Chapter Eight: Awkward Love

“Please, leave my son alone, take me instead.” A middle-aged man was on the floor looking at a giant figure holding his child.

“I’ve always heard that it’s really nice to have offspring,” said the beast, “but honestly, I wouldn’t really know, not ever having one of my own. And I don’t think it would be fair to leave your little whelp without a father.” The child was being crushed to death by huge hands covered in dark brown fur.

“No, don’t, I’ll do anything,” pleaded the old man, “just tell me what you want me to do and I’ll do it.”

“Hmm,” said the monster, “alright, if you want your son to live then you will come with us.” Two others grabbed the man and carried him outside. As they were walking out, a cry of pain could be heard from inside that was suddenly cut off.

“SON!” cried the man.

“Oops,” said the murderous beast, as he dropped the mangled body, “I just don’t know my own strength. I was only trying to give him a good bye hug.”

“You lying bastard,” said the boy’s father, “you said you’d let him live if I did as you asked.”

“Really,” the furry giant was showing a look of confusion on his face, “I’m sorry to say I don’t recall saying such a thing.” He then looked to his minions and motioned for them to take their captive away, but not before sinking his teeth deep into his prisoner.

“NOOOOOOO!!!” David screamed as he did he could see the monster turn around looking right at him, and lunged for kill.

Suddenly, David woke up back inside the teepee. He was covered in cold sweat and breathing heavily. It was one of those nightmares again, but this one felt so real. How could it possibly have been a dream? A dream could never be that vivid, right?

‘Not again,’ thought David, ‘not again.’ These reoccurring dreams had started to haunt David once again. Only this time, he could remember them, down to every last detail.

As usual, David went outside into the cool night while everyone was asleep, even Wyanet whose teepee was right next to his. David looked to the moon, which never failed to calm him down. But sometimes, his thoughts would turn to his friend back at the orphanage, the one who had given her life to save his. This feeling he had that he would loose Wyanet too was always on his mind, but just like all good things that have crossed his path, he decided to ignore such feelings and enjoy the moments as long as possible. So far he had fully known Wyanet a few days before he came to his questionable home, and it has been about a week since then. Fortunately he was making a little progress with some of the tribe. And to make things even better, his ribs had fully healed by now.

Completely content, David headed back to bed.

“Dawvid?” David turned around and saw a young Tokala, he looked as if he was no older than eight years old, and yet he was only a foot shorter than David. “Oh, hey there,” he replied, “and who might you be?” David bent down to the level of the little guy.

“Takoda. My father has told me so much about you.”

“Is that so? And who might your father be?”

“My father lives with me over there.” Takoda pointed at Wematin’s teepee.

“So, your Wematin’s little cub huh,” David gave a friendly smile, “and what has he told you about me.”

“That your food is the best he’s had in years, that you saved Wyanet’s life, and he told me about this.” Takoda put up his palm. David was beginning to regret ever showing Wyanet how to high five. If they didn’t learn how to be a little more gentle, then they would eventually break his hand. But there was no way that David was going to deny the little one a friendly gesture like Gahege did a week ago. Expecting another throbbing slap on his palm, David braced himself. Instead, Takoda turned out to hit him not too hard. However, his palm still grew a little red. ‘Just how strong are these guys?’ thought David.

“That was fun,” laughed Takoda. David gave a good chuckle in agreement. This was one sweet little cub, and he gave David a little hope that he would truly fit in here one day.

“Well, Takoda, it’s been nice talking to you, but I’m really tired.”

“Dawvid?”

“Yes. What is it?”

Takoda walked up to David with something in his hand, holding it out for him to take. “What is it?” David was looking at it the same way that Wyanet had when he gave her the binoculars, which reminded David that he hadn’t seen them since.

“It’s a dreamcatcher,” he said, “I was told that you were having bad dreams. Is that why you’re out here?”

“Yes actually, and they’ve been getting worse.” David and Wyanet have tried just about everything they can think of: making him go to bed really tired, meditation, massages both while he was awake and as he fell asleep, even the peace pipe didn’t work. “You know what, Takoda,” said David, “this is the first gift anyone other than Wyanet has given me. Thank you very much. I’m sure it will be a big help.”

“Your welcome.” Takoda ran up to David giving him a strong hug around the bottom his rib cage, and lifted him up off the ground.

“Wow ho ho,” grunted David, “aren’t you really strong.”

“Come on Takoda,” Wematin had walked up behind his son, “go inside and get back to bed. You can play with David tomorrow.”

“Awww,” Takoda whined, “do I have to?”

“Yeah,” said David in a teasing tone, “does he have to?”

“Yes he does,” Wematin said, then he turned to Takoda, “now hurry up little man, you’ll need all the energy you can get to keep up with David.” Takoda put David back down.

“See you later, Dawvid.” David waved back at him as he went back inside. David turned to Wematin, “You’ve got a sweet boy, dude.”

“Yeah,” Wematin chuckled, “he reminds me so much of his mother.”

“Huh, where is she? I don’t think I’ve seen her yet.”

“She died when he was really young. I think he barely remembers the year she got really sick.”

“I’m sorry to hear that, it must’ve been hard on you two. Especially for him.”

“It was,” Wematin nodded his head and gave out a long sigh, “but he’s managed to accept loosing his mother. He has a very strong spirit.”

“I can tell.” David began to walk back to his teepee again.

“David, what exactly does ‘dude’ mean?’

“Oh,” David didn’t realize that he hadn’t explained it to him already, “it’s a term of endearment between guys like us.”

“Hmm,” Wematin thought about it for, “just be sure you don’t call the chief that.” David and Wematin had a good laugh about that.

“Sure thing, dude.”

“Good night, dude.” Wematin was obviously enjoying using that word.

“Dude.”

“Yes, dude?”

“I forgot to tell you that ‘dude’ has another meaning: that you’re getting on my nerves.”

“Oh, sorry about that… dude.” Wematin gave out a loud laugh. David just rolled his eyes, ignored the ‘dude’ and walked back inside. He would have to think of a way to get on Wematin’s nerves as well.

The next morning was amazingly fun; Takoda was always laughing. David had no idea that he was so agile. They both did so much together: David would give him a ride on his shoulders, hide and seek which was completely unfair for David, wrestling with Tokoda who was always winning despite being smaller than David, tickling (both of them were very ticklish), and much more.

During David’s little play date with Takoda, Wyanet and Wematin were watching the two of them having a blast.

“I’m glad to see Takoda having a good time,” said Wyanet, “he hasn’t really had a friend to look up to since Anpaytoo passed away.”

“Yeah,” Wematin had a big smile as he watched his son play with his new friend, “and I think that David perfectly fits that description,” he turned to face Wyanet, “Do you think that Gahege will ever fully accept him as one of our own?”

“I don’t know,” the subject seemed to depress her, “but I am sure that everyone else will. He’s actually beginning to become popular with some of the Tokala, both him and the customs he has shared with us.”

“But that’s what worries me. Gahege is afraid that our tribe will become too similar to humans.”

“I don’t think that’s the only thing that he is worrying about.”

“What do you mean?”

“I don’t have to tell you that David is unlike any other human, but more like the rest of us. He’s brought out the best in all Tokala who are willing to open up their minds, which is something that our chief has failed to do. He feels threatened by David, and with Gahege, feeling in such a way usually results in extreme measures, violence being no exception.”

“Do you really think he’d go so far as to kill David? That seems to be too extreme even for him.”

“I’m not sure, but I am sure that if he did, then he would have only a hand full of Tokala to back him up. That gives us even more reason to make sure that David doesn’t die at the hands of our leader; the last thing we need is a rebellion between David and Gahege.” After the two of them decided to leave their conversation at that, they turn their attention to David and Takoda. However, when Wyanet gave out a long sigh Wematin looked at her. He saw the smile on her face.

“I assumed as much,” Wematin sounded very surprised.

“What?” Wyanet had an idea of what he was referring to.

“You love him, don’t you?” BINGO!

“Oh, come on, I do not.” Wematin gave her a look that said, “You’re not fooling anybody.”

“Okay, I love him, but only as a friend.”

“I bet you’ve fallen in love with him too.” Wematin was enjoying teasing her.

“How could I, I’ve known him for only a few weeks.” Wyanet crossed her arms.

Wematin opened his mouth but before he could say anything, David ran up to them dragging Takoda who had his arms around one of David’s legs. He was out of breath and, by the looks of it, completely worn out from playing with the little guy.

“You should have told me that he was so energetic,” said David, “I don’t think I can take much more of this. Do you think one of you could take him off my hands for a while?”

“But Dawvid,” said Takoda, “I want to play with you.”

“Come on Takoda,” said Wematin, “David needs to rest for a while if you want to play with him later. I’ll play with you for now, okay?”

“Okay.”

“Don’t worry Takoda. If you go play with your dad, then I’ll cook something just for you later.”

“Oh, boy,” Takoda ran to his dad and pulled him away. David groaned as he lied down next to Wyanet. “If all young Tokala are like Takoda, then I have no idea how you guys can keep up with your cubs. I swear that he is on a constant sugar rush.”

“Pretty much,” said Wyanet, “even Gahege was once like that.”

“You’ve gotta be shitting me, there’s no way that that thick headed tight ass could have ever be anything like Takoda.” Someone behind David cleared his throat after the words had left his mouth. When he looked over his shoulder he saw Gahege and his wife, Maiara who had a white coat like Wyanet. He had his arms crossed with an unfriendly look on his face.

“And just who are you talking about.” he growled. David’s mouth went completely dry and the thought of exile kept repeating inside his head. He had absolutely no idea how to get out of this one.

“We’re talking about Ms. Proulx,” said Wyanet, “she was the bitch who ran the orphanage that David lived at for sixteen years.”

“That’s good to hear,” said Gahege, “I would hate to send you away after you’ve become so popular here.” He tussled David’s hair, and then left. David and Wyanet were completely confused and surprised.

“What the hell was that all about? Did he fall on his head or something?” David’s voice cracked under the shock, causing him to cover his mouth and turn bright red. Wyanet tried to hold it in, but she ended up laughing so hard that she rolled on the ground clutching her sides. David, on the other hand, was too embarrassed and humiliated to laugh along.

“Hahaha, very funny, Wyanet,” said David, “well, you can just forget about having a nice cooked meal tonight.” Wyanet stopped laughing and crawled over to David with a devious and hostile look on her face.

“Oh, is that so?”

“What are you doing?” David had a nervous look on his face.

“TICKLE FIGHT!” Wyanet jumped at David and started scratching his sides. Unable to take it David began to laugh even more hysterically than Wyanet was earlier.

“Dear God, stop it,” David pleaded, “I can’t take it.”

“I will once you say that you’ll cook for me.”

“Not on your life!” Wyanet just grabbed David’s feet and began to gently rub her claws against his soles.

“I’ll never give in, never.”

As Wyanet was having her fun, Takoda and Wematin joined in and helped her out. David could barely breath.

“No fair,” David yelled, “this is torture. For the love of God, I’m gonna friggin’ piss myself.”

“Just say it David, and this will end.”

“Okay, okay, you win, I’ll make all you guys the best damn meal you ever had.” Finally the three of them stopped tickling him. David began to get back up, but before he could Wematin took hold of his arms and dragged him to the hut in the center of camp.

“Hey everyone,” announced Wematin, “David’s going to prepare a banquet for all of us tonight.” Everyone gave out a holler of joy.

“What the hell, dude? That wasn’t the damn deal.”

“You said that you’d make ‘all you guys the best damn meal you ever had’, which includes everyone else, dude. Oh, and I mean that term both ways.”

“Fine, you’ve got me,” said David as he started to get up, “I guess I have no choice after you made that BS announcement.”

“What does that mean?” asked Wyanet.

“That, I won’t tell you.” David pointed at Wyanet and gave her the evil eye.

David then went to the fire in the middle of the hut, where everyone made a line holding a bowl with large peaces of meat and fish. When all had been served, David stood up on a table and asked for everybody's attention so he could make his own announcement.

“Excuse me,” all of the Tokala turned their attention to him, “I’d would just like to inform all of you… that today is my seventeenth birthday."

Immediately a celebration began to break out. Drums were pounding, Tokala were dancing to the beat around the fire along with David, who was holding hands with Wyanet. As usual, he was having a hard time keeping up with her.

When he had grown tired he sat down where a bunch of individuals gathered around him, asking questions: how did you kill a werewolf, where did you live before you came here, how did you get here, and so on and so. But David was happy to answer every single one.

However, after he had told the story about how when he had first met Wyanet, a very tall and beautiful female walked up behind him.

“I never thought that you were so shy,” she said.

“Well, I’d say that I rather panicked more than expressed my shy side,” explained David standing up to face her, “I don’t’ think that we’ve been introduced, what is your name.”

“Why, I’m Ominotago,” her voice was so intoxicating. She put up her hand up for a high five. ‘Damn it,’ David though, ‘I would give my right eye to take back showing that to Wyanet.’ But again, he still held up his hand, experienced the strength of Ominotago and groaned.

"Oh, I'm sorry," she said with a look of concern on her face, "did that hurt?"

"That's okay. I'm actually starting to get used to it. You're not the first Tokala to prove that their strength exceeds mine. Though I will admit, I'm beginning to regret teaching it in the first place."

"Let me take a look," Ominotago took his hand and began to massage it to dull the pain. David realized that she must be the doctor of this tribe if there was one. "Where did you learn that anyway?"

"It's a common gesture among humans. Though there are a lot more."

"I bet they're are," she winked at David, causing his cheeks to turn a light shade of pink. "Does that feel better?"

"Yes it does, thank you." David wasn't just being nice, the pain had actually gone away. Even the swelling and redness was no longer there.

“Well, I’ll let you get back to your stories. Have a good birthday, David. And if there's anything else you need, anything at all, then all you have to do is ask.”

David sat down blushing. One of the males sitting next to him nudged him with his elbow, “I think she likes you, David.”

Unbeknownst to David, Wyanet saw what had just happened from across the hut. Her fists were clutching so hard that her claws almost punctured her palms.

"Are you okay, Wyanet?" Wematin walked up next to her and placed his one of his hand on her shoulder with a look of concern on his face, "What are you so angry about?" He then looked where she was and knew exactly what was on in her mind.

"Oh, her," he said, "I wouldn't worry about Ominotago."

"I'm not. It's her that should be worried." Wyanet walked off with her arms crossed and a look on her face that was anything but friendly.