Thank you all for your reviews they've really helped me, and I was so excited that I wrote this chapter. Not my best but since I've already written chapter eleven I figured ten had to be written at some point. So cheer!

Some of the dialogue is used from the avatar script which obviously does not belong to me :(

But anywho enjoy and all reviews are welcome.

Chapter Ten

Jake nocked his arrow into position. His eyes squinted as he looked down the length of his arm. The yerik had still not realised that there were two Na'vi in the bushes ready to end its life. Grace nodded her head subtly and Jake released the arrow. It flew into the air and embedded itself into the yerik's neck. The animal gave a bleating cry, its legs thrashing as it slowly died. Jake moved quickly to its side, thrusting his dagger into its chest lacerating its heart.

"I See You, Brother, and thank you. Your spirit goes with Eywa, your body stays behind to become part of the People." Jake said in stilted Na'vi. The death was a small victory compared to the life taken. It brought into perspective his past crimes and Jake couldn't stop the tear from running down his cheek. He felt Grace's hand on his neck and looked up at her. She too wore a sad smile and knelt beside him.

"You are ready." She whispered leaning closer and gently kissing the tear away. Jake zeroed in on her lips, his mouth twitching as Grace pouted, patiently waiting for him. He placed his mouth on hers gently, not wanting to make a mockery of their hunt. Grace responded to his soft caress gently squeezing his neck before standing up. Jake hefted the yerik over his shoulder and they carried it to their pa'li.

When they arrived in Kelutral a few people including Anna were there to greet them. Grace smiled at her mother, pressing her fingers to her forehead in greeting. Some of the females fawned over Jake as he placed the slain yerik on the ground.

"You are so manly." Grace winced as she heard Jayla's soft voice.

Jake blushed as Jayla proceeded to touch his muscles relaying her assessment to the other women. Grace growled, only the touch of her mother's hand upon her shoulder stilling her. Anna winked then pulled Grace into their alcove. Fko'itan was inside playing but upon seeing his mothers pointed look he quickly left. Grace sat on the ground and was joined by Anna who continued to smile at her.

"Mother?" Grace asked becoming worried when the silence became lengthy. Anna chuckled making Grace jump at the sudden sound.

"You are so much like your father. I saw your protectiveness over Jake." Anna said.

Grace hid her head in her hand, her fingers finding the tuft on her tail. The kill today signalled Jake's ability to become Omatikaya. She decided that tomorrow they would ascend Iknimaya. What she truly feared was Uniltaron. The dream hunt. She had endured hers as had others but there were chances of death and the thought of losing Jake scared her.

"He will be fine. If Jake managed to survive crashing through space, and the training to become Omatikaya then Uniltaron will be easy. Once he is one of The People you two can be together." Grace's head rose at her mother's words. Heat flushed her cheeks as she realised her mother knew about her feeling towards Jake.

"I am scared." Grace whispered. Anna pulled Grace into her arms and hugged her.

"There is nothing to fear. Just follow your heart." Anna said, smiling as Grace hugged her back.

Jake sat before the pit as the Na'vi gathered for dinner. Fko'itan was talking animatedly as news spread of the journey he would be making the next day. According to Grace they would be climbing the mountains to where the ikran roosted.

"How will I know the ikran has chosen me?" he had asked. Grace had seemed reluctant to tell him but in the end his incessant whining pushed her to reveal all.

"It will try to kill you." Jake had looked at Grace hoping that she had been joking. Her face had been serious.

"The bond between ikran and rider lasts forever. Until ikran dies." Fko'itan said. Jake turned to Grace who had a sad look in her eyes. He rested his hand on hers briefly trying in an attempt to comfort her. Grace looked up at him and smiled.

"I too will catch an ikran." She supplied hushing him as Mo'at stood to speak.

Jake watched the older woman who moved with grace and pride. He could see the similarities between her and Grace and wondered if that was what Grace would like when she was older. He liked to think he'd be there to witness it, but he doubted he'd make it that far. He wasn't like Anna, he couldn't abandon his human life though he had no use for it. Grace's eyes sparkled as the Tsahik continued to speak and he became enraptured by her low voice.

"She is telling the tale of Toruk Makto." Grace explained laughing as Mo'at said something funny. Jake had heard of Toruk. Leila had explained the human term of it was Great Leonopteryx, it was closely related to a mountain banshee, but was much bigger with over an eighty foot wingspan.

"Toruk means last shadow, Makto is rider. Toruk Makto was mighty, he brought the clans together in a time of great sorrow." Grace continued her eyes blazing with pride, "My grandfather's grandfather was Toruk Makto, Rider of Last Shadow. Toruk chose him. It has only happened five times since the time of the First Songs."Jake whistled knowing that the time of the first songs had been a long time ago. For something as great as a Toruk to choose a rider was amazing. He had noticed the head of the Toruk on a totem upon the dais where the olo'eyktan held council. That was a frightening beast.

"Now Mo'at is saying the Toruk grow restless awaiting their next rider." Grace smiled as Fko'itan yelled out.

"I will be the one to conquer Toruk." The others laughed at the small boy's exuberance and soon the story telling turned into exclamations from the children as they joined Fko'itan's shouts. Jake flung Fko'itan into his arms and turned him in the air as though he were riding a Toruk. Grace laughed as the younger men did the same, even To'itan picked Miktay rushing him through the air.

"He is so handsome." Leila said. Grace nudged her friend gently indicating that she had heard the scientist words. Leila blushed, her tail lazily flopping from side to side.

"Perhaps you should tell him your feelings." Grace said firmly pushing Leila towards To'itan. Leila nodded then tapped To'itan on the shoulder. The Na'vi warrior placed the boy down gently then gave Leila his full attention. Grace watched as Leila took deep breaths her body physically shaking as she opened her mouth to speak.

"Pänutìng Ngeya txe'lan." The words burst from Leila's lips. Grace's eyes widened as the dreamwalker asked To'itan to promise himself to her. They widened even further when To'itan agreed taking hold of Leila's hand.

"I did not see that happening." Jake said slightly winded. Grace leant against him discreetly watching as To'itan and Leila wandered off into the forest. Jake's tail flicked against hers sending a rush of heat up Grace's spine.

"After Uniltaron. We will be one." She said into his ear before dancing out of his reach.

...

Jake wiped the perspiration from his top lip. The other Na'vi were travelling faster than him and he could hear Grace grumbling behind him. Jake stuck out his tongue his fingers clutching the ragged boulders. They were entwined and held together by tree roots, attached to a much larger chunk of rock. Jake watched as the others grabbed hanging roots and climbed up towards the summit of a cliff. Jake took a running step his hands grabbing hold of thick rope, gym had been his forte and he was able to make it to the top. Grace joined him and placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder as they met a wall of water.

"Through here." She said. Jake gulped then began to shimmy across the sheer rock face. Loose stone fell as he continued to where the ikran rested. He could hear them flapping and squawking, his eyes widening as he saw dozens of ikran.

"remember it is the ikran who will not stand down." Grace said standing back. Jake clenched the woven bola in his hand swinging it as he hissed at the ikran. A large blue and purple ikran dove of the cliff several following it. The only ikran he had seen was Grace's and it had been dead, when alive there were very intimidating.

"Hello bud." Jake whispered as a yellow and brown ikran squawked at him.

Swinging the bola Jake threw one end of it and it wrapped around the ikran's beak. Jake tightened the bola and jumped on its back. The ikran tried to throw him off lurching from left to right before slamming into the ground. Jake groaned as his bones jarred with pain but he kept his hold on the ikran, using his legs to hold its head still. Using his free hand he took hold of its queue and attached it to his own. Suddenly the ikran settled as his feelings transferred to Jake and vice versa.

"Easy boy." Jake crooned removing the bola. He turned to Grace who also sat upon an ikran. completely black with the exception of a white streak along its wing.

"Seze." She called introducing her ikran to him. Jake rummaged through his head for a name only one standing out to him.

"Jarhead." He replied. Grace's lip twitched before ordering Seze forward. Jake laughed as she took the skies and he soon followed her. They rose and dove around each other, wind whistling past their ears as they built speed. Jake gave a victorious cry as they circled the other hunters who had claimed their ikran.

Feeling a current of air, he looked to his left where Grace saluted him, her face blossoming into a smile. Jake returned the gesture then urged Jarhead forward back towards Hometree.

...

Grace wrung her hands as Jake entered the hollow pit near the base of Kelutral. They had arrived a few hours ago and Jake had been insistent that he was ready for the Uniltaron. Grace hadn't wanted him to go through with it just yet but to her surprise, Mo'at had agreed that he was ready. Her mother held her hand as Jake descended the earthen steps her heart high in her chest. Mo'at lit several herbs the smoke filling the pit.

Jake sat squatting, using his palms to wash the smoke over his body. Mo'at placed her hand beneath Jake's jaw and lifted his head. Obediently he opened his mouth, his tongue protruding as she placed a glowing purple worm on it. The worm moved into a tight ball, lighting his mouth before he closed it shut. Jake reluctantly chewed the worm his face darkening at the unfamiliar taste. Ngay'swizav the held a wriggling arachnoid, a scorpion like creature, and removing Jake's hair, he then pressed the arachnoid to the back of his neck. Jake winced as the insect pushed its stinger through his skin.

His eyes met Grace's and he gave her a reassuring smile. She did not return it, instead she joined in the Na'vi's low chanting. Jake shut his eyes as he felt the effects of the toxin within his blood stream. When he opened them, the faces around him appeared disorientated, warped like putty in the hands of a child. Upon looking at his body he could see his hands and feet receding and everything began to disappear. Taking deep soothing breathes Jake blinked his eyes open and saw towering trees that glowed in the night. Looking at his body again, he saw that his hands had become roots, his legs too. They stretched out like streams of light.

The scene shifted to him standing upon Iknimaya. A large shadow covered him in the distinctive shadow of a diving Toruk. The Toruk landed lowering its neck as an invitation for Jake to ride him. Jake clambered onto its back, holding on to it tightly they flew over Hometree. Except Hometree was no more. A large crater bellowed with smoke and small fires licked the remaining forest. Hundreds of bodies, Na'vi bodies, lay strewn like burnt matchsticks. Jake gasped, bile rising in his throat. Coughing he vomited into the ground stilling as Mo'at placed a hand on his shoulder. Her eyes were unreadable but Jake had the distinct feeling that she knew what he had seen.

"Did you see your spirit animal?" Ngay'swizav asked helping Jake to his feet. Jake felt guilt tear at him. His vision had portrayed what was to come, he had no doubt about that, but now was not the time to inform the Na'vi. Grace looked at him expectantly unshed tears glistening in her eyes.

"It is unclear now." Mo'at said. Jake nodded in agreement, grimacing as the movement caused his head to pound. Grace was there to help him out of the pit. Her hands squeezed his showing just how much she had feared for him. Jake cocked his head and gave a reassuring grin.

"Were you worried?" he asked cupping her face and brushing away at an errant tear with his thumb. Grace's lips wavered into a half smile-half sob. Jake chuckled and pulled her closer rubbing his face against her unbound hair. Grace returned his embrace rubbing her hands soothingly against his back.

"Of course." She choked, pressing her cheek against his. Jake sighed as Grace moved from his embrace, the emptiness of his arms irritated his heart but he released her. Ngay'swizav was talking with the older Na'vi and he heard his named mentioned frequently.

"I must prepare you for the ceremony." Grace said taking his hand in hers.

Jake beamed unable to contain his excitement over becoming Omatikaya. He was now one of the people and his voice would be heard. He knew that Ngay'swizav should know about the human forces but not just yet. Tonight he wanted to enjoy his time with Grace. Now that he was one of The People they could finally be together. Jake faltered as Grace took him into her families alcove. A small fire glowed and beside it was a pot of thick white paint. Jake didn't know if he could mate with her with a clear conscience. He was about to betray her people, his people and the feeling left a bitter taste in his throat.

Grace settled Jake onto the ground and sat opposite him. She was having difficulty talking as her fingers touched the cool liquid. Now that Jake was Omatikaya she could claim him as her own. Yet he did not look as though the thought had crossed his mind. Instead he sat with a vacant look in his eyes and a vein throbbing at his temple. Perhaps Jake had grown weary of her, for her own excitement knew no bounds. Grace ran her fingers along his chest leaving swirling lines in her wake. She could feel her arousal building as his heat permeated through her. She looked up into his eyes hoping to see her own passion mirrored but he was still consumed in his thoughts. Grace bit her lip then leant forward, placing on hand on his thigh she began to run her fingers over his face. His eyes flickered to hers as though seeing her for the first time and he gave a small smile. Grace lowered her gaze coating her fingers with more paint. She felt his hand beneath her chin as he forced to look at him.

"Grace I…" Jake's words were cut off by the arrival of several women bearing gifts. Grace swiftly swept her finger over his lips then got up. She winced as Jayla nudged her out of the way. Soon Jake was swamped by the fawning females and Grace could do nothing but leave the alcove.

"The woman are vying for his attention?" Anna asked as she noticed Grace. Grace smiled weakly, wincing as she heard Jake's excited baritone. Jayla was the loudest and most outgoing. Her personality was similar to Jake's and Grace could think of no other suitable mate.

"It is for the best." Grace said stumbling past her mother as tears clouded her vision. She didn't stop walking until the sound of the beating drums and singing was a faint tremor. Grace knelt in the ground her hands clenching her tail as sobs shook her body. So consumed in her own grief she didn't hear the footsteps behind her until a hand rested on her crown. Grace stiffened wiping her tears away as her father squatted beside her a stern look on his face.

"What is wrong daughter?"Ngay'swizav asked, uncomfortable over his usually stout daughter's sadness. When Grace refused to speak he pulled her into his arms, smiling when she gave a small squeak of surprise.

"When I am too serious, your mother makes me smile. When your mother is too flighty, I make her take notice. Grace you need someone like that. Someone who can balance out your temperament or you will never be happy." He said. Grace looked at her father, taking note of what he was telling her. She never would have seen her parent's relationship that way. All these years she had assumed her mother had pursued her father to the point where he had given in, but now she could see that her father needed Anna just as much. Grace sniffled rubbing her nose against the back of her hand.

"Do you think Jhake is the one father?" she asked. Ngay'swizav's smile turned grim and Grace feared that her father did not approve of their relationship.

"I think you and Jake are destined." He finally said. Grace's eyes widened over his revelation. She had thought Ngay'swizav would disapprove of her love for a dreamwalker but in the end he too had chosen a dreamwalker as a mate. Grace accepted her father's offered hand and together they walked back to Kelutral.

"Now go claim him." Ngay'swizav whispered pushing her towards Jake who was surrounded by a crowd of women. Grace pushed through them trying to reach Jake. Jayla was standing closest to him and as soon as she saw Grace, she raised her hands for silence. Jake caught Grace's eye and gave her a small smile looking very uncomfortable.

"Pänutìng Ngeya txe'lan." Jayla said. The women hushed silently looking at Jake expectantly. Jake gave a confused shrug.

"What does that mean?" he asked Grace. Grace wished she could tell him but once a woman or man propositioned another to be their mate, no one could interfere. Grace looked away from Jake unable to witness what was about to take place.

"I cannot tell you Jake. You must answer yes or no." She whispered hating the crack in her voice.

Jake scowled as Grace looked away from him. Once again she was leaving it up to him to know how to act amongst the Na'vi. Jake looked at Jayla who had an excited gleam in her eye and whatever deductive reasoning he possessed, he used it to formulate the right answer.

"No." He said. Jayla's face fell briefly before contorting into a haughty glare. The slighted woman pushed past the others, a few of her friends hurrying after her with the intent to console her. Soon the crowd diminished and Jake was left with Grace.

"You said no." Grace whispered as tears ran down her cheek. Jake was surprised by her reaction, but didn't know what to do except hold her.

Grace held onto Jake tightly, not realising how much she loved him until another woman wanted to claim him. Reluctantly she eased out of his hold and angrily brushed the tears from her eyes.

"Why did you say no, does Jayla not appeal to you?" she asked her own words sounding harsh to her ears. Jake looked at her with a baffled expression. He opened and closed his mouth several times before scowling.

"I don't understand."

"Pänutìng Ngeya txe'lan." She whispered caressing his cheek. Jake rubbed his lips against her palm nipping at her fingers as she pulled away.

"Yes." He replied.

"Why?" she asked allowing Jake to pull her away from Hometree and deeply into the forest. Jake did not answer but continued to lead her through the trees until stopping in a small opening. Jake released her hand his eyes drinking in the beautiful view. Towering trees fringed the flat grass, small flowered bushes ran the length of a large pond.

"You are the only woman I will ever say yes to." Jake finally said turning to her. Grace lowered her lashes at his heated promise. When she looked back up at him he wore a crooked grin, the grin that she could never say no to. Slowly at though he feared she would bolt he approached her. His movements were sensual like a stalking palulukan and Grace found them highly erotic. Her breath caught in her chest as he reached her, the heat from his body enveloping her like a lover's hug. His hand cupped her cheek and he leant forward for a kiss.

Grace surrendered herself to him. Her mouth gasped open and his tongue delved within her orifice seeking her out. Her arms wrapped themselves around his neck pulling him closer against her. Jake moaned as she pulled away from him and began biting her way to his throat. Her tongue laved the small marks diligently soothing the small irritation. Jake's hands could no longer remain still and Grace whimpered as he ran them down to her buttocks, squeezing the rounded globes. She could feel him through the fabric of their clothes but the material stopped her from truly feeling his desire.

Jake felt Grace's fingers fumble with the straps of his loincloth. As much as he wanted her, he would have to take things slow. Grace was a virgin and he didn't want her first time to be rushed. Jake took her hands and pulled them away, her small murmur of discontent making him smile.

"Do you not want me Jhake?" she asked. Jake would have laughed at her question in her voice had it not been laced with fear. Pressing his head against her so that their noses touched, Jake took a deep breath and absorbed her scent. It was the smell of fresh flowers and innocence. He wanted her to know just how much she meant to him.

"Of course I do." He moaned, as she broke free from his grasp and began to cup him. His erection throbbed angrily against her hold and his hips began to move against her unconsciously. Jake swore as she caressed her lips against his jaw, her tongue flicking against his skin in rhythm to his thrusts.

"We have to take this slow." He ground out between clenched teeth. Grace ran her hand through his hair urging his mouth closer to hers. In unison they sank to the forest floor. Grace spread her legs sighing as Jake settled between them careful to keep his full weight off her. Jake braced himself on his elbows his pelvis still rocking against her and he knew that any minute now he was going to embarrass himself. With great control Jake removed her hands and pinned them above her head. Grace's eyes glowed with lust as well as anger and with a devilish gleam she anchored her legs around his hips.

"What are you doing." He growled as she rubbed herself against him. Jake choked as her breast came into line with his mouth. Using his teeth he tore at the delicate chain of beads exposing her to the night's air. Before his eyes her small darkened nipples grew hard. Grace's breathing increased making her breast rise further in front of him. Jake needed no more invitation and placed his tongue against the taunt flesh.

Grace moaned arching against him. She could feel his hard flesh pressing against her thigh and she wanted nothing more than to accept him into her body. Her tail wrapped itself around his slowly stroking him. Jake groaned and drew more of her breast into his mouth, sucking the thick flesh to the point where the sensation verged on pain. Grace could feel herself growing hot and she knew that she was ready.

"Tsahaylu Jhake." She whimpered as he moved his mouth to her other, neglected breast.

Jake took hold of his queue and placed it close to hers creating the bond. They both gasped as their arousal doubled. Each felt what the other was feeling and the sensations were volleyed between them. Jake's eyes dilated as he resumed suckling her, every tremor of desire she experienced he could feel. He didn't think it was possible to become more aroused but he did. The tsahaylu was overwhelming and Jake couldn't control his next actions. With a deep animal like growl he tore at the flimsy material keeping Grace away from him. Grace giggled at his exuberance keening as he plunged two thick digits inside of her.

"Jhake." She moaned as he began to pump her delicate flesh ruthlessly. His name on her lips was his undoing. Jake clenched his stiff member and rammed it inside her.

Agony blasted through his head removing the intoxicating cloud of deep lust. He felt like his gut had been torn in two and at the back of his mind he could hear sobbing. He could feel Grace pushing against him as pain filled her eyes. Jake kept himself still as she continued her thrashing.

"Stop Jhake, stop." She whimpered, her cries reaching his ears.

Carefully he pulled out of her, wincing as he felt the rawness of his departure. The blood he saw on himself made him feel physically sick as he gently pulled his queue from hers. He had never taken a virgin before but that was no excuse. He knew that he had to be careful with Grace but the emotions he had felt had been too strong for him to control. When he looked at Grace, she had curled herself into a small ball her hands plastered to her stomach. Blood coated her thighs and again Jake flinched fearing that he had caused irreparable damage.

"Grace?" he whispered crawling towards her. "It's normal for the first time to be like this." To his dismay Grace flinched away from him, quickly backing away. Her eyes were wide with fear and mistrust, her cheeks stained with her tears.

"Stay away!" she shouted, her eyes roving the ground widely. Jake sighed as they landed upon her dagger. Slowly he picked it up and approached her.

Grace climbed shakily to her feet almost buckling as pain lacerated her womb. What had she done to deserve such maltreatment? She had believed Jake to be a kind and gentle yet this act alone had shown his true nature. Her body ached and the pain in her loins was still sharp and biting. Grace lifted her chin gracefully forcing herself not to show the monster any fear.

"I'm sorry." Jake whispered. Grace hissed baring her fangs. She refused to fall for his lies, when he was close enough she tackled him to the ground prying the dagger from his hands. To her surprise he gave it up to her easily he didn't even bother to fight against her. Grace's frustration grew as he continued to look up at her with deep regret in his eyes.

"You may be my mate, but I will never allow you near my body again." she growled moving quickly away from him. Picking up her clothes she ran back to Kelutral and not once did she look back.

Well...there we are Grace and Jake have mated, sort of...