Original Stories Fan Fiction ❯ Fourth World ❯ Chapter 1 ( Chapter 1 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
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Summary: 'Fourth World', Two sets of lovers sacrifice themselves to protect another realm; one set pays the ultimate price while the other gives up their love. But sometimes even if you give up everything for the greater good love proves it can't be denied. Native American inspired; fantasy not historically based.

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 the expressed permission from the author before doing so.

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, bi-sexual, alternate reality, adult situations, foul language, detailed character deaths, angst, detailed violence, romance, and humor. Information on some terms and web sites that were inspiration for this story will be given 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: Ch 1 is basically the set up for the story; your history lesson for this other realm, Ch 2 will be the true beginning for the story. On the story warnings, I make sure to give detailed warnings. Only things listed in the warning appear in the story; if it's not listed you won't see it, like wise if listed to be detailed it's detailed. Please take all warnings to heart. If anything listed is offensive please do not read the story. This is my first original story and suggestions on how to improve it would be appreciated. I hope you find some entertained from this.

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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It is whispered among the Elders that long ago after the Great Spirit created our world he also made a realm beyond ours for a select group of First People who found his favor. These people; said to have two spirits instead of one, had great spiritual powers that enabled them to connect their souls with their animal brothers, giving them the ability to take on the form of the animal that most represented them. After entering the world created for them the people separated into tribes based on the animal they were connected with.

Later the Great Spirit noticed others that deserve passage were still being born into our world. To allow them entrance he created a passage way and several keys to the realm beyond, standing upon a tall mountain he tossed the keys to the four winds scattering them across our world. It is said only those people containing two spirits can find both a key and the portal.

The passage way is said to be in a valley surrounded by tall rocky hills deep within an ordinary looking forest. Trees bearing fruit and vines of berries grow around the perimeter. Wild flowers cover the outer portion of the valley giving way to sweet orchard grass that leads to the sandy shore of a wide, swift stream running beside a towering willow with a large upright stone beside it in the center of the valley. The mystical powers of the spirits hang thick in the air like the perfume of the flowers; it is a place untouched by the world around it.

The realm beyond this passage has a story that tells of those from our world discovering passage and finding true love. It is a story of lovers lost and found and of sacrifice. To hear the tale all one must do is sit under the willow and it will be whispered to you.

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In the realm of the spirit people many years ago a great war took place. 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 disruptions that were being caused within the tribes. The agitation in the tribes at the time were from the opposing view points on following traditional ways of living. Many of the younger people wanted to stop following the traditions and live in their own way while others were angry over their disregard of those traditions. 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 he had helped to create. Testing the blade the 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 he moved the strange bit of leather around in his mouth. He wondered how he had been talked into allowing Chunta to put the horrible thing on him, or when he become so bent to this man's will as to become a beast of burden for him. 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.

Watching the two groups of their camp match up, Bidziil searched the others looking for any signs that they were having the same misgivings he was. 'They all seemed convinced to fight for this man's beliefs.' He thought, gazing across the plateau to his opposing brothers; all in animal form, ready to fight.

'How did this all come to be?' He questioned, not recalling what had made this seem like a good idea. 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 those strange 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 lead 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 suited her well; her body is the same red as her hair when she transforms.' He thought, admiring the young woman's spirit form, her strange necklace was tight against her throat. She was one of a handful of other females that came from the tribes to stand beside the males and fight. 'But Aislinn is nothing like most females.' Amitola reminded himself, 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.'

Coming 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; who currently was in the form of a multi-colored paint stallion. Laying his head against her body Amitola nuzzled her. "I still don't like you two being here." Huffing she pushed away from him taking 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. Even though he was chief of the Horse Tribe he couldn't be sure those who hated his lover wouldn't hurt their son.

Watching as others joined the line Amitola had to admit 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. Seeing every animal the Great Spirit had created represented at the edge of this plateau was a sight he knew he would probably never live to see again. 'It's a sad day when it takes something like this to bring us all together.' He thought, looking back at their enemies. The young chief felt his breath catch as the enemies 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 battle field 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 Deer 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 as tears trailed from her eyes. "I promise, your son will live."

Turning from her lover 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 into her human form she reach for him, running her fingers through his silky hair Aislinn lean down to kiss the boy's forehead. She knew the boy would never be safe if Chunta wasn't stopped. Amitola was going to be angry at her but once Takoda was safe she would return and help put an end to this. Grabbing her medallion she prayed her lover could hold out until she returned. Shaking the boy awake she motioned for him to remain silent as she picked him up and headed away from the battle.

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Struggling in his dark-haired enemy's grasp the young brave from the Wolf Tribe twisted, snapping his jaws in hopes of latching on to 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 the Wolf's head Catahecassa finished breaking his windpipe, ending his life.

Pushing the carcass away Catahecassa slowly pushed himself up, surveying the dead littered around him. Catching a flash of red out the corner of his eye he turned to get a better look at what he had spied. The black-haired man watched as a red headed woman fled across the plains away from the battle. He knew her from his old tribe; he would recognize her anywhere it was Aislinn.

Amitola had found her and brought her into their tribe a couple of summers ago. Catahecassa hissed in anger. 'That she-devil poisoned Amitola against his own people and our ways, against me.' Everything changed because of her, it was her fault he now stood against Amitola instead of at his side.

Before Aislinn came the members of the Horse Tribe worked to insure all their people were well taken care of and thrived. The men worked in the fields, repaired items that broke, gathered food and water, and protected the tribe. While the women prepared the tribe's meals, made clothes, and tended to the children, sick, injured, and elderly. 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. Traditionally most of the Great Tribes lived this way as well.

Men, boys; who had reached the age of change, woman and children had their own sleeping lodges. The only time men and women coupled was when the elders determined the tribe needed more children, any other time if one needed release it was their own kind. When commanded by the elders to procreate the men were given choice over the women; the only prerequisites in choosing was the woman had reached the age of adulthood and any children she had were off the teat. When it became obvious the woman was with child she would return to her tribe sisters just as the man would return to his brothers. The child would remain in the care of women until it reached the age of change. If the child was female she would stay with her mother and sisters for the rest of her life but, if male the boy's father would come for him, only then would he be welcomed and recognized by the other men. The young man would then move in with others his age till he reached adulthood then he would be allowed to join the men's lodge.

That all changed when Aislinn came though, first Amitola allowed her to refuse the other men that came wanting to lie with her. When a few of the young men tried to push the issue Amitola built the woman her own hut; that in it's self was strange being no one had ever had a hut of their own before. That didn't stop the men from approaching so 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, and because of that the elders turned a blind eye to it.

Amitola allowing her such leeway was one thing; everyone knew she hadn't been born a member of their tribe but when he turned his back on their ways to live with the red-haired, green-eyed devil that was another thing all together.

Clenching his hand over his heart Catahecassa could still feel the sting from when Amitola told him that he would only be lying with Aislinn. In his heart Amitola would always be the most beautiful being he had ever seen. Catahecassa had fallen in love with him almost at first sight and had approached him right after he had been 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. Catahecassa would never forget how beautiful he had looked laying under him with his multi-colored hair fanned out around his head and how his warm honey colored eyes had darken in response to his touch. Nor could he forget the sensations he felt each time he pressed himself inside Amitola or how lovingly his partner would hold onto him while Catahecassa rocked their bodies together. So many nights Amitola and he spent with their bodies intertwine. Never in his wildest dream did he ever think he would lose him but not long after the young man rose through their ranks to become chief; the youngest to ever serve their tribe, everything began to change.

Amitola began leaving the tribe; no one knew where the young chief would disappear to. Less and less was he interested in coupling with him until one day he returned from his daily outings with a young woman, Aislinn. It was then Catahecassa found his whole life ruined by the female who bewitched his beloved. Before he knew what was happening Amitola had moved from the men's lodge into a hut with her. Many a night Catahecassa had driven himself mad with jealousy by listening outside of their hut to the sounds of them being intimate. When Chunta showed up promising to set things right Catahecassa hadn't hesitated to follow the man. Standing covered in the blood of those he once called friends and allies he found himself being given the one opportunity he had never thought he'd get, he was going to rid his world of the one who stole his heart from him.

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; he was one of the men that left the Horse Tribe, on his back another man held a long knife 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 mare, she leapt away extending her legs and neck as far as they would go, racing across the plains.

Watching the young woman 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 mane to look at them. Having almost caught up Catahecassa could clearly see the small child hanging onto her back. His eyes widen as the small boy turned towards him. There starring 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. "Kill the woman but don't harm the boy." The black stallion called out to his rider. The man from the Cougar Tribe 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. "My eye, my eye." He chanted, blood from the wound ran between his fingers. Panting Aislinn ignored the man finding the strength to move 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 around trees, 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." She quietly instructed waiting until the boy was on the ground she transformed pulling the knife from her side

Taking her son's hand she lead him towards the center of the valley where an old hut she lived in before she agreed to join the Horse Tribe stood, releasing the boy when she past the hut she hobbled onward towards the large willow standing by the stream. Leaning against it she called out. "Wakanda. Wakanda, please."

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 the older woman's 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 Wakanda had on his arm. "I looked after your mother when she first came here, that of course was before she met your father." The old woman said wrapping her hand around his arm in a proper greeting.

Hissing in pain Aislinn drew the two's 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 to do as his mother asked. "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'm leaving the boy with you; please take care of him like you did me."

"And what will you do? Return and battle for people who hate you? Give your life protecting a world you were not even born in?" Wakanda asked crossing her arms over her chest. "I told you both not to include me in this insanity. Brother fighting against brother like this." 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 trying 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 us to have the type of life I came from." Huffing the grey-haired woman replied. "I warned you that wasn't the life most lead here. You should have listened to me and just had the chief visit you here instead of trying to become part of his tribe." The younger nodded in agreement. "You did warn me." Changing the subject Aislinn continued. "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 replied. "I'm doing this for Takoda, the cost doesn't matter and besides we knew we were risking our lives by doing this. I promised him his son would live and I know he'll be safe here with you."

"Fine then." The grey-haired woman replied. "I'll see that the boy is kept safe till his time comes."

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

Having found the bandages Takoda ran from the hut only for old Wakanda to halt him. "Child, in the hut is a root that looks like a man bring it and the grinding bowl also." 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 before she followed waiting on the boy's return.

Carrying the requested items out Takoda handed the over. "What are you going to do with the root granny?" The boy asked taking a seat between the two women, watching Wakanda grind the root. "Takoda!" His mother began to scold only for the older woman to laugh at them both. "Most definitely he has both parents in him." She chuckled. "This will help stop the blood flow and keep the wound from getting infected." She explained motioning for Aislinn to raise her shirt. Applying the poultice Wakanda covered the wound with a bandage. "Best I can do." She announced quickly gathering the items she had used and walked towards the hut, leaving mother and son alone.

Sighing Aislinn pushed herself up with help from Takoda leading the boy to a tall upright rock near the willow. "Do you see this rock?" She asked fishing out her necklace. Laying his hand on it Takoda traced the strange indention he found in its middle. "It's the same as you wear."

"Very good. This stone will protect you while your father and I are gone." She explained pressing the stone of her necklace into the indention.

They watched as 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 the world, this 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. "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. Watching his mother transform then take off he pulled trying to move towards her only to be held back. "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 the boy asked. "You're not leaving me are you old woman?" Wakanda's disembodied voice answered. "Don't worry boy. I can't leave this valley even if I wanted to. I'm just resting, I'll need my strength to take care of you from now on." Watching his mother disappear into the fog silent tears fell from his eyes. He wanted to be strong like his parents were so they would be proud of him but knowing he'd never see them again made it was 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, lets 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 the group still alive. The braves from the Wolf, Cougar, Bison, and Boar Tribes took the front lines taking out all that stood in their way. From there the Horse and Deer cut through the group making a path, even the few from the Aves Tribe who decided to fight swooped in knocking some riders off their mounts.

When the path appeared Amitola raced forward, He could see Chunta sitting upon Bidziil, snorting to himself he thought. '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 Horse couple Chunta spied the woman's medallion, he knew of the power it was said to hold. 'When I kill her I'll take it and use it to control this realm and the one that lies beyond.' He thought giving Bidziil another kick to make him go faster. Strangely enough the large Bison instead began turning away. Grabbing the reins with both hands Chunta pulled trying to bring him to face the fight. Even though the strap was causing his mouth to split from the tug of war they were having, making blood and spit trailed from his mouth he still wouldn't yield.

Watching the large Bison twist and turn Amitola wondered what was going on. 'It seems Bidziil has changed his mind.' He thought jerking when a sudden discharge from the necklace gave him a start. He could feel power being pulled from his body to feed the strike that was hitting the duo, the light burning the area till nothing remained.

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, her wounds having reopened. Above them Amitola could see something burning across the sky till it was out of sight. Sighing when Aislinn's face appeared over his, he noticed that her hand shook when she brushed his hair form 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. "I'll look for you on the other side." He breathlessly promised. Faintly smiling Aislinn swallowed thickly. "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 their world faded away for both of 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. Far way in our world the necklace streaked across the sky landing in a wooded area awaiting for the next one deserving to find it.

And from here the real tale begins . . . .

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Information:

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

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.t ypepad.com/northeast_twospirit_socie/2006/08/homosexuality_a.html

Another website used for information and inspiration for this story: http://www.powersource.com/gallery/objects/default.html

I have a list of sites I used as inspiration for this story, though none contain any actual information that I took, basically I twisted them to my own purpose. If anyone is interested in them just let me know, I'd be happy to give them to you.

Meanings behind the names:
Aislinn: Irish; Dream, vision, daydream.
Wakanda: Sioux name meaning "possesses magical power."
Amitola: Sioux name meaning "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.
Bidziil: Navajo name meaning "he is strong."
Catahecassa: Shawnee name meaning "black hoof."
Chunta: Hopi name meaning "cheating."
Takoda: Sioux name meaning "friend to everyone."