One day Logan and Kimberly were at the home stead so she could pour over Mike new catalog. An hour later at Brian's request, "can I have one of those?" Logan looked over the top of the book he was reading on Mike's bed as the boy pointed to an image at the four inch thick catalog.
"You don't even know what it is," Colleen said, coming closer as both Mike and Kim (who had been looking over her shoulder) looked at the boy.
"Do, too," Brian defended.
Laughing Mike shook her head before leaning close to the boy. "I don't think you'd really enjoy a corset, Brian," she reassured him and Logan gave a light snort.
"We'll I'm just glad people don't wear them back home," Kimberly said, walking close to where Logan was. "Not that I need it…," and she rested her hands on her slim hip.
"Not to mention you prefer to breath," Logan commented sitting up straighter lowering the book. "So is the browsing done…or are we still on the three hour tour?"
At once she rounded on him. "Hey why don't you go back to reading…," she started the then blinked at the title. "'War and Peace'…" glancing at him.
He shrugged. "It was either this or medical books. And besides the way you're going I'm likely to get through the whole thing in one sitting."
Shaking her head she turned back to the others as Brian asked, Mike. "What about you, Ma?" and Mike looked at him as the sound of the wagon coming in clattered outside. "What do you want?"
For a second she as silent before she answered. "I don't want anything," and she held the boy and girl close. "I got everything I need right here," she proclaimed a big warm smile on her face.
Smiling Logan and Kim shared a glance before turning toward the door as it opened and Mathew walked in carrying a crate. "This came for your, Dr. Mike. I told Horace I'd bring it down," he said, smiling as he brought it over to the table and laying the catalog and book aside everyone gathered around the table.
"Who's it from?" Colleen asked, coming close.
"I don't know, but a letter came with it," and Mathew held out the envelope to Mike who took it.
After opening it and unfolding the letter she paused glancing at it before smiling. "'Dear Michaela…'" she started to read.
"Grandma!" Brain said, eagerly and everyone chuckled.
"'Hope my correspondence finds you and the children in good health. Please find enclosed a little something of civilization…,'" and Logan and Kim shared a glance. Then promptly rolled their eyes. "'…since you're obviously determined to remain as far away from it as humanly possible…'"
Not that I blame her… Red Dragon muttered.
Will you be quite! Logan snipped.
"'I've been saving this for your hope chest…'"
Touchy…I for one was enjoying War and Peace…and I'd like to get back to it…
"What were you hoping for?" Brian asked.
"A husband, dummy," Colleen scolded.
"Colleen…," Medicine Woman scolded before continuing. "'…however, as your status as an unmarried woman seems unlikely to be changed in the foreseeable future, I've decided to send along a service for eight of your favorite Wedgewood China,'" and Mike's eyes lit up a little. 'In honor of your…"
For a second she paused and Logan frown at the uncomfortable look on her face.
Lowering the letter she put on a smile glancing at all of them in turn. "Well, let's see," and with that Mathew went and got a hammer.
Soon after he returned he pried off one section of the top then the other revealing the stringy padding inside. Better than Styrofoam anyway… Red Dragon started then paused as Mike reached in and an unmistakable sound met their ears.
Slowly face dropping she lifted out the top padding showing shards of broken china. "Oh, it's all broken…," Mathew muttered, in dismay.
"Oh, no," Mike muttered, carefully shifting through the shards until she found one intact cup.
Gently she lifted it out of the box as they watched. "All except that one cup," Colleen muttered, and Mike was silent.
"Excuse me," she said, close to tears and after laying the cup down gently turned and quickly went outside. Brian in close pursuit.
"Gosh, what is it in honor of?" Colleen wondered as Logan listened into her tears.
Sighing Mathew glanced at the door before looking back at the letter. "Maybe you should read it," and Logan glanced at the two.
"No, you," Colleen protested.
After shooting the door another glance Mathew laid down the hammer and picked up the latter. "This is so wrong," Kimberly muttered, leaning close to Logan who shrugged as Mathew read it.
"It in honor of her 35th birthday," he said, and they looked at the door.
Sighing Logan looked at Kim. "She needs a woman's touch," he muttered, and nodded toward it.
After a second she nodded and walked outside. As she closed the door behind her she watched as Brian slowly approached his mother. Who at the moment was sitting on the steps rubbing her arms trying to comfort herself.
"Are you sad 'cause the dishes got broke?" the boy asked.
After a second she shook her head not looking at them. "Oh, it's not the dishes."
"Then why are you crying?"
Again she fell silent. "I'm crying because…," and she fell silent as he voice started to break. "…well, 'cause sometimes…I just feel lonely…," she admitted and Kimberly's gaze dropped.
"Lonely…," the boy asked, innocently before moving closer to sit next to her. "How can you feel lonely? You got us us…," he said, looking up at her as Logan, Mathew, and Colleen joined the group on the porch.
For a second she was still then reaching out she took the boy in her arms. "How, indeed…," she muttered, holding the boy close now with tears of happiness in her eyes.
Leaning close to Mathew and Colleen, Logan muttered, "If you give me the broken china I might know someone who can fix it."
Later that day both Logan and Kim rode back to the homestead with Mike after she finished at the clinic. "So have you two found a way to let your friends know when and where you are?" she asked, then as they neared the homestead.
After sharing a glance with Logan Kimberly answered, "not quite yet, but either way it's going to be a tricky thing to do."
"How so?" she asked, as they started to come around the bend.
"Because it's got to be something that will withstand the test of time…but it's got to be discreet," Logan explained. "It's not like we can just go to the nearest Western Union and have them hold a letter for us," and he frowned as the homestead came into sight. "Hey isn't that Mathew's wagon?"
At his words they all looked forward. "Yeah it is," Mike muttered, and they urged their mounts into a canter.
When they got close they reined in their horses and slipped off and secured then. "Looks like Ingrid finished doing the laundry, and I got to say it was nice of you pay her for this," Kimberly said, fingering some of the clothes after they moved closer. "But where is…," she started then they turned as a rustling could be heard from the barn.
As Michaela moved toward the barn Logan and Kimberly's eyes went wide in realization. "Ah Mike maybe we should…" he started to say as he followed her.
Before he could finish however she reached the barn's double doors and pulled them open. "Mathew!" she exclaimed in surprise at the sight of him and Ingrid in one of the stalls staring at her in equal surprise.
"Dr. Mike!" he exclaimed quickly as the caught teens sprung to their feet separating from each other. "I thought you were working," and he rapidly started brushing off his cloths and hat.
"What are you doing here?" she demanded stepping into the barn. While behind her an amused Logan and Kimberly watched behind her.
"Nothing," he immediately said, fixing his hat into place.
"I bring the laundry," Ingrid explained quickly gesturing with her hand with a slight wheeze to her breath.
"Ingrid would you excuse us?" Mike asked, looking at the girl. "I want to talk to Mathew," and she turned her hard eyes on him.
"We're not doing anything," Mathew continued to defend as Ingrid moved to leave.
"I go now," Ingrid said, looking at him the wheezing in her breath getting worse.
Frowning in concern Logan and Kimberly watched her take a few steps before she collapsed against one of the posts. "You alright?" Mathew asked, concerned moving forward taking her arm to steady her.
Acting quickly Logan, Kim, and Medicine Woman moved forward. "I can't…breath," Ingrid wheezed out clutching her chest.
"Has this happened before?" Mike asked, quickly.
"I don't know," Mathew shrugged as Mike moved behind Ingrid and taking her arms held them above her head.
"It's an asthma attack," she explained to Mathew's worried look. "You're alright Ingrid," she said, to the girl trying to calm her. "Just stay calm, take short breaths," then she looked at Mathew. "Mathew help me get her out of here."
At once Mathew swept the girl into his arms and he carried her outside. "Well this is turning out to be a heck of a day," Logan commented and with a sigh from Mike the three followed them out.
As Brian and Colleen came outside to see what the commotion was Michaela quickly went to her bag and pulled out a bottle of chloroform and a small rag. After pouring the liquid onto it she raised it towards Ingrid's mouth. "Just take a small whiff," she told the girl.
Before it got close Ingrid held it at bay. "What that?" she wheezed out.
"Its chloroform," Mike explained as she kept trying to bring it closer to the girl's mouth and nose. "It will relax the air passages and stop the spasms."
"Don't be scared Ingrid, it won't hurt," Colleen piped in.
"It's alright it will help you," Mathew reassured her.
At his words Ingrid allowed the rag close. "Just take a small breath." Mike said, and doing as she was told the wheezing slowly abated and she relaxed. "She should be put right to bed with a mustard plaster," Mike said, putting the bottle and rag away.
"She could stay here," Brian suggested hanging from the side of the wagon.
"Nay," Ingrid said, shaking her head. "I not want do trouble for you."
"It's no trouble," Mathew tried to reassure her.
"I go," Ingrid said, looking at him.
"It'll be better for you to rest," Mike said.
Again Ingrid shook her head and looked at her. "No, please, my brother worry."
For a second Mike was silent. "Well if that's the case," before she rummaged through her bag again.
"I'll take her home," Mathew offered.
After shooting him a look Mike held out a small pouch to Ingrid. "Take this, mix it in hot water, make a paste, soaking it in a cloth and put it on your chest," she instructed.
"Thank you," Ingrid said, holding the pouch close before she turned to Mathew. While Mike watched the pair.
As they watched the pair ride off in the wagon and Mike took Colleen and Brian inside Kimberly murmured, "Has that ever happened to you?"
With a puff of laughter Logan replied, "not at Ashley's, her father would have come in guns blazing and killed me."
At his worlds Kimberly chuckled. "Yeah he would have."
Thy were still at the homestead watching Mike pace back and forth when Mathew rode back in her turning at the sound of the horse. The watched as she moved forward to meet him. "Mathew I think we should to talk," she said, when she was close enough.
"About what?" he asked, hopping off the wagon.
"About what happened before between you and Ingrid."
Moving around her Mathew started unhitching the animal from the wagon. "Nothing happened."
"Mathew," she said, calmly and he turned to look at her.
"You don't believe me," he accused.
"It's not that. It's just…," she said, trying to find the right words. "Love is a beautiful thing…when people are ready."
"I don't want to talk about this," he said, as his face scrunched up in a look of disgust and stepped around her.
"But there are things you should know about," she continued turning to face him. "I could try to…"
"This is private," he snapped interrupting her as he worked.
For a second she was silent before she slowly turned and walked away. "That was a little harsh Mathew," Logan said, and the young man turned to look at him.
A little while later after Mike changed into a more simple dress to work in the garden Logan and Kim watched from the back of the house trying to think of what to do. "Hey you two," and turning they smiled at Sully, Wolf at his side as always.
"Hey Sully," Kim greeted before returning her gaze to Mike.
"I thought we were going to the reservation today?" he asked, drawing closer.
Glancing at him Logan shrugged. "Sorry but something came up."
"What happened?" the man asked, before glancing at Mike.
"I think its best that you hear it from her," Kimberly said, nodding to the woman in question.
For a second Sully was still before he moved toward her. "The plants look good," they heard him say when he was close enough. "What you been watering them?"
After a second Mike paused before she turned and looked up at him. "Beg your pardon?" she asked, confused.
They watched as Sully was still for a second looking at her. "Something troubling you?" he asked, concerned.
"No," she said, quickly before returning her attention to the plants. "Yes its Mathew," she finally admitted pausing in her work.
"What about him?" Sully asked, squatting down close to her.
"He and Ingrid," she said, simply. "Earlier me, White Falcon, and Dancing Heron found them in the barn," and she nodded to the structure and Sully looked over. "Together in the hey."
Sully looked back at her as he lowered her gaze to the garden. "Kissing?" he asked, a small smile on his face and she nodded. "So."
A little taken aback back by his lack of concern she continued, "When people get excited…might do something they regret," and she looked at Sully.
At a sound Logan looked over and saw Brian eavesdropping. "So they try to pretend it didn't happen," Sully said.
"Sometimes it's too late," Mike returned.
"Is that so?"
For a second Mike turning her head lowered her gaze in thought. "Could you talk to Mathew?" she asked, quickly looking at him again.
Sully blinked surprise. "What am I supposed to say?" asked, looking away.
"Well you're a man," Sully pointed out. "You could tell him things he needs to know."
"I think he already knows."
After taking a breath Mike begged, "Please, I'm worried."
For a second Sully was still before he finally nodded giving in. "Aright," and standing straight moved toward the barn as she thanked him.
"She is going to owe him big," Kimberly said, and Logan nodded.
After they watched him go inside closing the door behind him the watched Brian creep close to listen. "Brian," at once the boy leapt back looking at them as they moved forward. "It's not polite to eavesdrop now get!" Logan half scolded jabbing his thumb over his shoulder and the boy scampered off.
After watching him go both Logan and Kim moved forward to listen grins on their faces. "Mathew," the heard Sully say quickly.
"Hey Sully," Mathew returned not pausing in his work.
There was a beat of silence between them in which the cow gave a loud MOOOO. "You ah, you know how a woman gets pregnant?"
Again a beat of silence as Mathew paused. "Of course," he finally said sounding amused and they heard the pitchfork move again.
"Good," and they bit back their laughter at sound of relief in Sully's voice. "You got any questions you want to ask me?"
"Nope," Mathew answered still sounding amused.
"Good," and as they heard him leave through the side door they exchanged toothy grins.
"Oh what I would pay to see the look on his face," Kimberly murmured as they crept to the corner in time to see Sully walk out exhale deeply in relief before leaving. Unaware of the giggle fit Kimberly was having as she and Logan covered her mouth to keep her quite.
The next day Logan and Kimberly were with Sully in with visiting Robert E. to sharpen their instruments and weapons. As he tried to ignore the pounding in his head from the grinding stone his nostrils flared slightly as three familiar scents caught his attention as Sully squatted down to check the progress of Robert E.'s work.
"Hey Sully, White Falcon, Dancing Heron," came Brian's voice and turning Logan Kim faced the three as they approached.
"Hey kids," Sully replied standing facing them.
"Are you three going to be in town next week?" Mathew asked.
"We should be, why?" Kim said, frowning.
"'Cause it's Ma's birthday," Brian blurted out then his face fell. "Ops," he muttered, going red as his brother and sister shot him a warning look. "Don't tell nobody. It's a secret."
After shooting the older children a glance Logan's eyes turned to Sully who shifted uncomfortably. "We're trying to think of a good present for her," Mathew explained.
"And a surprise part from the way you three are acting," Kimberly muttered, rubbing her chin.
"So…why don't you marry our Ma and be our Pa?"
"Brian!" Colleen hissed in warning. As Logan and Kim nearly busted a gut turning what would have been a rolling laugh into a light snort. As Sully's jaw dropped gained a faint red tint to his complexion as he looked from Robert E. to Logan and Kim as they kept their moths covered with their hands as they struggled not to laugh at the look on his face and they snorted again.
Taking a deep breath he turned back to Brian. "Brian, it…," he started as he dropped to one knee. "It's not something you just do," he explained as he looked the boy in the eye. "It takes time."
"She's 35. She doesn't have a lot of time left."
"Brian…," Colleen hissed again and Logan noticed an edge come into Kimberly's eye.
Leaning close he discreetly muttered. "He's just a boy…remember he's just a boy…"
After clearing his breath to break the uncomfortable silence Mathew continued, "Uh, it's just that her mom sent her some stuff from her hope chest."
At once Sully glanced up at him. "Hope Chest…?" he muttered, slowly regaining his feet.
"Yeah. You know we started to think…," Mathew continued.
"…wouldn't it be nice if she had somebody to share it with," Colleen carried on looking at her brother. "Uh, besides us," and she looked back at Sully. "So like Dancing Heron said, we're giving her a surprise party."
"You can dance with Ma," Brian put in hopefully and Sully glanced down at him as Logan and Kim stifled another chuckle.
For a second there was silence as Sully looked at him. "Well, we were planning on going out and checking our traps next week," Sully said, as Robert E. handed back his knife. "But we'll try to make it," he said, sheathing it after locking eyes with Logan and Kim as they recomposed themselves again.
"Promise?" Brian continued eagerly.
"I can't promise Brian," Sully said, quickly. "I can't. I said, I'd try and make it."
"Don't you want to be our Pa?" the boy and Colleen soundly covered his mouth as Logan and Kim let lose another set of snorts. Over the boy muffled protests.
"Brian, you already got a Pa," Sully said, going redder.
And he's a degenerate low life… Red Dragon muttered.
"What I am is your friend," Sully clarified then quickly. "Don't you forget that, now," turned to Robert E. "Thanks, Robert E.," he said, quickly patting the man on the shoulder and made a quick retreat.
"You sure know how to put a man on the spot Brian," Logan said, pausing as he moved to follow half laughing patting the boy on the shoulder.
"Dame near gave him a heart attack," Kim put in.
"Yeah why'd you have to go scare him like that, Brian?" Mathew asked, after Collen cuffed the boy on the shoulder.
"I didn't scare him," the boy protested watching his heroes retreating back. "Sully's not afraid of me," and turning he looked at Robert E. as he got of his sharpening wheel. "Is he, Robert E.?"
With a light chuckle the man lowered his gaze. "No, uh…," he started collecting hi thoughts before bending down to look Brian in the eye. "You're not what he's scared of, Brian…I, uh, I believe when a man lives a certain way, like Sully, all by himself, it's hard for him to come back to something else," he explained. "…someone else," and Logan's gaze dropped as he and Kim shared a glance as Brian as he acknowledged the man's words before returning his gaze to Sully.
"Well…," Logan said, breaking the silence and Colleen and Mathew looked at him. "We'd better go see if Sully's blood pressure has gone down any," and with that the two of them left.
"I think you two enjoyed yourselves a little too much," Sully said, when they caught up to him outside the Saloon.
After sharing a glance they shrugged. "Sorry buddy but…it was funny," Kimberly said, in an amused voice.
"Not to mention we've never seen anybody go so red so fast…especially when they don't have a high fever," Logan joked and Sully turned away leaning against one of the posts. "And besides we warned you that Brian was starting to think of you that way," and he walked around to look Sully in the eye.
For a second Sully was silent before he nodded. "Yeah I know…it's just…it's just still a shock to hear it from his own mouth," and the two nodded.
Looking around to change the subject Kimberly frowned. "Hey…what's Mathew doing?"
Looking over Logan and Sully frowned as they watched as Mathew detached himself form the group. After the kids rejoined Mike outside the store. "Bust guess…he's getting a haircut," Logan muttered, after listening on Mathew telling them and Mike offering him money.
"Well let's hope he doesn't get a shave," Kim muttered, crossing her arms watching. "Honestly the lack of basic hygienic measures Jake ignores…he's more than likely to get someone killed one day," she muttered, then paused. "Speaking of shaves…," and she looked at Logan's clean shaven face. "Do you even have facial hair?"
Sighing Logan shook his head. "Okay, number one: Bite me…," he said, lightly jabbing his finger at her and she chuckled. "Number two: I do it Dundee style," and he rubbed his hand along his chin.
"Before or after he slipped the razor into his belt?" she asked eyebrow arched.
Turning toward her to respond he was interrupted by Sully asking, "Who is this Dundee?"
At once both looked at him trying to think of the best way to respond. Before they could a man stumbling out of the saloon interrupted them and into Logan's arms. "Harry?" he asked, stunned when he saw the man's face. "You alright? You look awful…" he asked, concerned at the slight tremors he felt and the sweat brow.
At once the man started to straighten himself. "Yes…I'm fine," he said, trying to reassure them.
"Are you sure?" Kim asked, coming forward. "Maybe you should go see Dr. Mike?" and she eyed a still red rimmed cut on his neck.
"Yes I'm sure…" he said, and he stepped away. "I saw Jake already…," and with that he moved away and mounted his horse.
The three watched as he began to ride away. But his horse barely made it ten feet from them when he gave a moan and slipped from the saddle. "HARRY!" Logan barked rushing forward as he hit the hard ground.
"That's it we're not suggesting anymore!" Kim said, as the two helped him up and draped his arms over their shoulders for support. "You're going to see Medicine Woman and that's that! Sully get the door!" and with that the two practically carried the man inside.
Soon enough the three were assembled in the clinic watching as Mike examined her patient. Who was presently laying on a cot his body convulsing with small tremors. "When did you begin feeling ill, Mr. Barton?" Mike asked, as she dabbed at the cut on his neck with a clean white cloth. And getting a good look at it in the light Logan noted that it had a nasty sickly redness to it with reddish veins drawing from it.
"Day before yesterday," Harry answered with some effort and sighing Logan closed his eyes shaking his head.
"Why did you wait so long to come in?" Mike asked, staring down at him.
"I asked, Jake, but he said, it weren't nothing," and again Logan, Kim, and Sully shared a glance.
"This…is not nothing, so much for informed opinion," Kim muttered, and the other two nodded.
"Is that were you got this cut?" and Mike gestured to the wound.
Doing his best Harry nodded. "Yeah, cut me while I was getting a shave."
At once Kim let out a shaky breath. "Oh no…," she muttered, in a hushed mournful tone and Logan put a comforting hand on her shoulder.
"Well, it's become infected," Mike said, leaning closer to look at it and dabbed at it a couple more times. "The razor he used was probably dirty…" and she leaned back adverting her gaze. "I warned him before…"
"We all have…," Logan muttered, under his breath.
"Is that why I'm so sick?" Harry asked.
"I'm afraid so…," Mike muttered, looking at him.
"What have I got?"
Taking a breath to steady herself she continued on. "You're suffering from septicemia…" and Kim in haled a shaky breath and Logan squeezed her shoulder.
"What the heck is that?"
"Blood poisoning," Mike clarified sadly.
For a second Harry was silent before in an enraged voice he growled, "'blood poisoning?' you mean, he poisoned me?" and he started to rise off the cot. "Why I ought to…"
"Harry stay down," Logan said, coming forward and helped Mike press him back down. "You gotta rest," he said, trying to comfort the man.
Take care "we'll take care of Jake as soon as you're settled," Mike murmured to him then after shooting the others a glance nodded to the other room.
When they had Harry resting comfortably the four of them moved into the other room to talk in private. "And all this could have been avoided if he had just cleaned that dame razor!" Mike hissed under her breath.
Slowly Kimberly nodded. "Yeah and it looks that prediction of your came true Kim," Logan muttered, looking at her.
"I never wanted this to happen!" she hissed looking at him.
Sighing he waved his hand to quite her. "I know…I'm just in a bad mood…" he said, turning back to them rubbing the back of his neck. "…its just we all warned him to clean that razor! And now Harry has to pay the price for it!" he hissed facing them and silence fell.
Slowly Mike faced Kim. "You must find the medicine of this day to be rather primitive when in your time people don't suffer from things like this,' she murmured.
Her gaze shifting down she closed her eyes. "You'd be surprised…,' he muttered, and Mike blinked as Kim turned her head to look out the door window. "Even in our Septicemia is a problem…my father lost a few patients to it. But in our time if it's caught early enough it's treatable…"
"Could you tell me…," Mike started.
But was silenced as Logan raised his hand. "If you don't ask, we don't have to put you down," he said, lowering it.
For a second she held his gaze before nodding. "I have to get back to Harry…make sure he's comfortable…and I have Ingrid coming back soon for a vapor treatment for her asthma," she murmured nodding toward the door. "I'll probably have to spend the night here do you three mind…?" she started to ask.
Then paused as Sully raised his hand. "You don't have to ask, it will be our pleasure to look after the children tonight," he reassured her and he started leading her back into the examination room. Then paused looking back when Logan and Kim didn't follow. "You two coming?"
Placing his hand on Kim's shoulder Logan shook his head. "So we have some things to do…we'll met you guys out front a little bit later," he explained and nodding the two returned to the other room.
"What things?" Kim asked, turning to look at Logan arms crossed.
In answer Logan nodded toward the window and looking over she saw Mathew being led to the saloon by a group of men which included Jake and Loren. "What are they doing?" she asked, allowed with a frown on her face as the two walked out onto the porch.
"Knowing them and the way he's been acting lately…some kind of Rite of Passage…," Logan muttered, as they watched the presage walking inside.
"From them?" Kim stated flabbergasted pointing at the still swinging doors and he nodded. "Yeah…and I think he's going to need an escape plan…," he muttered, thinking fast. "Get to Myra's window I'll meet you there in a few seconds."
Frowning she looked at him. "Her window? Why?"
"Were going to do a little jailbreak, now get over there!" he said, and made his way to the Saloon. Stopping at the swing doors he peered inside and discreetly got Myra's attention and waved her over as Hank poured Mathew and shot of whiskey.
"White Falcon…what's wrong?" she asked, when she came close.
"I need a favor…," he muttered, quietly and she blinked.
After he quickly relayed his request he made his way around the building to join Kimberly at the right window. "Is she on board?" Kim asked, when he was close enough.
He nodded the affirmative. "Now all we have to do is wait…"
For a couple minutes they stood outside on either side of the window waiting for their time to act. At the sound of the door opening and closing they flattened against the building leaning over they peered inside as Myra led Mathew into her room. Almost as soon as the door was closed voices from Hank, Jake, and Loren could be heard from the other side as they rattled the door. They watched as Mathew stood by the window his back to it as he shifted uncomfortably.
"You ain't paid yet," Logan heard Hank's voice coo and he shook his head.
"Go, you cowboy!" came Jake's voice and Kim let out a puff of air in disgust.
"He just did!" Myra called through the door as she jammed a chair under the handle to keep them out.
"Uh, don't take no offence, Myra, but I don't think I want to," Mathew said, nervously.
From her position by the door Myra looked at him. "Oh, that's all right. We was just trying to get you away from those rude fellas," she reassured quietly them then pounded on the door. "Go on now you get!" she snapped at them men as Mathew frowned at her. "I know you got a sweetheart, do you love her?" she continued in an undertone turning to look at him again.
"Yes, ma'am," Mathew said, standing straighter.
"I got a sweetheart, too," Myra said, and Logan could have sworn she started to glow as she smiled.
"Horace?" Mathew asked, and she nodded.
"He's a lucky man," Logan muttered.
Kim nodded. "And a good man."
Her smile still in place Myra continued, "We're going to get married. Well, I got this contract, but…we're going to have to wait."
"Dr. Mike says I'm too young," Mathew continued and Logan and Kim shared a glance.
"Hey, what's taking so long, a young buck like you," Hank's voice pushed in ruining the moment.
"You stop that now!" Myra snapped putting her shoulder into the door.
"Wait…what did you mean we?" Mathew suddenly asked, frowning.
Taking that as their cue Logan and Kimberly pressed their hands to the window and lifted it up and Mathew whipped around to face them. "What's the matter with you? Don't you know a jailbreak when you see one?" Logan hissed at the young man offering his hand.
"Go on, get!" Myra said, waving toward the window. "Get out the window."
At once Mathew turned and with Logan, Kimberly, and Myra helping him started to climb out the window. They had most him out and were just getting his other leg free when…
"Oh, my god!"
"Mathew!"
Turning the four saw Medicine Woman, Colleen, and Ingrid staring at them in shock and horror from the street just in front of the clinic. "This isn't how it looks!" Logan said, as Sully came outside and padded over to him.
"Come over here!" a livid Michaela snapped at Mathew and Ingrid swept away. "Right this minute!"
"Ingrid!" Mathew barked racing after the girl.
"Well that could have gone smother," Kimberly muttered, an uncomfortable look on her face.
A mirrored look on his face Logan nodded before he looked at Myra. "Thanks again," he muttered, nodding to her.
"Anytime," she muttered, back before drawing back into the room and closing the window.
"Mathew, come back!" Mike barked after him.
"Easy," Sully said, gently taking her arm.
"Mathew!" she barked again trying to wrench free of Sully's grip.
"Let him be!" Sully said, a little louder turning her to face him.
"Mathew!"
"Stop it," Sully said, and she finally looked at him. "You're embarrassing him."
"This isn't how it looks," Logan repeated when he and Kim got close. And looking over their shoulders they watched as Mathew caught up to Ingrid and explain what had happened.
"'I'm embarrassing him'?" Mike snapped taken aback. "He's out of control!" and she nodded in Mathew and Ingrid's direction.
"The only thing that happened Mike was us spoiling their fun!" and Kimberly waved a hand at the group of men on the deck of the Saloon.
"And he's growing up," Sully said, and she looked at him again.
"Which means he's trying to figure something's out…and what happened in the last few minutes has already proven he's a better man then them," Logan said, trying to calm her as Mathew and Ingrid walked off together.
For a second she looked at them then shook Sully's hands off her with a heavy shrug. "And I'll thank you three not to order me about, not I have to get back to my patient!" and with that she whipped around and stalked back into the clinic.
Sighing the group turned and looked at the group. "You leave him alone you hear," Logan warned. "Like I said, he's already proven himself a better man then any of you," and with that and the men sending jeers toward them they walked off.
Later with Sully holding the reins of the wagon in his hands while Logan and Kim riding on either side of it they took the kids back to the homestead. "So did you manage to patch things up with Ingrid?" Logan asked, when they got back and he slipped from Wildfire.
"Yeah I just wish…," Mathew started after Colleen and Brian went into the house and slipping off his hat he rubbed the back of his neck. "I just wish Dr. Mike wouldn't treat me like a kid."
"Can you blame her Mathew?" Kimberly said, drawing close to him helping him unhitch the horse. "She's acting like any mother would when she feels her baby is starting to wander from the nest."
Frowning he looked at her. "Did your mother do the same when you left home?"
At one Logan glanced at her as she blinked rubbing the back of her head thinking fast. "Actually back home I still live with her…" she muttered, and he frowned.
"Any how did the hair cut go?" Logan asked, quickly changing the subject.
Looking at him Mathew nodded as they took the harness and the horse into the barn. "Good actually just need a trim because I'm letting it grow out like Sully's," he said.
"Better be sure it can be a lot of work to keep clean and untangled," Kimberly said, as she and Logan were putting the horse in its stall.
"Also I got my first shave…"
"WHAT!" Logan and Kimberly snapped whipping around to face him.
"You got a shave at Jake?" Sully demanded turning Mathew to face him.
Frowning at the looks on their faces Mathew nodded. Before another word could be spoken Logan marched forward and taking him by his jaw carefully eyed his face and neck for nicks or open wounds. "Nothing, he'll be fine," he sighed in relief when he didn't find any and the other two relaxed.
"'Fine?' Fine from what?" Mathew asked, looking at them.
"Come to the clinic tomorrow and we'll show you…but right now let's get dinner started," Logan said, and the four walked out of the barn.
As promised the next day Logan and Kimberly took Mathew to the clinic and paused outside the door. Slowly they looked at him. "Yesterday you asked, why we were so concerned why you got a shave at Jake's," Logan muttered, then opened the door and the three filed in as Mike gave Harry an injection.
He was deathly pale and was having difficulty breathing. The cut on his neck stood out like blood on the snow with sickly blue veins sprouting from it. Shooting a glance at Mathew they saw he had gone pale with horror.
"How's he doing?" he asked, nodding to Harry.
Looking up at them she sighed, "There's nothing I except keep him comfortable," he muttered, looking back at the dying man. "Mathew could you get the Reverend, please? Hurry," she requested looking back at him and nodding the three turned to leave.
As he was walking out the door Logan paused as he heard Harry murmur, "ma?" and turning back he saw him look at Mike weakly holding out his hand to her. "Is that you, ma?"
Smiling she leaned close and took it. "Yes, I'm here," she murmured comforting to him.
He gave a weak smile then with a rattling breath his eyes closed and Logan feeling him die. Gripped the door to keep his balance he watched as a ball of light grew from his body and shot up through the ceiling. Closing his eyes Logan shook his head and joined the other two outside.
"What happened to him?" Mathew asked, looking at them.
"He got a shave at Jake's," Logan answered and Mathew stared at him.
"And in the process of it Jake nicked him…the razor was dirty…and he died from it giving him septicemia…or blood poisoning," Kimberly explained looking away hands on her hips. For a few seconds the three were silent before she looked back at him. "Do as Medicine Woman said…get the Reverend…," and at her words Mathew nodded and left them.
Sighing the two turned and went back inside just as she pulled the blanket over Harry's head. "My father always told me…it's never easy losing a patient," Kimberly muttered, walking over to her.
For a second she was silent before she turned a hard look on them. "Especially when this didn't have to happen in the first place," and with that she sprang to her feet and throwing her apron aside stalked form the clinic.
After sharing a glance they moved to follow. "She's your grandmother," Logan muttered, as they walked through the door.
They followed her all the way to Jake's shop at a brisk march. Upon entering they heard Loren say from the bench in the side next to another man as he read the paper he was holding, "in the Wyoming Territory, they're pushing to pass a law to give ladies, the right to vote," as Jake finished shaving once side of the face of the man in his chair.
"Never going to happen," he murmured as he brought eh blade closer. At once Mike moved forward and seizing his wrest drew the blade away from the man. "What do you think you're doing?" he demanded looking at her. While Logan and Kim stood by the door with hard faces glaring at the man.
"Is this sterilized?" she demanded motion to the object in question.
"Now, wait just a minute…," Jake started waving the razor at her. "I've been barbering a long time, and I never got no complaints!"
"That's right. No complaints," Loren piped in.
"Besides, this is clean," and Jake held up the razor before bringing it close to the man again.
"No, it's not!" Mike snapped as Logan stepped forward Kim at his side.
"Not if you haven't disinfected it!" Kim joined in.
For a second he looked at the three of them. Then slowly he raised the blade close to his mouth and soundly blew on it before whipping it on the towel on the man's shoulder. "There. Now it's sterilized," and he started to bring it to the man's neck. "You happy?"
Before he could Logan sized his wrist. After giving it a light pinch he took the razor from him. "No, now it's worse!" he snapped and walking around under his protests seized a small bottle of blue alcohol and after pouring some in a cup soundly dropped the blade in it. "Now! It's sterilized!" he snapped whipping around the face the man who froze at the look on his face.
"and to answer your question, I'm not happy," Mike said, and Jake turned to look at her as she quieted Jake's further objection the treatment he was getting along with the man in the chair. "I'm very sad. I just lost a patient of mine. Customer of yours, I believe. A Mr. Barton," and everything went silent.
"That's right," Jake muttered.
"What happened to old Harry?" Loren asked, in amazement folding his paper.
"He died," Mike said, looking at him.
"Died?"
"Died?" the man in the chair asked, looking at her in fear.
"What he die of?" Loren asked, as Jake stared at her.
"Poisoning…," Mike said, and she met Jake's eyes cold and hard. "From that filthy razor we warned you about a dozen times!" and all eyes turned to look at the razor still in the cup. "You killed him!" she hissed and with that she turned and swept from the shop.
For a couple seconds there was silence as Jake took a couple steps to follow but stopped before he reached the door. Then in a flurry of movement both the man in the chair and the other man on the bench followed her out.
After watching them go Kimberly turned to Jake. "I guess you got your first complaint Jake," she muttered, and he looked at her. "Only Harry isn't around to voice it himself," and with that she and Logan left as well.
Across the street Logan and Kim leaned against a railing to calm themselves. "I guess we could have done that better," she muttered, after a moment and he nodded.
"But none the less this could have been avoided," and Logan turned to look back at the shop as Loren left heading for the store a moment later. "And besides…," Kim turned to look at him. "Back home he probably would have been arrested and tried for negligent homicide…"
For a second she was silent before nodding. "Yeah you're probably right about that…" she muttered, turning as well and after a few minutes they returned to their horses and rode out of town. Hoping some time with the Cheyenne would lift their spirts.
The next day they rode back in with Mike and the children. Following Colleen and Brian the four went into the store.
"Let's see if Loren hates us now…," Kimberly said, as they mounted the porch. "…after all he has been known to hold a grudge."
"You're preaching to the quire," Logan muttered, following.
Once inside Brian made his usual B-Line for the candy jars while Colleen headed for the small collection of books on the other side of the shelves. Keeping close the pair watched them as they browsed either the books themselves or other items they needed.
After a couple minutes of looking on her own Colleen was joined by Grace by the book shelves. "What are you looking for?" she asked, Colleen as she pulled a book from the shelf and opening it started reading the first page.
"A book…," Colleen muttered, eyes still locked on the volumes before her.
"Well, I can see that as plain as day," Grace said, flipping a few pages. "A book about what?"
"how to find a husband," Colleen answered taking one from the shelf.
Logan and Kim froze at her words before turning to look at her wide-eyed as Grace closed the book with a snap and looked at the girl. "Child, aren't you a little too young to be learning about that?" she asked.
With a small laugh Colleen looked at Grace. "It's not for me," she clarified indicating herself and both Logan and Kim released the breathing they were holding in relief. "It's a gift. For…a friend."
With a thoughtful look on her face Grace slipped her book back into place. "This friend wouldn't happen to be named Mike, would she?" she asked, and it clicked in Logan's mind.
Looking at her Colleen nodded a smile growing on her face. "She's got a birth day next week," and grapping on that information Grace stared at the teen girl.
"Is that right?" she asked, turning to face her a little and Colleen nodded again. "Okay…let's see, let's see, let's see…," she murmured as she joined the search through the books and Logan and Kim moved closer. "Aha," and she pulled a volume from the top shelf and handed it to the girl.
"On Matters of Matrimony," Colleen read eagerly taking it from her.
"Well, we're going to have to have us a party," Grace said, taking Colleen by the shoulders eagerly. "We'll do it at my place," she quickly suggested as Colleen opened the book and started flipping through the pages.
"We were planning a surprise," Colleen clarified looking at Grace.
Frowning in thought as Logan put a hand on her shoulder as he said, "it can still be a surprise Colleen."
"He's right well do…," Grace picked up.
"Do what?" said, an ever eager Emily as she came over.
"A small surprise party for Dr. Mike," Grace explained and a light appeared in Emily's eye. "It's her birthday coming up and we're going to have to get her a gift. Something special," and Logan backed up from the gigging women and teens.
"Oh, yes…," Emily said, raising her gaze in thought. "What about one of those fancy cookbooks?" she wondered openly as she walked off.
Upon hearing this both Grace and Kimberly froze. "Oh, Lord," Grace muttered, as they went after her.
"Emily that may not be such a good idea," Kimberly said, quickly.
Turning to watch them talk Emily out of the cookbook Logan shook his head before looking back at Colleen as she started reading the book. "What do you think?" she asked, gesturing to the book.
For a second he was silent as he took it from her and look at it and flipped the pages. "An old saying comes to mind…," he said, offering the book back.
"What?" she asked.
Smiling he patted her shoulder. "'Never poke a sleeping dragon in the eye,'" he said, and she frowned as he moved off.
As he reached the counter Brain moseyed up to it and fixed Loren with a piercing gaze as he held his candy in there makeshift cup. For a moment the man pretended to ignore the boy's gaze before he turned to face him tossing his pencil on the counter as Kimberly walked back to Logan. "You like my ma, don't you?" the boy asked.
At once two things happened Logan and Kimberly's hands went to their mouth to hold in their laughter and Loren recoiled in surprise. "Huh? What's that got to do with anything?" he asked, in a higher voice then perusal and he turned back to his work.
"She saved your life, didn't she?"
"Yes, I suppose she did," Loren said, thoughtfully then gestured to the boy and Logan and Kim started to regain some control. "Now are you going to pay for those candies or ain't you?"
At once the boy slapped the money down on the counter. "How 'bout you courting her?"
"What?" Loren demanded wheeling to face the boy looking like he just swallowed a clove of garlic.
"Don't you think she pretty?" the persistent oblivious boy continued.
"Boy," Loren started resting his forearm on the counter as he dropped down to look Brian in the eye. "You have had some fool ideas in your day, but this one just about takes the cake!" he said, and the boy gulped at his tone. "Now, go on get out of here!" and not needed to be told twice Brian was out of there in a flash.
Slowly Loren straightened turning back to Hank. "You and the doc, huh?" Hank said, looking off to the side. Before looking at the old man a wise guy grin on his face.
Slowly Loren leaned against the counter holding his gaze. "Do you want to wipe that smirk off your face or would you like me to do it for you?" he warned in a low voice. The grin still on his face Hank paid for his thing before he started to gather them in his hands. "And as for you two!" Loren snapped looking at Logan and Kim who were doubled up from the effort of keeping their laughter in. "I'd better not hear you laugh!" he growled.
"You won't," Logan muttered, in a high voice and the pair quickly left. And went around the corner.
With a sigh Loren shook his head feeling himself relax in relief that it was over. Then his face feel as loud rolling laughter drifted in from where Logan and Kim had disappeared from sight.
The next day at the Church. Kimberly and Logan was just greeting Colleen. Who was collecting their picnic basket from where Grace was selling them for the picnic when Emily came out of the church and walked in their direction. "What about the gift?" she asked, in an undertone when she reached them.
In an excited undertone Grace looked at them. "Well, I got Robert E. working on it and I already got the menu planned," and she glanced over at Mike who was standing a few paces away with Brian and Mathew looking at them. "Boston baked beans, Boston chowder, and fir the dessert—Boston cream pie," she said, excitedly as Emily fidgeted with excitement.
"That's…a lot of Boston…any chance for anything other than beans?" Logan muttered, and Kimberly gave him a light elbow.
"You sure that won't make her homesick?" Colleen asked, glancing over at her.
At once Grace's face hardened and her smile lost its warmth. "Nobody gets sick off my cooking," she said, a little harshly before moving turning to another customer.
Turning with Colleen, Kimberly muttered, "piece of advice Colleen…never insult a chief's food…"
When they reached Mike took the basket from her with a jerking motion. "Colleen, White Flacon, Dancing Heron, you really think this is the proper place to be discussing such matters?" she demanded of the girl.
"What matters?" Colleen asked, slowly glancing at her brothers.
"Yeah what are you talking about?" Logan asked, hand on his hip.
"I know what everyone's saying about me," she said, looking at their confused faces. "That I'm an old maid."
"That's not true," Kimberly at once deflected.
For a second Mike looked at her before continuing, "Either way I don't need you three contributing."
"But that's not what people are saying," Colleen defended and Logan nodded.
"Yeah," Brian put in. Logan hoping he'd stop there. "Nobody said, nothing about the maid part," at once Logan and Mathew covered the boy's mouth.
"You did say that you'd go courting if someone were to ask you," Mathew said, as she gave a sigh.
"Yes, I did, but I, I don't want any one asking me out of pity," she said.
At that precise moment the reverend came over. "Excuse me, Dr. Mike?" he asked.
"Yes, reverend," she said, facing him.
"I was just wondering…," he started smiling then. Paused with both Logan and Kim catching the discreet shaking of the head and mouth words Mathew sent him. He gave a discreet nod as Mike looked at Mathew before continuing, "…if you might like to accompany me on a buggy ride this afternoon?" and Mike looking back at him.
After glancing at each other with a frown Logan and Kimberly eyed the kids. "Oh, I don't know. I promised the children a picnic," and she gestured to them.
"We don't mind," Mathew said, at once.
"Yeah, we'll take them," Sully said, coming over.
"Hey, thanks, Sully," Brian said, looking up at the man as he took the basket from Michaela.
"Have a good time," Colleen urged.
For a few seconds they were still before the reverend led her away. when they reached the buggy Colleen clutching her book to her chest glanced back a grin on her face meeting Logan's Kim's and, Sully's frowning faces. "Did you two have anything to do with that?" Kim asked, pointing at the reverend and Mike as they rode off.
Biting her lip she shrugged. "The book said, we should find someone of high morel value…and have an important part in the community…like a doctor or a clergyman….and sense she's the doctor…" and she waved her hand back at the couple.
With a groan Logan raised his gaze to heavens as Kimberly's face feel into her hand. Sully just looked from Colleen and Mathew to back to the buggy as is disappeared from sight.
The next day at the store both Logan and Kim watched as Sully walked around a flowered dress with puffed up shoulders and blue ribbons still with a hat on a… headless manikin. "What do you think?" he asked, looking at them.
After the dress a once over Logan shrugged. "I think you're going to need a lot more coin…"
After nodding he walked around the dress again and looked at the price tag then at the coins in his hand. Just then Loren came over. "What you gawking at?" he said, in his usual bored tone.
For a second Sully was silent then slipped his money back into his fur pouch. "Nothing he said, turning to go.
The pair turned to watch him go before looking back at Loren who walked away a small grin on his face. Shaking his head the grin on his face Logan looked back at Kim as she walked up to the dress and checked the price.
"Twenty bucks for a handmade dress as fine as this," and she ran her fingers over its shoulder. "I would kill for a sale like this back home," she muttered, in low voice turning back to him and they turned to leave. "I mean how the hell do prices get so dame high?" she asked, in the whisper.
Logan shrugged. "Maybe the industrial revolution or it might have been the Great Depression," he whispered back.
As they stepped outdoors just as Sully and Mike came face to face on the porch. "Hello, Sully," she greeted warmly.
"Hello," he muttered, as Wolf came close and he gave him an affectionate rub on his head. "How was your buggy ride yesterday?" he asked, in slightly hard tone.
"It was nice, thank you," and Kim looked from one to the other. "Thank you for looking after the children."
"You don't have to thank us Medicine Woman," Logan said, stepping forward.
"You know we like spending time with them," Sully said.
"I know, they enjoy it as well," and an uncomfortable silence fell between the two of them. "Brian's taught the puppy a new trick. I know he's like to show you."
"Dr. Mike!" and turning they saw Myra bolt at them with a flurry of footsteps. "It's Jake he's not answering his door," and she gestured to the barbershop.
"Oh, leave him alone. He's on a binge," Loren said, coming outside with them. "He closes up the shop every once in a while. He ain't hurting nobody."
"Binge or not it's not like him not to be open on a Monday," Logan said, then frowned in thought. "As a matter of fact when was the last time you saw him?" he asked, aloud.
"Eh, I saw him a few times in the saloon he's fine," Loren said.
"But he ain't never been on one this long," Myra said, worried.
"How long has he been on it?" Kimberly asked, as they all moved toward the shop.
"For most of the week," Myra answered and their pace quickened.
Reaching the shop Logan, Sully, and Kim peered through the glass door spotting him passed out on the floor in the corner an empty bottle held close in one hand. Sully rapping his knuckles on the glass they called out to him.
"I just know something awful happened," Myra said, looking over Mike's shoulder when he didn't respond.
"We gotta get in there," Mike said.
At once Sully tried the locked door again. "Stand back," he said, drawing his tomahawk and they took a step back.
With Loren stuttering in protest Sully used the dull side of the blade to break a panel close to the knob. "You're going to have to pay for that glass!" he warned as sully reached in and unlocked the doors.
Rushing inside the group went to Jake. While Logan wrinkled his nose at the very strong sent of alcohol hanging about him. Mike started to examine him. "He's alive," she pronounced after checking his pulse.
"Well, of course he is," Loren said, in relief.
"Thank the Lord," Myra muttered, as well.
"He's just passed out, that all."
"No, it's more serious than that," she clarified and Logan and Kim got worried at the tone of her voice.
"What? He hit his head?" Sully asked, concerned.
Slowly Mike shook her head. "No, it's alcohol poisoning," and she looked at him before her gaze returned to Jake as he finally stirred drawing the bottle closer.
In no time the group marched out of Jake's heading for the clinic with the man in question held up between Logan and Sully. "What are you going to do?" Sully asked, her as he held up Jake's legs while Logan held his torso.
"I gotta pump his stomach," Michaela answered from the front looking back at them. "Try to get as much of the alcohol out of his system as I can," she finished looking forward again.
"What if that doesn't work?" Myra asked, worried as a crowd of interested people started following them.
"He's jaundice. He probably has liver damage," Mike answered. "And there's too much alcohol in his bloodstream already…"
"Ah, you're not tell us that a man can die just from drinking too much?" Loren interrupted.
"That's exactly what she's saying Loren," Logan said, as they mounted the porch and with Mike holding open the door they marched inside.
Once inside they gently laid Jake on the examination table and Mike pulled her stethoscope from her bag. "If Jake does make it the next few days will be very be very difficult for him. He's going to have withdrawal as the alcohol leaves his system," she explained walking over to check his heartbeat. "It's called Delirium Tremors."
"The DTs he's had them before," Loren said, sounding worried.
"Well this time they're liable to be much worse," she said, lowering the listening part of her stethoscope. "I could give him a sedative…but that could just make it worse. It could compound the problem."
"I might be able to do something for that," and everyone looked at Logan. "And it's just as effective as a sedative with no side effects. Except for a little twinge of pain," he explained.
"Well…and I'll be right here, don't worry," Loren said, with a light stutter.
"Me to," Sully said, and Kimberly nodded her assertion.
"Just…," Loren continued covering Mike's hand with his. "…don't let him die, please."
A couple hours later the four of them were struggling to keep a pale wide eyed Jake in his bed upstairs as he thrashed wildly trying to break from of them.
"It's all right, it's alright Jake, calm down," Sully said, soothingly to the petrified man as he turned his wide eyes on him.
"We got you Jake!" Loren sooth through his teeth struggling to keep his grip on the man's arm.
As he gave a wild thrash Logan moved closer putting his hands on the man's shoulders. "Jake listen to me! You need to calm down or you'll hurt yourself!" and Kimberly took hold of both his legs to stop him from kicking the others.
With his back giving a violent arch Jake's head swiveled and looked at Loren. "Harry!" he cried in a high petrified voice. "Let go of me Harry!"
"I'm not Harry," Loren said, unnerved. "Jake it's me, its Loren!"
"Get your slimy fingers offa me!" Jake squealed trashing violently. When he was a little calmer again he fixed his gaze from the ceiling to Loren. "I…I…I didn't mean it…" he stuttered out and the three men at the front shared a glance. "I didn't mean to kill you, Harry. Don't ya' understand? I... I forgot about the razor," then gave a violent shake suddenly reacts as if he's being slashed, throws his hands up in front of his face. "Get him offa me! Help! Help me! For God's sake, get him offa me!" he screamed at Logan and Sully gripping for dear life as the pair look at Loren.
"There's nothing there, Jake, there's nothing there!" Loren tried to sooth him as it takes both men to hold him, as Mike rushes in with the sedative.
Jake sees her, looks into her eyes. "I love you," he said, as she looked him over as close as she could. "I always have. You're the most beautiful thing I ever saw…" he said, in a slurred voice as they tried to keep his arm steady for an injection.
Mike's a bit flustered, trades looks with Sully. Sully holds Jake down as Mike looks at Logan and nods when his arm wouldn't stay still for the needle. Acting fast Logan reached forward and applied the right amount of pressure to a nerve cluster. At once Jake stiffened, before he quickly went slack.
Sully sighed as he slowly released his grip on the man. "He's alright. He'll be out for a while now," he muttered.
Loren nods, and just as slowly let's go of Jake m along with everyone else. As he, Logan and Kim moved away from the bed Mike turned and rounded on Loren. "Loren. Listen to me, Loren," she said, to the pale, frightened man, still staring at Jake. "You want to help Jake? Really help him?" Loren manages a nod. "Then go over to his shop. Find every drop of liquor he has there and throw it out. You hear me, Loren?"
Loren nods, exits, only too happy to escape. Sully, Logan, Kim, and Mike look at each other, having shared witness to Jake's ghosts. "What was that?" Mike asked, looking at Logan.
Shooting her a glance he explained rubbing the back of his neck, "throughout the body there are clusters of nerves…and with the right amount of pressure or strike. They can render a man unconscious, paralyze it, or kill," and she blinked. "It takes years to learn."
With a light chuckle Kimberly shook her head. "Mr. Spock eat your heart out," she muttered.
"Who's Mr. Spock?" Sully said, turning to look at her. And she froze Logan shooting her a glare.
A little while alter the three were outside getting some air on the porch with Wolf. As Kimberly was giving the animal affectionate rubs to his belly while Logan leaned against a post and Sully paced back and forth arms crossed over his chest Mathew came up to the group. "Hey Sully," he said, when he got close and the three either turned or looked up at him. For a second he was quite his hands in his pockets before he said, "Look, about what Brian said. All that stuff about bein' our Pa..."
"It's alright," Sully interrupted. "I know he misses his Pa. But I gotta make up my own mind about things," and Logan Kim shared a glance as Wolf climbed to a sitting position and started licking Kim to divert her attention back to him.
"You are comin' to the party at least?" Mathew asked, sounding hopeful.
Letting lose a breath of air Sully was silent looking off into the distance. "I don't know yet," he finally answered.
At once Mathew frowned in confusion. "Sully I thought you and Dr. Mike were friends. Best friends. And I know I'd want my best friend at my birthday party."
"He's got you there Sully," Kimberly murmured.
After shooting her a glance Sully looked back at Matthew. "...it's a little more complicated than that."
Matthew shook his head. "No, it's not. I'm just sayin'... you wait too long, she's liable to find a new best friend," and with those words he moved off leaving them alone.
"Check and mate," Logan murmured and this time Sully shot him a look.
As they were coming back inside Jake was upstairs, dressed, pacing nervously as a cat. He still has a slight tremor, though markedly reduced. Then he turned as he hears the door unlock. And smiled as Mike enters with some soup.
She sets it down on the night table. "You're looking much better, today," she said, giving him a once over.
At once Jake gave her a shaky smile. "Feelin' a lot better, too. Matter of fact, I feel good enough to go home."
"I don't think it's time yet. There's still a high level of alcohol in your blood."
At her words Jake waved it off then clutched his still tremoring hand. "No, I'm fine. And you were absolutely right. I'm gonna be real careful from now on. I'm gonna sterilize everything in sight," he declared with a great sweeping motion of his arms.
Slowly Mike nodded. "That's good. I'm very glad to hear that."
For a second Jake was silent. "So, now. I'll just be on my way," and he moved to walk around her.
"I just…," Mike started as she at once blocked his path. "I just told you. You're not ready to go yet."
At once Jake paused, getting tenser by the moment. "Then I'm gonna need me a little drink. Just to calm my stomach. A little drop of whiskey," he said, bringing two finger close together.
Letting out a disappointed sigh Mike shook her head. "I don't have any whiskey, Jake."
At her words Jake gave a weak chuckle. "Doesn't have to be whiskey. Gin'd do just fine."
For a second Mike held his gaze before she slowly shook her head. "I don't have any liquor," and Jake's face dropped and his tremors started to worsen. "And if I did, I wouldn't give it to you. Don't you understand? That's what made you sick."
For a second he just looked at her ringing his shaking hands. "You can't keep me here forever!" he snapped.
"It's for your own good," Mike said, soothingly before she backs out the door closing it behind her. Jake upon hearing the door close rushed to it, bangs on it with all his fury as the lock clicked into place.
"You let me outta here! You got no right! I got a business to run!" he shouted at her through the locked door.
Ignoring him Mike leans against the door frame, takes a deep breath and turns to see Sully, Logan, and Kim in the hallway listening in. For second all that could be heard was Jake's furious pounding on the door on the door. "You can't keep me in here forever!"
"He's right about that," Sully murmured stepping forward.
Mike looks at him. "I'm trying to save his life. Can't you understand that?"
Sully held her gaze before answering. "I understand you can't force a man to do somethin' he's not ready to do."
"But if he kills himself in the meantime, I couldn't live with that…," Mike said.
Looking at her Logan sighed. "Medicine Woman, ask yourself this," he said, quietly and she turned to him. "How many psychiatrists does it take to change a candle?" and frowning they all looked at him.
Finally, after a few seconds of silence Mike turns and unlocks and opens the door to Jake's stunned face. "Go. Do whatever you want. It's your life," she murmured stepping away from the door.
Jake looks at them, before quickly leaving them. Mike looks after him, defeated.
A short while later to get their minds of the events of the last couple of days they had sat on a picnic table near Grace's for lunch. "This tastes good ma," Brian said, half way through the meal before taking another bite from his drumstick. "Good as Grace's."
For a second there was silence as Kim, Sully, and Logan shot Mike a glance. "Actually it is Grace's," she said, and everyone chuckled at that.
With a sigh Logan picked another chicken leg for himself. "After the last couple of days it's nice to relax," he muttered, and Kimberly nodded in agreement taking a sip from her cup.
Amen to that…I only wish I had a stomach…that chicken looks good, Red Dragon said.
For a second there was silence as they enjoyed their meal. "Mathew," Mike said, suddenly looking at him and he glanced at her. "I'm sorry if I jumped to the wrong conclusions the other day," she said, and he nodded taking a bite. "You are growing up and its time you broadened your horizons a little."
At her words Logan and Kim shared a confused look before looking over at Mathew. "What do you mean?" he asked.
"Well, I'd like to take you to St Louis," she said, and at once all activity at the table stopped and Logan and Kim stared.
"What for?" Mathew asked, his frown deepening.
"To look at schools and colleges," she explained smiling.
At that Mathew chuckled shaking his head. "I don't want to go to college," he said, flatly.
"But it sounds exciting," Colleen said, eagerly.
"But I like it here," Mathew said, flatly. "Besides I don't want to leave Ingrid,' and he turned back to his plate.
For a few seconds silence fell again. "Ingrid is lovely," Mike said, looking at him again after glancing at her food. "But she's the first girl you've ever come to know, and…you should meet others."
"I don't want to meet others."
"Why?" and Logan caught the worried tone I her voice.
Why do I get the feeling this is going to get ugly? He thought.
I have an inkling, Red Dragon murmured back.
For a second Mathew was silent as he thought of the best way to explain. "When I look at Ingrid…she makes me smile," he said, simply. "She knows what I'm thinking before I can even say it. She makes me feel…like I can do anything."
"I know that feeling," Kimberly murmured lowering her gaze.
"I want to marry her," Mathew finished up and Logan choked on his food while Mike stared flabbergasted.
"You're getting married?" Brian asked, eagerly.
"Mathew you're only sixteen," Mike proclaimed astounded.
"Almost seventeen," he corrected.
"Ma was sixteen when she married Pa," Colleen pointed out.
Oh yeah that's a man Mathew wants to take after, Logan thought.
"How old was your wife Sully?" Brian asked.
For a second Sully was silent before answering, "Abigail was eighteen."
Looking around her Mike tried to get control of the situation. "Times are changing…"
"Where?" Sully asked, and she looked at him. "Boston?"
Biting her lip she looked around him to Logan and Kim. "Logan, Kim do people get married at your age where you're from?" she asked, quickly.
At once the pair froze as all eyes turned to them. Only Sully knowing the scope of the spotlight Mike had put them under. For a second they were silent shooting each other an uncomfortable glance.
"Ah, well, ah, back where we're from…I think the legal age to marry is eighteen…that is without the parent's consent," Logan finally said.
"But people…still get married…that young that is…," Kimberly put in.
At their words Mike turned back to Mathew. "How would you support the two of you?" she asked, him still sounding desperate.
"Work for Miss Olive," he answered almost at once.
"Ranching?"
"What's wrong with ranching?"
"Nothing but why rush into when you have the rest of your life…," she started but he interrupted her.
"I want to spend the rest of my life with Ingrid."
For a second she was silent before she shook her head looking back at her food. "This is ridicules."
"I don't care what you say."
At once she looked at Mathew again. "You are not getting married!" she declared.
"Why?" he demanded of her.
"Because I forbid it!"
For a second there was an uncomfortable silence between the group. Then with a jerk Mathew tossed his silverware onto the table and stormed away. Sighing Logan watched him go before returning his gaze to Mike as she fiddled with her hands uncomfortably as all eyes turned on her.
As soon as one problem starts to fade another appears, Red Dragon murmured.
The next day almost in the afternoon at the reservation Logan was sitting outside a tipi practicing playing a flute while Kim practiced her archery. While Sully was walking through the village with Wolf talking to Cloud Dancing. Lowering the flute he glanced over at Springs Dawn where was doing quill work with some of the other women her eyes locked on him.
For a few seconds they kept their eyes locked on each other before she climbed to her feet and walked over to him. "You're improving," she said, sitting down next to him.
"Thanks…," he muttered, laying the flute aside. "I thought I'd…try my hand at it."
She nodded and silence fell between them. "You…you do good quill work," he commented nodding back toward the other women.
Blushing she gave a small smile. "Thank you…but then you already wear the skill of my hands."
Lowering his gaze his hand slowly rose to where the necklace she made for him rested on his chest. "Ah, I, gotta go practice…my aim is slipping," and with that he quickly climbed to his feet picking up his bow and quiver.
Walking over he took his place next to Kim and after stringing his bow knocked an arrow. "Not a word," he said, drawing it back eyes on the target.
"I wasn't going to say anything," she said, as he fired and his arrow landed in the center next to hers. "Just that you're a coward."
At once he paused looking at her. "Look I know I should say something," he said, and took another shot going into the center again.
"Then why don't you?" she asked, taking a shot also going into the center.
"Because…" he said, taking another shot. Trying to think of the best way to explain.
For a second he was silent as they fired a couple more arrows. "Because why?" she persisted as they went to retrieve them.
"Because the thought of losing her breaks my heart," he admitted as they pulled their arrows free of the target.
Turning to look at her he found her pausing in the act of pulling the arrow free staring wide eyed at him. "And what about Ashely?" she asked, quietly.
For a second he tapped the arrow against his palm looking off into the distance. "The thought of losing or betraying her gives me the same feeling," he admitted looking back at her.
Letting out a puff of air she looked away shaking her head. "Then I gotta say you've got a heck of a problem," she said, looking back at him.
She's preaching to the quire, Red Dragon commented.
"You're telling me," Logan admitted then before another word could be spoken they turned at the sound of a horse coming in. "Mathew?" Logan said, in surprise as they watched him come in.
"It's pretty early what the heck is he doing here?" Kimberly said, in surprise.
"Good question," Logan said, the coming forward and Sully joined them.
"Mathew what are you doing here?" Kimberly asked, when they got close.
"I wanted to talk to you three," he said, slipping from his horse.
"Does Mike know you're here?" Logan asked. At once Mathew paused before slowly turning to look at them. "We'll take that as a no…," and he looked at the others. "So what you want to talk to us about to risk life and limb?" and they led him away.
A short while later the four of them were sitting on a fallen tree in the woods. Mathew fingering a stick as he tried to put into words why he wanted to see them. While the three of them watched him Kimberly practicing her balance on a branch, Sully fiddling with his own stick and Logan sat next to Sully watching Kim.
"You think I'm too young to get married?" Mathew finally asked, looking at them with some hesitation.
At once they all looked at him. "Cheyenne say that once you prove yourself as a man. You got the right to marry," Sully said, simply.
"Either way Mathew," Kimberly said, hopping off the branch with a cartwheel flip. "It's an enormous life changing step to take," and slowly turned to face him. "And it should not be taken lightly."
For a second he was silent tapping his stick in an out of the ground. "How do they prove themselves a man?" he asked.
For a second the three shared a glance before Sully shifted to his feet and the group started walking. "They go out on a Vision Quest. Spend four days, four nights…no food no water," Sully explained and Mathew lowered his gaze in thought.
"It's a Rite of Passage you could say," Logan explained. "But it's also used for other purposes like making the word clearer for them…and helping them decide what path they should take."
For a second Mathew was silent. "Glad I'm not Cheyenne," he muttered.
"It's not about being Cheyenne," Kimberly said, and he looked at her.
"But you do learn about yourself," Sully clarified. "Learn what your path is, who your allies are."
Again Mathew fell silent. "Have you three ever done it?"
Slowly Logan and Kim shook their heads. "But I have a couple times," Sully said.
"Why?"
"Become a better man," he answered.
Again Mathew fell silent. "If I were to do you think Dr. Mike see me as a man?"
At that they stopped and looked at Mathew. "The only thing that matters at the end of the quest is that you see yourself that way. And that you act like a man," Kimberly said, before they moved on. Logan however was rooted to the spot eyes down cast t as his mind drifted…to his past. "Logan?" at once he jerked and looked up at Kim who had stopped a few paces from him along with the other two and had turned back to look at him. "You alright?" she asked, concerned
Putting on a smile he nodded. "yeah I'm fine…come on let's get back to the village…looks like we all have to see Cloud Dancing," and they moved off.
"We?" Kim asked, frowning confusion.
Walking backward to keep his eye on her he spread his arms. "What? You think we should let him do this on his own?" he asked, her.
A short while later the three of them sat before Cloud Dancing waiting instruction as Mathew handed the man back a small bowl of food. "Before you seek your visions you must prepare yourselves," he said, looking at the three of them. "Sully can teach you…Mathew to sit still and listen," and he nodded to Sully sitting beside him.
"Listen to what? And don't they need to?" Mathew asked, nodded to Logan and Kimberly beside him.
"Wind, trees, the animals. Learn to hear what they have to say in their own language," Cloud Dancing answered. "And as for Dancing Heron and White Falcon, they have already proven themselves great hunters and trackers. So they already know what you must learn."
Mathew frowned in confusion. "Animals talked to you?"
"In a sense," Logan answered.
Again Cloud Dancing nodded. "When a crow speaks it's time to move on. A coyote may tell you someone is coming."
For a few seconds Mathew was silent before he shook his head. "I don't know about this," he muttered.
"It sounded strange to me to at first," Sully said, trying to reassure him.
For a pause Mathew held his gaze before looking back at Cloud Dancing. "What else do we have to do?"
"You must each complete a task," he answered.
"What?" Kimberly asked.
For a second Cloud Dancing thought as Sully picked some food from the bowl. "Each of you must bring me an egg of your names…," he started.
"But I'm not named after a bird," Mathew said.
"You must bring me the egg of a Red-Tailed hawk. And they must be a perfect eggs."
Logan nodded before they rose turning to leave. "Well this should be easy," Kimberly said, as they moved to the horses.
"Easy for you maybe," Logan said, giving a whistle and Wildfire came over. "Unlike Herons who nest near rivers, Falcons nest in high cliffs or trees. So I'm going to have to ride up towards the mountains," and he gave Wildfire a few affectionate rubs one arm around the underside of his head.
"But where do Red-Tails live?" Mathew asked.
"Usually hawks nest in trees on the outskirts or in meadows," Kimberly said, turning to him. "I saw one nest in a tree on a small hill in the plains," and she pointed. And blinked as Mathew looked at her. "What I like to bird watch," she shrugged.
A short while later Kimberly keeping low through the tall grass. Pushing some aside she peered at the heron nest where a clutch of eggs rested. Eyes going left and right she kept an eye out for the mother before reaching forward and gingerly lifted one egg from the nest. "Sorry mama bird," she muttered, before withdrawing.
Later in the high country Logan leaving Wildfire below Logan walked out onto a ledge. Pausing in wonder for a moment he scanned the view of the rolling hills. And ocean of grass that stretched to the horizon.
Personally I say this will be a good place for us to live… Red Dragon said, in wonder.
You said, the same thing about Hawaii Logan said, walking forward and bending down focused. Or would you prefer to live anywhere where it has mountains and a good overview for you to hunt from and he started crawling along the side.
That's how it used to be for me…now…it's just for the view, Red Dragon answered as the Falcon's nest they spotted earlier came into Logan's line of sight.
Biting his lip he edged forward. As he reached for one of the eggs he turned his head at a sound and quickly withdrew his hand as a falcon bolted from the sky landing on the nest. Puffing out its feathers threatenly at him wings partially open. For a few seconds Logan and the raptor held each other gazes and slowly the bird calmed down.
Again he reached for the eggs and it gave a screech again. At once he paused then altering the course of his hand reached for the other and gently picked it up. "Sorry sister…," he muttered. "Thank you for telling me it's a dud…" and he started to withdrawal form the ledge.
Just as he was coming around the ledge he paused. There waiting for him laying on the rock was a mountain lion.
Though his heart was going a million miles an hour he locked eyes with the great cat as it licked its chops. For a few seconds they just remained where they were eyes locked on each other. Then with a lazy movement the cat climbed to its feet and padded over to him and smiling he dropped to one knee and gave it a couple rubs. "Go now brother get your meal elsewhere," he muttered, and with that he padded off. Once he was gone Logan exhaled deeply. "Thank you Cole…you just saved me a trip to the…clinic…or the undertaker," and with that he ran from the ledge.
Meanwhile as Logan had been walking along the ledge Mathew had located the red-tail's nest. With the smell of success fresh in the air he began to climb the tree it was in. When he reached a place just below the nest he reached up into the nest. Suddenly there came a shrill cry and with a small cry of pain he held his arm close which now had three shallow gashes in his forearm.
Gritting his teeth biting back the pain
he looked up at the nest again where the mother bird now stood guard. After a moment she took flight again with a flutter of wings. After waiting a couple beats he reach up again and gingerly took the egg from the nest before starting his decent.
Later back at the village Logan and Kimberly after showing Cloud Dancing their prizes. They settled in to wait for the third seeker as Cloud Dancing kept his horse calm as Sully lifted a small boy onto its back when Mathew rode in. A triumphant look on his face.
"Cloud Dancing," he said, and lifting the pouch he had been given earlier by the man lifted the egg from it and held it out for the man.
Reaching forward Cloud Dancing held it in his hand examining to closely. "Your task was to bring me a prefect egg," and he held it back out to Sully who had been looking over his shoulder. "This is not."
"What do you mean?" Mathew asked, and frowning Logan and Kim moved closer. Looking at Mathew, Sully wordlessly handed over the egg to him. "This is nothing just a hairline crack," he said, after finding the small line in the shell.
"But it's not perfect," Sully said.
"You have to bring another egg," Cloud Dancing instructed looking back at the teen.
For a second Mathew stared at him in disbelief. "Do you know what I went through to get this?" he demanded showing them the talon scraps on his arm and Logan and Kim grimaced.
After shooting them a glance Cloud Dancing muttered, "next time you'll be more careful," with a small smile and a jut of his brows before turning back to his horse.
For a second Mathew stood in silent disbelief. "Next time?" he said, in a small voice. "Forget it this is crazy!" and with that he turned dropping the egg to the ground which Kimberly caught stormed out of the camp. Shoving the pouch into Sully's chest.
"Mathew!" Sully called after him stepping forward.
"Sully!" Cloud Dancing snapped stopping him in his tracks. At once Sully looked back at his friend who shook his head as they watched him ride out.
"Well that could have gone better…," Logan muttered, then looked at Kimberly as she straightened the egg held gently in the palms. "Nice catch," and she nodded.
"Do you wish to continue?" and they looked at Cloud Dancing.
"Not without Mathew," Kimberly said, and for a second the group was silent before she broke it, "well I guess we can return this little guy…and I guess we'd better get to town…"
"Why?" Sully asked, looking at them.
"Because with the way he's acting do you think Mike knows where he is?" Logan said, looking at him. "You stay here in case he comes back. Well go and tell her…she's probably at the clinic," and with that the pair turned to leave.
After returning the egg to the nest the pair rode into town stopping just outside the clinic. After slipping from their mounts they moved toward the door pausing as they heard voices inside.
"I don't know what you see in my brother…," Colleen's voice said, almost in a drawl at the end.
"He is handsome no?" came Ingrid's voice and the pair outside shared a glance.
"No," Colleen answered half laughing. "He looks funny when he takes off that hat."
"I'd have to agree with her on that…," Kimberly muttered, as the girls laughed inside.
"Well…he's trying to go for the Sully look," Logan defended half-heartedly.
"But he has good heart, very kind," Ingrid pointed out and Logan and Kimberly nodded in agreement.
"Especially for his horse," and Kimberly let out a low snort.
"I think he like horse better than me."
"No, he doesn't," Colleen said, in amusement.
Suddenly they heard a door opened and the snap of Mike's bag opening before more footsteps. "Open your mouth," came Mike gentle voice and they heard a light gagging sound. "Has Mathew been by yet?"
"No…," Colleen said, softly.
For a second there was silence before Mike asked, obviously Ingrid, "you haven't seen him have you?"
"This morning, he come to the camp…," she answered softly.
"Did he say where he was going?" Mike asked, and after sharing a look Logan and Kim chose that time to ring the bell.
For a second there was silence then the door opened revealing Michaela. Who looked surprised to see the both of them. "White Falcon, Dancing Heron?" she said, looking from one to the other. "What are you two doing here?" and she stepped aside to let them in.
"We came to see you," Kim said, and they stepped inside.
"Have you seen Mathew?" she quickly asked.
Letting out a puff of air they faced her Logan leaning against the examination table. "We saw him an hour ago at the reservation," Kim said, after inquiring about Ingrid's vapor treatment.
"What was he doing here?" Mike asked, frowning.
After sharing a glance Logan continued, "He was going to go through a Vision Quest."
"What that?" Ingrid asked.
"It's kind of a Cheyenne Rites of Passage," Logan clarified.
"What's it involve?' Mike asked.
After shooting Ingrid a look Logan muttered, "maybe we'd best explain later…but it's nothing horrendous," he clarified when the girl frowned. "It's just we don't want to worry you anymore."
For a second she was silent before saying. "He say you not like me…," and she looked at Mike.
At once the room went silent. "That's not true," Michaela muttered, bending down to look at Ingrid.
"I not good enough for Mathew?"
At once Mike shook her head. 'I don't think that…it's just that you're both so young…"
For a second Ingrid was silent before saying, "in my country…I study for school teacher," and Logan noticed how her breathing increased. "I…read…I learn many thing."
"I'm sure you do. And you're very brave coming to a new place like this," Mike said, trying to keep her calm as a light wheezing sound came into Ingrid's breathing and behind Mike Kimberly nodded at Colleen who moved forward.
With a wheezing breath Ingrid continued, "I must learn English quickly…I…" then stopped as the wheezing got worse and Colleen gave her a couple comfort strokes to her hair.
"You're doing a fine job Ingrid," Mike said, trying to sooth her. "Please calm down," she said, as the wheezing got worse.
When it didn't work she moved away and Logan moved forward. "Ingrid beruhigen," he said, trying to calm her and Ingrid blinked surprise.
When Mike came back she was dabbing some chloroform onto a rag and lightly held it over the girl's nose to help her calm down. "Here…breathe this…," she instructed and the wheezing slowly abated.
When they could after Ingrid left the three stole away to the other room. "Okay it begs to be asked," Mike started closing the door to the room they were in. "Where did you learn German?"
He shrugged. "I was taking a class in high school before this whole thing happened," and he leaned against the wall arms crossed. "And we were only a couple months into the semester so I only speak a little."
"And Logan and I are taking a course in Italian," and Mike blinked at Kimberly.
"How many languages do you plan on speaking? Are you planning on being an interpreter?" Mike asked, looking at Logan.
"Logan's always been like that…he's a straight A student, smart as a whip," Kimberly said, shooting him a smile.
Uncontrollably Logan lowered his gaze a shy smile on his face and light blush on his cheeks. She never fails to do that to you, Red Dragon said.
What do you expect…she's…she's the only mother I've known… he replied.
For a second Red Dragon was silent. You know I'm happy for you about that…but it would be nice to have some recognition for being your study partner… and Logan fought to keep in his snort in. Hey sense I'm the one born with the wisdom of a sage here.
Hey do I take you off when I take a test…and it's not like I can tell everyone I have the essence of a Dragon around my neck. And I give you plenty of credit…or is this about something else?
For a second he was silent. Brother…you know I love you…but…it's…it can be a little lonely only talking to you…
For a second Logan was still before he gave a short nod. I know…I miss them to…
"Logan?" At once he jerked and looked at them. "You okay there? You spaced out on us…" Kimberly said, smiling.
Returning the smile he nodded. "Yeah just…lost in the past…," he muttered. "And as for interpreter job…I'd think I'd find that a little too boring," he finished looking at Michaela who chuckled then glanced in the direction of the examination room. "What's wrong?"
Slowly she looked back at them. "You two must think us primitive…," she said, looking back at them and they frowned. "When we have to take such matters for what might be a simple matter back where you're from."
For a second they shared a glance. "Because we have a better understanding…," Kimberly said, and she rested her back against the wall. "I mean I had asthma for a time after I had a cold infection because of that my dad…," and she paused. "…my dad explained it all to me then…and no I can't tell you more than that."
"I wasn't going to ask," Mike said, then faced them arms crossed. "But…tell what this ritual included?"
Later Mike was downstairs straightening up downstairs and Logan and Kimberly was just walking back into the examination room when the clinic bell rang. They watched her cross to the door, and opening it the pair blinked to find Hank standing there. He looked a little different. His hair is combed, his vest buttoned.
"Yes?" Mike answered a little defensive as Logan and Kim shared a curious look with each other.
"I's wonderin' if I could pay Jake a sick call," Hank answered and Logan's eyebrow arched.
"You're too late," she said, sounding surprised. "I mean he left. He went home," she clarified catching the look on his face.
"Oh... Well, how is he?"
"Do you really care?" Mike asked, sound as surprised as they felt.
"Yeah, I do. Or I wouldn'ta come all the way over here," he glances to the side and glancing out the window at the short distance across to the saloon.
Michaela has to crack a smile. "Yes, that is a long trip."
"Yeah the whole fifty feet," Logan muttered, and Kimberly nodded.
Hank returned her smile. "Never seen ya' smile before."
"That's not true. I smile. I smile a lot," and Logan saw her give him a wide smile to emphasize it in her reflection in the door's window.
"Not around me," he murmured. She blushes.
"Well, I've never seen you express such concern over a fellow human being before," she pointed out.
"Jake's my friend," and Logan heard the sincerity in his voice.
Logan saw she sees his sincerity, then the spark of an idea in her eye. "If he's really your friend, we should talk."
"Want to... get some coffee? At Grace's?" and he waved his hand in the right direction.
"Yes," she said, with a light nod.
He steps aside. "After you, ma'am," she gives him another smile, which he acknowledges, before they exit.
As they left Kimberly leaned close. "Should we follow them?"
At once he shot her a glance. "If he's doing what I think he's doing…hell yeah," he answered. "I'm not missing this train wreck," and the two quickly followed.
"I know she's my grandmother…bit do you think we should sell tickets?" Kimberly asked, joking as they left earning a chuckle from Logan.
As the pair was walking into the seating area they paused watching Grace and Colleen react as Hank and Mike take a table together. "Oh, my lord! How did that happen?" Grace murmured in shocked amazement.
At once Colleen picked up the book, and starts flipping through it. "There's nothin' in here about men like... like him."
As she continued to flip through it Kimberly reached out and put her hand on the open book stopping her. "Colleen…this is a matter…that no book in the world can help," she said.
Smiling Logan turned to Grace. "Any chance we can get a table next to the show?"
After seating Logan and Kim taking their order Grace crosses to Medicine Woman and Hank, takes them coffee cups. "Afternoon."
"Afternoon," Hank answered nodding.
Mike looks up at her, a little embarrassed. "Good afternoon, Grace."
Grace nodded to her with a smile. "I got somethin' new on the menu today Wild…," and she glanced at Hank. "…Turkey."
Stifling their laughter to a silent murmur Mike looked up at Grace. "No, thank you. Coffee's fine."
Grace gives her a look before sticking her pencil in her hair and left them. When she's gone Hank turns to Mike tries to make small talk, "so you're from Boston, huh?"
Mike nods. "That's right."
"I was there once."
"You were?"
Hank nods. "Yeah. Beacon Hill. Real pretty."
Their eyes shifted to Mike to see her charmed, surprised to hear him say that. "Yes. Yes, it is," they sip their coffee.
Logan sees Hank's eyes shift to her hands as she raises her cup. "You got small hands."
At his words she paused. "Excuse me?"
"Real delicate. Must be good for stitchin' people up."
"Mike smiles. "I guess they are."
"Lemme see," and he holds his hand palm-out to compare. She puts her hand on his. "It's much smaller. Their touch is electric. Their eyes meets.
Flustered, Mike pulls her hand away. "I really do appreciate your concern over Jake," she said, changing the subject.
"He gonna be okay?" Hank asked, lowering his hand and taking up his cup.
"He's over the alcohol poisoning, yes. But if he doesn't stop drinking altogether..."
"He ain't gonna stop drinkin'," Hank said, with a light laugh.
"But you could help him."
"How'm I 'sposed to do that?" Hank asked, sounding confused.
"Don't serve him anymore," Mike said, boldly.
At once Logan and Kim locked eyes. "What?" and they could hear Hank try to keep his temper in check.
"Well, if you were to refuse him service, he'd have no choice-"
"No choice but to go to the bar in the next town…," Hank said, waving his hand.
"You know, you're partly responsible for the condition he's in-"
"Now hold on. It's Jake's problem, not mine," Hank interrups. "If you'd come down off your high horse for one minute, you'd see that you're the one who drove him to drink," at once Mike blinked taken aback. Just cause he had that little accident…"
"You call someone dying a little accident?"
"What was I thinkin'?" hank barked throwing his hands up. "I had to be crazy. Any man who'd put up with your harpin's gotta be loony!"
"Any man who doesn't care about his friends isn't much of a man," she snapped back at him Logan nodding in agreement.
Slowly Hank leaned close. "Don't worry, Michaela. You're man enough for both of us."
Mike reacts, stung. "Well, I never..." she snapped springing to her feet and moving off toward the meadow.
"Maybe that's the problem," Hank shot out at her. Before he returned to his cup of coffee.
Sighing Logan shook his head. "Grace," he called out and her eyes from the scene she and Colleen had fixed their gazes on to him. "Can you hold the food," and he looked at Kim. "I think we got some damage control to do," and climbing to their feet they followed her.
"Mike! Mike!" Logan called out to her as they crossed the meadow.
When she ignored him Kimberly snapped, "Michaela!"
At once she stopped allowing them to catch up. "Do you want to talk about it?" Logan asked, after a second of the three of them being silent.
For a second she just ran her hand down her face. "I just don't know what's been going on the last couple of days," and she looked at them. "First we found Mathew and Ingrid in the barn…" and she nodded to Logan. "Then the children bringing up this whole courting thing, then Harry and Jake, and now Mathew…."
Again silence fell. "Mike…he's…just at the point in his life when he's trying to…prove himself a man," Logan explained.
"That…and to you," at once Mike looked at Kim. "Because that's what he asked, Sully when he told him about the vision quest."
Mind slipping back to the past Logan looked off to the side. "Look…just give it time," and he looked back at Mike. "Sure it will work out."
The next day Logan and Kim were riding to town through the meadow when they saw Mike again. She was walking toward the church toward the reverend who was doing minor repairs to a window and the way she was walking held their gazes. "Something happened?" Kimberly muttered, before looking at Logan.
Slowly he nodded. "Let's check it out," and they turned their horses in her direction.
They slipped from the animals just as she reached the reverend as he turned to face her. "Mathew's moved out of the house," she said, before he could say anything moving closer.
For a second there was a stunned silence from the group. "Well I'm sorry to hear that," the reverend said, breaking the silence.
"When did this happen?" Kimberly demanded after giving herself a shake.
"Late last night," Michaela said, looking at them. "He came home late I…I…"
"Let into him?" Logan finished for her.
"He didn't do his chores yesterday…," she continued but stopped when Logan raised his hand.
"We get the picture," he said, lowering it.
"Well I'm sorry to hear that," the reverend said, putting his hammer down on the church stairs.
"Has he spoken to you?" Mike asked, turning to the reverend.
He shook his head. "No not recently."
For a second there was silence. "Please, promise me you won't marry them if they ask you," and all eyes turned to Mike as the silence that followed rang in their ears.
"Dr. Mike I can't honestly do that," he answered shaking his head. "I know it's hard…it's always hard for the mother…"
"Do you think I'm wrong?" she demanded. "I mean such an enormous step and they know so little of this world."
After looking off into the distance before returning his gaze the reverend continued, "I marry young folks all the time," he said, trying to reassure her. "And if it's the right person that they marry they do fine. Then I see other people then I see other people who just wait and search and in the end they end up marrying someone not suitable for them."
Mike lowered her gazed. "That's just it…," and she looked up at the reverend. "How does one know?" and Logan lowered his gaze and Kimberly's eyes shifted to him.
For a second the reverend was silent. "Well one thing is for certain…the marriage won't stand much chance of succeeding without your blessing."
For a second Mike was silent before she turned and left. Logan and Kim turning to follow leading their horses. "I guess you're the one person in this town who really knows the answer to that question," Kimberly said, as they paused on the bridge.
At once he paused before turning to lean against the railing hands gripping it hard. Inching forward Wildfire rested his head on Logan's shoulder and reaching up rubbed his cheek. "You don't have to keep rubbing in…or reminding me…," he said, and turned to face her. "I know what I have to do….and you know why it's so hard for me," for a second she held his gaze before averting hers. "Come on we gotta get to the store," and the pair moved off.
Just as they were walking into the store Loren came in with a small bag of onions. "I agree with Dr. Mike. Mathew and Ingrid are too young to get married," he said, as he walked around the counter and started adding up the total.
"You and Maude weren't much older," Olive pointed out as she and Grace went over the books for the Café.
"Ah that was different."
"How so?"
"I courted her for three years!"
"It don't have to take that long," Horace said, from where he stood between the two.
"Horace is right about that," and eyes shifted to Kimberly. "I once heard about a couple who meet on a life boat…of a…sunken ship. They got married not long after the rescue ship pulled into port bore his children…were married for seventy years…and his name was on her dying breath."
With a small smile on her face Grace nodded as she kept counting the money in her hand. "Goes to show, some folks know right away," and she shot Robert E. a glance who shifted uncomfortably.
"I say he's of age," Olive said, and Michaela's gaze snapped up to her. "Course I don't entirely approve of his choice," and she held out her hand and Grace gave her share of the profits.
"She's very sweet," Grace defended.
"She's a foreigner," Loren clarified hand going to his hip.
"Aside from the Cheyenne and the other tribes we're all foreigners Loren," Logan pointed out.
"What are you talking about this is our town!" Loren snapped looking at him.
Holding his gaze Logan replied, "I'm simply saying that they were here first, before there was a town," and Kimberly nodded in agreement.
"And besides she hasn't had it easy she lost both her parents soon after she arrived here," Mike pointed out.
"She does work hard…," Olive said, and she started recounting the money and Logan and Kim frowned that it was being done in Grace's presence. "She does work hard. He'll need that for ranching."
"Olive I wish you wouldn't force this ranching idea on him," Olive said, looking at her.
At once Olive paused looking at her. "Force?" she asked, before climbing to her feet. "I'm helping him get started…you're the one trying to run his he doesn't want to go to college."
"That's because he hasn't been exposed to it," Mike defended as Kimberly and Logan shared a glance.
"You know sometimes those two get along great," Kimberly said, in an undertone as they looked over a small barrel of tobacco for Cloud Dancing. "But there is other times when they're at each other's throats."
"Especially when it comes to the kids," Logan muttered, in return as he eyed some gloves then paused as a new sent caught his attention. "And I thought they were over this whole territory thing."
"I guess Olive didn't get the memo."
"He's quite intelligent," Mike continued oblivious to their side conversation.
"What? And rancher ain't quite intelligent?" Olive asked, crossing her arms.
"I don't remember hearing that, do you Kimberly?" Logan said, turning back to look at the others looking at Kim.
Turning also she shook her head. "No I didn't hear that either," and she crossed her arms as well.
"And that's not what I mean," Mike said, trying to defuse the situation. "But once he's there at a college…"
"I've known him a lot longer than you," Olive said, and at a sound Grace, Robert E., Logan, and Kimberly turned. "I'd say he prefer ranching."
"And I'll thank you both to stop making plans for me," Mathew said, walking forward stopping at the counter. "I need some heavy twine," he said, to Loren. "And some number two nails," he finished looked at Mike and Loren went got what he asked, for.
After he paid for the things and left Mike looked out after him. "Why is he being this way?" she asked, openly.
"Well did you ask him if he wanted to go to college?" and she looked at Logan. "And did you ask him if he wants to start a ranch?" he demanded of Olive facing her and the smug look was promptly whipped from her face. And on that note both he and Kimberly walked out of the store.
"That was a little harsh," Kimberly muttered, as they walked down the street.
Turning to look at her Logan paused eyes going over Kim's shoulder. "What is it?" Kimberly said, following his gaze. "Oh great."
"Go get Medicine Woman I'll keep an eye on him," Logan muttered, and she darted back to the store while Logan moved closer to the Saloon. Keeping the table Jake was sitting at with a bottle of whiskey before him in his sights.
Jake sits at a table in the corner, depressed and defeated. He pours himself a full glass of whiskey, raises it, when suddenly Mike is there snatching it out of his hand, spilling its contents. The Reverend, Logan and Kimberly a few steps behind. "What the-," he started then stopped looking up at Mike.
"I saved your life," she snapped at him
With a few drunken waves of his hand Jake countered, "Like you said, it's my life."
"But I refuse to stand here and watch you drink it away again," and she shoved the shot glass down on the table.
Turning at the sound of footsteps. Logan watched Hank, still burning over the previous night's confrontation, comes over. "You gonna let some woman tell you what to do?" he asked, Jake as he looks at Mike.
"No," he murmured fingering the empty shot glass Hank picks up the bottle, leans in to pour, the Reverend holds him arm, shoots Hank a look.
Logan had, had enough of the man's bullheadedness. He whips around and under the man's protest gripped him at the back of the neck at the base of his skull. As he applied pressure to the corner's Hank dabbled over and Logan led him outside onto the porch.
"What the…," Hank started rubbing the back of his neck still stinging where Logan's finger tips had applied pressure.
"I thought you said, you were his friend?" Logan hissed interrupting him.
For a second Hank was silent as Logan's eyes bored into him. "He is my friend."
"Then why are you killing him?" Logan demanded.
At his words hank blinked in surprise. "What are you talking about? I'm not killing him?"
Slowly Logan shook his head. "No, you're just the guy giving him the means to kill himself, the question is do you want that on your conscious," and as he walked back in he gestured to the bottle still in Hank's hand.
Just as he was walking in the reverend had taken a seat across from Jake. "Jake. Listen to me. I can help lead you through this. God will show me – show us both - the way. But you've got to let us. Let us show you the way…" he said, trying to sooth him and Logan and Kim shared a glance. "To salvation."
Drunkenly Jake returned his gaze. "I know the way to salvation," he said in a wavy voice before shakily climbing to his feet.
Turning Jake reaches for the bottle. Hank pulls it away. Jake shoots him an angry look, then exits the saloon. Mike, Kimberly, and the Reverend follow him to...Logan shooting hank a look and a curt nod before following.
As they followed Jake down the street he turns and see them following him. At once he bolted trying not to drunkenly trip over his own feet. They follow at a brisk pace as he makes it to his shop and just as they reach his door slams in Mike and the Reverend's faces.
"Please! Don't do this!" Michaela barked as she banged on it as he locks the doors.
"Open the door, Jake!" the reverend barked as Kimberly and Logan pushed their way to the front.
They watched as Jake frantically checks his hiding places for alcohol. He looks in cabinets, opens drawers, under bench seats, in his iron stove. Nothing. "Leave me alone!"
Mike reacts, by pounding on the door. Logan checking the window Sully broke and seeing it boarded up. He and Kimberly starting pounding on the door.
"Jake, please. We just wanna talk!" the reverend barked at the man.
Jake's still looking, still coming up with empty bottles. He remembers something - rushes to the floor, where he claws at a loose board. Overjoyed, he pulls out a bottle. It's empty. He screams, throws it at the wall, where it shatters and Jake collapses in a corner.
Slowly Jake turns, his eyes light on the only thing left - bright blue sterilization tonic. Slowly he reaches up and takes it from the shelf it was on and they watch in horror as he uncorks it. "JAKE DON"T!" Kimberly half screams as they struggle with the door and he brings the bottle to his lips.
"We just want to help you," the reverend half pleaded as they watched. He's shaking as he downs the foul-tasting liquid. But it calms him and he sinks down the wall in despair.
Not looking at them from his place on the floor he croaks. "You can't help me. Nobody can," and he downs more of the liquid.
Mike looks in the window, frozen to what just happened. "Everyone stand back!" Logan snapped drawing back an open palm coiling the muscles in his arm.
He was about to let the strike loose to bust the door open when a small hand was placed on his forearm. Looking from it to Mike he stared at the look of frustration and sadness on her face. "You're right, Jake. I can't help you," she muttered, her voice echoing the look on her face and she turned and left.
The group watched her go for a second before looking back at Jake then turned and followed. "White Falcon…," and Logan looked at Mike. "How many psychiatrists does it take to change a candle?"
He was quite for a couple steps. "One," he answered and she looked at him as he whistles for Wildfire who led over Kimberly's horse. "But the candle has to want to change," and the pair slipped onto their animals. After shooting the barber shop one last look the pair looked again at Mike. "We gotta go…it's…" Logan started to explain but Mike nodded in understanding and with that they turned their mounts and rode out of town in a canter.
After finding Sully with Brian the group set out to look for Mathew's camp. While Kimberly was a little ways in front keeping Brian preoccupied Logan and Sully talked.
"Do you think he'll survive?" Sully asked, after Logan filled him in.
Slowly Logan shook his head as he shrugged. "Who can say…I'm not a doctor but what he was drinking was pretty much one hundred percent alcohol. If he stays in the shop and doesn't drink anything more…" and Logan paused thinking and having a silent conversation with Red Dragon. "…there might, might be a very slim chance that he'd survive."
As those words left his mouth ahead of them Brain cried out, "There he is! Mathew!"
Pushing aside some foliage in into a clearing they saw the young boy held in his arms. "I missed you to little brother," Mathew said, putting the boy down and Logan eyed the makeshift lean-to half built.
"Please come home," the boy half begged. "Everyone wants you back."
"Or do you not want to have a hand in the party anymore also?" Kimberly said, after the three were finished looking over the lean-to.
For a second Mathew was silent as he looked at them all. "Sorry…I gotta be by myself for a little while."
"What are you going to do?" Brian asked, as Mathew returned his attention to the roof of the lean-to. "Work for Miss Olive?"
For a second Mathew was silent before he answered, "I don't like watching cattle all day," and Logan and Kim shared a look. "I like building things, and fishing," and he put a thin branch with green leaves on it on it. "Maybe I'll try mining."
"Pays not always so good," Sully commented as he helped secure the branch.
"Not to mention it's an extremely high risk job…," Logan said, handing him another green leafed branch from the pile. "Any second could be your last…especially when the company cuts corners," and Mathew looked at him.
For a second Mathew thought about their words as he secured it with the twine. "I don't know it seems like everything's gone wrong," he finally said, looking off to the side.
"Then I take it you washed your hands of the party as well," Kimberly said, leaning her shoulder against the structure.
Looking at her he shook his head. "I never said, that."
"Were just going by your track record so far," and Mathew looked at Logan.
"You gave up the quest," Sully clarified at his confused look.
"What?" and Mathew turned to Sully.
"The vision quest," Logan clarified further and Mathew looked at him.
"You give up you lose your way," Sully continued and Mathew slowly looked back at him. "And the world becomes empty."
For a second Mathew was silent as he shifted uncomfortably at the disappointment in Sully's voice. "Well, I'm not Cheyenne."
"We told you before it's not about being Cheyenne," Kimberly said, and Mathew looked at her.
"It's about finishing what you start," Logan finished for her and Mathew eyes shifted to him.
"That's what a man does," and with those words from Sully and with a little encouragement to Brian the group left Mathew.
"Is it just me…or do you see pattern?" Logan asked, in an undertone to Kimberly when they left the clearing.
"It's not just you," Kimberly reassured him.
Later the three of them had dinner at the homestead. Just as they were getting ready to leave there came a thunder of hooves. Looking at the door they barely thought who it could be when the door was thrown open reveling Mathew.
"Mathew," Mike uttered in surprise.
"Ingrid is leaving!" he barked before another word could be spoken. "She's taking a job with a family in Denver!"
Silence rang in the room. "We'd better go…," sully said, looking from Logan to Kim who at once nodded. And the three quickly left.
Outside Logan paused by the door laying his back to the wall. "Logan…," Kimberly hissed turning to look at him and Sully watched from the edge of the wood.
"Oh like you never eavesdrop…," he hissed back and after a second she drew close.
"She's only doing this 'cause of you!" Mathew was snapping at Mike.
"I know you're upset. But maybe this is for the best," Michaela said, trying to calm her. "If your feelings are sound they'll wait until she returns," and Logan and Kim glanced at each other.
"What if she doesn't want to come back?! What if she doesn't want to wait?!"
"Isn't it better that you find that out?"
"What if I lose her?"
At once silence rang again. "Then there wasn't much there. It wasn't really love."
"What do you know about love?!"
"I know more about it than you do!"
"You're a spinster! I don't want to end up like you. I don't want to be alone," and Logan close his eyes lowering his face as silence rang again.
"You want to end up trapped, in a marriage with eight children and no money!" and they heard her breath to control herself. "Please Mathew don't do this."
"Don't tell me what to do!" and they heard a flurry of movement. "You are not my ma!"
Again silence fell and Logan's face hardened as his eyes slowly opened a gleam in them. "You're not a man!" then there was quick footsteps and motion Kimberly to follow Logan walked off the porch and onto the drive.
"Logan…," Kimberly said, placing soothingly hands on his coiled back but turned as the door was thrown opened again and Mathew came out not looking at them.
"She's right you know…," Logan said, quietly and slowly his back still to him and Sully moved closer and Kimberly returned her gaze to his back. "You're not a man…," slowly he faced Mathew a livid look on his face concealed by the shadows from him. "You're nothing more than a boy…"
At once Mathew barked defensively, "do you…" he started but was silenced as Logan rushed forward and seized him but his collar lifting him off his feet.
And recoiled at the look on his face. "You think because your mother was killed by a rattlesnake and your girlfriend might be moving away. You know what hell is?" he demanded in a growling undertone. "Let me tell you something you know nothing of hell on earth! 'Cause when I was younger then you, when I was younger then Brian I was living through things that you've only seen in your worst nightmares! And if it wasn't for people like Michaela I wouldn't be the man I am today!
So your problems…is a Sunday school picnic compared to how bad I know they can get," and with that he shoved Mathew back. Holding his gaze Logan backed away then turning slipped onto Wildfire and in a thundering of hooves rode off.
"Should we go after him?" Sully asked, moving forward.
"We'd be wasting our time," and both looked at Kimberly. "he's been trained to be a ghost…and the man you raised him after those people got ahold of him was trained to track by apaches…we'd never find him in the dark," and she shot Mathew a look before mounting her horse. "Let's get back to camp…he needs to blow off some steam anyway," and after Sully got on his mount the pair rode off.
Hours later on his own Logan reined Wildfire in where the forest met the prairie. Slipping from the animal so he could rest and feed walking off a little on his own trying to keep his cool. Stopping by his tree placing a hand on it he closed his eyes.
He was flat on his back he glared up at a fist less than an inch from his face. Looking past it he bared his teeth at the girl about his age with long wavy black hair looking down at him. On one side of her was a boy the same age with dark brown hair with oval skin and Asian eyes. On the other was an older girl with light brown hair.
"Now are you finished?" the first girl asked, sounding exasperated.
"Another time Hart!" he growled shoving the fist aside and climbing to his feet he ran from them as they called after him. Daring him to try again.
Once he was alone he looked at the forest around him. Knowing what was expected up him he pinned his arm in the nook of a tree branch by his wrist. Then not even flinching or hesitating he dislocated his own shoulder.
With a small grunt he fell to one knee fighting back the cry and tears of pain.
"Why did you do that Logan?"
Whipping around he glared teeth bared he glared at Sensei Watanabe's adopted daughter. Hart's mother. Her face sympathetic she moved closer to him from her position on a small rise next to some trees.
When she was close enough she knelt down next to him and slowly reached for him. At once he jerked away from her touch.
At once she raised her hands. "It's okay…I just want to see how bad it is…," she said, soothingly.
For a few seconds they held each other's gazes before she slowly reached for him again. And like a caged animal his eyes tracked her movements. "This must have really hurt…," she muttered, running her fingers gently across his out of place shoulder.
"I deserve this pain…," he muttered
At once she stared at him. "How can you say that?"
Not blinking he held her horrified look. "I failed…," he said, simply through bared teeth.
She held his gaze for a few seconds. Before she slowly shook her head. "Logan…nobody deserves this…and it doesn't matter if you fail…," and he stared at her like she was nuts. "…it just means you keep moving forward…," and she held out a stick.
"Bite down on this. It will help." After shooting the stick a glance he looked at her again. "Very well…," she muttered, then gently took his arm and bracing it gave it a quick jerk. At his shoulder popped back into place he didn't even flinch. "You're pretty tough…," she muttered, as he tested the range of motion of his shoulder.
"Logan…I have a pretty good idea what happened…and what's been happening to you," and he shot her a glaring look before adverting his gaze. "…Logan…what's been happening to you…nobody should ever go through that. Especially a child…"
"I AM NOT A CHILD!" he screamed at her at once whipping around glaring. And in a flash of movement struck out at her.
At once she leapt back from his kick then caught his counter punch by his wrist. Twisting behind him she quickly had his arms pinned to his sides. As he kicked wildly trying to break free she lifted him off his feet.
"Yes…you are…," she said, trying to keep her grip on him. "Even though he tried taking that away from you!" then grunted in pain as his heel came down on her shin and she released him.
Rolling forward he whipped around the face her on all fours teeth bared in a snarl. At once he pounced but the next thing he knew he was flat on his back with her on top of him. His hands pinned to the ground again by the wrists with all her strength.
"Logan listen to me," she grunted as she fought to keep him pinned as he whips his legs up. Gripping her hard with them he pulls hard throwing her to the ground knocking the wind out of her releasing her grip. "I'm probably the one of the few people on this planet that understands you!" and he freezes fist drawn back as he straddled her hips. "And…knows what you want…more than anything," she finished returning his gaze.
"And what's that?" he growled his voce beginning to break.
"A family…a family to call your own…," she answered simply.
Feeling a tear rolling down his cheek he shook his head. "No…I…I can't have a family!" he barked at her lowering his gaze as his tears flowed freely down his cheeks. "I can't!"
For a second she looked sadly at him before she sat up and held him in her arms. "Your feelings…don't fight them anymore…just let them win…and break free," she encouraged as he continued to soak her shirt as she rocked him softly singing away his tears.
For several minutes they just remained there as he continued to sob into her chest before she climbed to her feet and carried him away. The next thing he knew for certain he was in her apartment in the school.
As he stared at the pictures on the wall of her and her daughters at sections in their lives. Frowning when he noticed pictures had been taken down. As he examined one empty space where a framed photo had been she watched him closely.
"I have to change…your welcome to look around," she said, and he watched her go into her room.
Carefully eyeing the fine furniture he moved to one sliding door and opened it to a bedroom. Eyeing the posters on the wall of the neatly organized room he moved toward the bed. Reaching the side edge he paused staring at the stuffed white bear with the pink bowtie. Hesitantly he reached forward and picked it up. After he examined it closely he brought it close to his cheek and with a small smile on his face reveled in the softness of it before carefully replacing it.
After leaving the room he entered the room next to it. This room was a little messy walking over several articles of cloths. He eyed the rock and pop band posters around him pausing at one.
It was of a woman with blonde hair that reached her shoulders singing as she stood on the bow of a ship. She had a narrow chin and soft eyes as she looked unknowingly at him from the captured image.
Wondering what she was singing he turned from it to look at the dresser with colored bottles, tall cans, and various other items scattered across it. Above it was an oval mirror reflecting him and the room with pictures tucked into the sides. After running his fingers over the strings of the guitar he picked up one of the bottles and after examining it brought the top part to his nose and sniffed. At once he recoiled with a small moan.
Quickly replacing the bottle he looked at the photos there. Like the ones in the hall they showed various scenes. Somewhere of her and her mother, others were of her and her sister, or just her. Like one of them sitting together playing guitars. One that got his attention though was the three of them laughing as they rode horses together.
Adverting his longing gaze he picked up a small elegant wooden box. Upon opening it he closed his eyes in pleasure as a soft tune met his ears.
At the sound of the front door opening he snapped the box closed and put it back. Eyeing the door he listened to the people coming down the hall.
"I'm telling you grandpa he's nuts…he just attacked me for no reason then ran off."
"Rachel…I'm sure there's an explanation…"
"Hey…who's in my room?"
At once silence fell and tensing for the fight as he shifted into a stance. Then before Logan could make a move the door was thrown open. Reveling Sensei Watanabe, Rachel, and her older sister Kira.
For a few seconds they just stared at each other. "What are you doing here you creep?" Kira demanded moving toward him.
"KIRA NO!" Stopping in her tracks both looked at her mother as she came out of her room. "I brought him here," she said, sliding the door closed.
"Why would you do that mom?" Rachel demanded. "He attacked me…does that mean anything to you?"
"Of course it does honey," she said, placing a hand on her daughter's shoulder. "And right now I'm trying to prevent it from happening again."
"Kimberly," and she looked at Sensei Watanabe. "If this really happened this is the fifth fight he caused…"
"Dad," Kimberly said, quickly looking at him. "Can we talk in the other room…there's something you need to know…" for a second he was silent before he nodded. "Kira, Rachel, you stay here with Logan," and the two walked back into her bedroom.
After watching them go the girls looked back at Logan who eyed one then the other. Slowly Kira turned her gaze to the dresser. "Rule number one of the Hart household creep…," Kira said, crossing over to it. "Keep your hands off our stuff," and she moved the music box back where it had been.
"What use do I have for such useless trinkets?" he demanded as he stared her down a deep scowl on her face before leaving the room.
After a few tense moments Kimberly and her father came back out into the living room. For a few seconds he was silent as he looked from his daughter to his granddaughters. Then he finally looked at Logan. "Logan you are to report to my office early tomorrow morning, understood?" for a second Logan returned his gaze. Then after looking at Kimberly and back he nodded. "Good also you're not staying in the dorms tonight…"
"Where am I staying then sensei?" he asked.
After shooting Kimberly a look he answered, "My daughter has requested that you remain here," at once Rachel and Kira uttered snaps of protest. "This is not my call girls…," he said, quieting their protests by raising his hands. "…you have complaints…take them up with your mother," and with that he turned and left.
Once he was gone they turned on their mother. "Mom, what's the deal?" Kira demanded.
"He's crazy Mom! And he needs a good crazy pill!" Rachel shouted.
After looking from one girl to the other she shook her head walking forward. "No, he's not," and she place her hands on his shoulders. "What he is lost…and he needs the love of a family…to help him guide his way home," and slowly he looked up at her.
Slowly he opened his eyes a tear running down his cheek.
The next day Sully, Logan, Kimberly, and Cloud Dancing galloped across the prairie, locked in a horse race. With Cloud Dancing has loaning Sully an equally-fast pony to his own as the other two keep close to them. At first they're even, but then Sully looks over at Cloud Dancing, Logan, and Kimberly smiles and...He kicks his horse and pulls away.
They start to come over a rise - the finish line – just as Sully was coming over the top when two blurs of motion shot past him. Ahead of him Logan and Kim rein in their horses and wait a little bit for the other two. Exhilarated, Sully motions to Cloud Dancing. They get off, walk their horses.
"Good race," Sully said, smiling.
"No. I could not have beaten you today. You almost beat White Falcon and Dancing Heron," Cloud Dancing commented and looked at Kimberly. "Though some of the people still don't know what to think of a woman riding and fighting the way you."
Looking at him she smiled. "Well I didn't hear you complain when I helped you get away from Custer."
"Not many are after that," Sully said, before pets his horse. "He's a fast pony. You picked him."
Looking at his blood brother Cloud Dancing shook his head. "Not the pony. What are you running from?"
Sully stares straight ahead as they walk along as they all looked at him. "Nothin'," he finally answered.
Cloud Dancing makes his diagnosis. "Woman trouble," and Logan and Kim share a smile.
"Spirits tell you that?" Sully asked, not looking at him.
Cloud Dancing shook his head. "No, I've seen it before." Sully smiles, shakes his head. "You have gone many seasons without love. But love is like the elk. It is strong and powerful and hard to kill. If you look hard enough in your heart, you will find the courage to love again."
"I hope you're right," Sully replied after a beat.
Cloud Dancing looked form the other two back to his friend. "Once you were afraid of horses. Now you ride like the wind," and the three left Sully rooted to the spot. Where he pondered the man's words while Logan and Kim bumped knuckles smiling as they enjoyed Sully's dilemma.
Later back at camp they were in Cloud Dancing's tipi talking something's over. Suddenly a young boy bolted in calling for Cloud Dancing. Climbing to their feet they walked outside wondering what this was all about. The answer became clear when they saw a determined Mathew walk toward them.
Stopping before them without a word he held up a handkerchief and carefully unwrapping it held up a hawk's egg. Looking at him Cloud Dancing reached out and took the egg from him.
For a second he carefully examined it. Then looked up at Mathew. "Perfect," he proclaimed a small smile on his face.
In short order the men dressed only in loincloths while Kimberly had the addition of a hide halter top and blanket all sat in a circle of the sweet lodge. As sweet accumulated on their bodies they listened to Cloud Dancing as he hummed and poured more watcher on the red hot rocks. As the steam and smell of sage and sweet grass rose the three looked at the man.
Slowly he handed Mathew a medicine bag. After he took it Cloud Dancing raised his face upward. "Grandfather, we give thanks to these young men and young woman. Going out the sacrifice and pray. We ask that you give them good health and guidance and allow them to come back to us men and a woman."
Slowly they nodded to him Logan's eyes shifting a little. Thinking he might have heard something outside.
"What happens when I need to drink?" Mathew asked, and Logan returned his attention to Cloud Dancing.
"You pray hard," Cloud Dancing answered. "The spirits will tempt you three," and he lightly pointed at them. "You need to pray for everyone you've ever known. Pray for your enemies…pray that your hearts opens," and they slowly nodded understanding.
"How do I know what's in my heart…is love?" Mathew asked, openly looking back up at Cloud Dancing.
For a second the man was silent before answering wisely, "Love takes a long time to grow. It's like a delicate plant. It takes patience."
Before another word could be spoken there was a cry of alarm and Brian stumbled through the flap. "Brian!" Mathew exclaimed in shock.
"How did you get here?" Sully asked, as Cloud Dancing took the boy in his arms helping him up.
"Followed you," the boy shrugged and was pulled into Cloud Dancing lap. "I wanted to watch."
"You're running everything," Mathew snapped after rubbing his forehead.
"Mathew…," Logan hissed quietly.
"I'll take 'im home," Sully said, starting to move forward.
"No!" and everyone looked at Cloud Dancing. "Everything has a purpose," he explained as he motioned for Sully to sit back down. "He can stay."
"Does Dr. Mike know you followed us?" Sully asked, before Kimberly could.
"No…," the boy said, shaking his head shyly.
"We need to send somebody to tell her," Kimberly said. "She'll be worried."
Cloud Dancing nodded as he poured more water on the hot rocks and started chanting again.
Leaning close Logan murmured into Kimberly's ear. "She's going to skin that boy alive for scaring her like this," and as they lightly bobbed her head to the chant she gave a curt nod.
After they were done the sweat and they had their cloths back on and a rider had been sent out to the homestead, Cloud Dancing led the group to a secluded spot on a grassy hill. Waiting for the three of them was three buffalo skins laid out in the middle. After looking things over they turned back to Cloud Dancing for his final instructions as he encircled the hides with stones and sprinkled herbs as they stood in the middle of them.
Standing straight he faced those hands behind his back. "When you are in the circle nothing can harm you," he told them.
As Logan nodded looking around him as Mathew frowned in confusion. "But there's no protection," and he looked around as well.
"In the circle you are protected," Cloud Dancing explained simply and the three looked at him. "As long as you believe."
For a second the three were silent. "What do we do?" Kimberly asked.
"Watch, listen…" Cloud Dancing explained nodding looking around. "…pay attention," and he looked at them. "Things will come to you. Could be in the form of an animal, a person, even lights."
Again silence fell as the group looked at each other. "What if we need help?" Mathew asked.
"We will be close by," Cloud Dancing reassured them.
"We can't leave?"
"You always have a choice," and Cloud Dancing looked at all of them. "You choose how to live your life," and Logan's eyes dropped to the ground in thought.
"not much of a man if you don't have a choice," Sully put in and with a final 'Ha-Ho' from Cloud Dancing the group in front of them all turned and left.
When they were alone the three of them looking around them each took a seat on the hides. "This going to be a long few days…," Kimberly murmured as Mathew spun around a couple times at a few sounds. "So Logan…," and turning she paused. He was in his lotus position breathing easily on his hide his hide partially covering him.
"Why did he cover himself?" Mathew asked, glancing at her.
Turning to answer him there came a distant roll of thunder. "Does that answer your question," and Mathew sprung to his feet at the sound of a hawk looking around. She watched him take a couple steps still looking around before stopping and retaking his position as a wolf gave a howl. Lowering her gaze she drew her legs in close. One of the few times what you went through will help you," she thought looking back at Logan.
That night the storm arrived and dumped its contents on the world around them. Drawing the hides close trying to keep warm Kimberly glanced over at Logan. He hadn't moved. Not once. Not even when lightning struck a nearby tree splitting it in half.
By morning the storm had abated and the sky was clear again. With a moan Kimberly and Mathew awoke pushing themselves up they glanced over. And saw Logan already in his position his hide spread out again.
"He's as tough as steel…," she heard Mathew mutter from his position on the ground.
"He's had to be…," she muttered, quite enough for him not to hear.
Later Mathew woke from a small nap to help pass the time his stomach rumbling slightly. Looking over he jerked in surprise when he saw both Logan and Kimberly were gone. Looking around for them he slowly climbed to his feet feeling lightheaded from the lack of food and water.
Suddenly he spun around as a cougar's scream pierced the air. Then a new sound vibrated through the air. It was like rolling thunder and whatever it was. It was heading in his direction.
He didn't have to long to ponder on what it is. As a heard of wild horses came galloping into sight sending dirt and grass flying beneath their hooves. He watched in awe at their majestic beauty their powerful muscles rippling beneath their rippling skin. Making the herd seem like a constantly shifting rainbow.
As they drew nearer and nearer he glanced around looking for some form of protection. Seeing none he glanced back at the horses his hand going up to grip the medicine bag Cloud Dancing's words ringing in his ears. Closing his eyes he tried not to think of what those animals could do to him of they kept their course.
In his mind he saw Dr. Mike's smiling face, he saw Brian, Colleen, Sully, White Falcon, Dancing Heron…, but mostly…he saw Ingrid and a woman with long curly dark brown hair whose back was to him. As a vision of Colleen, Dr. Mike, Sully, White Falcon, Dancing Heron, and Brian sitting together on a picnic blanket eat Sully motion for him to join them. He felt a wave of calmness come over him and letting release the breath he had been holding he opened his eyes to the coming horses.
They were just upon them issuing ear splitting screams as they barreled across the hillside. And around the circle. Whipping around to watch them go he froze. They were gone…with no sign that they had ever been there…
Breathing like he had run a mile he spun around several times looking for them. But all he saw was a cross-legged closed eyed Dancing Heron and an unmoved White Falcon still in their spots. Trying to calm his racing heart he dropped back down to his knees adverting his gaze from them his medicine bag clutched in his hands.
In Kimberly's mind she was in her ranger armor without her helmet on a rocky hill side with a cliff to her back fighting a horde of enemies attacking. Her fists and feet a blur of motion as she wielded her bow against them. As she defended three shadowed figures behind her. She didn't know who they were or why but she knew that she had to protect them with her life.
After shooting one she turned gripping the bow with both hands to bring it down on another and froze. She wasn't at the hill side anymore but the Command Center. And it was empty.
Slowly turning on the spot she eyed the area around her. Pausing for a second at the sight of Zordon's empty tube. Just as she had turned in a full circle she paused then doubled over. Dropping her bow clutching her head her elbows on her gut trying to calm it as the pain in her head grew worse by the second.
As the pain in her head grew to the point when it was like it would split open. The world around her began to dissolve into blackness. Then a uncontrollable force arched her head back violently arms spread wide as she burst in to pink dancing flames which formed the shape of a flying crane.
With a jerk and deep intake of breath her eyes snapped open. Exhaling deeply she lowered her gaze before glancing over at Mathew. He was on his knees now and he had taken his shirt off. After taking note that his eyes were closed she started too turned before pausing.
At the edge of the hill top she saw movement. Narrowing her eyes at the flash of the familiar hat. Great, great, great, great grandma what are you doing here? She thought as she turned to Logan.
He was in the same position that he had been in the last couple of days. One of the few times that bastard helped you in some way… she thought. Then paused when she noticed something. His breath was regular but now she saw it was more labored and coming more frequent.
In his mind he was back in the baron white room that Narvock used to lock him in. After pounding at the door and the walls screaming he had slunked down the far corner. Drawing his legs in close he closed his eyes trying to stay calm.
For who knew how long he remained that way. Then out of nowhere two pairs of hands found their way onto his shoulders and knees. "Logan…Logan open your eyes. Logan look at us," a soothing fatherly voice said.
In response he turned his head away eyes closed more tightly. In answer to his actions one hand detached itself from him and softly cupped his cheek to turn it back. "It's alright honey…don't be afraid…open your eyes…," another voice said.
Slowly he opened them and stared. As the older tommy and Kimberly that he knew knelt before him. With tears of happiness in his eyes he took the offered hands and they pulled him to his feet. As they did the word around them dissolved until they stood on a grassy hillside. Turning on the spot Logan saw nothing but a rolling hills in an ocean of grass as far as the eye could see and a sky bigger than he could imagine.
Turning back he smiled at them. Kimberly's hair dancing in the wind. "I don't know how I could ever thank…," he started to say but steeping forward Kimberly shushed him pressing two fingers to his lips.
"You don't have to thank us for anything," she said, lowering her fingers.
"Listen to her," and Logan turned to Tommy. "It was one of the greatest things in our lives…and I have hardly felt such pride…as a father…then knowing…that I had a hand…in make you the man that you are," he said, emotionally.
A lot for words Logan looked at them for a few seconds. Finally giving up he just enveloped them in his arms. "BUT CAN HE PROTECT YOU!" a booming voice called out. Breaking apart they turned and saw black storm clouds on the horizon. As they watched the clouds continue to form a pair of evil eyes grew out of them.
At once Logan pushed the pair behind him. "You want them to your going to have to go through me!" and he shifted into a stance growling in a deadly voice, "and if you touch them I'll kill you."
At once a booming laugh rolled across the land. "YOU? WHAT CAN A LONE PUNY HUMAN DO AGAINST MY MIGHT?"
"He's not alone!" at the declaration Logan whipped around. Staring in surprise. Behind tommy and Kimberly was a large group of people which included Rachel, Allison, Ian, and Jake. Gathered around and behind them was Jason, Trini, Billy, Zack, Rocky, Aisha, Dana, Carter, Ryan, Kat, Leo, Karone, Andros, Jen, Wes, Taylor, Eric, Cole, Alyssa, Kira, Conner, Trent, Ethan, and so much more. "He's never alone!" Tommy declared and he started glowing a mix of green, white, red, and black.
Beside him Kimberly started glowing a mix of pink and purple. Before she slowly turned into a pink crane white beside her tommy became a white falcon. Before they like the rest of his teammates became their respective Dragons. Tommy becoming a two headed. This was happening while all around them the others were either becoming pure energy or glowing animals.
After they looked at each other for a few seconds they shot forward and into Logan's chest. As soon as they made contact he arched back violently arms and fingers spread wide and slowly his body became encased in a white light. When all of the energy was absorbed into him he slowly stood straight his hands going to his sides eyes closed. Then with a jerk he fisted his hands and opened his eyes and the light went out reveling his ranger armor.
Slowly he turned to face the coming storm. "You still think you stand a chance?" he asked, shifting into a stance.
For a second there was silence as the storm still approached. "BUT AT WHAT COST?"
Frowning he wondered what it meant. Then he felt something on his hands. Slowly he lowered his gaze and stared horrified at the blood covering his hands as it dripped down to the ground.
As the boom voice started issuing a horrific laugh he feel to his knees unable to look away from his blood covered hands.
"Logan!" With a violent jerk his eyes snapped open and a deep intake of breath. Looking up he found that he was laying on his back his head in Kimberly's lap. "Are you alright?" she asked, looking down at him.
After a second he nodded. "Yeah I'm fine…," he muttered, slowly rising to a seated position noticing Sully, Cloud Dancing, and a shirtless Mathew around them. As a wave of lightheadedness overcame him he held his head in his hand trying to steady it. "Anybody here got some water…my head feels like a dried sponge."
At once Sully handed him a water skin. Seizing it and uncorking it he brought it to his lips and darted downing the fluid in great loud gulps.
"Slowly Logan," Kimberly said, softly lowering it before he could choke. "That must have been some vision," and catching his breath his eyes still closed as he felt his head fill up again. "What was it about?"
Slowly he looked at her. "Yeah it was, but private," he commented. It was a reminder of how much you two have touched my life, he thought to himself.
Later that night they were back at the homestead sitting around the table with Mike and Sully on either end. On her left sat Mathew with Ingrid next to him. They all watched Mathew as he sat with his fingers interlocked elbows on the table. "I was done for," he finally said. "I was ready to leap in to the bushes and run like crazy," and Logan lowered his gaze. "But I closed my eyes…and I saw you," and he looked at Mike. "I saw your faces," and he looked at Ingrid. "And I realized that all that matters is the people that you love. Your family. I could feel your love coming into me," and he waved his hands toward him to emphasize the statement as he looked at all of them. "That's what gave me the strength to stand my ground."
"I got Goosebumps," Colleen muttered, rubbing her forearm and Mike looking at her took her hand.
"So what are you going to do now?" Brian asked.
At his brother's words Mathew shrugged collecting his thoughts. "I don't know," he admitted.
"That's the gates to wisdom," and he looked at Sully. "Being able to say 'I don't' know.'"
"He's right and Mathew looked at Logan next to Sully. "Everyman needs help at least once in his life," and he glanced at Kimberly. "Or several times…but it is never s sign of weakness," and he jabbed a finger at him.
"But a sign of deep strength," Kimberly finished for him.
For a second there was silent before Brian asked, "so, are you going to get married?"
Slowly Mike looked at Mathew as he and Ingrid shifted uncomfortably. As they shared a glance and smile Logan and Kim turned their eye on Mike as she waited with baited breath. "Not quite yet," he finally answer and the pair saw Mike discretely relax as Mathew looked at Ingrid again. "Colleen got Ingrid a job working for a family in town," he explained to her waving a couple fingers at his sister and Mike beamed at her. "I'm going to go to work…and I'm gonna save…"
"I save to," Ingrid put in.
"I'm going to build a house," Mathew continued
after shooting her a smile. Reaching over he took Ingrid's hand and she held him. "We're going to be engaged."
As he finished silence feel in the room and Logan's and Kimberly's eyes return to Mike who just sat there looking at him. Then without a word she slipped from her seat and walked around the table to her dresser. They all watched as she opened the top drawer and after taking something out and her back still to them held it close to her heart for a second before turning clutching the small box in her hand.
Slowly she walked back and Mathew rose to meet her. "If that's the case," she said, reaching him. For a second she was silent as she looked at the box before continuing, "you'll need an engagement ring," as she handed him the box.
He looked at her in a stunned silence before gently taking it and opening it revealed the simple white gold band an elegantly cut diamond sparkling from its raised center.
"The ring David gave her," Logan breathed in undertone as he and Kimberly stared at it.
They watched as he gently removed it from the box and held it up as he stared in wonder at Michaela before turning to Ingrid. With a radiant glow around her he gently took her hand and slowly but solemnly slipped the ring on her finger.
"This beautiful," she murmured looking up at him a tear of happiness running down her cheek as she admired the stone in the candlelight.
Beaming Mathew slowly turned back to Mike his own tear running down his cheek. "Thank you…Ma," he said, emotionally.
At his words Mike's face went slack a small smile of happiness formed as she opened her mouth to say something. When she could she jest pulled Mathew into her arms as her open tears of happiness and gratitude flowed.
Watching the scene before him Logan beamed with everyone at what was before him feeling his own tears well. Beside him Kimberly gave a sniff. "Softy," he jabbed at her jokingly with a light shove.
"Hypocrite," she murmured back with her own shove.
When the pair finally left for the village Kimberly kept looking at him from her mounted position. "Something on your mind? Besides recent events we left?" he finally asked, after a few minutes.
Biting her lip she thought for a second before saying, "about the visions we…well I had," she corrected herself half way. "I mean you didn't tell me yours."
After glancing at her he shrugged. "What can I say? it's private."
For a second she was silent before nodding and looking away. "Well what do you think mine could be? Could it be…the future?" she asked, and looked at him.
Sighing he pulled Wildfire to a stop and she followed suit with her own mount. "It's possible," he admitted finally looking at her.
"But how can that be?" Kimberly said, in confusion. "I can't use magic…and you said, that power is very rare."
"And it is," he said, nodding. "But this might be an exception to the rule. At least for the time being."
"Why?"
For a second he was silent before saying simply, "Because we traveled through time," and she blinked.
And yet you know what it mean, Red Dragon commented s they urged their horses forward.
Yeah…Ninjetti is upon us.
The next day after meeting a more cheerful Mike. The three comes out of the store together talking. "I bet you're happy that thing with Mathew and Ingrid is over," Logan was saying.
Turning with a nod Mike pauses as she sees Horace and Myra excitedly whispering on one side of the porch. They see her and, stop abruptly. With a jerk they turn and smile at her.
"Mornin', Dr. Mike," Myra said, putting on a smile.
Slowly Mike looked from one to another. "Horace, Myra. Please don't let me interrupt your conversation," she said, annoyed.
They look at each other, caught. "Uh, we were just discussin'... the price of corn. Shot way up," Horace said, quickly.
"Shot way up. That's right."
"Well, on the off chance that you were talking about me, you needn't concern yourself with my courting habits," she half snapped as she brushed past them.
"We weren't," Horace defended looking after her.
Walking up behind him Michaela watched as Loren and a townsperson, whisper to each other. "Yeah, she's the one, alright. They're trying to get me to court her," Loren whispers and seeing notice them the townsman clears his throat. Loren glancing over his shoulder and going pale quickly changes the subject. "Potatoes?"
"Uh... I'll take twenty pounds," the man said, quickly as he watched her and Loren quickly writes it down.
"And you, Mr. Bray," she snaps.
Startled, he turns towards her. "Huh?"
"I'll have you know, my marital status is none of your business. And as for you two!" and whipping around she faces Logan and Kim mouths covered trying to hold in their laughter. "I would appreciate it that you would at least pretend to not make it look like your enjoying this!"
"This is us pretending!" Kimberly barely made out quickly in a high voice.
Face hard she looked form one to the other. "It's my life and I'll –," she started then paused as Logan suddenly sobered and slowly straightened. "Well thank you-."
"Well I'll be a monkey's uncle," he interrupted.
"What?" Mike asked. In answer Logan nodded over her shoulder. Turning she started when she saw Jake watching from his porch. She catches Jake's eye, realizes. Jake gives her an ironic look, goes into his barber shop. "That is one lucky son of a…," but stopped as Kimberly light elbowed his gut. Frowning at him. She looks to Logan and Kim.
"And I'll thank you all to stop discussing it," she finished then marched down the porch toward the barber shop everyone looking after her. A second later Logan and Kim followed stopping outside as Mike follows Jake in.
They watch Jake is cleaning up, doesn't turn around as Mike enters. "You were right," she said, after a moment. Slowly Jake turns to her. "No one has the right to tell anyone else how to run their lives. It's your choice. It has to be."
For a second there was silence before Jake said, grudgingly, "You're a doctor. You were just doin' your job," and he walked over to the bench and sat down elbows on his knees finger tips touching. "Tryin' to save my life. Fact is... fact is, as much as you wanted me to live, that's how much I wanted to die."
"Why?" Mike asked, softly as Logan closed his eyes lowering his gaze as she walked over and sat down next to him.
"I deserved to die. I wanted to die... just like Harry. Just like the man I killed," Jake rambled on.
"Oh, Jake... I know how you're feeling."
"No, you don't."
"Yes, I do. I lost Harry, too, Jake. I couldn't save him. And I took part of that anger out on you."
"We all did," Logan muttered, and the pair looked at him.
Jake looks from him to her, still locked in his guilt. "It's not the same. You didn't kill him."
Mike was silent before saying, "we all make mistakes. You have to forgive yourself. You've done good for a lot of people, Jake. And you've got too many people who'd miss you if you were gone."
"I got no family, no friends."
"What about Sully, White Falcon, Dancing Heron, and Loren? They held you, comforted you when you lay terrified in that room up there. And Grace? She brought you dinner." Jake turns away shaking his head. "Myra worried enough about you to have us break into your shop. The Reverend. The Reverend prayed for you. With all his might. And Loren again. He went over to your store and dumped all the whiskey."
Jake gave a wry smile. "That was Loren, huh?"
For a beat there was silence. "And me. What about me?"
"What about you?" he asked, looking at her.
"I'm your friend too, Jake."
"You're an arrogant and conceded bastard at times Jake," and he looked at Kimberly. "But none of us wanted you dead," he looks at her, moved.
That night Mike enters the homestead from outside using the side. The kids, Logan and Kimberly are gathered in front of the table, hiding something.
"There wasn't anything out in the barn, Brian," she said, looking at them.
"Happy Birthday!" they all call out and jump back to reveal a cake with candles and a big gift, beautifully if a little sloppily gift-wrapped in a table cloth tied up with a ribbon.
Mike is actually surprised, and touched. "Oh, my - how did you know?" she said, moving forward.
"We have our ways," Colleen answered
Mike is too excited to pursue it further. "Look at this! It's just beautiful," as she started at the cake.
"Make a wish," Brian urged as Mathew rubbed his shoulders.
Mike closes her eyes, then blows out the candles. They cheer. Mike begins cutting the cake.
"Well, what'd you wish for?" Brian persisted.
"It's bad luck to tell," Colleen scolded getting plates.
"Not if you guess," Mathew pointed out.
"I bet I know," Brian said, beaming.
"What?" Mike asked, turning to him as she takes a seat.
"You wished for Sully to marry you so we could all have a family again," the boy answered simply and Logan and Kim gave a light snort into their cake that Colleen had handed them.
Mike trades looks with Matthew and Colleen before giving Logan and Kim a half heart scowl. "Brian, come here," she urged and he crawls into her lap. "You know, a family doesn't have to be a Ma and a Pa and children. A family doesn't have to live together, or even be related to each other. We're not really related, are we?"
"No," the boy answered.
"All a family is, is people who care for each other, who love each other. And I love you very much. I love all of you, very much. And when I blew out those candles, I wished for you all to have happy and healthy lives," They all hug. She gives them a smile as Logan nodded in agreement at her words.
"Now can I open my present?" she asked, half pleading.
"Yeah!" Brian said, eagerly.
The kids ad-lib as Mike pulls the ribbon and opens the cloth, revealing the Wedgwood china, all back in one piece.
"There idea I supplied the mean," Logan said, and she turned to him. "I…ah ran into someone I know. He…did me a favor," and Kimberly stared at him in wonder.
She's overcome by emotion, can't speak. They look at each other. "You cried when the china broke. Now you're cryin' when it's fixed," Brian said, curiously as her tears of happiness ran down her cheeks.
Mike quickly pulls as much of them as she could into her arms. "Remember when I said, I was lonely?" they nod. "Well, I'm not. I'll never be. Not as long as I have all of you," she said, in a deep emotional voice.
Suddenly the moment is interrupted by a frantic knock at the door. Matthew quickly climbs to his feet and opens it. "It's Horace," and he steps aside for the man.
Breathing heavily Horace whips off his hat. "Dr. Mike, 'Mergency. You better come quick."
At once she sprigs into action. "Matthew, get the wagon. You children better stay here."
The kids shoot each other looks. No, we wanna come. We wanna be with you," brain protested.
For a second Mike was silent. "Alright, come on then," and they hop to.
Outside by their horses Kimberly leaned close to Logan. "That china looks like it's never been broken," she commented and he paused. "You ran into him didn't you?" and he looked at her. "You ran into your dad?" she demanded wide eyed. All he could do was nod. "Well you obviously couldn't get him to send us back…did you at least get him a message to give to the others?"
"Of course," he answered in an undertone as he slipped onto Wildfire. "But it's not that simple."
"You just asked, him to let the others know where we are," she said, sarcastically as she mounted her horse. "How is that not simple?"
"You try remembering something for a hundred and twenty something years," he pointed out and they turned to follow Horace and the wagon to town. "So we still need a backup plan."
And I wonder what she say if she knew the truth, Red Dragon commented.
Shut up.
With Horace, Logan, and Kimberly, on their horses, rides into town, followed by the wagon, driven by a concerned Mike. They pull right up to the clinic where suddenly. "Surprise!" they all shout as the townspeople burst out of there hiding spots.
Mike gapes about out of the wagon unable to believe it's for her. She turns to the kids Logan and Kimberly who draw close. "Did you all?"
They nod, smiling. A townsperson helps her down from the wagon. "Happy Birthday," he said, as he puts her down
Well-wishers, including Robert E, Grace, Emily, the Reverend, Loren, Hank, Horace and Myra come up to her, wish her happy birthday. Mike looks for Sully, doesn't see him. A beat of disappointment. She turns to Grace. "So that's what you were all talking about. And you let me make a fool out of myself."
"That was the best part," Grace rubbed in leaning close
Mike swats at her smiling as Logan lets out a "hear, hear," as he dismounts and she playfully scowls at him. Then turns as Jake steps forward.
"Punch?" he asked, offering a cup. "Don't worry. It's not spiked," and he lifts in a toast. She smiles. They clink glasses. "Happy birthday."
"And there not the only ones who wanted to celebrate the occasion," Kimberly declared and turning she called out in Cheyenne, "come on out!"
And from the darkness Black Kettle rode into sight Springs Dawn at his side Cloud Dancing on his other with Snow Bird. Behind them a small group of Cheyenne smiled at her but traded tense looks with the town's people.
"You came," Mike said, coming forward and embraced Springs Dawn then Cloud Dancing and Snow Bird as they slipped from their mounts. "Thank you."
"Did you think we would let my white sister celebrate her birthday without us," Springs Dawn said, as her father dropped down.
For a second he looked at her before he said, a few words. "He said, that it is an honor to celebrate the life of the one that saved his," Cloud Dancing translated and beaming she nodded in thanks.
The Reverend, on the clinic porch, gets everyone's attention. "Alright, everyone. Time for the unveiling. Dr. Mike... we all wanted you to know how much you mean to this town. We thought it high time for a proper welcome. Robert E -," and he gestures to the man.
He pulls the cord, unveiling a sign above the clinic, in place of the boarding house sign. It reads: "Medical Clinic. Dr. Michaela Quinn, M.D."
"Happy birthday!" the town cheers as Mike's eyes fill with tears as she looks up at the sign.
"Speech! Speech!" the reverend urged that the town quickly picked up.
Mike takes a deep breath, steps up. "I'm not much for making speeches...," the town knows better than that, laughing. "Alright, I guess I am one for making speeches," and more laughing came forth. "But I'd just like to say how proud I am to be a member of this town. And I hope to go on treating its citizens for a long while. Not that I'm hoping any of you get sick, it's just... you understand," they laugh good-naturedly. Thank you. Thank you all," and the crowd gives her a warm applause.
Grace steps up. "Alright, alright everybody. Let's eat!" the crowd turns and all follow her back to the cafe. Mike gets a last hug from the family.
"By the way Robert E.!" and the man turned back to Logan. "Got something for yeah," and Logan tossed something to him which Robert E. caught. "Thought you might find a use for it."
Looking at it Robert E. saw it was Colleen's book. "Yeah…yeah I think I might find a use for it," he said, smiling and with a tip of his hat walked away.
"Great surprise, wasn't it, Ma?" Brian asked, beaming up at her.
"It certainly was," she reassured him and the kids begin to head off towards the cafe.
"Coming?" Colleen asked, when they stopped and turned back to her when she didn't follow.
"You children go ahead. I'll be there in a minute," she reassured them She steps back from the porch, alone now, looks up at the sign. "So wonder you two were having such an amusing time this week," she commented and looked at Logan and Kim.
They shrugged at her. "What can we say… we love a good comedy," Kimberly said, as they heard someone approach behind them.
"Nice sign."
"Thank you," Mike said, turning and paused. "Sully?"
Logan and Kim spin around stunned to see him in a suit, hair slicked back, and clean shaven. He smiles. "What? Can't a man get dressed up for a special occasion?"
"You look very... handsome," and small blush on her face.
He bows a little. "Thank you."
The pair watched a look pass between them. He pulls something out from behind his back. A package wrapped in plain brown paper. "Brought you somethin'."
She takes it from him, unwraps it, and pulls out a beautiful pair of hand-stitched leather saddlebags. Mike is once again overwhelmed. "They're beautiful. You made them?"
Sully nods. "For your doctorin'. See, there's places for your pills and your instrument," and he points them out to her.
"So that's what you've been working on…," Kimberly murmured.
She looks at him, and for a second they saw love in her eyes. "Oh, Sully. Thank you."
She goes to kiss him on the cheek. He turns his head - catches her lips. He kisses her sweetly, then breaks, turns as if to go to the cafe. He stops, holds out his hand for her. She takes it, smiles and follows him into the party.
Watching the pair go Logan shakes his head. "And I told him there was a better way to impress a girl," and laughing they followed.
A couple hours later the party was in full swing with Logan and Kimberly eating, drinking, and talking merrily with both the townspeople and the Cheyenne that had come. After detaching themselves from a conversation Kimberly turned to Logan. "You know this is a great party," and he nodded in agreement. "But I still get the feeling its missing something…," and she fell silent again. "I'll be right back!" she suddenly snapped and bolted before he could say anything.
He didn't have long to ponder what she was up to when she was back guitar in hand. "How about you do a number?" she asked, holding it out to him.
For a second he looked from it to her. "Only if it's okay with the birthday woman."
"Of course it is," and he turned to look at Mike who was sitting at a table with Sully, Cloud Dancing, Snow Bird, Springs Dawn, Ingrid, and the kids.
For a second he was still a half smile on his face before Kimberly started chanting, "Song, song, song!" and soon enough he was drowned in it.
With half grin on his face he took the guitar and people cheered as he sat on the top of a table one foot on the bench the other on the ground. Smoothly he tuned the instrument before he started to play. "You know a dream is like a river
Ever changin' as it flows
And a dreamer's just a vessel
That must follow where it goes
Trying to learn from what's behind you
And never knowing what's in store
Makes each day a constant battle
Just to stay between the shores...and
I will sail my vessel
'Til the river runs dry
Like a bird upon the wind
These waters are my sky
I'll never reach my destination
If I never try
So I will sail my vessel
'Til the river runs dry
Too many times we stand aside
And let the waters slip away
'Til what we put off 'til tomorrow
Has now become today
So don't you sit upon the shoreline
And say you're satisfied
Choose to chance the rapids
And dare to dance the tide...yes
I will sail my vessel
'Til the river runs dry
Like a bird upon the wind
These waters are my sky
I'll never reach my destination
If I never try
So I will sail my vessel
'Til the river runs dry
There's bound to be rough waters
And I know I'll take some falls
But with the Great Spirit as my captain
I can make it through them all...yes
I will sail my vessel
'Til the river runs dry
Like a bird upon the wind
These waters are my sky
I'll never reach my destination
If I never try
So I will sail my vessel
'Til the river runs dry
Yes, I will sail my vessel
'Til the river runs dry
'Til the river runs dry," and with a final flurry of the strings and the midst of the clapping he locked eyes with Springs Dawn. For a second they held each other's gaze before he lowered his and looked away.
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