Exploring the Forest:
After that loving moment with her grandmother, Sylwa decided to go and join her twin, Kiri, and Spider at one of the basement units in the camp where all the scientists loyal to the Navi lived. They entered inside and closed the door shut to conserve oxygen.
"Hey kids," greeted Norm, one of their dad's friends.
"Hey Normie," waved Sylwa. "Hey Maxie," she waved to Jake's other friend. She fist-bumped them and so did Spider and Lo'ak.
Whilst they did, Sylwa watched Kiri rushing over to the giant tank in which Grace's Avatar Body lay inside. She watched as her adoptive sister said, 'Hey ma'. She then climbed down and the two girls walked together over to a computer to watch some old video logs on her biological mother in her human form.
'Maybe I'm just losing it out here, but I see real evidence of a systemic response on a global level. I can't…I won't use the word 'intelligence', since it's, um…maybe 'awareness' is probably a better word'.
The boys leaned in behind them to watch with them.
'It's as if the entire biosphere on Pandora is aware and capable of this cognitive response. Oh, crap. I can't say that. They'll crucify me'. Grace laughed on the video.
Sylwa admired the scientist. She noticed a sad look on Kiri's face. She wish she had known him. "She'd be really proud of you," she comforted.
Once the video ended, the kids leaned against the tank.
"So who do you think hooked her up?" Lo'ak whispered loudly to Spider. "Pretty sure it was Norm,"
"Totally," Spider laughed.
The girls frowned. "That's inappropriate," Sylwa scolded gently.
"You two do not deserve to live," said Kiri, her attitude serious all of a sudden.
"No. No. Thinking about it. He's the teacher's pet. He's out at the lab with her all the time," Lo'ak continued his theory, Spider smirking in agreement.
Sylwa punched his shoulder. "Man, you're more immature than I thought,"
"Come on. He's in like every shot," Spider pointed out. "Just look," he pointed at Norm in the video together with Grace. "See, I'm thinking their two Avatars together, out in the woods…"
Sylwa punched his shoulder. "Oh, don't you start too. Very inappropriate right now,"
"Just gross," Kiri said.
"Guys I mean sometimes it's not so great to know who your father was…" Spider drifted off. Instantly the three Sullys felt deep regret for him. Growing up he had learnt about his parentage, and how truly horrible his biological father was. He turned away. "Whatever. I don't remember him,"
"Spider…" Kiri clasped his shoulder gently. "You are not him,"
"She's right Spider," Sylwa comforted. "You are not defined by where you came from. Only by whom you choose to be,"
"It's okay guys," said Spider.
"You're part of our family," reminded Lo'ak. "That's all that matters to us. And that's what should matter to you too. Nothing else,"
Spider smiled a bit at both of them.
Soon it was time for dinner and they all re-joined the others in their tent. Sylwa ate very slowly. She sat a good distance away from the fire per Jake's request. But the flicker of the flames made the forest fire play back in her head. Lo'ak hugged her close, comforting her from the horrifying experience she had to suffer through today.
"I'm gonna go and get some air," Sylwa stood up.
"Sylwa…" Jake began to say.
"Let her have some space," Moat insisted.
Jake sighed, deciding she should at least have some space.
Sylwa found Skeera again and she sat on one of the tall rocks overlooking the camp.
Skeera purred. "I know girl. Today was just a bummer," she patted the side of her head. "I'm sorry I scared you so much and I put you in danger like that," Skeera purred again and nuzzled her face against his with affection. She pulled out her sketchbook and flipped her pages to the forest again. "Why aren't we here?"
She stayed enveloped in her Ikran's wings when she heard footsteps. She turned to see it was her mother.
"Mind if you have some extra company?" she asked.
Sylwa smiled and nodded. The loving mother came to sit beside her. Neytiri's heart clenched seeing her look so sad like this. "What's wrong?"
"I'm really sorry I nearly got you killed today," she sobbed.
"The only thing that matters is that you're safe," Neytiri hugged her close. "I am proud of you. You shot down those two choppers and saved a lot of soldiers,"
"I never meant to scare you or dad like that. I heard everything,"
Neytiri sighed. She wasn't keen on any of the children eavesdropping on her conversations with Jake. "He doesn't mean to be hard on any of you. He just wants to keep you all safe. That's what fathers do. He really does love you all,"
"I know. I just feel like he's changed so much,"
"We've all changed. We're not the same people we were before. But we're gonna get through it. Come on. It's time for some sleep," she gently pulled her up and led her away, Skeera flying to the other Ikrans.
Inside the large sully tent were hammocks. Jake and Neytiri shared one. Neteyam had one underneath them. Kiri and Spider shared a large one with Tuk. And Lo'ak and Sylwa shared one as well together. Moat had her own accommodations. They fell asleep hoping the night would pass by quickly.
Lo'ak and Sylwa finally managed to make it to the river. They had to cross a log over its fast-flowing currents which led to a waterfall to reach the village and their family. They both took a step forward but heard loud creaking. The rumbling ground shocks from the spacecraft's landing had shaken the tree.
"You go first," Sylwa pushed him forward and he started walking cautiously over the water to the other side. She looked back and saw fire everywhere. Trees burning. Grass singing. Animals on fire. It was a sight that would scar her mentally.
Lo'ak finally made it across. He turned back. "Come on Sylwa!" He saw how frozen she was by the sight of the destruction drawing upon them. "Sylwa!"
Sylwa jolted up awake, hyperventilating, tears flooding her face. She looked around and saw everyone else was still asleep. Lo'ak was fidgeting a bit but was too sleepy to open his eyes. Quietly she climbed out of her hammock and flew out of the tent. The camp was almost completely discreet. She sat on her rock, crying into her hands, ashamed that she could never overcome her inner fears. Footsteps approached her.
"Sylwa.." It was Neteyam.
"Please leave me alone," she begged. "I don't want you to see me like this,"
Neteyam sat down beside her. "I don't care if you're crying. I'm here with you," he tried to comfort her but she walked off. "Sylwa…"
"I'm tired of being weak,"
"You're not weak,"
"Well, that's just how I feel. I feel like I can't do anything. That I can't take care of myself. You've all watched over me like a helpless creature. And I'm tired of feeling so supervised all time the time,"
"You know we're just trying to keep you safe," Neteyam said, approaching her.
"What does it matter? I just dreamed about that awful night again. The night I got this," she turned around, showing her back burn marks. Neteyam's ears fell down seeing her so marked like this. "It will always be a mark that I'll never be strong enough for anything," she started crying again. "I'll never be strong like you,"
"Come on," Neteyam turned her around. "I saw you shoot down two ships. You were strong enough to do that. You were much stronger than I was today. I'm very proud of you. And I know dad might not show it…but he is too. You should know he risked his life to save you,"
"I know. But he almost got killed because of it. And mum nearly got killed today because of me,"
"You know you can always count on me or Lo'ak or Kiri or Spider to come to your aid,"
"But then you guys would be in danger…because of me,"
"That's what families do. They always put their lives on the line for each other. Just like you did today. I'm very proud of you little sister,"
Sylwa chuckled. "You know I hate being called 'little'. I'm only younger than you," Neteyam chuckled, glad his joke had lightened her mood. He hugged her gently. "Thanks, Teyam,"
"Come on. Let's get you to bed," he escorted her inside and eventually she managed to sleep for the rest of the night.
The next day things were getting organised in preparation for some scouting. Sylwa sat on a rock, doing some sketching in her book. She drew a picture of the camp whilst listening to some music from the 21st century on a Zune. She loved music a lot. It made her feel calm.
"Listening to music?" Lo'ak joked behind her.
She turned around and smiled at him. "You know me," He sat down, and she pulled out one of her earphones and put it in his so they could listen to it together. As they did, they flipped through the pages of their art book together, looking at the lovely terrains they missed exploring.
Unknown to them, Jake was overwatching them from a higher level. He sighed. Compared to the other children, those two were quite rebellious. Like him when he was younger.
"They're still children," said Neytiri behind him. "They'll grow out of it,"
"They need to stop acting so defiant,"
"As I recall you were like that once,"
"I was. But I don't want them making the same mistakes I did,"
"You know how much this war has taken a toll on them and us all. Lo'ak only wishes to make you proud and be his own person. And Sylwa seeks independence and self-confidence. Try to be patient with them," she insisted.
Her mate nodded. Though she wasn't entirely sure it would be easy for him. "Come on. It's time to do some scouting with Neteyam,"
Lo'ak and Sylwa finished flicking through the pages and closed the book. They sat down together and watched everyone, observing them. They found happiness with each other despite the awful war that had forced them into this giant camp in a giant cave. What they focused on more was the fact that each and every one of them had four fingers. They both felt like outsiders, often wishing to be alone with just each other and their siblings.
The boy twin could see very clearly how much of a prison this camp had become to Sylwa, being trapped inside, constantly watched over. He went into deep thought.
"What are you thinking?" the girl twin asked, knowing him.
"I'm gonna take you to the forest," he said.
"No Lo'ak. That is a bad idea. And dad said you're grounded,"
"Technically he meant no flying for a month. You need to get out there. I want you to go back to the forest. You'll feel like yourself again," Sylwa was unsure. "Trust me," he clasped her forearm. "You need this,"
Sylwa thought for a second. She missed the lush green forests of Pandora. She missed doing swinging races with her brother. Charting amazing landscapes in her sketchbooks. She really needed to be out in the open, otherwise, she could never think straight. "Okay. But we do it quickly. And if you get into trouble again?"
"Dad's been mad at me for worse. We'll be back before the eclipse," he promised.
"If you guys are going, so are we," Spider's voice made them jump.
They turned around to see Kiri and Spider standing over them.
"What? No? Guys…we don't want you two to get into trouble," said Sylwa.
"People are gonna get suspicious if more of us disappear," said Lo'ak.
Kiri sat down. "You think you're the only one who tires being stuck in here? I really need to get out too otherwise I'm going mad being stuck in here,"
Lo'ak and Sylwa still weren't convinced. "Come on guys. It'll be just like old times," Spider convinced.
The twins shared a look and nodded. "Let's do this," said Lo'ak.
"I'm glad you guys are coming with us," said Sylwa smiling. "I really miss our adventures together,"
"I'll go get my bow and arrow," Lo'ak dashed off to fetch it whilst Sylwa packed her sketchbook, earphones, and Zune in her knapsack.
"You sure you wanna take your things?" asked Spider.
"Absolutely," she strapped her bag over her shoulders. In less than a second, Lo'ak came back with Tuk with him. "Bad idea bro. Bad idea bro. Tuk is not coming with us,"
"It's fine. If she wants to come let her," he said.
"We're going on an adventure!" cheered Tuk.
"Well then let's go before anyone knows we're gone," said Spider. They turned around and heard three Ikrans screeching. They watched as their parents and Neteyam flew out.
"Let's go," whispered Spider. They snuck out of the cave towards the platforms.
Skeera flew down to them; her best friend approached her stroking her affectionately. The three siblings and surrogate brother observed them. Their relationship was not like any other Ikran and Navi. "Sorry girl," she said. "Not today. Family time today. I see you soon,"
See you soon. Skeera roared and flew off.
Together the group climbed down the Hallelujah mountains and onto one of the long vine bridges that seemed to stretch from the floating mountain to the next one. They leapt over gaps enjoying the fun they missed as kids. Walking a bit beyond with Spider, Sylwa noticed there was something wrong with him. "What is wrong?"
"It's nothing," he lied.
"Spider…I'm not above tickling the truth out of you," she tickled him and he giggled.
"Okay," he chuckled, finally giving in. "It's just your mum. She really doesn't like me. I feel like no matter what I do none of the Navi will like me at all. They all know where I came from,"
"Who cares? Remember what Kiri and I told you the other day,"
"I do remember. But that's not what other people think. I may act like a Navi. But I will never truly be one of you. No matter how hard I try,"
She hated seeing him so sad like this. She made sure her twin, Kiri and Tuk were far ahead. "Spider…I was waiting for it to be a surprise…" he looked at her, perplexed by his words. "But…I've asked Norm to consider creating an avatar for you,"
He stopped walking. "You're not serious,"
"I am," she nodded. "It's time you officially became one of us. In the same way, dad did,"
Spider was overjoyed. He hugged her. "Thank you. Thank you,"
She chuckled, patting his back. "No one else apart from Lo'ak knows so let's just keep this between us,"
"Absolutely," he accepted.
"Sylwa! Spider!" Lo'ak called from ahead. "Come on you two!"
"Our secret?" she held up her pinkie.
"Our secret," Spider promised back. "Thank you Sylwa,"
She smiled and they caught up to the others. Eventually, they made their way down the final bridge of thick vines right into the forest. The moment she set foot on the ground in months, Sylwa felt more freedom than she had ever felt in months. She relished being under the green trees, surrounded by beautiful flowers and insects.
The group headed deeper into the forest, crossing a large log covered in patches of grass and moss and other flora. Tuk stopped to touch the tentacles of a planet which attached gently to her fingers like suckers. She giggled.
"Tuk! Keep up!" Lo'ak shouted.
"Okay! Okay!" she called back.
"Lo'ak come on!" said Sylwa. "Let Tuk have her fun,"
"Br, why'd you bring her anyway?" Spider asked.
"She's such a cry-baby. She's all, 'I'm telling. You're not supposed to go into the forest.
I tell mum if you don't let me come'," he made a funny face.
Tuk stuck her tongue out. "Don't pick on her," Kiri warned.
Sylwa tittered her tongue and shook a finger at her twin. "Don't poke the little one,'
They made it further into the forest, coming across a series of trees connected by roots. They noticed the remains of an old RDA aircraft tangled in the vines. It was rusty and it hadn't been flown for many years. Spider and Lo'ak climbed up.
"Oh sick," Lo'ak muttered with amazement.
"See any dead bodies up there?" Tuk asked.
Sylwa chuckled. "If there were, they would have rotted by now," The two girls caught up with the boys but Kiri started wandering off by herself. "So, drawing this," she quickly pulled out her sketchbook to quickly do an outline of the plane. She had never encountered it before.
"No time for sketching," said Lo'ak. "Still a lot of exploring to do,"
"Hey, where's Kiri?" Spider spoke. The group realised she had disappeared. They split up. Spider and Sylwa went together. As they did, Sylwa felt something strange in the air. Some kind of…spiritual energy. She was drawn to her. Following her instincts, she followed the seed-like atorikina's and there she and Spider by Kiri lying on the grass, feeling something strange beating beneath the green.
"Kiri," she knelt beside her. "Kiri?"
"Kiri. Kiri, are you okay?" Spider spoke louder.
Kiri woke up. I was doing that thing again, wasn't I?"
Spider chuckled and gently pushed an Atorikina away. "Yeah, you were,"
"It's okay," said Sylwa. "I felt it happening. There's no shame. You were blessed with a gifted sister. I'm really proud of you,"
Kiri smiled.
"Guys!" Lo'ak called. They turned to see him and Tuk rushing over.
"I think we should go back," said Tuk; she looked quite worried.
"Guys, look!" Sylwa pointed to something in the soil. Tracks. They knelt before it. They were big. "These are not human tracks. Way too big,"
"Avatars?" Spider wondered.
The group shared worried glances. If avatars were here, it didn't sound like good news.
Lo'ak started moving forward.
"What are you doing?" hissed Sylwa.
"I'm tracking," he said. He led them deep into the forest. They followed behind knowing it was no use trying to convince him to turn back. But the further they went, the more trembled they felt. They heard voices. Sylwa's heart jumped. They peeped over a log. Avatars were roaming around an area containing an ancient bunker covered in moss and leaves. And there was a giant Ampsuit with the remains of a skeleton inside.
They kept very quiet. "Guys, that's where your dad and my dad…fought," whispered Spider.
"That's your dad's suit," Lo'ak pointed to the rusty Ampsuit.
"We need to tell dad," whispered Sylwa.
"No. We're gonna get in trouble,"
"He needs to know. I'll take the blame,"
"No. My idea. I'll take the blame," Lo'ak pressed a common on his choker. "Devil Dog. This is Eagle Eye, over,"
"Eagle Eye, send your traffic," said Jake in the calmest tone he could muster.
"I've got eyes on some guys. They look like Avatars. But they're in full camo and carrying Ars. There are six of them; over,"
"What's your pos? Over,"
"We're at the old shack,"
"Who's we?"
Sylwa shook her head.
"Me, Spider, Kiri, Sylwa…" Sylwa smacked her forehead at mentioning everyone. "And Tuk,"
Sylwa hugged the youngest Sully very tightly, reassuring here they weren't going to let anything happen to her.
"Son, you listen to me very carefully. Pull back right now. Do not make a sound. Get the hell out of here. Move, copy?"
"Yes, sir. Moving out,"
Quietly the children tiptoed around from the site to get away before the Avatars noticed they were there.
Another chapter is done. Please send reviews and let me know what you all thought. I would love to hear any ideas. I hope you all enjoyed it. See you all soon