Author's Notes: Here's another chapter. Kiri's confession stuns her Mother, but for now it will remain a secret between them. Quaritch will return and he's not what you would expect. Yes, he has changed and not for the better, then later, Kiri's worst nightmare may come true. Keep reading and tell me what you think. Thanks everyone.

~o~o~

Chapter 3: Against All Odds

Still inside their dwelling.

Kiri felt a little better after their talk, but she had to ease her mind and tell her Mother the truth. "Let us sit down for a minute. I need to tell you something; it's important."

Neytiri frowned. She had no idea what she would have to confess, but then her talk with them years ago came into her mind.

Kiri could see her Mother's concern on her face. "I'm sorry Mother, but we both felt we were ready and we should do it," she began.

Thinking the worst, Neytiri asked. "What did you do?"

"After what happened the first-time years ago, Spider and I felt we should do it because we're older and of course, he was curious about it and we did it." She paused. "We traveled below the surface to the spirit tree and we did Tsaheylu together. He did it first and after he was done, I did it."

Relieved, she asked "When was this?" She paused. "I can see you're fine, now tell me what you saw."

"It happened several weeks ago, and we're both fine, no issues after we left. We talked about it; he told me what he saw and I told him."

"Now tell me," Neytiri said feeling impatient.

"Spider saw his Mother, she's younger and large with child. I saw Neteyam younger growing up; that's all." She felt uncertain whether to tell her that she saw Grace again.

"I see, but why didn't you tell me or your father before you did it?"

"I'm sorry we didn't tell you. After what happened before and you both warned me not to do it again, we felt torn whether to tell you, but I did feel confident and we decided to keep it a secret. I'm sorry."

She pulled her close again and pulled away. "You're both older and stronger now and being together before and after was a good idea to keep each other safe."

"Yes, I'm glad it's over and we won't do it again unless we tell you first; I promise." She tried to smile.

"Alright, I believe you."

~o~o~

Several months later:

Everyone is on edge, but according to reports from their friends, the RDA has managed to stop the conflicts with the clans who were threatened and injured during the battle. They also stopped temporarily killing tulkuns for their brain material hoping to stop human aging, but Lo'ak told his family about all of it, their unreasonable ideas to kill tulkuns.

"The humans and their insane ideas to do something like that; it makes me want to exact revenge against all of them," Neytiri said to her husband unable to hold back what she felt.

"I agree with you." Jake is with her as they watched Lo'ak continue his connection to his tulkun. They are one, he realized.

"It pains me to think that Spider could be taken from us because of him," she said thinking of Kiri and Spider. "Their relationship has not changed, in fact, it has grown stronger."

"Yes, Kiri's powers are stronger as well; no more seizures since that first time," he commented.

"We advised her not to connect through Tsaheylu until she's older and stronger and she took our advice." She smiled to herself. "Our daughter is stronger than all of us." She then remembered how she saved us from drowning during the battle. "I truly have no idea how that's possible, but she hasn't talked to us how she gained her unique abilities and powers. Has she talked to you about it?"

"Let's take a walk and I'll tell you," he replied and took her hand.

Now, further from home, he told her what Kiri said to him years ago.

"She told you that she could hear and feel Eywa in her mind? That's incredible; when was this?"

"She was younger and inexperienced. I believed her, but she hasn't spoken of Eywa and their connection since we talked."

"That is strange, but do you think we should bring it up and ask her if she's still hearing voices in her mind?" Neytiri asked worried about her. Then she thought of Grace and how Kiri came into this world, but none of it makes any sense.

"No, I don't think we should. She seems fine since the seizure and like you said, she took our advice and hasn't done the Tsaheylu since then," he replied thoughtful.

Should I reveal Kiri's secret or not? She wondered. "I suppose you're right, but I'm worried about her, especially about Spider and whether he'll be taken from us." She paused. "Kiri loves him very much."

"Yes, love, that word again. I see you've become used to it," he said and pulled her close to his side.

"Yes, it's grown on me; I cannot deny it," she said smiling.

"Mom, dad, there you are I was looking for you!" Kiri said and watched them closely. "Is anything wrong? What is it? Is this about Spider? Has something happened?"

"No, nothing is wrong. We haven't heard anything about Spider or anyone," Jake replied. "We do have a few questions for you about how you're feeling since we talked about his father being alive." Jake began but no mention of Eywa unless she brings it up.

"What did you want to ask me?" Kiri asked.

"After we spoke about Quaritch that he could take Spider away after he finds out about his transformation, you appeared upset. How are you feeling now?" Neytiri asked.

"I'm feeling a little better, I mean, there's nothing we can do until he comes here to find him," she replied still worried.

"Yes, it feels strange to say this, but I think he may not take him but accept that he's stronger and older now and moved on with his life here among us," Jake said sure of it.

"That does make sense," Neytiri said. "Kiri what are you thinking?"

"He is an adult, over 18 and hopefully, his father will accept that he has a mind of his own, accept it and move on," Kiri replied still hopeful.

Jake and Neytiri glanced at each other.

Kiri frowned. "Is there something else you wanted to ask me?"

"We only wanted to ask about the seizure and whether you've heard anything that could upset you?" Jake asked choosing his words carefully.

She frowned again. "No, nothing since the seizure." She paused. "No, I haven't done the Tsaheylu and I won't do it again; I promised not to do it again." She glanced at her Mother hoping she would not tell him their secret.

"Oh, please don't get upset; we were worried, that's all," Neytiri said and came closer. "We love you and want you to be strong and healthy."

"I'm sorry I snapped, but I'm feeling fine, only worried about Spider and his father coming here to take him from me."

Spider overheard that last part and came closer. "Kiri please don't worry. I'm not going anywhere," he said and took her hand. "Do you believe me?"

Her eyes watered. "Yes, I believe you," she replied and kissed him sweetly.

"We'll leave you two to talk," Jake said and they left them alone.

~o~o~

Spider watched them leave. "They're worried about you; I can tell."

"Yes, they're worried and how I'm feeling about… everything," she said sounding evasive.

"Let us sit down over there and we can talk," he said and they sat down on a fallen tree. "Did you tell them about the Tsaheylu that we did it together?"

"Yes, but only my Mother. She felt relieved that we were not hurt by it; that's all." She paused. "They asked about the seizure from years ago and they were worried about my health. I told them I felt fine only worried about you and your father coming here to take you away never to return," she replied as her eyes watered.

"Come here," he said and pulled her close to his side. "Please listen, as I said before, I would never leave you. Do you believe me?"

"I believe you, it's just…" She hesitated.

"What is it?"

"My family thinks he hasn't changed, that he wants to hurt us like before by taking you away from us. I thought of Neteyam and he was killed trying to keep us away from him."

He sighed. "Neteyam; I think of him all the time. He wanted to save us; he was a warrior like his father. I wanted to be like him." He held up his hand and his five fingers.

She took his hand. "You are like him in many ways; strong, determined, trustworthy, handsome, all of it." She tried to smile.

"Oh, you think I'm handsome?" He asked smiling that she would say that. It's the hair, long and stylish, he thought.

"Of course, you are," she replied smiling and touched his new hairdo. "I do like it and the beads are nice too."

He gave her a look, then heads turned but before their lips met, they heard an alert, as horns blew around them meaning someone is coming but riding banshees, a lot of them.

They both stood up and watched the sky. Spider had a feeling. "It's him." Then he explained. "He learned how to ride when I was with him."

Holding hands, they ran to their dwelling and watched everyone full of anxiety and distress for their family at what this could mean.

"Oh no," Neytiri said as they all watched the sky, then Jake, Neytiri, and Lo'ak now inside their dwelling gathering weapons, then raced back outside.

Neytiri instructed Kiri to stay with Tuktirey, to watch out for her.

"I'm coming with you. I can take her to Ronal, they have a toddler girl and her family."

"Alright, let us go now!" Neytiri said and watched them leave.

Kiri took her sister to stay with their friends. Tuktirey wanted to cry, but she's a strong warrior. "I'm alright; I'll see you later?"

Kiri smiled and gave her a hug. "Yes, I'll see you later; now be a good girl and wait for me."

"Okay," she said trying to stay strong.

~o~o~

High in the sky, multiple banshees were flying closer to shore but they did recognize Quaritch, the head recon rider carrying a gun, ready for anyone who may try and stop them.

The family knew what this is about then they turned to watch Spider and wondered what he's feeling right now. Spider is thinking of Kiri and how to stop the insanity, but then it became clear how to save everyone.

Jake, Lo'ak, Kiri, Spider, Tonowari and members of his family including his sons all waiting and worried what this mad man had in store for them.

Soon, they all landed, jumped off banshees, holding guns and walked toward them.

Tonowari, as the clan leader, stopped them by holding up his hand. "You are not welcome here. Leave now!"

Quaritch held up has hand. "I come in peace; I only wish to speak to my son." Staring at his son wide-eyed; he could not believe it. His son is now Na'vi in every way; he wasn't expecting to see him like this.

Spider stood up straight to his full height of seven feet and some inches. "I have nothing to say to you, now please leave and never return."

Kiri stood beside him for support. "How dare you come here after everything you put us through and for what?"

"I wanted to apologize and ask for forgiveness; that's all," Miles replied then watched them holding hands.

"But why did you bring weapons here; we are no threat to you?" Tonowari answered him.

"We have weapons because we only returned from another village not far away to ask them for forgiveness. My need is only to ask my son to forgive me, that's all."

Everyone turned to Spider to see his reaction and he did appear torn.

"Please do not listen to him; it's a trick," Kiri said.

Miles held out his hand. "Spider, please come with me. I have a lot to make up for, and I'm sorry I hurt you. All I want is for us to at least talk and clear the air between us. I want that more than anything. Please come with me."

She looked at her love and wondered what he's thinking. "Please don't go," she begged. He promised not to leave me, she thought.

"Spider please do not listen to him; he's up to something," Jake put in his word.

"Do you promise not to hurt anyone and leave them alone and never come back here?" Spider asked.

"Yes, I promise," Miles replied still holding out his hand.

"I'll come with you," Spider said thinking, this is the only way to save everyone.

"No, please don't go," Kiri said it again, but he turned to her and pulled her close.

"I will return; all of this needs to end; please don't worry," he whispered and then leaned in and kissed her sweetly.

She kissed him back, holding tightly to his powerful arms, unable to let go. He touched her cheek, turned and left her standing there and her heart is going with him.

Neytiri stood by and watched the entire scene, and wondered if her daughter would survive this deceit and cunning. She realized Miles is cunning and hurtful. Spider is strong, but he'll be put to the test to stay away from Kiri, the love of his life.

Minutes later, Spider, Miles and his followers left them still watching not believing the past few minutes happened, but it did; Spider is gone.

~o~o~

Minutes later, everyone returned to their dwellings. Kiri found Tuktirey and brought her home. Now sitting down, but everyone is in shock that Spider would leave them, leave Kiri and break her heart. She's in a corner alone, crying trying not to cry but she couldn't stop.

Jake went to her, pulled her close and let her cry. "He will return; I believe it."

Kiri wiped her eyes with the back of her hand. "He told me he wanted it to end; but when?"

"He said he wanted it to end?" Jake asked thoughtful. He had no idea when he would return only that he would come back, then he said. "Soon, now, please don't give up hope," he replied.

"What do you think he meant by saying he wanted it to end?" She asked her father.

Jake thought about his words. "Maybe he wanted to talk to him that all of it should end, meaning him and his need to hurt us; that's what I think."

"That does sound like him to try to stop him but I miss him already," she said then the tears came again. "What am I going to do?"

Jake had an idea. "I'll reach out to our friends at the RDA; they'll have answers about Miles and where they're going or any plans for Spider. I'll be right back." He left her then asked Neytiri to follow him.

Now outside, she asked. "What are you thinking? What is happening?"

"Spider left us, but why did he accept his apology? He told Kiri that he wants to end it and then leave us like that?"

"He wants to end it; I don't understand, but he just left us to be with him," she replied upset he would leave Kiri.

"No, there's more to this and I intend to find out. Come with me?" Jake asked.

"No, I cannot leave Kiri; she's hurting and she will need one of us to help her through this," she replied then thought about it. "Take Lo'ak with you; you should not be alone."

"Yes, I'll take him. Lo'ak come with me!"

"What's going on?" He asked his father. Is everyone losing it? He wondered thinking of Spider that he left us.

"I want you with me when I face Miles again. He's up to something and Spider is in danger and we need to help him."

He had a thought. "You think Quaritch would hurt him?" He asked stunned to believe it.

"Yes, I do, and we need to be there for him, Okay, now let us ride now!"

"Alright, I'll go with you," Lo'ak agreed.

Jake said goodbye to his family, kissing and holding them tight for minutes. They both left their family behind to save Spider.

~o~o~

Riding fast, now at the RDA:

In a hurry, they arrived and approached Max and Norm for help. Surprised to see them without a call to alert their arrival but they're happy to see them.

"Hey, we weren't expecting to see you two." Norm noticed their mood. "Is something wrong?"

"Yes, Miles Quaritch left our village a little while ago and they took Spider with him and we have no idea where he is. Do you know where they are?" Jake asked.

"Let me check my readings." He explained. "All recon soldiers have tracking devices embedded to find them." At Jake's confused look, he continued. "You see, they're extremely expensive and because they're still experiments, hoping for a new way to transform, and Miles is being tracked. He doesn't know about the tracking device."

"Is there nothing the humans will experiment on?" Jake asked and shook his head at humans. "Do I have a tracker inside me?"

"No, of course not," he replied and shook his head. "Look, I found him, but he's alone no other recons that I can see. I'm guessing that Spider is with him?"

"Where are they?" Lo'ak asked worried for his brother.

"You will not believe this. It's not the first time he went there. Remember when he kidnapped Spider, well he may have taken him back to the same campsite."

"That is strange, but why?" Lo'ak asked deeply concerned.

"I understand now when Spider said he wanted to end it. He wants to end the threats to all of us."

"He said that, but when?" Lo'ak asked.

"Before he left, he told Kiri that he wanted this to end," Jake replied worried that he may be too late to stop it. "Let us go now!"

Both riding banshees, they hurried to the campsite both hoping to stop another tragedy from happening.

~o~o~

Meanwhile, the Sully dwelling:

Kiri managed to gain some semblance of control to stop crying and turned to her Mother. "I can't just sit around and wait; I need to do something to help him but I have no idea what to do."

"We can pray to Eywa for her help to bring them home safely," Neytiri suggested and gave her daughter a look.

"Yes, she will, let us pray," Kiri agreed.

"Tuktirey, come and sit with us. We're going to pray for our men to be returned to us strong and happy to be home."

They sat in a circle and ready to pray, but before they began, several members of the Metkayina clan, Ronal and Tonowari appeared and asked to pray with them.

"Of course, please pray with us," Neytiri said and made room for them.

Ronal thanked them, and everyone gathered together and held hands. Neytiri remembered. "Ronal would you like to say the prayer for all of us?"

"Yes, I would like that," she replied then began the prayer. "Eywa, we pray for our family members who faithfully help us and to protect them Eywa with hope and faith. May you encircle them with protection, watch over them Eywa as they face danger. We pray that they would have great wisdom and judgment. Guide them, in Eywa we pray."

Everyone opened their eyes thankful for the beautiful prayer. "Thank you for helping us through this difficult time," Kiri said. It's time for the truth, she thought.

TBC!

~o~o~

Song Inspiration: Song of a Soldier, Sara Bareilles.

A/N: Sorry to end it there, but an ending confrontation is coming in the last chapter. Come back next week to find out and thanks for reading. Kudos, favorites, and comments are love!