Disclaimer: "Avatar" is not mine. Woo, this chapter ended up being longer then I expected! I hope you like it as there is a lot going to happen by the time your finished reading this one so I hope your ready! Thank you everyone for the reviews and the nearly 6,000 hits! -Fallon.
When the sun took it's place in the sky she was already prepared for the climb. Nerves had kept her awake for most of the night before but she was determined to get her ikran today, to be reborn into the Omaticaya. Tsu'tey walked past her as they mounted their direhorses but said nothing. She watched him as she kept to the back of the group, allowing the two other students to ride ahead of her with Jake. Her mind was full of worries. Getting your own ikran was incredibly important but she worried about Keye'txon as well. She had seen him as she headed to meet Tsu'tey and he had wished her good luck; but still she worried about him choosing her. Of course she knew what she would say but Keye'txon did not appear to be one to cross lightly.
The path ended and they left the pa'li to begin the climb. Jake led the group upwards, jumping over a seemingly bottomless cavern to a hanging vine. They all followed their teacher and each jumped for a vine as the mountain twirled and danced in the air. Ma'tirea grunted as she heaved her weight up the vine, trying not to worry about anything other then making it to the platform above. With a sigh of relief, she dug her fingers into the rocky platform and was quickly helped up by a strong hand.
She was lifted completely into the air and allowed to safely stand on the floating rock. "Tsu'tey?"
He locked eyes with her, his hand still around her wrist. The other students continued up a waterfall of vines with Jake as Tsu'tey gazed at her. She blinked, shocked he had helped her after his cold glance earlier. He leaned closer to her and whispered so only she could hear. "Focus on what you are doing now, everything else is secondary..."
She sighed and turned to follow her fellow students. Tsu'tey walked beside her, watching her as she stared straight ahead of her. "You worry about him asking you?"
Ma'tirea swallowed hard as she grabbed hold of the vines. Tsu'tey touched her shoulder and she finally allowed herself to look back to him. She nodded.
"I won't let him hurt you..."
Her eyes opened wide as she tried to read his face to determine his motivations. "You hear me Ma'tirea...I won't let him." His eyes were intense and she knew he was speaking the truth.
"I know Tsu'tey..." She whispered to the warrior and they both climbed up the large vines.
The vines led to another rock and then another. Exhausted, it was determination that forced her on. Finally they reached the ikran nesting grounds, entering a hidden grotto that had a waterfall overhead that fell into the nothingness below. Tsu'tey peered over the edge and remembered the battle with the RDA. He had boarded a shuttle and had taken down many before being shot and sent flying out of the open hanger. Injured and too weak to do anything to stop his fall, the only thing that had saved his life was his loyal ikran who dove after him. He shrugged off the unpleasent memory and turned to face the students. The male, Slu'eko was peering over the edge at the ikran that were flying through the clouds below and the female, Ska'aswira stood as stern and emotionless as always. Ma'tirea stood nearest him, waiting to hear his instructions.
Tsu'tey growled and the distracted male stood up and joined the group. "Slu'eko, go." The male nodded and followed the path to the nests. Minutes passed and she listened carefully as the ikran calls stopped. The male quickly took to the sky with his companion, flying around the area to wait for the others. Ska'aswira was next and Jake followed her through the path. Ma'tirea swallowed hard and wished that she had gone first so her nerves could be settle. This was something all hunters had to experience but knowing that did not quiet her worries or steady her shaking hand.
Left alone in the grotto with Tsu'tey she stood against the rock wall and stared at the ground trying to steady her thoughts ad calm her mind for the task before her. "You look distracted..." Tsu'tey said from the other side of the grotto. Ma'tirea was startled by the sudden sound of his voice echoing softly in the small cavern. "I am." She laughed sadly. "There is a lot on my mind I guess." That was an understatement of course, she couldn't stop thinking about him. Ma'tirea hadn't wanted to move when she found herself atop Tsu'tey during their lesson. She wanted to kiss his neck and run her fingers through his hair, over his chest...
"I told you he will not hurt you." Tsu'tey spoke with a hint of frustration at what he suspected was distracting her so much. He sighed, not sure if she should continue with her mind and focus elsewhere.
Not expecting to hear the annoyance in his voice, Ma'tirea felt her eyes tear up and was glad she hadn't looked at him. Quickly calming herself she looked up at her teacher and grinned. Tsu'tey followed her with his eyes as she walked timidly towards him. She traced the stitched details on his leather chest armor, letting the tips of her fingers graze his chest. She wanted to tell him exactly how she felt but when she parted her lips no sound came out. Tsu'tey covered her hand with his as Jake returned. "She has her ikran, I'll lead them back to hometree."
Ma'tirea dropped her hand from Tsu'tey and walked to the ledge, watching the ikran below. Tsu'tey felt lingering warmth in his hand and wanted to reach out to her again. She was going to say something, he knew it. "We'll meet you there."
Alone again, Tsu'tey approached Ma'tirea. "It's your turn." He handed her the banshee catcher and she took it, walking past the warrior towards the path. Ma'tirea stood close to the rock wall and used it to keep her balance on the slippery rock path. Tsu'tey followed but remained near the path as she continued. Whatever happened, he could not help her. Taming an ikran was something she had to do on her own.
Ma'tirea unwrapped the bola and pulled her mind into the moment as she approached the huge flying creatures. A massive male snorted at her as she passed him, enveloping her in a cloud of warmth that quickly passed. Ikran took to the sky as she passed them, each one showing no interest. On a grassy platform a group of females rested, glanced at her and flew away.
Ma'tirea's heart sank. What if there was no ikran meant for her?
The scream of an ikran erased that thought immediately. The female spread her wings and opened her huge jaws to display her many sharp teeth. The female was pale blue with black stripes that had a hint of navy that was revealed by the sunlight. Ma'tirea noticed cloud-white spots on her underbelly that made her look like a piece of the sky that had fallen. She was very beautiful.
Screaming again, the ikran lunged at her with her teeth bared. Ma'tirea side stepped and jumped to dodge the wing that soared at her. Propelling herself from the rock, she wrapped her arms around the creature's neck and forced her to the ground with a loud thud. Tsu'tey circled her and urged her to make the bond.
She could hear him encouraging her and fought past her exhaustion, making a grab for the queue. The ikran moved under her violently and threw her head up to send Ma'tirea rolling down her back. Ma'tirea grabbed on to the ikran's tail and climbed back to her neck, pinning her again with the catcher. She locked eyes with the creature as she found her queue with her free hand. The queue's pink tentacles connected and made the bond, instantly stopping the ikran's violent motions.
Tsu'tey inhaled sharply when the bond was made and felt an instant pride for his student. Ma'tirea sat up on the creature's back and smiled at him. "Fly now, seal the bond!"
She nodded and instructed her ikran over the edge of the cliff. Ma'tirea felt the air leave her lungs as they free-fell for longer than she would have liked. With a tight grip on the ikran, she told her to level out and thankfully she did. Realising her eyes were closed, she opened them and took in the full beauty of Pandora.
They flew through thick clouds and a strong flap of the ikrans' wings brought them level again. She had never felt so contected to one of Eywa's creations before, it was something new and beautiful to her. She yelled in joy at her accomplishment. Turning to her side after a sudden swoosh had gotten her attention, she saw Tsu'tey had joined her.
This was her place. In the air everything else did not matter and it felt amazing. In the sky there was no worries.
Hometree was full with excitement as the food was brought out for the evening meal. The bonfire was started and leaf plates were passed around with an assortment of fruits. Ma'tirea stood near the entrance to the hall with the other single females, searching the hall for Tsu'tey. She finally spotted him near Jake and Neytiri.
"What is wrong Ma'tirea? You should be happy sister!" Seymuia said from behind her. Many of Ma'tirea's unmated sisters had planned a dance to present themselves to the clan, to tell males who were looking for a mate that they had be born again into the clan and were ready for a mate. Somehow they had convinced her to join them but she was regretting it now.
"She does not want Keye'txon to ask her Seymuia, give her a break." Rina'reysaid as she joined them, taking her place near Ma'tirea. Seymuia apologized quickly as Rina'rey glared at her like a mother would a child. Rina'rey embraced her. "I am so happy you have your ikran sister."
Ma'tirea thanked her and turned back to the hall. Keye'txon sat with his hunters far from Tsu'tey. She shuddered and hoped he had lost interest and had eyes for another female. She felt Rina'rey grab her shoulder reassuringly and smiled despite her worries about Keye'txon. She tugged at her armbands and adjusted her newly decorated loincloth. The drum beats started and Rina'rey grabbed her hand, pulling her forward. Seymuia grabbed her other hand as she followed behind, the ten females making a chain.
As soon as she entered the hall, her nerves lessened. The drum beat was hypnotic and Nin'at's singing was perfect as always. The chain wrapped around the fire and they let go of each others hands. The drum beat sped it's pace and they jumped around the fire, the bangles on their feet chiming in time with the drums. Ma'tirea laughed, twirling around the fire and grabbed Rina'rey's hand. They leapt and stretched their legs out elegantly. Tsu'tey watched her, transfixed by her ethereal movements. The light from the fire danced off her skin and made the sweat shine on her arms, cleavage and exposed hips. Tsu'tey licked his lips and continued to watch her dance around the fire.
Ma'tirea spun and fell to her knees like her other sisters, reaching her arms out in front of her like the petals of a flower. The drum gave one final deep beat and stopped. Breathing heavily, she stood with her sisters and gave a small bow before they left the hall. The cool night air hit her as she steadied her breathing, exhilarated by the dance.
"You did so well Ma'tirea!" Rina'rey said as she embraced her from behind.
"Thank you Rina'rey." She said, laughing as Rina'rey tightened her hold around her.
"I know Tsu'tey was looking at me!" A young female said behind her and both Rina'rey and Ma'tirea turned around. "What sister?" Rina'rey said as Ma'tirea stood silent.
"Yes, the warrior, I saw him looking at me!" The female called Kea'rina said again. Ma'tirea stood with her mouth open. Being dragged into the dance, her only motivation was him...
Rina'rey touched her shoulder. "Maybe he'll ask me!" She beamed. Ma'tirea sighed and Rina'rey squeezed her shoulder warmly. She entered the hall and sat between Neytiri and Tsu'tey in the spot Neytiri had saved for her.
Neytiri smiled when she sat down, hugging her joyously. "You were great!"
"Thank you sister." She smiled at her friend and accepted the plate she passed to her. She heard Tsu'tey shift in his spot beside her but she said nothing to him. She was being callow but she was too tired to care. Ma'tirea spent the rest of her time speaking with Neytiri and Jake. The evening meal ended and most of the clan headed to their hammocks in the branches. Ma'tirea left the hall and headed for the pa'li pens. The sounds from the hometree faded behind her and a strong hand grabbed her arm, forcing her to turn.
"Keye'txon..."
He smiled at her with his amber eyes. "Your dance was lovely."
"Thank you." Her arm ached under his hand and she pulled away slightly as the dull pain spread. "I must go..."
"Please stay Ma'tirea, I must ask you something..."
She shuddered and her knees felt weak. "Keye'txon, please I have to go find Neytiri."
He ignored her and tightened his grip. She winced and tried to pull his hand off of her. "I want you as my mate-"
She cringed at his use of "want". "I do NOT accept!" She was scared now and finally managed to pull away. Her arm was freed but it still felt like his fingers were digging into her. Keye'txon looked like she had slapped him. His eyes narrowed and he snorted in frustration. "Can't you see, I am the best-"
"Leave her be Keye'txon!" Jake growled as he and Neytiri approached them. Neytiri grabbed her hands gently and pulled her to them. Jake glared at Keye'txon. "Of course olo'eyktan." He spoke sternly as he returned to hometree. As soon as he was out of sight Neytiri embraced Ma'tirea. "Are you alright sister?" She whispered in her hair.
"I-I'm fine." She stuttered as she straightened up and rubbed her arm tenderly. Neytiri saw she was favoring her arm and touched it lightly. "You'll have a bruise..." She said quietly.
"I do not think I've met such a foul na'vi before." Jake said from Neytiri's side and she nodded in agreement. "Be careful around him sister, I do not want any more bruises on you." Neytiri smiled sadly as the three of them returned to hometree.
Ma'tirea awoke in the morning with the sun filtering through her closed hammock. Smiling, she stretched within its' confines before opening the expertly woven hammock and shivering at the cool breeze. She climbed to the branch and tenderly touched the black bruise on her arm that had taken on the perfect shape of a four fingered hand.
She slipped on some armbands to cover the bruise and headed to find Rina'rey to fill her in on her encounter with Keye'txon the night before. She swung from branch to branch as she took the faster way down the tree, landing softly in the wet grass. Approaching the pa'li pens, she found Rina'rey standing with Normspellman and quickly filled them in on the entire event.
"I don't like this Ma'tirea, maybe you should say something to Tsu'tey..." Norm began.
"I can take care of myself and besides-" She cut herself off and rubbed the bridge of her nose.
"Normspellman may be right sister, it couldn't hurt." Rina'rey said as she touched her shoulder. Ma'tirea sighed, not sure what was best anymore.
"I know Tsu'tey was looking for you."
"At least let him know what happened..." Rina'rey pleaded.
"Fine, fine. If it will make you two happy then I will." She held her hands up in defeat and left to find the warrior. She checked the archery range and found him practising on a secluded target.
She watched him for a moment and approached him from behind. He drew back the arrow and she saw the muscles on his back bulge and tighten as the arrow was pulled back and released. Tsu'tey's ears twitched and he turned to see her standing with her arms behind her back in the tall grass. He drew another arrow. "Going to speak to me today are you..." He said coldly.
"I am sorry Tsu'tey..."
He let the arrow fly and propped his bow against a tree stump. He walked towards her, looking at her with eyes full of sadness rather than his usual cold anger. "Why did you not speak to me?"
She was lost in his sad eyes. "She said you were looking at her."
"Who?"
"Kea'rina, she said you were watching her during the dance...said she hoped you would ask her-" She bit her lip to cut herself off but Tsu'tey didn't look angry.
"She hoped I would ask her to be my mate?"
She nodded and felt her cheeks flush with warmth. Ma'tirea wanted to shrink in her place, she had never felt so stupid in her entire life. He smiled at her but the smiled faded when he saw a bruise peek out from under her armbands. She didn't stop him when he took her arm in his hand gently and slid the bands down to her wrist. He sighed sadly when the full bruise appeared, turning her arm slightly to get a better look at it.
"Rina'rey and Normspellman said I should tell you..."
"Who did this?" He demanded as he lightly touched the hand shaped bruise. Ma'tirea swallowed hard, telling him what had happened with Keye'txon the night before. He growled and turned to leave.
"Please Tsu'tey, don't go after him."
He turned back to her. "Demon must be put in his place!"
"I don't want you to get hurt, please Tsu'tey..." She wrapped her arms around his waist as he turned to leave again. Her fingers laced together over his chest armor and she rested her head against his back. "I was looking at you dancing Ma'tirea..." He whispered, touching her hands. He continued. "The morning meal on the day I agreed to train you...I was looking at you then too."
He unlaced her fingers and turned to face her. He smiled at her and was about to say something but quickly looked over her shoulder and urged Ma'tirea behind him, drawing his dagger. Keye'txon stalked towards him, blade drawn and a scowl on his face.
"Stand aside Tsu'tey, this does not involve you." He spoke in a cold and steady tone, glaring at Ma'tirea. Tsu'tey put himself between Keye'txon and Ma'tirea and growled. "Keye'txon, I gave you my answer and I ask that you leave me be." Ma'tirea said from her place behind Tsu'tey, lightly touching his shoulder and feeling his muscles coiled and tense.
"Can you not see?" He pointed his blade at Tsu'tey. "He is a coward! Can not even find the courage to ask you himself!"
Tsu'tey snarled and pounced on a shocked Keye'txon, forcing him back from the range and Ma'tirea. She ran after them as the warriors rolled violently in the grass. She saw Jake and Normspellman running towards them and she realized she must have screamed, getting their attention. Keye'txon slashed wildly at Tsu'tey, trying aggressively to connect with his chest. Tsu'tey kicked off from his chest and circled around him.
Jake approached Tsu'tey but one look at the growling warrior told him nothing he could say would stop him. Normspellman grabbed Ma'tirea's wrist and tried to pull her to a safe distance. "Stop Keye'txon, you have your answer and it's not changing!" She screamed at the male.
If he heard her, he did not listen. Instead he charged Tsu'tey and brought his blade up in a flash. Tsu'tey grabbed his blade hand and forced his arm back, sending the dagger to the ground. Weaponless, Keye'txon punched Tsu'tey hard in the stomach and made a dash for his dagger, grabbing the weapon as Tsu'tey recovered. Taking advantage of the situation, Keye'txon kicked the dirt up from the ground, blinding Tsu'tey as he charged. Ma'tirea screamed and broke free of Norm's hold on her, charging Keye'txon as he went in for the kill.
She hit the amber eyed male with a hard thud that sent them both straight to the ground. Ma'tirea landed on her bruised arm and grunted. Tsu'tey watched through blurred eyes as she hit the ground hard and stayed down. He pulled Keye'txon up and threw him away from her, punching him hard as he fell.
Ma'tirea pulled herself up and ran after them with Jake, pleading with them to stop. Blades slashed wildly in a violent dance and neither Jake or Ma'tirea could tell if either were injured. Tsu'tey stabbed him in the shoulder and pushed off. They glared at each other as both tried to catch their breath, each coated in dirt, sweat and blood. She wanted them to stop more than anything and frantically tried to before things got worse.
She tried to touch Tsu'tey but he slashed at Keye'txon and moved out of her grasp. "Tsu'tey, please!" Ma'tirea pleaded. Jake pulled her back as he demanded Keye'txon stop his attack. His order was ignored and Keye'txon managed to elbow Tsu'tey in the jaw and send him crashing down, his blade flying into the bush far from him. Keye'txon moved in for the final strike as Ma'tirea broke free from Jake and ran, hellbent on stopping him.
Note: I just keep leaving you guys with cliffhangers! I apologize for that but I do work on the follow up chapter right away and try to update asap so I hope it's not too agonizing! Thanks! -Fallon.