+Bleed My Heart Out Just For You+
The trail up the Hallelujah Mountains was endearing as I steered my direhorse away from the rocky edge. A few rocks would fall every once in a while enough to put my nerves on end, but looking back at my brother and Atan'eko put my worries at ease. I knew that if anything happened all three men would be right there within an instant. Tsu'tey was up in front, ahead of me actually, where he was making sure every step his steed took, that it would be safe for ours. He seemed a little off today as he kept his mind focused on the task at hand, whereas mine was focused on him. Focused on how his muscles rippled every time his direhorse took a step, or on how every time he breathed in the fresh mountain air his lips seemed to part.
Knocking some sense into myself I made myself stare straight ahead as we approached a floating string of rocks. When Tsu'tey was close enough he stopped his direhorse and dismounted. Doing the same I looked up at the structure with awe. I had only been in this world for about a little more than month, and day after day there was always something new and extraordinary waiting behind every crook in the bend.
Learning to ride an ikran, we call them banshees, is the test every young hunter has to pass. But to do that, you gotta go where the banshees are; Oo-rah. Sadly something told me that Oo-rah was a lot father than this string of rocks. Even worse of a thought, I somehow knew that we'd have to be climbing these things. Going over to the edge I looked down and gulped. Riding in a plane… bad. The reason behind it… the fear of falling. I hated heights in general.
"You okay," came a voice from behind. Turning to look back at my brother I tried to force a grin, but failed horribly as I answered, "Nothing like a deadly drop to wake you up in the morning." Frowning he placed a hand on my shoulder as if for comfort before I shrugged it off and mumbled, "Just don't let me fall, or I'll come back and haunt you." Chuckling he let me walk over to Tsu'tey, where he was making sure Atan'eko and his sister had the right gear. A few other Na'vi stood back, still on their horses. No doubt they were the ones who were going to lead them back.
"MiaSully, are you ready," Tsu'tey asked turning to me as he looked over what all I had on. It wasn't much. I had a bow with an arrow or two, my knife, and something to help tie the ikran down. Nodding I found my hair falling in front of me. Maybe it had been a bad idea to ask Neytiri to take out my braids and let my hair fall completely straight yesterday.
Atan'eko's sister seemed to notice my dilemma. Reaching behind her back she untied a hair tie. Then coming over to me she ordered me to sit still as she casually braided the back of my hair into one long braid with my queue. Tying it tightly she moved away as I turned and thanked her. She simply nodded as she headed over to the floating rocks. Gulping, I slowly made my way over to the others as they began their ascent upwards. Today was going to be a long day.
Halfway up the string of boulders I started to feel the pressure getting to me as I held on dearly to the strong mossy vines underneath my hands. I was lagging behind; however I was being carefully whereas the others weren't. They were used to this though, even Jake who had had some military training in this sort of thing. However I was a 'pop-star,' as Grace had often put it. I rarely had done any tedious activities such as this. The most enduring physical moments I had ever had were when I played a sport or wrestled around with my brothers. I rarely took my feet off the ground considering I ever so slightly had acrophobia.
Tsu'tey who was in the lead of the others chanced a look down at me and noticed my slowness. Shaking his head he continued on up. Bastard, it's not like you have a fear of heights. You've done this all your life. Finding more fire for my determination I began to climb a little faster as I passed up Atan'eko who was a little stunned to say the least to find me climbing ahead of him.
"Be careful," he told me as I replied back, "I got it." Those three words are defiantly not something you say when you're climbing up a floating boulder. Losing my grip, I slipped a foot or two before grasping onto a strong vine once again. Hearing my scream, the others looked down as I called up, "Bad step." Atan'eko's sister nodded and continued on up as Jake continued to look at me carefully before I gave him a reassuring look. Realizing I'd be fine, he hesitantly continued on up. Tsu'tey had taken only one glance to make sure I was still alive before continuing on.
Atan'eko climbed beside me and dared to place a hand on my shoulder as he asked, "You okay." Shaking my head up and down vigorously he allowed me to climb up ahead of him again, before he started ascending upwards once more.
When we finally did reach the last boulder in the ascent I breathed in a deep sigh of relief until I found there was no where to go from here, unless we jumped onto one of the many dangling vines in front of us.
"Now what," my brother asked sarcastically as Tsu'tey replied back, "Wait…..NOW JUMP." I watched in shock as he jumped from the boulder and onto one of the thin vines. I felt as if my heart stopped while I watched him begin to climb his way up toward the top. My eyes had to do a double take though as Atan'eko sister followed closely behind. When Atan'eko jumped he didn't hold back the adrenaline boost he was getting from doing all of this, as he whooped happily. Rolling my eyes I looked over at my brother and mouthed, 'Are you serious.' Shrugging his shoulders he readied himself for the next vine.
I watched in horror as he too jumped and latched onto one of the vines in front of me. Looking back he motioned for me to do so. I began to shake my head, but he called out, "It's easy Mia. Just imagine you're back at home climbing on the willow tree in the back yard." Gawking angrily at him I couldn't hold in the retort.
"The willow tree didn't have several miles below it to drop," I called viciously; however I still allowed myself to get into a position. I couldn't fail this, and I wasn't about to let my fears get to me. Tsu'tey would mock me till the end of time about it. So when the next vine came into view I pushed my feet against the boulder with all my might, as I flung myself at the flimsy branch swaying in front of me. The moment I felt it with my hand I grasped it tightly as my body swung around madly ever which way. Needless to say the whole entire time I swung I had my eyes closed.
"Come on Mia, they're waiting," Jake called over to me. Opening one of my eyes I looked up and found that they were indeed waiting on me. Taking in a deep breath I forced myself to keep looking up and not down as I started to climb upward, all the while pretending I was back in P.E. climbing up the gymnasium's rope. As long as I had that thought in my head I would be fine.
Once we were to the top of the mountain it became a breeze from there as I followed closely behind Jake. As we made our way across some gigantic roots attached to the side of another mountain I managed to catch up behind Atan'eko's sister. Tsu'tey would look back every so often to make sure none of us had killed ourselves yet, and when he caught site of how close I was to him, I noticed a happy glimmer pass over his eyes. 'Yeah buddy, as long as we were still on solid ground I can keep up with your ass' I couldn't help from thinking proudly.
The roots led up to a cave, and as we entered I could hear our every step echoing off the walls as we continued to jog up to our destination. Tsu'tey was fast, but so was I, and in no time I was a foot behind him as we jumped over stones, and dips within the cave floor.
Finally making it to the top I could feel my lungs dying for air as they tried to catch up with the rest of me, all the while no one else seemed winded except for my brother who had made his way up behind me. Slowing down as a light came into view I found I couldn't help the tiny gasp at the scene that emerged before me. Turning my fast pace into a walk, I pulled my bow over my head much like Jake, as I watched in pure wonder as thousands of ikrans flew before us screeching, and calling out to one another. I had seen nothing as beautiful as this till now. Bending down beside the female Na'vi I looked over the edge at the waterfall below. A rainbow had formed from the condensation it created below giving it an unearthly quality. Then again everything about Pandora was unearthly. It was of course Pandora.
"And even I thought I had seen everything," Atan'eko's sister smiled from beside me as she stood up and backed away. "Tell me about," I chuckled breathlessly as I turned my head upward hearing a familiar birdcall.
Watching a familiar ikran coming closer to us I stood up and stepped back to make room for my friend and her banshee. As they landed Neytiri skillfully slid off and landed gracefully beside me as she calmed the creature whom was still screeching and flapping its wings. Then she turned and smiled happily at Jake as she also placed her hand on my arm to let me know she knew I was beside her. Jake nodded as his grin spread from ear to ear. Lowering her head she fought a blush as she turned her next attention to Tsu'tey. Smiling welcomingly at her Neytiri gave the formal greeting in her native language as Tsu'tey spoke not a word. Instead he used the sign with his hand to his forehead, which of course showed that he too had been slightly winded, but had been hiding it quite well. Turning his attention on the group finally, he started to size us up, while looking for the first sucker who was going to have to walk into a nest of ikrans.
His eyes landed on me for the longest moment as the others watched interestingly thinking he'd choose me, however when he saw my brother a mischievous look entered his charming golden eyes as he replied, "Jakesullly will go first." Noticing his evil little grin my brother glared annoyingly, still trying to catch his breath from the jog up here. Walking forward he shoved his bow into Tsu'tey's face for him to hold. Tsu'tey grabbed it a little roughly as he watched Jake's every movement with amusement. Something told me Tsu'tey was getting back at Jake for something, but for what I had no idea.
I watched intently as Jake readied himself, while he made his way over to the edge where the waterfall rained down onto the rocks. Neytiri followed him as she looked at Tsu'tey disapprovingly for his childish behavior. However Tsu'tey didn't falter from her look, which in turn just made me roll my eyes at him as I followed closely behind Neytiri, carefully avoiding her ikran; Sese.
Ever so carefully I held onto the side of the cave wall as I took baby steps across the small ledge. My nerves were on a high right now as I watched Jake ahead of me. I just kept praying to Eywa he wouldn't get himself killed today.
Stopping halfway there Jake looked from the side of the wall at the nest of banshees. Neytiri leaned forward as she placed her right hand on his shoulder and said, "Now you choose your ikran. This you must feel inside." I watched as her hand slipped further from the side of his arm to his chest to place over it directly over his heart."If he also chooses you, move quick like I showed. You will have one chance, Jake," Neytiri explained to him as her nerves started to get to her as well.
Looking around at the nest of ikrans Jake asked, "How will I know if he chooses me?" "He will try to kill you," Neytiri answered back not missing a simple beat. "Oh that's so reassuring," I mumbled as my heart began to pound against my chest.
"Outstanding," Jake mumbled sarcastically as he began to move forward towards the creatures perching on the rocks before him.
Hearing a noise behind me I bent my head back some to find Tsu'tey's face looming above me. "I assume you remember all that I taught you," he asked looking ahead at my brother as we moved in.
"Be careful, find the mean ikran, beat him in a wrestling match, connect our queues, and then hope to god I don't fall off while flying. Yep I think I remember all of it," I answered back nervously watching as Jake began to challenge the ikrans in front of him. Slowly the rest of the group came out into the opening as we advanced behind Jake. Taking a spot on a high rock beside Tsu'tey I listened as he called out in Na'vi to my brother, "Don't be afraid warrior!" From there I tuned him out along with Atan'eko who was silently encouraging Jake from beside me.
Watching quietly as I edged myself a little more forward I found that as Jake finally began to make his way closer to one of the many creatures, this one decided it wasn't turning to run like the others. Instead it turned its body around and faced Jake furiously as he screeched so loud that it came close to busting my eardrums.
I watched as Jake tilted his head slightly while he carefully took in this new tactic, and within that moment it was then that he realized he had found his ikran. Stepping forward he hissed viciously, which of course the banshee mimicked. Out of the corner of my eyes I caught movement. Turning, I noticed Neytiri from below me as her smile grew savagely while she brought her knife forward when her own adrenalin from watching the scene before her began to race through her system.
"Let's dance," Jake spoke from in front of me to the creature. Swinging his rope the creature began to move back and forth as it watched the warrior's movements curiously, wondering what exactly this Na'vi was planning to do to him.
Hearing Tsu'tey chuckle, I tuned in just in time to hear his words to the group, "That moron's going to die." Turning on him I hissed just as savagely as Jake had, only I shoved Tsu'tey just enough to get his attention to shut his mouth. He was a little stunned, but none the less he learned his lesson. However, it did seem to put an angry scowl onto his lips. Turning back around, I watched Jake nervously as he finally let loose of the rope when the creature lunged for him.
The vine wrapped around the animal's mouth tightly giving Jake the chance to run and jump onto the base of its neck. Holding onto it with a firm grip he found that this task we were supposed to achieve was not going to be easy. The creature flapped wildly bringing itself halfway off the ground, while Jake held on for dear life. Struggling to stay on he reached out to bring its head into its neck as he tried subduing the beast. Calling out encouraging words to my brother I soon found Atan'eko and his sibling doing the same. Whooping encouragingly from beside me, I turned to Atan'eko and showed my appreciation before turning to watch my brother as his fought with the creature on the rocky ground. It was quickly becoming difficult for him to hold its head steady as he tried to find its queue to create the bond.
"Don't be afraid warrior," Tsu'tey called out now as he too felt the need to encourage Jake. However Neytiri was becoming worried from down below as she yelled out to my brother, "MAKE THE BOND!"
Jake finally got a hold of one of the creature's queues, but because he let go of the beast's head it now had free rein to whip its head back and knock it back into his. Stunning Jake from the impact, the animal managed to force him off and send him flying over the cliff. Jumping down off of the rock, both Neytiri and I ran to him screaming out his name in fright. Tears in my eyes, I found I was still the first one to make it to the edge where he came climbing up with a new determination while heading straight for the creature. Realizing, after I knew my brother was safe, that Tsu'tey had been laughing during his whole near death experience I then turned and yelled at him, "How about you throw yourself off a cliff you stupid ass!" However, Tsu'tey just continued laughing as I growled angrily and turned my attention to Jake whom was now wrestling with the creature once more. Hearing Atan'eko's encouraging shouts from behind me I came to crouch beside Neytiri as she lowered herself to the ground as close to Jake as she could get.
"Tsaheylu, Jake," she warned him while she circled to the other side once Jake fell to the ground with his legs still wrapped securely around the creature, "TSAHEYLU!"
I cried out the same exact words as I gripped my knife now tightly in my hand. How it had ended up there I had no idea. It might have been after Jake had fallen off the cliff. However I was too wrapped up in everything that was going on now to care.
Reaching behind his back Jake pulled his braid forward as he took a hold of the ikran's antenna. Struggling, this time he didn't waste time on connecting the queues. The moment the bond was sealed he cried out in one breath, "STOP." The ikran immediately calmed from below him as Neytiri put her knife back in her holder and inched closer to Jake. Cooing softly in Na'vi to the ikran, both Neytiri and I watched as Jake began to take off the bond he had around the ikran's beak while he chuckled breathlessly, "Yeah, that's right. You're mine. Huh?"
Once the seal around its mouth was gone the creature slowly stood taking Jake with it. Getting situated onto its back, Neytiri rushed forward and placed her hands onto the ikran's neck as she replied just as breathlessly, "First flight seals the bond. You cannot wait." Urging the creature forward toward the edge of the cliff she backed away and called out, "Think 'Fly.'" Oh how she shouldn't have said that, because when he repeated her words the creature lurched forward and threw itself off of the cliff along with my brother clutching tightly to its back. Holding on for dear life I watched in fear and amusement as he fought to control the light blue ikran with the dark purple designs. The creature fell wildly and twisted in the air insanely as my brother yelled at it in fright. Bumping into the walls I couldn't help the chuckles as the creature fought to grasp on, with my brother still dangling behind. Then it dove once more sending my brother up into the air still attached to it by the tsaheylu. Eventually it began to fly straight as it screeched angrily at my brother's stupidity. However Jake finally yelled his angered thoughts to it, and from there it was a breeze as it finally decided to listen to him.
I watched happily as he carefully began to maneuver his ikran through the air. "WHOO JAKESULLY," Atan'eko called from behind me cheerfully along with his sister who gave a few wolf whistles as well. However, I noticed Tsu'tey's annoyed expression before he turned and quipped something not far from a curse in their language at the young warriors. Neytiri had long been gone as she headed for her own ikran. Within moments she was soaring through the air with Jake, leaving me to my own problem.
Hearing an angry screech from behind me I turned just in time to escape the angry claws of one of the banshees I had accidently gotten too close to. Stepping forward to it I hissed, and in return it hissed back. Just like my brother, I tilted my head in curiosity as I realized this purple ikran with its striking blue twisted designs was challenging me.
Noticing the change in the mood behind them, the group turned in awe as they realized their next show was about to begin. I didn't even had time to drop my bow or pull out my knife as the creature swiped at me once more and reached out with his beak to take a chunk out of me. Dodging the knife like talons and its razor sharp teeth I was able to pull out the vine. Without hesitation I winded it up and let it loose as it took to wrapping around the creature's mouth. Jumping forward I tackled its head to the ground, but the animal simply threw me off into a nearby boulder. Groaning I rolled out of the way as it came at me once more with its deadly claws.
Throwing myself at its winged back it flew up into the air and landed gracefully while I simple managed to run myself off the cliff. I heard the men shout from above as I used a vine to swing myself back up easily. When Tsu'tey caught site of me he began to shout angrily as he tried giving me directions, but I ignored most of them as this time I used all my force to tackle its head to the ground once again. With my braid falling in front of my shoulder I took my one arm off its neck as I applied more pressure with my body to make up for the sudden loss of weight. Then reaching for its antenna I brought it forward toward my braid. Without having to pick it up I simple felt for the end up my braid and let the queue do the rest from there. As the pink feelers attached to one another I felt like an electric shock had just ran through me, or as the saying went, 'It felt as if someone had just walked over my grave.' However this feeling seemed different. This seemed, amazing, and the first thing that popped to the front of my mind was its name; Sage. My body sagged as the realization finally struck me of its true name. No there was no mistaking what the beast's mind told me, but it couldn't be. How could it have that name? Leaning up, I looked the creature in the eyes as it watched me carefully. Though the creature had two eyes they both held the same hue that Sage had once worn. If there was a time to believe in reincarnation it was now.
Reaching out a hand I allowed myself to get situated before I undid the bonds around its mouth. Hearing hurried footsteps I turned in time to see Tsu'tey coming toward me. The moment he was upon me, he was already urging me and my ikran forward as he spoke, "You must go, now! You can not wait! Think, 'Fly!" The moment the word was in my head the ikran began to flap its wings as it lifted itself off of the ground and zoomed forward. Diving the moment we reached the edge of the mountain I found just how hard it had been for Jake. However from watching him I learned pretty quickly what to do.
"SAGE, FLY STRAIGHT YOU DUMMY," and listening to its rider the creature leveled out and began to fly straighter. Getting much more comfortable, I told the creature where to turn, and when to dive. Somewhere along the lines I managed to catch up to Jake and Neytiri.
"THIS IS SO FREAKING COOL," I laughed as Jake and Neytiri turned to look at me with beaming joy.
"BETTER THAN A PLANE," Jake called back to me.
"A LOT BETTER THAN A PLANE," I smiled as I began to coo to the animal with a name I'd never forget. It was like he was watching out for me in some way. Somehow I could simply just feel his presence all around me as he encouraged me to continue on without him, and for once I didn't mind the thought of moving on. Moving on, meant newer surprises waiting around the corner. Banking right I noticed a familiar Na'vi male and female come into view. Atan'eko and his sister too had finished their training, and this occurrence marked a new beginning for all of us. Whatever was to come, I had a feeling I would never be able to forget it for as long as I lived.
Later that night when we returned to Home-tree with our ikrans, I found Grace waiting patiently for Jake and me with a proud look gracing her features. The moment I dismounted I ran up to her and hugged her tightly as I whispered in her ear, "Thank you Grace for not giving up on me yet."
"I'd never give up on you," she giggled softly as Jake walked over as she congratulated him just as well. Once Mo'at and Eytukan gave their congratulations to everyone, Neytiri and Jake disappeared together, and somehow I had a feeling they were off to talk about the day's events and all that had happened. Leaving Grace with Mo'at I went to grab something to eat. Stopping by the fire pit I took some fruit from the pile and headed back up to the top of the tree where Sage was.
Walking out onto the limb I mimicked the bird call Neytiri had used when she had first allowed us to meet Sese. Within a matter of seconds Sage came bursting through the leaves and landed gracefully onto the branch. Walking over to him I reached my hand out with one of the fruits and fed him. As he munched on the odd yellow fruit he allowed me to run my hand across his leathery skin as a proud smile poured into my lips.
"I have a feeling we're going to be good together," I whispered to him as he nudged me with his beak. Patting his head I bent down and took a seat beside him. He managed to wrap a wing around me as he concealed me from the world while I ate in peace. For that matter I even felt at peace. For once something in my life just seemed…calm. I had done something extraordinary today. I had faced my fears in a way that I would have never thought to do living my human life. Here I conquered, back at home I succeeded. There was a big difference in the two. To conquer you did everything right and you ruled over what you had done. To succeed you only achieved a small goal. I wasn't achieving any small goals as a Na'vi.
"Hey there boy. Have you seen a girl about yay high, with beautiful sky blue eyes," came a cocky familiar voice. Motioning for Sage to move his wing away I found Atan'eko standing before me holding a beautiful pink flower. He had a proud look as he held himself well with his warrior aura. Smiling at him I motioned for him to come sit. Looking hesitantly at Sage he slinked over and took a seat next to me.
"He won't poke your eyes out. However I sure he's able to if he wanted," I chuckled as he shrugged and mumbled handing me the flower, "It would be worth it to get closer to you." Yeah Atan'eko was definitely coming on stronger now; strong enough to make me feel a little uncomfortable, and inch away from him slightly. Looking at the flower I smiled. It reminded me of the cherry blossoms from back on earth.
"Thanks, it's really beautiful. Reminds me of home," I whispered taking in its scent. It sort of smelled like a cherry blossom too. However the difference between this Pandoran cherry blossom and the one back on earth was that here it was a bit bigger than a rose. The stem seemed long enough, so reaching back behind my head I began to braid it into my hair much like Neytiri had been doing often whenever she had gotten a hold of my long mane.
"You were fantastic today when facing your ikran. A true warrior," Atan'eko spoke as he inched closer to me once more. This time I forced myself not to move. If he overstepped his boundaries then he would find himself sky diving out of this tree.
"Thank you," I grinned, however I found Atan'eko's face leaning closer to mine. Turning my cheek to him, he realized the movement and pulled away.
"I'm sorry…"
"Don't worry about it," I mumbled as I stood up. Atan'eko followed as I gave Sage the rest of my fruit before walking away. Atan'eko was right at my heels when I stopped suddenly noticing a familiar face looking at us. The abrupt stop made Atan'eko collide into me. Holding on so we both wouldn't fall, Tsu'tey eyes easily traveled to look at Atan'eko's hands jealousy as they held tightly onto my waist.
"I'll see you Atan'eko," I said turning to look at the young Na'vi. Nodding he walked past us and headed back down. Looking up at Tsu'tey I asked, "Is there something you wanted?"
"I wanted to see how you were?"
"I'm good," I mumbled as he came closer. My breath tightened in my throat from his closeness, however he moved past me as he took a look at my ikran. "He suits you. He's strong, protective…" Thinking he was talking about Atan'eko again I went to retort, but he smiled and motioned to Sage. Chuckling I replied, "Yes, and an uncanny resemblance to Sage with the eyes, not to mention the name." Turning to look at me curiously I answered, "His name is Sage." Nodding slowly he took a few steps closer to the ikran, however it didn't seem to find him as a threat as the creature crouched even further onto the limb. Walking past Tsu'tey I connected my queue to Sage, while I gave Tsu'tey a mischievous glance.
"Catch me if you can warrior," I chuckled as I jumped onto Sage's back and thought 'fly.' Tsu'tey grinned before calling to his ikran. Within a matter of no time he was catching up behind me. Coming up beside me he made his ikran nudge into mine. Sage screeched from shock, however catching onto his evil little grin I did the same, before thinking to Sage to make a twist in the air while circling under Tsu'tey's banshee. Following my orders I held onto the ikran for dear life as he did so. However Tsu'tey mimicked my movements and in no time we were doing spirals and figure eights through the air together. Laughing happily my eyes connected with Tsu'tey's at one point. His golden suns stared back at me with a look I had never seen before. A look of almost admiration, but yet something more. I turned my eyes away from his as a blush crept into my cheeks.
Doing a quick dive he followed me through the night sky, while looking below at the Technicolor's of the forest. All the bright neon blues, greens, pinks, reds, and purple lights shined brightly and moved like a light show as the creatures below made their way through the jungle. Pulling upward once again I looked behind me at Tsu'tey once more and noticed how we too were glowing as we lit up the night sky with our magical freckles. The ikrans shined a little brighter, but all the same we still showed our mark in the sky.
I got caught up at looking at Tsu'tey for so long that he finally seemed noticed. Winking at me I turned my head quickly away as I blushed a deep blue. Giggling I looked back at him as he just laughed. Shaking my head I turned it to look forward once more as Sage flew through a low hanging cloud.
Tsu'tey's P.O.V
I watched as Mia would turn her head every so often to take a glance at me. It was cute, and innocent, but I could also tell there was something else there behind each glance. Some sort of emotion that was slowly seeping into her eyes, but I was too caught up in watching her to notice exactly what it was.
Her movements with her ikran seemed natural, almost as if she had been an ikran makto all of her life. Every single movement made her curves stand out as her body moved like water through the air. She glowed with a sort of mystical quality surrounding her, as if Eywa had wrapped her loving arms around the female Na'vi, and refused to let go for life. A flower in Mia's hair was not tied tightly, and I found that it had flown out as it floated back to me. Grabbing at it I held the stem tightly in my hand. Turning my eyes back on Mia, I noticed her comforting Sage, her ikran, softly as he screeched in delight from the night ride. However I knew we had to be back soon. Tonight the whole Omaticaya clan was to be at dinner. Motioning to her to follow me I turned my ikran to head back to home-tree. As we landed I disconnected my queue, as did she, and then motioned for my ikran to go nest somewhere else. Mimicking my actions I watched as her neck stretched upwards while she watched Sage fly away to go nest with my ikran. Suddenly I had the urge to place my hand in the crook of her neck and take in her intoxicating scent of the familiar flower that had once been in her hair. Instead I forced myself stand there like a dummy just looking at her. Turning to glance back at me she smiled innocently from ear to ear. Something urged me forward as I came to stand beside her. Her eyes seemed to cloud over with some new emotion as I carefully raised my head to her neck and placed it in the crook. Twisting a loose strand of her hair with one of my fingers I found she had absently placed her hand upon my chest. Without as much as a second thought I leaned down and pressed my lips to hers. Instead of being in shock and remaining still like she had before, her lips carefully moved against mine like liquid. She fit so perfectly against me as she leaned in closer and placed her hands on my shoulders. However the moment did not last as my senses came back to me, and I pulled away.
Frowning we both stepped away from one another, before she turned away and began to head back down Home-Tree with me closely following behind her. When we were about upon our destination I stopped her and commanded her to stand still as I placed the flower back in her hair once again. Turning around she looked at me interestingly as I pulled at some strands in the front from her braid so they would hang loosely in her face. It gave her a sort of wild look with the strands that were already loosened from our earlier flight which were now swaying from the breeze in front of her bright blue eyes.
Motioning her forward I allowed her to get ahead of me a couple of yards before I began to head in farther behind her. Taking her normal seat with Neytiri, her brother, and Atan'eko; I took mine with Mo'at, Eytukan, and some more high ranking warriors. There was many female Na'vi's singing together not far off as they entertained the people while others told stories to large groups. However my eyes would still travel over to Mia who would laugh with Neytiri as they told jokes, or teased Atan'eko or her brother. However when I heard Atan'eko asked for Mia to sing when she had mistakenly mentioned she could, once he had referred to the females singing not to far off; it was all I could do not to full out stare. I listened as she refused vehemently while telling him that sky-people music was much different than ours, however Neytiri soon cut in and began to beg her as well. They were both curious not only about sky-people music, but also how well Mia could sing.
"Fine, but I can only remember this really old song from back in 2010 on my planet," she replied holding her hands up in defeat. Her brother urged her on as she gathered her nerves and cleared her throat. However when her voice carried through her lips many people near her suddenly stopped to listen.
"I feel like I'm drowning in ice waterrrr,
my lips have turned a shade of bluuue
I'm frozen with this fear,
That you may disappear
Before I've given you
the truth….
I bleed my heart out
On this paper…
So you can see
What I can't say…
I'm dying here
Cause I can't say
what I want to.
I bleed my heart out
Just for you….
I've always dreamed
about this moment,
And now it's here,
And I've turned to stone….
I stand here petrified
As I look in your eyes
My head is ready to explode…
I bleed my heart out
On this paper….
Foooor you,
So you can see
What I can't say…
I'm dying here
'cause I can't say
what I want to
I bleed my heart out
Just for you….
And it's all here in
Black and White instead…
For all the times
Those words were never said…
I bleed my heart out
On this paper….
Foooor you
So you can see
What I can't say….
I'm dying here
'cause I can't say
what I want to
I bleed my heart out
Just for you…
I bleed my heart out
Just for you….."
By the time Mia finished the whole clan was listening. Noticing this she blushed and lowered her shoulders. Mo'at smiled at her as she called out, "Very beautiful, Mia. Thank you for singing for us."Mia looked up at her and gave her a nervous nod as people continued to watch her, including a slightly enraged Ninat. It was possible that Ninat was not the best singer here amongst the clan anymore.
Standing up people listened and watched as Mo'at came over to Mia and replied, "I'm also glad to say that you and Atan'eko here will be mates when you're training is over." I froze, as my chest began to pain me. I felt like my lungs couldn't get enough air as Mia looked between Mo'at and Atan'eko obviously not in on this little secret, however others clapped and wolf whistled around them. Mia knew she couldn't disappoint Mo'at, so with a single nod it was then that I realized she was now promised to another man, as much as I was promised to Neytiri. It was also then that I realized something very important. That pain in my chest was my heart as it broke into a million pieces, and this feeling I had for Mia was so simple. I had been falling for her for the longest time, only to find I could never ever have her. Only one of my best warrior friends would be able to hold her in their arms, and love her, while I was stuck with Neytiri who only longed for Mia's brother. This web of 'love and like' I knew would soon kill me, especially when Mia's eyes caught mine. She too was hurting. How could I tell? Her eyes were glistening more than normal in the light of the flame from the fire pit. Our chance together had been ruined even before it had begun.
Hehehe I bet you all are reeling from that. I guess you'll just have to find out what they're going to do about it in the next chapter, or better yet, if they do anything about it at all. OH the song was 'Bleed,' by Hot Chelle Rae. Sorry if the lyrics weren't perfect. I didn't really have internet when I added them in. I also bet you loved the whole Sage thing with her ikran, because I know I did. Twist there huh? Not really, but it's still nice to know he's watching out for her somehow I bet. Anyway thanks for reading everyone.
Especially thanks to all my reviewers such as-…jojowriter85… Archermusician… EmyNegro… Diamond-Rose Sisters… Mark… StephiHope… and xXchibitsukiXx
I even thank you my wonderful readers who don't review, but read my story with a passion. All of you who read this story, and review are the reason I keep writing. You are my encouragement to continue, as much as many other things. I hope you keep reading my stories even after this one ends, which trust me when I say ain't any time soon.