AN; WOW THIS IS THE LONGEST CHAPTER I'VE WRITTEN FOR THIS STORY SO FAR. ENJOY

The ceremony was short and for that Jake was glad. Mo'at said a small pray and then healed there hands. After that Eytukan led Jake out onto the balcony and gave a small speech about how his trust and love now flowed through Jake's veins. After that Eytukan presented Jake with a small knife and told Jake to find Neytiri and celebrate his new appointment as clean leader.

CHAPTER 14

Mornings on Pandora were always beautiful. The sun rose above the trees and sent beautiful waves of blue, orange and reds over the sky. Mist would often cover the floor of the forest, making it look like something out of a dream. Jake slowly sat up and looked at Neytiri who continued to sleep next to him. He couldn't help but smile. Neytiri's chest rose and fell in slow rhythm. Her eyes fluttered every now and then showing that she was dreaming. Being careful not to wake her Jake dropped down from the hammock they had been sharing and left at a brisk jog heading for the banshee roosts, in the upper part of the tree. Few na'vi were up, most of the na'vi he passed were still very much asleep. Every now and then he would pass one who would bow slightly as he passed. Reaching the banshee roosts Jake easily found ISO who was by far the largest banshee there. After climbing onto her and connecting his queue Jake took off into the sky in the direction of the rocks (Hallelujah Mountains). The crisp morning air stung slightly as he flew and Jake found himself thinking back to his childhood home on earth. When he had been a child…… things had been simpler. Less complex to such an innocent mind.

Jake broke out of his thoughts as the looming forms of the mountains came into view. Slowing slightly Jake began scanning the mountain sides and tops looking for his team's ship and possibly them, and after several minutes of searching he found them. They were on one of the larger mountains towards the middle of the floating field. As he dove down towards them he noted Tom suspended by a set of mechanical spider legs on the side of the mountain. As he flew by Tom waved to him and began climbing upwards towards the top of the mountain. After landing Jake rolled his neck as Tom finished his climb and joined him on the top of the mountain. "Jake good to see you. Congrats on being made leader." Jake shrugged. "Don't congratulate me just yet. Congratulate me when our plan works." Tom shrugged and motioned towards the ship which they both made their way towards. As they entered the ship Jake noted most of the lights were turned down to their minimal output levels. Tom spoke as they moved through the ship. "Eric's worried about using too much power, so he got everything turned down as low as it will go. Can't say I agree but you know how he gets when you begin challenging his ideas." Jake nodded as they emerged into the central chamber of the ship.

In front of them Eric stood a large hologram of a green ball in front of him. Eric didn't turn to face them but spoke as he continued to watch the giant ball in front of him. "Hey Jake. What'cha need?" Jake shrugged. "Came to see if I could help. What are you up to?" Eric shook his head and muttered, "No no no." as he tapped in a few commands on a console in front of him. Gesturing the ball he spoke. "This delightfully complicated puzzle is the security system for the main base that Quaritch operates out of. I'm trying to hack into the system. See the sections of the ball?" Eric gestured to the ball which expanded slightly and allowed Jake and Tom to see that it was in fact not a ball but a series of rotating rings that came together to create the form of a ball. As the rings spun around Jake noted several of them seemed to have 'chips' in them where a section of the ring was missing. Eric continued. "The gaps on the rings represent hacks and cracks I've been injecting into the system. If I can get them all to align then I've got access to the complete network. So far though……" Eric growled and punched in another series of commands. "I've had little success. I've only got access to minor systems. Sensors and some enviro-controls. Nothing much that will help us if we have to attack the base."

Jake rolled his eyes. "What do you mean 'if'? Eric loosing a bunch of Samsons won't stop Quaritch from forming a bigger army and coming back to kill us. We're only going to get one shot at this. We have to make sure we hit something vital." Eric nodded and punched in a few come commands. A few more gaps appeared in several rings but nothing aligned. Eric shrugged and rolled his eyes. "Well until I get more access to the system I won't be of much help." Jake had been about to speak when James's voice spoke from the other side of the room. "Old proverb: when fighting a shark, blind it." Jake nodded. "Yeah but this isn't a shark. It's a military compound with at least 1000 soldiers in it at all times. And we can't blind all of them." James shrugged. "Still, When fighting an enemy of greater strength find its weaknesses and hammer them till it dies." Jake nodded. "True enough. So what do we know about the base?" Eric grumbled and a moment later the 3d ball vanished replaced by a hologram of the base. Eric spoke. "Well we know they have 5 heavy turrets with 6 foot deep, 9 inch diameter screws that mount it to a series of 89 foot reinforced steel and concrete pillars. A single round from one of them would tear a banshee in half." The hologram zoomed in and Jake watched as one of the guns fired a round and killed a holographic banshee soldier.

"We also know that we can't sneak in through back door owing to the main fact that there isn't one. Every door into the base has DNA scanners. If I could get deeper into the system I could override some of those." The hologram zoomed into showing a first person view of the base from the view of someone who was by the main gate. "Once inside the main gate there's little to no cover at all. We'll just say no to that route unless we're desperate." Zipping through the base the camera came to stop from the point of view of the landing pad for supply and medical ships. "The landing pad is about the only strategic point of penetration. It's high up so we could see them coming. Plus it gives Alice room to do what she does best. Not only that but if we had to there is an access port on the computer used to lower and raise the platform. I could hack some of the systems and maybe make a bit of a diversion if we needed it." Jake shook his head. "No. your completely exposed to the central guard tower from there. It's suicide. But I do like the idea of using the platform." Tom rolled his eyes. "Jake, this plan is suicide. We'll all be killed if we just drop down while the base is on high alert." Jake nodded. "True. But that might not be a bad thing. The high alert part not the part about us being killed." Eric shrugged and shifted his weight from his right leg to his left. "What do you mean?" Jake shrugged. "Remember that time in Russia, with the hostages in the embassy?"

Everyone nodded and Eric spoke. "Of course. We fooled the embassy sensors into thinking there was a poisonous gas in the building. The bad guys ran to the decon-showers while we got everyone else out. Why?" Jake shrugged. "I think something similar to that is our best bet. Look. We don't have nearly enough guns to storm the base. But if we fool the people inside into getting out of our way maybe we won't have to fight everyone. We just need to find something that would get them out of our way. Any ideas?" "Fire alarm?" Jake frowned at Tom. "You never grew up past high school did you?" Tom shrugged, as Eric spoke. "Wouldn't work anyways, Automatic fire suppression systems. Any fire would be under control in 15 seconds." Jake leaned back against a crate of body armor deep in thought. "We need something that doesn't need security access to trip. But at the same time it needs to be important enough so that people don't just disregard it." James nodded. "it needs to be something they're already set up to deal with………….." after a moment James chuckled, and Jake looked up. "What's so funny?" James shrugged. "It's so simple." Jake shrugged. "Care to fill the rest of us in. you know our telepathy isn't that good." James rolled his eyes.

"You said you made it look like you vanished by destroying your old portable base and claiming a virus had broken out, right?" Jake nodded. "And Selfridge probably quarantined those soldier until they were cleared of contaminants right?" again Jake nodded. "Yes. If he followed protocol. But why does it matter?" James rolled his eyes. "Simple. The base is probably on high alert after that. I bet you anything most of the soldiers flip out if they get anything on their skin now. If Eric can gain deeper control over the system he could trigger the sensors to think that biological contaminants have entered the base." Eric nodded. "……yes. Once the alarms are triggered, everyone in the base would run to the decon-chambers. We'd be mostly unopposed. We could easily move through the base and secure key points. Then we could get into Selfridge office and Eric would gain complete control over the base. He could lock room down so no one can leave unless we want them too." Jake nodded. "It could work. But we would encounter some resistance." Tom nodded. "Yes but it wouldn't be the army that it normally would be. It's would probably be just a few small teams making sure no one steals anything in the chaos. Easily taken care of." Jake shook his head. "Try not killing them. Cripple them or something like that. But I want to avoid deaths on both sides for this mission. Tom shrugged. "You're the boss."

Jake nodded and brought his hands together, the crisp clap echoing off the metal walls. "Ok. Eric keep working on the system see if you can get deeper. Tom, James, and I will help set up the charges for our little show here. Where's Alice?" Eric shrugged. "Last I saw here she was looking for sniping perches near the base. I think she figured you might decide to attack. You know how she is. Always thinking ahead." Jake nodded. "Ok. When she gets back call her to me. I have a job for her." Eric nodded and a moment later the 3d ball was back and Eric continued his work. As James, Jake, and Tom left the ship Jake continued. "Tom how do you want to do this?" Tom shrugged. "Well normally I'd want about 50,000 pounds of C4 and I'd just go crazy." Jake shook his head. "I'm good not god. What else have you got?" Tom shrugged. "Well we've got a lot of thermal wire. We could use that to weaken the base of the mountains. Then with the limited explosives we have I would say, compression blasts would be most effective." Jake nodded. "Smart. Use the heat from the thermal wires to begin slow melting the rocks and then the explosives shred through them life hot knives through butter." Tom nodded. "That's the main idea yeah." Jake nodded. "You'd need to put the explosive as close to the center of the mountain as possible how would you do that"

Tom smiled. "Already thought of that. Most of these mountains have cave systems that go down to about the center. I figure we just drop the bombs in there and seal them in. then when they go off all the force is pushed outwards and not in just one direction." Jake nodded. "Smart. Ok. Let's do it. What do you need me to do?" and so half an hour later Jake found himself clutching a length of thermal wire and running it along keystones on the mountain. Jake whipped his head as he worked. Thermal wire wasn't a new tool for him. He had worked with it a number of times before. Originally it had been invented to keep temperature sensitive equipment warm so it wouldn't freeze. The wire itself was composed as unstable molecules that continuously merged and broke apart. The effect was a wire that was very strong but also generated heat without any external power. Of course this wasn't without draw backs. Thermal wire couldn't be allowed to sit in the same place for a long time, mostly because after a while it would start melting what ever it was sitting on. Because of that when a person worked with the wire they had to wear protective gloves so they wouldn't burn themselves. That being said even with the heat resistant gloves Jake was uncomfortably aware of how hot the wire was.

He was thankful that he didn't have to cover the mountain with the wire. It had takne Tom a little time but he had found a few stones that carried the majority of the weight of the mountain. Weakening these stone would ensure less resistance when the bombs went off. Making sure the wire was secure Jake wiped his forehead again and used the mechanical spider legs to move along the side of the mountain. He had already wired 8 boulders. Somewhere to his left on another mountain Tom was moving through the belly of the mountain and planting the bomb. Jake had been about to go back for more wire when a shadowy figure caught his attention. The figure was familiar and Jake smiled as the form of Trudy in her Samson broke through the eternal mist that clung to the mountains. Making his way topside Jake reached flat ground as Trudy touched down next to his banshee. Jake smiled as Trudy climbed out of her Samsons, breathing mask covering most of her face. A moment later the avatars of Grace and norm stepped out too. Smiling Trudy hugged Jake for a moment before speaking. "Hey. Grace gave me the news last night. You…. Leader. Who'd have thought it?" Jake shrugged. "Good to see you Trudy. How have you been?" Trudy shrugged. "Sometimes I think about arming one of my Samson's warheads and ending it all, just so I don't have to listen to these 2…." She gestured to Grace and norm. "Flirt with each other."

Jake nodded in sympathy. "I'm sorry. Well we could use your help if you're up for it." Trudy nodded. "Hell yes. My baby and I haven't flown in weeks." Jake chuckled. "Go and see James to see what he needs you to do." Trudy nodded and gestured for norm and Grace to follow. As Jake began gathering more thermal wire he heard someone step behind him. Turning he found Alice squatting on the ground looking at him. "Hello." Jake nodded. "Hello." Alice had always crept him out slightly. She was so cold, and she never seemed to be happy unless she was about to kill someone or something. "What do you need?" Jake rolled his eyes. "Not much for socializing are you?" Alice continued to stare and him. Jake sighed. "Are you still the best tracker of the team?" Alice nodded. "Do you need me to find someone?" Jake nodded. "Yes. As a matter of fact I do. But I don't need him killed. I need him brought to me. Think you can do that?" Alice nodded. "Good."

10 MINUTES LATER

Jake sighed again as he watched Alice climb back down the large vines that connected the flouting mountains to the ground. Turning back to his work, Jake gathered up the thermal wire he would need and set about wrapping the final keystone. As he came back topside he nodded to Tom who sat with his back to the crate full of thermal wire. In his hands Jake could easily see a rigged bomb. Tom nodded to Jake. "Nice work commander. We'll be done in no time." Jake nodded and left Tom who continued to mess with the bomb. Moving into the ship Jake stepped into the room, where Eric stood just as Eric shouted "YES!!!!" Jake watched as all the gaps in the rings aligned and a moment later the ball they made up exploded; showering Eric is small holographic confetti. "Can I assume that was a good thing?" Eric looked up and smiled. "Oh yeah that was a good thing. I've got almost complete access to the base's internal systems. If it's connected to the base network I can control it." Jake nodded. "Nice. See if you can find out when Quaritch is planning to attack." Eric nodded and began sifting through dozens of holographicaly recreated files. After a moment he spoke, the sound of joy that had been there before was gone. "That can't be right."

Jake watched as he went through the files again. "What?" Eric looked up. "Well…………..according to this he's going to attack in 3 days." Jake felt his eyes widen and his blood run cold. "Three days?" Eric nodded, and began going through more files. "According to the files he's sending 103 Samsons, 16 mobile platforms, and a heavy bomber." Jake nodded but felt his hand make a fist. "Great." Eric raised an eyebrow. "How is this great?" Jake shook his head. "Up until now we've known nothing about his plans. Now we do. You did great Eric. Start looking for ways to fool the sensors into thinking biological contaminants are in the base." Eric nodded. "Ok Jake. I hope you know what you're doing." Jake nodded and as he left muttered under his breath. "Me too." For the next 7 hours Jake and his team would work. Laying thermal wire and setting the bombs up. In a spark of brilliance Tom rigged every bomb with a radio activated timer. Each bomb was set to go off in cascades, to cause maximum damage. Tom had just vanished off to place the next bomb when a large gust of wind blew around him. Jake shuddered rubbed his arms, sending small tendrils of warmth through his skin. Shaking his head Jake yawned before returning to his work.

Jake had just finished wrapping another load stone in thermal wire when he felt another gust of wind buffet him. However unlike before this wind wasn't natural and indeed when he looked around he found Neytiri on her banshee. "Jake you must come. The other clan leaders are here and they demand to speak with you. They say bring your general too." Jake rolled his eyes and made his way back to banshee. As he left the cliff side he called to James. "James come with me. Looks like I'll need your help." James put down what he had been doing and followed Jake to his banshee. Stopping only once he was in front of it. As Jake settled himself behind Iso's neck he looked down to James who still stood on the ground looking at the banshee a nervous look on his face. Jake rolled his eyes. "Are you coming or not?" James nodded and hesitantly put his foot against one of Iso's clawed feet. Jake watched as James clumsily moved over Iso until he sat behind Jake who rolled his eyes as he connected with Iso. 'Your friend doesn't know how to ride.' Jake smiled. 'My friend has never had a reason to fly on something that's alive. He'll be fine. He's a fast learner.' Iso pushed off from the ground and soared into the air. Behind him Jake could feel James holding on for dear life. "Stop worrying. It's like riding a horse." James chuckled. "Yeah except a horse can't throw me off at a few thousand feet above the ground."

Jake chuckled and for the rest of the trip did his best to not frighten James anymore. As it was when they touched down at the hometree James leapt down off Iso and kissed the ground before Standing up shakily and speaking. "You can keep your flying……… lizard. I'll take a Samson any day. Jake shrugged as he clambered down off Iso who took flight the moment he was off. Jake smiled to Neytiri who had landed next to them. "Lead the way Neytiri." Neytiri smiled and gestured for them to follow her. Moving down a smell path Neytiri lead them up 3 levels before turning right and heading towards the room Jake had been declared clan leader./ as they neared the room Jake could easily make out several voice. Each voice spoke sharply and seemed to be doing it's best to outtalk the next voice. Several voices were outright shouting at the other. Jake paused as they came to the vine curtain separating them from the room. Jake chuckled to James. "Never thought I'd go into politics. But you know what they say. Walk tall and carry a big stick." James chuckled at that and pulled the vine curtain open. Almost at once the voices got louder. Each voice shouted to be heard creating a din of such noise that Jake winced as they stepped in. they're arrival went unnoticed. Several of na'vi stood in the room. Tall ones, short one, ones with dark blue skin and ones with light blue. Skin each one shouting at Mo'at and Eytukan who stood in the center of the room. For a few minutes Jake simply let the na'vi shout at each other.

Several times Mo'at or Eytukan would look at him, trying to get him to say something. But each time Jake would shake his head showing that he wasn't ready to say anything just yet. For 10 minutes Jake submerged his mind in the chaos of voices, looking for and for the most part finding each individual's fears or complaint about what was happening. He had long ago learned that even though he hated politics they had a huge impact on military procedure. Each person had fears, worries, ideas, and egos. All of which had to be addressed before any mission could take place. Only after he knew those things did he wish to speak. Leaning in Jake whispered something to James who smiled drew out his pistol and sent 3 rounds into the floor. Each round buried itself in the hard wood, and didn't injure anyone but they had the desired effect. the room instantly fell silent, and Jake was able to speak, which he did in a calm voice. "What is going on here?" almost at once the voices returned shouting at him. Jake nodded and again James sent rounds into the floor quieting the room. Jakes sighed. "Let's try this again, but this time, talk one at a time. You….." Jake pointed to a tall na'vi, with several feather in his hair. "What clan do you represent, and why are you here?"

The na'vi bowed and spoke in a deep voice. "My name is Peln and I hail from the horse clan of the plains. I've been sent here to declare my clan's agreement with your plan of attack. My clan stands willing and able to fight and die along side the Omaticava clan should they go to battle." Jake nodded. "Hopefully it won't come to that but I thank you for your support." Peln nodded and moved so he stood next to Jake. He stood straight backed and proud with his hands behind his back. Jake turned to a female na'vi who stood next to a warrior. "Same to you. Who are you and why are you here?" the female took a moment to answer. Jake watched as her eyes followed his form easily scoping him out and looking for anything to use against him. After a moment she spoke in a low and obviously seductive voice. "My name is Viral and I come from the Tipani clan. As for why I'm here. I don't agree with the idea of attacking the sky people." Jake sighed. "Why?" Viral stretched out obviously trying to catch his eye with her long arms faintly glowing skin before speaking. "My clan was the first to encounter the sky people. They've cause usno harm. So why should we go to battle with them? It is the Omaticava and horse clan that wish to go to war. Why should my clan be dragged into it……… at least without a good reason." Viral let out a low moaned and continued. As she did so Jake felt Neytiri move slightly closer to him.

"My clan has always been on good terms with the sky people. Why would they wish us harm? Why fight a enemy when the clan has nothing to gain from it? Perhaps……." Viral moved closer to Jake seeming to ignore Neytiri. "Perhaps our clans could work something out." She was touching him now. Running her finger against his chest. Jake sighed and took a step backwards. He had a very good idea of what that 'something' was. "Only a fool thinks of sex before a battle. As for the sky people wishing you now harm. That will change if Quaritch gets his way." Jake watched as Viral stepped back obviously surprised by his resistance to her charm. A moment later she was forced back even farther by Neytiri who stepped in front of Jake and growled warningly. "He is mine" ignoring her Jake turned to face the crowd of na'vi. "Let me explain to you how things will happen if you don't decide to fight now. We'll go to battle no matter what. Quaritch has already given orders to destroy the hometree and us along with it. After that he'll send word to the other bases on the planet labeling all na'vi as security threats. He wont talk with you he'll just kill you. Men, women, children, elderly. To him all you will be is an enemy that needs to be wiped out." On the other side of the room a na'vi stood up. He was shorter than the rest by about 2 feet, and when he spoke it was with a voice of uncertainty. "How can you be so sure?" Jake sighed again.

"I doubt any of you have been told. I used to be a sky person. I cant say with 100% certainty that that's how Quaritch will react. But I can tell you he will attack the Omaticava. He's already given the orders and right now he is preparing his troops for the battle. The only question left is this. Will you join us and fight for your right to exist…… or will you do nothing and be wiped out?" silence met his words.

3 HOURS LATER

Jakes sighed and stretched as the last of the na'vi clan leaders left the room. Next to him Neytiri rubbed his arm sympathetically. As Jake closed his eyes he heard James speak. "Wow. What a bunch of fuckin whiners." Jake nodded. "I'd almost say they're acting human. They don't want to think such a threat exists to them. It's natural for them to ignore this." Jake opened his eyes in time to catch James lay down so his back was against the cool wood floor. "Yeah but still. I don't thin, human psychology applies here." Jake nodded. "True enough." Stretching again Jake whimpered slightly as his back popped in half a dozen places. "Come on James. We've got more work to do. Eytukan start having your best hunting groups gather. Then send them to the thundering rocks, so my team and I can explain the plan. Ok?" Eytukan nodded and left, the room. Turning to James. Jake smiled before speaking. "Alright James that's enough lazing around. Get back to work." James nodded and left as well, radioing Trudy to come and pick him out outside the home tree. Only Neytiri and Jake remained in the room now. Jake smiled and Neytiri continued to rub his arm gently. Turning to her Jake gave her a fast kiss before speaking. "Thank you for your help in this." Neytiri shook her head. "I didn't do much." Jake shook his head and wrapped his arms around her waist pulling her closer. "Not true. You helped a great deal. You know more about the other clans than I do." Neytiri smiled and lay her head against him shoulder.

"Only a fool offers no help when it's needed. You'll make a great leader Jake." Jake smiled and nuzzled her neck gently. "Thanks Neytiri." Smiling Neytiri looked up at him for a moment before speaking. "We should go." Jake sighed and nodded. Standing up they allowed themselves one last kiss before walking through the vine curtain and leaving the room. As they did so they found Peln waiting for them. Matching their walking pass he spoke. 'You did well jakesully. Eytukan was right to choose you as leader." Jake shrugged. 'Thanks. I've still got much to learn though." Peln nodded. "Leaders never stop learning. But still you did well. Few would have been able to resist Viral. You gained much respect from that." Jake sighed. Several times during the meeting Viral had done her best to catch his eye. And more than once Jake was sure she was outright flirting with him. Next to him Neytiri growled. "I don't like her." Peln chuckled. "Few females do. But still your mate handled himself well around her." Coming to a stop Peln continued. "This is where I leave you jakesully. I must tell me people to begin moving our warriors here." Jake nodded. "Don't take to long. We'll need all the help we can get." Peln nodded. "Don't worry jakesully. It'll take us a day or so to get here. After all we have the fastest direhorses."

Jake watched as Peln turned and left vanishing as he turned a corner. Jake had been about to speak to Neytiri when a twig snapped behind them. Turning Jake found Alice, squatting behind them, and slightly amused look on her face. Jake looked at her for a moment before speaking. "Hello Alice." In response Alice nodded. For a few moments a slightly uncomfortable silence followed as Alice looked Neytiri up and down before turning to Jake and speaking. "I've found the man you wished me to find. He's at the thundering rocks waiting your arrival." Jake was about to say thanks, when Alice seemed to slide sideways off the section of branch she had been crouching on and vanished out of sight. Rolling his eyes Jake turned to Neytiri. "Duty calls." Neytiri nodded. "Go. I'll do what I can here." Jake smiled and kissed her before making his way to the banshee roosts. A short while later he was back in the air and heading back to the mountains.

Jake sighed as he landed next to Trudy's Samson. He could see him now. The man he had asked Alice to find. He sat away from the ships with his back to a rock glaring at the metal ships as though they had done him a great personal injustice. Sighing again Jake began walking towards him. After a few moment the man noticed him and stood up turning away from him and refusing to look at him. Jake put his hand on the man's shoulder and spun him around until he could see Tsu'tey's face. Little had changed. Yes it was a bit leaner than it had been before. But the biggest change was scar that started at his right temple and ended at about his nose. Even now when they were so close together Tsu'tey refused to look him in the eye, instead opting to looked at the ground. For a moment they both stood there. Then Jake acted drawing his fist back and punching Tsu'tey hard in the stomach. Tsu'tey gasped as the 'air' was forced from his lungs. Dropping to the ground he coughed and wheezed. Still standing Jake spoke. "Don't ever do it again." Tsu'tey looked up at him. Jake continued. "Don't EVER mess with Neytiri or my love life again. Understand?" Tsu'tey nodded. Jake sighed and offered him his hand. For a moment Tsu'tey looked at the out stretched hand and for a fraction of a second Jake thought he might take the offer of help.

But a moment later his hand was pushed away as Tsu'tey angrily got to his feet. A low growl of, "I don't need your help." Jake's eyes narrowed and a moment later Jake shoved Tsu'tey sending him back down to the ground. "What the hell is your problem?!" Tsu'tey looked up at him, clearly surprised by Jake's anger. But Jake didn't stop. "What did I ever do to make you hate me?!" for a moment Tsu'tey just cat there on the ground looking up at him. But Jake wasn't done. "Get up. Tsu'tey. Get up and tell me what I did to make you hate me." Slowly Tsu'tey stood back up and again Jake shoved him back down to the ground. He was mad now. All the anger that had built up over the last few days seemed to be flowing out of him. Again he shouted. "When I first came here Neytiri told me you were the best. Look at you now. You're nothing!!!! Get up god damnit. Get up and fight me!!" Tsu'tey sat there for a moment before blurring into motion. Leaping from his spot on the ground he grabbed one of Jake's arms and sent his knee crashing into Jake's chest. Jake fell against the ground gasping for breath, be he didn't have time to rest as Tsu'tey leapt on top of him and the 2 began wrestling in the dirt.

Dirt and dust flew in every direction as Jake and Tsu'tey rolled around on the ground. Neither one could gain any advantage over the other. Tsu'tey may have been taller and had longer arms and legs but Jake had military training and easily countered any move Tsu'tey made. For what felt like hours they fought and wrestled. All other thoughts vanished from their minds. Replaced by the goal to hurt the person in front of them. They were so wrapped up in their fighting that when they were finally pulled apart by James, Tom, and Eric they continued to try and fight. Jake strained against Eric's, and tom's grip. When he found he couldn't break it he resorted to shouting. "Let me go!! Let me go!!!" but their grips never loosened and Jake never broke free. As his blood pressure came down so did his anger until he just stood there with Eric and tom holding him back. After a few angry deep breaths he spoke. "I never did anything to you!! Why do you hate me?!?!?" Across from him, Tsu'tey continued to strain against James's vice like grip on his arms. After several minutes of struggling Tsu'tey shouted back at him. "You took everything from me!!!" Tsu'tey stopped struggling and stood straighter backed, still looking at the ground. For a long moment Jake looked at Tsu'tey.

Then Tsu'tey looked up at him and spoke his voice full of sadness. "You took everything from me. Until you came here I was the best hunter, I was the best rider, and I was the best." Tsu'tey paused for a moment taking a shuddering breath before continuing on. "Then you came along. And I thought for sure you would be like the other sky people ignorant, and stupid about our world. I thought you'd leave like the others before you had. But you didn't. You began training and soon became the best. You took everything from me." Jake watched as a small tear fell down Tsu'tey's face and landed on the hard rocky surface of the mountain. "You took my title from me, you took my pride…… but worst……. You took Neytiri from me." The last line came out lower than a whisper. Jake sighed. "Tsu'tey I never wanted to do any of that." Tsu'tey looked up at him but Jake continued. "I never wanted to hurt you like that. I had no intention of falling in love with Neytiri or taking your place in the clan. I just……" Jake sighed again and continued. "I just wanted to fit in." across from his Tsu'tey remained silent. Jake took that moment to step forward. "Tsu'tey we don't have time for our petty rivalries. A war is coming and I need people I can trust. Can I trust you?" Tsu'tey was silent for a moment before nodding. "Yes jakesully. You can trust me." Jake smiled. "Good."

AN: HOLLY SHIT FOLKS!!! CHAPTER 14 IS UP AND DONE. IHOPE EVERYONE ENJOYS IT. THIS WILL BE ONE OF THE LAST CHAPTERS IN THE STORY. I THINK THERE WILL ONLY BE 2 OR 3 MORE CHAPTERS AND THEN I SHALL BEGIN WRITING THE SEQUAL.

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