+Confessions+
Mia's P.O.V.
"Jake, it's crazy here. It's full mobilization. They're rigging the shuttle as a bomber. They've got these huge pallets of mine explosives. It's for some kind of shock-and-awe campaign," Max explained frantically over the computer's monitor. As my eyes widen, I heard Trudy exclaim beside me, "Fricking daisy cutters!"
All of the group was huddle around the screen, either prepping guns, or going over something or another. Jake had been reviewing me on how to use a gun properly again when Max's call had come in. Now, we were almost all stunned into silence within the tiny shack.
"Quaritch has taken over. He's rolling, and there's no stopping him," Max proclaimed fearfully. Looking from the screen over to Jake, our eyes connected as the same thought ran through our minds.
"When," I asked, turning my gaze away from my brother's.
"0600 tomorrow; and that's not even the worst of it either, Jake," Max muttered bitterly, as his eyes crossed over to where my brother was sitting.
"How much worse can it get," Jake wondered almost completely defeated.
"Much worse; Quaritch has gone and put a bounty on you're sister's head, man. He seems to think that if he kills her, then it'll stop you are something. I overheard him talking to Wainfleet about it. Listen I (Woman: Max! Max!) … I gotta go," and with that the screen cut off, leaving us all in a shocked silence. Jake refused to meet my eyes as I sat there taking everything in.
So, Quaritch had gone and put a bounty on my head…what else was new? There's practically a bounty on all of our heads. However, what unnerves me is that he'd been talking to Wainfleet about it; Wainfleet being my almost rapist. There was probably only one thought going through that idiot's head right now.
Norm leaned forward to turn off the monitor, before collapsing back in his seat. With a very annoyed and exasperated tone, he snapped, "We're screwed!"
Chuckling angrily, Trudy replied, "And I was hoping for some sort of tactical plan that didn't involve martyrdom."
Giggling slightly at the memory of the quote I'd learned back in college, I said aloud, "We chose this road, and we'll end with martyrdom or victory." The others within the trailer all gave me a funny look until I explained, "Um… it's a quote by Ahmed Yassin. He was a founder of Hamas, an Islamist Palestinian paramilitary organization. The guy was murdered on his way to prayers back in the year 2004. It just kinda popped into my head after what Trudy said." With a cheesy smile, I heard Trudy laugh from beside me before Norm emitted his own chuckle or two next to her. Jake just simple smiled at the three of us. However, the tension slowly seeped back into the room as Trudy spoke up once more, stating, "We're going up against gunships with bows and arrows."
"I think we're aware of that Trudy. We've been aware of it since day one," I said, as I leaned my head onto her shoulder. My human body was tired, and considering I hadn't really gotten any real sleep in the past few days, I'm sure it was ready to shut down any minute. Trudy must have noticed my grumpiness was from lack of sleep too, because she didn't counter back with anything like she normally would have. Either that, or she was just as exhausted as herself.
Jake was the one to butt into the conversation next though, "I have fifteen clans out there…"
"Seventeen Jake…you have seventeen counting the Palulukan Clan, and their friends," I muttered fighting a yawn. With my eyes closed I could tell even now he was glaring at me.
"Sorry Miss-I-Have-to-be-Specific… I have seventeen clans out there. That's well over 2,000 warriors," my brother stated, as Trudy wrapped her arm around my shoulders. Playing with my hair absently, she managed to get me to open my eyes long enough to pay attention to Jake once more, "Now, we know these mountains. We fly them. You (finger pointed at Trudy) fly them. They don't. Their instruments won't work up here. Missile tracking won't work. They'll have to fire a line of sight. If they bring the fight to us, then we have the home-field advantage."
Nods or blank stares filled the room; Jake, a little down-hearted, looked to me for help with the others. Sighing, I shook my head. Trudy and Norm were right; we were screwed. How could we take on the RDA like this? Even if we did have the home-field advantage, that didn't give us that much 'up' against their gun-ships. This was something that had not only escaped my brother's mind, but also Anitri's when I had first spoken of this to her family.
These soldiers were still going to end up murdering us in the end. Yet, instead of admitting my fears, I knew for Jake I had to tell a white lie. Sometimes white lies give us the hope we need to succeed. So with a deep breath, I took the plunge.
"Well... I can say ooooone thing about alllllll of this," I mumbled through a yawn; catching the attention of the group again. Stretching my limbs, I replied, "…the Palulukan Clan finally got their wish. This is what Nirite's daughter was hoping for, as well as their head warrior, Txuritan. Everyone knows that we have a better chance with them coming to us, than if we go to them. I think Quaritch just made a big mistake by saying he's going to bring that bomber here."
Turning her head to look at me, Trudy replied, "You know he's gonna commit that bomber straight to the Tree of Souls."
My face instantly fell as realization dawned on me. She was right. There was no place else Quaritch would be wanting more than to take those explosives too. He knew that if he took out their direct line to Eywa…it'd all be over.
"Yeah, I know," Jake whispered sadly.
Shaking his head in disbelief, Norm voiced, "If they get to the Tree of Souls, it's over. That's their direct line to Eywa, their ancestors. It'll destroy them." Nodding in agreement, I lowered my eyes to the floor. Defeating the RDA would be no easy feat. We were going to lose a lot of warriors doing so; probably our own lives as well. Yet, like Jake, I refused to accommodate myself to those bastards. They'd already taken enough lives, and it was our job to keep them from creating a mass extinction.
"Then I guess we'd better stop him," Jake declared.
Nodding, I went to stand up when a dizzy spell came over me. Feeling myself begin to fall back, I had no time to grab a hold of anything. Thank God for Trudy, though.
Grabbing hold of me before I fell backwards, Norm jumped up to assist her in helping to sit me back down.
"You alright, Mia? You look don't look so good," Trudy asked rubbing my back in a motherly-like manner.
It seemed as if she had taken upon Grace's role of watching out for me ever since our 'Mom,' had passed. I wouldn't lie though; I was secretly glad she had. When she acted like this, it made it almost seem as if Grace had never died. However, when it eventually would set in… well, then I would feel just as awful as I did before. I think maybe because it was out of guilt for not letting Grace go like I should be doing.
"I'm fine. Don't worry…"
"Mia, you're as white as a ghost, and you look like you just rose out of a coffin. You need to eat something, and then go catch some sleep. Jake and I... we'll be fine on our own at camp today," Norm advised, with Jake seconded it with a nod.
"Seriously, I'm fine. We have too much as it is to worry about my own healt…"
"Please, don't make me go all Dr. McCoy from Star Trek 2009 on you. I'm not afraid to pull out a needle, and start drugging you up," Jake warned with almost a parental tone in his voice. I knew when Jake started acting like our father then it was probably time for me to listen.
"Fine, but not until I at least get a shower; for that matter, I think we all need one. No offense, but we all smell like a bunch of pigs," I said scrunching up my nose. Laughing at the comment I'd made, the group allowed me to go take a quick bath.
I couldn't deny that the water felt good running along my malnourished skin, but I could deny that I wished it felt as soothing as it did in my avatar. Here, in all my glory under the showerhead, I felt alien. It just didn't feel right to be hidden in such a small space when you washed. Even when I wore those clothes in the shack, all I wanted to do was rip everything, but my underwear, off of my body.
Grace and Max had been right; I'd dug myself a hole I couldn't get out of. I had been emotionally compromised from the very beginning, and through my own thick-headedness I hadn't seen it. However, now I was going to have to live with it.
By the time I was finished, hair dried and clean clothes hanging from my bony body, there was already a meal waiting beside Trudy for me. Jake and Norm had sadly already linked with their Avatars. We were alone for the day.
Quickly, I gobbled down the meek lunch that I'd been given, and within moments of it hitting my stomach I could swear the rumbling pain all but disappeared. Once fully satisfied that most of the dizziness had faded away now that I'd eaten, I began to make my way toward my bed. However, along the way I was soon stopped.
"Here, Norm said this will help you get a better night's rest," Trudy said while handing me a pill and a glass of water. Taking them from her hands, I popped the pill into my mouth, before chugging down all that was in the glass. Ordering me to show her I'd taken the medicine, I opened my mouth so that she could check. After a moment she turned away, while giving me a thumbs-up.
"How long will it take for this thing to kick in anyway," I asked as I finally went to lie down in my makeshift bed on the floor.
"Norm didn't say, but probably not long," she shrugged turning back to the guns she'd been fooling around with earlier.
Watching her, I couldn't fathom how Norm and she had really gotten together. They were complete polar opposites. How could you live with someone when there was a distinct possibility that you were going to end up fighting with each other all the time?
I mean, I know Norm was attracted to her physically; that much was obvious. No one could deny that Trudy's Latina features weren't gorgeous. Sometimes even I secretly envied her voluptuous curves; wishing that I had taken better care of my body like she had. Yet, there was something else there that Norm had found special about her that others hadn't.
"You okay, Mia," Trudy asked, bringing me out of my reverie. It was then that I realized I had been staring at her oddly for past few minutes.
Chuckling to brush away the embarrassment I felt, I said, "I guess this pill kicks in pretty quick. I think I'm already starting to feel it."
Laughing, Trudy replied, "Good, because for a moment I thought you'd gone all gay on me, or something. I thought I'd have to tell Jake to inform Tsu'tey you were no longer his type."
Scrunching my nose up, and sticking out my tongue, I replied, "What? No way! I mean its fine for others, and I don't have anything against it whatsoever, but still…yuck!"
Roaring with laughter at my expression, Trudy giggled, "I know, but you should have seen your face. It was priceless."
Chuckling along with her, I shook my head. The moments with Trudy would never be dull ones.
And then it clicked.
One of the reason's why Norm loved her was because she made him laugh. She made every moment worth while when they were together.
"Norm really loves you, you know," I mumbled through a grin. Ceasing her laughter, but not her smile, she replied dreamily, "Yeah, I know."
Looking up at her, I asked, "Do you love him? I mean it seems like you do, and I'm not going to judge if you say otherwise. I just want to know that he's in good han…"
Chuckling at my verbal vomit, Trudy answered, "Yes, Mia, I love Norm; with all my heart. If I was to die now, I think I'd be content with the life I've lived. I grew up with a happy childhood, lived my dreams of flying, and met someone who I couldn't picture living without. I wouldn't change a thing to be honest."
Still smiling, I said, "You know, I told Norm a while back, when we first met, that he was going to meet someone great for him; someone who would make him happy, and fit him perfectly. I think that person was you, and believe it or not, I'm glad it was too. Like you said, I can't picture it any other way."
Smirking, Trudy replied, "Okay now, enough of all this sappy bullshit. Sometimes I wonder if I'm losing you here, Mia." Chuckling with one another, I finally felt the pill kicking in. My eyes began to droop, and I found it even harder to avoid yawning. Noticing this, Trudy replied, "Come on, Mia. Get some rest. Norm and your brother will kill me if I keep you up any longer." Nodding languidly, I rested my head further into my pillow. Within moments of closing my eyes, I was out like a light.
Dream
I was flying through low-hanging clouds; my eyes blurred by the strong winds. Battle cries and Na'vi screaming from all around me seemed to cut through the air like a knife. Gun-fire blared from every direction, but they were like ghosts. The thick fog surrounding the mountains hid this enemy from my view; ultimately bringing a chilling fear that I could be hit at any moment.
Suddenly, a gigantic ship appeared out of nowhere through the covering; emerging almost like a ghost through the mist.
This ship put the fear of God through me as the occupant of the cockpit zeroed in on my location. I tried with all my might to steer Sage in another direction, but he just kept flying faster and faster towards it. Then, before I knew it, we were upon them.
A pair of haunting eyes managed to catch my gaze, and these eyes…I knew them all to well.
Why is that?
Well, it's because they belonged to none other than Colonel Miles Quaritch.
Screaming in fear at this vision before me; I felt Sage suddenly give a sharp jerk. Then, before I knew it, I was freefalling through the air with Sage floating high above me; bleeding profusely. We'd been hit.
My avatar fell through the jungle; hitting various trees and plants in its wake, before it finally crashed down onto the forest floor.
With the air knocked from my lungs, and the obvious wounds lining my body, I knew this was it for me. However, I barely had enough time to register where I was before I was suddenly jerked away from my thoughts by someone's loud cry for help.
Rising to my feet, while cradling my wounded side, I made a beeline in the person's direction.
I was only a few feet away when a Na'vi-sized Wainfleet stepped into my path. Cackling maniacally, he raised his gun in my direction.
Knowing this was it for me, and that I could not run from this man in my state, I waited for the final blow.
BANG
However, I felt no pain, and as I opened my eyes, I realized it was not my blood-curdling scream that had been heard.
It was Tsu'tey's.
Turning to look behind me, I found Tsu'tey lying on a large dirt bank beneath me; holding his bleeding wound, his sun-kissed eyes gazed straight into mine. It was like he was begging me to take revenge, and as I stood there…I knew that's all I wanted. The boiling rage I felt deep within, and the painful sadness I had for watching my lover slowly die, seemed to give me the push I needed.
Yet, when I turned back to attack Wainfleet for what he'd done…he was gone. In the man's place was a group of Na'vi, and among that group was my brother and Neytiri. Seeing their heart-wrenching sorrow for what had happened, I could barely keep back the choked sobs coursing through my lips.
I fell to my knees in front of the man I loved; tears cascading down my cheeks like a never-ending waterfall.
Carefully, I placed my hand upon his painted cheek; his shuttering breaths quickly becoming fewer and fewer by ever passing moment.
"Please, you can't leave me," I begged in his native tongue, while placing heartfelt kisses onto his temple.
"I-I cannot stop my d-death, M-Mia," Tsu'tey gasped looking into my eyes, before his gaze met Jake's.
Breathing heavily, he spoke, "I can't…I cannot lead The People. You must lead them…Jakesully."
Shaking his head, my brother replied, "I'm not officer material."
"It is decided," Tsu'tey hissed through the pain, as his hand grasped mine. "Now…do the duty of Olo'eyktan," and with that, my mate raised his hand to pull out Jake's dagger.
"No, NO TSU'TEY," I screamed through my sobs; realizing what he wanted my brother to do.
"I will not kill you," Jake breathed, as Neytiri pulled me away from the man I loved.
"It is the way, and it is good!"
Shaking my head vigorously, I fought through Neytiri's grasp as I screamed, "You don't know what you're talking about! We can save you! P-please DON'T LEAVE ME!"
"I will be remembered…" Tsu'tey spoke through labored breaths, "…I fought…with Toruk Macto! We were brothers… His sister… I loved…and he… was my last shadow."
Looking from Tsu'tey's gaze to my brothers, I silently begged him not to do this. I begged that he would see reason. I even went as far as to plead with Neytiri to stop him.
However, my brother merely shook his head.
Leaning over the Na'vi's body, Jake readied his blade. Tsu'tey then turned his eyes onto mine one last time to whisper, "I love you, Mi..."
Yet, he never finished what he had to say as one final thrust of the blade ended his life for good; my love was gone. In his place rested a still body with his lifeless golden eyes.
"NOOOOO…!"
End dream
"…TSU'TEY," I screamed, jolting up from my makeshift bed; my eyes scanning the room frantically for the man I loved. Yet… he wasn't there. It was simply a dream.
Panting heavily, I let the real world fall back into place around me once again; even though it was hard considering my heart was easily beating a mile a minute.
Carefully placing my hand over my chest, I tried to still my breathing.
My mind, at first, refused to process that everything was truly okay, but after a moment things began to register. I was in the shack…alone…Trudy was gone…but the links were still running.
Scrambling to my feet quickly, I began to search the trailer for any sign of my friend. However, it seemed she had been long gone for a while. In her place was a note stating that she'd gone for a walk with Norm. So, to make sure it was true, I went to count the oxygen masks; where, of course, I found only one missing.
I could only assume then that the note was true.
However, still not completely satisfied, I went to put on my own special oxygen nose plugs; these of which were the gift given to me by Max for my birthday. Once they were on, I made a beeline for the door.
When I got outside, I quickly checked to make sure the helicopter was still nearby; which, thankfully, it was.
Once satisfied that nothing bad had happened, I reentered the shack. The moment I managed to tear the plugs away from my nose, I was immediately off to find something to quell my rumbling stomach.
Checking the tiny fridge for something to eat, I found one of the few breakfast burritos that we had left. We were low on food, and even though Jake had tried gathering things for us to eat from within the jungle…well, it seemed an almost fruitless attempt. Even though there were some things on this planet that our species could eat, there were quite a few others that we couldn't. Sadly, that few resided around here.
While warming up my burrito, I took a seat at the nearby desk.
Yet, as I did, I heard almost every bone in my body popping and crackling. I guess I was in bad shape; especially since my current clothing had to be tied with rubber-bands to even fit. I mean I could barely look at myself in the mirror, because I looked so terrible. I don't even know how everyone else in the shack could bear to see me. Then again, I didn't quite resemble a skeleton yet; let alone a prisoner from a Na'zi concentration camp, but I was still very much underweight.
Trying to avoid seeing my reflection in anything, I noticed something jutting out from within my back-pack nearby. Curious to what it was, I stood up, and made my way over to it.
Carefully, I pulled out the object from within the bag; only to find that it was the locket Sage had given me so long ago. Unlike when I first came here, I didn't hesitate this time to open it. So, when Sage's face came into view, I found I couldn't hold back the smile that broke out onto my lips.
"What are you doing here? I thought you said you were going out with the guys, and to not wait up," I snapped from the bathroom sink; I could clearly see Sage's reflection even in the foggy mirror.
"Mia, don't be like that. What I said…listen, I was wrong. I shouldn't be pushing you into something you don't want. If you want to wait…well, I guess I will to. I love you, sweetie. There's nothing more I want in this world, than you," my fiancé whispered as he came up behind me, wrapping his strong arms around my bare waist.
Sighing, I leaned into his touch. I knew fighting with him wasn't going to help the situation. I couldn't even begin to count how many times we'd argued over starting a family. I guess this morning's fight had just escalated from something small to something ridiculous; though, it probably might have been because of his announcement that he was going back over seas.
"You know, baby, you're going to get wet from my hair if you keep hugging me," I chimed with a hint of playfulness. However, that hint was enough to assure him I was no longer angry with him. It confirmed that I understood what he'd said, and I had forgiven him. I would have eventually anyway. We always forgave one another.
"Hmm, then I guess we should both hop back into the shower then. At least we'll both be equally wet…if you know what I mean," Sage replied cockily, while wiggling his eyebrows at me.
Smacking him on the shoulder, I replied, "You horny little boy. You think sex is going to help you in making that fight up to me?"
Raising his head up to the ceiling in a thinking-like manner, he said, "Weeelll, I guess not, but I'm sure this would." Suddenly, he pulled out a rectangular box from within his jacket. Handing it to me, he replied, "Your brother kicked me in the ass when he found out about our fight. Then he advised me that I should spend everything I had on you; ergo the necklace." Laughing at his goofy expression, I opened the box to find a beautiful silver necklace with a heart-shaped locket hanging from the end.
"Open it up. I think you might like what's inside," he whispered huskily next to my ear.
Without hesitation, I opened the locket to find a picture of him nestled inside. Smirking, I looked up into his eyes. With a sultry voice, I answered, "I don't just like what's inside; I love him."
Those final words were sealed with a heated kiss.
That kiss... I remembered till this day... as well as that moment. However, the love that I once had for this man, now laid within someone else.
Tsu'tey.
Tsu'tey who'd brought my love back from the dead, and of who had taught me that no one is ever truly gone forever. My mate had shown me that there is even life after death, and that death is only the beginning. I couldn't live without him now; I couldn't even picture not growing old with him.
However, I probably would have to. There's not really a way to avoid the fact that the war was upon us, and we might lose one another during it.
Swallowing the lump in my throat, I rose an unconscious hand to my neck. This is where I found Tommy's chain still residing there; Tommy being another person I hadn't forgotten with time.
"Don't you look so manly," I laughed at my brother.
"Hey, I actually like this chain. I think our mother made a great choice in man's jewelry," chuckled a fifteen-year-old Tommy.
"You're only saying that because she'd murder you if you didn't," I said with a raised brow in our mother's direction.
"Come on, you two act like two-year-olds sometimes," my mother laughed, while fixing the traditional Christmas Day turkey.
"We're brother and sister, so it's sort of in our nature, Mom," Tommy chided with a grin.
"You don't see Jake acting like the two of you…"
"That's because he's always off with some slut…"
"MIA," my mother scolded.
"It's the truth," Tommy shrugged, "Besides, I'm the better brother right, Mia. You know I love you sis." Ruffling my hair, I shoved him lightly to stop. Then with a big smile, I replied, "And I love you just as much, Tommy."
…and I did. Tommy meant more to me than the whole family ever did. He'd been there for me every step of the way; pulling me out of the gutter when I needed him the most. Yet, now that he was gone, the other twin had taken his place; this brother being the one who'd been unreliable, uncaring, and plain inconsiderate. Though, Jake was no longer that person anymore. He'd changed.
Jake was so different now. He'd immediately stepped into bigger brother mode the moment he learned of Tommy's death, and even though I hadn't always accepted it, I finally learned to live with it.
Through these two men's deaths, I gained relationships with two others I would willingly give my own life for in an instant….annnnd…. who would also, if I'm not mistaken, do the same for me in any case.
I may not have liked how I've gotten to this moment, but I've lived my life. I'm glad I've gotten to experience the things I have, and if that means I die during battle in a few days…well, then so be it. At least I'll die a happy woman; protecting the ones she loves.
Slowly pulling Tommy's chain off of my neck, I sat it down next to the necklace Sage had given me. Quickly fiddling with the two of them, I found myself with one whole necklace combined of the two.
There, on Tommy's chain, hung the heart pendant from Sage's necklace; just like how Jake now shared my love with Tsu'tey.
Pocketing the other chain, I stood up as I heard the timer ding on the microwave. Within a matter of moments I had pulled the burrito from the oven, and gobbled it down all in one.
Finally satisfied that my rumbling stomach had been quelled, I went to set up my link.
"Oh, you're up," came Trudy's voice from the doorway. Looking behind me, I found her making her way towards my direction, and Norm's avatar staring in through the window warningly.
"Yeah, I got a good rest. I think I'm just gonna go ahead now, and link," I shrugged, while giving Norm my best don't-fuck-with-me stares.
Looking between me and Norm, who was still standing outside the window, I could tell there was an eternal battle going on inside Trudy's mind. Either have an angry boyfriend on her hands, or deal with an antsy, not to mention violent, Mia.
Though, she did seem to come to a quick decision in no time, "Go ahead. He can yell at me later."
Squealing in delight, I hugged her before quickly getting into the link.
The next thing my eyes saw was the tent I had fallen asleep in with Tsu'tey the night before.
"Morning, beautiful," came a voice from my left. Looking up at the man whittling arrows beside me, I smiled.
"Morning, handsome," I giggled. Slowly rising to my feet, I made my way over to him. Settling myself in his lap, I kissed his lips sweetly; completely ceasing his current whittling.
"You know, you can be a wonderful nuisance sometimes," Tsu'tey chuckled against my lips, as he wrapped his arms around my waist.
"I know, but you love it," I whispered against his skin, as my kisses began to trail down his neck. Tsu'tey quickly lost all train of thought, as his grip tightened its hold on me. Before I knew it he had laid me down on my back, and begun to administer hungered kisses across my chest.
However, just when I was starting to get into the mood, we were interrupted.
"Tsu'tey, Trudy said my sister linked. I need to have a wor….Oh dear lord not AGAIN! WHAT ARE YOU TWO? FREAKING RABBITS!"
Groaning in despair, I looked over at my brother who had his back to us at the tent's doorway.
"It's a natural part of being someone's mate, Jake. You and Neytiri should know that better than anyone. Besides, if I do recall, I caught you a few times in the barn back home on earth. Now what was her name…oh that's right; Candace," I replied smirking evilly at him.
"That's totally different," my brother snapped still with a deep cherry blush coating his cheeks.
"Why? Because you're a man? I hate to break it to you, but it's the same either way dear brother. I have just as much sexual tension as you do…if not more," I laughed, as Tsu'tey chuckled from beside me. During our rant he'd climbed off, and had taken up post next to my right side.
"I'm sorry, but a brother just shouldn't know what his little sister is up to with…well him," Jake half-yelled, as he gestured angrily at Tsu'tey. Finally turning to look at us, I could see the big-brother side starting to come out. It was a side I had often seen back in high-school; especially in Tommy.
"You're the stupid one who walked in on us; not just once mind you. You'd think you might have learned by now," I growled in annoyance.
"Well, excuse me for caring about you! I hate to break it to you, Mia, but you're not exactly in the right means of health to even be linked right now. You should be back at the shack getting some rest, and nourishing your human body! If you don't take care of your other body you won't be alive to even link to your avatar," Jake almost screamed.
Tsu'tey looked between Jake and me with a confused look. I knew he understood about the whole two bodies thing, but I think at that moment he just realized what linking did to my other one.
"Mia, if you are in that bad of shape then you should return back to this shack. I refuse to condone you slowly killing yourself to be with me," Tsu'tey spoke gently, while placing a comforting hand on my shoulder. Glaring between the two of them, I replied, "See what you do, Jake? Why can't you keep your mouth shut?"
"Because, I'm determined to make sure you make it to your 29th birthday. Not to mention you need to be in top health for the battle. If you haven't forgotten Max's words, then let me remind you; Quaritch has put a bounty on your head. I'll not have you goofing off, and getting yourself killed in the process!"
Shrinking this time at his loud voice, if not just his words, I lowered my eyes to the ground. I was beginning to feel a little shame for my actions; especially now that I could see the obvious hurt in Jake's eyes. That's not a look that I've ever liked to see in any of my twin brothers' dark orbs. Tommy and Jake had always known how to secretly get me to listen, however it usually took a really big fight to do so; one that would usually produce that look deep behind the windows of their souls.
"Fine, I'll get some rest, but let me roam around for awhile. I still have to keep this body in shape too, you know," I almost whispered, as I got to my feet.
Sighing, Jake reluctantly gave me a nod. With that, I exited the makeshift tent, while making my way aimlessly through the small village. I didn't care where I went, as long as I was away from that haunting look Jake was giving me.
Jake's P.O.V
I stood like stone in front of the entrance of Tsu'tey's and Mia's tent. I was so angry, and upset with her that my mind barely processed that Mia's boyfriend was still there.
"I think you may have been a little hard on her," Tsu'tey whispered getting to his feet. Making his way over to his bow and arrows, he picked them up, before taking a seat by the fire.
Following his example, I too took a spot by the fire with him. Glaring into the flames I whispered, "She doesn't know her limit. She never has. That's probably why she's so prone to having breakdowns all the time, and for some reason I blame myself; I even blame my family. They were always riding my brother and her to do better; to set examples for myself. I never knew that she was almost exactly like me, and that by trying so hard she was hurting herself. Mia wants to be perfect, but perfect doesn't exist. I just wish she'd understand that. I wish she'd realize that she can't do everything without sacrificing something else."
"Has anyone ever talked to Mia about it? Maybe your brother," Tsu'tey asked, as he began to whittle a new arrow.
"I'm sure her friends have in the past. Maybe Tommy too, but I think he more so encouraged her. I guess, maybe I should have voiced it to her, but…at the time I just didn't care. I was so wrapped up in my own little world; jealous of the fact my siblings were the more loved of the family," I shrugged absently.
"Do you think you should now, while you still have a chance," he wondered.
"What difference would it make, Tsu'tey? She wouldn't listen even if I tried."
"You may think that Jakesully, but you'll never know if you don't try."
Looking at the blue monkey in front of me, I couldn't help but think that maybe…just maybe…he might be on to something.
Mia's P.O.V
Walking through the village, I found the Na'vi's spirits more alive than ever tonight, and I soon learned why from Peyral.
Apparently, Jake had already informed the clans of Quartich's plans, and that he and his soldiers would be launching their attack the day after tomorrow. Now, everyone here in the village was readying for battle.
Everyone's anxiety had been intensified, and a lot of emotions were running freely through the Na'vi; some of these emotions seeming almost scary. Combined with their war party garb, and paint…they seemed almost demon-like. Yet, somehow though, I seemed to fit right in with them.
I was like a walking ghost as I watched the people doing their traditional dances and chants; even though I knew I had been acknowledged by many…. especially the Palulukan Clan.
It was hard to escape Nirite's eyes following my every move. It was like she was judging me; wondering when I'd make a wrong move. Yet there was something more there…something almost similar to admiration. It was almost the same look Mo'at had always held for me; even from the beginning.
Sighing, I listened to the music all around me; hoping the sounds would clear my head. Hearing the drums and horns, I even tried to count just how many I could see.
There were two Na'vi on some long trombone-like horns; one male, and the other female. Then there was one man with a long, not to mention huge, cylinder-like drum hanging from around his neck. This man was standing behind one woman with what appeared to be three or four large gongs, which their sound almost resembled many large bass drums. Though, the weirdest out of all of them had to be the swinging Na'vi in the trees. He was perched on a long thin stick, with ropes on each side that attached to a limb high above him; as he swung himself back and forth this stick hit a large drum tied against an enormous tree. The sound literally shook the ground every time he hit it. This of course seemed to help the dancers keep to the beat, but ultimately made someone standing still a little nauseous. So, to keep from throwing up, I continued to circle around camp.
In a way, I guess you couldn't deny what was happening now. Once the dogs of war are off their chain, they can't be called back. We were going all the way.
Now was the time to make amends with ones you'd hurt or angered. This was time to tell your loved ones how much they meant to you, and this was the time to reveal secrets you'd kept hidden for so long.
What was my secret?
My eyes trained on Atan'eko dancing nearby.
I guess you could say my secret was a forbidden one; one that was only a 'what if' scenario. This secret was just what I had been wondering, not what I'd already done. However, would I act upon it, or would it die with me… and the one it was about?
"You okay, Mia. I saw you over here with a look that seemed almost like …well like someone had just killed your ikran or something," Atan'eko asked, as he popped up beside me from out of nowhere. Jolting a little, I nodded.
"Yeah, I'm fine. Just…"
"The war," he answered a little somberly as he mimicked my earlier actions; eyes roaming over the war party almost ghost-like. Taken a seat on a large boulder nearby, he followed my example.
"Mmhmm," I hummed, not really having a straight forward answer.
"So, you really 'kicked Anitri's ass,' yesterday as your friend Norm so well put it," Atan'eko chuckled.
"I did, didn't I? I should go apologize. I wasn't in my right of mind at all," I mumbled getting ready to leave.
"Don't worry; she's not really that understanding right now. Her pride is a bit broken, so it might just be best to stay away from her…"
"That may be, but I want her to at least…"
"Mia, just trust me," Atan'eko pleaded with a fearful look in Anitri's direction nearby. Noticing his gaze, I caught her absently sharpening her dagger; all alone in her own little world.
"Well, I guess your right," I smiled apologetically. Going over to Anitri right now might earn me an ultiment death sentence.
"See, I told you," Atan'eko grinned with pride.
"You don't have to be so smug," I said with a roll of my eyes.
"Then what would be the fun in it," he laughed. Shaking my head, he must have noticed my still far away look, because next thing I knew he was asking, "Is everything really alright, Mia?"
Frowning, I sat frozen on the boulder next to him, while wondering, 'Should I tell him while I still had a chance; not to mention risk my relationship with Tsu'tey by doing so, or should I just forget everything I might have been questioning?'
Either way I was a confused and jumbled mess. Though, what popped out of my mouth next might be blamed on sleep deprivation.
"You, you're what's bothering me," I answered. Looking at me strangely, I felt Atan'eko take my hand before hauling me to my feet. He then proceeded to drag me away from the party to somewhere much more peaceful; somewhere much quieter so we could talk.
That's where I found myself at the Tree of Souls, the camp around it almost completely abandon; all the occupants apparently being at the war parties at the edge of the village.
"What do you mean by I'm the one bothering you," Atan'eko asked, as he took a seat on the rocky base of the ethereal tree.
"It's nothing Atan'eko, really," I shrugged, feeling frustrated with myself. Getting ready to leave, I felt his hand grip my wrist gently.
"It must be something, or else it would not have you feeling this way," he declared, with a pair caring eyes.
Shaking my head, I whispered, "What is bothering me... I can't tell you. It could ruin everything I've built with Tsu'tey, and I will not stand by while I let whatever wacky feelings I have run rampant." With those words, I saw the shocked look in Atan'eko's eyes; realization dawning on him what I just might mean. However, as the shock set in his grip quickly lessoned. Taking my arm back from him, I took off before he could question me any more.
Oh, what a tangled web fate had weaved for everyone.
Okay, I was going to add in the part about Trudy teaching the Na'vi about the helicopter, the talk with her and Jake, and also the Tree of Souls bit in the movie, however I thought this would have simply made the chapter a little too long, and very annoying. So, if you don't like it the way it is, then just deal with it. Yet, this does mean there's going to be an extra chapter therefore prolonging the ending, YAY! I'm still so not ready to finish this story. I love it to much to have to end it, but alas I am growing bored of it. I don't want my boredom to affect the storyline more than it already has, so I do hope you all forgive me for not making a sequel. :-)
Thanks to all the lovely reviewers who decided to forgive me, and review this story. You bunch are a lovely group-…Kaulitz-Twins-Fangirl... sandradee27... jaygal11... GreenpplOMG... Archermusician... Haldir's lady... Grim1989... T0rukMakt0...Ravenclaw Slytherin... annajewel... and lightan117 (Sorry about forgetting you last time sweetie.)
Also thanks to the non-reviewers who also read this story. I appreciate you just as well as I appreciate my reviewers. You too, are a wonderful bunch. :-)
P.S. If you want to know what Sage looks like in my mind then look up the actor 'Andrew Walker,' from the Lifetime movie 'Wicked Minds.'