Fantasy The Four

[Soviet Panda]

The Spur, a distinctive landmark in the middle of nowhere. An angry looking red rock that stabs at the sky. The perfect spot for a meet up with those of ill repute. One could sit on top and stare out for miles across the flat, windswept landscape, or take shelter in the meager shade it provided. Both were in use, at the moment. Connor sat atop the Spur, sweating profusely from the heat, while camp was set up in the shade, with Stepper mindlessly gnawing on some hay.

He had been at the Spur for days, and had sent out the message even longer ago it felt like. Who would be the first to arrive, he wondered? Would it be Death, sat upon her pale horse and refusing to let the heat touch her? Or perhaps that german Pestilence? Because if Famine was the first to appear, he wasn't quite sure if he would resist the urge to put his rifle to his shoulder and settle the grudge right then and there. But only time would tell for certain what would transpire.

(( Axeykins Pilgrim59 Rusty of Shackleford myst.erion ))

 

[Pilgrim59]

Karl Wilhelm Ferdinand
"Pestilence"

After days of riding hard North, Ferdinand took comfort in the sight of the Spur, despite the achingly wretched sun that scorched his back. He kept on, stirring his steed forward, and had only stopped twice to maintain his weapons. The man was far less excited to return from whence he came, having coerced a local big man of their wealth. While the game of card was fair in its rights of luck, the losers were keen on winning via dictated honors and brutish display of arms. Ferdinand was wiser than to partake in such drivels that would later haunt him in his sleeps. Thus, he rode off with the man's gambles having wiped his hand clean of the crimson ligaments that would otherwise tarnish his uniform. Even now, the faces of the Danes, Johnny Rebs and Billy Yanks still lingered in his shadows. When the German had received a courier from McKinley, it was more than enough any reason for him to heed the call. Something to put his troubled wake at ease for the time being.

"Und here I thought Charlotta was the last time we would see one another for a while. What's the score this time, boss?" Ferdinand greeted McKinley upon his approach.

The uniformed Horseman of Pestilence locked eyes with the Horseman of War. His left hand upon the reins, while his right postured upon his hips. Clearly, McKinley had some thoughts on the matter of this abrupt rally. It was best to square away any vital backgrounds that Ferdinand needed to know. If it was anything, the German was keen on sorting his equipment proper for the occasion, for whatever the job was, he would follow McKinley's lead anywhere. The impeccable measure of faith that he was endowed with for the last couple of years. Truth be told, the German was more or less an addict when it came to gambling his life for a cause. The irony of the usually disciplined man of the crew that sought to keep others alive. But even his demons were as resilient as he.

Soviet Panda
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[Axeykins]

Studying the trail before him, Jonsi watched carefully as his fellow comrades met up in the distance. Watching them convene at the towering monument piercing the sky of the landscape. The message to him had gotten in decent time but he took his sweet time in making the trip. Nothing urgent enough to prompt dropping everything to rush to their sides again. Nothing written out blatantly of what this call was about as far as he read in the note either but what it hinted at piqued his interest.

First time in a long time something did so for him, so may as well make some semblance of effort to check it out. Not to mention it was a better option than running Pepita any more ragged than she already was from their own traveling. Strength in numbers and all that that people tended to say and that was by far a benefit to him at this time. He was thin as a rail now, had to tighten his belts and tuck in his garments as far as they would go to keep from sliding off in the slightest breeze.

He watched and waited for a while. Watching the German begin interacting with War. Trying to asses the mood of the situation, flash of steel, body language and the likes before making his ascent up The Spur to join them.

Soviet Panda Pilgrim59

 

[myst.erion]

Persephone Clay
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Death​

"Eeaasy miss~".
Persephone Clay, who's hat was really beginning to tip forward on her head, pulled back on Amara's reins so they would come to a stop together. She was careful not to dig them in. As always. Even without a bit, she'd never truly been a fan of the bridle.
"I have a feeling I may have arrived last......"
A week ago now, McKinley's literal cry of help met Persephone in the middle of an important trade. Between herself and one of her incredibly generous benefactors. One interested in expansion. If perhaps the woman, and her offer, were not so tempting, she would've left in a heartbeat. If perhaps she weren't so put off by the idea of reconvening with the boys again, she would've left in a heartbeat. But the deal delayed her, and so she began three days after it's arrival. Giving her four days of fairly paced travel and mounds of stress. Over the nature of the job, and over the state of the -for the lack of a better word- casino she'd left behind.
It was left in capable hands, she trusted that. But no time away from the place you poured your money and soul into was any good. Especially when it was for promise of danger.

'I know we don't all get along. Me and Famine would just as soon kill one of us as look at each other. But I found something. Someone, a kid. Pinky's want them, don't know why. But if they want it, we want it more. Meet me at the Spur.'​

It was a hel of a message.
Connor was lucky she didn't completely hate him. Or that she wasn't devoid of heart, when she heard a child's life was possibly being threatened. The last time she agreed to follow himself and the others on one of their escapades, she did not have a good time. And that was putting it lightly. So, benefit of the doubt was serving the four well.
She double-checked the horizon, and even in the bright sunlight, she caught sight of two men and their horses, conversing atop a daunting red rock. She couldn't recognise either, the sun casting a shadow and leaving them in darkness, but she made an educated guess it was two of the other three men. Who else could've possibly been out here.
"Good girl! There they are. Come on!."
And with that the two were off again.
Amara's speed picked up as they made the trek up towards The Spur. She must've already recognised rest and familiar company. Persephone sure had. She couldn't wait to get out from under the hot rays.
The closer they got, the harder Amara worked to climb. Till Persphone caught sight of a third rider coming up the mountain in the opposite direction to her.
She squinted for a moment as Amara continued forward. Her body was practically flush with the mare's mane. Then she sat upright with a kind look resonating from each of her differently coloured eyes.
"Is that you Jonsi?"
Of course she knew it was him. He was practically a ragdoll. She swore, no matter how much she'd ever seen that man eat, he barely grew. Even without proper sight of him she could see his uniquely "chiselled" features.
Not thinking, she kicked Amara and the mare chortled as she moved faster towards Jonsi Frederick Haelleri. In her time spent with the younger man they did have moments of conflict. Even more moments existed when Persephone had rolled her eyes at his cluelessness. But- she understood where Jonsi had come from, and she understood some of his pain.
Besides, if she was going to be anything after being apart for so long, it was civil.
"Hello Pepita~"
Amara matched Pepita's speed.
Now the two were moving side by side up towards the others.
"Have you been well? Taking care?" Her tone was curious, but cautious.

I wearing: standard costume #two under usual costume hat & coat. I
I hair: in french braid down back I
I Axeykins I ​

 

[Soviet Panda]

Connor saw Pestilence coming from almost a mile a way. A bit of an exaggeration, but not by much. And when he got close enough, Connor nodded in greeting. "Karl." When the town of Charlotta was brought up, all he did was sigh in disgust. The town had seemed like an easy score. A 'foreign investor' looking for potential projects. They probably would've gotten away with it if it hadn't been for that damn Wright family, sticking their rich noses into where it don't belong.

"I was kinda hoping for the same, German, but you should know how quick things can change." With that, Connor took out a letter, obviously having been opened before, and waved it for Karl to see. "A letter to the local sheriff. Something about wanting a 'familiar face' when they go to the Hughes ranch to get some kid. Made it sound like they're real important. Probably some bastard that could be used on one of the Pinky's higher ups. We go in quick, get the kid, and get out. Nothing simpler."

After finishing, he looks up and sees two more riders, one of which was wearing a distinctive blue scarf. "Karl, I'm going to ask you to come up here real quick, and take this rifle here away from me before I go and do something real stupid with it." His eyes were locked on the scarfed rider, unaware of who was riding next to him. His and Famine's history was not the prettiest, they had gotten into fist fights certainly. But some new information came up about the thin, starving really, rider that made his hatred for him that much greater.

 

[Pilgrim59]

Karl Wilhelm Ferdinand
"Pestilence"

Karl narrowed his eyes, briefing a glance over the contents, while lending an ear to the man. The German's nonchalant visage became stiffer. The last thing Karl wanted was another shot too close to bear like Charlotta. Like McKinley said, nothing was absolute in their line of work. The only factor that kept the Four alive and well thus far was something along the line of arduous improvisation. New plans and courses of action at every turn.

Karl kept his wit about, before turning his head back to make sense of two riders.

"Save your strength for the job ahead, boss."

Karl chuckled slightly at McKinley's remarks, swiftly confiscating McKinley's lever action. As far as the German knows, McKinley was not kidding when it came to his groaning eyes at the sight of Famine. Lord knows how many times words and shots were often dissuaded by third party pistoleros. If there was not a war going on, Famine and War would likely be the fuse and match respectively. At least, while they are on a job, it should broker a truce for common cause, Karl contemplated. He then tipped his kepi slightly, gesturing a nonverbal greeting towards Famine and Death. The latter of whom Karl was enraptured by. Not by her particular visage, but the numerous shortcoming of his lack of luck. Even now, he kept strict to his code to never gamble around her. For any more losses at cards, and he might end up an indentured servant for life, as honor dictates.



Soviet Panda Axeykins myst.erion
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[Axeykins]

"Hm?" He jumped slightly at the sudden new voice and dark figure in the corner of his eyes. Hand clenching white knuckled around the handle of his pistol. His head jerked to the side as they approached quickly, but thankfully he was able to tell who it was immediately and relaxed.
"Howdya do yourself Persephone ." He took his grip from the pistol and let his arm fall back lazily to the side. A slight smile cracking his gaunt face as he heard Pepita make a soft pleased whinny. Even slowing her own pace down to match theirs. It'd been ages since she got interaction with a friendly lot.

"Fine. Been doin fine. Hit some rough patches not long ago but nothin I couldn't get out of mostly alive." He sighed. His eyes flashing forward for a second to the two ahead. He swore he could feel McKinley's burning gaze from this far away already. Every single time they met up like this it got worse and worse. It was inevitable with them grouping up again now. They all knew it even if they hoped for the best of outcomes, but if he wanted to start anything, Jonsi was more than ready to oblige even in his current state.
"I'm still breathin' and that's all that really matters now ain't it? Hope you've been keepin well?" He asked with a faint smile.

Pilgrim59 Soviet Panda myst.erion

 

[myst.erion]

Persephone Clay
------------------------------
Death
​

Persephone was relieved to find Jonsi sported a smile and gentle tone for her. She bowed her head for a moment in greeting as he realised it was her. Barely flinching at the grip on his pistol.
Her own smile never left, especially so due to Pepita and Amara's reactions to one another, and her expression grew thoughtful as she listened to the retelling of his time away from herself and the others. She was careful to continue to lead Amara in the right direction up the steep.
She hummed as he finished, and nodded her head slightly.
"I would say it is, yes," she agreed. With a curt nod.
For a moment she looked smug. "Myself? Very much so actually......Business is good.... Fruitful, if I may put it." She chuckled a little at that thought but grew serious quickly. "As is my health."
Then Amara made a noise again and Persephone looked ahead at the two other men. Each watched one of them carefully. Each had a completely different look in their eyes. It kind of amused her.
Now that she had a better look at Ferdinand, she saw his greeting. She too brought her right hand from the reigns and tipped her hat towards him with a smile. He was good company. Among the best. For as much as she disliked gambling, she always seemed to begin a game with him. And win.
Now her hat sat properly on her head. Giving a full view of her hopeful visage.
She could tell Connor was focused on Jonsi quite intently. Quite possibly plotting his demise for the night. It made her want to roll her eyes or sigh, but she knew better. She knew his reasons. So her gaze ahead remained unchanged as she spoke to Jonsi again. "I'm glad to hear you've kept well~ We should talk more about your time soon....For now, let's focus on keeping our heads. Yes?"
Amara continued to keep pace with Pepita as the Four Horsemen finally met at the Spur.
"Ferd. McKinley~ How goes the day hm?"
Her eyes flit to the shade for a moment before returning to war and pestilence.

I wearing: standard costume #two under usual costume hat & coat. I
I hair: in french braid down back I
I Axeykins Soviet Panda Pilgrim59 I ​

 

[Soviet Panda]

The voice of Persephone was enough for Connor to at last take his gaze away from Jonsi. "Hotter than hell and sweating enough to match," he stated matter of factly. "But seein' as you're all here now, let's take this inside." And with that, he gestured towards the shade, where Stepper was now eyeing the new company, excitedly shaking his head and prancing in place. While Connor may not have the fondest of feelings for Jonsi, Stepper had no such problems with Pepita, or Amara, or whichever horse Pestilence found himself on at the time.

Once in the shade and the heat of the day no longer beating down on them, Connor told the other two what he had told Karl. "Stopped a postman one day, wanted to make sure he got the pictures of me right, when I saw something interesting. It was a letter from Noah Gallegos, that letter, that Karl's holding onto. I've been laying low and I've heard a few things, and that man is one of the big bandit hunters for the Pinkertons. The letter is to Sheriff Bedford of the Twin Lakes region. He wanted the Sheriff to go with him and his posse to the Hughes ranch to get someone named Samuel Hughes. Don't know why they want him, but I'm taking a chance to get some bounties off us if it just lands in my lap. Plans real simple, we ride hard two days west, get to the ranch, grab our good friend Samuel before the Pinkies get there, and ride off with the boy, tied up if we have to. But I'm sure they'll just give 'em to us, took a little gander of what we're working with and they ain't that big. A few heads of cattle, maybe a horse or two, nothing that can't be done when down a pair of hands."

 

[Soviet Panda]

The 'plan,' if such a simple thing could be called one, was discussed between the four throughout the remainder of the day. Come nightfall, Connor wrapped things up and headed off for the night, wrapping his light blanket around him and covering his face with his hat.

The next day led to an early morning, before the heat of the day fully set in. The Four packed their things, as little as they had it was fairly quick, and headed off in the direction Connor had said the Hughes ranch was in. It was two days of this, riding hard and fast, their horses lathered in sweat and breathing heavily at the days end. It was because of this that Connor had stayed out of trouble, not having much time to pick a fight with Jonsi and needing to tend to Stepper meant the ride was fairly quiet. And as the sun was just beginning to set at the end of the second day that they reached the ranch. But they weren't the first ones there. "Shit."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Noah Gallegos passed a hard eye over his men, they were ten strong, supposed to be eleven. But that damn country hick that was this region's sheriff had never showed up. It put a slight kink in his plan, but nothing major. Stepping up the step and onto the porch, he politely knocks at the door, takes his hat off, and waits. When the door was opened by Mrs. Hughes, he made his introduction. "Hello, ma'am, my name is Noah Gallegos of the Pinkerton Detective Services. I hate to bother you and yours, ma'am, but me and my men have been riding awful hard these past few days. And when we saw your little homestead here, we had to ask for a night. We don't want to intrude, just have a night out of the wilderness and with at least some hay underneath us instead of hard dirt."

To Mrs. Hughes, Noah looked like a kind, if stern, older man. But to Samuel, there was a shine to him. Like the sun was setting just behind him and he couldn't see it. And when Noah looked at him in the eyes, he saw two spots of light instead.

(( Rusty of Shackleford Axeykins Pilgrim59 myst.erion ))

 

[Axeykins]

"Could snipe em. Decent distance and it'd be a while before they could get to us. Pick em off one. By. One." Jonsi extended his arm and pointed his fingers at them like a gun, then predended to fire. Small bang imitations included. "May accidentally hit the poor folks down there but better than gettin our hides skinned eh? Keep em out of their hands too at the worst endin?" He raised an eyebrow curiously. His tone dead and bland as he rattled off his ideas.

"Wouldn't try to purposely but just might. Been a while since I used my rifle like that, when I had it." He clicked his tongue in thought. Though he wasn't going to make a single move until they were all in agreement. He was young but not dumb, the pinkies were nothing to laugh at, even for all of them combined.

Soviet Panda Pilgrim59 myst.erion

 

[Pilgrim59]

Karl Wilhelm Ferdinand
"Pestilence"


Karl remained quiet when McKinley briefed them. Rather than voicing his own thoughts, Karl thought it best to let the situation presents itself. A classic case of a set of reactive rules of engagement. Even so, he was not the type to let himself be unprepared. Truth be told, the German had gotten used to the way of the frontier, and was less inclined to participate in the hopes of a perfect plan. As with their myriad of details since his induction, Karl learnt that all plans will surely fail at some point, and that it was best to put his faith in the others and vice versa.

"Perhaps. But even our rifles have their principles and we must endure its impermanence. I would prefer it if we land all our shots accurately. I'll see about requisitioning the Winchesters." Karl said to Jonsi.

"If we need a volunteer for distractions, I'm can ride vanguard to draw fire. Should buy you three enough time to skirt around and get into position. Although I am far from elated to be filled with leads. Bitte. Do try to make it precisely, ja?" Karl said, whilst sealing his revolver's balls with the ram rod.

With an eloquent movement, his middle finger ran by the cylinders, while his thumb and index slotted individual percussion caps skillfully. For his pistols, they were all loaded for five rounds per cylinder. He then turned to his horse's rucksack, unveiling a pristine Henry repeater loaded with a full tube and a Winchester. The Henry was slung over Karl's shoulders, while the Winchester were given to Jonsi, alongside a pouch of extra munitions and caps.

"What about you, Death? Anything I can do you for?" Karl asked for Percy's preferences, unsure if she have had a change of heart with firearms. As far as Karl knew, she always kept a collection of blades closer to her than a rifle or a six-shooter.


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