Fourth World

Disclaimer: All characters appearing in this work are fictitious. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead is purely coincidental. This story is an original work by the author known as littleolmee. The plot and characters in this story are the property of said author. Anyone wishing to use parts of this story must get permission from author before doing so, thank you.

Story warnings: This story contains slash, anal, detailed and non-detailed lemons and lime situations between M/M, hand job, fingering, oral, rim, solo-m, exhibitionist, voy, non consensual (more dub con than non con; nothing violent) unresolved sexual tension, M/F relationships touched on no actual sex, bi-sexual, alternate reality, adult situations, foul language, detailed character deaths, angst, detailed violence, romance, and humor. Any unusual terms or names used will be defined at the end of the chapter. If you are not of age to be reading such things or anything listed above is offensive to you then please push the back button now. Reviews and comments are encouraged and appreciated as long as they are not flames.

A/N: This is my first original story, any kind suggestions on how to improve would be appreciated. I want to send a big thank you out to brilliantbean and ibibi for standing by me. Thanks ibibi for all your kind reviews and to brilliantbean for all your helpful words and review; I really appreciate your suggestions. I hope you find some entertainment from this and will consider leaving a review.

My deepest thanks to Jaded Lady for her work as beta on this story. I appreciate all your hard work and help. This story wouldn't be possible without your support.

'thinking'
"talking"

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Prologue

The tale of creation is well known, but among the Elders of the Native People another tale is also whispered. It tells of another world created in Earth's image for a special breed of humans. Most humans on Earth have but one spirit that corresponds with their gender, these humans were different for they housed the spirit of a man and a woman within their bodies. Because they had both gender spirits they often had the characteristics of both of the sexes and so were called the Third Gender People. They had great spiritual powers that manifested between puberty and adulthood, these powers allowed them a much longer lifespan and the ability to take on the form of the sacred animal that most represented their soul.
The sacred animal forms were the horse, bison, deer, boar, cougar, wolf, bear, and aves. Easy going types that held up under the strain of difficult circumstances, and held a heart of gold received the form of the horse. Those who were gentle, sensitive, and extremely intuitive; what some would call having extra-sensory-perception were deer spirits. Rude, confrontational, and assertive people were boars. Goal oriented people took the form of the cougar. Courageous daydreamers became bears. Hard-headed people who were brave and strong took the appearance of the bison. Those individualists who sought knowledge and intelligence took shape as aves. And the born leaders and communicators were given the spirit of the wolf.

Often mistreated by normal humans the Great Spirit created another world just for their people along with a trail to connect the two worlds. After the last of their kind crossed he hid the trail so those on Earth who would abuse them couldn't follow. As time went on the Great Spirit noticed that two spirit people were still being born on Earth. To allow those that deserved passage access to the other world the Creator made identical valleys on each planet to act as gateways between the worlds, protecting it with tall rocky hills. The valley perimeter was lined with fruit bearing trees and vines of berries, wildflowers and other edibles, medicinal plants, and sweet grass covering the ground towards the center. There in the middle beside a natural spring grew a willow tree, and within that tree the opening to the path between worlds was placed.

To provide a guide for those traveling between the worlds the Creator took hold of the young willow, making it into a sentient being. He named her Wakanda and gave her the tasks of maintaining the valleys, protecting the gateway, and guiding those from Earth to the other world. To provide her with the power to perform her duties he made the Bocina Stone, a stone that was formed around a ball of his power, and drove it partially into the ground beside Wakanda so the young willow could feed from it.

The Great Spirit found much to his dismay that those on Earth no longer worked in harmony with one another or nature. Many of the old ways had been forgotten, even the two spirit people born on Earth had lost their spiritual powers and longevity. To make sure only those worthy of passage were allowed to pass the Great Spirit chiseled off several keys from the greenish blue stone covering of the Bocina and fastened them to a strap of leather to make a necklace. Blessing the keys and the valley so only a person containing two spirits would be able to find both, he stood upon the tallest mountain on Earth and tossed the keys to the four winds, scattering them across the land. Instructing Wakanda to only allow those with a key that entered the valley to the other world.

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As time went on Wakanda granted passage to a young woman named Aislinn Kearney. She by chance met and fell in love with a man named Amitola; who was Chief of the Sanuye Tribe. Because the people of his world viewed relationships between men and women for reproduction only Amitola was faced with the choice of either leaving his tribe or the woman he loved. Knowing the difficult choice her lover was facing Aislinn decided to join the Sanuye tribe instead of making him choose. But this proved to be problematic for them, Amitola found he could no longer follow his people's way of life when it came to Aislinn. He refused to part from her and used his position as Chief to be able to live with her in the way men and women lived together on Earth. Amitola's actions brought much agitation, not just within his own tribe but throughout the land. It seemed several younger people in the tribes disagreed with the lifestyle they adhered to, these disgruntled people wished to be free to choose who they wanted to be with and not be forced to go to others if they didn't want to. This brought all the tribes into disagreement, each blaming the others for the conflicts.

It was during this time that a man with no tribe affiliation named Chunta appeared from the wilderness and traveled to each of the great tribes sharing his ideas on how to stop the arguments that were plaguing them. It was his ambition to bring all the tribes under his control. Playing upon the swirling emotions of the people Chunta was able to convince many to follow him. When the number of followers grew Chunta persuaded them that the only way to preserve their world was to take up arms against those that opposed them.

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"Form your groups’ men." Chunta called out taking up one of the weapons. Testing the blade the young white-haired man turned to face Bidziil; his first follower. Grabbing a hold of the thick mane of Bidziil's bison form Chunta swung himself onto his back. "Those chosen to fight with weapons take up one, then match up with one in animal form." He called out taking up the reins from the bridle he had placed on Bidziil.

Snorting, Bidziil pawed the ground with his large hoof giving his great head a shake causing the strange leather head piece he was wearing to move slightly. He was coming to hate Chunta's ability to persuade others into doing things they normally wouldn't do. He'd tried to assure the short white-haired young man that such a thing wasn't necessary, hell it wasn't like he couldn't follow directions. But in the end Chunta swayed him to put the horrible thing on, suggesting that in the heat of battle their communication could be off. He was still wondering how someone like Chunta, who barely reached his chest, could convince him to do something their people considered so sacrilegious; putting a headpiece on like some common beast of burden was regarded as profane since they viewed themselves as quintessence of their animal brothers. He was sure if anyone in his family saw him it would only add to their list of reasons why he'd never be welcomed back. It was a little too late to worry about such silly things, but until now he hadn't realized how far he had fallen from his family. Taking a deep breath Bidziil attempted to rid himself of thoughts of them. He had made his decision and he would follow Chunta to where it led.

Watching the two groups of their camp match up, Bidziil searched the others looking for any signs that they were having any misgivings over what they were about to do. 'They all seem steadfast in their beliefs as well.' He thought, gazing across the plateau to his opposing brothers; all in animal form, ready to fight.

'Why did it have to come to this?' He questioned, wishing this war had not been the solution to their problems. When Chunta first appeared spouting off his strange notions Bidziil had been the first to line up, leaving his family and tribe to follow the stranger to the other great tribes, supporting his views as if they were his own. He never dreamed he would face off against his own people. But here he was allowing Chunta to ride on his back while he and others raised their weapons against their tribe brothers, friends, and once allies.

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On a small hill near the opposite side of the plateau Amitola stood in his spirit form watching their enemies gather. 'It's hard to believe soon I'll be facing some of my own people in this battle. Not long ago I sat with many of them laughing and joking.' He thought, feeling remorse for how his decision had led some of his people to follow Chunta. 'My own choices are partially to blame for this after all.'

Turning at the sound of another coming to his perch Amitola sighed. Aislinn, his chosen, galloped up the hillside towards him. 'The form of a sorrel mare suits her well; her coat in spirit form is the same red as her hair.' He thought, admiring the young woman's spirit form, her strange necklace was tight against her throat. It still amazed him that he had fallen in love with this woman. Before meeting her he'd never been able to perform with a woman, when his time to reproduce came around he'd always failed. Catahecassa, his old lover and friend, had loved teasing him every time he'd return from trying. With mirth dancing in his dark brown eyes his black-haired friend would insist on instructing him on where he'd gone wrong with the females by showing him 'how it was done' in his words, not that Amitola ever learned what it was he was doing wrong. Keeping any straight thoughts with Catahecassa filling him so fully was beyond his ability. But his past failures with women weren't an issue with Aislinn. 'But like Aislinn said it isn't a person's outer appearance that binds souls together, it's the soul inside that makes two people fall in love.' Amitola reminded himself. Aislinn was nothing like anyone he'd ever met before and that fact is what drew him to her in the first place. 'I pray the spirits can forgive me, even if my choice to be with her did add fuel to this conflict, I can't say that I'm sorry I chose to be with her.'

Stopping beside her lover Aislinn laid her head on his wide strong back. "Takoda is hiding behind the lines waiting for our return." She said to the young man currently in the form of a spirit horse; his own multi-colored hair reflected in the black, brown, grey, and white of the horse's coat. Laying his head against her body Amitola nuzzled her. "I still don't like you two being here." Huffing she pulled away from him, moving to take a place in the line of braves who had come to fight. "This place is now my home isn't it? I'll not let the likes of Chunta take it away. As far as our son, even though we're fighting to protect the tribe you know as well as I do that he's probably just as safe here as he'd be left to the mercy of those in the village." Hanging his head in shame of his people Amitola nodded, agreeing with her.

He prayed for his son's safety. 'It's sad that I can't trust my own people not to use him to retaliate against Aislinn.' Many in the tribe blamed her for Amitola turning from the old ways. It was a fine way to repay him for not leaving the village when he still had the choice. He sometimes found himself wondering why he still protected people who hated him, but it was in his blood to do so. He had even persuaded others that didn't want to stay with their tribes to stay at least until they could stop Chunta. Above all the tribes needed to be free of his threat if anyone interested in living on their own could ever hope for some freedom as well.

Looking down the line of warriors every sacred animal and every tribe was represented, Amitola knew he'd probably never live to see something like this again especially since most of the time when the tribes gathered it led to arguments. It was a sight to see, members of every tribe had come together, all supporting one another and for once which tribe they came from didn't matter. Sanuye, Ooljee, Kiche, Fochik, and Turey tribe members stood side by side determined to protect their rights and loved ones from Chunta and his followers, all in spirit form. Having everyone in spirit form should have made the gathering a highly pious act, not a precursor to a deadly battle. 'It's sad that it takes something like this to bring us all together.' Still to fight a battle protecting loved ones while in spirit form will still help us follow the Great Spirit's will.' Looking back at their enemies the young Chief felt his breath catch as their line surged forward pushing over the side of the plateau. Rearing up he called out to his allies. "Do not go quietly my friends. This is not only for our right to live how we see fit but for the very right to live." Leaping out onto the plateau Amitola could feel the ground rumble as they ran towards their enemies.

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Blood pooled around the battlefield from the dead and dieing. The coppery scent filled the air so thick you could taste it on your tongue. Flies and other insects had begun to gather, attracted by the blood and bodies that lined the area. Panting, Amitola looked for his beloved, catching sight of her red coat he raced towards her. This battle was a loss but retreat wasn't an option for either side. Shoving an injured enemy out of the way he called out to his lover. "Aislinn take our son and flee."

Rearing up Aislinn brought her front hooves down hard upon the head of an enemy in front of her, cracking open the man's skull and breaking his neck. Standing above the lifeless body of her victim her hooves now dyed from their blood along with her red body made her look like the embodiment of death. Shaking her head she replied. "No I'll not leave you." Pushing his mate away from the fighting, Amitola grabbed onto her neck with his teeth, shaking her till she cried out. Hearing her submission he released her, moving back so he could butt his face against hers. "Remember you are my beloved. I'll not let you and our son die here today." Rubbing against his face, tears trailed from her eyes. "I promise, your son will live."

Turning she ran through the battle, several of their enemies attempted to stop her but they failed thanks to her lover. Breaking from the lines she found her young son asleep, curled up behind the rocky outcrop where she had left him. Transforming from her spirit form she reached for him, running her fingers through his silky sable colored hair Aislinn leaned down to kiss the boy's forehead. He was so much his father's son, from his actions to his looks Takoda was like a miniature of Amitola. The only difference was instead of his father's motley colored hair her son's was a solid brown. She already knew he'd grow up to be incredibly handsome like his father, Takoda had his strong bone structure already. 'Why is it boy's always end up being natural beauties?' In the end it seemed the only thing he would get from her was a little of her Irish temper.

Looking back in the direction of the battle she knew the boy would never be safe if Chunta wasn't stopped. Touching her medallion a half forgotten memory of Wakanda explaining how her spirit was tied to the Bocina Stone through her necklace came to her. The old tree spirit's warning that acts of violence using the stone's power came at a heavy cost filtered in but she shook it away. Squeezing the stone charm praying her lover could hold out till she returned; Amitola was not going to be happy but once Takoda was safe she would return and help put an end to this. Reaching for her son she gave him a shake to wake him and motioned for him to keep quiet, picking him up she headed away from the battle.

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Struggling in his dark-haired enemy's grasp the young brave; fighting in the spirit form of a wolf twisted, snapping his jaws in hopes of latching onto the man. A long blade, already slick with the blood of others pressed against his throat.

Before his opponent could transform from his animal form Catahecassa pulled the knife across the youth's neck slitting his throat, blood poured from the boy's neck gurgling the young male's breathing. Jerking his enemy's head Catahecassa ended his life.

Pushing the carcass away Catahecassa slowly got up, surveying the dead littered around him. Catching a flash of red out of the corner of his eye he turned to get a better look at what he had spied. The black-haired man watched as a sorrel horse fled away from the battle towards a rocky outcrop nearby. He knew that spirit form from his old tribe, he would recognize her anywhere, it was Aislinn.

Thinking about her made Catahecassa hiss in anger. 'That she-devil poisoned him against his own people and our ways, against me.' Everything changed because of her, he now stood against Amitola instead of at his side because of her.

Before Aislinn came the members of the Sanuye Tribe, their tribe like all the others, worked to ensure all their people were well taken care of and thrived. Since the beginning of their oral history the men and women had worked together for the prosperity of the tribe while remaining separate in their private lives, as was traditional for their people.

That all changed when Aislinn came though, unlike their people Aislinn didn't seem to be attracted to her own gender and refused any relationship beyond friendship with the other females. That in itself was odd, a person with two spirits to not be attracted to their own physically gender was unheard of.

Coming out of his memories Catahecassa huffed. 'Hell that was why the Elders had to create a set time for procreation. If we weren't required to make children we would never do so otherwise.' The events that happened after her arrival is what marked the beginning of the end for him.

When it came time for the men that were selected to pick from the women and mate Aislinn refused. Amitola fought with the Elders, arguing that since she was born on Earth and not use to their ways nothing should be forced on her. It was decided that forcing her or tossing her from the tribe would be insulting to the Great Spirit who had saved them by creating their world, so she was allowed to refuse. When several of the men and women disagreed with the decision and still attempted to push the issue to wear her down Amitola built the woman her own hut in the village.

It was strange to see someone with their own sleeping hut since all the tribes used lodges; even for the purpose of reproduction a lodge was used by all the couples at once. Amitola allowing her such leeway was one thing; everyone knew she hadn't been born on their world but when he turned his back on their ways to live with the red-haired, green-eyed devil that was another thing all together.

When some of the people still harassed her Amitola moved from the men's lodge to live with the woman. Many were upset by Amitola's choices, no one had ever questioned their young Chief's actions before; he had always done what was best for the people. Because of his good standing with the Elders and the fact Aislinn was a traveler a blind eye was turned to what he was doing, especially since it was well known that their Chief had never been able to perform with women in the past, he quickly proved that wasn't the case with her though, before he left the tribe it had been obvious she was expecting.

Clenching his hand over his chest Catahecassa still felt the sting from when Amitola told him he'd fallen in love with Aislinn and would only be lying with her from then on, Amitola saying he never meant to hurt him did little to close the gaping wound he'd left in his heart.

To him Amitola would always be the most beautiful being he had ever seen. Standing about a hands length shorter than him, he had the most unique hair; his soft waist length locks were a mix of black, brown, grey, and white. He was well built with dark-tanned smooth skin and a handsome youthful appearance. Catahecassa fell in love with him almost at first sight and when he found out they shared the same spiritual animal form at Amitola's Age of Change Ritual it solidified his need to be with him. He quickly worked up the courage to approach him soon after he was welcomed into the men's lodge. Working and playing together they created a strong bond and soon spent most of their time together. It wasn't long before they began helping each other find release.

The memory of their first time together was etched into his soul forever. Amitola had looked so beautiful laying under him with his hair fanned out around his head, the way he had bit his lip when he began sucking his rapidly hardening nipples, and how his warm honey colored eyes had darken in response when he took the tip of his stiff member into his mouth to provide a distraction to the oiled fingers he was slowly working into his virginal opening. He could still remember the sensations from when he'd pressed himself inside Amitola and how lovingly he'd held onto him while Catahecassa rocked their bodies together. His love for his calico boy was solidified that night when Amitola cried out in shock and pleasure at his sudden release, his newly opened body tightly milking his own seed from him. That had merely been the first of countless nights they spent with their bodies intertwined. Never in his wildest dreams did he think he would lose Amitola but not long after the young man rose through their ranks to become Chief; the youngest to ever serve the tribe, everything began to change.

Amitola began leaving the tribe; no one knew where to. Less and less was he interested in coupling with him until one day he returned from his daily outings with Aislinn. It was then he found his whole life ruined. Before he knew what was happening Amitola moved from the men's lodge into a hut with her. Many nights Catahecassa spent hiding in the shadows outside of their hut listening to the sounds of them being intimate, and quickly drove himself mad with jealousy. When Chunta showed up promising to set things right he hadn't hesitated to follow the man. Standing covered in the blood of those he once called friends and allies he was thankful for being given the opportunity he had prayed for; the chance to rid his world of the one who had bewitched his lover and stole him away.

Jerking around he spied a fellow Chunta follower, whistling to the man he handed off his knife and transformed into a large coal black stallion. Allowing the man to swing onto his back Catahecassa shot off after the woman.

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Holding her son tight, Aislinn hoped to slip away unnoticed. The sound of hooves thundering against the ground warned her she hadn't, looking back she recognized the large black stallion as Catahecassa's other form and on his back another man rode, a long knife held menacingly towards them. "No matter what Takoda don't let go." She ordered quickly shifting the boy to her back. Transforming herself back into a spirit horse, she leapt away extending her legs and neck as far as they would go, racing across the plains.

Watching her speed away Catahecassa snorted. 'As if a female can outrun me.' Determined to watch her blood run he poured all his power into his legs, rapidly making up the difference.

Hearing the men drawing near, Takoda removed his face from his mother's neck to look at them. Closing in Catahecassa could clearly see the small child hanging onto her back. His eyes widened as the small boy turned towards him. There staring back at him was his lover's face and eyes. The only difference was instead of his father's colorful hair the boy's was pure sable brown. Feeling his heart rate pick up the dark man swore. 'I won't let her ruin his son like she did him.' Fate might have taken his lover from him but that didn't mean he was going to let everything of him go, he'd take the child. "Kill the woman but don't harm the boy." The black stallion called out to his rider. The man on his back grunted in reply.

Drawing along side her Catahecassa lunged grabbing her by the neck with his teeth. Forced to stop Aislinn cried out in pain, Catahecassa's blunt teeth dug into her tender neck keeping her from escaping. Attempting to free herself she jerked back, small rivulets of blood trailed down her neck from where the other had held her. Crying out she stumbled back when suddenly the other man appeared beside her driving his knife into her side.

Sliding off the stallion the rider dove at the red female driving his knife into her. From her back Takoda watched in horror as the man stabbed his mother, holding on with all his might he hid his face away. Shaking off her pain she pulled both hind legs up mule kicking the man, caving in his chest.

Transforming Catahecassa reached for the knife sticking out of her side. Before he could touch the weapon Aislinn lashed out with one of her hooves catching the side of his face. Crying out from the force of the impact Catahecassa's hands flew to his face as he landed on the ground. Blood from the wound ran between his fingers, he rolled on the ground screaming in pain from the hit to his eye. Concentrating on her breathing, Aislinn ignored the man and moved her wounded body for her son's sake.

At the edge of the plain she smiled at the sight of a familiar range of rocky hills, finding the old foot holds sealed in her memories she wove up and over the hills till she was overlooking a large glade. Finishing her trek she stopped at the edge of the valley. "Slide off Takoda." Waiting until the boy was on the ground before transforming, pulling the knife from her side

Taking her son's hand she lead him towards the mud hut that had been in the valley from before she arrived on the planet; she had lived here before meeting Amitola, releasing the boy she hobbled onward towards the large willow standing by the stream. "Wakanda. Wakanda, please." Leaning against the tree she waited.

A sudden fog enveloped the area, from the opposite side of the tree an old woman appeared. "What now Aislinn, you are more trouble to me . . . girl, what has happened?" Waving her question off Aislinn motioned for her son. Scrambling to his mother Takoda bit his lip gazing from the old woman to his mother's wound. "Wakanda, this is Takoda; Amitola and my son. Takoda this is Wakanda." Reaching out his hand like his father had taught him to do when greeting he was surprised at the strong grip this willowy figure had on his arm. "I looked after your mother when she first came here, that of course was before she met your father." Wakanda explained, wrapping her hand around his arm in a proper greeting.

Moaning in pain Aislinn drew their attention back to her. "Takoda, in the hut are supplies your father and I brought here not long ago. Bring me some bandages." Nodding the small boy dropped the other woman's arm, rushing towards the hut. "I see both his parents in him." Wakanda commented. Wiping her face when a few tears escaped her eyes Aislinn took a deep breath. "Things are not going well. I'll be leaving him here, please take care of him like you did me."

"Leaving the boy here?" Glancing towards the hut the tree spirit leaned towards Aislinn. "You know very well what my purpose is and raising your child isn't it."

"Wakanda, please there is nowhere else Takoda will be safe."

"And what are you going to do? Give your life protecting a world you never truly accepted?" Wakanda asked crossing her arms over her chest she shook her head, the whole situation made her sick. "I told you both not to include me in this insanity, yet here you are." Frustrated she shook her finger at the younger woman before pointing in the direction Takoda had went. "Your only responsibility is to that boy. How can you abandon him for a tribe you refused to completely give yourself to? " Giving the old woman a sad smile Aislinn shook her head. "Wakanda I thought you knew me better than that, saying such things. I'm not some kind of selfless martyr. I'm only doing this to protect the ones I love."

Taking a look around the glade she had once lived in Aislinn hoped her son would be alright. "I know I've caused a lot of trouble by falling in love with Amitola and wanting the type of life I came from." Huffing the grey-haired woman replied. "I warned you that wasn't the life people led here. You should have listened to me and had the Chief visit you here instead of trying to become part of his tribe. If that man really loved you like he swore he'd have left his tribe to be with you." This was an old fight between them and not one Aislinn was willing to go through again. "You did warn me . . . ." Trailing off Aislinn ignored Wakanda, her thoughts floated back to when she came to this world.

Before coming to this place she had always been a tomboy, more interested in working in the family's orchard than finding a husband like a proper young lady her mother wished her to be. But she had discovered long ago that boys held no interest for her, though the girls in town did mildly arouse her curiosity, much to her parents distress. The day after receiving her deceased grandmother's necklace from Ireland, Aislinn loaded up a pack and went hiking to a valley she had found, she had discovered it while looking for the perfect spot to work on a new grafted variety of apple tree. Nothing strange had ever happened before but that day she was whisked away to another world. At first she had been upset to find out she couldn't return home right away but the longer she spent with Wakanda and the more the old woman told her the better she felt about staying. Finding out that her disinterest in boys was from the orientation of her spirits left her feeling vindicated, she had always believed it was a person's soul not their gender that drew two people together. Meeting Amitola had reinforced that belief. Finding herself for the first time attracted to someone who was male had been so strange. All too soon they were faced with the choice of what to do with their relationship. The people of this world saw relations between men and women for reproduction purposes only, anything else between men and women was frowned upon. Amitola could leave his tribe and stay with her but his position as Chief left him feeling like he was abandoning his people if he did so. In her fear over loosing the first person she'd ever felt anything for Aislinn decided to become a member of his tribe in hopes of remaining together. Looking back it was obvious that their choice had not been the best but there was no way to change it now. 'Should have, could have . . . wishing doesn't change the past or the present.'

Finding her inner strength Aislinn was determined to protect their son. Turning back to Wakands she explained. "If we don't stop Chunta then our son will be left to live at the mercy of the world that man wants to create. If I can make it back to the battle and the spirits have watched over Amitola I believe I know how to stop Chunta."

"At what cost?"

Narrowing her eyes at the other woman Aislinn declared. "I'm doing this for Takoda, the cost doesn't matter, besides we knew we were risking our lives by doing this. I promised him that his son would live and I know he'll be safe here with you."

"Fine then." The grey-haired woman replied. "I've grown sick of arguing with you. Just remember I do this only because he is your son. I suppose part of my responsibility to protect you could extend to your child as well. I'll see that the boy is kept safe till his time comes."

"That's all I'm asking for."

Finding the bandages Takoda ran from the hut only for Wakanda to halt him. "Child, in the hut hanging up is a fresh limb with yellow flowers, bring it along with a grinding bowl, a cup, and pot to me." Narrowing his eyes at the old woman Takoda turned running back in. Shaking her head at the boy Wakanda helped the red head to sit on the ground and made a fire before she also took a seat waiting on the boy's return.

Carrying the requested items out Takoda handed the over. "What are you going to do with that old woman?" Taking a seat between the two women he watched Wakanda grind the plant. "Takoda!" His mother's scolding tone made him hunch over till the old woman's laughter eased the tension.

"Most definitely he has both parents in him. Take that pot and fetch me some water child." She chuckled at the reluctant look the boy gave her "this is witch hazel", she explained holding a section she wasn't grinding up. "This will help stop the blood flow and numb the wound." Returning from the spring Takoda set the pot onto the fire watching Wakanda toss in some of the plant to make a tonic.

Making a motion for Aislinn to raise her shirt she made quick work of applying the poultice she'd made before handing over the tonic. "Best I can do." She announced quickly gathering the items she had used and walked towards the hut, leaving mother and son alone.

Watching Wakanda walk away Aislinn carefully lowered her shirt, the poultice was already working to numb the area thankfully, she found her son's hand suddenly in front of her face taking his offer she allowed him to help pull her up. Keeping hold of his hand she led the boy to the tall upright rock near the willow. "Do you recognize this rock?" She asked fishing out her necklace. She watched her son kneel down and lay his hand on it. "It's the same as you wear."

"Very good. I want you to stay here Takoda. This stone will protect you while your father and I are gone." She explained pressing her stone charm onto the rock.

The thick fog that had been around the tree grew rolling out till it lay around the tall hills at the edge of the valley. "This power is from the Great Spirit who made this world, my necklace is a key I found long ago that brought me from my old home to this place. Wakanda will take care of you until you grow old enough to lead and protect those you love." Letting her hands drop away from the stone Aislinn turned and hugged her son, pulling him to stand. "Your father and I love you. Live well, I hope you can find the same love that brought you into this world." Kissing her son's forehead Aislinn pushed him away.

Stumbling back Takoda ended up in Wakanda's embrace; the woman had snuck back without him realizing it. "Wait mother, take me with you." Watching his mother transform he fought to pull out of the old woman's hold only to find she was much stronger than him. Watching his mother race away he realized he'd been abandoned. "Don't leave me." He whispered, his heart breaking the farther away his mother's form got.

Sensing the change in the boy's mood Wakanda released him. "Come on boy, rest under the willow for awhile." Nodding Takoda allowed himself to be lead then pushed to take a seat so he could lean against the wide tree. Watching the old woman walk around the side of the tree he asked. "Are you deserting me as well old woman?" Wakanda's disembodied voice answered. "Don't worry boy. I'm only resting, I'll need my strength to take care of you from now on. Besides I'm unable to leave this valley and now that your mother has activated the Bocina no one else can enter or leave until it is released by someone with a key." Watching the place in the fog his mother disappeared through silent tears fell from his eyes. He wanted to be strong like his parents so they would be proud of him but knowing he'd never see them again made it hard to care. At Wakanda's renewed suggestion that he rest he found his eyes closing while the willow's fragile limbs brushed against him.

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Galloping across the battlefield Aislinn found her beloved quickly. He was limping and had several wounds but he was alive. 'Thank the spirits.' Stopping short behind him she transformed back into a woman, grabbing his mane she swung herself onto his back pulling at the medallion that had originally brought her to this world. Amitola jerked until he noticed the one on his back had red hair, coming to a stop he allowed the woman to settle onto his back. "Why are you here? I told you . . . ."

"Get me as close to Chunta as you can, I figured out a way to end this. Our son is safe Amitola, let’s finish this so he remains that way." Rearing up Amitola charged heading through the remaining scuffles to the creature who had started this mess. "We make our move now." He called out to those still alive. The braves who had the spirit form of the bison, wolf, cougar, and boar took the front lines taking out as many as they could. Those in the form of a horse or deer cut through making a path, aves spirits swooped in knocking some riders off their mounts.

When the path appeared Amitola raced forward, He could see Chunta sitting upon Bidziil, he snorted at the sight of the animal's head straps on him. 'It's a sad fate for Bidziil to die with that man on his back. To think I once respected him.'

Trying to not think how this act would leave their son alone Amitola concentrated on weaving through their enemies and the comfortable weight of Aislinn on his back, he prayed she would remain by his side in the next life.

Spurring Bidziil towards the couple Chunta spied the woman's medallion, he had heard of the power it had. "Bidziil, I want that stone she has." Confused at the strange order Bidziil asked. "What?"

"She holds one of the Bocina charms, with it's power I can control this world and the realm beyond." Giving Bidziil another kick to make him go faster Chunta only had eyes for the necklace the woman had taken off and was now holding above her head.

Bidziil watched Amitola and the woman race at them, Chunta admitting just how power hungry he was gave him pause. Bracing himself he skidded to a stop and turned away. Grabbing the reins with both hands Chunta pulled trying to bring him to face the fight, the tug of war staled their movements.

Watching the large bison twist and turn Amitola wondered what was going on. 'Has he had a change of heart?' A powerful discharge from the stone charm made his body jerk, he could feel power being pulled from his soul to feed the strike that enveloped Chunta and Bidziil.

Not having the energy to remain in his spirit form any longer Amitola transformed, his legs collapsing under him. Aislinn dropped to the ground beside him. Above them Amitola could see something burning across the sky till it was out of sight. Looking back to the spot Chunta and Bidziil had been all that was left was a scorched spot. Sighing when Aislinn's face appeared over his, he noticed that her hand shook and the palm was burnt when she brushed his hair from his eyes. Reaching up he cupped the back of her head with his hand pulling her down for a kiss.

Lying against her lover's chest Aislinn blinked trying to clear the darkness from the edge of her vision. From her place on his chest she heard him utter. "I'll look for you on the other side." Faintly smiling she swallowed the lump that had formed in her throat. "Don't worry, I'm not that easy to get rid of I'll be there." He attempted to snort at her joke but it came out more of a cough as blackness enveloped them.

With Chunta gone his followers fled leaving the victors to take in the cost of the battle in the number of lives that fell that day. On Earth the necklace streaked across the sky landing in a wooded area waiting for the next deserving soul to find it.

And from here the real tale begins . . . .

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Information:

Fourth World: refers to a "lost" world or sub-population subjected to social exclusion in global society. Sociologist Manuel Castells originally coined the term. Examples include the Roma in Europe, pre-WWI Ashkenazi in the region of the Pale of Settlement, Kurds and Palestinians in the Middle East, and many Native American/First Nations groups throughout the Americas. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fourth_World. The Navajo and Iroquois both have tales about there being one than four worlds created in the beginning.

First People: term used by Native Americans to refer to themselves.

Information on the term two spirits: term used by Native Americans for those they considered the third gender people (homosexuals). It was meant to imply a masculine spirit and a feminine spirit living in the same body. These people were believed to have strong mystical powers.
Website used for information and inspiration on term two-spirits:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Two-Spirit
http://ne2ss.typepad.com/northeast_twospirit_socie/2006/08/homosexuality_a.html

Information on animal spirits: http://www.powersource.com/gallery/objects/default.html

sorrel: refers to a horse that is light golden-red or copper red, mane and tail are light colored.

MEANINGS BEHIND THE NAMES:

Bocina: great stone (Taino)

Ooljee: moon (Navajo)

Sanuye: red cloud at sundown (Miwok)

Kiche: sky spirit (Cree)

Fochik: celestial stars (Chickasaw)

Turey: sky (Taino)

Aislinn: dream, vision, daydream.(Irish)

Wakanda: possesses magical power. (Sioux)

Amitola: rainbow. This name comes from a legend that says that the first colorful picture was painted on the clouds by a young Indian chief named Amitola. (Sioux)

Chunta: cheating.(Hopi)

Bidziil: he is strong.(Navajo)

Catahecassa: black hoof. (Shawnee)

Takoda: friend to everyone.(Sioux)

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tbc . . . .