Chapter 1: Recollections


The sun neared its peak, casting a warm glow on the edge of a sprawling swamp in the heart of Pandora's rainforests. The dense morning mist hindered sunlight from penetrating the thick canopy of interwoven branches and leaves. The murky water, tinged with a discolored brown hue, teemed with floating algae and aquatic life. The piercing screams of banshees echoed through the air as skilled Ikran riders effortlessly maneuvered in and out of a vast cave opening in the mountain, serving as the central hub for a large Na'vi camp. Even in the dense fog, these riders navigated with ease.

The cave served as a refuge for numerous Na'vi families, primarily the Omatikaya, who sought solace in makeshift tents scattered both inside and outside. Three months earlier, conflict had forced them to abandon their homes, and now they clung to the remnants of their existence. Alongside the Na'vi, a dedicated group of human workers and scientists who stood with the Na'vi also called this place home. The vast cave, adorned with stalagmites, stood as an ancient sanctuary capable of accommodating the diverse gathering of Na'vi and human loyalists.

Chosen as a temporary base of operations by Jake Sully, the rebellious leader of the Omatikaya Na'vi, this secluded site offered respite from the prying eyes of the RDA's central city, camouflaged by the impenetrable canopy above. From this hidden stronghold, Jake orchestrated daring raids against the RDA, ensuring the safety of his people before returning to safeguard their hard-won spoils.

The cave hummed with ceaseless activity as scores of workers toiled outside— cutting wood, carving meat, honing their skills with bows and arrows, setting up new tents, and kindling fresh campfires. At intervals, Ikran riders soared from the cave's depths, venturing far into the jungles and swamps on hunting expeditions, while others diligently manned their posts, safeguarding their camp.

In a corner near the launch point of the hunters, a substantial group of Ikrans huddled together, seeking solace in a pocket of the cave. They basked in the meager sunlight that filtered through, providing respite after their tireless flights. Among them, Kiri, the teenage daughter adopted by rebel commander Jake Sully and his wife Neytiri, diligently attended to the well-being of her Ikran, Gracie. Kiri applied a green healing ointment to Gracie's wings, which were slowly healing from old burns. Crafted from a combination of various flora gathered from the surrounding area and drugs pilfered from the RDA's stolen medical supplies, the ointment was Kiri's own creation.

Gracie let out a shrill shriek as she affectionately buried her face in Kiri's hair, nuzzling her cheek against her hair. Like her, Kiri had scars on her arms and ears from small burns that had healed over time. These marks served as constant reminders of the atrocities committed by humans when they returned.

"We'll be back to flying soon enough, Gracie," Kiri said as she took a step back to examine her Ikran. She had given her Ikran the name Gracie in honor of her biological mother. Since she was a little girl, they had been inseparable, but how they became friends was still a mystery to her. Neytiri had told her that she had befriended Gracie by simply asking her to be her friend, a unique method of taming an Ikran. She couldn't be sure if it was a fairy tale, as it happened before her first recollection, but Gracie was always with her, and she learned to fly with Gracie before her brothers.

Gracie let out yet another cry before turning around and settling down on the ground, allowing her wings and body to rest. Kiri turned her attention to the bustling camp. In the center of the cave, human and Na'vi workers were sorting through containers labeled "RDA," filled with recently stolen commodities such as guns, supplies, medicine, and valuable human technology.

Amidst the crowd, Kiri spotted her two adoptive brothers, Neteyam and Lo'ak, arguing over possession of one of the stolen containers. Though she couldn't hear their words from this distance, she couldn't help but grin, imagining the two of them debating over who was the superior warrior deserving of the seized prize. However, Neytiri intervened and swiftly put an end to the altercation with head slaps for both of them, sending them on their separate ways.

Kiri's gaze wandered around the cavern, searching for Jake and her friend Spider, whom she frequently saw during this time. Before she could find them, she heard footsteps approaching from behind. Her adoptive grandmother, Mo'at, accompanied by Tuk, was heading toward her. Taken aback, she hurriedly wiped off the salve on her hands with a nearby rag before standing up straight to greet them.

"I told you she was over here!" Tuk joyfully exclaimed, holding her grandmother's hand.

Kiri looked at Tuk perplexedly before bowing her head to her grandmother and making the customary hand motion, ensuring her hands were clean before doing so. "Grandmother, I see you."

"I see you too, small child," Mo'at responded formally, reciprocating the motion and bowing with a gentle tug on the beads around her neck. After lifting her head, she briefly stepped away from Tuk's grasp to check on Gracie, who continued to relax. After a brief examination, she remarked, "Her wings are recovering well."

Tuk gleefully sprinted toward Gracie and embraced her with a tight hug, despite being much smaller than Kiri. Gracie responded with a clicking sound, expressing her happiness.

Kiri was overcome with joy at the cuteness of the situation. "Yes, I've been using the herbs you recommended," she replied, looking at Mo'at now. "And some others I found on my own," she added sheepishly.

Mo'at looked at her with a slightly dissatisfied expression before crouching down and smelling the ointment on her fingers. Her nostrils wrinkled as if she had detected a putrid stench, and she frowned. "You've also been using the herbs of the sky people again," she stated, sounding slightly irritated.

Kiri let out a sigh and then raised both of her palms. "It's called medicine, grandmother. Human medicine is just... more advanced," she explained to the best of her ability, avoiding eye contact. "I researched which ones would assist the most with her burns."

Tuk, too young to fully understand, watched with confusion as she pieced together bits and pieces of the conversation.

Mo'at waved her hand dismissively. "Our people's medicine has been around since the time of the First Songs and has healed many Na'vi and Ikran," she said, straightening her back before surveying Kiri from head to toe. "Nevertheless, I will not discredit your creative abilities."

Kiri raised her eyes, surprised by the rare compliment from her grandmother. "Uh, thank you, grandmother," she responded, taking a few seconds to gather her thoughts before asking, "So, did you simply come here to chat about Gracie?"

Mo'at cleared her throat and interlocked her fingers at her hips. "Your sister has informed me that you've been having visions in your sleep recently. She recounted one from a week ago that startled you awake."

Kiri was taken aback and gave Tuk an unhappy expression, as she had explicitly told her not to tell anyone about the visions.

"What?" Tuk innocently remarked, oblivious to the trouble she had caused.

Kiri mouthed with annoyance, "I'm going to kill you."

"I'm just trying to help you, Kiri," Tuk squeaked, stepping back and hiding behind Mo'at.

Mo'at interrupted, "So, are you interested in discussing this with me?"

Kiri rubbed her temples and let out a deep sigh before looking at her grandmother. "It was just a terrible dream. Everyone has terrifying dreams since the humans torched our home, right?" She tried to change the subject.

Mo'at paced around, assessing Kiri. She remained silent for a moment before speaking, making Kiri uneasy. "Some would say that when the Na'vi people go to sleep, our minds connect with Eywa through the world around us. It is not as strong as our Tsaheylu, but sometimes she shows us things—visions of the future, the past, or simply things we are meant to see."

Kiri found herself thinking about her nightmare from a week ago, even as she tried to divert her thoughts. The blazing village, the screams of the Na'vi, and the strong smell of burning wood suddenly flooded her mind. Then there was the machine with crimson eyes and the other humans killing her fellow Na'vi right in front of her. In that moment, she had the sensation of being engulfed in flames once more.

The vision vanished as quickly as it had appeared. "Are you okay, child?" Mo'at's question jolted Kiri out of her trance and brought her back into focus.

"Uh, yes, I am fine, grandmother," Kiri replied awkwardly, her heart still racing. Tuk, still hiding behind Mo'at, looked worried. "I don't think my nightmares are anything special. And if I want to talk about them, I'll be sure to bring it up with you?"

Mo'at looked down at Kiri, seemingly aware of her evasiveness, but she didn't press the matter further. "Very well, child. When the time comes, you know whom to speak to," she said, gesturing for Tuk to approach her. "Now, I am going to teach a class of students today. Would you care to join us? You haven't joined us since before the Day of the Sundered Skies."

The Day of the Sundered Skies referred to the tragic day three months ago when the RDA returned after more than a decade and torched the Omaticaya's home and the surrounding forest with massive pillars of fire from the sky. Everyone in the camp was lucky to have survived, including Kiri and Tuk, who rode out on Gracie before she caught fire mid-flight and had to crash-land.

Tuk brightened up at the mention of the weaving class and took her grandmother's hand. She also had a scar on her right cheek from that day. "Yes, Kiri. Come join us! We can make new friends!"

Kiri cast a quick glance in Tuk's direction before turning her attention elsewhere in the cave, thinking of the seemingly endless list of chores Neytiri had given her that morning. She had to tend to the Ikrans, help sort the supplies, and feed the direhorses outside the cave. Moreover, she struggled to connect with other Na'vi her age. "Sorry, Tuk," she responded honestly. "I politely decline the offer, grandmother."

Tuk looked disappointed but remained silent.

"Very well," Mo'at said, reciprocating Kiri's hand gesture and bow. "Until we meet again."

"Goodbye, grandmother," Kiri returned the motion and bowed before turning her attention back to Gracie, who met her gaze with her own. She leaned against one of the stalagmites that protruded from the ground. "Do you think I'm just crazy?" she asked Gracie.

Gracie responded with a few clicks from her jaw. She shifted so that her head could rest at Kiri's feet. After sunbathing, several nearby Ikrans took to the air and flew out of the cave's entrance. Gracie eyed them enviously, clearly frustrated with her current condition. Kiri didn't need a bond with Gracie to understand her longing.

"I guess you're right," Kiri said, pretending to understand. She caressed Gracie's head once more, then stood up straight. "In any case, let's get back to work..."


After completing her caregiving tasks for the Ikran, which included feeding them fresh fish, discarding leftovers, adjusting their riders' harnesses, and administering basic first aid, Kiri found herself caught in the midst of a brewing conflict between two competing Ikrans vying for alpha status. She positioned herself dangerously between the two and yelled at them until they ceased their aggression.

The central cavern had become crowded with around twenty-five Na'vi warriors, including her two brothers and Jake. Though their words were unintelligible to her, Kiri surmised that it was another meeting before the raiding party set off. Waving goodbye to Gracie, Kiri began walking toward the center of the cave to investigate.

Passing rows of makeshift tents—some with human canopies and others made from animal hides—Kiri noticed refugees taking shelter within. Mostly young Na'vi couples with their children and a few Elders sought safety within the tents. The men and women capable of fighting had moved toward the cavern's center.

A section of the cave was exclusively designated for the human workers, housing a helicopter repair depot with mechanics working on two transport helicopters. These workers had allied themselves with Jake over a decade ago, and some had even started families on Pandora. Two bunkers outside provided breathable air but lacked Avatar stations. Jake used the communication stations and other human technology in the bunkers to coordinate with other rebel groups on Pandora.

As Kiri made her way across the cave, she waved and smiled at unfamiliar human workers. But she couldn't help but feel a pang of longing for Max and Norm, whom she considered her human uncles. In her younger years, she often visited their laboratory, spending time watching video logs from her biological mother, Grace Augustine, and developing a passion for botany and science. Grace was kept in an Avatar incubator at their station, and Kiri would talk to her sleeping mother, hoping that one day she would awaken.

However, two months ago, before the RDA forcefully retook Hell's Deep, Jake ordered Max, Norm, and half of the human personnel to scatter into the Hallelujah Mountains to avoid detection. They took Grace along, as they had a secure facility to store her. Though Kiri missed her biological mother, Jake assured her that they would be reunited one day.

As she approached the group, Kiri could hear her father's voice above the others but couldn't discern his words. Turning the corner around a towering stalagmite adorned with crystallized jewels, she finally caught sight of her friend Spider, leaning against a stack of RDA crates, just feet away from the crowd.

Kiri and Spider, a human teenager who had grown up alongside her and her adoptive Na'vi brothers, were like family to each other. Norm used to babysit Kiri and occasionally play the movie Tarzan on his laptop. That's how Kiri started calling Spider "monkey boy" because, like the main character, he wore a torn loincloth instead of a shirt, making him stand out.

They exchanged friendly grins and eye contact, but before Kiri could approach Spider, her adoptive mother Neytiri emerged from the cave mouth and headed directly toward her. Spider quickly disappeared into the crowd, hidden by Kiri's signal.

Neytiri, carrying a quiver and bow, approached Kiri. She counted a dozen arrows in Neytiri's quiver, indicating an expectation of a long battle. Kiri waved at her and greeted her less formally than earlier, brushing her hair behind her ear.

"Hey, ma. How are you doing?" Kiri asked cheerfully.

"Hello, my daughter. I am doing fine," Neytiri responded cordially. "Why aren't you outside?" she inquired, referring to the direhorse herd that required tending.

"I was just heading there," Kiri replied, glancing towards the crowd. In the background, she could hear her father delivering his customary safety speeches, his enthusiasm evident in his bared teeth and steady, firm tail.

Neytiri briefly checked behind her before refocusing on Kiri. "Your father and I will be leaving soon," she paused, "I just wanted to say goodbye before we do. Remember to complete your duties, and I will see you when we return."

Kiri couldn't help but notice that her brothers were now standing close to her father, their posture indicating their participation in the upcoming mission. A hint of jealousy crept in, and she couldn't resist asking, "Ma, do you think I can come this time? I'm tired of feeling useless to this family."

Neytiri stepped forward, placing a comforting hand on Kiri's shoulder. "You are not useless, my daughter. The path assigned to you in life is different and special."

Kiri sighed, her tail drooping. The daily chores hardly made her feel special. "There's nothing special about me, though," she murmured, averting her gaze. "But maybe I could help tend to the wounded? I'm sure someone will get hurt—"

Neytiri reached up, lightly caressing Kiri's face, drawing her gaze back to her. "Your place is here, my daughter. Even though you are not fighting alongside us, you play an essential role. In this clan—and this family—everyone must work together to win this war."

Kiri tried to speak again but found herself at a loss for words. She would only slow them down because, after all, she wasn't a fighter.

"Now, head outside and finish your duties," Neytiri instructed Kiri with a tone of command, embracing her and brushing some dirt off her shoulders. "And remember that I love you."

"I love you too, ma," Kiri said, reciprocating the embrace and holding her tight. "Stay safe, okay? Tell Dad I love him too."

"I will," Neytiri replied, releasing her from the hug and stepping back. "Until I see you again, my daughter." She bowed her head and turned to face the crowd.

Kiri waved goodbye, concealing her disappointment, and shifted her gaze back to the group of warriors. They were beginning to break into smaller groups, some heading towards the stolen weapons boxes from the RDA, while others, including Jake, engaged in further conversation. Neytiri had joined Jake, and they seemed to be giving her brothers a pep talk, cautioning them against venturing off on their own as they had a habit of taking unnecessary risks during missions.

Unable to locate Spider, Kiri continued towards the cave's exit. She hoped that one day she could join them, but for now, she had her duties to fulfill.


Outside the cave, the sun had reached its peak, signaling the start of the afternoon. The dense fog cloud that encircled the mountaintop miles from the cave cast a dim shadow on the otherwise brilliant sky. It created a mist that dropped over the vegetation and gave the atmosphere an eerie feeling.

Na'vi laborers were outside tending to the camp, collecting wood for the fire, and getting ready to chop fresh fish and other animals for the fire. In addition to the Na'vi, human personnel were spotted going in and out of their air-filtered steel barracks and assisting with sorting the captured RDA technology and crates. Hot and muggy, the air smelled brackish and felt heavy.

A little ways from the camp, along a marshy creek that descended downhill, Kiri groaned and wiped the sweat from her forehead as she looked up at the scant light that filtered through the thick canopy. Not far from her was a herd of direhorses, which were large, six-legged animals that vaguely resembled horses that the Na'vi warriors rode into battle and on lengthy travels. In her arms was a basket of fruit she had brought to feed the direhorses, which was already starting to attract their attention.

Kiri raised her fingertips and saw what appeared to be a stunning rainbow light display dancing between them. The light show was a reflection off the gem in her necklace, and she lifted her necklace to admire it. Her necklace was made from a simple woven cloth, and at the heart of it was a white moon diamond that was particularly rare. The diamond was typically given as a token of friendship and trust between two Na'vi people. Jake received it as a keepsake from her birth mother, Grace, whom the Omatikaya had given her before the first war with humans.

The snort of a direhorse approaching for food jolted Kiri out of her trance. She smiled and reached inside her basket, giving the hungry animal a piece of fruit, which it eagerly snatched up and devoured. One by one, more direhorses arrived, eager to take advantage of her generous offerings. Things quickly got out of hand, however, as the herd pressed closer to her in search of food, boxing her in from all sides. In order to escape, she dumped the fruit basket on the ground and ran away while they were distracted, ultimately finding a suitable tree to climb in to observe the situation from a safe vantage point. By then, the direhorses had eaten all the fruits she had offered.

After watching the direhorses for a while, Kiri glanced towards the camp to see if she could spot Spider. In the afternoons, after Neytiri and Jake had gone on one of their scouting excursions, they most frequently got together. Unfortunately, she could not see him from where she was, and her eyes landed on Mo'at, teaching in the midst of around a dozen pupils, among them Tuk, near the middle of the outdoor camp. She could not clearly see what they were doing from where she was, but she assumed they were weaving.

Kiri took one last glance at the camp before diverting her gaze to the marsh below. She was certain the water was burping at her and reeked of something unpleasant. The vegetation in this new place was strange and quite different from the flora she had seen around her old home. Additionally, the vegetation at this new site generated less bioluminescence light during the night. In contrast to her former home's vivid blues and purples, the foliage here had a more muted palette of blues, greens, and browns. The native animals were less friendly and warier, and they generally avoided contact with the Na'vi.

While other Na'vi did not care, it was strange to Kiri because she felt she had a natural affinity with animals and often attracted them to herself. It was an indescribable sensation, but one that she relished nonetheless. Compared to other Na'vi kids, she had an easier time relating to them.

When Kiri rested her back against the tree to contemplate her day's work, she found her mind wandering. Still weighing on her shoulders were the conversations she had with Mo'at and Neytiri. She was thirteen years old, and in a few weeks, she would turn fourteen, but she was still not permitted to come along with her parents. This did not seem fair to her because her adopted brothers were not that much older than her. She may not be a warrior, but she was skilled with herbs and medicine and could treat anyone who was hurt.

Suddenly, Kiri found herself thinking about her nightmare again. The stench of smoke and the cries were both present again. Chills ran down her spine as she recalled how the red-eyed machine had shot and killed her fellow Na'vi in front of her. After slapping her face, she came to her senses.

"Kiri, get a hold of yourself," Kiri whispered to herself. "It was just a bad dream."

After that, Kiri cast her gaze down toward the group of direhorses. They had long since finished the fruit and had moved on to other foraging activities. There wasn't much vegetation to eat here, and they avoided the brown water that smelled terrible. She considered getting up to get more food, but the horses were approaching the camp, most likely to swindle food from the other workers.

At that moment, she was startled by the crack of a twig in the swamp. She looked to see whether the horses were making the noise, but there weren't any below her. She gulped nervously as she anxiously scanned the area, wondering whether it was the machine, but she saw nothing and exhaled in relief, then stood up on the branch.

"Rawr!"

Outside the cave, the sun reached its zenith, casting a dim glow through the dense fog that blanketed the mountaintop. The mist clung to the vegetation, creating an eerie atmosphere in the marshy surroundings.

Na'vi laborers bustled about the camp, gathering wood for fires, preparing fresh fish, and sorting captured RDA technology and crates. The air, heavy and brackish, smelled of dampness and sweat.

Kiri groaned, wiping the sweat from her forehead as she looked up at the scant light filtering through the thick canopy. Nearby, a herd of direhorses grazed, their six-legged forms resembling horses. In her arms, she carried a basket of fruit to feed them, which had already caught their attention.

Raising her fingertips, Kiri admired the stunning rainbow light dancing between them—a reflection off the gem in her necklace. The woven cloth necklace held a rare white moon diamond at its center, a token of friendship and trust from her birth mother, Grace, given to Jake during the first war with humans.

The snort of a direhorse approaching for food brought Kiri back to the present. She smiled and reached into her basket, offering a piece of fruit which the eager animal devoured. Soon, more direhorses gathered, pressing closer in their search for food. Feeling overwhelmed, Kiri dumped the remaining fruit on the ground and escaped their reach, finding refuge in a nearby tree. From her vantage point, she watched as the direhorses consumed the last of the fruit.

After observing the direhorses for a while, Kiri searched the camp for a glimpse of Spider. In the afternoons, they often met when Neytiri and Jake went on scouting excursions. However, she couldn't spot him and her eyes settled on Mo'at, teaching a group of pupils, including Tuk, in the center of the camp. Though she couldn't see the details of their activity, she assumed they were engaged in weaving.

Kiri took a final look at the camp before shifting her gaze to the marsh below. The murky water emitted an unpleasant odor, and the vegetation in this new location differed greatly from her old home. The bioluminescent glow that once colored the foliage had been replaced by a muted palette of blues, greens, and browns. The native animals were more wary and avoided contact with the Na'vi.

This change puzzled Kiri as she had always felt a natural affinity with animals and easily connected with them. It was an inexplicable bond she cherished, and it set her apart from other Na'vi children. She found it easier to relate to animals than her own kind.

Resting her back against the tree, Kiri reflected on her day's work, weighed down by the conversations she had with Mo'at and Neytiri. Despite being thirteen years old, turning fourteen soon, she was still not allowed to join her parents on missions. She couldn't understand why her adopted brothers, who were not much older than her, were deemed ready while she was left behind. Although she wasn't a warrior, she possessed skills in herbology and medicine that could be valuable in treating the wounded.

Her thoughts were abruptly interrupted as the memories of her nightmare resurfaced. The acrid smell of smoke and the haunting cries replayed in her mind. Shaking herself out of the trance, Kiri whispered, "Get a hold of yourself, Kiri. It was just a bad dream."

Turning her attention back to the group of direhorses, she noticed that they had moved on from the fruit and began foraging elsewhere. There was little vegetation for them to eat in this area, and they seemed to avoid the murky, foul-smelling water. Kiri considered retrieving more food for them, but she observed them heading towards the camp, likely attempting to scrounge for food from the other workers.

Just as she relaxed, a crack of a twig in the swamp startled her. She scanned the area anxiously, wondering if it was the sound of the machine from her nightmare. Finding nothing, she let out a relieved breath and stood up on the branch.

"Rawr!" she playfully exclaimed, breaking the tension that had built up within her.

"Ah!" Kiri let out a yelp, her heart racing as she spun around and almost lost her balance on the branch. Her eyes quickly located the source of the sound. Spider, who had stealthily climbed up the tree without her noticing, was sitting on another branch above her, giggling uncontrollably at her startled reaction.

After taking a moment to catch her breath, Kiri directed a mockingly fierce glare towards Spider, as if she were ready to climb up there and playfully toss him off. "You scared me half to death, monkey boy! Were you here the whole time?"

"Yup!" Spider grinned, settling into a comfortable position on the branch. "I was just waiting for the perfect opportunity to give you a good spook. So, how have you been? You've been quiet these past few weeks."

Kiri reached up and climbed onto the branch above, sitting close to Spider. "Just had a lot on my mind, you know... Things have been tough since... well..." Her thoughts drifted to the events of three months ago, the weight of which still lingered heavily on her heart.

Spider waved his hand dismissively. "Listen, we're alive. Take it one day at a time. Try to relax and not get too caught up in everything."

Kiri took a deep breath, her racing heart beginning to calm. Despite his occasional teasing, she cherished the bond they shared as brother and sister. "Yeah, you're right. So, what have you been up to today? Sorry we couldn't talk earlier."

Spider straightened up, giving her a thoughtful look. Being notably shorter than her by two feet, he had to tilt his head slightly. "Just killing time, goofing off until your parents left," he replied, a mischievous twinkle in his eyes. "Oh, and I spoke to Norm earlier over the intercom while Jake wasn't paying attention."

A glimmer of excitement sparked in Kiri's eyes, as if she had received the best news in ages. It had been two weeks since she last had any contact with Norm. "Is he okay? Did he mention anything about my mother?"

Spider nodded. "Yep, they're both doing well. They're hiding in some old mining facility far away from here."

"Do you think we'll see them again soon?" Kiri asked anxiously, her fingers unconsciously playing with the diamond on her necklace as thoughts of her mother, Grace, flooded her mind.

Spider shook his head. "I doubt it. The place they're in doesn't have enough room for all of us. Besides..." He paused, his gaze wandering out into the distance. "Don't you just love it here?"

As the putrid smell of the marsh filled Kiri's nostrils, she wrinkled her nose in disgust. "I don't know what smells worse, you or this swamp."

Spider swiftly retorted, playfully pinching his nose since he couldn't do so with his rebreather mask on. "I think it's you. You smell worse than a direhorse's behind."

"You didn't just..." Kiri grumbled, standing up and giving the impression that she was about to pounce on him playfully.

Spider chuckled, beginning his descent down the tree. Just as Kiri joined in, it turned into a race, but no matter how hard she tried, she could never catch up to him. His skill in climbing earned him the nickname "Spider."

"You're too slow!" Spider taunted before darting off towards the camp.

Kiri easily caught up to him since she was faster on the ground. She gave him a bear hug from behind, spinning him around. "Who's slow now, huh?"

"Ah, let me go!" Spider pleaded, lightly elbowing her.

"Not until you apologize for being a big dork!" Kiri giggled, playfully giving him a playful noogie on the head.

"Stop! You first!" Spider managed to wriggle free from her grasp, turning to face her. He was about to say something more when the air suddenly filled with the cries and flapping of wings as a dozen Ikran took off from the cave.

Kiri and Spider turned their attention to the sight, watching as the hunting party rode off towards the north. Jake led the group, followed closely by Neytiri, while Kiri's two brothers and the other warriors brought up the rear. Kiri waved at them, even though it was unlikely they could see her. As the riders disappeared into the mountains and vanished into the thick fog, they were gone from sight.

"Maybe one day I'll join them," Spider mused, his eyes fixed on Kiri.

"Yeah, me too..." Kiri sighed, her gaze meeting his.

Spider knew exactly what to say. "Hey, let's go for a walk. It'll do us both good to get away from here for a while. What do you say?"

"You seriously want to go for a walk in this place?" Kiri blinked in surprise, looking out at the seemingly endless expanse of trees, murky water, and the potential danger lurking behind each one. It wasn't exactly her ideal location for a stroll.

Spider nodded. "This place probably hasn't been explored in ages. Just think of all the things we could discover out here. Besides, what else is there to do?" He gestured towards the camp.

Kiri paused, considering his proposal. She had already tended to the needs of the Ikran and direhorses, and now she was left waiting for supper, which was still a few hours away. One thing was clear in her mind, though. "You know we're not supposed to leave the area," she said, almost as if Jake himself had spoken those words.

Spider waved a dismissive hand. "We'll be back before they even know we're gone. Come on! Don't be a wuss."

Kiri crossed her arms, raising an eyebrow. "Do you have enough oxygen? I don't want to end up dragging you back like last time."

Spider tapped his rebreather mask lightly. "Got more than enough for two adventures. Let's go. It'll be just like old times..." He gave her a quick wave before turning and heading into the marsh, away from the camp.

Kiri let out a sigh and rolled her eyes at the situation. She was tired of doing nothing enjoyable all day and yearned for their previous adventures. Spider had a knack for enticing her into joining him on escapades, even if it meant getting into trouble. "Lead the way, monkey boy," she said with a playful wave.

Catching up to him, Kiri gave Spider a friendly hip bump, and he returned the gesture. As they followed the winding stream downhill, they laughed and took breaks to marvel at the natural beauty of their gloomy surroundings. They took turns pointing out new and unusual animals or plants they had never seen before.

In certain spots, the low light levels blended into darkness, while bioluminescent plants emitted a captivating glow of green and purple, contrasting the muted colors of daylight. In the murky water, amphibious creatures the size of basketballs with six legs and four eyes swam about, their antennae glowing white as they lured unsuspecting prey. They lurked beneath the water's surface, patiently waiting for insects or other small creatures to venture too close before pouncing.

"Thanks for being with me today, Spider," Kiri affectionately patted him on the head as they both smiled. "Even if you still smell worse than the swamp."

"Aww, thanks, sis. I take back every nice thing I said about you," Spider quipped, returning the smile. "You're so sweet..." Kiri mockingly put her palms against her cheeks, and they both laughed.

As they ventured further into the marsh, time seemed to stand still. With the camp no longer in sight, Kiri forgot about everything else in that moment. For the first time in a while, she felt a sense of freedom.


Authors Note: Chapter was updated on 6/8/2023