I'm giving this to you early, because I felt like being an angel for once :-) LOL. Anyway don't expect one for a while now. I promise to have another up as soon as possible though.
+Thanator Clan+
We rode out to the four winds; to the horse clans of the plains, to the ikran people of the Eastern Sea. When Toruk Macto, and Palulukan Macto called them, they came. They trusted us. They felt our pain, and our loss. They felt our anger, but most of all they felt that they no longer could hide from the sky people. The time had came, and I was right smack dab in the middle of it. Something that I was actually glad about for once.
Looking out over the Eastern Sea, I felt a calm I hadn't felt in days. It had been go-go-go since Grace's death. Constantly rounding up as many clans as we could. Staying by Tsu'tey's side as he talked war plans with the chiefs. That's one of the reasons why we were here with the Ikran People tonight. We had been here two days dicussing numbers and tactics. Well more so Tsu'tey had as I stood back. I was only there for spiritual guidance, for an uplift in mood for the people.
When we had first came here, the ikran people thought me odd, and at first they did not trust me. However, Tsu'tey convinced them I was no threat, and after telling them of my story, and how I was a Palulukan Macto, they instantly fell in love with my presence. Many men would look at me with the same look the Omaticaya warriors had first given me when I had arrived here on Pandora only months ago. I heard whispers from our warriors that many of them had asked if I was mated off. When they realized I was with Tsu'tey though, they instantly backed off and looked at me with much more respect.
The women were jealous of me though, and I often found them trying to showoff by challenging me in some way. Whether it be archery, flying, or just plain normal day-to-day activities, they were always there trying to find my weakness. My assumption on that matter was they either had an intrest in Tsu'tey, or they were tired of their men trying to catch my attention.
However, something that definitely made them back off though was when Jake and Neytiri arrived earlier this morning. When they learned that I was not only mated with the chief, but I was also sister to Toruk Macto, they knew better than to mess with me after that. I had a higher authority than they had oringinally thought.
Tìvawm had arrived here a day after we did. I learned that thanators were very protective, and even if their rider were with another, they'd still follow. When he had first approached the village, many of the Na'vi had ready their bows, but when I pushed my way through the crowd, and walked right up to him…well let's just say they were a little shocked. When I mean shocked, I mean their mouths almost dropped as I patted his head and cooed soft words right into his ears.
Yes, it had been a rocky road getting the other clan here to trust me, and listen, but it was no problem after Jake had arrived. With both of our words of wisdom, and encouragement, the clans were instantly signing up to help.
Leaning into Tìvawm side, as I patted his leathery skin, I looked up at the clear night sky. This was like nothing Earth could ever dream to be. Here I was at home…at peace. "I just wish you were here with me, Grace," I whispered as I brushed a stray strand of hair behind my ear.
"She is. She's all around you now," came Neytiri's voice from behind. Turning my head, I found her carefully approaching me as if fearing I would burst into tears.
"I know," I lied. In truth, I couldn't feel her, and I couldn't see her. Sure I felt Sage's presence, but that was because he was here in the form of an ikran. Sure I felt Tommy's presence, but that was because I saw him in Jake. I could see everyone that had passed…but Grace. I had nothing of her to see. There was no one she left behind. There was nothing she had been apart of. The only time I felt remotely close to her was when I closed my eyes and relieved her death.
Neytiri reached out and placed a hand on my shoulder, "She's with you, Mia. The wind that whips through your hair, the spray of the ocean as it hits your face, or the touch of the grass as it brushes against your legs…it's all her. She's watching over you, and feeding you the strength you need to get through. No one ever truly leaves us." Smiling I closed my eyes, and this time I felt it. Grace was with us as she guided us down the path we needed to take. Maybe Neytiri was right. Maybe no one ever truly leaves us.
"So how's my brother fairing. You haven't wanted to strangle his throat yet have you," I joked, trying to change the subject, as Neytiri broke out into a grin, "Jake is…complicated." Looking at each other, we both burst into laughter from her comment.
"You've never been so far from the truth, Neytiri," I said as I finally got my breath back after the laughter ceased.
"Yes, I know. Your brother, he's good, caring, and strong. Very funny at unusual times, but there's no doubt in my mind that this is what he wants, and that I am who he wants," Neytiri stated proudly as I nodded, however she once again switched the subject quickly over to me.
"How are you fairing with Tsu'tey. I never thought I'd see him with someone so comfortably since my sister passed," Neytiri questioned as I shrugged.
"I don't talk much with him. We haven't really had time since Jake and I returned," I explained as Neytiri nodded in understanding. As the air stilled between us, and Tìvawm took to lying down next to me, I began to notice something. Neytiri wasn't here to just see how I was doing. She was actually here on Tsu'tey's behalf. I could tell it by the look in her eyes.
"What can't he ask me himself, Neytiri," I spoke suddenly, as she startled. Knowing she was caught she answered, "He worries for you. He says you're the one not speaking. He says you've been drawn off, and he's scared for your sake."
"It's not like I'm going to go slit my wrist or something," I growled as she looked at me a little shocked, however I replied, "I've just got things on my mind. I'm worried for the people. I'm worried for you, Jake, Tsu'tey, and everyone else that's close to me. I may be a warrior Neytiri, but I don't feel ready. I feel like I don't even know the basics to being…"
"…the chiefs wife, the spiritual leader," she answered for me, as I quietly nodded, before answering, "I never really thought of it like that, but I guess. I studied in this kind of thing before I came to your world. I should know the material, but it seems Jake is the better diplomat than I…"
"You're the better warrior though. Not tactical, but physical. I remember when I first saw you and your brother. When you fought the viperwolves I saw a warrior's heart in you. You may not be a diplomat Mia, but you are a warrior…and I think that's good enough for The People," Neytiri explained as she made me turn to look at her.
"The clan only needs one spiritual leader, and that's you Neytiri. It was your duty before it was mine…"
"Now it is both of ours to play the part. Jake and Tsu'tey have realized this, and I have realized this…now it is your turn to do so," Neytiri said pointedly. With a nod, I whispered, "So where do we begin." With a smile she said, "We begin, by standing beside our mates, protecting, and comforting them when they need us."
"Which is pretty much you telling me to go to Tsu'tey, right now, huh" I chuckled, as she broke into a simple smirk. Shaking my head, I began the long walk to my and Tsu'tey's tent. Tìvawm stayed behind with the wary Neytiri. She still had not gotten quite used to the friendly thanator.
Entering the village, I saw Jake just walking out of my tent with the Ikran leader at his side. Catching site of me, I nodded and wished them both a goodnight. Doing the same for me, they walked passed as they continued to discuss the battle coming up.
Pulling back the flap of the tent, I entered to find Tsu'tey sharpening his arrows, as the fire pit crackled quietly in front of him. The fire illuminated his face, as he looked down at the arrow; clearly focused on sharpening it. He was ready for the fight. He had been since Slywanin had been murdered. I had only been ready for it since the destruction of Home-tree.
"You weren't at dinner, so I saved you some," Tsu'tey suddenly spoke up as he nodded next to the pile of animal skins that made our bed. Thanking him, I made my way over to the bowel, and took a seat. As I ate my dinner quietly, I watched as he continued to tweak with his bow and arrows to make sure they were in good shape. I watched as his strong hands pulled at the string as he tightened it; watched as his shoulder flexed with every movement. I even watched his parted lips; waiting for him to dart his tongue out to wet them. I guess that was his nervous habit when he was concentrating on whatever task he was doing. Mine was to bite my tongue. I had inherited that trait from my mother.
Setting my empty bowel down, I continued to watch him as I drew my legs up closer to my chest with my arms. He didn't speak, or even acknowledge my presence. Maybe he felt hurt by my coldness as of late? Maybe he was angry with me for it? Either way, I knew just sitting here, and saying nothing, would get me nowhere. Standing up I made my way over to him. Kneeling down, I sat on my legs as I reached my hands out to his shoulders. As they made contact I felt him jump slightly, but as I began to massage them he relaxed and continued on with what he was doing.
Moving my hands across his shoulder blades, and down his back, I carelessly glided them around his waist. Moving upwards, I placed them both over his chest, as I leaned forward and placed my head on his shoulder. Pressing my lips to his skin, I rested them there for a few moments before turning my head sideways.
"I'm not angry with you, Mia," Tsu'tey suddenly spoke as he placed his bow and arrows to his side. Taking my hands from his chest he moved them away, before pulling me from behind him. Dragging me into his lap, he leaned over and pressed a gentle kiss on my lips, before resting his forehead onto mine.
"I'm sorry," I whispered, as he brought his hand up to rest upon my cheek. Pulling away, he opened his eyes to look into mine, "I understand, you've been upset, but can you not draw away from me. It makes me worry even more for your well-being. You shouldn't be pushing me away when you need me the most."
"I didn't want to put more on you than you were already were having to handle," I replied as I ran my hand through his braids.
"Don't you realize by now that you mean more to me than anything around us? You come first before anything. There are two chiefs now if you haven't already realized it, Mia. Where I leave off, you're brother will make sure it gets taken care of," Tsu'tey spoke as he had me straddle his waist. Feeling the guilt wash over me I let myself bury my head in the crook of his neck. As my warm breath hit his skin, I felt him shiver under my touch. Comfort. That's what Neytiri said we were here for as mates. That's what Tsu'tey needed right now, and how could I deny him that.
Pressing my lips to his neck, I sucked, and licked his skin gently. Whatever conversation we had been having was long forgotten in his mind as he let me trail my kiss up from the dip in his neck to his jaw-line. When I was mere centimeters from his lips I pulled away. Pouting up at me, I felt a mischievous smirk appear on my lips. That was until he leaned over and sunk his teeth into my neck. Yelping from the shock, I soon found him soothing it with gentle strokes of his tongue and the soft feel of his kisses.
Reaching my hand behind him, I pulled his braid in between our bodies. Following my movements he brought mine forward as well. Taking his braid from my hand as I leaned in and pressed my lips to his, I felt him bring our queues together without any hesitation.
As his mind poured into mine, and what he was feeling washed over my senses, it was all I could do not to fall back into the fire as his arms tightened around me. Moaning into his lips, I felt him break the kiss to catch his breath. I could feel his chest as he moved back and forth, and I could feel something else throbbing beneath his loincloth. It was the same throbbing I knew he felt through our link from my own womanhood.
Lifting us both up gracefully, with my legs still wrapped tightly around his waist, he walked us over to the animal skins. Kneeling, he laid me down as he stripped us both of what little kept our bodies separated. Trailing kisses from my jaw down to my chest, I felt his hands as they innocently began massaging my breasts.
Running my hands through his braids, I tried to hold back the sounds my throat was threatening to release. We were in a tent, not a walled room. Not to mention our tent was surrounded by not only other Na'vi, but also people we knew, such as Jake and Neytiri; plus Norm whom had arrived with them earlier this morning.
Trailing his kisses back up from my breasts to my lips, he lowered his hands to the part of my body that was aching from the lack of his touch the most. As he brushed up against that one special spot, it took all of me to keep my mouth attached to his as I leaned into his hand.
Just when I thought he could do no more, I felt him situate himself before plunging his manhood deep inside my inner walls. That moan managed to slip from our lips, but thankfully not all of it, as he quickly placed his over mine again. Then pulling out, I heard him groan into my own mouth, before plunging himself back inside. Slowly and agonizingly he did this on purpose as if teasing me, but at his own expense. Every slow stroke he made, he was finding it harder not to quicken the speed.
When both of us had had enough, I rolled him onto his back as I sat on top. Leaning up to me, we took to a sitting position, as I moved up and down at my own quicker pace. It wasn't quick enough for him though, but he bore through it till almost the very end where he started to meet my thrusts with vengeance. When I felt it hit me, I didn't have time to reach for his lips, so instead I dug my nails into his back as I bit down into his shoulder. By doing this, I received the same treatment as it brought him over his own edge.
So when all was said and done, we found ourselves sore, but relieved as we laid within each other's arms on top of the animal skin blankets. Taking my hand, he brought it to his lips and pressed it firmly to them. Then he took his other hand, and pulled my face closer to his. Kissing the tip of my nose, before placing his lips on mine, I couldn't help but feel content. I could live with him forever like this, and never complain.
"Tsu'tey, Mia, the Ikran Chief…" and that's where the voice stopped short as they quickly turned away to stare at the flap of the tent, "…sorry, I shouldn't have barged…Er…Um just meet me outside." Chuckling at my brother's awkwardness, Tsu'tey waited until Jake left before sitting up and putting back on his loincloth.
"Serves him right for barging in like that. I hope that scene haunts his memory for years," I smirked evilly as I stretched like a cat before standing up to search for my own loincloth. Chuckling Tsu'tey replied, "Don't be too hard on your brother."
"You've seen my memories of what Tommy and he used to put me through. I can't tell you how many times I walked in on him. He fully deserves it for being the overprotective prat he is," I replied shaking my head with a smile still stretching from ear to ear. Coming over to stand in front of me, I felt Tsu'tey place his hands on both of my cheeks. Leaning in he kissed me passionately before pulling away and replying, "Okay, maybe he deserves it a little." Laughing, I slapped his shoulder as I urged him out the flap of the tent. As we exited I found Jake standing there with a dark blue blush covering his cheeks as he glanced between Tsu'tey and me.
"Sorry about that," Jake said trying to act as if nothing had happened, but failing miserably. Then he took on his big brother stance as he replied, "You know when all is said and done with this battle, you and I are going to have a talk." That was mostly pointed at me, but I could see his eyes also drifting over to Tsu'tey as well. Nodding at my brother, Tsu'tey went on to business, "So what did the chief want?"
"She says the warriors should be ready by morning to return to the Tree of Souls. A messenger from the last clan we visited just flew in, and he pretty much had the same answer," Jake informed him as Tsu'tey merely nodded, but before he could turn away Jake added, "There is one more thing." Looking back at him Tsu'tey motioned for him to continue.
"The Ikran Chief says there are some more clans North of here, and deeper into the jungle. She said you might know of them," Jake asked as Tsu'tey's eyes widen for a few moments before he regained his composure and replied, "They are off limits, Jake. No one has spoken to those clans in years, and I am sure they will not be willing to help. Those clans have completely immersed themselves with the teachings of Eywa, not to mention their animal of choice is the thanator. If we were to so much as go there, we would find ourselves eaten alive." Seeing the solemn look on Jake's face I knew this disappointed him. We barely had enough for the battle, but his thinking was that if we could somehow persuade these other tribes there might actually be a chance.
"I'll go," I spoke up as both of them looked at me in shock.
"WHAT? NO," Jake yelled as Tsu'tey cut in reverting back to Na'vi, "Mia, you don't understand. They are violent people. They're only wish is to be left alone by the rest of us."
"Yes, but you said their animal of choice was a thanator, as well is it is mine," I said nodding over to the cliff where Tìvawm slept. "They might listen to someone who has tamed a thanator herself. I could try and get them to trust me. Besides, we don't have as near enough as we need to for this battle. It's our best hope, Tsu'tey," I reasoned, but Tsu'tey was not having it.
"I will not let you go alone. Your brother is right, it is too dangerous…"
"I will go with her, and I know of a few others that might as well," a voice suddenly spoke from behind Jake. Turning to look in his direction, we found Atan'eko with a serious gleam in his eyes.
"No, I don't want you anywhere near M…" Tsu'tey said as his voice raised a pitch or two.
"You need to stay here, and you know full well Jake can not go. The clans despise even the idea of a Toruk Macto," Atan'eko replied, however seeing Tsu'tey eyes wander over to Neytiri, he went on to continue his debate. "We also need Neytiri here for Jake's translator and guide, so don't even begin to think she can go. However, Mia here…she's right in her thinking. She herself might be able to reason with them, and connect with their beliefs. You know we need them, brother," Atan'eko said as his own voice rose. Looking between the two, I knew if I didn't intercede soon a fight might break out, and that's not the impression we needed to make to the Ikran people. So stepping between the two men I spoke, "He, and I will go with a group of warriors, Tsu'tey. He will keep me safe, and if not him then at least the others. I'll be in good hands. Besides I'm not a child, and I need to step up my role as the chief's wife at some point." Glaring between us now, he turned his eyes on Jake for help, but even Jake was slowly giving in as he turned away to calm himself.
"She's right, Tsu'tey. Might as well let her go, because once my sister makes up her mind she's going to do it with or without your permission. She's always been a stubborn brat every since we were little," Jake spoke still not looking at us. Sighing, Tsu'tey eyes softened as his eyes darted between Atan'eko and I. "You will take good care of her," Tsu'tey asked more than stated. Seeing Atan'eko's firm nod, Tsu'tey continued with, "I will pick the warriors that will go with you. Go ready your stuff now." With that said, Atan'eko rushed off. Then turning to look back at me he whispered, "I hope you understand what you're about to do."
"You don't see me second guessing you now, do you," I smirked as he shook his head, and retreated back into the tent. Turning to look at me, Jake mumbled, "You better not get yourself killed. I don't want to have to send the flying monkeys after them."
Laughing at his tiny joke, I walked forward and hugged him. A little shocked that I had done so, I found it took him a moment or two before he wrapped his arms around me and hugged me back. If anything happened, at least I could say that I had at least fixed things with my brother. The only thing though, was I was hoping that nothing did happen to let me think that.
An hour later I was connecting my queue with Tìvawm, as the other warriors mounted their direhorses. The jungle was too thick to penetrate with ikrans, so it would be all ground from here. Coming around my thanator, Tsu'tey pulled me into his arms and kissed my cheek. "Please be safe," he whispered handing me my bow and arrows.
"Don't worry about me. Just help Jake, and get everything else ready. We'll be back before you know it," I smiled as he forced one back at me. Hoisting me up onto Tìvawm, he made sure I was steady before looking at the creature and saying, "You watch out for her, and protect her with your life." Hearing Tìvawm give a sort of half purr/half grunt of approval, he was satisfied enough to let Jake and Neytiri come forward to see me, while he went over to chat with Atan'eko… or more than likely threaten by the look he had on his face.
"Here, this pouch is full of whatever you'll need. Medicines, poison for your arrows…"
"A gun," Jake added lowly as I stared at him in disbelief. Gazing up at me he replied in English, "Only if you really need it. Anyway I also put some notes in there two. It will tell you all you need to know about what the chiefs and I have been discussing. You're not dumb Mia, so I'll trust that you'll be able to understand them. Even a blonde with a mental problem could understand them." Chuckling, I patted my brother's shoulder, and then reached over and squeezed Neytiri's hand tightly in thanks. With that said, Atan'eko moved next to me with his direhorse, "You ready." Nodding my head, I heard him give one loud, "YAH," before all the direhorses began to gallop away. Gazing at my friend, my brother, and my mate one last time I urged Tìvawm forward. I knew what I was doing was dangerous, but I also understood that this was needed. So just like that, I found myself leaving the comfort of what I had come to know, to venture further into Pandora's majestic world.
A little while later the warriors had slowed their speed down, and had taken to flanking me on all sides as if I were royalty. Then I again, I pretty much was in some sense. Sighing inwardly I kept my senses on full alert as my eyes scanned the jungle. Listening to the sounds, I found myself lost in the peace it brought; so lost that I failed to notice Atan'eko pulling up next to me.
"Are you alright," he questioned, as I jumped from the sound of his voice.
"Yeah, just…"
"Worried," he finished for me as his eyes scanned the other warriors.
"Of course," I shrugged, while adding, "Can you blame me though?" Smiling he shook his head. Then turning to the warriors around us, he ordered them forward. Looking at him curiously, I found he did not speak until they were all in front of us. When he did, I began to wish they hadn't left.
"What I did to you…it was wrong, and I apologize. It's just…"
"Sylwanin," I spoke finishing for him. Nodding, I saw a shadow pass over his face, and then his words darkened as he spoke, "She was a lot like you are. You reminded me of her. I guess that's why I did what I did. I thought by forcing you to be my mate you might in some way bring her back. I was wrong, and for that I once again apologize. I can now see your love for Tsu'tey and I shouldn't have interfered."
"I'm glad you did…to a point. If it wasn't for you then Tsu'tey and I wouldn't be able to be as open as we are now. It's a blessing not having to worry anymore what the others might think if they found out," I said patting Tìvawm's head. Chuckling lightly he replied, "Yeah, I noticed. The People actually are beginning to accept this arrangement. I think they feel four heads are better than two when it comes to their leaders. This way we get multiple ideas than just one or two single thoughts. I think you and your brother are the best thing that has happened to the Omaticaya in a long time. I am glad you came to us." Smiling at him, I gave my thanks as the warriors up ahead came to a halt. Noticing this, Atan'eko and I rushed our rides forward.
"What is wrong," I questioned looking between the warriors. However before they could answer me, Atan'eko did.
"A warning," he motioned over to the thanator skulls hanging on two poles nearby. Grimacing, as I noticed the old bloodstain hand prints on the animals, I turned to Atan'eko, "I guess we've neared their territory then." Nodding he suggested, "I think we should go on foot from here on out. Except for you…you'll need Tìvawm." Nodding, I watched as the warriors dismounted and left their direhorses to graze and wander around. They wouldn't move until we returned, or at least until something came to eat them. Shoving that thought out of my mind, I found the group moving forward again.
Quietly we inched our way through the jungle floor, as we kept our eyes and ears open. No one spoke. No one uttered even the smallest sound. Everyone made sure they kept as silent as possible. They also made sure to keep their hands on their closet weapon. Mine happened to be my bow and arrows.
The deeper we moved into the Thanator Clan's territory, the quieter it became. There was no rustling of plants. No screeches or yowls from the animals. Even the air around us was frozen to a stand still. Shaking as a single shiver came over me; I looked down at my blue skin, and saw the goose-bumps beginning to rise. Something wasn't right. No jungle should be this quiet. It just wasn't right. However it seemed familiar. Sounded like something my grandparents had told my brothers and me years ago. Something about when it was this quiet that… and then it clicked. I felt the fear rise in me. They were watching us, and readying to shoot.
Gazing further out around us, I barely caught the movement. About ten feet away I saw the flash of blue as it ducked behind an embankment. Looking up into the trees, I didn't find a single person, but I saw what looked almost like arrows pointed outwards from large tree limbs.
"They're here," I called out in English, hoping my warriors would understand, and these ones would not. Seeing the men around me halt, as they took a look around, I casually lifted my bow. I pretended to be checking it, as I carefully aimed it at the embankment. Atan'eko, noticing this, turned to me and asked in English, "How far?"
"Not far. Some are up in the trees, and a few behind the embankment," I replied as I continued to 'inspect,' my bow's flexibility while the warriors 'rested.' Nodding at my reply Atan'eko moved forward to speak to every single warrior. Seeing them all nod, I watched as their eyes grew. We had one shot, and if we weren't carefully they'd easily pick us all off. They had the upper hand here, however what had me curious was as to why they hadn't shot us yet. Glancing around innocently, almost as if I were admiring the jungle, I saw them closing in. Guess they had finally made their decision though. Without them suspecting it, I raised my bow quicker than lightning. With one loud war cry, my other warriors followed me, as arrows flew. They certainly were taken off guard at first, but when the shock wore off, and they realized what had happened, they didn't hesitate to come out into the open to attack.
One arrow after another I shot down as many as I could. I tried to keep my eyes on our warriors, but found it impossible as the enemy came at me with an angry wrath. My conclusion as to why they were doing this was because they assumed I was the head of the group. Take out the leader, you take out the whole group, but I be damned before I'd let them do that.
Swinging my bow into the head of one of the brave Na'vi's who had flung himself at me from above; I finally turned to check on the others. Sighing, I found they were all still standing, but barely.
"MIA, WATCH OUT," Atan'eko cried as Tìvawm suddenly lurched sideways. Turning my attention back to him, I noticed another thanator had made itself present. However, it was not alone either. Much like Tìvawm, it too had a rider; one who was aiming her bow right at my head. Ducking in time, I breathed a sigh of relief before urging Tìvawm to attack. From there it was like the clash of the titans as the two animals brawled it out. I tried to hold on tightly as I reached behind me to grab the pack that had the gun; however the woman had other plans as she went to jab me with her bow. Maneuvering out of the way, I managed to at least get my knife out of its holster.
When Tìvawm managed to pin the other thanator down, I leaned over to slice her throat, but I found both of her hands taken hold of my wrist. With great strength she pulled me off of Tìvawm and flung me over her head. Landing gracefully on my feet, I took a second to regain my balance before looking back up.
Wiggling out from under her thanator as it continued battling it out with mine, she came at me brandishing her own dagger. However, diving forward, I wrapped my arms around her legs and threw her to ground. It managed to take her off guard long enough for me to knock the dagger out of her hand. Yet, she gained her senses back quick as she landed a punch to the side of my face, and a brutal kick of her knee to my side. Once she had me off guard she tried to grab the knife out my hand as we rolled backwards. Growling in pain from the sharp rocks jabbing themselves sharply into my skin, I tried to push the pain out from the front of my mind as I threw my hand forward, and clawed at her face. Jumping back away from me, she placed her hand on her face and pulled it forward to see the damage.
"BITCH," she hissed angrily as she noticed the blood streaming down her palm. Smirking proudly at her, she lunged at me again furiously. Without much time to react, I found her hands griping my hair as she tugged viciously.
"AHHHH MOTHER FUCKER," I screamed, as I grabbed her by her shoulders and threw her into a nearby tree. Yet she easily leaned her head back and brought if forward with so much force it felt as if my skull had cracked. Hissing in pain and anger, as I stumbled backwards, I found I had had enough of this.
Remembering what Jake had taught me years ago, I waited for her to come at me before taken her by her arm and swinging her to the ground. Straddling her, I landed not just one punch, but multiple to her face. True, I only needed to do it once, but I was pissed.
As she scratched and clawed at my arms, face, and hands, I finally ceased as I brought my knife forward and held it at her throat. Feeling the newfound pressure she instantly ceased all movement. However, I didn't make a move to go further… even if I really wanted to. Yanking her up by the top of her queue, I kept my knife securely pressed against her neck, while roughly shoving her into the nearest tree. Keeping the knife on her throat, I pulled the pack on my side forward, and reached inside for the precious gift Jake and given me. Aiming it toward the sky, after clicking off the safety, I fired two shots, before all sound ceased through the jungle.
Noticing the woman freeze at this new weapon, I knew I had the others attention as I aimed it at her.
"IF YOU DON'T WANT HER DEAD YOU'LL ALL LAY DOWN YOUR WEAPONS, NOW," I screamed, as I turned my eyes away from her briefly to make sure they were following my orders, however they weren't moving. Growling, I shoved the gun into her forehead. Gulping, she quickly yelled out, "LAY DOWN YOUR WEAPONS." Finally they dropped whatever was in their hands before forming a tight knit group with one another. There was probably about ten of them left, compared to the still full twenty-seven of us; injured or not.
"We didn't come here to harm you, but I will if I have to," I threatened the supposed leader as she glared daggers right through my soul.
"Try you filthy dream walker," the woman spat angrily, as I tried to control every ounce in me from not pulling the trigger.
"Nasty words coming from a backwoods, inbred," Atan'eko's voice growled from behind me.
"Calm Atan'eko," I hissed, before turning to the girl, "We're here to speak with your clan. The sky people have declared war, and we fear it won't be long before they come and try to take your land from you. I, as a Palulukan Macto, am begging for your people's help. I refuse to watch all Na'vi life be destroyed by my former people." She didn't speak, just kept looking at me with cold, hard eyes. Every deep breath she took, seemed to only fuel the fire deep inside her, but when she closed her eyes…I knew something had changed. Her body relaxed, and her expression took on a look of defeat.
"My mother will not allow it," she whispered finally opening her eyes as she looked over towards her people, "We do not get involved with the other clans nonsense…especially the dreamwalkers." That was pointed directly at me as her eyes narrowed on mine once more.
"This isn't just about us. It's about all Na'vi. If we let them win this battle, then they'll just continue to expand, until they wipe out everyone. You included," I warned her as I finally lowered the gun. Keeping her eye on the gun she replied, "I can take you to my mother, but I already know her answer. You'd best turn back now while your ahead."
"I'm not one to turn back," I smirked, as her eyes traveled back to my face. Noticing the smirk, she shook her head and replied, "You're are foolish then."
"Maybe, but I love my people to much to turn my back on them," I said, as she took my words to heart. Looking between Atan'eko and I; then to the rest of my warriors, I saw a small grin appear on her face, "I guess Eywa blessed them with a foolish leader then." Chuckling I put away my weapons without fear. That single exchange between us, was a silent answer to my question. She'd help us, and to prove it, she and her warriors led the way through the jungle; back to her village.
I hope this chapter was good enough for you liking, even if it was shorter. Probaly shorter if you didn't read that one scene between Tsu'tey and Mia, and I know you know which one I mean. Anyway I know you all are confused at the moment, because in the movie Quaritch said it was only within a day's time that the poplulation grew, however in here that is not true. We all know it doesn't take that long to gather that large of a poplulation. So I'm going to make it longer, but still it will be short. It might take them about a week before the big battle, which I'm sure all of you are waiting for :-). However it is with good reason that I am doing this. There are some things that need to happen before the battle, and yes that's including some scences with Atan'eko and Mia. I'm sorry but that drama ain't gone just yet. I know some of you are groaing right now and complaining you don't like Atan'eko, but trust me when I say nobody get's off this easy in real life. Nothing's all roses and butterflies (I hope I got that saying right LOL). I also understand if you all are confused about this Thanator Clan. They were not in the movie, because they did not exist, however I was reading up on some bio about Avatar that there were others who tamed thanators. I thought it would be cool if there were a whole clan dedicated to them much like the Ikran people of the Eastern Sea. All I got to say about this new clan is imagine a more dedicated version of the Omaticaya. OH and they definitely don't get along with the other clans, because of past history, which might be explained in the next chapter. They are just as vital to the story as everything else, because it's through them that Mia's going to find peace in becoming a leader. It's also through them she's going to find out the whole deal with what's going on with the whole Sage/Ikran thing. Not to mention figureing out how it was she who was able to tame the thanator. Anyway I hoped you enjoyed this story, and I hope this author's note clears some things up for you. By the way how'd you like the cat fight, because I know I had fun writing it. I just had to imagine it was my ex's new girlfriend LOL. Wonderful stress reliever, this story has been for me. Either way just hope you enjoyed it completely.
I'd like to thank the reviewers who took the time to press that little button called 'review'. It is through you that I have gained the ability to continue writing, so thank you-…Som Skxawng… lightan117… midnight84118… Emmalime… annajewel… sana-dracios… Ryle Culler… Diamond-Rose Sisters… Archermusician… thatredheadedchick… EmyNegro… Ryndri… and Micky-Moo.
Also thank you to my wonderful readers who don't always have time to reivew or even just wish to remain anymous. It means a lot that you read this story as well as my reviewers. My story stats are what keep reminding that I got some talent so thank you very much my little muses.