SCREAMIN' FINE RIDE By LCD Worley January, 2000 [The Raven] Nick and Vachon sat at the bar staring into their glasses. "Do you ever feel that no matter what you do, it's always the wrong thing?" Nick sulked. Vachon snorted in response, continuing to stare into his drink. "I just don't understand them. I try to do the right thing, and all I manage to get is everyone mad at me! Janette is *still* angry that I brought her back. Now Nat's furious that I would let her die without even trying to bring her across. Then to top it all off, Tracy refuses to forgive me for not confessing about being part of the little 'wrinkle' you added to her life!" "I don't see why she's mad at me. It wasn't my place to tell her about anyone but myself," Vachon pouted. "She doesn't see it that way. None of them are seeing reason." Nick stood as he and Vachon echoed, "Women." Nick turned to go and bumped into a dark slender woman dressed in leathers. He paused to look at her, and then muttered as he left, "You shouldn't be here." The woman gave him a 'who the hell are you?' look and sat near Vachon saying, "What's with him?" "Oh, he gets that way sometimes." Vachon's face took on a far-off look as she gave her order to the bartender. After a moment he shook off his thoughts, "Have we met before?" ####### FLASHBACK ####### Setting: 1771, near the Scioto River, in what is now Ohio. The Shawnee are hosting meetings with several neighboring tribes. The topic of discussion is the Iroquois' part in the British takeover of native lands. The Mississauga, as allies of the uninvited Iroquois, have sent a small group to listen in on the meetings. ***** Vachon sat on a boulder near the edge of the water looking back to the dying fire. He watched as the remaining participants continued to speak in hushed tones. Being a friend of the Mississauga, Javier was troubled by their part in the injustices done to those attending this gathering. The weight of his years was beginning to lay heavily upon his shoulders. Moments later, a Cherokee woman left the group, striding purposefully toward the river. Her frustration was evident as she stopped near the water. The smell of sage clinging to her doeskin clothing filled the air around her. It wasn't long before she realized she was not alone. Her voice trembled as she spoke, "We've lost; the Iroquois have taken it upon themselves to turn our lands over to the British. The tribes cannot agree to stand together against them." She turned her face to the bright moonlight behind Vachon, a tear slowly rolling down her cheek, shining like a liquid crystal. ####### END FLASHBACK ####### The leather-clad woman gave a chuckle, "Please tell me that isn't your best pick up line!" Vachon smiled, "Honest, you just look real familiar." She paused before continuing as Miklos set a shot glass in front of her. "I don't think we've met. I would have remembered you. Besides, I just moved here a month ago." She held out her hand saying, "My name's Cloud." He took her hand in his saying, "Vachon", just before bringing it to his lips and brushing a kiss across the back. "So what brings you to a place like this? Looking for trouble?" he asked, his eyes glistening brightly. Cloud answered with a laugh, "I just stopped to get a little 'anti-freeze' in my system before going out in the cold." "Going out alone?" At her nod he asked, "Would you like to go for a ride? My bike's out front." She drained her shot and set the glass back on the bar, "That'd be great. I'll meet you out there, but first I need to go 'powder my nose'." Vachon made his way outside to warm up the bike. He had been waiting a few minutes when he heard the roar of a Harley coming to life. To his surprise, Cloud pulled around the corner from the alley. Raising her voice above the sound of the engine Cloud said, "You lead the way. I'm the new kid in town!" Vachon threw his leg over his bike, straightened it out and kicked it into gear. They headed out into the night, each alone with their private thoughts. Wind whipped through long dark hair and pulled on leather fringe. The power of the engines thundered through the night, making them one with the rhythm of the darkness. The city lights were left far behind as they wound the bikes up the old tree-lined asphalt road. Vachon turned his bike off the road when the trees began to thin. Riding slowly along the short dirt path, they entered a clearing with a pond. Between the trees, far off in the distance, were the lights of Toronto's skyline. Overhead the bright stars and a thin crescent moon were only partially blocked by barely discernable clouds. Vachon moved to sit sidesaddle, all the while watching the woman next to him. "So what do you think?" Cloud settled the bike on its kickstand and threw one leg over the tanks to rest in front of her. The beauty of the place was enough to take her breath away as she looked around in awe. "Vachon, it's wonderful! This has got to be the find of the century!" "Glad you like it. You should see it on a clear night." He raised a hand to point towards the sky, "It's like you can almost reach the stars." The two sat in silence for a while. Vachon was the first to break it. "Cloud's a different name. There a story behind it?" Visions of a long ago tear winding down a moonlit cheek danced in his mind's eye. "My father said when he was a child he used to lay in the grass and look for different images in the clouds. After I was born, he said all he could see dancing in the clouds was me. So he named me Cloud Dancer to honor my Cherokee ancestry." "That's a wonderful legacy to leave a child," he whispered. A little uncomfortable with the kindness of his words she asked, "By the way, is Vachon your first or last name?" Vachon allowed the discussion to center on him for the moment. "My name's Javier Vachon, but I usually just go by Vachon." After a pause, he settled the conversation back on Cloud. "So Cloud Dancer, what kind of woman rides off with a total stranger in a new town? What *would* your family say?", he asked facetiously. Cloud blushed slightly and cast her eyes down before answering. "This probably sounds absolutely insane, but I get the feeling I can trust you, like I know you... Either that, or I've completely lost my mind!" She gave a quiet chuckle. "Normally, I'm a loner. Have been ever since I lost my family. I'd ride all night and sleep all day if I had the option, but then real life steps in and tells me to get my butt to work. Speaking of which, it's gotta be after 3:00 by now, we better get back soon." As they sat admiring the view a little longer, Vachon's mind warred with itself. "Vachon? Vachon? All set?" Cloud asked. Vachon looked up and smiled, "I'm ready if you are." They started the bikes and took them screaming down the road. They pulled up outside the Raven and kept the bikes running. With the rumble of the engines bouncing off the brick walls, Cloud leaned closer to Vachon saying, "Thanks for the warm welcome. Hope I see you here again sometime." Vachon gave her an inviting smile as she let out the clutch and pulled away. Seconds later, a smile still on his face, he circled his bike around and headed for the church. [The Raven, one week later] Vachon was quietly talking with Miklos when the newly familiar scent of wild sage reached him. He turned from the bar and said, "Hey, Cloud." Cloud jumped onto the stool next to him, "Hi Vachon, Miklos." Miklos looked up, "The usual?" "Yeah..." Cloud began, "actually, I'll try what he's having." Miklos' eyes darted to Vachon, "Umm... You don't want the swill of which he partakes. Allow me bring you something palatable." Vachon was about to comment when Alma shouted to him from the stage. "I better go see what she wants. They've been having trouble with the sound system all night." Stepping away from the bar, he called over his shoulder, "Be right back." As Vachon walked toward the stage Cloud looked back to the bar and picked up Vachon's glass. She brought the glass to her mouth and began to take a tentative sip. The sound of shattering glass right in front of her almost made her drop the drink. She looked up to see Miklos staring at her. He muttered something as he glanced over her, then stooped to clean up the dropped glass. Almost simultaneously, Cloud jumped when a hand touched hers. She spun around as Vachon reclaimed his glass. "You scared me, Vachon!" He remained where he was, his eyes boring into hers. "Vachon?" Cloud was becoming more than a bit uncomfortable at his unwavering gaze and the palpable tension in the air. "I didn't mean to piss you off." Still nothing... "I just couldn't see this place serving anything bad." Beginning to get a little peeved herself, she boldly added, "Besides, it might not be 'swill', but it does taste like it's about to go bad." She felt as if the wind had been knocked out of her sails at his lack of response. She then took great interest in messing with the fringe on her jacket, "Chalk up one evening shot to hell." Vachon looked up as Miklos brought a glass of Merlot to Cloud. Their eyes met and they gave each other a slight shrug. Vachon sat back down on his stool and turned to the uncomfortable woman at his side, "Okay, okay, I took it too far. You've suffered enough. Didn't anyone ever tell you it's not polite to eat off other people's plates..." he leaned towards her, "or drink out of their glasses?" Cloud looked up from contemplating the hidden secrets within her fringe. "So you're not really mad?" He sat back up and mouthed a silent, 'no', his face full of mischief. "Brat!" She breathed a sigh of relief, "I really am sorry though. You're right; it was pretty rude." He got a twinkle in his eye. "Ever seen that ad 'Got milk?'" The question marks hanging over Cloud's head were almost visible, "Yeaahhh...?" "Well right now you'd make a good ad for 'Got wine?'!" He stopped her hand as she moved to wipe the blood-red smear from her lip, reaching out to use his own finger instead. She thought she was going to fall off her stool when he put his finger in his mouth and slowly sucked the liquid off, never taking his eyes from hers. [Outside the Raven, three days later] Vachon extended his senses towards the alley. Not feeling anyone, he dropped down into the shadows. He walked out of the alley, and was about to step through the door of the Raven, when he heard Cloud's bike a couple blocks away. He stepped back to the street and didn't have long to wait before she pulled up. Cloud stopped near the Raven's doorway. She cut the engine as she backed the bike up to rest against the curb at Vachon's feet. He straddled the bike behind her and plopped himself down on the P-pad. "Hey Cloud, I thought you weren't stopping by tonight." She threw her leg over the tanks and turned to face him. "Hi Handsome!" she said with a grin. "I got stood up. The client never showed. Figured I'd stop and say hi before I went home to feed the horses." As an afterthought she added, "Don't suppose you'd like to come help me feed?" "I don't have the bike with me. I, ahh, had a friend drop me off." "That's okay. I'll give you a lift if you want." "Then get this beast movin'!" Cloud stood, went around to the other side of the bike and rested her knee on the seat. Putting her other foot on the kicker, she threw all her weight down and brought the old Harley roaring to life. Maneuvering her leg across the seat in front of Vachon, she sat, righted the bike, and dropped it into first. As they pulled out onto Richmond, Vachon used the 'no sissy bar' excuse to wrap his arms around her waist. The light from the almost full moon made the headlight seem unnecessary. The road rushing past inches beneath their feet still gave off heat from the sun so recently put to bed. They rode around behind the house and parked in front of the barn. Their arrival set off a loud welcome from the hungry horses within. Vachon hopped off the back allowing Cloud to swing her leg over. "Welcome to my humble abode. Or the part where I spend most of my time anyway." She reached around the corner of the doorway to turn on the lights. The voice of Ronnie Van Zant filled the barn when the stereo came to life with the same switch. "I woulda thought you'd be playing Country," Vachon remarked. "The kids like Rock best," she said as she headed down the barn aisle. Vachon paused at the barn door, "I thought you said you didn't have any family." "I don't have any two-legged family." Cloud turned back to him, "The four-legged fuzzy critters are my babies. I'm too irresponsible for the other kind. Besides, I'd have to grow up!" With a large grin plastered to her face she swung back around and headed to the end of the barn where the hay waited. "Hey, aren't you going to introduce me first?" Cloud looked up from the hay at his genuine interest, "We feed first. *Before* they bring down the barn." Vachon tossed the last flake of hay into the stall of a small dark horse. "What's this one's name?" She put on a serious look as she walked up to him, "Javier Vachon, meet Mojave Dreamcatcher." Dropping the mock gravity, she said, "Mo, meet Vachon." "Mo?" "No comments from the peanut gallery, Mister," she teased him. "Don't tell me you don't have any nicknames." A knowing grin was her only answer. Mo left his hay to reach over the gate and give Vachon a shove in the stomach with his nose. Vachon took an involuntary step back, "What was that for?!" Cloud started laughing, "He's telling you to hush and get the rest of his dinner!" The two quickly doled out the grain, then went on to finish the introductions. Turning off the light and walking out of the barn, Cloud was suddenly quiet. When they reached the bike Vachon put a hand on her shoulder and turned her to face him, "Earth to Cloud." Cloud let out a sigh and slowly shook her head, "I am no damn good at this!" At his questioning look she continued, "Look Vachon, I'm not real good with words, so I'm just gonna say this as best I can." She took a deep breath and let the words come spilling out, "I've really enjoyed spending time with you the last couple weeks and I... I wanna get to know you better." By now her face was glowing in the moonlight. "So, what would you like to know?" a perfect imitation of innocence in his big, dark eyes. Not believing it to be possible, Cloud felt her face grow even hotter, "Has anyone ever told you that you're positively evil?" She flopped down on the bike hiding her embarrassment behind her hair. "Okay, bad time for joking." He lifted her chin with his finger, "I'm enjoying your company, too. How about we just take this as it comes." Cloud gave him a half-hearted grin and whispered, "'k." He took her hand and pulled her to her feet, "C'mon, let's go for a ride before you take me back." "Tell you what, how 'bout you drive. I'm a little tired." "You okay, chica?" "Yeah, I've just been staying up too late... as usual." Then her smile came back full force. "Or maybe I just wanna hang on to you for a while!" Vachon chuckled and shook his head as he mounted her old Panhead, "Where do you feel like goin'?" She thought for a moment as he started the bike, then climbed aboard the well-padded seat. Wrapping her arms around his waist, she leaned her chin over his shoulder, "How about we just hit the road and see where it takes us?" A few hours later they pulled up outside the Raven. Vachon cut the motor and turned his head to whisper, "Hey sleepy head!" "Hmm?" Cloud picked her head up off his shoulder, sat back and pulled her hands out of his jacket pockets. He maneuvered himself off the bike before she could stand, then sat back down sideways, "I can't believe you dozed off." "I shoulda known better than to put my hands in your pockets." She stifled a yawn. "I got too warm and cozy." "You gonna be okay to ride home?" His concerned look warming her further, she said, "I'll be fine." The Spaniard gave her a dubious look, then accepted her words, "See you here tomorrow?" Cloud nodded as Vachon stood. She scooted forward on the seat. He hesitated before bending down to give her a quick kiss on the cheek. Without giving her a chance to react he turned and headed in the door. She sat a minute before reluctantly starting the bike and going home. With the adrenaline that was pumping through her system, she was definitely wide awake now! [Next night at the Raven] Vachon sat at the bar staring into his glass as he swirled the contents. After the previous night, he couldn't believe she would just not show. Coming to a silent decision, he killed his drink and headed out the back to the alley. After making sure no one was nearby, he took to the sky. Landing softly outside her darkened home, he began to walk to the door when he heard her rapidly pounding heartbeat. Fearing for her safety, he burst through the door and all but flew to her room. He found her curled up on the bed clutching her hands to her head. "Cloud?" He sat gently on the bed, reaching out to brush the hair away from her face. "I can't stop the pain." Raising herself carefully to her elbows, she leaned against him, her tears dampening his shirt. "What can I do?" "Nothing." Cloud whispered. "I get these headaches." She drew a ragged breath before continuing, "The pills aren't working and the doctor can't see me 'til tomorrow." Vachon just held her, running a hand gently up and down her back. "Let me go make you some tea. Maybe it'll help a little." He carefully laid her head on the pillow and left the room. He walked to the kitchen, weaving his way between furniture that should have been invisible in the darkness. Once there he flicked on the stovetop light and began to look for the tea bags. As the water heated in the microwave, he leaned against the counter and stared at the rotating cup inside. He opened the door before the bell went off and pulled out the cup. Setting it on the counter he then added the tea bag and kept dipping until it was dark enough to cover his 'medicine'. After double checking the location of her heartbeat, he opened his wrist slightly and allowed a small amount of blood to flow into the dark tea. He nursed his wound until it closed while stirring the tea. Setting the spoon in the sink, he picked up the cup and headed back towards Cloud's hammering pulse. She hadn't moved. Her face was near the edge of the bed and was creased with pain. He lay a hand on her shoulder and spoke quietly, "Drink some of this for me, mija." He helped her to sit up and handed her the tea. Cloud took the cup in both hands and took a small sip. The warmth spread across her mouth and she took a larger sip. A rich, tangy, almost spicy flavor rolled across her tongue. "Mmmm, what's in it?" He eased himself down on the edge of the bed. "Secret family recipe." Vachon smiled as he moved back to lean against the headboard. She finished off the tea and handed him the cup. As he set the cup on the nightstand she moved back towards the center of the bed and curled around to lay her head on his lap. He put his fingers on one temple and began lightly caressing the area. After a few minutes he heard her racing heart slow and her breathing deepen in sleep. Cloud slept deeply for a couple hours. When she opened her eyes she did a double take upon feeling the jeans beneath her head and hand. The fog rose from her memory, allowing her to relax again. "Somehow, when I thought about getting you in bed, this wasn't *quite* what I had in mind," she smiled weakly. He chuckled, "I take it you're feeling better?" "The pain's not quite as bad, but it's still there. I don't know what you put in that tea, but I want the recipe." They shared the silence a bit longer. After a while Vachon began to feel the first stirrings of hunger. "I should get going now," he said sitting forward and leaning over her face. She looked up saying, "Think I could convince you to stay?" He mouthed a silent, 'no'. Then added softly, "Not just yet." Giving him a resigned look she lifted her head and asked, "Could I impose on you for another cup of tea before you go?" He stood and with a courtly bow said, "Your wish is my command!" Cloud sighed as he left the room. As she lay in the darkness her head began to tingle at the center of the pain. She then slowly stood and headed for the kitchen. Vachon's mind was running as he pulled the cup from the microwave. His fangs dropped and he bit into his wrist. He moved it to the cup as the blood began to flow. Lost in his own thoughts, he didn't realize Cloud was there until he heard her startled intake of breath. He whirled around, his mouth open, fangs exposed with the blood on his lips shining in the dim light. She stood in the doorway, eyes wide. Vachon turned away for a moment. He licked the blood from his lips and wrist as his canines made a hasty retreat. "I don't suppose there's anything you'd like to tell me?" Just that, nothing more, no screaming, no running away, no accusations. Cloud came up behind him and laid a hand on his. "Vachon, talk to me." He turned to her, a slight look of confusion in his eyes. "You're not afraid..." "After all the time we've spent together the past two weeks, not to mention the last couple hours, I hardly think you're planning to hurt me." He locked his gaze on hers and with her heart beating in his ears told her, "You have to forget..." She cut him off without any hesitation, "Yeah, right! If I don't remember anything else in my entire life, this night I *will* remember!" He closed his eyes and went very still. Cloud was about to say something when he took a deep breath and slowly let it out. "You were right last night. We do have a lot to talk about, but it has to wait. It's getting late, and I'm getting hungry." "I guess going to get a burger is out?" she quipped. He reached up cupping her cheek in his hand as he joked, "*Now* who's being a brat." He released her as they smiled at each other and headed for the door. "I'll meet you here tomorrow night. Think you can keep our secret 'til then?" "Even it I couldn't, who'd believe me?" She paused, "Don't worry Vachon, I won't tell a soul." After a moment of silence he nodded and stepped out onto the porch. Cloud quietly closed the door behind him and leaned back against it. Weariness had reasserted itself. Taking a deep breath, she went back into the kitchen, picked up her cup and took a sip. She closed her eyes and shivered slightly at the delicious taste. She wondered if just maybe she was losing her mind. Vachon stood waiting in the bell tower of the church. As the last rays of sunset fell behind the Toronto skyline, he took to the air. He arrived in a matter of minutes and settled in front of the barn where the horses were demanding their dinner. Cloud was hurriedly breaking off flakes of hay for her impatient 'children' when Vachon came up behind her and whispered, "Like some help?" She gave a startled squeak, jumped, and fell face first into the pile of hay at her feet. She looked up from the fragrant mess with a mild look of annoyance, "I really wish you wouldn't do that." Vachon shook his head and held out a hand to her, "It scares you half to death when I catch you off guard, but it doesn't bother you in the least to find a vampire in your kitchen?" "That's different," she said as he helped her to her feet. "Besides, it was *you* I found in my kitchen." She bent to slap the alfalfa from her pants. "There's just a little more to you than I knew." He pulled some stray bits of hay out of her hair commenting, "You have a talent for understatement." With a grin she asked, "Why don't you help me feed, then we can talk." Picking up a couple flakes he answered, "Si, mi caballista." After feeding and checking the last of the water buckets, they walked quietly up to the back porch, brushing off the remnants of the horses' dinner from their clothes. Tiger sat in the entrance to the barn cleaning herself. She set down a newly immaculate paw and looked up at 'Momcat' on the porch swing with her new friend. This one felt different from the others the cat had met. She could hear them talking real serious like and decided it was time to run interference. The striped cat stood and stretched, claws extended, then slowly ambled over to the house. "...and then we had to get out of the light." Vachon's mind's eye left 1531 to return to the present. Cloud had been sitting on the edge of her seat. "What can I say but, wow!" She pushed herself back against the smooth wooden swing. "Flying, super speed and strength." She stopped long enough to catch her breath. "And to top it all off, you'll live forever!" Tiger chose that moment to jump into Vachon's lap. "Are all your kids as fearless as you?" he asked Cloud as the cat curled up to purr herself to sleep. "You have that effect on women," she said softly as she looked down at the silver tabby. As Vachon watched, Cloud's eyes took on an unfocused glaze. Remembering the reason for his visit the previous night he asked, "What'd the doctor say?" Her eyes misted over a bit as she told him in a bitter voice, "The pain's coming from a tumor." She choked up a little and looked down at her hands, a wall of hair falling in front of her face. "I spent the entire day being poked and prodded and having all kinds of tests run. But there's nothing they can do. He doesn't expect me to last another three months." The last part was barely a whisper and Vachon almost missed it. He reached out to pull her to his side just before she gave in to the tears from which she had been hiding all day. Tiger nestled deeper into the lap she was using for a bed. She began to purr again as the muffled sobs quieted and a well-known hand began stroking her back. Cloud remained in his embrace, trying in vain to hold onto the sense of security she felt there. "I should have known things were going too good to last." Vachon gently shifted her back from him. Smoothing the hair from her face he said, "Who says they can't last?" She raised her tear streaked face and met his soft gaze with a puzzled look. Comprehension then began to dawn in her dark eyes. "You mean you could make *me* immortal?" Her words were full of hope. "You would do that for me?" "It's not something I've done often, but I do have some experience as a master." "Whoa, wait a minute... *master*?" He shook his head and chuckled. "As in, the master knows more than the student." "Oh." Cloud continued to look a bit uncomfortable. "Honest!" "It's not that, it's just... Man, this is all so confusing!" She straightened up and struggled to find the right words. "Vachon, if you had asked me to spend forever with you a few nights ago I probably would've jumped at the chance." As she trailed off again, Vachon raised his brows encouraging her to continue. "'Forever' just took on a whole new meaning. I mean I can see spending a lifetime with someone, but ten lifetimes, a hundred? We'd get to hate each other!" Vachon's face took on a wicked grin, "So you're saying you don't want to spend eternity with me?" Cloud looked utterly miserable, "I'm sorry Vachon, the life you live sounds like a dream come true to me, but I ju..." He put a finger to her lips to stop her, saying, "You never cease to amaze me. Most women would die for the fantasy of 'always and forever'. But you don't believe in that fantasy." He brought his hand up again as she opened her mouth to explain, "No, let me finish. You're right, the fantasy doesn't last. In fact, I only know of one couple to even try. They went almost a century before one of them had the courage to admit they were bored senseless." He gave a half chuckle at the thought. "The bond between master and fledgling's for learning. It's that bloodlink that ties the two together forever. The link that allows you to feel each other's presence, lets you know the other is okay, or even what they're feeling." "Ever anything more than learning go on between the two?" Cloud asked with a wicked grin of her own playing across her face. Vachon's expressive eyes shone with tiny flashes of gold, "Sensuality's part of the very essence of being a vampire. The giving and taking of blood goes beyond any mortal concept of 'sex'." He paused, "I don't know how you'll feel about this part, but except in rare cases, monogamy is a very fleeting thing, if it ever truly exists." Cloud looked down in thought. "Well, my little insecurities don't like it, but I guess mortal ideas become irrelevant when someone's brought across." She lifted her eyes back to his, "Am I getting this terminology right?" Becoming bored with the conversation and a bit annoyed at the ever moving bed she had chosen, Tiger hopped down and made for the back door. Before dawn, Vachon took to the sky. Cloud was left to try to sort out the stampede of feelings and new information in her head. Nothing to leave behind... no family... only friend in this town is Vachon... her true 'clients' are the horses and they can be worked at night... one last sunset... meet at the lake from the night they met... he'll bring 'dinner'. Sleep came in fits as she tossed and turned in her bed. Images from the evening's discussion continuing to replay across the screen in her mind. The day dragged on while Cloud tried to stay focused on her work. The horses could sense her tension, and it was reflected in their sessions. Halfway through the day she gave in to her rising frustration and turned her charges out to pasture to get their own exercise. Freed from her responsibilities, she went in to prepare for what was to come. Pulling to the side of the clearing, she cut the motor and stepped off the bike. She stood for a moment, removing her gloves and gazing around the meadow. Setting her gloves on the seat, she walked over and sat on a boulder near the water's edge. The surface of the lake mirrored the brilliant blue sky. She took off her jacket, laying it next to her and settled back to watch her final day in the light fade away. The clouds hugging the horizon reflected dazzling colors as the sun gave over it's glory to the beauty of night. The crickets sang a chorus to mark the passing of time as the twilight deepened around her. Overhead, a million stars glowed as the full moon bathed the clearing with it's brilliance. The gentle evening breeze carried the scent of the evergreens to her. She shivered slightly in the dry coolness that wafted across her arms. As she shrugged back into her jacket, she heard the sound of a motor in the distance. After a short time she turned to see a headlight coming towards her through the trees. Vachon pulled up next to Cloud's bike at the edge of the meadow and silenced his Triumph. Before dismounting, he reached back and pulled off the saddlebags. She could just make out the faint tinkling of glass as he made his way to her through the lush grass. Her voice wavered a bit when she spoke. "Hi Vachon." He settled beside her, leaning against the smooth stone. "Nervous?" he asked as he put the saddlebags down at their feet. Cloud laughed, more to herself than her companion. "Just a little. I'm more excited than anything else." She scooted further back and leaned forward to rest her elbows on her jean-clad thighs. "My mind's been running all day. Kept trying to think of anything I needed to take care of." She snickered and continued, "Thought I'd want to have some fancy 'last meal', but I couldn't think of a damn thing I'd miss!" Cloud ceased her rambling and looked up into Vachon's dark eyes. "I guess I am nervous," she whispered, "but this is what I want." Javier watched the emotions play across her face. He stood and reached out to pull her to him, his hands smoothing her dark tresses to rest behind her shoulders. Time halted as they stood facing each other at the edge of the bright, moonlit pool. A slight breeze caused the meadow to ripple about them like the tide. Vachon cradled her face in his hands as he brought his lips to hers. He held the soft kiss briefly before lifting his head to look into her eyes. Running his fingers through her hair, he inhaled Cloud's gentle scent of sage. All traces of nervousness drained from Cloud to be quickly replaced by a deep longing. She wrapped her arms around his waist, holding him tightly against her body. Tilting her head up, she captured his mouth again. His lips parted under her assault, tongues dueling. As his fangs began their descent, he paused one final time. Cloud opened her eyes to see his golden gaze upon her. Bringing one hand up, she ran her fingers across his cheek and over his slightly fuller lips. Her touch continued, trailing along the line of his jaw and throat. She dipped her head to his neck, licking her way along his collarbone. Vachon closed his eyes as a moan escaped him. He pulled his head back, then swiftly moved in to penetrate her wildly pulsing vein. The last thing Cloud heard before the blackness washed over her was the rumble in his chest, like the purr of a contented panther. Vachon lowered her body to the bed of grass surrounding them, her heartbeat barely a whisper. A warm breeze rolled across the meadow fanning the green blades around them. ***** A veil lifted in Cloud's mind and she found herself standing in a young forest shrouded with mist. Filtered sunlight streamed through the canopy of the trees as silence filled her ears. Not knowing what else to do, she started walking up a slight grade towards a thinning in the trees. As she stepped into the clearing, she was surprised to see a bright light shining atop a large flat boulder. Her sight began to adjust to the intense whiteness assaulting her vision. It was then that she realized there was a woman, dressed in pale buckskins, standing in the light. ***** He settled himself next to Cloud's still figure and opened his wrist. Allowing the life giving blood to drip past her parted lips, he quietly said, "Now you can have your dream and ride the night forever!" ***** A surprising familiarity hit her as she and the woman moved towards each other. Cloud was dumbstruck when her mind pictured the old tintype in her family album. The one from the early 1800's with the image of an ancient woman in native clothing. Fiery midnight eyes boring into her from across the endless years, the same eyes now looking out from the face of the young woman before her. Cloud found her voice, "Sara Little Wolf?!" "O si yo (Hello), Granddaughter," the woman said softly. "You have an important choice to make." Cloud shook her head, "There's only one choice. I'm going back. I'm not done with this existence yet." She paused, still somewhat shaken to actually be in the presence of her distant ancestor, "But there are so many questions I want to ask you!" ***** Javier's brow was furrowed in concern. He pulled her head into his lap and shook the thoughts from his mind. Opening his wrist again, he pressed it to her cooling lips. "Come on!" ***** "We do not have time for questions. You must turn back to the night." She gestured with her arm to the edges of the clearing. The forest had deepened into heavy shadows. "You must go or your choice will be taken from you." Cloud paused a moment longer, "Thank you, E li si (Grandmother)." "Do na da go hv i (Until we meet again), Child." Her eyes filled with laughter. "And tell your friend I was right. He was meant to help my people! Now go. Hurry!" The light illuminating the native woman faded. In the growing darkness Cloud heard a voice calling her, guiding her home. ***** The new fledgling opened her glowing eyes to the night, feeling a great joy at the gift of life returned to her. The full moon shown on her smiling face, one dark tear gliding slowly down her cheek. Javier gave her a lopsided grin, "Thought you mighta changed your mind." He leaned over to kiss away the single tear. Then reaching into the saddlebags beside them, he pulled out her first meal. Three bottles of the Raven's finest and five minutes later, she finally stopped to take a breath. As she moved back to lean against the rock, she suddenly remembered her ancestor's request. Cloud took his hand and held it in her's. "I'm supposed to tell you, she was right. You *were* meant to help her people." He glanced down at their hands and slowly began to nod his head, "Little Wolf." ####### Flashback to 1771 ####### Vachon rose from his seat on the boulder to stand by the woman. He reached out a hand to wipe the tear from her cheek. At his touch, she reacted as if she had been stung. Stepping back, she looked at him as though for the first time. "You are the one from my vision!" The woman choked back a sob of relief. "The Creator has sent you to help my people!" ####### End Flashback ####### Cloud watched him as he returned from his thoughts. "I can't believe you actually knew her." Vachon rose and dusted off his jeans. "I sensed something familiar about you the night we met, but I had no idea you two were related." His face took on its characteristic mischievous expression as he held out a hand to help her to her feet. "And you thought I was just trying to pick up on you!" Back at her house, Vachon and Cloud sat on the porch swing looking at an old photo album. The moon had set and votive candles lined the railing. Tiger had once again made herself at home on Vachon's lap, her paws happily kneading his thighs. "Except for her eyes, she looks so old." Cloud said of the visage in the battered tintype. She closed her own eyes and called up the face of the young woman at the threshold between this life and the next. "She said you were meant to help her people, but how could you know that meant her fourth great-granddaughter?" Javier picked up the sleepy cat and set her on the ground, barely noting the glare Tiger gave him for his actions. He took the album from Cloud and placed it on the end table. "Enough of the past." He enveloped her hand with his and locking his golden gaze upon her said, "It's time to begin the lessons." ####### END ####### Feedback greedily consumed at *******NO FEEDBACK IS THE LOUDEST FEEDBACK OF ALL******* For more information about Native history involving the Anishnabe a.k.a. Ojibwe and Chippewa, of which the Mississauga band are a part, please visit: http://www.tolatsga.org/ojib.htm Information on the Mississauga land claims can be found at: http://www.blenheim.webgate.net/~ckcn/caldwell1.htm If you would like to learn more about the Cherokee language, please visit: http://www.Powersource.com/cocinc/language/default.htm