[Summer - Outskirts of Marbrook City]

“You up for a good wager, huh Poni?” asked John Jennings towards his horse. The outlaw expressed himself in a manner that warranted a response. His callused grip patted the side of his horse’s well-kept mane.

Jennings' voice had a straight tone, a man that had gotten involved with the wrong gunslingers in the heart of the western province, known as Sloan. To its inhabitants, it was destiny that led them forward, pushing out the Natives of the land. A life of opportunity proved to be a dangerous existence in Sloan.

Known far and wide as “J.J. Cool,” his name was printed on so many wanted posters that most bounty hunters gave up pursuit years ago. Only the most dangerous, and frankly irrational, bounty hunters left would dare attempt to catch him dead or alive.

“Hot day, sure, why not?” replied Poni, Jennings' long trusted, talking horse and pal.

The outlaw is no longer an active part of his inner-circle. Although he has been on the run for years, it was others that lived in fear of the unknown, not Jennings. He felt a sense of self-worth through years of life experience, mainly seeking isolation and finding it.

“Just wait here, Poni. I'll be out in... nine minutes,” he guessed.

J.J. Cool got his name for a few reasons. The “J.J.” most likely stands for his initials, although some have disputed it's simply because he despised his last name. The “Cool” is where things start to get fun for loose-lipped gossip goers.

Jennings is evenly as popular for his smooth yet slightly arrogant demeanor. In addition to his attitude, J.J. is considered one of the best Agists, or magic users, in the state of Sloan. His talents failed to excuse his mannerisms in most social scenarios, however.

Agists utilize a magic energy known as Agi, which allows individuals to create simple forms of matter before them with precise and practiced movements or commands. Becoming an Agist is generally a high honor in the west. Though, as expected with humanity, some Agists have pledged their powers to the wrong side of the law.

J.J. Cool categorized himself as one of them; he grew up with the “Sharks.” A group of outlaws based in the slums of Sureal that help their fellow men avoid bounty hunters. A union forged through mutual welfare.

“No other options, right?” asked Poni.

“We have to take chances with trust,” Jennings said to himself.

They were on their way past this big desert city on a hunch. They came to find out if a possibility existed to sneak Jennings out of town without word spreading of his recent arrival. Jennings was to meet a “Lady In Red” at the Lone Star Bar.

Poni nodded in agreement as a harsh wind burned through the air. Jennings walked into the bar with a stern push through the swinging half-doors, trying to avoid any eyes as he familiarized himself. He approached a stool at the bar and asked the bartender for the daily special on tap. The bartender is not amused, there was no such offer. He let Jennings know there aren't any specials in a curt tone.

“We got to make a living too,” stated the short bartender with a grin. “Tell you what you stick around and not cause a mess… New faces in the city get a special offer. One time only.”

“Good, then I'll take two.” answered Jennings.

He grinned. Surveying the room inconspicuously, he knew the true intention of the visit. He spotted a woman who was the absolute center of attention at her respective booth.

If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

The various people that surrounded her seemed hypnotized by her charm, yet she remained uncomfortable in the midst. Buying round after round of drinks for the table in a feeble attempt to show off, meanwhile she brushed herself to the side.

Jennings allowed himself and this unidentified woman in a blue dress to match her eyes, to lock eyes for an instant. Her eyes grew and they both quickly looked away.

He picked himself up from his stool with grace and began walking toward the crowded booth. Another woman stole his attention, as she stole his assumed gaze with intent. This older woman’s face fit the description he was forwarded much more accurately, down to the creepy smile, however she wasn’t in red either.

She sat nearly alone in the back with only some liquor accompanying her. Once aware that Jennings had peeked in her direction, this lonely woman called Jennings over to her table with the gentle sway of her index finger while holding a glass.

Jennings follows her subtle request, approaching with an innate skepticism.

“So you're the Lady In Red?” asked Jennings as he approached. Carefully observing every miniscule change in body language or comfortability.

“I'm known by many names… Sit.” the woman dressed in all black garments said. A veil was being worn, but not utilized across her face, instead fastened at its seam. Her smile persisted, filling the void of silence between dissipating elegance, vanishing slightly before each new sentiment.

Jennings took a seat across from her. Hefty gentleman seated behind her motioned and gave away their status as undercover guards.

“Shouldn't you be living up to your name, with the red and all?” he inquired.

“Honey, I wouldn't be alive if I was that naive,” replied the Lady in Red with a smirk upon her glowing face. She continued by nodding to the roaring booth from before. “You believe someone like her could maintain my reputation?” She smirked.

He looks past his shoulder at the joyous young blonde with her company, shooting more drinks back at once than Jennings could fire from his trusty pistol. The woman speaks further, calling him back to their conversation.

“So the heat is on you worse than ever, as you know, I always hear things... I believe my team can help with that.”

Jennings pauses.

“I need to leave the city. Can you take me to the other side of this godforsaken desert by two Suns?” he rushed the conversation with his hand gestures.

“In a rush are we?” responded the Lady In Red.

“Don't play dumb, you say you know me,” said Jennings.

“I have merchants under my authority, sure. We have loaded cargo leaving through the northwest exit trail at sundown. You'll have to hide under some fish and Agi volutes that are to arrive in Reento by morning, then have you in Sureal by next week- as a worst case scenario.”

“What's the cost?” insisted Jennings, experienced doing business with a cheat.

“So glad you asked! I need your abilities, young J.J. Cool,” she stated facetiously. “I'm offering you a new life, a new name, a new… purpose. Come to my academy and teach the ways of the ice Agi. You have to know how big of a business it is in our age.”

Jennings glanced out the window and noticed four to five men rushing toward the back of the bar. An uneasy feeling settled in his stomach.

“What if I refuse?”

Jennings gestured with an open palm at the Lady in Red, tensing up his body.

“Now, now. I never took you for a fool John Jennings. You knew the moment you sat down you were leaving with me,” she proclaimed.

“-And here I thought you knew me.” announced Jennings. He proceeded to stand and begin walking away slowly. “Goodbye, Lady in Red.”

“No! I cannot accept that!” she shouted, standing up and slamming her clenched fist roughly against the table she stood behind.

Silence fell over the Lone Star Bar like the nightly disappearance of the Sun, as all concerned heads turned in their direction. With all the attention now garnered toward her, the woman continued.

“Get back here Jennings!” she screamed, letting out a wave of fire Agi towards Jennings, yet well short of its intended target.

Jennings blocked her attack with an ice shield that was quickly created by his own prowess, preparedness. Staring back at her startled face.

Jennings had shot another ice stream- this time at the back exit, blocking off the possible entry, just as several of her men attempted to sneak into the bar from behind. Their flustered demeanor revealed their lack of an improvised plan. Jennings pulled his gun from his waist and took aim at the Lady in Red, all in one maneuver.

He pulled the trigger without hesitation, her guards watching their boss’ demise before Jennings bolted out the front of the bar. The Lady in Red slumped head first onto the table she had been standing behind, blood poured from her fatal gunshot wound to the head. Covered in red, he ensured she lived up to her name in eternity.

The patrons of the bar froze in shock, stunned by fear and the unknown entity of vigilante justice. The feeling loomed large in these, and frankly many, parts of Sloan. The initial woman who garnered a crowd before was shoved to the floor in the following scuffle. Amid the chaos, a hand comes to her aid through the arms and legs of the stampeding townsfolk.

After helping the woman to her delicate feet and unstable footing, Jennings would not waste another second being altruistic, lunging at the door and successfully escaping without further harm inflicted.

“Told you. Just 10 minutes or so Poni- go!- Go!”

Jennings hollered in celebration as he made his escape on top of his trusted horse Poni, disappearing into the desert sun once more, still free.