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.
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMo5SldVO1U
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAPisTdLADA
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.
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuErKgegvhv
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRTdgKQwaOO
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."
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu9vy4aid1o
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO01pK1TBku
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.
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeCNs0QHc7A
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNafFzktVV8
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."
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXUKGXdthRd
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡazzR47b9Jl
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.
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuBn7K7VXNI
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ83QoHZ5u3N
"Brother, I'm back!" she called, her voice bright as she ran over and threw her arms around him.
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOIxmsXdXZq
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVjhOTmAqMq
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?"
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0HWkP54aae
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR5TqdRG4YQ
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?"
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLPDT04CkX7
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7FFxqurTr6
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?"
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWKGSc59r1f
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxL52Rqu28o
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."
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB5sTRwSX5o
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt9tz61RNzQ
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?"
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJQ6XSyYxVd
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDjTGhahHys
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."
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJrnf0sZ80o
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb3oHmhgxnl
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?"
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡABXvuBgX5M
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqth8t51LT0
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."
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKSGyge4CGT
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEKbWX92INN
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."
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8tZiY4UHmS
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnpKmo7iiS2
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."
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpKA7C2ety2
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJMtl1ugnE8
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."
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUCZX7QW5kZ
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvIgr73bhW7
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.
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmpBrMlcFVw
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNZ4Js40zmj
"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.
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5xVnDEl3F9
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmcyCyDEKOW
"Goodnight, George," Dallas murmured as she entered her room, giving him a faint smile.
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ3oUVCsIhg
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKbhzbwmJAh
"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.
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKWrne2FK0M
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKpOIW0zmrW
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."
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJaUxT5b6QJ
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJEVmzdRx5s
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.
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmMFrGpPsou
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsEasFeUTRO
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.
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKksJb4JI7O
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpd0MCbCYUX
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.
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSB5FvwyTVa
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvehINXAAIw
George's eyes hardened, but he kept his voice calm. "Dallas. What happened?" He stepped aside, gesturing for her to come in.
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS310sM8CVi
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnD4Svd7nu3
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.
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwGFH0cCNpl
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQy8ZdgXo3T
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?"
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSMndtADYIz
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKAupu8xXkG
Dallas shrugged, avoiding his gaze. "They were just… playing around. It got out of hand, but it's nothing."
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡejV63CikzN
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdb7njjQhOA
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."
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqwjTtXbxqP
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeOAD2OTxKj
Dallas finally looked up, her eyes flashing with a mix of shame and anger. "I can handle myself, George. I'm not a kid."
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxTMpS6Wg76
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbWtgdSSSF7
"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."
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcKfnCsdWUd
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw0pn44v17o
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.
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtA39QpfSnh
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU66qtxWZdk
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."
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlJ3mI0kx8s
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu1kj8t0Htx
She looked down, nodding slightly, the fight draining out of her. "Yeah… I know."
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX87LhHgZe6
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlY14i0hwwM
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."
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3rjjXWpIr6
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtGXIeouDEH
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."
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN8h8atZFBV
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl019C8zE2b
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.
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNysGMZCJVK
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsB1ddDZCD5
"Here you go," he murmured, meeting her eyes for a brief moment. "Eat up."
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡswFVgjSd73
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhLJymhNpBr
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.
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl8o0aDPXd5
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4NFUEZrhuy
"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."
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwAhL2pewI6
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡndPIFl156O
Dallas glanced up, her bruised face flickering with worry. "Just… be careful, alright?"
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡepP3bhV479
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYcndttfQhV
George gave her a small smile. "Don't you worry. I'll be back before you know it."
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPFSwLN6qbw
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUU4DQS2EJI
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.
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVEAxdMwIrZ
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo6jckgczHA
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.
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzE3IMLaKmB
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkcboectI6u
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.
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0KabbTdWgM
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGvZMGcAmWn
"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."
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK3omwux3kS
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlFZjiHjeso
"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.
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwBALuSb7xY
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCJSLd7o2DZ
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.
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJlP1IdzBvU
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrOVKSUqwsV
"Rylan!" The name cut through the noise, and the gang turned to look at him, sneers falling as they took in George's presence.
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFPCwdaK387
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs5lC4JTP29
Rylan cocked his head, smirking as he sized up his new opponent. "Who the hell are you?" he drawled, clearly amused.
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfYYwELrPMT
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLdBZ9gIneX
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."
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0YAWsnCcQe
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhKyQPLiQgT
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?"
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSmHqXrVYdB
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9jeppSr0Ou
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.
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0XaaHuQhHU
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxBKtsDdmkY
"That all you got, fool?" he hissed, before swinging back with a savage blow to George's gut.
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEqEP6aM1IS
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCtvQ1RodZh
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.
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCxM9te7VCN
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKsalDUWNiL
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.
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKD5GYQVt5u
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk6LuKk1mqO
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.
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs2bpcPgwJR
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtlRvp36YFx
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.
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhO9vq8Spm5
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkzPVUG3S2P
"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!"
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Dyxl2YL8X
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSxBYwt8msa
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.
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmdufZ19y7j
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHdjIhMzsNA
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.
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG6aleHIYgh
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZTc3cGP8rc
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.
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOzZXxyFsmK
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOGgj7C0DlI
"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…"
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFHvBZooGvL
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDiS9EaJGcJ
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.
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBLYkW0l3tL
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9tCMLzfOhF
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
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWYVAnBE0rS
him—could never be undone, but he could make them pay.
249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHxfNa2L4WX
ns216.73.216.197da2
