Mysteries Live in the Mountains

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Run.

That was the only thing I could do.

I immediately took off into the brush. I could hear the growls and stomps of the animals behind me. My eyes searched frantically for something that was quick to climb. It was the only way to survive. They had the upper hand on the ground. I learned from before that without tuff strong branches, the Palulukan could not climb. I would be safe if I could find a tree high enough.

There's one.

A large tree.

I had to be as quick as ever. I had to be as strong as ever. This is truly life or death. I gained as much speed as I could heading towards the tree. I did not look back. I could tell just by hearing them that the Palulukan had split up to hunt me. One was behind and one was on each side. It did not matter. This was the only way I could survive.

I lunched at the tree jumping as high as I could. I grabbed onto the grooves and ascended as fast as I could. A part of the trunk broke as I grabbed it. I cursed to myself knowing that it might've slowed me down enough to be reached. Just as I had thought one of the predators jumped. Its claws tried to grab my leg. While it was unable to grip and pull me down, the claws dragged down my leg deep into my skin.

I screamed in agony as the pain shot through my entire body. This is worse than any night I had survived with my sister. This felt like death. In that moment I wanted to let go. I wanted to be back in the mountains. With my parents. With my sister.

My sister. I couldn't give up. I have to get back to my sister.

I continued to go higher until I knew I was safe. The Palulukan growled and jumped and scratched at the tree trying to get to me, but it was no use, I could no longer be reached.

I felt my leg burn and sting as I limped. My eyes searched for the blue Na'vi I had left behind. I heard my name being called from the distance.

"Over here!"

The pain was unbearable. My leg throbbed. Tears began to fill my eyes as I groaned and whimpered.

"Holy shit Santanhí..."

I looked up as my eyes met the oldest boy, his brother behind him, both of their faces filled with worry.

"Are you okay?"

Lo'ak peered from behind his brother looking at my state. I scoffed at the question.

"No I'm not okay. I almost just got myself killed so your dumbass wouldn't."

I snapped back at him. Yes it was my choice, but I knew I couldn't live with myself if I had let either of them get hurt.

I tried to walk towards the two of them, but as I took a step with my right leg, pain shot through my whole body making me yelp and collapse.

I felt two hands around my body stopping me from falling to my death.

"Okay.. Come on I'll carry you."

I looked into the boy's eyes. His voice was soft. H spoke in a comforting manner. As if he was trying to stop the bickering between me and Lo'ak.

"I don't need to be carried."

I spoke as confidently as ever. I can walk. It's not that bad. I'm fine.

And yet my leg was absolutely drenched in blood.

"Too bad."

Suddenly I was off my feet. I yelped at the movement. He was careful with my leg. Barely touching it as he carried me bridal style. How amazing.

I would've kicked him away and argued till I got put down, but honestly I felt so much relief from the pain. I let out a sigh of relief. I felt a ray of exhaustion run over me. I was dizzy in the head. A nap doesn't sound too bad.

"Hurry hurry! She passed out! She's losing too much blood!"

Everything was foggy. The yelling I heard multiple voices. Chaos. People asking what happened. I was but down on the ground. I could hear the beeping of machines. Jake yelling scolding his sons. And suddenly everything was black.

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"Santanhí... My beautiful girl."

My father was in front of me. Pushing a pice of my hair out of my face.

"Dad?... Where are we?"

I looked around. It was the mountains. My village. The healing cave. My mother was mixing ointments together not facing me.

"You got beat up pretty bad there sweetheart."

I felt tears form in my eyes. I was home. My parents were here. What is this?

"Ahh my Tanhí... you've done so well."

My mother came to me with an embrace. I hugged her back as tight as I could. I missed her greatly. Soon enough my father joined us. My parents. I missed them greatly. I missed my home greatly.

"We are very proud of you. You shine brighter than any star in the sky Tanhí."

Tanhí. My parents only called me that. They always said I was their star. I did not like it when anyone else said it. It did not mean as much. I was their star. No one else's.

"We cannot keep you long my daughter."

My father spoke as we broke the hug. I looked at them with pleading eyes. There was no where else I would rather be.

"But I want to stay with you guys."

I heard him chuckle and my mother sigh.

"We do too. But Tahní you have so much life left. And your sister she's worried sick about you. So are the Sullys. You cannot leave them just yet."

And then the realization hit me. I was between life and death. I was not fully gone. But just enough for my parents to visit me.

But that means...

"You're dead...?"

I could feel my breath hitch. My parents are gone. The village is destroyed. Me and my sister are the only survivors.

"Oh my sweet girl... We live everywhere you go. We live in you and your sister. We live in the ground and in the air. We are at peace in the mountains. We live in Eywa."

I cried and hugged them both one more time. It would not be the last. I knew I would see them again. When it's my time. They will be here waiting for me to join them.

"My Tanhí it is time for you to go back."

She caressed my hair. She pulled the hair wrap of purple and yellow out from being hidden in my hair.

"This was always my favorite one. Never lose it."

I smiled as I admired both my mother and father's faces.

"I love you guys..."

They both had soft comforting smiles on their faces.

"We love you too."

I gave them both a kiss on both of their cheeks. A sign of love and respect for my people. They both did the gesture back to me.

"Never be afraid Tanhí. You are strong. You will always shine the brightest."

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