The Wild West Part 1

Benny, Leo, and Johnny's Adventures of Short Stories

The Wild West Part 1
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Rafiki spots Mackenzie reading a storybook, surrounded by a pile of books. He comes up to her.
"What are you reading, child?" Rafiki asked.
"I'm reading about western tales, Mr. Baboon," said Mackenzie.
"Ah, the wild west. Where many heroes and villains formed in many deserts. A time of cowboys, sheriffs, bandits, damsels in distress, and the wealthy. Saloons, jails, mines, trains, when greater civilization expands."
"Do you know a wild west tale, Mr. Baboon?" Mackenzie asked.
"Of course I do, child," said Rafiki. "So, listen well and make yourself comfortable. This is a tale most interesting."
Rafiki chuckles as he sits on a big red chair, putting Mackenzie on his lap. He begins the story.


Our story begins in the early 19th century, in a town of Jackrabbit. Cowboys and cowgirls traveled from any part of the country to relax in the Jackrabbit Springs, a hot spring rarely found in the desert that folks claim it contains healing powers. If you have a bad back, as soon you jump in, the pain you feel will instantly go away.

There is one man who seeks to see the spring to prove its healing powers actually exists. Ben "The Beast" Osgood, his name is. He journeys far and wide to look for a way to break his curse. They call him "The Beast" because long ago, a gypsy cursed him, turning him into a beast, because of his misdeeds. Through many years, he repaid his debt to society even in his unusual appearance. But he constantly wishes that he could be human again, so to lead a normal life.

Ben arrives at Jackrabbit, with everybody staring at his face, despite being hidden by the shadow of his cowboy hat. He ignored their staring while he is walking towards Jackrabbit Inn, a place to rest for who knows how long he will stay.

The Jackrabbit Inn is owned by Kathy and Xavier Collins, a young husband and wife who are seeking peace and harmony in order to start the family and their new-found family business.

"Howdy, sir," greeted Kathy. "Welcome to the Jackrabbit Inn. How are you this fine day?"

"Nothing unusual," spoke Ben.

"You're here for Jackrabbit Springs, ain't ya?" asked Xavier.

"You may say that, partner."

Ben signed his signature at the inn logbook as Kathy hands him his room key.

"You go up to room 4, Mr. Osgood," said Kathy. "Hope you enjoy your stay."

"Thank you, ma'am," said Ben, walking towards the stairs.

Suddenly, another cowboy enters, carrying a big bag of gold coins. He appears to be a very fine gentlemen, wearing new blue jeans with brown flannels, a light blue long-sleeved shirt, and a dark brown cowboy hat. He comes in with a big bag full of gold coins.

"Howdy, Leonardo," greeted Xavier. "Looks like you scored a big bounty."

"Sure did, partner," said Leonardo. "Caught the guy who stole a lollipop from a baby, literally."

Leonardo gives out half of his bounty to Kathy and Xavier.

"Oh, Leonardo," said Kathy. "That's much too much."

"You need the money more than I do, Kathy," said Leonardo. "To financially start a family. Besides, you may never know if the Predator Gang might try to rob you again."

"We outta get a sheriff around here," said Xavier. "You'd be perfect for it. Sheriff Leonardo Goodheart reporting for duty."

"Even if you do become sheriff," spoke Ben. "You gotta show a lot of guts and glory to beat those bad guys out there."

Leonardo turned his attention at Ben, who decided to come downstairs to meet him.

"Not if I don't try," said Leonardo. "Who are you, mister?"

"They call me Ben 'The Beast' Osgood," Ben introduced. "There's more than meets the eye when it comes to deal with actual bandits, thieves, and gang members. I could help you take out this Predator Gang, if you're up for it. Just what are these guys up to?"

"The leader," Leonardo explained. "Dexter Tiger wants us to abandon town so he can own the springs all to himself. Recently, he added the Fantastic Lynx Bandit into the gang, a self-proclaimed 'notorious' criminal who wanted to win the heart of Rhea Sue, the mayor's niece. The mayor is looking for bodyguards for Rhea Sue right now and will offer a sheriff's post to one of the bodyguards if proven worthy."

"I could use some money up to this point," said Ben. "All right, let's give it a shot."

Leonardo leads Ben to City Hall. Leaning next to the entrance doors is Johnny the Kid, one of the deputy who seeks to become sheriff of the town.

"Hello, Johnny," Leonardo. "You here for the job?"

"Yep," said Johnny. "Who's your friend, there?"

Leonardo introduced Ben to Johnny and shook hands. Then, the boys were summoned by the mayor. Standing besides him is his own niece Rhea Sue, who appears to be reaching into her twenties. Her hair is tied up in a ponytail with bangs sticking out with a dark green bow that matches her gown.

"The three of you," spoke the mayor. "are quite an unusual character, especially you on the left, sir. But I can see within you, gentlemen, true valor, great ability to fight, to protect and serve. Congratulations, gentlemen. You are my niece's bodyguards."

The boys looked at each other smiling and shaking hands. Rhea Sue walks over to them and shook hands with every one of her bodyguards.

"I'll be looking for you guys protecting me from those bandits," said Rhea Sue. "Don't get yourselves killed, understand?"

The boys nodded in agreement and went into their rooms at the inn for the night. While they sleep away, the Predator Gang started making their plans...
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To Be Continued...