Hondo managed to crawl out from in between the two girls, he now saw as his daughters, around 5:30 am. he dressed, made some coffee and slipped out without waking them. Once outside he lit a cigar and added some whiskey to his coffee.  
 
 
The morning was crisp and cool and the sunrise was quite impressive. Hondo stoked one of the campfires that had burned down and added some wood to it before sitting on a log beside the fire. After a while of sitting and thinking a voice awakened him from his  thoughts.
 
 
"It's a grim thing before you, today. I cannot begin to imagine what you are going through." the voice said.
 
 
Without turning to look, he replied, "That it is, Ruth. It's not somethin' I desire, but I'd lie to say it will bring me no joy. I'm glad you can't imagine, though."
 
 
"How can you enjoy it?" She asked
 
 
"They have my wife. The feeling of throttling someone for it is something my hands ache to do. The ability to take my anger out on someone I don't see as innocent is something my bein' desires. The first president of the United States thought there was something about the smell of gunpowder an' the sound of bullets wizzin' past him that was wonderful. To say that violence is abhorred with all a man's being is a lie. A man cannot be truly peaceful unless he is a dangerous man in control of his urges to begin with." He replied
 
 
She nodded solemnly, "Wish I could say I did not understand a little, at least. I try to seem unaffected, but deep down I'd love to see the suffering and death of those who kill my family. The thought of my hands chocking them has been in my deepest, darkest dreams. I ... I guess I thought I was the only one who felt that way. Thought I was evil for that."
 
 
He shook his head, "Anyone who says they don't have these feelin's is a liar or is out of touch with reality."  
 
 
She nodded, "Nice to know. We owe you and Fernando our lives, you know. You ... you going to be alright?"
 
 
"I'll be alright. Just take care of my girls for me. That's all I want. I'll be back; when is yet to be seen, though." He replied
 
 
She topped off his coffee with some fresh made coffee in the kettle she held.
 
 
"Can't say I understand it all. You two seem like gods who act as men, but whatever you are, taking care of your daughters is the very least we can do. Good luck today." She replied.
 
 
He nodded, "Thanks."
 
 
She put the coffee over the fire to keep warn and headed back to her camper to start breakfast preparations

As Fernando opens the camper door to let himself in, he feels a presence and looks up to see Hondo standing there. Normally he would have heard him approach but his mind was busy on other things. He stopped and looked at him for a moment before shaking his head.
 
 
"You look like I feel." Fernando said.
 
 
"Glad to know I'm loved, an' same to you." Hondo said.
 
 
"Got something on your mind?" Fernando asked.
 
 
"Couldn't help but hear your conversation with whichever Jeanette that was." Hondo said.
 
 
"And?" Fernando queried  
 
 
"An' I think we should go get that breakfast in town." Hondo said.
 
 
"If you heard the conversation you know what was said." Fernando said.
 
 
Hondo nodded, "I did an' I disagree. She acts like she knows what's al goin' on but like you said, someone is messin' with the timelines. Her perspective might be off big time. The Jeanette that was here wasn't a kid until 'round the time the other one showed up, from what I can remember. We might have time jumped several times before but I'm not sure I'll ever get used to conflictin' memories."
 
 
"Welcome to the club. We have t-shirts and coffee mugs." Fernando replied
 
 
"But, all that aside you an' I both know she can't protect you here or out there." Hondo said
 
 
"True enough." Fernando replied
 
 
"The lets get breakfast. She can eat her own damn sandwich. Besides, I need to get out of here for a bit an' I bet you do too." Hondo said.
 
 
Fernando nodded, "You don't have to twist my arm."
 
 
As they started to walk off, Hondo spoke again, though he continued to look forward.
 
 
"I know you always say, 'thank me later', but for what else ya said there, Thanks. It might not mean a lot to the other but it means a lot to me an' Val. I couldn't ask for more, Amigo." Hondo said.

As Fernando and Hondo walk towards town, the hustle and bustle of fight town seems to be super charged. They weren't too far from camp when a voice called out behind them.
 
 
"Wait up!" The voice called.
 
 
Hondo half turned as the voice was familiar. He he sighed and turned back. Soon James trotted up behind them.
 
 
"Should have told me you guys were going to town." James said
 
 
"You should've stayed an' spent your time with your woman, an' let us be until we called you." Hondo half growled
 
 
James frowned, "I don't know what I did to get your ire. We are in this together, if I remember right."  
 
 
Hondo ignored him.
 
 
"Hondo is not wrong. Though we will do our best to keep you alive we cannot guarantee life." Fernando said.
 
 
James nodded, "I know. I've been in those fight cages many times.  Just never against The Lich!"
 
 
"Which is why you should spend the time with your woman. We are just going to have breakfast and talk away from the camp." Fernando said flatly.
 
 
"I'll tag along. I think you guys at least owe me breakfast for this." He said half jokingly
 
 
Hondo stopped and turned with a growl, "How the #$@! do we owe you anythin'?!"
 
 
James scowled, "I didn't have to deliver that letter, nor stay around. I stayed to help and all I've gotten was guff from you!"
 
 
"We saved your ass at a bar an' only after got the message. An' you told us you could get us in touch with who we needed an' yet we've learned nothin'!" Hondo growled
 
 
"I'm sorry, but Molly and I had to rest and heal. We'd never had made it out there in our condition. I had to over sell myself or you'd have kicked us to the side of the road! I got us this far, and though I'm scared to death of this fight I haven't ran." James said in his defense.
 
 
"Had you ran, You'd have breathed your last before The Lich ever entered the ring today!" Hondo said in a low threatening growl.
 
 
"Why do you hate me? All I've done my whole life was fight to be free so me and the woman I love can settle down and raise a family together. That's all I want! I'm risking that right now, so how do I rate your ire?" James asked in a half desperate tone.
 
 
"Sounds familiar, doesn't it Hondo?" Fernando said.
 
 
Hondo sighed a frustrated sigh, "Too familiar."
 
 
Hondo growled and shook his head then sighed again, "James .... I hate almost everyone right now. They have the woman I love an' I'm helpless! Jefe probably is right, as usual. You remind me of myself, a younger version of myself. Eager to help, inexperienced in this life, though used to fightin' for life, think you're savvy to the ways of the world, an' though you are more so than most you still are missin' it! So, yeah, I hate you for everythin' you remind me of me, my weaknesses, failures, an' the whole lot! I blame myself for Val ein' gone an' havin' who knows what horrors done to her. I blame me an' hate you for remindin' me of me."
 
 
James was a bit taken back, "I... I don't know what to say. ... I'm sorry, though."
 
 
Fernando shook his head, "That's not what I was getting at, but it works."
 
 
"You were gettin' at the fact that what he's after is what we both have been fightin' for but never have achieved because we both risk it to right wrongs we see, though we grouse 'bout bein' drug into them we couldn't say no as we know its right no matter what it costs us personally." Hondo replied
 
 
Fernando nodded, "That was more my point, but I can see where you are coming from too."
 
 
Hondo nodded and then turned to James, "I can't pretend to like you right now, as all I can see is hate an' rage. I have to stay like this to survive, but I'm the one who should be appologizin'... I won't be here anytime soon but I probably should be."
 
 
James grinned, "I'll take it. Thanks."
 
 
"Don't thank me yet." Hondo growled
 
 
As they walked towards the diner they noticed the crowds were crazy. New street vendors seemed to pop up over night and people from other towns and the outskirts of town seemed to have flocked into the center of town. Fights were already being announced, as bouts were starting in an hour, but the posters around town showed the main event. The posters showed Fernando and Hondo prominently opposite The Lich. In the back ground was James and two others. The poster read "Main Event! Time-Walker, The Cowboy, and slave VS The Lich and his Unstoppable Killers!"

 
Hondo shook his head, "What garbage."
 
 
James scowled, "Slave? SLAVE?! Who the #$@! wrote that propaganda?!?"
 
 
"Most likly Ichigo, the small woman who had us sign the fight documents." Fernando said
 
 
"Should have figured that bitch was behind that!" James growled
 
 
"#$@! 'um an' the horse they rode in on. I need food an' beer." Hondo said.  
 
 
"We'd probably better get off the streets if we don't want more than one fight today." James said angrily
 
 
Fernando lead the way into the diner, where they found a seat and sat down. The crowd went silent for a moment as they entered, then murmurers rippled through them as they stared at the three of them.
 
 
"Not exactly what I was hopin' for when I was thinkin' of escapin' camp for breakfast." Hondo growled
 
 
About then a wesson server came up to them. "Follow me please."
 
 
"Something wrong with us sitting here?" James asked indignantly
 
 
"Please, just follow me or there will be trouble." He said.
 
 
"That had better not be a threat. My partner and I do not take threats well." Fernando replied.
 
 
"Not a threat. Just a fact. Please come with me." The server almost begged.
 
 
Fernando looked at the other two and nodded. they got up and followed the server. He took them through the kitchen to a small dining room with private bar. In the room an older man stood.
 
 
"Sorry for the inconvenience, gentlemen. I'm the proprietor, Atlee Kruger. You are the time-walker and the cowboy, yes?" He asked
 
 
"We are just a couple of friends helping those who are in need." Fernando said
 
 
"But you three are the main even fighters, right." Atlee asked
 
 
Hondo nodded, "We're fightin', but don't believe the propaganda." Hondo said flatly
 
 
Atlee chuckled, "I've been around long enough to not trust their lies. I don't care who you guys are, honestly, but to that crowd out there you are the time-walker and the cowboy. Who you really are or your reasons don't matter to me. I just want to keep my diner in one piece. So for my peace of mind, and yours, whether you know it or not, I'm asking you to use this private dining room. You pay for the food and the drinks are on me, if you use this room and leave through the back door. Publicity is good, only if it helps my business. With you three out front I'll be burned down before you get your food."
 
 
Fernando nodded, "That sounds reasonable to us. We have no will to cause you trouble."
 
 
Atlee nodded, "I appreciate that. Yancy will be your server, but if you have any questions or concerns ask him to get me and I'll be back as soon as I can."
 
 
With that the older man left them with the wesson server, who seemed to be some dog type wesson.  
 
 
"Atlee said to get you guys anything you want, if you can pay that is." Yancy said
 
 
"We can pay." Hondo said flatly.
 
 
"Then we'll prepare anything within reason. You guys know what you want?" he asked.
 
 
Hondo ordered Eggs, Bacon, steak, Sausage gravy on biscuits, stewed apples, grits, Black coffee, and a tall beer with a shot.
 
 
James ordered Eggs, Steak, Oatmeal with strawberries, and coffee with a shot.

As they wait for their breakfast to arrive, Fernando begins the conversation.
 
“During the fight, I’m taking on the Litch myself. I’m going to have to pin him down somehow and make him submit answers to the questions we have in Val’s abduction. You two take on who you think you can take on and if you have to – kill them.” Fernando tells them.
 
Hondo nods but James protests, “You’re no match for the Litch!”
 
“Do not get on my bad side, James. People are going to die in this fight, I would prefer if it were not you or Hondo. But if it has to be one of us, I’ll let you rot in the ring while Hondo and I fight for what we need to fight for.” Fernando tells him.
 
“You do not have it in you to kill somebody.” James tells him.
 
“Why you runt of the litter...” Hondo begins to say with a snarl.
 
“Oh really? We are the ones who put an end to the purge, ended the slave trade, and destroyed the command center of slave town. We’re the reason why Biggus and many of his men are buried underground, and Lacey is in charge of Slavania.” Fernando tells him.
 
“It is easy to put an end to a life from far away with a rifle shot. It is another thing to take a life when it is inches from your face and holding onto you.” James throws at him in his own defense.
 
“I have danced ‘La Baille de la Morte’ with others. And it is either me or them, and as you can see, I am still here, and I will remain to be here. You, on the other hand, are another matter. You have not won a fight since you were last here. Many think that you will bring us down. Let me tell you this hybrid – do anything to throw this match, and I will kill you in the ring myself. I’d rather fight three on my own than to fight three and worry about somebody on my team turning traitor on me.” Fernando tells him.
 
“If he doesn’t kill ya for turnin’ on us, then I will. Consider that a fact of promise an’ action.” Hondo tells him flatly without looking up at him.
 
“You may think we do not understand the harshness of the reality that some people are going to have to die tonight, you would be wrong to think that because we do understand. Both Hondo and I in our time had to kill people from farther away than one may think possible and closer than you and I are at this dinner table. It does not matter to me who dies; It matters why they had to die. The Litch, his wrestling team, and anyone in the way or who refuses to help us in the rescue of one of our own will die if we do not get cooperation. Anybody getting in the way of such a rescue, they will die. It does not matter to me anymore if someone is innocent or not. There will be a price to pay and if it is not paid, then there will be a litter of bodies piled up as payment. You get where I am coming from, hybrid?” Fernando tells him.
 
James just sits there indignant of what was said to him.
 
The food it brought over to their table. Both Fernando and Hondo examine it before they start eating. James takes longer to start on his meal as he sits there thinking and fuming. He has seen ‘would be’ saviors before, heralded as champions of the people. Never once had they proved to be who or what they said. These two had done a lot, so far, but he expected to be disappointed, like every time before. There was no way they could be in one piece and unmamed, and be as tough as they said they were.
 
“A rescuer has to do what he must in order to get the rescue done. Anybody interfering with the rescue has to be dealt with accordingly. Anybody trying to stop a rescue has to be dealt with deadly force. The Litch and those connected with him have information for us to rescue one of our own. They refuse to give any information then they will be dealt with deadly force. That is why we are in this Death Match.” Fernando tells him.
 
In the background a pair of small hands claps loudly and a medium high pitched female voice yells out “Bravo!” It gets louder as she approaches them.
 
Without needing to look, Hondo and Fernando recognize the voice as Ichigo Morino. For the time being they ignore her.
 
“Bravo! Bravo!” Ichigo approaches their table. Her driver takes a chair from another table and puts it where Ichigo can sit or stand on it to be with them. She gets up on the seat and puts her extended arms on the table before pointing at Fernando, ”I have not heard those exact words in over 15 years, out of the very mouth of the Time Walker himself.”
 
“It’s something that all rescuers learn in our training, ‘get in the way of our rescue mission and I may have to kill you to get it done.’ No biggie there. We all learned it, we all live by it, and some of us had to do it.” Fernando tells her. Hondo was next to him nodding.
 
“There has not been a rescuer anywhere around these parts that lived up to that creed in many years. They live up ‘I saved your ass, you owe me so much money.’ But only the Time Walker and his partner had spoken about rescuing without wanting rewards because that is what rescuers do.” Ichigo tell him.
 
“And so?” Fernando says.
 
“You, like them, are fools. Throughout the land you are going to hear ‘Money talks, bullshit walks.’ It is more so here and in any other place but it is what everyone goes by.” Ichigo tells him, “Adding, if you had a million dollars, for the one you are looking for, would you spend that much to save her, even though you had to wait several days for her to return and take a chance that they had not robbed your money?”
 
“If that is what it takes, I’d do it. But such an offer does not exist because you did not offer it. You only hinted that the Grey Lady would be at the match and she might be the one we would need to see. So if we win this match, I want a private audience with the Grey Lady and any of her entourage.” Fernando tells her.
 
“And if she says ‘No.’?” Ichigo replies.
 
“Then I will hunt her down and drag her out like a rabid dog and if we do not get the answers we need to rescue our friend, she will be treated like a rabid dog.” Fernando tells her with Hondo putting his firearm on the table.
 
Fernando continues, “If it were to be your ass that needed rescuing, how would you like it if I charged you some outrageous price for that rescue?”
 
“I have more than enough money to answer that charge.” Ichigo tells him, then she adds, “And if you think getting some ass or pussy would satisfy that debt, we can have a romp around on the grass until I get off your tired ass.”
 
“Remember, how much I have laid down to bet and it also includes your ass on the table. I win, I will own you.” Fernando tells her.
 
“The dead do not collect the debts owed to them.” Ichigo points out.
 
“Then so be it, I am dead. So is Hondo and James here. But this fight and its victory is going to give us life. For when a man has nothing to lose, then he has become the most dangerous thing out there.” Fernando tells her.
 
Hondo lets his thoughts known. “You do not know what danger is until you walk up to a rattler an’ it’s shaking its tail.” Having a few coins in his fist he shakes to mimic that sound.
 
James looks at them both, seeing how crazy their responses are to her. He swallowed hard as he knew they were going to be the death of him.
 
“Ichigo, we were here to have a peaceful meal. We would like the rest of our time in peace to finish our meal.” Fernando tells her.
 
Ichigo shook her head and looked at Fernando, “It is a shame you all are going to die today, especially before I had some fun. I could have fulfilled a lot of fantasies for you. It is a shame.”
 
She looked over at Hondo and raised an eyebrow, “Might have had some fun with the cowboy too, if he was not so rigid. The coldness I understand, though. We’d have had such fun. I could be the little orphan girl he saved from the Indians.”
 
Hondo gave her a look of disgust. James looked at the ceiling to keep from laughing at his expression and Fernando’s glare at her could be felt through his dark glasses, though she seemed to ignore it. She gave him her little girl look and raised the pitch of her voice.
 
“What? You big stwong man, wouldn’t want a reward from a gwateful wittle girl, like me?” She asked batting her eyelashes.
 
“You’re disgustin’.” Hondo growled, “Now leave us be.”
 
Her voice returned to normal with a touch of indignance, “I’m disgusting because I look like a little girl or because I know what men secretly want? At least I don’t lie to myself and know who I am.”
 
“Of anyone here, you lie to yourself the most I reckon. What’s disgustin’ is that you think everyone is interested in you. They aren’t.” Hondo growled.
 
“Ichigo, leave us. I was nice the first time I suggested you leave and am being nice now, but I will not be if I have to suggest it again.” Fernando replied.
 
She started to reply but the glares from Fernando and Hondo made her decide different. She got up and walked out, making it a point to of a showy exit. Hondo glared at James as he caught him staring at her ass she she left. Only Hondo clearing his throat and growling brought him back to reality.
 
“Hey!” Hondo growled
 
James gave him a sheepish look, “What?”
 
“Pervert.” Hondo replied in a half snarl
 
“I’m no pervert!” James replied
 
“She looks like a little girl!” Hondo snapped
 
“So? She might look young but she’s all woman. Doesn’t hurt to look, does it?” James said trying to defend himself.
 
“If  you had daughter’s you’d not think that way.” Hondo said gruffly.
 
“What does it matter. We’re all dying today.” James said glumly.
 
“Talk like that will get you killed. A little faith in us would not hurt you, but would be in your best interest.” Fernando said
 
“Faith? You’re both mad! Put my faith in mad men??” James exclaimed
 
“Mad or not, we will all be in the ring together. The smart thing would be to at least try to be friendly with those who will have your back.” Fernando replied
 
“I’m not sure he’s that smart.” Hondo replied
 
James opened his mouth to defend but shut it again and resumed sulking and picking at his food. Hondo and Fernando finished eating there food in relative silence. Fernando saw that, though Hondo was holding it together, he was seething and snapping at more and more little things. He understood what he was going through, and knew the only thing he could do for him was to give him an outlet for his rage and to find Valentine.  
 
Before too much longer they were done. They sat around for a bit longer nursing some beers, each waiting for the other to speak first.
 
 
,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-
 
 
Valentine woke again and tried to open her eyes to find only one would open. Her abdomen and chest hurt worse than before. The pain and medication made her head spin. She laid there for a moment, but the pain only got worse as her head cleared. She tried to move her hand but something felt wrong. She brought it up as far as she could and opened the eye that worked. It took a bit for her to focus but as she did she saw a bandage over her left hand. She tried to reach her face to figure out what was wrong with her eye but the straps holding her down did not allow it to reach that far. She tried to pull against the straps but she was weak and the strain on her body shot a wave of pain through her whole being. She cried out softly as the pain hit her. A hand grabbed her shoulder and restrained her from trying again.
 
 
“Shh… Lie still.” a female voice said.
 
Valentine looked up into the face of the raccoon wessen med tech. She looked sad and scared, herself, and didn’t make eye contact with Valentine.
 
 
“Wha...wha… what ha..happened t..t..to me?” Valentine asked, straining to talk.
 
 
“Shh… don’t exert yourself. It will only make you hurt more.” She said softly.
 
 
“P...p...please… please tell me.” Valentine whispered.
 
 
The wessen woman sighed, “The doctor, he… he took your eye, a coupe fingers, a kidney, half a lung, and part of your liver. You’re very low on blood too.”
 
“He… he didn’t...didn’t...” She struggled to ask.
 
“No, he hasn’t tried to get you pregnant. He did send some of your parts to another lab already. I… I saw some of his notes. He… He plans to impregnate you after we get to the next place.” She said.
 
 
Tears streamed down Valentine’s face, “I .. I beg you.. Help me please! My.. My husband… my friends… can protec…. don’t know where I am.”
 
 
“There is nothing I can do. Please, don’t fight it. They cannot protect you, no one can. These people are too powerful.” She said
 
 
“Th.. th.. then… kill me…. Please!” Valentine begged.
 
The pain was terrible and tore through her body. She wanted to see Hondo and be held in his arms once more, but the pain was so great. Through the pain she felt embarrassment too. She was torn to pieces. Even if she could go back, Hondo did not deserve a cripple, and invalid. She was half a woman. She wanted back to him so badly, but not like this, not a hollow husk of her former self.
 
 
“I… I would if I could, but… I can’t. You don’t die. He’s killed you several times and you keep coming back.” She said apologetically.
 
The wessen woman’s eyes showed she understood the pain and the fear, but she had been beaten down too much to fight anymore.  
 
“D...de..destroy me. Can die...if… if destroyed.” Valentine whimpered, gritting her teeth to speak through the pain.
 
The wessen woman filled a syringe full of a clear liquid and stuck it into Valentine’s arm.
 
“They will torture me if I try anything. This is the best I can do. The doctor will be back to move you soon. We are leaving as soon as the main event fight is underway. The roads should be clear then.” The woman said
 
“No… please … please.” Valentine whispered hoarsely.
 
The wessen patted her shoulder, “Keeping you out is the best I can do. I’m sorry.”  
 
 The liquid that was shot into her veins made the pain quickly fade, and as the warm numbness washed over her body she slowly lost consciousness. For the first time she hoped Hondo would never find her. There was not enough left. As her vision blinked out she hoped it was the last time she would ever be awake again.

James followed Hondo after Fernando headed to his camper. He muttered as he walked causing Hondo to stop and turn to him with an irritated look.
 
 
"What the #$@! is your issues?" he growled
 
 
"You two, you're nuts!" James exclaimed
 
 
"If I remember right it's you who came to me an' insisted on joinin' in on this fight!" Hondo replied angrily
 
 
"As I told you before, we were hurt and needed food and a place to rest, so I played it up a bit." James
 
 
"So ya lied." Hondo replied with a low growl.
 
 
"Embellished!" James corrected hastily.
 
 
"You said you wanted to join our fight against these folks! You're just a lyin' dog, an' nothin' more." Hondo said with a growl and started to turn away.
 
 
James snarled, grabbed Hondo by the shoulder, spun him around and swung at him. Unfortunately for James, Hondo blocked his punch, returned the favor, and knocked him to the ground. This caught the attention of Marvin and Karl who came trotting over. James started to scramble to his feet but Marvin kicked him back to the ground and pointed at him.
 
 
"Stay down!" Marvin said firmly before turning to Hondo.
 
 
"You alright, Mr. Hondo?" Marvin asked
 
 
"It's nothin' I can't handle. Just a lyin' mutt tryin' to defend his dishonesty." Hondo replied
 
 
James snarled and tried to get back up but Karl lazily swung the rifle he hand in his hands towards James and he shook his head.
 
 
"I wouldn't if I was you." Karl said in a slow, lazy way.
 
 
"He's a wesen hater, like all the rest, and I'm tired of him putting me down!" James snarled from where he lay.
 
 
"Mr. Hondo? Have you seen his girls? Have you seen all the other wesens he and Mr. Fernando have saved and brought here? You see them mistreat any of the girls?" Marvin asked in an incredulous tone.  
 
 
"It's all an act!" James said trying to defend himself.
 
 
The disapproving looks from Marvin and Karl made him stop from adding to that statement.
 
 
"You really think I'd risk my well bein' an' take wesens into my family if I was prejudiced? My wife, the woman I love more than anythin', was taken lookin' for a wesen girl who I now call my daughter. I killed to save her! I've killed to protect an' provide for everyone here an' all I've asked is some cooperation in helpin' me save one person. That's all I've asked!" Hondo growled.
 
 
James looked at the other two wesen, looking for back up, "he ... he's used derogatory slurs against me!"
 
 
"You argued to join this fight an' have only questioned our ability, been a coward, an' lied! An' you expect me to respect you as a man?" Hondo growled.
 
 
James looked at Karl, "He beat the shit out of you, didn't he?"
 
 
Karl nodded, "Yeah, and I asked for it. I'm surprised Mr. Fernando hasn't showed Introduced you to Lucy yet."
 
 
"Lucy?" James asked in a confused tone
 
 
"Trust me, man, you do NOT want to know." Karl replied.
 
 
"Fernando isn't to be bothered with this. This mutt is my problem." Hondo said flatly.
 
 
"See!" James exclaimed
 
 
"You lie like he said?" Marvin asked coldly.
 
 
"It...it wasn't exactly a lie.." James stammered slightly.
 
 
"The truth! now!" Marvin barked
 
 
James sighed, slumped slightly, and nodded.
 
 
"It's... it's like this... The woman I love and I were caught and had the shit beat out of us by the Grey LAdy. she... she hated me as I bested her in a fight." James said
 
 
" By cheating most likely," Karl said dryly.
 
 
James glared at him for a second then nodded, "Yeah, well if you fight fair you die, especially against the Grey Lady. She didn't see it that way, though I spared her life. She was going to torture us both to death, slowly, but something else came up that was more important, a contract on his wife. I needed a place to heal and wanted the Grey Lady put out of commission. I figured they would get together a small army and attack her. He is a a Sackett after all."
 
 
Marvin growled a bit, "You lie!"
 
 
Hondo held up his hand, "no... no he's not."
 
 
Marvin and Karl looked at him in disbelief.
 
 
"Wait... Hondo Sackett... as in .." Karl said slowly but was cut off
 
 
"Don't finish that sentence! This stays here!" Hondo growled.
 
 
"But how?" Marvin asked.
 
 
"I'm not him. I'm a Sackett but not the one you think. I don't even know them. I don't use my last name as we cannot afford that type of attention." he replied
 
 
He was only half lying as what the present him and his family  were like or had been through he did not know, and experiences, especially those shared, change a person. Who he was in this time line, he did not know, nor cared to know. If it was him he would know someday, and if it was not it did not matter.
 
 
"The Grey Lady said ..." James started again
 
 
"I don't care what the Grey Lady said!" Hondo snapped.
 
 
"Continue." Marvin said to James.
 
 
The look on Hondo's face told him to leave off any further details about the Sacketts, but he'd confront him later when alone.
 
 
"I thought we'd have an army and I could get a reward for helping. I pretended like I had a clue so I could get some money and get out. All I want is to raise a family with Red Molly and live a quiet life. I did not think these two were crazy enough to get into the ring for a death match! I swore I'd not get in a ring again, and here I am in a death match! You heard of these two? I know you both fought here before. Does anyone who is as good as they say they are not get some notoriety in a ring?" James said
 
 
"Maybe they aren't from around here like they said and don't seek glory? You think of that? Would you not do the same for your woman?" Marvin asked firmly
 
 
"But it's not my woman! I've not backed out or anything. I just think they are crazy and even if I... was fuzzy on details, I deserve more respect." James replied  
 
 
"An' you'd give me respect if the tables were turned?" Hondo asked gruffly.
 
 
James started to replied then stopped, sighed, and hung his head, "No... I guess I wouldn't."
 
 
Marvin shook his head at James before turning to Hondo, "Mr. Hondo, I'd sure feel better about all this if you let me fight in his place."
 
 
Hondo shook his head, "I need you here protectin' the women folks. Besides, I think that little brat who runs the fight has it set in stone."
 
 
Marvin shook his head, "It's not set in stone. James disappears and you two can pick a replacement. He'd never be able to  show his face here again, but probably better he doesn't anyway."
 
 
Hondo looked at James a moment, "Well, dog boy, it's up to you. You gonna fight or tuck tail an' run?"
 
 
James growled then sighed, "I have more honor than to run, and I plan to prove it. I'll not go unless you order it."
 
 
Hondo looked at James for a moment then at Karl.
 
 
"Don't look at me, Man. I ain't volunteering. I'll guard the camp but I have enough self preservation to never even fake offering to go into that ring!" Karl exclaimed
 
 
"Don't soil yourself, goat man! Was just thinkin' if I'd trust you alone to protect the women folk an' you answered that for me." Hondo replied sourly
 
 
"Heh! Goat man... haha." Marvin chuckled
 
 
"Don't! Don't even!" Karl replied as he pointed at MArvin.
 
 
"I think I'll hafta stick with Wolfy, here. He said he wanted to help an' I plan to give him his chance." Hondo replied
 
 
"You trying to piss me off?" James asked
 
 
"I'm tryin' to put some fire in your gut! Some faith in us would do ya a lot of good too. Wish I had a reason to put some in you. Best I've seen from ya is that weak-ass punch." Hondo replied  
 
 
"He's not built for power like I am. I've seen how you and Mr. Fernando move. I don't know how you are so fast and so powerful. Most of us are made one way or the other. Some have mixed abilities but usually its either speed or power. James is more powerful than most humans. You two are an exception I don't understand but I'm not questioning either. but he was made for speed. Being a wesen usually just means more powerful than humans, that's normally a given. Now I'm built for power. I'm not fast by any means, though with some training, I'm better than some. With the right weapon James could be deadly, if he's healed and was trained right. I've nearly lost to some like him. He's just too hot headed." MArvin said
 
 
"Well, If he gets Fernando killed with that hot head of his an' I'll kill him before they get me. I can promise the opposite is true." Hondo said
 
 
"You want me to hold his woman here to make sure he behaves?" Marvin asked
 
 
James growled expecting a yes, but to his surprise Hondo shook his head.
 
 
"We don't work that way. If he fights beside us it's as a teammate on his word, an' he an' his woman get the same respect an' protection as everyone else gets while they are here. You should know this." Hondo replied firmly.
 
 
Marvin nodded, "I know. I think James just needed to hear it."
 
 
Hondo sighed and nodded, "I see. Well, You two had better get back to watchin'. I think we're done here."
 
 
Marvin nodded, "If you change your mind, let me know. Come on... goat man."
 
 
Karl scowled and followed Marvin, "I said not to start with me, man."
 
 
"What you gonna do?" Marvin asked as they walked away.
 
 
"Just wait until I unleash the demon goat stare on your ass! That'll give you night mares!" Karl replied.  
 
 
Hondo shook his head and watched as they walked out of sight. after they were gone he turned to James and held out his hand. James looked at it reluctantly, then took it. Hondo pulled him to his feet in one smooth easy pull.
 
 
"You should spend some time holdin' your woman. I'll find ya some weapons before we leave." Hondo said.
 
 
He started to walk away but James spoke and it stopped Hondo in his tracks.
 
 
"It's you business why you don't want them to know who you are but I know your him." James said
 
 
Hondo half way turned and looked back at him.
 
 
"You heard what I said." he replied coldly.
 
 
"Yeah, and I know a story when I hear one." He replied
 
 
"It wasn't a story. It's true. I'm not who they think I am." Hondo said
 
 
"Maybe not, but you are he, I know that." James replied.
 
 
"Maybe someday I will be, but I am not he now. I don't expect you to understand that but I expect you to take it for what it is an' keep it to yourself." Hondo said in a half growl.  
 
 
James nodded, "Alright. I don't understand, but I'll keep quiet. and I'll be in that fight and I'll fight my best."
 
 
"Let's hope its enough." Hondo said.
 
 
"Yeah... that's what I'm hoping. I'm going to find Molly." James said.
 
 
"She's sitting out at the wood line crying." a female voice.
 
 
They turned to see Tonya sanding there. James nodded at her.
 
 
"Thanks." He replied then took off.
 
 
Hondo looked at her and shook his head, ""Bout as quiet as val, if not a bit quieter. How long ya been standin' here?"
 
 
"Not too long.... what did he mean when he said you are him?" Tonya asked
 
 
Hondo sighed, "You were there longer than I hoped ya were... It doesn't matter."
 
 
"It does to me...please.... I .. I heard you talking to the general. Is Momma... is Valentine's name really Maria?" Tonya asked
 
 
Hondo sighed and turned away, "It's not the time for this conversation."
 
 
Tonya moved to his side quickly and clung to his arm.
 
 
"Papa, please. You know I told you about my prayers... my dreams. They were foolish, I know but... but you said... you said they weren't and I'd be surprised at how things get answered in ways we don't expect.... You said to trust you, and I do but... I need to know... How are you?... Who am I?" She asked with pleading eyes.
 
 
He sighed and nodded. He motioned for her to go with him. They walked off a bit and sat on the log he had been sitting on last night. He folded his hands and he thought about what to say, as she looked at him, eagerly expecting an answer.
 
 
"Tonya... You're adopted name is Tonya Sackett." He said
 
 
"Sackett? As... as in?... you mean you're...?" She stammered quietly.
 
 
"No... I am not." Hondo replied
 
 
"But... then ...? She started to ask.
 
 
"I can't explain. As I told James, maybe someday I will be but I am not." Hondo replied
 
 
"But Valentine's name is Maria, right?" She asked
 
 
"Maria Valentine, yes." Hondo replied
 
 
"And your middle name?" She asked
 
 
"..... Israel." He replied.
 
 
"Hondo Israel?.... H. I.?, but ..." she tried to make sense of it.
 
 
"Tonya, Trust me I am not him yet an' may never be.... I can't explain it all right now but.... understand I ...we, Val an' I are not from this time." He said
 
 
"This time? I don't..." She started to reply but was cut short.
 
 
"Who is H.I. Sackett's friend an' partner?" Hondo asked.
 
 
"Well, the Time walk...er... wait... wait! you mean?" She asked half excited half confused.
 
 
"You don't get a name like that without the ability to walk outside of your normal time an time line. People usually have abilities before they get a reputation, too." Hondo said
 
 
"And... and, if I understand right, maybe friends and partners often share abilities?" She asked
 
 
He nodded, "I can't spell it out but I think you understand. I'll tell ya all 'bout it in time. Just keep it quiet until I say more, that means to Zoey too. Just know in some way your prays did come true."
 
 
"Please don't die today. We need you. I... I don't understand but I'm starting too. I can't lose you just when I'm starting to understand." She said softly.
 
 
"You won't lose me. I'll be back. That's a promise." he said.  
 
 
.... to be continued