Finally alive (Book 1)

XVII

Just as we got to where Moat was, I heard a few screams that echoed into the valley we were in. Neytiri jumped up, a scream escaping her mouth too. I come to a halt, my head spinning only a bit.

The sky became dark as a shadow covered us, with a mighty roar. I subconsciously grab onto Neytiri's hand as she grabbed mine, we watched the beast land at the other end of the valley. I squint as I see a figure on the back of the Leonopteryx.

'Toruk Makto?' the tsahik whispered coming to stand next her daughter. Tsu'tey scoffed to my left.

I can't tell if I was happy or furious to see Jake coming down the path to us. This was his plan? All I knew in that moment, he was the solution.

Silence fell among the people, watching the man approach the Tree of Souls, with determination written on his face. Neytiri stepped down too, looking slightly apprehensive, but unwavering too.

Their interaction warmed my heart, as I leaned into Tsu'tey, his arms never leaving my hand ever since we left the cave. Jake then approached us two, looking slightly uncertain about himself.

A smile stretches my face, and I hug him around his neck, ignoring the vile pounding in my head. 'You are a brilliant idiot, Jake.' I whisper into his ear, releasing him. He offers me a smile and a hand squeeze, as he directs Tsu'tey.

'Tsu'tey, son of Ateyo, I stand before you and your mate, ready to serve the Omaticaya people.' Jake speaks in Na'vi, looking between me and him, before focusing on Tsu'tey again. 'You are a great warrior, and I won't be able to do this without you.'

It seemed that my mate forgot how to breathe. I squeeze his hand, reassuring him that he can trust Jake. He glanced at me for a moment, and I see his decision in his eyes. I nod at him, and we look back to Jake.

'Toruk Makto. I will fly with you.' Tsu'tey says, pressing his palm to the marine's chest, and my heart squeezes slightly. They are finally on the same page.

Jake seemed relieved, but grew serious again. 'Grace is dying. I beg help of Eywa.'

My heart skipped a beat at his words. I forgot about her, and it made me feel like an absolute jackass.

'Bring her, Jake. Hurry.' I poured the words as I glanced to the tsahik, that was as worried as we were. 'Will you be able to help her?' I ask her, as Jake hurried away.

'Yes. She will need to pass through the eye of Eywa, and come back.' she said following the marine with her wise eyes.

'Her mind can be transferred to her avatar body, with the help of Eywa.' Neytiri added. Then she looks at me. 'You should rest. Let your wound heal.'

'I'll do that when Grace is deemed okay.' I state, the pounding in my head subsiding a little bit.

By the time Grace was brought it was dusk, and I feared that it might be too late. But all I can do right now is pray that Eywa will be merciful on Grace.

Jake gently put her human body on the rock altar, while Norm put her avatar body next to it, head to head.

I was seated next to Neytiri and Tsu'tey, our queues connected to the ground. It felt like making tsaheylu with an ikran, but so much more powerful. I felt everyone that was connected to the Tree of Souls; I heard their prayers and pleas to save Grace.

I close my eyes, concentrating on the voices and amplifying it with my own. I vaguely feel someone taking ahold of my hands, as we moved into the rhythm of one united heartbeat.

I felt like I was as light as a daffodil seed, floating in the air with ease. I couldn't see anything around me besides white space, which seemed to be similar to clouds. I could still hear the natives, begging for Eywa's mercy. But the voices were muffled like they were in the next room.

My limbs were in this state of paralysis, but I could feel every fiber of myself. Especially the headache, that was even stronger now. I tried to breathe in, but I couldn't force my lungs to work. Before panic sets in, I'm blinded by more white color, feeling something pull me away. 

Tsahik yelled to stop, bringing us out of the trance we fell into. I gasp, disoriented, feeling strangely out of my body.  As I come back from the high, my headache was almost non-existent. I stand up, joining Jake, where he crouched, his hand clutching Grace's.

'She's with Eywa now.' Mo'at said, and I felt like earth slided from under my feet. I crouched down beside him, tears stinging my eyes. Silence carries on for a few moments.

'What do we do now, Jake?' I ask, my voice breaking at the end. He lets out a shaky breath.

'We give them hell.'