The White Devil

[Shinku]

Two years ago, before the Unmaking

​

The desert of Mesa Roja and its unforgiving landscape continued to torment a small creature, as it desperately threaded underneath the scorching sun. It wore a pristine white fur, yet marred with a series of deep gashes and bruises across its body. The largest of his wounds was a jagged gash along his side, where a bandit's blade had sliced through his fur and into the flesh beneath. Blood oozed from the wound, staining the sand beneath him a dark, ominous red.

Its face, typically sharp and determined, was swollen and bruised. Its left eye was nearly swollen shut, and a trickle of dried blood ran down from a cut on his forehead, marring its otherwise pleasing features.

Its limbs bore the signs of its fierce struggle. Its arms and legs were battered and covered in scrapes and abrasions, as if it had fought tooth and nail to protect itself from the relentless blows of its assailants. Its claws, once sharp and deadly, were chipped and worn from the ferocity of its defense.

Despite the pain and exhaustion that radiated from his wounded body, there was a determination in its eyes that refused to be extinguished. Its injuries, though numerous, were not enough to break his spirit. However, no matter how relentless his indomitable spirit was, fatigue and exhaustion eventually overcame him.

Its eyelids grew heavy, and its body surrendered to the overwhelming weariness that had settled in its bones. The sounds of the desert, the gentle whisper of the wind and the distant cry of desert creatures, became hazy, fading into the background as its body gently fell against the grainy sand and into a deep and much-needed slumber.

For a time, the desert cradled him in its enigmatic embrace, offering a respite from the harsh realities of his waking world.

"Run, Burt!" his father's voice echoed in his mind, as if carried by the desert winds themselves. His father's eyes met his, conveying a mixture of love and fierce determination. "Go, my son. Escape! I'll hold them off."

Tears welled in young Burt's eyes, torn between his instinct to obey his father's command and the overwhelming desire to stay by his side. He knew that his father's words were not a request but a solemn order, one that came from a place of love and sacrifice.

As Burt watched, his father bravely faced the soldiers, his claws and courage unyielding. The skirmish that ensued was a chaotic whirlwind of dust, steel, and shouts, but his father stood his ground, defending Burt's escape with every fiber of his being.

Burt fled, his heart heavy with the memory of his father's sacrifice. He had escaped that day, but the guilt and sadness of leaving his father behind haunted him ever since. It was a memory that had shaped him, instilling within him a sense of duty and a determination to uncover the truths hidden within the desert's unforgiving embrace.

Burt's slumber was interrupted by the crackling of flames, a sound that seemed to come from the realm of dreams and merge with reality. His eyes fluttered open, and he found himself lying beside a campfire. The desert night still enveloped them in its cool embrace, and the flickering flames cast dancing shadows across the sands.

His gaze shifted to an old man hunched over the fire, expertly roasting a piece of meat on a skewer. The scent of cooking meat filled the air, mingling with the smoky aroma of the campfire.

Startled and disoriented, Burt struggled to sit up, his battered body protesting with aches and pains. He reached for his gun, pointing it at the old man. His voice, though strained from his injuries, was steady and demanding. "Now, hold on there, stranger. Where in tarnation are we, and who in the blazes are you?""

The old man turned to Burt, his eyes meeting the barrel of the gun. Instead of fear, he seemed to radiate a sense of calm and amusement. With a chuckle that carried the weight of years of experience, he said, "Ye be somewhere safe, mate. And as for meself, ye can call me Burke. Though I must say, pointing that weapon at me seems a tad unnecessary."

Burt's grip on the gun tightened, but Burke's laughter persisted, filling the desert night with its rich, salty sound. "I say ye rest a bit more mate," Burke continued, "ye've had quite some wounds there that need healin'."

Burt hesitated, the pain from his injuries and his exhaustion gnawing at him. The old man's calm demeanor and laughter were disarming, and the young mink couldn't help but lower his weapon slightly. "What do you want from me, Burke?" the mink demanded, a hint of vulnerability creeping into his voice.

Burke's smile remained warm and reassuring. "I ain't lookin' for trouble, mate. Just thought a weary traveler like ye' could use a hot meal and a bit of company," the old man assured, handing the mink a piece of the meat he just roasted.

As the tantalizing scent of the roasted meat wafted through the air, Burt's resolve began to soften. The scent of the roasted meat was irresistible, and Burt's stomach rumbled in agreement. He carefully holstered his gun, never taking his eyes off the old man, before accepting the offering with a nod of thanks. He sniffed the meat before taking a bite, its flavors exploding in his mouth, and he couldn't help but savor the delicious meal. It was a welcome respite from the harshness of the desert and the battle he had endured.

Overwhelmed by the tantalizing flavors of the roasted meat, Burt's initial suspicion of the old man gradually faded away. He continued to gnaw at the meat, its savory, smoky taste playing like a symphony on his taste buds.

Burke's grin widened, as he watched the mink enjoy the meal. "Now that's the spirit mate!" He had seen countless weary travelers in his time, and he understood their caution especially in harsh environments such as Mesa Roja's open desert.

 

[Shinku]

Burt took a moment to savor another bite of the delectable roasted meat before he turned his attention back to Burke. "I reckon I still don't rightly know what brings you out here in this unforgivin' desert," he drawled in his cowboy accent, his curiosity piqued.

Burke leaned back, the flickering campfire casting dancing shadows across his weathered face, adding an air of mystery to his persona. He grinned with a hint of pirate swagger, his eyes reflecting a lifetime of adventure. "Well, me hearty, I be wearin' many a hat in this forsaken land. Some call me a merchant, others a treasure hunter. Truth be told, I reckon I'm a bit of both."

Burt raised an eyebrow, intrigued by Burke's admission. "A treasure hunter, huh? What kinda treasures you be searchin' for out here in the desert?" he asked.

Burke's voice took on a hint of excitement, like a pirate preparing to embark on a grand voyage. "There's an old legend 'bout a buried city out here, a place lost to time. They say it holds untold riches, relics of forgotten civilizations, and the answers to questions that have plagued many a wanderer."

Burt's eyes widened as he considered the possibilities. "A buried city, you say? That sounds like quite the adventure."

Burke nodded, his smile growing even wider. "Aye, it's a day's walk from here, but I've got a hunch that it's more than just a legend. There be somethin' out there, and I aim to find it."

Burt's cowboy spirit was stirred by the allure of treasure and adventure. He couldn't help but feel a sense of kinship with the old man, despite their contrasting backgrounds. "Well, Burke, if you're lookin' for answers in these desert sands, maybe I can lend a hand. I've got questions of my own that the desert's been keepin' from me."

Burke's eyes gleamed with a shared sense of purpose. "A partnership, then?" he proposed, extending a weathered hand.

Burt grasped the old man's hand firmly, sealing their newfound alliance beneath the starry desert sky. "A partnership it is, Burke. Let's see what these shifting sands have in store for us."

Burke, his eyes filled with the gleam of a seasoned treasure hunter, offered a firm handshake to seal their alliance. "A partnership it is, Burt. Together, we'll uncover the secrets this desert's been hiding from us."

With their agreement forged beneath the starry desert sky, they spent the rest of the night by the campfire, sharing stories of their past adventures and speculating about the buried city that lay ahead. The desert whispered its ancient secrets to them, carrying tales of lost civilizations and untold riches on the wind.

As dawn broke over the horizon, casting a warm, golden glow across the vast expanse of sand dunes, Burt and Burke prepared to embark on their journey to the rumored ruins. They packed their meager belongings and gathered their supplies, ready to face the challenges of the desert together.

With each step they took, the shifting sands seemed to guide them forward, promising the allure of forgotten treasures and the answers to their most pressing questions. Burt, the cowboy with a heart full of determination, and Burke, the seasoned treasure hunter, forged ahead into the desert's depths, their destiny entwined in the adventure that lay before them.

As they walked side by side, Burt couldn't help but admire Burke's resourcefulness. The old man had a knack for navigating the unforgiving terrain, finding hidden oases, and deciphering the subtle clues that the desert offered. It was clear that Burke's years of experience had honed his skills to a fine edge.

With each passing mile, the landscape transformed. The towering dunes gave way to rocky outcrops, and the desert's secrets seemed to draw them deeper into its enigmatic embrace. Along the way, they encountered remnants of ancient civilizations—crumbling stone structures and faded petroglyphs etched into the rocks, all hinting at the presence of the fabled buried city.

Their journey was not without challenges. They faced scorching heat during the day and bone-chilling cold at night. Sandstorms threatened to swallow them in a swirling sea of dust and debris. Their supposed one-day travel became days, but Burt and Burke pressed on, their resolve unwavering.

As they approached their destination, the excitement in the air was palpable. Burt's heart pounded with anticipation, and he couldn't help but wonder if the answers he sought lay hidden within the ruins. Burke, ever the seasoned adventurer, shared Burt's enthusiasm.

Finally, after days of arduous travel, they crested a ridge and beheld a sight that took their breath away. Before them, sprawled across the desert like a relic of another era, lay the ruins of the fabled city. It was a sprawling labyrinth of crumbling stone buildings, intricately carved pillars, and forgotten chambers.

Burt and Burke exchanged triumphant glances, their shared journey having led them to this moment of discovery. As they approached the fabled buried city, they were met with a breathtaking and haunting sight that spoke of a forgotten era. The city lay sprawled across the desert sands, its once-majestic structures now crumbling and weathered by the relentless passage of time.

Burt, his voice filled with wonder, broke the silence between them. "Would you look at that, Burke? Ain't nothin' like I ever seen before."

Burke nodded in agreement, his spirit ignited by the sight. "Aye, mate! ‘Twas indeed a sight to behold.”

The entrance to the city was marked by a massive stone archway, its intricate carvings telling stories of an ancient civilization's grandeur and achievements. The archway had weathered countless sandstorms, yet its beauty endured, with delicate patterns and symbols etched into the stone.

Burt couldn't help but trace his fingers over the ancient carvings, his eyes narrowing in fascination. "Them carvings, Burke, they got stories to tell, I reckon."

Burke leaned in to examine the carvings as well. "Aye, lad, stories of kings and queens, battles fought, and treasures won. Let's see what else this city's got to share with us."

Beyond the archway, the city revealed itself like a ghostly mirage rising from the desert floor. Crumbling walls and tumbledown buildings, adorned with faded murals and carvings, stood as silent witnesses to the city's former glory. Stone pillars, worn by centuries of wind and sand, lined the streets, casting long, eerie shadows in the desert sun.

The streets, once bustling with life, were now overrun with sand and scattered debris. Nature had begun to reclaim its territory, with hardy desert plants pushing through the cracks in the stone. The sound of a gentle desert breeze rustling through the city's ruins created an eerie, haunting melody, as if the whispers of the past echoed in the wind.

Burt spoke up, his voice tinged with a sense of wonder. "Imagine what life must've been like here back in the days when this place was alive."

Burke nodded, his gaze fixed on a particularly ornate building. "Aye, I reckon it was a bustling city, filled with folks goin' about their business, just like any other. Now it's a testament to time's unforgivin' march."

The duo ventured deeper into the city, their footsteps echoing in the empty streets. They discovered ancient marketplaces, long-abandoned homes, and grand temples adorned with intricate friezes. Each step they took was a journey through time, as the city's secrets began to unravel before their eyes.

Despite the desolation, there was an undeniable sense of majesty in the city's decay. The architecture, though worn and faded, still held an air of grandeur that hinted at the city's former importance. The shifting sands and the relentless desert had preserved the city's history, waiting for intrepid adventurers like Burt and Burke to unearth its mysteries.

As they pressed further into the heart of the buried city, they couldn't help but wonder what revelations lay hidden within its ancient chambers, and what secrets the desert had kept for countless generations. The journey had brought them to a place where the past and the present converged, and the city's enigmatic beauty filled them with a sense of awe and anticipation for the discoveries that lay ahead.

 

[Shinku]

As Burt and Burke ventured deeper into the heart of the buried city, they couldn't help but be drawn further into its enigmatic embrace. The crumbling buildings and weathered streets seemed to lead them towards a central plaza, where a massive, ornate structure rose like a forgotten throne.

Burt marveled at the architecture, his eyes wide with wonder. "Burke, this place is somethin' else. It's like steppin' into a history book."

Burke nodded, his gaze scanning the plaza for signs of what lay ahead. "Aye, lad, but we best be on our guard. Places like these often have surprises, and not all of 'em be pleasant."

As they cautiously explored the plaza, they suddenly found themselves face to face with figures that seemed as ancient as the city itself. Towering and adorned with ornate armor, these beings had the unmistakable air of warriors. Burt and Burke exchanged uncertain glances, their voices hushed.

One of the beings, a Qiraji gladiator with an imposing presence, raised its weapon, an intricately crafted blade, and made gestures that seemed like a warning. Its voice, however, was unintelligible to the duo, a strange, otherworldly tongue that echoed through the plaza like an alien chant.

Burt squinted at the gladiator, his hand inching towards his holster. "Burke, somethin' ain't right here. I don't reckon they're welcomin' us with open arms."

Burke, ever the pragmatist, nodded in agreement. "Aye, I've seen my fair share of danger, and this don't sit well. But we can't rightly back down, now, can we?"

Before they could ponder their next move, the Qiraji gladiators moved with surprising speed and agility. Their blades glinted in the desert sun as they advanced, their intent clear even if their words were not.

With the battle cry of a cowboy and the fierce determination of a warrior, Burt and Burke drew their weapons and prepared to defend themselves. The clash between ancient gladiators and the unexpected intruders echoed through the long-abandoned plaza, a battle that seemed to reverberate with the city's forgotten history.

The battle erupted in a flurry of action and chaos as the Qiraji gladiators closed in on Burt and Burke. Burt, a seasoned gunslinger with lightning-quick reflexes, drew his trusty revolver and fired precise shots at their assailants. Bullets whizzed through the air, finding their marks with deadly accuracy, felling the gladiators one by one.

Burke, on the other hand, swung his massive hammer with tremendous force, its weight and momentum proving devastating against their adversaries. With every strike, the ancient stones beneath their feet quaked, as if the very city itself rumbled in response to his blows.

With a concentrated effort, the old man altered the gravitational field around him, causing his hammer to defy the laws of physics. He made his weapon hurtle through the air with incredible speed and precision, striking down their foes before returning to his hand like a loyal companion.

The combination of Burt's deadly accuracy and Burke's gravity-bending prowess turned the tide of the battle. Gladiators, once fierce and imposing, fell before their relentless onslaught. The desert city's forgotten echoes bore witness to the clash of steel, gunfire, and gravitic force.

However, the battle was far from over, as more gladiators emerged from the shadows, determined to protect the secrets of the ancient city. Burt and Burke exchanged a knowing look, their resolve unwavering. They were prepared to face whatever challenges lay ahead in their quest for answers, even if it meant battling foes from a time long past in the heart of the desert's shifting sands.

As the battle raged on, Burt and Burke found themselves increasingly outnumbered by the relentless wave of Qiraji gladiators. No matter how accurate Burt's shots were or how powerful Burke's hammer swings, the sheer number of adversaries began to overwhelm them.

Burt fired his revolver with precision, but his ammunition was limited, and reloading in the heat of battle proved challenging. Burke's gravity manipulation was formidable, but it required concentration, and he could only strike down one opponent at a time.

The gladiators, with their otherworldly strength and speed, closed in, their blades glinting with malevolent intent. Burt and Burke fought valiantly, their grit and determination unwavering, but it became increasingly clear that they were facing an insurmountable force.

Burt called out to Burke between shots, his voice strained. "Burke, we're outnumbered, and I'm runnin' low on bullets. We need a plan, and we need it quick."

Burke, his breath heavy from the exertion of combat, nodded grimly. "Aye, Burt, we can't keep this up much longer. Let's make for that alleyway to our right, try to bottleneck 'em and buy us some time."

With a coordinated effort, the duo retreated towards a narrow alleyway within the ancient city, hoping to create a defensible position. As they backed into the alley, they formed a defensive line, ready to face the gladiators one at a time, using the tight space to their advantage.

The gladiators, while numerous, hesitated to charge headlong into the confined space, sensing the change in tactics. Burt and Burke held their ground, their eyes locked on their adversaries, determination burning in their hearts.

In the heart of the buried city, amidst the echoes of a forgotten civilization, the battle reached a critical juncture. Burt and Burke, facing overwhelming odds, were determined to make their last stand and protect the secrets that lay hidden within the shifting sands of the ancient desert city.

As the gladiators retreated and regrouped, Burt and Burke used the brief respite to catch their breath and strategize. The narrow alleyway provided them with some advantage, but they knew the gladiators would return with new tactics and a renewed determination.

Burt turned to Burke, his eyes narrowed in determination. "We can't let 'em catch us off guard again, Burke. We need to be ready for whatever they throw at us."

Burke nodded, his brow furrowed in concentration. "Aye, Burt, we've got to use this bottleneck to our advantage. I'll focus on keeping 'em at bay with my hammer while you conserve your bullets. We need to make every shot count."

Their plan in place, Burt and Burke braced themselves for the impending onslaught. Moments later, the gladiators returned, their formation changed, and their tactics more coordinated. They moved with a cautious yet relentless advance, their eyes fixed on the two intruders.

Burt waited for the right moment, his revolver at the ready. Burke, with his hammer in hand, summoned his gravitic power, prepared to strike with unerring precision when the time was right.

The gladiators, now wary of the duo's resilience, approached with caution, testing their defenses. Burt squeezed the trigger, each shot finding its mark, but his ammunition dwindled with every pull.

Burke swung his hammer with precision, each strike a force to be reckoned with, sending gladiators flying with every impact. But as the gladiators closed in, their relentless attacks began to wear him down.

The battle became a fierce and desperate struggle, a dance of blades, bullets, and gravitic force within the confines of the narrow alley. Burt and Burke fought valiantly, their backs against the ancient stone walls, determined to protect their secrets and survive the relentless onslaught of their adversaries.

In the heart of the buried city, amidst the shifting sands of time, the clash between the cowboy mink and the gravity wielding merchant against the otherworldly Qiraji gladiators continued to unfold, the outcome uncertain, and the stakes higher than ever.

 

[Shinku]

As the battle continued to rage in the narrow alleyway, Burke, with sweat streaming down his brow, pondered a desperate plan to gain the upper hand. He knew that their adversaries were relentless and numerous, and the situation was growing increasingly dire.

With his hammer in hand, Burke thought of harnessing his gravitic abilities in a new way. He scanned the ground for large rocks and debris that littered the ancient alley. If he could manipulate gravity to launch these projectiles at their foes, it might give them the advantage they needed.

"Burt," he called out between hammer swings, "I've got an idea, but it's risky. I can use gravity to hurl these rocks at 'em, but it'll take a lot out of me. We'll need to finish this fast."

Burt, in the midst of reloading his revolver, nodded in agreement. "Do what ya gotta do, Burke. We're runnin' outta options here."

Burke focused his energy, manipulating the gravitational field around him. With a tremendous effort, he lifted several large rocks from the ground, their weight defying the laws of physics as they hovered in the air around him.

With a determined grimace, Burke hurled the rocks at the approaching gladiators with astonishing force and accuracy. The projectiles struck their targets, knocking gladiators off balance and sending them sprawling to the ground.

The tide of battle shifted once more, as Burt and Burke's enemies struggled to contend with the unexpected assault of gravity-propelled rocks. The gladiators were forced to take cover and break their formation, creating chaos and confusion among their ranks.

However, Burke's gravitic display came at a cost. The immense effort drained him physically and mentally, and beads of sweat poured from his forehead. He realized that he couldn't sustain this level of exertion for long.

As he caught his breath, Burke whispered to Burt, his voice strained, "We bought ourselves some time, Burt, but I don't know how many more of 'em there are. We need to end this before I'm completely spent."

As the battle raged on, Burke's sense of desperation grew. The gladiators seemed to multiply, appearing from every shadow and corner of the narrow alley. Burt and Burke fought valiantly, but it became painfully clear that they were outnumbered and outmatched.

Burke's gravity-wielding abilities, though formidable, were taking a toll on his strength, and the sheer number of adversaries made their situation increasingly dire. He exchanged a weary glance with Burt, realizing that continuing the fight would likely lead to their demise.

"Burt," Burke muttered urgently, his voice barely audible over the chaos of battle, "we can't win this fight. We've got to find a way out of here before it's too late."

Burt, panting heavily as he fired his dwindling rounds, nodded in agreement. "I hate to admit it, but I reckon you're right. We need a way out of this mess, and fast."

With a quick and determined exchange of gestures, the two adventurers silently agreed on a new plan. They would use Burke's remaining gravitic strength to create a path of escape, a temporary barrier that would allow them to break free from the relentless gladiators.

Burke focused his energy, manipulating the gravitational field once more, but this time with a different purpose. With great effort, he created a swirling vortex of gravity that formed a barrier between them and their adversaries. The gladiators were momentarily repelled by the unusual force, creating a brief gap in the onslaught.

Seizing the opportunity, Burt and Burke dashed through the barrier, using their remaining strength to sprint away from the chaotic battle scene. They knew that their only chance of survival was to put distance between themselves and the relentless gladiators.

As they ran through the ancient alleyways of the buried city, Burke glanced back, the sound of pursuing footsteps echoing behind them. He knew that their escape was far from guaranteed, and the gladiators would not give up easily.

With their pursuers hot on their heels, the duo sprinted through the labyrinthine alleyways of the buried city. Burke, his gravitic abilities pushed to the limit, summoned every ounce of strength to create a path for their escape.

As they raced through the narrow passages, Burke exerted his powers once more, manipulating gravity to their advantage. He caused sections of the ancient stone walls to crumble and fall, creating barriers that blocked their pursuers' path.

Burt, keeping pace with Burke, turned and fired his remaining bullets to slow down the gladiators. The deafening echo of gunshots reverberated through the ancient city, adding to the sense of chaos and confusion.

Burke continued to manipulate the gravitational field, pulling loose stones and debris from the ground to form makeshift barricades. These obstacles slowed down their relentless adversaries, buying them precious seconds.

Their escape route became a perilous obstacle course, with stone barriers rising and falling at Burke's command. It was a race against time and exhaustion, with the gladiators closing in from all sides.

Burt, his voice strained but determined, called out to Burke, "Keep it up, partner! We're almost outta here!"

With sheer grit and the unwavering determination to survive, they finally reached the edge of the ancient city. The open desert lay before them, a vast expanse of shifting sands and endless possibilities.

Burke, his strength nearly spent, conjured one final gravitic barrier, blocking the gladiators' pursuit. With a triumphant surge of energy, they burst out of the city's confines and into the unforgiving desert.

Their lungs burned, their bodies ached, but they had escaped the relentless gladiators for now. Burt and Burke stumbled to a halt in the open desert, the sound of pursuit gradually fading into the distance.

The Qiraji gladiators, though formidable and relentless, had halted at the city's edge, their intimidating figures silhouetted against the fading light.

The gladiators stared after the duo, their menacing gazes locked onto the adventurers, but they made no move to pursue. It was as if they recognized the boundary of the ancient city as a limit to their domain.

Burt and Burke exchanged puzzled glances, their exhaustion temporarily overshadowed by the enigmatic behavior of their adversaries. It was a standoff of sorts, a silent acknowledgment that the desert city's secrets were not to be ventured beyond.

Burke, still panting heavily from their escape, mused aloud, "It's as if they've got some sort of boundary. They don’t seem like crossing beyond those ruins."

Burt nodded, holstering his empty revolver. "Aye, seems that way. Perhaps there's somethin' about that city they're sworn to protect."

With a mutual understanding that they had reached a fragile truce with the enigmatic gladiators, Burt and Burke turned their backs on the ancient city and faced the vast expanse of the desert before them.

 

[Shinku]

As the desert sun cast long shadows across the vast expanse of sand, Burt turned to Burke, his voice tinged with curiosity and determination. "Well, partner, what's our plan now? We made it out of that city, but we're still in the middle of this desert with more questions than answers."

Burke, his eyes scanning the horizon, considered their options. "Aye, Burt, you're right. We've got to figure out our next move. First thing's first, we need to find shelter and water. This desert ain't a forgiving place."

Burt nodded in agreement, wiping the sweat from his brow with the back of his hand. "Water sounds mighty fine about now. But what about our search for answers, Burke? We can't just turn back, not after all we've been through."

Burke met Burt's gaze, a glint of determination in his eyes. "You're right, mate! Very well, I've heard whispers of another set of ruins, not too far from here. The locals call 'em the 'Whispering Ruins.' They say it's a place of strange echoes and forgotten secrets."

Burt raised an eyebrow, his interest piqued. "The 'Whispering Ruins,' huh? Sounds like just the kind of place we ought to be explorin'. Lead the way, partner!"

And so, from then on, Burt and Burke continued their journey through the desert world of Mesa Roja. They became steadfast partners in the pursuit of adventure, treasure, and the unraveling of ancient mysteries.

Their days were filled with the thrill of discovery, as they infiltrated one set of ruins after another, navigating labyrinthine passages, deciphering cryptic inscriptions, and unlocking the secrets of civilizations long forgotten.

They conquered challenges that tested their wit and courage, from treacherous traps to enigmatic puzzles that guarded the treasures of the past. They battled mighty foes, both human and otherworldly, with their unique skills and unwavering determination.


Burt, the gunslinger with nerves of steel, and Burke, the gravity-wielding treasure hunter, became legends in their own right, known throughout Mesa Roja for their daring exploits and unquenchable thirst for adventure.

Their partnership thrived, and their friendship deepened as they shared the wonders and dangers of the desert world. Together, they forged a legacy that would be whispered about in taverns and campfires, a tale of two adventurers who dared to challenge the shifting sands and uncover the buried treasures.

In the heart of the desert, beneath the scorching sun and endless skies, Burt and Burke's journey continued, filled with the promise of new horizons and the boundless mysteries of a world where adventure knew no bounds.

 

[Shinku]

Present Day

With his promise to provide Shinku another ally, Burke found himself back on the desert world of Mesa Roja. A great sense of nostalgia overcame him as his feet once again felt the grainy sands of the desert. What struck him the most was the companionship and camaraderie he had shared with Burt.

Without wasting more time, he set forth to look for his old partner. As he made inquiries and listened to tales told around campfires and desert towns, Burke began to hear murmurs of a hero who had become a legend in his absence. This hero, armed with a remarkable gun, was said to have vanquished monstrous creatures corrupted by the fallen arbiter.

The legend spoke of a gunslinger whose name was uttered with reverence, echoing through the desert's shifting sands—The White Devil, hero of the oppressed. The stories painted a picture of a fearless adventurer, a protector of the innocent, and a relentless foe to those who threatened the peace of the desert.

With each tale he heard, Burke's heart swelled with pride and nostalgia. It was clear that the descriptions pointed at his old partner.

One evening, while sharing stories with a group of desert nomads, Burke learned of a recent incident involving Burt. It was said that a colossal sandworm, a creature of legendary proportions that had plagued the desert for generations, had risen from the depths of the shifting sands. The nomads had been on the verge of despair, but then the White Devil had appeared, his gun blazing and his courage unwavering.

With his precise marksmanship, the White Devil had faced down the monstrous sandworm and ultimately vanquished it, saving the nomads and earning their eternal gratitude.

The nomad who told the tale pointed Burke in the direction of a settlement where their hero had last been seen. Burke's heart raced with anticipation as he set out once more, following the trail of legends and whispers that would lead him to his long-lost friend.

The settlement where Burt had last been seen lay nestled at the edge of the desert world, a collection of weathered adobe buildings and sand-swept streets. The inhabitants spoke of the gunslinger with a mixture of reverence and gratitude, recounting tales of his heroism and the many times he had come to their aid.

As Burke arrived, he was met with curious but welcoming faces. The townsfolk directed him to the local saloon, where they said the White Devil often visited after his heroic exploits.

Inside the dimly lit saloon, the atmosphere was thick with anticipation as patrons whispered excitedly about the legendary gunslinger's recent triumphs. Burke found an empty stool at the bar and ordered a drink, all the while keeping a vigilant eye on the door, waiting for the arrival of his old friend.

It wasn't long before Burt made his entrance, his silhouette framed by the swinging doors. The room fell into a hushed silence as all eyes turned to the gunslinger. Burt had indeed changed over the years. He had grown more weathered, his face etched with lines that spoke of countless battles and adventures. Yet, his presence still commanded respect and awe.

Burke's heart swelled with emotion as he watched Burt stride across the saloon, his boots echoing on the creaky wooden floor. Burt seemed to sense his old partner's presence, and their eyes locked in recognition.

Burt approached Burke, a glimmer of surprise and then genuine joy lighting up his eyes. "Well, I'll be hornswoggled," he drawled in his familiar cowboy accent. "Burke, is that really you?"

Burke grinned, his voice tinged with emotion. "You bet it is, mate. I heard the legends, and I had to come find you. Looks like you've been keeping yourself busy."

Burt chuckled, a hint of pride in his voice. "Reckon I have, partner. Mesa Roja ain't ever short on adventure, and someone's gotta keep the peace around here."

The reunion between the two old friends was a moment of pure joy and camaraderie. They shared tales of their separate adventures, and Burke caught Burt up on his travels to other worlds, while Burt regaled Burke with stories of his heroics in the desert.

Amidst the joyful reunion and the laughter that echoed through the saloon, Burke leaned in closer to Burt and spoke in a more serious tone. "Burt, there's something else I need to tell you. The reason I came back here is to ask your help to assist another friend of mine."


Burt furrowed his brow, his eyes narrowing with curiosity. "A friend in trouble, you say? Well, you know I ain't one to turn my back on a friend. What kind of assistance does your friend need?"

Burke glanced around to ensure their conversation remained private amidst the revelry of the saloon. "This friend of mine, mate, is on a dangerous quest of his own. Also, as there’s a dark force rising in this world, the same enemy is threatening all the others as well. I will need you to fight alongside him."

Burt nodded, his eyes reflecting his understanding. "I figured as much, Burke. I ain't one to shy away from a fight, especially when there's a friend in need. Count me in."

Burke's gratitude was evident in his expression as he clasped Burt's shoulder. "Thank you, partner. I knew I could rely on you. And I have a feeling that you and my friend will definitely get along.”

Burt chuckled, a twinkle of anticipation in his eyes. "Well, Burke, if he’s anything like you, I reckon we'll make a fine team. Besides, folks in need of help tend to stick together."

Burke nodded, his confidence in their partnership unwavering. "That's the spirit, mate. Well, we better prepare as I reckon he already waited for a long time since I promised to grant him an ally.”

Burt nodded, his face reflecting a seriousness that matched Burke's tone. "Will do mate! We’ll leave first thing in the morning. But for now, how 'bout we enjoy a couple of drinks right here? We've earned a bit of relaxation, don't ya think?"

Burke's eyes lit up at the suggestion, and he nodded enthusiastically. "You're absolutely right, mate. A drink or two to toast our reunion!"

They both raised their glasses, clinking them together in a toast to friendship, camaraderie, and the unknown challenges that awaited them. Amidst the lively atmosphere of the saloon and the laughter of fellow patrons, Burt and Burke savored the moment, downing glasses upon glasses of liquors and singing along the merry tunes of the place.