A New Destiny

Plainsway

They rode into Plainsway. It was not difficult to find where the show was being held. There were several tents set up and large crowds gathered everywhere.

"I don't like this place," Ruechari said as she passed through the crowd. There were too many people and as they rode through she could feel different presences. If she could feel them they most certainly could feel her as well.

"We're in danger here," she said.

"You'll be fine, Rue. I won't leave your side and truthfully this town is known for being a home to a vampire coven and others similar to myself. We just need to keep a low profile and blend in. There are so many, they most likely will not pay much mind to one more."

They reached the largest tent and Hickok smiled when he had seen Billy riding up.

"Well hello there. It's been awhile. I knew this was your territory and was wondering if you'd show up."

Billy nodded to him. "Something has happened. We need to talk."

Wild Bill's smile vanished and he nodded, "Follow me."

They were led back to an area where the performers stayed and slept.

"This is our private domain. You can tie your horse up over there and meet me in that tent."

"We need Geronimo," Ruechari said.

Hickok looked at Billy for a moment. When Billy did not elaborate Wild Bill just nodded and strode off.

Wild Bill, Billy, and Ruechari sat in Wild Bill's tent. "Geronimo will be here shortly, he is nearly done his performance."

He gave Ruechari some food and drink. He made Billy an offer but Billy turned him down.

"Jane had sent us here...she thinks that," Billy was about to explain when Geronimo came into the tent.

He looked over the two new guests and then stopped in his tracks, his gaze falling upon Ruechari. "Great Spirit, I thought I was looking at your mother!"

Ruechari stood. She had great respect for Shamans and Geronimo. None fought harder for his people then perhaps her Grandfather.

"Sit child, I am certain I can guess why you are here. I've heard of your Grandfather's demise. You must have so many questions."

"Jane said you may be able to help me unlock my powers, show me a thing or two," Ruechari said.

"Where is Jane?" Wild Bill asked and did not care for the look that transpired between Billy and the woman.

"She stayed behind to give us a sporting chance?" Billy said.

"Stayed behind?!" Hickok was immediately alarmed. "Where?"

"Just before Devil's Pass, a bunch of Reaper's minion showed up," Ruechari explained.

Hickok jumped up from his chair, "Reaper! And you left her there? Alone?!"

Geronimo put his hand on his friend's shoulder, "They had a good reason, Bill."

"To hell with that!" Wild Bill said. "I'm canceling the show and going after her."

"Do what you must," Geronimo said and Wild Bill left immediately.

"Should I go?" Billy asked.

"Wild Bill and Jane can take care of themselves," Geronimo answered, "He will bring her home."

Geronimo took note of the fear that leaped in Ruechari's eyes when Billy asked about leaving. She connected with him somehow and that connection was important.

He knelt before her. "I am sorry for the loss of your Grandfather, little one. He should have prepared you better, for such an undertaking. He held back because he felt that was what drove your mother away. He planned to teach you everything but his life was cut short."

Ruechari could not allow herself to feel the pain of that loss, it would cripple her. "Can you help me?"

"I can try little one, but there is much I do not know. Your powers are great, much greater than mine but I will try. Let us start with something simple."

"Your friend is hurt," Geronimo pointed out. Billy had bandaged his arm and hand.

Ruechari had not noticed before now. She was too weak before and they had been riding ever since.

"Did I do that to you? When I was a bear?" she asked.

"It's nothin'," Billy said, "I'll heal."

Geronimo took much interest in this conversation. "You shifted?"

"Into the bear totem, I was having a vision of my mother using her powers for the first time, but I could not control it and it left me very weak."

"I see, we will get back to that in a moment. Billy your arm."

Billy undid his bandage as was shocked to see he was not healing.

"In totem form, she can inflict much damage. If she inflicted enough, you would have died, and you would not have risen. Your eternal life would have been over."

Ruechari looked horrified. Part of her knew this was true. It was why the totem had given up the fight. Thinking he was dead. He was no longer a threat.

"Come Ruechari," he took her hand and led her to sit in front of Billy. "Close your eyes. You must first ground yourself, make yourself one with the earth beneath your feet as if you have roots burying down deep. Sink in and draw your strength from it. Place your hand on his wound. Imagine a healing light filling you from above, washing over you, him, healing him."

Billy felt the wave of energy wash over him. His arm felt on fire near where her hand lay on his arm. He watched in fascination as his skin mended before his very eyes. Went it was healed he looked up at her and she was staring at him, her eyes nearly glowed.

"Let the energy spool in your mind. Store it there. You can use it when you need it and it will not drain you."

Ruechari closed her eyes again. She swirled the energy in her mind. She thanked the Great Spirit and released her hold on the earth. Instead of feeling drained she felt energized and better then she had in days.

Geronimo was encouraged as he saw her aura change. She was a quick learner and had more control then he had expected her to have.

"Now let's get back to you shifting into your totems."

-Ruechari