Chapter 7

Teamwork Makes the Dance Work

The next morning, at roughly 6:30 Arthur and Cas wake up to the smell of a campfire and incense coming through the window. Light talking could be heard, sounding like it was coming from the main room in the cabin. Arthur's curiosity burned. So he and Cas got out of bed to investigate. Out at the kitchen table sat their team; Gabriela, Harrison, and Terri, along with Nicole and Seth. Nicole shoots off with a sarcastic tone.

"Good Morning. 'Bout time you get out of bed."

The team laughs and smiles, except Cas, who claps back.

"Oh, I'm sorry I've inconvenienced you. What can I do to make it up to you? Oh. Wait. I don't care…"

Arthur places his hand on the small of Cas' back.

"Hey, watch out, Harlow. You're becoming more like B.A. by the minute."

A laugh resounds as Cas growls in response. Cas looks to see that Terri had already made coffee. She pours herself a cup while looking at the table. Gabriela has lists made up of places to go for supplies. Looking at Arthur, Gabriela speaks.

"As I've said to the group already, Arthur, I have lists here for us to group up and go collect everything needed. The only question is who's getting what?"

Nicole speaks first.

"Well Harrison and I could go to the hardware store and get the big stuff with his truck."

Seth speaks next.

"Me and Arthur's mom can go to the grocery store and get the snacks and refreshments."

Gabriela looks to Arthur and Cas.

"That leaves us to go to the department store to get the curtains, linens and remaining items."

Arthur looks around to see faces awaiting his approval. He smirks and gives his answer.

"Or here's an idea. Lets all go together. Take Harrison's truck and Cas' car. We all go to the respective places to get the supplies. It would go faster and easier with more people helping, and all the while we would be hanging out together. We haven't really hung out together since before the Creator battle."

Everyone looks around at each other, especially Cas and Gabriela. Cas weighs in.

"Two Venandis and three Clements. I feel outnumbered here."

As bickering starts to ensue, Arthur slaps his hand on the table hushing everyone.

"ENOUGH! We are a team. This is not team behavior! Straighten up or I'll go myself!"

At the act, there is silence. Everyone but Arthur and Terri is looking at their shoes. Kachina enters the cabin.

"I could sense great unrest in your group. This is troubling. We can't afford to lose this battle with Aldrich. Here, take these. They are lavender and jasmine blooms sprinkled with lemon balm. They should ease your mind and allow you to think clearly and act responsibly."

When Kachina pulls out two small blooms from her pouch, the air in the cabin is slowly graced with the calming aroma. The blooms are fashioned into pins She hands one to Gabriela and one to Cas as if she knows that they are the problem children. Gabriela gently puts it on her shirt and smiles. Cas doesn't smile, but calm resolve visibly comes to her eyes.

"Thank you, Kachina. They smell awesome."

Gabriela and Arthur gives thanks as everyone else nods and smiles at Kachina. She nods in return and looks to Arthur.

"Let me know when they fade, I will replenish them."

"I sure will. Thank you so much, Kachina."

Kachina smiles, turns and leaves the cabin. Cas speaks.

"I'm sorry, babe. I just kinda lost it."

Gabriela speaks next.

"I think we're all sorry, really. We just started feuding out of habit."

Arthur addresses the group.

"That has to end. Regardless who you represent, or what your feelings may be, we need to work together. If not, we're going to be doomed. And I'm not just talking the dance."

Arthur steps back and pinches the bridge of his nose. Cas and Gabriela notice it immediately.

"Babe, you OK?"

"Yeah, I'm really sorry…"

Arthur waves them off.

"No, just getting a craving. I'm gonna step out and deal with it. Harrison, can you get everyone ready in the meantime?"

Harrison nods. Arthur steps outside and pans the area. Cas and Gabriela join him. Cas speaks first.

"What would you like to do?"

"Yeah, we can help you hunt. Just give us the word."

Arthur's senses zero in on Kachina's camp.

"Give me a minute alone with Kachina. I am going to ask her advice."

Arthur walks over and through the underbrush to a tiny flat spot in the woods. As soon as he ducks through the bushes, he stops short at the sight of a very naked Kachina. She seemed to be doing some form of yoga, but it looks more like a dance of some sort. Arthur immediately turns his eyes away.

"Come forth, Arthur. Be not troubled."

Arthur moves slowly towards Kachina, keeping his eyes averted.

"I wanted to ask your opinion on my cravings, although I do ask that you put your clothes on."

"Very well…"

Kachina reaches for her dress and pulls it down over her head. She then sits at the fire. Arthur kneels down next to the fire.

"What is it you want to ask?"

"I am getting a craving for blood again. Astoria did say I'd need a couple more bits of blood to hold me over until my scheduled feeding. But how do I know if it is just a passing feeling or if it will turn into all out blood lust?"

"Be at ease, Arthur. An attack of blood lust is very easy to spot coming on. You will have plenty of warning. Your friends will see it before it becomes an issue. As for the cravings, they will always be present. Don't let Astoria and Lewyn fool you into thinking you require 'training' or 'discipline' in your feeding urges. They too, have the very same cravings day in and day out. You need to pay attention to your urges and worry not about others."

"Well, my mother is the only one in our group besides The A-Team that isn't a vampire. And when I got my first craving the other day, I looked at my mom while I was craving and my vision snapped to her pulse points. And I couldn't avert my eyes without physically covering my face."

Kachina nods.

"'Tis part of being a vampire, son. 'Tis why humans and vampires were never supposed to co-habitate together. I cannot help you with that predicament. I have no experience in such. But know this. The risk of keeping in close relation with her is that she may become a liability in you judgment if you do not learn to handle it delicately. That brings me to your other questionable decisions as a vampire."

"What do you mean?"

"Your 'girlfriend' is a loose cannon, a rule breaker, and lives too laid back. She will also become a liability if you stay with her, or do not teach her some lessons in taking things more seriously."

Arthur fumes slightly with anger.

"Hey, Cas has improved by leap and bound since I started seeing her these last couple months."

"Indeed she has. But that's because for the first time in at least a decade, she has someone who cares about her. I urge you to take my advice if you continue to see her."

Arthur ponders it momentarily. Kachina reaches into her tent to retrieve a chalice with fresh blood in it. She hands it to Arthur.

"Here. Drink. I knew you'd catch the scent."

As Arthur takes the chalice, He questions Kachina.

"How come none of the other vampires could smell this?"

"Because its a special mixture designed to lure a specific target."

Arthur takes a sip and notices the hunger he had disappear almost immediately.

"And now the spell is full circle."

"Too bad we can't use that to draw Aldrich away from his minions."

"We can. I will teach you soon. For now, make haste with your dance. I must do more searching."

"Thank you for your help, Kachina."

Kachina smiles as Arthur hands the chalice back and stands.

"Until your team comes back and we meet with them, keep the things I have said in mind, Arthur."

"Will do. Good day, Kachina."

"Good day."

Arthur returns to the cabin where everyone is waiting.

"Harrison, I'm riding with you and Gabriela in your truck. Everyone else can go in the car. At least til we get to town. I need to talk to Gabriela."

Harrison tosses the keys to Arthur.

"You guys can chat in peace, I'll ride in the car. I've always wanted to. This thing is awesome!"

Cas grins.

"Ya know, for a Clement you have good taste."

Everyone chuckles and gets into the vehicles to head out. Gabriela has a troubled expression, however.

"What is it that you want to talk about Arthur?"

"A couple things. The first is how you handle your blood lust."

"Um, can you be more specific?"

Arthur starts the old 70's Ford and puts it in Drive.

"Well what I mean is, when you went for so long without blood to the point of going feral, I couldn't tell. Granted I was human, but you made no motions to act upon your hunger."

"Well I did that because I was trying to hide the fact that I was a vampire."

"I get that, but you weren't looking at my neck or my wrist. Yet you were on the brink of starvation. How do you school your actions?"

Arthur pulls out onto the road with Cas right behind him.

"I've had just under a decade of practice. I wasn't very subtle in the beginning. Arthur why do you ask? Are you having problems?"

"Yeah, I am. Whenever I have a craving and Mom is around, my vision goes directly to her pulse points. And I can't look away. It's scary."

Gabriela puts her hand on Arthur's forearm. She is about to speak, when Cas blares the horn behind them, making her jump. She startles, and looks back angrily at Cas, who is giving her the "I'm watching you" motion. Gabriela rolls her eyes and plasters a middle finger on the back window. Arthur bursts out laughing, having caught the exchange in the rear view. Gabriela returns to the serious conversation.

"To tell you the truth, I struggled with it at first too. I was able to play it off in school by claiming shyness. I wouldn't make eye contact with people and I wouldn't hold conversations very long. But in the case of your mom, I don't known what to say."

"Wait, back up a second. How do you become class president if you're Ms. Shy?"

"Surprisingly, when you're not good at communicating, people think you come up with great ideas and platforms. And that's what happened, I was voted president because of my ideas, not my voice."

"So with your presidency came your 'voice'? Wow. True confidence building story right there. You oughta be an advocate for freshly turned vampires."

"It took a lot of help from Nicole and Harrison. They're the real heroes. They helped me through it all. Still do some days."

As they pass the city limit sign, Arthur knows his heart-to-heart is almost over.

"You guys do form a power team. But hey, one more thing before our time is up."

"Shoot, Arthur."

"I was talking to Kachina just now, and she warned me about staying in a relationship with Cas. She basically called Cas out for all she is, irresponsible, the works. But I have seen growth in her character since we have been together. I know I really shouldn't ask the other person who is pining for my heart what to do here, but as my best friend, and being as objective as possible, what do you think I should do? Kachina says Cas will be my downfall if she doesn't learn responsibility. Do you really think Cas is a lost cause, or do I have a chance?"

Gabriela blushes at Arthur's accusation of pining. She smiles and laughs.

"Wow. Call me out why don't ya?"

"Sorry, Gabriela. I just know that just because you get turned down, doesn't mean the feelings go away. I'm not blaming you. I'm just letting you know that I understand how you feel."

"If you want my advice, Arthur? I think you should sit down with Cas one on one and make sure you guys are on the same page and talk to her about what Kachina said. Find out if she is willing to make the changes necessary to make you guys successful. As much as I hate to admit it, Cas has been making personal progress exponentially since you guys have been together."

"And this is why you're my best friend. Thank you, Gabriela. I'll have to talk to her."

"Just don't start out with what Kachina said. She will get mad like you're accusing her. Just ask about where she sees you guys in the future and go from there."

"I kind of don't want to bring Kachina up at all. Because I'll have to tell her about… Nevermind."

"What is it, Arthur?"

"Well I don't know how to take it myself. Maybe it was just some ritual, but then again, she knew I was coming. So did she have other motives? Is she trying to break Cas and I up?"

"Arthur, what are you talking about?"

"She was completely naked, Gabriela. Not even a damn loin cloth or anything. And she was doing some sort of yoga like dance."

"Say what?! Damn, Arthur! You're GOOD! If you captured the eyes of a CREATOR. Hell, I would have snatched up that opportunity!"

As Arthur is pulling into the hardware store parking lot, he shocked by Gabriela's teasing.

"Gabriela Adalhard! SERIOUSLY?!"

"What? I'm back on the market. And I will take what I can get. Especially if its served on a golden plate like that."

Arthur teases back as he turns off the ignition.

"I'll tell her that when I see her."

Gabriela smiles, and is about to respond, when Cas appears at the drivers window.

"Tell me what when you see me?"

Both Arthur and Gabriela are startled, but Arthur recovers quick enough for a little dig.

"That you need to learn the proper use of a horn!"

Arthur is smiling, but Cas gets a sad look on her face.

"Please no. Not you too. Mom just spent the past few minutes 'teaching' me."

Terri walks up to the passenger side as Gabriela slides out of the truck. Gabriela's smile fades.

"And you young lady, need not be using such colorful hand gestures on public roadways!"

Arthur takes in Terri's scolding.

"And you guys thought that you were beyond a mothers' scolding."

Everyone laughs as they walk up to the store. Terri defends herself.

"Hey, I'm a cool Mom!"

Gabriela is the first to agree.

"No argument here. Even if I'm in trouble."

Everyone giggles, but Cas is serious.

"It's been so long since I had a mom, So I will take whatever Mom sends my way."

Arthur and Gabriela look at each other. Arthur's look says "I told you so". Gabriela nods in return. Astoria turns from the counter to face the group. She walks over to them.

"I just finished speaking to the owner. Anything you guys get is on the school account, but don't buy unnecessary things. We have food and refreshments at the community center. Just get your supplies."

And with that, Astoria turns and leaves. After a spell of silence, Gabriela pulls out her lists and starts going through them.

"OK, I think we all can go get the plywood and boards necessary for the stage surrounding if Cas and Arthur want to go to the basement and get the air nailer, other tools and related supplies."

Gabriela hands the tool list to Cas while sharing a meaningful look with Arthur. Terri questions Gabriela.

"Doesn't the school have tools?"

"They were destroyed in the fire."

Terri nods. Cas glances at the list and then to Arthur.

"I think we can handle it. Meet you guys back here after we get it all."

Arthur tosses the truck keys back to Harrison and the group heads for the outdoor lumber yard as Cas and Arthur head for the basement. At the top of the stairs, Arthur motions to the list.

"What all is on there?"

Cas hands it to him with a grin.

"A drill, a bit set, nail gun, nails, screws and a jigsaw and blades. Sounds pretty simple. We should be back to help the others in no time…"

Arthur looks over at Cas who has a devilish grin.

"Or we could take our time, there's no one else down here. We could have some private time alone for the first time in a couple days."

Arthur grins.

"I like the way you think, Harlow. So lets quickly gather all this stuff up in a basket so we can make the most of our time alone."

At the base of the stairs, the couple wasted no time in scouring the aisles for the list items. In about 3 minutes they had 2 baskets, one with tools and one with supplies. About halfway through gathering list items, Raleigh Carrera's "Famous" comes on the radio. Both Arthur and Cas begin to sing along, only to catch each other at the end of an aisle. Both blush, but continue singing as they shopped. After setting the baskets near then stairs, Arthur leads Cas over to the wall where he pushes her up against and kisses her first on the lips, then moving to her neck and collar bone. Cas calls out.

"Oh my god, how I've been waiting for this!"

Arthur pulls back. Cas protests.

"No, No. Keep going, please."

Arthur dons a serious expression.

"I need to talk to you. It's important."

Cas looks at him worried.

"What is it? You look like you've seen a ghost."

"It's about the meeting I had with Kachina this morning. First of all, I saw her naked until I told her to put clothes on."

"Wait, What? Tell me you caught a good look…"

"Ok, 'Gabriela'. Calm down. No, I just saw a glimpse and turned away. She was doing some sort of yoga-slash-dancing. I'm sure it was some sort of ritual. ANYWAY, she told me that she was concerned about us."

"Why would she be concerned about us?"

"Well, she says in her words, you're 'a loose cannon, a rule breaker, and that you live too laid back'. She says you will become a liability to my better judgement if you don't start taking things more seriously."

"Seriously?! Are you f… RAH!"

Cas lands a kick straight into the concrete wall. A tiny crack forms where her boot lands. Then she stops her outburst, puts her hands up, and takes a couple deep breaths. Then she continues through teary eyes.

"She obviously doesn't know how much I've changed in the past couple months! I went from a life of not caring at all, not about my surroundings, my coven, nothing. To now I've opened my heart and laid it out for all to see, I've gotten closer to people when I'd rather just avoid it altogether. I've let your mom in too. And for the first time since I've become a vampire, I feel like I'm in a family again. I've changed so much and in a way I never considered, and quite frankly, its really damn scary. And I did it all for you. I put myself out there for you. So if she thinks that I would do anything to compromise you in anyway, she's got another thing coming."

Arthur grabs Cas and holds her tight.

"I know, Babe. I know. I told her that. But she says that I should be sure that you and I are serious and that there should be no doubt. That's why I wanted to talk to you. Just so I know that we are solid. If I know it, I can take less stock in her meddling."

Cas pulls away and grabs Arthur by the shoulders.

"Let's put it this way. I will fight her myself if I have to in order to be with you. I love you, Arthur Morgan. And that's that. No one, not even a Creator can stand in my way of you."

Their lips crash together in a fiery kiss. And then another. They spin around the floor peppering kisses on each other. Cas opens her eyes to check her surroundings when she spots that they have an audience on the stairs. She stops dead in her tracks and Arthur becomes aware of their friends and his mother watching them. Arthur smiles sheepishly. Cas addresses the group.

"What are you losers looking at?"

Arthur looks over to Cas. Instead of a scowl on her face he sees a smile. He puts his arm around Cas and looks back to see his mom quite upset.

"Hey! Don't you call me a loser! And you shouldn't call any of us that!"

Cas' face falls. She looks at her shoes.

"I was just joking. Sorry Mom. I didn't mean you were a loser."

Harrison chimes in.

"That's Cas' brand. If she didn't call us losers, we would have to see if she is doing OK."

Everyone chuckles. Cas grabs the baskets and heads up the stairs.

"Harrison's right. But how long were you guys standing there?"

Gabriela speaks up.

"If you're wondering if we heard you talking about how vulnerable you are, then the answer is yes. We may not be friends, but we have your back, Cas."

Cas stops at the top of the stairs and looks back at Gabriela.

"You know what Adalhard? That means a lot to me. I appreciate you not pulling a 'Cas' card and mocking me."

"I wouldn't have your back if I mocked you, Harlow."

"Right. But I mock you and yet I have your back."

Gabriela rolls her eyes and smiles.

"That's your own unique brand talking. Now let's get this stuff loaded. We have two other stops to make."

The stops at the grocery and department stores were much shorter on account of having five vampires and one human going in different directions collecting supplies. When everything was crossed off the lists, Arthur sends a text to Astoria saying they're on their way to the community center. Once there, they unloaded and put a few hours into preliminary frame work and the decorative archways. And even though they couldn't replicate the old pieces the school used to have, they put their own spin on them. Even Astoria was impressed. The tables were brought out and chairs set up at them. Then they called it a night at 7 P.M. Everyone went their separate ways, even Terri.

"You go be with Cas and help Kachina out. I'm long overdue for my own bed."

Arthur calls out to his mom.

"OK, good night, Mom. Love you."

Cas calls out as well.

"Yeah, see you tomorrow, Mom. Love you."

Everyone including Terri turns at the sound of Cas' voice. Cas looks up to see them staring.

"What?"

Everyone breaks their stare and moves on, apologizing. Arthur leads Cas toward her Packard.

"Let's go home and relax a little."

"Not til I have a talk with Kachina. I'm going to give her a piece of my mind. If she wants to know my intentions so bad, I'll just have to show her."

"Let's not get too crazy, here. I'm sure if we talk to her and tell her what we discussed, she will be satisfied."

The rest of the trip to Cas' cabin was silent. Cas pulls up to the cabin and parks. Upon getting out of the car, Arthur and Cas hear a scream in the woods beyond Kachina's camp. The couple rush through the underbrush and past the tent into the woods. Just past the next patch of underbrush, they stop dead in their tracks. Astoria hangs by her bound wrists from a tall tree, bound at the ankles as well. Kachina holds in her gloved left hand a silver scimitar. Astoria has two cuts, one in her left shin and one on her left cheek. Kachina rounds on the couple, seemingly possessed. She speaks in a very low and gravely voice.

"So he is the one who vanquished Zitidor. For my brother's death you shall also die!"

Cas calls out to Kachina.

"Kachina! What the hell? I thought you were here to help us?!"

Arthur takes the small amount of time Cas just bought them to look over the scene. He spots a chalice with smoke rising from it at the base of the tree Astoria hangs from. Kachina begins advancing on the couple. Astoria calls out to them as Kachina answers Cas.

"Get out of here you fools! She's possessed!"

"Kachina is not here. I am Aldrich, and here ends your little game. And I start with the one who killed my brother!"

Kachina, possessed by Aldrich, lifts the sword above her right shoulder and rushes Arthur in an attempt to behead him. Time slows down for Arthur as his vampire instincts kick in. He deftly dodges the attack by rolling to the left. He then comes at Kachina from behind and grapples her. As Kachina struggles to get free, Arthur yells to Cas.

"The chalice! Dump it out! Break it, SOMETHING!"

Just as the words are out, Kachina is able to touch the hilt of the scimitar to the top of Arthur's right hand. The silver burns his skin as he lets go of Kachina, only to have her fling him through the air like a child's toy. Arthur lands a few feet away, nursing his hand. Cas is just about to the chalice when Kachina cuts her off. Cas stops dead as Kachina points the silver weapon directly at Cas.

"Last chance, vampire. Join me or die."

Arthur looks to a rustle in the brush behind him. Hannibal steps out with his M-60 machine gun.

"NO, Hannibal! Don't!"

Hannibal pays no attention. He takes aim and fires off eight rounds. Arthur looks to Kachina expecting her to be hit, but instead the chalice shatters and the rounds break it into many pieces. The smoke from the chalice dissipates and Kachina shakes her head violently and looks at Cas once more. A look of morbid fear comes over her as she looks at the broken chalice with the remains of eight silver bullets mixed in. She drops the sword and raises her hands.

"Please forgive me! THAT was not me!"

Cas stands straight.

"Well it was, but you weren't in your right mind. What happened?"

Hannibal lowers the gun and helps Arthur up. Kachina answers.

"All I remember is channeling to try to find Aldrich, and once I honed in on him, I just was possessed. For lack of a better term."

Arthur turns to Hannibal just before turning to Astoria.

"How did you know?"

"We just got here and heard you screaming to 'get the chalice'."

Arthur moves to Astoria's side and cuts her free. She struggles to stand on her own, but scolds Arthur for helping her.

"I can manage…!"

Arthur grabs her anyway with Cas taking up the other side, and help her toward the cabin. Everyone follows, with Kachina grabbing the sword and depositing it in her tent.

Arthur and Cas sit a weak Astoria in a chair at the table and Arthur dials Lewyn.

"Lewyn? Astoria has been cut by a silver sword. judging by how weak she is, I think she's poisoned."