A Helping Hand

Chapter 18 - History Always Repeats Itself...Sorta

As the two leaders converse with each other, the three overhear how Aponivi will allow them to hunt within the northern part of their territory, Kohana, Ohitekah, and Takoda converse with each other about how they are not happy about the situation.

"I can't believe they let us hunt here. I honestly would have thought they'd refuse and kick us out...kinda hoped for that..." Ohitekah says to the other two. "I understand we are struggling, but we don't need outside help, we can manage on our own.". He says as he looks over at the lynx who is about to speak. "I say we try and rally up more members to take charge, maybe announce to try and keep our values as part of the Cherokee tribe, I'm sure others will stand with us!" Kohana says as he looks at the other two, who nodded. "We are a prideful tribe, who never received help from anyone in any of our past struggles, we shouldn't have to look to others to take pity on us and give us handouts! We struggled in the past but came out alive, we can do it again, we are Cherokees! We need to take charge here and take over the forest for our own survival!" Takoda says to his friends who nod in agreement.

Meanwhile, a grey lynx overheard the entire conversation between the three other felines. Ever since they met the human and his family, the three have been hatching a plan to take over the tribe, he knew it is a bad idea, although he understands how prideful they are, sticking to that tradition in a dire situation can only mean death, and plenty of that has already happened before. So, the lynx makes his move before they can do anything. Moving toward the main group, he plans to warn them of the others and wishes they do something about them.

As the two leaders converse, the Lynx walks up to them with a worried expression on him. He gets the courage and speaks up. "Wesa, I would like to report something." The lynx says, catching the attention of the two leads including Jason. 

"What would that be Adahy?" He says with a worried voice since he sees Adahy's worried expression. Adahy then replies.

"The three usual trouble makers Ohitekah, Kohana, and Takoda are conversing about staging an uprising against you, talking about staying true to the Cherokee tradition of not receiving help from others. I understand we are prideful but we are in such a tough situation that we will take any help that we can." He says. "I also am very thankful that you are willing to help us Aponivi." He states nodding toward him. Aponivi returns the gesture. "It's not a problem Adahy, I understand your tribe is in need, and I also understand that there are traditions in every tribe." He said with a smile, catching Adahy off-guard at his calmness in the situation. "Are you not scared? These guys are quite problematic and will likely try to harm you and your family..." Adahy said worriedly. Aponivi replied with a smug expression. "We know a thing or two because we've seen a thing or two. Trust us, we've dealt with this before." He says to them, Jason, Kaya, and Kotori even nodding in agreement, causing Wesa and Adahy to be confused. 

"It's a saying told a lot by us humans, but History always repeats itself, so I was somewhat expecting something like this to happen, especially with a new species much like before," Jason said, Aponivi and the others nodded in agreement. Wesa and Adahy are still as confused as ever, so he explains what happened around when he first met Kaya and her tribe. The two now understanding what they meant, are now wanting to make a move on the three before anything bad happens. Wesa states they are known idiots and have made previous comments on staying true with the tribe, but never knew they'd try and overthrow him. Adahy states that he knows of other members who overheard the three before and wished it not to happen, their families are starving and want this all to end without any more deaths. 

A bit of time passes as the three felines try and make their move and overthrow Wesa, they try standing up and move forward with their weapons, getting close toward Wesa until a group of other members block their path. "Get out of the way Atohi, we are doing what is right," Takoda says as he grits his teeth. 

"No way Takoda, we already know what you are planning, you guys are actual idiots if you think that'll work," Atohi says as other members block their path. "We are in a crisis Takoda! We need all the help we can get. Aponivi is more than willing to let us hunt north of his territory."

"But we'll have to give up some of the game to them! You know that is not the Cherokee way!" Kohana retorted. 

"Who gives a damn about the Cherokee way! It's better than that than letting my family starve!" another feline says as they step up to block their path. 

"We should take it over with force and we won't have to give up anything!" Ohitekah clashes back.

"You're a genuine idiot if you think that's the right thing to do!" another feline pops in blocking their path. More and more members of the tribe surround the three. They shudder in surprise at how many oppose them. 

Wesa joins in the fray against them. "Why do you think that bloodshed is the right way? The leaders before me only did what they had to do to survive the previous crisis, they never knew of other tribes south of here and never thought of trying to go farther, I was the only one who had the courage to try, and I am thankful you three attempted to help, I am just astounded at the thought of you three taking needless lives if it means maintaining a dumb tradition, there wasn't any tradition like that in the first place! Only your families took pride in not taking help from others!" Wesa let them know that they're not going to do anything to harm anyone. The three got scared quickly and cowered in fear of the group that surrounded them. On their knees at that point, the three bow their heads in defeat. Members of the group take their weapons, tie their arms up, and place them in the back under supervision. 

Jason and the group were surprised at how well it was settled, Wesa returned to the group with a sigh of relief, glad the mess was settled. "They will be punished when we return home, I believe they understood their faults and won't do it again. We need to get home anyways after we get some game if that's fine with you Aponivi." Wesa says as he grabs his belongings. Aponivi nods. "Hunt as much as you can carry, we already did our hunt not too long ago so we are good for the winter. Stay safe on the return home, when things settle down and you decide your future actions, whether moving more south or hunting more south, send a messenger toward us to let us know." Aponivi stated before he and the others also stood up, both said their goodbyes and departed from each other.

On the way home, Jason talks to his family and apologizes to them for what transpired and wishes for them to not say anything about what happened either. They nod in agreement, his mother saying that what happened is their family secret only, his father and brother agreeing with her. 

The family returned home, Aponivi said his goodbyes as he returned to the den. The family collapses on the couch in relief to be back. With the whole ordeal settled, the family was all tired and wanted to rest. Today was the last day and Jason's family's return flight was tomorrow, so he has to say his goodbyes...

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RRRRAAAAHHHH TWO CHAPTERS DONE IN ONE DAY!!!! Wanted to get the conflict settled before I moved on to the ending, it's sad how my magnum opus of a story is ending but like, everything things must come to an end. There might be a delay with the next chapters but I already have things started, so I might have the motivation this weekend to finish it, but don't quote me on that. Anyways, I hope you guys enjoyed the chapter and I hope to see ya in the next one!