Chapter Text
ZERO. TWIN BIRDS
Two birds of a feather
Says that they’re always
Gonna stay together
But one’s never goin’ to let go
Of that wire
He says that he will,
But he’s just a liar.
- Two Birds by Regina Spektor.
The soft, haunting melody of old earth music played from Eva’s holo pad, drifting through the cramped room like a memory she couldn’t quite grasp. She paused the song. Silence swallowed the room, the flickering overhead lights making her feel smaller than usual.
“Done listening?” Said the man standing by the door of her room. Eva didn’t know when he came, but she didn’t mind him appearing this way. She’s used to him pop out of nowhere without notice.
Eva turned towards the man, mumbling. “I need new songs, this one’s beginning to bore me out.”
The man chuckled, uncrossing his arms from his chest as he walked towards Eva and sat beside her on the bed. “I noticed, sweetheart. I’ll try finding more songs, but you know its hard to find these things now. Most of them are already forgotten media, losts in the archives.”
The young lady smiled, shaking her head. “It doesn’t matter, dad. It’s not like I won’t live without listening to music. It can wait.” Seeing her feigned disinterest, the man chuckled again.
If you were to tell the Norm Spellman from 17 years ago that he’d be a foster father to a human girl born out of Grace Augustine’s avatar, he’d probably say you’re out of your mind. Yet here he is, foster father of Grace Augustine’s human daughter—Eva Augustine.
Eva. Named after the first woman created by God, to live in paradise called Garden of Eden.
Seventeen years ago, Grace’s avatar gave birth to two girls. One is human, while the other one was almost completely na’vi. Jake Sully—dearest friend and ally of Grace, Norm, and Max—wanted to adopt the twin girls into Omatikaya, but his mate Neytiri disagreed. The human girl might be daughter of Grace, but she’s still human. She will never be able to fit in with the People, unlike her na’vi twin sister. Cruel as it may be, Jake and Neytiri did what they think is right and took the na’vi girl, while the human girl remained in Norm and Max’s care.
Grace’s na’vi daughter—Kiri—flourished in Omaticaya, becoming the Tsakarem of the clan at eight cycles old, while Eva—Grace’s human daughter—lived her whole life holed up inside at Hells Gate, seemingly averse to the prospect of ever going outside. Kiri had this mysterious connection with Pandora, living her life in the heart of the forest. Eywa’s chosen one, they said. On the other hand, Eva spent her childhood trying her best to avoid the forest, chosing to spend her life in studying the Old Earth, and never trying to make connection with Omaticaya outside of her twin sister Kiri, and the other human boy in Hells Gate—Spider.
Norm knew what did they was wrong, separating the sisters the moment they were born. He witnessed how it affected Kiri and Eva as they grew, so he tried his best—did his best in everything—so he could ensure that Eva receives the love and care she deserves. Hoping—praying—deep inside that she would never think she’s any lesser than her twin sister.
Unlike Eva, Spider was restless. He’s always in the village, desperate to belong with the Na’vi. He lived the way they lived, and acted like he’s one of the People. Norm wished Eva would show the same enthusiasm as Spider, but all she said to him was: “I am perfectly fine living my whole life here, Dad. That’s just the way it is.”
Norm gazed at his daughter softly. She had grown to a beautiful young lady, and despite her obedient yet reclusive nature, she’s independent and can voice out her thoughts eloquently. She never misbehaves, and simply sit aside, listening to music or watching her mother’s video logs in silence.
It broke Norm’s heart, to see her adamant on shunning the life in the forest, like how she felt it shunned her. He wanted her to belong. To find herself a place among the People, despite not seeing the same desire from her. He wanted her to live the best he think she could, so despite limited resources, he managed to produce an avatar for her, growing alongside her. Though Eva never really asked for one.
Spider’s tight-knit relationship with Eva somewhat soured because of this, and even though they made up in the end, it was never the same.
“She didn’t even want to be part of the People!” He had glared at Eva, feeling betrayed by her, Norm, and Max.
“You knew I wanted an avatar too! I want to become part of the People! Unlike her, who never even visited the forest! She doesn’t deserve it!” He snapped, pushing Eva with his shoulder as he walked out of the lab, furious and betrayed.
Eva didn’t say anything back, but Norm heard her cries that night, lasting until dawn.
Norm heaved a deep sigh, shaking himself off the memories, and turning to face his daughter. “Eva, sweetheart, it’s time. We’ll be decanting your avatar later. Will you…come out and try? Kiri has been buzzing with excitement since a few days ago.”
Eva looked at Norm with conflicted expression. “…I just don’t understand, Dad. The forest…they will never accept me…”
Norm stiffened. “Why would you say that, sweet girl? Did Spider tell you things again?”
Eva shook her head, looking outside the window where the forest can be seen at a glance. “…The Great Mother Eywa made me human, when she could’ve made me a Na’vi, like Kiri. It must mean something.”
Norm tried to give Eva the most brightest smile he could muster, holding her shoulders. “Are you the Tsahik? To interpret the great mother’s will, huh? I don’t think so, sweet girl.” Messing up her hair, he continued. “Don’t waste this opportunity we work so hard for you. Don’t overthink, and just try… I don’t want you to waste your life away here in Hells Gate, when you could have better life with the People.”
Eva remained sceptical, but seeing her father’s stupid-looking smile, she relented. It’s just being in avatar form and wandering about in the forest. I could give it a try, then won’t do it again. As long as Dad is happy.
It’s not she had never been to the forest. Contrary to everyone’s beliefs, she had been to the forest. Multiple times, in fact. She had done it without telling Norm, Max, Kiri, or Spider, venturing into the forest during eclipse. At first, it was done out of her curiosity. She has always been curious about the forest, with how Kiri and Spider vividly describes it to her during their chats. Then, it became a habit she’d do when she’s feeling lonely. She’d sit on the side of the stream, playing with fan lizards or she’d simply lay on the grass and watch the atokirinas float around her. She never goes far from Hells Gate though, choosing to stop whenever she deems it too far and too dangerous.
She couldn’t help but to reminisce her last visit to the forest, for it had been the most memorable for Eva. It was three years ago, during the night of her 14th birthday. She was feeling a bit upset with Spider’s passive aggressive side comments about her and her avatar, and decided having a bit of fresh air outside would calm her down. Preoccupied with Spider’s comments, she didn’t realized she had ventured farther than she should’ve, breaching an uncharted area in the forest.
She knew she should’ve left and traced her footsteps to get back to Hells Gate, but she didn’t know what came over her when she began walking towards the sound of a pained animal, whimpering in pain. Following the sound with cautious steps, what she saw was an injured viperwolf, young and small—clearly still a cub. It seems to have been bitten by some other predators on its thigh, with large bleeding puncture wounds.
“Viperwolf cub? Why are you injured? Where’s your mother? Were you attacked?” She asked in fluent Na’vi, not expecting an answer. Its not that it can speak na’vi—or english for that matter, anyway.
For some unknown reason though, the cub didn’t fight her like she had expected it to do. It seem to understand Eva’s intention as she cleaned its wounds, put some balm in it, and wrapped its legs with the cloth she had teared from the hem of her white maxi skirt. Due to the unusual behavior of the cub, it was quick for Eva to tend to its wounds, and for whatever reason it didn’t attack her, Eva really didn’t care much. As long as it doesn’t bite her head off, it doesn’t really concern her.
When she was about to leave it alone and go back to Hells Gate, a full grown viperwolf came from the bushes, running towards Eva with bared teeth. Her instinct told her to run, but her feet remained rooted on the forest floor, staring wide-eyed at the pouncing adult viperwolf.
“Fuck!” She exclaimed, patting her body for any weapon she might have hidden, only to find nothing. Eva’s kneels buckled in fear. She contemplated running, but she knew its hopeless. The viperwolf will easily close its jaws on the back of her neck. Fuck! Is this it? Am I really going to die?
With no weapon to protect herself, and running away being out of question too, Eva closed her eyes and gave a shuddering breath, ready to accept what fate Eywa wanted for her. She began thinking of her father, Norm, her uncle Max, and her twin sister, Kiri. She even thought of Spider too, despite the ridiculous treatment she gets from him occassionally.
It seems that we’re finally about to meet, Ma.
She waited for the pain, but what she heard was the groan of the adult viperwolf, and the loud thud as it collapsed on the ground.
Staring at the dead adult viperwolf in front of her, Eva let out a shuddering gasp, a mix of relief and surprise as he saw what ended its life so quickly. An arrow, straight to the heart.
Arrow…? Eva shivered as her surprise was replaced with fear. Someone’s here. Fuck! When did they arrive? Have they been here all along?
“<<Who’s there? Show yourself, at once!>>” Eva spoke fluently in Na’vi, surveying the area warily, but no one came out. Not even a sound was heard.
Of course they wouldn’t show themselves. Who do you think you are, Eva? You’re human, not a Na’vi. You’re lucky you’re still alive. Trembling, Eva calmed herself and spoke again, raising her palms up as sign of surrender. “<<I’m not a bad sky person. I’m Eva Augustine Spellman, Grace Augustine’s human daughter back in Hells Gate. I don’t have any bad intentions.>>”
Still no answer, not even a sound of recognition. Eva didn’t mind. As long as there’s no arrow in her chest, then it means the person heard and recognized her, even though they don’t wish to reveal themselves. It’s fine, Eva. Just go home.
Eva pressed down the disappointment and turned her gaze on the young viperwolf. Seeing it trying to scoot closer to the dead adult viperwolf while whimpering, she gently pulled it up and dragged it next to its mother. Then, she stood up and said. “<<Irayo. For saving my life. I’ll leave now. I’m so sorry.>>”
Then, without hesitation, she ran back towards the direction of Hells Gate, never looking back. Until now, she never knew who’s Na’vi that saved her that day. She stopped coming to the forest too, and focused on studying Old Earth instead, because she knew what happened must’ve been a sign for the great mother that she does not belong in the forest. That she would only cause trouble for everybody.
But now, her avatar is ready to be used. Just waiting for her to link. Staring at the unmoving avatar body that resembles almost all of her features aside from the color of her hair, Eva didn’t know how to feel about it. True, she’s curious about the forest. About Omaticaya clan where her sister lives, curious about how they live as a Na’vi, and how it feels to be a giant blue person. But the thing is, she never really felt the desire to be like Kiri. She had learned to be content as Norm’s daughter and Kiri’s human sister back in Hells Gate, nothing more, nothing less.
“Tsmuke!”
Eva stopped looking towards her avatar body and saw Kiri enter the lab. The latter had huge smile in her face, oozing with excitement as she hurriedly approached and greeted Eva.
“Kiri,” Eva greeted back, extending her hand from her forehead with a smile. “What has you so energized, huh?”
Kiri rolled her eyes at Eva, before kneeling down and tackling her sister with a tight hug. “You know why, sis. I couldn’t miss your first ever link! I just have to be here, y’know. How about you? Are you excited?”
Eva didn’t miss the glint in Kiri’s eyes. She’s overflowing with expectations and happiness at the prospect of having her twin sister as a Na’vi, and Eva knew what she’s thinking. Kiri had told her again and again that she would teach Eva to be part of the People, and despite Eva’s subtle refusals, Kiri acted like she hadn’t heard her at all. She’s pretty set of wanting Eva to be a member of Omaticaya Clan, no matter what.
Biting her lips, Eva replied as Kiri let go of the hug. “Of course. Dad, Uncle Max, and Uncle Jake poured all their resources for this body. I shouldn’t put it to waste.”
Kiri’s smile faltered. Perhaps it wasn’t the answer she was looking for, but she forced herself to smile again. “…That’s good, tsmuke. Anyways, let’s visit Ma. I wanna talk to her.”
Eva let herself be pulled by Kiri into the room where their mother’s avatar is stored. “Hi, Ma.” The twins greeted almost simultaneously, making them giggle together as they approached the tank where Grace’s avatar is bobbing gently inside. Kiri softly caressed the tank, looking lovingly at Grace.
“Ma, Eva is finally using her avatar today. I’m so excited to show her the way of the People. I know you’ll happy about it too.”
Turning to face Eva, Kiri continued. “I’ll do everything so that she’s become part of the People, so we can finally be together day and night.”
Eva chuckled soundlessly. That sounds tiring, with all of your and Spider’s shenanigans, but alright.
Seeing Kiri lost in her one-sided conversation with their mother, Eva slipped away and saw Norm checking her avatar body with a serious expression. Eva sighed in exasperation, grasping his arm gently as she said.
“Dad, I told you, the body’s fine. You have checked it four times already, there’s nothing wrong.”
“I’m just making sure, sweet girl. I don’t want you to have any problems when you’re in this body.” Norm gave the avatar one last check before he began checking the link pod.
Eva smiled at her father’s fussing. It reminded her back when she got sick, for the first ever since she was born. A high fever and vomiting, due to a stomach bug that she probably ingested when she ate the fruit that Spider gave her. When she woke up in the middle of the night, still burning hot with fever and feeling parched, she saw a glimpse of her father beside her, crying to great mother Eywa to heal her. She had never seen Norm, the always smiley father figure she have, cry and act so afraid like that. She can also remember some Na’vi healer that came to her room and applied some balm on her stomach and made her drink a really bitter liquid, and only then did she get better.
“There will be no problems, Dad. You made sure of it when making that avatar for me, didn’t you? Trust in your capabilities.”
Kiri came and stood beside Eva. “Eva is right, Norm. You made sure everything is perfect, and for that, I thank you.”
Norm finally relaxed and smiled sheepishly towards the twins. Before he could speak, another person came.
“Hi, Max!” Kiri greeted Max. Max Patel, the person along with Norm, Grace, and Trudy that defected from the RDA for Jake and the Na’vi. He’s more of a tech guy, while Norm is more of the science knowledge guy. He’s like a second father to Eva, always busy but perhaps the best gift giver during her birthdays. Eva’s old yet fully functioning stereo modified to be able to connect to Eva’s holo pad came from Max.
“Hey, Kiri. Here to see Eva’s link?” Max began typing on the holo pad, and the link pod began to power on. He turned towards Eva with a teasing smile. “Are you ready, Evie?”
Eva’s heart began racing. Honestly, she’s nervous with what’s supposed to happen. Linking with this avatar means she’ll finally taking a step forward to becoming a Na’vi, something she’s not even sure if she wants, or Eywa wants, for that matter.
Kiri noticed her hesitation and pinched her hand gently. “For me, sis. Please?”
I cannot waste their efforts. Dad poured everything in this. I cannot disappoint him.
With a deep sigh, Eva nodded. “I…I think I’m ready.”
Norm smiled at her reassuringly, guiding her towards the pod. “Close your eyes and let your mind go blank. Relax, and don’t be afraid. Okay, sweetie?”
“Yes, Dad. I know.”
Eva laid on the pod, closing her eyes as she felt the door close. This is it, then. Great Mother, I leave to you my fate. Whether, I am really meant to be part of the People, or not.
EVA HAD been given two weeks to get used to her body, before she is to be allowed to venture into the forest with Kiri. According to Norm, she needs to get used to her limbs and how balance her weight, with her wonky movements clearly unused to being this massive. Kiri had been helpful, albeit it was annoying how she makes fun of Eva for slipping or tripping. Spider, although still miffed that he’s not getting an avatar yet, had also been helpful.
As for Eva herself, well…she’s still confused. She didn’t know how to feel about this body, but at least everybody are happy, and that’s enough for her. She did every training regime that Norm gave her, and within a week, she can fully function in her avatar already. Kiri had been over the moon, excited to bring her to the village, but Eva refused.
“Let me get used to the forest first,” Eva said, hoping she wouldn’t upset Kiri.
“Okay, that’s fine too. I’ve got a lot of places to take you, anyway.”
“We have a lot of places to take you,” Spider interjected, looking unamused being left out.
Eva chuckled, “As long you guys don’t bring me to nantang’s nest, or even the den’s of palulukan.”
Kiri and Spider shared a look before bursting into a fit of laughter. “Now that you’ve mentioned it…” Spider said teasingly.
Eva rolled her eyes and turned away from the two, catching a reflection of herself in the window. Looks like me, but also not like me. Feels weird.
“You look pretty, tsmuke. Prettier than me, definetely. It’s unfair.” Kiri suddenly said, standing beside Eva as she stared at their reflection with a smile. There’s no resentment in her voice, despite what her words imply.
“Nonsense, we’re twins. We’re supposed to look alike.” Eva turned away from the window, looking at her sister with furrowed brows.
Hearing her words, Kiri snorted. “Except we do not.” She clipped a stray hair from Eva’s checks onto the back of her ear, before caressing her check. It felt weird for Eva to face Kiri like this, since she was always been used to being the smaller one between the two of them. Kiri stared at her in the eyes, looking for something, someone. “I look like Mom, but you…You look like how I imagine Eywa would look like.”
Hearing her words, Eva’s eyes widened in surprise, before she rolled her eyes dramatically. “Now you’re straight up doing blasphemy against Eywa. Be careful and she might struck you with lightning!”
“The Great Mother knows I speak the truth.” Kiri turned towards Spider who silently watching them with confused eyes.
“Eva is pretty, is she not, Spider?”
Spider looked at Eva, before realizing what Kiri had said. He began to grumble, as his cheeks began to turn pink. He then hastily excused himself out of the lab. Seeing his fleeing figure, Kiri let out a loud laugh.
“You scared him away, Kiri.”
“That’s what he gets for bullying you,” Kiri shook her head with a smile. “Anyways, Dad has been looking forward in presenting you to the clan. Grandmother has also been asking about you a lot recently. Tuk and Lo’ak wanted to come with me, but I told them that it would be best to meet you when I present you to the clan.”
Eva knows all of Kiri’s family members, although he had never met most of them. Kiri’s father, Jake Sully—the human turned Na’vi—is the Olo-eyktan of Omaticaya. His mate Neytiri te Tskaha Mo’at’ite, the former Tsakarem of Omaticaya, and Kiri’s mother. Then, Kiri’s siblings. Neteyam, the oldest son, then Lo’ak the second son, and the youngest girl, Tuktirey.
Every time Kiri comes, she always tell stories about her family to Eva. Things like the oldest son securing another successful hunt for the clan, or how hot-headed and impulsive the second son is, always getting himself and everybody in trouble, or how her youngest sister weaved her a cute top as a gift for her birthday.
Eva used to blank out Kiri’s voice, because she’s afraid she’d envy her sister too much and say the wrong thing. She’s happy for her sister, she truly are, but sometimes she wishes Kiri wouldn’t tell her these things.
“…We don’t even know if I’ll get accepted by the clan,” Eva found her voice, uncertainty evident.
Kiri stepped closer to Eva, taking her hands into hers. “Trust me, sister, you will. I just know you will.”
“What gives you the confidence?”
“I’m Eywa’s chosen one, remember?”
This made both of them laugh, easing the nervousness creeping inside Eva. If she says so, then it must be the truth. Eywa loves Kiri so much, Kiri wouldn’t make a mistake.
NETEYAM got off his ikran in a swift jump, no wasted effort as he stood tall on the ground. He can hear the cheering of people, admiring him for his another successful hunt. Taking the large yerik off his ikran, he began walking to the clearing amidst stares and whispers of admiration. It wasn’t something new, and he gotten used to it after a few years of being a capable hunter and warrior.
When he had deposited the yerik to the assigned people handling the cooking, he hurriedly returned towards his family’s kelku in hope of catching some sleep. The hunt was particularly tiring today, and Neteyam wanted nothing but to stretch his limbs in his hammock.
“Ma’itan, you’re back. How was the hunt?” Neytiri stood up with a proud expression on her face, it’s no doubt that she and the other had heard the cheering of people outside about Neteyam’s successful hunt. She wiped his shoulders, which was wet with morning dew.
“It’s fine, mom. I got a big yerik that will last the whole clan until tonight.”
“My older brother, the mighty hunter~ You’ve gained another wave of admirers.” Lo’ak quipped on the side, sprawled on the floor of their hut with a teasing smile in his lips as he gazed at Neteyam.
Neteyam hissed lightly, kicking his brother on his leg gently. “If you woke up when I was shaking you and turning you up side down, you would’ve shared the same treatment.”
“Ow, bro what the fuck!” Lo’ak grunted, dramatically clutching his leg as if it was badly beaten.
Both Neytiri and Neteyam didn’t fall for his tricks, with Neytiri reprimanding with light pinch on his leg. “Language, Lo’ak!”
Ignoring Lo’ak, Neteyam let his eyes roam and noticed the absence of several people. “Where’s Dad, Kiri, and Tuk?”
“Your father’s meeting with the elders. Tuk is playing with her friend, Seyla.” Neytiri said as she turned back to her previous task, cutting fruits for Jake, knowing that the man would be hungry after talking with the annoying elders of the clan.
Neteyam immediately noticed that there’s no mention of Kiri, so he turned towards Lo’ak. “Where’s Kiri?”
Lo’ak shrugged, “Uh, probably with Spider in Hells Gate, visiting her twin sister.”
Neytiri threw him a glance, and said with a neutral voice. “She made her sister a top, to wear for her dreamwalker body.”
Neteyam’s eyes narrowed. He knew Kiri’s sister, and the fact that she lives in Hells Gate with her adoptive father, Norm Spellman. What made him confused was the dreamwalker body mentioned by his mother.
“Dreamwalker body? Avatar?”
“Ah, you’re too busy with training that you missed an important news, bro. Apparently, her avatar body has been finally…uh, what do they call it? Ah right, decanted. They finally decanted her avatar body, so she finally linked with it and been trying to get used to it these days. Kiri was always there everyday, helping her. Spider too. I wanna come but Kiri always stops me.”
Neteyam ignored his brother going into tangent about being stopped by Kiri all the time and instead focused on what Lo’ak had said. They finally allowed her to use avatar body?
“Did Kiri take her here? In her avatar form?”
“No, not yet I think. Kiri said she’s waiting until she is ready.”
“She must be presented to the Tsahik,” Neytiri paused cutting the fruit as she stared at the direction where Hells Gate is located. “Only then we can decide if she is permitted by Eywa to live among us.”
Neteyam didn’t comment, feeling complicated. They have always known about Kiri’s sister, very much aware of her presence in their life through Kiri, even though they haven’t really personally met her. She’s always the center of Kiri’s attention, and she’s always in her thoughts. There haven’t been a day where Kiri stopped talking about her. Eva this, Eva that.
Neteyam knew of how his parents decided to leave the human daughter in the scientists’ care, while they took Kiri in as their own. They have never talked about it though, especially not in front of Kiri, in order to avoid triggering their sister. They didn’t want to upset her even further, by rubbing the fact that they separated her with her twin sister, just because Eva was born human.
Silence reigned inside the kelku, each to their own thoughts. After a while, Neytiri left holding the basket of sliced fruit, probably to impatient to wait for her mate and deciding to go to him herself. This left Neteyam and Lo’ak inside the kelku.
“Do you think she’s pretty, bro?”
“Who?”
“Kiri’s twin sister, obviously.”
“Her name is Eva,”
“Bro, I know. Just answer the question.”
“How would I even know, you skxawng!” Neteyam slapped the back of Lo’ak’s head when the younger sully sat up from the floor.
Massaging th back of his head, Lo’ak snickered. “Kiri always says she’s the prettiest human she had ever seen. And now she can’t stop talking about how pretty her sister’s avatar body is.”
Neteyam hummed, “They’re sisters, and Kiri loves her sister so much it’s normal for her to see her sister as the best in everything.”
Lo’ak looked unconvinced, fiddling with the beads of his songcord, he exclaimed. “How would you even know that, skxawng, you have never even met her!”
Neteyam paused as he tried to look for a memory from long time ago. “…Actually, I think I did met her.”
“What?!” Lo’ak pointed at Neteyam with wide eyes. “You took a peek and didn’t take me with you?! That’s awful bro!”
The older sully slapped Lo’ak’s hand as he explained. “It’s long time ago, already. Also it was an accident, I didn’t mean to see her.”
“Long time ago? When exactly?”
“Probably three cycles ago.”
“Damn, that’s so long ago already. So…what does she look like? Is what Kiri said true? Is she really pretty? Isn’t twins supposed to look like? Like Dad and Uncle Tommy…”
Neteyam tried to recall the memory, to see if he could remember her face, but it has all become a blur. Shaking his head, he answered his brother with a grunt. “I couldn’t really see, it was during an eclipse. She was lost in the forest. I wanted to shoot her with an arrow, but I saw atokirinas surrounded her, so I just watched her help the injured nantang cub she found. Then, the cub’s mother came ready to pounce on her, so I had no choice but to help her. She thanked and left, but not before taking the cub and settling it next to its dead mother.”
To say that Lo’ak was speechless is an underestimatement of what he feels right now. With his mouth wide open, he shuffled closer to his older brother. “Damn bro, all of this happened and you never told us?!”
Neteyam rolled his eyes. “I see no importance in telling.”
Lo’ak snickered, “Okay. What did you do after she left? Did you try to follow her?”
Neteyam stared directly at his brother’s eyes. “I went down to the ground and…”
“And…?”
“…And killed the nantang cub to release it from suffering and send it back to Eywa’s embrace.”
Without a word, Lo’ak tackled his brother to the ground, holding Neteyam with a headlock. Some passing warriors were hooting with laughter, even betting between the two brothers. They only stopped play fighting when they saw Neytiri and Jake approaching them. Seeing the serious faces of their parents, Lo’ak and Neteyam shared a look as they waited for them to speak.
“Is Kiri back yet?” Jake questioned, brow furrowed as he questioned his two sons.
“No, sir. Kiri is probably still at Hells Gate. Is something wrong?” Neteyam answered, looking at his parents with tense expression. Jake and Neytiri exchanged looks before Neytiri turned towards her two sons.
“The Tsahik said its time. She had received signs from Eywa that she must meet Kiri’s sister today. No more stalling.”
With a wave of his hand, Jake ordered. “You two go retrieve them. No fooling around, understood?”
“Yes sir! Lima Charlie!” With excitement, Lo’ak immediately called for his ikran, with Neteyam following from behind as he called for his ikran too, a lot more calmer and composed.
Grandmother said she had received a sign, wanting us to immediately retrieve Kiri and her sister. What does the great mother wants the Tsahik to see?
“Come on bro! Let’s go!” With a cry, Lo’ak’s ikran ascended and flew away swiftly. It clear that he’s extremely eager to meet Kiri’s “pretty” twin sister.
This can’t be good. Neteyam sighed as he urged his ikran to fly, wondering what prompted such abrupt sign from the Great Mother.