Standoff

|8| Outlaws|

Aaron pats his hat to his chest as the fallen man is carried to the grave that was dug behind the house that he was killed, here, the grass and flowers would give his spirit peace.

He is placed carefully by his mother and brother with such tenderness one would think that man is merely sleeping.

A dove rests on the stone Malachi used as a headstone, it coos dropping a single flower into the grave.

It flutters around them before flying over the trees and out of sight.

Aaron covers the body, and out of habit, hangs Levin's hat on the headstone, as a sign of respect. And then with his hand on the headstone lowers his head.

"A tragedy has cast it's shadow over those gathered here today." He felt the memories of burying his own brother in arms take him.

"We mourn the loss of a brother, a son." He looks at Malachi and Aphmau, and moving his hand off the headstone.

"Of a man whose life was wrongfully stolen." He saw the two in front of him nod in agreement and he felt his fist clench.

"But, today also marks the beginning of a flame, a fire started in all of us." He starts to raise his voice, something long forgotten rising up in him.

"The flame of justice for our fallen brother, a god given right to make our grief known!" It becomes a battle cry, becoming loud enough for the valley to rattle.

"Today marks the end of one life, and the beginning of another." He steps away from the grave and towards them, his eyes burning.

"If both of you choose to join me, you'll be classified as Outlaws, traitors. But, if you're willing it's a risk that may be necessary."

Without hesitation they nod, a shift in mood, in the tone of the group is felt, anger and grief being used as a catalyst for their bravery.

He grins, he lays a hand on each of their shoulders, Aphmau jumping and Malachi gulping down more tears,

"We got a killer on our hands, and who knows how many people will try n' stand in our way, be merciful when you can, but deadly when you must." Aphmau slowly nods, a mother's grief tearing at her heart.

"Sir, What do we do now? Go back to the wagon?" Malachi asks, holding onto his mother to try to help her cope.

"Yeah, We need to find who this guy is, and what he's after."

The wagon was quiet that night, Malachi retreating inside the wagon, he said to sleep, but in reality, he's grieving.

Aphmau stands, looking at the full moon her back towards the camp, almost like she was planning on running.

Aaron stands behind her, a cigar in his mouth he takes it out and crushes it beneath his boot, laying his hand on her shoulder.

"You Alright?" He asks with a smirk on his face, she looks at him with an almost blank face, her hands laced together like she was praying.

"No. I'm not gonna lie, I ain't." She replies turning back to the moon.

"You never will be." Aaron says almost matter of factly, and Aphmau stares in shock and anger.

"Wha-"

"You lost your son, you might say your fine, but I know better, and you'll never be 'fine' but... we learn to live with it, maybe not accept it, but learn to deal with it." She looks at him, tears threatening to fall again.

"This morning, I thought nothing could bring me down, now.... I peer from the bottom of a hole...." He turns her to face him, his heart racing.

"Aye, life is hard and throws you sandstorms and hurricanes, but, you've gotta swing back harder." Aphmau gives him a small smile, and leans a little towards him.

"Thank you, Aaron." She hugs him tightly, and he wraps his arms around her in a protective embrace.

He feels the tears run down the back of his shirt, and he pulls back, looking into her tear stained eyes.

"Dry your eyes Princess, I'm here, I'm here..." He uses his finger to catch her tears and she sniffs, looking right into him.

She starts laughing, but she still cried through them, he hugs her again, and he strokes her head.

"Shhhh..... Calm down. We'll catch him, I promise."