“I dare say, you are a braver man than I, Mr. Tanner. I wouldn’t trust Mr. Wilmington to hide my modesty,” Ezra called across to his friend.

“Are you implying that I would drop the blanket on purpose?” Buck asked, apparently hurt.

“I am implying nothing. Just stating a fact based on your unscrupulous behavior in the past. I have no doubt that if I was standing behind that blanket, you would allow it to drop.”

“Reckon if you were in there, Ez, I just might too!” Buck glanced over the barrier to check on Vin’s progress. “Hell, ladies you should see what you’re all missing. Ole Vin is...” Buck found himself with Vin’s knife snapped against his throat.

J.D. gasped. Buck grinned. “You finished in there, Vin?”

Tanner lowered the knife. “Yeah.”

“Damn, you and Chris are alike! Man can’t say anything and he ends up with a knife to his throat around you two.”

"Listen!" Harry shouted. "I can't hear the storm!"

Everyone in the room paused and strained their ears. Chris glanced at Vin, as the tracker emerged fully clothed. Tanner nodded. Yes, he was okay, and yes, the storm was over.

"Boys," Chris called. The Seven moved towards the ladder and headed topside, Larabee leading the way. When the gunfighter reached the top, he turned and offered his hand to Vin. The tracker glanced at it and then accepted the offer of assistance. He grimaced as he emerged, but made no attempt to support his injured abdomen.

'Stubborn bastard,' Larabee cursed.

The two men headed straight for the saloon doors and stepped out onto the porch, neither quite sure what to expect.

"Thank God," Buck muttered as he stepped up beside his companions. The men ran their eyes over the town. To their great amazement, everything was still standing. The shed next to the livery was leaning at an odd angle and the tin on several of the roofs looked like it may need some repairs, but otherwise, Four Corners had survived relatively unscathed - thanks largely to a young man who could read nature and his six companions who had had enough faith in him to ignore their own senses and enforce his instructions.

"The face of the land has been wiped clean," Josiah murmured. “God has spoken.” There was certainly something divine about the atmosphere. Everything was the same, and yet it looked different. There was no dust in the air or covering the buildings. Everything had been cleaned - saturated. There was a stream a couple of inches deep flowing down the middle of the street. Above, the sky was clearing. There was a strange glow about the day, but a freshness in the air that announced a new beginning.

Vin stepped down off the porch and strode toward the livery. Chris glanced at the others. "Ezra and J.D., start the clean up. Buck ride to the eastern properties and check on everyone. Josiah, the western ones. Nathan, go and prepare the clinic. If people didn't heed the warning, they'll be bringing the wounded here. You better be ready." With that, the Seven's leader headed down the street after the self-determined tracker.

The people of Four Corners tentatively emerged from the buildings to investigate the damage. Their hushed voices built to a crescendo. Relief, awe and astonishment burst from them as they examined the aftermath of the storm and realized for the first time, just how fortunate they were that they had been prepared. The remains of the barrels that Vin, Buck and Josiah had dragged into the center of the street were scattered from one end of the town to the other, the force of the explosion demonstrating the ferocity of the strike - confirming the brutality and overwhelming raw power of nature. Had the lightning hit a building, it was clear that the devastation would have been severe. Had the town not been prepared, the destruction would have included massive loss of life. That, was a given.

**********

Chris stopped in the doorway of the livery and watched as Vin examined each horse for injuries. In their attempts to escape the terror of the tempest, many had bruised and cut themselves.

Something appeared to catch Vin's eye and he stood and exited the livery though the back door. The young man stopped just outside and stared at the horizon. There was movement beside him.

"Is it gone?" Chris asked.

For several seconds there was silence.

"Yep, it's gone." Vin’s voice was soft and distant, his mind obviously drawn to some other place... some other time.

"It didn't happen again, Vin."

A long deep breath echoed out of the tracker. Vin dragged his eyes from the scenery and turned to face Chris. He could see that his friend knew what he was thinking, more importantly, he could tell that Chris understood. "We should wire Eagle Bend to see if everything's okay. If they removed the boards... " Chris nodded.

Vin's face paled. He dropped his head.

"You okay?"

Tanner stared back at Four Corners. "I buried seven kids that day, Chris. Five women and five men as well. Put down more than a dozen horses." For the first time, Chris realized that Vin was speaking in the singular.

"Just you?"

"The people who survived rode out and left. They didn’t look back."

Chris was horrified.

Vin’s brow furrowed as he allowed his memories to the surface. He had never done that before, but he knew it was time. Besides, he wanted Chris to know. "No one listened. I knew that if I stayed in town during the storm I'd end up dead. So I left before it." The young man's voice dropped to a whisper. "They just wouldn't listen! They didn't have Indian shelters in Blair Hill. Only two cellars. Not enough room for everyone. If only they had boarded up the damn windows. The glass..." Vin swallowed. His mind wandered back. He and Peso had left and waited the storm out in a cave not far from Blair Hill. Once the tempest had passed, Vin had returned to check and see if the town had survived. It hadn't. Entire buildings had come down. Roofs had been torn off as result of the wind getting inside through the smashed windows. Basically, the whole village had come crashing down around the citizens’ ears.

Those who had survived the devastation were from the two families who had cellars beneath their dwellings. Anyone not underground had been killed or badly injured. The flying glass and debris had proven deadly.

Deciding there was no reason to stay, the survivors had packed up that very day and left taking the wounded with them and leaving the dead where they had fallen. The people were terrified that the storm could return and weren’t taking any chances.

Vin Tanner was not a religious man, but he believed that every person deserved dignity in death. Alone, he had dealt with the massacre, burying the dead and providing them with the respect that he felt was only right.

Chris Larabee stepped forward and placed his hand on his friend's shoulder. Vin had said little, but it was enough for Chris to understand. I'm sorry.

Tanner dropped his head. "I've seen a lot of really bad things in my life, Chris, but... if only they had boarded up the damn windows!" The grief was turning to anger fuelled by guilt, fatigue and frustration. "Why the hell didn't they listen?!"

"Because most of us only believe what we see," Chris stated quietly. He squeezed Vin's shoulder. "You did everything you could in Blair Hill."

"Did I?"

Larabee shook his head. "You can't dwell on what you could have done. It causes a powerful hate you can't get rid of." Chris waited until Vin looked at him. "I know. I keep asking myself what I could have done the night Sarah and Adam died. If I had have been there, would they still be alive today?"

"I didn't mean to bring that up for you."

"You didn't. I did." That fact surprised the gunfighter. He had told Vin about the fire, but it was a topic that he usually refused to raise. With Vin, he found it possible to discuss the most devastating thing that had happened in his life. Something that was so personal that he even tried to hide it from himself. Strangely, felt comfortable raising it, and anything else with Vin. He didn’t know why. Perhaps it was because the young tracker never made any judgements. Vin always just sat and listened. He didn’t comment. Didn’t offer advice. He just listened and seemed to understand, his calm blue eyes portraying not sympathy that caused Chris’ blood to boil with rage, but rather a depth of understanding that Chris had never shared with another soul. Larabee realized that he felt more comfortable around the scruffy tracker then he had ever felt around anyone. There was no logical explanation why he just did. Thankfully, he could tell that Vin felt the same way.

Larabee stared into his best friend's eyes. They were still pained. Vin was beginning to look pale again.

"Look at Four Corners," Chris ordered, inclining his head. He wanted to ease his friend’s guilt. "It's still standing and no one got hurt... because of you."

Vin turned and watched as Ezra and J.D. organized the citizens into various groups; some pulling down the boards; others cleaning out the shelters. "Because of all of us."

"Reckon you should leave this to us, now. You said the storm's gone. Go and get some rest."

Vin shook his head. "A lot of animals out there are gonna be hurt. Stranded. And the water will keep rising for a couple of days." Vin strode back into the livery and reached for his saddle. He gasped softly as the wound across his stomach protested.

Chris stepped up beside the tracker and snatched the saddle from him. "You aren't in any condition to be riding."

"Gotta do it." Don't want 'em to suffer.

"You're weak and you're hurt. The countryside is going to be dangerous - slippery. Some collapsed areas. A lot of water fell in a short amount of time."

"Ain't asking you to come. Just give me my damn saddle."

The two men glared at each other equally determined.

Chris could see that he needed to handle this carefully. "Only a stupid man would go out there on his own. Especially when he can barely stand up!"

Tanner's face flashed with rage. "You calling me stupid again, Larabee?!" Vin’s anger, while real, was flagging under the weight of his weariness.

"No, I said if you go out there on your own, you'd be stupid."

Vin understood the hidden message. "Then go and saddle your horse, Cowboy." Chris half-grinned, turned and placed Vin's saddle on Peso and then moved off to collect his own. A smirk crossed the tracker's ashen face as he buckled his in place.

"Buck and Josiah have ridden out to check the ranches around us."

"Yeah, I saw them go."

Chris knew that Vin was in no state to be riding, but this was important to the tracker. He hadn’t said so, but Chris could tell. They’d ride out and the moment Vin looked like he couldn’t handle it any more, Chris would take Peso’s reins and lead the horse and it’s pigheaded owner back to town - back to a bed where he should be.

"Buck probably won't go to the James ranch," Chris commented, fixing his mount's bridle.

"Probably not."

"Before we go, I'll have Nathan wire Eagle Bend to see... " There was a loud clatter behind Chris. Peso whinnied. Larabee turned. The huge black gelding was still standing in his stall, but there was no sign of his rider.

"Vin?!" Chris raced around the three-foot wall. Vin was lying on his back looking dazed and struggling to get to his feet. "Easy," Chris comforted his friend, leaping to his side.

Vin's face was terribly pale again. He was blinking steadily and attempting to sit up. "Chris?"

"Just lay for a moment," Chris soothed, placing his hand in the middle of Vin’s chest and forcing him back down. Vin swallowed and laid still for a several seconds as Chris sent Peso toward the back of the stall. The last thing he needed was for Vin to be trampled by his own horse.

"Chris, I reckon I need to tell you somethin'." Once again, Vin attempted to sit.

Larabee returned to his friend's side and gently eased Vin up. Without a word he helped the weakened man to lean against the wall of the stall. "Just rest a bit," the Seven's leader ordered, studying Vin’s pallor. Damn fool! I never should have listened to you!.

"Chris?"

"Yeah?"

"This is gonna surprise ya, but I don't reckon I should be ridin' today." There was an amused grin on the young man’s face.

Larabee couldn't help but smile. "You reckon?"

Vin shut his eyes and swallowed. His head was swimming.

"Just relax and rest." Chris knew it was time to get Vin to a bed.

"Don't know what happened." He had placed his foot in the stirrup, tired to pull himself into the saddle and the next thing he knew he was on the ground.

"You're still weak, Cowboy. Wait here and I'll get Nathan to give me a hand to get you up to the clinic."

"Wait a minute, Chris. I just need a minute and then... "

"Not this time, Vin. This time, we do it my way." Chris stood up. Vin opened his mouth to protest. “If you move before I get back, I’ll wring your damn neck!.” Vin could see that there wasn’t a thing he could say to change Larabee’s mind.

"Aw, hell."

When Chris returned some moments later with Nathan, Vin allowed his friends to pull him to his feet. Without comment, the healer and gunfighter lead their charge toward the clinic, neither actually hanging on to him, but both close enough to provide physical assistance should it be needed. When they arrived at the bottom of the stairs, Vin flicked his eyes sideways. Blue met green.

"The best way..." Nathan started.

"He'll make it," Chris stated softly. Nathan opened him mouth to protest, but an intense glare from Chris silenced him. With Larabee on his right and Nathan behind him, Vin climbed the stairs without incident.

Moments later, Chris made his way back down onto the street, an amused grin on his face. Above, the gunfighter could still hear the cantankerous tracker's muffled complaints as Nathan fussed around him.

"Mr. Larabee." Chris turned to greet Ezra and J.D. as they approached. "All is being returned to normal. The damage is minimal thanks to the preparations that Mr. Tanner insisted we make."

"How's Vin?"

Larabee simply nodded. The trio raised their eyes to the heavens. All signs of the storm were gone except for the light mist that blanketed the air and the excess water lying in the street.

"It's almost like it didn't happen," J.D. muttered.

"It happened, Mr. Dunne," Ezra muttered. He would never forget the sight that had met his eyes as he had exited the saloon earlier. He knew that his own nightmares would be plagued with the image of the black cloud. "We owe Vin our lives."

**********

The preacher stared down at the short message. Up until this point, Josiah had refrained from raising the topic of the storm with Vin - not after their confrontation in the livery. Now, he searched for the right words. "Vin, I... I mean..." He just couldn't find them.

The younger man glanced up at his huge friend. "Ya may not have believed me, but ya believed in me enough to back me up. Man can't ask for more than that from his friends."

"Next time, I'll believe you. We all will"

"If we're lucky, there won't be a next..." Tanner's voice faded out. His attention had been drawn to a group of riders entering town.

Josiah turned, his own face hardening.

"Get the others," Vin stated calmly as he rose to his feet. His brilliant blue eyes never left the mob. His hand descended to his holstered mare's leg.

Stuart James spotted the tracker and coaxed his horse toward him. His men followed. The Seven appeared and took up various positions around town - effectively encircling the intruders. Chris signalled Buck and Josiah, and together they headed across to stand next to Vin. J.D., Ezra and Nathan held their posts.

James dismounted, but raised his hand up his men stilling them in their saddles. The cattle baron glanced back over his shoulder at Ezra, who was standing on the porch of the saloon; to Nathan perched above the livery and to J.D. who was standing outside the sheriff's office.

"Mr. James," Chris greeted in soft voice.

James rarely came into Four Corners. The rancher returned his attention to the four men standing directly in front of him. He chose to direct his conversation to Larabee. "A couple of my men reported something to me that may interest you. A man by the name of Flaxton has rounded up some friends and is lying in wait for your tracker just outside of town. Seems they know he often rides alone." With that, James returned to his horse and mounted.

"I'm obliged to you," Vin stated without emotion.

"Did you sustain damage in the storm?" Josiah inquired.

"No." James flicked his eyes to Vin. "We're even. Next time you set foot on my property, you can expect to be greeted in the same way as last time."

“Maybe we’ll return the favour next time you ride into Four Corners," Buck growled. James glared at the scoundrel, but refrained from saying anything further. Instead, he tipped his hat to Vin and then sent his horse trotting out of town, his cowhands following.

"Arrogant bastard," Buck muttered.

Vin snorted and stepped down off the porch. He took several long agitated steps toward the livery. Clearly he was off to ‘deal’ with Flaxton. Without warning, he paused and turned, eyeing Chris, Buck and Josiah with a blank expression. "Well, ain’t you comin'? Man would be stupid to take on a mob like that on his own... and I ain't stupid." Larabee allowed a smile to present on his serious face.

"Only too glad to join you, brother."

"Reckon, I'd like the chance to have a chat with Flaxton myself," Buck agreed aggressively.

Vin's eyes were riveted to Larabee.

Ezra strolled up to the group. "And what did the charming Mr. James have to say for himself?"

"Apparently, Flaxton has collected himself some friends and they wish to ambush Vin next time he rides out of town," Josiah explained.

Ezra glanced at Vin who was standing alone in the middle of the street. Surely his stubborn friend was not intending to ride out and take care of this on his own.

"Mr. Tanner, I hate to impose, but I was wondering if you would be good enough to allow me to join you on your jaunt out of town this afternoon. I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to teach that obnoxious heathen a lesson." Vin grinned. Ezra returned the smile.

J.D. and Nathan, who had jogged up to the group, caught the end of the conversation. Both were able to ascertain what was going on.

"I was going to be riding out to the Smith place this afternoon, just to check on their newborn. So, if you don't mind the company, Vin, I reckon I might tag along myself."

Vin nodded.

"Well, what about me?" J.D. asked, unable to think of an appropriate and acceptable excuse to join his companion.

"What about ya?" Buck asked.

"If Ezra and Nathan are going to help Vin take care of Flaxton, I want to go too."

"We're all going," Chris confirmed.

"Yeeeehaaaa!" J.D. exclaimed. There was nothing he enjoyed more than a good rumble with his six companions at his side.

"Flaxton's mine," Larabee snarled. His voice was a whisper.

"Thought I might like to..." Vin started.

Tanner smiled. He had never had a friend like Larabee. It felt damn good to know that Chris... all of the boys... were prepared to, not only back up his words, but to stand beside him when trouble came looking.

"Thanks boys."

**********

Flaxton dropped his weapon glaring at Vin with such hatred that if looks could kill the tracker would have died a thousand deaths. Tanner smiled at the other man but said nothing. There hadn't been much of a battle. Once the mob had realized that Vin Tanner was not alone and that the Seven meant business, they had relinquished their weapons very quickly. Taking on one of the seven was one thing - taking on all of them was suicide! Only Flaxton himself seemed too stupid to understand what dangerous ground he was treading.

"This ain't over, tracker." Instantly the thug realized he had made a terrible error. Tanner didn't move - didn't flinch. But his six friends did. They advanced as one. The man in black reached up and dragged the loud mouth lout out of the saddle. What followed was a whispered threat that left Flaxton trembling and understanding with perfect clarity that if he ever laid a hand on any of Larabee's men, the gunfighter would personally rip out his heart and feed it to him. After ensuring that Flaxton had the message, Larabee thrust the man into the circle of regulators.

Nathan withdrew one of his knives and held it up. Flaxton swallowed.

"We hear you like to play with knives," Buck growled.

"Boys," Vin called calmly from several feet away where he was covering the rest of the captives.

"We hear you like unfair fights," Josiah snarled, thrusting his face into Flaxton's.

"Fellas," Vin repeated.

"How about the six of us and you have an unfair fight?" J.D. suggested harshly.

"Guys."

"I believe that is a very principled suggestion, Mr. Dunne. After all, the eleven of them deemed it sporting to attack one man. Surely six to one is equally acceptable?"

The regulators had crowded around Flaxton so that they were less than two feet from him. Chris stepped forward.

"Larabee," Vin called. The mob that Vin was competently covering with this mare’s leg began tremble. They no longer liked Joe Flaxton’s chances of getting out of this alive.

Flaxton swallowed, withering under the Larabee glare.

Josiah clamped his hand onto the captive's shoulder. "Pray with me, Brother. Heavenly father. We ask you to accept this pathetic soul into your kingdom of Heaven. He is unworthy." Josiah paused. "If you have anything to confess, now would be a good time." Flaxton's face stripped of colour. They were going to kill him!

"I'll flip you for the chance to do the deed," Ezra commented, his eyes flicking to Chris.

"Fellas. Reckon we should be headin’ back. He ain't gonna be causing no one any hassles ever again, are ya Flaxton?" Vin stated softly.

"No! I won't ever threaten anyone ever again. I swear!"

Nathan stepped up to Flaxton, the knife he held between them. "Not sure I believe him."

"I swear!!!"

Larabee grabbed the front of the terrified man's shirt and drew him in so that their faces were less than an inch apart. "I've got a bullet with your name on it. Remember that!"

Flaxton swallowed and nodded vigorously. Larabee shoved the man away and then he and the six peacekeepers turned and walked toward Vin. The tracker eyed them carefully. Ezra winked at him. J.D. grinned. Buck's mustache began to dance as he tried to suppress his laughter. Nathan bounced his eyebrows twice. Josiah allowed a toothy grin to present on his face. Larabee's eyes colored with mirth.

"Well, that was fun," Buck whispered.

"I'll flip you for the chance to do the deed?" Josiah demanded of Ezra.

"If you have anything to confess, now would be a good time?" the gambler returned.

Vin shook his head, but his smile, while almost embarrassed, sent a message full of gratitude.

**********

Mary watched the group of men return. The seven peacekeepers had their captives encircled. Flaxton and his mob looked meek and morose.

"Good afternoon, Mr. Standish," John Callum called to Ezra as the gambler separated from the mob and climbed the stairs of the saloon.

Ezra paused, steeled himself for what would follow and then turned and nodded politely. "Mr. Callum."

"So you dragged Joe Flaxton into jail?"

"That is correct."

"Well, if it isn't about time," Harry agreed.

"He's the worst kind of man," John stated with authority as he began to rock on his chair. Everything had returned to normal in Four Corners.

"Worst? Now what do you mean by that?” Harry demanded, his own chair picking up speed. “If he had killed someone that makes him the worst kind of man. Flaxton hasn't killed anyone, has he Mr. Standish?" Ezra, who had been attempting to slither off and escape into the saloon found himself caught by the old men yet again.

"No, he hasn't assassinated any one that we know of, however..."

"Now, take Bill Hazzard. He was the worst kind of a man. He killed his wife."

"If I'd been married to that old hag, I would have killed her too."

"Charming. I'm sure I would find this discussion invigorating and cognitively stimulating, however, If you'll excuse..."

"So what about Mr. Larabee. He's killed people. Are you saying that he's the worst kind of a man?"

"Hell, no. He's a good man. A scary bastard, but a good man. Don't you agree Mr. Standish?"

"With which part of your statement do you wish me to... "

"I once remember a man who... " Ezra rolled his eyes, turned and strode into the saloon, ignoring Harry and John’s protests.

**********

"Mr. Sanchez," Mary called.

Josiah crossed the street and tipped his hat. "Mrs. Travis."

"I am writing an article on the storm and I was hoping to get some quotes from people."

"Quotes?"

"Your feelings and thoughts about the storm."

"I think we were very, very lucky that the Lord blessed us with a friend like Vin Tanner." Josiah sighed. "I've learned a lot about nature and myself in the last two days."

"Mr. Sanchez?" Mary prompted when it appeared that Josiah had finished. She was intrigued by his last statement and wanted him to explain. "Mr. Sanchez?"

Josiah seemed lost in thought. "When natures growls, all creatures should have the sense to cower," he proclaimed softly.

The newspaperwoman considered the words and then nodded her agreement.

Further up the street, Larabee exited the sheriff's office with his best friend at his side. Josiah and Mary found their attention drawn to the pair.

"He never had any doubt in Vin," Mary murmured.

"No, Ma'am, he didn't. But then, they have a friendship that is based on complete and absolute trust. There's no room for doubt."

When the gunfighter and tracker reached the middle of the street, the younger paused. His face clouded with wariness. Vin just stood, listening - sensing. His eyes narrowed with concentration. Larabee froze with dread. He was experiencing a very real case of deja vu. Buck and J.D., who had been following them, stopped, their faces shadowing with concern.

"What is it?" Chris demanded. Silence. Larabee strained his eyes and ears to try and ascertain what it was that had captured Vin's attention. Buck and J.D.'s hands descended to their holsters.

"Vin?"

Vin tilted his head to the left slightly, his knees bending as if trying to see something from a different angle. Larabee, Buck and J.D. copied the move, each trying desperately to discover what danger Vin appeared to have detected.

"What is it?" Larabee repeated.

Tanner glanced out of the side of his eye. A huge mischievous grin spread across his face. His three friends... more importantly, Larabee... was standing there half-crouched with their heads at an odd angle. "Nothin’. But you fella sure look funny."

"Tanner!" Larabee growled, standing up and towering over the smaller man.

"Reckon I might take a ride boys," Vin cried, striding off to the left and heading for the livery.

"Tanner!!” Chris roared, marching after him.

Josiah Sanchez burst out laughing. "Yep, when nature growls all creatures should have the sense to cower. Of course, when Chris Larabee growls,” Josiah chuckled, watching as Vin’s ambling stride changed to a trot. “All creatures should have the sense to run like hell!”

Return to "When Nature Growls" index

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© Feb 2001 Brigitta B. : This relates only to the creative property in this story. The distinctive way the story unfolds, the specific dialogue and unique situations are mine. I acknowledge that some of the characters and settings belong to the owners of “The Magnificent Seven” and I thank them sincerely for turning a blind eye so I can borrow them. (g) No infrigement of copyright was intended and no profit has been made from this story... so, please don't sue me. It wouldn't be worth your while.