by Vr McCoy
Asku continued. “She is a natural climber which means she always seeks the higher ground; professionally, academically and in her personal life. She is an overachiever who is extremely intelligent and succeeds in most things she sets out to do. When she climbs, she feels the need to be closer to the sky; the heavens or upper realm, but is just as comfortable in the dark of the underworld or lower realm.
“Unlike the lion or tiger she is an excellent swimmer and just as agile on land. It is this duality which enables her to transverses both realms as fluidly as water in osmosis. She is the guardian of the realms and holds the keys and knowledge of both worlds. This makes her an invaluable ally, yet dangerous as well. Her knowledge holds the light and the darkness. Sometimes her abilities can be a detriment to her, and others. It is a gift and a curse.”
He met my eyes and I felt a cold chill creeping up my spine. Be careful, he seemed to be warning me. We're not talking only about a cat.
He spoke again. “Her power comes from the moon and the night, which makes her a lunar creature; an astral traveler. The night offers her a natural camouflage with her jet black coat. It's her security blanket. She feels the night and the moon as others baize in the sun. She is most active at night. While other animals hunt at sunset, she stalks her prey in the dark of night with the moon as her guide and only friend. She is a solitary creature, a loner who avoids the crowd at all costs.
She is beautiful, but doesn't know it. She has an insatiable sexual appetite and is naturally non-monogamous, passing from one partner to another without commitments or lasting ties.”
This last made me want to squirm. He's too close to the truth for comfort!
It felt like Asku was reading my biography. I couldn't believe the things he was telling me about myself that were true of the Black Panther also. He described my affinity for the dark and my ability to see well at night. He also mentioned my sexual appetite and my love of running and swimming. He spoke about my need for solitude. He said things about my life that no one knew except for maybe my mother and two doctors; Dr. Banks and Dr. Green.
“So tell me more about yourself, Christian. What tribe is your family from?” Asku inquired.
I took a deep breath and began my own tale. “We are descendants of the Freedmen Cherokees of Sampson County, North Carolina. My paternal great-grandmother and great-grandfather were Cherokees. My grandmother was Cherokee and my Grandfather was a Freedman, half black and half Cherokee, who lived with the Cherokees. My mother is of African American and Cherokee bloodline. I never knew my father; he died when I was an infant. I am a half breed in every aspect of the word. My family was shunned by the Dawes Rolls Act and the emancipation.”
“I am sorry about what happened to your family,” Asku replied. Mine voted against it. Greed and prejudice knows no boundaries. Those whom you would expect to know of the pain of injustices are some of the main culprits. The Cherokee's `Trail of Tears’ and the Navajo `Long Walk' are examples of these injustices, yet our people chose to turn a blind eye towards the same injustices perpetrated against Freedmen. It is this duality within you that gives you strength and makes you strong in the Spirit Worlds.”
I nodded, well aware of the cost and rewards to be gained from suffering.
We continued our conversation under the huge hemlock tree for several more hours.
“We don't have the time to go over everything as I stated before, but now that you are in touch with your Spirit Guide, perhaps things will get easier for you when you're crossing. This backpack is for you,” Asku said and began pulling out its contents. “It contains a Dream Catcher. I've created this one specifically for you, with the three realms represented. Sometimes even dream travelers must get sleep without the disturbances from beyond. This pipe is yours and I've included some dream inducers and other ethno botanicals to assist you as well. This Bowie knife has been infused Cherokee magic. The handle is made from the horn of the sacred stag. It will save your life when you need it. Keep the prayer rug also. Along with the experience we shared together, it will allow you to reach out to me whenever you need me,” he explained.
“I have also taken the liberty of passing down to you this mystic crystal. I have no sons of my own. Wear it and be proud of who you are and your heritage. Your Tsalagi name is `Cheveyo'. It means Spirit Warrior,” he further stated and placed the crystal around my neck, and explained the rest of the contents of the backpack and their purpose.
“When you complete your journey you must return, so we can continue your teachings. There is great power in you, Cheveyo. I felt it as soon as I stepped into your aura. I confirmed it when I shook your hand, and now I've seen it after this session. You have the power to be a great healer as well, but this path I must show you at a later time.” Then he said, “Chankoowashtay,” which means `go on the good road'.
The sun had gone down before we departed from the mountains. We doused the fire and left under the starry skies of the Smokies. I was energized with new confidence in myself and in my abilities. I didn't feel like a weirdo any longer, after bonding with Asku.
Awenta, Nina and Kele had dinner prepared and waiting for us when we returned from the mountains. It had been a long time since I'd sat down and had a family dinner. I learned a lot about my abilities, the Cherokee heritage and the Kituhwa language. It was a pleasure spending time with Nina's family. I conversed with her family after dinner then we drove back to the hotel late that night.
“So, was the trip worth it?” Nina inquired in the vehicle.
“We'll see,” I replied. “I need to make contact with Gracie tonight, but thus far it has been worth it. Thank you very much, I really appreciate what you've done for me.”
“Don't mention it. Have you spoken to Dianna today?”
“I did this morning. I haven't had time to call this evening.”
“I'm sure you can't wait to call her.”
“I had an interesting conversation with Asku about you on the mountain.”
“Really? How embarrassing is this going to be?” she inquired, laughing.
“Oh; he wanted to know if we were seeing each other. I told him that we were just colleagues. Then he stated that I was the first male friend you've ever brought home.”
She began to blush. “Oh, he did,”
“Yes; he did,” I responded.
“Well, you got it easy. Awenta telephoned my parents and told them about you also. They started to come over for dinner until I talked them out of it,” she informed me.
“I guess they're waiting for you to bring that special someone home,” I replied.
“I guess,” she said with a smile, looking at me.
“I'm sorry you didn't get a chance to see them,” I added.
“Oh, I did; I went over there when you were at the mountain. I wouldn't have been able to come back down here if I didn't,” she replied.
“It's good to see how close you are with your family,” I said.
“You're not,” she asked?
“Not really.”
“Well, consider yourself family. They really liked you,” she said.
“I like them as well. I told Asku I would be back down after this case is over,” I informed her. She attempted to hold back the smile I saw written on her face. Nina was infatuated with me and it was very clear to see.
When we arrived back to the hotel, Nina asked, “Are you going to Dreamscape tonight?” There was something pointed in her tone, which I couldn't quite put a finger on.
“Yes,” I replied. “Of course. It's critical I make a connection with Gracie. We're running out of time.
“Can you try and take me there when you go?” she asked.
“We discussed this earlier, Nina. I don't think it would be a good idea.”
“Why not; four eyes are better than two. You and Dianna have already admitted that I'm a part of this.” She stuck out her lower jaw and compressed her lips into an expression of absolute stubbornness, daring me to defy her.
I sighed.
“Alright; we'll see if it works. Your spirit is strong, Nina; that's how we connected so easily,” I stated. “Your uncle told me you are the daughter of the Chieftain. Why didn't you tell me you were a princess,” I inquired?
“We don't consider it in those terms,” she replied.
“Your family bloodline has been great in the Eastern Band Cherokee Assembly,” I stated.
“Thank you, but I like to consider myself independent,” she replied.
“Well, you definitely are that,” I responded with a smile, then continued, “Hey, I need a few minutes to talk to Dianna first, then we can get started. OK?”
“Alright; come and get me from my suite when you're finished,” she replied.
“Alright,” I responded.
I wasn't sure how Dianna was going to accept this news of dreamscaping with Nina, especially after our last sexual encounter in dreamscape. Nina had already admitted to the both of us that she had been aroused and thinking about me that same night, which opened the door for the experience.
I spoke briefly to Dianna and told her all about my day and she briefed me on the proceedings of the investigation, which wasn't that good. I told her about Nina's idea and she didn't mind, as long as we kept it civil. I knew what she meant, but how civil can I be entering the lair of a psychotic killer? When I finished my phone call with Dianna, I went next door to get Nina. She had showered and changed by the time I arrived.
She had pulled on a pair of stretchy spandex gym pants and an athletic bra top that only covered her breasts and left her stomach and mid-section exposed. She changed into a pair of running shoes and some ankle socks. You would think she was going to work out or for a run or something. She was looking sexy and distracting as she showed her body's every curve and accentuation. I knew she wasn't going to make this trip an easy excursion, and sooner or later I would have to deal with the consequences of my actions; the dreamscape and its sexuality.
She grinned, following my eyes as I gave her the once over. She then threw on a long t-shirt that covered it all up, but made sure I saw her physique first. Nina was a tease, so I attempted to distract her. I was really trying to be good.
“Did you ever call Sheriff Hughes back?”
“No, not yet. I don't know about those long distance relationships. They never work out. Commuting back and forth from D.C. to New Mexico would be hell,” she replied.
“I guess it would be.”
“Where do you live in D.C?” she inquired, hitting the proverbial ball back into my side of the court.
We volleyed back and forth like a tennis match with the questions and distractions for a couple of minutes, until I finally put an end to it by bringing up Gracie. Nina knew immediately that it was time to get serious.
“We're going to do this differently than what you witnessed with Dianna. Your uncle gave me some instructions.” I laid down the prayer rug on the floor and took out the dream catcher totem and the pipe.
“Do you have a particular herb or inducer that you would like to indulge in,” I asked Nina.
“No; this is your show. I know nothing about it. The skill of being a Medicine Man or Shaman is only taught to those who already have the gift. My spirit is strong –the name Nina means Strong in Cherokee – but this is not my path.”
“Your uncle taught me well in the short time we spent on the mountain. He's a great teacher,” I said.
We sat down on the rug together and I instructed Nina to repeat everything I said and did. We began with the learned chant, then smoked from the pipe and began chanting again. After repeating the chant and smoking the drug several times I placed the pipe in the ash tray. I could feel the transcendental state coming on as we continued to chant. Then I found myself in the rainforest again with the panther. I concentrated all my thoughts and willpower on Nina and she appeared next to me.
“What is this place?” she inquired, looking all around and amazed at its beauty. There were so many different brilliant colors and the jet Black Panther stood out and seemed to absorb them all. I was kneeling next to her, petting her. Nina was in total shock and fear of the animal.
“Come on over. She won't harm you. She is a part of me,” I said. Asku didn't have to tell me that. I felt it from my first experience with her and knew it even more after he explained to me the Spirit of the Panther. Then Nina approached slowly and with trepidation.
“Here, pet her,” I instructed. She knelt beside me in awe at the wonders of my totem's beauty.
“This wasn't a part of the dream that I shared with Dianna and you.”
“No.” I agreed. “I told you this was going to be different. Your uncle unlocked it for me.”
“I thought we were going to see Gracie,” she commented.
We are, and the panther will guide us.” I said, petting the large cat. I instructed her to lie down on the jungle floor with me as we transcended into another dream state. Asku had instructed me of the many doors and realms in the spirit world and how the panther would guide me through them.
Then we were in the cool dark room where Gracie was lying on the dirt floor. He hadn't been taking such good care of Gracie as he had with the other girls. She was naked on the dirt floor, tied up and gagged. She didn't have on an adult diaper as the other girls. She was wallowing in her excrement. She didn't have on a blindfold, at least not yet. It was apparent that he had only taken her out of spite. She fit his profile; young and beautiful, but he had also known this would up the ante tremendously. The place was completely dark, except for the light coming in from the silhouette of the door. At least Jessica had had a candle at one point or another. Nina reached out a hand to Gracie, but couldn't connect. She started at the surreal restriction.
“You can't touch her, Nina. We are in her mind right now. We only see what she does, but look around. We might notice clues she missed. Usually I see clearer than the victims because I'm not under the stress and fear of being abducted.” Nina walked around and observed everything within the parameters of what Gracie observed.
Gracie had taken in a lot because she knew of my talents, expecting me to come, and attempted to curb her fears and concentrate, but the subject hadn't left her much to go on. We moved in her mind to when he fed her, but she was blindfolded. He didn't want her to see him at all. He hid in the shadows, but was unable to prevent her from smelling something peculiar. It was something that she hadn't smelled in a long time. She had definitely smelled it before, but couldn't think of where.
“Yes, Nina; we are sharing the same thoughts. That's what happens when you're in dreamscape with another.”
“It's like telepathy,” she said without moving her mouth.
“It's pretty cool, right,” I said.
“I'll say,” Nina replied. After gathering whatever information we could, we departed.
I wasn't suffering from any side effects like when I took those sleeping pills. I didn't feel drowsy or depressed; I felt great physically. My emotional state was still a mess though, because of Gracie's situation. Now was when things got tricky. After sharing such a personal thing with someone, their reaction usually tended to lean towards sex. You have just mind-fucked them even if it wasn't a sexual dream, due to the personal nature of sharing one's psyche. You become one with that person. This was no exception. When we woke up from the trance, I was aroused and peaking on all cylinders, and so was Nina.
We were sweating, excited and filled with unspent adrenalin and a release of the hormones our minds had been tricked into experiencing while stationary. I jumped up and grabbed two bottles of water from the small fridge. I handed one to Nina and went into the bathroom to compose myself. She knocked on the door a couple of minutes later.
“Are you alright?” she asked.
“Yeah, sure. I'll be out in a minute,” I responded.
I had to calm down mentally and physically. My libido was aroused and standing at full attention. After I calmed down I exited the rest room. Nina appeared to be in full control.
�
�What happened to you?” she inquired.
“I had a panic attack,” I told her, but she knew I was lying. She felt exactly what I did, and was attempting to play off.
“Look, we can't do that again. It is too risky,” I said.
“Too risky for whom? We accomplished a lot and gathered a great deal of useful information,” she said.
“What do you mean? I saw the same things as briefed everyone on before!” I protested.
“That's why it's good to have a second opinion. Maybe it was the way you explained it before, but I saw more,” she replied. “You see, the dirt floor is actually the ground,” she said.
“And how does that help? There are lots of unfinished basements with dirt floors,” I countered.
“Perhaps there are, but the rest of the layout gave me further insight into what type of enclosure it is. It has no windows and a floor. Did you notice the walls? They were dirt also. There aren't many unfinished basements with dirt walls,” she stated.
“So you're saying it's a cave?” My jaw dropped. Why didn't I notice that?
“It could be, but there are other elements that she would have come in contact with, and caves don't have doors.”
I could see she was trying to steer me towards a conclusion. “So what are we looking for?”
“Most of the Southwestern Indian tribes built Kivas for worship. They are underground chambers, usually one room structures built below ground,” she stated.
“So we need to narrow down which tribes utilized the Kivas in the Southwest,” I said with enthusiasm, the significance of the find suddenly dawning on me.
Absolutely,” she replied.
This is a big break! Let me inform Steve and Dianna and see how they want to approach giving this information to the FBI, since we are both officially off the case. The A.D. said he would arrest me if I was found anywhere near the investigation,” I said.
“But you're thousands of miles away,” she replied, smiling.
“You know what I mean,” I retorted.
“Alright; I need to go take a long cold shower after that,” she said, grinning at me again as she departed. Whew; that woman really knew how to make me squirm.
