An interesting life - story thread

[Tsamsiyu92]

Hello, I certainly do not expect you to like my fanfiction or my writing, but I gave it a shot after thinking about this little story for a while now. Whether or not you like chapter 1 will determine if I am going to keep up the writing. I promise to get less messy and to flesh it out more when I've gotten more into this, because this is in fact the first time I have written a fanfic.

I will be happy for your corrections.

Comments go here
http://forum.learnnavi.org/fiction-fanfiction/an-interesting-life-comments/

Chapter 1 - My life.

I have always felt awkward among people. I outgrew most of them at the age of 6, I was blue and you could just have a guess how many KO's my tail has caused. Also my ears and my different nose got a lot of attention, and the fact that dots on my body glowed in the dark scared a lot of people. I was a mystery to myself, because I was in fact, the only blue guy that I have seen at least. I went to school the first years, but by the age of 13, I had outgrown the school itself, and my father also had to get a house built for me on his large piece of land.

There were some funny moments of my weird life too. I remember my dad telling me about the surprised look on the guitar dealers face when he ordered a guitar perfectly sized for me, because I liked to play his old acoustic guitar when I was little enough to play it. It arrived a month later and euphoria rose within me. I could sit the whole day playing it, since I had no real friends back then. But some years later, when I was 14, I met Peter, he was a true friend. He was the first kid to feel small in my "little" house; however, he liked it there. He asked a lot of questions about my weird body, but I knew in fact, as little as him. He was shocked when I told him that the ponytail behind my head was not a hairstyle, but something weird I did not know much about. He was also a guitarist, which was kind of why we met each other. I remember my first discussion, which started as questions about my guitar and ended with me telling him my name, which is Jay Blackrock.

Anyways, enough of my boring life, this is just another day, but my father were going to have guests over at his house tonight, and I am going to meet new people. And some of them were arriving right now, so I went down to the road to welcome them. The people acted normal and said hello, but there was one guy, who did signalize that he did not feel at ease by my presence. "He's not dangerous", I heard my father say to him. And when my father had gone away, I respected his fear for me and tried to keep a distance.

During the party I did not feel at ease. It seemed like everyone did not like my presence, so I wandered out in despair to my hut and started to play some guitar, when someone knocked on my door. I opened and he came in. I haven't seen him before, but he started talking, "Don't worry, kid, I am just your uncle Johan, but please don't tell your father about my visit. You were a successful experiment. His colleagues at the RDA had asked him to make you, you were just a baby in a tube filled with something I don't know, but I was there when you were born. You were given a bottle of something RDA has sent them."

I asked him if there were more people like me, and he gave me a certain no, but he said, "RDA had some missions in the outer space, maybe they can answer your questions, but please don't tell your father." I went to bed as soon as he left and had a really weird dream. I saw somebody who was like me, just female. She said, "Za'u oer, ma 'itan". Upon waking up I had a mixed expression of surprise and confusion on my face, because I did not understand a single word. Also I had a great amount of questions to bombard my father with.

[Tsamsiyu92]

Chapter 2 - Goodbye, old life

On the way to my father's house, I started thinking about that dream, because if the dream was a product of my imagination, why wouldn't I understand a single word of it? Additionally, I hoped it was real, because I have always wished that I was not the only blue guy existing. Maybe I could get a girlfriend without the problem with... compatibility.

"Hello, you went early yesterday, why?" I heard my father say as I stood outside his house. I really hated to walk inside there. I went over to him and said, "Enough of lies, dad, I want the truth, why am I different than...well...everyone?" I could see on his expression that he did not want to discuss this. "Why did everyone at your party dislike my presence?" I uttered a bit angrily. He said then angrily, "I know as little as you, son." He said almost crying. "RDA has offered me to send you to a place they say you would like, I don't know why, but maybe you should, because this hellhole is not a worthily place for you.". I thought it was a good idea. To start a new life away from all the weird looks. I turned to him and said, "OK, I'll accept, but only if I could bring my guitar."

I felt a bit stupid for saying that, but I hated to be alone from my guitar, let alone on a place I don't know anything about. I went over to my friend, Peter and explained my situation to him that I would be leaving. I could see that he was tearing up. "Could I come with you?" he said with an expression of hope on his face. I tried to carefully explain to him why he could not. Nobody in his family had an RDA connection and he was not old enough for the army. I said goodbye and started walking home to pack my stuff.

When I came home, and have packed the guitar and some clothes in the guitar bag. I could see a VAN coming. "Am I going to leave today?" I asked surprised. "Yeah, you'll be leaving earth tonight at 11 pm, but the doctors need to test you first." I said OK and gave my mother and father a last hug before walking towards the VAN. I saw two guys in uniforms open the back door. It was kind of narrow in there, but I managed to sit down. "You OK back there" I heard from the driver. I gave an agreeing yes and they drove me to some kind airport.

"Come with me" said a voice as the opened to back door. I could see a spaceship with people pouring out of it. "In here" a doctor said as she went inside a room. "This test will show if you can breathe the atmosphere on Pandora." She said from behind a window and some gasses poured in. I didn't notice anything and she said, "OK, you have passed the test" she said with a wide smile on her face. I walked out and closed the door rapidly after me, as instructed by her. Now, all that remained was a 2 hour wait, which I spent playing guitar.

"Space flight 16 is now boarding" filled my ears with euphoria 1 and a half hour after, and I packed down my guitar fast enough and walked against the shuttle. Inside it I could see a lot of weird devices. "Come with me." Someone said and led me to a bigger bed thing and instructed me to lie down in it. He told me that 6 years would go in the blink of a moment and I fell asleep.

[Tsamsiyu92]

Chapter 3 - Fresh air

"Wake up" were the first words I heard. I couldn't believe that 6 freaking years have passed in the blink of a moment. I do not look any older at all, but waking up felt much worse than a hangover, but unlike a hangover, it did not last long. We have not landed yet, but I could see this earthlike planet as we slowly approached it. It was a beautiful sight, and that huge blue gas thing just made it better. It was my new home and my new life.

As we approached the exit we were handed mask-like things, not me, as I have been tested beforehand. I could see the jealous expression on their faces when they had to put on those masks. Then I heard on the radio, "This is Norm Spellman, we have taken over the RDA base after this bloody war, and only scientists and the civilian guy, who was promised to live here, may stay, the rest have to leave again as soon as possible. Sorry for this short and confusing message." I was happy, because I was the civilian guy. It seemed like most of the people here were scientists, because there was only a handful that had to stay behind when we approached the exit.

I took a deep breath as I went out of the ship. It felt really good, it was nighttime too, so all I could see was a glowing forest, which was the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. I had a strange feeling, which I cannot describe. It felt like I was at home.

With only the guitar bag on my back, I walked towards the entrance of the complex. Inside there were people chatting about stuff. "Come over here, you, with the guitar bag." I heard from someone that was sitting around a table chatting with 3 others. and walked towards them. One of them said, "Your avatar looks quite real." I looked at her confused. "What is an avatar?" I asked. She looked surprised. "Why are you wearing human clothing then?" she asked. I started to tell that I was born like this and had just arrived. They asked me then about how growing up on earth was. I told them about various funny stories, like my first and only trip to the grocery store. I did not do anything, but my tail... need I tell more.

"What am I?" did I ask her back, since she asked about me being born here. "Well, you're Na'vi." She said. "What is Na'vi?" was my following question. She did then tell me about that Na'vi was the people living on this planet. I felt like a kid on Christmas when she uttered those words. More people like me! Then she pointed at my guitar bag and said, "Can I try your guitar tomorrow?" "Why tomorrow? And isn't it a bit too big for you?" I replied back. "When I am in my avatar, I can." That lead to me asking what an avatar was. And I she told me. I can't wait for tomorrow, finally, I would not be the only blue guy. She told me her name was Kate too and promised to meet me tomorrow.

I was assigned a temporary bedroom, with 4 mattresses on the floor. I fell asleep with a wide smile on my face. It was a new start indeed.

[Tsamsiyu92]

Chapter 4 - The first day

I woke up and looked at the alarm clock, which said 6:23 AM. I did not care much, because I felt rested and did not want to waste any more minutes in this boring little room. The last bits of the cryo sickness were gone too. I walked to the door and in the hallway I could see people already up and going. I was supposed to meet Kate at the avatar research part of the complex. There were maps everywhere, so finding it wouldn't be a problem at all.

On the way I came to some kind of hospital. And curious as I was, I went looking inside. A doctor came to me and asked why I am here. "Just want to see." I said and he showed me around. "We are treating the hurt Na'vi from the recent war." He said. I went over to one of the beds as seen as I heard the word Na'vi. Tears filled my eyes as I saw someone who was just like me, hurt with several bullet wounds. He opened his eyes when he saw me. He said "Pesu lu nga?" I looked confused at him and said, "In English please?" He said then "Who are you? You not look like dream walker." I was confused and told him I recently arrived from Earth. "Do Na'vi born on earth?" He said confusingly. "No, I was the only one, and trust me, I felt alone." He then said, "Eywa is with you here, but not on earth, that's why." Even though I wanted to ask him what Eywa was and so on, I did not want to bother him either. "Good bye" I said to him. He said "Thank you and Eywa ngahu." It does probably mean goodbye I thought as I left the room.

The avatar part of the complex was not far away from the hospital. And there I met Kate; she looked like Na'vi, but had some human features, like eyebrows and smaller eyes. "What took you so long?" She said. I told her about the hospital trying my best not to cry. Was the RDA really that war-like? I gave her the guitar bag, as she was ogling it ever since I entered the room. She said she was playing guitar, but had to quit as she couldn't afford a custom guitar. She played a few chords and it was clear to me that she hadn't touched a guitar for a long time.

After she had played the guitar for a while, she asked me to come with her. I packed my guitar down and brought it with me. I didn't want it to be stolen by another guitar playing avatar. Now was the time to know more about myself so I started asking my grabbing my weird hair thing. "What is this?" She laughed and said, "I understand that you didn't know that, on earth it is quite useless. Every living thing on this planet has one; you can connect and unite with animal. It is also used by mates to... well... make love." I said it sounded cool.

I then asked her about the language the people speak. She told me that it is not too hard to learn, and that they were going to be arranged a course for the newcomers to learn it soon. It was one of the demands of the people in the truce, she added.

As we were talking, a blue, less covered up guy came to me. He said "hello" like he knew me. It took me some seconds to remember that it was the guy I was talking to in the hospital. "I have still pain, but can walk out now." He said as he sat down on the grass beside me.

"I am still thankful that you visited me", he said and then Kate understood the situation. "One calls me Ea'an" he said. "My name is Jay" I said. He then said "Ok, Jay". I could hear that he had some problems pronouncing my name, but I am not going to pick on it. He was asking several questions about living as a Na'vi on earth. He was surprised when I told him I have been growing up without knowing what this thing coming out of the back of my head was. After a long discussion and as the sun started to set, he went home. "I go home to clan now, Eywa be with you" was the last words before he disappeared into the forest.

"Let's take a walk in the forest." Kate said to me. I nodded as a sign of me obviously agreeing. I wandered out in the forest, but not in the direction Ea'an went. I brought my guitar with me, because I have always loved to play guitar in the forest at home. I had always seemed to hate shoes, so I took them off and left them on the grass patch where we were sitting earlier.

Night fell as we were walking the forest, and she said she needed to go home. I did not want to leave this forest and she said, "Take this" and handed me some kind of communication thing, and then wandered back the way we came. I was now alone in the forest. It was for sure a nice sight with all those shining trees and the moss that glowed as a stepped on it. This was indeed one funky forest.

I kept walking and I felt at home in this forest. And after some hours, I started to become a bit tired. I had long ago forgotten the path home, so I had to sleep here for the night. I told them that I was sleeping out in the forest tonight and got a "roger that" from whoever I was talking to. I put the guitar bag aside and laid myself on the very comfortable moss. I felt safe under this tree; it looked like a willow tree with a lot of purplish shining things hanging out of it. I fell asleep.

[Tsamsiyu92]

Chapter 5 - Eyes

The first thing I saw when I woke up was 3 blue faces staring at me. This reminded me of the first days of school, just way creepier. "Po txen soli!" I hear one of them shouting, and as predicted, more curious Na'vi came in my direction, not only females this time. "Pesu lu nga?" one of them said. And I said, "I am Jay, I fell asleep here yesterday". I answered that, because I remembered the discussion from the hospital yesterday. "Po plltxe nì'ìnglisì" She said to the other ones. "Nì'aw Ay'era tsun nì'ìnglisì plltxe, talun pol nalmume fì'ut mì numetsenge ayuniltìranyuyä." Another one said. She replied her with "tsengpe tok pol?" and got the answer "po teraron na fratìsngä'I trrä." I didn't understand a word of what they said. But I couldn't do anything else than waiting.

After some time I saw someone coming with a dead animal looking like deer from earth, but bigger. One of those who have been watching me for some time now walked to her and said, "po tsun nì'aw nì'inglisì pivlltxe. Plltxe pohu rutxe." And the girl who has been hunting came over to me and said, "Hello." Finally, I though, someone I could understand. I said, "Hello, I got lost in the beautiful forest yesterday and fell asleep here." She said, "You do not look like a dream walker, because your face doesn't have the hairy thing above your eyes, nor does your eyes look like dream walker eyes." I told her that I was born like this back on earth and how boring my life where. Then she pointed at my guitar bag and said, "What is that?" I took the guitar out of the bag and said it was a musical instrument and started playing it. "Beautiful... I have never heard something like that."

To the sound of me playing some generic chord progression, some went over and sat around me. After I stopped playing, I could hear a lot of talking in that language again, probably expressing their opinions about my playing. "They liked it." She said. "My name is Ay'era." She said. I told her my name, but she pronounced it better than Ea'an did. "Pardon me, but I am hungry." I told her, without trying to disrespect me. "Srake yayom awnga ye'rin?" she asked loudly and was responded by a voice far away that said, "Srane, ma 'ite!". "We are eating soon" She said.

Two children who were playing caught my eye and I tears started pouring out of my eye, because seeing how happy they were playing, reminded me of my lonely childhood. "Why are you crying?" She said. I told her why and she understood and said, "You are here now, let the past be past." Those words did in fact calm me dawn.

I heard, "Jay, are you there?" on the communication thing which was on the moss beside my guitar bag. "Yeah, I am here, with a lot of other people. It couldn't be better! One of them speaks English." I replied. "Any plans of coming back?" the voice on the other end said. "I will be back this afternoon, over and out." I put the thing on the moss and followed Ay'era to some kind of assembly, then I realized that we were going to eat. So I sat down beside her.

Ay'era said, "I am bringing a plate for you too" as all of the others rose up to get some food. She came back with two large leafs filled with bits of meat and other various fruits. I looked at it and carefully tasted a bit of the meat. And damn, it tasted good, like nothing I have eaten before. She could see the expression on my face and said, "It seems like you like this" and grinned. I enjoyed the fruits too. It was juicy, way better than anything on Earth.

Another female came over after I have eaten everything in this leaf and whispered something to Ay'era. "She says they are sorry for staring at you when you woke up." Ay'era said to me. "Are the sky people going to teach you our language?" "Yeah, I think they are going to do that soon." She smiled to me and told me that I could come back at any time, because she has heard that I was going to return

I really felt at ease beside her. What a kind people. It's a nice change of pace from the hellhole of a planet I left 6 years, which felt more like 2 days to me. This time, I was the must human thing there and that was a way better feeling.

[Tsamsiyu92]

Chapter 6 - Like a dream

This awesome peaceful moment was broken as people started shouting "uniltìranyu." I understood it quickly as I could see Kate came out of the forest. I told Ay'era that it was Kate and she started telling the others to calm down. Kate approached me and said that she was going to bring me back. Ay'era said that I could come back tonight if I wanted to stay there for the night. I kindly accepted her offer and she said, "Meet me outside the building as the sun sets." I nodded and followed Kate.

As we had walked for a couple of minutes, she said to me, "Looks like they like you." "Yeah, I have never met such a kind and peaceful people." She told me that not all of them are as friendly to strangers, because of the recent war. I told her, "But waking up with 3 pairs of eyes staring at me was creepy, it seemed like they were seeing into my soul or something." "You'll get used to it." She said as we kept walking through the forest. It looked beautiful, even on this cloudy day.

We came to the RDA complex and outside, I could see a lot of avatars walking around; it is really easy to tell the difference between a real one and an avatar. I walked against those who were playing basketball. Finally I could join a game of sports without being too tall. They stopped playing and looked at me, when it was clear to them that I was approaching them. "You're the Earth-Na'vi one" one of them said and started asking me questions. I answered them with short replies, because I didn't want to talk, I wanted to play, but one answer lead to at least two questions and here I was, telling the story of my life again. We did play one game, but I walked away after a few minutes, because I simply sucked at it.

Some scientist walked towards me and asked me questions about how I am feeling, because I have in fact lived my first 14 years on Earth. He grinned when I told him I was fine. He did also ask me about my little trip and I told him briefly about it. After that, I sat down beside 3 avatars playing cards. They were using those large cards that had the RDA logo behind them, probably made to kill boredom. And even better, they did ask some questions about earth, but they did not ask those deep questions like the others.

A smile covered my face as Ay'era came wandering silently out of the forest. I wandered against her and we went quickly into the forest. She did ask me questions about my stay here at the RDA place, but there wasn't much to talk about. I really felt a weird feeling around here; I felt more at home walking beside her, than at the RDA area.

She pointed at a branch and said, "Come with me, let me show you my favorite spot of this forest." I followed her obediently and walked upwards this strange branch and sat down beside her. Then I understood why it was her favorite spot, because the view was breathtaking. And the colorful shining forest looked like a Dream. But why did she show me this?

[Tsamsiyu92]

Chapter 7 - I see you

"It seems like you like this place", she said as she saw the expression of amazement on my face. "You are not like the other sky people", she added afterwards. I asked how and she replied with, "It seems like you actually prefers the life here, with my clan, even though you can only talk to me." I was silent for a minute and replied her with, "well, all my life I had thought I was the only 10 foot tall blue guy with a tail, and when I woke up to see 3 pairs of eyes staring, like they were staring into my soul, I felt that I was at home, for the first time of my life."

"How many years have you seen, ma Jay?" she asked calmly. "14, if we don't count the years in Cryo." "I have seen 16 years" she said. "After the war, we have lost many of our brothers and sisters. Among them were hunters. I want you to become a hunter, but the path is hard and dangerous." I asked how and was told about threats in the forest and of course, the Iknimaya. I nodded to her and said, "You let me live among you, this sounds like a nice way to show my gratitude. So my answer is yes." She grinned and put her hand on my shoulder, saying, "I see you, ma Jay, we can begin the training tomorrow."

We walked down from the branch and started walking to their home. The first thing I noticed was Ay'era's mother. She was asking her questions in Na'vi, so I could not understand a single word of it. Ay'era told me afterwards that it was about my choice to become a hunter. The next thing that caught my eye was someone trying to play my guitar. It was like every time someone touches a guitar for the first time. He carefully put my guitar down and walked away as soon as he saw me. I did not care much about it.

The dinner was fantastic, I could taste that this was another animal, and of course did it taste well. There was a lot of chatting in the language I could not understand, and for every time I heard it, my desire to learn it increased. During the dinner, one of them, who Ay'era told me was the Clan leader, rose up to get the attention. He started saying something in Na'vi and Ay'era translated it as.

"They came from the sky, many years ago, to dig up black rock. They destroyed a lot of trees and forced the people out of their land. In order to protect Eywa's forest, we stroke back. That caused a war between the sky people and us. Many of our brothers and sisters have died in this war. We are in deep sorrow. Among the sky people were people that stood up against their leaders. May Eywa be with them. Now, the only ones that are left, are those who fought by our side. We will trust them, but we will also watch them, because the evil ones might come back."

"What a beautiful speech", I said to Ay'era. She could see that I was tired. So she asked me to come with her. She said, "I hope you don't mind height" as she walked up along the branches of the biggest tree in this forest. She pointed at a hammock and told me that it has been assigned for me. I have never slept in a hammock before, but it was comfortable enough. I fell asleep.

[Tsamsiyu92]

Chapter 8 - First day of training

This time it was only one pair of eyes penetrating me when I woke up, namely Ay'era's. It actually felt good waking up here. My tail was dangling free out the hammock's underside. "Good morning, ma Jay" was the first words she said as my eyes opened. I replied in the same way. I had no clock to look at, but the sun has arisen and I felt rested, so I found my way out of the hammock and as she began to walk, I asked "How long have you been awake?" "Just before sunrise, I have just hunted and decided to wait for you to wake up."

Damn, the life here starts early. I was like the last one to get up. As I sat down around the fire, someone approached me with my guitar and gave it to me. She said, "pamtseo si". I looked at Ay'era and she said "play". I started playing; the guitar was still in pretty decent tune. "As you learn to speak like the people, they will ask you to teach them this wonderful new instrument", Ay'era said with a teasing tone. "I'll try, but I am not a good teacher at all." I said to her. "I am no good teacher either, but still I am going to teach you to use Na'vi war and hunting gear." Ay'era replied.

We all rose up and filled the leaf-plate with bits of meat and fruit. The discussion around the fire was probably interesting, but I did not understand a single word of it. So I focused on eating this delicious meal. "We are going to visit the Omatikaya clan today, they do not trust the RDA like we do, but you can come with us, but do not tell the sky people about it." That sounded like a good idea. I nodded and said "yes". "Many of them can speak your words." She said. "When are we going?" I asked and she said that we will be going around afternoon, and told me we still had time for some training.

After the dinner she asked me to follow her and lead me to an area nearby. She said, "I brought weapons here earlier today, I had to do something while waiting for you to wake up." I could see a bow, some spears and some fighting staffs. She gave me the bow and some arrows. She put a small red fruit on a low branch around ten meters from where I was standing and told me to try hitting it. I picked up an arrow and shot it. It was not close at all. I went over to pull it out of the branch and returned. She instructed me how to aim this thing. And after around what seemed like hundred misses, I finally hit it and the fruit flew far. "You're doing well" Ay'era said and I asked if she seriously meant that. She nodded and put three other fruits and asked me to hit them. I did hit all of them after having fired around twenty arrows.

She did also show me how to use one of those staffs. She showed me how to use one. This was a lot easier than using a bow, but of course, I sucked at that too, but practicing fighting with her was like the most fun I have had. She was really god at it, so it ended with my lying in the moss. "Let's call it day", she said as I rose up from the moss. "We're after all going to visit the Omatikaya soon", she added. We walked back to Ay'era's clan's home.

There were not many that were going to visit the other clan. It was only me, Ay'era, the clan leader and his mate and some others. It was not a very long trip, and fortunately enough, we did not meet any threats on the way. Most of the talking was in Na'vi, so I couldn't understand a single word, as usual. "Sawtutel kayar por lì'fya lena'vi ye'rin srak?", I could hear Ay'era's mother ask Ay'era. She replied with "Srane". Which I think means "yes".

It was sunset when we arrived to the Omatikaya's home. Damn, I thought our clan's home tree was big. You could not see the top of it. I was eyed down as soon as I came out of the forest. There was a lot more people here. But I really wonder why we are visiting them.

[Tsamsiyu92]

Chapter 9 - Creepy tsahik.

I did not feel comfortable at all when we were walking against their home tree, with their penetrating gazes. I could see an avatar in there, because he had eyebrows and his eyes were a bit smaller, beside him stood a pretty woman which seemed to be his mate. Another woman who looked like the young woman beside the avatar was there too. They approached us as we entered their home tree.

"I thought we did say no dream walker could come with you." Jake said. "I am no dream walker" I replied back. I added, "I was born like this back on Earth, living there was no fun, because I was the funny blue guy with the tail." "Damn, that must have sucked. Can we trust you to not tell the RDA?" He said. "Yeah" I answered. "I am Jake by the way", he said.

The older woman approached me and stabbed me in the shoulder with the bone she had on her clothing. "Why are you doing this?" I said slowly. Jake replied for her with, "She is the tsahik, she did this to me too when I first stumbled upon their territory." The stabbing was scary enough, but when she licked the blood on the bone, I was really scared. "He is no dream walker" She said. "Fî'u lu ke lun a ayoe ayngar zola'u ." The clan leader in Ay'era's clan said. "Ayoe zola'u fì'ufpi a pängkxo ayngahu sawtuteteri.", he also added.

"Come, let them talk, you won't understand anything anyways", Ay'era said and I followed her out of their home tree. The area around the huge tree was similar to the other clan's area, but much bigger. She led me to a little group of people around my age. And one of them asked me, "You are dream walker, srak?" "No" I said quite quickly. "You do not look like one, but you wear sky person clothing. So I had to ask." He said. "I grew up back on earth, I was the only one of my kind back there and their buildings were too small for me, and this bastard caused me a lot of trouble." I said, pointing at my tail. They laughed at the last bit. I added, "I got a lot of stares, but not as deep as yours". "How are the sky people doing?" one asked. "Good actually, only scientists and me was allowed to get out of the last landed shuttle." I kindly replied and asked why he wanted to know. He told me that they saved his life after the recent war.

"Let's play something" one of them said. The others nodded agreeing. "We are still considered child before uniltaron." One of the others said to me. I really wanted to ask what uniltaron was, but maybe Ay'era can explain that later. It was a simple game, it was exactly like hide-and-seek I sucked at on Earth, Ay'era told me that there was dream walkers who taught them this game. Ay'era also told me that they count to 24, which is 30 in their system. And she said, "When he shouts mevo- something, you'd better be hidden." Unlike the boring urban areas on Earth, this forest provided many nice places to hide.

"Before we start, may I know your names?" I asked kindly. I got to know that their names were Tsa'an, Tsirie and Kxean. Kxean was the first one that was going to count. "This is good stealth training, hunter" Ay'era said as she ran into the forest. I found a tree not too far away and settled for the top. I could hear "mevofu, mevohi, pxevol" as I sat down on a branch high above the ground. I could hear Kxean run in the forest. I held my breath as he was under this very tree I was sitting on top of. When thinking about it, this tree was not really a good idea. I am as visible as in a classroom back on Earth. And that was proven when he shouted "Oel ngat tse'a" and I knew it was directed at me, and "tse'a" sounded a lot like "see".

I wandered back to where we began and sat down to wait for the others. Kxean was really good. Just short time after I sat down here, the others were coming out of the forest, one by one. Tsirie was the first one arrived. "Our tsaheylu makes this a lot easier for him to find me." She said. "Tsaheylu?" I asked curiously. "The bond between mates", she replied back. "This is all new to me. I did not even know what the thing sticking out of my head was, until some days ago." "A good looking one like you will soon enough experience." She said as the last one was found.

I started counting in English as the others disappeared into the forest. I counted to 24 like the other one did. I ran into the forest and started looking. The plants had just slowly begun to glow and so had the spots on my face, which could be a nice advantage. It took me ages to find the first one, which was Tsa'an. He had hid behind some large leaves lying on the ground. Finding the other two was no easy task either, but I found them after what seemed like ages to me.

We played many times. I found them faster the second time I had to count. I also found a lot of nice hiding spots. But dinnertime came and we sat down around the three large fire pits. I sat beside Ay'era and the three I have just played together with. I was stunned by the fact that their clan had at least 5 times as many people as there was back at the other clan. I seriously need to visit this place often. I have never had that much fun in my life.

[Tsamsiyu92]

Chapter 10 - Surprises

Before dinner was served, their Clan Leader's mate rose up and started to speak, "Ma oeyä tsmukan tsmukesÌ, ayoel polänkxo teri sawtute, ulte mlltxe futa oel jakesì nì'awtu faryrrfen sawtutet trray." I did not understand anything, but Ay'era said that they had agreed that Jake were going to visit the RDA base tomorrow. I did not care too much about it, but it would be good if they could accept the remaining humans as our clan did. They had in fact, helped a lot of fallen warriors.

Dinner here was the same as at the other clan, the tasty meat and the juicy fruits. There was some new fruits I haven't tasted before, but everything I have been served around here was appreciated by me. After I finished the delicious meal, Ay'era said, "We are going soon" and I did not like that, but it was okay. The clans are really friendly. I could just visit them another day. That is if Ay'era want to of course, because I am not really good at navigating through forests and there are a lot of threats in this forest.

After the dinner, I said goodbye to the three I have been spending the last hours with. The sun was almost set and the glowing forest awaited us. The trip home took some time, but that time was consumed by me talking with Ay'era about the day. She seemed to have had just as much fun as I. We did not meet any threats on the way back either, but some hunters which came along were ready for an attack.

It was late when we reached back home. Almost everyone has gone to sleep. Someone approached us as we came out of the forest. He said, "yalmom ayngal tsatsengmì srak?" They said "srane". Ay'era told me that he asked if we have eaten back there, and that they replied with yes. I was very tired when we came back, so I went up the spiraling branches inside of their home tree and fell asleep in my hammock.

The next morning was beautiful, the sun was shining as usual and the familiar face of Ay'era was the first thing I saw when I rose up from the hammock. I really wondered why an Avatar was the Omatikaya's leader. How can he keep it secret from the so called sky people, when he's an Avatar? I asked Ay'era when we sat around the fire pit waiting for the breakfast to be cooked. She told me that she was there when he passed through the eye of Eywa. Which she explained to me was Eywa's way to move the soul from the human body to the Avatar body. Like a permanent link, with no chance to return to the human body. I guess at least half of the avatars back at the RDA compound would like that.

As predicted, a lot of training waited me today. Ay'era has told me that I am doing well enough to go through Iknimaya 5 days from now. It is not completely the reason, because all the other hunters of the clan, which is only 3, are ready then. The heavier gravity on Earth has really made me strong. I was still shocked that the deadliest ritual of my life was going to take place next week. I said yes anyways, This did mean that I had to some serious training.

Today we were running for the most parts of the time before noon, but she also taught me about the ikran, or banshees as the RDA folks called it. She was still in sorrow after losing her ikran in the time of greatest sorrow, which was the war between the RDA and Na'vi over some expensive black rock. But back on topic, she told me that the ikran have to choose the rider, and unbelievably enough, it will try to kill its chosen one. This is going to be a great challenge.

"You will feel its felling and see through its eyes" she said. "But just remember, try to do tsaheylu as soon as possible when fighting the ikran, and remember, first flight seals the bond" she added. She also talked about how the climb itself could be dangerous. "That reminds me of that we have to practice some climbing." She said. I nodded, because who want to have his first climb to be up in the floating mountains.

I did also practice some shooting with the bow and I have got some slight progress. I still had to use around 12-15 arrows to take down 3 fruits from a distance. I hope I haven't bitten over more than I can chew when I accepted to do that dangerous rite of passage. Only time will tell. We quitted the training as the sun began to set.

The dinner was like usual. It tasted great and the people were probably chatting about something interesting, but I did not understand a word. Ay'era broke the good mood by saying, "Maybe it is time to get rid of the human clothing, to really become one with the people?" I hesitated and before I could even say a word, she added, "It will definitely slow you down on your climbing, let alone the Iknimaya." I was then sold.

Ay'era gave me a loincloth and said that I should take a bath when I was at it. I took the piece of cloth and wandered away to a nearby lake I knew of. It was beautiful, the glowing forest and the funky moss that glowed as I stepped on it. I was at least away from prying eyes. So I took of my clothes and jumped into the water. It felt good. I swam around for a short moment then took on the loincloth. I did feel weird, but it did not take long time before it felt quite okay.

Ay'era came wandering out of the bushes as I was going to rise and go back. She sat down beside me. "Don't worry, you'll get used to it" she said as she gently placed a hand on my shoulder. "I have decided to join the group of hunters going to pass their Iknimaya too" she added. Before I could even say anything, she said, "I really hope that you survive, you must remember that some have died up there." "Why are you so concerned?" I asked her and she answered calmly, "well... I don't know how to say this, but when you came into our tribe, you made my life interesting." "I am feeling the same, I mean; you have cared for me, even though you could have sent me back to the RDA." I replied back. "I see you", she said out of nowhere. I replied likewise.

I realized too that I had feelings for her. She had in fact, changed my life. She was unlike people back on earth, caring for me. She had also fought for this very land I stand on. And this night has amplified those feeling. "I love you", she said. And even though how cheesy this little scene sounded, I had the same feelings and replied to her, "I love you." Just less than a week ago... well 6 years ago I did not think there existed people like me, but now I am in love with one of them.

We lay down on the soft moss and she said, "Do you want to tsaheylu si?" and held her braided queue in front of her. I took mine and the funky tentacle like things on the end connected to each other. The first thing I felt was this rush of feelings. I could feel her sorrow, her memories and of course that her love was great. Some floating things came by; she said it was seeds from the holy tree, which was pure spirits. A sign of Eywa's blessing, Ay'era told me. She came closer to me and it felt good sleeping with her in my arms.

We disconnected. This day really brought some surprises. I mean, I does not feel ready for the Iknimaya and now, I was sleeping with the clan leaders daughter, not like the avatar, or permanent-avatar on the other clan has done that before. I fell asleep.

[Tsamsiyu92]

Chapter 11 - Menga lu mi eveng!

I woke up with Ay'era laying beside me. "I need to talk to you" was the first thing I heard from her. She added, "We will have a hard day ahead of us, because my father will not really like that I mated before uniltaron. Nor do I think he would like his daughter to have a mate that he can't speak to, but love is strange." I really do hope that her father is forgiving, because I really do not want enemies.

Her father approached us in a fast manner when we became visible out of the forest. "Pehem soli nga poansì tram?" he shouted angrily. "Oe....oe.....mentxa soli pohu", she said. "Lu nga lekye'ung srak, menga lu mi eveng!" he said in a more normal manner, but still a bit angry. "Kehe, poan yawne leiu oeru, ulte oel tsalme'a atokirina'it", she replied. "Slä fì'u ke prrte' oeru, talun nga 'eveng lu, slä txo Eywaru fì'u prrte' lu, ke tsun oe menga ftivang."

"He doesn't really like it, but when a mating is done, it can't be undone and the seed I saw floating by yesterday means that Eywa is on our side." She said. "But you really need to prepare for the Iknimaya, I really do not want you to die up there. And although my father has given in, there's still my mother and the clan who need an exponation."

The breakfast was delicious as usual, but I have never felt so "eyed down" before. Literary every single being here was staring at me and Ay'era. "Oeykting ayoeru, ma Ay'era!" one of them shouted at her. She rose up and said, "Tìyawn moeyä slalmu txur nìhawng txon aham ulte oe mentxa soli pohu, Eywa wolìntxu oeru tìprrte' peyä a fì'ut omum oel, talun oel tsalme'a atokirina'ti" I did not understand anything, but it seemed to calm down the people. I hope that I haven't screwed up now.

"Before we start the training today, maybe we shall visit the sky people, you should at least tell them before you take this dangerous ritual of Iknimaya." I nodded as a sign of agreement and we walked towards the dense forest. "...and maybe ask them about the language course, I really want to learn it." I said and she nodded. Then something stroke my mind, why would her father get angry when there was a mated couple in the Omatikaya clan that were "underage". I asked her and she said, "their fathers reacted the same, just worse, it is rare that people mate before uniltaron, but it is not completely unheard of."

Avatar eyes were aimed at us as we appeared out of the forest. Two of them came running up to us and started asking, "pelun terok mengal fitsengit?" I replied, "Calm down, it is me, Jay" "I didn't recognize you with the Na'vi clothing." He replied and quickly added, "and she...?" Ay'era replied, "I am Ay'era, his mate and teacher, like that hasn't happened before" and they both laughed a bit. I didn't get it though, but maybe it was about Jake from the other clan, I don't know.

"My question still stands, why are you two here?" he said. "Just to inform you guys that I am having my Iknimaya the day after tomorrow". An expression of excitement covered his face as I told him this and he answered, "Damn... I heard it is a brutal challenge and that the prize is absolutely worth it." I can agree on that, riding a airborne mount sounds like pure excitement, and that I can repay the kindness of Ay'era's clan. It is indeed worth the risk.

The avatar guy interrupted my flow of thoughts as he said, "Jake was here yesterday, things are looking good as for the relationship between us and the Omatikaya clan" "sounds great" I replied. I was going to tell him about my meeting with them, but I have so kindly promised to keep it secret, so I did not.

"When are they going to teach people that unlike you, had not studied the language yet, the language?" I said and quickly he responded with, "they are still treating the injured, be patient." "I'm sorry" I said.

"We have to go, ma Jay", Ay'era said and quickly added; "more training awaits you." "Eywa mengahu" the avatar said as we disappeared into the dense forest. I responded in the same manner, unknowing of what he really said, because I have heard "Eywa ngahu" before and think it is some way to say "good bye", but have not heard it with "mengahu".

"Sorry for interrupting your discussion, but you seriously need all the training you can get, ma yawnetu" she said. "You don't need to feel sorry; I really want to survive Iknimaya." I replied.

We came to the area where she have been teaching me. "The Iknimaya is not that complex; I just hope that you are not scared of heights. Remember, try to bind shut the ikran's mouth and connect your tswin as soon as you are able to.", she said. "Tswin?", I asked, "the queue sticking out of the back of your head." She said, like I was a stupid kid.

The rest of the day was mostly training, and climbing was the main focus. It was not as hard as I thought. She also thought me how to bind an ikran and explained more in depth about the ikran, and that the bond between a hunter and his ikran is lifelong. She has probably forgotten that she told me all that yesterday, but there is nothing wrong with some repetition.

The following day was the same, just more intense, because she really wants me to succeed. I can feel a little fear as I lay in my hammock beside Ay'era, because tomorrow I can lose it all. "Eywa oenghu livu trray, ma yawnetu" she said and I did not mind asking for a translation, as it seemed like a prayer to me. I fell asleep.

[Tsamsiyu92]

Chapter 12 - "I am scared, like you"

I woke up with Ay'era lying on top of me, like every morning. It was the day that could be my last or at least a very exciting one. Breakfast was served a bit earlier today, and you could see the hoping parents of Ay'era and the 3 other hunters that were going to pass the test of their lives today, hoping for all of them to return gloriously flying an ikran.  Most of the clan members were still sleeping so we were keeping our voices down.

The leader rose up and said, "Ma tstewa saronyu, sìlpey ohe tsni aynga tswayayon kelkune ulte ke tiverkup, Eywa ayngahu livu, ulte rivey aynga." Ay'era translated it to me as "Brave hunters, I hope that you will fly home and not die, Eywa be with you, and may you live." We ate the breakfast as the others were talking, and as usual, I did not understand a single word.

After the breakfast laid a long walk before us; The mountains were far from the clan's home. It would have been better if I could participate or even understand the discussion which was going on as we walked, but Ay'era spoke with me. Repeated every single thing she has probably said three times already.

I was a bit shocked when I saw the mountains, like a "what the f***"-moment. Floating mountains? I asked Ay'era about it like a curious child and she answered, "The sky people told me that the floating mountains were held up by something, the same stuff the greedy ones wanted, but we do not question Eywa's mysteries."

Then the climb awaited us. It looked scary, but I am not really scared of heights. So I ventured forth and followed the others, the climbing itself was easy, but fear struck me as some hanging thick vines was the only way up the floating mountainside. I saw the others jumped and climbed them like it was easy. "They would not wait forever" I said to myself as I jumped and started climbing them. It was easier than expected, still I was quite scary climbing those.

After that followed more climbing and we ended up in a cave. It was not long and when we came out of it, I saw one of those ikrans. Those were really bigger than expected. "Pesu new fmivi nì'awve?" I heard from the one leading us. He was not from our clan. Ay'era shouted out, "Oe, talun fì'u lu oeyä tìfmi amuve." She told me earlier that the ikran who chooses you will try to kill you. Sounds like fun.

An Ikran hissed at Ay'era, and then she stopped and hissed back in the same manner. Then she assaulted it and bound it like she had done it before. She then jumped on its back. It seemed like it was fighting to get her off, but calmed down as she connected her queue, or tswin as she called it. She unbound it and told it to fly, and it did. She was now flying around waiting to see how the other hunters managed.

It was soon my turn, the other hunters followed her "demonstration" and one by one they were riding the wind. I could see the smile on the face of the last hunter before me as he took off from the cliff. "Za'u oehu" one of them said to me and I did not understand. "Nga ke plltxe nìna'vi srak?" he asked. He came towards me and pointed at the big birds and I started walking out. They do look scary.

Many took off when I approached them. "Eywa help me." I said to myself. One of them started hissing at me and as the others I hissed to, although it sounded a bit weird, because I haven't hissed since I was in school. I went to bind his mouth and as I have practiced, I managed to do it. Now I jumped on his back and god, this animal did not want me on there. I held hard around his neck and quickly I grabbed the thing behind my head, but the animal managed to bounce me off. And in an adrenaline rush or something among those lines I ran towards its back and before it knew what hit him ...or her, I was bound to it.

"FLY!" I shouted as I held it hard. And it flew off the cliff side. "Fly straight." I said when it took off and it did. The feelings that through the bond was weird, like it wanted to talk to me, like how I imagined telepathy was. "I am scared, like you" he said. I was already stunned by that I could control it, but it can talk through the bond. "You think, I fly." He said. Now I could feel his wings too, I was in control.

I could see the happiness in Ay'era's facial expression as she and the other three approached. "Eywa was with us." I said to her. "Come let's ride home, they await us." She said and we followed. I can't wait to see their faces when I, the skxawng, as the children called me, survived.

[Tsamsiyu92]

Chapter 13 - Seykxel sì nitram

"I'll come soon, just fly ahead." I said and ordered the Ikran to fly in another direction. I wanted to say hi to the guys back at the RDA compound before I flew back, just to tell them that I am alive. "OK." I heard Ay'era shout, it was a nice day and the wind almost stood still, so it was not hard to hear each other.

The sky of this planet, Pandora I think the scientists called it, is truly an amazing sight with all the flying mountains and the ground was green, unlike on earth, were there was only few green patches left owned by rich men. I am really worried about my friends and "family" back there, because some say that their planet might die out soon.

"Land on the ground inside the fence" I said to my Ikran. Ay'era has told me that they do not understand the words I say, but the thoughts and I will understand his thoughts as words. He landed as asked and the landing was a bit hard, but nothing to really complain about. "Stay here." I said as I disconnected from it and jumped down.

People started approaching me, only dream walkers, as the clan members called them. The human beings preferred to stay in the background, far away from the ikran as possible. "You made it! Congratulations!" I hear a familiar voice say, it was the guy I told about the Iknimaya to. "Thanks, I need to go again, Eywa n...n...ngh...ngahu."

I saw another ikran appear as I was going to jump on my own. I took a while until I saw that it was one of the hunters that passed Iknimaya today. He landed his ikran beside mine an jumped off, who would he come here? "Kaltxì, ayuniltiranyuya" he said and some repeated the first word he said, must mean hi or something. "Ayoeru lu ftxozä, talun frasaronyu emzola'eiu Iknimaya fìtrr, new aynga ayoe fivrrfen srak? Oel zeykerok ayngaru futa nì'aw Jay sì Ay'era tsun nì'ìnglìsì pivlltxe." I heard many reply, "srane" or "sran". Some translated it into English and then I understood that he was inviting them to join our celebration of our successful Iknimaya today.

I went over to my ikran and connected to it, then I jumped on it and ordered it to follow the other ikran, which had taken off shortly before me. The flight back to the clan's home was short, surprisingly short, because it took at least half an hour to walk through the dense forest. We landed on the high branches of the home tree, where all the other ikrans were dwelling.

Ay'era came running towards me when she caught sight of me coming out of the home tree. It was dusk and I could see singers practicing and people preparing meat. She gave me a hug and asked what took me so long, a standard "I was just..." answer came out of me. A younger female Na'vi approached us and said, "Oel rayol wayit ngeyä sì way peyä, ulte tafral new oe ngahu teri po pivängko." Ay'era said to me, "She will sing our songs tonight, and therefore she needs to talk to me about you, it's tradition, don't worry." "Okay" I said and she went together with that young female.

I sat on the grass leaned to the roots of home tree looking and listening to the people for the rest of the day, it was interesting to see how life worked here. It was boring though, but what could I do, the only one that understands me is busy with some young singer.

Around what seems like an hour later, one of the avatars had come out of the forest, they weren't supposed to come before later, but it was only one of them, so the others are probably still waiting back at the RDA compound. He approached me as soon as he had caught sight of me.

"Hello." He said and sat down beside me. I replied likewise and asked, "why did you come hours before the party?" "I came to talk to you." He said. It was the same guy that I met the day before the Iknimaya. "About what?" I asked.

"I see that you're interested in their language so I brought you the learning material so you have something to do when you're bored." I thanked gently while he handed me a dictionary and a bunch of paper with the grammar and such. I started looking through the dictionary in amazement. I looked up the phrases, and started to wrongly pronounce them. I could see that people, especially children laugh of it when I loudly and slowly shouted, "ohel nati kameie"

He pronounced it correctly to try to help me and after what seemed like at least hundred tries, I managed to pronounce it somewhat decent. Four or five children have sat down interested to hear how I butchered their language during the two hours I was trying. I have got a hang of the ejectives and the godforsaken ng-sound when the others that were invited came.

Around ten of the people from the RDA place came. They really stuck out from the rest of the people present. I sat down around beside the avatars, because I could at least have a conversation with them. Ay'era joined shortly after.

The clan leader rose up and got everyone's attention. He spoke the words, "Katlxì, na'viya uniltìranyusì, ayoel tok fìtsengit fìtxon furia ftxozä seiyi, talun kea tute ke tolerkup Iknimayari, ulte tafral leiu ayoeru mipa aysaronyu! Eywa lamu ayfohu nìlaw." Everyone cheered. Ay'era told me that he was just welcoming and telling that we were celebrating because everyone survived Iknimaya. He continued, "Ulte setkrr, ayway ta 'oloyä ayrolyu.", which was according to Ay'era and some of the avatar's translations, an announcement that the singers are now going to sing.

First one to rise up was Lekya', which was the singer that Ay'era were helping earlier tonight. She started to sing. I enjoyed it, even though I did not know what she said.

People were looking at me and her, like I have done something strange. Her song was beautiful though, it was not long, and I could hear she started to sing about Ay'era halfway through. It was a pleasure to listen to.

"She sung well", I said to Ay'era afterwards and she translated it to Lekya', she said, "tstunwi", which Ay'era translated as "kind". The other singers, which were one female and one male, sung the others' songs and it's clear to me that they have a quite high standard of singers here. Should have had my friend from Earth here now, and we would be rocking this rock.

After the singers have sung, one of the avatar guys handed out a sheet of paper, with a verse that were traditional to the people of this clan, I tried my best to pronounce it decently, but I failed at it, it went like this:

"Lamu Eywa ayfohu
alu saronyu amip
seykxel sì nitram
kerllkxem ayfo
livu Eywa ayfohu
mi tì'i'avay krrä"

There was a lot of chatting afterwards, I could have a conversation with those from the RDA building. Some of them, who could speak Na'vi spent most of the time discussing with the people around here. We had a quite good dinner and most of them went quite drunk to bed, only the "dream walkers", the hunters that were going to hunt early tomorrow and me had shown restraint. It was a great evening indeed.

The six months following that day is really not much to talk about, I achieved the clean kill some days after the party and slowly, but surely learned the words of the people. I can now hold a conversation and can go along just fine among the people, I am hunting with Fa'an every afternoon for dinner and we go along just fine, he is also a quite interesting to discuss with.

One day, when I and Fa'an were out hunting, I heard Lekya' shout my name, and I ran towards her, It had to be something important since she called my name.