Finally alive (Book 1)

V

It happened really quick. One second we were in a shrubby area, and the next a giant tree came to vision. I didn't get the chance to look around more, the Omaticaya people were keeping a steady near sprinting tempo.

We get closer to the tree, and I see a lot of natives standing around at the giant roots that went up. There were several bonfires, emitting enough light to light up the place.

Natives made a live tunnel, observing me and Jake with curiosity. Several of them grazed their fingers as I passed. I didn't get a good look, we were rushed towards, where the biggest column was. There were a few Omaticaya a step higher. They looked slightly different than the others here. The woman that found us, stepped further, as we were stopped.

'Sempul. Oel ngati kameie.' she said to the man that stood tall at the center of the stage. To her words, he stepped down and took a few steps closer. His outfit was very different from what the other wore. His chest was covered in a sort of dark brown feathers, and as any other native, he wore minimum clothing. On his forehead, he had another strange piece. It looked like a leaf shaped pendant.

Shit. He must be the clan leader. I lower my head slightly, feeling uncomfortable looking him straight to his eyes. He stopped for a second in front of me, before walking off.

'Lumpe nga munge fi'u tutan si tute fitsenge?' [Why (did) you bring this male and female here?] the native's voice boomed confidently, as I dared to look around. Jake stood wide-eyed and he was looking between her and the chief. I wanted to step on his foot, but I didn't dare to move; the guy behind me still had a blade at my queue.

The woman that brought us here, explained herself to her father, but his expression turned grouchy, he spoke again to which I gasped quietly. He is not happy about us being here. I feel Jakes eyes on me, his question nearly palpable.

I glance at him. 'Her father is not happy about us entering their home.'

He blinks, slightly bewildered as he muttered to himself and took two giant steps towards the chief, making everybody hiss and yell at him wildly. I took him by the hand and yanked him back. 'Jake, stop.' I growl at him. He is a soldier, he should know not to act stupid while facing unknown.

Another voice reached us, and my eyes fell on another native, walking down the spiral staircase. When the light hit her, I realized it was a female. She had her chest covered in a red table cover thing. Her gaze was, even more, scrutinizing, but also familiar.

'That is Tsahik, she interprets the will of Eywa.' the lady said quietly, as the so-called tsahik walked around us in a circle. I jumped slightly when her cool hands touched my tail. I still haven't gotten used to that.

'Who's Eywa?' Jake blurts out and I facepalm. This ameba head will surely get us killed. Instead of yelling, the tsahik demanded.

'What are you called?'

I decide to take the upper hand, so Jake won't blurt any more nonsense. 'I'm Sena Chun, and he is Jake Sully.' I speak, earning everyone's attention. My ears tweak a bit, as the older woman looked at Jake and with a swift move, she whipped out a little sharpened stick, that looked like a bone, and stabbed Jake in the chest. My heart doubled its beat, as I looked at her slightly horrified as she licked the thing clean.

'Why did you come to us?' he voice rang. I stood there, still shocked, and Jake spoke for me.

'To learn.'

Tsahik tilted her head, seemingly collecting words. 'We tried teaching other sky people. It is hard to fill a cup which is already full.' her speech was slow but determined.

'Well, our cups are empty. Believe me.' he stated nervously and I wanted to slap him for his words. 'Ask doctor Augustine. I'm no scientist.'

'What are you?' she clips sternly.

'I was a marine. A soldier of the jarhead clan.' his words made a wave go through the crowd. Tsahik calmed everyone with a wave of her hand. Her eyes fixated on me. 'What about you?'

I gulped but remained still. 'A biologist. I uh..used to take care of animals.'

'What do you mean?' her voice echoed.

A bit lost, I glanced at Jake. I focus back on the woman, feeling a bit confused and frustrated. 'I helped animals; when they were sick or injured.' I explained. That wasn't completely true, but I think it would take a few hours to explain it to them. And I don't have a full understanding of Na'vi to explain them in their native tongue.

The chief spoke in Na'vi, making everyone look at him. I frowned trying to understand him.

'What is happening?' Jake whispered, scooting closer to me.

'They..are.. No, they want to observe us. They haven't seen anything like us before..' I whisper back hurriedly. I am amazed that I can understand the natives. Because they are speaking quicker than the teachers I learned with.

I wanted to say something else to him but I zip up when a growl comes. It appears that the younger female was displeased with something. Then the older female turned to the male that stood near the chief. He said something to him quietly, and I didn't catch it.

'It is decided.' tsahik spoke again in English, looking at Jake. 'My daughter will teach you our ways.' she gestures towards the angry female. Then tsahik comes to stand in front of me. 'You will learn from Tsu'tey. He will teach you how to be like us.' she backed away and spoke to both of us.

'Learn well, Jakesully. Senashun. And we will see if your insanity.' she put emphasis on the last syllable. 'Can be cured.'

I gulped at her words.