AN:
Yes, I am BACK! Back with more romance, more adventure, more characters, more problems for our dear Jasmine and more reading for you guys :)
I loved all your reviews for the last Chapter, but I'd like to dedicate this Chapter to 19Gaara19, aka Martha. Thank you so much for your long and amazingly helpful reviews, they honestly make me feel great xD
Well, I'm not gonna bore you any longer! Enjoy this Chapter, and don't forget to leave a comment, a review, or a PM if you have any questions or good ideas.
Disclaimer: I do not own Spirit. I never did, and I never will. BUT, I do own my OC's!
Chapter 3
"P-Parents? These are your parents?" I stuttered, looking at Little Creek with wide eyes. His parents are the Chief and Squaw of his Tribe. You would think that everything's okay now. I mean, Father's fine. He isn't going to chase anyone anymore. I still have a month 'till I have to get back home, and Little Creek has feelings for me. Feelings that I return wholeheartedly. But noooo, Jasmine. Of course not! Don't be so stupid. The man that you like is the son of the most important people here. Which makes him some kind of Prince. That's fantastic. Just great. Please note my sarcasm. Thank you.
"Yeah. I know I never told you, but I didn't think it was that important." Little Creek explained, smiling happily.
Oh boy, what have I gotten myself into? Alright Jasmine, just take a deep, very deep breath and greet them. I can do that.
Doing just that, I closed my eyes for a second before I opened them. Smiling politely, I bowed my head and hoped that I was doing something right. "It's an honor to meet the both of you."
"Oh, how polite! Hello dear, I am Little Sea, Squaw of this beautiful Tribe. This is my husband, Chief Hawk."
Looking up, I felt relieved when I noticed the smile on the Squaw's beautiful face. That relief vanished slightly when I glanced at the Chief. While his wife had a gentle smile marring her features, he had a frown on his.
Glancing at Little Creek, I saw how he glared at his Father. Oh oh, not good.
The Chief didn't pay any attention to his son. Stepping forward, he looked me in the eyes before he began to circle me. Gulping, I tensed all my muscles and clenched my fists. And I thought my Father could be scary…
Finally stopping in front of me, he tilted up my chin and studied my face. Giving a 'hmph', he let go of my chin and stepped back 'til he stood next to his wife.
"You're white." he said, his voice deep and booming like a true leader. A couple of chuckles were heard behind me, and I was quit… shocked. He's studying me for a long time, and then he concludes that I'm white? I could've told him that!
"Ina!" Little Creek hissed, shooting me an apologetic look. Blinking my eyes, I pushed away my nerves and glared slightly at the Chief. How rude!
"And you are an Indian," I sarcastically gasped before I could stop myself. Widening my eyes, I covered my mouth with my hands. Not good. Hearing some noise, I moved my eyes to the side and winced when I saw Little Creek. He slapped his forehead and gave a groan. Yep, not good at all.
Looking back towards his parents, I moved my hands away and opened my mouth to apologize. Before I could utter a sound, the Chief began to laugh while the Squaw chuckled, looking amused.
I stood there, gaping like a fish. What just happened? I accidentally sort of insulted Little Creek's Father, and now he's laughing! This is one weird day, I tell ya!
"I like her Son! Yes yes, I quit like her!" he chuckled. "She is a spitfire that one! Just like your Mother."
Closing my mouth, I hesitantly chuckled. Feeling a hand on my shoulder, I saw Little Creek shuffling closer to me. Putting is arm around my shoulder, he laughed softly and nodded his head. "Ha, she is isn't she?"
"Na waste," Little Sea grinned at me. Frowning, I asked her what that meant. Stepping forward she patted my cheek lightly. "Little Creek will tell you. All in good time Jasmine."
… okay…
"Now," Chief Hawk said, clapping his hands once and drawing all the attention towards him once again. "What has happened to the Village?"
Little Creek opened his mouth, probably to tell him about the soldiers that came here. He never got the chance though.
"That's her fault!"
Looking around, I noticed how some people parted ways to let a girl through. That girl couldn't be much older than me, maybe a year. She was pretty. Long dark hair, dark eyes and skin and thin lips with a small nose. She didn't look that different from the rest of the tribe. She was wearing a strapless dress that looked pretty tight. Same material as everything, of course. Not that all of that mattered anyway. She was glaring at me, pure hatred in her dark eyes. If looks could kill, I'd be a distinct memory by now.
"That takuni slolye sni maka led those men towards us. She shouldn't be welcomed here, she should be punished!" she sneered. Gasps were going through the crowd, and Little Creek looked shocked before he glared at her and pulled me closer towards him.
"Ainila!" Little Creek yelled at her. I had no idea what she just said, but I could make a guess. And it sounded like an insult, so I didn't stop Little Creek from yelling at her in his own language.
"Don't be so nawizi Anog Ite!" Little Creek berated her through clenched teeth.
"Oh come on Little Creek, everybody knows it! All the trouble started when she and those stupid horses came!"
Alright, now you've gone too far.
"Hey!" I shouted, moving towards her. Little Creek's arm fell from my shoulder as I made my way towards her. "You're right, it was my fault. Mine, not the horses'. So don't insult them, they didn't do anything. They're horses, what could they have done?" I asked, glaring back at her.
"See?" she yelled, her gaze moving away from my own to look at the Chief, "she admits it herself!"
"Soldier? Horses? What happened when we were gone my son?" Little Sea asked Little Creek, her gaze worried and questioning.
"Well," Little Creek started, and he began to tell everything from the first day that they were gone. I wasn't there when all of that happened, so I didn't pay much attention to what he was saying. Glancing at Anog Ite, I rolled my eyes when I saw that she was glaring at me again. My God, what's her problem! I don't even know her.
Ignoring her muttered curses, I walked back to Little Creek and stopped next to him. Giving a sigh, I listened to what he was telling his parents.
"And then I got captured by some soldiers at the supply wagon, met Jasmine and a Mustang, escaped with the Mustang and other horses, saw Jasmine again because she followed me here, soldiers came and tried to destroy our village, then Jasmine made sure that they went away," while he said that, he glared at Anog Ite, "and she and the Mustang saved my life by letting themselves get captured. I helped with the village, and after that I went after them. I found them, and we got chased. But once again, Jasmine saved me and the Mustang. Now we are back here," he finished, once again putting his arm around my shoulder.
I bit my lip to stop a laugh from escaping when I saw how his parents were watching us.
The Squaw was watching us with worried glances, looking like she might hug her son to death at any given moment. The Chief looked a little mad, but I could see the pride that shone in his eyes when he looked at his son.
"You had quit some adventures when we were away, didn't you son?" Chief Hawk grinned, amusement shining in his eyes. Grinning back, Little Creek nodded and chuckled lightly.
"Yes, I had Ina. And I enjoyed it very much."
Well, that's good to know. At least I amused him. Looking up at him, I gave him a small smile when he glanced back at me. Winking, he squeezed my shoulder lightly.
"Well Ciksi, your Mother and I are tired from our trip. And from what we just heard, you got back not so long ago. Why don't you go and fresh up, hmm? We'll have a tokolawacipi later tonight, to celebrate the peace with the Crow Tribe and welcome Jasmine to our Village."
"Oh no Chief Hawk, you don't have to celebrate me being here, really! It's very kind of you, but I am no one special," I insisted, shaking my head.
"Nonsense, you saved my son! It is the least I could do!"
And before I could protest some more, he whooped and all the Indians followed his example before they all retreated to their own Tipi.
Hearing a growl, I turned my head and saw Anog Ite give me one last glare before she glanced at Little Creek. Giving him a smile, she waved before she walked away. Pfft, bipolar much?
Waiting until everyone was gone, I pinched the bridge of my nose and groaned softly. Hearing a chuckle, I playfully glared at Little Creek. "What are you laughing about? It wasn't funny!"
"You're right, it was hilarious," he grinned. Gaping at him, I huffed and looked away from him.
"Using my own words against me, how rude," I muttered.
Laughing joyfully, he spun me around and held me against him, hugging me tight. Hugging him back, I buried my face in his chest. Standing like that for a while, I squeezed him once before I stepped out of his arms. "I really need to clean myself Little Creek."
"Alright, your bag is in my Tipi. You remember where it is, yes?" he asked.
"Yeah, I remember, don't worry."
"When you're done, come to the Apple Tree alright?" he asked, smiling gently. Giving him my crooked grin, I promised that I would. Pressing a kiss to my forehead, he stroked my cheek before he made his way towards… somewhere…
Smiling giddily, I hummed a sweet tune and walked towards Little Creek's Tipi. Pushing the piece of cloth away, I stepped inside and yawned. Rubbing my eyes, I looked for my bag and frowned when I didn't see it anywhere.
"Looking for this?"
Gasping, I took a step back and stumbled to the ground, landing with a soft thud and a groan. Standing back up, I rubbed my back and searched for the intruder. Guess who?
Anog Ite was standing before me, my bag in her hands.
"Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to scare you Jasmine," she sneered, her eyes glaring at me once again. Deciding to ignore her sneer, I send her a fake smile and grabbed my bag,
"That's alright, no harm done. And yes, I was looking for this, thank you."
Narrowing her eyes, she huffed and began to walk around, looking at all the weapons and fur that was here.
"What are you doing here?" I asked, checking my bag over. I gave a sigh of relief when I saw that everything was still in it, including the Compass.
"I could ask you the same thing, Jasmine."
Sighing and rolling my eyes, I dropped my bag and put the Compass around my neck. "Okay, first of all, my name is Jasmine, not Jasmine. And I'm here to change my clothes into something that doesn't smell and look like it's been through hell. Seeing as my bag is here, I am here. So, I have every reason to be here. Why are you here though?" I asked her, the smugness clear in my voice.
"I'm here to tell you something that's very important, so listen closely," she growled. Stepping towards me, she stopped so that our noses were almost touching. "Stay away from Little Creek. He's the future Chief and doesn't need to be distracted by some stupid white girl that doesn't know her place. And if you don't stay away from him, I'll make sure that not only will you look like you went to Hell and back, your stay here will be like Hell. You understand, Jasmine?"
Alright, I admit, I am a little worried and scared. She looked like she really meant what she just said. That's great, I made an enemy and I didn't even speak to her that much.
"Aren't you just a little jealous Anog Ite?" I asked, raising my eyebrow and crossing my arms. "I'm not stupid, I saw how you looked at Little Creek. It's a wonder if I was the only one who saw it."
"That's none of your business itunk tanka. I'm warning you, Stay. Away. From. Him." she harshly whispered. Giving me one last glare, she left and bumped my shoulder with hers for good measure.
Well, isn't she a bunch of sunshine!
Rubbing my now aching shoulder, I picked up my bag and grabbed some clean clothes. Putting them on, I put the dirty ones in the bag. Grabbing my hairbrush, I got all the tangles out and braided my hair before I let it fall over my shoulder.
Sitting on the ground, I leaned against the 'wall' and closed my eyes.
Anog Ite is right you know? I should stay away from Little Creek. I'm going home in a month, and I'll have to court James Wood. We will only get hurt in the end. And I'm different, to different. I'll never be a part of this tribe. And my Father will never approve anyway. He gives me this month, maybe to say goodbye or something. But you know what the thing is? I know that I have to stay away from him, but I can't! Maybe it's selfish and stupid, but I want to be with Little Creek. And I know that he wants to be with me, or he wouldn't have kissed me. And his parents like me, and that's a miracle itself! I'll just see how everything goes. Maybe we'll 'see the light' and realize how stupid this is. Or we'll stay stupid for as long as we can, I don't care. We'll see. The only thing that I do know, is that I have to stay away from Anog Ite. See? I'm not completely clueless.
Rubbing my face, I gave a long sigh before I stood up and stepped outside. The sun wasn't in the sky any longer, and it gave the village a peaceful feeling.
Good thing I know my way towards the Apple Tree.
Humming softly, I waved at some Indians who were telling stories at the fire. Stopping and watching them, I yelped when I felt a force attack me and push me down on the ground. Hearing a giggle, I opened my eyes and saw Autumn Leaf sitting on my stomache.
"Hau Jasmine!" she giggled. "I missed you!"
"I missed you too Autumn Leaf, but could you get off, I can't breathe," I gasped.
"Oh, sorry!"
Gasping for air, I playfully glared at Autumn Leaf when she began to laugh cutely. "You think that's funny, huh?" Grinning, I quickly stood back up and threw her over my shoulder, tickling her sides in the process.
"Aaahhh. Stop!" she yelled, laughing like crazy and squirming in my grasp. Laughing with her, I only tickled her harder and began to run in a circle.
"Say it!" I laughed, tickling her still.
"Okay okay! I- hahaha- yield, I yield!"
"What? I didn't hear you!" I sang, laughing when she began to giggle uncontrollably. "You have to say it louder!"
"I YIELD!" she laughed.
Chuckling, I put her down and patted her head. "That's better."
Sticking her tongue out, she giggled when I pinched her nose. Smiling gently, I spread my arms and chuckled when I barely managed to kneel before she hugged me as hard as she could. "I really missed you Autumn."
Closing my eyes, I hugged her tighter and swayed a bit. "I really really missed you too Jasmine."
"I missed you three," I playfully whispered, and chuckled when she giggled. Pressing a light kiss on her soft hair, I stood back up and took my Compass off. "Can you watch this for me?"
Her eyes began to shine and she nodded her head. "I can do that!"
Giving her my Compass, I put it around her neck. "Take good care of it, alright? I'll get it back later."
"I promise," she whispered, her eyes shining with determination. Ruffling her hair, I gave her one last wave before I continued to make my way towards the Apple Tree.
The walk wasn't that long. Coming to my destination, I looked around and noticed Little Creek sitting against the big Tree. Smiling softly, I made my way towards him.
"Hey." I whispered, smiling gently.
"Hello hopa." Little Creek said, giving me a grin. "Come on, sit," he motioned with his head towards the ground.
Crouching, I gave a slight yelp when Little Creek grabbed my arm and pulled me towards him. I was now seated with my back against his chest, and it was kinda comfortable.
"Sorry, but it's a cold night."
Snorting, I leaned my head on his shoulder and closed my eyes. "You're not sorry at all."
"Nope, I'm not," he chuckled. He put his arms around my stomach, and it felt like I had a blanket around me.
"Can I ask you something?"
"You just did," he said, and I could almost see the grin that I knew was there right now.
"Very funny Little Creek. No, I'm serious."
Clearing his throat, he shifted a little before he tightened his arms. "Alright, what is it hopa?"
Playing with his fingers, I kept my gaze there and listened to his steady breathing. "What does Anog Ite mean?"
I felt him freeze and I soothingly rubbed his hands 'til he relaxed again. "Why do you want to know?"
"I don't know, just… curious I guess."
Sighing, he mumbled something before he shifted me so that I was looking at him. "Listen to me Jasmine. No matter what she says, Anog Ite lies. She isn't a gentle soul, not like you or me. She never was. Some people blame her Mother and Father for that. Some people think that she was just born like this. I don't know why, but she was never kind, only ever to me. And that's because I'm the son of the Chief and Squaw."
Frowning, I looked at Little Creek with questioning eyes. "Why would people blame her parents? Did they raise her like that?"
"No, they are one of the most kind people that I know. But they wanted to name her Anog Ite."
"Then what does it mean Little Creek?" I asked, my patience now running thin.
Sighing, he looked at the sky for a moment before he looked back at me.
"It literally means ' Goddess of Pain '." he said, looking serious.
My eyes widened and I gulped. "That's a fitting name," I whispered.
"It is, isn't it?" he sighed. "She can be nice, but it looks fake on her… like she hates to be like that."
I was silent for a while, not really knowing what to say. Who names their child Goddess of Pain? It sounds pretty if you say it in the Indian way, but knowing what it means… I'd never do that.
"Doesn't she want to change her name then? Or can't she?" I asked Little Creek.
Smiling sadly, he rested his chin on shoulder. "She doesn't want to. She loves her name to much, Spirit's know why."
"Oh," I murmured.
Nuzzling my neck with his nose, he chuckled when I giggled lightly. "Did she say anything to you?" he asked me after a minute.
"Nothing that I can't handle Little Creek, don't worry," I assured him.
"What did she say Jasmine?" he asked me urgently. "You know I worry, just tell me."
Sighing, I closed my eyes before I looked in his dark orbs. "She told me to stay away from you, that you had to focus on your duties because you are the next Chief. It was nothing!" I quickly insisted when I saw his jaw clench.
"Did she say anything else?"
"… No, that's it," I said after a short pause.
"You're lying Jasmine. What did she say?"
"I don't know what it meant Little Creek! Maybe it was just an insult, no big deal. It's not the first time that somebody insulted me."
"Maybe that's so," he complied, "but our insults are different from yours. Can you remember what she said?"
"It was intank tunku or something, I don't know. And it doesn't matter anyway, words don't hurt."
Looking at him, I raises my eyebrows when I saw his expression. It was like his eyes were spewing fire! "Do you mean itunk tanka Jasmine?"
Closing my eyes, I thought back and slowly nodded. "Yeah, those were the words. It's not that bad, is it?"
He mumbled something while he glared at nothing. Frowning, I put my hand on his cheek and made him look at me. "What did you say Little Creek, I didn't hear you."
"It means Rat Jasmine, she called you a filthy Rat! A rat carries diseases with him, so she basically called you a… a… I don't even know what, but it's not good!" he said through clenched teeth. Wow, I've never seen him this mad!
"Hey, hey, calm down Little Creek. It's no big deal, really! It doesn't bother me, I promise. Just relax and forget about it, alright? I came here to enjoy some time with you, not with an angry you." I said, trying to steer him away from this topic. Okay, so I lied a little bit. It is a big deal. I mean, it's not exactly nice to be called a rat by someone whose name means Goddess of pain, but I'll get over it.
"You're right hopa, I'm sorry. Let's talk about something else." he relented, pressing a quick kiss on my cheek.
"Okay, but don't get mad at me! What does hopa mean?"
He looked at me for a second before he began to laugh loudly. "You don't know?" he grinned?
"No, or else I wouldn't ask Little Creek. Come on, just tell me, what does it mean?"
Still chuckling, he put his hands around my face and rested his forehead against mine. "It means beautiful Jasmine."
Blushing, I cleared my throat and tried to look everywhere but at him. "Really now?" I awkwardly chuckled.
"Yes, really. Don't you like it?" he asked, his eyes twinkling with laughter.
"No no, I do! It's just, I never saw myself as beautiful. Still don't."
Rolling his eyes, Little Creek shifted until we were laying on the grass, my head on his shoulder and his arm stroking my waist. "Then you better get used to it, because you are the most beautiful girl that I have ever seen," he whispered softly in my ear. Shivering lightly, I closed my eyes and tried to send my blush back to where it came from.
"Thank you," I whispered back, burying my face in his shoulder. Feeling a warmth on my head, I smiled when he pressed a kiss there.
"Don't thank me hopa, I'm only telling the truth."
We lay there for a couple of minutes, just talking about things. How his life was in the Village and what kind of adventures he was on with Rain. We talked about Swift, TJ and Spirit, and how we hoped that they would come and visit us someday. With little foals and filly's hopefully.
"What happened when you were brought to the railroads? I found you and Spirit in the burning woods, and something tells me that the two of you have everything to do with that."
Chuckling, I sat up straight and began to tell him about my adventure. "We were brought to the Steamer, and it was cold and wet and very sad. We were missing you I think, and Rain of course. And Autumn Leaf. Actually, I missed everybody." I concluded, and Little Creek laughed softly before he told me to continue. Giving him a wink, I cleared my throat and carried on. "Well, I forced one of the soldiers to put me in the same bunk as the horses, and I sang a song for them. It gave us hope that we would escape and see our friends again. When we arrived there, I noticed that they were busy with blowing things up and just… lots and lots of stuff. I found out that they were going to use the horses to pull the steamer up the mountain, and I tried to tell them that it was dangerous, that the horses could get hurt! But let's just say that those soldiers weren't exactly the most smart men of the West. I got escorted towards some sort of stable where I would reside for those days. I went to sleep, and next thing I know, I wake up and there's a lot of noise. I climbed outside because they had locked the door, and I saw Spirit running down a hill and a steamer was rolling behind him. He helped me escape and next thing I know, there was fire and smoke surrounding us and then you saved us." I finished, taking a deep breath.
Looking at Little Creek, I laughed when I saw how he was gaping at me. After a while, he began to laugh with me. "You had an adventure alright Jasmine!"
"Yes, I had." I chuckled.
We started to watch the stars for a while, and then Little Creek asked me to sing him a song.
"I don't know Little Creek, maybe tomorrow."
"Oh come on hopa, for me? Please?" he asked, and he looked so cute that I couldn't deny him.
Clearing my throat, I glanced at him before I began to sing in a soft voice.
Why,
Why can't this moment last forever more
Tonight,
Tonight eternity's an open door
No
Don't ever stop doing the things you do
Don't go
In every breath I take I'm breathing you
Euphoria
Forever, 'til the end of time
From now on, only you and I
We're going u-u-u-u-u-u-up
Euphoria
An everlasting piece of art
A beating love within my heart
We're going u-u-u-u-u-u-up
We are here
We are alone in our own universe
We are free
Where everything's aloud and love comes first
Forever and ever together
We sail into infinity
We're higher and higher and higher
We're reaching for divinity
Euphoria
Forever, 'til the end of time
From now on, only you and I
We're going u-u-u-u-u-u-up
Euphoria
An everlasting piece of art
A beating love within my heart
We're going u-u-u-u-u-u-up
Forever
We sail into infinity
We're higher
We're reaching for divinity
Euphoria
Euphoria
We're going u-u-u-u-u-u-up
Euphoria
An everlasting piece of art
A beating love within my heart
We're going u-u-u-u-u-u-up
Euphoria
Euphoria
We're going u-u-u-u-u-u-up
Taking a breath, I looked at Little Creek and saw him smile at me with gentle eyes. "That was beautiful Jasmine."
"Thank you," I smiled, blushing slightly.
Laying down again, I let Little Creek pull me against him.
"My parents like you," he suddenly said, stroking my hair.
"They do?" I frowned. "I thought they only said that because you were there!"
Laughing, he shook his head. "No, they genuinely like you Jasmine. You've got humor, you're beautiful, and you make me happy. That's all that matters to them."
"That's good," I happily sighed.
"Very good," Little agreed. "Now come on, we have to go to the Party!"
Groaning, I protested halfheartedly when he pulled me up. "Do I have to go?"
"Oh yes, you're the guest of honor after all!" he happily reminded me.
Pulling my hands out of his grasp, I brushed of my clothes and took out my braid. "Do I look okay?" I asked Little Creek, still brushing some invisible dust of my clothes. Taking my hands and holding them in his, he pulled me towards him. "You look more than okay Jasmine, don't worry!" he laughed.
Smiling, I nodded. "Okay, let's get going then."
"Ah ah ah, not yet," Little Creek quickly said. Frowning, I looked up at him. My eyes widened when he brushed his nose against mine. "You haven't given me a iputake yet."
"A what?" I laughed.
Rolling his eyes, Little Creek smirked. "How do you say that? Oh yeah. A kiss."
Blinking, I blushed scarlet. "Yes, I have, and it was not to long-"
"No," he interrupted quickly, "I gave you those kisses. You kissed me back, but I haven't received one yet."
Rolling my eyes, I gave him a quick peck. "There, happy?"
"Pfft, no! That wasn't a kiss Jasmine. Come on, just one," he smiled, his lips almost touching mine.
Giving him a playful glare, I shook my head before I closed my eyes and pressed my lips against his. I let go of his hands and buried them in his hair. Pulling him even closer, I smiled into the kiss when I felt him kiss me back immediately. His arms were wrapped around my waist, and he was clinging to me like I would disappear any moment. Slowly pulling away from him, giggled when I saw his dazed expression. Slipping out of his grasp, I walked towards the music that could be heard. "You coming Little Creek?" I playfully yelled.
Glancing behind me, I yelped playfully when he started to chase me, laughing along the way.
Neither of us noticed a pair of glaring, dark eyes watching us silently…
And there you have it, Chapter 10! Yes people, two numbers right now! Awesome, aye? Sorry that this Chapter isn't as long as the last one, but I have to make a lot of things up, and I can't put everything in one long Chapter.
Thank you guys so much for reading this Story!
Tell me what you think about the new Characters that I introduced you too, and leave a review pretty please!
Love and Kisses,
AJ Arizona xoxo