It was afternoon and John was mediating with the Tangaroa's guidance. Tonight he would be receiving his tattoo for helping slay the viper and learning how to detect mana was crucial to using it. They have been at it for over four hours, and John was just barely starting to sense it. Typically such a process would take more time, but John had some experience with meditation in an attempt to help his PTSD.
'I wonder if this exists in our world?'
"They're ready for you," Ana announced.
John got up following them to a hut near the jungle and saw them preparing the ink while chanting. He closed his eyes to focus and could sense the mana being gathered within. Ana came up from behind him to undo his shirt.
"You're getting better with the buttons," John told Ana.
"It's nice to see you two getting along." Hauku smiled walking up with her brother.
"You seem to be moving better today too," Ari stated.
As John's shirt was removed they noticed he had some tattoos already. On his chest was a series of dog tags lined together. There was a total of four names, and each was a member of his squad.
"What are these for?" Ari asked.
"It's what our warriors wear," John replied.
"We should get started while the effects are strongest," Tangaroa told John.
John nodded sitting in the chair, and they readied the tools. Their method was far more painful than what John was used to it, but he endured the process. After several hours he had two glyphs carved on the back of each hand. Simply having them on his body he felt a surge of power coursing through his veins. The glyphs would allow him an advantage in battle without the knowledge of cultivating. It would gather mana from its surroundings to power it rather than use John's.
"Sense the mana around you, and draw it to the points on your hands," Tangaroa stated.
John tried to do as instructed but after ten minutes of trying he stopped.
"It takes time to get the proper sensations. Your progress so far is already impressive." Tangaroa reassured John.
While they were talking a dark figure popped out of the river. She had smooth jet black skin, with a white pattern down from her neck to her pelvis. Protruding from her back was a long barbed tail and a dorsal fin on her upper back. Around her waist was a large fin resembling the back half of a skirt, and it revealed a pair of long elegant legs. Her name is Nyra and is a rare species of merperson. Protruding from her waist was a long barbed tail. John is the first one to see and was preparing to draw his sidearm.
"How have you been?" Nyra asked.
Hauku turned around seeing Nyra and ran up to embrace her.
"What brings you here?" Hauku investigated.
"They're back," Nyra said in a serious tone.
"Send warriors to reinforce the neighboring villages!"Huatare ordered.
Everyone in the village immediately went to work and started to reinforce the defenses. The elders and children began writing spellwork into the dirt around the perimeter of the village. The warriors grabbed their cloaks, and weapons rushing out to do as ordered.
"Who's coming?" John asked.
"Slavers. They prey on those living here the most since we aren't protected by the treaty." Ana replied.
John couldn't understand how such powerful warriors could show this much concern. Tangaroa went on to explain how they operate, and why they are so lethal. Hearing their ranks consisted of powerful species concern for his comrades grew. John walked up to Ana embracing her.
"My people are in trouble so I have to leave tonight. Once I find them I'll return." John told Ana while kissing her on the cheek.
"If you're traveling at night you're gonna need help," Ana replied.
"And he has it," Ari said walking up with two of his father's warriors.
"You're people need you to," John said while walking to retrieve his rifle.
"I have a debt to repay, and my people will be fine. Besides, we know a shortcut across the mountain." Ari replied.
Pressed for time John accepted his offer, and they started traveling for his former camp. On their journey, he began noticing many species that were hiding in plain sight. Ari saw his concern and went on to explain many species are friendly in their area. That most ferals stay on the outskirts of claimed territory. They will sneak past the borders occasionally in an attempt to catch those who wander away from their villages alone.
"I thought that woman was gonna attack us earlier. What is she exactly?" John stated.
"Her name is Nyra, and she's a descendant of Whaitere. She helps protect our people from attacks from the sea." Ari replied.
As they traveled through the forest Ari was giving John a rundown of the species found nearby, and which to be cautious over. While talking they approached the bottom of the mountain. The warriors with Ari began chanting as they placed their hands against the mountain. The tattoos along their arm began glowing as the mountain shifted opening a tunnel straight through.
'This will save a lot of time.'
"Let's get going before something tries to follow us," Ari said as he ignited a torch.