Cody staggered, blood seeping between his fingers as he clutched his neck, but he didn't back down. With gritted teeth, he raised his right hand, pulling out his revolver and firing off three rounds. George barely had time to react,the bullets aim for his stomach but luckily in the nick of time George had block the bullets with his arm taking all three bullets to his arm with a grimace, but he didn't falter. Cody was breathing hard, the pain blurring his vision, yet he held his ground, defiant. But then George raised his own gun, calm and unhurried, and fired back, each shot sharp and deliberate.
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQzPMp80rpv
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiqF1XIaX11
The first two bullets tore into Cody's leg, dropping him to one knee. The third hit him square in the arm, forcing the revolver from his grip. Cody hit the ground hard, gasping, his strength fading.
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQwJvnCWm3p
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlmYU4s51nU
George walked over, shaking his head slightly as he pressed a bloodied hand to his chest, his tone cool, almost amused. "Mr. Cody, I could've killed you right there, you know. And believe me, if I'd chosen to send my little 'friends' after you…" He smirked darkly. "…it would've been a whole lot worse."
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjalooGtAHN
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡokX9Frx9eT
Cody's vision swam, his breaths shallow as he looked up at George. "Why? Why'd you kill all those people?" he choked out, his voice a strained whisper.
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbRMxkJQOqO
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡengVtLoIxQ
George paused, clutching his arm where one of Cody's bullets had grazed him. He looked down, the memory flickering in his eyes as he replied, "Why? You really want to know?" He chuckled, cold and distant. "Well… it all started a few years back."
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv7AY1y4YwH
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdBh4airZRt
The scene shifted to 5 years ago a quiet room bathed in warm lamplight. George sat at a desk, a heavy book in his lap. He was 24, softer around the edges, lost in thought as he read about philosophy and the pursuit of inner peace, his gaze calm and intent. But his focus was interrupted by the creak of the door, and he glanced up to see his younger sister, Dallas, slipping into the room.
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVTco15eKRN
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZOuZrlnGu6
"Brother, I'm back!" she called, her voice bright as she ran over and threw her arms around him.
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcMWVDyT69e
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8JaGlmfqlK
George hugged her back, pulling away to look at her with a mix of relief and concern. "Dallas, it's ten o'clock. Why were you out so late?"
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1JtlvwKge2
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBARocmvpzm
Dallas shrugged, her grin unapologetic. "I was with Rylan and his friends. They're cool. A little rough around the edges, sure, but that's what makes them exciting, you know?"
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ85S9VlVjv8
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVkcPdIfTiH
George's face darkened slightly. "Rough around the edges, huh? And by 'exciting,' I assume you mean they're out there picking fights, drinking too much, and causing trouble?"
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwsVPW3BKLp
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnburlWPTox
She rolled her eyes, crossing her arms. "Oh, don't be so dramatic. They're not that bad. Yeah, they slap each other around, maybe start a scuffle or two, but they're harmless."
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGVliZutqQC
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3OjV1Xcpe1
George's patience was wearing thin. "Harmless? Dallas, these guys are a gang, aren't they? What's their name? 'The Boys' or something ridiculous?"
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEivEhrOwoF
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiH4eFKUyQb
Dallas shrugged, unfazed. "Yeah, *The Boys Gang.* And so what? Rylan wouldn't let anything bad happen to me; he's strong. And… well, you know… he's kind of…" She hesitated, blushing slightly. "Hot."
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6hVFMWJLDp
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9AzkzR0130
George sighed, pressing his hand to his forehead. "Listen to me, Dallas. I don't care how 'hot' he is or how 'strong' you think he is. Those people are dangerous. They pull you into their chaos, and before you know it, you're too deep to get out. What if one of them kills someone? What if they pull you into something you can't walk away from?"
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnIbwizuJns
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡheeTYLwwrL
Dallas's playful expression hardened slightly. "George, you worry too much. You're acting like I don't know what I'm doing. I'm eighteen—I can make my own choices."
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqMkMytYkNU
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeOoyw8UC9Q
George looked at her with a blend of frustration and desperation. "I'm telling you this because I *care.* You're my sister, Dallas. You might think I'm just some overprotective, 'boring old man,' but I'm trying to keep you safe. One mistake, one wrong person, and your whole life can be ruined." He paused, his voice softening. "You may think what I'm saying is just me being strict, but I'm not. I've seen what people like that can do. I've seen what happens to people who trust the wrong crowd."
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI4tSogbjok
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLAu0Gg77Ml
Dallas's expression softened, and for a moment, she looked down, contemplating his words. Finally, she sighed, crossing her arms again but with less defiance. "I don't think what you're saying is useless or boring, George. I know you're just looking out for me… But I'm not a little girl anymore. I can handle myself, and you can't control everything."
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDBvBBwVb2B
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaGa6cpJrvR
George's jaw clenched, but he nodded. "Maybe I can't. But I hope, at the very least, you'll remember this conversation when things get rough." George pulled Dallas in for a hug, feeling the weight of his protective instincts intensify. After a moment, he pulled back and looked at her, his voice gentler. "Let's go out back, pay our respects to Mom and Dad."
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzTdPQTkaup
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvnHufxKsEZ
Dallas nodded, her usual defiant spark dimmed for a moment. Together, they walked quietly to the backyard, where two simple graves lay under an old, sturdy tree. They knelt before the markers, hands clasped, and George's voice came out in a low, steady murmur.
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoJracqO4Hn
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsO66HSnt4S
"Dear Mom and Dad, I hope you're at peace up there, together. And damn the war for taking you both from us," he said, his voice catching ever so slightly. Dallas echoed his words, voice softer but carrying the same deep hurt. They both bowed their heads, and the silence that fell over them felt heavy, yet oddly comforting. Finally, After their somber moment at the gravesite, George and Dallas made their way back inside. The weight of their shared grief and the day's events left them both drained. George gave Dallas a gentle squeeze on her shoulder before they parted ways to their rooms, each retreating into the solace of their own thoughts.
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxu55vYIbtz
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfq1cE06nK0
"Goodnight, George," Dallas murmured as she entered her room, giving him a faint smile.
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyikyFUwdyM
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCTjsVD94qc
"Night, sis," he replied, watching her door close before finally heading into his own room. He took a deep breath, the day's tension settling in his bones, and fell onto his bed, staring at the ceiling. Tomorrow, he thought. Tomorrow would be different.
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAXMkUM3PPh
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPogumHYkUN
The next morning, sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow over George's room. He sat up, rubbing his eyes, and glanced at the clock. Nearly eleven in the morning. He sighed, letting the realization sink in. "Damn, I slept in."
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ElfKkkKMc
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhPhvKv2Hx9
With a stretch, he got up and made his way down the hall to check on Dallas. He gave a light knock on her door, waiting, but there was no response. Frowning, he pushed the door open, only to find the bed empty. He looked around, noticing her boots were missing, and sighed deeply. "This girl never listens…" he muttered, more out of exasperation than anger.
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡERAIK3aamg
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv5NJjkemUy
Knowing his sister's stubbornness, George went to the kitchen to make himself a simple breakfast. He put on a pot of beans and spooned some onto a plate, taking them back to his room while he read and kept an ear open for the door.
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9MFDVOBSJz
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD4qUPZCAXj
George got up and opened the door, his heart sinking as he saw Dallas standing there, face pale and eyes rimmed with red. A fresh black eye was darkening on her face, and she looked shaken, her usual fire replaced with something almost vulnerable.
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBm8Gm5unZm
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs6rNdqO0cE
George's eyes hardened, but he kept his voice calm. "Dallas. What happened?" He stepped aside, gesturing for her to come in.
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqrho9Fk2ad
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSkDyDfogSS
She shuffled in, casting her gaze downward. "It's nothing. Just… Rylan's friends thought it'd be funny to rough me up a bit," she muttered, her voice wavering despite her best efforts to sound nonchalant.
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡos9UvTAuL4
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVciFn9ULVG
George's jaw clenched, his expression dark. "Funny?" His voice was low and steady, but there was an unmistakable edge to it. "They gave you a black eye, and that's 'funny' to them?"
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAxU5IhEAnt
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcSfplDZywd
Dallas shrugged, avoiding his gaze. "They were just… playing around. It got out of hand, but it's nothing."
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxM7igs5ylh
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxTxn8Qweel
George took a breath, forcing himself to stay calm. "Nothing?" His voice held a dangerous calm. "Dallas, this is exactly what I warned you about. These people—they don't care about you. They're not 'cool' or 'exciting.' They're reckless, violent. And they'll drag you down with them if you let them."
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡayvnOT7m1M
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNDldkRkEl5
Dallas finally looked up, her eyes flashing with a mix of shame and anger. "I can handle myself, George. I'm not a kid."
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7AHwS6gfMb
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7bMvdPM7VN
"Handling yourself doesn't mean letting people like that put their hands on you," he retorted, his tone sharper now. "And it sure as hell doesn't mean letting them get away with it."
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj5uSxmFp2P
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmBzy7Uny7J
She swallowed hard, and for a moment, George saw the vulnerable girl beneath the tough facade. "What would you have me do, then?" she murmured, almost as if she didn't expect an answer.
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh3Ez0o1y1t
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcpRnJI53LG
George's gaze softened, but his voice remained firm. "Stop hanging around with people who don't respect you. You're worth more than that, Dallas."
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWCE3ZgUYjj
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHdUe9VR4ff
She looked down, nodding slightly, the fight draining out of her. "Yeah… I know."
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRgcm4tPbL1
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4pOUYXU5aw
After a moment of silence, George placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. "Come on. Let's clean you up. And tonight…" He hesitated, a rare, warm smile breaking through. "We'll make dinner together. Something good."
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1X5SDXaX93
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmAshxooFKS
Dallas managed a faint smile, the pain in her eyes tempered with gratitude. "Alright… But only if you don't burn the beans this time."
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn0edEajrhC
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDzaJyD9xnx
George chuckled, guiding her towards the kitchen. "I make no promises." George cooked the beans slowly, his hands steady but his mind distant. The gentle bubbling of the pot filled the silence of the small, dimly lit kitchen. As he ladled the beans into a chipped bowl, he carried it carefully to the table and placed it in front of Dallas, who sat slumped in her chair, bruised but defiant.
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWQNL4oZeL2
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡww9YlpANiQ
"Here you go," he murmured, meeting her eyes for a brief moment. "Eat up."
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRMuJQHa2Sl
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSgEKW7IbqS
She picked up the spoon, stirring the beans absentmindedly. She had her usual spark, but George could tell that her pride was stinging more than her black eye. Her silence said more than any words.
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡak73TitteQ
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5IgVhxIIJC
"I'm heading to town to get more supplies," George said, watching her reaction carefully. He placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "And while I'm at it, I'm gonna… talk to those boys."
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYHrUT4Z4WB
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHJSB1h9KOt
Dallas glanced up, her bruised face flickering with worry. "Just… be careful, alright?"
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQS8LTdy87K
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBITiPsHdSA
George gave her a small smile. "Don't you worry. I'll be back before you know it."
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqrFyswLQRD
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKIUOUiAu4z
He took a deep breath, stepping out into the fading morning light. The ride to Grant's Pass was a familiar one, but today it felt longer, the weight of what he'd seen—of Dallas' bruised face—pressing down on him with every mile. What kind of brother would I be if I didn't stand up for her? he thought grimly, gripping the reins as Apollo, his loyal horse, trotted ahead with a steady rhythm. Mom and Dad would expect better.
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKB3E466oih
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfIdbqTV95s
When the small town finally came into view, George's senses sharpened, his gaze scanning the streets. A few townsfolk gave him curious glances, but he paid them no mind. He wasn't here for idle talk.
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡraSqLCfPCA
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBedUPvOqdb
It didn't take long to spot them. Rylan and his gang were standing near a general store, harassing an elderly Chinese man with weathered skin and trembling hands. George could see the fear in the old man's eyes as he pressed himself against the wall, trying to avoid Rylan's knife, which was leveled at his ribs.
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTVEzGwtICL
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqmnWkmRXyL
"Please, s-sir," the man stammered, clutching his side as Rylan jabbed the blade a little closer. "I will pay you back… just need a little more time."
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUIAfOuRIGv
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRHJb8bEQ31
"That's too long, old man," Rylan sneered, pressing the knife deeper. One of his lackeys laughed, reaching out and slapping the man across the face, sending him reeling.
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEFXMd2lDZu
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo702e9D7fP
George's blood boiled. He dismounted from Apollo, his boots hitting the ground with a thud as he took purposeful strides toward the gang. His voice rang out, loud and firm.
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9PvybDzPhY
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGtNwMputkJ
"Rylan!" The name cut through the noise, and the gang turned to look at him, sneers falling as they took in George's presence.
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJIWAWOxjde
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI24IzDAFn6
Rylan cocked his head, smirking as he sized up his new opponent. "Who the hell are you?" he drawled, clearly amused.
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBw6Z5suqWH
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPF7kejXSNl
George didn't blink. "Name's George," he said, voice as steady as his gaze. "And I know you gave my sister a black eye."
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmKc7BE4kT3
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgTg6u0i8K4
The smirk on Rylan's face didn't waver. "Oh, so she told you that, huh?" he sneered, his tone mocking. "Guess she's got a big mouth. Well, big brother, what're you gonna do about it?"
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiwPiIgEn2e
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjaszvcCmvO
Without a word, George walked forward, ignoring the jeers of the other men as he squared off with Rylan. Before Rylan could react, George's fist shot forward, connecting squarely with Rylan's face. The impact sent blood splattering from Rylan's mouth, but he barely flinched, a twisted grin spreading across his lips.
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXsXlii1jsq
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwa6WOC6tog
"That all you got, fool?" he hissed, before swinging back with a savage blow to George's gut.
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE0Pb7sZB5I
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEwOtnintwE
George doubled over, gasping for breath as Rylan's cronies closed in, fists and boots raining down on him in a brutal, unrelenting barrage. Pain exploded across his body—his ribs cracked under heavy blows, his face split open, his vision swimming as they kicked and punched, dragging him down into the dirt. He tried to fight back, but it was like fighting against a tide, each blow sapping his strength until he was nothing more than a battered, broken mess.
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR3W4CMiD72
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpVWoc47wrP
Hours passed, or maybe only minutes—it was impossible to tell in the haze of pain and darkness. He was already passed out when the gang finally dispersed, laughing as they wiped their bloodied knuckles on their pants, George lay motionless on the ground. His breaths were shallow, his mind drifting in and out of consciousness as the fading light cast long shadows across the street.
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6etXmJCLSd
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBJAMkokfyR
When he managed to open his eyes, he was greeted by a blurry view of Apollo standing faithfully nearby. With an agonizing groan, he forced himself to move, crawling toward his horse and clinging to Apollo's reins as he pulled himself up onto its back. He didn't know how he'd make it home, but he knew he had to try.
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2apZbMvG31
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2q9ZgyGMT3
The ride back was a blur of pain, every jolt and sway of the horse sending fresh waves of agony through his battered body. By the time he reached the house, it was well into the evening, the sun casting a faint, dying glow over the land. George slid off Apollo, stumbling toward the house with his last scraps of strength.
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvUMOKZtGbG
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVOSRGZkAMx
"Dallas…" he called weakly, his voice barely more than a whisper as he staggered through the doorway, blood leaving a trail behind him. The silence was deafening, a hollow emptiness that filled him with dread. "Dallas!"
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtliioheVfr
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNsjo4pBree
He limped down the hall, his heart pounding as he noticed a trail of blood leading toward her bedroom. Fear gripped him, but he forced himself to follow, each step feeling like it would be his last.
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFqcGydgn45
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAlV3IQWlWg
When he pushed open her door, the sight that greeted him was beyond anything he could have imagined. Dallas lay sprawled on the bed, her body a horrifying mess of blood and gore. Forty stab wounds covered her from neck to waist, her eyes had been gouged out, her tongue was missing, her teeth shattered, and both legs had been cruelly severed.
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwYoyfiTKRD
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡicu9YuG0Yx
George's legs gave out beneath him, and he fell to his knees beside her, pulling her lifeless body into his arms. His fingers brushed over her blood-streaked hair as he cradled her, his face a mask of grief and fury.
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtF6NarH02N
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK6j7b1LFR9
"No… Dallas…" His voice was raw, choked with the weight of unshed tears. He buried his face in her hair, whispering broken apologies. "I'm so sorry… I'm so sorry I wasn't here…"
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4u7jCwDWTT
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIhyNI3fFEB
The reality of it crashed over him like a wave—he had failed her. He had tried to protect her, to keep her safe, and yet here she was, her life ripped away in the most brutal, senseless way imaginable. And the image of Rylan's smirk flashed in his mind, a reminder of the cruelty he had just barely survived.
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp0LxfBaIRo
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXF24Vu18UO
His heart hardened, his tears drying as a cold, dark resolve settled within him. There would be no forgiveness, no mercy. What they had done to her—what they had taken from
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6pYLpZNXz9
him—could never be undone, but he could make them pay.
223Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjCX7qZUSVe
ns3.16.42.17da2
