Blood & Bond
Pt.1 Pt.2 Pt.3, Pt.5
Summary: History seems to repeat itself. The only difference? Walker won’t accept it.
(Disclaimer!: I forgot to add that everything going on right now is a year before the way of water starts and before the Sarentu are found)
Cora Walker. Daughter of the famous Gray Hound Walker.
A name that shot fear in the hearts of many. Cora’s mother was a beast in combat, always ready to spill blood, always willing to sacrifice any part of her body for war.
A perfect soldier.
A wepon
A monster.
That’s what they call Cora’s mother. And that’s what others expect Cora to be.
Some expect Cora to be this, crazy messed up kid. But in truth, shes gentle and kind. Sensitive and isn’t afraid to show her emotions. She loves how beautiful pandora is.
“That is ‘Anstìk. Your people call it hammerhead.” So’lek pointed to the hammerhead mother and child below in the dryers bowl. Cora watched the two with wide eyes.
“They’re so big! And that’s the mom?” Cora pointed to the biggest one that was nudging the smaller one.
“Yes. Don’t get too close. The mother is very protective of its young one.” So’lek has been assisting young Cora outside, letting her explore but only when he can see her.
He lost her once. Only to find her dangling from the vines of the trees, laughing as she swung back and fourth.
“Mi hija! Come on, time to sleep!” Malcom shouted from the doors, waving his arm in the air to get the younger one’s attention.
Cora left out a small huff. Reluctant was clear in her movements as she got up.
“… I will take you to the swamps tomorrow.” So’lek watched Cora’s eyes light up at his words.
“Okay! I’ll be ready!” She ran off to Malcom who almost got the wind knocked out of him when she tackled him in a hug. The older man laughed as he pat her head before they walked back into HQ.
So’lek called for his Ikran ìley, ready to search for (Name).
It’s been a few days since the signal from Walkers tablet was sent. The checked the whole area, but they only found drops of blood and the broken tablet, along with a picture of Walker and Cora.
So’lek decided to keep it in his vest. The drops of blood won’t be very good for Cora to see. The young one has gone through enough.
“What were you thinking daughter? Bringing that… Dreamwalker into Hometree!”
Ka’nat, Olo’eyktan of the Aranahe. He was upset with his daughter bringing trouble into their home.
“Eywa sent a sign father, will you turn away a sign Eywa sent?”
Etuwa, Tsahik of the Aranahe. Bringing the dreamwalker to Hometree was risky, she knew her father would either have the Dreamwalker leave, or killed.
Ka’nat stayed silent. The safety of his people was important to him. But if his daughter truly did see a sign from the great mother. He cannot question it.
A reluctant nod was given to Etuwa from Ka’nat. Nefika shook her head.
Meanwhile, with Sa’nop.
Sa’nop was tending to the sleeping Dreamwalker, while his daughter was paceing back and forth.
“What were you thinking father? This dream Walker will bring trouble!”
Koranu, one of the weavers of the clan and Sa’nops child.
“Be calm my child. She has saved my life, and took vengeance on the sky people for killing one of the animals with their metal. She is a kind soul.”
Koranu frowns, watching her father- who is usually never in Hometree and is always out and about doing everything but being a father to her- doting on this Dreamwalker! It was irritating.
Koranu let out a loud groaning noise and stormed out of the healing room. Sa’nop watched his daughter with sad and confused eyes.
Koranu cannot fathom the idea of her father taking in this Dreamwalker, the talk is already going around Hometree. She can already hear it from the swamps from here.
It was frustrating enough for her father to never be at Hometree, he just had to bring a Dreamwalker into Hometree and offer shelter. To share their cocoon nest with them!
It’s outrageous!
It puts a stain on their family.
You wake up at Eclipse. Sa’nop is who you expected to see, but your met with those same yellow eyes you were dreaming of.
“You are awake. I did not tell you who I was when we met.” The Tsahik straightened her poster a bit.
“I am Etuwa. The Tsahik of this Clan.”
The Dreamwalker, stared at Etuwa while tilting her head, keeping her eyes on the Tsahik before speaking her name.
“Etuwa…. Etuwa.” The Dreamwalker smiled a little when Etuwa nodded.
“And your name?”
The Dreamwalker’s ear twitched before saying her own name with slight excitement. Etuwa nods, seeming to repeat the name in her head before saying it herself.
“(Name), you are apart from the resistance. Why?”
Any small trace that was left behind from the smile on the Dreamwalker from before slowly dropped.
“…. The RDA caught me trying to leave with my team. Trapped me in this body as a form of punishment…. I escaped, not without a bullet in me though.” There was pain in the Dreamwalker’s eyes.
Without the metal armor Etuwa’s eyes drift down to the Dreamwalker’s skin at her neck. It looked like burns, new ones.
“And this?” Etuwa reached out her hand. Etuwa half expected to be stopped by the Dreamwalker’s hand. But that never happened. The two met eyes once again, just staring at each other. A look in the eyes of the Dreamwalker was one the Tsahik could not identify.
Etuwa recoiled her hand. Clearing her throat before speaking.
“The Olo’eyktan has agreed to let you stay within Hometree.”
Her words caused a surge of slight panic “oh no that’s not-”
“On one condition, you learn our ways. And rid yourself from… these.” Etuwa gestured to your armor of metal and guns and duel blades.
The Dreamwalker let out a nervous laugh.
“Oh um… heh. I can’t stay here… I have a daughter to get back to. I need to get to the resistance.”
Etuwa stayed silent, thinking over the words. She lets out a small sigh.
“You will be back at the resistance, but you will be here for most of the time.” Etuwa said it like it was no big deal. But it was a big deal to you. You want to be back with your daughter and Malcom.
This can’t be happening right now.
Etuwa watched the distressed look forming on the Dreamwalker’s face.
Etuwa was hopping if this Dreamwalker stays, and becomes one of the people, her father will finally open his eyes and join the resistance in fighting against the Sky People.
This Dreamwalker was a sign sent from Eywa.
“You have a strong heart. You will be back with your child soon. You have my word.” Etuwa puts her hand on her heart. As if making a vow.
But her word is not enough. (Name) needs to be with her daughter. She needs to know she is safe, if she has eaten or if she’s been sleeping on time-
God she doesn’t even know if Cora or Malcom are alive. She hopes the signal she sent went through.
Jake was working on the guns. Making sure there was enough ammo for each gun. He cleaned and loaded each one with quick hands.
Lo’ak peeked from a healing tent close by. Watching his father work on the metal weapon with curious eyes.
Jake sets a gun down, without needing to look behind him Jake spoke.
“I know your there. Come out Lo’ak.” Jake’s words made the young one freez, slowly merging out from his spot and standing in front of his father.
“You’re supposed to be watching your sister boy.” Jake’s stern tone caused Lo’ak to bow his head down, his big eyes glancing to the guns. Jake noticed the subtle look of curiosity in his son’s eyes.
“You wanna learn how to use a gun?… come on.” Jake made space for his youngest son to sit next to him. Lo’ak smiled, trying to cover up his excitement by slowly sitting next to his father, giving all his attention to his father.
Ever since the sky people came back, Jake hasnt had time to bond with his son Lo’ak who has been going through a phase lately. Not rebellious, more like he has the need for adventure.
It’s a pain in the butt to deal with, but he doesn’t blame him. Being stuck in the strong hold of the hallelujah mountains could be tiring for a young Na’vi boy.
Safe zones are getting less safe, even the labs had to be moved. Children can’t leave the stronghold, not after the RDA used an innocent child to get to Jake once. It was a sad day for the clan that day.
Ardmore has gotten more and more aggressive lately. Last he heard, Ardmore let lose someone called the Gray Hound, running around the western frontier. He’s heard talk about this Gray Hound.
Ardmore’s very own sick and twisted puppy.
Maybe Jake should check in with Cortez to see how they are dealing with that.
“Cora, mi amor. Put that down, you know your mom won’t like you touching that.” Malcom grabbed the handgun from the young girls hands.
“… can’t you teach me how to use it at least?” Cora begged her uncle. Malcom shook his head.
“Unless you want your mom to skin me. It’s a no.” Malcom ruffled Cora’s head before taking the handgun far away from her.
Cora lets out a heavy sigh. Reluctantly taking herself to the living area.
Daniella saw Cora and decided to say hi to the kid.
“Hey kiddo. Why such the long face?”
Jin was right next to Daniella, he gave Cora a smile and waved at the young teen.
“I feel usless here. Uncle Malcom won’t teach me how to use a gun. I’m not smart so I can’t help Alex with… smart stuff. Ugh! If I can’t fight with you guys, and cant help with tech stuff. What use am I.” Cora plopped down on a bean back in front of the couple. A big pout on her lips.
“Oh, Cora. Your plenty of help. You help me in the kitchen a lot.” Jin spoke up as he knelt down in front of Cora.
“I burnt the food and set half of your apron on fire Jin. Not very helpful.” Cora spoke in an unimpressed tone.
The two adults gave each other a worried look. Daniella decided to take a go.
“Cora. I’m sure you feel like you’re not doing much. But do you know how helpful your memory has been to us? You have remembered all of the higher ups your mother has interacted with. You remember plans discussed with Ardmore and your mom. Important details that are usually shut away in classified documents. That’s amazing.” Daniella tilts her head to meet the young girls eyes.
“You don’t need to know how to handle a gun to be helpful. Or be as smart as Alex. You’re still young. You don’t need to doing any fighting. Kay?” Daniella pats Cora’s head.
It helps. More than Cora thought it would. She is good at remembering things. Maybe if she uses that skill more often. She can make a lot more of a difference to this resistance.
And when her mom comes back, she’ll be so proud of her!
“Yes! Your right! Oh thank you!” Suddenly Cora hugged both Jin and Daniella and ran off in excitement.
“Why is the Dreamwalker in such bland clothing? Etuwa! If she is to learn our ways, have her in our colors!”
Nefika lectured Etuwa, (Name) was no longer in her vest. No longer had her guns. But she still wore pants and a dirty worn out shirt.
You looked at the two with curiosity. You’ve only been in Hometree for a few days. So you still haven’t learned the language yet. But you do know body language, you know many of the Na’vi at Hometree don’t like you.
Which is reasonable, you’re an outsider. The kids like to follow you though. You hear their giggling and whispers behind you from time to time.
“(Name) is what she is called. Sa’nop has already asked Koranu to make clothes for her. But for now, she will be in …. Those.”
The two Na’vi woman stare at you in your dirty clothes.
You were back to staring at the trees and touching literally anything you could get your hands on. You tripped on a root, luckily you used the tree next to you to support yourself.
“… Are you sure this, (Name) is a hunter?”
Nefika questioned as she judged the Dreamwalker silently.
Despite Etuwa’s look of doubt, she knows (name) is a good fighter. But a fighter is not what her father wants, he wants the Dreamwalker to be hunter. A weaver at most.
“She will be.”
