Another monster

by Oddornot

Summary:

Dead for centuries, you were reborn.

Into a body you didn't know and into a place unknown to you. Once your nice life gets ruined, you have to fit in as best you can.

Would you make it?

Another take on my book, Two and a half outlaw.

Chapter 1: A new place

It was cold, snowy, windy and dark.

An egg was about to hatch of a mysterious creature. The king of it’s kind in a way. A thing to envy if tamed and controlled, a thing to fear if wild and angry.

Inside the egg was you, long ago you were a man, a human once but something more now. Dead for centuries, now being reborn again into the world.

Cracking your shell with difficulty, you got out after a few pushes. Stumbling out the big egg onto the cold ground. You were confused but hands grabbed you carefully, wiping you off as you were confused where you were.

An old man was holding you, tending to you, as you blinked your eyes and took in the world.

“Easy there, boy. You’re a pretty one ain’t you, eh? White scales with golden spots, a pretty little naga you are. Your eyes are as blue as mine too, blonde like me. We match. The man laughed, his wrinkles stretching as he wrapped you in a blanket.

Naga?

Well, this was strange.

“Come on little one, time to eat. Didn’t expect you to hatch this week.” The man smiled, holding you close to bottle feed you.

What was this place?

As you drank from the bottle eagerly, realizing that you were hungry. You looked around, this place…you had never seen it. Where were you?

“You need a name, little one. Gotta be a good one, royal as you are in your species. Ain’t many of your left, endangered as you are.” He sighed, a sad expression on his face, whilst you tilted your head listening.

“Managed to save you from poachers, shame about you mother. People do just about anything for strange and powerful beasts like you. Look at you, are you listening at me?” The man laughed, his blue eyes glancing down at you tenderly. He smelt like lavender and leather.

Blinking, you yawned at him. Tired from hatching and eating.

“You get some rest, little one. We leave once this storm passes us, this burnt up cabin ain’t good for either of us.”

He was right, it wouldn't be, falling asleep had never been so easy.

Where were you?
***

By morning, you awoke to a swaying feeling, you were inside something. It looked like a bag? What was going on?

“East little one, just me. You stay in my saddle bag for now, have to be quiet as we head down this mountain. Plenty of people are eager to get their hands on you if they see you.” The man explained, smiling down at you to stroke your head tenderly.

“You're on my horse Ben, he is a big draft horse, a belgian a blond chestnut. Sweet as you. We’re heading down to Bowerstone, it will take us a few hours. Hopefully, we won't run into any bandits or outlaws.” The man explained, whilst mounting his horse, you noticed that he was older than you had thought in this light, he looked to be around sixty.

Why did he help you? Was it just out of pity?

“Alright, little one. I think I should have a name for you by the time we reach town. You just stay in there, gonna close the top to keep you warm.

As he closed the top, you coiled up and went to sleep, the movement of the horse swayed you asleep quickly.

It was a long way to go.

What was this Bowerstone?

By the time you woke up again, you were hearing bustling noises. People and carriages. Was this the town?

You stayed silent in your bag like the man told you to.

“Whoa there, Ben.”

“Howdy there, Dennis. Found any good game in those mountains?”

The man dismounted as he answered the person. “Damn storm threw me off a good track. Got a fox, elk and a few rams.”

“Yeah, snowstorms are long up there. You take care.”

So his name was Dennis?

The saddle bag was lifted off the horse gently, placed on Dennis shoulders, a doorbell sound rang out. A store if you had to guess, was he going to sell his pelts or buy some food?

“Morning, Dennis.”

“Morning, Tom.”

“Got a few pelts on Ben. Got a decent haul.”

“I see that I’ll take them, I’ll send the boy out around back. Only an old coot like you would head up there with a snowstorm inbound.”

“Easy to hunt, the animals are still, just have to be patient and careful when you do it. My old pa taught me the ways well.” Dennis chuckled, explaining his tactics.

“If you say so. Anything you need?”

“Yes, you got that catalog around?”

“In fact, I just got a new one yesterday. Care to have a look?”

“Fine with me. Any news about?” Dennis asked, sliding the catalog over the desk in a swift move, opening it up to check for the things he needed.

“Some folks were robbed here. I think Emmet Granger passed through, looking pissed after speaking with someone. He always was a nasty shit that man.”

“That and lacking in hygiene.”

“That’s true, I can smell him from a mile off.”

“I’ll take those things, you got them in stock?”

“Sure, just let me go get them. Odd things for you to buy, got any kid around here?”

“A friend of mine just got himself a grandson.” Dennis explained quickly.

“Ahh, lucky man. It's quite a thing to receive a grandchild. Pity there ain’t enough law to protect good honest folk. I’m telling you, these outlaws are growing in numbers and getting bolder. Mrs.Kilgore got her guest house plundered of all food and anything of value last week.” Tom sighed heavily, not liking these outlaws by the sound of it.

“What a shame, she was so proud of it. Right next to her house, what is the world coming to these days?” Dennis sighed, taking his items as Tom came back and placed them on the counter.

“I know, you give my regards to your friend with his new grandson.”

“I will.”

The saddle bag was lifted again, the doorbell rang as the door opened, whilst you were strapped back onto Ben.

So, many outlaws?

What kind of place had you arrived in?
***

One hour later.

You woke up in a crib, a blanket draped over your body. This time you were in a cozy warm cabin, nicely decorated in blue and white and a nice feeling about it. It was made of cotton.

Dennis had put a shirt on your upper body, the human part, the snake part was wrapped up in an extra blanket to keep you warm. You heard a rumble from your stomach, hungry and curious about this place.

Where was Dennis?

A door opened revealing the man, smiling down at you.

“About time you woke up, a sleepy little thing ain’t you?” Dennis laughed, bending down to carefully pick you up, cradling you in his arms.

“I have been thinking for a long while now. I got a name for you, think you look like a Victor to me, don’t you agree?”

You sneezed, making him laugh but you liked the name.

“I’ll take that as a yes. I got your bottle ready to go. You seem hungry, ain't you?”

Flicking your coils, you answered him by opening your mouth.

“Well, look at you, moving your coils already. Thought you would do that in a few more days. Clever one.” The man laughed, kissing your forehead gently.

You liked this man.

“Right, introductions are in order. This is my home but you live here with me. I’m Dennis and you are Victor. I have a friend coming over here soon, she knows of your kind and likes you. She’s an expert on nagas. I’m good but nowhere near her level. Sounds like an idea, right?” Dennis explained, looking at you with a happy smile on his face.

You gurgled at him as your way of responding.

“I know right? We have a few rules for you but for now you stay in the house, okay?” Dennis smiled, poking your nose as you grabbed his finger.

“Good lad. Now let’s get you fed, gonna have to get you big and strong.”

Once he was done feeding you. Dennis placed you on a nice bear rug on the floor, close but not too close to his burning fireplace. It kept you nice and warm, you enjoyed it there, coiling up to rest in the comforting warmth of the fire.

Dennis went about his business whilst keeping an eye on you, whilst cooking his dinner. Getting firewood, sweeping and preparing for something. After some time there was a knock at the door, he quickly went to open it. Whilst you looked on from the floor, still unwilling to leave your warm spot. It was cozy here.

A woman entered, older than him, looking to be about seventy something. Brown hair and a sharp look in her eyes. Smiling as she saw you but you just blinked in response to her.

Not sure what to do.

Everything and everyone was strange to you.

“What a beauty he is. It’s a boy, right?”

“Yes ma’am.” Dennis chuckled warmly, bringing her with him to join you on the rug.

“It’s a big one, bigger than most I’ve seen.” The woman laughed.

“He is indeed, Polly. I saved him, like I wrote in the letters.”

“Yes, it’s insane that we have to write in code just to be safe. This is your secret grandson.” Polly snickered, her wrinkles stretching as she laughed.

“He does look like me, blue eyes and blond, a handsome man.”

“Oh, you always were a proud fool, Dennis.”

“I always was Polly. Oh, how quickly we got old.”

“Still life in us yet, just wiser and smarter now.” Polly sighed quietly, giving you a warm look.

“Any news?”

“I heard that some poachers were hanging around here, looking for nagas but also other poor animals.”

“If only there was more law.”

“I know, now then. What is this pretty young man's name?”

“This is Viktor.”

“A good name, he looks like one too.”

“He’s got a lot to learn.”

“Indeed he does.”

You were in for a ride it seemed.
***

The months went past fast, you learned things and by now you could already move about.

Nagas grow quickly and by the age of twenty you would be fully grown and slowly fill out as time went on and become stronger. Polly told you that you could live to be three hundred years old.

That was something.

They were keeping something out for now but this was a good start.

It was hard enough to keep up with this strange world. Cowboys and outlaws everywhere, back home you lived on another planet. This was primitive but you still remembered your past, little by little. It was a relief to understand them.

Polly was fussy with you, insisting that you stay out of sight from people and make no fuss to draw attention to Dennis' place.

You were an adult in your head but the urge to be a child was strong and you just couldn't help yourself all the time.

It was freeing in a way to go nuts and make a mess.

A creak at the door, Dennis came in with a big haul. A few rabbits, at your age you wanted to eat them raw by now. Something you didn’t like in the beginning but grew to like, like an instinct but you could eat cooked meat like the others. You just preferred it raw.

You slithered after Dennis, mouth drooling.

“Oh no, Viktor. We cook this, son. Not the way you want but it's good to get used to both.” Dennis laughed, shaking his head, seeing your drooling face.

“He’s grown, one meter long with his snake body now, Dennis.” Polly laughed, as you tried to grab the rabbit, still way out of your reach.

“Already? He’s a big one, I expected that length at a year old.”

“He’s a big boy.”

“Hear that Viktor, you’re a big man.”

You coiled around his leg in the kitchen, begging for a rabbit.

“Oh, trying to get a rabbit, I see?”

You tried to act cute, it usually worked but Dennis was a determined man.

“You’re a sly feller. Not today, son. You eat your rabbit cooked.”

Pouting, you laid down on the floor, you really wanted your rabbit.

“Silly boy.” Polly laughed in the distance, busy knitting scarfs for the three of you.

Perhaps they knew best after all.

You still had a lot to learn.

You weren't even a year old.
***

A few years later,

By now you were ten years old and your body sure had changed. Your upper human part was muscular and your snakelike pupils were in, backwards facing teeth with molars in the back, plenty of fangs too but no poison. The snake body was broader and more filled in, close to four and a half meters long, your scales looked like that of a python.

Heightened senses and a forked tongue like a snake, you could taste the air like a snake and a human. It was very useful.

The ways of the naga had been taught to you. It was simple, don’t eat humans, stay out of sight.

Why?

Well, apparently naga blood was highly sought after, it could cure diseases and wounds in a snap and stop aging for a year. The scales were sought after because they were almost completely bulletproof, hardy, light and tough. The last and coolest thing, was that you could change into a human, right now only for an hour but as time passed and you grew more powerful it would be for longer. Even a day, then eventually for as long as you liked.

That was awesome, simply fantastic.

Polly was visiting from time to time, Dennis was getting old and stiff.

Another thing that had changed was your craving to hunt, fresh prey was the best. You could swallow a deer, anything bigger was torn into pieces and swallowed in smaller sizes.

Today you were out exploring in the edges of the forest that was close to Dennis cabin.

He trusted you not to get into any trouble, you were smart enough to agree. With all these threats to your kind it was best to keep a very low profile.

Apparently males were hunted the most, bigger and more blood and scales on them.

Which made you uneasy, very uneasy.

Another thing that had changed about your body was your nether region, your dick was about the same level and place as a human on the upper part of your snake body, the butt at the end of your coils, near the tail like a snake.

Boy was that embarrassing to find out, Dennis had a good laugh about it and you were scarred for life after that incident.

Never pee near Dennis.

Like ever.

Today you were on your own, hunting rabbits.

You had changed into a human to do the job, it was for your own safety. Strange folks had been in the area. In your human form you looked like a human apart from some scales on your legs and your teeth, the legs were easily covered by pants.

Right now, you were about ten minutes away from home, at the edge of the forest. Armed with a bow, with your heightened naga sense, eyes, smell and hearing it was easy to find your prey.

Still, rabbits were fast and quick in the turns.

Sniffing the air, you picked up the scent of rabbit, eager and hungry, you were already drooling.

Rabbit was your favorite, sweet and low in fat.

Crouching down, you sneaked up to a rabbit colony. In the little forest clearing, just by a hill.

There had to be forty of them, in their burrows and on their hindlegs, watching and waiting.

Taking aim, you shot the biggest rabbit in the chest. Scattering all the rest as it shrieked and rolled around in its blood on the ground.

Satisfied with your hunt, you walked up to the rabbit, opened your mouth and snapped its neck with your fangs. Once dead, it was swallowed whole like it was nothing, getting blood on your face in the process.

That was a good snack.

However, now you were thirsty, rabbit fur always made you drink a lot.

There was a creek nearby.

Placing the bow on your back, you sniffed the area. It smelt like someone was camping but it was a bit windy today, so you didn't know where. Oh well, perhaps it was old Mr. Johnson again.

Walking down the creek you bent down and drank, using your hands and by dipping your head into the water.

Just as you washed your face from the blood, something grabbed your shoulder firmly. Spinning you around.

It was a mean looking man, blonde hair, stubble, scar on across his face and what you assumed to be a nasty temper. He looked at you like you were some kind of weirdo.

“What’s that red in your face, boy?”

“Uhh, raspberries and blackberries?” You stuttered out.

“Ain’t many of them around here, boy.”

“I took some from a secret stash here and home.”

“Hmm.” The man let go of you but kept his eyes on you.

“Something you need?”

“Go home, boy. There's many dangerous things in the woods here and they might eat you.” The man ordered you.

“Okay, I was heading back anyway.” You nodded, this man was on about something and you ran home, eager to get away.
***

Twenty minutes later.

You were back home, panting and weirded out by the man. Why did he look at you like that?

You hid your teeth with your gums as best you could and you had started to change back into a naga just in time.

Thank god the man didn’t catch you when you were changing forms.

What would he do then?

Nothing good that was for sure.

Dennis and Polly had arrived back to the cabin, after a brief trip to the store. You didn’t mention anything about the incident, just brushed it off like it was just a strange man you met.

“There you are, son.”

“Hunted rabbits again?”

You nodded and forced a smile, coiling up on the sofa.

“Well, I got some news, son. Don’t go into the woods again for a while. I heard from Mr. Johnson that some nasty men were hanging about there hunting and being rude. Until they leave, you just stay away, ok?” Dennis said sternly.

“Okay, I can’t be human long enough anyway.” You sighed but you would stay away from the odd man.

“We got some more law around now but it still ain’t enough.” Polly sighed.

“I know, I know.” Dennis grunted in agreement.

“Well, moping around won’t make us dinner, let’s get cooking. I got us some nice nice chickens to eat.”

“Corn chicken?”

“You bet, Dennis.”

“Oh, I was craving that. Been itching to eat that for weeks.”

“I know, you silly old fool.”

Then you three started cooking and everyone helped out and cooked your supper.

It was a good meal.

Laughs and stories were shared with another.

If you only knew what would happen next.
***

Later that night, close to after midnight.

You had gone outside to pee in your usual spot, being careful in your true form. The last thing you needed was to bump into someone.

Then a crash from the house, then two more.

Smoke, fire, screaming and horses running around.

Voices yelled too. “Find him!”

Dennis was dragged outside as was Polly by several men dressed in black hunting gear. They hit them, all you could do was watch and hide.

They asked about you, beating, yelling, the ashes spread into the trees. It was an inferno by now. It was the odd man, he was hurting your family.

You could do nothing, you knew what they did to your kind, all you could do was to coil up and hide in a tree with plenty of leaves, against the fury of the inferno.

Then two loud bangs and the gang rode off.

They had killed your family, they were lying on the ground bruised and battered, shot in their chests.

All you could do was to slither down and take their bodies, it was in the middle of the night but you didn’t care. You buried them both under your favorite oak tree.

If they only knew how much they meant to you.

Tears streamed down your face as your home fell apart in the fire. One thing was clear.

It was time to go.

You were on your own, being a naga, you would make it.

For their sacrifice you would live, thrive and grow up.

Their deaths wouldn't be for nothing.

One last look at your burning home, you blinked a tear and left.

“Farewell, my friends.” You whispered to their now marked graves.

An adventure was ahead of you now.

A big one too, you had never really left town or the forest that much. It had been too risky. Now you had no choice.

Onwards.
***

A few weeks later.

It had been hard being a lone naga in the wild. Hiding and ducking from hunters and people. Doing everything in your power to not to be spotted.

Just going ahead without any direction, you had arrived in the forest outskirts of some farm town. It was called Blackridge town. Muddy, loud, filled with cattle and horses and a few smaller critters for you to look at and eat.

The lawman had been suspicious about the missing chickens and sheep. He had been doing more patrols during the entire day but mostly at night.

Which was a problem for you, it was at night that you dared to slink into town and steal a few animals to eat.

It was such a problem that most nights, you couldn't get any food at all. Hungry and alone, you were a weak target if you got found out.

Yet, you kept it up, too tired and weak to flee to another town. You would have to improve your methods and fast.

By now, you were getting pretty thin.

One night, there were some sketchy looking men sneaking about town. One with black hair and a proud look, like a king. The other was a blonde man, more quiet but you saw something gleaming in his eyes. The other was a sandy blonde man, young and a teenager, handsome and a bit of a grumpy way about him.

It drew you in, they distracted the sheriff and stole some things, leaving you an opening to get food.

After a few days you had it figured out down to an art. Black haired man talked, the blonde came in from the side with the teenager, leaving you a window to grab some food.

Today there were apparently some rich sellers or potential bidders on some cattles. Even a few horses and sheep too, they said they were rolling in money but you had observed them.

They were con artist, thieves.

It was all some grand dramatic stage, the art was to sell your words, the trick was to steal it under their noses.

This day, you were partially hungry, they had been gone for a few days. Leaving you with no means to get some food.

Yet here they were near midnight, sneaking into some pen for horses.

The black haired man was charming the sheriff. You, on the other hand, were coiled up under a wagon, watching and waiting for an opening.

Once the others went to the horses they were your eyes, if they reacted, you reacted. So, as quiet as a mouse, you slithered past the horses towards the chicken coops that were just beside their pen.

The horses knew you by now and ignored you, having never been threatened or attacked by you, they felt safe.

A few clucks and screams later, you had swallowed three chickens with ease, currently swallowing the last one.

Yet today was different when your unknowing partners were heading towards the chickens. Just as you were vulnerable and swallowing the last one, the last thing you wanted to do was to vomit it up after waiting so long.

The teenager was quick, just as you swallowed the chicken in a corner, there was a thud on the ground behind you.

“What in the-?”

Turning around, the man looked shocked and a bit tense. You hissed and slithered away as quickly as you could.

“Wait! What are you?”

“Arthur, hurry it up!”

“There was a big snake here.”

“There is no time, hurry up.”

Shit, shit, shit.

So much for your plan of not being spotted.

There was a shallow cave near the town, small and a bit tight for you. However you fit, just about.

There you hid and slept for the night.

Embarrassed and potentially out of a food source.

This wasn't exactly going to plan.

However, you had some chickens in your belly, you coiled up and fell asleep soon after.

What a night.
***

It had been two days since that disastrous night, you spent most of the time digesting and resting.

Not wanting to spend precious energy if you now were to have difficulties finding food again.

If only that teenager didn’t look at you, everything would still be fine.

However, he did look at you in fear there was something else in his eyes.

On the other hand, today was a good day, in the heat of summer, you decided to bask on a rock close to your little cave.

Being cooped up in that place for so long, you were starting to get a bit stiff.

Checking if the coast was clear you slowly slithered outside, sniffing and flicking your tongue for any potential dangers, if you smelt it you would hide.

In the end, the coat was clear. You coiled up on the big rock and tanned your back.

A lovely feeling, warm and comforting in a way.

Basking for some time, you changed positions and became sleepy, eventually nodding off on the rock.

It had to have been a few hours you spent on that rock.

Somehow and suddenly, some falling rocks were heard but you were too deep in sleep to hear it.

Yet, something spoke to you soon after.

“Whoah, easy there big feller.”

Huh?

Lifting yourself slowly into a somewhat of a sitting position you blinked and yawned, it was that boy again. The teenager that had spotted you.

What did he want?

“Steady now, easy, ain’t gonna hurt you.” The boy said in a low calming tone.

Hissing quietly, you coiled up, ready to strike if need be.

“What are you? I saw you in the chicken coop. I thought I was seeing things. I’m just curious, can you understand me?”

Sighing, you nodded, it was an innocent enough question.

“Okay, can you speak?”

“Yes.”

“My god, so what’s your name and what the hell are you?”

“I don't share this with humans.” You hissed.

“Easy, ain’t gonna tell. You can tell me and I won’t tell a soul.”

“What of your friends, the black haired man, and the blonde one?”

“Those are my parents, they raised me when I had no one. They are good people.”

“Thieves and liars, I watched your work in town. The sheriff seems to like being charmed.”

“Well, we’re outlaws to be honest. However, we try taking from those who have too much and not kill anyone.”

“Greed and violence go hand in hand, human. The greedier you get, the more violent you become.”

“Not us.”

“Such lies.”

“Look, I get it you don’t like humans and we’re outlaws but can you tell me atleast what you are and your name? I’ll tell you mine.”

“You first.”

“I’m Arthur Morgan, the black haired man you saw is Dutch van der Linde, the blonde one is Hosea Matthews.”

This Arthur sure was eager to share, he seemed kind enough.

Here goes.

“I’m Victor and I’m a naga. Now, don’t go telling folk I’m here.”

“Naga?” Arthur repeated with a curious look.

You hissed at him again.

“Easy there Victor, not gonna hurt you. Say, you look a bit thin, are you sure you're doing alright?” Arthur asked, whilst eyeing your body.

“The sheriff has been making life hard for me.”

“Okay, why were you there when we were fixing to steal some horses?”

“Well, I used you to be honest. I relied on you distracting him and I snuck in and stole some dinner for myself.” You admitted with crossed arms.

“You sneaky bugger.” Arthur laughed heartily.

“Perhaps I was.” You sighed, you were hungry and desperate there was no other choice.

“Are you out here alone?”

“Yes.”

“Life can be tough on your own, why don’t you join us? We can help you get back on…your coils. I suppose.” Arthur said, pointing to your body.

“How do I know you're not a hunter just waiting for me to let my guard down?” You hissed at him.

“They hunt your kind? I never even heard of your kind until now.” Arthur argued back.

“So, you don’t hunt nagas?” You asked, with a raised eyebrow, slithering around Arthur.

“No, we don’t.”

“Well, I hope you're telling the truth.” You mumbled.

“Look, I know you're suspicious and all right now, I was too when Dutch and Hosea saved me. We got another kid back at camp called John. You can at least go there and see.”

“They saved you?” You asked, a bit taken aback.

“Yeah, some years ago.”

“I see, for some reason?”

“No, they took me in when no one else would, feed me, clothed me and taught me to read.”

“Noble, are you sure you're not being used?”

“Yes, I’m sure. Now, for the last time will you come with me or not?” Arthur asked impatiently.

“Fine, however, one wrong move human and you might be my dinner.”

“Noted.” Arthur grimaced.
***

You and Arthur traveled for a while, up hills and some clearings.

Until you were near a campfire.

“Wait here, I gotta let them know first.” Arthur explained, walking off towards the fire.

“Where on earth have you been, Arthur?” Dutch scolded him.

“We thought you had gotten lost.” Hosea added.

“I brought a friend, a feller who needs help. However, he is quite different.” Arthur sighed.

“Different how?” Dutch asked.

Arthur pointed to you, as you groomed your coils, shaking your head whilst looking at them.

“Hello there, humans.” You said.

This could end badly.

Hosea, Dutch and John quickly raised their eyebrows to their hairline as they stared at you.

Well, you better make a good impression.
***

Victor had the chance of being supplied food and some potential protection.

 

What would the others think?

 

Let alone say?

Chapter 2: Sheffield

Notes:

Ha, i did not forget about this story. Just was busy with my other one.

Enjoy and stay tuned for another chapter in the future!

See ya'll until next time.

“Uhh, Arthur. What the hell is that?” Dutch asked, whilst staring at Victor.

“I can talk.” You hissed, flicking your forked tongue out.

“John, put down that pan!” Hosea yelled in the background.

“Look, Dutch, Hosea, John, this here is Victor. He’s a naga and won't eat us and has nowhere to go. Just like John and I didn't.” Arthur cleared his throat.

“I’ve read about your kind, I’m Hosea.” Hosea greeted politely, extending his hand.

“Yippie, also I don’t or ever will eat humans. So, we can cut that idea out.” You said sarcastically, whilst you coiled up around the campfire, as John fled.

“My god, I’ve never-”

“I know, It’s obvious.” You sighed, cutting Dutch off.

“Arthur, why did you bring a talking snake here?”

“John, be nice!”

“So, you're the one that was sneaking about eating livestock in town?” Dutch asked, whilst sitting down next to you.

“Yep.”

“Ahh, how old?”

“Ten.”

“Okay, parents?”

“Murdered by a poacher and his crew that were looking for me.”

“Ahh, well. I have to say that we might need to get used to you and your abilities but you’re welcome to stay here, son.” Dutch nodded, petting your scales with a curious hand.

“Thanks, sure beats being alone.” You allowed Dutch to pet you, it felt oddly comforting.

“That it does.” Dutch laughed.

“John, put down that bow!”

I had been a long day, tired you coiled up some more to sleep. You would need to rest to be able to deal with this gang of misfits and strange outlaws.
***

A few hours later.

By now you had rested plenty, along with eating a rabbit raw.

That John looked at you like a feral racoon looked at bread. He was messy, scruffy and unclean, his biggest enemy was a bar of soap.

More people had stumbled in, a feller called Uncle and a powerhouse of a woman named Susan that could keep a grown man on their toes. She was a treat and she didn’t seem to care that you had no legs. As long as you could work and do chores, you were alright in her books.

Uncle gave you a funny look but seemed to like you immediately for some reason.
There were a few others but you didn’t see them around the campfire.

For now, you stayed close to Arthur and pulled a few pranks on him. Hiding in his bed and making him flinch was one of your favorite pranks.

“Are you eighteen?” You asked Arthur.

"Eighteen? Kid, I’m twenty two years old. I do look a bit younger though.” Arthur scoffed lightly.

“I thought you were a teenager, my bad. How old is John then?”

“John is twelve, you're the youngest, kid.”

“Ahh, well that explains things.” You huffed.

“Hosea already likes you as does Dutch. You’re lucky, it took Hosea awhile to warm up to me and John.” Arthur smirked.

“Perhaps it’s due to my natural charms, Arthur. Ain’t often you see something like me.” You smirked, this was a fun game of teasing.

“Wonder how big you’re gonna get, kid. Do you have any idea?”

“No but I don’t think I’ll be tiny.”

“I agree with you on that.”

“What can you do then?”

“Sneak around and be creepy and be a human for an hour, I can change shapes. Though I’m supposed to be able to hold it longer the older I get from what I was told.”

“You can change forms?”

“Yes, I can.”

“Now that’s…amazing, I had no idea you could do that.”

“I still keep my sharp teeth and some scales on my legs when I’m a human.”

“Yeah but still, that’s amazing. Dutch, Hosea, did you hear that?”

“We did!”

“That’s amazing, kid.”

“Do you…well can you read and write?”

“I can, why do you ask?”

“Just wanted to make sure, I guess.” Arthur nodded, looking at Dutch.

“I suggest you move to another town. We must’ve drawn enough attention here, don’t you agree?” You suggested, whilst slithering towards the campfire to rest.

“Already way ahead of you, son. We were planning to leave tomorrow, it’s gonna be a long journey and I want to know all there is to know about nagas. I hope you don't mind telling us.” Dutch interrupted, wearing a proud smile on his face.

The smile of a crook who got away with it.

“Fine with me. I’m sick of this town and it was only a matter of time before someone found me.”

“Clever boy, Victor. I think you should get along quite well with the rest of us.”

You wondered where this gang would go next.
***

One hour later.

Dutch and Hosea had their eyes set on a big town to the west called Sheffield. An up and coming town that was growing in the middle of nowhere. Yet it was an expanding town. It had money and pockets to empty, making it a prime target for robbers and thieves like Dutch and Hosea.

They had plans and cons already ready to go.

Traveling to Sheffield took a few days and during that time, you had filled them all in on who you were and your story. John was starting to dare getting closer to you, now that you had explained quite clearly that you didn’t eat humans.

Never would and simply didn’t want to. It would only bring trouble if you did, it wasn't worth it. Simple as that.

The man called Uncle seemed to like you. Susan had already put you to work, guarding and scouting.

An easy job for a naga.

“Pity I couldn't have met Dennis and Polly, son. They sounded like nice people and that woman seemed to have known a lot about your kind.” Hosea sighed, as he glanced in your direction. You were eyeing a pair of juicy rabbits in the distance.

“The poacher got to them, besides they were quite up there age wise. Not that it excuses the crime but they wouldn't have long left. I do miss them but they’re gone now. I just hope I don’t bump into those poachers again.” You sighed, you missed your family and home but these people were good, they would be your new family.

“Yes, you said your kind was endangered and not too many males left. A shame, I don’t see anything wrong with you. Just don’t upset one of your kind and a feller should be alright.” Hosea sighed, a stern expression on his face.

“You humans tend to shoot first and ask questions later from my experience, Hosea.” You sighed, a neutral look on your face.

“We do indeed, look what a mess it has brought mankind. If only people ever asked first before killing everything.”

“It is what it is now.”

“That it is. Say, you are very mature and wise your age, Victor.”

“Grew up around wise people, Hosea.”

“Yes, you did. I think you’ll fit right in with us, son. John will warm up to you and Arthur likes you already.”

“However, what are you? Thieves or criminals?”

“We’re outlaws son, no more, no less. We go against the current and live free and we take from people who have or take too much. That’s the idea, a man can still yet be free in this great country. There are opportunities everywhere here. If you make it that is.” Dutch smiled, explaining his gang's ideas.

“Is that so?”

“It is indeed, son. By the way, just beyond that field is our town.”

“Have you been here before?”

“Just passed by it a few times, it’s only now that it’s worthy of my attention.”

“What can I do to help?”

“You are quiet and low to the ground, you sneak around in the shadows and listen. A boy like you should be able to pick up quite a bit and once you get the hang of that and proved yourself. You will be working with Arthur and robbing homes in no time at all.”

“Robbing homes?”

“You’re perfect for the job. Got no legs and an agile and limber body. It’s a perfect role for you.”

“Okay, gonna need some practice before that.”

“Not a problem, son.”

A few hours later, the camp was all set up near a little creek, deep in a forest.
***

The next day.

Arthur, Dutch and Hosea were already busy scoping out the town early in the morning.

Wanting some big score from what you could gather out of them before they left.

That meant spending time with the others in camp. Giving you a chance to get to know the others somewhat decently.

Uncle was a lazy man with lumbago which was his excuse for doing nothing. Susan was the gang's camp queen, she kept the engine running so to speak and kept it in shape. She was not someone to mess with and a true tigress. She had just caught John and was dragging him towards a bath.

He screamed and protested loudly, whilst you laughed. Then once she was done with John. She grabbed you and dragged you inside another bath, the gang apparently had two. Scrubbing your scales and pale skin, which you liked but she almost rubbed you raw.

John laughed as he shivered in a blanket. You, on the other hand, enjoyed the spa, only wishing she was a bit more gentle.

You even started purring and stretching as a cat when she hit the right spots.

“Well, I never. A boy who likes having his baths. John, you should learn from Victor here, he at least behaves.” Susan scolded John loudly.

“He’s a naga, Miss Grimshaw.”

“So what? See, he takes his baths. Like you should, young man.” Susan smirked triumphantly, whilst ruffling your hair, this was nice.

“You're a weird feller, Victor.” John laughed.

“Am not.”

“You have no legs.”

“You have no hygiene.”

“John!”

“What? He doesn’t!”

“You’re a feral racoon!”

“You take that back!”

“Nope.”

If John wanted to have a silly fight, he would get one.

You were just warming up.

Some time later when John wasn't paying attention. You had an idea, a prank came to mind.

You grabbed a big apple and when John wasn't looking, you threw it right in the back of his head.

Aoouww!

You giggled and coiled up under Arthur's wagon.

“I know it was you, Victor!” John yelled, as he ran around looking for you.

“Was not!”

“Was too!”

Then the play fighting and wrestling broke out and it was full on out war. You coiled John and squeezed him hard but not too hard. John retaliated and pulled you by your coils a few meters across the camp.

Then, a mighty food war broke loose.

Fruits and potatoes were thrown all over.

You ended the fight by pelting John with five pears and then he was out cold. Just in time as Susan, Uncle and the others returned back to camp after a short errand.

Well, it was more like a war zone than a camp by now. You and John didn’t help by pointing at one another and being covered in all sorts of things.

“Boys!”

“What the hell, Marston!”

“Victor, what is this?”

“He started it.” You huffed, eating a pear from your head.

“That’s a damn lie, you threw an apple at me!”

“Did not.”

“Did too.”

“Victor, did you start this?” Hosea asked with a stern look, desperately keeping it together.

“Oh sure, blame the new kid.”

“He tried squeezing me, Dutch!”

“It was self defense.”

“Damn snake!”

“Ugly human!”

Five minutes later, you were both grounded and thrown into the creek for a second bath.

Then you were both kept separate from one another. Arthur fixed your hair and Susan fixed John’s mop of hair.

Dutch sighed but Hosea left camp to laugh so hard that a few birds flew from the trees. Apparently something about seeing a naga with two pears on his head broke the poor man.

Arthur kept you under a close watch near his cot. You were to sleep by his tent, on some pelts and a sleeping bag whilst you were grounded.

John was to sleep next to Hosea.

Yet, you were not over this. Nope, you were not. At night, when you went to pee, you dumped a bucket of water over John’s head and bolted as he screamed.

This time you got away but Arthur kept an eye on you.

Being a sly cheeky bugger, you were a prime suspect.

You just had to bide your time.
***

The next morning.

You woke up first, stealing John’s clothes and putting them on the horses.

Que screaming and cursing an hour later. John stole your shirt but was caught by Dutch. Arthur laughed and said “Oh god, there’s two of them now.”

The whole feud between you and John lasted for a week. In the end, you and John became friends and teamed up to pester the adults instead.

A winning relationship and much chaos was brought to life due to your agreement.

Despite you two being little terrors, the gang seemed to like you and that John had a friend similar to his own age.

Even though you were two entirely different species and sizes.

Hosea and Dutch liked you.

Arthur and John too, despite you stealing their hats every now and then. Just because you could and because you had a thing for hats.

This new family was alright, a bit strange and weird at times but it was a family.

They had your back and in return, soon you did too.

This was your new home, your new family.

You would be damned if you lost another family.

Despite them doing many illegal things, you observed them and learned the ways of their trade. Wanting to help and do the best you could to help them. It was harder than you thought, you learned from Hosea how to speak and act like a conman.

It was tough but exciting, sure a heck of a lot more fun than your previous life. In that life it was just rules, rules, rules and do this and that. Only upside was all the technology.

The outlaws' life was fun, dangerous but the payout could be worth it.

However, the law was catching up to their cons and thefts and before you knew it. The gang had up and left for another place.

This was the outlaws' life.

Always on the move.

An adventure around every corner.
***

Victor is settling in well in the outlaws life.

 

Friends and family bonds were made.

 

Was this his new forever home?

Chapter 3: Lessons in banking

Notes:

Woo, last update of our exclusive double update day!

Been a while since the last time but hey.

See ya'll next time!

It had been a few months since you joined Dutch's gang and his family. You and Arthur were good friends and were you and John, despite you being a little shit most of the time.

Susan had learnt to deal with a naga by now, easy and complicated as it was. Dutch and Hosea were still fascinated by your uniqueness and your strength. It was odd to be admired and be able to live a somewhat normal life without having to hide as much as you did before. It was liberating in a sense.

You had observed others doing their work in town, spying on them in trees and as a human for short bursts. Hosea was the most amusing one to watch, he could for sure spin quite the tale and put on a good show.

So much so, that if you didn’t know he was a conman, you would almost have believed him.

Arthur was usually with him, he kept his eyes on you. In return, you kept your eyes on them both, watching out for law or any potential trouble.

Like any other kid, you eventually started exploring around camp and in the forest. Always having your new brother Arthur following you, he had grown mighty fond of you, despite being quite a grump.

He was lucky too, you had grown fond of him. You had saved him from many potential snake bites, that and the others.

It was the least you could do for the gang.

Right now, you had just swallowed a raw rabbit again and had a drink at a local clean pond in the forest.

“You have a thing for rabbits, don’t you?” Arthur laughed, whilst he fastened a deer onto his horse.

“It’s tasty.”

“John said it was creepy watching you swallow one of them critters in one piece. Now that I’ve seen it, I must say that I agree with him a little bit. You sure make short work of them.”

“Jealous much?”

“Not at all, Victor just, I guess amazed that you can swallow one whole, that’s all.”

“Has its benefits.” You smirked at him.

“Yeah, it makes it easier for you to survive in the wild and avoid being spotted by predators. No blood means less of a trail after you.”

“That’s some of the benefits, yes.” You nodded.

“I don’t think you have to worry too much about poachers here. I haven’t seen anything, you should be pretty safe around here.”

“Perhaps.”

“The forests around here don’t have anything of interest, you are safe here.” Arthur reassured you.

“There’s always crooks hiding in the forests, Arthur. Always have, always will. That and moonshiners.” You scoffed at him.

“Hosea told you that?”

“Well, the moonshiner part he told me about.”

“He has a point, I guess. That’s why you stick close to me though. With me, you’ll be alright, kid.”

“The same to you too, Arthur.”

“I’m fine on my own, Victor.”

“Who saved you from five snakes just this week, hmm?”

“Got lucky.”

“Who praised me for it?”

“Dutch and Hosea, still that still doesn’t prove anything.”

“Then who told me to stick close to you so that you didn't get into trouble, again?”

“Fine Victor, you win. It was Hosea, wasn't it?”

“Correct and he didn’t have to ask that hard even.”

“In my defense, Dutch told me to watch you.”

“Why?”

“You're a naga and a bit loud at times.”

“Am not.”

“Yes, you are.”

“When was the last time I was loud?”

“Remember last week, when you saw a giant spider and shrieked very loudly?”

“It was the size of an adult's man's fist!”

“You slithered up the tallest pine tree in the forest and refused to come down for the entire night.”

“Safety reasons.”

“Then John tried climbing up after you, I might add.”

“He wanted to live, obviously not my fault.”

“Are all nagas as silly as you when they see a giant spider?”

“How should I know? I’ve never met my own kind.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, I haven’t.”

“Huh, hope we can change that.”
***

Twenty minutes later.

After you and Arthur’s journey in the forest. The pair of you returned to the camp with the deer still strapped to Arthur’s horse.

“Good catch there, Arthur.” Dutch nodded, as he went past.

“Say Dutch, are there more outlaw gangs like you out there?” You asked, curious if they had any competition at all out there.

“Why, yes there is, son. Plenty of them from all sizes and from all levels of crime. From bank robbers to crooks to anything in between.” Dutch explained.

“Have you robbed a bank before?”

“Indeed I have, son. Hosea and I were just planning to do another one too.”

“A big bank?”

“An average sized bank to be honest with you. A couple of thousand dollars perhaps inside the vault. Nothing to fancy.”

“Can I come watch?”

“You’re just ten, son. If anything happens to you I don’t know what I’ll do. Besides, you said you could only hold your human form for one hour. If anything happens to you, there’s a chance you might be in big trouble.”

“I guess you’re right.” You sighed loudly.

“Hosea said you could watch from the roof.” Dutch smiled, getting down on one knee to hug you.

“Really?” You smiled, wiggling your coils slightly in excitement.

“Really but you have to stay low and be real careful, can you do that for me?”

“I can do that, I’m sure of it.”

“That’s my boy. John will be with you the whole time, okay?”

“Okay.”

As you slithered off to tell John what you two had been allowed to watch. Dutch and Arthur stayed to continue on with their conversation.

“Are you sure about this, Dutch? The boy stands out and if something happens to him. It can be really hard to help him.” Arthur sighed.

“I know son, it’s just that the boy is so eager and curious about us. John is more experienced and should be able to keep him in check.”

“Those two are full of mischief.”

“Indeed they are but are you sure of this, Dutch? What if something happens to the boys?”

“They will be fine, Arthur.”

“You sure?”

“Positive, now stop being so damn nervous.”
***

Two days later.

You and John were hiding up on a roof, opposite of the bank.

Watching Dutch, Hosea and Arthur rob the place.

John and Victor were watching the others work with eager eyes. It was a form of art to rob from what you saw. The moves, arms, legs and body. Gracefully and fluently, or it wouldn't work.

Dutch ran in, Hosea followed.

Talking and selling some con.

Then Arthur went in just before the screaming from the bank. John went to their horses as if on cue as you watched. Being clever, you slithered up in a tall tree to hide. Since you had no idea how to ride yet with your body.

John had a little horse, some chestnut gelding, you had your scales to rely on. Still, you were pretty fast despite having scales. Faster than a human sprinter. Which was pretty good but you could catch up to a trotting horse for a little while.

Not a galloping horse. Perhaps in the future but not yet.

So, you had to slither out of town the quiet way.

Observing the others, you learned a lot.

As the other went out from the bank with their loot, you stayed behind and waited for the law and most folks in town to calm down. So you slither past them undetected.

“Stop them! They robbed the bank!”

“Where’s the sheriff?”

“Someone get the law down here!”

“Watch out!”

Dutch, Hosea, Arthur all mounted up on their horses and galloped away. Moments later a few lawmen and their horses ran after in their direction.

From what you had heard from John. His job was to wait until they reached a certain point, ruin their tracks so the law would be confused. Whilst the others escaped by riding back in a stream.

A simple but effective plan.

Your job was to discreetly watch and make sure that John was safe and spy on the law.

Easier said than done, you were nervous and your bright scales did you little favors. Gold and white really stands out. So, you got a plan, just before the robbery, much to your great shame, you had covered the upper part and some of the side of your scales with mud.

To blend in and make it easier for you.

As all of the others left, you got a lucky break.

The streets were clear. Leaving you a chance to slither off quicker after the law and John to do your job.

Flicking your tongue, you tasted the air for any smell. Once you picked up nothing out of the ordinary, you kept to the shadows and quickly slithered out of town.

This was going to be a long day.

To help you, mother nature was threatening you with heavy rain clouds over your head.

Just great.

Typical for a newbie trying to learn the ropes.
***

Two hours later.

“Have you seen any tracks yet?”

“No, this just doesn’t make any sense, there were plenty of them before. Now there's only one.”

“Dammit, are they fresh?”

“Very but I see no sign of any struggle or a shootout. How can they suddenly lose two horses?”

“I don’t know.”

"Neither do I. Their horses looked healthy enough to me.”

“Wait, what’s that?”

“A kid on a chestnut horse.”

“Dammit Ike, you lost their trail!”

By now you had finally caught up to John. It was a bit tricky, now that it was starting to rain. That and you had passed by a few creaks and puddles, all the mud on your scales was gone.

“Hey kid, have you seen three men with horses ride past here?” One of the lawmen asked John.

“Sure did, they went northeast to some town not too long ago.” John lied, he was a good actor. Even at this age.

“Did you see any of them, boy?”

“Yes, two bags on their horses.”

“Yep, that’s our thieves alright.”

“What town is that way?”

“Ordville is that way.”

“Let’s go boys.” The lawmen changed direction and galloped away towards said town.

As soon as the lawmen had left, you slithered up to John.

“Well, ain’t you a born conman too?” You smirked at John.

“That went well, didn’t it. Did you learn something?”

“I think I did.”

“Either you did, or you didn’t?”

“Shut up.”

“Make me.”

“Do you think we will have to move on soon after this?” You asked John, looking slightly more serious and curious about his opinion.

“We usually do once Dutch and the others rob the bank.”

“Seems like a good idea. The law will be looking for them a lot now that they robbed a bank.”

“I think we were going to head out quite a ways this time around though.”

“Yeah?”

“Yep, maybe a week's travel or more.”

“That’s a long way, any idea where we are going?”

“I think Hosea said something about a big town to the west. Something near the sea. If I remember the name right it was Redport or something. It was a huge town from what Arthur said.”

“Redport, eh? Sounds…like a dull name.” You shrugged.

“It kinda does, doesn't it?”

“Maybe the lame and dull with money live there.” You laughed, whilst you coiled up. “You should fit right in there, John.”

“Worms like you fit there better Victor, you could be some fancy pet.”

“Feral racoon boy.”

“Worm.”

“Bed wetter.”

“That was one time, Victor.”

“Let’s head back.”

“Sure.”
***

Thirty minutes later.

You and John were back at camp. Just as the light rain had stopped.

They were already busy packing things up for the long trip ahead and celebrating their success in the process.

“Hi, Dutch.” You greeted him, as you slither past Miss Grimshaw packing a few things up into a wagon.

“Hi, son. Did you learn anything from watching us?”

“Maybe, I don’t know.”

“Ahh, it was a bit much for you to take in?”

“Uhh, yeah it was.”

“No shame in admitting that, son.”

“John said we are going for a long trip ahead of us, to the west, a place called Redport from what I heard. Is it true?”

“It is indeed son. We are going in the morning. This town proved to be a dud, just the bank was worth our interest really. Redport is huge and has lots of money and opportunities for us.”

“I doubt you will be the only outlaw gang there, Dutch.”

“Right you are, son.” Dutch sighed but he still looked somewhat happy.

“I guess you know of a few gangs there already, don’t you?”

“I do indeed son, many of them have their own terfs in town. The town is so huge that most of them don't have too much trouble with the gangs. It will be a good place to call home for a while.”

“If it’s so big, that must mean there are some lawmen about, ain’t it?”

“Clever boy, Victor. There are some lawmen that way, yet with such a big town. We outlaws have the upperhand. There ain’t enough law to watch us all.”

“Ohh, well I guess that’s good.”

“Pack your things, son. Get ready to leave in the morning.”

“Okay, I will.”

With that, you went over to Arthur and packed his and your things onto his wagon. There was plenty of room for the both of you.

Redport, eh?

You were worried.

Big towns mean many eyes. Many eyes means many risks. Risks means dangers. Danger, well that’s bad.

You would have trouble fitting in. After all, you could only hold your human shape for so long.

However, you were curious about the other outlaw gangs there.

Who were they?

What kind of people were they?

Many questions but few answers.

You just had to wait and see.
***

Redport..

 

A long journey awaits.

 

What waited for you in that big town?

Chapter 4: Redport

Notes:

Heres a new chapter to enjoy reading the second day of summer. Sure is hot where I'm at.

My poor dog is pestered by damn mosquitoes..

Anyway.

Until next time!

On the road.

Well, kinda, you were in the wagon. Hosea was driving it, Dutch sat next to him. He was reading a map and trying not to blame everything and anyone for every wrong turn he took.

John and Arthur were riding their horses.

You were coiled up under, well lots of things. Blankets, cots, a chest and maybe a big cooking pot.

In short, lots of things.

“How many times has Dutch blamed the map?” You yelled out to Hosea. Trying to get your question out, as the loud wagon creaked and made lots of noise as you traveled down the road.

“About…eight times now.”

“I have not, it’s obviously drawn the wrong way. You have to have some faith in me. I will get us to Redport sooner or later, Hosea.” Dutch protested back, his brows furrowed and looking a bit too offended for no real good reason.

“You mean, I will get us there.”

“Just because you were right about the last three turns.” Dutch mumbled, studying the map closely.

“Actually, it was seven times but sure let’s say three so as to not bruise your fragile ego.” Hosea smirked with a shiteating grin.

“You just have to rub it in, don’t you?”

“Oh yes, it’s quite the feeling.”

“What? You won’t listen. I have the right to rub it in.”

“You don’t have to be so damn happy about it, Hosea.”

“Oh come on, a little gloating never hurt me.”

“You did not just say that.”

“I believe I just did.”

“You will corrupt the children.”

“I will not, you on the other hand will teach them bad habits.”

“Name one bad habit I have, Hosea. One bad and it better be a thing that’s bad and not irritating.”

“No sense of direction.”

“That’s a low blow.”

“Like your map reading skills.”

“I hate you a bit right now.”

“Sure you do.”

“Ass.”

“Overgrown manchild.”

Safe to say, Dutch and Hosea weren’t the most adult at times. They acted like children but you didn’t mind. It was fun to see and besides, no one was getting hurt.

Well, besides Dutch’s apparently very fragile ego.

How hard was it to admit that he sucked at reading maps?

You sucked at it, perhaps you were even worse. The bloody map could be upside down for all you knew.

The fact still remained, if you were to guide someone via a map. They were fucked and someone would die.

If their lives depended on it.

You hoped it would never come to that.

Worst sense of direction.

Had to be you.
***

A few days later.

Thanks to Hosea finally being given the role of mapreader and giving Dutch the boot at his job. The gang finally reached its destination.

Redport.

It had been a long journey to get there but you were all finally there.

You kept your coils and yourself hidden in the wagon but you saw plenty as the gang drove through the town.

It was very big, tall buildings to the standards of the time. Shops, gravel, dirt, people, horses and wagons everywhere.

The smell of progress and desperation in the air. The sight of greed and just making it at all stages of life throughout town. Bad clothes to fine clothes.

From dirt to not a spec of it on their clothes.

Nags to fine steeds.

It was quite the variation.

There was some law in town but not as much as you would expect for such a loud and bundling town.

The gang stopped by a general store for some goods and supplies. Just at the outskirts of town, close to a loud saloon that sounded like it had quite a fun show going on inside. The hitching posts were filled with horses and lots of skeptical friendly looking faces were hanging about the place.

Thieves, drunks, families, husbands, wives, harlots and what you thought could be a bounty hunter or two. It was hard to tell from your perspective. All you had to look out from the wagon was a small gap. The tarp that covered the wagon made it hard to peek out, barely the width of a child's hand. Yet here it was blocking your view.

“Just going to get some goods, Dutch. Anything you need?” Susan asked, as she climbed down from one of the other wagons behind yours.

“The papers and some pillows, blankets if you find any.”

“Very well. I’ll see what I can find.”

“Can I come with you? I’m bored.”

“Sure John. Arthur, you wanna come too?”

“I’m coming. I need to stretch my legs. Been stuck in the saddle for god knows how long.”

You flicked your tongue in annoyance, that was the downside of your kind. Not the best to show around in public. Sure, you could change shape but it was too risky and you were a bit tired for that right now. That and you had no clothes in the back with you, not the best to jump out butt naked even though you weren’t really naked, just had no shirt and..coils for legs.

Still, your coils felt like stiff bricks by now. If there was one thing you wanted, it was to move around and stretch.

As Hosea steered the wagon out of town with the others, you glanced something from the gap in the wagon. A man in a long typical beige trench coat on a horse with long legs. He was looking a bit suspiciously at Dutch and Hosea and followed the wagon a bit.

Your gut was telling you that this man was without a doubt a bounty hunter.

Right what you didn’t need right now. So, you had a plan.

Horses are usually afraid of snakes, you weren’t a snake per say but pretty close to it.

Slithering to the back of the wagon, there was a little wooden plank at the back to prevent things from falling or sliding out of the wagon. It was tall enough for you to duck under and hide under it.

Your plan was simple, pop up with your head and spook his horse and cause it to bolt whilst the bounty hunter wasn't looking.

Simple but to do that, he needed to tag along behind you. If he was experienced, he wouldn't be right behind you doing that, if he was young, naive and too eager and cocky. He would be right behind your wagon.

His actions would determine what you could and couldn’t do.

As you lay in wait in the wagon, you could observe him better.

It was a somewhat young looking man, brown hair, blue eyes. Vest and the whole cowbout typical outfit, a small scar on his chin and he rode on a long legged bay roan horse. It looked like some thoroughbred cross.

He looked impatient and the horse looked fast and nimble.

The horse looked eager but edgy. All you had to do was wait a little bit. Sure enough, he looked to the side for something and the horse was almost right at the very end of the wagon.

In a flash, you acted.

You stuck your head out the back and hissed like a big snake, flicking your forked tongue out to spook the horse, then heading straight back into the wagon to duck.

It worked well. The horse tossed its rider into a pile of manure, he was almost run over by a wagon. His horse with his equipment and guns bolted back towards the way he came from. All whilst he cursed, wiping himself off and running after it.

That should teach him to keep his distance and throw him off the gang's trail.

You bought them some peace and quiet.
***

It took about an hour before Hosea and Dutch found a spot they both agreed on a good spot to set up a camp.

Miss Grimshaw was quick to it and started unpacking.

Arthur and John also helped unpacking all things.

You slithered out the wagon, stretching and yawning after the long journey. Your coils and back felt like an old accordian.

Slithering towards a tree, you coiled a few branches and pulled to stretch yourself out and perhaps try and get a few good cracks out whilst you were at it.

“What are you doing?” John asked, whilst carrying a hay bale, standing at the foot of the tree.

"Stretching." You groaned as you started pulling.

“Ohh, well you I guess you’re pretty stiff for being in the back for so long, ain’t you?”

“Very stiff, I might add.”

“I scared off a rather nosy bounty hunter from you while on the wagon. I would tell Dutch and Hosea to be careful, could just be some guy who thinks they're someone else. Or he was looking for them. I don’t know but I didn’t take any chances.” You informed John, whilst finally getting some cracks out of your back and coils.

It felt like heaven and it relaxed you greatly to the point that your face no doubt looked a bit dopey.

“This feels really nice.” You sighed loudly, closing your eyes and enjoying the moment. The sun was nice against your skin and scales and the temperature wasn't too bad. It felt good here and your gut feeling was telling you that this could be a nice place.

“I will tell Dutch and Hosea what you did and I think it was a nosey bounty hunter looking around where he shouldn't. Many people have mistaken Dutch for somebody else. Even Hosea.” Joan explained, putting down the hay bale on the ground.

“Really?” You flicked your tongue and you uncoiled yourself from the tree and slithered down to join John on the ground. “Who did they think they were then?”

“Dutch looks like some feller called Jeff Ridgers who is a known card shark from what Arthur told me. Hosea looks like some man who marries rich women and runs off with their money in a matter of weeks. I think he was called Sebastian Hover, or something I don’t remember exactly what Arthur told me.”

“So, a card shark and a man who marries a bunch of rich girls that run off with their money? That's a strange thing to do. I don’t think it matches them, they don't look like a card man or some eller who wants to marry a bunch of girls.” You tilted your head, looking at Dutch and Hosea talking and setting up their tents.

“Dutch could look like one if he had other clothes on. Like them in the dime novels. They always wear some fancy hat, long coat, vest and even a cane at times.” John explained, taking a seat on his hay bale. Whilst you coiled up and rested on your coils.

“Maybe if he wore black and red, those colors look good together, don’t they?”

“I…think he would look real neat if he wore that. I don’t think he has clothes like that though.”

“Hmm, maybe he saves them and wears them for special occasions?”

“I did see him in a fancy suit one time. It was mostly red though.” John admitted, scratching his neck as he gave you a thinking look. His face was a bit scrunched up and he was thinking hard about it apparently.

Which was odd, how hard was it really to remember the color of a suit?

Or perhaps it was really dark or bright and looked like two colors that made it hard to tell them apart?

That could be the reason.

“John, you are supposed to feed the horses, not sit on the hay bale.” Arthur sighed, walking past the pair of you as he had apparently tended to his chores already.

“Victor said he scared off a bounty hunter.” John protested back quickly.

“Bounty hunter? Where did you see him?” Arthur asked, his face turned serious as he faced you to hear some kind of explanation.

“I was in the wagon and saw some man on some fast horse following my wagon I was in, he got a bit too close. He got real close and when he wasn't looking I popped my head out and hissed and scared the horse. It bucked him off into some horse shit and he himself almost got run over by a wagon and then he ran off after his horse.” You explained calmly, thinking back to make sure you didn’t miss any detail of the incident.

Arthur and John got a good laugh from your story. I sounded a bit fake but I was anything but fake. It was the truth and well, it was pretty funny. The bounty hunter had not a chance to react before he fell into the pile of horse shit.

Perhaps even a few people in town got a good laugh about it too. Would be pretty hard to explain to anyone why he was covered in poop.

It didn’t take long before all three of you all stood there laughing and giggling quite loudly.

“What are you boys laughing about like a bunch of girls? Get back to work. There’s tons of chores and things to tend to here boys.” Miss Grimshaw scolded the three of you, always stern but she had a point.

There was a camp that needed to be set up and it wasn't going to do that on its own by magic.

No, it would not.

“Alright, I’m off to feed the horses.”

“I’ll go and chop some wood.”

“Victor, can you hunt some deer?” Miss Grimsahw asked, a stern look on her face that didn't look like she would take no for an answer.

“Sure, if I can coil one but I’m unfamiliar with this place. Do you know if there’s any deer around here?” You asked, whilst stretching your body and coils, eager to get to work but still feeling a bit sore from all that time you spent stuck in the wagon.

“Hosea said that he saw a herd of deer as we traveled up here, just little ways to the north. It’s not far from here and you might be the strongest of us yet, even for your age, young man. If you can’t carry the deer with you just hide it and come back here and we’ll help you.”

“Alright, alright. I should be able to smell one out.” You relented, yawning a bit before you slithered off towards the direction she provided you.

North.

You hoped you would get a good hunt.
***

One hour later.

You found the herd of deer rather easily but finding a chance to grab one of them was harder.

Right now they were in an open field, there were a few does, a young buck and one older and bigger buck that looked like it had plenty of meat on it to feed the gang for a few days. You were hoping to get the buck but was open to pretty much anything you could get your coils on.

This wasn't the first time you had hunted deer. In fact, you were a rather seasoned deer hunter, even at your age. One thing was for sure, your coils were no joke they were quite deadly. They were strong, agile and once they got a hold on something you would hold on and not let go.

It was hard to escape your grip.

Patience was the key.

So you waited.

The herd moved, you moved with it. Slithering quietly in the grass after it.

It looked like the herd was heading for a little pond to drink water, their backs turned to you.

An opening presented itself, you seized it. Slithering and close as you could to the herd in the now taller grass near the pond, you managed to get within striking distance.

You now just needed a deer to walk past you.

One walked by, not close enough.

Then another, too skinny, not worth grabbing.

Ahh, here comes one worth your attention.

A rather fat doe.

Perfect.

It was almost there..

A little bit more..

Now.

In the blink of an eye, the peace of the pond was disturbed as you coiled around the fat doe and silenced it by biting its snout.

The herd fled immediately.

A few birds scattered in the trees.

The only thing left was you coiling and slowly but surely choking the life out of the deer.

A short time later, your work was complete.

The doe was dead and you made sure that the gang and your family would eat well for the coming days.

It was time to head back.

Grabbing the dead doe with your coils, you slowly dragged it back towards the camp.

It wasn't too far to camp. Maybe twenty minutes or so, it would be slow work with you dragging a corpse with you.

However, you would get there.

All in good time.
***

A new place.

 

A new camp.

 

What secrets and treasures await in Redport?

Chapter 5: On the way

Notes:

See, didn't forget about it. XD

Got some mighty thunderclouds hanging around me. Going to chill and enjoyt the show.

Until next time!

It took you a few more minutes but eventually you dragged the dead deer into camp. Lifting your coils, you placed it on the butcher table for the others to tend to.

You flicked your forked tongue and slithered towards a water barrel to drink. It was thirsty work to drag a dead deer in your coils and it was not something you enjoyed doing. However, for the sake of the others you were willing to do it.

“That is a good size deer, good work, Victor.” Miss Grimshaw approved with a nod.

Smacking your lips as you swallowed the water, you looked back at her and nodded. “What is this place called?”

“Hosea said this little place we’re at is called Green ridge. It's a rather hidden place with few people passing through here. That works well for us and you.”

“Okay, did Dutch go back to town?” You asked as you yawned a bit, stretching your jaws and coils, you were tired from the long journey.

“Yes, Dutch and Hosea went back into town to look around a bit. They should be back here shortly. You might as well fix your spot and get some rest Victor, you look tired.” Miss Grimshaw ordered but with a gentle look on her face.

Most of the camp was already fixed and set up by this point.

“Yes, I will.” You yawned again, slithering towards your shared space with Arthur. This time, John placed his tent right next to yours.

Right now, neither of them were there. Not that it matters at the moment.

All you wanted was some rest.

Arthur had a bigger tarp hanging from his wagon this time. It was longer and the pair of you could easily fit under it with ease. He had his cot, table, chest and a few pictures on his wagon. You also had a cot but a reinforced one, as you were more than a few kilos heavier than most of the men in camp. Being a naga and all that made you bigger and heavier by quite a lot.

Arthur’s cot was to the side of his wagon, which was on the right side of the wagon. That meant that his cot was on the left. Your cot was on the right side of his little table. Arthur had blankets and a pillow on his cot. Which you didn’t, you had a few soft rabbit pelts sewn into a blanket and a pillow, that was what you had. Hosea was in the process of getting you a chest.

Not that you had too much clothes anyway. All shirts and a few jackets and some gloves. Not much need for pants and boots when you didn’t have legs and feet. Unless when you changed forms but you didn’t do that too often and Arthur borrowed his old pants. Not that he fit in them anyway.

Which sure did save the gang lots of money. Not having legs was..well rather economic in a way.

You coiled up on your cot, putting your comfy rabbit blanket on your upper body as you took a much needed nap. A few of your coils dangled off the side of the cot. As you were too stiff to properly coil up and still wanted to stretch out a bit and not sleep like a big pile of coils for once in a fortnight.

It didn’t take long before you fell asleep.

You were dreaming of hunting deer for a bit before everything went dark and you didn’t remember anymore.

Not that it mattered, you needed your rest.

Pretty much the whole gang needed some rest.
***

A few hours later.

“Wake up, you big lazy snake.” Arthur shook you awake, whilst you slowly opened your eyes, flicking your tongue at him in annoyance.

“Ass.”

“It’s time for you to wake up, you’ve been asleep for close to three hours.”

“What a tragedy.” You scoffed, letting out a big yawn, showing off your sharp fangs and teeth.

“Miss Grimshaw said you caught a big deer for us to eat.”

“I did.” You grumbled, trying to hide your head in your coils and not get up.

“She also said you dragged it back to camp by yourself.”

“Mhm.”

“Well, we cooked it and it’s time for you to eat.”

“No, five more minutes.” You crumbled, shifting your coils to cover yourself up a bit more.

“I will drag you.”

“Arthur, I’m too heavy for you.” You answered in a tired tone, still refusing to open your eyes and acknowledge him. It just felt too damn good to lie down in your cot.

“Not for short distances.”

Sure enough.

He dragged you. Straight to the campfire where all the others ate.

“Arthur, I see Victor finally deemed himself worthy to grace ourselves with his presence.” Hosea said in between a few chews.

“I bring the great, tired and heavy hunter.”

“It’s called muscles, Arthur.” You yawned, finally opening your eyes to relent and eat some food.

“My apologies, your majesty, now the great hunter needs to eat.”

"Peasant." You teased Arthur, looking over to see what the others were eating. “Did you put it in a stew or grill it?”

“We grilled it.” Dutch answered quickly.

“Good, I never really liked stew, it takes too long and grilled meat tastes great.” You stretched, slithering over to grab something to eat.

Arthur helped you get your fair share to eat, whilst the others ate at either the table or elsewhere in the camp.

“I hope there's some spice this time.”

“You and your damn spices, you are a very picky eater in some strange way. Can swallow a raw deer no problem but when it’s cooked. You need seasoning and perfectly grilled meat and everything.” Arthur sighed. “Hosea, back me up on this.”

“Victor knows what he wants and doesn’t want Arthur. Just like Dutch here.”

“Hey, what did I do?”

“Well, you are what people would call spoiled in some areas. Heaven forbid if you ever wore less fancy clothes and rode around on some cheap horse.” Hosea teased Dutch with a big grin plastered on his face.

“I know what I can wear and can't wear. Besides….it itches.”

“It itches? Really Dutch, of all things you can say, you choose to say that?”

“You remembered the last time I wore a cheap shirt. I got all red and itchy. It took a week with all those lotions to get rid of it.”

“Sure, Dutch. So the dry skin thing you had before you got that shirt had nothing to do with it before?”

“Pure coincidence, Hosea. You just love to point it out.”

“Like I said, Arthur. Victor got nothing on Dutch here when it comes to being difficult and spoiled.”

“I aint spoiled!” Dutch protested, walking away with his plate to eat alone on a nearby rock.

“Denial, Dutch. Bad example for the children.” Hosea scolded him back with a snobby ironic look on his face.

Meanwhile, you ate as this whole amusing scene took place. Dutch and Hosea could both be very amusing to watch and annoying but for the most part they were a good source of entertainment and wisdom.

Most of the times.

This new place would be good for the gang.
***

Days passed, then weeks..soon even a few months passed.

Redport was a town that was a giver and a taker. At times it gave more than it took, then only to bite back and take more than it gave.

It could be hard or easy at times to balance it.

For the most part Dutch and Hosea got it right. The law was none the wiser for the most part. The criminals and outlaws outnumbered them by quite a bit in town.

However..things were changing.

More bounty hunters arrived in town. Cleaning it up slowly but surely. From people who worked in the town, to big groups of up to eight or even twelve of them.

For the most part your gang was left alone. It seemed like they were mainly focused on cleaning up the town of the local scum. Then the bigger and badder people. More and more and then they would target and go after people like Dutch and Hosea.

It would soon be time to move on from this place too.

Hosea had done quite a few scams. Dutch had fooled quite a few and robbed a few shops and local banks in other towns in the area.

Redport had one thing they protected real good in town. The bank was guarded by many eyes, plenty of lawmen and the sheriff and deputies. You had spied on the law when you were in your human form and you had noticed a few things. The sheriff had been talking to another sheriff and a few U,S marshals in the nearby area.

A change was going to happen to town soon, the people and law had enough. It was time to clean up, get more law and without a doubt educate themselves and their workers to get scum and outlaws out of their towns.

Redport was cleaning itself up.

Much to Dutch and other outlaws dismay, there was still plenty of money left in that town but time was running out.

“Goddammit. Have you read the news, Hosea?” Dutch growled as he read the news, his brows furrowed as he looked angrily at the newspapers.

“What is it?”

“Listen to this, Hosea. The local sheriff and people of Redport have had enough of the increase of crimes during the past few months of this year. Sheriff Holdsen has called out for help to deal with this problem from the peaceful and low crime populated towns of Clifford, Dover ridge and Stefford. By the end of this month, sheriff Holdsen has estimated a crime drop of seventy percent as he has called out for law, marshals and bounty hunters to come and clean up his town.” Dutch read out to the entire gang.

“I guess that’s that then.” Hosea sighed, closing up his book with a light thud. “Time to move out, Dutch. You read it loud and clear. Ain't worth sticking around for this mess.”

“Sadly, I agree with you. Ain’t worth it. Time to move on, shame. Town had plenty of money.” Dutch sighed, folding his newspapers as he looked back at his tent, a solemn look on his face. Like he was thinking back of the times he had spent at Redport.

Hosea noticed and sighed himself, albeit more quietly, like Dutch, he too had fun here in this town. It was a bit of a shame to leave before any real big hit but with the odds so highly stacked against them, it wasn't worth it.

Arthur was young, John and Victor were children.

The person most at risk was Victor being the youngest and being a naga, well it certainly made things a bit more complicated. People would react poorly if they found him. Either kill him or stick him in a cage. Studied and prodded for the rest of his life or perhaps kept like some excotic wild pet.

Either option was bad news for him.

It was time to move on.

The following day the gang packed up and moved on.

All in all, the town had brought them close to twenty thousand dollars.

It would have profited them more, if it wasn't for all the law and bounty hunters. That’s just how it goes.

Life can either cut you a break or throw you flat on your ass. There’s rarely a inbetween.
***

On the road, two days later.

This time Dutch was driving and Hosea was reading the map.

Arthur and John had their horses hitched to one of the wagons as they rode along in the gang's newly stolen stagecoach.

From what you had been told, John had found it.

He was apparently out and riding about when he stumbled upon a brand new stagecoach pulled by four horses. The driver was an older man and was apparently supposed to deliver it to some place. Well, from what John saw and what you heard. John saw the man go into a patch of trees to answer the call of nature, whilst doing that his old heart gave out with his pants down and there he was, dead on the ground and now in a way the new stagecoach was abandoned and unattended.

John being John, seized the opportunity and took the wagon, then went back with Arthur to bury the poor old man, whilst doing that. A pair of deputies spotted them and John being a kid and Arthur being a very young adult, they didn’t think they killed him. Which was true.

However, they did ask a few questions.

John being a sly bugger even for his age lied through his teeth but only by a little. He told the truth, except that the man was robbed whilst he answered the call of nature, told them the olds man's heart gave out and the wagon was stolen.

The deputy bought his story as it was indeed almost true.

Then they buried the old man and John and Arthur returned to camp, looking mighty proud for getting away with it. Even though they didn’t do anything wrong in any way.

That’s how the gang got a fine brand new stagecoach with four fine draft horses. It would have cost a fortune to buy it from what Hosea said.

You didn’t mind, in fact you liked the new wagon as you were currently coiled up and lying in it. Sure beats that old stiff wagon you rode in with Dutch and Hosea before.

“Let’s see here now.” Hosea mumbled loudly.

“What is it?” Dutch asked, keeping his eyes on the road as he cast Hosea an occasional glance.

“Do we go north or west or perhaps even south?”

“Well, right now we are kinda in the west, in a way.” Dutch said, scratching his chin and he cleared his throat.

“That and we are getting pretty close to late summer by now.” Hosea added, glancing over the map thoroughly, making sure he saw everything correctly.

“From what you told me, Hosea. It’s either way right now in terms of distance, so..how about we ask the boys?”

“Fine with me. Boys, which direction do you think we should go?”

“I think we should go further west, we are already pretty close to the coast already.” Arthur suggested, as he cleaned his unloaded gun.

“I’m with Arthur on this one.” John nodded.

“What about you, Victor?”

“Which direction has more food?”

“Typical Victor, always thinking with his stomach.” Hosea laughed heartily, his face scrunched up a bit as he laughed.

As did Dutch.

“This body of mine needs a deer, perhaps a wolf, if I can catch one or even a small bear.” You huffed, pretending to look offended.

“That is certainly true, Victor. That said, you can always find deer everywhere. It’s the other things on your menu that’s the harder part.” Hosea teased, telling Dutch to flick the reins as they steered the horses along the road to a more forest covered path.

“I've never eaten a bear…I think.”

“Not sure about that. I’ve killed quite a few but there’s not many around them near Redport.”

“Hosea is right, there were little to no bears or wolves around Redport. Mostly deer and a few wild horses and some pronghorns.” Dutch agreed, steering the wagon up a little hill.

“I killed one bear.” Arthur suddenly added, holstering his new clean gun back into his holster.

“True, you did do that.”

“Was a fine bear indeed, son.”

“Didn’t you travel a few days to shoot the black bear, Arthur?”

“I did, Dutch. Hosea was the one who tipped me off about it.”

“Oh, that’s right, I remember it now.”

“Yeah, I saw it whilst I was out riding on that con I did about that foolish farmer.” Hosea laughed slightly, apparently it was a fun con.

“That farmer was so dumb. I believe his sheep were smarter than him. He thought his neighbor had been out stealing his sheep. Even though he had no neighbors, when in truth it had been the bear and us.”

“He did pay for it, didn’t he?” Dutch laughed, as he thought back about it. An amused grin plastered on his face.

“He sure did. Arthur and I got some bait and Arthur killed it with a clean bullet through the beast's head.”

“Farmer paid us one hundred and fifty dollars for it.” Arthur smirked, apparently this scam had also amused him greatly. He sure looked pleased with himself about it.

“Mighty fine job.” Dutch laughed loudly.

“So, let’s head west boys!” Hosea called out to the gang.

“Yeah, let’s head out west!”

“I heard there’s plenty of money that way.”

“We can even see the sea if we go to the coast.”

A direction was chosen and Hosea and Dutch slowly and surely guided the gang with them.
***
West.

 

What would await that way?

 

Time will tell but one thing was for sure.

 

Adventures awaits.

Chapter 6: Who are you?

Summary:

Alright folks I have a quetion for ya'll. Writing stories like this takes time and after this one I thought of makeing a last one of the red dead redemption catkegory.

Question is what do you want? I have many ideas. Example another gang that messes with Colm and Dutch? A kid growing up in the gang like Two and a half outlaw?

Something else?

Let me know in the comments I'm pretty much open to any idea.

Until next time! (I try to upload this story once a month.^^)

Five years later.

1890.

Early spring.

Plenty of time had passed since you left Redport and headed west, it was a nice place to be and you saw the coast and ocean in all its glory. Like many other places your gang had visited and seen, the law was either a problem or useless. Bigger towns were tricker to make money in but they had money which you needed. Smaller towns were much easier but they had less money.

By now Arthur was twentyseven years old, John was seventeen. You were fifteen and had grown a bit. Arthur had filled out nicely and gotten quite a few muscles.

Speaking of John, he had grown taller and somewhat lanky in his appearance, his hygiene was still questionable on the best of days.

You had grown taller and longer, from head to the end of your tail you were about six and half meters long but right you were at a growth spurt and growing quickly. With that came an increase of appetite and not to mention teenage hormones. Now you could also hold your human form longer, a whole two hours.

Now that was something you didn’t miss. Tired, voice all fucked up and unpredictable boners…compared to John, you had the luxury of being covered by scales and your privates were inside your body.

The amount of times you had woken up to see John’s morning wood had almost left you scarred for life. One thing was for sure..John had to be very fertile.

Your golden spots on your white scales were now a bit darker. Your blonde hair was a bit lighter and your eyes a bit more sky blue.

Dutch and Hosea had fallen in love with one another after a near death incident and some town back west a few years ago.

According to Hosea, he said they made out like a bunch of horny teenagers in the rain after he got shot in his arm, nearly hitting a major artery. Dutch was mighty protective of Hosea since that and one thing led to another and soon enough they were a couple.

They were cute to one another. Hosea sure had gotten sassier and more fun as time passed.

Dutch was apparently out on a meeting with some feller he had met. During the past few years he had stumbled upon some Evelynn Miller book called American Inferno and had some kind of hallelujah moment and been talking and speaking strangely about freedom and ideas of America this and that.

Nothing that you understood or bothered to listen to. Nagas like you cared little for society and rules.

Some fool had listened to Dutch, a pair of brothers from what you had heard and he was going to meet them around some place near the edge of the town you were currently camped near at.

White Rock was the town called, why? Well, it’s quite obvious ain’t it.

It had a few white rocks. Very uncreative.

White Rock had a big forest close to their town, prime hunting grounds.

“Dutch is going to be out most of the day, how about we boys go out hunting?” Arthur suggested, a relaxed look on his face as he looked towards you and John.

“I’m in, how about you Victor?”

“I could eat a wolf.”

“Yeah, I saw that a few months ago. Don’t ever want to see that again.” John sighed, making a disgusted look and a fake retch sound.

“It’s like a sock, John. I just swallow it down.” You explained whilst looking proud, you just loved teasing him.

John was a bit squeamish even after all these years about your…ways of eating. A natural way of eating for you but you could eat like a human, took longer and all. However, you could compensate…sometimes.

You did like grilled meat and spices.

“Now then, John. If you grill some tasty meat. I won't..swallow some animal whole.” You smirked, poking his butt teasingly with the end of your tail.

“You better promise that, Victor.” John huffed, giving you a half assed glare.

“Oh, I will.” You smirked back at him. Licking your lips. Already looking forward to the feast.

“Right, let’s go. It’s already ten past eleven now. We can eat lunch in the forest.” Arthur gestured towards the horses. Packing his guns, tent and other equipment.

You noticed and got curious. “Are we staying a night in the forest, Arthur?”

“Yeah, Hosea said we could. Besides, we might get some better game then. We got your big ass to scare off any predators. We should be relatively safe out there.”

“Oh, harr, harr, Arthur.” You flicked your forked tongue out at him, amused but pretending to be irritated.

“John, get your gear.”

“Give me a minute.”

“You don’t need much do you, Victor?”

“Nah, just have a few of my blankets on your horse and I’m all good.” You shrugged, most of your kills were done with your coils, not weapons.

“You can borrow my knife.”

“Deal.”
***

Twenty minutes later.

Arthur, you and John had reached the edge of the forest and were slowly heading deeper bit by bit. You slithered on your coils as per usual, the others rode on their horses and had a spare pack draft horse with them to carry your game and extra gear.

Thanks to the forest being so close to town and your camp being at the edge of town, even close to the forest. It was a piece of cake for you to head there unnoticed and safely.

You still were not too sure about showing yourself to anyone, judging on how John reacted alone on just you eating.

“So, what are we hunting?” You asked, whilst flicking your tongue, tasting the air for and scent to track.

“Deer, boar, perhaps even a wolf. With your help, it should be possible to catch some more dangerous game.” Arthur hummed for a brief moment, his brows lowered in thought. “What do you think, John?”

“I always wanted to hunt some wolves.”

“Well then, I will see what I can pick up.” You nodded, lowering your head down to the ground, flicking your tongue along the top of the grass for a scent.

It had many scents, some old, some new. Eventually, you found a fresh one, it was leading into the deeper parts of the forest.

“Deer, forward and pretty fresh.” You informed the others.

“Right, get your rifle ready, John.” Arthur nodded quickly to him whilst he unholstered his own rifle from his saddle.

Sure enough, less than five minutes later. You had picked up the herd.

Lowering yourself to the ground to stay hidden. You looked at Arthur. “I think it’s time you deserve to do the honors, don’t you?”

“John?” Arthur asked, nodding towards the unsuspecting herd with his rifle aimed at the deer.

“I take the buck to the right, you take whatever you want.” John whispered, taking aim with his rifle as Arthur did the same to his left.

“On three.”

“One..”

“Two..”

“Three..”

BANG!

In an instant, two deer were dead, one big buck and one relatively big doe. Arthur and John sure had good aim. You never did care about guns, you had your strong body and coils.

That was good enough for you.

Slithering forward, you helped Arthur and John by dragging their dead deers towards their horses to be skinned and butchered.

“Leave it to us, Victor. You just make sure there’s no eager predators snooping about for an easy meal.” Arthur groaned slightly, loading his rifle onto his horse, John following suit beside him.

“Sure, take your time.” You nodded, slithering away a bit to make sure you could see them from a distance.

Being quiet and a few meters away from Arthur and John, you heard the forest clearly, twigs snapping, animals walking and running past. Trees rustling, leaves moving, the wind blowing past with its scent and secrets.

All you had to do was to listen and smell.

Deer..

Racoon..

Birds…

You heard and smelled much…..wait.

Humans.

Unfamiliar humans, it didn’t smell like there were many of them but perhaps they were close. The scent was fresh and sharp, it had to be near.

Keeping low to the ground, you remained hidden.

Voices, laughter.

They split off.

Hunter or poachers?

You didn’t know.

If you acted…you had to protect yourself and your brothers.

A back, you saw one man on his own, bent over doing something on the ground. He had a black coat on and a neat black hat on his head.

He looked like a poacher in your eyes.

Slithering closer, you took your time and waited.

Waiting and planning ever so carefully. When he moved, you moved, he stopped, you stopped, slowly and surely you got closer and closer towards him.

He was on his own, hunting small game. He had just killed a badger but that didn’t bother you.

All you were focused on was him.

Eventually, you were within striking distance, flexing your coils a bit, you got yourself ready.

Moving…slowly…until.

Now.

Without a word, you acted.

You coiled the man as fast as you could, pinning him in your coils as you coiled his neck, arms, legs within your coils. Once he was trapped, you turned him towards you. Flicking your tongue, as you growled in his now scared stiff face. He looked to be a bit older than Dutch or perhaps around his age.

Not that it mattered, opening your jaws above his head. You planned to scare him off.

“No! Stop! Victor, stop it, put him down!” A voice yelled.

Snapping your jaws shut quickly, you turned your head towards the direction of the voice.

A man bursted out of the trees with a stranger running behind him. Unlike the first one, he wasn't scared stiff but he looked a bit worried.

Wait…that.

Dutch?

“Dutch?” You asked, flicking your tongue, as you held your captive tightly in your coils. “I thought you were supposed to go to a meeting. It’s what Hosea said.”

“I was.” Dutch panted, whilst running up to you. Placing a firm but calm hand on your shoulders. “One of my new friends here bragged about some damn fine stew they had and I thought, I might as well try it. We went out hunting for a badger and a rabbit here in the forest.” Dutch answered, giving the man in your coils a quick look to see that he was safe.

“Oh, well I’m hunting. Or more like guarding Arthur and John as they are skinning some deer.”

“Dutch, what are you doing here?” Arthur asked, walking in behind you, giving a brief glimpse at the man in your coils and the one behind Dutch. John followed in behind Arthur but didn’t say a word. He just looked at the two strangers a bit before turning to look at Dutch.

“Well, this is awkward as hell and not planned.” Dutch sighed, pinching his nose.

“Can you tell that…thing to let my brother go?”

“Right, Owen here behind me, meet Victor, our fine naga here holding your brother. Arthur here is the older one and John here beside him. Then we have..Colm here in Victor's..coils.” Dutch awkwardly introduced everyone.

“So, not poachers, I take it?” You asked, as you looked at this..Colm in your coils. Whilst flicking your tongue in the air.

“No, not poachers…fellow people like us..maybe potential partners too.”

“Oh.” You removed your coils from Colm and helped him up. “My…bad.”

“That…was..absolutely terrifying and not something I want to do ever again.” Colm panted, giving you a quick look over as his eyes went between his brother Owen, Dutch and you.

You took your time to study the brothers, both brown haired and had mean eyes, one had blue the other had green. They didn’t look like people to mess around with, their faces looked serious and not like someone to cross. What did Dutch see in them?

“I didn’t break any bones, did I?” You teased him but kept a calm expression on your face. Knowing very well that you just held him and didn’t break any bones at all.

You just wanted to tease him a bit.

“I..no, no. I think everything is intact just..what the hell were you again, boy?” Colm asked, his brows scrunched up in a questioning look, his right hand involuntarily or on purpose slightly hovering above his holster.

“I’m a naga..human.”

“Thought you guys were extinct or just myths.”

“As you can see, I’m clearly not a myth.” You nodded, moving your coils so that you were a bit taller than him. One benefit of being a naga.

You could alter your height.

“Yeah, I can see that, you ain’t a myth.”

“Did you raise him since he hatched or did you find him?” Owen asked, walking up to his brother to look him over lazily and trying to pretend he didn’t care but you saw that he did.

At least in some way.

“We found Victor here many years ago by pure chance. Poachers killed his adoptive family. Horrible business but we took him in and..he grew and keeps growing. Damn fine hunter. Doesn’t need any bullets, kills them with his coils.” Dutch explained shortly, a proud look on his face, as he gently patted your coils.

“I see.”

“After his coils around me. I can see why he’s a good hunter.” Colm cleared his throat, still looking a bit on the edge and slightly disheveled after your “incident” but he was fine.

Mainly his pride was bruised.

“We better go back..I think you..need to talk, I suppose. You slithered towards Arthur and John.

“I..yes, we do need a little chat.” Dutch glanced back at Owen and Colm.

This wasn't embarrassing at all.

Dammit.

“I will..see you boys later.”

“See you back at camp, Dutch!”

“Bye!”

You nodded and slithered away in the forest with your brother, a skinned deer on Arthur’s horse.

This was embarrassing but what could you really say?

It was..instinct in a way.

You were defending yourself and the others.

Well, maybe mostly yourself but still you..did what you thought was right.

Hopefully, you didn’t ruin anything Dutch had planned with those O’Driscoll brothers. After all, everything was explained and they looked like they bought your explanation.

Heck, they even thought you were some myth.

Were nagas really that rare?

Or perhaps that secretive?

Maybe you could find out in the future. In the meantime, you had to help the others get dinner back to camp.
***

Dutch is talking with a few fellow outlaws.

 

What was he planning?

 

Did Victor scare them off or not?

Chapter 7: A light scolding

Notes:

Family feel with Hosea and some cute things.

Musical tip, Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga, Die with a smile.

See you next month!

The next day.

You had fallen asleep coiled up around Arthur and John’s bed.

Still, the first thought that came to you as you yawned and stretched your coils was that of Dutch.

If those strange men were his friends or potential partners, did you just ruin it all by..well, squeezing one of them a bit?

Slithering slowly towards Dutch’s tent, you heard voices and got a bit worried. Angry voices and Dutch sounded mad and he was talking to..Hosea.

Oh boy, did you really mess up that badly? Slithering to the back of his tent, you poked your head in quietly, to eavesdrop on their conversation.

“What a damn mess, Hosea. He just had to do that to some potential business partners. Has he any idea of how hard it was to even persuade them in the first place?” Dutch huffed angrily, lighting his cigar and looking down at the ground near Hosea’s feet.

“You can’t blame Victor too hard, Dutch. It’s his instincts he acted on. He was defending himself along with Arthur and John. It wasn't the boys fault. Don’t be so hard on him. Besides, Colm wasn't hurt that badly now was he?” Hosea sighed, trying to reason and calm down Dutch.

He was right, you acted on your instincts.

“Owen said that Colm got some bruised ribs.” Dutch sighed, puffing some smoke above his head, an irritated look still plastered on his face.

“That’s better than some broken ribs.”

“I..suppose it is.” Dutch reluctantly agreed, still annoyed and angry.

“Was Colm mad? Is that why you are like this?”

“No, he was mostly spooked and scared after it all, I think. I stayed with them for a while to try and smooth things over. Colm sounded more surprised than scared that a naga like Victor, who is still quite young. Managed to hold him down and slightly hurt a grown man like him.

“Did you explain why to him?”

“I did.” Dutch sighed, sitting down on his cot, next to Hosea. “I told him how very strong and potentially deadly Victor could be but I also added that he would never hurt us. He was just being protective.”

You grew bored of their conversation by now and slithered away to the camp.

All whilst Hosea and Dutch kept talking.

“And?”

“Owen and Colm said they understood, they even joked about the poor potential fools that will piss him off in the future.”

“You are still mad at him, I know you. Once you couldn't control the situation perfectly like you had planned all out in your head. You tend to get grumpy, Dutch.” Hosea sighed, turning to look at Victor in the distance. He was grooming his coils and yawning.

Dutch scoffed a bit before he smiled, the creases on his forehead evened out as he looked at Hosea. “What would I do without you? You know me better than I know myself, my dear.”

“You are a silly man, Dutch. Things happen, you can’t control everything. That’s life.” Hosea scolded him gently, placing his right hand on Dutch’s knee gently but firmly in a way.

“I can talk to him.”

“You? Hosea, what on earth will you say to Victor?”

“Leave that to me. I know what I’m doing.”

Hosea had an idea what to say, he always knew what to say. It was his gift.
***

After breakfast.

You had finished eating and had groomed your coils very carefully and painstakingly. It was a delicate process and couldn't be rushed.

Lo and behold, there came Hosea.

His eyes were focused and sharp.

You knew what that meant.

He needed to talk with someone and he was walking towards you. That meant that he was going to chat to you.

Great.

Like you weren't annoyed enough after almost choking that O’Driscoll feller yesterday.

What did even humans taste like?

No, no, you would never eat a human. It was a death sentence, you had been taught better than that.

“Victor, can I speak with you in private?” Hosea asked gently, clearing his throat, as you looked up at him, studying his face.

“Sure, what is it?” You flicked your forked tongue, wriggling the tip of your tail curiously.

“It..” Hosea paused, taking the opportunity to sit on your cot, whilst Arthur and John weren’t around to disturb your little private chat. “It's about yesterday.” He continued.

Ahh, here we go.

This again.

“I..was trying to protect the others and myself, it just happened. I reacted and I coiled him..perhaps a bit tight.” You admitted, looking at the ground, as you hang your head a bit in shame. Rubbing one of your arms shyly.

“No, no, you did nothing wrong, Victor. You reacted on instinct. Only a damn fool jumps up and scares a naga. Nothing you did was wrong.”

“Are you sure?”

“I'm very sure, dear boy. Don’t you doubt yourself for a second.” Hosea smiled gently, gesturing for you to come over to him.

You slithered over to him, coiling your cot and pillow, then gently around Hosea’s hip, only to rest your head in his lap and face him. Resting on your arms against his thighs.

“I’m not mad at you, neither is Dutch.” Hosea rubbed your back and coils gently and calmly, whilst speaking in a slow and calming voice.

“Are you sure Dutch ain’t mad at me?” You asked quietly, still feeling a bit ashamed about yesterday.

“Dutch he…got scared, I think. Even though you’ve been with us for years. I think he still struggles in some areas a bit. He hasn't fully adapted to your…body. I guess I could say.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, I think in his eyes he still views you at times as if you had legs and..forgets your coils.”

“How? They are quite obvious.”

“At times I guess he is so used to seeing them that he forgets you’re a naga.” Hosea tried to explain, sighing as he scratched your white and colden scales.

“That’s..odd.”

“Humans are an odd species, Victor. Take it from me.”

“You really are weird at times.” You nodded in agreement, gently coiling Hosea tighter to massage him a bit.

“I know being a naga is hard, Victor. As you have never met another of your species. However, being a human is hard too. So many rules and ways you have to act. It's..hard to fit in. Even for us outlaws, or even those who live in towns and fancy houses.”

“Guess, it’s hard to fit in, no matter what species you are.” You sighed with a huff.

“That it is, boy. That it is.” Hosea sighed loudly, taking a brief moment to look up at the clouds in the sky.

“In the end, all that matters is that your friends and family understand you and you fit in with them. That’s what's important. Your loved ones understand you.” Hosea continued after a brief pause.

He always had a way with words but he was right.

Family was the key, everything else was secondary. Who needs to prance about after society's rules, when you have family and friends that love and understand you.

Flaws and all.

That was what mattered.
***

Meanwhile, back with Colm and Owen.

“Damn boy, he got me good.” Colm groaned, tending to his bruised chest and ribs. His shirt was placed on a nearby log, whilst he wrapped some bandages on some of the worst bruises.

“Even at that young age, if he wasn't a tame one he would have killed you. Perhaps even eaten you.” Owen huffed, flicking his used cigarette onto the ground, whilst he started to light the campfire. A light scowl on his face.

“Tame? What on earth is that supposed to mean?” Colm asked, hissing as he touched a tender spot on his ribs.

“Raised by humans, he ain’t a true wild one. A wild one would avoid you at all costs until it was cornered. Or as they say in some stories, hunt you down to eat you.” Owen explained, blowing on some tinderling as he lit the campfire.

“Ahh, that explains it. I’m just happy the boy let me go without that much of a fuss. Don’t think he would eat me either. He didn’t have that killer look in his eyes. That boy was just defending himself and his friends, he isn’t a maneater.” Colm sighed, finally done with the bandages, picking up his shirt to put it back on.

“If he held you for much longer he would have snapped your ribs.” Owen scoffed, crossing his arms, giving his brother an uninterested look.

“Really?”

“Really.”

“Damn. That boy ain’t even fully grown.”

“No, he ain’t.” Owen agreed with a hum and faint nod.

“Damn.” Coln sighed, fixing his shirt as he looked at the campfire. A tired and slightly worried look on his face. His brows furrowed as he looked deep in thought for a brief moment before he turned to look at his brother. “The boy could be useful to us.”

“True, he could indeed be useful to us. A grown naga is nearly bulletproof and deadly, not something you mess with.” Owen nodded, looking intently into the fire as he was deep in thought.

“Wasn't it something about their blood too?”

“Yeah..their blood. Their blood can heal any disease, even at the brink of death and stop aging for a year. Doesn’t have to be much of it either.” Owen nodded, as he looked at their horses with a furrowed look. Thinking he heard something.

“Mighty handy in our line of work.” Colm grunted in approval.

“Mighty handy, indeed.” Owen agreed with a faint nod.

“Catch is that fool, Dutch. Don’t really believe all the shit he says about scores, money or view of life.” Owen scoffed, spitting into the fire.

“The boy is young, might be able to twist him into our favor. After all, the young are easy to sway..at times.” Colm added, as he also looked at their horses. “Sounds like the boys are coming back.”

“Yeah, they should be here soon.” Owen agreed with a nod.

“So, should we take his offer then?” Owen asked his brother, however from the look on his face, he had already made his mind up.

“Sure, let’s take it. Extra hands or..coils never hurt. Might get some money out of it.”

“Perhaps, a naga too.”

“Maybe, it will be hard.”

“Yeah, nagas are known to be loyal.” Owen huffed, as the rest of their gang came back to camp on their horses.

“I’ll see what I can do.”

Colm and Owen now had made their mind up and a plan.
***

Back with Dutch and the others.

You were busy soaking his coils in two barrels as you basked in the sun.

It worked wonders as you were in the last stages of molting your coils. By now, your scales were looking mighty fine and shiny.

A few more years and you would surely fill out nicely.

Naga males were after all known for being big.

According to Dennis..when..he was alive.

You missed him. In times like these, you wished for his advice and wisdom. However, you had a new family and they did what they could for you.

You couldn't ask for more than that.

Lowering yourself onto the ground, you slithered past Miss Grimshaw, wetting the ground a bit and your scales dumped the access water onto the ground, whilst you moved.

“Victor, you’re making a mess of camp.” Miss Grimshaw scolded you, a sharp look on her face, hands on her hips and a displeased look on her face.

You smirked back and flicked your coils at her instead. “My bad, take my water instead.”

Susan shrieked, as you splashed her like a wet dog fresh out of the bathtub.

She asked for it.

If the grass was too important for some extra water, she could have it herself.

“Victor!”

You were long gone after she had collected herself. Slithering up and coiling yourself under the nearby food wagon.

If you were lucky, she wouldn’t find you.

At least not in a hurry.

“Morning Miss…ohh, you’re soaked.” John paused, a slight grin on his face as he looked at the messy state of Susan.

“Don’t you even start, or I will throw you in the barrel myself, Mr Marston.”

“I wouldn't dare.” John grinned, slowly backing up, he knew better than to mess with her when she was on the warpath.

Everyone knew.

Whilst under the wagon, you coiled up and observed some of the latest gang members that you had ignored in the gang. There was the young Abigail Roberts. The loud Kyle, he was a strange and rude man, you didn’t trust him. Simon Pearson the new cook, who was terrible with spices. Lastly, there was a priest called Swanson.

He had a name but you couldn't remember it, you only knew his last name.

A bit odd.

Then again, no one knew Uncle’s real name or last name, let alone his age.

He only said he used to be known as some oneshoot kid back in the day. Whatever that meant.

You cared too little to ask.

Uncle could talk but few of his words were true, his laziness was true, that and his damn nagging about lumbago.

You would show him lumbago. Could coil him up and strangle the lumbago out of him, or crack his back to a better state.

It depended on your mood.

Right now, you were naughty and hiding from Miss Grimshaw.

“Hey kid, get your tail in or she will see you.” Pearson laughed, kicking your tail lightly to help you where your body was sticking out.

"Ahh, thanks." You quickly withdrew your tail under the wagon.

Pearson just laughed and discreetly tossed a piece of raw meat under the wagon.

Which you swallowed whole a few seconds later.

A good ally.

He would get spices for this.

Miss Grimshaw stomped around the camp, all whilst you giggled quietly under the wagon.

This time, you won the round.
***

A few hours later.

You had long slithered out of the wagon and kept your distance from Susan. Currently, you were basking in the sun on a somewhat big rock right at the edge of camp.

Watching the others, you had already done all your chores, with your keen sense of smell you were one hell of a guard. Much better than the others.

So, you lazily guarded the camp for a bit, whilst the others went about doing their thing.

Dutch and Hosea were talking in their tent, looking happy and calm, it looked like they were planning for something either for themselves or the gang.

Arthur and John were talking to one another by their cots. You had no idea what they were up to, could be anything with them.

Abigail was sitting with some of the other girls, chatting and ever so often discreetly looking over at John in the distance.

It looked like she wanted to talk to him but you didn’t interfere with their business. It wasn't your place to meddle with the others, unless you needed too.

This time, you didn’t.

You were just happy that you won this round with Susan..again. She would have her revenge one day, you were sure of it.

Sooner or later.

For now, you would lay on your rock and bask in the sun.

All was well.

That was good enough for you.
***

Potential partners on the horizon.

 

Potential scores and money with it.

 

However, all advantages come with a prize.

Chapter 8: Partnership

Notes:

The story moves on..a day earlier.

Lol, hold onto your hats here folks. Some Kirk storm is moveing on up here at the end of this week.

Until next time!

Dutch had apparently been talking with those brothers again.

Something about some apology, even though your reaction was perfectly normal..for a naga.

Hosea didn’t scold you, neither did really Dutch. This was just perhaps an act to calm the brothers from what you did, if you had to guess.

So, you were forced to play along. It wasn't easy being you, not at all.

Which brings you to today.

You were in the middle of the forest, at some place. Since you didn’t expect Dutch and Hosea to just bring in those two brothers into camp. They also had a gang from what you had been told. Then again, that was obvious but you had just forgotten about it.

Plenty of things had been on your mind.

The incident happened two days ago.

It was early in the day, close to lunch, Hosea and Dutch riding along the forest road, covered in leaves and a few spots of wed mud. Arthur came along on his horse too, as he was a grown man. John stayed behind despite his protest. Miss Grimshaw put him to work.

You slithered along the road, being a bit moody and itchy, your coils were a bit dry and crusty. It looked a bad molt and you would need a bit more time before it was properly over. That made you a bit even more moody and lazy. It started yesterday, when you got a patch of dry skin on your scales, even though you were at the end of your molt.

Just your luck.

Proud as you were about your appearance, you were not eager to look like a crusty leaf in front of the others.

Yet, here you were, forced to be dragged along for something.

Like always...it felt.

After what felt like an eternity, Dutch, Hosea and Arthur stopped at some big somewhat open field in the middle of the forest. It had a very nice big oak, some other trees and pines.

It felt fresh and crisp in there, the air in the middle of the forest always felt better to you. More pure, a bit more moist but it had the air of calmness and quiet in it. Something you could not explain to the others, it just felt...calm.

“Colm and Owen should be here soon. I’m sure they will bring parts of their gang with them.” Dutch sighed, stopping his horse by a tree. Dismounting, as the others did the same. The three of them hitched their horses to a big tree.

Hosea sat down on an old dry log. Arthur followed him. Dutch walked over to you, whilst you coiled up and tried to remove a bit more dry scales of your coils.

Dutch sighed as he walked over, twigs and dry leaves crunching under his boots. A tired but relaxed look on his face.

Hosea and Arthur looked relaxed too.

Perhaps this meeting wasn't that tense after all.

“Son, I know you didn’t do anything really wrong but for the sake of show. Just go along with it when I talk to them, okay?” Dutch asked, gently putting hand on your coils, helping you itch a dry spot that was bothering you.

“Fine, you talk all you want. I’m a bit..distracted anyway..with this damn molting.” You huffed, using your fangs and claws you gently bite at your coils to rid yourself of your itching dry scales.

Dutch let out a quiet laugh. “You always get so moody when you molt, don’t you? Like a big puppy just wanting to be scratched, it’s always easier if you get your coils soaked in some water.”

“I ain’t got no water here.” You huffed, gnawing gently at your coils, whilst getting some dry scales off.

“No, you don’t. This should be quick, son. We should be back soon, then you can rest in some water and get those pesky dry scales off.”

You didn’t answer him, just huffed, whilst scratching and biting all over yourself. This damn itch was putting you in a bad mood.

Damn coils.

Damn scales.

It itched.
***

It took a little while but eventually the others arrived.

Colm and Owen rode in with four men. Most of them looked a bit spooked and amazed once they saw you.

You weren’t some small garden snake. However, you weren’t in the mood for any of this really. All you did was look briefly at Colm, whilst you kept biting off dry scales, one by one.

This itch was driving you insane.

“Dutch, Hosea. Then…Arthur I think, then we have Victor. Who is looking..not too happy.” Colm greeted the group in an almost bored tone, whilst he and his brother got off their horses.

Their gang did what they did in the background.

“He’s just..molting. It itches, puts him in a bad mood.” Dutch explained, whilst petting the end of your tail.

Earning himself a low growl and a flick of your tail at his leg. You really weren’t in the mood to be touched.

“I can...see that.” Colm agreed, a questioning look on his face. Stopping not too far from where you were.

“Don’t get too close. We have plenty of experience of grumpy, molting nagas. You might get smacked by his tail if you get too close.” Hosea warned him, walking over to you, indirectly placing himself in front of you, like a shield.

Making his point clear.

“Hmm.” Colm grunted, whilst looking at his brother.

You saw that they were thinking of something but you didn’t know what. Only thing you were thinking of was to rid yourself of the itch.

“Now then, Victor. Shouldn't you say you’re sorry to Colm? After you..reacted a bit sharply.” Dutch pushed, as if he was trying to put you in a better light. It didn’t sound like he was blaming you with his choice of words.

Lifting your head from your coils, you shifted a bit and made yourself a bit taller than Colm and looked down on him. Irritated and annoyed for all this trouble, just to keep the peace with this odd man and his equally odd brother.

“Sorry..human. Then again, you don’t seem very injured to me.” You sniffed at him, poking at his ribs and checking him over.

“Hey..what?” Colm protested, you didn’t care, you looked him over for a brief moment.

“Victor.” Hosea scolded you, smacking you lightly on your coils. Which worked as you shifted your attention on him.

You and Hosea had a strong bond, you hissed lightly at Colm. Lowering your head and making yourself smaller, gently begging for some scratches from Hosea.

You weren’t human, so not all your actions would fit into standard human behavior.

“Sure are moody, ain’t you, boy?” Colm smirked, looking you over as he walked closer.

His step was heavier against the leaves, like he was trying to tell something with his walk.

He oozed confidence and perhaps arrogance to you. However, with Hosea scratching your coils and keeping you much calmer. You didn’t care too much.

Truth was, you could easily kill him.

If you wanted to and based on how nervous his brother and their gang smelt in the background.

They knew it too.

“You need some manners, boy.” Colm warned in a stern low voice, standing barely an arms length in front of you.

“Leave him be, Colm. Victor will never fully be like us, because he ain’t like us.” Hosea gave Colm a stern look back. His brows furrowed and the look on his face serious.

“Hmm. True, still you are smart enough to know how we will react, ain’t you, boy?” Colm asked you, his glare almost turning into ice, as he looked at you.

You didn’t flinch. True, you understood, however you just didn’t care too much about that. Being a naga had its perks.

You let out a growl and quickly flicked your tongue. Not taking his bait or challenge. He was trying to start something according to your gut feeling. Hosea kept you calm and you didn’t rise to take it.

Colm was a challenger, he seemed to like control.

You were an observer.

Colm looked at you for a while, almost seemingly disappointed and irritated that you did nothing. Yet, once he was done, he stepped away to look at Dutch. “You got a deal, Dutch. Though your big naga here will need some discipline. He’s a bit…wild.” Colm smirked slightly, briefly giving you a dirty look.

“Good, I know of a bank and some businesses we could rob in the next town over. Don’t you worry about Victor. He’s young and just a moody teenager, like we all have been.” Dutch explained, once he got his deal with the brothers approved. He glanced over you, giving you a light scolding look.

Flicking your tongue at him, you got a piece of your dry skin off, a big piece which made you a bit happier.

At least he got something out of it.
***

The next day.

Your prolonged bad molt was nearly over.

The last of the bad prolonged patches of dry skin were almost gone.

Which improved your mood greatly.

Molting, bad business and annoying.

Humans are lucky, try several meters of coils, along with molts once every few months here and there. Then you can talk about annoying and the right of being moody.

Dutch and Hosea were with the O’Driscoll brothers in some place, you didn’t really care.

Arthur was off doing something in secret. He only ever told Hosea, sometimes he was gone days at a time.

That got your attention.

You could track him and spy on him and find out about his secret.

Or you could wait and watch. It wasn't that important, yet.

Everyone deserves some alone time, even you wanted it and craved it. So for now, you let Arthur do his own thing. Perhaps another day you would follow him and find his secret.

However, it wasn't today.

You and John were doing your thing.

He used you as a chair, reading his dime novels in your coils. Whilst you basked lazily in the sun. Basking in some vitamin d, you didn’t care that John used you like this.

He was your brother, as was Arthur, just not by blood, however in every other sense they were.

You had been watching him, by now he was joining in on more and more scores. He was growing up, you did what you could. Usually spying and listening in on folks. That and tracking, you had a very keen sense of smell.

Which had its perks.

Eavesdropping on Hosea earlier today, you knew that you would soon leave this place for another town. After robbing a few places in the area with that O’Driscoll gang.

Hosea had told you to stick to camp, just in case.

From what you could pry out of Arthur. Hosea had seen lots of hunters and maybe a poacher or two in the forest and nearby area.

He was trying to keep you safe, so you did as he asked.

You didn’t fancy being killed, or being stuck in some cage. Either as a pet, or in some horrid zoo. Being young, you weren’t strong enough or skilled enough to fend off a large group.

No, you would have to get a bit stronger and larger to do that.

In time, you would be able too but until then. The camp was the safest place for you to be.

“Is it a good story?” You asked John, letting out a big and lazy yawn.

It was sleepy work basking in the sun.

“Mhm.”

“That ain’t much of an answer.”

“Sch, it's the bad sheriff against the falsely accused farmer.”

“Hmm, sounds predictable.”

“Sch.”

“I’m letting you use me as a chair. Don’t you sch me.”

John responded by elbowing you in your coils.

You responded by squeezing his butt, like the mature naga that you were.

“Worm.”

“Racoon.”

The majority of the day was spent with the pair of you relaxing and taking it easy, eventually the others came back.
***

By the evening.

Arthur was back, looking tired but content in some way.

Dutch and Hosea were also back by now. From what John told you, they had done some successful score with Colm and Owen making a tidy profit.

Not that you were too interested in that.

Money had little interest to you.

You didn’t need guns, bullets or most clothes and items that they needed. Unlike them, you could do fine with what you had.

Even if you were to be a nudist. However, you wouldn't do that. That would be embarrassing, you were a shy naga.

Very shy at times.

So shy, that when you took a bath and Abigail somehow spotted you in a barrel or river. You would duck down in the water or climb a tree to hide.

Abigail would usually laugh. She found you funny, you found her nosy. There were moments when you could swear that she looked at John in a fond way. Like she fancied him in a way.

Not that you could understand why.

John was..unclean, moody, a bit dumb at some things. Then, he couldn't swim. Arthur could swim a little, John not at all.

Unlike you, you were like a fish in the water and had no problems at all. You loved jumping out of the water and spooking John. Getting him all soaked and looking like a wet dog in the process.

Dutch found it fun, as did Arthur.

Hosea did too, even though he would scold you a bit, when John could see it. Only to laugh at it when John couldn't see or hear it.

Abigail always laughed when you got John good. He would mope about it, actually, he would mope about many things.

Getting wet was among the top three of his ever growing hate list.

Your family was an amusing one.
***

The next morning.

Dutch and Hosea were busy tending to things.

Apparently, you were packing up to move out again.

Dutch said that the O’Driscoll brothers had found out that the bank was a bust and not worth the trouble.

So, their gang and yours decided to pack up and leave.

It wasn't worth sticking around for no money.

According to what Colm had said to Dutch.

“We are heading to a town called...Bluerock.” Hosea scrunched his nose, whilst reading out aloud from the map he was currently looking at.

“Colm and Owen told us to meet up at that town. They were heading there too. Big bank and lots of scores there, plenty of game to hunt and near a peninsula. According to the map. Should be a bit fun.” Dutch chuckled, ruffling your hair as you slithered in to check things out.

“Not the hair.”

“I got rights.” Dutch teased, whilst packing a few of his and Hosea’s things into his trunk.

“Did Colm mention me?”

“Yeah he did, no hard feelings.”

Thank God for that. Still, things would still be a bit awkward after that.

“Victor, get your things packed up! We leave within the hour!” Miss Grimshaw yelled in the background.

Apparently it was time to pack again.

Not that you had a problem with that.

You just wondered what Bluerock had in store.

Trouble?

Or prosperity?
***

On the move again.

 

The O’Driscoll’s planned to meet in the new town.

 

What would happen once there, only time would tell.

Chapter 9: Bluerock

Notes:

A new chapter a day early because why not?

The gangs move and Victor is getting sus, lol.

Until next time!

Bluerock.

It was a little of a journey to get there.

Part of the town faced the sea, the rest the main land. A peninsula and a beautiful bay with cliffs..that looked a bit blue.

Perhaps that was why it was called Bluerock. It was quite pretty here and it looked like a medium sized town. No trouble around, from what you saw from the wagon once the gang rolled through town.

It had a big general store, saloon and a lone small pub. Big houses and small. A sheriff’s office and with a competent looking sheriff and deputies. Then a bank and some other things.

You didn’t see too much, as you had fallen asleep during the ride through town. The journey had taken two days. Not too long but not too short.

By the time you woke up, the camp was already up and running. It was near the edges inside a forest, the trees were not far apart at the place Dutch and Hosea had decided to place the camp. It provided good cover from eyes, winds and rain.

They didn’t know where Colm and Owen placed their camp, nor did they care.

You slithered out from the now empty wagon you had fallen asleep in. Stretching yourself and your coils as you slowly slid out of the wagon.

“There you are, you sleepy naga.” Hosea chuckled, you saw him sitting at the table they had apparently placed on the left side of camp. Reading a book, like he loved to do when it was nice and quiet.

“I tend to get sleepy and coil up in the wagon. I saw parts of the town on the way in. Looked like a beautiful town. Is it small?” You asked, slithering up behind him to rest your head on his shoulders.

You were still sleepy and not fully awake yet.

Hosea scratched your head gently, just in the right spots that almost made you purr. “It is a medium-sized town according to the map and from what I saw. Very pretty and quiet here. So quiet, that I almost want to retire and live here. The views out here are stunning.” He explained, using his nails a bit to scratch your head.

You loved it so much that you placed your head in his lap, resting your eyes, whilst coiling a bit around him and his chair. “Mhm.”

“Just a big puppy, ain’t you? Loving your scratches.” Hosea chuckled as he continued. He knew how puffy and pouty you could be if he stopped too soon.

With your eyes closed you listened to the camp, people talking, footsteps, things moving around. Horses being brushed and grazing. Metal clinks, guns being polished.

You heard it all and smelled it.

Pearson was cooking a stew…with some thyme and black pepper.

Finally, some spice.

Footsteps coming your way. “Spoiling our big baby, ain’t you, old girl?” Dutch chuckled, from what you heard, he sat down next to him.

Rustling and the creak of the chair.

Yeah, he was most likely reading the newspapers, he liked to do that on calm days.

“Our big snake likes his scratches, don’t you?” Hosea teased, gently ruffling your hair as he scratched you.

You answered him by wagging the tip of your tail like a happy lazy dog

“Ahh, he’s in one of those cuddly mods again, I see.” Dutch chuckled.

“He fell asleep in the wagon..again.”

“Oh, did he now? Well, in his defense, with those coils he can get himself mighty comfortable in there.”

“That he can.”

“Arthur and John are out fishing with Kyle along the coast.” Dutch sighed happily, stretching himself, getting himself ready to read the newspapers.

“Hmm, wonder what fish they can get.”

“No idea, you always were the better fisher, Hosea. I can fish for sure but you were always the better one.”

“Arthur is decent..at times a bit too impatient. Fishing builds character. John on the other hand..if he catches anything, I will be mighty surprised.”

“That boy… he’s always moody and a grump once things don't go his way. He’s too impatient.”

“A bit like you were, when we first met.”

“Oh shush, old girl. I ain’t as impatient as John.”

“Could have fooled me.”

You didn’t hear anything because being the cuddly naga that you were, you had fallen asleep again.

Scratches did things to you.
***

A few hours later.

You were out exploring the forest near the camp on your own. Looking for something tasty to sink your fangs into. It was quite beautiful here, lots of forest, despite being so near the town.

The terrain was a bit bumpy, shifting from hills to rocks and then some flat area.

Not the best place to build a house, if you wanted to settle here but there were a few spots for it. Just not that many though.

Hosea was right, it was really pretty here. You could also see yourself living here.

Dutch and Hosea had been closer to one another for a while now. It had to do something about..date nights? If you heard it correctly from Arthur.

It was such a shame that the world didn’t like people like them. It was Adam and Eve to them. Not Adam and Steve, not that you understood why.

Love is love, no matter what color, gender or age.

Everyone should be allowed to love whomever they want.

Sadly, the world was what it was.

Nothing you could do about that.

You pushed that thought aside as you slithered through the forest. Looking for that meal you were eager for.

It had been some time since you swallowed something big.

Flicking your tongue in the air, you looked for a scent. All you smelled were humans..a group and a campfire?

It was close.

You kept low to the ground and slithered towards them, just to check if they were hunters or not.

If they were hunters, you would tell Dutch and the others. Then if they weren’t hunters and trouble, you would leave.

Voices.

The smell of some food being cooked and..people laughing?

Who were these people?

It was rather dense with the trees here, their camp was well hidden. A few wagons and quite a few horses were about and..green?

Green?

Weren’t that the O’Driscoll’s color? They always wore green from what you remembered.

You were just about to slither a bit to hide under a wagon and spy on their camp. A twig snapped behind you.

Turning around quickly, there stood none other than Colm.

The one you had partially..crushed.

“Victor?” Colm asked, looking mildly surprised but had this aura of being calm about it too.

“Yes?”

“You..looking for something?”

“A deer to eat whole or something else I can set my eyes on.”

“Hmm, that would make sense for you. Can swallow animals whole, can’t you?” Colm scratched his head, fixing his hat back on his head. Whilst you spotted his brother Owen approaching him from the side.

“I can, not like that would surprise you.” You huffed, coiling yourself up, unsure what to make of him. So, you took the safe option and curled up in a defensive stance.

“If he’s here, then Dutch and Hosea are also here in Bluerock. Ain’t that so, Victor?” Owen walked to you with a fake smile. It was not a sincere one but he had one. This was just dead talk to you.

Pointless, yet everyone did it.

“Yes, they said you two were to meet here in town.”

“We are in the pub tonight. This place is mighty pretty and believe it or not. Bluerock has plenty of money. If you know where to look, which I do.” Owen added, sizing you up before he moved away a bit.

What was he doing?

It seemed he thought something about you?

However, what was he thinking of?

You didn’t know and that put you on the edge a bit but you didn’t show it.

Instead, you kept it cool.

“Your scales look fine now, should improve your mood. Ain’t that so, boy?” Owen added, looking you over like you were nothing more than some beast of burden.

You shifted your coils and gave him a tired look. “Yes..it’s better.”

“You can swallow a dear whole, can’t you, boy?”

“Of course I can.”

“Big herd a few minutes away from here to the north. Take your pick, we were going to hunt there today anyway.”

Did he want you to come hunt with them?

On your own?

What was he trying to pull here?

“I hunt alone, you humans are too noisy and smelly. It’s easier to do it on my own.” You huffed, flicking your tongue. If you could smell them so easily, so could your potential prey.

It would take longer to hunt with them around. Besides, you didn’t trust him too much.

Owen just laughed and gave his brother a look. “Feisty, ain’t you? Lone wolf already, at your age? I can respect that, kid.”

You gave a faint snort and looked away. His respect? You couldn't give two shits about his respect.

It meant nothing to you.

Pointless to you, yet humans did have their thing with it. It meant a lot to them, it was..important.

“Good luck then, Victor.” Owen nodded and gestured for you to go away and hunt.

So you did.

Not that you enjoyed their company anyway.
***

A few minutes after Victor left the O’Driscoll camp.

Colm and Owen had a chat.

Like Victor, they were also getting ready to hunt and get some deer, unlike Victor who got it for himself. They would get a few for the gang.

Owen gave an amused short laugh.

“What?” Colm asked, furrowing his brows as he lit a cigarette.

“Won’t be too easy to befriend that boy. Awfully..independent and a bit moody. Reminds me a bit of myself, when I was younger.”

“Ain’t his kind known for being independent and have a nasty temper anyway?”

“I read up about..nagas a bit on the way here. Females are territorial and smaller, males are bigger and much more aggressive, if provoked. Some avoid you, others don’t.”

“Hmm.”

“Pity he wasn't a girl, would make things a bit easier.”

“He’s rare enough. Consider yourself lucky he ain’t fully wild.” Colm huffed, puffing some smoke above his head.

“True, a good point.”

“He will warm up, he’s standoff-ish now.”

“Yeah, he is. I saw how he coiled up when I talked to him. He doesn’t trust us and coiled up to protect himself.”

“He did?”

“Yes, if he wasn't so damn tame already. He would use that to push himself towards us and snag us, crush us and perhaps eat us.” Owen explained, whilst looking around the camp.

“Damn.”

“Damn indeed.”
***

Back at your camp.

What an odd meeting.

You didn’t trust those two brothers one bit, they were up to something.

It was so stiff and off, you could feel it in your coils. Everything in you told you not to trust them.

Coiling up in your tent, you spent some time thinking about it.

Not bothering to look at the others.

You were lost in your thoughts.

“Victor! It’s time for lunch, you big old snake!” John yelled behind Pearson’s wagon.

What?

Oh right, food.

Flicking your tongue, you slowly slithered towards the others. Still lost in your thoughts.

All whilst the others took their share and filled their plates.

You just stood there, lost in your thoughts.

“Something on your mind, son?” Hosea asked, whilst filling his plate calmly.

“Just thinking.”

“I can see that, what about?”

“I…saw some game and ain’t sure if I could take it on by myself.” You lied, wagging the tip of your tail slowly.

You didn’t like lying but you didn’t like what happened either. What Hosea didn’t know wouldn't hurt him. It was just a little white lie.

For now at least.

“Like what? Cougar, black bear, boar?”

“Uhh, boar.” You lied, whilst lazily wagging your tail some more.

They were not something you could catch on your own..yet.

In time however, it would prove a different tale.

That was something you were sure about.

“Boar, eh? I wouldn't do it. Unless it is a real young one on its own. Boars have tusks and a bad attitude. Dangerous animals and with their tusks they could easily gut someone. Even one with tough scales like you.” Hosea shook his head, not wanting you to even get the idea of doing it.

“I just looked, Hosea. Didn't do anything.”

“That’s good. You are a smart young boy, Victor. It’s good that you ask before you did something foolish. A boar could have injured you badly, or you could get lucky. However, the odds are low. You should avoid them until you get older.” Hosea sighed gently, filling his plate with some stew. Giving you a plate yourself to fill in the process.

Hosea was a wise man.

He always thought first and acted later. Dutch on the other hand, could be a bit more..do more and think later at times.

Not always but at times.

He had Hosea and he kept his eye on him.

That and Arthur.

He also helped Dutch.

You and John perhaps helped a bit too.

In some way, you and John were stubborn and you were the “baby” as Arthur and John would say.

You were just two years younger than John, yet you were the baby.

It was embarrassing, you a baby?

Ha.

You were longer and stronger than him, had coils and could shapeshift.

John couldn't do that.

Neither could the others.

They were just on you because you were the youngest.

Why?

You were quite strong and capable of defending yourself, even at your age.

Heck, you almost strangled Colm.

Sighing you took your plate field with food and slithered off to eat in peace.

This new place better be somewhat fun.

You wanted to see things and explore.

Perhaps you could do it here.
***

Pretty Bluerock.

 

It had wealth and secrets.

 

The gangs would soon find out what if they dug deeper.

Chapter 10: And his name was crooked

Notes:

Sorry for being a day late folks! I was swamped with work.

Anyway here it is!

Hope you have a nice x-mas.

Bluerock.

A few days later.

Autumn was coming in and it was coming in fast. The trees were changing color. Leaves here and there.

You had spied on the sheriff in town as you had been told by Colm or Hosea. You couldn't remember who told you to do it, just to do it.

It had been interesting and..you found something interesting.

The sheriff in town, whose name you didn’t know or remember. Was a fake one.

A phoney.

Sure, he preached about law and order but he had double standards.

He was breaking it himself..everyday.

Turns out, he was doing some illegal business in town and it was hidden in the hills.

From what you could find out, he was making thousands of dollars each month due to something he had to sell.

You told Hosea, who told Dutch, which then told Colm and Owen.

Now both gangs knew and were eager to get their hands on that money.

“Did you find out the name of the sheriff’s thing, Dutch?” Hosea asked, casually sitting and reading his newspapers in peace at camp.

Whilst you basked in the last autumn sun on a branch up a nearby tree.

“I think I do, Hosea. From what I have been able to dig up about it with the help of Victor's great help, I found a name. Bluerobe is the name of whatever illegal thing they are doing, a nod to a lawman's coat in big towns. Quite ironic in a way.” Dutch laughed, resting his leg on a log, giving Hosea an amused look.

“Bluerobe?”

“Yes, I found it funny too.”

“That is actually quite ironic, a lawman himself making fun of the law. That ain’t something you see everyday.” Hosea laughed.

Even to you, that did indeed sound a bit funny too.

Plenty of hypocrites in the human world.

The law were at times no better than outlaws.

Sometimes the “bad” guys were better.

“What’s this about some illegal sheriff I hear?” Arthur rode into camp,stopping Boadicea, who had a big dead buck on her rump by the hitching post at the outskirts of camp.

“Victor found us a potential big score and the crook who runs it is none other than the sheriff in town. He runs a huge and successful illegal business from what we know.”

“No way. Really, he does?” Arthur smirked, dismounting his horse as he picked up his buck to carry to camp.

“Yup, Bluerobe. An ironic name.”

“That's..funny.” Arthur smirked, letting out a light chuckle.

Flicking your tongue, you slithered down the tree to greet Arthur. He had been gone for a few days again. Going on long trips and always bringing home food to camp. You were getting suspicious and curious.

Curious enough to follow him the next time he did this.

What was Arthur trying to hide?

Or perhaps he needed some company?

Either way, you could help.

You had helped him plenty before.

That and you desperately wanted to get out and see the world a bit more. Being stuck in camp was boring you to death by now.

Despite all the dangers, you knew there was out there in the world for a naga. You still wanted to explore a bit. Being still and not being able to be free was driving you nuts.

Your entire body and mind was screaming at you to wander and explore a bit.

Slithering over to Arthur, you nibbled at the buck’s antlers. To you, these were the same as a chew toy. Like a dog with their love for bones.

You liked chewing on antlers, plain and simple.

“Victor, can’t you at least wait until we butcher the buck and give you the antlers?” Arthur sighed, dumping the buck on the camp’s food wagon’s table.

“No, gimmie antlers.” You bit harder into the antlers, hanging onto them like a stubborn dog.

“Victor, you need to learn to be a bit more patient.” Dutch chuckled, seeing a big naga like you acting like a dog was funny to him.

It also looked a bit silly.

“Now Dutch, you know how much Victor likes to chew on horns and antlers.” Hosea laguehd, folding his newspapers to give you a look.

“Let go, you fool.” Arthur grabbed you gently by the back of your neck, to try and pry you off the antlers.

You just growled at him and bit harder.

“Hosea.” Arthur sighed and rubbed his forehead.

You were quite stubborn at times.

Like you should be.

“Hang on, I’ll do the trick.” Hosea got up and wandered over to you.

You knew the trick all too well. Hosea rubbed or scratched you at some spot you didn’t know you loved. Making you turn into a purring and cuddly mess and hence letting go of things.

It always worked but you couldn't help it.

Hosea just did it in a way you loved.

Sure enough, Hosea scratched you somewhere along the back at the middle of your coils. You purred and flopped over like a dog without thinking of it, got scratches and then realized what you did.

It was embarrassing and you always felt like a fool.

However, the scratches were damn good.

So it was worth it.

You hissed and coiled up in your cot, embarrassed and slightly irritated to be driven away so easily from that tasty antler.

“Great, now you made him sulk, Hosea.”

“Got your deer, didn’t you?”

“Yeah and a pissed brother.”
***

The next day.

Dutch hold you that Colm, of all people, had sent for you.

You were to meet him at some spot you knew about in the forest.

It was by a big but lonely birch tree, you knew about it.

Before you left, you stole back the antler to chew on from yesterday.

Just because you could and because you liked chewing on it.

Slithering out of camp, you would easily reach your designated meeting spot with Colm in a few minutes.

It was easy enough to find.

Sure enough.

You reached it, whilst you slobbered and gnawed on your antler. Colm wasn't there yet, so you coiled up on a rock to soak in some sun and bask in the early rays of the day.

It was something you loved to do.

A true naga thing, sun basking.

Soon the antler got smaller and smaller, being a strong creature you made little work of it. It gradually got smaller and smaller.

Eventually it was gone.

Just as it was gone, Colm arrived.

It was convenient, you were getting bored and waiting wasn't something you liked doing, for anyone.

Especially this weird one, you didn’t get him. He felt..off is some way and if he wanted you to trust him. He had to do all the work, you refused.

“There you are, looks like you beat me to it, Victor.” Colm halted his horse next to your rock.

He sat on some big long legged creature, dark bay with twitchy eyes. Some mare that didn’t seem to feel too comfortable in your presence.

Not that you could blame the horse. If you were a bit bigger and older, his horse could be a fine meal. However, you weren’t so the horse was safe..for now.

Flicking your tail as you shifted your coils, you turned your head towards Colm. Already bored of this so-called meeting. “What do you want then? I don’t like being called to meetings.” You huffed, flicking your tongue at him quickly to signal your annoyance with him.

“Moody, ain’t you?”

“Well, you made a bad impression on me and I hold grudges.”

“Hmm, don’t blame you on that..kid.”

“Kid? Really? You are going to pull that card on me? I ain’t some common kid.” You huffed, crossing your arms as you gave him an insulted look.

“Fine, fine, you are an oversized worm with a human top. That’s pretty much it.” Colm grinned, looking a bit too smug for your taste.

This wouldn't stand.

Colm needed to learn to piss off a naga.

As Colm was about to laugh or chuckle, you coiled his right leg that was closest to you and yanked him clean out of the saddle.

Then you flung him into a bush, once done, you coiled up and watched him struggle to get up, whilst his horse twitched around nervously.

“You..goddamn brat!”

“You should watch your words…human. Or I might do things with you.” You warned him, flicking your tongue as you raised yourself up. Looking down on him and making sure he got the message.

He was weaker and smaller than you.

You would always be stronger.

Colm dusted himself off as he stood up. Before you had time to blink, he grabbed you by the chin and yanked you down to his level.

You were stronger but..Colm had more experience.

Even though you hated to admit that.

“Listen here kid, I know you don’t like me too much but I don’t care. We are teamed up for the moment with Dutch. We work together and that means you work with us. I’m giving your scaly ass a job. You are to watch and spy on that town as we know there is money in it and then you will inform us on it. I want you to spy on that sheriff, we know he’s hiding something and you will find out what. Understood, boy?” Colm glared, yanking your head down further. Watching you for your reaction.

He was right.

Dutch teamed up with them, even though you, Hosea and Arthur along with John didn’t agree on it.

The deed was done.

Colm was right, you had to help him to help Dutch.

Just knowing that pissed you off.

Letting out a big huff, you finally relented. “Fine, I'll go watch some fool of a sheriff in town then.”

“It has to be discreet, the town is standoffish with outsiders. Unless, it’s at their hotel and saloon. They don’t warm up to folk too quickly.”

“Hmm, the usual."

Colm eventually let go of your chin, whilst you shook your head and looked at him with a frown. “You sure are a handsy human, aren't you?”

“Handsy?”

“Yes, is it my scales that amuses you?”

“Like I would tell, go do your job.” Colm scoffed, walking over to his horse, mounting up without a word as he rode off.

He was a strange one and now you had a job.

Great.

Right, you knew the drill.
***

Two hours later.

You had informed Dutch and Hosea about the job Colm wanted you to do.

None of them seemed to object too much.

Spying was something you were quite used and skilled at.

You were quite experienced.

Right now, you had been smart, as the town went off on their lunch break, you slithered up on the roof of the sheriff’s office.

One thing that you had learnt was that the Sheriff’s name in town was Madison.

Sheriff Madison and his two deputies but you didn’t care about their names. The sheriff was a slender and sly looking man, he reminded you of a ferret with his eyes and face. He was perhaps around forty or something when he had this dark brown hair, it looked like a rat.

He walked a bit funny on his right leg, yet the leg kept up and he wasn't slower than anyone else. His right hand tended to twitch around his holster when he was skeptical or irritated from what you had seen.

Another thing you had noticed was that he was moody and short tempered and didn't like chatty people. It seemed to annoy him greatly and he gave you the vibe of being a lone wolf.

Lone wolves liked being alone, quite ironic that he was the sheriff then. He would never be really alone in his line of job.

There was always something to do.

Once he and his two deputies went to the saloon to eat, you slithered inside his office via the roof. They had left the window open to get some fresh air. The town was small and people must be honest, as there were no bars on the windows.

The office was medium sized with decent sized cells, once you got all your coils inside, you went to work.

Flicking your tongue, you went about sniffing and looking for anything that caught your scent.

Their beds smelled strongly but mostly of sweat and nothing of suspicion.

However, the sheriff’s desk smelt a bit off.

A horse went past the window and people walked past on the sidewalk near their building.

You kept low and slithered towards his desk. Carefully opening the drawers to look inside.

Posters.

Papers.

Pens, some money.

Ah, bingo.

A moonshine bottle hidden in a cut out law book.

Could the sheriff be involved with some moonshine business?

Hosea had told you that it was highly illegal and the law was hard on moonshiners, if they got their trail.

So why was the bottle inside his desk?

Perhaps he was involved or..he knew of moonshiners himself?

Could be useful.

Time was running out.

People were walking out of the saloon. You had to go before they spotted you and you had a huge disaster in your hands.

As quickly as you came in, you slithered out and slinked out quickly out of town once the coast was clear.

You had some information to share.
***

Twenty minutes later.

You were back at camp.

Dutch and the others were busy eating too.

However, before you joined them in eating you needed to share useful news.

“Dutch, Hosea.” You greeted them with a nod.

“Ah, there you are. Found anything useful about the sheriff?” Dutch asked, whilst eating his stew calmly.

“Well, the sheriff's name is Madison from what I got from their office. He’s got two deputies and I went through his desk. He had a hidden bottle of moonshine inside a cut out lawbook. He could perhaps know something?” You informed him, as Dutch listened intently and nodded along.

“Ah, if he has a bottle inside his desk he must either have some deal or business with moonshiners.” Dutch said, looking at Hosea for a second opinion.

“I suspect he has. Usually it is, if the sheriff himself has moonshine. Perhaps he had a deal with them. Some bribe perhaps? Money and some shine in exchange for letting them operate?” Hosea guessed, looking into the fire and Dutch as he said possible choices.

Whatever it was, you found something potentially big.

This could be a big score.
***

Victor finds a crooked sheriff’s secret.

 

How far does the secret go, is the question.

 

Lastly, will it be worth the money or time? Time would tell.

Chapter 11: A good spy

Notes:

A day early due to a busy day tomorrow.

Until next time!

“Nice work kid, you’re a good spy.” Colm smirked, as you reported your findings to him a day later.

“A hypocrite sheriff, how..unoriginal.” Owen scoffed, a hard look on his face as he lit his cigarette. Puffing the smoke above his head.

You were at the same place as before when you met up with Colm.

This time, he brought his brother with him.

Once again, Dutch had told you that Colm sent for you.

Here you were, being, the obedient little naga spy.

It was insulting in a way but what could you really do?

Dutch and Hosea worked with them and that forced your hand. You had to deal with it for now.

As much as you hated it.

You knew that he and Colm met up last night to rob a bank, as it closed in some town not too far from here and got a decent take. It wasn't a big bank but it was from a livestock town with an auction. From what Hosea informed you, that usually meant lots of money.

He also informed you that the auction was earlier in the day yesterday, so lots of money had moved around.

Animals weren’t cheap.

Cows were getting expensive, there had been some sickness not too long ago that killed plenty of them off. Now that they were all better again, people wanted cows again.

In large sums.

That meant lots of money. Ranches and farms were making good money on cattle these days.

You had also heard in camp just before you went to bed about something of a stagecoach robbery. From what you suspected it would be something Arthur, Hosea and John would pull.

It was getting better, you keeping a human form and all but this stagecoach would head pretty far out and it would take more than two hours, which put you off the help list.

So, you were stuck doing this.

Spying and finding out details.

“Now, all you need to do now kid is to find out where he keeps the moonshine.” Owen suddenly said, snapping you out of your thoughts.

Haven't you done enough already?

Did you really have to do all the work on this thing?

“I can’t follow him in town, no cover for me.” You flicked your tongue, irritated that he even suggested it, whilst you coiled up tightly. A thing you tended to do when you were irritated or in a bad mood.

“True but we can give you a spot and you can wait there and follow him later. He won’t have anything in town. That’s too risky, he tends to follow a certain path as he goes home. All you need to do is to follow him.” Owen continues, his words made sense to you.

It would indeed be foolish for a sheriff to keep moonshine in town.

The best place would be somewhere in some hidden spot in the woods. Some barn or cabin perhaps.

Letting out a loud sigh. “Fine, are there any barns of lost cabins in the woods?”

“Yes.”

“Plenty of them, this here is a popular area. More and more people move in here.”

Damn, that made it more risky for you and raised the chances of you being spotted.

The last thing you wanted was some angry mob with torches chasing you around in the woods.

“That..makes things risky for me.” You flicked your tongue and glanced out into the woods.

“It kinda does but in a pinch you are more than capable of handling yourself. Or are you some weak little naga, boy?” Colm scoffed, looking at his brother with a smirk on his face.

Oh, playing that card?

Quite immature for them.

“Why can’t you do it yourself then? You got legs, guns and horses and plenty of boys to help you. Why ask for my help, hm?” You slithered slowly towards them, slowly circling them as you waited for their answer.

You didn’t want any answer either.

Had to be a good one.

“Moody, ain’t he?” Owen grinned slightly, giving his brother a look.

“He certainly is.” Colm smirked back at him.

“Kid, how old are you?”

“Fifteen.”

“At your age you need to start pulling some more weight. I can already tell you that those adopted brothers of yours do more work than you. What were their names again, Colm?”

“Arthur, he’s the oldest and then there's John. He is just a little older than Victor here.” Owen answered, whilst looking at you.

You responded with a hiss and smacking your tail against his leg.

“Moody and hard to deal with, ain’t you?”

“Look, kid. You can travel around on your coils fast and practically without any sound. We can’t exactly do that. Not even by a longshot and that’s why you should do it. Less risk with you doing it and besides. I have seen you scale buildings and trees way above the ground with ease. This should be an easy job for you, kid.” Owen explained, ruffling your hair as he stepped over your coils.

He, despite you hating to admit it. Had a point, you were much more quiet and hard to detect. You could easily smell danger and get out of bad situations faster than they could.

You just didn’t like it.

Working for them.

“Fine.” You hissed, shifting your coils loudly, smacking them against the ground to show your great annoyance in them.

“Great, kid.” Just hang back at the outskirts in town by tomorrow and follow that sheriff. Easy as that.” Colm smirked, giving his brother a look.

With that done you soon parted ways.

Now you have yet another job to do.
***

Back at camp, you coiled up in your bed to sulk.

Annoyed and feeling insulted and used.

Not a feeling you cared for but then an idea popped into your head. As you were out spying on the sheriff, this could be a great time or excuse to spy on Arthur and figure out where he went on days on end.

Only thing that was against you was knowing when Arthur would be off again.

That was the tricky part, then again if you told Dutch and Hosea that you were out doing a little spy job for them and then you followed Arthur’s trail. They should buy it. After all, it would be partially true and if either of them spotted you, then you could spin some tail that you lost the trail of the sheriff or something else.

It should be easy enough to pull off.

“You look as if someone stepped on your coils again. What’s the matter, son?” Hosea asked, noticing your displeased look on your face.

“Got a spying job to do on the sheriff. Colm and Owen sent me out to do it tomorrow.” You huffed, still annoyed that you had to do it.

“I see, well sometimes you have to do things you don’t like. Even us adults do that, all the time actually.” Hosea sighed, gently reaching out to pet your coils.

“I know.” You sighed, gently pushing your scales into his touch. You always loved and craved his touches, he had these magic hands that you couldn't resist when it came to scratches.

“Just do your job, son. Do it well and it will be all over soon. Who knows, we might get a good amount of money from this and you won’t have to spy on that sheriff again and be allowed some peace and quiet from those O’Driscoll brothers.”

“I will..dad.” You placed your head in his lap.

You didn’t say it too often after the account of Dennis and Polly but in your heart you knew. You viewed Hosea as your new dad and Dutch was getting there.

It was just something about Hosea. He was easy to like and love.

Dutch was likable too in his ways..but Hosea was different in your eyes.

He would always surpass Dutch in that area.

That was just the way it was.

As Hosea petted you and you leaned into him like a lazy cat, almost purring as he scratched you. Dutch walked over. “I see our youngest has had an eventful day.”

“Just him being a teenager, Dutch. You know how it is.”

“That I do and Arthur’s phase was a nightmare and I don’t care to have another one of those phases.” Dutch chuckled, sitting on Arthur’s cot, which was opposite to you.

“What’s the cause for our moody Victor today?”

“Colm and Owen sent him out tomorrow to spy on that sheriff. They are quite sure he had stashed some moonshine in the forest and want him to look for it.”

“Ahh, I can see why. None is better at spying and moving without a sound then our boy here. I see why they wanted him to do the job.”

“That’s what I thought, Dutch. It’s just our little boy here..being moody about it.”

“Hormones and teenagers..a bad combination.” Dutch chuckled, reaching over to ruffle your hair.

You let out a huff but you let him do it. After all, free scratches were good scratches.

“It won’t be a hard job for you Victor, you should have this done quickly. I know how good you are at this.” Dutch sighed gently, as he encouraged you. A gentle look on his face.

“Am I really the best?” You asked, sounding a bit insecure but it felt good getting praise.

“You are indeed.”

“Make us look like loud drunks compared to you.” Hosea chuckled.

Flicking your tongue, you felt at ease, relaxing your coils and head against Hosea. It felt like getting all this positive encouragement.

It felt good.

Felt like..even though you were vastly different, you mattered a lot to them. You didn’t have that before, you think.

Not that you really remember everything from the last time you were alive. One thing was for certain, it was long ago.

Very long ago.
***

The next day.

You did as you were told.

Spying on Sheriff Madison and following him into the forest, sure enough, you found a shack and waited for him to open it.

It was late when you followed him, evening, the sun was setting and it was near twilight.

The sheriff didn’t lock the door as he went inside, so you slithered quickly and quietly inside the rather large shack.

Once you got past the door there was a desk, there was a younger man sitting behind it. However, you entered so quietly that they didn’t notice. That and all the paperwork in front of them distracted him well enough.

You kept low as you looked around, there were a couple of stairs leading to a cellar into the next room, which was downstairs.

Music, people laughing.

Lots of noise.

It had to be some illegal bar.

You had no idea of what they were serving as you couldn't exactly slither down there to have a look.

One thing was for sure, they had good music.

A few girls working there too, serving, dancing or perhaps working girls down there.

This had to be very illegal but the sheriff seemed to be in on it. Must be bringing in good money if he was willing to be here and no doubt protect them.

On the other hand, you didn’t know much of this business, you never were good with alcohol or the money involved in it.

However, a place like this has eyes. Drunk or not, you couldn't afford to be seen.

You got what you needed out of this, it was time to go back and tell the others.

Flicking your tongue, you shifted your coils in the stairs. Making a small and common enough sound that would not raise any suspicion.

Ducking as low as you could,you slithered past the desk again.

Just as you were to drag the last of your coils and tail to the middle of the desk and wait for an opportunity before you could sneak out. The man at the desk got up, mumbled something and stepped over your coils once without problem. Then walked right past you, didn’t notice you.

Grabbed a bottle, took a drink. Turned his head to his left where you were, saw you and nodded and went back to drinking.

Took another gulp, realized what he saw. Turned back to you, blinked and then let out a loud yell as you bursted out the front door with a hiss.

“What the hell is that?! A damn snake demon boy!”

Then a thud.

Yup, heart of a lion.

You made a man faint just by him looking at you.

Would a thing like that class as an insult or a compliment?

Well, there was a time and place to think about that, now wasn't the time.

As you heard a lot of footsteps run up the stairs to the recently fainted man but you were already gone.

They wouldn't find you, no footprints and coils like yours rarely left dents in the ground.

You were safe.

For now.
***

One hour later.

Back at camp.

You took extra time on your way back and made sure that none of those people you had spied on would even make a mistake of walking towards camp, just in case.

It paid off, then had once or twice walked into your direction but you had fooled them with noises and scaring animals towards them more than three times.

No one knew where you were.

You slithered towards Dutch's tent.

Tired and a bit winded, you had been on the ground, in trees and rivers to make sure that you kept your family safe.

By the time you slithered inside his tent, you plopped onto the floor of his tent like a limp noodle.

You were beat.

“I…” You paused to get some air. “Got some info and I’m beat.” You hissed, flopping your tongue out of the floor dramatically, just to show how tired you were.

“Son, you look like you ran a marathon and a half.” Dutch chuckled, gently pulling on your coils to put you onto his cot.

“Today I learnt that apparently I’m so scary that I make people faint.”

“Really? You made someone faint?” Dutch asked, a raised eyebrow as he looked you up and down.

“He did what?”

As if on cue, Hosea walked into the tent. No doubt seeing you as you came in.

Hosea always seems to know when you came or went.

“Victor, did someone see you?”

“By mistake nothing happened and I’m fine, none followed after me.”

Hosea sighed and sat down on the cot next to you. “I know you did the best you could, just…be careful son.”

“Speaking of that, what did you find out, son?”

“Oh, that Sheriff Madison is in on some huge moonshine business in the woods. It’s the basement of a shack. Lots of people were there drinking and laughing, they had a band and working girls there. Place was full.” You informed the both, somewhat tiredly, still beat after the tricky journey home.

“Moonshine bar. Lots of money in that.” Dutch nodded and looked at Hosea.

“Yeah, they must have promised the sheriff a cut in exchange for some protection and silence. By the way Victor has described it, business there must be booming. Based on what happened there and with all alcohol flowing around there. They won't believe the feller Victor scared so badly he fainted. Most likely they will suspect he saw something whilst drunk.” Hosea agreed, scarting his chin and neck.

“This is a good find, Victor.”

“Yes, great job indeed, son.”

A good job done.

Now you just had to inform those O’Driscoll brothers about it.

However, that would be tomorrow.
***

 

Victor had been spotted.

 

This time nothing happened.

 

Now you just had to wait and see what the clothes would do about this information.

Chapter 12: Stock up before the cold

Notes:

A day early folks but I got so much work this week. It's the only chance I got but I doubt people will mind.

Until next month people!

The day after.

You had just informed Colm and Owen about the moonshine barn you found. They seemed to be very excited and where to meet Dutch and Hosea in the saloon in town to plan to rob the place.

Once again, you were the messenger of this.

It almost seemed like that was all you did.

Delivering messages, back and forth.

In the end, two days later.

The O’Driscoll brothers and Dutch and Hosea had decided to rob the place. Arthur was with them, Kyle and some of the newer members of Dutch’s gang would join. Uncle was with them as well.

Then you and John.

As keeping watch for trouble and making sure none messed around with the horses.

John sulked about it, you didn’t care too much. Unlike John, you were much wiser and far more patient.

You still had a few more years of growing and bulking on some serious muscle before you could really be in a big fight.

Right now, you weren’t there yet.

So, you didn’t mind hanging back in the background.

The robbery would take place close to midnight.

Not your favorite time of the day, as you had a pretty set sleep schedule that you liked to keep with.

However, you could be flexible..this time.

From what you heard from Owen’s consistent talking. He was going to take some moonshine for himself, as was his brother.

Apparently, Dutch seemed to agree with that.

To your great surprise, Hosea was also out after some moonshine too.

You didn’t know that he liked that stuff but then again, it was none of your business and to be honest. You didn’t really care.

As long as Hosea was happy.

It was now a few minutes to midnight.

The adults were off.

Only you and John remained with the horses in the distance, you could see the barn and the others sneak towards it. All you could do was watch, not that it mattered to you.

You had coiled yourself halfway up a tree, watching the surrounding area for trouble, not that you spotted anything.

It was a calm night.

A gentle breeze but a cold one. The stars were out and the moon was casting its light pretty good on this particular night.

You knew what it was called, hunter’s moon.

It was easy to figure out why. The moon was like a torch tonight, lighting up the forest pretty good. It was easy to spot game during this night.

Shaking your head, you flicked your tongue to catch any scent before letting out a big yawn.

“This is boring as hell. It’s getting mighty cold too. Winter is coming soon.” John huffed, rubbing his hands together as he stood stiffly to warm himself.

He was right about that. Even you could feel the cold wind and night nip at your cheeks and arms.

Your instincts were telling you that it would be a cold winter. Apparently from what you had learnt from some books, some rare ones you could find about nagas. In very cold areas, as long as the naga had fattened up enough, you could hibernate.

Sleep through winter.

Right now, that didn’t sound too bad but then again. Who wanted to sleep alone through winter for months?

No, that just wasn't anything for you.

As you and John stood there, waiting and watching in the cold. The others had already found a way inside.

It was still quiet, so they had not been spotted.

Either by skill or luck.

Scratching your neck, you let out a big yawn.

“Tired?”

“I’m usually asleep by this hour.”

“Yeah, I know.”

“Did you see where they had the money stashed inside that place?”

“No, I didn’t. I guess hidden in a safe or somewhere.”

“Hmm. I hope the sheriff aint there tonight.”

“You and me both.”

“Once this is done and a few more robberies. I think we might move on to another place and stay there until next year. Dutch said something about that.” John exhaled a big breath of air, looking like a dragon breathing fire in the crisp and cold night air.

Move on already?

Well, perhaps that was for the best.

This town was pretty small.

On the other hand, it would take Dutch and Hosea a few more weeks before this town was completely emptied out by them. If you had to guess.

Outlaws were always on the move.

No way around it.

As you left that thought, there were loud sounds and commotions going on inside the barn.

They had been spotted, or trouble found them.

“Sounds like they are coming out.” John huffed, grabbing the reins of a few horses.

You slithered down the tree and grabbed a few O'Driscoll horses too.

John helped your gang, you helped…the O’Driscoll’s..for now.

Sure enough, the door burst open and Dutch, Owen and Hosea ran it with big bags of no doubt money.

Colm and a few of his men carried a few boxes of moonshine.

“Let’s go!”

“Come on, get to the horses!”

Arthur came out soon after Colm. His hands were carrying moonshine too. Two big jugs.

“Any trouble?” Dutch asked in a hurry, loading his horses as he mounted up quickly.

“No.”

“Just a cold and chilly night.” You nodded in agreement.

“Good.”

“This was a big take.” Hosea grunted, loading up a bag onto his horse. “Let’s get out of here and meet up at the place we mentioned inside. Split the lot and go our separate ways.”

“Sounds like a plan to me.” Owen grunted, mounting his horse stiffly in the cold night.

“Victor, you make sure we got no tail on us. The rest of us, let’s ride!” Dutch yelled, spurring his horse as the others left.

Soon, you were alone again.

This was a common drill. Nothing uncommon for you, stay behind and scare others away and make them loose the trail after the now two gangs and thus keeping the others safe.

You slithered past the door of the barn the others just ran out of. Checking and making sure.

Soon you heard footsteps, just two.

Whoever it was, they were alone.

Turning around, you glanced and saw that man you had seen again. Just a few days ago, behind the desk.

He had a gag on and tossed some rope on the ground, then the gag soon after.

They must’ve tied him up and he had managed to wriggle loose.

Like before, he saw you again.

“Demon snake!”

Then thud.

Just like before, he had fainted.

You were apparently very scary. Even whilst doing nothing.

The way back to camp was peaceful and calm.

Dutch and the others were lucky.

None had followed them.
***

The next day.

Despite you being slightly disturbed by your normal sleep schedule last night. You had managed to get a good night's sleep, coiled up around Arthur and John for warmth.

If you could steal heat, you would.

Just like any snake.

You were awoken by a grunt, a bit later in the morning than the usual time.

“Get off me, you giant worm.” Arthur grunted, untangling himself from your coils and lifting some of them off him.

“It was warm.” You grunted back, not even bothering to open your eyes.

“John, are you awake yet?”

“Mm.”

“Get up.”

“No, it’s nice and warm under Victor’s coils here.”

“Heat stealer.”

“Warm noodle.”

“I actually can’t argue with that. However, I’m a noodle with teeth.”

“Dutch and Hosea were in town to get some supplies. Said that the man that you scared so badly until he fainted twice. Has been spreading rumors in town about a demon snake in the area.” Arthur sighed, whilst starting to shove your coils to get you to get up.

“Demon snake? That sounds catchy. Hey, John. I’m apparently a demon.”

“The horror.”

“You never know, I might eat babies out there. Fawns and tiny sheep.”

“Yeah right. You don’t eat humans, didn’t that feller Dennis teach you that when you were a tiny worm?”

“Yup.”

“There we go, people have nothing to fear.” John grunted, using your coils like a giant body pillow.

A few minutes later, after you and John had nodded off again, due to you being a bit lazy.

Hosea shook you awake, looking a bit displeased as you blinked and opened your eyes to see him.

“Get up!”

“Can’t, John is too heavy.” You yawned and looked at your coils. Sure enough, there was John, still being a lazy bastard.

“We are thinking about moving on soon. This town ain’t too big. Nothing much worth of interest here besides what we stole yesterday.”

“Was it a big take?” You yawned, cracking your neck as you slowly slithered away from the cot.

“Six thousand dollars and split in half. The O’Driscoll’s got three and so did we.”

“I did most of the work.” You huffed, whilst stretching your arms.

“I agree on that but however during the entire robbery and such as much as I don’t like to admit it. Colm and Owen did a good job.” Hosea sighed, casting a glance at John that was slowly coming to life.

“I can’t help in that area too much yet. Can’t hold my other form too long..yet.”

“I know Victor, I know and I ain’t blaming you.”

“Perhaps in a few years I can hold it longer than an hour.”

“You should be able to, son. Getting stronger and stronger every month. I saw how easily you held down a grown man. I’m sure Colm didn’t forget how strong you are in a hurry.” Hosea chuckled as he cast a glance at Dutch that was slowly walking towards you.

No doubt ready to talk to you.

That was one thing about Dutch.

He talked.

“Victor, John for god’s sake get up. It’s almost eleven by now, you lazy sods.” Dutch sighed, whilst lightly kicking John’s leg.

"I'm up."

“No you're not son, at least not vertically.”

“I’m getting there.”

“Dutch, I just heard from Hosea that you were planning on leaving this place soon. Are we really leaving already?” You asked, stretching your coils as you slithered between him and Hosea.

“I don’t see us having much choice than to do that, son. The town is rich, yes. However not in things we want. It’s apparently wildlife, food and farms. I misunderstood the wealth of this town. That and it’s been shipped off weeks ago all deliveries, so that money has been divided into the town. They are building a bank but that won’t be done for months and even after that. It takes some time to fill. We don’t have enough time or money to sit around and wait.”

“Dutch is right, son. We must move on. Besides, it’s getting cold soon. It’s worth it to move around a bit and stock up on money before winter. That will leave us with time to relax and wait it out in peace.”

 

“Are we moving?” John yawned as he finally stood up.

“I’m afraid we have to.” Hosea sighed, gently placing a hand on John’s shoulder.

“What are you whining about? I’m the one who gets stuffed inside a wagon.”

“Well, you can’t exactly ride around..like that. I mean how would you do that anyway? Not like you can really sit in a saddle with those..coils.”

“Ass.”

“Noodle.”

“Racoon.”

“Oversized sock.”

“Boys! Enough.” Dutch sighed, pinching his nose as Hosea looked amused.

“I demand pelts and pillows during this move inside the wagon.” You huffed, crossing your arms as you looked at the wagons.

Those wagons always made you feel like a stomped twig after a while of traveling.

Arthur and John getting to ride, well that made you jealous.

It was not like you didn’t know how. You had practiced..in your human form.

Darn humans with their legs…thinking they are so special.

Well, you were special too.

“Well, me and Hosea are going to look over a few maps and think of the next place we will go to.”

“Will those O’Driscoll’s tag along too?”

“Yes, we will meet up in the next town. They are also thinking of other towns to go to. Like us they also wanted to save up on money before winter.” Hosea added with a nod.

Seems like you were stuck as the permanent spy and messenger.

Just great.

Well, if it meant you would get a nice christmas and good food and a few presents you could suck it up.

Then you could slither to Colm and Owen’s camp at night and either shit in their beds or leave coal as presents.

Merry Christmas, you damn pests.

With insults.

Krampus.

Ha, that would be a fun thing to do.

Well, you knew what to do now.
***

It will soon be time to move on again.

 

Stocking up on things before the end of the year.

 

Just where would you go was the question.

Chapter 13: Arthurs secret

Notes:

What's this a new chapter 3 days early? Why, yes.

Got lots of work this week..had some time today to spare to fix the grammar and all that.

So, you lovely folks get this a bit earlier.

Until next time!

It was time to go.

Dutch and Hosea were planning to go east, this time to a big town again.

Some place called Harrifer town. Apparently, despite its rather dull name, it was a big town. From what Hosea told you.

Industries.

Big shops.

Banks, not just one but several in it.

Dutch had informed you that even the O'Driscolls were headed that way too. Great, you would no doubt be a spy again.

Like always it would seem.

That was a few days ago.

Dutch and Hosea had set up camp near an abandoned farm, not too far away from town.

As normal, it took a few days to settle and get everything ready. Then as predicted, Arthur would ride away for days on end.

However, this time was different from the others.

You followed him.

Made a lie.

Told Hosea and Dutch that you were after some different game and would stick in the forest for a few days.

Not like they complained, you were big enough and stealthy enough to do it on your own in a forest. You had done so several times before.

Now you had another thing in your sights.

Arthur, that and the reason why he was always riding off and being all secretive.

It was time to find out, right now it was good timing. Once Dutch and Hosea arrived in a new town it was quite calm for a few days. They would be looking and checking things out. Seeing what was worth their attention and what there was to have in town.

Just like always.

Like clockwork.
***

So, here you were.

Arthur rode on lonely paths, mostly in or near the forest.

You stuck to the shadows and kept low. Having scales and slithering after Arthur was easy work, it paid off to be a naga at times like these.

However, what had he kept secret for so long?

He never said anything about it.

Even when you tried to pry.

“Just looking around.”

“Doing some errands and a few scores.”

That was all he had to say.

Arthur rode for a few hours, perhaps around three.

Eventually, he reached some house. Near the edge of a little town, whose name you didn’t know.

He looked relaxed and happy as he hitched his horse to the pole near the front porch.

It was a small house. Perhaps no more than three or four rooms. It had the front porch, outhouse in the back and a large amount of firewood that had been cut.

Once Arthur was off his horse, he went to his horse's satchel and fished out a present.

Then he went over and knocked on the door. Some brunette woman that looked happy to see him let him inside the house.

Then before you could get closer, they closed the door and you were left blind to whatever they were doing.

Darn.

Flicking your tongue, you slithered closer towards the house. Looking for windows and edges to peek inside.

Too high or too low. Most would make a sound if you moved your coils over it or around it.

Perhaps around back?

Slithering around back, whilst keeping low to the ground. You reached the backside of the house. This time around, you were in luck.

A backdoor.

It was unlocked.

Carefully as you could, you slithered inside to spy on Arthur.

The house was homely, neat and clean. To your right was the living room and small living area, featured with a small wall to divide them halfway and a neat fireplace.

On the left side were two bedrooms.

Both of roughly the same size, was it a guest bedroom?

Did Arthur have a girlfriend?

Well, you were close to the one closest to the backdoor, might as well start looking inside that one.

The door was about halfway opened anyway.

Inside the room it was neat and clean. A few toys and books, a desk and a chair. Bed and a wardrobe and a nice blue rug.

Then…a kid?

Sleeping in the bed?

Huh, who was the kid?

Was Arthur dating a single mother?

Your curiosity got the better of you, you grabbed the edge of the bed and raised your head to look at the kid.

Hmm, early teens. Blonde and a boy, kinda long hair. He looked a bit like Arthur in a way. Not like many kids couldn't at his age.

Hmm.

What was his name?

Flicking your tongue, you got the scent of the boy. He smelled quite pleasant.

A fresh breeze and a hint of vanilla.

Turning your head and body down to the floor again, you heard Arthur and the woman laugh outside the room. They were having a good time.

You were looking around in the room. Looking for clues as to who the boy was.

Eventually you stumbled upon a schoolbook.

It had a name on it.

Isaac.

You didn’t like the name that much but now you know the boy’s name.

Isaac.

Oh, what was the smell?

Flicking your tongue as you sniffed, you thought you smelled cookies.

Freshly baked.

There was no way in hell you would leave without having a bite.

Slithering slowly out of the boys room, without making a creak or sound, you were just about to get the last of your coils and eventually your tail out of the room, when it happened.

A small foot jumped on your coils.

It hurt like a son of a bitch.

Before you could think logically, you had already reacted instinctively and stupidly. Which was turning around and hissing loudly at the threat.

Which was poor Isaac.

In a matter of seconds, things went to shit.

Isaac screamed.

Arthur and that woman came running into the room in seconds.

He yelled, then yelled at you. The boy cried and ran to his mother. Then everyone but you was yelling and then..silence.

“Victor, what are you doing here?” Arthur sighed, whilst pushing you towards the couch in the living room.

“You have been so secretive and vague, so I followed and well. I believe this is your..girlfriend?” You teased Arthur, coiling up on the couch and around it to tease him.

“Arthur, what the hell is that thing?”

“One sec. Eliza and Isaac, this here is Victor who is a naga. In other words an oversized snake with the upper body of a man. He won’t hurt you. We grew up together, he’s like an annoying little brother to me.” Arthur introduced you.

“Oh, I see. So, he ain’t here to eat..anything?” Eliza asked, you looked her over as she spoke. She had green eyes and brown hair. It had shades of naturally lighter brown streaks in it. Quite pretty in a way.

“I smelled cookies, went out here to look and then well. Someone stepped on my poor coils like there was no tomorrow.” You huffed, looking offended as you cast Isaac an offended look.

“Isaac..what have I told you about jumping on snakes?” Arthur sighed, pinching his nose as Isaac cast you a curious look.

“Pa, mama said the ones we have are just annoying and not venomous. I just thought he was a giant.” Isaac looked down and fiddled with his hands in his mother's lap.

Hold up..

Pa?

“I didn’t know you adopted a kid, Arthur.” You tilted your head, looking over the mother and son.

“I aint adopted!” Isasc protested loudly.

Oh..

Well, that means.

Arthur was his father?

Blinking for a brief second, you turned your head and gave Arthur a smirk.

"Well, well, Arthur the stud, I see.”

“Shut up.” Arthur groaned, kicking your coils away lightly, as he sat next to you on the couch.

“I take it Hosea knows?”

“Yes and Dutch and Miss Grimshaw, only them though and now you. I would like to keep it that way for now.” Arthur poked you in the ribs.

“Well, Isaac. That means that I’m your uncle, from another mother.” You poked his belly lightly with your coils.

“Another mother?”

“Well, I’m not really related to Arthur. Far more handsome as you can see and all. I’m his adopted and much cooler brother.”

“Very mature, Victor.” Arthur smirked ever so slightly, seemingly starting to relax.

“I’m so handsome, I don’t need legs.”

“Oversized noodle is what you are.”

“Bully, you will corrupt the kid.”

As you and Arthur bickered, Isaac started to climb on your coils. Eliza shook her head and went to the kitchen to fetch the cookies, once she had realized that you weren’t going to eat them. She seemed to finally relax.

“Where are the rest of your kind, Victor? I read stories about snakefolk but everyone said they disappeared.” Isaac asked, his young eyes beaming with innocence and curiosity.

“Sadly, my kind is quite endangered. Do you know what that means?”

“No, what is it?”

“My kind for some reason, has been hunted for..a long time, I guess. Don’t know why but most hunters went for the males and..not many males like me are left in the wild. I have never met another one of my kind, that’s not to say there ain’t any of us left. Still, that said, it would be nice to meet another one of my kind one day.” You sighed, shifting your coils, so that Isaac could sit comfortably in them.

“That’s sad.”

“It’s indeed sad.”

“Well, I like you.” Isaac hugged your coils.

“See Arthur, I’m the fun uncle already.”

“Oh god.” Arthur groaned and buried his head into his hands.

You just gently nuzzled your head against Isaac’s. Getting your scent on him, marking your new friend, so you would remember his scent.

“Well, it seems our boy has a thing for..snakes.” Eliza sighed, coming over from the kitchen with the cookies you had smelled before.

“Seems like it.” Arthur sighed, helping himself to a cookie. Whilst giving him your cute puppy eyes and opening your jaws.

Signaling for him to get something inside your jaws.

“Yeah, yeah, hang on.” Arthur huffed, getting up and shoving two cookies inside your mouth.

You just chewed lazily like an old mule and looked very pleased.

“After all this stress you put me under Victor, you are now officially babysitter number one.” Arthur scolded you but had a smug look on his face.

The bastard.

With a huff and insulted look, along with swallowing your cookies, you agreed. “Fine but it’s on you.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“I shall teach him words and corrupt him and the art of being annoying.”

“You have already mastered that a long time ago.”

“True but it’s time I take on an apprentice and your own flesh and blood. Oh, the power.” You faked an evil laugh.

“Your adoptive little brother is strange.”

“Tell me about it, Eliza.”

“Hey Isaac, do you know that your daddy here has the palest legs in the west?”

“What really?” Isaac popped his head up from your coils, he had been studying your scales.

“Yup and they are really hairy too. I would be surprised if he wasn't secretly a werewolf.”

“Victor.”

“No way, can I turn into a wolf?!”

“As soon as you hit puberty, you will be as hairy as a grizzly. Can howl at the moon and bite your enemies and everything.”

“Really, Victor? Out of everything, you decide to torment me with this?” Arthur groaned loudly, running a hand down his face.

“I’m evil.” You grinned back.

“Yes you are, for an oversized noodle with teeth you certainly are something else.”

“Not a noodle.”

“Fine then, sock with teeth.”

“Am not. You know how strong my coils are, you saw it on more than one occasion, don’t deny it.”

A bit more back and forth was held in the house whilst you and Isaac got to know one another.
***

A few hours later.

Isaac had fallen asleep in your coils, in return you had fallen asleep on him.

Which left Arthur and Eliza time to watch the strange new pair.

“Did you know that Victor was following you, Arthur?” Eliza asked, whilst doing the dishes and letting Arthur dry them besides her.

“I had no idea, he can be really quiet, that damn oversized sock.” Arthur sighed lightly, whilst stacking the now clean and dry plates in the cabinet above him.

“I can hear that you love him, even though you call him annoying. You really see him as your..odd little brother.” Eliza chuckled, getting to work to clean a big pan in the sink.

“Did you see how easy it was for Isaac to bond with him? The boy has been lonely at school and having trouble making friends. I think him being friends with Victor will do him good. Your brother…strange as he is, seems to have a good heart. I can tell, you do too.” Eliza said gently, casting a glance at the weird duo sleeping around one another, covered in coils.

“Victor is a nice young man. He has a good heart but can be very stubborn and is highly protective of people that he loves. A bit silly but he will not let anyone lay a finger on Isaac now. He’s…marked him as his buddy now.” Arthur gave Victor a gentle look, seeing that his own young son was already being guarded and protected by Victor's coils.

“Marked?”

“Victor usually scent marks his friends and loved ones quite often. He rubs his head or neck against them. So he can smell us and keep track of us, from what he’s told us.” Arthur explained for Eliza.

“Huh, that doesn’t sound too bad.”

“There was this..man that Dutch and the gang work with now. I was out hunting with John and he came to close or snuck up on Victor. Well, he didn’t take too kindly on that. Victor coiled him in seconds and squeezed him hard, nearly breaking a few bones on him. All that was to protect me and John. Then Dutch came running and told him that those were his new business partners. Victor obeyed and let him go but the man he squeezed..lets just say that he got a bit spooked.”

“My god.”

“Yeah, you don’t have to worry about Isaac, he’s got a big buddy protecting him now. Victor won’t let anyone lay a finger on Isaac with him around.”

“Impressive, a bit scary but that does put my mind at ease. Knowing that if they go out on some adventure in the woods and bumps into something bad. Then Victor will be able to handle it.” Eliza nodded, casting the still sleeping Victor a pleased look.

“No, you don’t have to worry.”

Don’t worry about anything.

After another hour.

You woke up.

Letting out a big yawn, whilst trying to stretch your coils but remembering about your new buddy in your coils.

Isaac was still out cold.

So you did what you had done on Arthur and John.

Annoy him to wake him up.

Sniffing his hair loudly, you started to nip and groom his hair, then the neck. Lastly you started licking his neck.

Getting first a few groans, mumbles, then full blown giggles.

“Stop it, that tickles.” Isaac giggled, trying to talk as you kept licking him.

Not a chance, you got him right where you wanted him.

“Nope.” You licked his cheek, making sure to leave a big wet patch behind.

“Gross!”

“I’m grooming you.”

“Well, don’t, I can take a bath.”

“How? I got you stuck here. You smirked, sneaking in some coils in between his clothes to tickle him some more.

“Pa! He’s tickling me to death!”

Arthur came over, looking like he just had a good nap. “Well, it’s at your own risk to sleep in his coils, son.”

“Traitor!”

“Get him good, Victor. Then once you're done, drag him to the bathtub. This boy needs a good wash.” Arthur smirked back at you.

“Pa!”

So you did.

Tickling and teasing Isaac for minutes before dragging him for a bath.

You had a feeling that would be a long friendship between you and Isaac.
***

A new friend.

 

The secret Arthur kept hidden had been revealed.

 

Now you had to protect it for him, to make sure that Isaac was safe.

Chapter 14: All good deeds have a price

Notes:

Here yo go folks, sorry about it being a day late.

Work and life got in the way.

Until next month!

Things were getting on good in Dover.

You had been slithering around on the rooftops of the town, the town was literally your playground.

Arthur and you hadn’t visited Isaac since then but that was fine. The amount of work you had to do in town had kept you busy anyways. There was no time to play around with the boy.

On another note, Dutch and those O’Driscoll boys had not been getting on about some things in town. Mainly who gets to take what, shares and other things. You didn’t really want to get involved about it, felt like it wasn't your place to say anything.

Dutch, Hosea and Arthur seemed to keep that between themselves.

You were just a silent observer and from the talk they had been having, it was something you preferred too.

Tonight they were supposed to meet at some bar in town. Dutch and Hosea along with Colm and Owen, an attempt to straighten things out.

Not that you were sure they could, if you had a say, it was better to part ways from all the drama you had heard and sometimes seen.

Dutch thought that it could be solved with charms and words, you weren’t too sure about that.

So when it was time for them to go to the meeting in the evening, you followed them.

To protect Hosea and Dutch but mostly Hosea.

Dutch had a tendency to say lots of things he didn’t mean, you were starting to notice that.

Not that it made any sense to you.

If you say something, stand for it. Or don’t say anything and stand for that.

Humans were still strange beasts at times.

Not much different from wild animals.

As Dutch and Hosea mounted up on their horses, you kept low and looked at Arthur.

“I have a feeling that…something might happen and I want to make sure to watch them. Have this gut feeling.” You explained to Arthur, whilst your coils twitched, you had a tendency to do that when you were rearing to go or were agitated.

“Relax Victor, it’s Dutch and Hosea. They can charm the boots of any lady and talk themselves out of jail. You have nothing to worry about.” Arthur chuckled, whilst grabbing some materials out of his chest to polish his leather boots.

“I just have a feeling, Arthur.”

“We can all have that.”

The further Dutch and Hosea rode away towards town, the more stressed you got.

“I have to go, Arthur. Just..please, I just want to make sure.” You pleaded with him, before Dutch left. He had left Arthur in charge of the camp.

Like usual.

“Victor, if you are spotted..you know what could happen to you.” Arthur sighed, looking at you with the damn judgy look he had at times.

“I’m used to the town by now, I know where to go and hide and what’s safe.”

“You can’t guarantee anything in a town, kid. Things change, people could come and you know how it is.”

“I know but I need this, please.”

Arthur sighed loudly, putting his half polished boot down on the table as he gave you a look.

“Fine, you keep a damn low profile and come back safe and sound, not a scale damaged on you. You hear?”

“I promise. Stay hidden and safe.” You nodded, as you slithered quickly towards town after Dutch and Hosea.

“Damn puppy.” Arthur chuckled, whilst he went back to polishing his boot.

If he only knew how attached Victor was to Hosea.

Then perhaps he would understand why he felt the need to watch over him so much.
***

A few minutes later.

You had managed to slither into town, keeping all of yourself hidden and sticking to the rooftops.

Dutch and Hosea had ridden on the main road before going off to a smaller street in town to a bar where they were supposed to meet Colm and Owen.

The bar had a big sign with some lanterns outside.

It was called the Rusty Lantern.

A bit of a boring name but it certainly lived up to it.

As Dutch and Hosea hitched their horses, you slithered onto the roof of the bar and looked down towards the street.

You saw Colm and Owen’s horses. They were easy to recognize, both had American standardbreds. Owen had a buckskin and Colm had a pure black one.

Easy to spot and made it easier to know if they were there.

That and their custom saddles with their initials.

Once they were all inside, all you really could do was to coil up and rest on the roof. Which you did after you looked around all sides of the bar.

There was a back of the bar, fenced in with dingy wooden boards but they were still quite tall and a worn gate. No doubt a staff and delivery entry. There was also a narrow walkway after the gate which connected to the other places around.

It was a big town with lots of buildings around. The Rusty Lantern bar was at the corner of the street and next to it were shops and apartments. Some entirely owned by a family. Others were split, one living at the top or bottom of the building.

You looked at the people below and around, winter was around the corner and the chill was getting a bit more aggressive in the air. It stung at your cheeks a bit by now. Today was also payday and people were out walking in the town.

Some were going to the big theater in town, others restaurants and bars. Others spent time with their families and neighbours.

All in all, the mood was rather nice in the town.

Dover had its ups and down.

The split between the classes was quite clear though. It was clear where the invincible line in town divided the poor and the wealthy. It was just the street after the bar.

At the fancy side there were mansions and big houses. Fancy coaches and snobby people with long noses, looking down at people whom they deemed less. The road was even fancier on that side, they had cobblestone roads, polished and proper coaches. Butlers and more law patrolling their streets to keep the wealthy safe from what they deemed to be savages.

Which was the poor or working class, that and the actual outlaws.

The sheriffs office of the town was a big apartment building from what you had heard from Hosea. Officers and the law working upstairs. The bad guys and criminals were in the basement, making it harder for them to escape.

One thing was for sure, there was plenty of law in town.

Easy to spot them in their blue coats, golden badges and silly black hats.

One thing was for sure.

In time, this would be quite the big town.

Just not yet but it was getting there.

Once you had the lay from the roof, you coiled up to rest, flicking your tongue as you got the scents of the town. The roof was safe and the odds of someone climbing up here to bother you were painfully low.

Making you feel a bit more at ease.

Now you just waited and hoped that your gut was wrong and it was just your and your nerves being paranoid.
***

Some time later.

You must’ve zone out.

Before you snapped back to it as you heard a slam of the door from the back of the bar and a loud mumble or grumble.

You got curious, flicking your tongue, you slithered to the edge of the roof to look down.

Sure enough, there was Dutch. With a cigar and a frown on his face. You didn’t say anything, not yet. Just watching him for now would do.

“Damn stubborn fools.” Dutch muttered, as he smoked his cigar. Puffing the smoke above his head into the cold night air.

Hmm, seems like that meeting didn’t go too well.

Colm and Owen were stubborn, at times painfully so. Dutch had the right to be annoyed with them.

Just as you were to turn away from the edge of the roof, the door behind Dutch opened again.

This time, Owen stepped out alone.

“I thought you left with your brother, Owen.” Dutch sighed, whilst giving him an annoyed look.

Owen shrugged as lit a cigarette beside Dutch. “Na, Colm is a bore, he wanted to do something back at camp. I decided to stay for another drink.”

“Colm already left?”

“He’s not one to stick around if he doesn’t feel like it.”

“Clearly.”

“Look Dutch, I know we didn’t get along in there but perhaps it's time for you to stop being so cheap and learn to share. Fair and square. Not like you inverts have..girls to splash your money on.” Owen smirked, blowing out some smoke to his right.

“Excuse me?” Dutch growled, snapping his head towards Owen.

Huh, did Colm and Owen know that Dutch and Hosea were a couple?

It was not like they had told anyone outside of camp.

“You heard me..inverts. It’s painfully obvious you are fucking that Matthews. I don’t blame you, he is easy on the eyes and looks a bit feminine in the face, I suppose.” Owen chuckled as he gave Dutch a look.

Not that it helped Dutch’s already short temper.

“You don’t say a goddamn word about Hosea. He’s the best man I know. Without him many things would be different.”

“Yeah? Just because he helped you with the gang and raised those boys and that..Victor. Doesn't mean you can’t deny what you do to him. He works and helps around, sure. Then you repay him with a hard round in the sheets, either at a hotel or at camp, ain’t that so?”

“You don’t get to say another word about him, you hear?” Dutch growled with clenched teeth, as his right hand hovered above his gun.

Ohh please Owen, shut up.

“He looks like a bottom, or does he top you?” Owen smirked, as he inhaled another puff of his cigarette.

He didn’t get to enjoy that feeling.

BANG!

A grunt and then Owen was down, clutching the side of his stomach.

“Ya damn moody bastard, what the hell was that for?!” Owen roared, holding his now bleeding stomach.

“That was for Hosea.” Dutch growled, turning to walk away.

“If I die, Colm and our gang will hunt you to the ends of the earth. Then even if I don’t die, you are still a dead man walking!” Owen yelled after Dutch, whilst Dutch mounted up on his horse and rode away quickly from the scene.

All that was left was you on the roof and a badly injured Owen clutching his bleeding stomach.

Oh no.

What had Dutch done?
***

You wasted no time and looked around, it seems no one cared or heard the gunshot. Despite the loud bang. Flicking your tongue, you smelt Owen’s blood and slowly and carefully slithered down the roof and looked at him besides his shoulder.

“Look at what you did.” You sighed, looking at Owen that was quickly growing weaker by the minute besides you.

“Victor?” Owen coughed, turning his head to look at you.

“That looks..bad.” You lowered yourself to look at Owen. His hand clutched his wound, the blood was spilling out at a quick and steady rate.

“Yeah, well..perhaps my damn mouth got the better of me. I won’t..make it, I’m afraid. Dutch got me good.” Owen sighed, wincing from the pain of his wound.

“What..are you going to die?”

“Afraid so..unless..you help me?”

“What can I do? I’m not a doctor.” You blinked quickly, not really understanding what Owen meant by that.

“Kid, you do know that naga blood can cure any injury or sickness in humans and animals, right? That and stop aging for a full year. The reason you are so damn rare is because they hunt your kind for your blood and your damn tough scales, you are practically bulletproof. They target males because you are bigger and have more blood and scales.” Owen explained with a groan.

“I’ve..heard this before..from..someone.” You mumbled, eyes fixed at the blood coming out of Owen.

He reminded you of Dennis, when he was badly bleeding and beaten that night, when the hunters killed your family and burned down your home.

If you weren’t so scared you could have saved him, you could have done something.

Now you have another chance to save someone.

Owen O’Driscoll, a man you didn’t understand and wasn't easy to like.

“If..I save you…I don't know if I can trust you. You said you would hurt my family. That’s not something I want.”

Owen nodded and coughed. “I understand, kid. Don’t blame ya for it. Family is important, then how about this. I will owe you a favor and I won’t go after Dutch for this. We will just part ways, what do you say?”

You gave him a doubtful look and sighed. “How will I know that you will keep your word?”

“Saving my life ain’t something that I will ever forget.”

Sighing, you relented and slithered over to Owen. “Alright then, you better keep your word.”

Owen nodded and gave you an expectant look and moved his hand away from the wound.

It was worse that you thought, you could see straight through it, he would indeed die without your help and soon too.

Biting your right arm to the point of bleeding, you offered the blood on your arm to Owen.

Owen weakly grabbed your arm and licked up all the blood. Once done, he leaned heavily against the wall and sighed.

Then it happened, it was the strangest thing. The wound slowly and surely started to close on its own and heal, the bleeding stopped and Owen stopped looking so weak and pale.

In five minutes, he was back on his feet and looking normal again, minus the bloodstained clothes and the hole in his shirt.

“You saved my life, kid. I owe you big time.” Owen yanked you over, giving you a hug.

“Since when did you do hugs?”

“Well, since your blood kept me from death's door in a matter of minutes.” Owen chuckled and ruffled your hair.

“I think it's best if we part ways.”

“Yeah I agree, kid. You stay safe out there and don’t let them catch you or kill you. I heard rumors of some hunters that might be on your tail. Stick close to the shadows if you ever sense danger.” Owen grunted, walking over to the narrow path besides the bar. Looking to see if his horse was still there.

Sure enough, it was.

Owen gave you valuable information.

Hunters..they were still out there.

“Try to be less on an ass in the future, Owen.”

He just chuckled, turning his head around to look at you. “Ain’t making any promises kid but after this I will certainly think of it.”

That was the last thing you said to him.

Owen mounted up and rode away.

You slithered back to the others at camp.

Farewell friend, even though you weren’t really it.
***

Around half an hour later, you were back at camp.

Dutch was quiet and stuck in a conversation with an upset Hosea. No doubt knowing what he did to Owen.

You would avoid telling them what you did, perhaps it would be seen as betrayal or something worse. It was better to stay quiet.

As you slithered over to your cot, a snowflake hit your nose, a reminder of the cold and chilly months ahead.

“I see you are back.” Arthur intercepted you, I think the meeting went a bit badly. Considering the way Dutch came back alone, all gloomy and moody. He won’t tell me what happened in town.”

“I left after I saw Hosea step out.” You lied, looking away at the man in question.

“Sure took your time then, Hosea was back fifteen minutes before him.”

“I..looked around in town from the rooftops. There are lots of things to see and many people in town.” You lied but in truth, there was lots to see in town.

“True, Dover is a big place.”

“Just got a snowflake on my nose too.”

“Hmm, well better get ready for more, kid. Winter is around the corner and I don’t want to freeze into some giant, stiff and strange pasta piece.” Arthur chuckled, whilst ushering you to get inside your cot to warm up.

“Very funny.”

“I think it was.”

“Well, whatever happened. I guess we ain’t working with those O’Driscoll’s no more. Good riddance, they took so much in their damn shares and everything. We did most of the work anyway.”

That was good news but you had a feeling this wasn't the last time you would see Colm and Owen again.

It was a big country, sure.

However, places with big scores and places to rob were only scattered here and there.

Not every place was good enough to rob.

Only time would tell what would happen in the future.
***

A partnership ended.

 

At what price was the question.

 

Only time would tell.

Chapter 15: A stop in the snow

Notes:

Life moves on and so does the gang.

Yes, you get an update..two days early. I'm swamped with things to do.

Until next month, folks!

It had been a few weeks by now, since the..incident in Dover.

The gang hadn't seen Colm or Owen since.

Which was for the best, considering how it could have ended if you didn’t step in.

Sure, there was a feud but at least it wasn't a blood feud. This was the better option.

Dutch and Hosea had done a few more scores in Dover and then quickly moved on. Deeming it not safe enough to be so close to your new enemy, the O’Driscoll’s.

Not that you argued with that logic, it really wasn't.

It wasn't in Colm or Owen’s nature to sit back and take this..insult that Dutch did. Then again, considering what you did..they perhaps tolerated it for now? Or something.

You didn’t know.

Or planned to find out.

You were currently coiled up and sleeping in the wagon again. This time on blankets and plenty of furrs, kindly provided by yourself, Arthur and Isaac.

Dutch and Hosea were going somewhat close to the area where Eliza and Isaac lived. Not that you knew the name.

Or cared to know, as long as you knew where to go.

Arthur and John were on horses, the girls and a few of the boys were either on wagons or horseback.

Hosea was in the front of the convoy. Since Dutch was shit at reading a map.

Constantly denying it but everyone knew it was true.

By now, winter was in full gear. There was snow and then even more snow. Tall, high, flying or hanging above in dark clouds.

It was everywhere and in everything.

Arthur didn’t like it and grumbled about it like an old man.

John somewhat accepted it.

Hosea was on team no.

Perhaps Dutch was too.

You on the other hand, were on the team of, I don’t care as long as I have my blankets and furs. Snow helped you hunt and pick up scents with ease, along with helping you slither around more quietly whilst you hunted or did some job.

The pros outweigh the cons by quite a lot .

From what you could see as you yawned and flicked your tongue and poked your head out the wagon.

A blizzard hung in the air. The temperature had dropped and the wind had picked up. Even though the snow on the ground was packed solid by all the travelers, the wagons and horses still slipped around in a few places.

Ice was a bastard and you didn’t fancy slithering around on this road yourself.

“We need to find some shelter soon, Dutch. It’s going to snow quite a lot, the wind alone chills man and beast to the bone. If we don’t find somewhere to stop we risk getting stuck or worse yet, lost.” Hosea shivered, holding on tightly to the reins.

At the moment the gang travelled on a well used road in a forest towards some town.

“There’s no barns or anything around here!” Arthur yelled from his horse, whilst rubbing his hands fast, no doubt trying to warm his frozen fingers.

“Perhaps a cave?” John suggested, looking just as cold as Arthur from his horse.

“I don’t think there’s any caves around here, son. The area is too flat.” Dutch spoke up, rubbing his arms as he looked ahead. Even though he wore a black bear coat. Dutch didn’t look to warm himself either.

“Look, there's a crossroad up ahead. If memory serves right, there should be a saloon or town just around here, somewhere. I think it was called Lonesome Dove.” Miss Grimshaw spoke up from the wagon she was driving, reining the horses in to walk alongside your wagon.

Lonesome Dove?

What an odd name.

“Ahh, you're a genius, Miss Grimshaw. I had almost forgotten about the odd saloon. You are right, it’s not too far from here. If memory serves me right, it should be to the right at the crossroads and a few minutes down.” Dutch perked up.

True enough.

The weather got worse and the gang weren’t moving too fast but in time, perhaps about thirty minutes later.

There it was.

Lonesome Dove.

A big bright and lit saloon and hotel establishment from what you could read. That and stables around the back.

The place was bustling and filled with noise and laughter.

Around the saloon was an equally large stable with doors and a high roof. The horses should be warm and fed inside that place.

“Let’s ride towards the stable, get our wagons parked and horses warm and fed. We can’t go anywhere without them.” Dutch ordered, as the gang slowly and surely went towards it.

There was a narrow path towards the stable. The rest was filled with snow that had blown over. It had to be twice as wide in good weather but right now it wasn't.

“Whoa there.”

“Howdy fellers, you sure are in luck. I think I got just enough space left to stable all your horses. Damn weather but good for business. I'll tell you.” The stable manager chuckled, whilst whistling for some stableboys to come over and help.

“Much appreciated, friend. We thought we could pass through it but the damn blizzard had some other ideas.” Dutch groaned, carefully climbing down the wagon.

“Ahh, yeah mother nature rarely cares little about us mere mortals' plans.”

“That she doesn’t. Is the saloon full, or are there some rooms to rent?”

“Hmm, well a few of you might have to share rooms but I doubt you have any problems with that. Might even warm you people up faster.” The stable manager laughed again.

“We can deal with that. Dutch and Arthur, you go and fix us some rooms. Me and the others get what we need from the wagons and tend to the horses.” Hosea grunted, climbing down from the wagon, just outside the big barn doors to the stable.

“Sounds like a plan to me.”

With that, most went inside the stables and horses, wagons were moved and stored.

You kept a low profile inside the wagon. Coiled up and hidden behind a chest. Looking like a pile of clothes and fur.

Hosea walked over and gave your blankets a pat, his way of telling you to stay here and keep yourself hidden and warm. It was too risky heading inside, if you fell asleep in human form and then woke up in your true form and someone saw you. There would be problems.

Big problems.

It was simply too risky.

So, you had to stay.

Hosea and the others took their things and left.

Miss Grimshaw handed you a few pieces of meat to eat.

Before long, everyone was inside the hotel and warming up but you didn’t complain. It was nice in the barn.

Warm and good enough for you.

For now.

Once the stablehands were all done and had tidied everything up in the stables, you rested your head on the side of the wagon, looking around and outside it. Hmm, the stable was pretty newlooking and big.

Lots of horses, draft, race and everything in between.

Chestnut, sorrel, dun, pinto, buckskin and black.

Wait..

Buckskin and black?

You looked around and slithered outside the wagon, just for a brief and careful moment.

Keeping low to the ground, you slithered over to the horses.

Hmm, the buckskin was a big draft cross but the black one. The black one was an American standardbred.

Just like Colm had.

Hmm, tack?

There were holders outside each stable, for the bridle and the saddle. You knew that Colm had a unique silver horn on his and C.O in big letters by the back near his saddlebags.

Lifting the saddle blanket that was on the saddle, you saw what you didn’t want to see.

C.O.

Fuck.

Wait, you looked around the stable. Owen’s horse wasn't here, nor their gang.

Was Colm out here alone on some errand but got stopped by the weather just like Dutch had been?

The blizzard was rather big and this crossroad was a popular route.

Dang, what to do?

You couldn't go inside the saloon, hmm, perhaps it was better to stand back for now. After all, the place was packed from what you heard from the workers. Colm was most likely alone.

He wouldn't do anything dumb whilst alone.

The rooms were all rented out from what you heard before. Perhaps Colm was already in bed sleeping? It was rather later after all.

Frustrated and a bit worried you decided to slither back inside the wagon again. While you couldn't do anything out there. You could keep watch here.

Colm couldn't do anything until it stopped snowing, he was stuck, just like you and the others.

For better or worse.

You coiled up under your furs and blankets again inside the wagon, yawning and getting yourself comfortable.

It will be a long night.

Might as well rest whilst you could.
***

The next morning.

You woke to the noises of the stable being fixed and horses tended and fed.

Was it already morning?

Peeking outside the wagon, you saw that the stable doors were open as the stablehands mucked out the stables and brought in feed for the horses. It had snowed a lot last night but it had almost stopped by now.

A few stray snowflakes here and there fell from the sky. From what you could see from your position, it had to be at least a half meter of snow. People were out shoveling paths.

Some threw out gravel, others sand and there were the ones walking back and forth across the snow, stomping it down to make paths.

“Are we about done with bringing in the fed, Hank?”

“Yes, sir. Just in time, then we can soon close these doors.”

“You said it, we got quite a lot of snow last night.”

“These wagons, boss. Are they moving today?” The stablehand pointed to your wagon, as you ducked down and kept low inside it.

“Yes, they are going today. I talked to the men owning the wagons inside the hotel. Said that they are all moving after some late breakfast.”

“Hmm, ain’t sure if all the roads are fixed by now. It’s still quite early.”

“Well, as much as we can debate we still got work to do, let’s get it done, Hank.”

“Yes sir.”

With that, the two men parted ways. Their boss went and closed one door to the stable. The man called Hank went inside to tend to the stalls and mix feed.

You were still stuck inside the wagon.

Oh, how badly you wanted to roll in that snow and scratch your scales. As usual, you couldn't due to the humans and their fear of things being different.

Dammit.

So, you sulked inside the wagon, the stablehands were efficient in their work. Once they were done, it was quiet again and boring.

You slithered out once the coast was clear with nothing to do. Perhaps brushing Colm’s horse was not too bad. He looked like his mane was due for a brushing.

His horse wasn't afraid of you anymore.

That meant he would be quiet.

You found some grooming tack in a bucket outside his stall, grabbing it, you slithered inside to brush the horse.

Way too small for someone with your stature, you could lower and raise yourself quite a bit. A bit cool and also quite handy.

“Hey there, you old fart.” You greeted the horse with a pat on the neck.

The horse didn’t even care, he just chewed calmly on his hay.

So, with him being so calm, you went to it. Getting knots and tangles out of the mane and tail. Brushing the fur and picking the hooves.

He was a good boy, behaved just fine and didn’t seem to mind getting properly groomed by you.

“Leo?” You heard a voice behind you.

Oh damn, how could you not have heard that?

Turning around, you expected to see Hosea or Arthur, instead you saw Colm.

In a fluffy coat that made him look a bit silly and with his bear chaps on too.

Oh, well this was awkward.

“I didn’t expect you here.” You said after a brief moment. “I..recognized your horse and..saddle.”

“Yeah, my saddle is..pretty much a dead giveaway.” Colm chuckled, joining you in the stall with his horse.

“I..did..you know about your…the thing with your brother?” You asked nervously, voice quiet. Not wanting anyone but him to hear.

“What you did to Owen, I can never repay you. Was out here for some private errands, letters and catching up with some people. Then mother nature decided to slow me down yesterday afternoon, got a room and waited out the blizzard.” Colm explained.

“It’s..still snowing a little bit.” You gestured outside.

“Ain’t too bad, don’t have far to go.” Colm shrugged, walking over to your side.

“I..hope you will get on out there without me as a spy this time.” You teased him lightly.

“Guess I will have to deal with it. Still, considering what you did for me. I think you don’t owe me any favors. For now.”

“You should leave..before Dutch and Hosea see you.” You tried to warn him, there was no need for any confrontations now.

“No need to worry, kid. I saw them before but they didn’t see me. I can’t promise you that. I won’t give them some lesson for what they..did or tried to do..thanks to you. I can tell you this though, neither of my boys, me or my brother will bother you.” Colm sighed, heading over to pick up his saddle and tack up his horse.

You slithered out of his way to allow him room to tack up.

“Be careful out there, Colm. It’s pretty deep. I heard the stablehands say half a meter of snow out there on the roads.”

“Not to worry. This road is pretty busy. The plowhorses should be through here soon. If they haven’t been there already.” Colm grunted, placing the saddle on his horse.

As he got his horse ready you kept watching, a silent deal.

To help him leave and to help the others from seeing him and causing a fuss.

Once Colm was done, he mounted up in the stable. It was a very high roof. So it was easy to mount up on a horse.

Colm gestured his horse to go outside into the snow. Glancing back and stopping his horse to say something. “I hope we meet again someday, kid. Once you are grown and..even bigger and stronger. Owen wants to see you again. Until then, take care kid.”

“Stay out of trouble.”

“I will try!” Colm chuckled, urging his horse to a trot as he went away in the distance towards..somewhere.

You were glad that Colm appreciated that you did. Even more so that he didn’t blame you for what Dutch did.

It gave you a bit of peace.

A few hours later, you were on that wagon and travelling to someplace Dutch and Hosea knew.

They were none the wiser about you seeing Colm and talking to him. It was for the best.

The wheels of your wagons wisped up snow and rocks.

Girls were talking about the pretty snow.

Arthur and John muttered about it being too cold.

You just layed in the wagon and watched the beauty of snow and trees.

It was quite beautiful with all the white.

You hoped to see Colm and Owen again, despite all the past issues you had with them.

People can change, Colm seemed different even now.

Owen’s incident perhaps had scared him a bit.

Then you came, the golden and white scaled slithery knight.

Who knew?

The only way to know is to keep moving.

To the next adventure.
***

Victor and Colm share words and decide to remain neutral and leave the past behind them.

 

Dutch and Hosea have new plans as usual.

 

The way on now was forward.

Chapter 16: Older, bolder and new friends

Notes:

We have finally reached 1899 and Blackwater.

Victor is bigger and a bit more cheeky. This chapter is a few days early, as I will be swamped next week and I got lucky and got everything in order early.

See you next month, enjoy summer until then. It just started.

It had been a few years.

The years had passed and went, fun had been had and bad things had happened.

Arthur was 36, John was 26, soon to be 27. You were 24, soon to be 25.

You had grown. Eight meters long and filled out with plenty of muscles and weight about as much as a big horse. At your age you were able to hold your human form for a whole day.

So you could help with robberies these days.

Isaac lived with the gang since a few years back.

You and him had bonded well, he was soon to be 20.

A few years ago, you and Isaac went on a small hunt together in the forest close to his home.

When you came back..Eliza was dead.

Robbers hit the house, all for ten dollars.

It was a tragedy and it hit Arthur and Isaac both hard but..time heals wounds but doesn’t always remove the sorrow or the scars.

Since that day, Isaac was glued to either you or Arthur.

Not that you minded that.

It was almost May by now and Dutch and Hosea were heading to this place called Blackwater. Apparently Dutch had a feeling about this town.

You on the other hand, was watching this annoying man that joined the gang about..six months ago?

This..Micah Bell.

Short, blonde and a bit fat.

Ohh, you had a lot of fun with him.

Scaring him, making him flinch or jump. That and a few bites. It was his terrible personality that rubbed your scales the wrong way.

By now it was your job to torment him. Not like the others said anything about it.

Besides, the others didn’t view him too fondly either. Only Dutch saw something in him after he had saved his life.

Sure, he had saved Dutch life in some gold scam in some hills but you didn’t excuse his attitude for that.

You had saved lives too but you didn’t behave like a swine for that.

On the other hand, you liked those Callender brothers quite a lot. Davey and Mac. Blonde and brunette in hair colors.

Dumb and ill tempered but amusing.

Davey loved sitting on your coils, Mac liked using your coils as some weird tool and heater.

Then there was a very likeable but usually drunk Irishman, Sean Macguire. Him you liked a lot…as in a little brother way. Dumb but sweet and cute.

He had a habit of borrowing your coils to sleep in or on them, he said it helped his back.

Who were you to question him?

“Alright folks, here we are. Home sweet home.” Dutch led the gang from his wagon.

These days you were riding more now that you could hold your form much longer.

Another new member, Charles. He lent Taima to you and he was easy on the eyes too. A half black man and half native with a body and face that screamed sexy and strong.

You liked him and his firm ass.

He was calm and patient and said very little.

Unlike Sean.

Arthur and Charles got along very well.

“Right, you ride up first with the wagon, Dutch. Be careful, we have quite a steep ledge on both sides of this spot.” Hosea hollered from the wagon that he was driving.

This place that was hidden but a bit exposed for your tastes of a camp was on a beautiful steep cliff.

Right next to Lone mule stead. Mere meters from it.

You liked the spot and helped the others unpack and get the wagons in order.

Javier and Bill helped too. They were also people you had picked up, since a few years back.

Bill was still weary of you and convinced you would one day eat him in his sleep.

Yeah, right.

Javier accepted you after one week.

As everyone unpacked and got things in order.

Micah was being lazy, leaning against a tree and looking at Blackwater that was just over a small river and on the other side.

Very close to the camp.

He was always lazy and you didn’t care for it one bit.

Slithering over to him quietly and behind him because you loved seeing him flinch. You flicked your tongue in his head. “Lazy as always, Micah.” You hissed at him.

Micah tensed up and tried to look like he didn’t jump a bit at all. “What do you want, Victor?”

“You have to help out, we are a gang, a family and a team. That means everyone helps out.”

“I ain’t no maid or servant, just a man with a gun. I don’t take orders from snakes.” Micah huffed, crossing his arms as he gave you a defiant look.

“If I was a snake, I would have bitten you long ago. I'm, however, a naga and far more intelligent than that, Micah. Unless you want me to squeeze some sense into you. I would get moving.” You subtly threatened him, if he was going to slack off again, you would make him suffer for it.

“Dutch would find out, Victor.” Micah huffed, walking over to your face.

It was almost funny how such a small man could think he had a prayer against you. Your scales had hardened with age, to the point that you were almost bulletproof and you were strong enough to strangle a grizzly in your coils.

Such a proud fool of a man.

“I don’t think he would care. Just as long as I don’t eat you or kill you.” You flicked your tongue in his face again.

Micah scoffed and pushed your head away from him. “You don’t eat humans, it's a well known thing in the gang.”

“True but I guess I could always try eating a human. You are already a small and plump little thing, Micah. I think you could be a decent..dinner.”

“You wouldn't.”

“Perhaps, perhaps not. Are you willing to risk it?”

Micah groaned loudly, throwing his hands up, as he walked over to one of the wagons in camp to help out in some measly way.

Sean had seen the whole thing and was laughing loudly. “You showed him, Victor. Good on ya for not tolerating his crap.” Sean yawned, as he woke up from his nap, napping on his supposed guard duty time.

“Hmm, I don’t trust that man.”

“Ehh, he’s a right old fool.”

“You are a sleepyhead, Sean. Always sleeping here or there.”

“Am not, just resting my weary eyes for a brief moment here and there.” Sean protested, closing his eyes to tease you.

Flicking your tongue in his face, you got Sean to get those eyes opened pretty quick.

“Vey funny, you oversized worm.” Sean huffed, pushing your head away.

“Lazy lil human.”

“Hey, I ain’t small. Us Macguire are tall and mighty. Me da was pretty tall back home, just like him I am.” Sean grinned back, trying to puff himself up.

“You are all tiny and weak compared to me.”

“Yeah, well you are a tad longer and stronger and missing legs most of the time but in those rare days when you look like us, you ain’t that tall.” Sean teased back, that classic Sean grin on his face.

“Ass.”

“Ain’t that a way to treat your brother?” Sean chuckled back.

“Ain’t related.”

“Might as well be, we get along with plenty of things, besides those scales and your weird thing for strangling things and eating them whole. Take away that then we are like brothers.”

Before you had a chance to smack Sean in the face with your coils, Arthur came over, looking a bit tired.

It had been a long trip here to get there.

“Sean, I see you have plenty of energy to go around and annoy Victor here. However, when it’s time for work you are nowhere to be found.” Arthur scoffed at him.

“I was doing guard duty.”

Arthur turned to you and you already knew what he was going to ask.

“Was he-”

“He was asleep and I did indeed wake him up.”

“Right, as I suspected.”

“Snitch.”

“Bite me, Sean.”

“Sean, you go and help out in camp or Victor here is going to get you to help out. Like he did with Micah.”

“Fine, fine, sulky and wormy.”

Sean stomped off and you looked at Arthur with a pleased look.

“You’re welcome.”

“Appreciate it, big oversized lizard.”

“Don’t you start too, Arthur.”

“I have rights.”

“Sure you do.”
***

Many hours later.

It was late in the evening.

The gang had eaten and about everything was packed up and tended to in the camp. Sean was running after Karen, as per usual.

Micah was being a sulky hermit in the edges of camp, as per usual.

John and Abigail had another argument about Jack, also as per usual.

Arthur was playing poker with the Callender brothers. Hosea and Dutch were talking about Blackwater.

Then there was you, alone and bored.

You needed to annoy someone and..Micah looked like a prime target tonight.

Creeping him out was one of your greatest pleasures.

He was such a target that it was almost delicious.

Slithering to the cliff at the edge of camp, you kept low and blended into the dark to make sure Micah didn’t see you.

He was busy whittling away and glaring at..whatever made him annoyed, which was everything. Predictable to a T.

Slowly and surely, you slithered closer and closer, not making a sound. The ground was perfect for you, not to dry or wet, perfect for stalking.

Micah was none the wiser about it.

He just kept whittling.

Just cut after cut.

Not watching his back.

Where you were.

Looking at him.

Now, what to do? Coil his face and drag him off? Grab him with your hands or coils?

Perhaps both?

Hmm, both.

Yep, let's go with that.

Micah didn’t know what grabbed him.

In the blink of an eye, you had grabbed him, silenced him, dragged him away a few meters and coiled around him.

The only thing left on the ground was his stick and knives.

Micah huffed and mumbled as you coiled around him. You wasted no time, tossing his gun belt with those strange guns of his besides his knife.

Once that was done, you dragged him towards the big tree just beside Lone mule stead. Dragged him up the tree and kept your coils around him firmly and the tree. The last thing you wanted was to fall down.

Would be embarrassing and hurt him too quickly.

Not something you wanted.

Micah wriggled around a bit before he gave up, giving you his classic glare.

He knew you wouldn't kill him.

No, not without reason but you sure as hell would toy with him.

As you tighten your grip around him, your scales move tighter around his clothes, his leather creaking as you did, Micah grunted and protested with that look of his.

He knew he was trapped.

Both of you did.

Eventually, you removed your tail from his mouth.

“What the hell do you think you are doing?”

“Playing.”

“Playing?” Micah scoffed, tilting his head a bit as he gave you a scoff. “How the hell is this playing?”

“Ohh, you know, holding you, choking you a bit and just keeping you stuck here. That is fun to me.” You flicked your tongue, giving Micah an amused smirk.

“You are one sick man, Victor, one sick man indeed.”

“I see it as a cat playing with his mouse, Micah.”

“I don't see it-”

Before Micah could say too much, you tightened your coils around him by quite a bit.

“Careful now, Micah. I have been watching you these past months. Just because Dutch allowed you in doesn’t mean you are the top dog in his little line of gunmen. Arthur is and always will be, you better get back in line and get that. I will keep doing this until you get the message. Stay in your line, Micah.” You warned him with a glare before you loosened up your coils a bit.

Micah coughed and panted as you gave him a break. “What the hell are you implying, huh?”

“I have eyes and ears, Micah. I can see you and your..manners.”

“Is that so?”

“That it is.”

“You think I want to take Arthur's place?”

“I know you want his place but you would fail and fail badly, you are nothing to him. Too selfish to see beyond your own desires in life. You won't get far and your greed will bite you in the ass one day and the world will cheer your death. That is..unless you change.”

“Got some nerve.”

“Indeed I do, Micah.”

Micah looked around the tree for a brief moment, no doubt looking for an advantage or place to him an advantage.

Coiling around his neck, you forced him to look at you. “You ain’t getting down unless I let you.”

“Damn bastard.”

“Perhaps.”

A long silence followed after. You coiled a bit tighter around him. Micah could be of use as a pillow whilst he was there. He wasn't getting down tonight anyway.

Micah seemed to finally have accepted his fate, he knew he wasn't getting down.

It would be a long night in the tree for him.

Soon you began to get sleepy and tired, it had been a long day. Using Micah as a pillow, you soon shut your eyes and drifted to sleep.

Perhaps he would listen to your warnings.

Or not.

It was up to him now.

The others would perhaps find you in the tree, it wasn't that tall but you didn’t care.

Micah wasn't hurt by you, just highly embarrassed.

He would survive.

Before long, you were deep in sleep.

Perhaps Micah would get some sleep in your coils?

God knows he needs it, then man never sleeps.

Tomorrow would tell.
***

1899, Blackwater.

 

What could the gang find here at a new place?

 

Money or trouble, time would tell. This did seem like a good spot.

Chapter 17: Manners and gut feelings

Notes:

Victor spends some quality time with his family the gang.

That and worries, he has a bad feeling about Blackwater.

Until next month! Enjoy summer!

The next morning in the tree.

You woke up to an angry looking Micah in your coils, giving you quite the glare.

“How did you sleep, little man?” You teased Micah, letting you coil slide off his neck and shoulders, so he could get his arms up.

“Well enough but I’m pretty damn tired of being stuck in this damn tree.”

“You were a good pillow.”

Micah scoffed and looked away. “I bet I was, you used me all night and refused to let up.”

“It’s hard finding good pillows in my size, Micah.”

“Hmpf.”

Stretching your coils, you slithered down the tree and let down Micah on the ground with a flick of your coils.

Micah let out a grunt as you gently tossed him on the ground. “Could just have set me down normally, you big worm.”

“Grumpy grump without your morning poison, ain’t you?” You teased Micah, smacking his butt with your coils, as you slithered past him back to camp.

“Very funny.” Micah huffed, following you back to camp.

Which was a few meters.

As you slithered past Charles guarding, you saw Sean. Looking amused and smirking as he saw you and Micah.

“Had a good sleep in that tree, did ya?”

“Oh, you saw that?” Micah grunted and looked pissed.

“I did. Micah is nice after some..rules and a very good pillow. I can tell you that Sean. You smirked, as you slithered past him to have your morning apple juice that you loved.

“Very funny, Victor.” Micah scoffed, giving you and Sean a look of annoyance.

“Your bark has no bite, Micah. Even if you had a bite of me, my scales are too tough for you.” You grinned, you just loved kicking Micah off his high horse.

One of life's greatest pleasures to you by now.

He hated it, you knew that.

Yet he couldn't stop with his arguments and comments.

Like he loved to argue and fight it in his own weird way.

You didn’t get Micah and he didn’t get you.

No matter how he tried.

Arthur, Dutch and Hosea were talking in Dutch’s tent. No doubt talking about plans and perhaps things to do or see in Blackwater.

Before you had time to even think about it, Micah joined in with eager steps and told something to Dutch. Then the pair of them walked away and talked in private for a few minutes before Dutch returned to his tent again.

He had that eager and greedy look in his eyes again.

Micah must’ve told him something good.

No doubt about some score and money.

Micah and Dutch were always thinking of money.

“Hosea, Arthur. Mr. Bell here has informed me of a huge potential score in Blackwater. A ferry is to come into Blackwater in about two weeks time with a cargo of 150,000 dollars. A take this big is worthy of our attention.”

“I thought you said you were interested in what Arthur and I found, Dutch. We found a low profile con with the theater in town. It will pay a little less money if we can pull it off and it’s safer. A robbery on a ferry is a high risk take, Dutch. Lots of people and you will have to board the damn thing too. The sheriff's office ain't far from the docks.” Hosea sighed, rubbing his forehead as he gave Dutch a look of not really disapproval but weariness.

“Relax, old girl. We will look it up properly before I give the go ahead. A take this big is just what we need. Then we can head out west and finally think of retirement like we have been talking about for the last year, Hosea. Past Armadillo there is practically no law and just the wild open west and stars to keep us company.”

“It's a big desert past Armadillo, Dutch. You don’t want to be stuck there unless you have shade and water.”

“We could head for lake Don Julio from what I can see on the map, then follow the del lobo river up and onwards to whatever we want that way.” Dutch explained, whilst pointing to his map, moving his hat to wipe his forehead.

“We will need a boat as we reach the Gaptooth area. That mountain ain’t something we can climb and then we have the ocean and Mexico on the other side. I don’t fancy being in Mexico, Dutch. It's too hot there for my taste and then we have the language barrier.”

“Relax, Hosea. We ain’t going to Mexico and we ain’t heading for the ocean either. I just said we can travel via the river and ocean route to somewhere we want to go.”

“Where would that be, Dutch?”

“I don’t know..Florida, New York..Canada?”

“You don’t really know yet, do you?”

“Not yet Hosea but somewhere far away, give me some time to think about it.” Dutch sighed. Looking at Arthur for support.

That's when you decided to intervene and slithered inside the tent.

“I don’t think either of your options are good.” You added with a flick of your tongue.

“Oh great, now you got him going.” Dutch groaned, rubbing his forehead in light frustration.

“I would leave the U.S entirely, Dutch. Though, I don’t think Canada is to your tastes, lots of snow and it’s pretty far away.”

“Victor has a point, Dutch.”

“It is very far to Canada, not to mention the damn cold winters and plenty of snow they can get up there.”

“Fine, fine, not Canada but where then if we must leave the country?”

Slithering over to his map, you looked around for more maps. Tropics and islands further away.

Lots of distance between islands and the main country. You would need a boat for either choice.

“How about…Barbados?”

“What?”

“See, right there, a small island in the pacific.” You pointed to the map.

“It’s tiny.”

“A bit far out, ain’t it, Victor?”

“Where do you want to go then, Hosea? Australia?”

“That’s actually a good idea.”

“Lots of people have been heading that way.”

“For that we will have to head east and not west after the robbery though.” Dutch scratched his head, looking at a map over the local areas again. I think Saint Denis has ships that go to Australia but before we even get on that boat. We would have to buy some land to live and build on.”

“Doesn’t Australia have weird animals?” Arthur asked, as he looked over the maps.

“Yes, Uncle said they have kangaroos.” Hosea filled him in.

“What’s a kangaroo?”

“A hamster with long legs and tail, they can jump pretty far and fast with pouches.” You explained briefly.

“How the hell does a thing like that exist?”

“Natural selection, Arthur.” You sighed, elbowing him in the ribs.

“Well, Dutch. If we are going to live in Australia we will need something to keep the money flowing in, it will be expensive enough just to get over twenty people there.”

“That you are right about, Hosea. I think..a ranch. Like cattle or horses. That’s what I heard most people do down there.”

“You know they have dangerous animals down there don’t you?” You sighed and gave the three of them a deadpan look.

“Like what? Wolves or cougars?”

“Like feral dogs that are called dingos, some of the most venomous snakes in the world, crocodiles in nearly all rivers, sharks and jellyfish.”

“Then we live in a safer area and learn what not to do and what to do from our neighbours and locals.” Dutch huffed back, clearly not eager to back down from this.

“You sure?”

“Yes, why not? At least we can understand what they say in Australia or Canada, if we choose that. My Spanish isn't very good and we can’t rely on Javier to translate everything all the time.”

“Didn’t Mr. Person say that he had been to Australia before?”

“Maybe.”

“I think he said so to Uncle over a game of poker not too long ago.”

“Right, enough of this for now. I will ask Herr Strauss to go over the numbers and see if it’s possible to move to Australia with this potential score.” Dutch got up from his chair and lit a cigar. Looking after that quiet but effective austrian accountant for advice.

Herr Strauss was very good at numbers and planning budgets.

It was better to go over to see if it was possible before planning such a big trip and potential move.

You can’t regret the journey in the middle of the ocean.

“Right, we put Australia high up on the list. Whilst I think it over. Still plenty of time to think of other options.” Dutch scratched his head and wrote down the suggestions in his journal.

Australia would be good for you.

Lots of food for you there and good places to hide and bask in the sun.

Just had to avoid those big old saltwater crocs there. They were big and nasty.

Lots of things were dangerous down there.
***

The next day.

People in the camp were talking about places to move.

All kinds of opinions were given and options.

So many, that you left camp to get some peace and quiet.

Only to be followed by two of your biggest headaches.

Mac and Davey Callender.

Those two loved teasing you and for some odd reason, wrestling with you. Along with using you as a chair.

Why?

Simple.

They were assholes.

Then again, the biggest asshole of them all was still Micah.

At times he joined up with them to annoy people or you.

Arthur and John along with Hosea had your back. That and Charles at times.

You liked Charles.

He was nice and calm.

“Where are you off too, you giant noodle?”

“Yeah, where are you slithering off too, boy?”

Oh great, here we go again.

Flicking your tongue, you turned your coils and gave them an unimpressed look.

“If it ain’t dumb and dumber.”

“How original.”

“Very, Davey.”

Oh great, they would follow you all the way to the river just below camp. Javier was already there with Hosea and fishing.

No doubt catching something, those two were good fishers.

Having enough of both brothers. You threw yourself into the river and swam towards Javier and Dutch.

“Come on, Victor! We ain’t that bad!”

“Chicken!”

“Oversized worm!”

“What are you boys yelling about? You are scaring the fish away.” Dutch sighed, as he and Javier still tried to catch some fish.

“Those two are always loud.” Javier sighed, flicking his rod to lure some fish in, despite the noise.

“We are just having fun with him. Like he had fun with Micah last night.” Davey chuckled.

“He was using Micah as a live pillow from what Hosea and I saw. It’s good that Victor and Micah get along. They've been like two ornery bulls with one another for weeks.”

“Sure it was. Perhaps he was planning on eating him.”

“Victor is taught well, he doesn’t eat humans and you know that, Mac.”

“Perhaps he saw how plump and juicy Micah looked and thought why not.”

“Not likely, Mac.”

Popping your head out of the water for some air, you rested most of your coils under the water as you got some air.

“There you are, done playing a giant chicken?” Davey teased, as he sat along the shore, looking at you like you were a shiny new toy.

“Go play with your brother, or better yet. Go torment Micah.” You sighed loudly.

“Neither one of them are as fun as you.”

“Very funny.”

“Come on, Victor. Have some fun with us. We are bored.”

This was going to be a long day.

Damn Callender brothers.
***

It was late in the evening before you got a break from Davey and Mac. Those two brothers were persistent bastards when needed and you were like a giant toy, chair and heater to them.

Eventually Arthur and Hosea stepped in and shooed them away.

Micah laughed, you smacked him with your tail.

He screamed and sulked loudly and you just flipped him off in response.

Dutch was getting more and more interested about the ferry. Micah had dug up more and more information about it.

It was a guaranteed big take, he had said or something.

You weren’t convinced entirely. Neither was Arthur and Hosea.

There was something off in Blackwater, you just knew it. Like something was hiding out of sight in the shadows. Just waiting and biding their time.

You didn’t know what but your gut was telling you to stay away from that place.

However, you didn’t want to comment on it anymore for today.

It was late now, dark and the stars were up, just as bright and shiny as usual.

Nothing like resting your head in Hosea’s lap, even after all these years of getting head scratches around the campfire as the others talked and told stories and gossip.

You still loved it.

Even if you were almost an adult, you weren’t quite there yet mentally. Neither was John and he was older and you were quite unsure if he ever would be.

Arthur was grown, in some areas. Not always the wisest and most mature. Especially when drunk or angry.

However, he had you and Hosea to help him and support him as best you could. That and Dutch, at times.

Perhaps not even Dutch was that mature at times, he threw fits and sulked quite a few times. Just like a toddler.

Amusing and annoying.

Letting out a big yawn and stretching your coils, arms and back. You slithered over to Hosea who sat in his favorite chair around the campfire. Just like usual.

Sean was there, even Micah a bit on the more private side of the fire, Arthur and Charles sat around the middle of the campfire, besides Hosea.

You didn’t even pay much attention to them. All you had your sights on was those glorious and comfy thighs of Hosea. Slithering over, you rubbed your head against his thighs, then curled your coils around his chair and the area close by as you rested your head on his thigh.

Just like you preferred to do every night, if you could.

“As if on cue, there he is. My very cuddly son.” Hosea chuckled, he as usual didn’t mind. He placed his hand on your head and gently and effortlessly scratched your hair and brushed your hair with his fingers.

You in return purred, just like always. Oh, you loved his long fingers scratching your scalp. He could do this all day and you would still crave more.

Hosea scratches were powerful enough to be used as a weapon.

“Oversized cuddle sick snake.” Arthur chuckled, whilst petting your coils.

“The kid has taste, Morgan. He knows to slither over to Hosea and get some spa treatments from good old Hosea.” Sean chuckled, whilst nursing on his beer in his hand.

Letting out a content sigh, you tilted your head more for Hosea to get better access and then rested your eyes to enjoy the feeling.

Micah scoffed a bit as he no doubt looked at you. You just knew it from the sound of his voice.

“Ain’t he a bit old to be clingy like that?”

“Stay out of it, Micah. Victor ain’t doing any harm to anyone with this. He’s just..very cuddly.” Arthur defended you in an instant.

To thank him, you shifted your coils a bit and lazily coiled around one of his legs to the knee.

Your way of giving him support and thanks when you were getting scratches.

“No worries, bud.” Arthur chuckled and petted your coils. He knew what you meant with this.

Sean used you as a pillow when he leaned on the ground around the campfire. Not that you had any problem with that at all. You liked Sean and he was free to borrow your coils any day.

Sean stretched before he moved your coils a bit until he formed a perfect pillow.

“Why are you so annoyed with him anyways? He’s just a giant pillow for us. Arthur here has a good leg warmer right there, Hosea gets his lap warmed. Then I get a pillow. It’s a win-win for everyone.”

“Unless he drags you up a tree and forces you to be his pillow for the entire night.”

“We know, we saw it. About time you two get along. You've been like two tom cats hissing at one another for weeks.” Sean chuckled, whilst he sipped on his beer.

“He started it!”

“Not likely.”

“No way.”

“Victor is an angel, unlike you Micah.”

“So, you all are going to defend him just because he doesn't pester you?” Micah huffed, getting a bit more agitated by the minute.

“He hasn't bothered me. Even showed me a few ways to track difficult game out there.” Charles added calmly.

“He’s been with us for years. You have only been with us for a few months, Bell.”

“So? More grown up than he will ever be at this rate.”

“I have some doubts about that.” Arthur chuckled, giving Charles and Hosea an amused glance.

All whilst you lazily enjoyed your scratches, you didn’t even pay attention to what they were saying.

Hell, the world could be ending, as long as you got your scratches.

“What’s that supposed to mean, Morgan?”

“Like that time you saw the rattler snake and instead of just letting it pass through the camp and be on its way. You have to blow it up with Charles' shotgun that you just yanked out of his holster.”

“You get bit by one of those and you are pretty much done for.” Micah scoffed.

“It was just passing through.”

“A snake like that could hide anywhere.”

Oh this would be a long night.
***

Micah and the others have a debate.

 

Victor gets scratches and doesn’t care one bit.

 

Was Victor’s feelings about Blackwater true? Was there something lurking in the shadows or not? Time would tell for the gang.

Chapter 18: Everything has a price

Notes:

Victor will learn that actions good or bad always has a price.

We are finally almost up with the canon story now, just a hair from it.

Until next time!

Despite your talk and tries to reason with Dutch.

He was doing the robbery on that ferry.

Which brought you to tonight.

It was the evening of the robbery and you were in your human form. A tall, lean and muscular young man. Your scales on your arms and legs were hidden behind clothes. Long blonde hair covered your blue snake eyes.

As you rode along the gang that decided to do the robbery. You had an uneasy feeling. Something felt off about this whole thing.

Dutch was leading the group to a hitching post near the sheriff's office. Micah was eager, as were the Callender brothers. John and Javier seemed calm and composed about it all. Jenny and Sean were practically foaming at the mouth, she had a fire in her that girl but also foolery.

Arthur and Hosea didn’t come with. Not that you blamed them, neither of them thought that robbing the ferry was a good move.

In truth, it properly wasn't but Dutch being Dutch was too caught up to listen to reason..again.

He just had his eyes set on that 150,000 dollars.

Dutch did a little speech to the boys as you looked around, keeping watch and being vigilant as always.

You were the watch to stand behind and guard as the others went to the ferry. Not something you minded too much.

“Right, here we go boys, calm and collected.” Dutch whispered, as everyone but you went towards the docks calmly to board the ferry.

Ironic that Dutch told the others to dress up to blend in plain sight as he called it.

You didn’t dress up, you wore black and dark grey, keeping a low profile and blending in as you stood by the horses.

Waiting and watching.

It left you a moment to take in the night.

The stars were shining brightly in the sky. The wind was calm and with a promise of summer soon to come.

People were laughing and talking, horse hooves clopped past in the dirt or on the cobblestone. It was a Friday night, a night to head out to have fun. Most headed towards the ferry or the saloon for a fun night.

If you remembered it correctly, it was some poker tournament or game on that ferry. Not that you cared for it but people in town certainly did.

As you watched Dutch and the others go onboard the ferry, you kept watching and waiting. Your instincts were screaming at you that something was wrong.

It didn’t take long for you to be proven right.

The gang had been on the ferry for maybe twenty minutes before something happened near the sheriff's office. Men in suits, bowler hats and badges.

Pinkertons.

This was a trap.

Soon after, a shot went out but it was on the ferry.

Something was wrong.

Keeping your head down and your nerves cool, you decided to do either a dumb move or a wise move. Grabbing the reins of all the gang's horses, you moved them all closer towards the docks. The same dock that was quickly getting swarmed by the law and Pinkertons.

God, there were so many of them.

This ferry must’ve been some bait to draw gangs in and catch them in the act. It certainly worked, they got Dutch on the line.

“This is the Pinkerton detective agency, we know you are in there! Come out with your hands up and surrender and you have my word that we won’t shoot you down!” One of the men yelled out, he must be the senior agent. He had weird scars or something on his cheeks, an even stranger brown haircut, it was like a mohawk but not. It was flat.

You hitched the horses to anything you could get your hands on by the pier. Waiting and hoping none paid too much attention to you.

“There!”

“He must be the guard for the gang's horses!”

“Get him here now!”

Oh shit, well this wasn't good, just as you got worried. A shot rang out, then another but it wasn't aimed at you. It was aimed at the agents and the law.

Thus buying you time, ducking and keeping low. You unholstered the gun you had borrowed from Arthur. Doing what you could to help Dutch and the others escape.

As everyone shot at everyone, people panicked, civilians and townsfolk. They ran and screamed away from the bullets, thankfully.

Being so distracted looking forward, you saw Dutch and the others you made sure that at least Mac saw you, so he knew where the horses were at.

You shot down five agents as the gang ran towards you and loaded their horses quickly.

“Get out of here, fast! I told you something was off, just minutes after you went on that ferry Dutch the law poured out of the sheriff's office, this was a trap. A bait to draw out gangs like us and you took it.” You scolded Dutch, whilst helping the others onto their horses.

“I know that now, son. Damn Pinkertons and law. Sean got knocked out, the law took him. Jenny is hurt. The Callender brothers are coming. Mac got grazed in the leg by a bullet. Can you watch them as we clear a path through?” Dutch panted and winched, mounting up on The Count.

“Just go, I will break my cover if need be. My scales are far tougher than mere human skin.”

“I know, son. I’m..sorry..I didn’t listen to you but we got the money.”

“We need to go, Dutch. Now!” Micah yelled, nervously looking ahead on Baylock.

He was right, at least twenty more lawmen were coming in hot from behind the corner of the hotel.

“Yah, go!” Dutch and the others galloped off.

Leaving you to watch after the Callender brothers and Sean if need be. They wouldn't kill him, he was unconscious but they would keep him detained.

You helped Dutch and the others get past.

This time you shot three lawmen down to help them. As you turned around to see Mac leaning on Davey for support.

He was alive but slowed down. Ducking low as you shot a few more lawmen coming their way. You grabbed Mac and Davey both, practically tossed them onto their horses.

“Don’t ride through town, ride past the little bend there and make your horses swim past the slow river to camp. It's the fastest and safest way. I will cover you.” You steered Mac’s horse towards the small bend a little ways away from the pier towards safety.

“Okay..I..we owe you. Be safe.” Mac glanced at Davey, taking the reins of his brother's horse as he got ready to ride.

As they both galloped away, you made sure that they got away. Thus leaving you a bit stranded and exposed from the back as you ducked behind a barrel.

You saw enough though.

Mac and Davey got away.

Now there was only you left.

Just as you were to make a run for it towards your horse, something slammed into your back and pinned you to the ground in less than a blink of an eye.

“Got you now, you scum!”

Stunned from the sudden slam, you now lay face down in the dirt, confused and surrounded by the law.

All of them trying to grab a part of you and succeeding due to your being briefly stunned.

“Get his arms!”

“Alvin, Alec, get his legs!”

No, not like this.

You weren’t going to get caught.

Then again, you had never changed form in front of strangers, just in front of the family and gang. Although, you could only keep your human form for another six hours at most.

It was a lose-lose situation.

Dammit Dutch.

Then damn Micah for getting this idea.

You had no choice and everyone was holding you down by now.

Caught and desperate, you pulled your final card.

Change to your true form.

Hissing, your mouth expanded the way a snake could expand its jaws, legs quickly changed, your right leg quickly went back inside your body, your claws on your hands came back to their normal form and soon your legs were your normal coils and you were much stronger, longer and most importantly, covered in almost bulletproof scales.

“What the hell?”

“Where did his legs go?”

“Alec, are you seeing this right?”

Letting out a roar, you pushed back up and flicked your coils free of their grip and freed yourself of the pants that were now torn apart anyway, leaving you with just your shirt on.

The others backed up terrified.

Leaving you a moment to quickly slither away, unlike the gang, you could slither past huge amounts of bullets and escape unharmed, most of the time.

“A damn naga!”

“I thought they were extinct!”

“Get him!”

Hissing, you slithered as quickly and as low to the ground towards the church. Your plan was to lose them in some body of water, then track down the gang and reunite with them. Perhaps later you could come back to rescue Sean.

He was, after all, one of your favorites.

As you turned your head slightly to make the turn at a better speed and angle. Something was thrown and caught your neck.

A rope and it caught your breath at the back of your throat, as the one who tossed it yanked it hard.

Making you gasp and gag, slowing you down greatly.

Letting out a strangled gurgle, you hissed weakly as you pulled back against the rope, you slowed down to face the bastard who dared to throw a lasso around your neck.

Just as you saw the bastard who did it in some black trench coat, two more ropes were tossed and pulled at your neck.

Now you had three ropes around your neck. Forcing you to stop.

Hissing and slithering to the side, you tried to get some distance but there were so many people after you.

Suits, trench coats, badges and whatnot, the night was dark and you couldn't see everything as you struggled to get free.

“Hold him steady boys!”

“Now pull!!

With a swift and combined pull you were yanked down to the ground with a thud, the hard earth greeting you with a smack against your cheek.

Hissing and panting for air, you tried to get up but now the bastard had changed tactics.

Then jumped all over you, pulling and pinning you down.

Ropes, nets and something of metal. It was too heavy with over ten men or more on your body.

You couldn't get up.

“Give me the bag!”

“Hold him steady now boys, we got him. He ain’t getting up!”

Some hands kept your head down against the dirt as you tried to get free from their grip. To no avail, before you had a chance to think of something else, a bag was placed over your head.

Blinding you but in some weird way also calming you.

You could no longer see, arms were now tied behind your back and you could no longer move.

As you struggled, you felt something poke you between your scales, a sharp but brief sting.

Then soon after a weird feeling in your body.

Not too long after, it was darkness and you didn’t remember what happened next.

You were caught.
***

As the last mess of Blackwater was cleared.

The law had lost the money but had gained something else, two members of the Van der Linde gang. One, a young loudmouthed idiot, then another that they also thought to be a young man..only to turn out to be something else entirely.

Not human.

A monster.

They caught him, well but mere chance or luck. A group of local hunters of…odd animals had been at the saloon to relax and eat when the mess at the ferry happened. Only for them to step out and offer their assistance, which had proven to be most welcome.

Agent Milton had been lucky.

One of the hunters sat on his heels and watched over the now sleeping giant. A man in his forties, rough and stern face but neatly trimmed beard, brown hair with silver streaks and a mean look on his face.

He was built like a bear and seemed to have the temper of one too.

Letting out a brief sight. Milton looked at the giant sleeping snake and the state of Blackwater. He frowned a bit at the state of it. His plan was solid, he did get Dutch out here but he didn’t expect him to have such…excotic gang members to help him out.

He almost had him, if it wasn't for this snake.

“Hmm, this is a young naga male, a little over his twenties. Nice colors on his scales, not that strong and filled out with muscles yet.” The hunter hummed, as he examined the young man.

Dusting out his hands on his coat. Agent Milton stepped forward towards the man. “I appreciate your help, Mr..?”

“Mr Heisenberg, Seth Heisenberg, You are?” Seth huffed, as he stood up, checking the rope on his latest catch.

“I’m Agent Milton. Pinkerton agent.”

“Well..look at that, a man in a suit. Not afraid of getting away from your desk and getting your suit dirty?” Seth scoffed, going over to check the coils of his sleeping latest catch.

“Spare it, I already heard all the jokes of us Pinkerton agents.” Milton sighed,whilst he walked over to the naga. “What..is this?” He paused to point at it.

“It ain’t no garden snake this one.” Seth laughed. “You are looking at a young naga male and from what I can gather from posters and rumors from your lawmen and your suit people. This feller is named Victor.”

“Victor?”

“Yeah, that’s what I said.”

“So..Van der Linde went and somehow tamed a naga? On his own?”

“Don’t know how the hell he did it, either. These nagas are wild, he must’ve caught him when he was a little one. These coils alone can crush a grizzly and he can swallow one whole too.”

“My god.”

“My god indeed.”

“Well, I can tell you this. Nagas are wild but tend to avoid humans, not to keen on us and stick to being in the wild. Keeping animal populations in check and mostly doing good work out there. We have learnt..the hard way after hunting them in the past that killing them did way more harm than good. So as of last year, it’s highly illegal to hunt them.” Seth continued, a stern but serious expression on his face as he walked over to Agent Milton.

“What do you mean?”

“Our sleeping beauty Victor here is endangered, actually pretty endangered. Lack of males, more females than males left. Despite his crimes, you can’t kill him..agent.”

Milton let out a long sigh and pinched his nose. Looking over Victor that was still out cold on the ground. “Of course he is..wait, I can use that. Dutch meddled with an endangered beast and forced him to do his dirty work. I might be able to make that a felony.” He perked up instantly.

Oh, this was perhaps an opportunity.

“Did he kill someone?” Seth asked, looking over Victor again.

“Yes, some agents and a few lawmen.”

“With what?”

“What..does that have to do with this?”

“Trust me, it does. Now, what did he kill them with?”

“A gun..a cattleman revolver from what we found.”

“Learnt behavior, normal nagas never use weapons..besides knives.”

“I think I’m going to like you, Mr Heisenberg.”

“Likewise..agent?”

“Agent Milton.”

With a deal made up.

Victor was moved in the dark the night towards the sheriff’s office. Not an easy task due to his size, length and weight.

In the end, they got him inside the sheriff’s office and put him in the largest cell.

Right next to a certain Sean Macguire that was still out cold after getting a certain rifle in his head.

Things were looking up for the law and agents in Blackwater.
***

The next morning.

You woke up and shook your head stiffly, noticing instantly that you were no longer tied, free of ropes around your arms and neck, that and no bag over your head.

The downside was that you were in a cell, a big one but your coils had enough room to move around.

Along with a collar around your neck but that was still better than those damn ropes.

“You look alive and well, don’t you?” Sean chuckled, sitting and looking bored in his cell that was opposite to yours.

“Why do you always get knocked out, Sean?” You huffed, shaking your head and cracking your neck into place.

Ugh, you felt like a train had knocked you out.

“Just my luck, I guess. I’ve been awake way longer than you though. The fellers drugged you and said they had to get almost fifteen men to carry your large arse here.” Sean chuckled, flashing you his signature grin.

Of course he found it funny.

“Well, I’m no petite little maiden, Sean. I weigh a bit more than that.”

“You already have a fan, this Seth Heisenberg was here looking you over when you were taking your long nap. Said you were a mighty rare lad and all. Even protected by law, long story short, you can’t be killed by the law or anything else. Lucky bastard.” Sean chuckled.

“Well, that’s a bit of a relief to hear but still does bring me some comfort.” You sighed and pulled at your collar.

Damn collar and damn this cell.

“They should be back here soon, you know.” Sean suddenly kept his voice low and glanced at the door of the sheriff's office.

“Who is?”

“That man who liked you and this Pinkerton agent.”

Oh great.

What would happen now?
***

Victor saved many lives last night.

 

Well, in his gang.

 

Now he was caught with Sean and more trouble was just around the corner. He would need to keep his head down.

Chapter 19: Run

Notes:

I LOVED this chapter.

So fun to write it.

Until next time!

It took a few minutes but eventually Agent Milton and Heisenberg stepped back into the sheriff's office.

You coiled up and glanced at them with your blue snake eyes. Milton looked experienced but polished and trimmed in his way. Heisenberg looked more rugged, with his silver streaks in his brown hair and neatly trimmed beard. Almost looking like he could snap and elk in half but there was something about him that made you curious.

Some..hidden kindness perhaps behind those hard and stern eyes.

“Good to see you awake, Victor. I’m Seth Heisenberg, this is agent Andrew Milton and he is with the Pinkertons agency.” He introduced himself and the agent, whilst the both of them stopped in front of the bars of your cell.

Looking at you like you were some lion on display in a cage. Those cold eyes of theirs were silently judging you, you could feel it.

You coiled up more and huffed at them, whilst refusing to get closer to the cell bars. Not wanting to get close with these..men of the law or whatever they were.

Dutch and Hosea had told you about men like these.

Brutal and uncaring, men like these were dangerous.

So, you kept your distance from them.

Hissing as you pulled at the damn collar again. You hated this and being stuck in this cell like some damned spectacle.

“Well, I guess that proves my theory of him not being fully tamed.” Seth chuckled.

“You are in luck Victor, by law we can’t fully convict you of the crimes your friends have done, as you don’t class as a..regular citizen.” Agent Milton paused, looking you up and down. “That being said, you are to be punished in some way and after all this is done, you will most likely be sent to some zoo or some collector of sorts to help your species recover. You are very lucky indeed to get this chance.”

Zoo?

Collector?

“What the hell are you on about?” You growled, whilst you reluctantly slithered towards the bars of your cell. “I ain’t some pet you can keep and put a leash on.”

“True you ain't but you ain’t human either. Times are changing and your species has proved useful to help preserve the balance of animal populations in the wild. The president has been adamant in preserving fauna and flora this year and your species just so happened to be on the bill.” Agent Milton continued on to explain, whilst pacing slightly in front of your bars as he explained.

Shaking your head, you glanced towards Sean on the other side. In the cell opposite to yours.

“What are you lads on about? Victor in a zoo or as a pet?” Sean scoffed, whilst laying down on his bed, stretching his arms and legs.

“Ah, Mr Macguire. Always a pleasure to hear your..input.” Agent Milton sneered whilst he glanced over at him.

“Agent..whatever your name was.” Sean nodded back.

“Well, why don’t you fill us in here. How long has Victor been with Dutch?” Heisenberg asked, whilst crossing his arms over his chest.

“Since he was…ten, I think. I think Arthur and Hosea said something about that.”

“Hmm, obviously trained him since you are an..outlaw and handle guns. Unnatural behaviour for..his species.”

“So what? Victor here can handle a gun, ain’t that to his advantage? Several hunters have been hunting him before and tried to kill him. Nothing wrong with arming yourself a bit extra.” Sean scoffed and gave Milton and Heisenberg a stern look of disapproval.

“We banned the hunting of his species as of two years ago and the hunters hunting him are now either convicted or have changed their ways to help preserve his species now.”

“How are we supposed to know if that's true or not? Ain’t like you agents or officials don't lie all the time.” Sean continued on.

He had a point but so did Heisenberg.

“Times change as you should know all too well. Agent, I have no use of Sean here, use him as you see fit.”

“Oh, I will indeed, Mr Heisenberg.”

With that, Sean was soon joined by several agents in his cell and dragged outside, kicking and screaming, as you got more and more agitated and worried about him.

They would torture him for details about Dutch and the others, that was obvious. You just hoped they wouldn't kill him as they used their methods.

To hell with this cell and to hell with that damn Heisenberg.

He didn’t know you.

How could he even dare to say what was best for you? Not knowing you and what you grew up with.

Blast these bars on the cell and the collar around your neck, you needed to find a way to get out of here and fast. That and with Sean, you couldn't leave him behind.

They would no doubt kill him, if you did.

No, Sean was to come with you.

The only thing left to do was to think of a plan on how you could get out.

Many people kept you company around your cell and they even entered it. Not after pulling you on the collar and pinning you to a wall first though inside said cell.

They poked at your coils, measured and took samples. Fed you and looked you over.

No doubt in trying to win your favor in some way.

You played nice, giving them the illusion that they were getting through to you. A thought gnawed at your head, if you didn’t play along perhaps they would use it against Sean and hurt him more.

It was better to play it safe then be sorry and regret it later.

After a rather long and boring day. They agents that have dragged Sean out before dragged him back in and threw him on the bed in his cell.

Poor Sean.

He looked bruised and bloody, his face was more purple than white with freckles like it was before.

The smile was gone and his face only showed one thing.

Pain.

His legs moved slowly and painfully, they must have just been beating him all over.

Just to get out details about Dutch.

Poor Sean, he didn’t deserve this.

Shifting your coils, you got an idea. Moving the strongest parts of your coils around the bars of your cells, you discreetly and carefully coiled around them. To weaken the door into the cell and maybe get a chance to get out.

You were going to bend them and rip them down. It would take time but in the end, you should be able to get through, steal a key and get yourself and Sean out of there to join up with Dutch and the others.

The others weren’t watching you, not at that level anyways.

Right, once you got the bars down, then you had the collar around your neck.

Lifting your arm towards the chain that you were attached to the wall with. You looked for defects and weak points.

Hmm, the chain was sturdy but it was thin.

Enough blunt force and pulling should rip it from the wall. Hmm, what was the wall made out of?

Slithering closer, you glanced around the wall for details.

Ah, brick wall but it was a bit older and more fragile. The hole to hold your chains was fresh and not too strong.

Yes, you should be able to pull it out with enough force and patience.

You had time but did Sean?

He..worried you. Seeing him like this worried you.

Those agents who did it sat around the desk at the edge of the big sheriff's office. Laughing and drinking coffee as they played poker and talked about their work and plans.

Rather bold and hypocritical agents in your eyes.

Using violence to solve violence will only keep the wheel of pain and misery going.

Catch twenty two.

Pain will usually always bring more pain.

Didn’t they see that, or understand it?

Agent Milton seemed to be their boss though, that was clear enough. They did as he said, under some protests and grumbles though.

Apparently, he wasn't too well liked.

How ironic.

With a team looking at you like you were nothing more than a headache, how was he to achieve success?

Rather foolish agent Milton, your foundation was weak.

Meanwhile, you watched and waited until the night.
***

As the night came upon Blackwater, you stirred from your coils you had been sleeping on.

You had a plan, the guards were so confident in you being caught and safe in your little cell, that they didn’t even guard you and Sean properly.

They were asleep in there with you.

One sheriff and two agents.

All asleep.

The night was not silent, it was a proper thunderstorm above with some heavy rain. You even surprised yourself by not waking up earlier from it.

It gave you something you needed.

A window, it killed the noise you made but for how long you wouldn't know.

This was perhaps your only chance.

You puffed yourself up and mustered all your strength you had and once lightning struck, you pulled at your collar.

BANG!

You kept pulling.

BANG!!

The lock was giving up.

BANG!!!

It cracked and you silently pulled it off your neck.

Now you had the bars of the cell left but you noticed something. The door on the cell, you just needed to lift it and angle it since the door was locked and you should be able to squeeze yourself out.

The benefits of being a naga.

You were like a noodle and could squeeze through many things, even at your size.

The sky rumbled and the weather gods were on your side, the thunderstorm blew more violently outside and closer towards Blackwater. It was thundering perhaps just by the docks by now.

You needed to wait, as you did you pumped yourself up again and rolled your arms.

This was going to be heavy.

BANG!

You gripped the bars of the door quickly and silently and lifted.

BANG!!

It creaked and groaned a bit as you did but you got it up a bit, it was off now, you just needed to angle it a bit as it was still attached to the cell via the lock.

BANG!!!

Oh, this was heavy, with a grunt and a shove, you managed to lean it against the cell and let the hinges take the load. The sky rumbled and you ducked down and silently but maybe not as gracefully as you liked. Slithered out of the cell, getting all your coils and yourself with you.

Looking towards Sean’s cell, you saw that he was still out cold. Bruised and exhausted, you were tired now too.

Keys..you needed keys.

Lightning struck outside in the waters and lit up the room. As it did, the light shone on the keys that were on the desk. The keys to all cells.

Slithering towards the desk, you silently grabbed the keys and slithered back to Sean’s cell.

Waiting to open the cell as the thunderstorm outside drowned out your noise. You were lucky as the storm outside intensified, you quickly got inside his cell with the keys.

Once in, you quickly slithered over to Sean. Covering his mouth, so as to not let him yell and ruin your one chance in getting away.

Flicking your tongue in his face, Sean quickly blinked and reacted. He was groggy and exhausted still. Once he noticed something in front of him, he flinched but you held him down and kept him quiet.

“Shh, I got out and now I’m getting you out. Come with me, the guards are asleep. This is our only chance, mother nature even helped us out.” You whispered into his ear. Removing your hand from his mouth. Sean nodded and understood what you just said.

“You are a bloody genius, Victor. Let’s go.” Sean whispered and grinned. Slowly and silently getting out of the bed.

Slithering out of his cell, you guided him. Letting him lean on you for stability and comfort.

Sean was greatly weakened but he still had some energy left, he would need every bit of it now.

Letting Sean take the lead, you let him open the door with the keys you had. As the sheriff had locked it.

Once unlocked, you slithered back to the desk and placed the keys back where you took them.

Then you got back to Sean. As thunder struck down again in the water. You used the noise to your advantage as you both opened the door, quickly got out and closed it behind you.

Keeping low as the rain poured down, you nudged Sean towards the dock and into the waters. Shielded under the docks from the rain, you coiled around a pillar to hold onto it whilst letting Sean hold onto you.

“Bloody hell, my heart feels like it’s about to jump out of my chest.” Sean panted as he held onto your coils, treading the waters slowly as it rained.

“This isn’t a safe spot, considering the thunder but we won’t be here for long.” You rubbed your hands, you were tired and stressed but this thunderstorm took so much noise away from your escape.

You could even afford to be a bit clumsy.

“What now?” Sean looked out from the docks. Looking at the lightning and rain.

“Can you swim?”

“Not too bloody well and not as fast as you.” Sean admitted immediately.

“I can take us to the shore just beneath our old camp by Lone mule stead, Sean. None will be outside in this weather and it rains so heavily they won't be able to see or hear us.” You explained a bit louder as the rain picked up in noise and speed.

“Can you help me get over the lake?” Sean shivered, the water wasn't the warmest for him and you didn’t want him being in it for too long.

“Get on my back and hold on. I will do the rest.”

“Alright, one sec.”

Sean climbed and crawled around a bit before you lowered yourself and helped him onboard your back. Once on and clinging to you like a koala, you pushed off the pillar you had been holding onto and used your coils like a propeller as you quickly glided like a knife through the water and onwards.

Towards safety.

A chance to get away.

The thunderstorm roared above, the wind howled and the rain poured down like there was no tomorrow.

You kept fighting, kept swimming and pushing yourself. It was a short swim and in the end in just mere minutes, you had reached the shore, just below Lone mule stead. Near the bridge, as you took no chance with some law accidentally spotting you.

However, you were not done yet.

Just as Sean was just about to step onto land, you lifted him up. Slithered over to Lone mule stead and into the basement you had seen there from before, when you were camped right next to it.

Ducking down, you coiled up and shook off all extra water.

As did Sean.

You looked like drowned rats but you were free and alive, that was better than most could ask for.

“Bloody hell, you did it.” Sean sighed loudly, his tense shoulder finally slumping as he relaxed for a moment. He took off his shoes, pants and shirt to wring the water out and try to dry it on the hooks in the basement.

“I guess I did. If it wasn't for the thunderstorm. I don’t think I would be able to pull it off.”

“Mother nature, you old gem.” Sean grinned and laughed.

“We got lucky.”

“Aye, we did.”

Looking around, it was damp and dark but you were free. Once Sean was free of all his wet clothes, you let him inside your coils, to warm up and rest against you. Since you were just a mobile scaly pillow.

According to Arthur.

“So..what now?” Sean asked in an unusually low and unsure tone.

You couldn't blame him.

Getting free was hard but staying free was harder.

“I might be able to pick up some scent from camp in the morning and we can track them from there. But you need clothes and perhaps a gun for you and bandages. You look a bit bruised up.”

“Yeah, I’m fine but a bit of new clothes and a few bandages wouldn't hurt. Bastards did a number on me. Let me tell you that.”

“Thank you, truly Victor. I mean it, you saved my pale ass back there. I..don’t think they would hold back for much longer. They really want Dutch and I..think they were going to kill me for getting the information. Not like I told them anything anyway.”

Poor Sean. He didn’t deserve this treatment.

“I know you would never snitch, Sean. I know you and you are loyal through and through.”

“I know I will be fine, got my big buddy here to protect me.” Seam smiled, gently rubbing your scales.

In return, you settled down by coiling him up a bit more around him to warm him up. Gently licking his head and shoulders to groom and provide comfort.

You made it through the most difficult part.

Now you just had to get away.

Not now, not you just had to sleep through the night and dry, in the dark and slightly damp cellar.
***

Sean and Victor get away by mere luck rather than skill from Blackwater.

 

The law doesn’t know yet but anything could happen in the morning.

 

Now they just had to find Dutch and the others.