#vampire alma

A word to their people. A clan. Their clan. A place and people who they came from. What happened to them? Ri’nela has asked So’lek about the other Sarentu. So’lek’s answer had been bitter, no sightings of the Sarentu for decades, since before the first war. Tamtey felt there was a little more to it, but she hadn’t feel like pressing for the answer, uncertain if she wanted to know a full truth while they were adapting and recovering.

But aside from the physical discomfort, there had been a thing that had been bugging her.

Alma.

She knew her teacher, after all the woman had always been there. The Alma she and the others knew were warm, and kind and whilst guarded with her emotions, she had seen how the woman looked at them. This Alma was different and it wasn’t just because of those sunglasses that covered her eyes, hiding a way into her emotions but she felt distant. The raised scars on the woman’s face showed a story that they were not privy to.

Alma had only been brief in her explanation when Tamtey had asked on the first day back. Attacked in both forms. It opened up a few questions and whilst she only saw Alma’s Na’vi form, she had seen Alma’s human form from TAP Lessons, when they covered the SciOps programs. Why would someone hurt Alma? Why attack both forms? Why not just the human form and leave the dormant Na’vi as it was in perfect health.

Also, she already missed seeing her eyes. Tamtey liked eye-contact. But since coming out here, she couldn’t see through that glass to see where Alma was looking or anything. It was… mildly unsettling. At least So’lek eyes were comforting, as his presence had been in helping them out. She knew the man was… probably underprepared with them but she was grateful for his help.

The medicine, the meditations he taught to Yefti and Telisi who were more prone to panics and even went through checking what they knew of their own bodies, fearing that being raised ‘as a human’ meant that they could do more harm to themselves than before.

Thankfully, they as a collective group were versed enough to not miss the important bits, like the important of a kuru, biological functions and of course, pregnancy and sex. Alma hadn’t wanted them to play around and find the results, fearing Mercer might do something. Tamtey didn’t want to find out but Alma’s stress on the matter lingered after those lessons, even after they hit puberty made more sense when they were old enough to understand. A child born in TAP was worse off than being left by a clan because that child never felt the sun. Assuming they would be allowed to carry to term, probably not. Or if Mercer would sterilise them for punishment.

A few things were new, like Na’vi having more scent glands and, between loved ones or family, would rub their scent upon each other. She liked that, like a lingering touch, a sign of love in their wake. Things were definitely going to get more cuddly once they were comfortable. There was still go much to navigate now.

Yuayt’s body had been retrieved from TAP and had been buried five days ago, as well as some other tools and supplies for the Resistance once a team was dispatched when the TAP site was empty and no sign of RDA coming back for a second round. While Yuayt hadn’t been a popular kid given his snitching habits, he was still Sarentu. So’lek had given them the starts of song cords and she had marked his loss because despite what he had done in TAP, he had only wanted to survive in the few ways he knew how.

“Do you think something is wrong with Alma?” Tamtey asked quietly after a moment, her head rolling toward Ri’nela who was brushing out Okni’s hair and putting beads in it. Okni’s eyes were closed despite being awake, enjoying the grooming session out in the open despite the hiss of her mask. Halfway through her air exposure. She had another week left before she was as exposed as the rest of them.

“I think ‘wrong’ is the incorrect word,” Ri’nela pointed out, “The sunglasses getting to you?”

“She’s always wearing them. All day, every day. Even at night.” Tamtey complained. “Why?”

“I’m certain it’s for a good reason.” Ri’nela sighed. “You could talk to her.”

Tamtey hummed in consideration. “I could, but… feels very distant.”

Ri’nela looked up from the dark locks of Okni’s head and hummed in agreement. “Like she’s looking through you, not at you?”

“It’d help if I could see her eyes. They say a lot.”

“So does the ears and the tail. Humans have less tells, so be glad she’s in the avatar.” Okni pointed out, not opening her eyes.

“I suppose.” Tamtey allowed. “But I plan to do some exploration today, what are you two doing today?”

“So’lek’s taking me gathering today, to show me where to find my foodstuff independantly.” Okni said. “I want to also build myself a separate food preparation site so there’s no risk of cross-contamination. Hajir’s very worried about my intestines.”

Ri’nela frowned. “How worried?”

“Enough to ask me if He could preform a upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and biopsy.” Okni wrinkeled her nose. “I haven’t concsented to it but I’ve opted to allow his monitoring to blood tests for now. He’s very disastifed with everything so far.”

“What sort of test is that?” Ri’nela asked carefully. “Sounds invasive.”

“It is. He wants to take a peek at my small intestines to determine the damage. He describes the procedure as giving me a local anaesthetic, and putting a tube down my throat to reach the squiggly sausages and take a sample. By visual impaction, he can see how inflamed or damaged it is. The more damaged it is, the less chances my body has to absorb nuisance from the food I eat.”

Tamtey hummed. A tought choice and… she did feel some relief in how it was described. Normally, their doctors never went into detail and just did it, like it or not. Hajir hadn’t pressed the issue it seemed and Okni was given that choice. Yet also, they had no idea how bad her issues were with her small intestines. They were very important.

“What’s the alternatives?”

“Well, he and So’lek agree my insides needs to heal up properly but I still need nutrients and vitamin supplements so I let him put a port in so I can get it in my sleep.” She tapped her chest, where the long-term port was installed, hidden with her TAP shirt. The girl hadn’t shed the entire wardrobe like the rest of them; wanting to use the shirt to hide the medical scars she had, but Okni had at the least taken to the waistcloth. Raj had sewn a patch across the TAP logo at the very least, and removed the name strip.

“Do you want the procedure?” Tamtey asked, “If you do, you won’t have to go through it alone. Ri’nela and I can sit in with you.”

Okni’s eyes opened, before she sighed. “I know I should but…. I don’t know. It sounds simple but… I don’t think I’m ready to have another piped put down there. It always hurts.”

Tamtey nodded. So, putting a pin in it for now. Very well. “Ri’nela. Your plans?”

“I’m only going to explore Dyer’s bowl, maybe return to the Tarsyu that So’lek showed us after Yuayt’s burial.”

Ah, that.

They had connected with Eywa during the funeral. Offering their memory of Yuayt to Eywa when he himself could not now. But she had seen Entu, the first of their clan. Nor had been more… distance since then and Tamtey hadn’t felt like seeking him out to talk either. He was the hardest person to talk to after all without it devolving into a tension-filled talk with little solution.

“Maybe take Telisi with you for the Tarsyu.” Okni suggested, “She likes plants, after all.”

Tamtey smiled, glad to see her so relaxed and open. Telisi did love the plants and the rare occasion Alma did manage to slip a leaf into Telisi’s desk draw for the girl as a gift. Where were those gifts now? Now Telisi had a forest to explore.

“Any word of the closest clan?” Tamtey’s head turned to see Yefti head their way. He was looking pale, but his face bright and looked more to the surroundings.

“Not yet. So’lek wants us to do a formal visit with him to the Aranahe tomorrow to start integrating us with Na’vi ways.” Telisi said, looking excited. “Do you think that they’re nice?”

“Why not today?” Okni asked, frowning a little though Ri’nela patted her shoulder, signifying she was done with the girl’s hair.

“Apparently there’s tension between the Resistance and the Aranahe.” Ri’nela said, “I did ask about it. So’lek mentioned the clan lost their Tsahìk in an RDA ambush when she helped the Resistance with supplies. The Clan withdrew their aid, and Anqa said that they threatened Alma and the others from approaching Hometree again.”

“Oh, so they’re not nice.” Okni looked disappointed. “That’s a shame.”

“It’s been months, they can change their mind.” Tamtey hoped, “They must see that we need their help. Sarentu must carry weight with them, right?”

“Let’s wait and see.” Telisi hoped. “So’lek mentioned that there are smaller camps of the clan. So, even if we’re not welcome at their home, their camps can be enough for us to start learning, right?”

Tamtey hummed, acknowledging the statement at the very least.

-

Alma’s head turned softly as she heard Alex laugh to himself, in a very pleased manner before his weight shifted and the chair rolled back before he was gone. She remained still, waiting mostly as she took in the inventory report from their latest haul from the site she had targeted last week. The RDA had come back to the site a few days before it was shut down for good and so, they had more to bring in once the supplies were swept for bugs.

Last week, while she had killed the humans to sate her thirst, she didn’t necessarily destroy the site outright, mostly because doing that in the middle of the night that lose to HQ would bring up more questions than answers and Alma knew it’s worry Dani too much so she simply turned everything off and planned some grenades into the vents so it would detonate if reactivated. When the RDA came to check on the site and the silence, they thought they could reclaim it. So’lek had been close enough to investigate the explosion and take care of the lingering humans before he was satisfied the area was secure and RDA chatter suggested that they weren’t coming back a 3rd time.

“Alma! I’ve done it!” Alex slid around the corner happily, holding out the large device in his little human hands. “It works!”

Alma eyed the device sceptically. “I’m really busy right now, but I’m glad you’ve got it working,” Alma opted to deflect, trying not to completely squash his joy here.

His face fell a little. “You don’t wanna try it? But it’s useful.” He pressed, oh so hopefully.

“One of the kids might be willing to try it, they’re familiar with human tech and available. Tamtey’s come back from her morning walk around the bowl. She’ll be in in a minute.” Alma herself was not too worried about the kids and so far, before the realities of Pandora had hit the kids in the face, they had always stayed in her hearing range, one way or another.

She tried not to listen out on them all the time, but keeping them on her Rader was a comfort to know they were safe. Honestly, she had been more distance towards them, not just because of their adjustment period that made them smell weird and off, but because… she didn’t know what to do about them. They looked at her so brightly, but she felt very little in return. They saw her and knew her as their teacher. She felt nothing like that of her former self, back when she was human.

As considered before, Dani had wondered if it was apathy due to her nature to feel less for prey and it… felt like a stronger theory. Alma wanted to feel that emotional connection. To be what they wanted her to be, in a way. Yet, she did not know them. Not like she used to. So there was a void between them. Avoiding them had been her current course of action so far.

She could keep them safe. Make sure they ate because she knew that they had plenty of issues around food given the fact Mercer used it as a reward and punishment. She could see to the physical care. Physical care was simple. Their scents gave away what was wrong with them, at least.

Alex still look put out.

“Paint over that TAP simple on it.” Alma said, noting the small logo on it’s handle. A Tap item or tool repurposed. “If the kids use it, we don’t need to give them items with that brand on them.”

“What, oh.” He realised quickly what she was referring to before he nodded sheepishly and hurried off to do just that. A few minutes later, she could hear the sound of an aerosol paint can before Alex began to spray, first a primer, then some paint.

Alma waited, mostly for Tamtey to get inside as she approached HQ but… oddly enough she heard the girl’s steps pass almost towards their sleeping space… but she instead climbed, by the slight ring of metal of the supports of the base, so she was up a level on the exterior. Where was she going? The only places that area was her link shack and…. Tent.

Alma frowned, though quickly pardoned herself as she heard the distant sound of her tent opening being moved and headed from HQ and out. She threw her hand up naturally against the sunlight, clambering easily up and followed along the ramp towards her tent, noting the teenager was still.

Tamtey was starting at her hanging shelve, beside the empty hammock, her tail was swishing calmly and she looked… curious. Was she just peeking?

Alma stilled, letting her look about though Tamtey lent towards one of the lower shelves, ears shifting as she picked up the book and… opened up the first page. Alma did let her have her ten seconds, before she coughed to draw her attention..

Tamtey startled and dropped the album, eyes turning wide as she shot up and sweat visibly broke across her forehead, blood seeping from her face and her heart seemed to tick right up. “Oh, Alma…” She said, looking very caught. She spared a glance down to the album then up to her

“Next time, please ask if you want to enter my private space.” Alma said, closing the distance and stepped inside out the light, picked up her album, her eyes lingering on the photograph on it with a welt of sadness before she closed it sharply. “I don’t mind your curiosity.” She added. “But I don’t have a tolerance for snooping.”

Tamtey nodded swiftly. “I’m sorry.” She took a few breaths, colour thankfully returning to her face.

Alma offered her an assuring smile. “I’m not angry at you, Tamtey.”

 Tamtey’s hands gripped at the bottom of her shirt, a nervous tick.  “H-How did you know I was here?”

“I have a hidden sensor alerting me to when the curtains been opened past a certain degree. I turn it off when I’m here.” she lied because… well hearing her from inside was impossible for a na’vi or Dreamwalker.

“You do?”

“I never leave my avatar unattended to without a warning.” Alma said firmly, tilting her scarred side more towards her as the insinuation.

Tamtey’s eyes flickered to that side of her face, her expression becoming more apologetic. “I’m sorry.”

Alma nodded her out and she sheepishly stepped out. Her hand rose to block the sun when she stepped out afterwards, grimacing at the draining sensation it gave. Ugh, sun. She hated it. The glasses stopped the glare but it was still so bright.

“Wait, your light sensitive?”

“These sunglasses aren’t a fashion choice.” Alma secured the tent behind them, “Everything is so bright.”

“Why not just stay in your human body?” There was a genuine note of concern as Alma lead the way.

“Same problem.”

“Seriously.” Tamtey sounded astounded.

Alma gave her former student a long look, pausing to let her catch up from her brisk few steps. “The woman who attacked me didn’t want me to escape to a new body, like some of the other avatars we had.” Well, Jake at least by choice but the kids didn’t know who he was yet.

Tamtey’s eyes were wide, though there was still a sense of curiosity despite the girls caution. “Can I ask what happened? You’re different, Alma.”

Alma chewed on her tongue a moment  but guided them to stand on solid ground rather than the ramp or support means of HQ and thankfully, into the shade where she felt her strength return. “A.. week after Mercer collapsed TAP, I thought you were dead. A woman disapproved of my position in TAP and opted to sneak into my room in the middle of the night one night. She had fun, I didn’t.”

Tamtey’s breath paused. “She raped you.” Her voice horrified.

Alma shook her head quickly, realising how it sounded out of context. “No. No nothing like that. It wasn’t a sexual charged assault. Although I don’t doubt she considered it for a second before she decided on something else. She just wanted to make me scream. I won’t tell you what she did. No one sneaks into my shack or my tent. What she did is why.” Her hand came to her throat, feeling over the bite mark that was mostly covered by her scarf, far more prominent in her human-form.

Tamtey, though looking pale did look more understanding. “Okay. I… I’m sorry and for asking.”

“I suffered a lot, Tamtey. It’s effected a lot. Not just my senses but my memory too.”

“Your memory?”

“I’m fine now, but things before the assault are hazy.” Alma let out a heavy sigh to break the conversation. “No more assault talk. I don’t want to keep on that.”

Tamtey nodded slowly, though followed after her as she made her way towards the airlock. “I saw the pictures…. You have a child?”

Alma stopped short, her head tilting towards the Sarentu. “…yes.” Her tone flat.

Tamtey nodded slowly, sparing a look about HQ. “How come they’re not about HQ? I’ve not seen them about”

Alma licked her lips, jaw tensing at the familiar ache in her chest.

“I… volunteered to surrogate for an exiled warrior sometime after my recovery. A few months after our daughter was born, he took her and left.”

Mäzan had been so desperate for a child yet no woman was willing to give him one, as his exile status, he had no clan to raise a child in and so far no clan had wanted to take him in, so no woman had been willing to give her body for that effort. It was easier for males to donate to a wanting mother than a woman to give to a wanting father. He didn’t care on what she was, even after she had consumed and taken her avatar’s body; she found she was capable of carrying a Vampire-Na’vi child.

He had been so happy to feel the baby’s kicks and honestly, they had almost become a mated pair once Tsengì was born and growing healthily. Husband and wife. She had wanted that as much as he did, but that was before he had the accident.

Alma had saved him in the only way she could…. But he didn’t forgive her for turning his heart still. He went quiet after that, closed off and was gone once she returned back from hunting from a long-needed feed a month or so later. Their baby gone too. She never thought he would leave, let alone take the baby too.

Alma had been tempted to try and locate them, but she knew better than to try. By now, Tsengì would be about 14 years old now. Alma often wondered what she looked like now; the girl had inherited her forest form, but her father’s teal-colouring. No visible traits of an avatar, so no extra finger or eyebrows. At least she blended in with the people. She could only imagine. All the trails went cold over a decade ago so it was pointless trying. They were gone.

Telling Tamtey all that felt… wrong. Especially on top of what she has already said. She didn’t want the girls pity because… like it or not, she did feel like she deserved that cruel irony of losing her own child to someone she trusted. Mäzan would keep their child safe and happy and… that was all that really mattered now. Even if she wasn’t in the picture.

Tamtey stared. “Huh.”

“I’ll leave you to your exploration, unless you want to help Alex out with a new doodad of his?” Alma said, “He’s really excited for someone of our scale to try it and I’m a bit too busy with that.”

Tamtey nodded, though distracted. “Yes, I’ll help.” She decided, stepping into the airlock after her. “Thank you for… telling me this stuff.”

Alma simply nodded. “Don’t expect me to be so open in the future. Some things I’d rather keep buried.”

“Are they gonna met up with the Aranahe today?”

“This afternoon. So’lek’s ran a patrol this morning to make sure the trail is clear before they make the trip and he’s currently out to gather a few new items for Okni’s clean food run.” Nor had… misused Okni’s personal mashing tools to ground up his new harvest thistle-bud seeds as the main set was being used by Telisi but in doing so, had cross-contaminated her tools but also her bowl of wet gluten-free flour mash that she had left out to dry from mashing and hour before.

He had been yelled at by Ri’nela for ten minutes and had gone off to sulk at Wanderer’s Vantage. Okni was also sulking inside but Raj was keeping her occupied by showing her now to sew to make some new clothes. Probably not too wise to have Okni and Nor at the same camp if this was a reoccurring issue.

“Alright. Though… I just… something feels kinda off.” Dani said, her tone barely masking the concern. “Can you go and check in on him? His radio’s on but he’s not answering. Both times on the pings. I’m too far to reach him here.”

Alma looked up sharply. “He’s only been there for two hours.” Which was concerning. They had check-ins for their external sites for a reason. He knew better than to ignore it. Missing one is one thing, but another? “I’ll check it out now then.”

Dani relaxed on screen, “Thank you.”

Alma ended the call, and set her the tablet down to carry on her work later and hurried out of HQ, detouring to pick up her bow and combat knife, which was a curved with a smooth, Tungsten steel blade, she had stolen it off an RDA grunt in an AMP Suit and wrapped the handle in hide for comfort. Much more effective to stab through the softer metals of the AMP Suits, her nails were stronger but she had to maintain an appearance for her Resistance humans that were there.

Her bow has been a gift. Mäzan had gifted it to her when they had started to sleep together to conceive Tsengì, to connect her with the people and so that their child was grow with connections in turn. It’s arrows were still there so, she was set.

Climbing out of Dyers bowl was easy work before she took off across the jungle, the sun was out so she couldn’t speed-run but she wasn’t sure if she should use her Vampiric abilities so out in the open during the day.

However, the sound of an Ikran pulled her attention up, squinting to see… Ìley descending fast before landing a few meters away. So’lek, though was frowning at her. “<What are you doing this far from HQ?>” He slipped off the Ikran’s back, securing the satchel of food.

“<Hajir at one of our camps. It’s gone quiet.>” Alma answered.

His eyes slid to both her weapons before he pulled off the staff sling from the harness. Oh, so he was coming. Interesting. “<Lead the way.>”

Alma nodded, not hesitating to get back to it. Her brisk pace was faster than his expectation, she could hear him try to keep up and while she didn’t intend to out-pace him, she needed to get to the camp.

But, she could hear heavy movement…. A rotator engine in the air too close. No! The RDA had found the spot!

Closer they got, So’lek finally seemed to hear the sounds of the RDA up ahead and his expression shifted. Becoming more focused.

Four AMPs, two ships and a fair amount of Soldiers, one or two in Skel-suits. But even she couldn’t get there in time before she caught sight of the Scorpion sending in a missile into the side of the camp.

“No!”

The two of them burst into the area. Alma tossed him her bow, not seeing him with one, melee her forte but didn’t pay So’lek any heed as he launched an arrow straight into the rotor of the Scorpion and it began to descend haphazardly but she turned her focused to the closets AMP suit, it’s back towards her as it scouted toward the entryway.

Her knife cut through the back wires and jammed it into the vent port which channelled the current straight to the piolet and she let him roast before slipping to the next AMP, cutting the throat easily of the Soldier what spun her away as the sound of the AMPs’ fall in passing before she jumped up and used the base of her palm straight into the AMPs screen’s weak spot and shattering the glass, mildly surprised how weak it was; a Na’vi could break into that! The pilot screeched in surprised, her massive blue hand yanked him out before she pierced the bastard once in the chest and dropped his body to the side.

Between the two of them, the camp was cleared within minutes, but her attention moved from the carnage to their allies.

There had only been three of them here. Two, she could hear were dead. One inside, one lay sprawled a few feet from the door. Hajir, thankfully was still alive; moving inside. Good. Alma heard So’lek breath heavily from the quick spurt of activity, kicking dirt over fire routes, his eyes to the air. In the distance, she could hear the fast steps of an approaching Na’vi. Tamtey? Why was she here?

Nonetheless, Alma dropped to one of her people, Andrew. Checking him over but it seemed the concussive force had killed him; she could see the winner layers of skin of seeped blood, the weight of it in odd places as she touched his warm, still back.. There was no point trying to start resuscitation attempts if his arties were split open. She might have tried, if she were human. To hope.

“Damn it.” She hissed, aware of Tamtey as she finally reached them. “How did they find this place? It’s not on any of their patrol routes.” Which was dangerous to think. Why change patterns? Were they scouting out places and crossing them off? She needed to get to an active RDA terminal and see. Maybe she could ask Alex or someone to program a Trojan worm to gain access to RDA systems without intervention but.. also make sure Resistance didn’t get effected. No matter, that was a later thought to examine.

So’lek’s tail swished uneasily. “They are looking for us now.”

Alma barely spared Tamtey a glance, as she heard the airlock open behind her, Hajir stumbling out but she smelt the blood on him before she saw him collapse a second later. Her eyes locked to the darkest patch, debris but it looked like some had come out so he was bleeding faster. Not good.

She moved to his side, vaguely aware as her bow was handed off to Tamtey and his Staff sling. “You’ll be fine. Okay?” She said, hoping to draw Hajir’s attention. He knew it was bad. “You hear me, you’ll be fine.”

“We need to get moving. We’ll have more on us soon.” So’lek urged.

“I need to stabilise him.” From what she could see and smell, he’d be dead before they reached the edge of dyer’s bowl. Yet, he was so small when she picked him up, she had to do something. Would… he agree?

“Don’t take too long.” So’lek said, attention turning from her to Tamtey. “Sarentu, there’s an oil refinery ahead, I’ll make sure the RDA come running to it. Keep the RDA off Alma and Hajir until then. Use the staff sling for traps.”

Alma stopped listening so directly, only passively as she set Hajir down onto the smooth, floor. There was glass everywhere from the shattered windows. Heat from the fires still going but she felt only mildly concerned about. In reach, there was a small medical kit but it wasn’t going to be brilliant. She’d need a better one.

“Hajir.” Alma patted his chest, the unwounded section to stir his focus from what haze he had fallen into. “This isn’t looking good.” She cut open his shirt, sharpening her claws to cut the fabric around the stable debris to not dislodge it and make it worse. “I can—“

“No.” Hajir grimaced, groaning through the effort of speech “No. Don’t turn me. Never… never turn me.”

Alma sighed but nodded. She had kinda expected that answer, but it felt wrong not to offer. She knew why. Vampires was not a life for everyone. He’d hate her truly if she forced him into that life. She couldn’t deny that will.

Outside, there were ringing explosions, the RDA attempting to land but failing. Tamtey was doing well. Wasn’t comfortable to hear. Two of the wounds were deep, one felt deeper than the other, he was bleeding into his chest cavity with each heart-beat. Alma pulled out one of the syringes and put the needle into her mouth.

“Gross.” Hajir mumbled, though didn’t fight her on it as she managed to extract only a little venom into it; a silvery blue substance.

Vampires produced two different types of venoms in their mouth, the teeth were coated with micro pours to deliver a type of venom to subdue prey directly from the bite and the pores allowed near instant biological intake before swallowing; to effect the venom going in to account for the prey’s size and demands needed to subdue the them easily. Kept the prey quiet, subdued and the blood didn’t coagulate. This was optional to use.

The second was a venom used to heal flesh sounds from minor lacerations and to cause coagulation to prevent prey bleeding out. This venom was found in where the Saliva glands used to be, allowing her to heal her prey from bites and shallow claw marks. It wasn’t capable of healing everything. But worked best around open veins and arties. It lingered long enough to encourage blood cells to reproduce faster but that was a side-effect.

Something she needed to get directly down into his chest without making it weird. Wasn’t like she was about to stuck her tongue down there. That would be weird.

Hajir didn’t object as she administered it to the wounds. Being quick and discarding it once it was used and began to press the dressing and gauzes to compress the bleeding while it kicked in to the worst parts of it.

“The RDA’s down for now.” Tamtey called.

“I’m not done here.” Alma called in, “Hajir’s still bleeding. I need a medical kit. There’s storage nearby. Extra supplies.” She needed to pack the wounds more and control it before he could get proper surgery at the base.

“I’ll get it, hang on.”

Whilst Tamtey’s steps moved on, Alma radioed Priya to get the medbay ready to receive Hajir once they were clear. Sooner they were prepared for his injures, the better his chances were.

“Damn it.” Outside, another trooper seemed to land, her head darting to see two new AMPs and 3 soldiers jump out…. but suddenly detonate. Tamtey had left a last-second surprise, but one of the AMPs were still standing, trying to wipe of the red smear of their companion off their canopy.

Alma weighed her options, she could go out and deal with it, but her fingers were keeping a firm pressure against the wounds that were still bleeding. It would only take a few seconds to finish it off but was that enough time to get back to Hajir without revealing her nature to Tamtey?

Alma opted to wait, the walls were thick enough that they wouldn’t be immediately spotted, so they had time.

Thankfully, Tamtey’s steps were already on her way back, a distant sound of an Ikran but she didn’t think much on that before the girl appeared, rifle in hand and shot down the last AMP suit… and the distant sound of an explosion. So’lek had done it. The RDA should pull back to the site.

Hopefully.

Alma picked the human up again, glad to see Tamtey holding the kit in her hand. Her Bow over her shoulder and her new rifle in her hands, probably from storage. “That was close.” She said as she existed. Hajir’s eyes rolled back, falling limp. She set him down again. “They had plenty of AMP suits. More than I’ve been around here before. Mercer’s favourite toy.” Her tone dripped in annoyance. 

Tamtey moved in the corner of her eye, holding out the kit. “Here.”

“Thank you.” She took it with a nod. “You were always quick. I’m sorry you had to face them alone.” She set it down, opening up to pull out the gauze.

Tamtey shook her head. “I wasn’t alone. So’lek distracted them… and did you see that Na’vi?”

The Ikran, not So’lek then. An ally?

“Ikran are fierce. Very protective of their riders. A Scorpion is no match for them.” She pressed the gauze in, wrapping the bandaged swiftly around to increase pressure. Soon, she heard that Ikran’s reutn on the wind, wings rustling tough she kept her focus down than on Etuwa; recognising the Na’vi’ scent, pushing her sunglasses up her nose as she felt the slight shift as she worked. Her venom though… she could feel was already working its magic to starve off the worst. He would be okay as long as he got back to HQ soon.

“<… I am Etuwa. Tsahìk of the Aranahe.>”

Alma rose to her feet, licking her lips as she turned het attention to the Tsahìk. The girl had down a lot in the last few months. No so much physically but her energy and maturity had sky-rocketed. The loss of her mother… her new position must have forced her to grow up.

“<I knew your mother. I’m sorry.>” Alma said, drawing the Na’vi’s attention from Tamtey for a second.

Etuwa looked at her, uneasy as always. Like So’lek, she sensed something, just not knowing what or why. Etuwa just nodded, accepting though her yellow eyes slid back to Tamtey. “<Our home suffers too. The sky people grow boulder and the land falters under their feet… And yet, My people;… our Hometree… We are not warriors but war has come.” Her eyes remained on Tamtey, jaw flexing as she made her decision.  “<My father still needs convincing but he knew the Sarentu. He will listen to you. He must.>” There was an edge of desperation in the underlying tone.

Alma spared a look about, reaching for the bow which Tamtey handed back to her. The String was… frayed. Must had damaged it. Explained part of why she moved to the rifle. No arrows. She could see what she had was damaged or broken. New ones had to be made then.

“<I need to get everyone back.>” gesturing to both Hajir’s still form and the bodies. “<The others will need to know what happened here.”

Etuwa looked down, nodding swiftly. “<Of course, I’ll help with your wounded.>” She bent down, picking up Hajir’s form, settling onto the back of her Ikran within seconds. “<My Hometree isn’t far from here. Tell them that I sent you but… not all see as I do. So please do not mention my part in… all…this.>” her eyes flickered about the burned out chaos.

Tamtey seemed to brighten at the invitation. “<Yes, Of course.>”

“<May your spirits sore with the currents of the wind.>” Etuwa said before taking up into the sky, towards HQ.

Alma let out a sigh of relief. “The med team are expecting him so she’ll get him there faster than we can.”

Tamtey stared after her for a moment, then towards the Hometree. “We can go to Hometree now?”

“You can. And no doubt the other Sarentu.” Alma corrected, collecting up the kit and setting it aside. She could bring it in properly, but the other two bodies would need to be taken back and buried among friends.

Tamtey’s head tilted. “Can I go now?”

Alma hummed. “That’s up to you. I need to get back to HQ.” She stepped into the damaged structure, pulling out the still form of Penny and slung her body over her shoulder, collecting up Andrew over the other.

Tamtey’s eyes flickered to the bodies, debating for a second before she turned her attention to Hometree. “You won’t be mad?”

“No. It’s better if you make an appearance anyway. The fact it’s an invite is better.” A single Sarentu was probably a little better to accept than a group randomly showing up. They needed to go well. Why step in the way? Plus, she could handle the bodies, they were light weight.

“Okay.”

-

Alma sighed deeply as she ran her carving knife down the body of the shaft. Since getting back to HQ, things had been busy while Tamtey made contact with the clan. Most of the Sarentu kids were waiting back for her return but Alma opted to occupy her evening with making new arrows.

The mood in HQ was low, as it typically was in the wake of few funerals, so work was at a all-time low. People were sad but occupied with their own thing, with a handful of staff keeping order. Alma had been… softly ‘booted’ to low-activities to ‘rest’ after such an ordeal by Alex and Alma opted not to fight him on it.

She already replaced her bow string but arrows were what she needed now. At least they were easy to make. Yet, she could feel So’lek’s eyes on her when he returned but she felt his… shift of energy. It was no surprise really to hear his steps behind her as she worked, tossing on the leaves to the fire in front and set the new shaft to the side and picked up the next thicket branch to smoothen out.

“<I did not know you were combat trained.>” He said, a statement.

Alma chuckled softly. “<Not many people do.>”

So’lek moved joining her at the fire and crouched close to her pile of shafts. “<I would have thought you would have told me. I am part of the Resistance, am I not?>”

“<I would have thought you’d assume, given my position as Resistance Leader.>” Alma fired straight back. “<Perhaps I should have known better. Most Na’vi assume Dreamwalkers are useless or untrained because the Dreamwalker is not our native form or part of a clan>” Her tone soured a little. “<Being underestimated is… useful.>”

So’lek’s lip twitched a little, mildly amused though he still wasn’t satisfied. “<Clearly I have underestimated you too much. You fight well and… you’re faster and stronger than I thought. You broke through that metal walker easily. I did not realised how quickly they could be disabled.>”

“<Just exploited a weak spot. Most AMP suits have them. The ports along the back can funnel heat and electricity into the AMP seat and kill the driver if damaged. The glass canopy is under a lot of stresses and the common weak spot is the centre of the glass but older models have weaker frames from glass replacements.>” Alma explained. “<They also have cables that run along the inner leg, cutting those can slow and disable an AMP suit long enough to kill the pilot.>”

So’lek gave her a very dry side-eye. “<Why was I not informed of this? That is helpful information, Alma.>”

Alma continued her whittling, easily smoothing out all the knots to make s straight shaft. “<You’re not easy to educate on the matter. You like to try stuff out for yourself and you’re not been willing to sit down and listen to humans for long.>” Sure, some of it was their fault but he wasn’t easy to work with as he had been the last week or so since they got the kids. He was very intimidating for a portion of the resistance members.

She set the shaft down, leaning down to pull the bones she had to start shaping them, very aware of his eyes still on her. Assessing her now properly but she kept looking busy.

“<Why did you not tell me you were combat trained? I went with you expecting to keep you from dying. I did not expect to see you deliver so much death with so much ease.>”

Alma pursed her lips. “<Why should it matter?>”

“<I need to know who is capable and who is not so I can properly protect who needs it, not someone who I assume is going to get themselves or others killed.>” So’lek stated. “<For seven and a half months, you said nothing. Where is that trust?>”

Alma’s knife paused in it’s shaping, her eyes flickering up to him from behind her sunglasses. “<Trust? From the warrior who had made it blatantly obvious your presence in the Resistance is for the cause and your personal revenge and will leave when it is convenient for you.”

“<That is… accurate.>” So’lek allowed, “<but does not answer the question.>”

Alma tisked a second. “<I don’t trust freely.>”

“<Why not?>”

“<Because the last time I did, a lover of mine took our infant daughter and ran off into the wilds of Eywa-knows-where with her without so much of a discussion. Left me behind.>” She fixed him a steely glare behind her glasses, even though he could not see it through her sunglasses. “<Trust is a luxury that I cannot take for granted. Trust is layered. I will not blindly. Not humans, Not Na’vi.>” She was almost tempted to refer ace her wounds, but it did not feel right in this context to use it. “<You are here for a cause, but not the human people in it. What if you turned against our humans once the battles were done?>”

“<I would not have done that>” There was an edge of offence to his tone.

“<I don’t know that. When you joined, I didn’t know you. You did barely trusted us to start off with. I have to protect the people I was assigned. Even protecting them from you.>” She resumed her carving, “<It’s be foolish to trust every new person that comes through our doors. Especially the humans.>”

So’lek though glowered, he loosened up a little. Letting go of some of his frustrations as he watched her work. “<Where did that bow come from?>”

“<Mäzan gave it to me as a gift before our daughter’s birth. Wanted to make sure I could… provide for her.>” Kinda. It was symbolic more than anything as well given her nature. But he taught her how to use it as well. It burned a lot of nightly hours.

“<I want to see your style. Now that I know you are combat trained, I want to see how well you are.>”

Alma barely glanced up. “<I am thinking about targeting one of the larger RDA sites. Dani doesn’t think it’s a good idea but… I’m keen to take it down.>” She offered. Dani would certainly throw a fit but honestly, she was bored. It would be fun to show off without exposing her nature. So’lek might get off her ass a bit.

So’lek’s head tilted, considering. “<Which one?>”

“<Stone processor Bravo. North of Dyer’s bowl Daniela’s currently keeping an eye on their patrol routes and drop-off and pick-ups from the site. I looks very simple.>”

So’lek hummed softly in consideration but rose to his feet. “<Not yet. I want to see you in action without RDA involvement. Three days’ time, I expect to meet you by Braided River close to the external mountains of the Dyer’s Bowl. That should be enough time to make arrangements among the resistance.>”

“<Kin asked the same. What kind of games?>” She had no idea what sort of games Na’vi played, let alone at multi-clan scale and level. No doubt wonderful.

“<Those where the songs are made. Fierce trials where Na’vi measure their skill and their strength, so that all may better serve the people. Your Tsakarem will be glad to hear you are competing.>”

Tamtey smile brightened. So the others had made it, and got ahead of her. No matter, as long as they were enjoying themselves. “<Ri’nela and the others? You invited them?>”

“<Of course. I saw Teylan helping the dyers in the artisan tent and Ri’nela with Sosul guiding the murals. Go, tsamsiyu. Celebrate with your friends. Tomorrow, our games begin.>”

Tamtey took her leave with a smile, watching the people as she entered the masses of Zakru and tents. Aranahe and Kame’tire side by side, helping the Zeswa construct their tents or put up Bunton and decoration. The air so light and happy. There was the smell of Zangke in the air but also incense; bug repellent mostly but some seemed to be just herbs to bring fresh scent to mask some of the more intense Zakru scent that the other clans weren’t nose blind to.

Her eyes followed the people about, passing by Koranu and Solali who were negotiating gear and weapon trades with the people.

Eventually, she could Teylan with Okul, watching the two for a second as they talked colour as they mixed.

“<Given up on tech, Teylan?>” Tamtey couldn’t help but ask as she stepped closer.

Teylan startled for a second before he smiled, his hand stilling on the pestle. “<Oh hey, you made it!>” he sounded excited, “<Can you believe that every clan is here, even the resistance. Not that they’re a clan, but… they’re here too. Humans and Na’vi together.>”

Tamtey chuckled. “<I suppose so.>”

“<And this is tech, just by a different name>”

“Tech. <A strange sound.>” Okul remarked, fascinated as they turned the word around in their head from the mix of English and Na’vi words. “<It feels good to say. Tech.>”

Tamtey smiled fondly. “<It’s good to see you too, Okul. How are things at the Hollows since my last departure?>” She hadn’t been as about often. She had been more between the Aranahe and the Zeswa. Doing her best to avoid returning to Resistance base.

“<Oh things have gone very well. Trade has reopened, our truth has spread and now we are here. All the clans as one as the games bring us together>” Okul praised, “I hope to see you about our camps a lot more, Sarentu. We have missed you.>”

“<I will come more often.>” Tamtey allowed. It seemed fitting. They weren’t responsible for her issues. “<What are you making, Teylan? It looks good>”

“<Dye for Ri’nela, she’s been really busy and…>” Teylan continued, and Tamtey listened with a nod and a smile before the conversation lulled after a few minutes to carry on in search of Ri’nela.

It wasn’t too far, just up a hill into the sun where she could smell the paints in the wind before a mixture of artists from the clans were decorating. The wall background was in already and still being painted. Ri’nela and Sosul were quietly still arguing about the theme.

“<So victory should be our theme. We fought the sky people and won.>”

“<But the mural should be about us, the clans. Not about the sky people.>” Sosul remarked, which felt like a stronger augment.

Tamtey could see both sides. Ri’nela was thinking of their achievements, but Sosul was more towards them as a people, without people who weren’t relevant in the games (excluding the presence of the Resistance). “<What about our unity? Together we fought and won together. We needed each other for that.>” She suggested, “<but Sosul is probably right that we don’t need to bring sky people conflict into our celebrations.>”

Ri’nela and Sosul turned at her presence. Though she did not look disheartened at her quiet disagreement.

“<Ah, look who showed up just in time.>” Ri’nela smiled. “<Nothing is decided yet, my friend.>”

“<This is the first game of many decades. We should commemorate that. Kame’tire, Zeswa and Aranahe.>”

“<And resistance.>” Teylan’s voice echoed as he finally appeared with the completed paints, setting it down by one of the artisans

“<The Resistance were only really here to oversee and enjoy the festivities, Teylan.>” Ri’nela said softly.

“<Actually, Vanessa and Daniel want to compete. He’s got a link bed and his avatar, and his Ikran. Vanessa also has her Ikran so they were able to fly here easily.>”

Ah yes, that. Tamtey had forgotten about those details. Made sense. According to Alex, a majority of the avatars had Ikrans to enable them to travel without a Samson. While Alma never claimed one, those who worked more closely with the clan did.

“<Let’s not rush to add them.>” Sosul said, looking a little awkward. “<I know they are friendly sky people and Dreamwalkers but they are not of the clans. They have no power or real place here than a honourable one to mark our alliance.>”

“<We still need other artists. We have Sarentu, and Kame’tire, but we’re missing an Aranahe with an eye for detail.>”

“<Nefika?>” Tamtey guessed. Seemed fitting to want her here.

“<Yes.>”

“<She headed west, towards the Resistance set up. They can probably tell you more of it.>” Ri’nela said. “<Er… a few people are mildly unsettled about Vanessa. I think it’s best she, Minang and Nesim talk before she partakes.>”

Tamtey nodded, then took her leave towards the Resistance set up. A little away from the tent and higher up for a higher vantage point, past the main games tent where the people who arranges the games would be set up. So’lek was just leaving Eetu when she joined him, though they said little until she clambered up a short cut and spooked Priya onto her ass.

“Tamtey!” Priya gasped, her hand to her heart, looking pale behind her mask.

Tamtey laughed, helping her up. “Sup, Priya.”

“You scared the life out of me. Oh, I hope I didn’t pee.” The purple hair woman sucked in a deep breath.

Anqa joined them with a smile, “You’re fine, Pri.” She patted her girlfriend’s back. “So, glad to see you make it, buddy.”

“You too, I wasn’t expecting you lot to be here.”

“I know, but Nesim saw it fitting as allies to join them here.” Anqa and her watched asn Priya took her leave, grumbling still. “<Priya’s been very excited. She also wants Van or Danny to compete and win some friends over.>”

Tamtey snorted, “How are they?”

“Vanessa is flying her Ikran with Daniel to get a lay of the land and she wants moss from the Shattered Mountain. They plan to come back before dusk.”

“Ri’nela wants Vanessa to speak with the Zeswa sisters. Given her likeness to Nesim, she wants to make sure that things are… smooth between the Dreamwalkers and the people. Her likeness has unsettled a few.”

“We’ll talk to her but Van’s very stubborn and competitive.” There was a fondness in her eyes, but sadness.

“What’s wrong?”

Anqa shook her head. “It’s nothing just… I knew her sisters. It’ll be a little hard for her to interact with Nesim.”

Tamtey’s head tilted. “She has a sister?”

Anqa nodded slowly. “Vanessa is—was a Quadruplet. The eldest four.”

Tamtey’s eyes widened. She knew of her lessons about human pregnancy and their ability to carry more than one child. Twins was common and Na’vi had a rare few of those. But four? Four babies at a single time. But as quickly as that realisation came, was the reality. Was. She was the last one. Her sisters were gone.

Now a Na’vi woman shared her Dreamwalker face close enough to ignite grief in what she had lost. Tamtey knew that pain; she lost Aha’ri.

“One sister took her place to fight in the war, to spare her from going. One committed suicide soon after the fight ended out of guilt. The other one died two years ago in a shattered mask-shattered-shack situation.” Anqa summarised grimily. “She doesn’t talk about it. I was there for most of it.”

Tamtey nodded slowly, feeling a genuine welt of empathy towards the Dreamwalker.  “I won’t spread gossip about her. Just… we should be prepared and the sisters should be prepared in their interactions.” It wouldn’t be unreasonable for the Dreamwalker to project her losses against Nesim, her mind trying to cope with the loss and familiarity.

“I’m sure Ri’nela will have it in hand when she gets here.”

“Yes.” Tamtey hoped. “Do you know where Nefika went?”

Anqa frowned, a blank look passing over her face. “Who?”

“Nefika. Aranahe weaver. She wears a big yellow cloak.”

Recognition passed through Anqa’s eyes. “Oh, that lady. Hard to miss. She headed up that way with a big bowl of Zangke” She pointed to the side, a pathway upwards that was lined with decoration. “Strong enough to go through our air filters.”

Tamtey snorted a little. “Let’s hope she doesn’t get too drunk then.”

“Have fun!”

-

Nan’atí sighed deeply as she ate her third blood wheel, watching as her son was tossed off the distant but tall cliff drop by Daisy-Blue and land on his feet at the bottom, laughing yet it still made her heart lurch at how far away the ground was from the top, even if she knew it was a bit of harmless fun. These gifts clearly meant distance and fear of death were in very separate valleys for the mortal and the blessed born or gifted.

It made her queasy just thinking about looking down a height. But, Javier was occupying her son as they packed up the last of their goods for their return trip.

All in all, Nan’atí had come to enjoy her time with the kids despite the cliff jumping and other terrifying joys the children find. Honestly, she was glad to have Hope and the other Na’vi here. Hope and Tarsím seemed to be good grounding to remind her of their limits, and capabilities while they were out here.

“<Javier, can you pull your siblings in? It’s time to get on the road. No more cliff tossing.>” Nan’atí called, clicking her tongue to draw the Pa’li to them. It was already harnessed up and it looked like Hope had finished up setting in the last support of the sled.

It took five minutes before the Dhampyrs made their way to them. Hapuk went to her Ikran.

“<We’re taking the Pa’li, not my Ikran for this stretch of the way.>” Nan’atí said.

“Aww.>” he pouted.

The Pa’li they had had long since been desensitised to the presence of the Dhampyrs, some purposely had their fear response to their presence supressed, to allow them to be ridden. Haydon Lopez was the only telepathic Dhampyr they had. He was seventeen now, but born from Anita and Jayson Lopez, the Harding children’s father and Anela’s husband.

Not an affair, as many humans would think but an agreement. He was not the only dhampyr brought into the world on such an agreement, Percy had fathered three different children with three different women but again, by agreement since they had the collective agreement against all-human births since Tia was born seventeen years ago and the difficulties that came with giving birth to a full-human child had been too hard to sustain. A Dhampyr birth meant the child would survive without a mask. To eat freely. They had more human men than women, and only two human-based vampires so the options of men having their own children were slim to none outside surrogate or planned agreements. Given the clan size, the children were also more community raised too, so everyone was looked after.

Haydon’s gift enabled him and some of the others to ride without getting bucked off or and to direct them without a kuru. He was much calmer and introverted than the others of this group but Nan’atí was glad to see him grow and open up more in this outing as the weeks drew by.

They had three Pa’li and sleds for the nine of them, each that could be made into a tent and broken down again for the sled. Some of the tent fabric was used to also create a supply cover and a traveller tent on the back, allowing the Dhampyrs reprieve from the traveling sun. The long-term sun made them drowsy and lethargic so she knew to expect some grumpiness.

They double checked, making sure to go over their sleds and belongings before they set to go. Nan’atí took the sled lead with Hope, Hapuk and Mìtsreng. Tarsím, one of the few Na’vi of the clan who wanted to supervise the kids took Daisy-blue, Tahira and Javier and lastly, Haydon looking tiny on the back of his Pa’li took no one but more supplies, like the powdered clay and other goods from their trip to return to the clan.

Nan’atí’s Ikran, Herwìva took to the air after a few minutes, a leisurely flight pattern before picking up speed, probably to hunt. She watched her fondly as she went.

-

As expected, the journey back to the border took a three days of 12 hour travel, pausing every 4 hours to allow the Pa’li to stop and take a break, and for everyone to stretch their legs and take a bio break. Nan’atí par took of that happily though on her last one, she noticed a few lingering looks and Hapuk got more cuddly, setting even to sit on her Pa’li with her on the last stretch before the sun hit the horizon and they set up for the night.

Nan’atí woke up in the middle of the night to soft prodding at her belly. Her eyes remained closed, hoping her son would get bored or one of the other Dhampyrs would occupy him but… she could hear his giggling and his pokes still persistent no matter how the minutes ticked on. Blindly, she pulled him back into her arms, letting him cuddle into her chest.

“<Sleep, my son.>” She whispered, kissing his temple “<Sa’nu’s got a long day tomorrow. We all have.>”

Hapuk breath ticked her ear, wiggling against her before he settled. “<I can hear the heartbeat! It’s so small and fluttery.>”

Nan’atí frowned, peaking an eye out. “<My heart’s not small and fluttery.>” She said, well aware he could hear heartbeats.

“<Not your heartbeat, Sa’nu. The baby’s heartbeat!>”

What tiredness she felt vanished like water on in a hot pan, sitting up suddenly from her hammock with the child in her arms. Hapuk squeaked in surprise but began to laugh. Her arms remained locked around him.

“<What?>”

“<You are pregnant.>” Her eyes turned up to the dark tent entryway to see Mìtsreng poke her head in, her tanhì not covered in paint glowing in the dark. “<Seems your pleasure night with Tazak a few months back has left you with another souvenir>” She came in uninvited and crouched a few feet away. “<So, congratulations, I suppose.>”

Nan’atí stared, her mind uncertain on how to process the words. “<Pregnant.>” She… she did know the risks when she went to him, and while she did take tea before and after, it was never a guarantee to work… but now Nan’atí remembered, she had his venom in her veins as they fucked. Riding high off him by choice but that side effects, like chewing through hormone suppressants, especially introduced via her tea. She was an idiot to forget that.

“<Eywa has blessed you again.>” Mìtsreng chuckled, “<I’ll take Hapuk and get you fresh paint in the morning. You’ll need to wear new paints to announce this development.>”

It took a second before the teen was able to pull her wide-awake child from her hammock, letting him kiss her cheek before she took his hand and led him away.

Pregnant.

Her mind still lingered on that word as the tent flap fell still and she could hear the two wander away.

By estimation, it had been nine weeks since she left Sasta’s camp to the Heartlands. More than enough time for a baby to develop and… nine weeks was about the time the fetal heart was loud enough for Dhampyrs to hear. Vampires could hear earlier, but it did explain why the others had noticed now. Tazak, did he know and not say anything? Or was he too preoccupied to listen to such quiet sounds? They had not laid together since given his brief visits were for the clay and to visit his son.

Na’vi did not often get a lot of signals or pregnancy symptoms like humans did until much later in the pregnancy when the baby was bigger, but in hindsight, Nan’atí did realised she had been snacking a lot more, especially on blood wheels and rarer treats that she didn’t normally partake in and resting more frequently. Her breasts were soon to get sore too, so she had that to look forwards to. Joy.

Six months until birth, so she had to prepare. A dhampyr child was no easy carry, especially when they were more physically active. Her hand came to her belly, pressing a finger into the skin to feel. A… mild bump, if she wasn’t mistaken. Nothing to currently alter her waistcloth to maternity clothing but in a few weeks’ time, she’d have to start adjustments.

Nan’atí let out a heavy sigh, running a hand down her face before closing her eyes again… only to fall to sleep again.

When humans weren’t an option, Kass did occasionally go for animals, glad to feed deeply from the amount of blood a Hexapede would give her. Some people she worked with, it was too easy to kill them without care. Showing them the same heartless death as they committed to this world around them. People she liked, those who did nothing to her or weren’t apathetic, she let live… should she want friends in a more extended life. A handful were here now, most had either died in the fight or left with everyone else but she hadn’t seen much of them this last week, nor sought them out.

Kassandra wasn’t thick by any means; they’ll come back. In maybe fifteen or twenty years or so, depending how quickly they mobilise upon their return. She managed to stay, mostly since she was certain Cryo wouldn’t work for her biology any more despite the face Jake had been very against her presence. She knew that without a doubt it was his instincts telling him she was dangerous even if he didn’t know why but thankfully, with the developing fetus in womb belly he had little choice but to allow it because it was common knowledge that pregnant women couldn’t be put into cryo, medially it wasn’t allowed. Which worked out for her. Currently, Kass was six and a half-months away from giving birth. Which set her a time limit on her plans.

Kass didn’t plan to stick about with the rest of the folks here anyway, since most still avoided or distrusted her, and she didn’t need her kid revealing what they were to the humans or Na’vi. Her baby may be half-human from her liaisons from Diego, but it was still half-vampire. No fucking way she was gonna let them find that out once it starts trying to suck off a docs wrist or had teeth. Were Dhampyrs born with teeth?

No matter. She had one teeny little job to do before she fucked off into the wilds of Pandora.

Alma Fucking Cortez.

An avatar driver, stationed in the west before defecting but the vampire had sensed a lot of bullshit coming off that woman. Shame, grief, remorse… and it emanated off her in the boatloads. It didn’t take more than a brush of her mind in the mess a few days ago to see why.

The cunt had helped kill a clan of Na’vi.

TAP.

A residential school of kidnapped Na’vi kids and she had co-founded it and taught the poor children the human ways. Honestly, Kassandra didn’t care that the woman regretted the loss of the Sarentu, even if the woman had been ignorant of the pre-meditative nature of the soldiers, or that she had lost all her power in the project the moment the kids were in their grasp. Even if the woman was a pawn in Mercer’s school in the following decade and a half. She was still a part of it. She was not innocent. Seeped in blood.

Something Cortez had hidden from Jake and everyone else. No one knew.  So, she was getting off scot-free and Kassandra wasn’t gonna let that happen. She loved this world, the people and plants. To let that get pass unpunished? No, the woman had to die for her part in genocide since none of the kids were alive to do it themselves. It wasn’t a coincidence that Cortez’s quarters were set a little further away from everyone else’s. Kass had been put into crew habitual maintained when things had been moved about with the loss of so many people all at once, so she had been the one to pick out the room with the best soundproofing that was distant enough with a few iffy or down camera. Of course, all rooms had soundproofing, since no one wanted to hear their neighbours fucking each other raw, even if she could with her superior hearing. Not all of it was perfect but Cortez’s room had been redone recently, it’d make what she was about to do far easier.

It was twelve am, when the halls were the quietest. Everyone, aside from night shift, was asleep. Even the late-night fucking lot had more or less passed out. She was familiar with the cameras to know which ones worked, so she had to move as fog against the ceiling to avoid being seen, and reformed in cameras and flittered high speed through broken camera ranges. It took a few minutes, seeping through the top of Cortez’s doorway and down to the floor of her room, reforming into a crouched position. It took only a flick to lock the door and a second to flick check the additional soundproof was activated. The personal air con was on, and it was much warmer in here than it was outside.

Cortez was deep asleep; a deep stage 3 NREM sleep. Judging by her lower body temperature, slow breath and slower heartbeat. The thirty-eight year old was splayed flat on her back in the middle of her RDA bed, a double bed too just for her, the lucky whore. Bigger space for her to work with. The blankets kicked off and swam by her ankles, her hair contained in a satin teal bonnet but it looked like it was in the process of coming off. She was dressed in a simple blue tank and very short shorts.

Probably a good thing she wasn’t a man or had a penis, Kassandra had a hunch that she’d probably do a lot worse to this human if she had. The vampire focused quickly, not allowing her thoughts to turn to that sort of violence. She was a monster, but she wasn’t gonna be a rapist too. She had to have some level of standards here even if the woman deserved a more brutal death.

Cortez didn’t stir, breathing slowly and calmly as Kass rose to her feet and approached the bed, taking note of what she could do to this human before draining her. Breaking the skin wasn’t ideal, at least not to start with. Her thirst would make her succumb to feeding far sooner if she picked up the scent of her blood too soon. There was the downside that her pregnancy affected metabolism, it spiked her thirst easily at the scent.

Kass had no intention to give this woman the mercy of a quick death. It would be all too easy to snap her neck or drain her veins of blood dry. This woman has to suffer for all the pain of the poor Sarentu clan and those kids left in not just her care, but Harding and Mercer’s too. If the other two come back, she’d pay them a visit too, because their intents in their return would not be good.

Humans did have a lot of fragile bones. Breakable bones. A good start, it was a horrible pain to endure.

Kassandra slowly moved, stepping up onto the bed and a heartbeat later, sat straight into Cortez hips to straddle her down, a hand clamping straight into Cortez’s jaw, palm pressing against her lips and held her head back against the single pillow. The woman jolted awake under her, Kass could feel Cortez’s mind try to wake through the sleep fog and disorientation but she realised quickly what was wrong, grunting and her hands clumsily trying to claw at her hands, her brown eyes opening and blinking through her haze from sleep confusion and quickly to fear as Kassandra did not relinquish her grip off her face, the human’s breath was hot against her cold hand, distant scent of menthol from toothpaste lingering.

Kassandra waited, purposely for the disorientation and sleep Inertia to subside for a moment, waiting until Cortez’s eyes showed more alertness, her eyes flickering about, her hand trying to feel about for anything, but Kass just smirked down at her.

“The room is soundproof and locked.” Kassandra stated in a whisper. “No one will come in.”

Cortez tried to shift her head, her jaw flexing a little. She wanted to speak. The woman’s hand finally reached her main trunk, weakly attempting to push at her hips but it was futile.

“Cute, but not gonna work.” Kassandra chuckled dryly, letting her dual fangs elongate and waiting to see how the human’s eyes turned wider in fear than before, vibrations and muffled humms echoed in her throat and chest. “I know what you did, Cortez. I know what you were a part of.” She lent down, her other hand catching Cortez’s arm, pinning it to the mattress. “I wouldn’t target an innocent woman. How many lives were stolen that day, sweetcheeks?”

Cortez groaned as Kass tightened her grip on her wrist, tears springing up in her eyes in pain.

“An entire clan. Because of TAP, not even the stolen children survived.” She could see it in the woman’s mind, the grief in her heart as she watched Mercer order the Samson to missile the place after the evacuation. The kids were dead too, despite the teacher’s attempts, but ‘saving’ them after all this time lead to nothing in the end. An entire clan was gone, in the end of it all. All for nothing. “I can’t get to Harding or Mercer but you on the other hand….”

Snap

Her grip didn’t change on the woman’s jaw, feeling the vibrational roar that was muffled by her hand as pain of the newly broken wrist ricochet up the human’s limb. Her body arched, but Kassandra settled her straddle on her more firmly, Cortez’s breath heaved, a sheen of cold sweat washing over the woman’s skin. Her heart thundering a mile a minute.

Kassandra let go of her wrist, spreading another wave up of agony up her arm. Her wrist twisted at a wrong angle. She waited, letting her human gather her bearings because doing it all at once would lead to dissociation very quickly. She didn’t want that to happen.

“I won’t be going fast, honey.” Kass said aloud, plainly and simply. “I want to enjoy it.”

Cortez’s eyes squeezed shut, her heart thumping fast still. All of it music in her ears. Finally, Kass removed her hand from the human’s mouth. Immediately Cortez sucked in heavier breaths, her eyes opening.

“Please…. No.”

Kass didn’t hesitate to slap her, the sound resonated as Cortez’s head flinched to the right, the soft sound of her cheek bone fracture echoed very softly. Cortez whimpered, her jaw clamping together. The scent of blood rose through the air as a trickle of blood seeped from her nose. A little harder than intended. Oh well.

Kassandra scooped the bead of blood from her upper lip, watching the woman as she licked her finger clean. Not the best, slightly salty but that was expected.

“Don’t beg. I’m didn’t let go to hear your voice. I want to hear your screams.” It took very little, her hands grasped both her upper arms, snapping the bone her elbow in one hand and at the shoulder in the other, the sound of bone echoed first… then Alma Cortez screamed, a deafening unbridled screech that was like melody. Waiting only a few more seconds before she found her other wrist; Ulna and radius, snapped.

More music.

Kass didn’t touch her ribs yet; no, she needed those to scream without puncturing a lung.

Despite her screams, Kass was glad that the rooms held up to their standards of sound proofing, she heard no one wake up or walk down this way… so she had the next hour unbothered to have her fun before she had to go.

-

Kassandra sighed deeply, lounging comfortable as she watched Cortez wheeze for breath beside her, the woman’s face half-swollen, bruised up to hell and handprints much more visible to her eyes against her skin. Limbs and body swelling in response to her breaks and… boy… it was a beautiful sight.

Broken.

Justly deserved.

A part of her wanted to sink her claws into her flesh and tear but… she didn’t want to waste any more of her blood. Enough had already seeped from Cortez’s lips as something internal popped, the scent puffing into the air from her wheezing. A slight hiss seemed to indicate she had a punctured lung. There was so much she could do… but Kass wasn’t feeling overly creative any more. She had her fun, now her throat was burning for her blood.

Kass chuckled, the sound making Cortez flinch and long dragged out whimper as the movement aggravated her broken body. Kassandra rolled closer, tugging away her hair bonnet and let her dark curls lay across her blood and sweat stained pillow before she reached and felt along the back of her neck with sharp precision.

Cortez whimpered again, tears still streaking down her face.

“Above C5 compromises your breathing…” Kass murmured out loud, mostly just to freak her out. Psychological was fun. She could smell the return of Cortez’s fear and how her heart picking up in pace despite the physical exhaustion of this torture. Cortez couldn’t move or even swat a fly. She tightened her grip at the base of her skull, digging her nails in, getting another flinch and pittyful whine. “You’re too easy.” Kass purred, her fangs elongated again as she examined Cortez’s throat, watching how the blood pumped under her bruised skin… and how she shallowly swallowed air to breath.

Kassandra moved her hand from her neck, her hand grasping her jaw and tilted her head, wasting no time in sinking her teeth straight into the warmth of her throat, blood seeping straight into her mouth… and she felt her mind go simpler as the red substance lit a raging fire in her belly. A rush of euphoric pleasure washed through her veins at each mouth full. She adjusted her grip, her hand loosening on the woman’s face, not paying attention nor did she notice as Cortez made a feeble attempt to bite with what little strength she had left.

A part of Kass did registered the sting as she felt the skin puncture, enough to pull her hand away, not realising the blue blood seeped enough into the human’s mouth.

She groaned in relief, drinking down each mouth full, not caring as the woman beneath her fell still, eyes rolling back…

“Kassandra,” the voice echoed in the distance. Far in the airfield that she almost missed it through the sound proofing… but it was enough to reluctantly pull back, taking a long second the swallow her mouthful and groan.

What did he want?

She huffed, taking a second to gather her bearings, blinking at the sight of her broken human, her heart sluggishly beating still but she couldn’t imagine she’s survive much longer. Kassandra licked her lips clean, using the back of her hand to wipe her lips and licked that clean too as she flittered to the door and fogged out.

Kassandra tracked the sound, but she reformed easily in the shadows before walking towards the Samson; the engines were going but… she was surprised to smell Diego there. Why was the Samson going?

“Ah, good you’re here.” Diego called, sticking his masked face out of the cockpit. “I know you’re planning on leaving so… I’m coming with you.”

“Why?”

“Well, for starters. That’s my baby too.” He pointed down to her belly. “I don’t care either that you’re not human.”

Kassandra’s eyes widened. “You know?”

“If course I fucking know. I’ve been fucking you for months, you’re not exactly warm and we spent three years in training. I saw you get so fucking hot the next day after you arrived. Sure, took a little time but I figured it out last month. Plus you’re covered in blood.” He gestured down to her attire. “Messy feed?”

“Just had some fun with someone who’s complicit in genocide.”

Diego stared, his tanned skin paling a fraction before he made a anxious but dismissive hum. “So, deserved?”

“She thought she could get away with it. She had no plans to come clean. An entire Na’vi clan was wiped out.” Kass said. “You’ll also get the heat on your ass if you leave with me. I knew I’d take the blame for her death when I made the choice but… you don’t have to.”

“I know, but I want to be there for you and our baby.” Diego sighed, his mask hissing loudly in the gesture. “I grabbed your bags and some supplies for me. Now, there’s this are that I think will be perfect for us. There’s a massive stretch of boreal forests north of the Omatikaya territory, about three hundred miles away. Plenty of animals you can feed from and there’s an area that out of clan territory.” He said, nodding her in. “I’ve disabled the cameras, taken out the trackers and removed the black box so, we’re good to go without follow ups. We’ll fly towards the factory to avoid any curious Omatikaya.”

Kassandra nodded, following after him as headed into the cockpit, shutting it after herself and activated the air exchange, filling the air with safe, human air.

“Let’s go.”

-

Unknowns to Kassandra, Alma’s heart continued to beat. The drops of Vampiric blood spreading down from her lips and into her gut… spreading further