Summary :

Varang arrives to meet Lo'ak and his friends. Is she the cruel leader of the Fire Clan Warriors or the good Tsahik who works miracles? They were finally going to find out.

The Way of Lo'ak

Chapter 26, The Vows

a) Varang:

Quaritch, Z-Dog, Ja, Narva, Spider and Lo'ak but also Nevez were gathered in the central room of the Shell Village with the master of the place. They were all waiting for Varang to arrive. At least they assumed she was the one coming up the stairs to the hall.

A young female entered the room, she carried a very young child against her belly. Her clothes were quite simple apart from the beautiful shell she wore around her neck. Only Nevez did not recognize her because the others had seen her taking a bath in the lake earlier and had greeted her. To say that Nevez didn't know her is actually not entirely accurate.

- I see you young mother, said Nevez.

- I see you honorable Tsahik she replied.

- Apart from the color, you have not changed. Glad to see you are satisfied with a job well done.

The young mother replied with a smile and sat down with the others, giving the breast to her child from time to time. After a moment of silence she said:

- My name is Varang. I present to you my companion Sallqa and my youngest, Achikyay. Isn't she cute?

- A good breeder muttered Nevez.

- You must have been told things about me. But these things are often exaggerated or distorted. But you didn't come to this desolate place for nothing?

- I simply want to know who is hiding behind this mask and what are his intentions?

Varang looked at Nevez for a moment and smiled again:

"Honourable Tsahik, if you don't mind, I will already let the others speak. You will learn from their questions and my answers."

b) Lo'ak's wish:

It was Lo'ak who spoke:

"Young mother, I am Lo'ak son of Jake Sully and Neytiri. Besides, I am Toruk Makto and brother of Payakan.

I first heard of you on a strange island the Tulkuns call the Wandering Island. A young female stranded on this island told me that you were working miracles.

Eywa entrusted me with the mission of finding the body of my brother Neteyam... who died... partly because of... me. His body was stolen by the Ash People. And his soul was stolen to be put in the body of another. Another who... uh... isn't far away."

Lo'ak exchanged a look with Ja who obviously felt targeted by that remark.

"A young female of the Sea People came with me. She… Her name is Tsireya… She was a good person… She died after being poisoned by an evil stone on this mountain… Just before arriving here."

Lo'ak couldn't help but cry. Varang held out her hand and Lo'ak gave his.

- Here is a very sad story my young friend said Varang. Losing two loved ones in such a short time.

"Cleaning has not been done properly on this mountain said Nevez sarcastically!"

But Varang went on without taking note of this remark:

- And what would you like Lo'ak? What would you like first?

- You mean that I have to choose between Neteyam and Tsireya?

- No, you have to tell me what is most important to you. What your heart wants the most.

Lo'ak then looked at Ja. The latter gave him a sign that he interpreted as "Don't worry about me". So Lo'ak replied:

- I wish Tsireya hadn't died...

- But of course, as you are right said Varang.

c) Spider's wish:

Spider then took over:

- So Varang we only have the right to one wish?

- There is no countdown. But I'm just an intermediary, little creature. I don't guarantee anything.

- My name is Spider Socorro. I was born here. Not in the world of Tawtute. Me what I would like… Finally I would like it for me in fact. I don't know if I can?

- Yes, of course !

- Well I would like to become a real Na'vi. Finally with five fingers if we can not do otherwise, it will not bother me.

"Easy to do" exclaimed Nevez!

- Hmmm… And I would also like, finally if it is possible, to find the Wandering Island. Finally, rather help someone on it.

- This is a very understandable request. Give me your hand.

And Varang in turn took Spider's hand.

d) Narva's wish:

Then Varang turned to Narva.

- I too am a victim of evil stones. My father was poisoned by one of them and my mother was sick when she was pregnant with me. That's why I'm discolored on one side. Seeing this my mother committed suicide while giving birth to me. I was raised by my clan as an orphan. No male wants me, in addition to my ugliness, I can transmit my evil. I am only good at domesticity.

- All white, you would have been killed at birth, my ugly, Nevez blurted out!

- But will you shut up wicked witch dropped Lo'ak exasperated!

- Let her say Lo'ak, she has reason to be embittered, Varang said in a calming tone. Give me your hands Narva.

And Varang took Narva's hands:

- I can assure you that your offspring will not be affected by your color. You are still young, you have pretty features, you would surely be a good mother. You must be beautiful for someone. What makes the beauty of Nature is the harmony of the diversity of shapes and colors.

- Thanks…

e) Quaritch's wish:

Varang turned to Quaritch.

- And you, do you have a particular wish?

- Uh… I don't really know who you are. I don't really believe in magic. But weird things are happening here.

- Very good summary of the situation Colonel said Nevez!

- But do you have many things that are important to you? Or are you empty inside?

- I consider that I have already had a second chance. To tell the truth, becoming the old Quaritch again is not particularly tempting…

- Say it foreigner, say it insisted Varang!

- As you must have seen, I am linked to this woman… Finally female as you say.

And Quaritch put his arm around Z-Dog's neck.

- She has no desire to return to humans.

- And you insisted Varang again?

- I… I'm ready to follow her. There it is said! But I fear that we will be hunted down in our turn as deserters.

- There are things they can't do.

- Really? What if humans ravage the planet?

- It will not happen assured Varang.

- And why ?

And Nevez replied, "Stupid, guess why!"

f) Z-Dog's wish:

Varang took Quaritch and Z-Dog's hands. And she continued the conversation:

- Future mother, your companion had a hard time breaking his shell but it's done.

- His heart had already chosen. I'm not surprised, is it my Big Twink?!

And Quaritch nodded.

- I too had a second chance continued Z-Dog…

- And even a third… interrupted Nevez! Nice work, it took me a while to figure it out! Deterrence is an art!

Lo'ak understood Nevez's hint. He knew that Ja and Z-Dog were creatures from an unknown force. But was this force related to Varang? He didn't dare ask the question.

Z-Dog sued:

- I accept my fate but I ask to be completely released. I just hope that those I love will not experience more misfortunes.

- You are already free. A world devoid of suffering would also be a world without freedom and without life. It's all about maintaining a good balance.

"Eywa has confused your mind!" grumbled Nevez.

g) Ja's wish:

Finally it was Ja's turn. Lo'ak knew his true condition, aggravated by the fact that he had totally lost his memory of his cover.

- I don't know if I can speak freely. My situation is totally strange.

- What is your name asked Varang?

- I… What's my name? But uh… Ja, my name is Ja.

His bodily expressions betrayed this lie. Almost everyone noticed it, including and especially Nevez who once again showed sarcasm:

"Looks like the toy is damaged!"

- Alright Ja continued Varang. Do you want anything in particular?

- Go home. Find mine. But I am afraid that they will not recognize me, or even that he will reject me. Obviously I also had the right to a second chance. I may not have it all.

- You are a reasonable person, I know that. Your future is in your hands.

And Varang took his hand.

h) Nevez's wish:

Finally Varang turned to Nevez.

- Did you also come for something?

- I understood the message. But I would like to know how it happened?

- I was the right color. And I had learned the language of the ancients thanks to a child's toy. Finally, it was you who led me to the right place out of vanity but also out of love. Providence did the rest.

- Obviously… And for our great ancestors continued Nevez?

- The supporters of iron won against yours who wanted to stop them. All at the cost of an apocalyptic conflict. Freed from the flesh, they abandoned this world which no longer served them anything.

- On Earth, the same thing almost happened… You know I should make a report?

- That's why you came here. Your masters needed a little reminder Varang replied.

- You think of ours who are on Earth? They live like the prisoners of humans. I was just allowed to come here for a limited time. It was so long...

- You know very well that they are right to be wary. Your fate is somewhat deserved. But I am sensitive to your condition and I am sure that it will improve.

And Varang took Nevez's hand.

- It was nice to see you again, said Varang.

- You are both my greatest disappointment and my greatest success…

- I know what you owe and I have forgiven you your sins.

"Now it's time to celebrate this day!" Varang proclaimed after a moment of silence.

Lo'ak had found that last conversation enigmatic. Varang and Nevez seemed to know each other. There were so many weird things here. Yet he preferred to be silent.

i) The party:

They all descended into a large underground room carved into the rock which looked a lot like the one in the village of Stone, only smaller though. It was also decorated with more or less eroded sculptures evoking heroic acts, monsters, tragic deaths but also passionate loves.

The room was lit by torches and bioluminescent bladders. Mats and cushions lined the floor. In one corner of the room, a conical tree had been placed, the branches of which had been covered with bioluminescent vines.

It was only Nevez who made the link: "Too bad, I didn't bring my shoes to put in front of the fireplace..."

Other people entered the room. All were young or even children. Among them two identical twins which were extremely rare among the Na'vis. All were kind and caring.

"And now let's pray for this day," Varang said.

Then they all sat down and a meal was served. Lo'ak had never tasted food like this. They were very well cooked, very good and often surprising.

Some guests began to dance while others played music with instruments unknown to Na'vis or humans.

Then came a show put on by children. He told the story of the Great Sorrow. Lo'ak already knew it but there were a few more details. Especially a bizarre story with dwarves who ended up being killed by the evil Na'vi while they were their servants.

Everyone fell asleep on the cushions in the room when night had already fallen for a while. The cold winds that came from the top of the mountain caused snow to fall, but few of the guests noticed it.

j) The return:

The next day, the guests were awakened by one of the inhabitants of the village:

"It is time for you to wake up strangers. It's time to go home."

A meal quickly swallowed, a bit of toilet in the lake and the guests were given food and Palis as well as blankets.

- Varang is not here asked Lo'ak?

- No stranger. But you have her greeting.

- Are we risking anything on the descent?

- Absolutely not. Just don't linger.

- Any chance that we will come back here one day? Your welcome was perfect.

- Only if you are invited.

Lo'ak was hesitant to ask if his wish would come true or not. But he didn't dare. This adventure could have ended worse. But his interlocutor guessed his question:

"A wish can take a long time to come. And you have to know how to grasp it. Have a good trip stranger."

Nevez stood aside. Lo'ak couldn't bear her. And fortunately because she took a different route, without saying anything.

"Finally rid of this monster!" he growled.

And the small troop consisting of Quaritch, Z-Dog, Ja, Narva, Spider and Lo'ak descended the mountain in the opposite direction of the ascent.

Lo'ak was pensive. What had he brought? A reincarnation of Neteyam… If not for his body, it was not so bad. But Tsireya was dead. If his wish didn't come true, he could never return to the Metkayinas, Ronal would certainly not forgive him. He should join the High Camp away from his family.

Ja joined to talk to him!

- Lo'ak, we have to talk. Of my future and of yours too.

- I'm listening to you big brother.

- I still have a big hole in my memory although I can see my time a little better with the uh… Those with turquoise skin… the Metkayinas I think.

I can't see myself coming back in front of dad and especially in front of mom. I'm going to be called a demon or whatever. This Ronal is so… intolerant.

- But if we will explain to them. It will be said that the Ash People are nice. That he gave you a gift because you are brave. Dad will understand.

- Maybe he will understand me. The others… Possibly they will burn me.

- Mhhh… It could be bad for me too… I'm thinking of going to High Camp. Could you follow me?

- Lo'ak, there is a risk that we take for a human spy, right?

- Unfortunately yes… Listen, there is a place where you are well seen, it is at the Scarlet Cave clan. This is where Narva comes from. You must not remember it, but Nevez presented you as a… a deserter who had seen the light of Eywa. Everyone believed it, even me.

- This Narva, she looks so sweet and devoted. With normal skin, she would be as beautiful as mom.

- You just have to see her on the bright side!

- You know it's not stupid what you say little brother!

- It's a joke!

- No, it's deeper than you think.

k) The kiss:

The descent went smoothly. The group had passed the location of the Fire Clan ambush with no problems. Varang hadn't lied.

But another painful moment awaited them. The moment when Tsireya's body should be exhumed. Lo'ak would have left this painful task to someone else, but it was his responsibility.

She had only been underground for a few days. A fairly cold land. Its state of conservation must have been quite correct. On the other hand, her body would have to be dried, otherwise it would rot given the length of the return trip.

Lo'ak dug into the still soft ground and quickly came across a rather impressive volume of yellowish filaments. A fungus must have grown on her body. Finally he came to her. She was there, wrapped in protective grass as during her burial. It was well preserved but inert. The miracle was not there! Had Lo'ak made a mistake or misunderstood Varang? He then undertook to discover it completely.

The others were around and witnessed the scene with heavy hearts. Even Quaritch who was surprised once again to have a heart!

- There are a few things not normal Lo'ak exclaimed!

- What asked Z-Dog?

- Her body is hot! But her heart is not beating...

After a moment of silence, Quaritch released a seemingly incongruous sentence:

- You have to kiss the sleeping princess!

- Huh said Lo'ak?!

- In fairy tales, the prince must kiss the sleeping beauty on the mouth!

Quaritch was laughing at the world or what? Well, it didn't cost anything to try. And Lo'ak kissed Tsireya's body on her mouth...

She was warm… And tasted nice…

And…

And Lo'ak felt that Tsireya's heart had started beating! And soon she opened her eyes!

- But what are you doing Lo'ak!

- I… I'm sorry… But I was giving you… mouth to mouth! Like when Neteyam revived Kiri. Do you remember saying?

- Did I faint?

- Yes if you want. How are you feeling, Little Fish?

- Numb… but I think I'm fine. The Nevez treatment made me recover. I really thought I was going to die!

- You don't think so well. You can't know how happy we are! You can get up ?

And Tsireya got up. She was numb but could stand up without any problem.

- You even dug me a hole! I passed not far from the tomb! Where is Nevez I have to thank her?

- Nevez took another path. And it was Varang who actually healed you. We had time to go see her. But we have to go back now.

- Too bad… how was she?

- Weird… but nice.

For Lo'ak, this event was like replacing the one-ton rock that plunged him into an abyss with a huge balloon that lifted him skyward.

And all the others were also very happy. But no one dared to tell Tsireya all the details. She believed she had just been sick and cared for with a temporary loss of consciousness. It was less confusing than having an unnatural resurrection.

Then they continued on their way to the Scarlet Cave...

l) A beautiful story:

After a few days the seven companions arrived at the Scarlet Cave.

Of course they had to tell their story. They chose to stick to a simplistic version by minimizing Tsireya's illness and her somewhat unnatural recovery. That Varang had just received them kindly and cared for Tsireya but that one had to beware of the Fire clan who guarded the access. Basically they had been lucky and it could very well have ended badly. As for Nevez, she had been bewitched and had decided to go her own way. They thus avoided revealing too much about her duplicity.

Lo'ak had to admit, however, that he could not find Neteyam's body because he had to choose between that and Tsireya's life. But of course he did not speak of the reincarnation of his brother as had been agreed with him.

And their return was celebrated as it should be.

Lo'ak and his companions would have to spend almost 20 more days in the Scarlet Cave because they had to wait for the return of Jakesully whom a messenger had asked him to come. Otherwise they risked crossing each other without seeing each other. And Lo'ak especially did not want to return to the Metkayinas without him.

They would therefore have plenty of time to familiarize themselves with this clan, which was welcoming and well placed. It was at the same time close to the mountains, close to the sea and close to the forest. But weren't the humans going to attack this place, since Nevez now knew where it was? And this despite Varang's insurance?

m) Tell Eywa:

Lo'ak still had to do something. He had to tell Eywa about his adventure. And there he couldn't hide the details from her. He wondered if the Mother Goddess would not consider Varang as a demon who in return would have cursed him, Tsireya and all his friends.

But he had to if he wanted to complete his quest and be well received at home.

So Lo'ak returned alone to the clan's sacred tree that lay deep within the cave.

He made the bond with some anxiety and unfolded his story. Obviously Eywa was satisfied because she calmed her mind. The image of Neteyam in the middle of the fire did not return, so his quest was over. Lo'ak just asked for her help so that his parents and friends would recognize that his adventure was justified.