Summary: Protecting is more than just strength. It is also sacrifice. And you are very familiar with sacrifice. So why not do it again?
“Stop moving. You will ruin it.” Koranu smacked the back of your head. You let out a small huff.
Sa’nop watched as Koranu applied the paint onto your body. Her movements careful and gentle. His eyes shifted to you. You couldn’t stop moving, fiddling with your songcord, making odd expressions that made Koranu scold you for making while she tried to paint on your face.
“You do not need to be nervous child. I have faith you will do wonderful.”
You let out a nervous smile. His words brought a small wave of comfort. Koranu scoffed
“Just don’t fall to your death.”
“Always there to encourage.”
Koranu smiled with amusement at your sarcasm.
Your ear twitched at the word. Tsmuke…. Sister. It warmed your heart a little, to know Koranu has warmed up to you enough to give you such a title. She’s been calling you that for a few days now. But it always made you smile. And now?
It made you somewhat confident about your rite of passage. Iknimaya the people call it.
This will ensure your place with the people. To many people that means a lot of things.
To Koranu and Sa’nop you will officially be apart of their family. To Etuwa you will be more accepted by others, and possibly convince her father to help fight against the sky people.
But to you? To you becoming one of the people is like wearing another layer of fake skin. Just like the one you are in right now.
Jake remembers when he first bonded with his Ikran Bob. It was so overwhelming, a far different experience from bonding with a direhorse. Very different.
People laughed when he named his Ikran Bob. They thought he was just named his Ikran as if naming a pet. But the name had significant.
He remembered there was this cat his daughter (Name) always fed, one eye was blue and the other was green. Sadly, just like Jake (Name) wasn’t very creative. And named the cat Bobby— Bob for short.
The Ikran’s blue and green patterns reminded Jake of that Cats eyes. And remembering that cat reminded him of his little girl.
When he flys with Bob, he feels close to (Name) in an odd way. It sounds weird, he knows. But he doesn’t really care.
“Jake, you gotta see this.”
Right now, Norm was dragging Jake to the labs, he could see a slight panic in his friends eyes. And when he entered the labs? He could feel the tension in the air.
He easily followed after Norm who was jogging to his desk, passing Grace’s avatar body that floated in its capsule.
“Cortez from the western frontier just sent in her monthly report. They got new RDA defectors. You— will not believe who they are!” Norm quickly pulled up two names with their info popped up.
“Walker… as in Gray Hound Walker?” Jake prays to all the God’s he knows Norm says no, it’s not Gray Hound Walker. Not the Walker that seems to be the face of the RDA now. Not the Walker that has burned down large parts of Pandora’s forests down for the hell of it. Ardmore’s damn war dog.
It has to be another Walker. It needs to be another Walker. Because surly, Alma Cortez is not stupid enough to let Gray Hound Walker into the resistance.
“The one and only. But that’s not the even the crazy part.”
Oh great. There’s more. When is there not? Jake feels like he just might have a stroke.
“The only reason why Walker defected, was because of her kid. She brought her kid here. To pandora!”
Jake had to lean against the metal wall behind him. Because— what the actual fuck?
“You’re joking right? Please tell me you’re joking.” Jake let out a small laugh of utter disbelief.
“I wish I was. I really wish I was.” Norm pulls up a photo. A young girl, who looks about, 13? 14 maybe? Maybe younger. He’s used to seeing Na’vi kids, it’s hard to tell what age human kids are.
Spider doesn’t really count, the boy is far tall for his age.
“Cora Walker. Age 14, normal kid. Didn’t even get to reach high school yet before she was brought here.” Norm sighed as he shook his head.
Jake was just staring in silent shock.
“I mean— what was Walker even thinking? Bringing her own kid to a war zone?” Norm himself just couldn’t believe it. Yes, your young, but hell even teen parents aren’t this stupid.
Jake sighed. All of this information being far too much and far too little at the same time was exhausting his already tired brain.
“Clearly Gray Hound wasn’t thinking at all.” Jake’s tone was bitter. He began to think to himself, glad he didn’t have the choice to bring his daughter to Pandora. She wouldn’t have to suffer living through this nightmare that was happening right now.
“Shit—!” You gripped onto a thick branch like vine, your legs dangling in the air.
Other young Na’vi who were on their rite of passage just as you were, were quick to try and get to you to help, but they are quick to get stopped by Kitangi who halted their movements by the raise of her arm.
Tsu’kiri, one of the Na’vi on his own rite of passage frowns at Kitangi’s actions. Nervously glancing to you who lost grip of the vine, your other hand gripping onto the vine as tight as possible.
Tsu’kiri does not know much about you. But he knows your heart is strong. He seen you petting Hexapede one time, and soon watched more gathering you.
You’re odd, but have a strong heart.
The other young Na’vi began to shout words of encouragement. Not wanting the amusing dreamwalker to die from a fall. Hell, even Neyan was shouting for the dreamwalker to not fall.
You grunt as you finally gripped your hand onto the vine, using all your strength to pull yourself up.
You caught up with the group.
You were extra cautious now after that. You were distracted by your own thoughts during the climb, causing you to lose your footing.
That is what lead you to be hanging from the vine earlier.
You couldn’t help it. Being in this Avatar body with no way of being back to your normal self was mentally stressing enough. Being separated from your best friend and daughter with no way of contacting them was an emotional pain you tried to push down.
You’d think after being a soldier practically since childhood would toughen you up by a thousand by now. But you still had a soft heart. You cared for people and things around you.
Yes, you could be brutal sometimes. But at least you felt regret, at least you were sympathetic. At least you cared. But caring doesn’t pay for the sins you’ve committed.
Doesn’t excuse the lives you took. Innocent or not, you had no right to do the things Gray Hound you did.
Before you know it, you and the group of Aranahe made it to the ikran’s nest.
Your ear twitched, the sound of an Ikran flying in. The others already turned their heads before you to see Itu landing nearby.
His Ikran, Zomey. You never truly seen her before, but Itu gushes about her every time. He would always complain about how it wasn’t fair he couldn’t hunt with Zomey as often because you didn’t have an Ikran.
A bond between a hunter and their Ikran is strong. A hunter can bond with other Ikran but an Ikran cannot bond with another Na’vi. Once bonded, they are bonded with the hunter for life.
The bond is so strong that when a hunter dies before their Ikran, there are times the Ikran dies from a broken heart from the loss. It isn’t often, but it is something that happens.
It’s sad. And unfair. But it is what happens. And due to the sky people, a lot of more hunters are dying before their ikran’s. Which has made the situation far too often.
Itu hopped off his Ikran, strides towards you with a playful confidence.
“I am glad you didn’t die from a fall, ma ‘eylan.”
You scoffed in amusement.
“Can’t get rid of me that easily.”
Itu laughed as he pats your shoulder. Slightly moving you forward to the others who were already starting one by one to bond.
Itu glanced over to your nervous face. He grabbed hold of your shoulders roughly while shaking you playfully.
“What are you so nervous about? It is not that hard.”
You rolled your eyes at Itu’s nonchalant tone. His small shrug and look of slight confusion towards your fear of the moment topping off your irritation.
“Easy for you to say. You were born for this.”
You grunt as Itu shook you again by your shoulders again while pushing you forward.
Two more people left till it was your turn.
“If you can climb all the mountains in — to get sky rock moss for Koranu you can climb onto an Ikran! I believe in you… sort of.”
You glared at Itu, no true hate behind the glare of course. But he was supposed to be supportive and encouraging. Yes 50% of his little pep talk was encouraging. But the last part was not.
“What if I don’t get chosen. What if they see I’m not actually a Na’vi and—“
Itu lets out a heavy sigh.
“That is enough. You will be chosen.”
You let out a shaky breath as Itu shoved you forward.
“How do I know it will chose me?”
Itu’s ear flickered. He takes a pause as if thinking of he should speak or not.
“… she will try to kill you.”
Your head snapped towards the young Na’vi man so fast your neck almost broke. Itu gave you a small smile, like that was to make up for whatever happens to you once you step out from the cavern.
That was a lie. It was not fantastic at all. You felt like you minus well die now.
Kitangi and Itu watch you step forward. You looked like a little kid walking into the dark for the first time with the way you kept glancing back nervously.
“You got this. You can do this…” you were trying to hype yourself up. But this is literally scary as hell.
Ikran nearby you flew away. Your eyes scanning the area. If this was any other day, you would admire the beauty of your surroundings.
Suddenly, an Ikran that was just a few meters away from you snapped at you, screeching as it inches closer.
You froze for a second. You let out a huff air, you grabbed the dog tags that hung around your neck, giving it a quick kiss for good luck before charging in.
Itu watched, the small worry in his his eyes disappearing as you tied the ikran’s mouth shut. He let out an excited yelp as you mounted the Ikran.
He takes note that the Ikran is male.
And he’s not letting you take control so easily.
Kitangi and Itu wince as the Ikran slams you into the jaggy rock wall.
You let out a groan of pain, but didn’t let go. You held on tight while the Ikran kept trying to shake you off.
You felt like you were riding one of those fake bulls in a bar. You were violently being shakes from the Ikran’s movements to try and get you off him.
“Holy shi—” you shout as the Ikran began to flap his wings.
You hear Itu shout. Your eyes scanning struggled for a moment but eventually connected your kuru with the Ikran.
And that’s when you felt it.
You felt everything. So overwhelming. You could feel his breathing, the flap of his wings. This was too much, you didn’t know if you wanted to laugh or scream.
And just like that, the Ikran leaped off the cliff, taking you with him as you screamed.
Itu rushed to the edge looking down. He couldn’t see you, he began to worry. Had you gotten hurt, or worse? Etuwa would strangle him if he had let the Dreamwalker die from this.
Suddenly a strong gust of wind came, along with you and your Ikran.
You were flying. You were actually flying!
“Holy shit, holy shit!” You shout in utter excitement from the whole ordeal.
You decided to test out how to fly the Ikran.
You laugh, this was exhilarating. The wind in your face. It was harsh at first but it became gentle.
Itu and Zomey appear beside you.
Itu shouted with a wide smile. You laughed
You were so caught up in the whole flying thing you didn’t realize you spoke English to him. But Itu didn’t mind. He laughed along with you and repeated your words
He says the words lightly. His accent not as heavy as expected, but it still sounded funny coming out of his mouth.
The two of you fly through the sky’s together. You felt, free. Happy even.
Eventually you and Itu land on a floating rock. Laughing together from the thrill of the flight. You nearly smashed into a rock which was both funny and terrifying.
“Your Ikran is strong! What name have you given him?”
You were still catching your breath, you turn your head to see your Ikran and Zomey, sort of playing with each other. You chuckled at the sight.
Itu sat next to you while watching the two Ikran’s be playful.
“Taka.” You breathed out.
Itu tilted his head at the foreign name. A human name he assumes. He was going to leave it at that. But curiosity took over him once again.
He tilted his head as he stared at you expectedly. You let out a small sigh. A gentle smile gracing your lips.
“My daughter, there was this dog that always followed us around back on earth. She called him, Taka, after a character from an old story.”
Itu listened, watching you slowly be set into nostalgia. Watching you unconsciously reach for the metal necklace that hung around your neck.
“I didn’t know much of the story myself. But I knew he was a protector. A protector who used his heart before using his fist.”
You remember how your daughter loved that dog to death. And that dog loved your daughter. Kept guard anytime Cora seemed venerable in public while you weren’t present.
“I can tell why you chose such a name.”
Itu’s words seemed to snap you out of your nostalgic daze. You see him staring towards the Ikran’s. You decided to follow his gaze.
Your Ikran— Taka. He was gently nudging a fallen fruit towards Zomey, letting out a small sound as if asking Zomey if she liked that specific fruit.
Your brow raised at Itu’s words. Gentle?
“It seems you have forgotten how he was throwing me around like a rag doll just 30 minutes ago.”
Itu laughed as he pats your shoulder. The two of you settle in silence. But after a few seconds Itu decides to brake the silence.
“I am sorry for trying to pressure you to join in taking down the sky people’s boxes.”
The apology was sudden and a surprise for you. But what was more of a surprise was Itu forcing you to face him so he can look you in the eyes to apologize.
Usually, people— humans avoid eye contact most of the time when apologizing or admitting to one’s faults.
You were used to others not looking you in the eyes. People always avoided your gaze, out of fear. Out of shame. Hiding away to make themselves feel better about their wrongdoings while actively saying sorry.
“Ah… don’t worry about it. Your outburst was somewhat reasonable. But I still think it’s not a good idea.”
You don’t want them to die. You know him and Etuwa are skilled fighters. Along with Vifilu who was just as fierce. But you know the RDA from the inside out. You know they won’t make it if they try to go after the larger facility’s.
Itu frowns. He didn’t lash out or try to have you change your mind. He could see it in your eyes. From the very first time he met you. You had already been through many battles yourself and most likely lost a lot.
In the end you were right. It wasn’t a good idea. But Itu can’t stand still while the Sky people poison their home, he can’t watch when he knows he can do something about it.
So’lek didn’t think he would gather much information if he asked the Aranahe near their camps. And if the Aranahe did see Walker, they wouldn’t have investigated into her.
Sky people bring nothing but trouble after all.
But So’lek didn’t want to go back to HQ empty handed. Cora has been so down for so long, her happy moments only last for such a little time.
Everyone in HQ has been trying their best to make a safe environment for the young girl. But she doesn’t feel fully safe without her mother.
So when So’lek overhears two Aranahe gossiping about a dreamwalker who had was taken into the clan it caught his attention quick.
After listening for a little longer, there was no doubt the dreamwalker they were speaking of was (Name). It had to be.
He reported to Priya over com about the new information he found. (Name) wasn’t dead. Whats more, she seems to be in her Avatar, now taken in by the Aranahe clan.
He spoke with the two Aranahe who were gossiping about Walker. And found out she was taken in by Sa’nop. And is currently on her way to be chosen by Ikran.
It was hard for him to believe. How could an RDA soldier suddenly be apart of a Na’vi clan within four months.
So’lek began to fly to Home Tree. The sky began to darken. It was almost eclipse. Something In his gut told him if he didn’t hurry to Home tree something bad was to happen.
“So’lek? Don’t you think I should tell Cora? I mean— Walker is alive! This is good news.”
Priya’s words from over the coms caused So’lek to frown.
“We cannot get the child’s hopes up. Her mother is at Ikran’s rookery right now. To be chosen.” So’lek said the words with distaste. The thought of the Aranahe just accepting an outsider was so outlandish to him.
Priya didn’t feel good about keeping this from Cora. But if So’lek says it’s for the best, then he is right. He seems closest to Cora than anyone else in the resistance, besides Malcom of course.
The man carries baby pictures of Cora in his wallet for Gods sakes. Much to the young teens displeasure.
So’lek made it to Hometree. Landing at one of the many entrances. Most of the Aranahe were swear of who So’lek was. How could they not?
He didn’t demand, but it was urgent how he needed to speak with Ka’nat. He cannot deny if Walker fully becomes Aranahe the clan might be willing to join the resistance.
But Ka’nat is and has been insistent on not fighting after the death of his mate. Now only having his daughter as a reminder of how much more he can lose.
What So’lek didn’t know is that you had long arrived at Hometree. You were eating with Koranu while waiting for Sa’nop to return from a meeting with the other elders and Ka’nat.
“Your Ikran is beautiful Tsmuke. And he seems to be a gentle one.” Koranu was seated besides you. Her words caused you to scoff.
Koranu heard the doubt in your scoff.
“What? You think I am joking?” Koranu began smiling at your displeased side eye towards her.
“Why does everyone say he is gentle? I thought Ikran’s were supposed to be all scary to anyone who isn’t their hunter.” You set your bowl down in front of of you, adjusting the shawl you had on just a little.
“Yes most Ikran don’t let others get close to them unless it is their hunter. But yours lets himself get pet by the children. He even let me touch him. He is gentle, like you.”
You paused mid sip of your drink. You? Gentle? It was such a funny statement you could laugh. But Koranu laid her hand on your shoulder.
“You have a gentle heart. Strong, but gentle. You refuse to admit it.”
You sighed, avoiding her eyes by staring outside where Taka was. He was letting the children pet him and climb on him. He was enjoying the attention. You nearly rolled your eyes as you could just almost see a smile on the Ikran.
“Where’s Sa’nop. The meeting should be over by now.”
In an attempt to change the subject you use Sa’nops absence to redirect Koranu’s attention. You watch Koranu stand up, using your shoulder as support to stand.
“I will go fetch father. He is most likely chatting it up with the other elders.”
You chuckled at Koranu’s slightly irritated tone that paired with her eye roll. You watched her walk away, leaving you alone in the family cocoon.
Koranu walked past people preparing for the ceremony for tonight. Your ceremony, the finale step for you to fully become one of the people. Which was why Sa’nop was in a meeting with Ka’nat and the other elders.
There might still be others who are doubtful of (Name) but Koranu no longer cares for that. All she can think is that she won’t be alone anymore. With you, she feels she can be herself, not perfect.
Maybe it was because you embraced how imperfect you were that made Koranu feel she can be herself. You were always quick to admit your faults. The only problem is, you’re quick to only think of your faults and not your good deeds.
She hopes that after the ceremony you will change your view on yourself once Sa’nop takes you to the Glade Of Light tomorrow.
Once Koranu reached the meeting circle, she sees her father and the other elders, but something seems off.
“My child! Where is (Name).”
Sa’nop, who was the first to notice Koranu was quick to ask the question. Koranu tilted her head, a little confused.
“She is waiting for us to finish supper together… is something wrong father?” Koranu scanned the room, her ears slick back as she noticed someone she has only seen once.
So’lek she thinks his name is. From the risistance. What was he doing here? His presence caused slight fear in the young Na’vi girls heart.
Was he here to take (Name) away? So soon?
Koranu knew (Name) was always going to go back to the sky people, back to her daughter. But not now. Not when everything was going so well.
Koranu watched as Sa’nop lead So’lek to their family cocoon. Ka’nat and Nefika following suit.
Koranu isnt sure what is going on. But everything will be fine right? (Name) just needs to tell So’lek you have to stay for the ceremony and you will be officially apart of their clan and—
Koranu froze as she heard her father’s words. She rushed into the cocoon to see he was indeed telling the truth. Taka was gone. You were gone, where could you have gone now?
Ka’nat looked to Nefika, his tone sharp and demanding.
Koranu and the others look to the Na’vi woman who sighed, reluctant as she spoke.
“The child must have gone to try and stop the others from trying to intrude on the sky people.”
Koranu frowns as her tail flickered to the side. The other sky people? The ones who have been poisoning their land?
“But that does not mean she is going to fight, come now. The child is practically a peace maker.” Nefika was quick to defend you before Ka’nat could put any blame on you in anyway.
“Her bow is still here. She no longer has her metal weapons. Please Olo’eyktan, she just wants our people to be safe just as you do.”
Koranu’s eyes dart to where the bows and arrows were placed, your bow was there but…
Your long metal knives were gone. The ones you kept wrapped up were gone.
Koranu felt her heart beat with fear as her eyes widen in realization.
And So’lek was the first and only one to see it. He quickly snapped his head to Nefika.
“Tell me where they went. I will go after them.”
(A/N: IM ALIVE, thank you all for being so patient and supportive. I tried making this chapter longer, I hope you all enjoyed it❤️)
