An entire twenty-four hours has passed.
A whole day and I still don't know a single thing about her.
After our strange/frightening encounter Kurt walked in and shooed me away. To be honest I didn't know whether to be disappointed or relieved. He said she needed to sleep off the medicinal herbs that were given to her otherwise she would be too drowsy to be coherent, so I went back to my housing to prepare for the next day but sleep didn't find me last night. I was too busy trying to connect the dots.
Are there more Safire survivors out there?
How have they stayed hidden so long?
How do I even know Brittany is telling the truth?
As much as I don't want to consider it a possibility there could be a chance Brittany could be lying. I needed to talk with her again, but how do I ask the girl if she is being honest without accusing her of being untruthful?
Ugh I need to get some food in me before I drive myself mad.
I decided to go eat dinner with the rest of the tribe. If I'm right that means they are by the fire cooking the animals the hunters gathered this morning. Before I walked my way over there I figured it would be good to invite our guest for some food. Maybe showing her we are no threat will help her open up to me- I mean the tribe. Open up to the tribe.
I jogged to the medical tepee and opened the grass curtain separating her from the outside. The nervous excitement that was bubbling in my stomach immediately turned to stone and plummeted.
She was gone.
Besides the dried blood on the floor there was no trace of her existence. I'm such a fool. How could I have allowed myself to actually believe that this stranger was who she said she was. I stormed out of there as fast as possible and marched to the fire pit.
I was becoming angrier with every step I took. I wanted to be mad at her but I couldn't. She had every right to leave. We weren't keeping her hostage but I was mad at myself for being so curious. There was nothing I could do now but to eat and go back to my tepee and feel sorry for myself. It wouldn't be the first time.
I arrived at the fire pit and stopped in my tracks. It was as if my legs refused to move. A couple feet away from me I saw a large group of children dancing along to the chants and banging of drums with only some men and women. But what caught my eye was at the centre of all of it was Brittany. She was dancing, although a little stiff probably from her wound, with some children so gracefully it was hard to look away. She was clad in our people's fabrics, wearing a large dress made of buffalo felt and it appears that the tribe's children have already decorated her with beaded necklaces and bracelets. All my anger disintegrated almost instantly. All the doubts that I had about where she came from disappeared because even a blind man could see how pure she was.
Before I could even gather my thoughts I felt a strong hand grab my shoulder and spin me around. I was so distracted that I didn't even realize someone was standing behind me. That never happens.
When I realized who was the owner of the hand I immediately calmed. "Cedric", I sighed.
"Santana you're getting slow", he stated while squeezing the back of my neck tenderly.
Cedric is the one who mentors the Defenders of the tribe. He taught us how to be warriors in heart. He trained and practically raised me. At this point I consider him more as a father than anything else.
"Sorry I'm not feeling well today", I lied. My eyes were searching for traces of blonde hair that vanished a second ago.
"It's alright, but tomorrow you're going to have to take your men down to the Dakin tribe and inform them of our new guest."
"What?" I sputtered. Suddenly all of my attention was toward Cedric. His darker skin tone clashed with the contrast of his eyes. His build could be compared to the stature of a tree but his face was as soft as the river. Our people come in all shapes, colors and sizes yet each and everyone of us from young are taught to carry ourselves with pride. Which made all the much easier to stare him down flickering from the two grey orbs but I couldn't help but make the comparison to the sky blue ones that the girl has.
"The Dakins have been remorseful over the incident with the Safire tribe for years now. I think they should know we have found a survivor. It might even make them an ally. And you of all people know we don't have many of those.", he informed me.
This tribe is known for a lot of things; aggression and dominance but we're not known to have many friends.
"And what if the Dakins choose to finish what they started? Do we allow them to just kill her or do we add another enemy to the list?" I challenged.
"This is not up for discussion"
"But surely you can't think this is a good idea can you?"
"Enough Tana!" he barked in his accent. He was and still is the only one to call me that. He started calling me that when I was a child and being bad, so I guess he thought it still worked.
"Even if I did think this wasn't the right decision, Leo already gave the final command so if you can't carry it out I'll find someone who will'' he continued. Leo was the leader of the Glodavac tribe. He was no more than a few years older than me, but he still acted as if his balls were larger than life itself. Unfortunately I have no complaints about his capability to lead. He always knows when there's serious matters to attend to. Or when to back down from a fight that will damage our people. I just don't particularly care for him, and Cedric feels the same.
We both know there was only one reason as to why he's leading the tribe.
"Well fine then", I retorted, "as long as she doesn't come with us".
Cedric bowed his head and sighed. When he looked up at me I wasn't expecting him to have amused eyes.
"I see you're growing fond of our new guest Tana" he teased.
"It's nothing like that old man", I rolled my eyes at him. It is not uncommon for two women or men to fall into each other's company here in our tribe, but Cedric should know that even though it's been months, I am not looking for another to lay with after Alicia. Or as Noah and I like to call her, Inferno.
"You don't know who you're up against!", Warrior cries of anger filled the village. The unamusing scene of a plump brown-eyed girl threatening a few men of the tribe with an ignited torch is what my people got to enjoy today.
"Is this what you do Defender?" she mocked my title while staring at me with tear filled eyes. "you build up a woman's' trust and then fuck their entire bloodline!".
Unfortunately, she wasn't too off about that last remark. I met Alicia through her sister, Annabeth who I had a brief drunken encounter with, and after getting acquainted with Alicia I happened to meet their mother for the first time. To my best guess the instance that probably instigated this outburst, was her finding me in bed with her aforementioned mother while completely in the nude.
It also didn't help that I may have hinted that Alicia could learn a thing or two from her mom.
There were a few laughs and disdained faces around but what gave Alicia her name is when she walked into my tepee, came out with a sleepy, half naked Noah by the ear, and then lit the entirety of it on fire.
I watched on completely drained not only from the scene she was being put on but also due to the hell-cat of a lover that Alicia's mother seemed to be. I could only sigh at the lack of energy I had to rebuild an entire new housing for me and Noah, who appeared to already be napping on the ground using animal carcasses for head support.
But let's not bring up bad memories.
He playfully scowled at me because I knew how much he hated being called old. He calls the lines near his eyes "wisdom", yet I have no clue what he calls the grey in his hair.
I turned back around to look for the lost blonde, but all the children left and there were only people eating by the fire. I was at least 300 yards away yet I could still see everyone as if they were right next to me. I sighed even though this ability has proved to be very helpful on occasions, it only reminds me as to why I have it.
I was about to give up my search and ask Cedric if he wanted to accompany me to supper but as soon as I turned around I almost collided into the person that was currently clouding my thoughts. I didn't even know someone was behind me.
Again this never happens.
"Do you always scare that easily?" Brittany asked genuinely. I smiled warmly at her. The sincerity of her voice caught me more off guard than anything else.
"Uh, no"
If you can't tell I'm very articulate.
Her captivating eyes were even brighter now that she had some of her strength back. I took the opportunity to check her wound and saw it was securely wrapped with cotton. Her bandage extended all the way from her lower thigh up until her right hip. I guess her injury was more serious than I thought.
"Don't worry Santana I feel better", she assured me as if reading my own thoughts. Hearing my name so casually from her lips may or may not have bought a tingle to my spine.
"I'm glad, you had some of us worried for a second", I replied. She hung her head in a bashful manner that told me she appreciated the concern.
"Your tribe is lovely. Everyone is so kind here, you must really enjoy protecting them"
"Well… I didn't really have a choice in the matter I-", I stopped talking when I realized I was saying too much already. She was looking at me with genuine curiosity, but she didn't push for anymore.
Changing the subject, "How'd you know I was a Defender?"
"Well for one, you did rescue me" she chuckled.
"I didn't rescue-"
"And two", she interrupted, "all of you have this marking somewhere on your body". She reached out toward the bold, black tattoo of an animal's paw on my shoulder. I felt my heartbeat quicken, and I don't know if it was because her fingers were on my bare shoulder or not, but I remembered to keep my calm. Blushing like a fool wouldn't help anyone.
"You're very perceptive" I complimented. I started to walk toward the pit to get some food. The blonde woman followed suit and matched my pace. Maybe it's Brittany or hunger, but I'm feeling a little lightheaded.
"Aren't you going to ask me more questions?"
I stopped. With no control of my own I became immediately defensive. My blood started to trickle and I could feel my brows furrowing before I could not stop them. With a quickness I spun and eyed the fair-skinned woman completely disregarding our proximity to one another.
"Watch it. I'm not going to be a part of your childish games. Out of anyone that could be questioning you, trust me, I am the safest. If you don't want to answer questions right now that's fine. You can be our guest fine, but do not taunt me." I warned. She was taken aback, but to be fair I have done worse to far prettier people. The predator in me never folded underneath the stare of another person or animal but… this one was different. This standoff had the similar aura of when a mother would scold her child or when you were caught having relations with a boy after nightfall.
" You have such darkness inside of you", Brittany began. My scowl loosened into confusion, but she wasn't finished.
"... I haven't answered any of your questions because I don't know what you are." she stepped forward. This was the second time she referred to my being as a 'what' and it was beginning to sting my core. I diverted my gaze and noticed everyone was beginning to retreat back to their tents so in a few moments I would need to start my patrol but my feet couldn't heed to my commands. Like a small animal being backed into a corner, I decided to pounce.
"How dare you? We invite you to our home, you play with our children, you eat our food yet I am being accused? I am being mocked and belittled but I owe you answers? The only thing you have in your possession is your word and right now… it means shit. The Safire tribe was extinguished like flies years ago. You telling me you shoot monkeys out of your ass is more plausible-"
Her hands are clasping on my arms before I could finish or react. Instantaneously my spine radiated an energy to each one of my limbs. It was a tingle at first but then it reacted like a sedative. I felt my face loosen but my eyes widened as I took in what was happening.
Brittany was hurt.
Not just physically, but I can tell I cut at a nerve that she was trying to heal. Her face looked almost sympathetic while her lips were pursed. Her hands weren't strong albeit it may be because she lost so much blood but I don't believe she was going for brute force. We were still in close proximity so much so, I can see her pupils rock back and forth between mines as if drawing the answers out herself. I wanted her to find them. I used to wish there was someone outside the tribe who knew who we were and would still call us good. Now it's hard to picture that becoming a reality, so with a shake I pushed out my chest and felt her arms release me. Again instantly I felt the calming surge leave my body and just like an addict; I missed them. It brought so many questions like what conditions were she being held in after the massacre? What happened at the creek and how did she get injured? So much flooded my mind but one thing was for certain. She is exactly who she says she is. Yet I don't know if that makes everything worse.
It was two hours into my patrol.
After our enlightening squabble Brittany excused herself back to the medical tepee. It was obvious she was upset but the worst thing to be is naïve. Yet as soon as she touched me everything shifted. Not in a sexual or even in a romantic way it felt almost chemical. Medicinal even. Like her touch was crafted by Gods which might explain how she looked through me the way she did. Maybe there's so much more to the Safire story than we know.
Dragged out of my thoughts was Quinn whistling at me trying to gain my attention. Tonight we were on duty to guard our people's food. Before this didn't used to be a guarding station since it was encompassed within the village. Yet intruders and scavengers would invade and even sometimes a fellow tribe member would try to sneak in some extra rations. It was more interesting than the front gate station because at least a stubborn dog will keep me entertained by trying to beg for some food.
"Where'd you go Santana?", Quinn called. I turned to her quizzically not realizing she was in the middle of conversation while I nodded out.
"If you need to rest I can take command for an hour and let you sleep", she added.
"No no," I sat up. Quinn was always the one to look out for me. Not only just myself but also the entire Defender clan. She was a few years older than most of us but you wouldn't see it until you asked her and even then it would be hard to spot the evidence.
"Quinn"
"What's wrong?", she inquired.
"The Safire girl. I can't make any sense of her". I heard a pause from the hazel eyed girl and looked over to see her quite literally throwing her head around the situation. She stopped and looked at the tepee that held the person of question and then peered back at me.
"What do you know about her?", she asked, not making any eye contact. It wasn't an accusation but I could tell this has been in her thoughts as well especially with Leo broadcasting his decision to the other Defenders today about informing the Dakin tribe of Brittany's arrival.
"I-", I paused. I don't why I wanted to keep my encounter with Brittany private, especially her mysterious aura that presented itself when she touched me today. Yet my gut was telling me to evade the truth until I understood exactly what I was lying about.
"I didn't get anything out of her, except I feel like she suspects something… about the tribe". She tilted her head at me.
"I have no idea how but... I feel she might know about the Reckoning." I said. Immediately Quinn's features sprang up to protest when we both heard a figure in the night behind us. We both turned around purposefully and although it was complete darkness we saw the intruder clear as day.
One of the benefits of a curse that tries it's hardest to make you into a predator.
It was a large bearded man armed with a five foot spear. He was bald with scars all over and his bare chest showed the markings of his tribe. He was definitely a scavenger, probably an outcast on his own or banned for a terrible crime. He inched towards the hut with the agility of a three-legged dog. Quinn turned to me and chuckled but the spear in his hand was still a threat no matter how clumsy this man seemed to be. He wasn't a warrior but once you've seen a child accidentally slice an elder's throat due to horseplay then, you stop taking things lightly.
I tipped my head to my left and Quinn followed suit. I made my way around the right to corner the intruder before he even made it to the ration hut. Quinn was using the shadows to her advantage keeping away from the flaming torches we use to keep our tribe illuminated. I, on the other hand, walked directly in sight of the intruder making my presence known.
"Can we help you?", I asked with my palms up. Immediately making it known that I am unarmed. I have to make it fun for myself.
"Go back to your hut holitopa," the man warned. I knew he had to be from east of the river just from his accent alone. Holitopa is a word of respect towards women as they are much more valued in tribes located there. Not saying we get treated like dog shit but in Glodavac both men and women are seen as equals with equal opportunity to thrive in any role. We have male gatherers along with female hunters, it's more about skill than sex. Whereas on the other side we're seen as sacred beings and more powerful so men are taught early to understand the power dynamic.
Must be fucking nice.
"What is your name?" I asked before I could stop myself. I heard a misstep come from the left already knowing the quizzical look on Quinn's face without her being in eyesight.
"Jeremiah", he answered diligently. Seeing how he didn't announce his tribe I can confirm he's been casted out.
"Jeremiah. I am the Defender of Glodavac tribe. I am prepared to lose my life to protect it yet," I took a moment to gesture to the two torches separating us in a makeshift barrier, "as soon as you decide to cross these lines Jeremiah, you will lose yours".
He took a second to look at the torches as if calculating his next step. Yet with a not-so-sudden motion he corked his arm and launched the spear towards me. I twisted my shoulder to dodge the well aimed throw and managed to witness Quinn knock the intruder to his knees and have his neck in a very uncomfortable hold while his left arm was being tortured in between the space where Quinn's left leg bends. His cries were beginning to grow louder as he heard my steps coming closer. His head was facing towards the sky causing his body to bend backwards undoubtedly causing him distress yet what was probably the most upsetting to him was that his neck was completely exposed. He was anticipating his execution, I could smell it.
"Jeremiah", I called. His attempts of writhing around were being slowed but he didn't answer in his state of panic. "Jeremiah", a little louder this time. He stopped. Quinn was back to looking at me like I just suggested a threesome.
"I told you if you crossed those lines you would lose your life today" I started again looking back at the torches. "Well you must be smarter than you look. Since you never took a step, I will forget the attempt on my life and let you walk away if you find another village to bother. Do you accept?".
"Yes holitopa!" he wailed. Quinn's expression was almost laughable. She was completely taken aback; it wasn't until I turned my gaze onto her that she loosened her death grip and the man sprang forward gasping for air. Tentatively he stood looking between the two of us and muttered an apology in his native tongue. My heart bled one drop for him. He seemed to be well-mannered and decent but taking away someone's options will do terrible things to the best of people. Without another word he left into the darkness and we waited until he was a mile away to say a word to each other.
"What the hell was that", Quinn raged. I sighed and returned to our post slowly passing by the spear that could've taken my life this evening.
"Santana, I've watched you kill four men before someone could skip a stone three times on a river. That man could come back with friends and hurt our families, why did you let him go?"
"I don't know Quinn"
"Bullshit"
"Leave it alone then", I countered. I took a peak at the medical tepee to see if Brittany awoke seeing how some people have popped out of their huts to address where the screams came from. There was no light so that should mean she still slept.
"Santana what is going on?", Quinn's tone softened considerably as she noticed my straying mind.
"He's not going to come back. I saw the fear in his eyes and heart in his voice. If he does return then I will take full responsibility, but I refuse to be the reason for the death of another good person".
A lot has happened since I published this back in 2016.
Firstly, to those who messaged me to continue the story thank you!
Funny enough I already had chapter two written the same day I published but after a four year hiatus I am now twenty years old and I know a lot more words so I basically rewrote the entire thing and I have a much clearer understanding as to where I want this fic to go.
Now of course this story is meant to honor Naya.
I started watching Glee in season four. I remember specifically the first episode I saw was the wedding episode where Emma rapped. (I know)
Yet re-watching the series countless times I always resonated with Santana. Unfortunately I don't have a beautiful story of how she helped me discover myself or some kind of sentimental connection with the character. I just found her freaking hilarious. Somehow I ended falling in love with the actress Naya, I would watch anything she showed up in to support. From the Step-Up series, to her guest appearances in Snoop Dogg cooking shows, interviews, pre-ordered her book when it came out, Mad Families, and that mediocre horror movie she was in on Netflix. I was just a fan basically. Out of everyone in Hollywood she was the one and only celebrity I hoped to meet one day.
Her passing was tough. Like I lost a family member. And I didn't feel as if my reaction to it was rational but seeing how this community honored her and memorialized her I found outlets. Re-reading her book, reading my old favorite fics, listening to her completely dominate the entirety of the glee discography all helped me celebrate her life rather than mourn her death.
I can't commit myself to finishing this fic in any timely manner, but I am sincerely going to try. As much as it might help some of you guys reading it, it has helped me a lot while I was writing it. This has been an awful year.
But anyway tell me what you think and until we meet again...