The Red Dragon Ranger

by DragonRiderNinja

The Red Dragon Ranger must follow his teams arch enimey back in time to protect his team and the Ranger teams of the past, to stop his enimey from enslaving mankind, and to find The Gold Dragon Gem and ultimately find out who he is please Read & Review

41. Chapter 40 Family Heros & Ties

Humming a wedding march Logan adjusted his tie in the mirror of his hotel room a light snowfall falling outside his window. Still humming the song he took a few seconds to examine his image. "I give up… I never looked good in ties," he finally muttered, pulling it loose and tossed it aside.

The casual look does work for you, I admit it…, but that was a silk tie…Red Dragon muttered, in his mind and Logan shrugged unbuttoning a couple top buttons. And it is her wedding.

Okay I'll bring it along just in case… Logan muttered, picking up and carefully folding it before slipping it into in inside pocket. Then still humming the song turned and walked out of his suite picking up his long coat as he did. It is her wedding.

The driver pulling up to Notre-Dame Basilica with Ashley sitting next to him in the back seat of the car his nerves an all-time high. Though when he looked at Ashely he saw, she was probably more nervous than he was as she fidgeted with her coat.

"What's wrong?" he asked, taking her hand.

Looking at him, she gave him a shaky smile. "I was just thinking back…to when you first asked, me out…if I only knew then of the ride you'd be taking me on," she said, chuckling.

Frowning his eyes turned to the side. "Any regrets?" he asked, looking back at her.

Smiling she took his hand in both of hers. "Not a chance, you may have pulled me left and right, but I wouldn't change anything, you've made this part of my life…incredible," she said, reassuringly.

Smiling he cupped her cheek before pulling her close to kiss her. After they held it for a few seconds, the driver cleared his throat and they looked at him. "'Ah being French Canadian I don't usually interrupt moments like this…but…,'" he said, indicating the line of cars behind them.

Blushing slightly Ashely covered her mouth, "Désolé," Logan muttered, and the climbed out and walked up to the church.

As someone was taking, their coats while Tommy, Kimberly, and the others stood close one of the wedding coordinators came up to them wearing an ear piece and carrying a clipboard. "'Ah which one of you is Monsieur Logan?'" she asked, then realized she spoke in French.

"'I am,'" Logan said.

She blinked in surprise. "'Your presence is requested in the Brides Room, and she will lead the rest of you to your seats,"' she said, and waved a hand at another coordinator.

In short order Logan was led down to the bridal room and after watching some tearful people left. After watching them go, he turned and looked into the room. And a smile grew from ear to ear.

"'There's no words to how you look…and I gotta say that's a heck of a head dress and train," he said, and Celine beamed as she glowed from her seat in front of the vanity. "Either way you look like any woman should on her wedding…a queen,'" and he walked forward as she stood.

When he got close, she took his hands in hers. "'I never thought I'd be so nervous,'" she said, and wiped away a tear. "'Where's the tie I sent over?"'

Sighing he pulled it out of his inside pocket. "'I'll put it on if you want me to but personally…," he said, letting it hang.

For a second she studied him. "'Let me see how it looks on,"' she said, and unfolding it he held it in place and again she studied him. "'Okay I admit it you look better without it,"' she finally said, and smiling he replaced it inside his inside jacket pocket. "'I wanted to see you because I know you and your friends have to catch an early flight to Colorado.'"

Chuckling he shook his head. "'Darn those Gymnastics Nationals!'" he muttered, and she laughed.

"'I also want to say that I don't think…,'" she started but he silenced her with two fingers on her mouth.

"Don't think that…don't you ever think that," he insisted. You're talking to a guy who has traveled through time multiple times and I can tell you some things are meant to be, he finished in her mind, and then they both turned to see a middle-aged man and woman at the door.

"'I guess I better…,"' he started as he started to leave.

But was stopped as Celine took his arm. "'Mama, Papa I'd like you to meet the friend I told you so much about,'" she said and they blinked.

Soon after Logan was sitting down next to Ashley in a pew of the church, a few rows back from the front. "How'd she look?" Ashley asked, in a low whisper.

"I'll let the dress speak for itself, right now I just have to get over my 'Meet the Parents' moment," he whispered back.

"You met her parents?" she asked, in the same undertone just as the wedding march began and standing they turned and as the precession started down the aisle.

In silence, they as the flower girl, the bride's maids, and then finally the majestic bride on the arm of her beaming father. As he led his daughter to René the man she loved. The group watched with looks of happiness for the couple as they watched them exchanged vows and rings and kissed for the first time as man and wife.

Afterwards at the reception they cheered with everyone as they cut their cake and had their dances. Shortly after, they had to say goodbye to make their flight.

On the plane, Logan turned in his seat next to a sleeping Ashely to look at Kimberly as she was looking over what looked like a photo album. Climbing out of his seat he walked down the aisle and reaching her, he leaned against the seat looking over her shoulder. "What's with the old photos?" he asked, looking at the old-fashioned photos in the album.

Turning her seat, she looked up at him. "My father's hero and great, great, great, grandmother lived in Colorado Springs. Since that's where the nationals are I thought I'd brush up with my history of her," she explained and she pointed to a photo of a beautiful woman sitting in an elegant chair with a young man, a teenage girl, and a young boy around her.

"She's beautiful," he muttered, nodding.

After their plane landed and Kimberly and Logan checked in with their team while Tommy checked in with his family, and the others checked into the same hotel. The after a few hours of solid training the next day they were taking some time to see some of the sights of the city.

Walking through city museum Logan paused when he saw Kimberly stop by an old town photo in a gilded frame on the wall. Walking over he looked at it over her shoulder. It was almost faded by time but the gathered people of townsfolk, what looked like immigrants, and Native Americans in the old town meadow still shined bright.

"Looking for her?" he asked.

"And found her," she said, pointing. "Right next to my great, great, great, great grandfather."

Smiling he patted her shoulder. "Well come on we'd better… catch…," he started pausing as he narrowed his eyes at the photo.

"What is it?" she asked, with a puzzled look on her face.

"Nothing! We'd better catch up to the others," he said, quickly turning her but still shaken by what he saw.

When they met up with the others, they were by the cafeteria whispering excitedly. When they got close and they quickly quieted and Tommy faced Kim his hands behind his back.

"What are you all up to?" Kimberly asked, frowning when they got close.

Smiling Tommy said, "Close your eyes I have a surprise."

Arching his eyebrows Logan glanced at Kimberly who beamed at Tommy. "Really I love surprises," and she covered her eyes.

For a few seconds Tommy looked at her before he said, "Okay opened them," his hands still behind his back and Logan rolled his eyes. At once, she opened her eyes and frowned in confusion. "Just kidding," he said, half laughing and he pulled out the red potted cactus from behind his back.

"Oh wow…," she said, taking it from him. "Where did you get this?" and she looked at him as they walked into the cafeteria.

"Arizona, my father gave it to me but I thought it would live longer with you," he said, and beaming she gave him a hug after putting the plant on a table.

"Its incredible thank you so much it's really sweet, and I know just where to put it," she said, when she stepped back after kissing him on the cheek.

As he watched them Logan felt a sudden surge of magic and looking back at the table blinked when he saw the plant was gone a small amount of green slime in its place. "Where'd it go?" Kim asked, turning back to the table. "Come on you guys quit joking," and she looked at the others.

"Don't look at me," Aisha defended raising her hands.

"But what's that stuff right on the table?" Rocky asked, pointing at the slime as Logan and Billy reached forward and scooped some onto their fingers.

"I have no idea," Logan muttered, rubbing the stuff between two fingers before bringing it close to smell it. At once, he recoiled. "But man does it stink!"

Glancing over as Ashley walked into the cafeteria Billy muttered. "Maybe we should take it back to the Command Center and analyze it," and Tommy nodded at once Billy gathered some up in a napkin and the group turned to leave.

"Hey where are you guys going?" Ashely asked, as they passed her.

"Billy wants to go have a look at something we'll be right back," Logan replied reassuring her.

Not long after with Logan keeping lookout for them in a secluded corner of the museum they teleported out in streaks of light. Looking back, he frowned in confusion as Kimberly had been left behind.

After looking at each other for a couple seconds, she tapped her communicator a couple times and tried again. And Logan's eyes went wide as a multicolored portal opened behind her. "Kimberly!" he barked rushing forward and grabbed her just as it swallowed them both. As they tumbled through the tunnel of energy Logan did his best to keep close. "What every happens don't let go!" he snapped at her.

"Me don't let go! You don't let go!" she snapped at him as an invisible force threw them around and Logan's hand slid down her arm.

Eyes going wide as his grip reached her hand Logan looked down the tunnel. "We're almost there just hold on a little longer!" and she slipped so that they were hanging on by their fingers. "Kimberly…! Kimberly just hang on!"

"I'm trying!" she barked as they lost a few fingers.

As he grabbed her two fingers as they started to slip away and Logan sighed thinking they might make it together. Then with a sudden lurched they were thrown again and they locked eyes. As if in slow motion, he watched as she slipped away from him and sent flipping back through the air and vanished from his sight as she passed through the wall of the tunnel.

"KIMBERLY!" he screamed after her. Just as he passed through the other end of the tunnel.

On the others side he came down hard rolling on the ground before coming to a stop on the grassy hillside. Moaning he started to push himself up before falling back to the ground unconscious before he hit it. As he laid there a pair of large shadows fell over him

After an uncounted amount of time, moaning he rolled his head felling like somebody had used him for a punching bag. But strangely enough he felt what felt like a furry blanket was covering him and he was laying on a mat of fur. Over him in a language, he didn't understand a voice spoke softly as delicate gentle fingers ran down his cheek.

Slowly opening his eyes, he stared up at one of the most breath taking sights he had ever seen. It was girl no older than he was who had high cheekbones, long braids of black hair, narrow eyebrows, and full lips. To say she was beautiful was like saying the Mona Lisa was just a painting.

"Whoa…," he muttered. She smiled at him as he took in the hide walls that sloped up into a cone shape with a hole in the top with a pole skeleton, with a smoke flap, a hole flap entrance across from him, and the buffalo fur pelt covering him. "Where the hell am I?" he asked, sitting up as he eyed the buckskin dress, she was wearing.

As she looked at him, the flap was pushed open and he saw an older man dressed in well-decorated buckskin clothes with long greying hair with plenty of black still in it tied into two strands of braids in red over his shoulders. Draped over one shoulder was an American flag. Gulping Logan felt the power from his slightly wrinkled face.

Shifting his gaze, he took in the other two men entering behind him one with a wolf next to him. One was white wearing buckskin pants, moccasins, a white shirt, a string of beads with a feather, and a medicine bag, with a tomahawk, and a knife belted around his waist. He had long curly brown hair a light beard and strand of braided hair over one shoulder.

The other was as tall as the white man beside him with long wiry black hair. Aside from the thick beaded choker around his neck, he was bare-chested. With a pair of leggings and a breach cloth around his waist.

"Finally awake," the white man said, coming close before squatting down close the wolf following. "We were starting to worry. Though I gotta say…they've never seen a white man dressed like you before."

"Where am I?" Logan asked, again eyeing the people around him.

"You are in the camp of Chief Black Kettle, of the Cheyenne," the younger Indian said, and Logan looked at him as he indicated the older man beside him. "I am called Cloud Dancing, this is my brother Sully, and that is Black Kettle's eldest daughter Springs Dawn."

"And this is Wolf," Sully said, rubbing the wolf.

Slowly Logan looked back at the woman. "I see where you got your name," he muttered, and she blushed. Then her head whipped around to look over at Black Kettle as he said, a few things to her with a wave of his arm. Nodding she quickly stood and left the tipi.

"Now…do you mind telling us what you were doing out on the prairie where you were found?" Sully asked.

Slowly looking at each of the three men Logan thought quickly. "Lest just say I'm a traveler and I got lost," he said, before offering his hand. "And my name is Logan. Now can you tell me more specifically where I am?"

For a few seconds they looked at him before Cloud Dancing said, "it is good to meet you Logan I guess you're where what the white man calls the Colorado Territory. The town of Colorado Springs is about a half a day's ride from here if you wish to go."

Looking at them, he shook his head. "I think I'll pass on that…but I would settle for a new set of clothes so I won't get as many looks as you're giving me now," he said, smiling spreading his arms.

Over the next couple of days Logan dressed yet again like he had been in the 1700s tried to acclimate himself into the village. He got along well with Black Kettle and Cloud Dancing's families with Springs Dawn watching him whenever he was close. But no matter how hard he tried to help out around the village he still received hard looks and people murmuring behind his back or as they walked by.

One day he was sitting outside the tipi he was sharing with a couple other men when Sully came walking to the village a few calling out in greeting. "Morning Logan," he said, when he got close and sat down next him how nodded in greeting. "Something wrong?" Sully asked, as Logan rubbed Wolf when he came close.

After glancing at him, Logan looked back at the people around him. "It's been over a month and they still don't trust me," he muttered.

For a few seconds Sully looked at him. "Considering what stories you've heard about white men can you blame them?"

Glancing back at Sully, he shook his head. "Not really no," then turned at the sound of thundering hooves and high-pitched cries to see a group of braves ride into the camp. "Dog Soldiers," Logan muttered, as the two stood to watch as the riders stop before Black Kettle.

Nodding as they watched the leader dismount and after a curt greeting started to talk Sully said, "That's One Eye he's the leader of this band…and from the looks of things he raided something recently," and they watched men take things from a horse and give them to the people.

"At least this time it's mainly food…must have stolen a few cows," Logan muttered, as large slabs of dried meat was handed out. At that moment, One Eye looked over at them. And seeing Logan, he started jabbing a finger at him in a loud angry voice. "What's he saying?" and Logan looked at Sully.

Glancing at Logan before looking back Sully translated, "he's demanding why Black Kettle is allowing another white man into his camp."

Boy aren't I the popular one, Logan thought.

You're preaching to the quire, Red Dragon replied.

"Black Kettle says that for now you're living here," Sully continued unsuspecting the side conversation. "One Eye is saying that we should kill you and hide your body for you might bring the solders down on the village."

With a light gulp, Logan rubbed his neck. "So what are they doing?" he asked, after looking around for a change of subject.

Glancing over Sully watched as some of the women including Dawn Glory bring some large logs into the camp and begin piling them for a bonfire. "It's almost time for a buffalo hunt. Tonight there will be a dance," he explained.

That night under the star Logan watched almost hypnotized from next to a tipi with Sully and Wolf near him. In the center of two rings of people dancing to the beat of the hypnotic heartbeat of the drums stood Cloud Dancing facing the towering inferno with dancing flames reaching for the sky wearing ornate beaded ornaments his face darkened. A fancy headdress donned his head with two buffalo horns as he held a peace pipe high.

The first ring of people consisted of women who faced the bonfire holding hands as they chanted. Their dance was slow and gentle with soft steps upon the ground.

The second ring was of the men performed their dance: the dance of the hunt. He watched as they held their bows, lances, and clubs out to the side they would on horseback or on foot when stalking a prey. In their movements, they paced, dipped, dropped to their knees only to jump up suddenly, and mimicked scouting for game, then sprint after it.

As he watched the dancers, which seemed like spirits come alive Logan almost missed feeling the eyes on him. Tearing his gaze from the majestic sight Logan looked to the side at Black Kettle's where he was garbed in all of his chief's glory as he stood by his family. Which consisted of his wife Medicine Woman, his two sons, and three daughters.

But what really caught his eye was that Spring Dawn was staring at him as she chanted with her family. He held her gaze for a few seconds with almost a longing in his heart before he turned and walked away. As he did Sully turned to watch him go a confused look on his face.

Hands on his hips Logan walked back to the tipi he was sharing with a few others. Sighing he rubbed the back of his neck as he looked up at the stars. What's wrong with me? Why is it that I keep getting this feeling for women when I know I have a girlfriend back in Angel Grove!

Well in your defense, Ashely won't be born for over a hundred years, Red Dragon said.

Sighing Logan shook his head then paused near a small fire near the tipi. Turning to face the dark, he narrowed his eyes and focused. As the gloom became like noon to him he frowned in puzzlement as he saw One Eye come toward him.

Soon enough the two stood face to face. For few seconds the man glared at Logan then barked something.

Frowning Logan shook his head. "Sorry I don't know what you said. Do you speak…?" he started but was interrupted as the man swung at him. Ducking under it, Logan held out a finger at the man. "Buddy I don't want to fight you…" he warned.

As the man swung again Logan stepped to the side driving his fist into the man's gut. "You finished now?" he demanded, as the man down on one knee clutched his gut as he struggle to breath.

Suddenly springing to his feet he charged Logan and getting a grip on the man Logan threw him over his shoulder where he came down hard near the tipi. Logan watched as the man grabbed a spiked stick from where it was holding the tipi in place. Climbing to his feet the man raised it above his head and charged again to drive it into Logan.

Getting a grip on the man, again Logan rolled back and threw the man over him. Curling up and leaping to his feet Logan turned to face him again as he rolled across the ground. "Now are we done?" Logan asked.

In response, the man reached out and gripped a large stick from the fire. Holding the safe end in both hands, he bared his teeth at Logan before swinging wildly at him.

Catching the stick in midflight near the fire Logan glared at the stubborn man starting to get annoyed at his persistence. "Last chance! Drop it!" he growled the brought his leg and broke the stick as he drove it down on it.

After starting the splintered remains, the man in a flash grabbed Logan by his shirt. On his last nerve and faster Logan gripped the man's hand to keep it in place. Then drove his fit into his arm pit, his elbow, his shoulder, his gut, still holding his hand kicked him in the gut, raising his leg kicked him in the head with a roundhouse, releasing his hand nailing him across the face with a cross, and going with it finished him with a spin kick across the face.

The man fell to the ground out cold while Logan stood over him breathing deeply to keep his cool. Then glancing around for the first time saw the small crowd encircling them Black Kettle whispering in Sully 's ear. When his eyes fell on Springs Dawn he paused then turned to continue onto the tipi.

"Logan," and pausing he looked back at Sully. "Black Kettle has asked, that you stand beside him and his family," he said, and Logan blinked in surprise. "It's considered an honor."

After glancing at Springs Dawn for a second, he nodded and followed the group back. Leaving One Eye where he lay for his men to tend to. Then at a sound, Logan whipped around and caught the tomahawk that One Eye had thrown at him. For a few seconds Logan glared at him hen slipped the tomahawk into the sash at his waist before turning and walking away.

"I thought they'd be mad at me," Logan muttered, as they neared the bonfire.

Sully glanced at him. "Why? You warned him plenty of times…and only struck when he struck first…they saw that," he said, and Logan glanced at him.

"I just wish it wouldn't happen again and the best way for that to be possible is to learn the language," Logan muttered.

"I could teach you," and Logan looked at Sully. "But if you want an equal trade, you could teach me a little of what you know about fighting. Deal?" he said, and held out his hand.

After looking at him for a few seconds, Logan smiled and took the man's hand. "Deal," he agreed as they reached the circle. Taking his spot next to Black Kettle's family, they settled to watch the rest of the dance.

Not long after they did, they turned at the sound of thundering hoof beats and the rider calling out. At his voice, the people around him gave a mighty cheer. Pushing his way through the crowd Logan made his way to Sully.

"What's going on?" he asked.

"They spotted the migrating buffalo herds they'll be moving out tomorrow," Sully explained then paused when Black Kettle came close. Logan watched as Black Kettle spoke to Sully in gestures. "Black Kettle wants me to ask you if you would join the hunt," Sully said, looking at him.

Blinking Logan looked from Sully to Black Kettle and back again. "Tell him I don't have a horse or a bow," he said, and Sully quickly translated.

After Sully finished translating Black Kettle turned to Logan after, motioning him to follow walked to the edge of the camp where the horses grazed. There he led Logan to a stallion that was black as night with the light of the campfires burning in his eyes. Standing next to him Black Kettle rubbed its neck to keep it calm then looking at Logan made a gesture that Logan didn't need translated as he stared dumbstruck.

Slowly walking forward he laid his hand gently on the horses nose and rubbed its cheek to sooth it as he it jerked back before calming to smell his hand. Looking again at Black Kettle, he beamed. "Hahoo," he muttered, the only phase he caught so far and smiling Black Kettle nodded.

Looking back at the horse Logan muttered, "Now what to call you…," and pausing looked into the dancing flames in the horses eye. "Wildfire," he muttered, and the horse nickered.

The next morning in a speed that Logan wouldn't have thought possible the camp was broken down and the village was ready to be underway. Standing by his new horse with the bow that Black Kettle had given to him recently Logan watched the man's family. First at a scent then feeling him approach Logan turned to face Sully.

"Are you coming?" Logan asked, as the man came close.

Slowly Sully shook his head. "Can't ride," Sully said, plainly.

Though feeling there was more to it, Logan let it drop. "Well I'd walk beside you if I could start teaching me and me you," he said, and Sully looked back at him.

An hour later, the village was under way with travois being pulled by horses piled with tipi and village supplies. With scouts riding ahead, to pick up the trail of the buffalo though, it wasn't hard to find. And though Logan had seen Dances with Wolves many times before it the sight of long line of torn up earth stretching to the horizon still amazed him beyond belief.

As joyful voices spoke and laughed around Logan and Sully. They were deep in Sully teaching him the Cheyenne language while they walked along Logan leading Wildfire and Wolf darting here and there.

"You're doing really good Logan especially when you've never spoken the language before," Sully said, smiling as he nodded.

It helps when you have a silent partner learning who can help and quiz you on your own, Red Dragon muttered.

Hey I'll give you credit, Logan returned.

"Now say that man is a warrior," Sully instructed.

After a moment of thought Logan said, hesitantly, "'that man is a…a horses ass,'" Logan said, smiling at Sully. For a few seconds Sully looked at him then burst out laughing. "Wrong eh…okay that's enough," he said, exasperated as Red Dragon joined in the merff.

When the village stopped and started to set up camp for the hunt Logan was invited to scout out the herd with the rest of the hunters. As he rode out with them, he felt Springs Dawns eyes on him. Leaving their horses at the base of a small and they crawled on their bellies to peer over the edge.

And the sight that awaited him took Logan's breath away. To say the herd was huge was like saying the Atlantic was a puddle and if he weren't seeing it with his own eyes he wouldn't have believe it was possible. It was made up countless animals that stretched to the horizon when grouped together looked like the land itself was moving.

As he stared openmouthed at the sight, he was oblivious to the other hunters scoping out the herd. Focusing his vision zoomed in on the herd and he watched cows and bulls move through it with spry calves leap around and but heads with other calves. He was so focused on the sight before him that he didn't know that they heading out until one tapped him on the shoulder.

That night another dace of the hunt was held. Only this one was to ask the spirit of the buffalo and the Great Spirit permission for the coming hunt. And for the safety of the hunters.

The next day the hunters started painting their horses and taking a few bowls Logan joined them. When he was done Wildfire had bolts of red and yellow down both sides of his neck and legs with various spots on his rump. When he moved it was like bolts of fiery lightning moved across him and fire grew up his legs.

Moving with the other hunters and using bowls of water as mirrors, they started painting their faces for the hunt. Keeping it simple, with black paint he painted a mask over his eyes and streaks of white and red and white down his cheeks.

When they were all done, they were done the hunters and Logan swung or leapt onto their horses and rode out of the camp. As they left the people called out in, high hopes to them. But when the camp was out of sight Logan could feel the drum tight tension in the air from the men around him as they rode in silence.

When they reached the top of the hill and the herd came into sight the hunters gave a cry and as one, the horses broke into a gallop. Unable to keep the smile from his face as he rode down the hill with the others. As the herd turned and ran from them.

Riding along the flank with a few other hunters Logan looked for bulls that would break from the herd. Pulling up alongside a large bull Logan drew an arrow and trusting wildfire to keep going straight let go of the reins to load the arrow. Raising the bow to aim he drew back the string and fired.

At once, the arrow pierced the main body of the great animal, its legs crumbled under it, and it dug into the ground. Drawing a second arrow Logan fired again only, for it to be caught in the animal's thick hide. Then before he could draw and fire again a second arrow went into it dropping the animal. Looking over Logan raised his bow to Cloud Dancing who nodded in return before urging his paint faster.

Rising alongside Dancing Cloud's son Walks on a Cloud the two brought down another Logan leaning far to the side to shot the arrow under Wildfire's bobbing neck. After watching the animal drop Logan brought Wildfire to s stop and turned, him around to see a few other hunters bring down a couple more before they turned and let the herd move on. In their wake scattered across the valley the dead buffalo lay where they had dropped.

At a sound, he turned his head and saw a large bull raise its head off the ground before it dropped back. Slipping from Wildfire, he joined another hunter coming close it the suffering animal.

"'Can I have your knife?"' he asked, holding out his hand and after looking at him the hunter handed it over.

Knife in hand Logan walked closer before dropping down next to the animal he soothed it running a hand over it. Slowly it turned its great brown eye on him and he held its gaze his face reflected on its surface. Then in one motion drove the knife into its heart.

For less than a second the buffalo stiffened then relaxed as it was put out of its misery. "Sorry brother buffalo…thank you for your food," he muttered, before standing.

Turning saw the women and the rest of the village come over the rise to clean the animals. Quickly spotting Springs Dawn as she came down the hill near her father and siblings he saw he pause to look at him. Turning he faced the hunter he handed the knife back.

A month later back at the original summer camp again Logan tossed Sully to the ground and locked out his arm while a few kids watched them. "I gotta say you're getting better," Logan said, helping him up his new thin bone choker wrapped around his neck.

"Then why am I still ending up on the ground?" Sully asked, brushing himself off.

"Because you're still learning, but you can take care a few people now. And thanks for suggesting Robert E for making my rig and knife," Logan said, nodding to their sheathed knives and tomahawks hanging from their belts draped over a tree branch. "and judging by the look he gave me the last time we were in town I think I've been promoted for Slicker," and he remembered the contented look the barber Jake Slicker had given him.

"Yeah to him you're just above the Cheyenne," Sully said, walking over to toss him his belt.

Catching it Logan's mind flashed back to when Robert E had made it for it him on his first trip into Colorado Springs.

He and Sully were in town at Robert E's shop where the man handed him the newly forged knife with a belt with a tomahawk and knife sheath attached. As the man, wiped sweet from his ebony brow and Logan tested the blade. Before another word could be spoken about payment a man with swept back brown hair and one with long lighter hair that stretched to his chest approached the group.

"Well lookie here Hank another Half-Breed…," the one with the sweptback hair said, cross his arms a sly grin on his face and he looked Logan up and down.

"Do you think he speaks English Jake?" Hank said, rubbing his five o'clock shadow beard.

"You…speak…English?" Jake asked, slowly leaning close to his face the sly grin going wider.

A half grin on his face Logan glanced at Sully and back before saying, "not…a…word," just as slowly before facing Robert E. "So an elk hide for the knife?" he asked, and Robert he nodded struggling to keep the smile from his face. "Okay I'll have it for you the next time we come to town," and he faced Hank and Jake again. "Good…bye," he said, to them again in the same slow drawl before he and Sully left them gapping.

"That felt good," he muttered, out of their earshot.

Smiling Logan nodded and started to strap it on. "yeah but I'm still curious why Loren looks at you the way he does or ignores you completely," and at once Sully paused to look at him.

Before another word could be spoken, they turned at the sound of horses and froze when they saw army Calvary soldiers come toward the camp. "Chivington …," Sully growled.

"Colonel Chivington?" Logan demanded, looking at him.

"You know him?"

Face going hard Logan growled, "I know of him…none of it good," he said, as they darted into the village in time to see Black Kettle meet the riders a small group of braves behind him.

After giving, the order to halt Chivington looked down at Black Kettle not bothering to hide the content in his eye. "By order of the United States Congress, you and your village are requested to come to the town of Colorado Springs for discussion of a treaty for the lands north of Sand Creek," he said, as if Black Kettle was deaf and dumb.

"Translation: come or be shot," Logan growled in an undertone as Sully walked forward to translate for Black Kettle.

Just then, Chivington caught sight of Logan. "and you are to return that captive to us!" he barked drawing and pointing his gun at Black Kettle.

At once Logan drew his tomahawk and throwing it end over end knocked the gun from the man's hand before darting forward to get between Black Kettle and Chivington. "I'm not their captive! I'm their friend!" he barked holding Chivington's angry glare. "Now they don't need an escort! So we'll see you in town in two days! Now before you get any ideas I suggest you look around you!"

Rubbing his wrist where the tomahawk had struck him, Chivington glanced around at the people surround him and his men. "In two days then," Chivington growled and on his command the troopers turned and rode out of the village leaving a fearful silence in their wake.

When they were out of sight Logan relaxed and faced Black Kettle who nodded to him before walking away. "You know that Chivington won't forget that?" Sully muttered, and Logan glanced at him.

"Men like him usually don't," Logan muttered, before moving to his tipi that had recently made for him to prepare for the journey.

An hour later with the help of Sully and Cloud Dancing, Logan's Tipi was taken and when they were done they turned to see Black Kettle and Springs Dawn come towards them. "'Something wrong?"' Logan asked, when they got close.

At once Black Kettle shook his head. "'I just want to thank you for what you did earlier. You probably prevented much blood shed,'" he said, and Logan waved it off. "'But I think it would be best if you would live outside of the village with Runs With Wolves," and at once Logan started to protest. "'It's not that we don't want you to live among us. You will always be considered a member of this village and my people…it's more for your safety the long knives will be spiteful for what you did this day," he explained.

For a few seconds Logan looked at him before nodding. "'Who's Runs With Wolves?'"

"'I'm Runs With Wolves,"' and Logan looked over at Sully. "For the most part I'm called Sully, but a few have called me that," he explained.

Nodding Logan looked back at Black Kettle as he said, "'My daughter has made this for White Fighting Falcon,"' and Springs Dawn held out a necklace bearing a white falcons head carved from bone with a small dream catcher under the beak.

Blinking Logan looked from the necklace to Springs Dawn to Black Kettle. "'Whose White Fighting Falcon?'"

"You are," and he looked at Cloud Dancing. "It is the name the people have started calling you. Or White Falcon for short."

I hope Tommy isn't the jealous type. Logan thought as he looked at Cloud Dancing for a few seconds before turning back to Springs Dawn. Slowly he reached out and took the necklace from her. For a second he marveled at the craftsmanship of it and the detail of the feathers craved in.

"'I'm truly honored,'" he said, slipping it around his neck.

Not to spoil this moment but it's getting a little crowed here, Red Dragon commented.

Shut up…

Two days later the newly erected village stood in the meadow next to the church of the town with riders both soldiers and Cheyenne coming and going. Standing in the middle of it with Black Kettle, Cloud Dancing and Sully (who was wearing a blanket over his shoulder to keep warm in the morning cold) Logan faced Chivington.

As Sully translated Chivington's demands and conditions for the land, which included Black Kettle's band moving onto the reservation. Logan turned to watch the stage pull into town. Watching it stop in front of Loren's store. Narrowing his eyes at the finely dressed woman with what looked like a black medical bag that stepped out after the husband with the nine-month pregnant wife.

Though she looked familiar, he just couldn't put his finger one where he had seen her. He watched as she spoke with Loren his greying hair shining in the morning sunlight before she turned and started in their direction. Watching her for a couple more seconds as she walked down the dirt and muddy street to cross the small wooden bridge and meadow just outside of the town. To meet up with Reverend Timothy Johnson just outside the church he turned back the 'negotiation' at hand.

Just as Black Kettle was saying to Sully to translate to Chivington that the land in question was ancient hunting grounds for the Cheyanne a woman's cry drew all their attention. Looking over they saw that the woman Logan had observed had tripped and fell face first in the mud as she and the Reverend were walking back to town together. Trying not to laugh Logan glanced at Sully and saw a small glint in his eyes that he hadn't seen before.

Turning his eyes back to the two, he watched the two stop at the telegraph and though it was tempting to listen in on them. With the amount of people around him, he didn't want to risk a ruptured eardrum. After watching them at the telegraph and from the mood of Reverend Johnson like something, very awkward had happened as they walked over to Charlotte Cooper's boarding house.

After watching Charlotte's oldest boy Matthew and Reverend Johnson bring what had to be the woman's things inside Logan returned his attention to the men around him. For another hour, they talked and Logan retired to his tipi frustrated that he couldn't do more.

The next day with Black Kettle and Sully Logan walked into Loren's store after Sully and Logan watched the woman from yesterday. Now dressed in a light red dress, a red velvet coat, and a red hat walk in with Charlotte. Upon their entry the store fell silent as people turned to look at them Chivington and couple of his men glaring.

Looking over as Loren cleared his throat and he pointed to the notice board. Hanging right above it was a wooden sign.

NO DOGS OR INDIANS

As they looked at it, they noticed the woman and Charlotte right under it an advertisement in the woman's hand. "Here's one that's seen its day Mr. Bray," the woman, declared taking down the sign.

"What are you doing?" Loren demanded, as Chivington stomped over.

Wrenching the sign from her he growled, "Private property…Miss," and he promptly hung it back up.

The next thing the three of them knew Sully 's tomahawk landed squarely in the middle of the sign cutting it in half. Startled Charlotte and the woman leapt back as Chivington turned drawing and cocking his weapon but froze when he saw Logan's tomahawk already cocked back and Wolf growled ready to pounce on the man. For a few seconds they looked at each other then slowly Chivington safetied and holstered his weapon and Logan relaxed his throwing arm.

With a flint of steel in his eye Chivington and the solders pushed past. When they were gone, Sully went to retrieve his tomahawk and after the woman hung her advertisement. For a few seconds both she and Sully looked at each other.

Then Charlotte grabbed her by the upper arm and started leading her out of the shop. "It's time to go get that horse doc," she said, quickly.

"What horse?" she asked, her beautiful voice sounding breathless.

"The one you gotta make your rounds on to meet your patients,"

"Oh…," the doctor said, coming to her senses then darting back for her bag that she left behind. "That horse," she continued darting back to Charlotte. "Morning gentlemen," she finished as the two left.

"Morning…doc," Logan muttered, frowning after her slipping his tomahawk back into its sheath. It can't be. He thought walking over to Sully as he took down her advertisement. "What's it say?" looking at him he handed it over in answer. "'M. Quinn...M.D. Wanted: prominent lodgings also suitable for medical practice.'" He read aloud.

"Must be the new doc the Reverend advertised for," Sully murmured.

She's more than that, Logan thought looking after her.

That's Kimberly's great, great, great, great, grandmother… Red Dragon said, also stunned.

Shortly after, they found the two women at Robert E's shop. From the looks of it, the old brown horse she had just bought was walking circles around her. When she finally got the animal to stop and they watched in amusement as she tried repeatedly to mount the animal. Finally, the advertisement clamped in his lips Sully walked over, taking her by her hips gave a push, and she slipped onto the saddle.

From her position, she looked down at him before he handed back the paper. "you took it down?" she said, frowning.

"No, I'm answering it," Sully clarified while behind them Logan gave a whistle. A moment later Wildfire trotted up.

Not long after Logan was riding beside her down a small dirt trail outside of town Sully and Wolf walking in front of them. "So you're a doctor?" Logan asked, looking at her and for the first time, he noticed the narrow chin, the elegant eyebrows, the delicate nose, and thin lips. Is it just me or are there a lot of beautiful women in Kimberly's family?

"Yes graduated top of my class from The Women's Medical School of Pennsylvania," she said.

Smiling he nodded. "That's a mouth full," he muttered, and she chuckled. "Well this town is lucky to have you," he said, and she looked at him like he was a rare flower.

"You know you're the first man since I've come here who said, that," and he looked at her.

"Let's just say I'm not like other men you've met, and I've been treated by female doctors before," he said, remembering one of the times that Tommy took him to see Dana when he was a kid as they rounded a corner. "Besides I've been living with the Cheyenne for the past few months…I'm very diverse. So where are you from?"

"Boston, you?"

After biting his lip uncomfortably he said, "Nowhere you've heard of."

"This is it…," Sully said, in a half hollow voice as a homestead of a single story house partially on stilts and a barn with a connecting chicken coop came into sight.

Frowning at some of the loose boards on the house and some of the other repair work needed on the porch whose railing was leaning against the ground like a drunken sailor and the missing pain of glass on the window Logan dismounted. At a small clatter, Logan looked over to see Dr. Quinn sprawled on the ground after apparently falling off the horse at the dismount. Both men watched a whimpering Wolf walk over to see if she was okay.

Pushing herself up into a sitting position, she looked at them. "If you're going to survive you'd better learn to make it on your own," Sully said, and with an exasperated whinny her horse turned to leave

Quickly getting to her feet, she smiled brushing off her hands. "Precisely,…oh wait! Come back!" and she darted after the horse and grabbing its rains started pulling it back.

Old and stubborn, Red Dragon mused.

They watched with some amusement as the animal dug its hooves in and she with mighty heaves got it all the way to the porch where she tied it off to the half-fallen railing. As the horse stood docile, she retrieved her medical bag before walking around and up the small steps of the porch.

From there she turned to face them. "How much?" she asked, looking around at the land.

"Dollar a month," Sully said, shrugging.

If only my rent was that cheap, Logan thought.

I remember you saying that the eight hundred a month for the whole warehouse was a bargain, especially how much you make a week; Red Dragon retorted as she open the door to peer inside.

"I'll take it," she said, and Sully nodded.

They watched as she put her bag down on a discarded barrel before taking out a brass plack that shined in the sunlight. Engraved on it in bold letters was the words 'M. QUINN M.D.'

As she held it by the door she asked, "What do you think?" in an excited voice.

"Not much a shingle," Sully said, lightly and patting his leg, he and Wolf turned to leave.

Looking back at her Logan saw her smile drupe a little. "It's the way he is ma'am," he said, and swung onto Wildfire as she held the plaque close. "See you around Dr. Quinn," he nodded and turned to go.

"Mike," and he turned back to look at her. "You can call me Mike, Michaela, or Dr. Mike. Dr. Quinn was my father," she said.

For a few seconds he looked at her before a half grin grew on his face. "See you around Mike," he nodded and urged Wildfire on feeling her eyes on them the whole way.

After walking and riding in silence Logan looked down at Sully. "That was your homestead wasn't it?" he asked, and Sully glanced up at him before looking forward again. Sighing Logan shook his head. "Look in the past few months since we've known each other we've never asked, about each other's pasts. But I can hazard a guess just tell me if I'm wrong." Again, Sully looked up at him before looking forward again. "Okay I'll take that as a yes. I'm guessing you came out here for the Pikes Peak rush, settled in that homes stead. Judging by the way Loren looks at you with content and his wife Maude gives you discreet nods you married their daughter…without Loren's approval," he started and looked at Sully who kept looking forward.

"…then something happened…and since you visit those two graves whenever we come to town I'd say she died in childbirth. And you eventually found comfort with the Cheyenne," he finished.

Stopping Sully finally looked at him again. "You should have been a detective," he mumbled.

Sighing Logan shrugged. "Sorry I've just learned to pay attention," he said, kicking Wildfire forward and got hit in the head by the tree branch knocking him back off the horse. Moaning he slowly sat up holding where his head had been hit. "but some times that gives me tunnel vision, but maybe I deserved that," he moaned in pain as Sully looked at him half amused.

The next day from the village Logan watched people gather at the church in their Sunday best. Dr. Mike was one of the last to arrive dressed in a blue and white dress as if she was back in Boston. Shaking his head Logan walked over to where Sully stood talking with Black Kettle.

From where they were they watched her meet with Charlotte then start to take off her hat and gloves and tried to greet the people around her. All were shying away from her. The husbands in particular pulled their wives away as if they were afraid they might catch something.

"You'd think she had the plague," Logan muttered.

Sully shrugged. "She's a free spirited woman, I guess they don't want their wives to think like her," he said, then moved away toward his wife and child's graves.

Just then, a bell rung and looking over Logan saw hank wave at the people, "HEY SLICKER! GOT A SHOT FELLA HERE!" he called out and at once people rushed over and Dr. Mike followed grabbing her medical bag.

Focusing he watched as people crowded around a wagon where a man laid one side of his shirt bloody. When Mike reached the group, she pushed her way to the front but before she could really look at him Jake had the men take the wounded man to his shop. Again, she tried to follow but couldn't get through but paused when she saw Maude collapse on the steps of the shop clutching her chest. Taking a form of stethoscope out she listened to Maude's heart just as Loren ushered her away with Mike trying to talk to them.

A short while later Logan leaned against the small fence surrounding the small graveyard watching Sully as he knelt at his wife and baby's graves. At a sound, he turned and watched Mike come over and seeing her also, Sully stood and started walking away.

"There's some things in the cabin that belong to you," she said, looking at him.

"There's nothing I want," Sully said, stopping to look at her then turned to leave again.

"What did Chief Black Kettle say to you when I rode up?" she asked, as Logan joined them.

"He wanted to know who were."

"What did you tell him?"

"Told him you were a Medicine Woman come from the east," Sully answered. "He said, among white only men make medicine. So you must be a crazy white woman," and with that Sully turned slipped on his hat and left.

After watching him go, Logan looked at her. "Personally I like to think of you as a red woman in a white woman's skin," he said, before he to left her.

Over the next couple of days, Logan watched from a hiding place in the woods near the homestead as she struggled with day-to-day things. She had come to be a pioneer doctor and yet she was fast becoming and having trouble just being a pioneer.

On the least day of the negotiation Logan and Sully stalked away from the meadow in a foul mood from what had just happened as three soldiers on horseback rode by. "What happened?" looking over their shoulders they saw Mike come toward them.

"What does it look like?" Logan half snapped.

"It's over?" she asked, in confusion catching up to them.

"Yeah it's over alright," Sully said, as they walked down the street.

"Did they reach an agreement?"

"I guess you could call it that," Logan growled. "Chivington threatened to kill everyone in the village if Black Kettle didn't' surrender the land south of Sand Creek and move his band onto the reservation."

"What! Why?" she demanded, and both men faced her.

"Because he wants to impress the brass back at Washington get them to grant statehood…so that he could become the first governor…," Sully growled explaining what happened then both started to move away.

"Well that's hardly a negotiation."

At once, both of them froze and turned to look at her. "They didn't come here to bargain…they came here to take what wasn't there's to begin with. Sorry to burst your bubble," Logan said, and they moved on leaving her where she was.

A month later Logan was taking some spare venison in a pack hanging from one shoulder to her when he paused on the edge of the wood. "Set your feet!" he called to her and she jumped from where she was trying to split logs to look at him.

"What?" she asked, as he came close.

Smiling he set the pack on the ground. "You need to set your feet and bring your hands closer to the bottom of the handle," he explained and she still looked puzzled. "Let me," and he held out a hand and she gave him the axe. "Now a good stance…," and he set his feet. "Up…," and he swung the axe back and up sliding the hand closest to the blade to his other. "Down…," and he brought the axe down soundly spiting the log in two. "One…fluid…motion. Now you try," and he held the axe out to her.

Looking from it to the small pile of wood left to be spilt she gave a smile. "If you chop the rest I'll pay you a quarter," she said.

Chuckling he shook his head. "sorry but there are going be times when neither Sully or me are going be here…so had better learn," and moaning she took the axe.

Picking up the pack again, he held it up. "we got a deer yesterday thought you might like some fresh game."

After she took a swing splitting the log, she nodded in thanks. "Thanks you can put it inside," and nodding he moved to do just that. "So you were with Sully …yesterday," she said, as she took another swing.

Looking at her, he nodded. "I thought you lived with Black Kettle's band?"

He shrugged. "A good portion of the time I do like Sully but Black Kettle thought for right now I should stay out of the village for a while."

"Why?"

"Let's just say I spoiled Chivington's fun when we first met," and with that he turned and walked inside with the pack of meat.

On his way out, he spied the book left on one of the barrels on the porch. Picking it up he looked at the title. "'You speak French?'" he asked, in French and looked at him in surprise.

"'You speak French?'" she demanded.

Smiling he shrugged. "'I've been known to hold a conversation or two, and it's nice to have someone to practice with,'" he said, sitting down on the step.

For the next ten minutes, they talked in rapid French about various things as she worked until they heard an approaching horse. Turning they saw Jake Slicker come down the drive toward them on his horse.

Sitting up straight Logan watched him ride close to Michaela and say, "hey," I greeting ignoring him.

"Hello," she said, setting the axe aside after splitting the last log.

"The ointment you gave done the trick," he said, and tossed a blue bottle to her. Which she caught and slipped into her dress pocket.

"I'm glad," she said, looking up at him.

"How's your teeth?" he asked, leaning against his saddle.

Teeth? Logan thought glancing at her.

"They're fine; may I offer you some refreshment?"

"Neigh I gotta get back," and he took up his reins again. He was about to kick his horse into motion when he paused and leaned against the saddle again. "You know Robert E?"

"The blacksmith," she said, nodding.

"You might want to ask him about his lumbago the next time you're in town."

"He didn't even want to sell me a horse."

At that, Jake chuckled looking away. "yeah-well fact is I asked, him to let you take a look at it," and he looked at her again. At that, Logan arched an eyebrow and a grin appeared on her face. "And I'm sick and tried hearing him carry on!"

Nodding she said, "I'll see what I can do," and with that Jake rode out with a touch of his hat to her.

"By the way what are you doing here?" he demanded, pausing to finally look at Logan.

Smiling Logan shrugged. "Having…a…intriguing…conversation…on…various…thing s…," he said, slowly. At once like, he knew it would Jake's face-hardened. "In…French," Logan, continued and Jake blinked. "which…I…learned…from…a…dear…friend," for a few seconds Jake held his gaze then rode off.

"Why do you speak like that to him?" Mike asked, frowning at him as Logan watch Jake ride off an amused look on his face.

Looking at her, he shrugged. "When we first met he called me a half breed and acted like I couldn't speak or understand English. I like to tease him. Now what did he mean about your teeth?" and he jabbed his thumb toward where Jake had disappeared from sight. Smiling she shook her head and told him and when she was done his eyes were wide in horror. "What the hell were you thinking letting a butcher like that pull a tooth from your head?" he demanded, and she shrugged.

"Well because of it I gave him the ointment which, and now I have another patient to treat," she said.

At that, he shrugged then frowned. "Was there anything wrong with that tooth?" he asked, scrutinizing her with a side look. Slowly she shook her head. "Remind me never to go to him for dental work. But either way you got guts, and by now everyman in town knows it."

The next day Logan rode into town with her and they dismounted at Robert E's livery. "Good morning," she greeted with a smile and Robert E looked at her over his shoulder.

"Mornin," Robert E said, turning taking a heated horseshoe held in a pair of tongs.

As he laid it on an anvil and started banging it with a hammer, she approached. "I just wanted to thank you for selling such a fine horse."

"He's old," he said, looking up at the animal.

"But sound."

"He's sound."

As she walked around him as he continued to work, Logan watched as she eyed his joints and fingers. "That kind of work must be hard on your joints?" she asked.

"Yep."

"Certainly would aggravate a case of lumbago."

"Yep."

"I heard you had a touch of that yourself."

"Yep."

As Logan leaned against a post watching she put her bag down on a table and approached him. "Would you mind if I just take a look…," she started but he drew away from her.

"I don't wants no woman doctor!" he said, quietly.

Sighing Logan shook his head as the two held each other's gazes. "Of all the men in this town I thought you might know what it feels like to be judged unfairly!" she snapped before seizing her bag and turning away.

Slowly Robert E turned his eyes to Logan's hard face who nodded to her. "Wait…," he said, quietly as he stepped toward her.

At once, she turned in the process of tying her bag to her saddle. Slowly she faced him and just as slowly, he held out his well-muscled arm to her. Laying her bag on the anvil, she took it and gently moved it around. "Does that hurt?" she asked, as she moved from his elbow to his wrist.

"Don't feel good."

You see this swelling?" and she held up a finger. "It's called arthritis," and she turned to her bag as he looked at his fisted hand again before moving his fingers about. "now if you take a pinch of this powder three times a day it will take down the swelling, and relive some of the pain," and she handed him a small bottle of white powder.

"Then you can't fix it?"

Slowly she looked at Robert E. "not entirely but this will make it better," and she tapped the bottle again.

"Well I guess this will have to do until the new doc gets here," Robert E said, pocking the bottle and Logan stood straight as Mike looked at him.

"New doctor?" she asked.

"The Reverend…said he…put out a…new advertisement," Robert E said, in a somewhat sad voice.

Before another word could be said, Mike reattached he bag to her saddle and rode out of the livery for the church. "When did that happen Robert E?" Logan asked.

Slowly Robert E looked at him adjusting his cap. "He said, he put it out last week," he said, then both paused as they saw Brian Cooper come running in their direction. "Where's that boy going in such a hurry?" Robert E asked, as the two stepped out of the livery to watch him go.

"HELP! DR. MIKE!" the boy started yelling when he crossed the bridge. "RATTLESNAKE GOT HER!" just as he said, it Logan darted for the boarding hose and Dr. Mike's horse thundered across the bridge in her haste to help her friend.

In short order they were all gathered around Charlotte's bed as she lay on top of the covers most of her right forearm heavily swollen from the bite. Off to the side of the room by the window Matthew held his weeping sister Colleen as he stared blankly at his mother. When Brian came close, he held him close for comfort.

After quickly examining her, Dr. Mike turned to the Reverend and Matthew. "I need a bucket of cold water and some cider hurry," he said, urgently.

Slowly Charlotte opened her eyes with a rattling breath. As she did unnoticed, by everyone, a wave of lightheadedness passed over Logan and he shook his head to be rid of it. As they moved to obey, her instructions and the Reverend drew a blanket over Charlotte but kept, her arm exposed as Dr. Mike grinded something up with a pestle and mortar.

Logan… Red Dragon murmured.

Looking around her Charlotte murmured, "What are you all doing here?"

Looking up from her work Mike said, "You bitten by a rattlesnake," sorrow and concern lacing her voice as she continued working. "You're going to be fine," she insisted as Charlotte remembered.

"I am?" Charlotte murmured as Matthew and Colleen came back in carrying a cup of cider and the bucket of water.

Taking the cup of cider Mike poured the now fine powder into it. "Get her to drink this," she instructed Colleen who franticly tried to get her mother to drink it.

"Ma!" she fearfully as Charlotte didn't take the liquid her head rolling to the side. As it happened Logan leaned against the wall for support as he felt his knees begin to buckle and his breathing deepened.

Taking deep breaths, he looked up in time to see Charlotte give a jerk and looked at Mike as she had leaned close with a stethoscope to listen to her fading heart. That somehow Logan could feel as he listened to the dying woman.

"Dr. Mike…," she whispered in a hushed voice she forced up. And saying her name. "on…, one thing…"

"Anything," Dr. Mike said, and she tenderly rubbed Charlotte's forehead.

"Please…, please take care of…my children…," she said, and Logan's eyes widened as she looked at the three children gathered around the bed.

Coming out of her shocked supper Dr. Mike muttered, "Charlotte, not me. I, I mean, I… I don't know anything about children… raising them…they don't tell you anything about that in Medical School. Besides, you're going to be fine."

Logan you have to get out of there! Red Dragon urged him.

With her good hand and looking like it cost a lot from her Charlotte took her hand. "Please…promise…promise me…," she begged.

For a few seconds the two women looked at each other before Dr. Mike slowly nodded. "I promise…I promise…"

Smiling as if her world was complete, Charlotte slowly turned her head and looked at her youngest. "Brian…," she murmured reaching out to cup his cheek before just as slowly she turned to look at Matthew and Colleen the turned her eyes at Dr. mike. Who paused in her renewed work to return her gaze. After giving her a small smile, she turned her gaze towards the ceiling before looking at Logan who stared back.

Slowly Reverend Johnson reached out to gently stop Dr. Mike franticly working arm his gaze on Charlotte. She held Logan's gaze and seem to lift herself from the bed before with a death rattling breath fell back. At once, two things happened a sobbing Colleen and Brian threw themselves on their mother sobbing their broken hearts. And Logan stared as he saw what looked like a ghostly image of Charlotte rise from the bed where her body lay.

Standing on her feet, the ghostly figure turned to look at her body and with a longing look her children. Then slowly she turned and looked at Logan. Smiling she walked forward to look him in the eye.

Slowly she reached forward and brushed the back of her hand down his cheek. "How can one so young bare so many burdens? And such heartache…with so many storms still before you," she muttered, in a whisper of a voice.

"Who am I?" he asked, in an undertone unable to stop himself.

Smiling she cupped his cheek. "Someone who is the first of the new generation of his kind. Someone who has the proudest family in the world back home…someone who will find happiness," she said, then stood straight as pulsing light covered her a second later she was a ball of light floated away through the ceiling.

When it was gone, his legs finally buckled and he fell to the floor with a soft thump. At the sound, Dr. Mike turned her head to look over at him. Neither one able to say anything Logan pulled himself to his feet and despite how weak he suddenly felt made his way out of the boarding house and to the porch.

Logan… Red Dragon started as he leaned against one of posts.

What the hell just happened? He demanded.

For a few seconds Red Dragons was silent before he continued, I didn't want you to find out this way…because their bond with the dragons aside from Elves, Rider are more connected to nature than any other magical being. Because of this, they could feel both life…and death around them…and that is why you feel so week, because you felt her life leave her.

In stunned silence, Logan stood like a statue where he was. What do you mean I can feel life?

I mean what I said, when fully trained you will be able to feel and see everything around you.

But I can already do something like that with my mind both psychic and empathic.

But there are those who can shield their minds from you…for instance did you ever feel Zedd's or Rita's minds?

For a few seconds Logan thought about that. No, he finally admitted.

you forget that Riders were the Guardians…the Sentinels of the world…they held the lines when no one else could…there were those before the fall…who learned to fight them…even defeat them…so not even the fully trained or the most experienced was invincible. But they did learn and master what I speak of.

Could you teach me?

Again, Red Dragon fell silent. It is not my place…when the magical races fled to The Magical Realm to avoid a war between magic and mortal…one remained behind…a watcher you could say. This was the last of the ancient Riders and he or she was charged to find and give sanctuary to all magical beings who discover their power. But most importantly, he or she was charged to train the new generation of riders when they appear of which you are the first.

Nodding Logan glanced to the side. Well at least we found The Watcher.

Maybe, and Logan blinked.

What do you mean? It's not Narvock?

Logan there's a reason why most Dragons don't transfer their consciousness to their gems…there's a risk…a…large risk. You see in the process we may lose a part of our memory or ourselves… and can be taken advantage of, Red Dragon explained.

For a few seconds Logan was dumbstruck. Are you telling me that before you went into your gem you knew who it was but you don't know now?

Exactly, at first when we first bonded I was certain it was Narvock…but after learning what he did to you…I'm starting to have my doubts. But back to the subject at hand…while we're here I can teach a little of the knowledge but as I said, it is not my place.

The next day they buried Charlotte. Watching from the side with Sully after the Reverend's sermon they watched Matthew taking the shove poured a little earth into the grave. Turning he faced Dr. Mike dressed in black who held her hands out for the shovel but ignoring her, he passed it on to Slicker. Sighing Logan shook his head as he felt the emotions of the three children, which ranged from despair to anger.

Over the next couple of days, Logan stayed close to the village with Sully. One day early in the morning Logan sat in a lotus position facing the rising sun eyes closed his breathing light and easy. When the sun was fully in the sky, he slowly opened his eyes then Logan turned and saw Springs Dawn come close.

"'Something wrong?"' he asked, climbing to his feet.

Slowly she shook her head. "'No White Falcon, but Runs With Wolves is leaving for the town, he wants to know if you would accompany him,"' she said.

He nodded and climbed to his feet. As he walked by he paused and they looked at each other. For the briefest second he saw a spark of longing and want in her eye before he turned and walked away.

An hour later Logan was in town with Sully looking over something and talking to Robert E. At the sound of a wagon, they turned and watched as Michaela drove in with the children, Matthew at the reins. After watching them pass, Logan eyed Sully who kept a keen eye on her and as if feeling his eyes on him glanced Logan's way.

For a few seconds the two looked at each other before Logan muttered, "I have to get a couple things from Bray's," and he turned and started down the street smiling and shaking his head.

Just as he was coming into the store just as with a clash of broken glass, Brian accidently knocked over a candy jar. The contents spilling all over the floor.

"You clumsy little fool!" Loren barked and pulled Brian from the stool he was on.

"Let go of him!" Colleen barked pulling her brother protectively close.

"He broke my candy jar!"

"It was an accident!" Brian defended as Michaela came close.

"And he climbed up on that stool after I told him not to do it!"

Sighing Dr. Mike looked down at Brian. "Did you disobey Mr. Bray?" she asked, as Logan stepped closer his eyes on the scene.

"I just wanted to look."

Sighing Dr. Mike looked at Loren. "What is the damage?"

"The jar cost a dollar… and it holds a hundred candies that's another dollar," Loren said, looking from the mess to her.

"It was only half full Loren," and the group people turned to look at Maude behind the counter.

Slowly Loren looked back at Dr. Mike and caught Logan's eye over her shoulder. "dollar fifty," he conceded.

"Please add it to my bill," Dr. Mike muttered.

"You're darn straight I will but who's going to clean up this mess?" Loren stated and they all looked at Brian.

"I don't know how," he pouted.

"Then you'll learn," Michaela said, reaching for Loren's broom and held it out to him.

Slowly Brian looked at the broom before glancing at the mess. "I hate you," he muttered, looking at her with a hard face.

Sighing Logan shook his head knowing form what he felt from the boy it was the grief talking. Slowly the group broke up as the Brian took the broom form and Dr. Mike urged Colleen to go on with their shopping. Just as Logan was looking over some apples Dr. Mike reached Maude.

"Thank you," she muttered.

"It was the truth," Maude replied and turned moved to pick up a large sack of flour then gave a moan before putting it down. Looking at her with concern as she clutched her chest Logan and Dr. Mike came close. "My heart does pound just like you said," she said, after looking to Loren near the back looking over some stock.

Michaela asked, "How often does it happen?"

"Irregular once maybe twice a week."

Sighing Dr. Mike retrieved a small white envelope from her bag. "This is a powder called digitalis. Just take a pinch whenever your heart starts to speed up. It should help to slow it down. I'm afraid this is all I've got but I'll send to Chicago for some more, and Maude you can't work so hard," she instructed and Maude nodded before turning picking up the sack again.

Smiling Logan took it from her. "Let me, you go upstairs and rest," he muttered, and turned walked over and put it with the others.

"I'll be right back!" Dr. Mike told the children before turning to leave the store.

"I'll come with you," and Logan followed her out into the street. For a few second the two walked in silence before Logan muttered, "don't take what Brian said, to heart. It's just the grief talking," and she looked at him nodding. "Also I knew Charlotte a little longer than you and she was a good judge of character. She wouldn't leave her kids with just anyone and from what I've seen; you're doing a good job. Beside I'm living proof it doesn't take blood to make a good mother," and they stopped outside the telegraph.

Looking up at him, she smiled. "Thanks Logan I appreciate it,"

"You know you can also call me White Falcon, they Cheyenne do," he said, and after she nodded, he left her and she went inside.

A short while later both of them were preparing to leave when they saw her walk into the Saloon. "That's asking for trouble," Logan muttered.

"Let's stick around in case there is," Sully muttered, and they moved toward the building.

For a little while, there was nothing then they started hearing catcalls from inside. Moving closer they were in time to hear Dr. Mike say, "…that's not my line of work, gentlemen. As I said, I'm a doctor, and I'll be expect to be hearing from any of you foolish enough to spend time with Myra before that month is up."

Motioning her closer they heard Hank mutter, "get out" to her and she moved to leave. But before she reached the doors, a man blocked her path with his leg.

"We ain't quite finished with you lady," he said, standing up in front of her.

As the men around them started throwing catcalls she growled, "get out of my way!" before the man could do anything both Logan, Sully barged it, and Sully grabbed the man and turning threw him out through the swinging doors.

In response on man leapt at them from a table and grabbing, him in mid-flight Logan threw him over the bar against the back wall knocking shelves to the floor. Turning back, he was in time to see some one hit Sully sending him back to bar. As the man tackled him, Sully wrapped his legs around the man's waist like he taught him and began driving his fists into the man's face.

Turning and after giving one man coming at him a solid kick to the chest grabbed the gun hand of another as he pulled his weapon hard. Locking it out he flipped the man onto a table which crumbled under his weight before Logan knocked the gun from his hand and gave him a solid strike to his temple. At a sound Logan looked up and whipping out his tomahawk threw it end over end were it landed in the wall behind the bar the handle pinning Hank's forearm to the wall his gun in hand.

"STAY OUT OF IT HANK!" he barked then turned as a man came at him with a wild kick. Grabbing the man by the leg Logan forced him down into a spilt and as the man moaned in agony, Logan gave him a solid elbow strike to the back.

Back on his feet just as Sully gave the man who had tackled him a solid kick to the head the man from before barged back into the Saloon. "I ain't afraid of you Mountain Men!" he growled drawing his gun.

At once turning to face him Sully drew and threw his tomahawk striking him in the wrist and the gun fell to the floor. Coming toward him Logan faked a low roundhouse to the man's legs before spinning around and giving him a powerful kick to the chest. Which sent him practically flying back out the door and onto the street where he law moaning.

"Come on!" Sully barked grabbing Michaela and retrieving their tomahawks they backed out of the Saloon eying the men around them.

Once back on the street Dr. Mike made a b line for the wagon barking to the children, "get in the wagon!"

"Brian cleaned up the candy real good," Colleen said.

"Come on," Dr. Mike said, to Matthew once they were all on before turning to Logan and Sully. "Thank you," she muttered, reaching out and hers and Sully 's fingers lightly brushed as the wagon moved away from them.

"Is this how you usually impress a girl?" Logan asked, as they stood in the middle of the street together and Sully gave him a side look.

The next day after waking up in their private woodland camp and checking Sully 's traps, they spent the day at on the reservation. They were just settling down to dinner with Cloud Dancing and Black Kettle when they heard riders come into camp. Shrugging it off they continued their discussion when the flap was suddenly opened.

Looking up they looked at the warrior known as Tall Bear then suddenly he pulled Dr. Mike into view. Shifting in surprise Logan watched as Tall Bear pushed her inside where she fell onto one of the fur mats of the tipi. As she pushed herself up for the first time, Logan frowned in confusion as he noticed that she was still wearing her nightgown.

What did she go to work without changing her clothes?

"Please tell them to let me go," she said, looking at them with a plead in her eye.

Frowning Sully addressed the warrior, "'release this woman at once!'"

"'We found her lost near the mountains. Night was falling and she was not prepared to spend the night out there. So we brought her here for her own safety,"' Tall Bear said, in confusion.

Shaking his head Logan looked at her. "Don't be afraid you're not a captive," he reassured her.

She frowned in confusion. "They said, you were lost and they brought you here for safekeeping," Sully clarified.

"I wasn't lost!" she defended.

Logan arched an eyebrow. "really then you were prepared to spend a cold night in the forest with only a thin coat and a nightgown for protection from the elements?"

At that her face dropped. "Okay maybe I was…Brian ran away," both Logan and Sully sat straighter at that. "He got into his head to run off and live with the Cheyenne. He thinks you live with them," and both men shared a glance. "both of you are his heroes."

At those words, Logan blinked. "Is that right?" Sully muttered, and she nodded.

Never thought to be somebodies hero.

Come one Logan back home there are countless kids who think of you as their hero, Red Dragon said.

No The Red Dragon Ranger and Shadow Tiger are there hero. No me.

And yet you are them.

"That's right. So, he's out there somewhere wandering around in the cold with wild animals," she said, and Logan clearly heard the fear in her voice.

"'What is happening? Why is she afraid?"' Black Kettle asked, and looking at him both quickly explained what Brian had done. After looking at them, he looked at Dr. Mike. "'A mother's worse fear where her cub runs from her. And of only this boy knew that how our people and way of life is being killed off…and are being hunted like wild game. If only more white men saw my people through his eyes,'" he said. "'Tell her that at first light we will help her search for the boy.'"

Smiling Logan and Sully gladly relayed his words. "Thank you," she said, her voice fully of gratitude and relief.

"Ha-ho," Logan said, when Black Kettle looked at them.

"Ah-ho," Dr. Mike said, herself trying to copy what he said.

Chuckling Logan shook his head as Sully said, slowly, "Ha…ho."

"Ha-ho," she repeated

Smiling Black Kettle signed and said, "Your welcome. And well done."

Later Dr. Mike sat in Logan's tipi with Sully sticks of corn roasting over the fire in the center. "How long before we go?" she asked, as Logan slowly turned one stick.

"You're not going. The women stay in camp," Sully said, moving closer to her.

"Not this woman," she said, determined as she looked into the fire.

"Yeah I guess you would go off on your own," Logan muttered, looking at Sully.

Sighing he took the corn Logan offered him. "The Cheyenne believe that if a woman acts like a brave, she'll become one."

"I'll risk it," and both of them looked at her.

Sighing Logan took the third piece of corn and held it out to her. "No I'm not hungry," and she waved it off.

"You haven't eaten all day," Logan said, and she looked at him. "You don't eat, you don't go."

For a few seconds she held his gaze before taking the corn from him and after blowing on it took a bite. As she chewed it slowly, Logan returned his attention to his corn and took a bite. "The last time I ate corn, I was sitting on the banks of the River Charles," Dr. Mike said.

"Could do with some butter," Logan muttered, and she looked at him. "What? I may live and with and like Indians but it doesn't mean I haven't had butter before," he said, and he took another bite.

"Where is the River Charles?" Sully asked.

"Home," she said, simply lowering the corn. "do either of you get home sick?" she asked.

At that, Logan paused. "Nope," Sully said, just as simply.

"And I've learned home is where family is or where you hang your hat," Logan muttered.

For a few seconds they sat in silence. "do you think he'll be alright out there, all on his own?" she asked, fear creeping into her voice.

"There's no way to really know," Sully muttered, trying to comfort her.

"I let Charlotte down," she said, with a mournful sight.

"No you haven't," and she looked at Logan. "The only way you'd be letting her down is if you hadn't spent the whole day looking for him. As far as I'm concerned she chose the right person to look after her kids."

"And you did your best," Sully said, looking into the fire and she looked at him. "sometimes, life just has a way of… taking its own course."

Looking into the fire herself she took another bite before her sighing her face fell into her knees her body shaking with her sobs. When a strong woman wept, the tears came from the deepest and darkest corners of her heart, Logan thought to himself thinking of the few time he saw Kimberly cry and a pang shot through his heart.

Slowly Sully stood, after planting his knife into eh ground, and walked over and comfortly put his blanket over her shoulders. "get some sleep; we have a long day ahead of us," Sully muttered, and the three laid down on their mats and were soon fast asleep.

The next morning as promised after Dr. Mike got a change of clothes the hunters including Black Kettle and Cloud Dancing rode out of the camp before breaking up into smaller groups. All with high hopes to find a lost child that was not their own. And as always the only one not on horseback was Sully as Wolf kept close to him.

For hours, the three of them searched calling out Brian's name in hopes of a reply. It wasn't until they reached the creek that they found any sign of him. And it was in the form of a stray piece of torn cloth.

As Wolf brought Sully the torn cloth Dr. Mike cried, "That's Brian's I know it is," at once Sully gave Wolf the sent and with a flash of fur, he took off them close behind.

After following the creek, a ways Wolf suddenly peeled up a slop forcing Logan and Dr. Mike to abandon the horses to climb it. Still following Wolf, they came to the edge of a rocky ledge and peering over saw the river far below.

"Oh please god no," Dr. Mike moaned out covering her mouth in very fear.

Throwing all caution to the wind Logan expanded his senses. Though like Wolf he could smell Brian, he was thankful he could see no blood on the rocks below.

Leaning further over the edge frowning he peered more over the edge with Sully. There twenty feet below them laying still on the loose earth. His cloths dirty and torn: was Brian. "There!" Sully barked pointing as Logan sighed in relief when he saw him breathing.

"Brian!" Michaela immediately cried out to him.

The boy turned his head to look up at them. "DR. MIKE!" he cried back.

"Don't worry we're going to get you!" Michaela called out to him as both Sully and Logan prepared for the climb down.

One after the other they carefully climbed over the edge. The decent was slow due to them not wanting to send anything down on Brian. When they finally reached him, Logan help Sully put the boy on his back.

"Hang on tight!" Sully said, as the boy wrapped his arms around the man's neck as he moaned in pain.

"Don't worry Brian we'll get you out of here," Logan said, as they started to climb back up.

When they reached the top, Brian was immediately transferred to Michaela's arms. And Logan watched as she held him as if afraid to let him go. Stepping back both Logan and Sully watched the reunion both oblivious to them.

She's going to be just fine and she'll make a hell of a mother, Logan thought as she asked, Brian if he was all right and he told her his leg hurt.

At once, she laid him down and checked his leg. "His leg is broke, I need a split."

"We'll get something," Sully said, and after leaving, they quickly returned with chopped sticks for the splint.

After handing them to her Sully dropped to his knees by Brian's head. "Just hold his head," she instructed and he shifted Brian onto his lap before placing a stick in his mouth. Taking Brian's hand Logan watched as Michaela set the bone and was impressed that Brian barely made a sound. "You're a brave boy," she said, as she set the splint.

"And the Cheyenne would be lucky to have you," Logan muttered, and Brian looked at him a gleam in his eye.

After making their way down, they rode out to meet with the search party Brian in Sully 's arms. "Who was that woman with the Brave from last night? The one who was with you, Sully and Black Kettle," Dr. Mike asked.

Logan looked at her. "He wasn't a brave he was a Medicine Man by name of Cloud Dancing, and the woman was his wife Snow Bird," he said, as the search party came into sight.

At the sight of them Cloud Dancing slipped from his horse. "'Is that the boy? Did you find him? Is he alive?"' he asked, concerned.

Logan nodded. "'We got him, he's got a broken leg but he's alive,"' he said, as they reached him and they knelt to him have a look as Black Kettle and the rest of the hunters joined them.

"He's fine," Michaela said, as he examined Brian's leg.

"I see that, and you do good work," Cloud Dancing said, and she blinked. "The spirits were with us this day,"' he finished smiling at her.

Then at the sound of horses, they all looked at the next rise and saw a line of Calvary men looking down at them. Narrowing his eyes Logan focused then cursed when he saw Chivington next to Matthew. Before anyone could do anything, the Calvary charged down the hill. At once Logan, Michaela, and Sully drew back to protect Brian while the Cheyenne on leapt to their horses and galloped away.

As the Calvary drew, close Michaela gave a cry and ran forward under Sully 's protest. Getting between the Calvary and the Cheyenne, she threw up her arms crying for them to stop. Logan watched with baited breath, as the collem of horsemen gave no sign of stopping.

Then at the last second, the lead rider pulled on his reins and with a cry, his horse dug its hooves in stopping barely a foot from her. Behind him, the rest of Calvary came pulled to a stop in a tangled heap. As men barked for riders to halt.

"DAMN IT, WOMAN!" Chivington barked pushing forward and Logan let out a deep sigh of relief as he started breathing again as he and Sully move to stand beside her. "You are interfering with government business!" he barked leveling his pistol on them.

"No, we're not!" Michaela said, interrupting their protests. "This is a search party sir! My boy was lost, and these people helped me find him!"

For a few seconds Chivington looked at her before glancing at the Cheyenne who had stopped to watch. Logan could almost see the thirst for blood in his eye. "The Cheyenne have broken federal law by leaving their reservation in a number greater than two," he said.

"That wasn't part of the treaty!" Logan barked unable to stop the protest at the injustice. "Take your thirst for blood elsewhere it's not needed here!"

"Either way it was my fault, sir please accept my apology," Michaela said, glancing at Logan with her eyes.

After looking at them for a couple more seconds, Chivington returned his gaze to the Cheyenne. "Fall back," he ordered in a growling undertone.

Quit your whining, Logan thought as the soldiers turned and left. "you certainly got the courage of a brave I'll give you that," he said, to Michaela as she and Sully faced the Cheyenne and Black Kettle signed her his thanks before they to left.

Turning back, they saw Matthew ride down to them. "Brian?" he asked, when he reached them.

"He's alright," Michaela reassured him.

"You sure told him Dr. Mike," Brian said, a gleam of admiration in his eye and Matthew nodded his thanks.

After smiling down at him Michaela said, "poor Colleen will be worried sick. Let's go home," and picking up Brian they retrieved their horses and left.

As winter, approached relationships between the Cheyenne plummeted with the town fearful and Chivington was spiteful though they were glad to hear that Brian's leg had healed well. In that time Logan and Sully rarely ventured into town. One of the rare time that they did was when they heard that Maude had died from a heart attack after she ran out of digitalis. Because Loren wouldn't allow Sully to attend, they paid their respects from the edge of the wood coming close when everyone was gone.

Shortly after the funeral, Logan found himself back at the village sitting outside his tipi during the night giving his bow a rub down. At the sound of approaching footsteps he looked up to see Springs Dawn come toward him a good size piece of roasted venison on a stick.

"I thought you might be hungry," she said, in English holding it out to him.

Smiling he took it from her. "Thanks I had a feeling you could speak English," he said, as she sat down next to him.

She smiled her face glowing in the moonlight. "My father wanted me and my brothers and sister to learn. So that we could help our people," she said, and he nodded taking a bite before eyeing some of the newly arrive Arapaho.

"So Chivington is sending more here," he said, his eyes roaming over some to the chiefs talking with Black Kettle. "…they're mainly women and children never really thought of him…," he started then stopped as a scent caught his attention.

"What is it?' she asked, as he stood eyeing the dark.

As he focused and the dark disappeared for him, his eyes widen in horror. "Run for the horses…," he muttered.

"What…,"

"RUN!" he barked at her and she took off and darted forward calling an alarm. "'ATTACK! LONG KNIVES ARE ATTACKING!'" and at once the night was broken but the sound of army rifles.

Keeping low Logan kept going forward as a white flag was erected over one chief's tipi as with a thunder of hooves a line of Calvary men rode in. Diving out of their way behind a tipi Logan stared in horror. As the people around screamed in terror and people fell left and right under the hail of bullets.

Looking over he saw a mother her baby in her arms freeze as he back arched from the bullet's impact before she fell flat on the ground looking back at him with hollow dead eyes. Almost immediately followed by a girl no older than Dana landing next to her. Blood seeping from the hole in her back on to join the innocent blood already soaking the ground.

All around him he saw as his heart broke the people he knew. People who had took him in after finding him on the prairie alone and friendless but had accepted him. Being slaughtered by those who said, would protect them.

But what really got to him, what really cut right to his soul. Was the sound of the soldier's laughter.

Looking the other way his eyes catching every second of the massacre, he saw Cloud Dancing trying directing people with Black Kettle beside him. Suddenly Black Kettle jerked clutching his neck and he fell to the ground.

As he stood over Black Kettle Cloud Dancing brandished his tomahawk as the solders advanced on foot toward him laughing. "I like it when they think they can win," one said, leveling his rifle.

"Then you're going to love me!" a deadly voice growled behind them. The one spoke turned and Logan grabbed the man's rifle and jerking it up drove the butt under his chin. As the soldier fell blood coming from his mouth Logan turned holding the rifle in both hands swung it down and up into the arch of the next man's legs. With what seemed like little effort the man was lifted off the ground and thrown like a doll as Logan turned to jam the barrel into the next man's gut.

As he fell, Logan dropped the rifle and facing another soldier coming at him with a saber, he kicked a lance into his hand. Spinning it around him, he blocked the attack, kicked the man across the face before spinning on the spot, and whacked another across the face with the lance. After blocking a slash to his back, he gave a hard sidekick to the man launching him off his feet.

"Let's get him out of here!" he barked facing a stunned Cloud Dancing and the two picked Back Kettle up and carried him into the darkness. Once they were far enough into the cover of darkness Logan gave a whistle and a moment later Wildfire like a wisp of smoke emerged from the darkness. Close behind was Springs Dawn and Cloud Dancing wife Snow Bird on a bay carrying his strung bow.

"'Father!'" she barked in Cheyenne slipping form the animal.

"'He's alive but we have to get him out of here! Get on my horse Cloud Dancing will ride with him!"' Logan barked as she came close.

"And where do you think you're going injins?" said, a voice behind them and they froze. Holding her gaze Logan discreetly slipped his bow from her hand. "before you braves die you're going to watch us have fun with the…" the soldier started but was silenced as Logan gripping the bow by the handle and one whipped around and brought the other end down across his face knocking him out.

Before the other could react Logan, still spinning knocked him out with a kick across the face. As he faced the last one drawing an arrow and shot the third in the arm while another one flew through the darkness and pierced the man in the knee dropping him to the ground. As Cloud Dancing gave him a solid swipe with the flat of his tomahawk Logan watched, Sully appear out of the darkness.

"Let's get Black Kettle some help!" he barked.

"I know just the place to go! Cloud Dancing keep the pressure up on his neck or else he'll bleed to death!" Logan said, swinging onto Wildfire before helping Springs Dawn up and after taking one last look at the village the tipis now afire they rode away the screams of the dying and the soldier's laughter echoing in the night.

By the time they reached Michaela's Black Kettle was barely breathing. After explaining, what happened she had them lay him on her table. They watched as she did a tracheotomy using the feather on Sully 's beads before removing the bullet from his neck.

Later that night the three of them sat around the table discussing what should be done next in hushed tones. Across from them Cloud Dancing sat at the base of Mike's bed where Black Kettle rested after she had stitched up the bullet hole. Spring Dawn and Snow Bird sat on the bed tending to her father.

"Come sun up Chivington's men are going to be looking for Black Kettle's body," Sully said, and Logan nodded looking over at him as he tapped the top of his tomahawk against the table as he gripped the handle. "If they don't find it at Sand Creek they're going to come looking."

"Well, you can't move him he could start bleeding again," Mike protested. "Besides I need to stich up the tracheotomy as soon as the swelling goes down," and Sully laid his forehead against his hands the knuckles going white as his grip tightened.

If only I could find some time to use magic it could be healed in a second, Logan thought.

You know you can't not with this many people around, Red Dragon said.

For a few seconds they sat in silence before Mike looked at them. "How did you get so involved?"

Slowly they looked at her. "See that wolf over there?" Sully asked, and she nodded looking at Wolf as he lay on Brian's bed who had finally gotten back to sleep. "Some people think its evil, but it's been a friend to me and White Falcon, just like the Indians. Thirty years ago when the white man first set foot in this territory, there was thousands of those wolves. Then the government put a bounty on their head, and now there's just a few hundred. The way I see it, the same thing is happening to the Indians."

For a few seconds there was silence before she looked at Logan. "What about you?"

He looked at her. "I'm of the same mind. But more than that, it was those people who found me on the Prairie; they took me back and took me in. I probably owe them my life," he said.

Again, she fell silent before looking at Black Kettle. "We can hide Chief Black Kettle in the barn."

Smiling Sully took her hand. "Thank you."

The next morning as Black Kettle rested again laying on hay in a stall of the barn Springs Dawn looked at Mike. "How long before my father can be moved?" she asked, as Brian and Matthew watched from the front of the stall.

"At least a day before the tissue binds enough," Mike, said, looking over the stitching.

"We may not have that long," Logan said.

"either way you'd better get back up to the house," Sully said, and nodding Mike left ushering Brian and Matthew with her and after pausing to look back at Sully at the door left.

As Springs Dawn continued to nurse her father's wounds Logan moved to keep watch by the door. For an about half an hour he peered out through a knothole before cursing drawing Sully near. To see four soldiers on horseback come riding toward the homestead.

As quietly as possible, they watched the soldiers move toward the house and knocked. "Can I help ya?" they herd Mike's voice in a convincing southern drawl.

"We're looking for some renegades might have come this way."

"Injuns? 'Round these parts?"

"Sorry, but we got orders to search every house."

"Help yourself," and at once the solders moved into the house.

Turning Logan signaled for them to quietly move Black Kettle out the back while Sully kept watch. A short while later the soldiers came back out and move towards the barn and Logan and Sully retreated to the others as they quietly left through the back door. Black Kettle supported on their shoulders.

Just as they reached the back door, they froze as the front door moved as the solder's tried to open it but the rope locking it in place prevented them. After hearing them try the other smaller door they moved to try the main door again. On one swift motion Sully drew his tomahawk and threw it cutting the cord, the door partially swung open, and they closed the back door silently. Both of them disappearing into the bush before the soldiers entered the barn.

Not long after the soldiers left, it was decided that Black Kettle be moved. "Have to borrow on of your horse's son," Sully said, to Matthew as Cloud Dancing mounted the horse behind Black Kettle.

"Proud to lend it."

"I can't promise you'll get it back," Logan said.

For a few seconds Matthew was silent. "That's no harm," he said, waving it off.

Smiling Sully patted his shoulder. "Your ma done a good job raising you up."

"Ain't you riding with them, Sully?" Brian asked, from the porch over Sully 's shoulder.

"Nope."

"Why not?"

"I've always wondered that myself?" Logan asked, slipping onto his horse

"Afraid of horses," he admitted and he looked at Brian's stunned face.

"Really?" the boy asked.

"Yep always have been," he said, smiling.

"Even the bravest man in the world feels fear Brian," and Brian looked at Logan. "It's park of being human."

Then all eyes turned to Black Kettle as he looked down at Mike and signed something to her. "My father just gave you your Cheyenne name," Springs Dawn said, looking down at her. "'Medicine Woman,'" then she drew the horse she was one close to Mike. "I want to thank you Medicine Women for saving my father's life. And I know I speak for him when I say you will always be welcome among our people. Until we meet again…my sister," she said, then they rode off.

For a few seconds Mike stood in awed silence watching them go. "What are they going to do now?" she asked.

"What they never wanted to do," Sully said. "Fight…" and the group of Cheyenne disappeared from sight and he looked at Mike. "Well uh… I guess we'd better be going," and he and Logan left going the other way with Wolf following. Back to Sand Creek. To look for more survivors.

It was over a month later when they saw Mike and the children again. It was Christmas Eve when they came trudging toward the snowed in homestead dressed in thick coats and furs. At Sully 's knock, the door was quickly opened and a dressed up Mike greeted them.

"Hi mind if we come?" Logan asked, half shivering from the cold despite the smile on his face.

"Come on in," she insisted. "Warm yourselves by the fire."

"Don't mind if we do just got to get Wildfire in the barn," Logan said, and moved off as Sully stepped in.

As soon as Wildfire was secure indoors, Logan returned and joined his friend by the fire. Their back to everyone they stretched their hands over the flames. "Colleen give them some tea," Mike said.

Before she could however and smiling Sully pulled out the wolf pup he had carried under his jacket. "Merry Christmas Brian," he said, holding him out to the boy.

"Thanks Sully," the tearful boy said, holding the pup close who started to lick his face like there was no tomorrow.

Smiling Logan held out a comb that Sully had carved for her. "Here you go Colleen," he said, and mouth open in awe she took it.

"Thank you Mr. Sully, Mr. White Falcon," she said.

"Matthew…," Sully said, turning holding out a folding pocketknife.

"Thank you," Matthew said, taking it.

Smiling Logan slipped a slab of wood from under his jacket and handed it to Sully who held it out to Mike. Flipping it over she saw the hand carved words spell 'M. QUINN M.D.' and right below it was 'MEDICINE WOMAN.'

"Now, that's a shingle," Sully said.

"It certainly is," she said, a tear running down her face. "Thank you."

"Merry Christmas," Logan said, and she nodded. Slowly Logan and Sully looked at the people around them

"Well, uh…good night, Merry Christmas," Sully said, and they moved to leave.

"Wait," pausing they turned back. "Please stay…eat with us," Mike said.

For a few seconds they remained where they were. "I'd like that," Sully said, and she beamed.

"Is there pumpkin pie?" Logan asked, as they removed their coats and furs and smiling she nodded.

Soon enough they were all seated around the table. As Logan looked from each smiling face he despite his worry for Kimberly and when she would join him here. He couldn't help but feel the greatest gift of all he had been given since he arrived in this time and place. It was the same gift that Mike had been given since she had arrived in the territory looking for acceptance as a doctor: the gift of love.

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