A New Mission: Ash to Fire

Warpath

It was early morning and all of the Ash Na'vi warriors and their cliff Ikrans were in the clearing, ready, eager, and raring to set out on behalf of avenging Zek'arayo. The entire war camp was packed up, only the smoke and piles of blackened wood and charcoal from put-out breakfast fires remained. Many cliff Ikrans had large packs on their backs, the straps wrapped around their deep chests. These packs were filled with Sky People weapons, ammo, food, and camp supplies.

Miles, as he walked through the clearing surveying the warriors, noted war paint on the warriors bodies and faces, streaks and designs of white, orange, and red on their gray faces. He also observed that the outlying clans had their own weapons focuses. Some were clearly archers, spear, or long-blade wielders. The warriors of the village, those trained by the Marines, carried both an RDA weapon of their choice, either an AR, a TOXON missile launcher, flame thrower, or machine gun, in addition to a spear, bow, or long blade. And nearly all warriors wore simple protective metal armor—dark chest and back plates tied with leather straps, as well as light metal and leather gauntlets. Many additionally carried small shields, similar to Zu's forearm shield.

These warriors were well-armed, well-trained, and intense. As he moved amongst them, Miles thought that these two hundred sixty-four warriors looked as though they could take on a thousand of the Forest and Ocean Na'vi that he had previously encountered.

Miles, Lyle, Mansk, and Zu were in their combat gear. The three Marines had their tactical vests on, given it's what they were most familiar with, rifles slung on their backs, and a Hydra machine gun for Mansk of course. Miles was also sure to still have his gemmed accessories, his belt, his armband, and his ruby necklace ornamenting his body, Ash Na'vi pride beaming from him.

Zu had on a light in weight, dark-colored golden-edged chest and back plate over her typical top. She also had a new forearm shield, this one more metal than wood, swirls of gold also inlaid throughout it. And she had her spear, the burnt wood from the attack on Bridgehead still present, some of the metal core exposed. It was a reminder for her. A reminder of why she was setting out for war. She truly looked like a warrior princess, Miles thought. Fierce, badass, and sexy.

Ta'zem was wearing his newer, sleeker Olo'eyktan garb, a metal chest and back plate underneath it and he had metal and leather gauntlets and was armed with Zek'arayo's long blade and an AR slung on his back. Miles grinned at him, remembering that Ta'zem was a good shot with the M69 from training.

All of the villagers had also made their way to the clearing to bid farewell and success to the warriors, Ka'uwe and Teza were among them. As Tsahìk, Ka'uwe was making the rounds, blessing the warriors, telling them to keep Ziye in their hearts and minds. Teza and Mansk were embracing, their foreheads pressed together. Teza told him how fierce he looked in his sunglasses, long-sleeved green patterned clothing with his gloves, and his giant Sky People weapon. She loved this look from her Paskalin tsamsiyu. Sweet warrior.

Teza then gave him something to remind him of her—it was a small, twisted leather bracelet with the beads which Teza used in her hair around it. She carefully took his left hand and slid it onto his wrist. A perfect fit. She had quickly made it this morning after he left her hut to prepare for departure. But not before he and Teza had another bout of love in the morning. Mansk couldn't get enough of her, and though he was eager for this war, he was incredibly sad to be leaving, a part of him wondering if he should just choose to stay. His Colonel would certainly let him.

Mansk pulled his lips in trying to hold down a huge, beaming smile, but he couldn't fight it anymore. His ears fell back and he gave his mate a passionate kiss, embracing her tightly, his tail curling high behind him, knowing full well that Lyle could see him from his place in the clearing, but he didn't care.