The sun hung high in the sky, its heat relentless, casting shimmering waves over the dusty trail. Jed and Charlie rode side by side, their shirts discarded in the oppressive heat. Sweat glistened on their skin, and the rhythmic clopping of their horses' hooves was the only sound breaking the vast silence of the wilderness.
Jed wiped his brow with the back of his hand, his tone dry and tinged with sarcasm. "Boy, you sure we're close? Feels like we've been chasin' ghosts for days."
Charlie, his sharp eyes scanning the horizon, replied with a grunt. "Yeah, we're close. Don't know if Jose still has that map for the crystal, though. If he does, he's probably already a step ahead of us."
Jed snorted, the lines on his face deepening as he smirked. "Well, that bastard's fresh outta those monster powers. Should make takin' him down easier this time."
Charlie shot him a skeptical look. "Maybe, but he touched that crystal, Jed. Means he's got an ability we know nothing about. Could be more dangerous than that pale guy or even George."
"Or it could be weak," Jed countered with a shrug, his nonchalant tone masking the unease in his eyes.
Charlie sighed, his voice heavy with tension. "Yeah, sure. Let's just hope it's not worse."
As they rode, the sound of hoofbeats echoed in the distance, growing louder until another rider came into view. A figure emerged from the horizon, riding a lean, powerful horse with ease and grace.
The man was a Native American, his presence striking against the barren landscape. He wore a leather headband adorned with intricate beadwork in vibrant geometric patterns, accented by small feathers that swayed gently in the breeze. His jacket, crafted from rich, supple leather, was decorated with fringes along the sleeves and back. Beadwork in bold reds, turquoise, and whites adorned its lapels and cuffs, reflecting his cultural heritage with pride.
Underneath, he wore a light linen shirt, its collar slightly open to reveal a necklace of turquoise stones and silver pendants that glinted faintly in the sunlight. His earth-toned trousers bore detailed beaded strips running along the seams, matching the artistry of his belt, which was fastened with a silver buckle etched with intricate designs. His dark leather boots, sturdy and well-worn, completed the outfit, bearing decorative stitching that tied the ensemble together.
Around his neck was a loosely tied scarf in muted earth tones, its fine fringe dancing in the wind. As he rode closer, he tipped his head slightly, greeting them with a calm but confident smile.
"Hello there," he said, his voice deep and steady. "Nice day we're having."
Jed raised an eyebrow, his tone as dry as the air. "Yeah, real nice. Can't complain."
The man reined in his horse, keeping an easy distance as he studied them. "Name's Ahiga," he said. "I'm looking for something special."
Charlie's eyes narrowed, suspicion flaring instantly. "Let me guess. You're looking for the Holy Crystal."
Ahiga tilted his head, intrigued. "So, that's what it's called."
His calm demeanor didn't waver, but his sharp eyes gleamed with intent. "Once I get that crystal, I can make my wish come true. Save my tribe. That's all that matters."
Charlie straightened in his saddle, his tone turning defensive. "Hey, buddy, I'll be the one getting it."
Ahiga's expression remained neutral, though his voice carried a subtle challenge. "And what's your reason for chasing it?"
Charlie's jaw tightened, but he answered without hesitation. "I've got cancer. That crystal's my only shot at saving myself."
Ahiga's lips pressed into a thin line, his gaze steady. "Hmm. A noble reason." He paused, then added with a faint smirk, "Guess we'll see who gets to it first."
The tension between them hung heavy as their horses continued forward, the three of them riding toward an uncertain future. Charlie clenched his fists on the reins, a low growl escaping him. "You better not get in my way."
Ahiga chuckled softly, the sound as steady as his posture. "We'll see about that, won't we?"
Jed, watching the exchange with mild amusement, shook his head. "Well, ain't this just a friendly little race we got ourselves into."
Neither Charlie nor Ahiga responded, their gazes fixed on the horizon. The hunt for the Holy Crystal had just become far more complicated.
The horses trotted steadily along the dry, cracked terrain, the sound of their hooves crunching against loose gravel breaking the heavy silence. Charlie kept a wary eye on Ahiga, who rode beside them, seemingly calm. His hands rested lightly on his horse's reins, his posture relaxed, but there was something unsettling about his calm demeanor.
Jed, a seasoned rider, had his own suspicions, and his narrowed eyes flicked to Ahiga occasionally, his instincts gnawing at him. Charlie's brows furrowed when he caught a glimpse of Ahiga slipping a smooth, round rock from a small pouch at his side and placing it in his mouth.
Charlie couldn't help himself. "What the hell are you doin' now? Chewin' rocks?" he asked, his tone a mix of confusion and annoyance.
Ahiga didn't answer at first. A sly grin crept across his face as he sucked on the stone briefly. Then, with startling precision, he spit the rock out of his mouth. The small projectile cut through the air like a bullet, its speed uncanny.
Before Charlie could even react, the rock struck his arm with a sickening thud, forcing a pained grunt out of him as he grabbed at the sudden sharp sting. "Ah! Damn it!" he shouted, nearly losing his balance on his horse. Blood started to seep through his fingers as he cradled his arm.
Jed's expression darkened instantly. "You no-good bastard!" he barked, reaching for his revolver in a swift, practiced motion.
But Ahiga was faster. With a flick of his wrist, he pulled out a set of bolas—two smooth, weighted stones connected by sturdy leather cords—and hurled them with expert precision. The bolas spun through the air, a blur of motion, and wrapped tightly around Jed's horse's legs.
The animal stumbled forward with a startled cry, its legs tangling beneath it as it went down hard. Jed was thrown off, hitting the dirt with a dull grunt, rolling once before scrambling to his feet.
"Damn you!" Jed snarled, dusting himself off and glaring at Ahiga, who was already spurring his horse into a gallop.
Ahiga turned briefly in his saddle, his voice carrying over the distance. "Sorry, boys. This is where we part ways." There was a biting edge to his tone, a mixture of triumph and taunt.
Charlie clutched his injured arm, his face twisting with pain. Charlie winced, clutching his injured arm as blood trickled down his sleeve. "Shit, I can't even use my light beam with this damn arm," he muttered, frustration seeping into his voice.
Jed, still kneeling by his tangled horse, glanced up with a tired scowl. "Well, ain't that just perfect," he grumbled. He scanned the ground and spotted a sharp rock nearby. Without hesitation, he grabbed it, using its jagged edge to saw through the ropes binding his horse's legs.
As the last strand snapped, Jed rubbed his horse's neck to calm the spooked animal. "There, girl, it's alright," he said in a gruff yet soothing tone. But then he let out a heavy sigh and rubbed the back of his neck. "Damn, I'm too old and too tired for this nonsense."
Charlie, still fuming, pulled himself up into his saddle with his uninjured arm. His face was set with determination despite the pain etched across it. "I'm so damn tired of getting attacked!" he snapped, his voice sharp. Without giving Jed a chance to stop him, Charlie spurred his horse forward.
"Charlie, wait!" Jed barked, his voice carrying a warning tone. He scrambled to his feet, adjusting his hat as his horse stomped impatiently.
But Charlie didn't listen. His horse tore off after Ahiga, kicking up a cloud of dust as the gap between him and Jed widened.
Jed shook his head, muttering a string of curses under his breath. "That boy's got no damn sense," he growled, climbing onto his horse with a groan. He gave the reins a quick flick, urging his horse forward to follow. "This better not get us killed, or I'm haunting that kid myself."
Ahead, Charlie's horse galloped fiercely, closing the distance between him and Ahiga. The wind whipped at Charlie's face, his injured arm throbbing with every jarring motion, but he gritted his teeth and pressed on, his eyes locked on Ahiga's figure riding ahead.