The fence rattled from the stomps and yells of ten teenagers kicking a ball amongst themself. Sweat flew from their arms and faces as they flew across the battlefield. Two remained unmoving between goalposts and a net their size. Bystanders hooted and hollered; their entertainment rising with each action.
"Tommy! Sub!"
A boy, dawning a faded buzzcut and knee-length socks, stopped in his tracks. He turned to the girl who asked for the substitution. He nodded in acceptance, jogging to the door while play was paused.
"Thanks, Tommy."
"Yeah. Anytime."
Tommy wobbled to a bench high-fiving any who raised their hand. He sat by a boy glued to the screen. Curious, Tommy decided to take a peek.
"What are you watching, Bruce." Tommy asked.
"Tommy! Shush! This shit is nuts." Bruce silenced the boy.
"Is that so? Share it with me."
Bruce scooted closer the boy drenched in sweat- his red and blue football jersey soaking. On the screen, a you-be video with 30 thousand views and climbing was titled. "30 vs 5! What REALLY happened at the Aria Mountain Ranges."
The video, filmed from a first person's point of view, showed their protagonist scanning their surroundings amongst the smoke and rabid adventurers, dashing through and stabbing anyone in their way. Tommy's eyes grew- wider and wider as the you-be video went on. Finally, a name.
"Ooh, not bad Zeizei!"
The voice uttered as he took down another Skull Kidd.
"Holy… shit…" Tommy said in disbelief.
"It's sick right! The leader of Blue Lightning and those randoms are-"
"No." Tommy interrupted, excitement starting to take over. "One of them isn't a random. It can only be him. He's back! Zeika is back!
***
Shadow enveloped the little Saloon in Old Rocky Town, a town located in the middle of nowhere on a planet far from home. Nedline. The saloon was dotted with drinkers, smokers, and gamblers, some chose to stand out by doing all three activities. By the bar, a man sat draped in a scarf and a hat. His partner in crime rested on his shoulder, drinking milk from a tiny cup.
"Oogie!" Wu wiped his mouth with his hand.
"Did you enjoy that?" Zein asked.
"Oogie oogie!" Wu bobbed his head, smiling.
"Hell yeah." Zein scratched the little monkey's chin.
The bartender, dressed in a dirty white sleeveless tee and a grey apron, slid another shot of milk to the duo while smiling.
"On the house."
"Thank you." Zein caught the drink and handed it to Wu. Before he could claim it, "Say thank you, Wu." Zein said, pulling his hand away.
"Oogie gie!" Wu bowed to the bartender and grabbed the drink from Zein's hand.
"Anytime." The bartender wiped the insides of a glass mug with a washcloth. Spotless, he hung the wet cloth around his neck. "First time?"
"In town? Yes, it is." Zein replied.
"Enjoy yourselves. Won't be lasting too long after all." the bartender poured a pint for a customer at the bar.
"Is that right? Why so." Zein leaned in.
The bartender checked his surroundings. He leaned in. "There's been trouble. New gang in town, The Browns, been taking everything we got.
"What about the sheriff?" Zein asked.
"That fool? He can't distinguish his left from his right. A miracle he learned to walk, much less shoot a gun." The bartender sighed. "Should've never given him the job, but now, The Browns would never let him go, 'cause they know he's a fool too."
"I'm sorry to hear. That sounds unfortunate." Zein said, empathetic.
"We make do." the bartender replied, voice laboured. A whistle at the end of the counter called for his attention. "Make sure you don't go poking your nose into their business."
"Thank you, I'll be sure to keep it in-"
SLAM. The saloon doors were kicked open. Its batwings flapped as a group of 7 gruff-looking men stepped in. Patrons at the saloon jumped from their seats, rushing to the streets behind them. In a matter of seconds, a place once bustling with activity, became barren. A couple of adventurers, Zein, Wu, and the bartender were all who were left to entertain the saloon's guests.
"What's got them so scared. Something happen?" Dutch Brown cackled, his overcoat exposing his leather belt and gold buckle. "A barrel of your finest, bar boy."
The bartender contained himself, he didn't allow his emotions to take control. With an acknowledging nod, the bartender left for the back. Dutch Brown wandered to the counter. Noticing Zein and Wu, he took a seat by them.
"Howdy partner, Dutch Brown is the name." Dutch Brown rested an elbow on the counter. "Put 'er there." he reached out for a handshake. Zein accepted, grabbing his hand with ferocity. To the cackling onlookers, they felt the hostility from the handshake, immediately reaching for their weapon.
"Quite the handshake, boy." Dutch Brown spat. "I don't believe I've met you before."
"I guess your eyes aren't as good as I thought." Zein chuckled, scratching his thumb.
"Oogie oogie!" Wu laughed.
Dutch Brown grabbed Zein by his scarf. His boys stood back. "Now where's all this confidence coming from huh?" Dutch Brown brought Zein closer to his face. "Think you can mess with me?"
"How about a good ol' duel then? Winner takes all." Zein smiled, baring his fangs.
"I like the sound of that, boy." Dutch Brown said, humoured. "Maybe I'll come to like you after all." he grinned. "Outside. Now." Dutch Brown tossed Zein onto the barstools.
Dutch Brown's men scurried out the door; their shouts were heard, warning the residents of the duel's commencement. Dutch brown walked to the town's singular street. Zein followed behind.
Seconds later, the bartender slammed a barrel of beer on the counter. To his surprise, there was no one left to collect.
The residents of Old Rocky Town peeked from behind buildings and crates. Some chose to spy on the duel from their window. Zein and Dutch Brown walked to the middle of the town, standing a number of yards apart. Zein grabbed his gun, moulded from the iron of Aria, and holster.
"Ain't even got your gun ready. I don't like that you ain't got your gun ready." Dutch Brown remarked.
"Don't worry, Dutch, within the next couple of seconds, none of this is going to matter." Zein strapped the holster to his waist.
HAH. "I'd rather die than lose to man who don't even got his gun ready."
One of Dutch Brown's men stood between the duelists. "The rules for the duel are as follows." the man cleared his throat. "Duelists will shoot on the count of ten. The winner will be decided dependin' on who is more injured. The winner gets to decide what to do with the loser." he announced, running to the sidelines.
"I may spare you if you beg." Dutch Brown grinned.
A tumbleweed blew by.
"The feeling is mutual." Zein grinned.
Zein and Dutch Brown's hands hovered over their holsters.
Dutch Brown's men began chanting.
Wu hid in Zein's scarf, hiding behind his friend's head and chanted.
Dutch Brown's fingers twitched.
Zein mumbled under his breath.
The kids joined the chanting.
The adults joined the chanting.
3!
Zein scanned Dutch Brown, eyes narrowing.
2!
Sweat beaded around Dutch Brown's brows, making a trail around his eyes.
1!
BAM!
The men remained standing, guns leaving a trail of smoke. A second passed. 2 seconds passed. 3 seconds passed
AGH!
Dutch brown grabbed his shoulder, collapsing to his knees. His men clamoured towards him.
BANG!
Zein shot the dusty sky, stopping Dutch Brown's men in their tracks. "Honour the duel's rules, boys."
Dutch Brown's men reached for their guns, "Don't you dare draw your guns. Do not shame me." Dutch Brown yelled. His men watched Zein with scorn. Wu popped from under his friend's scarf. He flashed his tongue and pulled an eyelid down, mocking them. Yet, they obeyed, falling back to the sideline with their hands in the air.
Zein approached the fallen duelist, gun aimed at his head. "Now, what's the plan, Dutch." he snarled.
"Shoot me, boy." Dutch Brown said with anger.
"I may, but first, hand over everything you got." Zein gestured with his hand.
Dutch Brown grabbed a bag brimming with bronze and silver coins from the inside of his jacket's pocket. He threw it at Zein's feet. The cat retrieved the bag with his tail. He dropped it in his palm and examined the contents. 15 bronze coins. 5 silver coins.
"Ooh, not bad. You like it Wu?" Zein jingled the bag.
"Oogie oogie!" Wu clapped with joy.
"Let's take it then." Zein pocketed the bag in his inventory. "I do like your gun as well, Dutch."
Dutch flung his pistol at Zein's shins. He raised his leg and caught it with his tail.
"Thank you." Zein left the gun in his inventory for later studying. "Since you've been so understanding, I'll let you go. But don't you ever step foot in this town again."
"I don't need your pity."
"Get out before I change my mind."
Zein signalled to Dutch Brown's men with his gun, letting them know that they were free to collect their boss. They rushed over. Dutch Brown grunted as his men leaned him against their shoulders.
Dutch Brown turned to get one last look at his foil. "You'll regret this, boy."
"I'm sure I will." Zein shrugged.
Dutch Brown and his men walked into the sunset, leaving the town behind for good. Silence changed to uproar. The citizens of Old Rocky Town took to the streets, tossing Zein and Wu into the air.
"Roleplay is so fun."
Once the tossing died down, the bartender pulled Zein aside. " Boy come with me." he dragged Zein into the saloon, overrun with people once more, and to the back.
"Great job with Dutch back there, even if I ain't think you were gonna win." the bartender patted his shoulder.
"Why thank you, I appreciate it."
"Oogie!"
"That being said, we need your help." the bartender held Zein and Wu's shoulders.
"I'm listening." Zein and Wu crossed their arms.
"There's another gang, one which reigns terror upon our little town everytime they come. They're called The Serpents. Vicious bunch. Live somewhere south of here." the bartender explained.
"You want me to take care of them?"
"We would appreciate it."
"Alright. You got yourself a deal," Zein nodded. "But what do I get in return?"
The bartender thought for a moment. "How does gold sound to you?"
"It sounds like music to my ears." Zein smiled wide.