Hello dear readers. Warning: Mean machinations of Plant-Lovers and troublesome kids. Also some music, because that is my reason to write this story.

Please enjoy as always.

Chapter 13

Since Tom had seen the white flower and understood its effects, an idea had come to his mind. A few days later, he had talked to Mo'at about the flower and she was able to enlighten him about it. The flower was called White Delusion in English and had extraordinary properties if one knew how to use it correctly. The harvesting process was a dangerous one, and it was best to cover one's face to avoid getting near any of the pollen. The actual maddening part of the flower was the pollen, rather than the pheromones in the smell.

Moreover, the flower bloomed only for the next few months before it disappeared and one had to wait for a new solar cycle for it to reappear. This was unusual for the Na'vi Great Forest, which was more like a jungle and had relatively constant temperatures throughout the year, similar to Earth. Most plants stayed all year round and regrew as needed. Tom really wanted to know more about the climate distribution on Pandora, as well as the variety of plant life, but he had to concentrate on his first question for now.

Rubbing the pollen of the white delusion under the skin was not recommended, as the fungi that grew cancerously around it could attract the pollen magnetically and store it. Thus, the flower did not spread further than its small staked-out area. This made the flowers rare but also saved many Na'vi who had stumbled upon them. Only those who had touched the fungi went mad, but the misconception of the madness-inducing smell circulated fast before Mo'at could stop the rumours.

The white delusion could cause terrifying hallucinations that had even driven some people to death. They could only be cured by sweating out all the toxins and having a constant connection to Eywa. Mo'at had not treated anyone with this case in years because, for some reason, the white delusion had not grown in the last years. The last case of this madness had appeared before the first Hometree had fallen.

This confused Tom to some degree, and he told Mo'at how several Atokirina had circled around the flower Tanu'ley that he had found. She pondered for some time before deciding to take him to the Tree of Voices the following day, even if he was not yet one of the people. She quickly send him off to sleep after that.

Tom wandered back to his and Tanu'ley's cave, which was only a part of a larger cave system. Only the mated couples and their children had the luxury to live in their own small caves, while the other members of the clan had tent-like structures that doubled as communal sleeping places for all the single or widowed clan people. These tents held off the sometimes cold wind that swept through the massive cave system. At first, Tom had not realised how large the clan was. Several more flying mountains nearby were inhabited by the clan, and they communicated first by messenger, then by pulley- system, or even by Morse code, transmitted through either sound or light. He noticed more and more human methods perfectly integrated into the Na'vi lifestyle, no doubt influenced by his brother.

Due to sleeping in the communal area, he also noticed that some Na'vi looked different from the typical forest Na'vi. Some had a slightly different skin tone or dressed in another fashion, and Tanu'ley explained how the exchange program worked, which Jake had implemented. He asked if she had also participated, and she agreed, explaining that some of the clans she had lived with were part of this big system, but four of the clans she had been with were too far away for casual exchange.

He found her still up, obviously waiting for him. She patted the ground beside her, and he sat down. It was natural for him to put an arm around her shoulders when she leaned in, and he was getting used to this kind of affection.

"Mo'at will take me out tomorrow, so I won't be attending our lessons," Tanu'ley said, giving him a slow blink that she usually used to convey her understanding or agreement.

"I asked her about the white delusion, and we noticed that something was off. I plan on asking Eywa for some clues; she might just tell me what plans she has in store for me," Tom replied, and Tanu'ley gave another slow blink and a flick of her ear. He was still wondering what this sign might mean in her language.

"Tis a great honour to come near that place without being one of the people," she agreed.

Tom noticed that Tanu'ley had her own way to express emotions. To show irritation or anger she would tighten her jaw or clench her teeth. She would stare without blinking when she was confused, surprised, or curious. A repeated rolling of her shoulders meant unease, which mostly happened when she hadn't flown with Somi for more than a day.

His favourite of her tells, though, was when she turned her eyes to the ground for a second before looking at him. She never used it with anyone besides him, and that made him feel special. He circled his other arm around her waist to witness her downturned look, and grinned at his ability to make her do her equivalent of blushing. She was honestly too cute while still being the greatest badass of his acquaintance. She smiled and gave him a soft peck on the lips.

They went to sleep in their hammocks soon after, with warmth pooling in their hearts.

The next morning, Mo'at arrived early to wake him up. Tanu'ley was still asleep in her hammock, so he quietly got up and followed the elder woman outside. Tom's first climb up to the cave was terrifying. Several warriors had looked at him with strange expressions, likely because he resembled Jake so closely that they were confused to see their former leader, now so afraid of climbing. They had still helped him, but after a few weeks, he grew accustomed to the steep climb. In fact, Tanu'ley had insisted on climbing up and down the flying mountain when they began their training.

Due to their relocation to the mountains, the Omatikaya were unable to keep a constant eye on the Tree of Voices. This was the sole reason why Tom and Grace were able to get close to the tree when they first escaped from Quaritch. When they arrived at the tree, Tom was still in awe of it. Even in daylight, it emitted a soft glow and serene feeling that sent shivers down his spine. He had never been a religious man, but through his extensive studies of nature and even humans, he had come to the conclusion that there must have been a greater being behind creation. However, that greater being on earth appeared to have either abandoned or died.

Shaking off his dark thoughts, he stepped up beside Mo'at, who was already standing next to some glowing rope-leaves. Tom was unsure how to describe these rods of pink. The woman reached out and held her own cue to them. The tendrils wrapped around them, and the light got brighter where the connection was made. He copied her movement and smiled when he heard the soft sounds of a hundred singing voices.

The last time he had seen most of Jake's memories that he had shared here, but it had been somewhat rushed. Now there were scenes that played out much slower. He stood in a small clearing next to a river, and at first, Tom thought he was alone. That assumption was proven wrong when a heavy hand landed on his shoulder. He turned around to see a tall Na'vi man with a strong jaw and a frown on his face. His eyes seemed warm, though, as he looked at Tom.

"You look much younger since the last time we spoke, brother." A smile pulled at his lips. "You look nothing like a leader, but like a chick with your hair in such a state!" The man laughed, and Tom had the feeling he thought Tom was Jake but still reached out his hand to check his hair. He combed through his brother's memories and recognised the stranger in front of him.

"Tsu'tey?" His question was unsure. The man frowned again, shooting Tom a skeptical look. "Of course, brother, who else would come to see you? Eytukan only comes to see his mate, daughter, or grandchildren." His voice also seemed less cheerful, despite his obvious joke. Tom chose to explain the situation to his brother's friend."I'm not Jake Tsu'tey, though I'm honoured to meet you. My brother has fond memories of you. My name is Tom, I'm Jake's twin brother." Cue to stoic confusion.

"Tsu'tey asked, 'Jake's brother?' and Tom nodded. 'That explains why your spirit felt different, but similar to Jake. Only his son shares the same idiocy as him,' Tsu'tey said. Tom wondered why he automatically thought of Lo'ak.

"I haven't seen my brother in a long time, though I've heard a little about his sons. I'm not a good person to judge that," Tom replied with a smile when Jake's fond memories of baby and toddler Lo'ak came up. He regretted not being alive at that time to witness the adorable child.

"I actually came to ask a question if you don't mind?" Tsu'tey gestured with his hand to allow Tom to continue.

"We found several Atokirina around a white delusion. I wanted to ask Eywa if she has a plan for us that she would share," Tom explained.

"I've come here to speak her will in a familiar form, to lead and to guide her living children in her will. The great mother does not explain things, but she offers assistance. Do not ask for her plans, they are too great for you to grasp," Tsu'tey answered kindly. Tom was a little disappointed, but then he had an idea and looked at Tsu'tey again.

"If she will not reveal her plans, can you tell me what her goal is with the humans? Does she want them gone, or just neutralised? Does she want co-existence perhaps?" Tom asked with a smirk on his face.

"I like your question, let me ask you one in return. If you were plagued by illness, would you want to succumb to it, survive, but retain permanent wounds, or would you like to completely heal?" Tsu'tey asked mockingly.

"Heal completely… oh Okay that means the humans must leave for good. Well then, I will heed her command and see how she will assist me in the future to accomplish just that," Tom hummed. Diplomacy would have been really hard, but now he would have to find a way to ensure they would not return.

A quiet voice in the back of his head pointed out his hypocrisy. He once wanted to come here to study this world and to give Jake the ability to walk. Now he would try to fend off any other humans that might wish to do the same. This seemed unfair. Was he allowed to stay just because he loved Pandora and even Eywa? Should he leave with the others? Maybe it was his destiny to die again. He had lived and died once. Was it not unfair that he got a second chance, when so many others didn't? Tom sensed that there would be no kind answer to these questions, so he pushed them away, like the mature grown man he was. It would surely be healthy for him.

"The great mother chose to keep you here for a reason. Your troubles are not unfounded. You can ask all these questions when your purpose is fulfilled," Tsu'tey answered to Tom's existential crisis.

"Also does ignorance not solve the problem that is ignored. You are Skxawng if you believe otherwise." Tom appreciated the other man's harsh tone and honest words. There was no use to overthink this.

"I thank you, Tsu'tey, for guiding me. Eywa knows if I'm on the right path to-"

"I was not yet finished guiding you. Come now, there is something you must see." The deceased warrior pulled him through the woods by his arm, ignoring his protests. They stopped shortly after, where Tsu'tey pointed to the top of the tree. Tom's eyes widened when he threw the other man a questioning look.

"That will be a little tricky to build, though. Maybe I can ask Norm and Max for help?"

"Even your foolish brother knew he could not win alone. He came to me when he needed help. Do not forget this." Tsu'tey's last words before the vision faded away.

Mo'at was waiting for him to finish up and asked if he got his answers. Tom joked that he should get a new haircut, but to his surprise and embarrassment, she agreed wholeheartedly. They went back to the clan, and Mo'at offered to find someone to clean his hair up a bit. Tom grudgingly agreed. Despite that, she also offered her assistance in finding people to help him test his growing theory.

He told both Tanu'ley and Grace about his conversation with Tsu'tey and explained how it could all conclude in a plan to get the humans to leave. Grace told him straight to his face that he was crazy, which didn't go over well with Tanu'ley. She hissed at the other woman in a terrifying way that made Grace back down really fast and allowed him to finish his thoughts. He would need some extra help, but he knew it would be worth it. Through Grace, he got in contact with Norm and Max, who were ecstatic to see both of them alive again. They had a similar reaction to Grace, but they were too happy to refuse Tom anything. Or maybe Tanu'ley was too intimidating for any (former) human to refuse her.

Tom was thrilled to be in a lab again; his love for his highly advanced 3D printer was unique, so he even introduced Tanu'ley to his favourite toy from Earth. He knew how intimidating and hateful the lab must be for her, but she studied her surroundings with an unblinking gaze. She even flicked her ears up when he laughed in enjoyment of his working printer.

Tom's attention was later pulled away from the screen when he heard soft steps from behind him. So he turned around to find… nothing? His eyes shifted down to see a very tiny human girl that giggled when she saw his funny face. It was kind of surreal to see the size difference between human and Na'vi like this again. The girl was probably around the age of seven or eight and stood around four feet tall. While Tom was around nine feet tall and even towered over her while seated.

"You are new, but you look like uncle Jake." The girl said and Tom smiled down at her.

"Yes, I am new here. Jake is my brother, so we look alike. My name is Tom. May I know yours?" The girl looked around like she was looking for something, making her brown pigtails swish around her shoulders.

"My name is Maya." She stage whispered.

"Dad says that I shouldn't come down here, because I made a fire the last time." Maya revealed and Tom carefully looked around for any possible source of fire.

"It is nice to meet you Maya, but I guess you're father does have a point. Fire can be really scary." Tom explained and the girl laughed.

"My Dad is often scared, he also forbade me to play with the plants outside... or the acids." Tom felt for the poor man who was Maya's father, she sounded like a real troublemaker.

"Who is your Dad? Do I know him?" He asked, just to know whom he should pity.

"My Dad is Norm Spellman. Everyone knows him here!" Maya said in pride and just as his name was mentioned the man himself crashed through the door.

"Sorry Tom, have you seen, AH! There you are young lady. I do remember that I told you the lab is off limits." Norm stood to his full height to give her a stern glare.

"You did!" Maya exclaimed with a wide smile, not the least phased by her fathers stare.

"But there was someone new, and I wanted to say Hi." She turned to Tom and waved her hand.

"Hi!" Then she ran out the door with a giggle. Tom first stared at the door Maya had fled through, then at Norm.

"Man you have it rough. She's cute though. Congrats on becoming a father." He told the man who just smiled in exasperation.

"Thanks man. I better run, before something explodes." Tom got the feeling that his concern might just be valid.

"I'll go hide the acid's." he jokes, but Norm let's out a frustrated moan before going after Maya.

Tom and Grace got some safety equipment in Na'vi size, and the first thing they did was harvest the white delusion and some fungi. They replanted it as close to Hell's Gate as they dared in the middle of the night, even softly singing the Pak'nuri song to quicken plant growth. It would take several days for everything to regrow, but they had much to do in the meantime. Tom returned to the Lab and printed several chords and strings with different textures that one would use for a big string instrument. He struggled at first to integrate them into a wooden case in a fashion that would work, but Mo'at helped him out and introduced him to one of the best woodworkers of the clan, Do'han.

The old man was incredible with anything made from wood, and Tom, who had enjoyed woodworking in his youth, was tempted to ask the man to teach him some. His personal preferences would have to wait a little longer, though. Tom had a purpose from Eywa to fulfil, and he wasn't about to slack off now.

During his visits he'd often get to see Maya running around. While the kid truly was cute he always checked if there was something potentially dangerous in the room he was in. Her being outside the compound brought several of the other scientists, but most of all her father, to a dangerous level of stress. Maya insisted her big Bro Spider had thought her all about the forest, which was probably true, with how well she was able to navigate through the woods. But she had such a high capacity for dangerous ideas, that even Norm (who was incredibly patient with her) would lecture her sternly if she tried to catch some venomous bug with her bare hands again.

Norm told him of his suspicion, that Maya was going through some kind of rebellious phase after her parents decided to split ways. They were still on good terms and saw each other on a regular basis, but the girl of course noticed the change in her home life. Evelyn, Maya's mother was a lovely woman who was very respectful to Tom and just as patient with her daughter as Norm, yet he felt the air of sadness around both her and Norm, when they were in close proximity. They obviously still cared about the other, but Tom decided to mind his own business and trust both Evelyn and Norm to figure things out themselves.

Max had told Tom about their basic story to ease his confusion. He also was the first friend Norm would turn to in such a state. Jake was often too busy with the clan, but Norm had also gone to him for advice. Norm even admitted that he missed his friend.

In the span of a week and a half Tanu'ley, Grace, and Tom had successfully replanted four white delusions plus fungi around Hell's Gate without being noticed. With the help of Max, Norm and Do'han they created something similar to a monochord instruments encased by a wooden soundbox with only a slight opening. These were installed in the trees that grew the fungi, the opening of the Soundbox was facing away from Hell's Gate.

They had to wait patiently for the flowers to begin pollination again. Tom witnessed personally, alongside Grace, how the monochord would produce a deep and silent note when the wind rushed through the slit in the soundbox from the right direction. This created a vibration that caused the fungi to release pollen, which the wind would carry straight into the camp.

Even the slightest touch outside of the houses could prove maddening, but Tom hoped that he would not kill too many people in the process. The effect of the white delusion on humans was not yet scientifically proven.

Due to the positions of the other flowers, the wind could blow from any direction, and the camp would be flooded from all sides. Tom hoped that the created fear would deter them from going outside. Tanu'ley had said that the Na'vi who fell ill with the pollen of the white Delusion instinctively avoided the place of infection. If that place was directly outside the camp, the humans would soon be imprisoned in their own four walls or, hopefully, would leave instead.

After his rebirth, Tom had researched the RDA and found that there were other planets that could sustain life, but were blacklisted due to reasons that would endanger human life, like too high gravity, acidic air, that could not be filtered or even too high temperatures. He hoped that a collective epidemic of madness would get Pandora blacklisted from the RDA. If not maybe he could persuade some of the humans left to make up something else that would get them blacklisted.

They could paint Eywa in a revengeful goddess light, that kills most of the humans that come? Tom was unsure what Eywa was thinking, but there was an unusually angry Prolemuris- an ape like animal, which is normally quite friendly and curious- pounding on the window. Guess she was not impressed.

Tom was improving rapidly with his training, and Tanu'ley even gave him some off time to explore the clan, spend time in the lab, or learn from Do'han, who was a kind teacher. Do'han told Tom that Jake had saved his son's life multiple times, making it easy for him to teach Tom, who looked so much like the former chief.

Jake was held in high regard, making it easier for them to accept Tom. Tarsem, the new chief, allowed Tom's presence with a low-key envy. He had a hard time stepping into the big shoes his brother had left, especially with his respect for his predecessor. To Tarsem, Jake had been his mentor and savior. He also believed that Jake would return someday to reclaim his position, and he was just holding the fort in his place.

The entire clan supported this idea, and they refused to name a new official heir to the clan head position. Of course, people would step up if Tarsem was unable to reign, but no one received the title that belonged to the oldest son of Toruk Makto, Neteyam. No other child was called a prince or princess like his nephew or nieces had been called.

Despite some negative comments about his human heritage from a few individuals, Jake and all he stood for received reverence from the clan, leaving Tom in awe. His brother was greatly loved by his people, and Tom was glad for that.

After over two months of training, Tanu'ley finally deemed Tom ready to claim his own Ikran. Although the climb had been difficult and nerve-wracking, he screamed out in elation upon finishing it.

Tanu'ley allowed him to take a short break before he entered the nesting area, his bola swinging by his side. It took some time and a few attempts, but Tom finally found an Ikran willing to bond with him. He suddenly had heard a vicious snarl from behind him, because any self respecting killer would attack an unprotected back. Reacting on instinct, he jumped to the side, narrowly evading the snapping jaw of a dark blue and purple Ikran. The beast hissed before coming after him again. Tom stepped to the side and caught the Ikran's snout with his bola, but was thrown to the side when a wing slammed into his chest.

Tanu'ley shouted for him to "make the bond," but Tom was more concerned with his own survival right in this second. He regained his footing, ducked below the beast's wing, and jumped on its back. Slinging his legs around the animal's neck to keep from falling off he grabbed its cue to connect it with his own. The fight ended abruptly and both of them took a deep breath, taking in the new bond. It felt very different from the one he shared with a Pal'i (direhorse). It was much more intense and personal. His Ikran was still relatively young and adventurous, with strong wings and claws, and a preference for sour fruit over sweet. He even had a name and a voice that seemed to communicate with Tom through feelings.

"Let's fly, Narik," Tom said, feeling the Ikran's happiness to comply with his wish. Narik stretched his blue wings and propelled them both over the edge of the cliff. To say everything went smoothly would be an overstatement. They struggled to manoeuvre together, but were grateful to not have plummeted to their deaths. Somi and Tanu'ley cheered for them, as did Narik and Tom. They flew together for some time before the new pair of hunter and Ikran grew exhausted, their bond still new.

They arrived at the clan where Tom was greeted with loud cheers from his new friends. Although it was normal to make the climb in a group, Tom had arrived just after the last group had attempted their last trial, so he had the honor of going alone. Mo'at stepped up, and to his eternal surprise, the woman gave him a tight hug.

"You have learned very well, Tom. I'm proud to call you family now," she said. Tom's eyes grew wide in shock, touched by her words, but he had no time to appreciate his newly declared somewhat mother figure before Grace stepped up with a wide smile.

"Just as much a knucklehead as your brother. Good job, you nerd. Of course you had to break some unwritten high score of how fast you got through your training," she teased as she hugged him as well. Tom had to laugh at her jabs, but he gently returned the gesture.

More surprises came Tom's way when his best buddy, Do'han, stepped forward and pressed something into his hand. It was definitely the coolest guitar he had ever seen in both his lives. In fact, it was the first guitar he had ever seen on Pandora. The instrument was decorated with intricate engravings and wicked-looking thorns holding synthetic strings in place. Tom held the guitar to his chest in awe, carefully testing out the sound by plucking at the strings. It was a little off, so he made some small adjustments with the strings.

He looked over at Norm, who attended in his Avatar form, and saw his bright smile. Tom guessed Norm was the one who told Do'han how to prepare the alien instrument, the only instrument Tom had ever bothered to learn during his life on Earth. It was a bit embarrassing to admit, but his eyes stung in an unfamiliar way that felt entirely too good to be tears.

"Thank you guys, thank you so much," he whispered, ducking his head to hide the overflow of feelings. Despite his best efforts, strong emotions still overwhelmed his brain when he was so unused to them.

His few friends laughed and clapped his shoulders in good humour. They might not have completely understood what those words and gifts meant to him, but they understood enough.

"But I want to hear you play after dinner, okay? I waited over 18 years to hear you play again!" Norm said.

Tom nodded his head and let himself be guided to his hammock.

"Bring your girl and I might just do that." He called back. Both Tanu'ley and Mo'at made him sit down and started working on his hair for some kind of glow-up. Gladly, they wouldn't tell him to his face that he looked ugly. God knows, Jake had always been the pretty twin out of the two.

He still stared at his new guitar, getting used to the weight and rummaging through his brain for the songs he had learned. Tom repositioned himself a little, getting a soft slap on his shoulder from his new mom when he disturbed her braiding. He gently strummed a couple of chords in a row before his fingers moved in a way that he feared he might have forgotten. At first, he was careful, repeating some passages over and over again to get faster at switching chords while simultaneously drumming his fingers against the wood.

The melody filled the quiet space with a mystical air as it floated around them and resonated on the cave walls. Memories of music that had captured his unempathetic heart when he had only cared for his scrawny, lovable little brother flooded back to him. Now his heart was different, and he felt no more shame in showing his feelings. No more uncertainty of the love he felt for his little brother and everything he came to love here on this planet.

He dared not sing just yet, fearing he was not ready to face how much he missed Jake. What if his brother did not need him anymore? He had been gone for so long. Who, in their right mind, would hold on so long to the loss of one person? Would Jake be angry when they met again?

His musings were interrupted when Mo'at moved around him to sit by his side. She gathered his new braids over his shoulder to show him the beads and stones they had integrated. One braid that hung before his right ear held two clear blue stones that gleamed in the light. A vague feeling overcame him that these stones held a greater meaning, yet he could not remember why.

"Do not fear, child. Your soul was lost for a long time, but it has found its home here now. Soon, you will be one of the people, and you will belong to us. Wherever the Great Mother leads you, you will come home here," she said. She placed her hand above his heart, looking at him with warmth and pride. He let out a silent sob, leaning his head on his mentor's shoulder while grabbing Tanu'ley's hand, which rested on his arm.

He finally had a home again.

That night he had a captivated audience plus a little human girl staring at him as he gave them his best version of Louis Armstrong's classic song: What a wonderful world. He himself was never able to understand the hype until today, where he cried, played and sung one of the best love songs earth had ever heard. What a wonderful world indeed.

Maya fell asleep on his lap and several women cooed at her cute sleeping face.

"That was pretty terrific. Play for us again soon okay?" Norm hugged Tom before carrying his daughter home, his eyes holding a misty glow as he left.

Maybe earth had once been beautiful too, but his home was here, now and forever.

Wee, a new chapter! Please feel free to comment, it makes me feel so incredibly happy that I'm not even embarrass to say it. Next Chapter will be up in two days.

See you all again!