Weeks went by with little to no issues. Richard avoided Kristal every chance he got, which suited the outlaw just fine. She was healing nicely and would be able to ride by New Years, which she couldn't wait. Maybe after New Years, she would finally leave. Dick loathed her and she got a weird feeling now from McCloskey. Dirty Steve at least now tolerated her and Charlie was now doting on her much like Doc, to her dismay. She didn't need anyone growing attached to her. She was bound to leave eventually. And then there was Billy! God, Billy. He was the same old Billy, getting under her skin every chance he got. He was always somewhere nearby too, it unnerved her. And if she were being honest, she found a friend in the half breed Chavez.

However, the only difference, really, was the fact she had grown fond of John Tunstall. He was like a father figure to her one that she never really had. He treated her with respect and genuinely cared about her opinions. She understood why the boys had such strong admiration and loyalty for the man. The Englishman had taken the time to get to know her and found she liked working with horses other than just reading. So, whenever she grew antsy, he would send her off to the horses, to at least groom them, which wouldn't aggravate her wound much. The older man also taught her how to cook some, since her skills were severely lacking in that aspect.

As the weeks led up to New Years, Kristal found that maybe her resolve on leaving wasn't as sure-fired as it had been. Sure, she had told Dick she would probably be staying, but that was only to piss him off. Now, she was having real doubts. It honestly felt good to be a part of something, to have someone actually care about what she did. Even the majority of the boys wanted her to stay, though she was sure Billy's only reason was that he would get bored without someone to rile like he always did with her.

---

New Year's Eve finally arrived. The boys were off working with Tunstall's stock, while Kristal, as usual, was reading in the living room alone.

"Good morning, my dear! You missed breakfast. Are you hungry?" John asked coming over from the kitchen.

"No thanks. I'm fine." Kristal said offering him a smile. She wasn't particularly hungry. Then again she didn't often eat very much.

"Are you excited about the New Year's Party tonight?" John asked curiously, pausing as he dried a glass from breakfast. He knew the other boys were excited about the reprieve from their chores for the night.

"Not really. The few parties I've been to, have ended poorly. Guess it's left a distaste in m' mouth."

John shook his head, "ended poorly? Dare I even ask?"

"Outlaw's don't exactly party like regular folk. At least, not the ones I know. It's more chaos an' drunken revelry. Someone always dies... or gets injured an' sometime's that includes the whore's they're all with." Kristal stated with a shrug of indifference.

"Right. I'm sorry I asked." His eyes rested on her, admiration in their dark depths. "And how did you manage to not get hurt or worse? A young woman among a band of thieves."

Kristal smirked, "by bein' heartless. No one messed with me..." The blonde paused, "I take that back, the few who tried, they quickly learned I didn't take kindly to their advances. 'Sides, Belle would have had their hide had she been around enough, which she wasn't." Kristal gave another shrug. She didn't like to talk about the gang; it hadn't been easy being among them, but she wasn't one to complain or talk about her hardship.

The older man pressed his lips together, listening to her. He was hoping she would be more open about her past. The girl needed to talk about it. It bothered her, he could tell, but he wasn't about to force himself on prying information out of her either. "I'm impressed that you were able to hold your own among so many degenerates."

"Not all were so bad. Jus' the majority. I did learn some things from the few decent ones in the gang. Spanish, ropin', trick ridin', I can even shoot a bow if needed. I know some Indian tongue too, things like that." The outlaw gave the man a smile. "Ya take what ya can get, an' learn ta be hard."

"You have quite the skill set then, or so I assume." John nodded his head taking in what she said. "I dare say, you were rather indifferent to the lot of us in the beginning. But I'm happy to say you've warmed up. You are as dear to me as any of the other lads here. I will be sad to see you go, if that is still what you choose." The older man sounded hopeful that maybe she would change her mind.

A sigh left Kristal's lips, "I honestly am feelin' torn. I was plannin' on it, but now... I dunno."

Greying brows drew together, hope brightening his features, "What are you unsure of? We all enjoy your presence. You're magnificent with the horses. I can give you a job working the equines and taking care of them if that's what you're worried about. You do not have to leave us, dear."

Frustration filled her and Kristal ran a hand through her hair, "I understand that. It's jus'... I don't wanna cause problems... an' if my past catches up to me an' you... any o' ya, got hurt 'cause o' me... I'd never fergive m'self, Mister Tunstall."

A smile touched John's face, "your concern is touching, my dear, but sometimes you have to take chances. From what I can tell you have flourished during your time here. You're better for it. Stay. Take the risk. The boys and I are fairly capable of handling problems as they arise. All the boys have come from rough backgrounds, yours is no different. We... I would like you to stay. It's nice having a young lady around the house."

Green eyes lifted to the man. He surely wasn't making this easy on her. With a sigh, Kristal's head shook slowly. "I... dunno... I ain't no lady, Mister Tunstall. An' I ain't afraid ta take risks with m' own life, but when it comes ta others... others I have grown ta care about... it's not easy ta take the same risks."

The Englishman frowned, "my dear girl, just because you may not act or dress like a lady, the does not mean you are not one. A lady is measured by the act of her heart. And from what I have seen, what you have shown me, is that you are more a lady than most." He then nodded and added, "I understand though, your reluctance to stay. Just know, whatever your choice, you have a place here. And, should you decide to leave and would ever want to return, you are welcome to do so. I could never turn you away. But, I will remain hopeful that you will choose to stay." He placed a warm hand on her shoulder. His gaze was filled with something she had never seen before... Was that a familial kind of love in his eyes? His smile was kind before he moved back to the kitchen to finish the dishes.

Watching him move away, Kristal lowered her gaze, at a loss as to what to do. Dick hated her, and her past would catch up with her eventually. Whether that be the law or the gang she had abandoned quite unintentionally. But it certainly worried her. Unsure as to what decision she should make, Kristal sighed and lifted the book to try and continue reading, but instead was mostly lost in thought.

~~

About early afternoon, Kristal heard a hooping and hollering from a distance as the boys all rode in from the field. She smirked at their name-calling and shook her head in amusement.

"Afternoon Kristal!" Doc called out spying her leaning against the post on the front porch as he rode up. "It's about time for us all to wash up and get ready for this evening. Got a big night ahead."

"I suppose it is. Got big plans fer tonight Doc?" Kris asked, eyeing the man.

"Well, I hope to get to dance with a pretty girl." The boy smiled sheepishly at her before Charlie came over and stood in front of him.

"I'd like to dance with a pretty girl too," Bowdre said smiling at her.

Laughter escaped her lips, and she shook her head. "I'm sure y'all will get a chance. There's bound ta be lots o' lovely girls at that shindig y'all are goin' to."

Both boy's expressions fell some and it was Doc who spoke up. "Aren't you going to be there?"

"Me?" Kristal questioned in obvious surprise. She honestly didn't think they'd care. "I think I'd prefer ta stay here an' read. I really ain't one fer parties."

"Oh, she's goin'. Even if I have to drag her there kickin' and screamin'," Billy said walking over and wrapping an arm around her. "She's gotta have some kind of fun. Not always have her nose stuck in a goddamn book."

Narrowing her eyes on the boy, Kristal shrugged his arm off of her. "What did I tell ya 'bout touchin' me. An' I'd like ta see ya try an' drag me there, Bonney!" Green eyes sparked with annoyance, "besides, I like havin' m' nose in a book. I enjoy readin'." She felt like she needed to defend herself and the books she read.

"Awe, come on Kristal. It would be nice to have you there," Doc intervened before Billy could say anything else and make the feisty woman more agitated.

"Yeah, Miss Kristal. It'd be awfully nice," Charlie added pleadingly.

"What're we all beggin' for?" Steve asked coming over, McCloskey at his side.

"We're trying to talk Kristal into coming to the party," explained Doc.

"Said she ain't one for parties," Billy added a grin on his face. "She'd rather read a damn book."

"Leave her alone. Let her stay, if that's what she wants! Shit, why have someone who'll just bring everyone down at a party we're supposed to be having fun at." Richard called out still astride his horse. "I for one would rather her not be there. I'd find it far more enjoyable."

Kristal bristled at Dick's words, glaring at him. He sat astride his horse appearing like a damn king. It annoyed her and set her blood boiling. She didn't know why Dick had it out for her. He now knew she had once been an outlaw. Doc had told her they had a discussion about it, but Dick still acted like an ass toward her. She really figured that the man hated her. It wouldnt be the first time someone hated her, but normally she knew why. With Dick, it was a mystery. Still, his attitude towards her was really starting to piss her off.

"Be ready in an hour. John wants to get there as the festivities begin," Richard added before riding off toward the barn. Dirty Steve and McCloskey headed for the bunkhouse, Charlie casting her one last pleading look before following. Doc hesitated as Chavez rode in pausing near his friend.

"What's going on?" Chavez questioned, his dark eyes scanning them all.

"Kristal said she may not go tonight," Doc said deflated.

"What?" Chavez said with a raised brow. "Por que no?"

The blonde woman just eyed Chavez and shrugged. Though, what Dick had said had sparked her temper. How dare that man! The audacity of Dick assuming she would bring them all down. She knew how to have fun, despite her past.

"You goin' now?" Billy whispered, leaning toward her, watching her expression carefully. "Just to spite ol' Dick?"

Simply turning her head, Kristal scowled at the blond man. "I'll be ready in an hour." Was the only answer he was given, as she stormed into the house.

Billy watched with glee in his eyes as she disappeared behind the door. "That's a yes. She's comin'! And you can thank good ol' Dick for that." He laughed clapping Doc on the back who was now smiling as well.

Chavez lifted a brow watching the woman walk away clearly confused and then followed the two blond men towards the bunkhouse.

~~

An hour later, the boys were already dressed in their Sunday best milling about outside waiting for John and Kristal. Chavez was showing off by throwing knives at a bucket, the blades digging deep into the wood causing water to leak out the sides.

Suddenly gunshots rang out and the bucket was riddled with bullet holes. All the boys ducked for cover and went for their guns. It was then, that they heard laughter coming from the roof of the house. Lifting their eyes, there sat Billy Bonney, guns drawn and smoking, guffawing on the ledge above.

Billy sat, cross-legged on the roof, laughing hysterically at the boys running for cover below him. His eyes danced with mirth when suddenly a knife flew through the air, slicing the rope holding the bucket and lodging into the wood post on the other side. The blond boy noticed all the boys gaping at the porch below him and he frowned. He couldn't see anything from his position until Tunstall came into view and then Kristal.

The boy eyed her, noticing she was wearing her new clothes. Though her shirt was buttoned higher than normal, the clothes still accented her hourglass figure. She hadn't worn any of the new clothes since that day they had gone into town and picked them out. And after they had come home, she had hid away for the rest of the day not to be seen until the next morning, wearing her old clothes. He never did understand why she didn't wear the new clothes other than the fact they accented her very feminine figure. What was so wrong with that? They actually made her look like a girl, despite the fact they were still pants.

Now, the woman was smirking, as she retrieved the knife from the well-post, flipped it in hand, before it disappeared seemingly in thin air. Billy's brows rose in surprise. That had been Kristal that had thrown the knife? Damn! He remembered her saying she could use knives, but he had no idea she was as good as Chavez.

Looking around, Billy noticed all eyes were once again on the woman. He doubted they were eyeing her because of her knife display. Nah, they were clearly looking her over because of her choice of clothes. He chuckled to himself and shook his head before noticing the leer that McCloskey was giving her and the hatred Dick was shooting her way. Both made him uneasy where Kristal was concerned, though he wasn't quite sure why exactly.

"Regulators!" John shouted and then added with a warm nod towards Kristal, "and Miss Starr." The corner of his lip tugged up into a half-smile. "Let's dance!"

---

A short while later, they arrived to hear folk music playing and people already dancing and partying. Everyone immediately went their own way, Charlie, Steve, and McCloskey going for drinks. John watched the revelry, smiling as Billy danced with a pretty girl, clearly impressed with the boy. He glanced around spying Kristal leaning against a post staring at the fire. A young man moved towards her asking her to dance and her snarl made John shake his head. The young man quickly moved away.

Moving closer to her, he nodded in Charlie and Steve's direction. "Why don't you join the boys? They've got drinks, I see."

Green eyes lifted from the fire to see the trio of boys watching the dancers. "I don't drink."

John chuckled, "my dear girl, you don't have to drink to have fun. Enjoy yourself. Dance. Mingle. You might just find a suitor." He spied another young man eyeing her and nodded his head in the boys direction before catching sight of Alex. John placed a hand on her shoulder and prepared to move away. "Excuse me would you, my dear? I need to speak with Mr. McSween."

Nodding, Kristal watched the man walk off before sighing. She ignored the boy that kept looking her way, the one John had pointed out. She didn't need a suitor. Her gaze landed on Charlie, Steve, and McCloskey. Why the hell not? She thought and moved from her spot towards the three boys. She approached them without any of them realizing she was even there.

"Look at Billy Bonney go..." McCloskey grumbled taking a drink watching the boy twirling a pretty girl around.

Steve frowned, shaking his head when Billy released the girl to start randomly dancing, "he ain't all there, is he?"

Mirroring Steve's frown, Charlie sighed, "Well he's there enough to be dancing with a pretty gal... while we sit around pulling our tallywhackers."

"Damn straight," McCloskey added pouting.

"God help me, ya do any o' that shit I'll knock each an' every one of ya to the ground," Kristal grumbled announcing her presence.

The boys all jumped and turned to eye her in surprise. "Shit! Kristal... I mean Miss... Kristal. I didn't see you there." Charlie looked a bit sheepish. "How long have you been standing there?"

"Long enough, Bowdre," Kristal replied unamused.

"Oh... damn..." was the dark-haired boy's mumbled response.

"You want a drink, ma'am?" McCloskey butted in, offering a glass to her a glint in his eye that made Kristal take a step back. "It's real good. Made it myself."

Before Kristal could respond, Billy approached. "Dance with me!" He called out to Kristal, taking her by the hand and leading her onto the dance floor.

"What?! Wait--! Billy!" Kristal tried protesting by pulling away, but he held her firmly.

Grinning the blond man pulled her closer, wrapping an arm around her waist so she couldn't go anywhere. "You act like dancing is terrible." He smirked, "or is it just me you have a problem dancing with?"

"Considerin' I very much would like ta kill ya right now? If only there weren't so many damn witnesses... Does that answer yer question?" Kristal growled, stumbling over her feet. Her gaze tilted downwards to their boots, as her feet continued to trip over each other. "And, I wouldn't exactly know if dancin' is terrible. I ain't ever danced before. I don't exactly know how to dance," she hissed through clenched teeth.

"Ya never danced before? Well that just won't do,"he said eyeing her incredulously. "Ya don't really need to know how. Ya just need a good leader and partner." Still smiling, he looked down at her to find her glaring at him. He laughed and held her tight, keeping her from falling. As he twirled her around he saw Charlie and Steve gaping at him. McCloskey, however, had a dark look across his face. Leaning down, Billy spoke softly in her ear, his voice brushing along her skin. "I just saved you from McCloskey's drink. Least you can do is dance with me a little."

"What the hell are you goin' on about, Bonney? I wasn't goin' to even take his drink. I don't drink, not alcohol at least," Kristal said rolling her eyes, a shiver going through her at the sound of his voice in her ear. As angry as she was with the man, she was thankful he kept a firm grip on her, otherwise, she would have made a fool out of herself. She hated to admit, he was a rather good dancing partner and leader.

"You don't drink?" Billy's grin broadened, "well now, that is interesting. Still, McCloskey was braggin' that he knew how to make a girl a drink that would make her tired. He knows some kind of plant or somethin'." He shrugged, his blue eyes darkening some. "I didn't really pay too much attention to his recipe for the damned drink. Didn't seem right." He clearly wasn't happy with McCloskey's plan. "Apparently, he's expecting to get lucky tonight."

"Lucky? By taking advantage of some poor girl? That asshole! I'll skin him alive fer thinkin' he could do that to me." Kristal felt her rage ignite again and she tried to pull away to go confront the boy.

"Now, now..." the blond man held her tight so she couldn't getaway. "I don't know if your drink really was laced with anything out of the ordinary. But I wasn't about to stand idly by in case it was. Since you don't drink, guess I didn't need to protect you." Billy's tone was light, playful. His blue eyes however lingered on her gauging her every expression.

Both Kristal's brows rose, and her expression grew icy. "Protect me? Like I'm some simperin' priss of a girl that needs yer protection? You've no idea what I'm capable of Bonney. Jus' 'cause I've been laid up fer weeks, don't mean I need yer protection." The music ended and Kristal jerked away from him. "Remember that."

With that the woman walked away, leaving Billy staring a half-smile on his lips and a thoughtful expression on his face. She was right about one thing, he didn't know what she was capable of, Miss Starr had proven that earlier when she had thrown that knife and again when she announced she didn't drink. He noticed Steve approach and shook his head. "That woman is one hell of a challenge."

"More like a mystery. I hate mysteries," Dirty Steve responded with a snort.

Billy guffawed and clapped the man on the back. "That too, my amigo! That too!"

---

John had caught up to Alex and his wife Susan and greeted them cordially. After some small talk, Tunstall brought up the matter that needed to be addressed. "We have to expose this ring, Alex. Can you get me in to see the Governor?"

With an arm wrapped around his wife, Alex shook his head. "Murphy's already beat us to it. And he brought the Governor a nice fat campaign contribution. They're tightening the yoke on you, John. Of course, they want me out too. They figure with me gone, no lawyer would be crazy enough to represent you."

A smirk simply spread over Tunstall's face, "you've heard of English tenacity, haven't you? A toast to uh... enough grit to finish the last realms." He lifted his glass and his lips curled into a smile. "Besides, if we gave in and left, who'd look after my boys?"

"And what about the girl you told me about, John? Her too?" Alex queried, his mustached smile quirking just a bit.

"Well, of course, her too, Alex. But," John paused his smile faltering just a little, "it appears she may not stay after New Years. I've tried to talk her into it, but..." He just shook his head, sadness taking over his features.

"Oh, yes, John! Alex told me you had taken in a young lady," Susan spoke up at Alex's side, curious.

John's gaze fell on Susan, his expression softening as he spoke of the young Miss Starr. "Yes, though she doesn't like to be referred to as a lady." His voice lowered a little, knowing he could trust the couple. "Her name is Kristal Starr. An outlaw. I keep hoping it will be former outlaw, but she insists that she shouldn't stay. I believe, she may think it's safer for us if she left."

Susan's brows rose at the news and Alex's expression fell. "John, harboring an outlaw will indeed bring in unwanted attention. If Murphy finds out, he could have Brady arrest you. It'll be the win he's looking for."

"Or..." Susan began, her gaze thoughtful, a soft smile on her delicate features, "don't tell anyone her last name. Claim she's a family member, John. A niece perhaps, and she carries your last name." The woman smiled kindly, "I would like to meet her one of these days. I do hope she does plan to stay."

"That is brilliant Susan. I shall need to discuss that with her. Thank you for the idea." John's spirits lifted some at this new inspirational thought. He toasted his two friends and took a drink, watching the patrons of the town enjoying the party.

---

Once again, leaning against a crate, Kristal watched with mild amusement as Charlie talked to a group of ladies. He was clearly trying to impress them with false claims of furthering his education. It was amusing to her. Seeing the man glance her way Kris pushed away, and rounded a well endowed young woman, " oh yes, Mister Bowdre, please tell us, what are you studyin'?" Kristal couldn't help but tease, batting her eyelashes as if she were entranced by him.

"Oh, uh... medicine," Charlie responded eyeing Kristal again nervously, a shy smile displaying on his lips.

"Oh?" Several of the girls purred interested. Kristal chuckled inwardly finding the boy's squirming amusing.

Charlie still giving a shy smile lifted his drink, pinkie finger raised as he took a sip. "Yes, I should receive my degree from St. Michael's in July. And then I should be practicing here in Lincoln until my missionary to the islands."

"How nice," one of the ladies responded.

Mischief glittered in Kristal's eyes, "Oh well, ain't he jus' the catch ladies. Better swoop this handsome lad up before anyone else does," she cooed and had to bite her tongue to see Charlie's cheeks burn a bright red.

"I uh... I dunno about that ma'am..." Charlie tried.

"Ah, you're so humble Mister Bowdre. It's quite precious. Go on ladies, have at him. He's single." Giving the man a wink, Kristal left him after spotting Doc roaming the party alone. "Howdy, Scurlock. Enjoyin' yer night?"

The man turned to her with a surprised smile, welcoming a friendly face. "I guess so. How about you?"

Shrugging, Kristal glanced around. "I dunno, it ain't so bad I guess. Though, I could have done without Bonney forcin' me to dance with him."

"Billy did what?" Doc's expression shifted to irritation. "I'm gonna--"

"Calm down, Scurlock. I already gave him a piece o' m' mind."

"Oh," Doc calmed a little, "alright..." The man trailed off, his eyes landing on something behind Kristal. "Damn..." he breathed and began to smooth his hair. He swallowed hard and prepared to move past the young blonde woman. "Excuse me, Kristal."

Kristal blinked at the man's odd behavior and watched as he moved around her and approached a young woman standing by Murphy. Her brows furrowed as her friend, heedless of Murphy's presence, spoke to a lovely China girl.

"Howdy. My name's Doc."

Taking an interest in the man speaking to the lady at his side, Murphy turned to the lad. "What can I do for you young man?"

Doc turned to Murphy, taken by surprise at his interruption. "Well sir, if you're an acquaintance of the young miss... I was wondering if I could intrigue the young lady to a dance."

A smile flickered on Murphy's face. "Why, certainly."

"Thank you kindly," grinned Doc and led the lady to the dance floor.

Concern entered Kristal's eyes as she watched Doc lead the lady away. Had her friend not realized the lady he was now dancing with had been with Murphy? Had Murphy not realized Doc worked for Mister Tunstall? She wanted to warn the man, but also didn't want to intrude. The boy deserved to enjoy his evening like the rest of them.

"Jealous?" came an all too familiar voice in her ear.

"Goddamnit, Billy," Kristal nearly jumped. She had been so lost in her thoughts she hadn't heard him approach. "Yer like an' annoyin' bug. I jus' can't get rid o' ya no matter how hard I try." And she moved off, bristling at the sound of Billy's laughter following her as she walked away.

Why on earth would she be jealous anyway? Doc had every right to dance with whomever he pleased. However, she did worry. She considered Doc a friend, she had every right to be concerned. Right? It wasn't like she knew what being a good friend was about anyhow. Doc seemed to be quite taken with the lovely young China girl, but she was clearly Murphy's. Oh well, she only hoped the man wouldn't get hurt.

---

Watching Kristal walk away was becoming a habit for Billy. His gaze followed her shapely figure until she disappeared into the dark wondering where she was going. He seriously wondered if she was indeed jealous that Doc was dancing with a girl, and that girl wasn't her. It intrigued him and he found it amusing. He was about to follow when he saw the legendary Pat Garrett walking towards him with a lady.

"Hello there." Pat cautiously said eyeing the blond boy.

"Hello back." Holding out his hand, Billy added, "William Bonney, sir."

With a simple nod, Pat took the boy's hand and shook it. "Pat Garrett. Pleasure." He then moved to pass Billy. "Excuse us, friend. We have a request for the band."

Billy watched Pat walk away with an affable smile plastered on his face. "Pat Garrett." He repeated to himself, almost in disbelief that he had met someone so well known. Seeing McCloskey he strolled over his smile remaining. "Shit, I'll bet that I get to be as big as him one day. Nah. Bigger!" And he started chuckling at the thought forgetting briefly about the young woman who had disappeared into the night.

---

Kristal needed some air, away from Billy's annoying presence and the revelry of the party. It wasn't often she was allowed to join the festivities of her old gang, but when she was, she hated every moment. This shindig was much different, but yet she still found herself needing to get away for a bit of air. Just to take a breather. Crowds often overwhelmed her anyway and if one more man asked her to dance or to go somewhere quiet with him she might just do something stupid, like kill the damn fool.

Making her way to the livery, where their horses were stabled, Kristal leaned against the corral fence staring at the moon. She had a big decision to make and it was weighing heavily on her mind. Should she leave and find Belle's gang? Surely they were looking for her. They never let anyone leave the gang, not without being tortured or killed or both. It worried her that they hadn't come for her yet. Something was wrong and she couldn't quite place what it was. Then again, maybe it was a good thing? She could stay at Tunstall's ranch without the worry of Belle's gang coming for her. That would be nice, but also wishful thinking.

The sound of a scuffle came from inside the livery, and Kristal tensed. Thinking about the Starr gang put her on edge. Was there someone inside the stables? Or were her ears playing tricks on her? Again, she heard movement and a muffled feminine voice. "What the hell?" She whispered and pushed away from the corral fence to enter the building. More sounds came from the back, some shuffling, and was that crying? Kristal hesitated, what if some couple had decided to come in here to knock boots together? But then why would it sound like someone was sobbing?

Inching forward, Kristal peered over the empty stall in the back of the livery to find a man struggling with a young woman. The ebony-haired woman was weeping clearly distressed and trying to push the man away. One of the dirty asshole's hands covered her mouth, holding her head down and the other fought to lift her dress.

"Hey!" Kristal shouted, her anger flaring to life, blazing in her green eyes. "Let her go, ya ugly piece o' shit!"

The strange woman's voice and choice of words surprised the wretched man and he stumbled back. It was enough for the girl to crawl back away from her attacker. "P-please... get help... he attacked me! Dragged me in here and tried to..."

Before the lady could finished, the drunkard smacked his hand across her face, "shut up" he slurred, "she dun know what she talkin' 'bout. She came onta me."

The young lady clutched her stinging face, breaking down into tears again watching the man with fear in her eyes.

"This don't concern ya, stranger." Growled the man righting his clearly drunken self.

"Did he do anythin' more than hit ya?" Kristal questioned, stepping into the dimly lit stall and positioning herself in between the two. Her eyes were soft on the frightened girl, heart going out to her.

"N-no. He-he just hit me. I think I fainted.... woke up in here to find him on top of me..." Terror filled the girl at the realization of what had almost happened. The blue-eyed lady finally eyed Kristal and she started to shake visibly. "You-you're a girl. Oh, God... he's going to hurt us both."

"Shut the hell up!" The dirty cowboy growled looking passed Kristal to the dark haired girl lifting a hand to go after her again. That was until the dark-haired woman's words reached his ears and he paused. "A girl? Ya think ya can come in here an'... what? Save her? Or did you want a piece of Clem too? If ya wanted ta join missy, all ya had t' do was ask." He laughed swaying slightly, slurring his words, spittle flying from his mouth.

"When I tell ya, get yerself outta here," Kristal told the girl, ignoring the disgusting man's words for a moment. Her main concern was making sure the other girl would be well out of danger. Green eyes flashed on the man. "Clem is it? That yer name? Should be chicken-shit fer attackin' a defenseless woman. Why don't ya try me instead? I think you'll find I'm a little more fun." Her tone was bordering on sarcastic and malicious.

The man growled at the insult and shifted his stance. "You're a tiny thing. I can easily have fun with you." Clem attacked without warning, lunging for Kristal.

Already prepared for a scuffle, Kristal waited until he was close enough to dodge out of the way. The drunken man flew into a pile of hay "Go on! Git!" Kristal called out to the girl, watching the man pound at the ground in anger. "I can handle this. Now go!"

The woman wasted no time. She rushed off, with grateful pleas. "Thank you! I'll get help. I promise."

Kristal wasn't about to hold her breath. Then again, she didn't feel she entirely needed help either. Dealing with unwanted riffraff was something she enjoyed, and it wasn't like she was defenseless. Still watching the man, Kris planted her feet firmly, fingers itching to go for her knife.

Clem stood up, face red with anger and hay sticking out of his hair. "You're gonna pay for that ya little bitch!" Snarling he went for her again.

"Well, now, ya look like the ass of a scarecrow." Kristal taunted at the hay strewn wildly in his hair, this time standing her ground. She waited again till he was close, before ducking under his swinging arm and lifting her own to punch him in the face. Her fist stung with contact, his nose making a nasty cracking sound. The young blonde then danced back out of the man's grasp. "What was that Clem ya Scarecrow's Ass? I'm waitin'. Ya gonna make me pay or stand there an' bleed?"

"Shit! Ya bitch! Ya broke my fuckin' nose!" Clem shouted, nursing his bloody appendage.

"Well, ya can always walk away Clem. Before ya bleed more," the young woman warned, her fingers twitching near the blade at her waist. Her sparking gaze never left him, taking in every little movement with watchful eyes.

Nursing his bloody nose, Clem shifted and swung his fist towards her. Once again, the blonde ducked and stepped away, his fist sailing over her head. She was quick and lithe, able to dance around his punches which only served to anger him more. "Stop moving!" The grungy man shouted causing the horses in the livery to whinny and paw at the ground.

"Seriously? Ya want me ta stop? So ya can hit me? Do I look daft ta you?" Kristal shook her head incredulously. That was possibly the stupidest thing she had ever been told.

"I'll do a lot more than just hit ya!" Clem's face was red with rage, blood running from his nose. He was drunk, but surely he could best this little chit! He faked a left hook at her face and then shifted. He smirked as she dodged into his right uppercut.

Kristal noticed the shift too late and felt his fist connect with her upper jaw and cheek. The force pushed her back into the wall and she shook her head, jaw throbbing. She swore inwardly and was about to move when Clem's hand wrapped around her throat while she was off guard.

"Got ya now, little bitch." He leered at her, his eyes roaming her body. "Not very girlie are ya? No matter. Ya'll do just as nicely as the other whore." His eyes lingered on her chest, a disgusting smirk lining his face, "looks like ya got pretty nice womanly assets just like that other slut. Yours are just hidden."

Not saying a word, Kristal merely gave him a malicious smirk, despite the hand around her throat and pain in her mandible. Her eyes remained on his face, still glistening with fire and a hidden wicked glee. His other hand trailed down her cheek and lowered to her collarbone ripping off a button and then two. Anger filtered through her, despite the chill going through her spine, "yer a disgustin' bastard."

The glint in the man's eye was filled with desire. He tipped his head just a bit so he could look down, grinning at the cleavage he had caused by ruining her shirt. "I can see why ya try and hide yer womanly virtues, from this angle they look awful nice. How 'bout a little more?" He laughed as another button snapped off.

"You'll pay fer that," Kristal finally announced unafraid, waiting for the most opportune moment.

"I think not." Clem grinned at her, his eyes watching her expression. "Why aren't you afraid? The other whore was terrified."

"You ain't nothin' to be afraid of."

His hand tightened around her throat and he leaned in close. "I'll make you scream."

"How?" Kristal whispered back, her voice hoarse at the pressure at her throat. "Ya can't do shit if yer dead." The knife she had retrieved after he had grabbed her by the throat, flipped in her hand so the blade was arched upward and she jerked it into his gut lodging it deep into his flesh.

A sharp gasp came from Clem's lips and his grip on her throat lessened. "You..." he breathed, attempting an insult, gasping for breath. "I'll kill..."

Pushing him back, Kristal's knife slid from the gaping wound in his flesh. The blade dripped with his blood and her expression appeared ominous in the dim lantern light. "What's that darlin'? I can't quite understand ya? Sounds like yer havin' trouble talkin'."

"STARR!"

"KRIS!"

Two familiar voices called out from outside the livery. Her head jerked towards the door, recognizing the voices as Billy and Chavez. She swore and was about to turn to finish off the saddle tramp when something smashed into the side of her head. It had to have been glass because it shattered, shards digging into her skin. The pungent odorous smell of alcohol wafted into the air. Kristal, however, went sprawling, dazed and confused. Spots sprang to her eyes and she tried to blink them away. There was no way that idiot had enough strength to hit me, Kris thought irritated.

As she tried to get up, a heavyweight fell on top of her pinning her down. "I ain't... dead... yet..." Clem growled, breathing hard.

"You will be soon enough. Now get the hell off o' me!" Kristal tried pushing him off, hissing curses at him. "You bleed on my new clothes an' I'll make you wish you were dead." She could torture a man for days if need be, but at the moment, it was an empty threat.

"Big words... for a tiny... whore." He reached up, grabbing her face and shoving it into the dirt. "I'll break... your neck and do your corpse!"

The pressure in her face was painful and the strain in her neck was quickly growing too much for her to bear. Kristal knew she had to be quick. She wasn't about to rely on Billy or Chavez to save her. Stretching her hand to grip the knife in her boot, since she had dropped the other, her fingers wrapped around the hilt. Her face burned, as did her anger, her cheek scraping against the ground, shards of glass, strands of hay, dirt, and rocks digging into her flesh. She was angry with herself for allowing herself to become distracted, and angry at the bastard shoving her face into the dirt trying to snap her neck. If this fool though he was gonna kill her and dessicate her corpse, he was clearly delusional.

"Kristal!" Billy shouted. His voice was closer now.

"Chiquita!" Chavez called out, his voice sounding worried.

Taking a slow breath, Kristal had to ignore their voices and focus on the threat before her. The man was wheezing above her, from a broken nose and a stab wound in his gut, she doubted he was faring very well. The pain in her head and neck was gradually becoming worse. She had to time this well or he would block her attack.

"Where the hell are you, Kris?" Shouted Billy, his voice just outside the stall.

Clem shifted above her, to look towards the door of the empty horse stall. And there was her chance. With a quick flick of her wrist, she reached up and drove the knife into the man's neck before pushing him quickly off of her. He was heavy, but she managed to roll him over before lifting her hand up to massage her aching cheek.

"KRIS!"

Movement caused her to lift her head seeing Billy enter and then stop to gape at the dead Clem. "Shit! You killed him."

Chavez rushed in and stopped to stare as well. "Shit," he whispered at the sight.

The woman just stared at them both, annoyance crossing her bruised and bleeding face. She didn't say a word, just pushed up into a sitting position and slowly moved her head from side to side. It was extremely sore and unfortunately, it probably would be for some time. Her jaw, temple, and upper cheekbone hurt more though.

"Chiquita..." Came Chavez's voice to her right, gentle concern filling his tone.

"I'm fine," Kristal said lifting her eyes to the man to see him eyeing her with the same concern he held in his voice.

"You don't look it. You're bleeding Kris." It was Billy's turn to look her over. There was worry in his tone as well, but he shook his head to play it off like he didn't care. "I can't believe you killed him!" Billy added, nudging the dead man on the ground.

Chavez glared at Billy before offering Kristal his hand to help her up. He was pleasantly surprised to see her accept. Helping her to her feet, the man nodded to the side of her head. "He's right. You are bleeding." Pulling a handkerchief from his pocket he handed it to her. "Here."

A hand lifted to gingerly touch the side of her eye and upper cheekbone. It was tender and there was some blood. "Other than that how do I look?" Kristal half-joked ignoring Billy. "Really I'm fine. He took me by surprise, otherwise, he would have been dead before he hit me." She took Chavez's kerchief and dabbed at her cheek and temple. Pulling it away, a frown pulled at her lips. The white cloth was dirty and spots of blood stained the fabric.

"You look like you were just beat the hell out of," Billy stated, steel blue eyes returning to her. He wasn't about to admit he had been worried or that he was still worried by how she looked. Though she didn't look awful. Hardly. Even though she had a bruise edging the outskirts of her eye, her cheek was scraped going up to her temple, and she had blood-spattered in her hair and dripping from the cut along her brow above the bruise. Her jaw also appeared to be bruising some and that's just what he could see in the low lantern light. Still, Kristal had that wild edge to her, a strange beauty unlike any other woman he had ever known.

"We should get you cleaned up Chiquita," Chavez spoke low, endearingly, towards her. "That," he motioned to the handkerchief, "won't do much."

"I look that bad huh?" Kris grumbled, chewing on her lower lip. "I'll just stick to the shadows maybe no one will notice."

"John will when we get back to the house," Billy stated ignoring the questioning of her looks. "And Doc, probably Charlie too." Seeing her dark look, he shrugged. "But I do think we should hurry and get back before we're missed."

Kristal for once agreed with Billy before lowering her eyes on the dead man. "What do we do with him? If he's found..." She trailed off frowning. That Brady asshole was bound to come after the one responsible.

"I'll take care of the body. You two get back. No one will miss me." Chavez's words made Kristal's frown deepen and she opened her mouth to protest, but the Mexican-Indian shook his head. "No time. Go."

Billy took her by the arm and ushered her through the stables and out the entrance. "Let Chavez do it. He'll get it done and no one will know but us." He then chuckled shaking his head, "I still can't believe you killed him."

"Ya mind keepin' quiet about it? Goddamn, Bonney! Just announce it to the whole damn town." Kristal hissed, pulling her arm out of his hold, still trying to clean up her injured face with the cloth. "'Side's I don't understand what ya can't believe. I am an outlaw." Her voice was barely above a whisper, hoping no one was around to hear them. "He ain't the first man I've ever killed."

A grin spread across Billy's face as she pulled away from him and he eyed her as if considering something. "That don't mean anything. Deep down, underneath all that tough facade, you are still a girl. You're soft. Just didn't think you could actually hurt anyone. I mean, I remember reading you had, but seeing it first thing, is something else entirely." As they stepped into some light, his eyes glittered with amusement. "Might wanna fix that too. Might give off the impression you really are a girl." Billy motioned to her ruined shirt, staring unabashedly.

Now it was Kristal's turn to curl her lips into a wicked smirk. "Well, I'm glad ya underestimate me, Bonney. Keep it up. I love it when folk think I'm not capable of shit, when I have no qualms with killin', blood, or anything o' that sort. Like I've said before, an' I'll continue 'till ya get it in that thick skull -- you. don't. know. me." Turning, Kristal was about to walk off when she noticed Billy's gaze lower to her chest. Her own gaze lowered and her cheeks burned at the ample amount of skin she was now showing. "Bonney, yer an asshole," Kristal growled, trying to close the top of her shirt as best she could, bristling even more at Billy's laughter.

Beginning to turn, Kristal nearly ran into the girl she had saved from Clem. "Shit!" The blonde outlaw hissed startled, stepping back into Billy.

"Is he gone? Please tell me he's gone! Did you tell sheriff Brady about him?" The blue-eyed girl questioned expectantly.

Kristal opened her mouth to answer, "Well, I--" She was quickly cut off by the blond standing beside her.

"No, ma'am. He ran off. Didn't get a chance to tell Brady nothin'. But I don't think we'll be seein' the likes of him again. He'll be known as a coward who prey's on women. He won't show his face 'round here again," Billy lied easily.

A brow lifted, as Kristal listened to how well Billy lied. It was flawless. The man had smooth talking skills. "Ya ain't got nothin' ta worry 'bout." Kristal added just as effortlessly. "Not from him."

"Oh thank goodness! Thank you so much." The ebony-haired woman smiled genuinely at Kristal. "You're so brave to have jumped to my aid like you did. I thought he was going to... to... to defile me." The girl still sounded a bit afraid, her arms wrapped around her chest as if to protect herself.

"It was my pleasure, Ma'am. I ain't one to sit idly by while anyone gets harassed." Kristal replied with a nod.

"How noble," Billy said laughter in his voice.

"It is. And I feel I owe you something in return." The young woman nodded, eyeing Kristal and then Billy.

"No, it's fine. Ya don't owe me a thing." Kristal spoke up shaking her head, trying to move away from Billy.

"Oh but, please. You deserve something... I want to repay you." The woman tried.

"Well, if ya wanna owe someone, how about me? We can start with your name? And a dance?" Billy queried with a bright smile. "I'll be happy to oblige."

"My name is Coralyn, but you may call me Cora." Giggling, Cora introduced herself, relaxing some at Billy's friendly nature.

Rolling her eyes, Kristal waved her hand to brush off the introduction. "Pleasure." She tried to keep the sarcasm from her tone. "I guess I'll be gettin' back to the party." Her eyes moved from Billy to Cora. "Enjoy." As hard as she tried, she just couldn't keep from being a smart ass. Shaking her head, she walked off still trying to fix her shirt and clean her face.

Both Billy and Cora watched Kristal walk-off blinking at her sudden departure. Billy almost felt bad letting the blonde woman walk off alone. He had only offered Cora a dance in hopes to annoy Kristal, but it hadn't worked. In fact it didn't even seem to phase her. Well, at least Cora was a pretty lass. He'd be all too happy to dance with her. "So, about that dance?" Billy asked again.

---

Returning to the party, after doing her best to wash some of the dirt and grime from her face and body, Kristal noticed a crowd growing near the bonfire. Walking up behind Doc, Kristal clapped a hand on his shoulder, "what's goin' on?"

"Oh, Kristal." Doc sounded different, not his normal jovial self when he was around her and it made her curious. Had something happened while she was with that Clem asshole? "Some guy bumped into John and Charlie took him on in a fight."

"Charlie challenged him?" Kristal questioned clearly surprised and turned to watch as Charlie punched the man a few times, before knocking him to the ground out cold. The other man never landed a single blow on Charlie. He was impressive.

"Pugilist." Billy's voice sounded behind them, Cora nowhere to be found.

"He's something, ain't he?" Doc grinned, nodding and turned to Kristal. "Are you alright? What happened to you?" He reached up and touched her cheek without thinking.

A frown appeared on her face and Kristal turned to glare at Billy, before her eyes landed on Doc. "I was in a bit of a scuffle m'self. I'm fine Doc. I promise. Just a bit of a scratch is all."

Still grinning, Billy leaned towards them. "She's quite a woman." His voice was loud enough for both of them to hear and he winked Kristal's way. The blond man's grin grew noticing Kristal's cheeks grow a bit darker and her eyes narrowed at him.

Doc gave Billy a confused look and frowned seeing Kristal shake her head. "I... uh... agree... But why are you saying that now?Did I miss something?"

"Weren't you with a woman?" Kristal nearly spat at Billy, not wanting to answer Doc's question. And then she turned to Doc, "come ta think of it, weren't ya with a woman as well, Scurlock?"

"She, unfortunately, had to go. She promised to save me a dance another time." Billy's eyes sparkled in the firelight. "Guess I'll be needing a midnight kiss from another gal." Billy was ignoring Doc's question's as well, his attention solely on the woman.

Doc merely shook his head and mumbled, "I don't wanna talk about it."

"You try an' kiss me, I'll knock yer teeth out," Kristal warned and then leaned in closer to him, forgetting about her shirt and Doc for the moment. "An' ya know I can do it too." Her gaze then shifted to Doc about to respond to him, but Billy chuckled as if he enjoyed the challenge and it drew her attention back to him.

The green-eyed woman's threat sent a thrill through Billy. "I do indeed. It'd be almost worth it." He stepped back then, "maybe another time though. Wouldn't want you getting any ideas."

"Ideas." Kristal nearly snorted with laughter and rolled her eyes. "In yer dreams, Bonney."

"What the hell are you two talking about?" Doc finally announced, confusion written on his face, tired of being ignored.

"Nothin'. What's this about not wantin' ta talk about yer girl, Doc? Ya seemed quite smitten."

"I was... I AM... I just... She's with Murphy. I think she's heaven and me a lowly moon." Doc looked down forlornly.

At this, Kristal raised a brow. Well,at least she didn't have to worry about Doc being so taken with her anymore. And yet, she still felt for his plight. "Ya ain't no lowly moon... If ya like her Doc, don't let anyone and no one tell ya different. Ya can't just stand idly by. Ya fight fer someone ya care 'bout." She almost sounded like she believed the bull shit that left her mouth. When in reality, love was not a notion she believed in.

Before either Billy or Doc could respond, explosions sounded and the sky lit up. Kristal's hand went to her waist, expecting some sort of attack. Her eyes then lifted and surprise-filled her green hues. She had never seen fireworks in all her life. They were fascinating, lighting up the sky in an array of colors.

Doc noticed her expression as Billy pulled his gun, a large grin on his face and started shooting into the air and shouted out "Happy New Year!"

Moving closer to Kristal, Scurlock leaned down, "you look like you've never seen fireworks before."

"I haven't," Kristal breathed.

Doc's brows rose in genuine surprise and he smiled at her. "Now you have." He pulled his own guns out then and began shooting in the air, following Billy's suit. "Happy New Year, Kristal."

Kristal just stood there, mouth slightly agape, the exploding fireworks mirroring in her eyes, transfixed by them. "Indeed," the blonde woman breathed under her breath in response to Doc unaware that both Billy and Doc were watching her awed features.

Chavez then slid into the mix at their side and leaned down to Kristal. "You okay, Chiquita?" At Kristal's slight nod, he gave her a small smile. The woman refused to take her eyes off the explosions in the sky. Chuckling, Chavez shook his head, "Feliz año nuevo, Amiga."

A soft smile appeared on Kristal's lips, "Happy New Year to y'all too."