Author's Notes: Hi, readers. Here is chapter nine of "Take My Breath Away." It is actually a combination of two chapters I took down along with another due to not being satisfied with them. It introduces Eytukan, Mo'at, Keye'txon, Nekx, Nessa, Ateyo, and Ephiny. Stay tuned for chapter ten.
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Chapter 9: Family Conflict/Nice Greeting
Nova and Mawey listened carefully as Hufwe talked about the Nemean lion. Their uncle had the book in his lap. Atan had her head propped up by her elbow on her leg. The youngsters laughed when he imitated a lion's roar. They got louder when he and their aunt tickled their stomachs. They began to run out of breath. Hufwe and Atan stopped tickling them.
"We are so sorry," Hufwe apologized guiltily.
"We didn't mean to make you run out of breath," Atan added, her ears twitching.
"It's all right," Nova answered in a soft way.
"We know you didn't do it on purpose," Mawey commented with a giggle.
"You still need to be careful," a male voice pointed out truthfully.
"You can die from laughter," a female added seriously.
Hufwe, Atan, Nova, and Mawey looked over their shoulders to see Eytukan, Mo'at, and forty-eight-year-old Nessa standing a short distance away. Hufwe closed his book and picked it up. He, Atan, Nova, and Mawey stood up, loud grunts leaving their mouths. They made their way to the trio, their tails swinging from side to side.
Nessa twitched her nose before emitting a soft snort. She bore a resemblance to Mo'at with the exception of her being slightly shorter. Unlike her sister, her hair wasn't braided. Her right cheek contained three scars going across it. Her tail tuff was missing half its hairs. The base of her tail had a scar going around it. The children tilted their heads somewhat.
"How long have you three been standing here?" Hufwe asked.
"Long enough to watch you talk about Nemean lion to your nephew and niece and hear them laugh with the roaring and tickling," Eytukan replied with a sly smile.
"I have to admit your roar almost sounded like a real lion's," Mo'at said, a soft chuckle leaving her mouth.
Eytukan blew in a soft way. "Tell me about it. Of course, a palulukan's roar is louder."
"Who can argue with that?" Nova responded with a snort. "Anyway, sempu and Uncle Akshan are home. They went to see sa'nok, Aunt Neytiri, Aunt Isis, and Aunt Olei. Before then, they came to see us. Sempu stopped Kipling from taking off with Uncle Hufwe's book."
"Whenever Kipling causes trouble, Tsu'tey is there to stop him," Eytukan said with a smile.
Atan sighed in relief. "Thank Eywa for him."
"If only Kipling would stop playing around so much. Life isn't a game. It can be very hard," Hufwe commented irritatingly.
"It wasn't easy for your father and me to raise your aunt and uncle after our parents died. We were just eighteen when we became this clan's leaders," Mo'at pointed out honestly.
Nessa emitted a soft sigh before yawning. "I was only nine years old when that happened. Keye'txon was just eight. I am very grateful to our siblings for raising us."
"I am too, but I say our parents wouldn't be fond of humans being here at all," a male voice said.
"You said it," a second male voice agreed.
The entire group spotted forty-seven-year-old Keye'txon and forty-six-year-old Nekx standing not far from it. They went toward it, soft snorts coming from him. Keye'txon looked like Eytukan, except he was shorter and a little more muscular. His arms had crisscrossing scars. His left ear contained a knick in it. His tail tuff was missing most of its hairs.
Nekx ran his tongue all over the inside of his mouth. He was slightly shorter than his best friend was. He possessed a muscular frame. Scars could be seen going down the left side of his body. His tail was missing its entire tuff. The tip of his nose had a tiny white dot on it. He and Keye'txon stopped before the group. They let out soft snorts.
"I believe you are wrong, Keye'txon, Nekx," Eytukan said with a shake of his head. "I think our parents wouldn't mind humans being here at all. In fact, they would be so impressed with how well the two sides have gotten along."
"They always said attacking someone without getting to know them first would make us look bad," Mo'at added.
"We would look really bad to the rest of the People. This clan is becoming more immersed in human culture with each passing day," Keye'txon snapped angrily. He gritted his teeth. "Humans are doing everything in their power to make us them. They brought those dreamwalkers who look like us here, but they are not us. I see them as demons in false bodies."
"First, it started out with young men and women having arm-wrestling matches. They proceeded to learn hand-to-hand combat. Then kids began pretending to be knights and soldiers. They acted out parts in popular human stories. After that, kids and animals were being named after characters in TV shows and movies. Then warriors and hunters started to play sports such as basketball and baseball," Nekx added.
"You and Mo'at are allowing your grandson to join Grace's school next year, Eytukan. Your granddaughter will head there in the next three years. It won't take them long to be very immersed in human culture. Of course, it actually started when they were just little babies," Keye'txon growled, flaring his nostrils.
"It was important for our grandchildren to learn to trust humans from the beginning, my brother," Eytukan retorted, sighing heavily. "The same went for our children. Fearing people that we do not know is dangerous. Studying them helps us to determine who can and can't be trusted."
"There is nothing wrong with our people adding parts of human culture in their lives. We are still sticking to our traditions and laws," Mo'at commented.
"I am not fond of humans myself, but the warriors and hunters have benefited from learning hand-to-hand combat. They are able to fight rogue Na'vi more easily," Nessa commented firmly. "Sports keep their reflexes in tiptop shape."
"You might as well admit you are on your sister and brother-in-law's side, Nessa," Nekx sneered. "You seem to like watching children pretend to be characters from human stories."
"It is good the children have imaginations. They take them to faraway places. They can be a great source of comfort in difficult times," Nessa said with a snort.
"You and your friends used to enjoy learning from humans. Now, you see them as a menace," Eytukan said, hints of frustration lining his voice. "It pains me that you act this way."
"It pains us just as much as it pains you, sempu," a female voice agreed.
Keye'txon and Nekx spun around, finding Tsu'tey, Sylwanin, Neytiri, Akshan, Isis, Olei, and Ateyo standing not far from them. Tsu'tey had his arm around Sylwanin. Isis held the basketball in her hands. Nova and Mawey went over to their parents. They turned around to face their granduncle and his best friend. They let out shuddering breaths.
Ateyo took a deep breath. He looked a bit like Tsu'tey with the exception of him being taller and his hair braided down his back. He wasn't as muscular as his son was. His arms were marked with crisscrossing scars. A tiny white dot could be seen on the end of his nose. Keye'txon shook his head in disbelief as Nekx snorted loudly.
"How long have all of you been standing there?" Keye'txon asked.
"Long enough for us to hear how you think humans are trying to turn us into them, Uncle Keye'txon," Neytiri answered firmly. "They are not doing that at all. They have taught us so much about the universe."
"In return, we taught them about us. They learned a lot too," Sylwanin added. "We have benefited from their help."
Ateyo snorted. "If it weren't for them, Sylwanin would've died from that lung infection. Hi'i and Tswayon would've both died in childbirth. Many other deaths in both situations would've occurred."
"Warriors and hunters who were severely injured in accidents and attacks wouldn't be here," Tsu'tey added, seriousness lining his voice.
Sylwanin nodded in agreement. "That's right."
"Our medicines have helped humans with debilitating conditions on Earth and here," Isis commented and cleared her throat.
"We remember when Julie banned contact between the two sides," Akshan said with an annoyed sigh. "You and your followers were thrilled at the news."
"It meant we didn't have to see humans here," Nekx said with pride.
Olei narrowed her eyes at him. "Don't get too prideful, Nekx. It will bite you on the butt."
Nekx mouthed Olei's words mockingly. She rolled her eyes and let out an irritated sigh. She shook her head in disbelief.
"You just had to mock me, didn't you, Nekx?" Olei growled with a snort.
"Yep," Nekx said, a smirk forming on his face. "It is my specialty. Nothing you do will make me stop."
Keye'txon smacked him on the shoulder. "That's enough, Nekx. Humans may have helped us on some occasions, but that does not change the fact they are trying to change our world into theirs."
"All of you are blind not to see this," Nekx insisted with a loud snort. "They caused great destruction before. Who says they won't do it again?"
"Humanity may have caused great harm to Earth, but it turned itself around," Neytiri responded, hints of anger lining her voice. "A horrible plague made it realize the error of its ways. They helped each other fight it as they repaired Earth. They came here to learn from us. Some humans have acted like Julie, but most have been nothing but gracious to us. You and your supporters are the ones who can't see."
Mo'at swung her tail from side to side. "When a clan causes the same destruction humans once caused, Eywa curses them in some way, shape, or form. She won't lift the curse until it realizes what it is doing is wrong."
"Some clans who cause such destruction will never realize this," Eytukan commented bluntly. "The Omaticaya will never take part in something so horrible. It is not the way of the Na'vi."
"Tsu'tey and I don't want Nova and Mawey to be subjected to your thinking, Uncle Keye'txon," Sylwanin said, picking up her daughter.
"We have every intention of letting them learn about human culture," Tsu'tey said as he picked up his son.
"We honestly believe your parents would be disgusted with your attitude toward humanity," Ateyo said in a stern voice. "I know Nia would. She may have died young, but she got to see all three of her children grow up." He let out a quiet sniffle. "Thank Eywa for Grace. She was there to bring me out of my depression."
"She is the main reason why our people have changed so much," Keye'txon snarled and clenched his teeth. "She and her mate, John, pushed their culture on us."
Nekx growled in fierceness. "Just you wait. Humans will turn our world into theirs. It will be nothing but misery for the People."
Keye'txon and Nekx walked away while talking to each other. The rest of the former's family stared after him until they were gone. Neytiri flattened her ears against her skull.
"He makes me so angry when he says those things about our human friends," Neytiri hissed.
"It makes us angry too, child," Eytukan agreed. "It is harder for me because Keye'txon is like a son to me. I taught him everything I know. I comforted him when he was scared. I stayed by him every minute when he was sick."
"Nessa is like a daughter to me," Mo'at added, turning to her sister. "She is not fond of humans, but she has much respect for them."
"It is better not to be fond of something than outright hate it," Nessa responded calmly. "Hate is—"
Just then, a joyful laugh caught everyone's attention. Twenty-year-old Ephiny came running up to the group. She was around Neytiri's height. She possessed a little more muscle. Her hair was in braids with the exception of two long strands being curled. She stopped before it as it came together.
"Olo'eytkan, tsahik, a Samson is approaching Hometree!" Ephiny yelled excitedly.
"This must mean the newcomers have been debriefed on Pandora," Neytiri suggested.
"Most likely. Ephiny, you are to greet the pilots at the entrance to Hometree. You are to bring them to Mo'at and me," Eytukan commanded.
"Yes, sir!" Ephiny responded eagerly. "I hope it's Trudy and Bailey. I always like it when they come."
Eytukan, Mo'at, Tsu'tey, Sylwanin, Nova, Mawey, Neytiri, Akshan, Isis, Olei, Ateyo, Hufwe, Atan, and Nessa watched Ephiny head for the entrance. Tsu'tey and Sylwanin put their children down. The family began to talk about the visitors.
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Ephiny crossed the log leading to Hometree's entrance. She could see Trudy coming toward the ground. She waved at her and Bailey. The women returned the wave with one of their own. Ephiny stopped at the edge of the log as the Samson landed. Trudy switched off the engine and unbuckled her harness along with Bailey. They grabbed their exopacks to put them on. They opened the valves before exiting the Samson. They approached Ephiny.
"Oel ngati kamie, Ephiny," Trudy greeted, warmth echoing from her voice.
"Oel ngati kamie, Trudy, Bailey," Ephiny responded, giving a nod. "I was hoping you and Bailey would come."
"I can't imagine why you wouldn't," Bailey said, winking at her.
"How are you doing this afternoon?" Ephiny wondered in much curiosity and grabbed her bow with her other hand.
"We are doing just fine," Bailey said happily.
"Wonderful," Ephiny said, laughing delightfully. "So, I take the newcomers have been debriefed on Pandora?"
"Yes, they have," Trudy said with much pride.
"Don't show too much pride, Trudy," Bailey teased and snickered under her breath. "It will bite you on the ass."
"That was so funny I forgot to laugh," Trudy replied, sarcasm lacing her voice.
"Nice use of sarcasm, Trudy," Ephiny complimented.
"Thanks, Eph," Trudy said and gave her two thumbs-ups. "You are just like your namesake. You are tough and tenacious."
"My parents liked the name so much that they gave it to me," Ephiny commented, a chuckle leaving her mouth. "Now, let me take you to the olo'eytkan and tsahik."
"Come on! Come on!" Bailey said in a drill sergeant's voice. "We do not have all day!"
"Okay, okay!" Ephiny said in mock annoyance. She swiveled her ears twice.
"Come on."
Trudy smacked Bailey on the shoulder in a playful way. Bailey gave her a smack to the back of her head in retaliation. Ephiny waved her hand toward herself. She headed for the entrance, as did the women. They went through it. They made their way through the Omaticaya. Trudy and Bailey were greeted with approving nods and disapproving stares.
The trio headed toward Eytukan and Mo'at, who stood in front of the leonopteryx totem along with Neytiri, Sylwanin, Akshan, and Ateyo. All six Na'vi smiled very warmly at the humans. They waved their tails from side to side twice. They did the same up and down three times. Ephiny, Trudy, and Bailey stopped before them.
"Olo'eytkan, tsahik, here are Trudy Chacon and Bailey Hammond," Ephiny said, a smile forming on her face.
"Thank you, Ephiny," Eytukan responded with a nod. He turned to the women and sighed happily. "I see you, my friends."
"I see you, Eytukan, Mo'at," Trudy commented.
Mo'at clasped her hands together. "We take the newcomers have been debriefed on our world."
"Yes, they have," Bailey responded truthfully. "We need to know who will greet them tomorrow morning."
"Who should be the ones to come this time?" Trudy said seriously as she clapped twice.
Eytukan nodded at her. "Let Mo'at and me discuss it first."
Eytukan looked at Mo'at, as did she with him. They came closer and began whispering inaudible words. Trudy and Bailey tilted their heads, wondering when the leaders would say something. Eytukan and Mo'at turned back to them, smiling.
"We have decided that Tswayon and Sylwanin will be the ones to greet the newcomers at the colony tomorrow morning," Eytukan said.
"Thank you, olo'eytkan, tsahik!" Trudy yelled in much joy.
Bailey blew in a soft way before clasping her hands together. "We will let Parker know immediately."
"It is always an honor to speak with you two. You have displayed such maturity in times of crisis," Trudy complimented.
"Thank you," Mo'at responded in much warmth.
"Ephiny, show our friends out," Eytukan instructed.
Ephiny nodded at him. "Yes, sir."
Ephiny led Trudy and Bailey toward the exit. They talked quietly amongst themselves. Eytukan, Mo'at, Sylwanin, Neytiri, Akshan, and Ateyo watched them until they were gone. They looked at each other, their ears swiveling and twitching.
"I am looking forward to greeting the newcomers, sempu," Sylwanin said in much excitement.
"I knew you would, child," Eytukan said, happiness showing in his voice.
"Someone will need to tell Tswayon once he gets back from his hunt," Neytiri said and cleared her throat.
"That's right!" Akshan blurted out while holding up a finger.
"I will tell him," Ateyo said while raising his hand. "I am sure he will not mind in the least bit."
"It is amazing he survived by being delivering through C-section. If we had never met these humans, he and Hi'i would be dead," Akshan said, frowning a bit.
"So would the other forty-eight mothers and their children," Mo'at added and emitted a soft snort. "We have changed in many ways, but we are still Na'vi."
"If only Uncle Keye'txon could see it that way," Neytiri said, sniffling as she lowered her ears. "I feel I don't even know him anymore."
"You're not the only one, Neytiri," Akshan pointed out matter-of-factly.
"The irony is he kept the throat microphones Grace gave him. He knows how to use one very well," Akshan pointed out.
"He admits they are very useful for certain circumstances," Sylwanin said, scratching the back of her neck.
"He and Nekx used to use them to play pranks on their friends as kids," Eytukan said, chuckling to himself. "They would leave them in different places. Their friends would follow their voices. Then Keye'txon and Nekx would pull a different prank every time. They even set traps on a few occasions." He sighed as he remembered when his brother told him about the pranks. "The pranks were harmless yet funny. No one ever got hurt."
"A few pranks did backfire on them," Mo'at said, a small smile crossing her lips. "That was just as funny."
Eytukan frowned quite a bit. He wished Keye'txon and his followers wouldn't be so disdainful toward his human friends. He took comfort in the fact that Nessa held no ill will toward humans, though she was not a fan of them. He and his family agreed with her assertion that it was better not to be fond of something than to hate it outright. They knew hate could turn people into monsters.
"It is nice to know that most in our clan don't mind if some have human names. The names can have different meanings in different languages," Eytukan said matter-of-factly.
"Let's not forget some pa'li and ikran have human names. Among the pa'li are Apollo and Rama. Rama is named after Vishnu's avatar. He is completely blue just like him. Apollo is named after the Greek god of the sun. He has a yellow spot on his chest that resembles the sun," Neytiri explained with a smile.
Sylwanin swung her tail up and down three times. "I named Leto after Apollo and Artemis's mother in Greek mythology. Zeus was the father of her twins. She conceived her twins after her hidden beauty accidentally caught his eye. She searched for a place where she could give birth to Apollo and Artemis due to Hera's jealousy causing others to sun her. She eventually found an island that was not attached to the ocean floor. It was not considered land. She was able to give birth there. After Apollo and Artemis were grown, Leto withdrew to be a dim and benevolent matronly figure upon Olympus. She had played her part."
"I can't imagine our parents withdrawing and observing us from afar after raising us all our lives," Akshan said, swallowing hard. "It is not the way of the Na'vi not to show love and care toward children. Unfortunately, some parents are cold and cruel toward their children. A few even beat and rape them." He shuddered in disgust.
"Humans had that problem with the rape and abuse of children, but they have managed to change laws regarding child abusers. Their penalties are so much harsher now. Some abusers never got any time in prison. Those who harm children should be put to death. That's the truth," Ateyo said in a blunt voice.
Eytukan nodded in agreement. "Yes. Let's go to my and Mo'at's alcove, so we can talk some more."
Eytukan led his family to his and Mo'at's alcove. Three children ran behind them, but they didn't notice. They squealed with much laughter, scaring away a tapirus. It bellowed frightfully and ran into the nearby bushes, leaves flying everywhere.