Going In Blind (Edited)

Chapter Sixteen

||This is my favorite chapter by far. I love that speech so much. It was such a turning point for the People. I debated on keeping Grace alive, I really did. However, she had to die in order to rally everyone together, to give them the strength they needed. It broke my heart writing that.||

||I will be splitting the battle up into two Chapters, and though Kita has an Ikran, you have to remember that she's not really a warrior. So she will basically stay behind, help others on the ground, and will occasionally be a sentry for those who need it. If it came to it, she would defend the helpless.||

Later that day, just after noon, Jake returned with Grace. All I could do was stop my tears as I ran to them and put my hand on her face. "It's going to be just fine Grace. Eywa will help you." She faintly smiled at me, making my heart drop. She's too weak. Tsu'tey was right, I need to prepare myself and quickly.

"Look where we are Grace." Jake said, walking faster towards the tree, avoiding all the Omaticaya that were sitting, ready to continue with the ritual.

Her eyes flutter as she tries to focus on what was around her. "I need to take some samples." I chuckle softly.

Tsu'tey comes carrying Grace's Avatar, and I can't help but hope that maybe, just maybe... this will work.

Mo'at directs Jake and Tsu'tey on where to lay the bodies as Neytiri and I look on with sadness. "The Great Mother may choose to save all that she is," She gestures to the Avatar, "-In this body."

"Is that possible?" Jake wonders.

"Possible, yes. She must pass through the Eye of Eywa -- and return. But Jakesully-- she is very weak." I stare at Mo'at, the realization finally dawning on me. Grace won't be able to do it. She won't come back.

Jake and I kneel down next to Grace, Jake taking her tiny human hand as I rub her head softly. "Hang on, they're gonna fix you up." He tells her.

Barely conscious, she grabs his hand as she looks between us two. "I--always held back. But you gave them your heart. I'm proud of you Jake, Kita." My throat constricts, not knowing what to tell my idol, my teacher. Suddenly, her eyes blaze with emotion for the first time since she came here. "Help them. You do whatever it takes, you hear me?"

"I will." Jake stands, looking at me before stepping back to give us some privacy.

"Grace," I whisper, "I mated with Tsu'tey. I have to take care of them now. Just as I will take care of you."

She smiles at me softly. "Kita, I am so proud of you. No matter what, be happy." A tear rolls down my cheek, something that seems to be happening a lot these days.

"For you? Anything." I take a step back so Mo'at can start.

Neytiri and I sit next to one another, Tsu'tey on my other side. Jake stays beside Grace, unsure of what's to come.

Mo'at begins a chant, and soon everyone is copying her. My mind goes blank as the chant leaves my mouth, my body swaying on it's own.

All of a sudden, everything stops as Grace gasps. "I'm with her Jake," She whispers, her voice filled with amazement, "She's real." She exhales one final breath just as I turn towards her, and is gone.

"Grace!" Jake shouts, and instantly I'm next to him. Neytiri walks up and removes her mask, setting it down beside her. I hang my head, knowing very well that I should have expected this. Eywa is amazing, but not even she can stop death.

I stand up and walk to Tsu'tey, needing him near me in my grief. It isn't long before Jake walks up to the two of us, his eyes hardened with grief and determination.

"With your permission, I will speak now. You would honor me by translating." Tsu'tey nods and stands next to Jake.

"The sky people have sent us a message," He starts, Tsu'tey repeating him with ease. "That they can take whatever they want, and no one can stop them. Well we will send them a message. You ride out as fast as the wind can carry you. You tell the other clans to come. You tell them Toruk Makto calls to them. You fly now, with me! My Brothers, Sisters! And we will show the skypeople, that they cannot take whatever they want, and that this, this is our land!"

Everyone shouts in excitement at the end of the speech, including myself and Mo'at. Jake and Neytiri hold hands as they walk through the crowd on their way to Toruk. I look at Tsu'tey and smile. "Be safe, I will stay behind to help the others and gather food. Come back to me." He presses his forehead against mine.

"Always." With that, he runs off to Maktos, Mo'at and I watching everyone who can, mount their Ikran's and take flight, Jake leading the way.

We waited until everyone was gone, and out of sight, before getting to work.

Those who could walk, helped us get healing supplies set out and ready. Those who couldn't, set about organizing our current stocks. Kids ran around helping clean the area and pick out places for the clans to rest. The young hunters were sent to bring back food for all of the clans.

Each step of the way, I could only wish for Tsu'tey to be at my side. When a break came up, with no work to do except wait, I hopped onto Reyuk to see if I could see anyone on their return.

The light was just starting to shine, the bioluminescence starting to fade. "They will return soon Reyuk, I promise." We fly high up into the air, trying to spot any signs of movement.

Just as I was about to land, I spot it.

Small dark flecks against the sky, but slowly increasing in size. The specks became larger in amount the closer they got, making me realizing exactly what had happened. They had done it.

With a yelp for joy I spur Reyuk to land so I can alert everyone.

As I land in the center, I can faintly hear Toruk growl in the distance. Everyone stops and looks at me as I smile. "They're back. And they brought friends."