Unshaken: An RDR2 Story

Chapter 4

I woke up the next morning to Arthur standing by my tent.

"Good morning, sleeping beauty," he laughed at my expression, "Come on, its long since time you got up. I want to see what Javier has shown you."

I groaned, forcing myself to sit. I automatically reached for my hoodie, pulling it on, and Arthur raised an eyebrow.

"Oh..." I started to take it off, but he shook his head.

"Wear it today, we won't see anyone," he shrugged, "Dutch told me... what you claim. When I came back yesterday."

"And... you don't believe me?" I asked.

"I don't... not believe you, but it's a bit much to accept," he laughed slightly, "But, you knew a lot. Its not completely unbelievable, but I didn't think it was possible until now."

"Well, I promise I'm gonna do my best to avoid the fate I know you all are supposed to meet," I shrugged.

"Are you feeling happier this morning?" he then asked.

"That was embarrassing, I don't know why I said it," I grumbled, following him, "I always make a fool of myself."

"Nah, you ain't made a fool of yourself," he laughed as he led to the way to the horses, "You're still a kid. We get it, its a difficult time coming into adulthood. But we were also telling the truth."

"Please stop," I groaned, but my smile betrayed me.

"You haven't smiled properly since you got here," he said, "If teasing you is how to get that to happen, best believe I'll keep doing it."

We went to the clearing I'd been to with Javier the day before, I showed him what I had learnt. He was happy with my progress, giving me a few new pointers, before frowning.

"I'd like you to come on a job tonight," he said suddenly and my eyes widened, "It'll be a good chance to see if you're a good shot."

"I... I don't want to throw myself in and mess it up," I said suddenly, "If I'm there... I won't know!"

"I want you there, and I'll protect you," he smiled, "It won't go wrong, it's all planned out! We-"

"You got an oil wagon and will park it on the tracks to make the train stop, I know," I sighed.

"How much do you know?" he pressed me, frowning.

"I played the game obsessively," I gave a small laugh.

"What is my fate?" he asked suddenly.

"I don't know," I sighed, "The reason I came to Thomas Downes with you is because he would have coughed on you, you would have got TB and died."

He stared at me, shocked.

"I... thank you," he breathed, "But... he coughed on you!"

"I think... I think I'm fine, I think my immune system is stronger," I shrugged, "I was shaken at the time, but what will be will be."

"Thank you," he said seriously, "You saved my life."

"And I'm sure you'll save mine plenty more times," I laughed, "But I ain't coming on this job!"

"You are, I spoke to Dutch already," he shrugged, "No arguments. You're coming."

With that, he headed back for his horse, a cheeky grin on his face.

"Hurry up, or I'll leave you out here," he warned.

I grumbled as I mounted up, cursing the name Arthur Morgan. But secretly, I was excited. Sure, I couldn't know what would happen, but that's part of the fun.