• Oregon Bound!

    chapter 1
    James Was working in the gold fields panning and panning for hours. He never thought how hard it would be just to gather 1 or 2 ounces of gold. He looked up at the piercing sun and left his pan in a spot where it could be comfortable. James went inside his tent and wished for rain. That's all he wanted was rain. He waited and waited. Then he grunted.
    He went inside Johns cabin and said "You know what John I'm leaving California, I can't stand this weather" John gasped and said "Why? What about the gold and riches?" James looked at him and bellowed heartily.
    "I Dont care about the gold John! I just want to leave California and so does my brother Higgins! The weather here is sunny. Its rugged here. Its hot. The air is thick!!"

    James Dominguez. A Spaniard, sailed to California for riches. He stayed there for almost 10 years! The date here is June 10, 1857. It is 102 Degrees and the Dominguez family is sick of it.
    James's brother Higgins is not only wanting to go somewhere else, he's dying to go. They didn't care about the riches in California they just didn't want there skin to peel off. John was a happy miner but wondered why the Dominguez family wanted to go?
    John Smirked at James and muttered "Sure if you don't want to be rich beyond your wildest dreams that's okay with me"
    James Smiled. " I see, you want to me to stay here. Well, I'm going to grab me a map and get the heck out of here."

    As soon as James could get out of the door, John tackled James and held a musket to his ear.
    John whispered angrily in the other ear. "Your never going to leave California even if I have to shoot you!"
    James pushed John off of him and laughed, "I'm going to make sure that I do leave even if I have to shoot you!"
    Smoke burst out of the old rusty musket as John fired it. The fast charging bullet barely missed James.
    James quickly reached for his rifle. He returned fire, grazing Johns left arm. James took a knife out.

    Higgins, hearing all of the comotion, slammed the cabin door open screaming, "WHAT IN TARNATION IS GOING ON HERE!!!!"
    James replied out of breath; "Well I was just trying to get a map to leave California. Then John brutally attacked me, holding a gun to my ear to prevent me from leaving." Higgins looked very mad after hearing the extreme measures that John was taking to keep James from following his dreams.

    JOHN!!!" Higgins yelled. John fell to the floor sobbing. "Tell me John, are you going to let my brother stay in this dump?! " John trembled as he mumbled to Higgins; " I'm sorry, I just don't want to be left here all alone."
    "Well, killing won't help anything, now, will it John!? Higgins said.
    "No not at all Higgins" John said.
    "Then why did you do it! "Higgins replied.
    A tear fell from Johns eye. John screamed "I DON'T KNOW, PLEASE JUST DON'T LEAVE ME ALONE!! PLEASE!, I WILL GO WHEREVER YOU'RE GOING JUST DON'T SHOOT ME!"

    James looked at Higgins and asked "So brother where are we going?" Higgins replied; "I looked at a map and it seems to me as if we should head towards Oregon." James looked at Higgins with raised eyebrows and said "Oregon, I hear that the air is clean and the fishing is great and to top it off it never gets much warmer than 85 degrees there." All three men hovered over the map. "Either we go through the highest of mountains or we go the 9 month route going through almost 3 states!" Higgins sighed and said "The mountain ranges are just too risky. John and Higgins Agreed to go the long Route. James did not. James, John and Higgins bought horses and planned their trips. Higgins gave a confused face at James and said. "Are you crazy you could die going that route." James smiled and replied."Its a risk I'm going to take Higgins its a risk I'm going to take." Higgins nodded and said."We start tomorrow people!"

    James packed up all of his food, water, and other needed supplies for his journey to the beautiful state of Oregon. James went to the saloon and shot a gun into the air to get everyones attention. "People I came here to tell you that this is my last day here." He said "Thats right! I'm leaving California and not looking back. Where am I going?, Oregon! The beautiful rainy, clean landscape. California is nothing but a dirty, hot, rugged wasteland." After James's announcement he went to his house to get a good night's rest before his journey. He dreamed of seeing snow and drinking water from clean lakes. He dreamed of clean air and...being happy. He woke up at 3 in the morning and headed to Oregon.

    Chapter 2
    It was dark when James road his horse down the dirt trail. James heard a gun shot and a scream. He turned around and glanced up toward the sound. There he saw a man and a dead corpse. The man had no hair and wore a red mask over his mouth and nose. The man looked at him. He looked mad as he pointed a musket at James. James took out his rifle. The man dropped the musket. Then yelled "HELP ME! HELP ME! " Attracting the attention of the nearby sheriffs posse. The stranger quickly dropped from sight. Seeing only James, the sherriff's thought that he was responsible for the corpse lying on the ground, they whispered "murder". James looked at them back and pointed his rifle and fired. Shooting the lead sheriff. The other sheriff's started shooting at James. James continued firing back at them. They cornered and arrested James. As James tried to get out he said "IM NOT MURDERER, I WAS JUST TRYING TO DEFEND MYSELF!!!" They glared at him and mumbled; "We have have heard that one before you rotten gunslinger." James managed to get out of their grip and ran toward his horse. He jumped on his back and sped way, narrowly escaping. As James and his horse ran, the sheriffs screamed "You wont get away you bandit!!!" James's eyes were on the ground."Ya hear that?, we're outlaws now little horse. This might make it harder to get to Oregon than it needs to be."

    An hour later James felt miserable. His skin was dry and so were his lips. He was out of water and was sunburned all over his body. He said weakly to his horse "Higgins was right little horse. It is deadly" up ahead James found a town. The horse went as fast as he could to the town. James slowed the horse down and said. "Don't forget boy, were still criminals." The horse shook his head yes. James pulled his hat down. He dropped his horse at a stable. He told the stable master "Extra water please". James pulled his hat down to hide his face and went into the saloon and told the bartender "Extra water please." The bartender seemed suspicious. Either way he still gave him extra water. James drank the water. Suddenly his hat fell. The bartender gasped. James jumped on the counter and took all the water he could and headed to his horse. More sheriffs came out and used the fastest guns yet. James ran to his horse as fast as he could. And tried to undo the Impossible knot.The sheriffs got closer. James was still trying to undo the knot. James gave his horse some water. The sheriffs got close enough. James cut the the knot with his knife. Jumped on his horse and went the fastest speed his horse could go.

    James and his horse were stuck on another desert plain. Once they were far away from the town, they stopped for a snack. James opened up his traveling pack. He gave his horse one bunch of straw. James had some bear meat. ,James looked at his horse and asked "Hey you little horse, would you be happy in Oregon?" The horse nodded. James looked at the cloudless sky and said, "Me too buddy, me too." James rode on, when he saw a small paper flying around the rugged wasteland. He got off his horse and walked to the paper and caught in the air. James dusted off the paper it was a wanted poster. It had a picture of James on it. James gasped when he saw it and said "Oh no my notoriety is greatly increasing. At this rate I'll be dead before I get to Oregon." The poster read:

    Wanted dead or alive
    for murder, stealing, and imposture.
    any one to finds this criminal will be rewarded with $10,000

    "Im not an Imposture! THIS IS ALL LIES" James glared at the poster and shot a hole through it and tossed it on the ground. He got on his horse and traveled on a lope.They walked and walked. James looked at his horse and asked "think were any closer buddy?" James's horse nodded no. James laughed and said "Well your the trained one I guess!"James was getting tired and it was getting dark. Another town was soon ahead. James opened up the traveling pack and put on a dark cloak to conceal his identity. He found the stable. He put him on the back part of the stable and looked for a hotel. He found a Hotel that seamed nice. It was expensive but he didn't care. He just wanted a place to stay for a couple weeks. He found himself a room and slept for the night. The next day he went to the store with the same dark cloak on. He looked at the storekeeper with his dark dark blue eyes and said; "I will some take some straw and any other road supplies. I will take all that you have. As James paid for his supplies the storekeeper looked into his eyes that shadowed from the hood on his cloak. The storekeeper gulped and said "W-w-ww-w where are you going sir?" James replied "I'm going to Oregon" Then James changed the subject and said; "How's business going? The storekeeper replied;" Its doing g-g-g good" James smiled and said "You don't need to be afraid of me. I'm only wearing this 'cause I hate the sun." The storekeeper laughed and said, "Well now I know why your moving to Oregon. But you shouldn't be around this place." James's eyes grew big. He looked around and said to the storekeeper "Why is that?" The storekeeper replied "well just because there's a bandit around these parts. Why, it says here, wanted for being a murderer, stealing, and being a darn impostor. I hope I get that gent someday!"

    chapter 3
    The Shopkeeper gave James the stuff he wanted and James said "goodbye ill see you later" The shopkeeper said the same thing to James. James sighed and said "The only friends i guess have right now is my horse." He went back to the inn. James saw all sorts of wanted signs,3/4ths of the signs had him on it. James ripped all of them off.He grunted while taking them off. when all of them were gone. He ran out the Inn and went right to the saloon. A man Was accepting challenges.James asked another man "Who is that?" The man replied. well that's peppermint Dylan. He chews the most on the most Spearmint leaves in California. James looked at Spearmint Dylan in Disgust. He Spit on the floor and Threw a gold nugget in the air.Which sent the miners in the air to catch it. Strongly And Bravely Dylan Stated. Does any of you wimps want to challenge me!?" Jame's face grew as tall as a tower. He simply yelled out Spitting again. "I will challenge you!"

    Everybody in that saloon looked at James.Even know James was a Skinny as a Nail. He Punched at hard a Stab From a bulls horn. Everybody still looking James. Bursted Out laughing like a firecracker mixed with gun powder. James Heard All sorts of Insults.

    "Ha ha! you wouldn't win fighting a mouse"
    "OOO im so scared of the Skinny man! OOOO"
    "And what do they call you Duck legs?"

    James ignored the annoying miners.Then Jumped on one the tables. And Smacked Spearmint Dylan so high.He could see Clouds! Spearmint Dylan Landed on the floor.He looked At one the Miners And said " Look who's skinny now!" Spearmint Dylan got up on the table.His nosed bruised and his lips got bigger by the second! Spearmint Dylan walked up to James and Kicked him by his feet Descending him on the floor. His Ears and nose Were bleeding and he thought That Eagles just bit his feet! Spearmint Dylan peered at him "Did you get payback or what!" James Got up And Uppercutted His Lips that were almost as big as Elephant trunk. The uppercut only made them bigger. James smiled And looked at Spearmint Dylan And said "Look who's talking!" Dylan looked pretty knocked out from what James could see. He had won
    James Headed back to his room in the inn.He had Bandaged himself. He was pretty knocked out just as Spearmint Dylan was. He whispered to himself and said "Maybe a little rest would do." He dreamed of rain and snow as per usual. He felt something about John and Higgins. He missed Higgins,John not so much. He saw in his mind Higgins Was Walking across The snow of Colorado. John was complaining about the high snow. Another Image in his mind... It was Oregon.Flowers and Lakes. And eating fresh grown food. Not disgusting chewy bear meat.James woke up crying. He looked out the window on the wall. It was the middle of the night. James sighed and again sleeping and dreaming of the beautiful Oregon. He had never thought how hard it would be to go through California's lands and towns. James wanted to look into the future He wanted to know if he would ever reach Oregon in time. He Felt lonely. He missed his Brother Higgins. He missed Spain and his mother.James Thought in his mind while tears were falling down his eyes "All California has really done to me is ruin my life." James looked at the picture of his family before James left to go to Spain. He Read the letter his mom gave him while coming to California. James stopped crying and smiled as the sun came up. He walked out of the inn and saw his horse who looked Healthy and happy. James smiled. He got on the horse. But than Spearmint Dylan came... He took off the cloak that concealed himself. Dylan Gasped
    Spearmint Dylan fell to the floor. He wiped his eye. He didn't know who he was dealing with! "What the...NO NOOO!!!!!" Dylan said breathing hardly. He tried to run. But i took him by the shirt. " Your gonna pay for increasing my Notoriety" James said.Dylan replied "I just want to see who took me down" James Remembered the battle.He said to Dylan " how about a Round 2? No fists." Dylan nodded yes. James replied "Perfect we will begin choose your weapon no guns we wont want anybody waking up" Spearmint Dylan Took out a Switchblade that was Heavily sharpened and was Forged out of steel. James Took out a meat cleaver. Dylan started with a slow attack. Which missed. James Sliced Dylan Softly.Making a huge scar on his arm. "GAAAA" Dylan bellowed.The Heavy switch blade Nearly Sliced open James Ribs. James fought back with a chop. Which almost hit him. Making a small cut. Dylan's Bellowing woke a well looking citizen. He looked at the unconcealed James. He didn't do anything.He was left speechless and just ran off. James and Spearmint Dylan just kept on fighting. "Ive had enough of playing with this town.Im out of here" He ran to his horse abandoning Dylan. He and his horse ran off

    Chapter 4
    James thought well of His skills. He kept on riding. He tried to remember what grass looked like.Its really hard to remember what Grass looks,feels and smells like after ten years not seeing it. James felt something in his heart.Was he hungry? No he wasn't.He felt in his heart that something very bad was going to happen.Something to do with blood and death. James Paused and whispered to himself "Something... Something about me is going to kill myself." James got off his horse and began to look at the cloudless sky again. "Ya see this little horse? That isn't Oregon. I cant even talk to myself why im risking my life to go through all of these mountains just to get to another state because of its weather. And im not even Close to the mountains! But still we have gotten far already.And My Carrer as a bandit here in California,I will be hanged in an hour if i was in that town! Yes a quest can be a little crazed when you think about it. Jame's Horse Sighed in boredom. James sighed in boredom too!
    James stomach growled. I guess now he was hungry. His Stomach grumbled louder than an earthquake! James opened up his traveling pack And took out the biggest thing he could lay his eyes on in his Traveling pack,which was bear meat. James Sighed. "At least it wont Spoil" James Quoted.
    Whiles James Worked on his bear meat he read his letter his mother gave him. He simply read in English

    " Dear James

    How have you been Dear? We have missed you deeply.And its only been 5 months! I Want you to know.Your dad is coming with.hopefully he will be okay. Your sister wants you to come back so bad. yet she knows you're not. We miss you james. I hope you know that we all love you.Almost everybody in our town wants you back!
    Not to mention our cat Woldfang. He;s been looking everywhere around for you. Hes always been crying since you have left. But be careful of your way to california dear.

    Love Eliza Dominguez
    When james finished the letter he looked at the picture of his family again.A tear fell from Jame's eye. He heard the song his mother Eliza used to play for him When he was a child in his head. He had a memory of his mom playing it for him. James listening Paitently in his head.Than he heard somthing strange in his mind. something that wasnt supposed to be in his mind. Pounding noises, Earthquake? James opened his eyes. And there were Red men...Indians! They charged over...spears in their dusty hands from grinding acorns. They Charged and Stormed toward James. Showing their anger at the Gold miners. Jame's eyes doubled size. They threw the black stone javelins. James didnt attack. He dodged. But still weak from Dylan gold switchblade. James tried to run but no use. A strong big indian who looked as strong as a barbarian. He caught him by his cut arm. Which sent James Screaming. They took him to the Tribal Village. They took him to the indian chief who was meditating in his tent. James caught his eye on the cheif. A Skinny Buff man like James. He had big eyes and always had a frown on his face. He stood up slowly. And looked at James with a Frown as normal. But had a happy voice and speacked english which surprised James. He said with his deep voice "Welcome,If you please could tell me why you and the white men have taken our Territory not to forget Murdering our men." James Replied "I have no interest In both. But i know why the other men are. The white men are taking your territory with greed the gold in your state is increasing its population. Were murdering because of greed too! i hate such as you do." James glared at the ground. The chief Smiled at him. James just had to ask "I'm getting out of California. Since I told you. You can tell me. I'm going to Oregon.Perhaps you can tell me where It is." The Cheif had a devious grin and said "Sure Its east and North and West and you will be in oregon before you know it" "First we will show around the tribe to satisfy you" The chief said with his deep voice. James nodded yes. "Here we have the Pottery. We make the most Satisfying Pots in California. Using the equipment the White men traded us." James was amazed to see such Pots" James followed The chief into a Purple Tent "You see this? This is the music tent. Here we make our finest of Flutes,Stringed Musicals and more. We use these Musicals to Impress the meditating God of Kuksu." James was interested in this "Kuksu" He told the cheif "perhaps you can tell me about Kuksu?" The cheif replied Ah yes."I dont know much. But i know how we worship him! We celebrate ceremonies and Pray to Kuksu for good health and weather. We also Harvest to use the things Kuksu made for us. We Practice the Rituals of Kuksu.We would have Shamanic conversations with spirit world So that Kuksu can hear us." James was amazed. He James said "Well ill be on my way To Oregon." James said. The chief still had that grin on his face. Which made James Very suspicous. So he Asked "Really I want to know more about this tribe, May i stay here for a couple days?" The chief Had a Confused Face. He said in a Sarcastic voice "okay then! You can Expirience the tribe of the Yokuts as long as you like!

    Chapter 5
    James Found Himslelf A Tent To Rest in. It was a Long Day. Fighting Dylan... Being Captured. And learning About Kuksu. He was all about Sleeping Right now. While he was sleeping.He had a Nightmare. A horrible One. A deadly One. The worst one He had ever had. He was In the Middle of a Desert. All Alone. No one there. He was On the Ground. Bony and Breathing Hard. The Sand beating In his Eyes. Thirsty... Burned... Dead. But Where was he? He Couldnt get out of his Nightmare. He was Stuck Looking at his Dead Body. His body Quickly Fading In the sand.James didnt like his mind abusing Its self. Soon Enough. The Dead Body was now a Skeleton. And Worms,maggots, And Lizards Eating His Skin. That second James Woke up. It was Dark. He heard Breathing Out of Nowhere. He could still feel himself Being Thrown Apart and the Hot sand on his Chest. The Drums beating On his Head. He could still hear the Breathing. He looked Around.He saw Shadows.His mind Was Controlling Him. "Why? Why is My Mind doing this?" He yelled. He Tried to move out of the Tent. But his mind was everywhere. He couldnt see. He closed his eyes The desert. Soon turned into a wonderland. A beautiful Garden With Apple Trees and Waterfalls. The Eaten Skeleton was now a Happy Spainard. Thats when James Awoke This time it was Real. There was no whispers or Shadows in his Head. His Eyes were closed. He walked Out of the tent. He saw Little Kids. There were Candles. And Dancing Indians. He Saw His horse Running Around a fire. "A Festival?" James Asked himself. He Walked Up It was a Festival! He Walked up to the Festival.The Candles made the Area Smell Waxy. They were Covered by Silk. So the Fog wouldnt Burn the Candles out. Unlike With clay. It wouldnt Burn out. But it would Cover the shimmering light. With the fog in James's eye it was Impossible to see. But indeed candles Always light up the night! After a Few Seconds walking through the Foggy Campsite. He Got to the festival. James Interuppted the Festival in his Calm Spainish Accent "Hello?" That stopped the festival. With loud Music,A beating Fire. Ritual Singings. It was all Interuppted by... a Hello? All the Indians Looked At James They Paused.Than started doing whatever they were doing. James Sat Down. The Fog Whispering Across his eyes. He wondered how long he has Been Riding. And when it will End.He was Dissapointed Of his Greed.Leaving his home To an Unclaimed land. What was he Thinking? While James was sitting on A log. He felt a Big Rectangular Book in his Pocket. It was Hardcover. When James took the Book out of his pocket He found A dirty Book. He Dusted The Dirt of the Filthy book. He Saw a Rugged Green book. The Title Was Shiny And Was Glimmering In James's Eye. The Large Book Was Entitled "The Holy Bible"

    Chapter 6
    James Was surprised he Brought that book Along with him! The Book was Larger Than he Predicted it to be before he Took it out of his Pocket. It was a Heavy Book. With Many pages. James Remembered His Catholic Days. He decided To go Back to his Religous Days... After he Made it To Oregon. He had to Take things Seriously Until to Oregon. He has Been Acused Of Murder. Thats one of the Worst sins...Murder. James Screamed out to the Sky "BLESSED ARE THE PURE IN HEART FOR THY SHALL SEE GOD!!" he wanted Everybody in California to Hear That. Because He wasnt a Sinner. Greed Took over his Life. He Traveled from Spain To California. He Left His Family And Friends, Just for Gold! James Calmed Down And dipped His Head On the Dirt And said "I am Blessed. Please God. Forgive My Foolishness" James Went Over to His Tired Horse For Water And Food. It was Hard To find Water Right now. Mostly Because Of the Fog. And the other Half Because. The Water is Spoiled From the Pollution In California. But Eventully He Found Some Water. And He took Out the Carrots From His Traveling Pack. He Gave His Healthy Horse A Big Meal. James Was out of Ideas Of where to Go. So He Didnt Want to Keep Losing them. He went To the Natives. He said "Im ready To Roll On" The Chief said "Okay then! Enjoy Your Journey!" James Made a Confused Face."Okay... You enjoy Whatever You are Doing." "Alright" "Yeah" "Okay then" The Two Men Had a Full Out Conversation. "Alright ill be on my way." James Rid On.James Followed upon a deep meadow. James just noticed he frogot to bring a map. He had a failure face. He traveled upon a lope. Than ran as fast as he could. James noticed somthing else. He saw grass. The meadow was full of green grass. James felt happy in this part of California. He came upon a river. At the end there was a waterfall. A pretty waterfall it was. James sighed over the waterfall. "Its a big world Aint it?" He Asked to his horse. His head Nodded Yes. Yet he had made Much Progress in His journey. He Doesnt Even know that he's even Close to Half Way. James rid on the meadow. It seemed Never ending. As he continued Into the Meadow. It got deeper... and deeper and deeper and deeper and deeper! Soon James got bored. He looked Down at his horse and whispered to him "Hey boy. Lets speed up. The sooner were there. The More you will get to Rest." Jame's horse gasped And Ran Faster than the speed of sound! "W-o-wow-ow-w T-h-h-a--t-ttss A--a-n Im--pr--ove---Me--nt" James Mumbled.The Horse was speeding So fast he couldnt Speak. They Were Still On the Meadow. And his Horse was Tired. "What kind of meadow is this!?" James Bellowed in Crazement.