Finally alive (Book 1)

XXI

I find Tsu'tey near a fire, surrounded by his fellow hunters, talking and laughing. I stop for a second, admiring his laughing figure.

'He recovered better than I thought.' Neytiri said, as she came to stand beside me, she had crossed on her elbow over her stomach. 'It's a miracle.'

'Yeah.' I muse softly.

'Did Jake tell you about the plan?' Neytiri said quietly as if saying something secret.

'What plan?' I focus my eyes on her, as her eyes grow slightly wide. She says nothing, looking guilty. 'Neytiri, what?' I probe again, but my interrogation is cut short when I hear my name being called. I turn and see Tsu'tey turned to me, trying to get on his feet. Forgetting what Neytiri said, I rush to the warrior.

'Don't try to stand, your leg won't hold you..' I trail off when he stands up confidently, his crutches under his left armpit, as he leaned into them. I looked up from his bandaged leg up to his face, which was glowing with so many emotions. I couldn't decipher them, but he looked like himself again, which was enough.

'How are you feeling? Did you eat anything?' I ask him, gently wrapping my hands around his torso. He repeats the motion, only with his right hand.

He turns to the tree of souls, overlooking the other people, huddled in families around it. I re-adjust myself, so I would catch him, in case he stumbled. It had happened before.

Without words, he leads me towards the tree. I catch a smile stretching on his face, which caught me off guard.

'What is it?' I ask stepping in front of him. He hadn't smiled since he was injured.

'Today, we will be together forever.' he says, looking at me with such adoration, my legs nearly give in.

'What?' I breathe, my tail twitching nervously.

'We will perform the transfer ritual.' Mo'at came to stand beside me, smiling softly. Confused I just look between the two, hoping for an explanation.

'Wait.' I say, my brain switching into a higher gear. 'You are saying you can transfer us too?' I gape at the tsahik boldly.

'Yes.'

'And does Jake know?' I ask suddenly excitement rushing through my veins.

'He does.' Neytiri says way too excitedly for her character.

With that, I decided to whisk Tsu'tey to where the natives settled temporarily. He and I now had hammocks set, as well as others did.

Though I saw Tsu'tey wanted to protest against going to sleep, I was determined to do so. He needed his rest. I don't care if it looked silly for me to be putting a grown man to sleep; he was my mate.

'Irayo.' [Thank you.] I smile at his tired expression and kiss his forehead. Having me caring for him strengthened our bond.

Having nothing else to do after he dozed off, I wander out. Night has swiftly landed upon the land, making it a magical sight. Again.

I find myself drawn to the Tree of souls. With everything quiet now, I step closer to the hanging strands of the tree. The feeling to pray and thank Eywa for everything overpowered me. So I did.

A day passed quite fast. And here we are, in our human forms, approaching the Tree of Souls once again. The evening was the best time to perform the ritual, as Mo'at said, Eywa is closest to us all.

Our avatar bodies were already here, placed at the elevated step. Jake was the first to go. I stepped aside, next to Norm, as I observed the ritual begin.

To say that I was anxious would be an understatement. I stared at Jake, waiting for him to open his eyes, so I could breathe easier.

Moments passed as Neytiri shushed everyone, leaning closer to Jake's new body.

I let out a breath of relief when he stirs. I let out a silent laugh, my heart pounding. Now it was my turn.

Being covered in thin fabric, that reminded me of a spider web, didn't bother me anymore.

'See you soon.' Jake smiles at me happily, as I close my eyes as I made myself comfortable on the stone.

From what Neytiri said to us just a few hours ago, I need to relax and almost drift off to sleep. I keep my breaths deep and slow, calming my mind.

Seconds later I feel tingling all over my skin, as Mo'at started chanting again. All sounds zoom out as I yet again feel weightless, feeling myself float upwards, colors rushing around me.

Then everything stops. I drift sideways in the white space, feeling like someone was watching me. I try to look around, bet yet again I realize I have not a physical body. I'm nothing and everything at this moment.

Then I feel warmth surround me. With it, I suddenly realize I have fingers, eyes, a tongue, my limbs, my tail... Warmth focuses on my belly as I bring my hands in front of my face to make sure I'm not imagining this.

Movement catches my eye and I see her. Her being. The shadow was so bright it should have been hard to look at, but I could. She looked nothing different from the Omaticaya people, the only difference was how she moved. She was an embodiment of grace and beauty.

'Thank you, Sena. You and your friend did something that I didn't think could be achieved. I grant you this life among the people. May you and your mate have a fulfilling life.'

Her voice was derived from multiple voices, echoing in perfect harmony. Before I thank her, I feel plummeting through space, soft chants getting louder and louder.

Then its completely silent. I take a breath in and open my eyes.

As cheers erupt, I sit up slowly. Strange, yet a good feeling lingers just a bit longer as I stand to face Tsu'tey. His eyes were glowing with joy that just sparked within me.

It happened.

I hug my mate tightly, feeling his breath tickle my neck. Next, I tackle Jake in a massive bear hug, feeling happiness nearly bursting out of my chest. I contain a squeal as I let him go.

Tsu'tey roared his words, announcing the celebration.

This was it. My new chapter. Or more rather, a new book.

It was my time to be finally alive.

And there we have it! I'm really sorry for the late update. Life and work got in the way. (mostly no wifi) 

With that said, I'd like to thank everyone who stuck around till the end, shared their thoughts and dedicated their time to read this 

You are really special people. :) 

~B.