+ Sylwanin +

Tsu'tey's P.O.V

As I watched Mia's glistening eyes turn on Atan'eko with fury, I began to feel my own anger boiling up inside of me. My anger at what I had let myself do. Anger that I had risked being Olo'eyktan one day, and why, because I had started falling for a sky-walker who couldn't choose between me and my friend.

Sure she was shocked. Her secret had just been discovered by the whole clan, and me. She couldn't hide what she had been, as of now. I knew the truth, and now hopefully I had learned my lesson. If she had intended on breaking what little heart I had then congratulations she had done exactly that. As the clapping died down, and people's eyes finally averted from them, I finished what dinner I had left before standing up and leaving the gathering. As I was making my way back up Home-tree to my ikran I heard her call out to me. Stopping in place, I refused to turn and look at her; afraid to look at her and let myself soften at whatever fake emotion she had to portray.

"Tsu'tey…I didn't know. Atan'eko and I made a pact, but I told him I'd think about it. I never…you got to believe me," she said desperately as I continued to stare forward.

"Don't speak to me," I seethed, however she did just the opposite. I felt her hand on my arm as she begged, "Tsu'tey I don't want him. What you think isn't true…"

"DON'T TOUCH ME," I yelled angrily jerking my arm out of her grasp. Doing so, I had finally turned to look at her. However I wish I hadn't as I saw the pained look in her eyes. I wanted to believe, but I just couldn't. You couldn't believe a dream-walker, you never could. Sylwanin had believed a dream-walker. She had believed Dr. Augustine with her very life, and when she had turned to her for help, she didn't help her; claiming she couldn't and then… I couldn't even force myself to go down that path ever again.

"Tsu'tey…"

"No, you will not speak to me! You will not touch me, and you will not come near me! You are to be mated to Atan'eko, and I to Neytiri! What happened between us means nothing," I seethed as I backed her up into the bark of home-tree. Breathing heavily I continued to glare at the woman in front of me. I let my eyes see her for what she was. Sure she was different, but she would never belong. She was one of them. The same lying, destructive sky-person they were, and she had always been.

However as I watched the tears finally spill from the corners of her eyes, something told me I was wrong. I wasn't going to admit it though. I wasn't going to believe it either; even if her chest began to shake as she held in her cries; even as her tears fell from her cheeks and onto the ground beneath her.

"Atan'eko, means nothing to me. He is just a boy, a friend, and that is it. I will never be mated to him. I will not belong to anyone. As you've just proven, all men are idiots and don't deserve me," she said through her teeth before pushing me out of her way. Without stopping she made her way swiftly back to her leaf bed.

At first I felt pride at getting under the skin of a sky person. I felt pride for hurting them, but as I realized just who I had hurt, and I thought things over; something just seemed wrong about it. Thinking back to the times I had seen Atan'eko and her together I remembered how she had never responded to his advances. Even Neytiri had once mentioned to me how she only found the young Na'vi male to be like another brother. Growling loudly in fury I punched the side of the tree angrily as realization sat in. I was too blinded by anger to truly realize that Mia was definitely different. I had been wrong to say she was like one of them. I had only wanted to hurt her because she had hurt me, without realizing just how well she had done it; even when it wasn't her fault. Centering my rage on Atan'eko I turned back around to go visit with my 'good friend.'

Jake's P.O.V

I was shocked to say the least when Mo'at had announced that my sister was engaged, however I was even more shocked when I noticed she had not agreed to it. My anger bubbled up inside of me, but I kept my mouth shut. There was no reason to cause a scene here.

I watched Tsu'tey leave after finishing his supper, and then not but a few seconds later Mia finished hers, and quickly made her way after him. Neytiri then stood as well as she followed Mia out. This left me alone with Atan'eko.

"Excuse me if I'm wrong, but I don't believe my sister agreed to that beforehand," I replied taking another bite of my fruit. Atan'eko shrugged and replied, "I had no choice."

"Bullshit, you had a choice! You could have not told Mo'at that my sister wanted to marry you," I seethed in a whisper as my eyes narrowed on the young Na'vi male.

"If I hadn't then another warrior would have. I've overheard many of them discussing how they were going to approach Mo'at to ask for her permission to see if it would be alright. Besides, I've fallen in love with MiaSully. She's strong-minded, determined, loves with a heart like Eywa, and most of all a beauty like no other here amongst our people," Atan'eko explained to me, and despite hearing words that I felt were needed to describe a soon to be fiancé, they seemed scrambled and not in the order I would have liked. It seemed that he was only planning on mating with her because of her looks, and differences, not because of who she was. It also seemed like he was fighting for her as if she were a prize and not a person.

"Mia will never agree, and if I remember correctly she has to agree for it to work around here," I shot at him angrily.

"That maybe true, but in time she'll agree. She may say she'll leave, and she'll refuse any Na'vi's request for her hand, however every female must take a mate sooner or later. Besides Mo'at cares for her too much to let her leave forever," Atan'eko replied a little snobbishly.

"What do you mean?"

"Mo'at lost a child long ago to your people, and now Mia has brought back that love she once had for Sylwanin. Do you think a mother would let her child leave her forever knowing she was alive and well," Atan'eko reasoned as he stood up after finishing the last of his dinner. As my silenced echoed he smirked. A simple chuckle escaped his lips as he replied, "That's what I thought."

With that he left me feeling just as angry, and upset as I had been before. He had tricked my sister, if not all of us. One thing that I realized most of all was that he could speak perfect English like Neytiri, so that's one strike. Two, he had become friends with Mia just to win her over, so that was the second strike. The third strike was that he had thrown it all into my face. The final strike was that I couldn't do anything about it either. If I tried there was a chance I'd get banished or worse for killing the little bastard. However as Eywa as my witness I'd find a way to get back at him one way or another.

"Have you seen Atan'eko," a voice growled from up above me. Standing up my eyes met Tsu'tey's as I pointed in the direction the stupid blue bastard had just walked off. As Tsu'tey walked away angrily in the direction I had given him, I mentally made a strike for me. I guess this was a start at getting back at the kid. If I couldn't hurt him I'm sure Tsu'tey would.

Mia's P.O.V

Sitting in my leaf bed, I let the tears continue to fall down across my sapphire blue cheeks. I was flushed from anger and sadness, and nothing, not even a single thought could calm the sobs. I was just glad no Na'vi had decided to go to sleep yet or they'd find this pathetic scene. Then questions might just be raised.

Feeling a sudden dip in the leaf bed I looked up expecting to find my brother or even Atan'eko, however instead I found Neytiri sitting before me with a sympathetic look. Opening her arms to me I immediately crawled over to her and let her hold me as tiny hiccup like sobs escaped my lips. I had never had a sister, only brothers, but if I was to have a sister, I would have wished I'd have one like Neytiri. She didn't say anything as she just held me and let me cry, but when my sobs finally did fade she still continued to hold me. It was when I finally moved myself away from her chest that she spoke.

"You know sometimes we must do things we do not wish. Sometimes those things are being with the ones we do not love," she replied with a frown. Looking up at her suddenly I was about to ask her how she had known when she answered my question for me, "I know how you feel toward my future mate. I know how Jake feels toward me too, because I feel the same for him… but all of our paths have been made for us by someone else. I understand how you feel Mia, more than you'll ever know. However it is our duty as warriors, as women, to understand we must sometimes do something we do not want to do for the ones we love."

"Hmph sometimes I wish I wasn't a woman," I replied wiping the rest of the tears off my face while curling my knees up to my chest.

"I'll agree," Neytiri whispered as she looked a little far off. Then turning back to me she replied, "I wasn't always promised to Tsu'tey. Then again I wasn't always an only child." My interest spiked almost instantly. My ears perked up, while my eyes centered on hers with strong curiosity. "You weren't," I questioned trying to get her to continue. Looking at me she shook her head sadly as she replied, "I had an older sister once, Sylwanin. You remind me of her more than you'll ever know. She used to be promised to Tsu'tey. She was to be the next Tsahik." The name struck a chord in my heart as memories traveled back to when I had been unconscious with a terrible temperature. I could remember my dream and Tsu'tey mentioning Sylwanin to me within it. How I had known of her before I had even a clue of her existence was a mystery, but I had a feeling the mystery was slowly unraveling as I remembered the unusual dream of the young, but proud, Na'vi male; the child who was son to Ateyo, and who was the best archer amongst the Na'vi. The boy who had been in love with the chief's daughter.

The dreams I had seen were not dreams, but memories; Tsu'tey's memories to be exact. The bigger mystery was how they had been put into my mind for me to see. Had it been Eywa communicating with me, as she tried to foretell something, or was it something else? However I didn't get to think further into it as Neytiri continued on.

"I'm surprised you don't remind Tsu'tey of my sister. I know you remind Atan'eko, that much is certain from what he has done…"

"Atan'eko, what does he have to do with Sylwanin," I questioned her curiously.

"Tsu'tey wasn't the only one who loved my sister. Atan'eko tried for her heart as well. Maybe that's why when he saw the similarities in you, and the unusual bond between you and Tsu'tey….well maybe that's why he picked you out of the many women around here," Neytiri suggested as she lowered her eyes while watching a group of women walk past to their beds below.

"Neytiri, what happened to Sylwanin, if you don't mind me asking?" Looking back up at me she frowned and shook her head as a few tears slipped, "She died doing what she and many other warriors believed in." With that she stood up and jumped up onto the limb. Then looking back down at me she whispered, "Goodnight Mia, and I'll pray to Eywa for you." Thanking her I lied down in my leaf bed and pulled it shut. As the cocoon sealed tight I let a few more tears slip before closing my eyes and allowing my avatar to drift to sleep.

Tsu'tey's P.O.V

When I caught up with Atan'eko he was just getting ready to mount his ikran for a midnight flight. Walking up to him casually I didn't take a second thought as I shoved him backwards with my hands. With a stunned look he stared with wide eyes while sputtering, "What is your problem?"

"You know exactly what my problem is. You had no right to do what you did to Mia," I seethed backing him away from his ikran, not all worried if the thing could reach over and attack me for threatening its rider.

"If I hadn't someone else would have, you just didn't want it to be me because of what happened between Sylwanin and I years ago," Atan'eko threw back in my face.

"There was nothing between you and Sylwanin! She did not love you! You and I both know that. She was much like Mia is now. She didn't want to take a suitor. She was forced into it like Neytiri was, and now Mia is," I growled angrily shaking my fist in his face. Atan'eko hissed angrily as he finally started to fight back with insults while he tried to strike a deadly point by replying, "Why should you care about Mia anyway? She's not your mate, nor can she ever be! It's not like you honestly care for her…"

"I do care and that's all that matters. I care that you've hurt her in a way you do not yet comprehend," and even as I said that realization slowly formed in his eyes as he looked at me with shock, "You love her!" I had never let the words escape my lips, nor had I ever let the thought of those words cross my mind. However as he said them and I registered them, I realized he was right. I did love her. I had fallen for her and her odd dream-walker ways. I had fallen for because of her unusual beauty, and I had fallen for her for her strong heart, and mind. However I would not let Atan'eko believe that.

"No, she is my friend and that is it. Atan'eko just leave her be. Go tell Mo'at you've made a mistake, or I will, because if you don't fix this now then I'll have you banished from the Omaticaya clan when I become Olo'eyktan." Hissing angrily he replied, "You can not do that. If you do I'll tell Mo'at your true feelings for MiaSully, and then we will see what happens."

"I'll tell you what will happen. Nothing, because I'll still be with Neytiri. I would have done nothing wrong, because Mia is just my friend… my student," I threw at him as he shoved past me to his ikran, however I yanked him back by his tail. As he screamed in agony I let him collapse to the ground below. Putting my foot on his back and leaning down to his ear I said in a deadly voice, "You let Mia choose her own fate or I'll personal let my ikran rip you to shreds." Growling below me as he tried to wiggle out from my foot, I watched him while dark thoughts passed to the front of my mind. Yet even as I thought them I knew Mia would hate me if I even succeed in following through with them. So lifting my foot off of him slowly I walked away leaving Atan'eko sore and angry as I went off to find the woman I had scorned so I could apologize.

A few yards from where she slept I was stopped by Neytiri who had a stern look set upon her face, "She will not want to see you Tsu'tey, besides she's fast asleep as she should be." Looking at her with wide eyes she replied, "I heard everything that was said between you two. Tsu'tey we both can't let ourselves go down that road. You can not be that person for her, as I can not be that person for Jake. You need to let it go, and let her fight her own battles. If you believe she's strong, then let her prove it."

"You always were one to meddle weren't you," I chuckled as she gave a slight smirk.

"Sylwanin always hated it too if I remember correctly," Neytiri whispered as our faces fell for a short moment. Then she spoke again, "If you care for Mia, then let her choose, and let her make her own decisions. Whatever happens we will deal with it, but it's your duty to let her choose, and for you to continue following the path that was set for you, as well as it is my duty to continue doing the same."

Nodding I asked with curiosity, "How upset is she with me?"

"She's hurt, that much is certain. She has every right to be with the way you treated her. You should have known better from Atan'eko's past. You jumped to conclusions before you even let yourself consider all the options. Next time think before you act," with a solemn look I nodded once more before turning around to head back, but Neytiri called out to me once again. Turning to look at her she asked, "You've fallen for her haven't you?" I knew I could trust Neytiri with anything I told her. I always could, so with a sort of nod she smiled as she replied, "I think she has too." With that she walked off before I could even ask her what she meant.

Mia's P.O.V

My eyes fluttered open in my human body while some of the lights in the machine shut down. Tonight had been a long night, and for once I was happy to return to my human self. Opening the hatch quietly I found the trailer unusually quiet for once.

Norm was fast asleep in the next room as his snores carried throughout the shack. Trudy must have been fast asleep too since she was nowhere to be found. Jake was still in his link bed, and Grace was sitting up at her microscope waiting for me.

"You had an interesting night I suppose," Grace replied still looking through the lens. Shrugging I mumbled, "I didn't agree to it. It was thrown upon me."

"I figured as much. After dinner I caught Mo'at alone and spoke with her. She said Atan'eko approached her and asked for your hand instead of going to Jake which is traditional. She said it would be okay as long as he asked Jake. She assumed he had when she announced it to the rest of the clan. However Jake can still say no and Atan'eko will still be allowed to go through with it since Mo'at also gave her permission. She says it's all up to you now, but to warn you that if you decline that there will just be more suitors coming for you. She said it would be best to stay with one you know and trust. I wish I had seen this coming before, Mia. I would have talked to her sooner and told her a lie such as in our culture you can't marry after losing your first mate." Looking at her oddly while trying to remember how she had known about Sage she replied, "I read your file." Nodding my head, I straddled a seat beside her as a question popped up in my head. "What happened to Sylwanin?" She dropped everything she was doing as she froze in mid-movement. Looking at me she replied, "Where did you…"

"Neytiri, but she didn't quite explain how it happened," I replied with a curious gaze. Relaxing, Grace sat back in her seat and sighed deeply. Pushing her hair back she began, "I'm sure she told you it was for a good cause then." Seeing my nod she added, "You remind me of her you know."

"Yeah, Neytiri says I remind a lot of people of her," I answered as Grace smiled and replied, "Not just personality, Mia. I mean your avatar looks like her in the face and body structure. Despite the hair and your eyes you could have been her twin." Looking at her oddly she replied, "Not exactly close though. Your markings are different, and you're a little shorter than she had been; skinner too."

"So you knew Sylwanin?"

"Of course, she was my student, as much as Neytiri, and Tsu'tey. She was a bright young girl, but she wasn't all that fond of my kind. She'd fight with you tooth and tail for what she believed in. The day she died I was there. I witnessed everything," Grace whispered as her eyes welled up with tears. Placing my hand on her shoulder she looked at me and wiped them away as she continued, "It happened when I still had a school for the Na'vi. Sylwanin became displeased when Selfridge began to move deeper into their territory with his equipment, so she gathered together a few other young hunters and went off into the jungle. When they returned they came straight back to me in a panic and explained they had set fire to one of the bulldozers. Sylwanin came for my help, hoping I'd be able to save her and her friends, however they were too late. A couple of RDA soldiers followed them back to my school and shot them down right in front of me. They didn't even give me a chance to explain or even talk to them." Grace had fresh tears in her eyes as I stood up and came and sat in her lap. As she wiped them away she pulled me into a tight hug as I whispered, "So is that why there's so much hostility between us and them. It's because of Sylwanin's death." Nodding Grace answered, "She meant a lot to the people. When she died, so did what little trust they had for our kind."

"I wish I had known her," I mumbled in to her shoulder.

"I do too. I think you would have liked her. You two are just alike. However I'm glad that you've gotten to know Neytiri. You and Jake have put a smile back on her face that Mo'at claims she hasn't seen in years." Nodding, the next few minutes were quiet until Grace pulled away from me and shook her head in displeasure as she pushed me up and ordered, "Eat something, you've gotten to skinny missy. Don't make me force feed your ass." Chuckling as I stood up she also added, "And take a shower you're starting to stink." About that time Jake's link bed opened as he sat up. Walking over to help him into his chair, I laughed as something caught my eyes.

"What," he smiled at me.

"You look like a mountain man. It's time to shave your face dear brother," I joked as he punched me in the arm uttering playful, "This coming from a skeleton." Shaking my head we walked over into the other part of the shack. Taking a seat at the table, Jake watched me as I fixed us a big plate of various foods. Once I was done I sat the plate in front of Jake. Taking a seat beside him I dug into my food. Half-way through Jake turned to me after downing two thirds of his drink, and asked, "How are you holding up?"

"Good, I guess. Grace talked to Mo'at. Seems Atan'eko was supposed to ask you first before Mo'at. However she says that I still have a choice in the matter, but there will still be more suitors after him asking for my hand. Mo'at believes I should agree to this one since I already know Atan'eko and like him," I replied sipping at my water.

"I don't like him. He's a sneaky little bastard, and he's been lying to you about his English. If I could I would have landed one right in his mouth if I wasn't afraid the Omaticaya would have banished me the moment I did," Jake spoke angrily making me cringe. Lately Jake had become very protective over me. I know in his opinion it was for good reason, but it's not what I wanted. I wanted a closer relationship with him, but for him to back off the big brother protectiveness. I could make my own choices and deal with what I needed to on my own.

"Yeah, well I didn't say I was going to agree. I think at this point I might just finish training and then ask Mo'at if it would be alright if I can leave to return to 'my people,'" I spoke as Jake looked at me with an odd look.

"What," I questioned as Jake shook his head. Swallowing the last of his food he spit out, "She might not let you. She values you too much to let you leave for good at this point. She might let you visit with 'your people,' but I believe that's it."

"Well that's just wonderful. More stuff to complicate my life," I whined as Jake patted my shoulder comfortingly.

"Don't worry we'll get through this somehow," Jake promised.

"I hope so, because this drama is really getting on my nerves. Tomorrow I'm going to have a little talk with Atan'eko and sat that shithead straight," I voiced vehemently as Jake cheered me on with a, "Kick his ass for me." After that the subject switched to different things such as when we had gotten our ikrans today, or the trek up there. Everything had all calmed down within only a view minutes. So calm that when I laid my head down on that pillow that night I was a lot calmer than I had originally been. Maybe it was because I gotten a better insight into the others worlds for once, or maybe it was because the kiss from earlier that day was still running through my mind.

Hope this chapter was okay enough. I worked as hard as I could on it considering it was the holiday weekend.

Thanks for all the wonderful reviews from-… Ashley… Som Skxawng… Pyra Sanada… Haunted Shy Girl… QuietStorm Aka Narusake-Koi… Archermusician… StephiHope… EmyNegro… Diamond-Rose Sisters… and Gorillaz Fan

Also thanks to all those who didn't review, but did read my story. You and the reviewers are one of the many reasons that I keep writing. So thank you very much.