Into the West

[Rensslaer]

As they began to discuss what would occur, the sense of escape and freedom became more and more of a possibility. For once, Sonny would try and move forward with someone else’s well being in his mind. All that remained was mustering the strength to do what he had to do. He would not enjoy it as he assumed he would. But he would see this through and he would see Pete delivered to safety. If he owed his friend anything, it was that…his life. Too many others had died for Sonny’s mistakes. This one would live.

A sense of escape and freedom, to be sure! Sonny finally makes a break from his past. I think he will not look back.

The climax approaches...

Rensslaer

 

[unmerged(24320)]

stnylan: Quite a resolution there at the end. This one will live. I wonder if Sonny will attempt to sacrifice himself in the coming fracas, to save Pete...

i have been thinking about this. i only see one way. in the "match" with Pete, Sonny lines up his back to Montoya, facing Pete. both men only get one bullet! discussing this with Pete in advance, Pete is to shoot "at" Sonny with Sonny ducking at the last second and the bullet hits and kills Montoya. Sonny then shoots his bullet into the air, signifying that he will kill no more. this may allow Barnes the freedom to release both of them... :wacko: [ after all, the killing of Montoya was an accident ! ! ]

of course, in that advance discussion, Sonny will have to tell Pete to "trust in the Lord that your shot will go true," (and, believe it himself?)...

 

[coz1]

Interesting theory, GhostWriter. I'm honored that the situation has merited some further thinking along such lines.

One point to add - Pete will get a fully loaded gun (mentioned in the last update.) Or at least that is what Sonny is assuming. Only Sonny is forced to do his dirty work with one shot.

And something to think about - do you think Pete would fire on anyone with the intent to kill? He's only done it once when his wife and daughter were in danger and since then has foresaken any action that might bring harm to others, regardless of how much they deserve it. Recall that he refuses to engage in any sort of revenge, which is important for Sonny's education.

And yes - the climax is coming. Who survives that is still open for discussion, to be sure. The only one we know will survive is Sonny, since he makes it to Wyoming in 1881...somehow.

 

[stnylan]

And something to think about - do you think Pete would fire on anyone with the intent to kill?

Possibly. At the moment I can think of only one broad situation. He has a gun and ammo, and (for whatever reason) Sonny does not or is out of bullets. And someone is about to kill Sonny. In a situation like that I can see it, otherwise no. Something very much in the pressure of the moment.

 

[Director]

Barnes and Montoya have made a terrible mistake in allowing Pete and Sonny to spend any time together at all. Other than Pete's willingness to tend to Sonny after his beating, I can't imagine why unless it is just a typical error of megalomania.

Thank God there is something Sonny won't stoop to do, even if Pete acquiesces.

As far as tactics go, Sonny had best be careful; were I Montoya I would post someone with a weapon (probably a rifle) in case something went wrong.

 

[unmerged(24320)]

coz1: ...One point to add - Pete will get a fully loaded gun (mentioned in the last update.) Or at least that is what Sonny is assuming. Only Sonny is forced to do his dirty work with one shot.

there is no reason to give Pete more than one shot. after all, Sonny has already tried to use an enemies extra bullets. :rofl: and, Sonny certainly won't need more than one shot to dispatch Pete, were he inclined to do so. additionally, what would keep Sonny and Pete from exchanging pistols? ? (this gets back to "where there is a will, there is a way...")

coz1: ...And something to think about - do you think Pete would fire on anyone with the intent to kill?...

as i see it, only under the circumstances outlined above... (it gets back to the "trust in the Lord...")

coz1: ...And yes - the climax is coming...

really, really, really looking forward to it ! !

 

[Amric]

Anyone can be pushed to the point of killing....even the most peaceful of people can be brought to a point of doing such. It's been proven time and again. Just read a few newspapers or the TV news. Someone killing in defense of their child or something like that....as for Pete, well his family IS gone, so his raison d'etre is gone in that respect, yes. Would he fire upon Sonny? No. Against Barnes? No.

But will Sonny fire upon Pete? Also no. Once, he might have, but now with his change coming upon him like this.....Not going to happen. I figure it being Sonny taking his one shot at Barnes with Pete giving Sonny his fully loaded gun. It's something Barnes wouldn't suspect. He believes that Pete will defend himself and since Sonny is such a good shot that Pete will need a fully loaded weapon. He also would think Sonny wouldn't risk taking a shot at Barnes and losing the opportunity to defend himself from Pete.

Barnes doesn't really think of things like self sacrifice. It's against his true nature. It's always about Barnes, and only Barnes. Using whomever and/or whatever it takes to get ahead....It will prove to be quite a shock to feel that bullet hitting his heart....

 

[Rensslaer]

Anyone can be pushed to the point of killing....even the most peaceful of people can be brought to a point of doing such. It's been proven time and again. Just read a few newspapers or the TV news.

Sometimes my wife talks about what would bring her to the point where she could kill...

Sometimes she discusses this loudly, within earshot of my daughter's boyfriend.

Rensslaer

 

[Mr.G 24]

I better tag this AAR now, I plan to read it like I did Rensslaer's Prussian AAR, at night before I'm off to bed. AARs like yours are the best when you don't get dissappointed when you reach the last page and its still ongoing. I like to have closure when I read AAR that will certainly be good.

 

[stnylan]

I better tag this AAR now, I plan to read it like I did Rensslaer's Prussian AAR, at night before I'm off to bed. AARs like yours are the best when you don't get dissappointed when you reach the last page and its still ongoing. I like to have closure when I read AAR that will certainly be good.

All I can say is that you are in for a real treat. Enjoy!

 

[coz1]

Thank you stnylan for those very kind words, and thank you very much Mr.G 24 for letting me know you are beginning to read this mammoth work. I will say that the end will probably not come until late October (or perhaps even November as it stands right now.) But Chapter 10 is the last one and I hope to begin work on it before the end of this month. I am honored that you have the desire to read my AAR and impressed that you don't mind pouring through so much text. As it stands, this AAR is at 466 pages in Word, and getting longer every update.

I will also note - there is very little gameplay represented, if any at all. The small amount of game played is extremely buried and the rest of the AAR is built around that. Just a warning so you know what to expect. I'd love to know what you think if and when you complete it, but I also understand that this type of AAR is simply not everyone's cup of tea.

Now - as to the question of Pete - I appreciate everyone's thoughts on that, and I am taking them to heart while maintaining my original plot. It is one of the great qualities of writing like this - I can see what works and what does not, what is believable and what is expected...the feedback you provide helps with all facets of writing this (and anything else I write) so thank you. I hope the climax of this portion will live up to the hype.

And that climax will most likely occur later in the week, probably Friday or Saturday. I'd hope to have it done already but I am pulling double duty at work this week and still dealing with some tugs at my health thanks to the recent bronchitis. But I have begun accupuncture treatment which has helped tremendously already, and the smoking (or attempt to quit) is thus far about halfway successful. I'm down to a pack a day rather than the customary two I was at before. I didn't want to quit, but I do now. If anything, I can be thankful for the illness for that reason alone. Hey - you have to find the silver lining, right?

Thanks for reading and comenting all! Back soon, hopefully.

 

[coz1]

Chapter IX (cont.)

* * *​

The humidity in the air was heavy and Sonny felt his heart race. His opposite member stood tall, but with uncertainty. Sweat poured from Sonny’s brow and the lightening and subsequent thunder in the distance startled him, almost into action…but not yet. First, he had to wait for the clock. That last tick, signaling the moment of truth and his redemption as far as he could possibly have such at this moment.

He surveyed the scene and tried to calm his apprehension. His fingers all of the sudden felt the moment of truth and reacted. If only a gust of cold wind might blow through and give him some feeling of touch, or security to know that it would end as he wished. Instead, he knew he must count on his ability and his knowledge that he was faster, more equipped…simply better.

He did not wish it to be this way. It should have been simple. Not encumbered by the politics or needs of others…only his own wish for revenge and trust in his own talent. But as it was things had taken a turn and with it, he knew he had to blow with that wind. And strong it was as it blew a lengthy gust through the square and focused his attention on the man standing just yards away.

Not desiring it but unable to stop thinking, Sonny saw his mind turn back to the immediate events that led to this one moment…the moment of truth. Discussing it with Pete had been simple. He would catch the gun as it spun through the air and do his best to protect both himself and his friend. Pete was to get down and try to remain safe while Sonny took out those that wished him dead. But somehow…someway he had found another way. Who could have known that Montoya had different plans? Not Sonny, and certainly nothing he could truly count on. But it had given him an out…a way to take care of what needed doing without risking his friend’s life.

He and Pete had been sleeping, as much as two men could in such horrid conditions. But the door to the basement had opened and the slow sound of boot meeting stair had made enough of a stir to grab his attention from his limited slumber. Looking up, he saw the well-dressed feet of Montoya descending and he did not need to wake Pete to see the same. His friend too saw the man come down and great them.

“Mr. Gamble…” he had started with perfect comfort, “I have need to discuss something with you that I find might be most beneficial.”

Pete looked to Sonny and he returned to quizzical look as if to say, “Let us see what this means.”

“As you know, Mr. Barnes is a talented man…a resourceful man.”

Sonny nodded at Montoya’s speech as he wondered why he said such.

“…And it seems to me that…well, let us just say simply…he has overstayed his welcome.”

What was it that Montoya wanted? It was a natural question and one that Sonny had thought on several times while he remained stuck in this hell. But to allow him the rest, Sonny again only nodded.

“It has been a worry to me since the arrival and now that the situation has turned in the manner that it has, I must find some new recourse to maintain my own stability. Surely you may understand such.”

When Sonny remained motionless, Montoya continued, “When a person is so evidently attempting to take what is rightfully yours, one must do all that they must to thwart such action. As it stands, I believe you could be of great service to assist in such measures.”

As he looked at the man through the darkness, Sonny instantly knew what he was getting at. Barnes had stayed too long…once the prodigal son, now he was the man that came to dinner…at once, both the protégé and nemesis. And somehow, Sonny knew that he was the device to send him home. But how? That was all Sonny wished to know.

“You were to be forced into the street to fight this man,” Montoya had pointed to Pete with nonchalance as if he were nothing more than a rabbit to be served for dinner, “and I might have enjoyed such a match. But as it stands now, I have need of a new set of fighters…”

Waiting for the inevitable finish, Sonny finally received it, “…You and my good friend John Barnes.”

Montoya’s smile was at the same time both kind and sinister. Sonny had only seen it once before…in the man he was now to kill.

“How?” This was all Sonny could say as he remained motionless and allowed Montoya to finish his thinking.

“You are talented, yes?”

Sonny could not argue with that and nodded his head in agreement.

“You have desire to see Mr. Barnes finished, am I incorrect?”

Sonny could not say no. Montoya was exactly right on that score.

“Then you will kill him for me…agreed?”

It was as if Montoya knew the answer and his visit was but a formality. But in the moment, all Sonny could do was be thankful that he had an out…here was a man that would just as soon see him dead than do something kind, but he was in need of Sonny at that particular moment. The two men’s desires happen to coincide.

Again, and after just a moment of reflective silence, Sonny asked, “How?”

The smile on Montoya’s face was sickening, but necessary as Sonny saw it. He let go of the disgust and waited for the words, “You see the window just above you, yes?”

Montoya pointed to the one place that Sonny and Pete had found light during the past few days and Sonny nodded after a brief look to his friend.

“I will place a fully loaded pistol there for you to utilize. The window can be pushed open, but as I am sure you have noticed is certainly not enough to escape from. Choose this weapon and make your way upstairs…an act I will make available for you, as I am sure you can guess by now.”

And Sonny could. In fact, his mind had been working in that direction for a few minutes already. It would allow him to find Barnes and force him to do his own bidding…for once.

“Once you have located our friend, who I might add for your convenience will be in the study, I would like for you to move him outside so that we might have yet another fine…” he stopped himself for a moment as he allowed a large grin to form on his leathery face, “…contest.”

So that was it. Montoya wished to continue his fun while ridding himself of a burden…a burden Sonny could take care of. Usually, this would have been the moment for Sonny to say no simply to irritate. But for once he was presented with an act that was irritating, as it was an act carried out for someone else, but one he would have desired anyway. However there was still a catch…

“If I do this,” he began to stand, slowly but as surely as he could, “will you let me…and Pete…go?”

“Well of course,” Montoya smiled like the Cheshire cat as if such a question was absurd on the face of it. “Why else would you do such a thing…” he paused for a moment, “…unless you wish to join us here?”

No, Sonny did not. But he was willing to take the favor Montoya had given him. His nod was all the response Montoya required.

“Please remember, Mr. Gamble, I’ll be keeping your…” he stopped as he looked at Pete and frowned just slightly, “…companion here in the event you decide to use this favor against me. And I should hope you would be intelligent enough to realize you will not be able to escape through your own ability. I’ll have extra guards placed to see to that. But the basement door will be open if you wish to…walk through it.”

Sonny understood then, and he understood it now as he looked up to face his opponent once again. The night air seemed to grow thicker and the sweat heavier on his brow. Could he finish the act? But with what had already happened, he knew that he could.

It had been not long after Montoya left that Pete had scrambled to the top of a few stacked boxes and found the stored gun. Loaded, as Montoya had promised, Sonny had tossed it back and forth in his hands a few times to get a feel of it. He pushed it securely into his pants and started the slow climb of the stairs once the right hour had reached him.

The door had been unlocked, but he remained apprehensive, both from distrust and the weather outside. Though not yet raining, the air had grown increasingly thick with humidity and it was only a matter of time before a thunderous downpour occurred. The flash of lightening had already begun from the dark windows of the halfway as he moved from the basement to the first floor of the house, and he did his best to calm himself when everything around him felt electric and palpable.

He turned a corner and almost raised his weapon as a face appeared. No words were spoken, but a guard nodded in assent and pointed to Sonny’s destination…the study…Barnes. He moved on and upon reaching the room, stopped for a moment. He took a deep breath, drew his gun and kicked the doors open with his feet, pleased to perhaps make some damage on that bastard Montoya’s home.

Expecting to be double-crossed, Sonny was surprised at Barnes own shock.

“Wha…what is this?” The son of a bitch had said.

“Consider it payback.” It sounded cheap at the time, but it was the first thing to come from Sonny’s brain.

“Payback?!”

Barnes was obviously unprepared, perhaps for the first time in his life. He somehow never expected his old friend and mentor to do him like this. But he also somehow looked past the intelligence that had taught him everything he knew. And certainly, he never assumed that would come in the shape of Sonny. For that, Sonny could be satisfied.

“Stand up,” Sonny had said with calm but fierce determination.

Barnes did as suggested, but he moved his arm ever so slightly to the side where he usually kept a Derringer. Seeing it, Sonny leveled his gun to Barnes’ face, “Keep ‘em up, Barnes. I ain’t about to see ya shoot me now.”

“Well, when did you expect it?”

The humor was lost on Sonny. If anything, he was irritated that Barnes still somehow felt confident to use such.

“Just move on over to the side…there. Keep still and ya might live for a few more moments.”

Barnes did as he was told and kept his arms held high. But he had other avenues of attack. “Sonny…I have done what I could to help you. Surely you understand that. In fact, the only reason you’ve been kept in captivity was due to our rather inhospitable host.”

“That’s a lie…” Sonny began but Montoya finished the thought as he too moved into the room,

“And no mistake.” Montoya spoke as he crossed behind Sonny and walked to the darkened windows. He looked out into the night sky as it lit up with a bolt of lightening, “How unfortunate that you should choose me to lie to, eh?”

Barnes’ face went ashen as well as both men could see. He could not understand how such was happening to him. He had always been so careful.

“But the thing is, John…” the insincerity and condescension dripped from Montoya’s lips as he spoke, “…there is still a chance.”

Both Barnes and Sonny looked to Montoya as he turned to face the room, “I believe every man deserves a chance. Yours comes tonight.”

Barnes, flustered but doing his best to remain composed started to walk towards the old Mexican. “Senor Mont…”

That’s as far as he got before Sonny pushed himself and stepped towards his own mentor. “Ya stop right there, Barnes. I’ll shoot ya now if I have to.”

“But I’d prefer he did not, John.” Montoya took a step towards Barnes and looked into his eyes with a smirk, “I think you’ll fair better when you have the chance to show what you are truly made of. And against this…boy…you’ve made.”

The sting hurt them both at once, but Sonny took it better than Barnes. “What do you mean?” Barnes asked, knowing full well what Montoya had in mind.

“A fight…of course.” Montoya’s look was steel and glass all the way. “And if you are fast, my friend…and sure…you may come out alive.”

Barnes looked to Montoya with an almost pleading visage, but knew at that very moment that his welcome had come to an end.

“My patience only runs so far, John. You, of all people, should know that. Did you not think I would see what and who you are? Did you think you could get away with it?”

“But…”

“Please, John…it is unbecoming of you to beg.”

Barnes stood back a step and allowed the scene to play through his mind. Sonny saw it and saw also that his old mentor was playing through the different scenarios that might follow.

“Outside, Barnes.” Sonny tipped his revolver to point to the door. “That’s what the man wants.”

Barnes straightened his vest as he looked back to the young man in front of him holding him hostage. “Well of course it is. It would not be enjoyable any other way. But you surely know he is using you as much as I might have.”

Sonny knew it to be true, but felt strong enough to take either of them on if it came to that. But he truly wanted Barnes. And here he was, at the ready. “Let’s go.”

John Barnes took the signal and began his slow walk towards the door. Sonny followed as he kept half an eye on Montoya behind him. The three walked from the room and out into the hallway leading to the porch.

“It is still possible to make a deal, Sonny,” Barnes began to bargain.

“I don’t think so, Barnes. Time’s up for that. Maybe ya should of thought about that before ya killed Gus…or Lem!”

Barnes felt the anger rise in Sonny and it pushed him on, in so many ways. “The truth is, my good man, it is not I that did them in. Surely you hold some blame for that as well.”

The comment only made Sonny angrier. He wanted to pull the trigger at that moment. But there was always Pete. “Keep walkin’!”

Thunder crashed outside as they made their way to the front door. It opened without anyone asking or turning a knob. The light from a second flash of lightening filled the room and Sonny pressed his revolver into Barnes’ back to keep him moving forward.

“Amazing to me that you still think you can control the situation, my friend,” Montoya remarked behind them both. “I must have taught you well, but not well enough.”

This remark only stung Barnes, but he would not let Sonny see if he could help it. But yet, Sonny did. “Yeah…ya never did know when to keep yer damn trap shut!” He hated it, but Sonny was enjoying this so far.

Barnes remained silent as he made his way out onto the porch and started down the front steps. The town had little knowledge of what was happening, but the few stragglers began to take notice and they started to mingle around the familiar square. Montoya remained on the porch, as it was familiar ground, but watched as his two fighters made their way to the ground below. And as if on cue, the wispy man who officiated, soon appeared and nodded at his master. He looked at both Sonny and Barnes as he made the offhand comment, “Another contest. How grand.”

Directing them to the middle in a formation both men were by now acquainted with, they each took sides and the thin gentlemen made sure Barnes was provided with a gun. As they stood in place, each could hear Montoya above, “Yet again we find a match to the death, good people. And this time we have a treat. You have all known this man as my friend, and he is. But the question is…does he deserve to be?”

The crowd that had gathered, though smaller than usual, erupted with cheers as they saw another contest form.

“And as for the other…well, you have all seen him work. Will he be able to best another?” The crowd joined in with cries of ‘yes’ and ‘no.’

Montoya smiled as he followed, “We shall find out.”

The old Mexican obviously found enjoyment out of it. Sonny could sense it then and he could sense it now as he stood waiting for the clock to strike the hour. Brought back to his current mind by the man opposite him, Sonny focused on his prey.

“My boy…” Barnes again tried to plead in his own special way, “Do you think it really must end like this? I saved you from sure death…an evil paramour…and a useless chase. And here you feel the need to banish me from this mortal coil?”

Now he was poetic, not that Sonny understood it. “You surely know what you might do to save yourself at present…and I would be very happy to…”

“Shut it!” Sonny yelled across the square. “Ain’t got nothin’ more to say. Today ya die, Barnes. And it’ll be my pleasure!”

Sonny meant it and Barnes knew it too. There was no escape for him after all this time being the master of illusion. Today, however, he would die. And he was not prepared.

But Sonny was, regardless of the outcome. The young man fingered his revolver just slightly as it sat in his britches, and he felt the electricity. His heart continued to race but suddenly, even in the face of oppressive humidity, the sweating and nervousness ceased. After all this time, he was ready…for whatever happened next.

Without warning, the clock’s minute hand made the move from fifty-nine seconds to a minute and a revolver drifted quickly into the air and level with its target. Time seemed to cease as Sonny felt the full force of the weapon discharge and almost saw every second of flight from his gun to Barnes’ temple. Engrossed as he was with the murder at hand, he did not even notice the bullet fly past his right shoulder.

Barnes had missed.

The man fell backward with force as the deadly shot connected with his head. A second shot, that might have surprised him had he still had awareness, filled his black heart with such force that it blew through his back and exploded into the air with a sticky red cloud.

Across the square, his opposite member stood quiet and still, ready to fire again if it was needed. It was not. Barnes was finally dead. And the strangest thing was, Sonny did not really appreciate it. He’d wanted it for so long, and had such desire…but in the end, it was just another notch on his gun belt. Nothing more and nothing less. How disappointing…but not completely.

The crowd shook with excitement and applause and Montoya lifted from his seat and began to clap wildly. “Bravo…yes, very good!”

But Sonny did not feel it. He slowly placed the gun back into his pants, ready if needed, but hopefully allowed to cool. Montoya yelled down from his place, “You may stay, Mr. Gamble…if that is what you wish. We have much need for man of your talent.”

And suddenly, the gun was out again. Within a span of time it took to bat an eyelash, Sonny’s gun was level with Montoya, so far above on his pedestal. But instead of being frightened, Montoya laughed with glee.

“What? You plan to kill me now?”

Sonny saw and felt the range of guns arrayed against him and heard the distinctive sound of rifles cocked and aimed. Four of them surely, if not more. But he did not lower his gun readily.

“I could’ve killed ya already…” Sonny said with certainty. “But not today.”

The weapons aimed at him did not lower, but Montoya’s smile did.

“Now let Pete go!”

Sonny knew he could not trust Montoya, and certainly knew that he could be killed at any moment. But he remained firm and kept his weapon pointed straight at the old Mexican gentleman. After a second or two, Montoya raised his hand and waived it in the air. Moments later, Pete was lead from the house and started down the front steps. The Russian was obviously scared and kept his gaze on Sonny the entire time. He was led to the gates of the town and only then did Sonny lower his gun.

“Is that all?” Sonny hollered for all to hear.

When Montoya took more than a second to respond, Sonny almost lost hope that he might escape. But then he saw the man nod. Sonny slowly moved after Pete towards the gate and both men exited as the crowd erupted once again. Apparently they appreciated a man taking a stand. And that was exactly what Sonny had done that day. Coming into it, he thought he needed a trick. Or some gift from…God? Could it be that he realized that?

He did, but not openly. And he also realized how lucky he and Pete both were, and frankly, how ultimately unlucky Barnes had been. That was really all it took. He and Pete never looked back as they moved through the gate and out into the open and uninviting landscape of the Mexican night. Flashes of light and ominous thunder filled the sky as they made their way across the inhospitable ground.

Finally, some ways away, Pete stopped to look at his friend. He remained silent at first but finally found the words, “Thank you.”

Had Sonny never buried a feeling, he might have allowed this one to overflow. Instead, he knew exactly how to handle it.

“You go on now, Pete. Go on.”

Pete looked quizzical at his friend, “But what about you?”

“I’ll be jest fine, Pete…jest fine. And…” he stopped and thought about what he was about to say. “…And thank you.”

Sonny began to separate from Pete and his Russian friend tried to follow but Sonny stopped and held up his hand. It was enough for Pete to understand. Sonny needed this time apart…this time to reflect and learn how to live this new life he was about to embark upon. He did not feel comfortable or secure that he might be successful, but he knew it was right and just. His grandfather would have approved, just as his brother would…and his cousin…his mother…and his father. After all this time, Sonny would finally begin a journey not built on revenge and anger, but of hope and perhaps dreams…if he were lucky. Regardless, he would be finished with this chapter. Or so he hoped.

To be continued in Chapter X​

 

[unmerged(24320)]

magnificent update! !

 

[Stuyvesant]

o

I feel like I owe you an apology, coz1.

You see, a few months ago, life became a lot more hectic, all of a sudden. My wife graduated and started a new job, which allowed us to start looking for a house to buy (instead of the grotty apartment we were renting), which eventually led to us buying a house, which required all the work that comes with that (and we're still unpacking boxes...). Then there's address changes, all the things we never used to have to take care of because we used to rent, buying (and assembling) extra furniture for the house, looking into the option of buying a second car so that I can get to work when winter hits (maybe four more weeks or so)...

Because of all those reasons, and more, my forum time took a big hit. 'Into the West' was the primary casualty of that (so where ctuhlhu's, Prufrock's and Yogi's HOI2 AARs, but then my attempts to follow HOI AARs have always been rather opportunistic). For that, I apologize.

It's not that I didn't LIKE 'Into the West' anymore, it's just that it's easily the most complex story I've ever tried to follow on these Boards. To be honest, reading about Sonny's journey takes a lot more effort on my part than any other story here (that's no bad thing: it's because of the deep development of Sonny's character and the pay-off is some very involved reading. Reading it takes more out of me, but it also gives me back more, than most of the AARs I follow). Unfortunately, it meant that when I had a few minutes to spare, and a choice to make between, say, jwolf's Templar AAR or your epic, I'd pick the 'easier' AAR. And so I slipped behind, one update, two updates... until eventually I realized yesterday that I hadn't posted a comment in THREE MONTHS! And I noticed that there were TEN pages of updates to work my way through!

Thankfully, I had some time today (four-and-a-half hours, and counting, to be precise). Boy, did I catch up on some masterful writing (and boy, did I feel bad whenever you commented about "losing previous readers").

Of course, I had to catch up on so many updates, that I can't really meaningfully comment on much that has happened. The last thing I remember reading before tonight was Sonny first meeting up with Frank Younger, fer cryin' out loud!

I liked watching so many pieces fall together towards Sonny's eventual redemption (still a work in progress, but at least it's in progress now). Losing Frank. Meeting with Will for the first time, and that meeting being such a disappointment. Then the chase by the Marshalls, and the Great Dying... I see now what you meant, when I posted (many months ago) that it would be good for Sonny's Karma to meet up with Lem again, right after Sonny and Co. left Lago the first time... Bitingly ironic words, considerig that Sonny's reacquaintance with Lem was a sad, sad chapter (and terrible for his Karma, if he has any). And while that same trip led to Sonny and Thomas resuming their friendship (I thought the scene of them sharing a morning filled with comfortable, mundane, talk was, there's no other word for it, beautiful), it didn't take long for Thomas to die either.

Then Sonny's excursion into Mexico, leading eventually to the death of Gus, but not before Sonny loses himself in the alcohol for far too many months. As if he needed any more wrong turns in his life.

Then that powerful, surreal, dream. I'm sure I did not catch all the nuances (although reading everybody's analyses and your responses to them sure helped ), but I do think I have two little nuggets to add (while acknowledging my depth to everyone for their thorough discussions). First, I assume that the huge, towering mountain was another symbol for Stonewall. Second -by a process of elimination- I reckon that the mountain lion represents either Tanney and/or Sonny's obsession with hunting down Tanney. When you think about it, either Tanney himself killed the people Sonny saw across the river in that dream (father, mother, Reverend), or they died because of Sonny's increasingly wayward travels to find this man (such as Lem and Gus - they wouldn't have died if Sonny hadn't fallen in with the wrong crowd - which wouldn't have happened with Tanney's killings and Sonny's determination to find and punish him).

And then, in the last couple of updates, Sonny's brutal vengeance on Hollis - Long expected, long overdue, but still a little shocking in just how uncaringly Sonny accomplished that particular task; followed by his journey into the lion's den; meeting up with Barnes one last time; having the horrible vision of Sonny and Pete having to fight it out and then, due to the duplicity of Montoya, a chance to make a clean break. I liked Sonny deciding to do something positive, as shown by his determination not to let Pete die, rather than his determination to kill Barnes. Also, very important that, upon finally killing Barnes, he realizes that it doesn't really satisfy him.

Finally, after all he's tried (not caring about being a criminal; hunting for Tanney; trying to avenge the death of Lem; deciding NOT to avenge those deaths; drowning himself in alcohol; deciding to avenge those deaths again by killing Hollis and gunning for Barners), Sonny has realized that ignoring his conscience and being bad will not give him peace. And so, we go into Chapter Ten on a rather hopeful note. Personally, I'm also hopeful - hopeful that I'll be able to keep up with this wonderful story again, now that I've finally caught up (yes, pretty awful attempt at transitioning, but give me a break - 1:45 AM Central - I'm not at my sharpest at this time ).

Of course, we know from the very beginning of this tale that Sonny has a serious relapse, when he tries to kill Tanney some eight years down the road... Evidently, Sonny's not done with his internal struggles yet.

 

[coz1]

Thank you, GhostWriter!

And Stuyvesant - please do not feel that you need to apologize or even feel bad. I know how difficult RL can make keeping up on work done around here. And congrats on buying the house, even if it has come with some extra duties. The fact that you comment now is certainly enough for me. And to do so in your always deep and thoughtful way is so very meaningful to me. Thank you!

I must say - you are the first person to finally get the Tanney reference with the mountain lion of the dream. I will surely go into it further once this work is complete, but it represented what people have already suggested about Sonny, but also Tanney specifically and how he relates to what Sonny has become. And as you so aptly point out at the end of your comment, he has a relapse in Wyoming and thus the reason why the dream takes place there rather than back in Mexico in 1873. Bravo for catching it, and it shows yet again what an inciteful reader you are! My biggest reason for missing your comments these past months - has it been that long? I didn't think so, but I take your word for it.

And perhaps waiting to catch up allowed you to see more clearly the transition in Sonny from the days when he was robbing banks with Barnes and Frank Younger to the step he has now taken. I am very pleased to know you enjoyed it and extremely thankful that you decided to pour through all of the prose! Thank you, thank you and thank you, sir! I too hope you are able to keep reading when you have the chance, and so very appreciative that you've been able to catch up in time to read the final chapter that I hope to get going very soon.

Have I said it enough? I don't think so...thank you!

 

[stnylan]

That is powerful stuff. So the old double-crosser was himself double-crossed. Fitting. A suitably sordid end to Barnes, and to Sonny's relationship with Barnes.

Thank you. Two small unassuming words, but at times they can be among the most powerful in the English language.

 

[Director]

You know Al, I was expecting a lot from this update since you told me about what you had planned for it.

It is far beyond my expectations. Magnificent.

I will note that Sonny has now made the right decision - for the right reason - for the first time in many years. Here's hoping he lets that become a habit.

As for Pete... maybe Sonny realizes the best thing he can do to protect Pete is send him away. Since keeping him around would be MUCH better for Sonny, this decision shows a glint of the noble soul that lurks beneath the stony exterior. Bravo for Sonny again!

Thank you for that powerful, moving update.

Stuyvesant - That is as magnificent an apology as I think I have ever heard. It takes a big man to do that, and for what it's worth you have my respect and admiration.

 

[coz1]

Fb-fb:

stnylan - Well thank you, sir. And yes, I thought it was a good way for Barnes to go.

Director - You are too kind, sir. And as I often say, I had a great deal of help from you in providing excellent feedback on the plot and structure. Any of you need a sounding board for your ideas...have Director take a look. He'll find the holes and even help you fill them if need be.

Yes, it would be nice were it to become a habit, but it will take a great deal of effort to get there. As for Pete, that is true. But Sonny knows he has to do this on his own, and there remains that great fear of his possible curse.

And to all - the pdf for chapter IX is now linked in my sig for those wishing to catch up without having to pour through the comments (though they are all quite good, so maybe you should not miss them.)

I probably won't get Chapter X under way until this coming weekend, so that gives some time to play catch up. And I am excited (though also a tad frightened) that once that is finished, then so too will this AAR. Over two years running. I'm not sure what I will do without having this story swimming away in the back of my mind as it has since February of 2004. But we ain't there yet...

 

[Storey]

It’s looks like my returning to your story was perfectly timed for the ending of chapter nine. I’ve just a few comments. All right maybe more than a few. Having the chance to read several pages at once has its advantages.

The slow but steady decent of Sonny into hell that finally reached its nadir in Mexico at the bottom of a bottle was frankly, difficult to read. I was again reminded of Russian literature and the tragic and pessimistic view it shows of life. If it were not for the fact that I had already read the first several chapters I don’t know if I would have stuck with the story. So as I was reading I was wondering how the hell you were going to pull Sonny and the story into the direction of redemption and hope. Well you surprised me. The sudden change from Sonny’s introspective, claustrophobic mental turmoil into the sudden swift and violent action of ridding the world of Hollins triggered by the only thing that could get Sonny off his drunken butt, that last glimmer of his humanity, friendship for Gus and Pete. Then the appearance of Montoya presented the reader with the surprising catalyst of the next stage of Sonny’s life. Killing Barnes and then having to make the choice of staying with Montoya or leaving was symbolic of his choice to leave his violent world behind or move on to a new life. (Okay maybe I read too much into this part) Anyway a very convincing tale of a man who has changed from a cold killer to someone who is sick of the violent world he lives in.

Joe

 

[Rensslaer]

Just a note to say I'm still here!

I read about half of your latest update last night. I will try very hard to finish it sometime today.

I am being yanked and pulled by real life, but still desperately trying to stay current with the forums!

Renss