Chapter 8: The Assault

Author note: I use { } to separate Na'vi and English when it's appropriate for the scene.


Kiri and Spider skillfully maneuvered through the crowd, making their way to the front just before Jake's speech. Standing beside him were a dozen of his most trusted warriors, including Kiri's recently returned siblings, Mo'at and Neytiri. The atmosphere was tense, so much so that even the slightest sound could cut through the still air.

"{My fellow Omaticaya. Brothers and sisters,}" Jake began, his voice clearing the weight in the room as he looked each person in the eye. "{I address you with grave news. Our home is once again threatened by invaders.}"

Gasps of shock reverberated through the crowd, and Kiri exchanged a concerned glance with Spider.

"I told you we shouldn't trust them," Spider whispered to Kiri, his voice filled with worry.

Kiri shivered, her gaze drifting towards her tent where she had hidden her radio. The idea of betrayal was unfamiliar and unsettling to her.

Jake's words snapped Kiri out of her reverie. "{Our enemy has been sighted approaching our camp from the north, and they will arrive soon,}" he declared with a somber expression. "{In less than thirty minutes.}"

"{Then let us strike before their arrival!}" a warrior shouted from the crowd, followed by a chorus of loud cheers and shouts. Even Lo'ak and Neteyam joined in, echoing the sentiment.

While Spider applauded along with the others, Kiri couldn't help but feel conflicted. Behind the cheers, she couldn't shake off the realization that battle meant more death and destruction.

Stepping forward, Jake raised his hands, commanding silence. "{We will strike with all our might before they arrive,}" he proclaimed firmly. "{However, as a precautionary measure, I am ordering the immediate evacuation of the camp.}"

The audience erupted with murmurs of disapproval, mirroring Kiri and Spider's disappointment.

"{We can't just run away again like before!}" an elder voiced their concerns. "{We have already lost our home!}"

Kiri's breath caught at the memories of the burning devastation, and she absentmindedly touched the healed burn marks on her left arm.

Jake raised his hands once more, calming the crowd. "{Our home is not just a physical place, but within our people and with Eywa,}" he stated, his gaze sweeping over the assembly. "{I understand the difficulty of this decision, but we must comprehend that our enemy will continue attacking relentlessly until we are all wiped out. To safeguard our families and children, we must move.}"

Silence settled over the crowd as Jake's words sank in, and Kiri took a moment to observe her surroundings. Some Na'vi warriors, including Lo'ak, Spider, and Neteyam, clearly disagreed with Jake's words. The majority of villagers and Mo'at appeared saddened, while Neytiri wore a mix of fury and sorrow. Despite the conflicting emotions, Kiri knew deep within that this was the right course of action. She had witnessed firsthand the destructive capabilities of human technology.

Yet, a sense of shame washed over Kiri as if she were responsible for the situation. She hugged herself tightly, and Spider's comforting touch on her arm provided solace.

"{Now, gather your belongings and prepare to make our way to the Ayram Alusing,}" Jake continued, referring to the Hallelujah Mountains, while gesturing to one of the male warriors beside him. "{Tarsem and Mo'at will lead the evacuation.}"

Tarsem stepped forward, bowing to the crowd. As a young but respected warrior, he was well-liked by the clan. "{We will load everything onto the Pa'li before departing, and our warriors will defend our people,}" he announced.

After Tarsem stepped back, Jake addressed the crowd once more. "{Neytiri will lead a preemptive strike from the air,}" he declared, looking towards his mate. "{She knows the area well and where the enemy is coming from.}"

Kiri's gaze shifted to Neytiri as her name was mentioned. Neytiri stepped forward, her tail swaying with anticipation. "{All Ikran riders chosen by me, join me now!}" she commanded firmly, moving towards her waiting Ikran near the cave's exit. A dozen riders promptly joined her, ready to depart. Lo'ak and Neteyam attempted to follow suit, but Jake's silent gesture halted their approach. Shocked and frustrated, the brothers fell back in line.

After witnessing the preparations, Jake turned his attention back to the crowd. "{I will organize the defense of the camp if the Sky People manage to breach our defenses,}" he declared. "{Warriors, sharpen your weapons and be ready to fight for the protection of your families.}"

The crowd dispersed swiftly, people rushing to collapse their tents and gather supplies while warriors readied themselves for battle. Outside, the direhorses were arranged in a caravan, poised to transport everything.

As the Samson helicopters were activated inside the cave, the once quiet space filled with the deafening roar of their turbines. Neytiri and her war party had already departed, their banshees' wings flapping loudly as they headed north to intercept the invaders.

Kiri and Spider lingered behind, approaching Jake as he engaged in what seemed like a heated argument with Lo'ak and Neteyam. Only when they stood behind him did they catch snippets of their conversation.

"Why don't you trust us?" Neteyam's voice cut through the helicopter noise, frustration evident.

"I need you here to help with the evacuation!" Jake retorted, his voice filled with exasperation.

Kiri covered her ears, attempting to block out the noise. She couldn't hear every word, but it was enough to realize that now was not the time to argue. Spider shook his head, understanding the situation.

"We should be out there with Mom!" Lo'ak scowled. "Not babysitting!"

The helicopters took off, leaving the cave with the sound of their engines gradually fading away. Kiri saw Neteyam and Lo'ak soar out on their Ikran, heading towards the battleground.

"Damn it!" Kiri muttered, a mixture of frustration and worry welling up inside her. She hurriedly made her way towards the exit.

Outside, the camp bustled with activity. Na'vi were dismantling tents and loading goods onto the direhorse caravan. The helicopters had departed, and the remaining human workers were busy packing up equipment to be carried out. There was still a considerable amount of abandoned RDA property that had to be left behind.

Kiri spotted Jake amidst the chaos, barking orders like a general. She dodged workers, nearly colliding with them several times as they hurriedly unloaded supplies.

Finally reaching Jake's side, Kiri collapsed in exhaustion, panting heavily.

"{Child, are you alright?}" Mo'at kneeled down, her concern evident.

Kiri looked up at Mo'at, catching her breath. "I need to talk to Dad," she managed to say between gasps.

Jake turned his attention to Kiri, his frustration palpable. "What are you doing here?" he asked, a hint of annoyance in his voice. "I told you to help with the evacuation."

Kiri gathered herself, urgency in her voice. "There's a tracking device in the camp," she blurted out.

Jake's face fell, realization hitting him. "Oh, shit."

Mo'at looked at Kiri, seeking an explanation. "What is this 'tracking device'?" she inquired.

Kiri quickly relayed what she knew. "It's how they found us. We need to find it, or they'll know where we're going next."

The human worker, who had overheard their conversation, stepped forward. "I'll grab my equipment and investigate," he offered, determined to assist.

Jake nodded. "Do it now," he ordered before turning back to Kiri. "Help where you can, then get on your Ikran. You have ten minutes."

Ten minutes felt like an impossibly short time. Kiri's urgency clashed with the multitude of tasks demanding Mo'at and Jake's attention. Mo'at had to give further instructions to concerned workers, and Jake issued more orders before leaving.

"Wait!" Kiri called out, stopping Jake. "Neteyam and Lo'ak went to join Mom!"

Jake paced back and forth, the veins on his forehead threatening to burst. "These kids, I swear to god," he muttered through clenched teeth. He looked at Kiri. "I'll deal with them later. Now go."

Kiri frowned, feeling a mix of worry and frustration. She nodded. "Yes, sir," she replied before turning and seeing Spider waiting nearby.


In the dense forests of Pandora, far to the north, the sound of helicopter rotors filled the air as a Dragon Assault Ship led a formation of gunships. Despite the thick clouds, they could still make out the silhouette of a mountain in the distance, where their target was hidden.

Inside the cockpit, pilots and crew members worked in perfect synchronization. "General, this is Delta Scorch," a Major's voice crackled over the radio. "Target in sight. ETA is eight minutes."

"Copy that, Major," General Ardmore responded. "We are twenty minutes away from your position."

A co-pilot called out, "Sir, we have multiple contacts on radar."

The Major stepped aside, his gaze fixed on the radar screen displaying a swarm of red dots approaching. Peering through the cockpit window, he could see the distant silhouettes of Ikrans piercing through the thickening fog.

"All gunships, we have incoming," the Major alerted his comrades over the radio. "Break formation and engage. Be cautious, and don't take unnecessary risks. Our objective is to draw them away."

"Copy that," came the response as the helicopters split into smaller squadrons, preparing for combat.

"General, Sully has taken the bait," the Major reported, referring to their plan to lure the Na'vi into attacking their forces.

Flying through another heavy cloud, the Major's visibility was completely obscured, and suddenly the radar screen went blank.

"Sir, we've lost the targets on radar," the co-pilot informed.

Exiting the cloud, the expected Na'vi fighters were nowhere to be seen. Confusion filled the cockpit as everyone searched their surroundings.

"Above us!" a voice crackled over the radio from one of the escorting gunships.

Looking upward, a wave of Na'vi warriors descended upon them like a relentless tide. At the forefront of the deadly assault, Neytiri unleashed her first arrow, piercing through the cockpit of one of the escorting gunships and instantly claiming the life of its pilot.


Kiri and Spider were assisting an elder in mounting a direhorse when a sudden boom echoed through the air, capturing everyone's attention. All eyes turned northward, where a fireball and dark cloud rose into the sky. Though they were too far to see the details, they knew the battle had commenced. Panic began to ripple through the camp, and Kiri's thoughts immediately turned to her impulsive siblings, causing her own panic to rise. Meanwhile, Mo'at and Tuk positioned themselves at the front of the caravan, ready to depart when the signal was given.

"{Stay calm, my people,}" Tarsem's voice rang out as he rode his direhorse along the caravan, accompanied by soldiers. His presence had a calming effect, and despite their worries, the villagers resumed their tasks.

Soon, Spider and Kiri found themselves with no more work to do. The non-combatants had been loaded into the caravan, and only a fraction of the camp had been dismantled. Workers were now setting fire to anything that could be of use to the RDA. Jake had given the order for scorched-earth tactics, leaving nothing for the enemy, as they had shown no mercy.

Jake divided the Na'vi fighters into squads, some tasked with defending the caravan while others covered the retreat. With his own squad, he stood at the cave entrance, rifle ready, carefully surveying the area. The human workers had discovered the tracking device and promptly destroyed it before departing in their helicopters, providing Kiri with a sense of relief.

Once Tarsem confirmed that everyone was present at the end of the caravan, he moved to the front and gave the signal to depart. The journey took them west, away from the camp, navigating through the jungle's dense canopy. The trail was treacherous, allowing only single-file movement for the direhorses.

Kiri and Spider made their way towards the cave, preparing to leave. As they passed Jake, he gestured for them to enter quickly. Standing beside him were Txoum and his father, with their Ikrans stationed nearby. Several Ikran riders were already airborne, keeping a watchful eye over the camp.

Another explosion in the distance startled Kiri and Spider, causing them to jump. The seasoned fighters around them remained unfazed, some even laughing at their reaction. Inside the cave, Kiri's radio abruptly crackled to life.

"Respond," a voice demanded.

Kiri and Spider exchanged glances before focusing on the radio. Kiri picked it up and responded, "I'm here."

"Reporting signal detection of an incoming hostile force," Ghost's voice came through the static. "Grid nine dash one, east of your position. Threat assessment is alpha."

Spider looked at Kiri in confusion. "Did it say east? We're fighting the RDA to the north. Can't you hear the commotion?"

"Affirmative," Ghost replied. "Current assessment indicates that the hostile force in grid eight dash seven is a diversionary tactic. Hostiles in grid nine dash one are rapidly escalating and not contained."

As the words sank in, a large flock of pink, six-winged birds flew in from the east, capturing the attention of everyone in the camp. Even Jake sensed that something was amiss.

Kiri and Spider exchanged another worried glance, their focus shifting to the caravan in horror. Only about half of the caravan had made it out so far.

"We've been deceived," Spider mouthed silently, "and they're all in danger if we don't act."

Without hesitation, Kiri sprinted towards Jake. He was in the midst of issuing additional orders when she interrupted him.

"Dad, the real attack is coming from the east!" Kiri shouted, breathless.

Jake turned his gaze towards Kiri and then scanned the eastern horizon. As the other Na'vi warriors couldn't understand English, they found her words puzzling. Instead of questioning her, Jake activated his radio. "{Wrrho, fly east and scout for the Sky People.}"

With his command given, two Ikran riders veered eastward. He then approached Txoum's father, Lesawtak, and issued a direct order. "{Gather every warrior and fortify the eastern part of the camp.}"

"{Yes, Olo'eyktan,}" Lesawtak acknowledged, and the warriors swiftly assembled, racing down to reinforce the camp's eastern defense.

After Spider joined her, Kiri spoke into the radio once more. "How long until they arrive?"

"{You five, prepare to take to the skies,}" Jake commanded, gesturing to Txoum and four others who nodded eagerly, ready for battle.

"The estimated time of arrival is five minutes and thirty-two seconds," came the reply over the radio.

Hearing the message, Jake turned to Kiri. "Who is that?"

"Uhhh," Kiri stammered, swallowing hard, "It's Ghost. They said the RDA will be here in five minutes."

Jake stared at her intently, his expression stern. "This is not the time for games."

Spider stepped forward, determination in his eyes. "Sir, please listen. This is going to sound unbelievable, but we found a rogue RDA drone in the swamp."

Kiri nodded in agreement, adrenaline pumping through her veins.

Jake regarded them with a mix of disbelief and concern when his radio abruptly interrupted. "{Olo'eyktan! There are many—}" A burst of gunfire drowned out the rest of the transmission.

Seconds later, the distant sound of gunshots reached the camp, while the drone of approaching helicopters grew louder. Birds scattered, fleeing from the approaching danger.

Jake turned his attention to the caravan, now gripped with panic, and swiftly gave orders to Txoum and the others. "{Take to the skies! We must slow them down before they arrive.}"

With determination, Txoum and the warriors mounted their Ikrans and ascended into the sky. Simultaneously, Tarsem rode up and down the direhorse caravan, issuing commands that hastened the evacuation process.

As Kiri watched Jake prepare to face the approaching threat, she rushed forward and grasped his arm tightly.

"Dad, be safe!" Kiri shouted, her voice filled with love and concern. "I love you."

"I love you too, baby girl," Jake replied, patting her head affectionately. "Now go, and take care of yourself."

Stepping back, Kiri watched as Jake left to confront the imminent danger, his determination and love for his people guiding his every action.


General Ardmore, donning her Skel Suit, stood at the command center of her personal Dragon Assault Ship, positioned a few miles east of the Na'vi camp. With calculated precision, she observed the last Na'vi scout engaging in impressive aerial maneuvers before being shot down.

"General, we're three minutes away," one of the co-pilots reported.

Ardmore activated her radio. "All ground units, prepare for a hostile landing zone."

"We have more incoming, General," a Captain, also in a skull suit, alerted, pointing out the window.

Using a pair of binoculars, the general surveyed the horizon, witnessing a group of Ikran riders approaching in a loose formation. Despite their impressive display, she possessed a force far superior to them. At the forefront of the Na'vi riders was Jake.

"It's Sully," Ardmore stated, capturing everyone's attention.

The two leading assault helicopters swiftly maneuvered to intercept the Na'vi and unleashed a volley of missiles. The Ikran riders skillfully evaded the projectiles, which detonated harmlessly behind them. Jake fearlessly weaved between the helicopters, targeting one cockpit with precise rifle fire. The damaged helicopter veered violently, colliding with the second helicopter, resulting in a fiery crash.

Evading gunfire from multiple directions, Jake then flew directly towards General Ardmore's assault ship, relentlessly firing at the cockpit. The sturdy glass sustained minor dents and cracks from the onslaught.

The general looked up, witnessing the underbelly of Jake's Ikran soaring past, seemingly unperturbed by the bullets. Glancing out the side glass, she observed him veer south, taunting them by raising his weapon provocatively.

"General, should we pursue?" the Captain inquired.

After a moment of contemplation, Ardmore responded confidently, "No, he's attempting to lure us away. Proceed with our original plan."

"Yes, General," the Captain acknowledged, understanding the strategic deception at play.


In the depths of the cave, Kiri and Spider swiftly prepared Gracie for flight amidst the deafening symphony of explosions and gunfire. The relentless roar of helicopter turbines reverberated through their bodies, creating a tense and stressful atmosphere. Gracie was clearly agitated by the chaos unfolding outside.

"Come on, Kiri," Spider urged, his voice tinged with nervousness.

Completing her final preparations, Kiri secured her queue to Gracie. With her broken arm, Spider assisted Kiri in mounting the Ikran. Both could feel their hearts pounding in unison, their adrenaline surging through their veins.

Outside, the Na'vi warriors stood prepared for battle, each in their designated positions. At the rear of the direhorse caravan, a bottleneck hindered the progress, causing panic-stricken families to abandon their mounts and flee on foot, clutching whatever belongings they could salvage.

The swarm of low-flying helicopters and the imposing assault ship loomed ominously in the sky. Jake and his fellow riders valiantly engaged the enemy, engaging in aerial harassment. Nevertheless, transport and VTOL helicopters descended towards the ground while the attack helicopters pressed forward, their trajectory directed at the heart of the camp.

"Oh, shit," Spider muttered, his concern palpable.

Just as Kiri was about to command Gracie to take flight, a volley of rockets struck the center of the camp. The explosion ripped through the air, sending dirt and shrapnel scattering in all directions. Lives were tragically lost in an instant, and Kiri and Spider watched in anguish as the injured cried out for help.

Gunfire erupted as Na'vi warriors armed with firearms retaliated against the attacking helicopters. One of the helicopters was successfully brought down, crashing into a nearby stream. However, the remaining aircraft unleashed another barrage of rockets upon the camp, determined to quell the resistance. Their missiles reduced the human barracks to a pile of scrap and inflicted damage upon numerous Na'vi structures, but the warriors refused to yield.

In the midst of the chaos, Gracie, lacking the battle training of the other Ikrans, retreated into the safety of the cave.

"Gracie! No!" Kiri cried out desperately, her commands falling on deaf ears.


General Ardmore strode out of the rear exit of her assault craft with a composed demeanor. Her Skel-equipped officers efficiently issued orders to the troops, ensuring the landing zone was secured. Another VTOL unloaded a squad of heavily-armored AMP infantry, while Bearcats, robust eight-wheel armored vehicles armed with formidable 30mm cannons, were being loaded with personnel.

Observing the intense aerial pursuit of Sully and witnessing the unfortunate demise of one of his less experienced riders, the General oversaw the completion of troop offloading. The helicopters and VTOLs swiftly rejoined the ongoing battle, with the AMP suits leading the charge and the APCs providing cover for exposed troops. The RDA forces advanced relentlessly, forming an impervious steel wall.

As the steel wall approached firing range of the Na'vi camp, they were abruptly met with a barrage of arrows and gunfire from the surrounding trees. Several unprotected soldiers and an AMP suit pilot were swiftly eliminated by well-placed arrows.

"Return fire and keep moving!" the General commanded, retaliating with her pistol.

The RDA soldiers responded with a volley of gunfire, while the powerful weaponry of the AMP suits and APCs tore through the trees that had provided cover to the ambushers, reducing them to mere debris. Numerous Na'vi warriors fell, but others courageously fought back amidst the hail of bullets and arrows. Undeterred by casualties, the RDA forces pressed onward.

Lesawtak led a group of Direhorse riders charging ahead of the steel wall, their thunderous hooves shaking the earth and their battlecries striking fear into the hearts of their enemies. However, their progress was halted when a hovering helicopter launched a salvo of rockets, claiming several of their lives. Despite the loss, the remaining warriors continued their valiant charge.

At close range, the AMP suits targeted the direhorses, eliminating more of the majestic creatures. Nevertheless, Lesawtak surged forward, thrusting his spear through the cockpit of an AMP suit, causing it to collapse. Another warrior skillfully employed his direhorse to topple another AMP suit. Even when dismounted, the warriors relentlessly engaged the human soldiers in close combat, fighting fiercely until they met their untimely demise.

Suddenly, Lesawtak's direhorse was struck down, and he fell into the mud. The driver of a Bearcat attempted to run him over, but he narrowly rolled away, narrowly evading the collision. Standing behind the vehicle, General Ardmore and the soldiers beside her raised their weapons, preparing to eliminate the fallen warrior.

However, the General raised her hand, halting her soldiers. "This one is mine," she declared, holstering her pistol and unsheathing the large knife affixed to her suit.

General Ardmore confidently stepped forward, her Skel Suit gleaming in the sunlight as she faced off against Lesawtak, who had risen from the mud with a fierce determination in his eyes.

Lesawtak, fueled by his desire to protect his people and avenge his fallen warriors, lunged at the General with unyielding ferocity. His hatchet swung through the air, aiming for her, but she skillfully evaded his strike, sidestepping with fluid grace. With lightning reflexes, she retaliated, delivering a swift and precise kick to his midsection, temporarily winding him. Sensing an opportunity, she swiftly followed up with a series of lightning-fast punches, striking him with calculated precision.

Despite the blows, Lesawtak refused to yield, summoning his remaining strength. He gathered himself and launched another fierce assault, slashing his hatchet through the air in a flurry of strikes. The General deftly parried and dodged his attacks, her movements a seamless dance of defense and counterattack.

The clash between the two warriors was a symphony of strength and skill. The General's Skel Suit provided her with enhanced agility and resilience, allowing her to withstand the forceful blows delivered by Lesawtak's powerful strikes. She utilized her suit's capabilities to her advantage, maneuvering with acrobatic grace, delivering swift and calculated strikes that pushed Lesawtak to his limits.

Lesawtak, his spirit unyielding, managed to land a solid blow to the General's side, causing her to stumble momentarily. The pain fueled her determination even further, and she swiftly recovered, retaliating with a fierce knee strike to Lesawtak's torso. The impact sent shockwaves through his body, momentarily staggering him.

As the battle waged on, soldiers from both sides momentarily paused their skirmishes to witness the clash of their leaders. The clash of metal against obsidian echoed through the air, intermingled with grunts and the heavy breathing of the combatants. The soldiers were captivated by the display of sheer strength and skill before them.

General Ardmore, driven by a sense of duty and a desire to assert dominance, pressed the attack. She unleashed a rapid series of punches and kicks, delivering a devastating combination that left Lesawtak struggling to defend himself. Each strike was executed with precision, aimed at exploiting any weakness or opening.

Despite the overwhelming odds, Lesawtak fought with unwavering determination, his spirit refusing to be extinguished. With one final burst of energy, he summoned every ounce of strength he had left. Ignoring his injuries, he launched a desperate assault, swinging his hatchet with all his might. But the General's training and experience proved to be the decisive factor.

In a climactic moment, General Ardmore deflected Lesawtak's final strike, seizing the opportunity to deliver a powerful roundhouse kick to his head. The force of the blow reverberated through his body, causing him to lose consciousness mid-air. He crashed to the ground, defeated but not forgotten.

The soldiers surrounding the General stood in awe, witnessing her triumph over their fallen adversary. There was a brief moment of silence before the battle resumed, soldiers from both sides returning to their respective conflicts.

General Ardmore, breathing heavily and covered in dirt and sweat, took a moment to regain her composure. She approached Lesawtak's motionless body and unholstered her pistol. Despite the intensity of their clash, a sense of respect and admiration welled within her for the fallen warrior. All of the soldiers surrounding the general stared in awe before she moved in with her pistol to deliver a lethal shot to the head.

With her victorious stance, General Ardmore let out a determined roar, rallying her soldiers to press forward. The battle raged on, the outcome uncertain, but her indomitable spirit and leadership continued to inspire the RDA forces as they fought to achieve their objectives.


After a few tense minutes, Kiri managed to persuade Gracie to make their way towards the cave exit. The battleground outside had erupted into utter chaos, with the RDA soldiers and their formidable arsenal converging upon the camp's perimeter. Explosions and gunfire reverberated, filling the air with a cacophony of destruction.

Jake, recognizing the vulnerability of his defenders in the open, swiftly ordered his forces to retreat into the cave for cover and a strategic advantage of higher ground. From there, they could potentially escape through a smaller back exit or the subterranean tunnels.

As Kiri prepared to take flight once more, a patrolling helicopter locked onto her and began firing. Reacting swiftly, she redirected Gracie deeper into the cave to evade the incoming danger. With the front entrance now inaccessible, their options for escape became limited.

"What do we do now?" Spider asked anxiously.

Kiri surveyed her surroundings and spotted the rear exit, although it seemed barely wide enough for Gracie to maneuver through. "There!" she exclaimed, pointing towards the exit. Gracie set her course in that direction, but their progress was halted as they witnessed numerous injured Na'vi being carried into the cave alongside other combatants.

"Halt," Kiri commanded Gracie, and the loyal creature obeyed. "I have to help the wounded," Kiri declared before patting Gracie reassuringly. "Find somewhere to hide," she instructed before clumsily dismounting, her broken arm causing some difficulty.

"Damn," Spider muttered, climbing down from Gracie. Gracie obediently made her way to the rear of the cave, seeking shelter from the impending chaos.

Outside, the ferocious battle raged on as RDA soldiers breached the camp's perimeter and pressed forward. Jake and the remaining defenders sought refuge within the safety of the cave, as an AMP suit outside was disabled by Jake's well-timed detonation of concealed explosives, evoking triumphant celebrations from the defenders.

"Hold them off as long as we can!" Jake yelled, reloading his rifle and continuing to engage the enemy alongside his fellow defenders. As the RDA forces retaliated, limestone and rocks were sent flying, striking the cave walls with resounding impacts.

Meanwhile, Kiri and Spider gathered near the rear of the cave, providing first aid to the injured. They administered medication and bandaged wounds, doing their best to alleviate suffering. Yet, amidst their efforts, they faced the grim reality that many were already beyond their care, either dead or severely wounded.

As the RDA soldiers advanced further into the camp, the battle escalated. Helicopters positioned themselves for support and unleashed rockets into the cave, causing a thunderous explosion as the old helicopter maintenance facility was obliterated. Despite the advantage, the helicopters exercised caution to avoid inflicting casualties among their own infantry.

With dwindling ammunition for their weapons, many Na'vi defenders resorted to their lethal bows, proving equally deadly in their skilled hands. The human soldiers suffered significant losses, prompting Jake and a few others to employ grenades, each explosion wreaking havoc upon their foes. However, the RDA forces relentlessly pushed forward, driven by their ruthless determination.

Jake, his final magazine depleted, maneuvered through the battleground, guiding others to follow him. Suddenly, an explosion struck nearby, knocking him to the ground. Warriors rushed to his aid, pulling him away from immediate danger, while others screamed in rage as they continued the fight.

Despite her broken arm, Kiri skillfully tended to the wounded, providing much-needed first aid. Just as she finished bandaging one defender's head, her attention was drawn to Jake being carried over. "Dad!" she cried out, rushing to his side. He was conscious and alert, still issuing orders, but his back bore multiple bleeding wounds, some with fragments of smoking metal embedded within.

"Kiri, what are you doing here?" Jake asked, his voice strained.

"You're hurt!" Kiri exclaimed, her voice filled with concern, as she began extracting the metal fragments and preparing fresh bandages.

Jake grasped Kiri's left arm, drawing her close. "You have to go," he insisted, his voice laced with urgency. "That is an order."

Tears welled up in Kiri's eyes, and she gently caressed Jake's face. "I won't leave you like this," she whispered, determination fueling her resolve.

The RDA soldiers continued their relentless assault, advancing up the bloody ascent towards the cave entrance. Sensing the imminent danger, Spider abandoned his work of treating the wounded and picked up a discarded rifle from a fallen Na'vi warrior, joining the fight with renewed determination.

As Kiri and Jake observed the enemy soldiers closing in, stray shots whizzed dangerously close overhead. Reacting swiftly, Jake pulled Kiri to the ground, shielding her with his body.

"You have to go," Jake repeated to Kiri. "I'll be right behind you."

Reluctantly, Kiri rose to her feet, turning to Spider who took cover behind a nearby rock, bravely returning fire. "Spider, let's go!" she shouted.

Spider glanced back, his gaze filled with determination. "I'll hold them off! Don't worry!"

"I'm not leaving you either!" Kiri screamed, her tail flailing with a mix of fear and determination.

"Kiri, go!" Jake's voice resonated with firmness and fatherly love as he rose to rejoin the battle, infused with a renewed sense of purpose to protect his daughter.

With a heavy heart, Kiri made her way towards the rear exit of the cave, where Gracie patiently awaited her. Together, they managed to escape through the back exit and emerged into an open area devoid of RDA soldiers or helicopters. Explosions echoed behind them as the cave continued to be a battleground, grenades exchanged between both sides.

Quickly mounting Gracie, Kiri commanded her to take flight. However, they encountered difficulty as Gracie struggled to gain altitude, her wings bearing the scars of battle. Despite their determined efforts, their progress was slow, and Kiri's gaze shifted to the sky, witnessing the multitude of helicopters hovering over the camp.

To her right, Kiri noticed a door gunner from a transport helicopter taking aim at them. Reacting swiftly, she steered Gracie away in a desperate attempt to find safety, but the pursuing helicopter relentlessly chased after them. Gunshots whizzed past, causing Kiri's heart to race with fear.

Gracie, filled with panic and weakened by her wounds, faltered in her flight. Her wings, already damaged, began to tear apart, causing her to descend rapidly towards the ground. Kiri was thrown from her back, landing amidst vines, while Gracie crashed heavily. They had fallen into the swamp, not far from the main battle near the river.

"Gracie!" Kiri yelled from the safety of a tree, her voice laced with desperation. She rushed to Gracie's side, touching her face as the loyal creature took her final, dying breaths. The weight of loss pressed heavily upon her heart as the reality of Gracie's sacrifice sank in. In that tender moment, grief consumed Kiri, her sobs mingling with the sounds of distant gunfire and echoing footsteps growing nearer.

"They're over here!" a human soldier's voice echoed through the dense foliage. Kiri quickly realized that a squad of soldiers was advancing, hacking their way through the underbrush. Before they spotted her, she pressed her back against a tree, hiding in the shadows.

The sound of heavy, metallic footsteps grew louder as a lieutenant in a Skel suit led the way. Kiri held her breath, her heart pounding, as she heard the soldiers approaching from different directions.

"Over here!" the lieutenant called out, his voice laced with determination. "No rider; keep searching!"

One soldier circled the tree, lifting their rifle in surprise as they spotted Kiri. Reacting swiftly, she pushed them to the ground and made a break for it.

"Contact front!" the fallen soldier shouted, alerting the others. Gunfire erupted, bullets whizzing past Kiri as she sought cover behind a fallen tree.

"Flank around!" the lieutenant barked, and the soldiers closed in on Kiri from all sides. Trapped, she scanned her surroundings desperately, searching for an escape route.

Peering cautiously from behind her makeshift cover, Kiri saw a soldier aiming directly at her. Reacting with lightning speed, she ducked just in time to avoid the shot, wooden splinters grazing her cheek. Gritting her teeth, she covered the wound to stem the bleeding.

Suddenly, another soldier lunged at her from the opposite side of the fallen log, causing Kiri to scream in alarm. However, her cry was abruptly silenced as a large Na'vi arrow struck the soldier's chest, sending them crashing to the ground.

"Contact in the tree-line!" a soldier yelled, their voice filled with urgency.

Kiri's gaze snapped forward, and she witnessed Txoum, perched in a distant tree, taking aim and firing another arrow. It found its mark, felling yet another soldier. The remaining human troops retaliated, unleashing a volley of gunfire towards Txoum, who was struck before falling from the tree.

"No!" Kiri screamed, her heart wrenching at the sight.

"The target is down!" the lieutenant called out, the soldiers ceasing their fire. "Move forward. Stay vigilant for any more surprises!"

As the soldiers closed in, Kiri sprang up, ready to make another desperate attempt to flee. But before she could move, the Skel suit-clad lieutenant seized her by the braid, hurling her to the ground with a brutal force. He then stepped on her arm, pinning her down.

"Where do you think you're going?" the lieutenant taunted, his voice filled with cruel satisfaction.

Kiri could only groan, the wind knocked out of her.

Having completed their search, the soldiers regrouped. "We couldn't find the one from the tree," the sergeant reported, his gaze falling upon Kiri. "What about this one?"

Kiri looked up, her expression helpless and pleading.

The lieutenant drew his pistol, leveling it at Kiri's head. "General's orders, no prisoners," he declared coldly.

Kiri closed her eyes, her lips moving silently as she uttered a prayer to Eywa.

"Sir," the sergeant interjected suddenly, pointing towards Kiri's hands. "Take a look at her hands."

The lieutenant observed Kiri's hands, a flicker of recognition crossing his face. "Well, I'll be damned. A half-breed?" he remarked, holstering his pistol. "This must be one of Sully's kids."

Kiri hissed in defiance, her spirit unyielding.

The soldiers exchanged glances, capturing Kiri as if she were some kind of prize—a rival king's captive princess.

"General, I believe I have one of Sully's children here," the lieutenant reported over his radio. "Please advise on how to proceed."

There was a brief exchange over the radio, the words muffled to Kiri's ears. "Copy that, General," the lieutenant responded, turning to the sergeant. "She is to be taken back to Bridgehead."

The sergeant knelt down, attempting to forcefully restrain Kiri's arms behind her back for binding. But Kiri resisted, refusing to surrender without a fight. "Stop fighting, you damn monkey, or I'll break your arm!" the sergeant growled.

"Go screw yourself!" Kiri hissed through clenched teeth as her hands were painfully secured with zip-tie handcuffs, tightened to the point of numbness.

The lieutenant began calling for a helicopter extraction when a sudden hail of bullets struck him from behind. Kiri watched in disbelief as the lieutenant fell to the ground, lifeless, his exosuit crashing with a heavy thud. "Repeat that?" came the muffled voice over the radio, followed by silence.

The soldiers scattered, seeking cover and returning fire towards the unseen assailant.

"Contact from the rear!"

"The lieutenant is down!"

Regaining her composure, Kiri prepared to seize this opportunity to escape. However, the sergeant, standing up, pointed their weapon directly at her, forcing her to remain hidden. "Stay down and don't move, princess," the soldier ordered, their voice filled with a mix of authority and intimidation.

"Don't call me princess," Kiri snarled under her breath, taking a seat behind the log, still under the soldier's watchful gaze. The tightness of the zip-tie handcuffs sent a numbing sensation through her wrists.

While the gunfire continued, two more soldiers fell victim to a barrage of bullets from a different direction. The surviving troops returned fire, their shots ringing out with metallic plinks as they hit their target.

"What the fuck is that?" one of the soldiers exclaimed, momentarily pausing between magazine changes.

"Keep firing!" the sergeant shouted in response, quickly taking cover.

A soldier hurled a grenade, but it was deflected with a resounding clang before exploding some distance away. The concussive force dislodged loose tree branches, causing them to crash to the ground.

"General," the sergeant called over their radio, desperation evident in their voice. "Our lieutenant is down, and we have multiple casualties. Requesting immediate reinforcements and air support."

Amidst the chaos, more soldiers were struck by enemy fire, their agonized cries piercing the air. Kiri counted only four surviving soldiers, visibly injured, while the soldier assigned to guard her fired back at the unseen attacker. As the enemy returned fire, they took cover before retaliating.

Seizing the opportunity, Kiri glanced around, realizing that nobody was watching her. Swiftly, she turned and kicked the soldier who had held her at gunpoint, forcing them out into the open. Almost instantly, they were shot down, collapsing just inches away from her. Spotting a knife on their vest, Kiri spun around, gripping it tightly with her zip-tied hands. With a mixture of determination and stealth, she began to cut herself free, her focus unwavering even as the sergeant remained distracted.

"Fall back! I'll cover you!" the sergeant shouted to the remaining troops, their voice filled with urgency. The soldiers retreated, seeking safety under the cover of fire. Once the soldiers had withdrawn, the sergeant prepared to leave as well, but Kiri seized the opportunity. She grabbed them, delivering a powerful left hook that cracked their mask, rendering them unconscious. If Lo'ak were there, he would be proud.

The gunshots eventually ceased, leaving an eerie silence hanging in the air. Kiri, still hidden behind the fallen log, cautiously surveyed her surroundings. She felt a surge of relief, anticipating that her clan members had come to rescue her. But as she heard the mechanical footsteps approaching, she held her breath, fearing yet another Skel suit-clad soldier.

The figure came to a halt, seemingly searching for something. Kiri squinted through a bullet hole in the log, her eyes widening in surprise. It was Ghost, the drone. Reacting instinctively, she sat up, her gaze locked with the drone's gun arm, which was pointed directly at her face. In that tense moment, she found herself staring down the barrel of a smoking gun.

Kiri stood frozen, expecting her world to darken as Ghost's menacing crimson optics bore into her. But to her surprise, the arm lowered, and a wave of relief washed over her. Ghost remained silent, maintaining its intimidating presence. The radio chatter from the fallen soldiers' radios began to fill the air.

Breaking the awkward silence, Kiri mustered the courage to speak. "W-what are you doing here?" she asked, her voice trembling.

Ghost glanced down at the deceased lieutenant's Skel suit and then back at Kiri. "Remove the EXO-32's battery banks," it commanded.

Kiri looked at the suit and then back at Ghost, uncertainty clouding her features. "How?" she inquired, seeking guidance.

Ghost remained silent, its gun arm morphing into a hand shape as it scavenged the area for useful items. It collected several weapons, slinging them over its arm, grabbed a drum of ammunition for a machine gun, and stowed a bloodied PDA inside a compartment.

As Ghost went about its tasks, Kiri cautiously approached the Skel suit. The operator lay lifeless in a pool of blood. After a brief search, she discovered a lever that allowed her to remove the battery banks. The weight of the batteries surprised her, but she managed to extract both of them.

Meanwhile, the RDA prepared to return with additional reinforcements, their shouts audible in the distance. Two attack helicopters provided cover for their impending arrival.

Kiri stood up, clutching the batteries tightly. "We need to leave—now," she said, anxiety lacing her voice.

"Affirmative," Ghost replied, grabbing one last item before its attention turned to an injured soldier reaching for a sidearm. Kiri watched in horror as Ghost swiftly ended the soldier's life with a brutal stomp to the head.

"Why did you do that?!" Kiri cried out, a mixture of disgust and horror in her voice.

"Warfare is my primary function," Ghost coldly responded, before turning away and leading the way into the swamp, away from the approaching RDA soldiers.

Kiri hurried to catch up with Ghost, her desperation evident. "Wait! We need to go back and help my dad!"

"Negative," Ghost stated firmly, showing no intention of stopping.

"Please!" Kiri pleaded, her voice filled with desperation.

"Negative," Ghost repeated, its resolve unyielding.

As the attack helicopters began scouring the area they had just left, Kiri reluctantly accepted that going back was no longer an option.

Moving deeper into the swamp, away from the sounds of battle, Kiri noticed fresh blood drops on a nearby plant. Her instincts kicked in, and she stopped, peering along a path that revealed a trail of blood.

"Wait!" Kiri called out to Ghost, urging it to halt.

Ghost turned to look back at her. "Report?" it inquired.

Without hesitation, Kiri began following the bloody trail. Ghost followed closely behind as they ventured further along the path. Eventually, they spotted Txoum slumped against a tree, clutching a bleeding gunshot wound on his side. He was clearly in immense pain.

"Txoum!" Kiri called out, rushing to his side.

"{Kiri, I'm sorry I failed,}" Txoum groaned, writhing in agony. As Ghost approached from behind, Txoum instinctively stood up, drawing his dagger. "{Look out!}"

Ghost swiftly aimed one of the rifles it had scavenged at Txoum, ready to defend itself.

Kiri intervened, pushing Txoum's dagger down. "{Txoum, they're not here to hurt us,}" she reassured him. Txoum looked perplexed, but upon seeing Ghost lower its weapon, he slowly began to relax.

Kiri proceeded to bandage Txoum's wound, using the knowledge she had gained from Mo'at to fashion a makeshift Na'vi bandage out of plants and tendrils. Despite the bleeding, she placed her hands over the wound. "{Keep applying pressure to it.}"

Txoum complied, his gaze fixed on Ghost with caution. In the distance, the faint hum of helicopters could be heard. As the sounds of combat gradually subsided, it became apparent that the RDA had emerged victorious from the conflict.

As Kiri tended to Txoum's wound, the distant hum of helicopters grew louder. The realization that the RDA had prevailed cast a somber tone over their situation. Kiri's heart sank, knowing that her father and their fellow defenders had likely been overcome by the enemy.

With a heavy sigh, she looked at Ghost. "We can't stay here, it's too dangerous," she murmured, a mix of grief and frustration in her voice.

Ghost's gaze remained fixed on the surroundings, its red optics scanning for potential threats. It seemed to understand Kiri's words without needing any further explanation. "Affirmative."

After that response, Kiri helped Txoum up, and with Ghost, they continued deeper into the swamp, their paths intertwining as they sought refuge.


Authors Note: Chapter was updated on 6/25/2023