+Seeing Anew+
We followed the Thanator Clan as they weaved in and out through the jungle, leading us deeper into their territory. Not many words were spoken between the Omaticaya and the Palulukan Clan; only just enough to warn one another about a step here, or a plant there. I had a little feeling in the pit of my stomach that the hate between the two clans ran deeper than just beliefs and religion, but I wasn't one to pry. However, their leader, who sat on her own thanator next to me, decided to enlighten me as I watched our groups' reactions between one another.
"I'm sure the Omaticaya have told you stories about us, dream-walker. Some you should heed, and others you shouldn't believe," the woman warned keeping her eyes sat to the front as I turned to look at her.
"The same can be said for my people," I implied, taking in her features. She looked young; younger than myself actually. She looked as if she were still only in her late teens. However the way she held herself proved she seemed to be much older in mind. She held her narrow chin high with such pride she seemed almost arrogant, but then again what teen wasn't arrogant when they thought they were badass, and had a group of warriors backing them.
"Your people don't belong here," she countered finally looking at me. It was then that I watched her take me in, but unlike other Na'vi she didn't seemed fazed by my unnatural hair color, and sky blue eyes. The way she acted, it seemed as if she were very skilled in hiding her emotions; as any warrior should be.
"No, they don't actually," and the moment those words left my lips I saw some emotion finally flicker through her eyes. Pure shock seemed to flash across her face, before quickly disappearing. Getting ready to open her mouth I stopped her with my own words once more, "But some of them don't care. Others only wish to stay here because they were looking for a way out of our dead world. Some just wish to take what is yours to save the far from fixable world I came from."
"And which one are you," she questioned with a steady gaze.
"I just wanted a new life, like any other living being would when something tragic has happened to them," I replied, as she simply nodded. Turning her gaze back ahead of her it was quiet for a few minutes before she spoke once more, "Anitri." Looking at her with a questioning gaze, she continued to stare forward, until she saw my puzzled look.
"It is my name…and yours?"
"Mia Sully," I spoke, as a small smile broke out onto my lips. She looked back over to me, and gave me a simple nod showing she had heard. With that ended our conversation as we continued on.
Atan'eko made sure to stay close by me. However he wasn't the only one wary. Anitri had a soldier of her own that stayed beside her the whole entire time as he kept his gaze trained on all of us. He was a well-built Na'vi, who was much around Jake's height. He also, much like Anitri, had a sort of Mohawk style of hair, but unlike hers his was not individual braided. He also wore a bit more clothing. In fact all the male soldiers were covered a little more heavily than their female warriors. We looked almost naked compared to this clan of Na'vi.
Suddenly my thoughts were cut short when Anitri turned to her soldier and ordered, "Talion, Go warn mother and father of our arrival. Let them know we are bringing…er…visitors back, and for the people in the village not to be frightened or draw weapons." Her warrior gave her a weary glance, before she nodded her head for him to go. He slowly began to move forward, but only after he gave me a glare of warning.
"Brother, friend, or mate," I questioned looking over to her.
"Future mate. Talion, and I are promised to one another," she answered in a whisper, as a blush crept up onto her cheeks, however she quickly turned the question back at me, "And him? Is he yours?" Following her gaze, I found she had been staring at Atan'eko. Shaking my head I replied, "No, he is just a friend. Tsu'tey, son of Ateyo, and chief to the Omaticaya is the one I belong to." It felt weird to announce I belonged to someone. I was not a possession to be owned, but in their culture I was. So whether I liked it or not I had to admit it. Yet the moment the name, 'Ateyo,' left my lips I saw a visible scowl creep onto the girl's mouth.
"He's still alive! I thought for sure Ateyo would have passed onto Eywa by now," Anitri questioned keeping her eyes downward now so that I could not see the anger swimming deep within her soul.
"I would not know. I have never seen him, so I assume so. I have never met Tsu'tey's mother either," I replied looking over to her, as if she had the answers, which she of course did.
"The na'vi's mother you speak of has been dead since the day of his birth. Her husband's (Ateyo's) mother was once part of our clan, until Ateyo's father took her away from us. She fell in love, but we assumed she had been kidnapped. There was a war between the clans, all because of the two fools," Anitri exclaimed unhappily as she looked me straight in the eyes.
"I'm sor…"
"Don't be. It's not your fault that many died over something completely ridiculous. It was your mate's grandparents," She explained before I could even finish my apology for my clan's actions, and any others that had been involved. Turning forward, I saw her smile as she caught sight of a group of trees up ahead. I didn't understand why these trees were any different until we got a little ways closer. Then I felt my whole body overwhelm with wonder, but it was not the trees that threw me, but what was in the trees.
It looked as if there were hundreds of houses and rope bridges hiding within the large canopy. However, as we came closer I realized that they were not hand-built tree houses like back on earth, but they were somehow apart of the tree. It seemed as if what had already been there in the beginning was only added on with a few leaves, and mud to encase the small buildings to make them seem like the ones back on Earth. It was amazing how similar these structures looked, and the even more amazing part was that these people had built them without the machines or tools we had.
Stopping our thanators right beneath the tiny village, I began looking closer as I took everything in. The 'rope' bridges were really large vines connected between each tree, and held securely in place by two strong, large poles. Kids, and adults alike, were darting across the canopy as they peaked down at us in curiosity, while we looked up in wonder at them.
"This…this is amazing," I whispered to Anitri, as she grinned.
"It's nothing like your Home-tree is it," she replied in a proud tone, but upon hearing that one word I felt my heart sink. Our 'Home-tree' was no more. So, no, Home-tree was nothing like their little village.
Noticing my expression darken, she seemed to take it the wrong way and replied, "Don't worry, I'm sure Eywa has blessed you with something that can live up to us."
"Home-tree is gone," Atan'eko spoke up from beside me when he found that I couldn't. Looking at him with a questioning gaze she asked, "What do you mean?"
"What he means is the reason why we are here. My former people destroyed our home, and now we want revenge, and to rid them of this world. The Omaticaya have no home anymore," I snapped not meaning to, but still it came as my eyes glistened at the memory of the falling Home-tree.
"Oh," she spoke as she found herself at a loss for words. Even her soldiers around her seemed even more at a loss for words at hearing this, and instead replaced their words with sympathetic gazes. However this did not last long as something caught everyone's attention. We watched as a group of people made their way down from the tallest tree, following a sort of vine like staircase wrapped around its enormous trunk.
When they reached the bottom, Anitri dismounted, and motioned for me to do the same. Following her orders I disconnected my queue and slid down off of Tìvawm. This seemed to unnerve him, and upon realizing this I cooed soft words into his ear as we waited for them reach us.
When Anitri heard me whisper Tìvawm's named, I saw her eyes widen ever so slightly, but it passed quickly as soon as it was there. I wanted to ask her what that reaction was all about, but the group of Na'vi had finally reached us, and as I turned to take them in I found not a group, but a family. This was the royal family, and two female guards from the looks of it.
There was an older woman, who looked to be around Mo'at's age. She in a way sort of reminded me of my own grandmother. Maybe it was the way she held herself, or the expression that adorned her face. However, whatever it was, she still also reminded me much more of our spiritual leader compared to what she wore. It was almost similar to Mo'at's attire, only a darker shade of violet instead of Mo'at's bright red, but unlike Mo'at, this woman wore her hair much closer Anitri's. The two also wore similar, what looked like, royalty headbands. My only assumption on this matter was that Anitri was this woman's real daughter; not to mention the princess.
The third girl, much younger than Anitri even, had the same exact features as her sister. Only she wore a lot less clothing that would be more typical for someone from the Omaticaya clan. The girl seemed as if she was on the brink of her early teens, but she too held herself with just as much confidence as her elder sister.
Looking over I spotted Talion standing next to two other men. One was closer to the older woman's age, and sort of reminded me of my deceased uncle from his features. He had the same arrogant confidence as his female counterpart, but it was a little bit toned down compared to her. It seemed as if the women here wore the pants, and not the men by the looks of it.
Then last, but not least, was a man somewhat older than Anitri, but still maybe a year or so younger than me. He resembled his father in more ways than he did his female siblings. However, unlike all of his family members he had long hair much like Jake's. It made him look more of a lover boy than a warrior though. Then again he did look like a knock out, and as I thought that I noticed many of my female warriors gazes following him closely.
"Why have you come here? These lands are forbidden not only to your people, but to the Omaticaya as well. We ought to strike you down where you stand for trespassing," came the female leader's harsh tone. At those words I noticed more of their soldiers advancing toward us, while the two female warriors guarding the royal family brought their bows up. Atan'eko jumped in front of me and spoke before I could, "Kill me, but leave her be. This was my idea to break the treaty." Watching him carefully the female guards went to pull back their bows, but I shoved Atan'eko aside and spoke, "No, if you want blood then take mine, but do not harm my warriors. They have families waiting for them to return. Put yourself in their place for just a moment and think about what you are doing. I'm sorry if we broke whatever treaty you had in place, but we have came bearing news to help you, and to ask for you assistance. I'm sure we can put aside our differences long enough to hear what one another has to say."
I kept my gaze on the female chief as she thought my words over with her family. Finally after a moment of silence, what I assumed was her husband, leaned over and whispered in her ear. Listening to his words carefully, I watched as she nodded in approval before reaching out to her side, and lowered one of her warrior's bows. At this movement all of the men lowered their weapons.
"Why have you come to us? Remember to speak wisely, because it is not often we give your kind a chance to speak," the woman warned me. Wetting my lips, I took a deep breath as I began to form what I needed to say in my mind. Then once I was sure I had everything straight I announced, "Home-Tree has been destroyed by my former people, and they are not going to stop there. Their wish is to take all of this world, and use it to rebuild the broken planet from which we came. I was sent here from my home to learn the ways of the Na'vi, and to immerse myself in your teachings. However as I've stayed here my heart has grown fonder for this world than for my own; fonder for the Na'vi, than for the sky people.
"My brother and I were ordered to get closer to your people; to give private information to the people who have invaded your home. However, like I said, my sibling and I have grown fonder for this way of life, and no longer wish to harm it. When our superiors realized this they did the only thing they could do…they imprisoned us, and took what we knew and used it against the Omaticaya to show their supposed strength.
"Now, that my brother and I have escaped from them, we have returned to the Omaticaya to provide all that we know, so that they can stop the destruction of their home… your home. My brother, Toruk Macto, and I as Palulukan Macto, have called out to all the clans we can for their assistance in stopping these tyrants. We do not have long before they strike back at our own disobedience, and at yours. Nor is it long before they come to try and take your land from you. We ask, no, we beg for you help. We can not do this alone, my brothers and sisters," I finished as the woman's skeptical eyes bore into mine. She was unmoving, and silent throughout my whole speech, as well as most of her people. Even the Na'vi up above in the village seemed to quiet at my words. I could not seem to decipher whether this was good or bad, but in my mind I kept chanting for it not to be the latter.
Turning to her family, the chief spoke to them in hushed whispers. Anitri moved away from me, as she seemed to join into the circle.
Looking over to Atan'eko, I notice him give me a reassuring smile, but I noticed it did not quite reach his eyes. In my mind, I found the only thing I could keep thinking was, 'What have I gotten myself into?'
After a long period of silence the group finally turned to us. The chief made her way forward, as she took slow, cautious, steps in my direction. When she was only a foot away, she reached her hand out to me. Looking at the gesture uncertainly, she finally noticed my nervousness and spoke, "Come with me. My warriors will take care of yours, and get them settled." Looking over to Atan'eko, he gave me a reassuring nod. With that, I finally placed my hand in hers as she led me away from my group.
"What is your name," She asked as we walked up the vine-like staircase.
"Mia Sully," I replied.
"And your place in the clan," she questioned.
"The chief's wife," I spoke as she turned to look at me; almost as if she were asking me to elaborate, "I'm Tsu'tey's mate. Eytukan perished in the destruction of Home-Tree. Mo'at, and Neytiri are what are left of the royal family. My brother is Neytiri's mate." Nodding she turned to look forward again, but voiced, "Though we are not on good terms with the other clans, my family feels that what you speak is true. We have felt that something like this was coming for a long while, but we were not expecting it to be this soon. We will help you MiaSully, but you must understand that this does not mend what has happened in the past. My people are still sore from what strife the Omaticaya have put on us in the past." Nodding I replied, "I understand…" but I stopped realizing I hadn't quite caught her name yet.
"I am called Nirite," she spoke. Nodding I finished my reply.
"I understand Nirite."
"Good," she whispered as we reached the top of the canopy.
Following her across a bridge, and towards a small hut, I took my time to admire the tiny tree top village. It wasn't that much different from Home-Tree except for the much more advanced buildings and structures that were hidden within it.
"This place really is amazing, Nirite. I've never seen anything quite like it," I breathed as my eyes darted every which way. Seeing a corner of her lip move upward, she said, "Thank you, young one. Here, this way." Trailing close beside her, I watched as we neared a hut where two male guards stood. Upon noticing us, one of them pulled back the flap for the group to enter.
As the young girl was about to enter, Nirite turned to her and spoke, "Not this time Ni'awtu. Go see to the woman's warriors." Noticing the child huff in annoyance, as she whipped around to head back, I couldn't help but smile. She reminded me a lot of my younger self; so eager to learn, yet always being pushed away when it came to more adult-like matters.
"My youngest daughter can be a little difficult at times. She wishes to be more like her sister, but there are some things she should just not be involved in," Nirite spoke as she motioned for me to take a seat around the fire with her and her family. Nodding, I waited for her to get settled before continuing.
"MiaSully, this is my son, Taronyu, and my husband, Mateyo," She announced pointing out the men from earlier. Nodding at both of them she went on, "You know my daughter Anitiri, and her promised, Talion." Giving another gesture of agreement she was about to go on before the tent flap opened again, and another entered along with Atan'eko.
Atan'eko immediately took to placing himself at my right side, while the other man took a seat to my left.
"This man here is our head warrior, Txuritan," she announced as I gave him a simple nod as well, which he reluctantly returned. Feeling I should speak for my present warrior I stated, "And this is my head warrior Atan'eko." They all gave him a nod, which he quickly mimicked. Then, once all pleasantries were out of the way, I found us eagerly getting down to the root of my presence in their village.
"Now tell us young chief, what are the plans of your warriors to stop the Sky people," Mayteo finally spoke in an almost whisper.
"I do not know exactly, but my brother has given me something with the exact detail. Here," I replied reaching into the pack around my waist. Pulling out the papers, I suddenly realized they wouldn't be able to read them. I gave them a quick scan, before turning to explain to the group what Jake had wrote. When I was finished, it seemed all was quiet for a few minutes before Anitiri finally spoke up, "It sounds like suicide."
"It sounds like a good idea," her brother countered as he gave her a pointed look. Throwing back a nasty scowl she simple replied, "They're weapons are much stronger than ours. If we were to go to them you might as well give us all a blessing for our journey to Eywa."
"It's the only shot we have right now. The RDA will only attack if we do, and if we don't they'll just continue demolishing the forests, or whatever stands in their way," I declared giving her a sympathetic look. Shaking her head she whispered, "There's got to be a better way; something to draw them out of their comfort zone."
"At this point there's really not much that we can do for them to attempt something such as that. We'll either just have to wait until they get the courage to try something, or we go on the offensive route."
"What do you think, mother," Taronyu asked when I finished, but she already had her eyes sat on her head warrior whom had been silent through the whole exchange.
When he noticed this, he finally remarked, "It is a good plan. It may lose some lives, but so will the sky people. It's our last chance for a stand against them. Either we lose our people slowly, or go for the full brunt. This Toruk Macto has his head straight, but he needs to understand what will happen if we do lose."
"IF? There's no 'if,' Txuritan. It's suicide. They'll wipe us all out in a instant," Anitiri snapped, as her mother quieted her with a stern gaze. Turning to me she asked, "Are you and the others sure this is the only way?" Without so much as a single thought, I nodded.
Anitri turned to Atan'eko next as he spoke, "The sky people wouldn't risk their own. If there's going to be any stand against them, then it must be this way. Otherwise we'll just end up losing more of our home while waiting."
"Better to wait than to risk losing our own," Anitri grumbled, as her brother shot her another discouraging glance.
Nirite looked at all of her present companies' expressions before carefully shutting her eyes. It was silent for a couple of minutes, as we watched her quietly. The seconds ticked by ungodly, as we found the sounds from the village our only sole comfort in the wait. Then, as if by some miracle, her golden orbs appeared again to gaze upon us all. As they slowly searched the room, I found they landed on me for only a mere second, but yet it was long enough to see what was going on within her mind.
The look in her eyes resembled the same look that Grace would get when she couldn't decide on something. It was also the same look my mother had given me years ago when I had asked for her help when my life had taken a turn for the worse. Just like them, I could see what she was thinking. It was like Nirite wanted to do it, but she wasn't sure. Deep inside her soul there was an internal battle raging on like no other, and right now neither option was winning.
"I must consult with Eywa and our ancestral spirits on this. I'll let you know by tomorrow night," and with that said everyone stood. Giving each other a firm nod we all dispersed. All but Atan'eko, Nirite, and myself.
"I'm sorry young one, but this decision is best left to Eywa herself," Nirite spoke calmly as she placed a gentle hand upon my shoulder.
"I understand."
"Your warrior will show you where you'll sleep. There will be a feast later tonight that I hope you attend," and with that ended all that was needed to be said. Gesturing us out of the flap, Atan'eko and I made our way across one of the many vine-like bridges.
"Well…that was um… interesting," Atan'eko spoke in English.
"I just hope we got through to them," I prayed looking up at the sky while running my hand loosely through my unbraided hair. When I turned back to look at my friend, I found him silently watching my every movement.
Upon noticing, I turned to look at him, but he quickly coughed as he turned his eyes to gaze forward.
"This place is wonderful. If we get a chance to rebuild we should mention it to the Omaticaya," he spoke trying to take the attention away from his current odd behavior. Nodding I whispered, "It reminds me of the tree houses back on Earth. When Jake and I were little we used to beg our dad for one, but he always came up with an excuse not to build it. We think he was just too lazy to try and make one." Chuckling, Atan'eko replied, "Was it that, or was he just punishing you for whatever trouble you and your brother would get into."
"A little of both maybe," I giggled shaking my head. Smiling, as he held back his laughter, I watched as his eyes trained on a group of our warriors admiring the canopy as well. Seeing Peyral, one of my (and Neytiri's) closest friends, I waved. Seeing me she smiled brightly while motioning for me to come over.
Making my way over to the woman, she called out, "MiaSully look at this place. This is wonderful. I've never seen anything like it before within my life." Chuckling I simply nodded as she motioned her hand around at all the trees.
"So how did it go," Tsanten, a friend of Atan'eko's, asked.
"Better than I thought it would," I answered before Atan'eko could voice his own opinion. Sending me a playful glare out of the corner of his eyes he went ahead to finish what he had been about to say.
"They're considering it right now. Their chief is going to consult with Eywa before she makes her final decision. I think her daughter is the cause of it though. Anitri wasn't it?" Atan'eko asked looking over at me as I gave a quiet nod, "Anitri, was firmly against the idea. She called it suicide."
"Well, she has a point. We are going in blind as far as I believe," Peyral spoke up as she turned to join into the conversation now.
"That may be true Peyral, but it's the only chance we have. They're not going to come after us unless they have a reason to," I explained shaking my head while watching a group of kids playing some similar game of tag, as they chased one another across the bridges.
"Then we should give them a reason too," Tsanten suggested, as I shot him a glare.
"No, someone could get seriously injured, or worse. I can't live with that guilt weighing on my shoulders. Besides, it would make us no better than them. We will attack as one, not a single," I announced crossing my arms over my chest. Upon seeing the thin line sketching itself across my face, the others quieted quickly. However the silence didn't last long as one of the village's children came barreling through us.
"HEY," Tsanten shouted as he noticed one of the children making off with his bow. Laughing, we all watched as he chased the kid around the trunk of the tree. When he had finally had enough he stood in place and waited for the child to come around the corner.
Just as the kid rounded the building Tsanten's hands shout out and took the kid by the waist. Hauling him up into the air, the child giggled in delight as the others soon swarmed the two.
"A little help," Tsanten begged glaring at us.
"How much you want to bet, Peyral, that he's not going to be able to handle his own future children," I grinned wiggling my eyebrows at her. Laughing at me she replied, "I hope he will, or else I'm going to be in trouble." Looking at the Na'vi in shock she went on to elaborate, "Tsanten has promised to be my mate when all of this is over."
"Yeah, I can see that working out," Atan'eko grumbled, as he went over to help his friend.
"What's wrong with him," I asked looking between the two.
"He's upset because I didn't choose him. I would have, but it's just I have stronger feelings for Tsanten. You understand, right," Peyral said turning to look me in the eyes. Nodding, I decided not to say anything. I knew Peyral should be happy, but I couldn't help but wish Atan'eko could find someone to be happy with as well.
Brushing all those thoughts out of my head I turned to Peyral, "Do you want to go check out the rest of this wonderful place, while we leave the boys to their own problems?" With a chuckle, she gave a nod. Letting the two know where we were off to, we set out to look around the Thanator Clan's enchanting village.
Tsu'tey's P.O.V
As I packed my things for our journey home, I barely missed the sound of tent flap being pulled aside, or the heavy footsteps slowly coming my way. However, when I finally sensed another presence in the room I froze in place, as I ceased all movement.
I had a feeling sooner or later this exchange was going to be needed, but I hadn't expected so soon. I had been counting on Mia's presence in the least during this, but it seemed this intruder had other plans. Turning, I faced them with a steel gaze. Shifting from one foot to the other, while the anger they were feeling deep inside shook them all the way from the core and out, the intruder's eyes landed anywhere but on me; at least at first.
"Is there something that concerns you, JakeSully," I asked returning to packing the rest of my things. Out of the corner of my eye I watched as his eyes finally narrowed on me.
"Mia is my concern," he half growled. Taking a deep breath, I stood up straight once more, and turned to face him. "What has already been done, can not be reversed. You, as well as I, know that," I commented as I watched his eyes flicker in anger. Cautiously he stepped closer until we were a mere foot away from one another. In a poisonous whisper he proclaimed, "Do you remember what I told you many nights ago. Do you remember what I said I would do if I ever found out if you so much as touched my sister again?"
"I think in your words you said, 'I won't hesitate to forget my manners and give you the black-eyes you deserve,' or am I wrong," I replied staring him down as my warrior instincts put me on high alert for any unusual twitch of his body.
Nodding, he went on to say something else, but I cut him off quickly, "But if you do remember, I had almost the same exact stipulations about Neytiri, and did you listen at all?" Jake stiffened as he quietly mulled over my words inside of his mind; analyzing every little bit as he tried to decipher whether I was right or wrong. Then, as if he had had an epiphany, his body stiffened.
"It seems as if we both broke our promises JakeSully. I believe neither of us has a right to be throwing words at one another," I declared as I backed away to pick up my pack. Slinging the leather-skinned bag over my shoulders, I realized the argument was far from over.
"I still believe Mia deserves better. However…" and taken a deep breath as if it pained him, he finished, "…i'm glad she's happy with you. I haven't seen her this happy in years, or for that matter seen her at all. You bring a sort of light to her eyes that I haven't seen since Sage, if not a little more."
"This Sage that you both speak fondly of, what exactly happened to him? I've heard stories from Mia, but never from the one who actually witnessed his death."
"Sage was a good man, my best friend, and all he ever wanted was to get his life in order and settle down. Mia was looking for a constant in her life; something that would keep her on the right path instead of slipping back into her old bad habits," Jake explained as I removed my bag from my shoulders, and motioned for us to both take a seat. Once we were settled Jake continued on with his story, "When our grandfather passed away, it was hard for me. I was closer to him than most of my family, so when I was called back to the funeral I asked my close friend, Sage, to come with me. While we were attending the funeral he noticed my sister, and he wouldn't stop asking about her the whole time we were there. Eventually I broke down and told him about her whole life story. He kind of took on a fondness for her after that. So out of my better judgment I introduced the two to one another. Needless to say they took on quite a liking to each other.
"Sage and I had been over seas countless times, and neither of us could ignore the fact that it was easily draining on Mia's nerves. She was unhappy that Sage was so involved in his marine lifestyle, but she still supported him and stood by him like any military girlfriend would do. When I finally got the guts to voice my concerns to Sage about her feelings, he took it upon himself to come to conclusion that he wanted to propose. I thought it was a bad idea at first, and warned him that maybe he should wait until his final year in the marines was up. He didn't listen though. He popped the question, and she flipped. There was no taking back the proposal after that. Sure they fought a lot, but they'd always make up at some point. However, after awhile the fights worsened and my brother, and I, were called in to fix their problems the best we could. However no amount of effort we put into it could help the two. Eventually, Sage promised to Mia, the day before he left to head over seas with me, that he'd fix their relationship when he returned. He promised her that everything would get better once he was out. God, I just wish I had known what was going to happen. Maybe… just maybe… I could have stopped it.
"It was a normal day like any other on base. Our superiors ordered us and some other men to go scout out this new area we thought they had cleared a few days ago. We were just driving along when they came out of nowhere and started firing on us. Bentley, a friend of ours, was driving the truck when he got hit. The truck lost control, and spun off the side of the road. That didn't stop the enemy from firing though, and I so foolishly jumped out of the truck and decided to take them on all by myself. When Sage finally managed to get out of the vehicle, he found me tearing off into the brush after some of the shooters. When he finally caught up, he tried to pull me back, but I was too involved in what I was doing. I wouldn't listen, and so when the enemy finally got the nerve to fire back at me, Sage jumped in, deciding to be the hero, and threw himself in front of me. He took the shot, and I got hit with the aftermath. I don't really know what happened after that. I guess the enemy thought we were already done for, so they must have took off after the others. Last thing I saw before blacking out was Sage's face mere inches from mine; blood pouring from his mouth, and his eyes blank and lifeless. Till this day I can't get that picture out of my head," Jake finished as he finally looked up at me. I could see his eyes glistening, but like any other man he held his tears back, and turned it all into anger.
"I am sorry for your loss JakeSully," I mumbled looking down at the cold fire-pit. Giving me a nod, I found there was one thing else on my mind that I needed to ask, "Did you ever tell Mia all of this." Shaking his head, Jake replied, "Just the gist of it. I didn't think she needed to hear all the gory details. She was in enough pain than for me to go and have to share mine."
"You should, JakeSully. She needs to hear how you saw it, and what 'you,' went through. The wound you both carry won't heal over until you 'both' discuss it together."
"I highly doubt that," he snorted shaking his head.
"It will."
Looking up at me, as I stood to retrieve my bag once more, I saw a small sign of hope in his eyes. However it vanished as quickly as it had come. Rising to his feet, Jake made his way toward the entrance of the tent before pausing. Turning to me he quietly spoke, "Take good care of her Tsu'tey. She deserves some happiness in her life after what she's been through." With those words, he exited, leaving me with a sense of pride within myself. If it were the last thing I'd do, it would be to protect Mia, and keep her safe. Jake didn't even have to ask, but it was a good feeling to know he had finally approved; even if it was in his own unusual way.
Mia's P.O.V
Standing on the bridge that connected to my guest hut, I found myself just admiring the view as I let my mind wander. I couldn't help, but question if we really should have come. Would this all be a waste of time, or would they actually help us? When we returned would they be able to keep their emotions in check with the others, or would it be chaos? However the better question was how was I going to breach the subject of Tsu'tey's family history whenever I returned?
Tsu'tey knew so much about me, and I so little of him. I knew somewhere deep down that it wasn't right to ask, but I was curious. I wanted to know more to understand more of him. When I had been with Sage, we never kept anything from one another. We were always open books to one another, but Tsu'tey…well he was different? It was like he only let me know so much of his life, and then he kept up a mental wall across what he didn't want me to know. I never knew how much it aggravated me until now.
Breathing in deeply, I caught the heavy exotic scent of the jungle. It was intoxicating, and addictive. I knew whenever I returned to my human body tonight to sleep I would be craving to return right back to it.
Maybe I could just stay up all night. Maybe I could just push aside sleep for once. Yet even as my mind wandered over to that thought it was crushed instantly. I had to return to inform Jake of what had happened today. I had to let him know I was alright as well as the group.
Closing my eyes, I let my hands run through my hair. Though Jake and I had fixed our brother/sister relationship there was still somewhere deep down inside of me where I held some remaining resentment for him.
I would never tell him I did however, because it would kill him. I wish I could though. I wish I could make him understand that what happened wasn't something you could easily forgive and forget. I don't think I'd ever forget, but maybe…just maybe…with time I could forgive him fully for his mistakes.
Yet some part of me couldn't help, but think that resentment wasn't just centered at him, but at Sage himself. Maybe it was truly Sage I held the resentment for. Maybe I blamed him for his death. Maybe I blamed him for leaving me, and not for Jake getting him caught between the crossfire.
Trying to shake my mind of these thoughts, I heard footsteps upon the bridge approaching me. I felt the sway of the bridge as they neared, but I did not startle when I felt a hand upon my shoulder.
"I saw you from across the canopy. You seemed upset. Is everything alright," Atan'eko questioned not even bothering with trying to use English to hide what we were saying from the villagers; whilst they passed across the other two bridges closest to us. There was no point really. Their village was the sister village to first Na'vi, (The Tipani Clan), to every meet the humans. They knew our language as much as the Omaticaya did. Peyral had explained this to me earlier today when I had spoken in English absentmindedly to one of the villagers, and they had replied back in the same language. To say it startled me was short of an understatement. However, at least now I knew to watch what I said whether in Na'vi or English.
"I'm fine," I spoke still not tearing my gaze away from the view.
"Your lying, what is on your mind," Atan'eko asked once more, and this time he earned a sigh, before I turned and replied, "Private things."
"If it's about Tsu'tey, then don't worry. I won't say a word to him," he promised, and as I looked into his eyes, and saw the truth radiating from deep within, I just knew I could trust him, but still what I had on my mind was something I rather keep private.
"It's not Tsu'tey," I half-lied hoping he wouldn't catch the unusual pitch in my voice when I did so. When he didn't, I continued, "It's just this idea of coming here. What if it doesn't work out Atan'eko? What if this was just a wasted trip, and what if while we were doing this we could have actually been doing something usefully back at home?"
"This was not a wasted trip. All we can do is try, and if Eywa does not wish it then we have to live by it. Maybe we were meant to come here for another reason other than to recruit others."
"Like what exactly," I half snapped.
"I don't know, and we won't till the end. For now we just have to trust that there is a reason why we are doing this," Atan'eko replied rubbing my shoulder calmly. Mulling over the things he said, it was only then that during this whole conversation I noticed Atan'eko had not once pulled his hand from my shoulder. When I realized this I stepped away from him, and turned to look in the opposite direction of where several panopyra hovered nearby.
As he realized my discomfort, he made sure the distance was kept between the two of us while he replied, "By the way, it's time for dinner." Turning to look at him, I found him pointing to the one of largest tree within the canopy, and even from here I could see that inside it was hollow. I could also faintly see the light shining from behind its animal skin flap.
"Oh, okay, I guess we better go then," I replied, as he gave a casual nod. Turning on his heel he made his way across the bridge with me trailing close behind.
As he pulled back the flap for me, I could smell the aroma of freshly cooked hexapede meat. Smiling happily, I walked inside as Atan'eko followed close behind. However we didn't enter unnoticed as all voices were quieted quickly, and every eye turned on us. If I wasn't so used to having this many eyes on me, I would have made a bee line for the door, but instead I held my head high, and looked around the room for my group of warriors. Seeing them in the far corner, I began to make my way too them, when a tiny hand took hold of mine.
Looking down, I found Nirite's youngest daughter, Ni'awtu. Looking up at me with innocent golden eyes she replied, "Mother wants you, and him, to sit with us." Giving her a tiny smile I motioned for her to lead the way, as I urged Atan'eko to follow.
When we reached the group, Ni'awtu let go of my hand and dropped down between her brother and sister. Looking up, Nirite smiled at us and said, "I'm glad you decided to come to dinner. Sit, and have something to eat." Smiling, I took a seat on Taronyu's left as he offered me a bowel of fruits. Thanking him, I pulled out two of my favorites before passing it to Atan'eko.
"So, MiaSully, how did you come by your thanator? As far as I know, none of you people, or the Omaticaya have been able to tame one like we have," Mateyo, Nirite's husband, questioned thoughtfully as Taronyu passed the bowel of meat to me. Taking a few pieces, I handed it over to Atan'eko before replying, "When my brother and I first left Hell's Gate, our base, we were part of a research team. Grace Augustine, and Norm Spellman were the scientists, and my brother was assigned to watch over them. I was with them as a translator and diplomat. While our two friends were doing their jobs, Jake and I wander off a bit. We happened upon a group of hammerhead titanotheres. We managed to startle them, so while we were busy standing our ground against the creatures, a thanator managed to creep up on us. Needless to say we ran, separating ourselves from our group. My brother and I narrowly escaped the creature by jumping over a cliff and into a river below. We wander around after that, trying to keep from coming across anything else of it's sort of nature, and also hoping to find our group again. When nightfall came we were attacked by a group of viper-wolves. If it weren't for Neytiri we would have died. Either way, she brought us back to her village after Tsu'tey's hunting party found us. Mo'at, and Eytukan, allowed us to stay, but only if we learned their ways. Jake, my brother, was taught by Neytiri whilst Tsu'tey became my teacher.
"One day, when I was taking a break from my lessons, Atan'eko and I headed into the jungle to enjoy some time together. Before we knew it a thanator came out of nowhere. With some quick thinking, I jumped off my horse and tried to engage it…"
"She was lucky to not have been killed," Atan'eko spoke from my side, earning a group of chuckles from Nirite, and her family. Giving Atan'eko a playful glare I continued on, "Anyway while I was fighting the creature, it must have stepped either into a trap or sinkhole. It impaled its paw on a piece of wood. I felt sorry for the poor creature and against my better judgment, and Atan'eko's, I jumped down in after it. When I realized that it was the same thanator that had attacked me before, I just knew that I had to help it. I had this feeling that I just should. After I helped it free, and tended to it's wound the best I could, it took off. I guess it felt it owed me a favor or something because, after Home-tree was destroyed my brother and I were abandoned by our clan. We knew we needed a way to get back into the Omaticaya's good graces for what our people had done, so Jake went off to tame Toruk, while I went on a search for the same thanator I had helped. I don't really know why I did it, or felt the need to, but I did. It was like Eywa wanted me too through a vision I had had in the final stage into becoming a warrior. I just sort of knew I had to do it.
"When I found him, he didn't recognize me at first, but when he did it was like we were no different from one another. He let me bond with him, and ever since then he's been at my side. Even when I took my Ikran to the Ikran people of the Eastern Sea, he followed. Gave their people a scare, but after that I kind of knew deep down that he would always be by my side until my death."
"That's how thanators are. Their bond with a Na'vi is stronger than any bond you'll ever have; even stronger than an ikran. It's the trust the creature has for you. The moment they've laid eyes on yours, and the moment you challenge them, or as you said help them, you become theirs. There's no turning back once it's done. Unlike an Ikran however, they'll let friends, and family bond with them as well, but it's to you that they'll always be loyal. They feel what you feel, even when your not bonded to them. Some say that when the Na'vi dies, and their thanators go off into the forest, they go off to die to be with you. They can not live without their rider, whereas the rider can," Nirite explained calmly, as Atan'eko and I continued to enjoy our dinner. Speaking up from beside Nirite, Mateyo asked, "So, what is you thanator's name?"
"Tìvawm," I answered as the group suddenly went quiet, and their eyes all turned to look at me. Noticing this change, and the change in Atan'eko as well, I couldn't help the word that slipped from my mouth, "What?" This seemed to break them out of their trance and it was Anitri who spoke for her family this time, "Tìvawm is the name for the spiritual leader that was alive during the last reign of Toruk Macto. He was the spiritual leader for our clan. He was a smart, caring, and a very devoted man to his family and people. He died protecting his mate from another enemy clan at the time." Placing my food down, I asked, "So do you think maybe my Tìvawm is actually…"
Yet I didn't finish as Nirite gave a simple nod, and replied, "Our people believe the dead reach out to us through the bond we share with the animals. We believe it's Eywa's way of allowing the dead to finish what they might not have been able to while they were alive. It doesn't matter who you are either, or where you from. As long as you have a soul…" but I quickly cut her off.
"Then you can become a part of the creature… but what happens after they have fulfilled what they had to do," I questioned.
"Their spirit leaves, and you are left with only the soul of the animal. Not many have heard of it happening, but through stories we know it has happened over a few times within our history. It is rare, but not uncommon. So this is a name your thanator shared with you through the bond, or one that you gave it," Mateyo wondered before taking a bite of his fruit.
"A name it shared with me," I replied not really in-tuned within the conversation anymore as my mind wandered to Sage. Had this been what Sage had done? Had his soul connected to an animal's spirit so he could finish what he hadn't? If so, then what was his unfinished business?
The rest of dinner I let Atan'eko do the talking as I ate quietly. My mind was swarming with more questions than I would have liked, and it was affecting my ability to keep up a single sentence. After a little while I finally excused myself and took a walk around the canopy, until a villager told me of a spring nearby that was shallow enough that I'd be safe enough to be in.
Grabbing Tìvawm, I made my way to the spring. When I arrived it was already late at night, and the flora of the jungle was wide awake as they glowed brightly under the moon and planet high in the heavens. I could faintly hear the creatures of the night as they prowled, but I knew nothing would dare come to attack as long as Tìvawm kept watch.
Shedding myself first of anything that would get in the way while I bathed, I then carefully stepped into the water. The moment my skin made contact it was like all the troubles I had just melted away.
Walking in further, I let the water envelope me, as I sighed in content. When I was up to my waist, I sunk down and let it carefully soak through my hair. I hadn't felt this relaxed in the longest time, so I wasn't hesitant in letting myself enjoy it. Diving into the deepest part, I completely missed the sound of footsteps, and Tìvawm's low growl of warning.
However, what I didn't miss as I came up into the shallow end once again, was Atan'eko watching me curiously. It managed to startle me so terribly that I let out a yelp, and immediately went to cover myself, only forgetting the fact that he'd always seen me this least dressed.
Chuckling at my jumpy demeanor, he apologized, "Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you. I asked one of the villagers if they had seen you, and they told me you might have come here. I was worried about you. You seemed a little off at dinner." Frowning, I sunk down deeper into the water and replied, "Oh, yeah I came here to clean off a bit, and relax. I'm sorry that I was distracted at dinner. I sort of had some things on my mind."
"The same things from before dinner, or were they new," he asked ridding himself of any excess clothing, before walking into the water.
"New," I replied with a shrug of my shoulder as he dipped his head back into the water and scrubbed his scalp.
"Would it be okay if I ask what about," he questioned as he let his body float carelessly.
"No, not really," I replied a little shakily as I dipped myself further down into the water.
"You know, sooner or later if you keep everything inside, and don't talk to someone about it…"
"I know, it will either kill me, or explode as a jumble of words one day," I replied a little snappishly. Catching my irritation, he stopped floating and turned to look at me. Without a word he swam over to stand only a foot away. It wasn't in a menacing way, or a loving way, but it was something else. Pushing my discomfort aside, I let my arms drop to my side, as he whispered, "Didn't someone ever tell you not to worry about the what if's and to just live in the now? Did they ever tell you that dwelling on your problems can make life a lot less worth living?" With a smirk on his lips, he watch as a smile slowly crept onto mine, and tiny chuckle clawed its way up my throat.
"Aren't you a wise man," I teased shaking my head.
"Nope, my father is. It's what he taught me as a child," Atan'eko shrugged, as a silence finally fell over us. It was then that we both seemed to notice just how close we had gotten to one another. Instead of a foot between us, there were now only six inches. Yet instead of panicking, I found I couldn't quite move, as he leaned closer. When his face was a mere inch from mine, we found our concentration was interrupted when Tìvawm let out a growl. Turning our attention on him, we found Anitri appearing from the darkness with her thanator.
"Sorry, I didn't know anyone was here," she replied a little too innocently. Scrambling away from Atan'eko, I headed to the shore where I grabbed my things, and placed them in their right spot on my body. Looking over to Anitiri, I replied, "Don't worry, it's alright," as Atan'eko quickly made his way out of the water.
Grabbing his things, he turned toward us and replied nervously, "Uh…well…have a good night ladies." With that he turned, and headed back to the village, as we both stared a little dumbly after him, however not for the same reasons.
"I know I have no place to say this, but MiaSully I think your warrior has feelings for you," she replied casually as she turned her eyes away from where he had left, and towards the spring.
"I know that…"
"Did you know that you have feelings for him too," she questioned with a smirk as she turned to look back at me. Looking at her as if her head had just popped off, I replied, "That's ludicrous. I absolutely don't have feelings for him. I'm Tsu'tey's mate, and I'm in love with him, and only him."
"Then tell me this, MiaSully. Would someone who doesn't have feelings for the other person, let them get as close as they did? Especially when they should know better by already having a mate of their own."
The sad thing was I knew she had a point, but that didn't stop me from denying it. Atan'eko was just a friend, and that's the only reason why I was okay with him being so close. Sure he was good looking, but I definitely didn't love him. I might have cared about him, but that was it. It definitely wasn't that I had feelings for him. If he had been about to…gulp… kiss me, then it was only because he saw me as Sylwanin. He had a history of doing that, and maybe that's what had happened a few moments ago.
"I'm heading back to the village. I'll see you tomorrow. Have a good night, Anitri," I said rather curtly, before turning on my heels, and motioning for Tìvawm to follow. He stretched languidly like a cat, before getting to his six feet and sauntering over to me. Leaning down low, he let me jump onto his back, and connect our queues. With that we head back to the village, leaving a smirking Anitri in our wake.
Please Read Author's Note: It will explain alot. I promise.
A/N:I hope this will do for now. This is probably the longest chapter I've written. On my computer it is 19 pages long, and the second longest chapter I've written is 18 pages long on the same computer. I know, it's only one page longer, but normally I only write 10-15 pages, or less. Either way, enjoy this long chapter for now, because there is no telling how long it will take for the next. The next part I'm planning on writing was originally going to be part of this chapter, but I realized it was getting to long, and one thing I can't stand is really long ongoing chapters. If you do, then God take pity on your soul LOL.
Anyway I hope you liked what happened in this chapter. I read some stuff on this one site about Avatar, so I know that Thanators don't really bond for life, but just imagine they do in here. By the way, thank you to NgaYawneLuOer about the Tipani Clan. The same site you were talking about was what I've been using during this whole story, plus another website for the names.
The whole Ateyo thing is not true either. I made that part up. Infact the Avatar Wiki site doesn't really say anything much about him, or Tsu'tey's mother.
I also want you to know that this Thanator Clan in my story is not the Tipani Clan, or any other clan. They are related to those clans maybe, but they are all my creation. They are called Palulukan Clan in my story, but I have a hard time remembering how to spell that word so I've been simply calling them 'The Thanator Clan.' Just thought I get that cleared up now.
One last thing is the whole spirit inside a Pandorian creature. That, as far as I know, is not really a part of the Avatar universe. I got that idea from this movie I watched a little while ago called, "Fluke." If you heard it, then you should understand what I mean, if you don't, then you so should absolutely watch it. It's a pretty good, albeit a bit sad, movie.
Either way I hope you all aren't hating me for the Atan'eko/Mia thing going on. No, Mia really doesn't love Atan'eko. She's attracted to him, and cares for him even after what he put her through, but she definitely isn't in love with him. Neither is he to her. They are just attracted to one another, and Atan'eko may have feelings for her, because yes she is a lot like Sylwanin in his eyes, and maybe he might like her a little because of who she is as well, but don't worry. Mia isn't going to run off with him, and leave Tsu'tey. Trust me when I say she's to dreadfully in love with him to do that, but remember she does care for Atan'eko, (A tip in the near future so you won't hate me later on for what happens.)
Okay now let me get these characters straight for you, because they might have been a little confusing.
Thanator Clan
Anitri- Princess to the Thanator clan
Ni'awtu- sister to Anitri, and Taronyu/ princess to thanator clan
Nirite- Mother to Anitri, Taronyu, and Ni'awtu/ mate to Mateyo their father/ spiritual leader and clan leader.
Mateyo- father to Anitri, Taronyu, and Ni'awtu/ mate to Nirite
Taronyu- brother to Anitri, and Ni'awtu/ prince of thanator clan
Talion- promised mate to Anitri
Txuritan- Head warrior
Omaticaya
Peyral- mentioned in the movie as the best female warrior-hunter, and is Neytiri's friend as well as Mia's/ soon to be mate to Tsanten.
Tsanten- friend of Tsu'tey's and Atan'eko's/ soon to be mate to Peyral
And that sums up pretty much all the new characters I'm sure.
Now that we got that all that cleared, all I have to say is if there are any questions about anything in this chapter don't hesitate to ask, because I'll get back to you in the next to let you know. Either way I really hope you enjoyed this chapter, because I know I did.
Thanks to all those who reviewed-…lightan117… Som Skxawng… midnight84118… Soccer11… Archermusician… j-k-m1996… Micky-Moo… EmyNegro… Emmalime… hermonine… My Sisters A Skawng… GreenpplOMG… Lanuya… ISeeYou… and NgaYawneLuOer.
(By the way I hit 200 reviews finally, now lets see if I can get up to the 300 LOL.)
Also, a thanks to all the readers who either forget to review, or chose not to review. I know you all love this story as the next reviewer, and I do thoroughly appreciate it. My stats prove that you are just as dedicated to this story as they are. You and my reviewers are what give me inspiration, and keep my fingers pounding on this keyboard. Thank you for being such great people.
P.S. If you notice any mistakes then let me know, because I just caught the whole Toruk Macto, and Palulukan Macto thing. It's supposed to be spelled Makto I think, but I'm really against going back and fixing this whole chapter again. I promise it will be right next chapter.