Author's Notes: Hi, readers. Here is chapter forty-five of "Gone in the Dark." I want to say I got inspiration for Nekx's ending the war from Marmax doing the same in 'Is There a Doctor in the House.' Both warriors were conflicted about ending the wars or not, but the grisly up close look of them gave them the strength to do so. Stay tuned for chapter forty-six.
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Chapter 45: Much Relief
Spider stood in the doorway of the marui Neytiri was in thirty minutes later. He watched an ilu leap out of the water in the distance. It twisted its body before going back in with a playful squeal. He went inside while clicking his tongue. He approached her, his hands going behind his back. He tapped his foot three times before pressing his lips together.
"I am feeling nervous about the latest developments," Spider admitted while cringing a bit.
"I am too," Neytiri agreed and sighed heavily. "After all this time, it seems the Green Spears will reach our shores."
"This is a dangerous time," Spider muttered, his body shaking some. "Maybe I should have gone back to High Camp and stayed there until this whole thing was over."
"Jake and I would never have forced you to go there unless you were in extreme danger. You've stayed safe by remaining in the village. You've only gone out twice to do some hunting with Lo'ak," Neytiri pointed out.
"The risk of me going out all the time was too much. It would have made me a prime target for kidnapping," Spider responded, giving a shrug. "Anyway, I am sure the clan will defend the village well."
"That won't be necessary," a male voice said.
Spider turned to see Jake, Norm, Lo'ak, Kiri, Tuktiery, Mo'at, and Tsireya standing in the doorway. They came to his side, smiles showing on their faces. His heart skipped a few beats.
"What's going on, Dad?" Spider wondered confusingly.
"The war is over, Spider," Jake responded with a relieved sigh. "Nekx put a stop to the fighting when Julay attempted to carry out a revolt against our clan."
"What?" Neytiri whispered in shock. "I can't believe Nekx put an end to everything. After what happened to Rishi, I—"
"There is nothing more than needs to be said about him, Neytiri," Jake interrupted in a gentle voice. He took her hand into his. "He should be commended for his most recent deed."
"I do," Neytiri admitted and felt tears fall from her eyes. "I feel so bad about saying I wanted to kill him over Rishi's death."
"Nobody blames you for your remarks. You were very upset," Jake said, squeezing her hand tightly. "What matters most here is Nekx is now willing to negotiate with the Metkayina."
Neytiri wiped the tears from her eyes and cheeks. She took three deep breaths. She swallowed hard while looking away. She shifted her attention back to the others. Her ear perked up at the sound of the heart monitor's steady beeping. She bit her lip.
"When do negotiations start?" Neytiri wondered.
"We're not sure yet. Nekx is in the process of finding all the able-bodied Green Spears. Julay was definitely not happy with having to help with the pullback to Kia. She is actually in big trouble when everything is settled," Jake explained.
"We even thought she was going to attack him. She would not have won against him due to his fighting experience," Lo'ak added.
"Nekx was right. Both sides lost a long time ago. Many warriors and hunters shed so much blood," Tsireya mumbled in disgust.
Neytiri blinked. "It should never have happened in the first place. Unfortunately, it did. It will be a long time before there is some sense of normalcy again."
Norm crossed his arms. "Let's not forget you are not out of the woods, though you are talking well."
Neytiri nodded in agreement. Tuktiery came closer to her, tears welling up in her eyes. Jake released his hold on his mate's hand. This allowed his daughter to touch it.
"I am so happy you are awake, Mom. I couldn't even look at you for very long when I first saw you," Tuktiery admitted, crying softly.
"I am sorry you had to see me like that, Tuk," Neytiri apologized.
"It does not matter, Neytiri. What matters is you are awake now," Mo'at said, her voice lined with much relief.
"Before you ask, I am feeling quite lousy. I have no doubt I will be that way for some time," Neytiri said and groaned annoyingly. "I hate it."
"That's not the only thing. It would be best if you do not go hunting at all during your pregnancy. The risk of miscarriage or premature birth is very high," Norm said sternly.
"Damn it," Neytiri hissed and gritted her teeth. She mumbled obscenities in Na'vi while rolling her eyes. "I knew I was going to hear that."
Jake touched her forehead. "It's for your own safety and that of the twins, Neytiri. You won't be able to do a whole lot for a while, anyway."
"I know," Neytiri agreed. She spotted a bandage on the lower part of her right arm. She could see a little blood seeping through it. "I believe I will have many scars. They will be a reminder of how brutal this war really got."
"None of us care you will have scars, Mom," Lo'ak said.
Kiri rubbed her nose. "They do not make you less beautiful."
Norm frowned. "Unfortunately, some people will never see beyond what they can see with their own two eyes."
"That is true," Mo'at commented with a nod.
Neytiri moved her hand toward the bandage very slowly. She touched it so lightly that it seemed she wasn't even doing that. She felt a tear slide down her cheek. It landed on the blanket. She looked at the others.
"Kids, I want to tell you that I am so proud of you all for hanging in there during the entire duration of this war," Neytiri said, warmth echoing from her voice.
"So am I," Jake added.
"Don't forget me," Mo'at said, a smile forming on her face.
"You better not leave me out of this. I refuse to be chopped liver," Norm pointed out while holding up a finger.
"Thank you, guys," Lo'ak commented and sighed softly.
"This is especially true for you, Lo'ak. You were exceptional in applying medical care to patients. Your quick reaction kept you, your friends, and your sister from getting killed at Three Brothers," Jake said, going over to the boy and touching his shoulder. "I couldn't have asked for a better son."
Lo'ak hugged his father tightly. Jake wrapped his arms around him, giving him a bigger hug. Neytiri couldn't help but smile.
00000
Tsireya stood out on the pier to her family's marui an hour later. The wind went through her hair, causing it to go back a little bit. She looked toward the sky. She observed a cloud moving over the sun until it was completely covered. Footsteps caught her attention. She turned to see Tonowari and Aonung coming outside. They came to her side as she smiled.
"Hey there," Tsireya greeted.
"Hey yourself, Tsireya," Aonung responded with a smile. "How are you feeling?"
"A little better. I can't believe this war is over now," Tsireya said with a relieved sigh. "Of all people, I never thought Nekx would be the one to end it."
"He changed from being insufferable to being helpful. He came to realize this war was pointless. It should never have happened," Tonowari responded firmly.
"He has gathered all the able-bodied Green Spears. A number of Metkayina offered them their ilus to use. He saw them off to Kia. He decided to make Julay remain here. He sent Eli in her place. He believed she might spread lies about him. We should know when negotiations begin soon," Aonung added.
"I hope things get resolved quickly," Tsireya commented, her ears lowering somewhat.
"We do too," Tonowari agreed in a hopeful voice. "Of course, negotiations can take a long time."
"That's an unfortunate part of trying to end a war," Aonung whispered with a heavy sigh. "Nothing comes quickly most of the time."
Tsireya clasped her hands together. She laid them against her lap while moving her foot back very slightly. She perked up her ears at the sound of a distant squeaking ilu.
"I can't say I am surprised Julay attempted to carry out a revolt against our clan," Tsireya said, tensing a bit. "She was a bitch from the moment she set foot on our shore."
"No denying that," Aonung grumbled irritatingly.
Tsireya scoffed. "I remember her bitching at Lo'ak as we came to greet Lauchi after she and three other Metkayina returned home from fighting out at sea. Eli rolled his eyes."
"I can't blame Eli for his annoyance," Aonung admitted.
"He knew she would likely be a problem for everyone," Tonowari added while touching the back of his neck.
"I think Nekx's telling her off for dismissing Rishi's death was the final straw for her. She decided to carry out the revolt," Tsireya said, shuddering in disgust. "I despise her for that."
Aonung gave a sharp nod. "Me too."
Tonowari, Aonung, and Tsireya observed three banshees flying in the distance. The banshees flapped their wings in almost perfect unison. They squawked as if they were in a chorus line.
"It is nice to know we won't have to wake up every morning wondering if more patients will be brought in after things get resolved," Tsireya whispered with a soft sigh.
"I know, right? We would've been toast at Three Brothers if it weren't for Lo'ak's quick reaction to seeing Green Spears aiming at us," Aonung said, fear lining his voice. "Any one of us could have been in Rishi's place."
"I still wish she did not have to die," Tsireya mumbled, a sniffle coming from her. "I miss her so much."
"Everyone misses her, Tsireya," Tonowari said honestly. "She will always be seen as a hero among the People."
"Being a hero is not about having great abilities. It is about doing the right thing," Aonung commented. "Rishi did right by protecting Roxto."
"None of us know how long we have in this universe," Tonowari added.
Tsireya nodded in agreement. She went over to the doorway and stood in it. She observed Kiki and Kipling playing with building blocks on the floor. They stacked them on top of each other. Her father and her brother joined her side. They took deep breaths.
"I remember when Jake gave these blocks to Kiki and Kipling. They fell in love with them instantly," Tsireya said with a smile.
"They sure did," Tonowari agreed and chuckled. "They have thrown them at us a couple of times."
"I can never forget one hitting me in the forehead. Ouch!" Aonung grumbled annoyingly.
"One hit me in my butt. That did not hurt as much," Tsireya said, giving a shrug.
"They never understood what was happening, but they could see the urgency in our eyes at times," Tonowari whispered in a solemn voice. "Kids are not dumb. They listen to what we say."
Aonung crossed his arms. "They won't remember this, but we will tell them the extent of this war."
Tsireya pressed her lips together. "One thing is clear. Not all kids are resilient. Some will crumble under the weight of so much."
Kiki and Kipling continued stacking their blocks as their father and siblings went to them. The trio seated themselves and proceeded to take some.