. Lost most of who was in the process." She stopped in her narrative, trying to catch her breath. "Fortunately, Coltec ran into him and he was able to take the Duncan's hatred within him." Coltec was an Hoyaka Indian and Immortal with the ability to take evil within himself. He had done it for centuries and dedicated his life to help others rid themselves of evil.

"I guess it brought up some painful reminders for you."

"Just a tad," Melissa replied softly.

"Come on, how about we go practice a little bit then get dinner. You need some good old relaxation."

"Sounds good. And I could use a little practice." She turned towards him, wiping the tears from her face. "Come on old man," she said with a crooked smile, "lets see if you still got the moves."

"Old man? Why you little..." Josiah made a grab for her, he knew where she was most ticklish. Melissa gave out a little yelp and ran for the door. Josiah followed her yelling at her he'll get back at her for that remark.

+ + + + + + +

Chris came by the Clarion office looking for Mary. He wanted to inform her of the trouble that was heading their way. He kept telling himself that was the only reason for visiting the widow, but he always felt a little happier when he talked to her. When he saw her the first time standing in front of those drunks who intended to lynch Nathan Chris admired her spunk. He still clung to the memory of Sarah and Adam, his wife and son dead for three years now. Has it been that long? It feels so much longer, he thought. Mary came out of the back room and saw Chris standing there.

"Good afternoon, Chris. Is there something I could do for you?"

Chris approached her and stood less than two feet from her. He could smell the sweet scent of lilacs on her skin. "Yeah Mary, I need you and Billy to stay in for the night. Trouble might be heading this way and I don't want either of you getting hurt."

"What's going on?"

"The Hunter gang has been spotted heading this way."

Mary let out a small gasp of surprise. She had heard of the Hunter gang, her husband Stephen told her about them before his death a year ago. "Are you sure you Seven can handle them? I've heard rumors Chris, they say the leader has nine lives, like a cat."

"Vin said somethin' similar." He took a hold of her hand. "Don't worry about us, we all protect each other and besides Josiah's friend is helping us," he said, gentle rubbing the back of her hand.

"Yes, I met her last night. She and Josiah have been friends for a long time." Mary felt a warmth go through her as Chris held her hand. She had always felt a flutter in her stomach when she thought of Chris. Ever since the wagon train, she felt close to him. Her thoughts were interrupted when they heard shouts from outside. Both quickly ran out the door to see what was going on; Chris kept Mary behind him.

They were just in time to witness Melissa run through the streets with a huge smile on her face; Josiah hot on her heels with the same silly grin. Both were heading towards the livery.

Mary let out a laugh. "I thought Josiah was a kid at heart."

"Who knew?" Chris looked at Mary. "Well I just wanted to warn you Mary. I better get going."

"I'll see you around," she replied. Chris tipped his hat to her and headed to the saloon. Mary watched his retreating back. "When will you open your heart to love again Chris Larabee?" she said and went back inside.

+ + + + + + +

Inside the livery, the sounds of a sword fight rang out in the afternoon air. If anyone had walked in it would have been a strange sight indeed. Melissa expertly blocked Josiah's sword and went on the offensive. She was nimble and quick; each swing of the sword had years of experience behind it.

The same could be said for Josiah. He easily blocked the moves Melissa threw at him. He was a lot bigger than Melissa and couldn't move as gracefully as she did. However he counted-balanced his 'clumsiness' with strength.

Melissa was just getting warmed up. She expertly twisted her sword around her and relied on her warrior background. She overestimated a move and Josiah sliced a cut on her arm. "Wait a minute, I thought this is a no-drawn-blood combat. You ruined one of my favorite shirts!"

He shrugged. "I'll buy you another one," and resumed the fight. This went on for the next fifteen minutes. Melissa seceded in paying him back with a slice in the stomach, which caused him to loosen his grip on his sword m omentarily. She kicked his hand sending the sword flying. She brought her sword to his neck.

"You yield?" Melissa asked panting.

"Yield."

"Good, I was getting tired of this," and plopped down next to him. "You've gotten good Josiah. Haven't seen some of those moves yet."

"One has to learn new things if one wants to survive in the Game." He glanced at her. "It waits for no one."

"Ain't that the truth." A couple moments past, each one catching their breath.

"Well I've worked up an appetite," Melissa said, breaking the silence and getting up. "How about we go get cleaned up and grab somethin' to eat?"

"That's the best thing I've heard you said yet," Josiah replied. He got up and brushed the dirt off his pants. His remark earned him a playful slap on the arm. "Don't hit me."

"And why not?" Melissa said innocently.

"I seem to recall a certain chase we had before we started our little match here."

Melissa's eyes widen in surprise. "You wouldn't." Josiah's face told a different story. "Oh boy," she declared and took off at a dead run. Josiah smiled inwardly and went after her.

+ + + + + + +

Melissa crawled into bed after her shift with Josiah. After dinner she joined the others in the saloon for a little bit. When night fell, Chris and Vin headed out to watch the town. Three hours later, it was Josiah and Melissa's turn. The town was quiet so she bid goodnight to Buck and Ezra who were next on watch and she eagerly buried herself under the covers and fell fast asleep.

Somewhere in the Orient- 2,000BC

Lilandra was teaching her little sister how to weave a blanket for a friend. Lila, what her little sister liked to call her, was just a baby when the old seer found her. The tribe's leader adopted her and raised her to become a leader of the tribe since he could never have children. But Ma'an was born ten years later, and the sisters were close even though they were not of the same blood. When she wasn't training with her father, she would sit with Ma'an and tell her stories and helped her with chores like today.

Their father walked in the hut and quietly observed his two daughters. "Lilandra, I need to speak with you a moment," he said, breaking the silence.

"Yes father." She turned to her little sister. "If you need any help just ask. No need to ruin a good blanket!" she exclaimed ruffling her sisters hair. Lilandra followed her father out of the hut. They walked around the perimeter of the village. She had a feeling the talk would be serious and she waited for her father to begin.

"You two make me so proud," he began, "One day you'll be a great leader for this tribe."

"Father please, I'm still young and you have a lot of years ahead of you." She halted him with a gentle touch on his shoulder, "Why are you thinking of such things?"

"My daughter, I'm not a young man anymore, one day I'll be gone." He looked out at the distance. "Out there somewhere, death will claim me and I want you to be prepared."

"I can't stand to lose you. You are my mentor, and most importantly my father. It may not be by blood but still there is no difference."

He gave his daughter a gentle smile. "One never dies as long as someone remembers them. Death exists in the memory of others which is why it is not an end." He happened to glance over her shoulder. He looked at her sternly and ordered, "Sound the horns."

Lilandra looked behind her and saw at least fifty warriors on horseback charging the village. She took off to the place where the horns were kept and blew loudly in one. Warriors dropped what they were working or flew out of their huts; both men and women prepared to fight. Lilandra hurried to her own hut and grabbed her sword.

"What's going on Lila?" her little sister asked.

"I want you to stay here and not move unless I tell you to alright?"

Ma'an nodded vigorously, she knew if her sister told her to do something then she had to obey.

Lilandra hurried out and wadded in the fray. War cries and shrieks of fear could be heard; the enemy had thrown torches into some of the huts. Lilandra saw her father fending off one of the attackers when all sudden, someone approached him from behind and sent a killing blow aimed at the heart.

"Noooooo!" she screamed, "Father! Father!" and hurried to his side.

"Live... my daughter..." and with his last breath he died. "NOOOO!"

"Lila! Lila! Help me!" a voice shattered through her ears.

She turned and saw her home on fire. "Ma'an." She raced over to her home, wanting to help her but a man blocked her path.

"Hello princess."

"Either you get out of my way," she said, through clenched teeth, "or my sword here will find a way to your heart."

He gave her a slight smile. "And miss the opportunity to kill you? I already killed your father, why not go for all of you?" and drew his own sword. Both fought fiercely, but Lilandra's concentration was centered at Ma'an's screams for help. He disarmed her within a couple of minutes, and held his sword at her throat, "It's been fun; it's nice to think the last thing you'll hear is your sister's cry for help." He plunged his sword into her chest.

Lilandra cried out in pain and collapsed on her knees. "Rot in hell," she mumbled, blood dripping from her mouth unto the cold crimson ground. He twisted the sword for emphasis and she gasped at the sudden pain that rumbled through her entire body. "Not for a long time." He withdrew the sword and disappeared.

Lilandra laid on the ground, her eyes staring at her burning home. "Ma'an," she whispered.

Somehow she found the strength to crawl toward her crying sister, creating a trail marked with red. However, the last of her reserves escaped her and she collapsed on the ground. The last thing she saw was her sister, screaming her name behind a fiery wall...

+ + + + + + +

"Noooooo!" Melissa cried out and bolted straight out of bed. She panted heavily and ran shaky hand through her messy locks of hair. It was early morning, the sun just beginning to warm up the new day. "Will it ever end?" she mumbled in the room. She got up splashed some cold water on face and rubbed her bloodshot eyes.

Looking at herself in the mirror, she saw a young woman whose life was shattered by that night. Listlessly, she traced the contours of her face in the mirror. If she looked hard enough she could see Ma'an's face smiling at her. 'I need to relax,' she thought to herself. Melissa decided to head over to the livery and practice some of her katas. She quickly changed and grabbed her coat but feeling the weight of her sword tucked neatly inside made the memories come rushing back. She tossed it back on the chair and headed out.

+ + + + + + +

JD watched the prisoners while Buck went to get something to eat. He didn't exactly appreciate Buck ordering him around, but Chris and Vin were on watch and the others were probably still asleep. To pass the time, he engrossed himself in a dime novel and was totally oblivious to the conversation of the two men in jail.

"One of us has to get here," Josh whispered to his partner. "We've got warn Hunter that those seven know were comin'!"

"How do you suggest we get the keys?" Tyler whispered back, "Play dead again?"

Josh rubbed his hands together. "That could work."

"Are you kiddin'? There not going to fall for that a second time!"

"Look that fancy man and woman ain't here. That kid is as experienced as a baby chick, it shouldn't be too hard to fool him."

Tyler let out a grunt. "Alright. But I've done my part." He sneered at his partner. "It's your turn now."

+ + + + + + +

Chris and Vin slowly watched Four Corners start another day. The seven men had convinced the townspeople to stay inside when night fell; thank God for small graces. The streets were not that busy with people since it was still early in the morning and they walked around town keeping an eye out for any suspicious characters. When they drew closer to the stables, they heard shouts through the open doors.

"Come on lets check it out," Chris said.

Vin nodded and drew his mare's leg from his holster. Both approached the door carefully and peeked inside and what they saw surprised both men. Melissa was inside moving through and intricate pattern of steps and punches. With each punch she emphasized with a shout and both were impressed with the power behind each throw and kick. Her back was toward them so she didn't notice Chris and Vin watching her every move. Suddenly, she came to a halt and raised both hands in a graceful arc, then lowered them slowly.

Vin thought she was done and he approached her, placing his hand on her shoulder. The next thing he knew, he was laying flat on his back; Melissa had easily flipped him over.

Melissa's eyes widen in surprise. "Vin! Oh I'm so sorry!" She helped him up and saw a smile filter across Chris' face. "I didn't hear you to come in," Melissa said.

Vin absentmindedly wiped his hands on his pants. "It's alright, I probably should know better than to startle you." He let out a slight wince. "I definitely learned my lesson."

"Yeah pard, you look a little red in the face," Chris teased.

Vin gave him a look and turned to Melissa, "What was all of that anyway?"

"Oh, I was going through my kata exercises." They stared at her blankly, and she explained in detail. "It's a series of formal movements, exercises, in the martial arts. It's kinda like boxing but more disciplined."

"How long does it take to learn?" Chris asked.

"Well that depends." she replied walking out of the stables. "It takes discipline to master all the moves. For some it can take a couple of months, others a couple of years. Once learned someone can defend themselves against a person twice their size. I've been learning it ever since I was little."

"It's impressive," Chris commented, walking next to her, "hard to believe a person can take down someone who's twice your size. Of course in Vin's case," he said with a twinkle in his eye, "less than your size."

"Hey!" Vin exclaimed.

Melissa let out a laugh. "Don't worry Vin, you haven't been my smallest victim!" Chris let out a laugh of his own.

"Well, I can see I'm not appreciated." Vin pretended to act insulted. "I'll just take by business somewhere else." He walked off, the laughter of Chris and Melissa rang in his ears. He had just happened to pass by the Sheriff's office when he noticed somethin' was wrong. The sharpshooter turned back to the two hacklers. "We've got trouble."

Chris and Melissa immediately ceased their laughter and quickly walked over to Vin. In the window, they could see one of the prisoners holding JD hostage.

"Damn! Where the hell is Buck!" Chris growled.

"Doesn't matter now, he's moving out Chris. Looks like he's gonna take JD with him. What do you want to do?" he asked his friend.

"I've got idea," Melissa said and out laid her plan to the others.

+ + + + + + +

Wild Bill Hickok stood face to face with his enemy, each a hair trigger away from death. "On the count of three," Hickok said. "One?two?" Suddenly his adversary withdrew his gun, Hickok anticipating this withdrew his own. At the same time both aimed and fired...

Thud!

JD jumped a mile high. But the sound wasn't his active imagination. He glanced over to the jail cells and saw one of the prisoners sprawled on the ground, moaning in pain. He jumped out of his chair and walked over to the cells.

"What happened?"

"I don't know," the other man said. "I think it was something he ate." He looked at the sheriff with puppy dog eyes. "You've got get him out and to a doctor or something!"

"I'll get Nathan." He was about to run off to find him but the man yelled for him again.

"Please, just take a look him," he said, thinking quickly, "or just give him some water," he pleaded, anything to get JD to open the jail doors. JD hesitated. The man looked like he was in obvious pain, the least he could do is give the man some water. He grabbed a pitcher of water and filled a nearby glass. He reached over for the keys, walked to the jail cells and proceeded to open up the outer door then the inner door. Bending over the prone he was about to give the other man the glass when a fist met his face. The man made a grab for his gun and pointed it at JD's direction.

"Not too smart ain't ya boy?" He sneered. "Get up and free my buddy over there and then we'll be on our way."

At that moment, Chris and Vin stepped in the doorway, guns drawn. "Leavin' so soon?" Chris stated.

Josh grabbed JD and held him in a firm lock. "Lookie cowboy, I've got one of your guys here," he stated as he slowly made his way toward the front. Chris and Vin kept their distance but still held their guns at the pair. "Unless you let me make it to the door, you're going to have one less squirt to deal with."

"Did he just call me a cowboy, Vin?"

"I believe he did Chris."

JD looked at the two gunslingers with a little fear. He couldn't understand why they seemingly were willing to let the guy walk out the door, especially with him! Vin looked straight into the eyes of JD and gave a slight nod towards the door. The gunman was too preoccupied with Chris to notice the slight gesture. JD looked out the door and saw Melissa standing off to the side and out of the gunman's view. She winked at him and leaned against the doorframe.

The gunman had been steadily making his way to the door, his gun trained on Chris and Vin kept their distance from both of them.

Josh was almost at the door and he gave the two gunslingers an unruly smile. "Get ready Larabee, cuz' fireworks are just beginnin'." He went out the door, back first, he didn't even get both feet out the door when heard a click of a gun next to his head.

"I'm sorry but I just don't think it's the time of the year for fireworks," Melissa stated flatly. "Now," she said in a low voice, "drop the weapon and let go my friend, or the last thing you'll hear is my bullet piercing your skull."

He dropped his weapon and let go of JD. But instead of deciding to stick around, he bolted out the door and into the streets.

"Hey!" Melissa screamed, and disappeared from sight.

+ + + + + + +

Chris and Vin quickly closed the jail cell, preventing the other prisoner from going anywhere and hurried to JD's side. "You alright?" Vin asked. "Yeah," he stammered, "just give me minute to get air back into my lungs."

Vin nodded and looked up Chris. "Let's get after them."

Both bolted out the door with JD not far behind. They saw that the prisoner made his way along the boardwalk with Melissa quickly closing the gap between them. He was in front of the hotel when Melissa tackled him to the ground.

The others at first were a little shocked but recovered quickly and hurried over to see if Melissa need any help.

Melissa jumped to her feet and slammed her boot onto his chest. "You know, you've gotta recurrin' theme going on here," she stated flatly as Chris, Vin, and JD came up beside her. "Now, do you want to tell us what that was all about?" She pressed harder against his chest when the prisoner stayed silent. "Better talk now."

Chris glared viciously at the man. He hated to see any of his men getting hurt especially JD. JD had been a thorn in his side at first, but as time passed he grew to respect him and treat him as an equal, although the kid still had a lot to learn. He aimed his gun directly at the man's head and fired, his shot missing by just inches. "I suggest you better answer her, or I'm just might hit somethin' vital in that sorry head of yours."

Josh looked wildly between Chris and Melissa. He no compassion in either of their faces, especially in the man in black. He decided to tell his tale. "The Hunter gang."

All of the their ears perked up at mention of the name. "What of it?" Vin asked sternly.

"Both us were supposed to scout the town, but we got sidetracked," he choked out. "He and the gang are supposed to follow a day behind us."

"How many?" Chris asked.

"Sixteen," he sputtered, "includin' the two of us."

Melissa looked up at the others. "Two to one odds."

"Yeah, at least it ain't three to one," Chris replied. "Where are you supposed to meet him?" The man stayed silent. Chris fired his gun again, closer to his ear. "I'm gettin' impatient."

"Don't know, another member of our gang was goin' to get us and take us back to the hideout," he lied.

This answer seemed to satisfy Chris; he placed his gun back into his holster. However, Melissa wasn't easily convinced. She could see in the man's eyes that he knew more than he was telling, but she decided not to press the issue for the moment. They had more information than before, like they knew that the Hunter gang was going to hit Four Corners in the near future and they had to prepare.

"Vin, JD take the man back to jail, Melissa and I will go find the others and warn them," Chris told the two.

"Come on," Vin told the man, hauling him to his feet, "let say hi to your partner." He glanced at Melissa. "Nice move."

She shrugged in return. "Whatever works."

Chris and Melissa watched the two walked away with the prisoner. "He's hidin' somethin' Chris."

"Yeah, I know," Chris replied. "Come on lets go find the others."

+ + + + + + +

Over at the boarding house, Josiah had been getting dressed when he heard the sound of footsteps approaching his door. He hurriedly grabbed a shirt and buttoned it. When he felt the buzz, he reached for his sword.

"Josiah?" Melissa's muffled voice came from the door. "It's me, Melissa." Sighing in relief he opened the door.

Melissa looked at him with upraised eyebrows. "Takin' to wearing dirty laundry Josiah?"

"Uh?" Josiah glanced down at which shirt he was wearing. On the green shirt was a nice big bloodstain. "Aw hell! I forgot, this is the shirt I used to clean the little mess you gave decided to give me during the practice yesterday."

Melissa raised her arms up defensively as she walked inside. "Hey that was just payment for slicing my shirt."

"That was because you weren't paying attention."

Melissa plopped down on the bed. "Mere details. Chris wants to gather everyone up."

"What for?"

"You know those two Ezra and I brought in yesterday?"

Josiah went to the dresser and grabbed another shirt, this time clean. "What of it?"

"Turns out they're part of the Hunter gang. Sayin' they are planning to attack Four Corners and the rest of the gang is a day behind, which means they're probably close by now. Chris thinks they may hit later today or tomorrow. We're meeting at in front of the Clarion since the saloon ain't open yet."

"I guess Chris wants to make a plan," and started to unbutton the dirty shirt. But he remembered Melissa was still there and was looking at him innocently. "Ain't ya gonna let me change privately?"

"Why?" she questioned. "It's not like I never seen you without a shirt on."

"Melissa..." he began sternly.

"Kidding, kidding!" She got up and headed for the door and leaned against the frame, crossing her arms in front of her. "Besides I got to go wake Ezra."

It was Josiah's turn to upraise his eyebrows. "You're gonna wake Ezra? He's never gotten up this early! Well make except for the Wagon Train, and he was grouchy for most of the morning until he drank half of the coffee."

"That's why Chris asked *so* kindly if I can go and wake him up. He said and I quote, 'Most likely he won't shoot a lady.'"

"Good luck," Josiah smiled wickedly. "I would hate to explain to him why you heal so fast after he shoot ya."

"How nice of you to be so concerned," she replied, adopting an aristocratic tone. "I'm afraid I have take my leave. Till we meet again." She made a small bow and with that, she left.

Josiah rolled his eyes at her antics and started to get ready.

+ + + + + + +

Melissa strolled happily over to the hotel. It was a beautiful morning and she felt much better after her exercise. She could see why Josiah liked the small town so much. Melissa saw how Josiah interacted with his friends. The seven men had a unique camaraderie together and she never seen Josiah so happy. It was something Melissa herself hadn't felt in a while. 'Maybe Josiah's right, I should settle down for awhile,' she thought to herself. Melissa pounded heavily on the door. According to Chris, it usually took drastic measures to wake up the gambler. "Hey Ezra! It's time to rise and shine!" Melissa tested the doorknob and found it was unlocked. She carefully opened the door.

Peeking inside the well decorated room, she saw that Ezra was still sleeping and sprawled out on the bed with only his pants on. The covers were thrown half-hazardly on the floor. My lord he looks like an angel. She found herself daydreaming and shook her head to clear the cobwebs. Spotting a pitcher of water on the dresser and smiled, a clear intent of mischief dancing about her face. Melissa tiptoed quietly, carefully avoiding the various clothing and guns on the floor. Picking up the pitcher, she threw the contents on his face.

Ezra awoke and sputtered. In his haste to get dry, the normally light-footed man tumbled out of bed. "What the?" he exclaimed. The sweet sound of laughter reached his ears and he peeked over the bed. His emerald eyes narrowed when he saw Melissa laughing hard with tears streaming down her face. "Why Melissa, that was a most unruly way to wake a person. I was not informed that we would be going swimming today."

"I'm sorry," she choked out between fits of laughter, "but if you could just see the look on your face?" and laughed harder, until she collapsed onto a nearby chair.

"How nice it is I'm today's entertainment," he replied sarcastically. He grabbed his watch from the side table. "Seven thirty?. May I ask why I was rudely awaken at this ungodly hour?" Truthfully, he wasn't too mad. When he saw the huge smile on her face, he wondered what it would be like to wake up to that smile every morning. 'I didn't just think of that did I? Control yourself Standish,' he thought to himself. But as he couldn't help to stare. With those wide, dark chocolate eyes, he found he couldn't tear himself away.

Melissa's laughter died and noticed how Ezra was looking at her. She was lost in those green eyes. 'Those beautiful... oh get a grip Lila, there you came here for a reason,' she thought. "Chris, uh... wants everyone together. Remember those two from yesterday?"

Ezra nodded and finally noticed he was only clad in a pair of pants . He snatched a shirt from the a nearby chair. "Those miscreants who tried to appropriate our horses?"

"The very same," she replied. "Turns out they're from the Hunter gang, and Chris thinks they'll attack soon. In any case, he wants everyone together to form a plan."

"Did he sent you?"

"Yeah," she replied, leaning back in the chair. "I think he figured you'll wake up better seeing my face instead of his."

Ezra chuckled lightly. 'Darlin', I wouldn't mind to wake up to your face every mornin'.' Melissa's eyes widen in surprise and Ezra realized he had spoken out loud. "Umm... I mean I wouldn't dare to hurt a lady so early in the mornin'," he said quickly.

"Huh uh," she replied as she got up and brushed the dirt from her pants. "Just ask Vin and he can tell you what happens if ya surprise me. I'm gonna head down."

Ezra looked momentarily confused. "Mr. Tanner? What could he have done?"

"Just ask him," she replied mysteriously and walked out the door.

Ezra watched her go and shook his head. He walked over to the door to close it when Melissa popped her head in back in. "Oh almost forgot. We're meeting in front of the Clarion since the saloon ain't open yet," she said and disappeared.

+ + + + + + +

Five men were relaxing in front of the Clarion waiting for the others. JD was busy telling Buck and Nathan what happened this morning. Mary happened to be awake and was making coffee from the while they waited.

"...then he just shot out the door and Melissa followed him," JD exclaimed eagerly. "He was halfway down the block and she just tackled him! Never seen a woman do that before."

"If you saw what she did to Vin earlier than you'll believe it JD," Chris replied. Three questioning looks and one hard stare turned to the older gunslinger.

"What she do Chris? Twist Vin into a pretzel?" Buck teased.

"Lets just say don't ever try to sneak up on her," Vin replied as he settled in his chair.

"Good mornin' fellas," Josiah said, as he approached the five men. Mary walked out of the Clarion with nine cups and a pot of coffee. "Good mornin' Mary," and tipped his hat to her.

"Good morning everyone," Mary replied a little nervously. She was worried of the news that the Hunter gang was close and couldn't help to keep the nervousness out of her voice. Over the last couple of months she had grown to care for each of the men and hated to see anyone get hurt. She glanced around and noticed two people were missing from the meeting. "I guess Ezra isn't to keen on getting up this morning."

"Hell, Ezra don't get up if the this early even if the hotel were burnin'!" Buck quipped.

Josiah was about to answer when he felt a buzz in his head. He turned around to take a glance at the street and saw Melissa approach the group. Vin looked at Josiah rather curiously. He had noticed that it seemed like Josiah would know when Melissa was approaching and vice versa. Vin shrugged it off as mere conscience at first, but when Josiah demonstrated the action for the fifth time in two days he began to wonder.

"Well that's taking the drastic route Buck," Melissa replied as she walked toward the group with an gleeful look on her face. "If you use time honored methods then you can get the person to wake up."

"And what timed honored method did ya use this time?" Josiah inquired. "The 'take-a-pitcher-of-water-and-pour-over-head' method," she replied. "Works every time."

"I'm surprised Ezra didn't use the 'shoot-you-first-ask-questions-later' method on ya."

"Then he wouldn't be here this mornin'," Melissa countered with a smirk on her face. "Is that coffee, Mary?"

"Yes, would you like a cup?"

"I definitely could use one." Mary handed her the cup and Melissa accepted it graciously. She settled down on the porch and talked to the rest of the seven, waiting for Ezra to greet them with his presence. Fifteen minutes later Ezra emerged from the hotel and approached the awaiting assembly.

"Look here he comes," Nathan observed.

"Gee Ezra," JD teased, "whatcha do, take a bath?"

Ezra looked at the Kid irritably. "I'm afraid I was caught in a freak rain storm, Mr. Dunne. Hence, the wet tresses."

"Didn't know that rain came from water pitchers," Buck added.

"Lets just leave the 'water pitcher' alone for now," Chris announced before the bantering could get any further. "We've got more important things to discuss."

"So what response were you able to elicit from the incarcerated individual residing in jail?" Ezra asked. He accepted the cup of coffee Mary handed him and downed half of it in one gulp.

"Him and his partner are scouts for the gang," Melissa answered. "Supposedly they were goin' to scout the town for Hunter and report back to him."

"Except now, they're rottin' in jail. He was also good enough to tell us that rest of the gang is a day behind so that means they're nearby now," Chris said.

"Do you think he'll send someone else before he strikes?" Mary asked worriedly. Chris looked over to Mary. Seeing her so distraught made him want to go over there and comfort her.

Vin interrupted Chris' thoughts. "Don't think so Mary," and shook his head slowly. "The way I heard he hates sittin' around and dawdlin'." He looked at the others. "Might just attack to keep the adrenaline goin'."

"I've heard that too," Melissa nodded grimly. "He's been attacking towns for almost a year now. Why should he stop if there's one small setback." She looked around at their concerned faces. "It's probably a miracle, that Ezra and I happened to run into the scouts or this town wouldn't stand a chance."

"So what now?" Nathan asked.

Chris pondered the question for a moment. He knew it was going to take an all out effort from all of them to stop the gang. He wasn't even sure if one extra gunslinger, even one talented and experienced as Melissa had shown, would be enough. "We'll do the same as last night, patrol the town. But this time it will be three of us, I want one of us to be on the balcony of the hotel so we can see if any one is comin' and warn the rest of us ahead of time."

"And those who ain't on duty?" JD said.

"Sit out and wait." Chris received nods of agreement. "Oh, and don't make yourself scarce today."

Everyone lapsed into silence, each thinking of the same about what could happen and not liking the situation at all. They had faced greater odds, but never before had they heard so many frightful stories about one man. Mary broke the uneasy silence. "How about I go ahead and cook breakfast for everyone? I'm sure everyone is hungry by now."

"Mary I think you said the magic words!" Buck proclaimed. Another breakfast provided a nice distraction. Mary grinned and went inside with every intention of cooking a big meal for all of them.

"But Buck," JD whined, once Mary was out of earshot, "you already had breakfast."

"Why JD," Buck replied, and gave his friend a hardy slap on the back, "breakfast is one of the important meals of the day! We don't want ya to go and skinny on us now!" he lectured.

The others looked on at amusement as the two began to banter back and forth. They needed something to take their minds off of the potentially dangerous situation and at the moment, it was Buck and JD fit the bill. "I swear those two could be brothers!" Melissa exclaimed as she watched laughing at the two. "They sure fight like it."

"Ah Melissa, but they provide us with endless hours of entertainment," Ezra replied trying to keep the good mood from dissipating . "More so than this morning when you so graciously risen me from my slumber."

"Oh, I don't know Ezra," Nathan said, "for once I would like to see you out of your element."

"Have you forgotten the purple dress, Brother Nate?" Josiah added.

All of the men, excluding Ezra, laughed at the mere thought of remembering back to the time when Ezra wore the dress. It had been during the time when Mary was kidnapped by Wicks to the infamous Wickstown, a place of drunkenness and women of the night. To create a distraction, Ezra posed as a woman, and he sang and punched his way through the entire incident.

"Really?" Melissa said with upraised eyebrows. "A purple dress Ezra?" She gave him the once over and Ezra fidgeted under her gaze. "I must say purple would look good on you, but a dress?" and covered her mouth in laughter.

Buck got up from his chair and took Melissa by the arm, guiding her into the Clarion. "Well you see it was like this..."

Ezra hurriedly went up the steps and tried to catch up with the two of them. "I'm sure the lady would not like to hear..." and Ezra's voice faded away.

The others looked at each other and Nathan shrugged his shoulders. "Some things never change," and headed inside. Chris, Vin, JD, and Josiah stayed outside all of them patiently waiting until Mary would call them to breakfast.

"When do think they'll strike Chris?" JD's voice broke the silence.

"I honestly don't know," he replied, finishing the rest of his coffee. "But I sure hope it'll be soon because I don't think the rest of the town can keep on worrying. Includin' me."

Mary called them inside a short time later; she was eager for the men to go about their duties, not because she didn't like them, but she could stand to think a gang like Hunter's could destroy Four Corners. She had spent most of her life here, sharing her late husband's dream informing the people of the right and wrongs through their newspaper. After his death, she continued the dream and enduring many hardships along the way. Mary wasn't about to give up now, and if there was anything she could do to help the seven men then she would do it.

With everyone inside no one noticed the lone figure at the side of the Clarion make his way to his horse and mount up. He had heard the entire conversation and he had some stuff to inform his boss of the brewing situation in Four Corners.

+ + + + + + +

The Hunter gang been traveling since early morning and arrived at the spot Hunter chosen well before seven o'clock. The location was about a half-hour from town and was well protected with plenty of bushes and trees. Hunter had sent off one of his men to check on the town since Josh and Tyler had not met them at the appropriate place. Hunter had a gut feeling something went wrong, and he was taking his frustration out on everyone. At about 8:30am one of his men called out, "Rider comin'!"

Hunter looked up and saw only one of his men return; he expected three. He angrily approached his man, grabbed his shirt and threw him against a tree. "Where's the others?" he asked darkly.

"Th-there in jail!" the man stammered out. "Larabee's gang knows everything! He plans to have his men patrol the town; one of them will be on the balcony of the hotel watching if any group comes in." He tried vainly to get some air into his lungs since Hunter had tighten his hold on his neck. "When I left they were havin' breakfast."

"Anything else?" he growled.

"There's one other person helpin' them, a woman," he choked out.

"A woman?" Hunter mused, as he loosen the grip on the man's shirt, "mighty interesting. Looks like Larabee is getting' soft." He turned on the helper.

"Go on get ready, we'll move in an hour. One extra hand, ain't gonna make a big difference."

"But sir," a man said," shouldn't we wait until..." and was cut off with an acid glare from Hunter.

"No rest." He looked out to his men and raised his voice. "For over a year, we have been unstoppable. No one has been able to take us on. I'm not about to let seven gunslingers and a damn woman stop us. We move in one hour."

+ + + + + + +

The seven men had already left the Clarion and preparing the townspeople for what could be an all out gunfight. They had advised the townspeople when they heard a loud whistle and shouting coming from any of them, to quickly get to their destination and stay there. Melissa had stayed behind and helped Mary clean up the mess the group made during breakfast. The two women chatted on many subjects when Billy came up to them.

"Mama, can I go play outside?"

Mary was a little hesitant on letting her son venture out of the house. She wanted him to be out of the way of any trouble.

"Hey Billy," Melissa said, and knelt down so she and Billy were at eye-level. "How about you and me stay sit out on the porch. Chris told me that could whittle pretty good. Maybe you could teach me?"

Billy seemed overjoyed that Melissa would want to spend time with him. The few times they've met he got along with her very well. The fact he could show something new to her pleased him. "Ooh, that would be great!" Melissa reached over and tousled his hair and laughed a little when he tried to squirm away. "How about you get the things you need and I'll join you."

"Okay!" Billy jumped up excitedly and ran to his room to go get the things. Melissa watched him go with a wistful look on her face.

"You're very good with kids," Mary commented.

"He reminds me of someone," she replied remembering her little sister. " I love children dearly; I guess it's because I can never have any of my own." "Never?" Mary said and let her voice trail off.

"The doctors said it was an illness I had or something," she lied. In truth Immortals can never have children, even before their first death.

Mary nodded silently. She couldn't picture herself today if Billy had never been born. Children, she believed, had such and innocence in them. Just having him here brought a precious gift to her, a remembrance of her husband. Sometimes Mary could see a little of her Stephen in him. The thought that Melissa could never be able to experience that made Mary feel sorry for her even though she knew the true reason why she couldn't have children.

Billy came out of his room and proceeded to drag Melissa to the porch. Melissa shrugged at Mary helplessly and let herself to be dragged out.

"Have fun and be careful!" she told her son.

"Oh mama, I'm not a baby!" Billy yelled. Mary shook her head and went back to finish her chores.

+ + + + + + +

It was almost ten o'clock, and Vin, Buck, and JD were out patrolling the town while the others were in the saloon. "So Josiah," Nathan said, "how long have you known Melissa?"

"A long time. Back in my preachin' days she would come in and listen. One day she came up to me a struck up a conversation. Been good friends ever since," Josiah lied, the tale coming easily off his tongue. Melissa had spoken to him last night and told him the story she had told Ezra. Last thing both of them needed was a conflict in stories.

"She seemed to have gone through a lot for someone so young," Nathan stated.

Josiah agreed with him. "She's been through the ringer, but she finds a way to dig herself out of it. I can't say it was easy but it amazes me sometimes."

"Must of get it from her folks," Chris said and knocked down another shot of whisky.

"Well..." Josiah began but was interrupted when they heard a loud whistle followed by the sound of three gunshots. The four men jumped from their table and headed outside, each checking their guns and ammunition. Chris glanced at Vin who was on the balcony. "Fourteen riders comin' from the east!" Vin exclaimed and pointed in that direction.

Through the bustle of people heading for safety, Chris could barely make out the dust cloud heading straight for Four Corners. He could see Melissa hurrying Billy inside the Clarion and then running up toward the four men. Buck and JD came hurrying towards the group.

"Sure didn't wait too long did they," Buck said grimly.

"Well let's give them a nice welcome shall we?" Chris turned to the others. "All right, everyone take their positions, this is goin' to get ugly."

"Man, I hate ugly!" Buck exclaimed.

Everyone ran to take cover. Vin stayed in the balcony while the others took their positions in such a way to close them in when the fight began. The dust cloud was approaching the town fast and soon the Hunter gang was at the edge of town. The group trotted into town carefully. Instead of the usual bustle of people scurrying about the place, the town looked dead. They slowly approached the center of town when they saw a lone figure dressed in all black move to the center of the street.

"I strongly advise you leave or I just might have to make you met your maker," Chris stated a safe distance from the pack of riders.

Hunter urged his horse forward. "You must be the infamous Chris Larabee. Which means you probably have us surrounded by the rest of your men."

"Ain't that the truth," Buck replied and stood up his gun aimed the group. Five other faces stood from their positions and trained their guns at the group. Josiah felt the buzz of the Immortal even before he stood up and knew his worst fears were confirmed. The leader was an Immortal. They looked at each other for a moment and acknowledged each other.

Hunter turned to the seven's leader. "How nice, seven against fourteen. I think the odds are in our favor," he said smugly and then he felt another buzz reach his senses. He searched the buildings trying to locate its source.

"I would say," a female voice announced from the behind him, "that the odds aren't too bad."

Hunter turned around and saw a woman with her head hung low behind them. When she lifted her head to meet the eyes of Jesse Hunter, the silence was so deafening, Josiah swore he heard a cricket chirping.

At first they just stared each other, both of their faces shocked beyond belief. Melissa felt her anger rise up in her chest, her hatred threatening to consume her entire being. She recognized that face, it was the face that haunted her for centuries. Melissa cursed out loud in ancient language that few people would understand. For she stood face to face to a person she hadn't seen in over 4,000 years...

+ + + + + + +

Melissa clenched her jaw in anger. In all the years Josiah had known her, he had never seen her so angry. He just knew that this Immortal was the cause of her nightmares.

Finally she couldn't hold it back any longer and it erupted like a volcano. "You son of a bitch!" She withdrew her weapon and fired at Hunter, aiming for his heart. Her shot missed by inches since she rushed he shot.

"Kill them all!" Hunter shouted. The bullet only grazed him and the wound healed quickly. His men followed suit, and the streets of Four Corners became a shooting gallery.

"Get down!" Chris yelled over the roar of flying bullets and ducked behind some wheelbarrows. What Chris saw in Melissa's face was the same face he had been carrying around for three years. A distraught, angry face that could make anyone back off for fear of catching the person's dark mood. He felt a retaliation was in order. Whatever crime Hunter had committed he was going to pay.

Melissa's only objective to take Hunter's head. A bullet harmlessly went through her coat as she walked methodically over to Hunter.

"Melissa take cover!" Ezra yelled and instinctively ducked when a bullet went over his head sending a shower of splinters on him. "Melissa!"

Melissa paid no heed to the gambler's warnings continued on her mission to sever Hunter's head form his body.

"Aw hell," Ezra muttered under his breath and headed on into the fray. He grabbed Melissa's arm and dragged her not to kindly over to some crates by Mrs. Potter's store. "Are you trying to get yourself killed?"

Melissa glowered at him viciously but didn't answer him. Her attention was focused on the riders, especially on one. More than anything all she wanted to see was Hunter dead.

+ + + + + + +

The rest of Hunter's gang took aim at all of the men, and each of them tried to find cover. Many of them were still on their horses or on the ground. The seven men had seceded in boxing in the group and Hunter's men had only two choices, either keep on fighting or retreat.

The shoot out had been going on for nearly ten minutes without rest, and there was no sign of it letting up any time soon.

"Wonder what the hell that was all about?" Buck yelled. He managed to pick off another rider.

"Who knows, but they didn't look too happy at seein' each other," Chris replied. He checked his ammunition. "Damn! I'm almost out!"

Buck checked his own supply. "So I'm I," he stated grimly. "We've got to end this soon or were goin' to be sorrier than a turkey during thanksgivin'!"

+ + + + + + +

Hunter fired wildly around him. He had a sinking feeling him and his gang were unmatched; the seven men were better than he expected. After a year of easy victories, he had become cocky and arrogant, and now he found himself in the fight of his life. He also knew that woman, Lilandra or whatever she was calling herself these days, would stop at nothing to try and take his head. He looked around and his men were rapidly depleting. The only way out alive was to retreat. "Come on, let's get out of here!" and he urged his horse toward their campsite. Of the thirteen men that came with him, only five remained.

+ + + + + + +

Melissa noticed the change in Hunter's stance. She could see that he knew he was fighting a losing battle, and her suspicions were confirmed when he and the remaining riders headed out of town. You're not getting away that easily, she thought. The dust had barely settled when she jumped up and went for a horse.

"Melissa where are you..." Ezra began as she headed toward the saloon. He watched as she grabbed a horse off the hitching post, and he hurried to try to stop her.

Josiah came out of nowhere and grabbed the horse's reins, preventing Melissa from running off. "Melissa," he began calmly, "where do you think you're off to?"

"What does it look like?" she replied angrily. "I'm going after them."

"You can't take them all on by yourself," said Josiah, keeping a firm grip on the reins.

"Damn it Josiah!" she yelled with tears forming in her eyes. "He deserves to die for what he did to me!" she yelled and slammed her fist into hitching post. She hit the post with such strength it spilt in half and the others looked with shock.

"Remind me never to tick her off," Buck whispered to Chris.

Melissa rubbed her hand and looked at the destruction she had caused. She bent over and picked up one of the broken pieces. Broken to pieces. Just like my life was all those years ago, she thought and tossed the wood back on the ground. "Oh, god why did it have to happen?" she whispered. She turned a tear stained face to her old friend. "Damn it why?!" she cried out as she angrily kicked at the broken pieces of wooden.

The emotional onslaught was to much to bear and she collapsed to the ground in grief. Ezra caught her in time before she could hurt herself and held her in a tight embrace. "We'll get him for you," the gambler soothed with his soft southern drawl. The rest of the seven stayed quiet.

Melissa felt safe and comfortable in Ezra's embrace. The world just seemed to slip away as Ezra's soothing voice calmed her down, as Josiah's voice calmed her all those years ago. For a short while, Ezra made the haunting memories fade. Slowly she backed off and wiped the tears from her face. Melissa couldn't to bear to look into the men's faces since it had been a long time since she acted in such a manner.

"Who is he?" Josiah asked in a soft voice after a few moments passed. "The son of a bitch who murdered my family," she replied flatly and headed toward the saloon.

+ + + + + + +

The saloon was empty since the gunfight began. Melissa drifted in, all of a sudden very tired. Combined with her dream last night and the recent events, she was utterly drained. She grabbed a bottle of whisky from under the bar and headed for a table nestled in the shadows. As soon as she collapsed in the chair, Melissa unstopped the bottle and took a large swallow and laid her head down wanting to get some peace. The scuffle of several pairs of feet caused her to look up. Seven concerned faces looked at her.

"Mind if we join you?" Josiah asked.

"If you want to wallow in misery, why not?" Melissa replied and took another gulp of whisky. "Of course my frame of mind could change at any moment, and then you're gonna endure my wrath," she added wryly.

The others pulled up some chairs and Melissa stayed silent contemplating the bottle in front of her. The seven were curious about her outburst although Josiah had an idea why the Immortal woman was so upset. "Can't believe he's still alive. After all this time," she said quietly.

Melissa, are you sure it's him? It's been a long time," Josiah stated.

She looked directly at Josiah. "It's not like something I'll forget!" she snapped and immediately regretted her action. "I'm sorry Josiah. Gosh, I feel so stupid!"

"What for?"

"I thought I finally put it behind me, but it's never going to end is it?" she said. Melissa continued to stare at the bottle of whisky in front of her.

"There's nothing to be sorry about Melissa," Josiah replied calmly and rubbed the back of her hand. "Look, all of our pasts, some more painful than others haunt us. There's no sense in apologizin' for the way you feel." He hesitated unsure if she was unwilling to share her story. "It's better to let it out."

Melissa ran both of her hands through her hair and sighed. She wasn't sure if she wanted the others to share her burden, her pain. "I was so young," she began and carefully crafted her tale.

My father, my baby sister, and I had lived in the town for years. I was adopted because my parents thought they couldn't have any children, and ten years later my sister was born." She laughed a little at the memory. "We had such a wonderful time together, even though there was a ten-year difference. My mother died when she was five so I raised her myself." She grabbed the bottle to take another drink but decided against it.

"They were my all I knew all I loved until one day," she croaked, "riders attacked our town and destroyed everything I ever knew. They killed my father, burned my home with my sister still inside, and left me for dead. But I've always remembered that face, laughing at me, enjoying what he did. Enjoying that he was destroying my soul." She wiped a stray tear trailed down her cheek.

"If you excuse me?" and she got up and left.

Ezra wanted to follow her, but Josiah stopped him a shook his head. "She needs to be alone."

Chris felt absolutely furious; he could sympathize with pain and the memories. The memory of the death of his wife and son had caused Chris Larabee to go down a dark and bleak road and the scars were just beginning to heal. 'How could someone live with what she experienced and still be sane?' he said to himself.

"Somethin' I've often wondered myself," Josiah said quietly.

Chris hadn't realized he voiced his thoughts. "Hunter is going to pay dearly for what he did."

"I must say I have a sudden ardor, to reorient the countenance of certain Mr. Hunter," Ezra proclaimed dryly.

"Uh?" JD said. Sometimes he wished the gambler would just talk English. "He means he wants to rearrange Hunter's face," Nathan clarified.

"Oh. Then why did you just say so Ezra?"

"I did Mr. Dunne, but you? oh never mind," he trailed off; he really didn't feel like being sarcastic at the moment. Like the others, he was absolutely shocked and horrified as Melissa told her tale.

"Vin," Chris began, suddenly in the mood to go kill someone, "do you think you can track them?"

"Shouldn't be too hard. Six men and a trail of blood, it's kinda hard to miss."

"All right, lets go mount up and see if one of us can find Melissa. I kinda doubt she'll refuse."

"I'll go find her," Josiah announced. "I have I feelin' I know where she ran off to." He got up and headed for the church, leaving the others quietly talking to each other.

+ + + + + + +

Melissa sat in the pew with her eyes closed. When she felt the buzz in her head, she kept still, knowing who it was. The door to the church open and the ex-preacher came inside and sat down beside her.

She opened her eyes but kept her face forward. "The demons can finally rest."

"You're going to challenge him." It wasn't a question, it was a statement. "I can't let him live Josiah," she said looking at him. "It would be a dishonor to my family and to me. Besides, I can't let him destroy anything more. It's time for his Immortal life to end."

"Just watch your head," Josiah said. "I wouldn't want to lose my oldest friend just yet."

"You can't get rid of me very easily preacher man," she replied smiling. Melissa got up and felt the weight of her sword in her coat. She fingered it lightly, knowing in her 4,000 years of life, that she had taken many heads. Now she would add another.

"It's time for Hunter's life to end," she stated and walked out the church doors; Josiah followed her.

In the distance dark clouds rolled through the sky, as if they anticipated the coming battle. Six men and eight horses appeared from the livery and headed toward Josiah and Melissa's direction. Melissa watched them with an impassive eye.

"You're not coming with me," she stated firmly.

"I would not mind to debate you on the subject Melissa, but as you can see in the distance we are running against the clock," Ezra replied.

Melissa frowned. She did want the men to witness a Quickening, but she had no choice. If it rained, the trail would fade away and so would her revenge. She walked over to her horse and mounted up.

"Let's ride," she proclaimed and spurred her horse in the direction Hunter went.

+ + + + + + +

Hunter and his men returned to camp defeated. Not only were they unable to rob the bank, but their numbers were reduced by half. Hunter dismounted and immediately began kicking various objects around.

"What now boss?" someone tentatively asked after Hunter took a pause in his tirade.

Hunter hated to give up so easily, but with his gang greatly reduced, plus there was two Immortals to deal with. One of them was Lilandra who surely want his head, so he decided it was better to try another time. 'Besides, I can always come back and destroy her life all over again. How would I enjoy seeing her suffer,' he thought.

"Pack up. We're movin' on." He walked away and looked at the darkening sky. The dark clouds matched his mood at the moment, he was angry at being defeated so easily. But one day he would return and exact the same horror to Lilandra as he did all those years ago.

+ + + + + + +

The sky was growing darker and darker as the afternoon wore on. However, no one wanted to stop. Stopping would mean a cold-blooded murderer would continue to ride and they might as well be damned if any of them were to allow that.

Vin examined the ground looking for the telltale sign of hoofprints. "Looks like they're headin' toward Red Eye Canyon." Vin stated.

Chris frowned deeply. Red Eye Canyon had a lot of good hiding places and the fall to the bottom wasn't too pretty either. Falling meant certain death; the canyon was about a mile deep with sharp, rocky terrain, which meant no hope for a rescue.

Fifteen minutes later, the eight of them arrived at the edge of the canyon, but they saw no signs of Hunter or his men. Chris ordered them to begin checking the surrounding areas for clues when the strangest look came over Josiah and Melissa's face.

Vin noticed their confused looks "What's wrong?"

Melissa's face became impassive. "He's close," Melissa simply stated and began walking toward a grove of trees, gun drawn.

The others paused a moment, looking confused. "How does she know?" JD questioned.

Buck shrugged his shoulders as the group followed. "Maybe she as a sixth sense."

"Sixth sense or not she ain't goin' to face all of them alone," Vin replied and ran to catch up with her.

+ + + + + + +

Hunter had been busily packing up his gear, when he felt something he wasn't so sure he was delighted with. The buzz assaulted his entire being, a good sign the fellow Immortal was of old age. It could be only one person. "Lilandra," he muttered under his breath. He mentioned the remaining men over. "They're here." He pointed at two of his men. "You two go hide in those bushes, you two take some cover behind those trees, you with me." His men hurried to take cover. Hunter thought to himself, 'Guess I don't have to wait long to do some damage.'

+ + + + + + +

The seven men and Melissa carefully made their way through a thicket of bushes. They had long abandon their horses in hope of surprising the gang, but Josiah and Melissa both knew that Hunter would be ready for them. About ten yards ahead, they could see a couple of horses but the camp was empty. Vin looked around the perimeter of the clearing hoping to catch any movement, which was hard since it was darker than usual. He barely made out two figures in the bushes. "Two of them are over there. Don't know about the rest."

"Hunter's here. I can feel him," Melissa said since the Buzz intensified in feeling. She knew he was around and it frustrated her.

"Let's spilt up," Chris announced. "Might be easier to catch them." The seasoned gunslinger looked around suspiciously. He had a sneaky suspicion that Hunter knew they were close or the place wouldn't be so quiet. Chris had no idea how that was possible; his men were good at camouflaging themselves. Of course ,he didn't know that Immortals could sense each other from a certain range, so a surprise attack was out of the question.

Melissa decided to take the direction approach and before any one could stop her, strode out in the middle of the clearing.

"Damn Chris, I think she as a bigger death wish than you!" Buck exclaimed. "I know you're here Hunter!" she shouted in the darkness. "Don't you have the guts to face me?"

Hunter stood from his position, his gun still in its holster. "Lilandra. So we meet again. You can't defeat me you know that."

"Lilandra?" Vin questioned.

"It's her middle name," Josiah replied distracted.

"Unusual name," Buck muttered and the others shushed him quiet and returned their attention to the confrontation.

Melissa stared at him cold-hearted. "I've vastly improved since our last meeting," she snarled. "But it's not for them to see."

"Ah, so you brought your friends with you. Doesn't matter they're dead anyway." Hunter had barely finished his sentence when his men fired.

Melissa instantly ducked and managed to miss one of the bullets aimed for her head. Larabee and the others immediately retaliated and fired in their direction. As Melissa ran for some cover she noticed Hunter sneaking away. "Oh, no you don't," she whispered to herself and ran for a horse. She mounted a horse and followed Hunter with every intention of making this their final battle.

+ + + + + + +

"Damn! Just where the hell does he think he's goin'?" Buck exclaimed as he aimed his gun and fired. He was rewarded when one of the men tumbled out of one of a bush.

"I believe Mr. Wilmington, saving his own neck," Ezra stated.

"We'll worry about those two later," Chris replied. He was about to say something else when a loud clap of thunder could be heard. Then the sky opened up in a torrential downpour.

"Looks like God is holding a mighty water pitcher in his hands," Josiah observed.

"Rain or not this is ending right now," and Chris ordered his men what to do.

As Josiah went about his business, he made a silent prayer that Melissa would live.

+ + + + + + +

The gap between the two antagonists got smaller and smaller. She swung her right leg on top of the saddle in preparation to tackle Hunter from his horse. When the two horses were nearly side to side, and Hunter went for his gun, hoping to shoot her off before she did anything. But it was too late, Melissa had hit him at full force and both of them tumbled together onto ground.

Hunter got up quickly and withdrew his sword from his coat and shrugged his it off. "It doesn't have to be this way, Lilandra. Why don't you just get on your knees and make this easier on both of us?"

They had been circling each other slowly, the blades of their swords touching. Melissa had also taken off her coat and carefully observed her adversary's movements. "I'll tell you when that day comes."

"So be it then," Hunter said smugly, and immediately arched his sword for her head. She easily blocked it and went on the offensive. The fight began in earnest, and they soon found themselves at the canyon's edge.

Both of them realized that they were evenly matched and it would take some cunning moves to gain an upper hand. All of a sudden, the sky beat down a torrent of rain and Melissa mis-stepped and fell flat on her back. Hunter brought down his sword at Melissa's neck, but just in time, she blocked his move with her own sword and kicked him hard in the stomach, causing him to fall back.

She jumped up and took a defensive stance. "Told you it wouldn't be easy," she announced as the rain beat down on both of them.

Hunter growled in response and resumed the fight. It went on for several more minutes and both of them were beginning to tire. Melissa had managed to push Hunter close to the edge of the canyon. A few steps backward and Hunter would fall to his temporary death. Hunter saw the murderous gleam in her eyes and then saw an opening in her attack. He quickly twisted his body around and plunged his sword into her abdomen. His ears were rewarded with her cry. Melissa instinctively dropped her sword clutched grabbed his sword which was still embedded in her stomach.

"It's seems that history is going to repeat itself," he said smiling down at her.

A trial of crimson blood poured from her mouth. "Like hell," she mumbled and punched him viciously in the mouth. This caused Hunter to let go of his sword and stagger back; the power of punch dazed him.

Melissa gasped in pain as she removed the sword from her body and threw it over Hunter's head, down into the canyon. She crawled over to her own sword and stood up shakily.

Hunter was visibly shaken by the power of her punch. As thunder boomed across they sky, Melissa placed the edge of her sword by his neck. Hunter looked deeply into her eyes. "Do it."

"There can be only one," she stated and she swiftly brought her sword on his neck.

Melissa wiped the blood from her mouth and spread her arms wide, anticipating what she knew would come. She looked up at the sky and whispered to a person "For you father."

A white mist rose from the decapitated body. Lightening began to arch across the sky, the earth, and finally settled on Melissa. The Quickening had begun.

+ + + + + + +

The gunfight between Hunter's men and the seven was relatively short. After seeing their leader abandon them, they had lost hope quickly and surrendered to the men. In all three remained and none of the seven had been hurt.

Josiah glanced at Chris under a waterlogged hat. "We better try to find Melissa."

Chris nodded. "Let's tie these scumbags first."

Buck and Nathan quickly tied up the remaining men as Chris approached Vin. "Do you think you could find them?"

"In this weather?" Vin said rather disappointedly. "It's been raining hard Chris, and this terrain is rocky it would take a..." Vin was cut off when in the distance, a huge lightening storm streaked across the sky. Even from this distance, they could witness the damage the lightening had on the surrounding terrain.

"On the other hand..." Vin said and quickly went for his horse. He had a feeling Hunter and Melissa were right in the middle of it.

Chris stared at lightening storm as it grew in intensity. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Vin go off in the direction of the lightening storm. "Nathan, go with him!"

Nathan nodded and followed Vin. Soon they disappeared from sight. "What in tarnation could that be?" Ezra questioned.

Josiah answered him so quietly no one heard him. "There can be only one."

+ + + + + + +

Melissa screamed in agony as the force of the Quickening hit her. The memories of Hunter's were integrated in her own, and they became a part of her. The power of the Quickening was strong; Hunter had lived a long life and took many heads. As the Quickening reached its climax, she collapsed to the ground and used her sword to keep her steady. Finally, the last forces of the Quickening died out, leaving Melissa kneeling on the ground trying to catch her breath. She knew that the lightening storm would attraction attention so she knew that she had to hide anything that the men would question.

Even though she was tired, getting rid of the body was her first priority. Since the body of Jesse Hunter was close to the edge of the cliff, she pushed his carcass over the edge watched impassionately as Hunter's body fell to the bottom of the canyon. Melissa searched for her coat and put it on, placing her sword in its proper place. The coat was heavy from the rain and did nothing to help her combat the coldness of rain, but if Nathan saw her bloody and torn up shirt then he would want to examine the wound. But there was no wound and it had already healed, but it left a dull ache that Melissa knew would last a little longer.

She sat down at the edge of the cliff and dangled her legs over, catching her breath. The canyon was very deep and the Immortal woman could not see to the bottom. As she closed her eyes, the memory of family came to mind. But she no longer felt the pain or the bitter despair of their loss. All she remembered was the good times they shared and the special bond she shared with her sister. Melissa Kyle was finally at peace.

+ + + + + + +

Vin and Nathan rode through the rain hoping to catch any sign of the two. They came to the outer edge of the destructive path of the lightening storm. Both of them unmounted their horses and Vin began to examine the surrounding area. All around them, broken pieces of bark and rock littered the ground. Vin had never witnessed such a storm that caused so much damage.

Another lightening bolt struck the ground, and Vin could see silhouetted against the dark sky a figure sitting near the edge of the cliff. Vin and Nathan slowly approached the figure; they could not tell from this distance whom that the person was.

"Hey fellas," Melissa said and turned her face toward them.

Vin was somewhat surprised. Melissa's face was peaceful, not that bitter anger that had her in it's grip just a scant ten minutes ago.

Nathan sat down next to her. "What happened?" he asked gently.

"He's gone," she replied calmly and pointed down. "Down there, somewhere," she said nonchalantly.

"You going to be alright?" Vin asked his voice laced with concern.

Melissa turned her face up to the sky, letting the raindrops fall on her face and sighed deeply. "I just need some time to rest," she whispered quietly.

Nathan nodded and stood up. He offered a hand to help her up and Melissa accepted.

Vin looked at her strangely. With all the hatred she had been carrying the last couple of hours, she was way too calm. "Are you sure you're alright?" "He's dead. That's all I need to know Vin," and she started to walk in the direction of the horses.

Vin turned to Nathan. "Ain't you just a little concern here?"

"I guess we all have our ways of dealing with our feelings," he said and shrugged his shoulders. "Guess as long he's dead, then it don't matter to her."

"Well let's get back to the others," he replied a little skeptically, "I really don't want to catch a cold in this weather."

They walked back to the horses and Melissa got up behind Vin since they were a horse short. They galloped back to the others, leaving Vin wondering what the hell happened.

+ + + + + + +

Later in the evening, everyone except Josiah and Melissa were gathered in front of the Sheriff's office relaxing. The rain had lighten to a drizzle by the time they had reached Four Corners and everyone went to their rooms to change into some fresh clothing but not before Chris and JD guided the prisoners to the jail. During the ride back home, JD asked what had happened.

"We were caught in the lightening storm. I ran for cover but before Hunter could find some, a lightening bolt struck him and he fell over the cliff," she explained.

The others had accepted the story, but Vin was still a little suspicious. From what he saw of the place, that lightening storm wasn't like anything he seen before. He had a feeling Melissa was giving a different version of what happened, but he brushed it off for the moment. There was plenty of time later to deal with it.

They had been talking among themselves when Josiah and Melissa emerged from the restaurant with Mary Travis.

"Good evening gentlemen," Mary greeted.

"Mary," Chris greeted her and tipped his hat. The others did likewise.

"Hey guys, so how are you fellas doing tonight?" Melissa said as she and Josiah approached the small group.

"We were going to ask you the same thing," Chris said looking at her.

She waved off their concern. "I'll be fine," she replied looking a little wistful. "Just need to figure what to do now."

"Why don't you stay in town," Mary suggested. "Lord knows I could use some company."

"Plus Melissa, I would like the opportunity to acquire some of my money back," Ezra chimed in.

"And this is some beautiful country we live in," JD added.

"The town could use some more women," Buck added mischievously.

"Whoa! Hold on there!" Melissa said and raised her hands defensively. She turned an accusing glare at Josiah who suddenly found the ground very interesting. "Did you put them up to this?"

"Yes and no," Nathan answered. "He asked but it really didn't take much persuasion."

"Really," she replied incredulously. "Well it would be nice? I've been on the road doing a lot of traveling lately?"

"Then stay," Vin drawled from underneath his hat.

Melissa looked thoughtful for a moment. "I'll think about it," and headed for the church. She decided she needed some time alone, away from their company. She didn't know why Four Corners was feelin' more like a home than ever before. During her years out on the road, she lost a little part of herself but somehow the town, more importantly the Seven, revived something in her that she had thought she had lost, a loving family that cared for one another. Spending a scant few days with the Seven proved to her that the seven men were family and didn't mind others joining their fold. An hour had passed and Josiah joined her on the porch of the Church. The two Immortals stayed silent for a moment, watching the town as it busily went about their own business.

"Don't worry Josiah, I'm not going anywhere," she finally said. "I've decided to stay."

Josiah smiled. "You won't regret it."

"Regret it! I am already!" she teased and jabbed him in the arm. "You know what's goin' to happen sooner or later," she said, her voice turning serious.

"Yeah I know," Josiah answered and ran his hand through his short graying hair. "I can't do this alone you know. With the six of them, it might happen at the same time and I wouldn't be able to teach them all at once."

"Which is why you asked for help," Melissa finished. "With your friends of yours being pre-immortals, it going to get interestin'."

Epilogue

Four Corners, Arizona, 1876

The Lilandra Chronicles

It seems that Melissa Kyle will be staying in the town of Four Corners. Though I'm not sure exactly why, but I do know that it has something to do with Josiah's telegram. I have already contacted the Watcher Council and they have agreed for the time being I will be in charge of The Lilandra Chronicles for the time she stays in Four Corners. As Josiah's watcher, I am excited to get to know Melissa better since she played a very important part in Josiah's life. Not only has she been a teacher, but also they have formed a friendship that has lasted for centuries.

Melissa also met the Immortal that killed her family and gained his Quickening. From what I could understand, Jesse Hunter was defeated in the pouring rain by Red Eye Canyon. His body fell into the canyon so the others did not question Melissa's fabricated story of the lightening storm killing Hunter.

She has easily formed a friendship with Josiah's friends and I have also formed a friendship with her. I have found her personality to be very complex. One moment she can be fun and games, the next moment she can cold hearted with the best of them. Now that she has decided to settle down, I hope that I will be able to get a more personal story of her life as one of the oldest Immortals that ever lived.

Mary Travis, reporter and Watcher, closed the ancient chronicle that held the stories of Josiah's past lives. Mary glanced at the tattoo on her wrist, which identified her with other Watchers. She was proud of her history, her father had been a Watcher and she followed in his footsteps. For the past year, she had recorded Josiah's life, especially how the seven had changed his life drastically. Melissa did not have her own watcher at the moment because for the past ten years she had been traveling extensively. Now that she was settling down, the Watchers had a chance to record her life again. The Watcher Council had already sent a telegram to Mary saying they had sent Melissa's chronicle to her and should arrive in a few weeks.

Mary locked the ancient chronicle in her desk and prepared for bed looking forward to the next time she would open a chronicle and fill the pages with stories of their lives.

The End
Sequel: Hauntings