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.
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNS4DfuPoT9
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP7jDqZJTIk
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.
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR0e8QuPZOn
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7wBFd5fbOS
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."
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0SLNlhyWAp
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa1pxS9LBMc
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.
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRLjRTP4mT1
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXPBXZUb0sl
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."
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5UbX876KoV
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO0X7xVIE9I
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.
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTWfMVl8MIQ
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB39jr5hV3r
"Brother, I'm back!" she called, her voice bright as she ran over and threw her arms around him.
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpahcZaCV6d
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0zu3RiD1NL
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?"
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkpBQtcungD
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0frFlmszYC
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?"
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsRUBJb0ZpT
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHgm4B6NgpC
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?"
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnbBlF6TN8z
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡueIeRwQwUI
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."
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7tXZkfMCXb
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQW1UjVKfB9
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?"
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOujpPJCYbu
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtlNM8fi5Fd
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."
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPMav4eRrbL
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLn1cLBkoqd
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?"
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtn21A1G7a6
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡutI3xcKl9q
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."
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ59NG2VyDfc
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs7DmhBR9vs
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."
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0rLK16pYFc
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbnOscfZkVJ
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."
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWBWeg1ajSs
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡep8xVXbVGo
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."
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg8A8npbMyq
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQeZdN1XShI
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.
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3nKhPwlmsC
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoKIQu6GAxr
"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.
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF5tpPyGboW
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7avLnhvVLR
"Goodnight, George," Dallas murmured as she entered her room, giving him a faint smile.
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK97c20fbZo
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPyc6HmSpBi
"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.
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmzYY7JnPvQ
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNdSbW9zC91
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."
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkHFVlgxe2w
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡISWTNHKOqr
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.
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Ljfkd28rO
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP0HeuaxIgh
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.
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpE8nrGRK7e
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRhHX5aqQqS
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.
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKuoI6pwvcE
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnZ2IkrqMul
George's eyes hardened, but he kept his voice calm. "Dallas. What happened?" He stepped aside, gesturing for her to come in.
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZctSxHxkBZ
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJWqXyuDpMU
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.
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfqfI0HTNbS
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5JV5KfWNXW
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?"
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnFpkBiD7aG
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF0M4yNMTAf
Dallas shrugged, avoiding his gaze. "They were just… playing around. It got out of hand, but it's nothing."
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMPPHWOE7VR
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYs6qEMvwj8
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."
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqoxEPcMWp8
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk9m9l9eyCy
Dallas finally looked up, her eyes flashing with a mix of shame and anger. "I can handle myself, George. I'm not a kid."
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHX0teIv6a1
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcQa5Ml1dYd
"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."
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFTy7l02d5T
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3WCm7bde1v
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.
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjTNxnvxIdX
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZNntdkxMiK
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."
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMFxB3ExnDp
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4KBwyIcOF3
She looked down, nodding slightly, the fight draining out of her. "Yeah… I know."
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKs41FfbjyY
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3pPGwA2gfG
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."
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8pPqFMLum8
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtstwaMTjix
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."
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQBPkg2fucq
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAxPgg930qQ
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.
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ72AFSPkWeY
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQq2tEES3rR
"Here you go," he murmured, meeting her eyes for a brief moment. "Eat up."
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFl88imtH05
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOg0mS3lVVz
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.
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1yRrOxngvE
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHvDG5Y9FjN
"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."
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjNxMOXcpf1
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA4GdpSd6DX
Dallas glanced up, her bruised face flickering with worry. "Just… be careful, alright?"
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3yjKh4J3Ly
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡztvIFoDy1Q
George gave her a small smile. "Don't you worry. I'll be back before you know it."
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtthikgqyWI
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH302SVMtgg
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.
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg3PiZ3yXPH
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5MHlCSe1aP
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.
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiaIL849mbC
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIW6o2i11GS
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.
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIRfCdOa3Ha
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzBGHqRzb1X
"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."
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjQrhDbKZ96
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEjs1Rf4kUu
"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.
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnqnCGduOIm
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEaVh8SjP1m
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.
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIhveoHkHhh
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfO7hZp2u5M
"Rylan!" The name cut through the noise, and the gang turned to look at him, sneers falling as they took in George's presence.
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH5bS9qbXFb
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCGETS36Cbl
Rylan cocked his head, smirking as he sized up his new opponent. "Who the hell are you?" he drawled, clearly amused.
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrMNK770Ity
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrRgcPQvsNG
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."
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡViBCqyV6YJ
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrqXcsAJePi
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?"
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiPbqDMpV0o
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5vjWEdMFP1
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.
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdwxBtBKrZl
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN4jQ0T9r5z
"That all you got, fool?" he hissed, before swinging back with a savage blow to George's gut.
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCun5hBDVei
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWX7wxs8frG
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.
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGFhWEIAywZ
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOCfo3YdFA6
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.
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡufPJE7pMa8
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5OLVNGy6In
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.
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ189CCxFmB8
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡefY68ABhqS
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.
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjw3vZ11G7R
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRrsmaX8eAE
"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!"
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ60bVbiLI1L
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgNyavV8N5j
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.
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDVFBTds3MB
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMAE2t3XhCS
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.
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJS3905jnq7
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡveDZSV4KIR
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.
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZwjPKNbalC
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKDo8MmFF5t
"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…"
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCgJwuyf4K0
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiJZnOGQMlG
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.
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBZTrtWdpH6
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJwO8k5kjD9
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
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡec4ZZYuBok
him—could never be undone, but he could make them pay.
191Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3tA2NkbiZZ
ns3.140.254.100da2
