Blood on the Sand - part 1

The town was eerily quiet. Tabitha stepped out into the harsh sunlight. Across the street, Yuri was already there, waiting.

The two women lock eyes. Tabitha's hand hovered near her holster as she took a deep breath. Yuri mirrored her stance, her eyes never leaving Tabitha's. The tension in the air was palpable.

Tabitha: "Last chance to walk away, Yuri."

Yuri: "Wouldn't miss this for the world."

They stood in silence for a moment, the world around them fading away as they focused solely on each other.

Tabitha: "Let’s get this over with."

Time seemed to slow as both women stood frozen, the town clock struck noon. Suddenly, two shots echoed through the town as Yuri made a quick draw, her hand moving like lightning. But Tabitha was just as fast, pulling her pistol and firing a shot. Tabitha's shot caught Yuri in her abdomen, causing her to stagger. Yuri looked on in frustration as her shot went wide.

Yuri staggered forward slightly, wincing from the pain. Tabitha stood opposite, her gun lowered as she smiled at her wounded opponent.

Tabitha: "You give in, Yuri?"

Yuri: "No way, I'm no quitter."

Quick as a flash, Yuri fired a shot at Tabitha, catching her off guard. Tabitha staggered back with shock as the bullet slammed into her abdomen.

Tabitha" You'll pay for that!"

Tabitha quickly steadied herself and fired another shot at Yuri before she could capitalise. The bullet struck Yuri in her chest. She let out a pained gasp as she stumbled forward, dropping her weapon.

Tabitha strolled toward her fallen opponent as blood began to flow from her wound. Yuri lay on the ground, blood pooling beneath her. Her breathing grew shallower before ceasing completely as Tabitha walked away.

Tabitha walked into the town’s saloon, blood still flowing from her side.

Bartender: "You look like you’ve been through hell."

Tabitha (weakly): "You should see the other girl…"

Bartender" Come into the back here, let's get you patched up and how about something...medicinal to help with the pain?"

 Tabitha (gratefully): "Much obliged."

Bartender (curiously): "So who was the other girl?"

Tabitha: "Just another kid with something to prove."

The bartender shook her head.

Bartender: "Always is."

Tabitha tossed a few coins onto the bar, nodding her thanks once more to the bartender.

Bartender: Be careful out there."

Tabitha (chuckling): "Oh don't worry about me, the devil looks after his own."

A few days pass, the bartender is busy cleaning the bar when a young woman walked in and made her way to the bar.

Bartender: "Can I help you, miss?

Woman: "I'm looking for someone, goes by the name of Tabitha. I have some unfinished business with her."

Bartender: "She came in here a few days ago, looked a bit banged up, guessing this has something to do with that? If I see her would you like me to pass on a message?"

Woman: "If you do see her, tell her Jael is here to set things right."

Jael smiled and walked away into the night in pursuit of her quarry.