Jester Book 1: Abduction

Ch 6 Part 1: Pointed Realizations

A stiff breeze lashes at the boots of Starr Park. Wicked winds sent rushing in from the east as a dust cloud formed along the floors of the Wild West. Dirtying the boots of patrons as they rushed for cover. Doors slammed shut behind them as the particles beat against the wooden exterior.

A single green foot slammed down beneath the entrance sign. A massive ball of twine-like weeds rolled with the sand behind it. A spiney leg ran up to dust brown shorts and a wide green torso. The living cactus affixed his purple, felt vest and dusted off the cardboard deputy badge on his chest. He brushed back the rosy flower on his head and blew out a heavy breath.

Well, he would have sighed if he had the lungs to do it. The benefits and pitfalls of being a sentient plant.

Spike looked around at the desolate street. The wind refused to relent but he wasn't bothered. He looked into the breeze and ate a snack bag's worth of gravel. Then quickly bent over to shake out the minuscule rocks. The torrent of grain smashed against the walls and battered the doors. It was a rapturous uproar of wooden hinges creaking back and forth.

He walked onward. Alone in his own home. Born and bred in a lab then placed in this desolate town. He was there for every development. Each major rise and fall as the Wild West grew into the main event it is today. His friends might have been circumstantial once, but his found family was just as real as anyone else's.

Speaking of that family, Spike hoped he wouldn't get in too much trouble tonight. Colt told him a week ago not to walk around alone. With the cavalcade of disappearances, solidarity wasn't safe. Thankfully, he wasn't alone for most of the day. He was being chased around the park by Colette the entire time. The silver-haired Starr Shop employee was insatiable. He gave her an autograph, some spines from his needle grenade, she had even taken a petal from his rose flower but enough was never enough.

He had been running away for over an hour before he finally lost her. Well, he says he lost her but in reality her boss snatched her up and dragged her back to the store. He decided to rest his feet inside an old friend's shop. Piper's Bakery was furnished with deceptively comfy couches. He'd have to pay her back for tearing up upholstery with his spines. It was already dark when he finally awoke. He was just happy he had made it back to the Wild West in one piece.

As he walked past Barley's the posters were peeling off the walls. Dynamike's poster was showing signs showed the most decay but the new adverts for Poco and Emz were still pristine. They talked about how Emz and Poco were on tour around the world. Dates, however, were not posted.

Lou's poster was still in mint condition. He had a bright smile with a playful wink and outstretched thumb. A colorful graphic explained that he was on the quest for "The Ultimate Flavor". Spike was there when they learned the truth. Chester mentioned that Dynamike, Poco, and Emz might be connected. Colt had informed them of the reports from the Starr executives. If Brawlers were being kidnapped, who knows who will be next?

The assaulting wind finally cooled to a light breeze. The wooden rocking relaxed and gave way to a new sound. A soft humming accented by the plucking of razor-sharp strings. Spike had made it far past the bar and was just one corner away from The Dusty Apartments which he called home. He caught the tail end of a tune as he grew closer. Once a normal occurrence what with Poco's residence at the same flats, but after his disappearance the music had suddenly stopped.

Spike leaned his head in the direction of the noise. His non-existent ears perked up at the return of merry melodies. He found himself helplessly drifting on a sea of half notes. His feet were light as a feather as he was whisked off his original path and deeper into the bowels of the district.

When he touched down he was positioned on the other side of town. It was probably another twenty minutes worth of walking if he wanted to make it home now. He looked around and noticed that he was in a prop area. There were fake buildings on either side of the street held up by sturdy wooden braces. The doors were functional though they just entered another box meant to simulate the beginning of a standard home.