Ma Tsawke

Chapter Fifteen

In the well of souls, the Omaticaya people lift their voices in a song filled with tragic loss and yearning for deliverance. Tanhì sings for her sister, her father and her people they lost as a shadow crosses her face. Meanwhile Mo'at sings for her lost mate, daughters and people.

She looks up and her eyes go wide as a terrible cry echoes, turning all eyes skyward. An enormous shadow covers the crowd as toruk comes out of the sun, beating its huge wings to slow its descent.

Its crimson and black wings, back lit by the sun, seem to glow from within. The people cry out in alarm and scatter as the dreaded beast alights in their midst and that's when they see Jake, riding high on its shoulders, plugged-in to its antenna. It folds its wings and stands calmly amid the paralyzed Na'vi.

Toruk lowers its body. They stare in awe as Jake dismounts and strokes the magnificent animal's flank. Tanhì, Tsu'tey and Mo'at watch in stunned amazement as the legendary rider of Last Shadow walks toward them.

"Toruk Makto." Mo'at whispers in confusion as Tanhì watches Jake scan through the crowd, eyes zeroing in on her like a predator locking onto its prey. The Omaticaya people whisper his name with new hope dawning in their eyes.

"Toruk Makto... Toruk Makto..."

Jake walks through the crowd, straight to Tanhì at the foot of the dais. He looks into her enormous eyes and the emotion between them is powerful and pure.

"I told you, I would kill you the next time you came back." Tanhì looks up at him tearfully, Jake swallows thickly, glancing between her eyes, face and parted lips

"I see you." His voice is a hoarse whisper as he looks her in the eyes, wearing his heart on his sleeve for her. Suddenly she's pulled into the memory of their fight so long ago. His words holding more weight to them. He accepted what was wrong, his mistakes. His final chance to make things right.

"I see you, Nì'eveng." A tear slips down, gliding over her lips and his hand raises to wipe it away.

"I am afraid, Jake. For my people. We have lost so much and I do not want to lose more." She raises her hand to his throat where she hit in anger before. She rubs it softly, lips quivering.

Jake holds the hand gently, pad of his thumb brushing it soothingly as he raises it to kiss along her moles before pulling her into his chest, arms wrapping behind her back in a tight warm embrace, nose burying into her neck and inhaling her scent. Her arms wrap around his waist. He pulls back slightly to kiss her forehead.

"You won't have to be scared when I'm here baby, not anymore. I promise." She watches him adoringly as he wipes the underside of her eyes before nodding.

Jake takes Tanhì's hand and climbs the steps of the dais. Mo'at steps back in awe as he approaches. He turns to Tsu'tey, who stares at him with fear and incomprehension. Jake plays to the rapt crowd.

"Tsu'tey of the Rongloa, son of Ateyo. I stand before you, ready to serve the people. You are Olo'eyktan and you are the best warrior. I can't do this without you." Tsu'tey struggles with his emotions, glancing at Tanhì at Jake's side nodding approvingly.

"Toruk Makto, I will fly with you." Tsu'tey addresses him acceptingly.

"Ireiyo." Jake turns to Mo'at.

"Grace is dying. I beg the help of the Great Mother." Tanhì covers her mouth in shock and Jake squeezes her hand in comfort.

"Bring her, JakeSulli."

Jake carries Grace's human body, lightly in his arms like a child. Jake walks through the crowd to the dais, followed by Norm who carries Grace's avatar.