Chapter 5: Festivities
Author note: I use { } to separate Na'vi and English when it's appropriate for the scene.
As Kiri trudged wearily through the seemingly endless swampy labyrinth, the sinking sun cast a dim glow over her surroundings. In this particular section of marshland, the insects were relentless, persistently nipping at her and filling her ears with a constant buzz. Her hunger and thirst intensified, her arm throbbed with pain, and her head throbbed in tandem. Feeling the desperate need for respite, she paused and bent down to the stream, hoping to quench her parched lips.
"Why are you halting?" a synthetic voice startled Kiri from behind—the voice of the machine that played the perplexing role of either captor or guest. At this point, she wasn't certain.
"I need to drink," Kiri replied, her hands cupping the water as she sipped. She was aware that Spider also needed hydration, but she couldn't offer it to him while his mask remained in place.
The machine ceased its movement, scanning the surroundings with its damaged frame. Despite the skirmish with the Alta'maha, it moved with relative ease, carrying Spider along. Sunlight pierced through the thinner canopy above, reflecting off the machine's unpainted sections. Yeriks and other smaller creatures maintained their distance from the nearby drone, while a swarm of hunting banshees emitted cries as they flew overhead.
Kiri straightened herself, adjusting her makeshift sling. Her attention was drawn to the banshees, momentarily hoping to spot riders, but her hope dissolved as she realized they were unaccompanied. She then glanced at the portable radio fastened to her waist, yearning to call her father if only she knew how.
"Requesting ETA," the machine stated, its gaze fixed on the departing banshees.
Sighing, Kiri turned to face the machine. "We're almost there," she replied, intentionally being vague. Recalling the area, she estimated that they were roughly two miles away from the camp. "There's a cave nearby where you can stay."
"What is the assessed level of threat at that location?" the machine inquired, locking eyes with one of the Yeriks and causing the creature to scurry away.
Kiri blinked in response to the unexpected question. "Um, I'm not sure. We didn't venture inside because we didn't have any lights."
"Proceed, then," the machine responded, prompting Kiri to resume their journey with a mix of anticipation and trepidation.
After traveling a little further, Kiri finally came to a halt in front of an ancient and dilapidated cave. It paled in comparison to the cavern her clan called home, but it was the only hiding spot she knew of. Spider had shown interest in exploring it earlier, but she had decided against it. In hindsight, it might have been a wise choice.
"Here it is," Kiri remarked, gesturing toward the cave with her hand. As she approached the entrance, a pungent odor wafted out, wrinkling her nose in disgust. It was evident that something dwelled within, and fear gripped her as she worried there might be one of those terrifying hell centipedes inside.
The machine moved ahead of her and turned to inspect the interior, meticulously scanning through the darkness. "Scanning for potential threats," it stated.
Suddenly, Spider groaned, capturing Kiri's immediate attention. She quickly circled around the machine to check on him.
"My head," Spider growled, reaching for the back of his skull. "My back," he complained, wincing in discomfort.
While the machine continued its assessment of the cave, it paid no attention to the Na'vi and human duo.
"Spider! You're awake!" Kiri gasped with relief as their eyes met.
"What happened?" Spider muttered in a daze, his gaze turning the world upside down. "Who's holding me?"
Kiri cleared her throat and cast an awkward glance around before using hand movements to indicate something was amiss.
Spider scrutinized his surroundings more closely, his eyes widening as he saw the metallic figure.
"The threat assessment is minimal," the machine reported after scanning the cave's interior.
"What the!" Spider exclaimed upon recognizing the voice, finally realizing that the machine had been holding him. "Let me go!"
"Affirmative." The machine released its grip, causing Spider to fall backward with a thud that knocked the wind out of him.
"Oof," Spider groaned, his voice strained.
"Spider!" Kiri shouted, rushing to his side and then glaring at the machine. "Why did you do that? You could have seriously hurt him!"
"I fulfilled the request," the machine replied, turning to face them. Most of the hardened dirt had peeled off its body, revealing more RDA symbols on its dented and scratched chestplate.
"What the hell is happening now?" Spider groaned, wincing as he sat up and clutched his side. "I think I've broken something."
"Correct. Fracture of the 11th rib," the machine stated matter-of-factly.
"That's from dropping me, douchebag," Spider retorted, taking deep breaths to alleviate the discomfort.
"Incorrect," the machine responded, looming over them. Its machine-gun arm remained at the ready should they make any sudden movements.
Kiri was surprised by the machine's ability to diagnose Spider's injury. "Spider, the drone saved our lives."
Spider dismissed the notion. "This has to be a nightmare, right?"
Kiri shook her head. "Unfortunately, it's not. I struck a deal with them," she murmured, placing her hand on Spider's shoulder. "They wanted tools and parts in exchange for letting us go."
Spider regarded her with disappointment. "All you had to do was run and leave me behind," he said. "I wouldn't have blamed you."
Kiri frowned. "I... I couldn't do that," she sighed. "Please, just... promise me you won't say anything about this to anyone."
Spider glared at the machine before locking eyes with Kiri. "I promise," he replied, raising a pinky finger.
Kiri grinned and interlocked her pinky with his before addressing the machine. "See? There's no need for termination," she declared, narrowing her gaze.
The machine lowered its weapon, pointing it towards the ground. "Very well."
Spider stood up with Kiri's support. "Man, this hurts," he muttered, sighing deeply and still clutching his side.
Kiri then turned her attention back to the machine. "How do we contact—"
"Frequency 243.3," the machine interrupted.
"You have a radio?" Spider exclaimed in surprise, glancing between Kiri and the machine.
"Yeah," Kiri confirmed, retrieving it from her waistline and handing it to Spider. "I took it from the helicopter."
"Why didn't you use it earlier?" Spider inquired as he accepted the radio. "Your dad's code is Neteyam's birth year on the human calendar."
Kiri felt a pang of embarrassment as she realized she had forgotten Jake's instructions. She resisted the urge to facepalm.
Spider switched on the radio and began tuning it to the correct station. Between channel switches, he caught snippets of RDA chatter. He was almost on the right frequency when he heard noises behind him.
"Cease," the machine commanded, aiming its weapon at Spider from behind.
Spider halted his actions and turned around. "Why?" he defiantly asked, his gaze fixed on the barrel of the gun.
Kiri swiftly snatched the radio from Spider and positioned herself between him and the machine, as if she were preventing two children from fighting. "We don't need the radio," she informed the machine before locking eyes with Spider. "{The camp is nearby}," she said in Na'vi.
"The next violation will result in termination," the machine warned.
"There won't be a need for that because we're leaving," Kiri stated firmly, holding onto Spider's arm and then turning her gaze back to the machine. "You'll hear from me later, alright?"
"Affirmative," the machine responded, lowering its arm once again.
Kiri redirected her attention to Spider. "Let's go," she said, her frustration evident as she urged him to move. She was growing weary of his constant challenges to the machine.
"You don't have to tell me twice," Spider grumbled, casting a disdainful look at the machine before they resumed walking.
The two hurried away, with Kiri leading them off the trail and away from the camp intentionally. The machine's piercing crimson eyes followed them from a distance before it disappeared into the depths of the cave.
Feeling a sense of safety at a distance, they continued their journey toward the camp, which now lay less than half a mile away. They found themselves in a wide expanse surrounded by pools of murky, brown water. Unlike the deeper parts of the swamp, this area shimmered with bioluminescence.
Above them, the flapping wings of banshees could be heard, their riders visible as they ventured deeper into the swamp. Spider attempted to wave at one of them, but Kiri swiftly grabbed his hand and lowered it.
"Why did you do that?" Spider asked, his voice tinged with pain as he continued to clutch his side.
Kiri removed her sling and discarded it. "Listen," she began, taking a deep breath. "We can't tell anyone what happened, so I've come up with a cover story."
"You tried to kill me in my sleep?" Spider chuckled weakly. "You whacked me with a stick?"
Kiri sighed and rolled her eyes. "No, this is what we're going to say..."
An hour had passed since Kiri and Spider found themselves in the human infirmary bunker at the camp. They were now resting on adjacent beds, receiving medical care from the human staff. Kiri was getting a cast for her broken arm, while Spider was being treated for his injuries. Both had been cleaned up and had their wounds bandaged.
"So, tell me what happened again," Jake Sully asked, his arms crossed tightly over his chest. He looked visibly irritated.
Kiri glanced at Spider and then turned her attention to Jake. "We... um, fell off a tree while we were napping," she replied, not sounding convincing at all.
Spider chimed in, "It was a really tall tree."
Jake scowled, his irritation evident in his constant tail flicking. "You expect me to believe that? Did you fall out of the sky?"
Kiri shrugged nonchalantly, clearly not convincing Jake with her response. "I guess I forgot to mention I'm a heavy sleeper. It was just an accident."
Spider interjected, "Yeah, it was a really tall tree. Trust me."
Jake signaled for Spider to be quiet and turned his attention back to Kiri. "You know this would go a lot smoother if you told me the truth, Kiri."
Kiri insisted, "I am telling the truth. My arm is broken from the fall. They had to put this cast on."
The female doctor attending to Kiri chimed in, "You'll have to wear the cast for three weeks and avoid falling out of trees." She winked and chuckled, lightening the mood.
Kiri smiled and nodded in response.
Spider, now finished with his treatment, lay back on the bed, closing his eyes. He was feeling calm and euphoric from the pain medication.
Jake rubbed his forehead, clearly frustrated. "Not only do I have two knucklehead boys who don't listen, but now I have to worry about you two as well."
Kiri's gaze dropped to the floor. "I'm sorry," she muttered.
Suddenly, the airlock entryway of the bunker opened, and Neytiri stormed in, still adorned with her bow and battle paint. She exchanged glances with Jake and moved closer to Kiri, addressing her in Na'vi.
"{Kiri, where were you? Your brothers and I have been searching for you since mid-moon}," Neytiri said, her tone expressing clear disappointment.
Spider's eyes flew open upon hearing Neytiri's voice, realizing he wasn't supposed to be near Kiri. He gave her an apologetic look.
Kiri stood up and went to Neytiri's side. "We just went for a walk, ma," she explained. "{Time just got away from us.}"
Jake stepped back and quietly conversed with Neytiri, their conversation just loud enough for Kiri to catch words like "fall" and "tree."
Neytiri then turned her attention back to Kiri and continued in Na'vi. "{I told you to stay away from my daughter. Look at what you did to her. You humans are nothing but a curse.}"
Spider gulped, intimidated by Neytiri's fierce glare. Kiri quickly stepped between them. "{Ma, I brought him along. He's innocent}," she defended.
Neytiri shifted her gaze to Kiri, disappointment etched on her face. "{I have taught you many things, my daughter, but being a liar is not one of them}," she admonished, leaning in closer. "{And you smell like the blood of the sky people's machines.}"
Kiri fidgeted with the pendant on her necklace, grateful that she hadn't given it away as a promise. "{I was near the helicopters today}," she confessed. Neytiri scowled and moved aside with Jake to continue their private discussion.
Jake, now addressing Kiri sternly, declared, "You're grounded. And since you lied, it's two weeks of doing everything your grandma tells you. And if your arm wasn't broken, I'd have you scrubbing the floors and bathrooms like I did in boot camp."
Neytiri added, her disappointment evident, "And you are not to leave the camp without permission."
Kiri nodded, accepting her punishment. "Yes, sir... and ma."
Jake approached Kiri and placed his hand on her shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze. "Kiri, listen. My life is already dangerous enough. I can't come back after getting shot at and find out you've been wandering off for hours," he said, concern evident in his voice. "We'll find some time to be together as a family, I promise."
Kiri frowned, her frustration evident. "You always say that."
Neytiri chimed in, adding a touch of wisdom. "{Kiri, your father is fighting so you can have a future with Eywa. You must drop the selfish thoughts and focus on the family.}"
Kiri flicked her tail, feeling torn between her desires and her duty. "I'm not being selfish," she grumbled.
Jake gestured for Kiri to leave. "Alright, go get some food. They're almost done with the preparations out there."
Kiri saluted mockingly, a smile tugging at her lips, before heading towards the airlock. Her parents remained behind, continuing their discussions and speaking with the attending physicians.
As she stepped outside, Kiri took in a deep breath of the dense, unfiltered air. The camp was bustling with activity as clan members prepared food and gathered around bonfires for the evening feast. The successful attack against the RDA earlier in the day had brought a sense of celebration to the air.
Kiri made her way towards the main gathering area and spotted her stepbrothers, Lo'ak and Neteyam, a short distance away. They noticed her and started walking towards her through the crowd.
"Hey guys," Kiri greeted them, waving with her casted arm.
"Hey sis, are you alright?" Lo'ak asked, concern in his eyes as he examined her arm.
"We were looking for you for an hour," Neteyam added, inspecting her cast. "Who did this? Was it those Ssezao'ites punks again?"
Kiri blinked, not sure who the Ssezao'ites were, but relieved that they weren't the cause of her injuries. "Uh, no, it wasn't anyone. We fell off a tree while we were sleeping."
"You fell off a tree?" Lo'ak laughed. "Do you really expect us to believe that story?"
"Tell us who did it, and we'll teach them a lesson they won't forget," Neteyam chimed in, cracking his knuckles. "Big bro has to look after his little sister, after all."
Kiri shook her head. "Nobody hurt me, and you don't have to fight anyone for me."
Neteyam raised his hands, conceding. "Alright, they'll get a pass this time, but if anyone hurts you again, I'm busting their teeth in."
Lo'ak joined in, grinning mischievously. "How's Spider?"
"He's doing okay," Kiri replied. "He'll be on bedrest for a while."
"You think that boy will stay in bed for a few hours?" Lo'ak chuckled.
Kiri smiled. "You're right. Well, I'm sorry to cut this short, but I'm really hungry. I haven't eaten all day."
Neteyam placed his hand on Lo'ak's shoulder, giving it a squeeze. "You're in for a real treat today."
Lo'ak puffed up his chest, looking proud. "What?" Kiri asked, curious.
"Your bro got his first Talioang kill today," Neteyam announced, referring to Lo'ak. "On our way back, he took down the biggest one I've ever seen."
"Wow, congratulations," Kiri responded, impressed but also aware that Neteyam was likely exaggerating the size of the kill. Taking down a massive Talioang was no easy feat.
"Thanks, sis," Lo'ak grinned. "When do you think you'll pick up the bow?"
"I'll train you to be the best," Neteyam interjected, throwing his arm over Lo'ak's shoulder. "I made Lo'ak what he is."
Lo'ak nudged his brother. "I made myself what I am, bro. You're just copying me."
Kiri rolled her eyes at their playful banter, her stomach growling impatiently. "I'll see you later."
"Alright, sis," Lo'ak said.
"Bye, Kiri," Neteyam added.
As Kiri walked away, she could hear her brothers continue their conversation until the sound of drums and flutes drowned them out.
Heading towards the center of the camp, Kiri noticed a table where one of the animals from the day's hunt was being prepared for a special meal. Seeing the head brought back memories of the hell centipede, and suddenly, she felt overwhelmed.
Her world darkened, and Kiri found herself sitting on the ground, her knees pulled close to her chest as she tried to hide from everything. She couldn't tell how much time had passed, but it felt like hours.
"{Are you okay?}" A voice suddenly startled Kiri.
Trembling, Kiri looked up to find a male Na'vi who appeared to be around her brother's age. He had a fair complexion and a warrior's braid in his hair. "{Y-y-yeah…}" she stammered.
The stranger knelt in front of her, and Kiri felt a twinge of embarrassment realizing that she was sitting in the middle of the walkway with people passing by. "{My name's Txoum. And you're Kiri, right?}" he asked.
Nodding, Kiri took a deep breath to calm herself. "{H-h-how do you know my name?}"
Txoum chuckled. "{You're the Olo'eyktan's daughter,}" he said, extending his hand to help her up. "{I've seen you around.}"
Kiri hesitated, eyeing his hand cautiously before reaching for it and accepting the help. "{I'm sorry,}" she said, fiddling with her necklace pendant and nervously scanning the surroundings for any signs of danger. "{I don't know what just happened.}"
"{You were in a trance,}" Txoum explained, gesturing towards the cast on her arm. "{May I ask what that is? I've never seen it before.}"
Kiri examined her cast and pondered how to describe it in Na'vi. "{The bone in my arm was broken, so this helps it heal properly.}"
"{Strange, I've broken my arm before and never needed something like that,}" Txoum added, sounding surprised.
Kiri took another deep breath. "{It's something the sky people use,}" she said, anticipating a negative reaction.
Txoum's expression changed to one of astonishment. "{Oh, wow. You must be somebody special then.}"
Kiri blinked, taken aback. "{I'm not special.}"
Txoum burst into laughter, leaving Kiri bewildered. "{I've heard stories about you.}"
Panic surged through Kiri as he mentioned that, expecting to hear the usual teasing and name-calling she faced from her peers behind her back.
Txoum moved closer to her. "{They said you tamed your Ikran when you were just a child,}" he said, "{That's impressive.}"
Kiri appeared surprised by his mention. "{Oh, yes. That is true. I don't remember it, but my Ikran's name is Gracie.}"
As Jake positioned himself in front of the temporary platform and began addressing the assembled clan members, the joyous music intensified.
Both Txoum and Kiri shifted their attention to Jake.
Raising his hand, Jake signaled for the music to stop so he could address the entire clan. All present directed their focus towards their leader. "{My brothers and sisters, soldiers of our great tribe, today we celebrate another victory over the sky people,}" he declared, prompting applause from the crowd. "{We have fought with all our strength against the invaders who sought to take our land, and we will emerge victorious.}"
Unable to resist, Kiri applauded as well, feeling an immense pride for her stepdad, who had always been a gifted orator. She noticed her brothers standing beside her father, basking in the glory of the moment or perhaps trying to impress the girls their age in the crowd who admired them.
"{But let us not forget the price we paid for our continued victories. Many of our brothers and sisters have given their lives for our cause, and today, we honor them,}" Jake continued, bowing his head for a moment of silence. The crowd, including Kiri and Txoum, followed suit.
After the pause, Jake raised his head and spoke once more. "{But today is not a day of mourning. It is a day of celebration. We have once again triumphed over our enemies, and one day, we will rid our planet of them for good,}" he proclaimed, prompting cheers from the warriors in particular. "{The sky people may possess better weapons, technology, and resources, but we have something they can never have: the strength of our spirit, the power of our unity, and the unwavering determination of our warriors.}"
Neytiri lifted her bow above her head and cheered. Like Jake, she, the finest warrior of the clan, stood as a symbol of optimism and pride.
"{Now, let us commence our festivities!}" Jake exited the stage to thunderous applause accompanied by the rhythmic beats of drums and flutes. All those in attendance began dancing joyfully or were enticed to indulge in the array of delectable delights laid out before them.
After Jake's speech, Kiri and Txoum exchanged glances. "{Shouldn't you have been up there with your father?}" Txoum asked curiously.
At the mention, Kiri rubbed her arm. Being an introvert by nature, she despised large crowds, so the last thing she wanted was to be the center of attention for the entire clan. "{Not today. I was simply planning to grab some food and find a quiet spot,}" she replied. "{Today has been quite exhausting.}"
"{I can relate. I was chosen to accompany the Olo'eyktan today,}" Txoum agreed, "{and it turned out to be my longest flight yet.}"
Kiri was surprised that Txoum was selected at his age and assumed that Jake chose him for his impressive combat skills. "{That's impressive.}"
Txoum waved his hand dismissively. "{Just doing what I can to assist the clan,}" he responded, gesturing toward the table adorned with numerous clay plates of tantalizing delicacies. "{Would you like to try some of my mother's food?}"
Kiri glanced at the dishes, and her stomach rumbled in agreement before she even uttered a word.
Hearing the sound, Txoum chuckled and motioned for her to follow. The music began to pick up once again as more and more warriors joined in the celebratory hunting dance.
After assembling a generous platter of food for Kiri, Txoum watched in awe as she sat down and began devouring it. "{Take it easy, or you might upset your stomach,}" he advised.
Kiri paused her eating upon hearing his remark and swallowed. "{I apologize.}"
"{No need to apologize,}" Txoum remarked as he settled down beside her, nibbling on a piece of fruit from the table. "{So, what does the Olo'eyktan's daughter do for entertainment?}"
Kiri sighed. "{Nothing particularly exciting,}" she said, munching on more food.
"{Like what?}" Txoum inquired, leaning back slightly and continuing to chew the fruit.
Kiri pondered for a moment. Initially, she contemplated concocting extravagant hobbies to make her spare time seem more thrilling, but ultimately, she chose honesty and straightforwardness. "{I enjoy observing plants and studying medicinal properties. I like reading the books of the sky people and experimenting with their technology,}" she explained. "{And I find solace in sitting alone in the forest, playing with the animals that approach me.}" She shrugged and took another bite.
"{Interesting,}" Txoum remarked, nodding his head. "{Sounds more captivating than my own life.}"
Kiri paused her eating once again and looked at him. "{But you're a... tsamsiyu,}" she said, referring to his role as a warrior.
Txoum met her gaze. "{I was born into a life of duty, training, and the hunt,}" he said. "{You have the freedom to choose your own path.}"
Kiri contemplated his words, realizing she had never viewed her situation from that perspective before. "{I will become the Tsahik one day.}"
Txoum nodded. "{I am aware. How do you feel about that?}"
Kiri tilted her head from side to side. "{I'm not entirely sure. I need to discover myself first.}"
"{You and me both,}" Txoum replied, his attention shifting toward an elder Na'vi male approaching them. "{I must assist my father now, but it was a pleasure to meet you, Kiri.}"
Kiri nodded. "{Likewise.}"
Txoum stood up and performed the familiar clan gesture. "{I see you.}"
Kiri returned the gesture. "{I see you,}" she said, bowing her head.
Txoum turned and went to converse with his father, while Kiri tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "{What are you doing with the Olo'eyktan's daughter?}" She overheard Txoum's father inquire.
Having completed her meal and realizing her overwhelming exhaustion, Kiri embarked on her journey through the crowd, making her way towards the cavern. She moved at a leisurely pace, taking a moment to appreciate the dominant cyan radiance of Polyphemus in the sky as the sun descended, making way for the enchanting wonders of the night.
While approaching the cavern, Kiri found solace in the serene paths that led to her tent. The night air carried a gentle breeze, bringing with it the soothing melodies of nature. It provided a welcomed reprieve after the day's intensity.
Upon reaching her tent, Kiri entered and settled herself on the soft bedding. She took a moment to reflect on the events that had unfolded—the encounter with the enigmatic machine, the meeting with Spider, and the clash with her stepmother Neytiri. It had been a day of both excitement and turmoil.
Closing her eyes, Kiri allowed herself to enter a state of tranquility. She focused on her breathing, allowing the tension to melt away. The rhythm of the forest outside blended harmoniously with her own heartbeat, creating a soothing symphony.
In this serene state, Kiri's mind wandered back to her encounter with Txoum. There was an aura of intrigue surrounding him, a rare fusion of understanding and kindness that captivated her. His words had deeply resonated, igniting a sense of being truly seen and accepted. As she replayed their conversation in her thoughts, a spark of curiosity danced within her, eager to explore the possibilities of their future interactions. However, as the night enveloped her in its comforting embrace, she gradually drifted off to sleep, the potential of their connection lingering in her dreams.
Authors Note: Chapter was updated on 6/8/2023
