#vampire grace

“<Jakesully, I thought you’d go straight to the boneshapers.>”

“<Mo’at, I need to speak to you privately.>” It was taking all his energy not to burst and sprout it to the Sarentu that there were more of them and it was almost physically hurting. A Sarentu was right there, one who didn’t know. Who couldn’t possibly know…

And he did.

Mo’at nodded, clearly sensing his quiet stress nodded and with a polite nod, departed from Rasi who headed immediately away.

“<What is wrong? Is your Dreamwalker unwell?>” Mo’at asked the moment he passed into her den.

“<There are more Sarentu alive and in the Western Frontier with a human camp that also escaped.>” He blurted out. “Eight teenagers now. The RDA must have taken them when they targeted the Sarentu and now they’re free and I’ve spoken to the humans living with them and they also know about this group that arrived to today because they thought they were the only Sarentu survivors.” He carried on.

Whatever Mo’at thought he was going to say, this wasn’t it but the Tsahìk’s ears rose the more he spoke and she looked very startled but the expression faded into a modelled frown, not of anger or frustration but consideration.

“<I don’t know all the details, but with the radio set up at Ruby’s camp, they no doubt want to speak to more of their people.>”

Mo’at held up her hand to stop him from talking so his jaw snapped shut as he waited for her response. “<The Sky people took their children.>”

Jake nodded. “<I suppose that’s why they killed the adults. Unfortunately, humans have done that to their own kind before.>”

Mo’at eyes stared at him for a long moment, lips pursing. “<Why>”

“<Cultural extinction and indoctrination. Humans, or specially, White colonisers took land from indigenous humans that lived there for thousands of years. Because both sides have different cultures, there was conflict and so these colonisers won the land and to make sure the… descendants of the ingenious fell in line with the coloniser’s beliefs and culture, had residential schools built and forced those children to attend.>” Jake’s mouth was dry as he spoke. “<Not all survived. It was cruel, brutal and wrong. I am ashamed that it’s part of our history and more so that… they tried it here.>”

Honestly, it was a horrible realisation in his gut that killed his excitement of telling them. He hadn’t, up until now clocked that was why the children were targeted, but it was the only reason why he could think of that the RDA would have these Na’vi children. It made his disgust grow towards the RDA rise.

Mo’at expression turned grim, ears flicking back and forth. “<We agreed to a school with Grace.>”

“<No, what that school is and what the RDA did to those kids are not the same thing.>” Jake defended, because as much as he disliked Augustine, this school and what it meant for both her and the Omatikaya were so different. “<The school was built into the forest, for your children to come and go freely and to learn as much as your children desired. No force applies, no cruelty or punishment or harm before the sky people aimed their weapons. Your children wore their clothes and were unhindered.>”

Mo’at nodded, letting out a relived sigh. “<Those poor children. Torn away from their families and the forest…>”

Jake swallowed the lump in his throat. “<We need to Tell Rasi and Nan’atí. Their people. The other Sarentu deserve to know who of their people lives after such monstrous actions. I told them we’d meet them today. They’re probably going to be waiting for us to radio back.>”

Mo’at hummed softly. “<Allow me a few hours to sit on this news. Go to work and say nothing to the Sarentu. I will collect you and the other Sarentu to tell them when the time is right.>”

Jake recently nodded and left the Tsahìk to her thoughts and padded down the spiral.

His eyes flickered about the new faces, unable to help the smile grace his lips despite the pit in his stomach as one of the babies ogled up at him with large eyes that he had to stop and say hello.

“Who’s this little one?” Jake cooed, kneeling down as the baby babbled at him.

“My name is Cai Almazan, this little potato is Ava.” The woman introduced, a thin but athletic Asian woman with some grey threads in her black hair and trying to adjust the baby on her hip, which didn’t look easy given the small baby bump she had. “She’s eleven months old.”

Jake reached forwards and hand a finger out. Ava cooed, reaching out and grabbed the end of his Dreamwalker finger in her tiny hands and…. Oh, her hand was so small. She was so small.

“I have to keep a sturdy grip on her, she’s gotten into a habit for diving off my hip if is she sees something she likes or is dangly or beaded. She loves beads.” Cai hummed fondly.

“Best keep her away from Mo’at then.”

“Oh, she already took a dive her for beaded shawl.”

Jake cackled a little, gently tugging his finger free. “It’s the things they can’t have that they suddenly gain super human strength to keep onto it.”

Cai nodded swiftly, eyes distant. “I was so scared she was going to break it.”

“Sa….sann” Ava babbled then shoved her fingers into her mouth.

“<Sa’nu.>” Cai coaxed in Na’vi at her daughter. “<You can say it! Sa’nu.>”

“<Are they bilingual?>” Jake asked curiously.

“<Yes, but we’re trying to teach them Na’vi before English since they’re going to grow up interacting with Na’vi more.>” Cai shrugged. “<I’m teaching them Tagalog too. One for the world we’re living in, one for the humans we will encounter and one to retain my families history.>” She smiled sadly. “<It’s a shame it’ll get lost one day. In a few generations, the children will only be speaking Na’vi.>”

“<Doesn’t have to be. Bree here knows about seventeen languages and she’s only sixteen, I bet she could help in finding ways to retain your language and history. Heck, she’s even making paper.>”

“<There’s a sixteen year old human on Pandora?>” Cai’s eyes widened. “Why? That’s not legal.”

“<You have a baby.>” Jake pointed out, pointing down to the infant who cooed.

Cai gave him a soft look. “<I meant sent via cryopod from Earth. That’s barley scraping the safe-zone.>”

“<Would you leave your children behind if they were in the safe-margin?>” Jake pointed out.

Cai went to answer then paused, looking down at Ava as the baby reached for a lock of her hair with a quiet babble and drool. “<Okay, maybe not.>” She considers. “<Hope will be thrilled to learn there’s someone close in age that’s also human. She’s at an awkward age where all the humans on Pandora are way too old for her and flat out illegal, or are babies or siblings.>”

“<Ah, Fair enough.>” he rose to his feet. “<I’ve got places to be so…>” Jake saluted and went on his way towards the weaving circle.

-

Jake’s eyes followed Castro as she made her way through Hometree as the afternoon drew in, looking very sour but that wasn’t why he was staring before he set his loom down to greet her with a suppressed smile.

“I take it Bree got to you?” He asked.

Castro gave him a deeper sour look which looked weird as the familiar orderly shape of eyebrows were now completely gone. Shaved off.

Castro nodded once, folding her arms. “I was connected with Eywa in the caves and she shaved the just under first half on the left side and the last half on the other. Purposely uneven and impossible to wait out.”

Jake snorted a little. “So you had to shave the rest to balance it out.”

“She made me shave my own eyebrows!” Castrol hissed. “I almost didn’t come.”

“At least she didn’t skillet you.”

“Honestly, would have preferred a beating. That would give me plausible reason not to show up.” Castro shook her head. “Ugh. my my face is bald.”

“<Jakesully>”

Jake’s attention turned and his expression fell as he noticed Mo’at looking to him from a distance. Behind her, Nan’atí and Rasi were already climbing up the spiral. Eytukan was assisting with Txusim in helping Kenam up as well.

Right.

Jake nodded, abandoning Castro and headed directly their way and followed up.

“<Is Anita not joining us?>” Kenam asked as he settled onto his mat and pillows.

“<No, she’s still at the Third sister with her husband. We’re only just starting to pack for the afternoon move and the others plan to trickle out. We should be there before the eclipse.>” Rasi said, sitting comfortably. “<Elliot’s already taken the Nantang.>”

“<I see.>”

Mo’at swept in behind them, drawing the curtain closed and drew a serious tone as they settled. Her yellow eyes remained on Jake for a moment before turning towards the Sarentu.

“<Is there a problem, Tsahìk?>”

“<No, but there has been news shared that… is relevant for your clan to know about.>” Mo’at started, her eyes turning more to the elder two. “<Jakesully and a few of the humans of the group have establish contact with another group that have also escaped the sky people but in another area of our world. This group has not named a clan or region but I have spoken with a few other humans that know where the Sky people have set up their other stone villages and it leads me to the believe this other group lives close or near the territory of the Aranahe clan..>”

Rasi’s ear twitched. “<I know that clan, they are beautiful artisans with gorgeous silks.>”

“<Indeed.>” Mo’at agreed. “<Jakesully has since opened contact with the group but discovered something of great importance.>”

Jake’s heart thudded, watching Mo’at speak and well aware of the eyes flickering to him.

“<The group that escaped also contained Na’vi in their numbers. They fled as one and live as one with these humans and no doubt, rekindling a relation with the clan.>”

Rasi’s face has lost a lot of colour, her yellow eyes narrow and sharp. “<Why is this of interest to us?>”

“<It mentioned that following the death of your people, some of the bodies of the children were unaccounted for and never put to rest. They were not killed, but stolen by those sky people.>”

The temperature seemed to drop in the den. Rasi’s ears pinned down and her eyes welled up a little. Kenam looked a little ill, clutching his son’s hand tightly. A reminder to Jake that Txusim could have been a stolen child too, if Kenam hadn’t bolted when he did.

“<They stole the children… after killing our people.>”

“<I’m am so sorry, but yes.>” Mo’at spoke with gentle honesty, genuine in sharing this heavy topic. Nan’atí reached and took Rasi’s hand. “<Now, they are out of the sky people hands. They are free but… they do not know the full truth of what happened. Jakesully has passed on word of your survival to these children.>”

Rasi sucked in a heavy breath, her hand coming to her heart. “<How many?>”

“<Eight.>”

Nan’atí’s eyes closed, looking pained by this news. “<Do you have their names?>”

“<Not yet.>” Jake interjected softly following a nod from Mo’at. “<It was first contact between our groups, no one wanted to use real names or locations until trust was formed, though we heard them use their real names. We only learned they were Sarentu one after an accident with an avatar of theirs needed help after her link glitched and she fell down the steps. One of them said to get one of the Sarentu to help them, no doubt for the size difference.”

Nan’atí nodded slowly. “<Is it possible to get them to come to us? Some truths must come from our mouths, not a human device.>”

“<Would it not be more prudent to go to them?>” Eytukan asked.

“<No, not with the babies. The humans of our camp may not be Sarentu, but they are still part of our home and our way. I do not think it’s wise to leave the company of Anita and the others.>” her eyes slid to Rasi as she said that bit, with intent and meaning in her tone that went just above Jake’s head.

Mo’at’s head tilted, a quizzical and calculated look passing over her face for only a moment before her face resumed her concerned and passive gaze.

“<They’ve since been informed and Priya, one of the western humans, said she’d tell them and see if they want to open a dialogue. Perhaps meeting is something you can arrange?>” Jake allowed.

“<Yes.>” Kenam said tightly, “<I wish to speak to them.>”

Rasi and Nan’atí spared him a look. “<How soon?>”

“<The radio we have is set up at another camp, Ruby’s home. With most of the humans here, the camp itself is near empty.>” Jake explained.

“<Not yet.>” Nan’atí said before anyone could say anything “<We first must move our camp to the third sister tree and establish a place that place as our home for now. We have a lot of work to do and if they come, I want them to see us settled and strong. If we’re stull unloading baskets when they get here, that is not a strong image or foundation. We can set up a tent for them and make sure that they are welcome and gift them with new items. Let’s not rush it.>”

Rasi’s eye twitched but she listened to her words intently. “<Then we must make headway sooner than later. Kenam and I will open the dialogue between us today.>” Rasi decided. “<Anita will join us as she was there for the aftermath. I will need her strength>”

Mo’at nodded once. “<Jakesully will make the arrangements with Ruby to ensure it’s it private.>”

Jake bobbed his head. Right. That made a lot more sense they assumed him to be the radio guy. That was fine, he supposed. He was the messenger who started this enlightenment here.

“<I’ll take Bob and get things ready that end.>” Jake said.

“<Very well.>”

-

Tamtey’s heart thudded in her chest as they all sat around the radio hub inside the Refuge. Ri’nela had pulled them all together for this. Telisi and Okni even came from Hometree to sit in once they had gotten word from Priya of a brief message of a time. Ri’nela was spinning fibres with absent eyes, working her hands as her mind spun. Nor was just curled up, fiddling with the canister of his Co2 air supply.

Telisi was letting Okni crush through her hair, which had grown three inches and long enough to start having some beads put in, which was a real positive step in both her integration with the people, and her trauma that came with that the RDA did in shaving her head. Teylan sat with Yuayt playing a game of Uno together with a card pack, since Yuayt was avoiding using tech. Yefti was just weaving together a piece of jewellery with stone beads from his trip out to The Braided River.

It was a nice sight to see them connect with the Aranahe and staying with them. By no surprise; Asahe was helping Okni through building her immune system so she wasn’t getting nearly as sick any more. Yefti wanted to just live away from humans entirely, and stuck with weaving and he had become quite skilled under Nefika’s guidance.

Telisi was learning a lot from Relun, who normally was quite abrasive and strict but with her he had a softer side and never seemed to spark an outburst for perfection with her in his group of apprentices. Tamtey had a hunch he was holding back his true thoughts and reactions due to their history of abuse and her deep seated fear of being shouted at but she didn’t say anything; Telisi was finally thriving with someone who she might see as a father figure.

Yuayt did his best to avoid even the Refuge and humans, but Tamtey last heard that Kayì was pulling him into medicines but she didn’t pry since Yuayt liked his privacy and barely saw much of them. It had taken her a while to track him through Hometree to get him back.

She did wish Nor was doing more with the Aranahe like the other four, but he just… hung around and avoided going but still complained about the metal they had in their home, about humans here and was shouldering a lot of his insecurities without even trying to talk to Asahe like both Ri’nela had her had suggested. Repeatedly. With the news of Priya and Anqa being Dhampyrs, they made him uneasy but still he stayed and avoided them when possible. Tamtey wished he’d get out more and lighten his pain but he just seemed to want to stew in it but she felt anything she’d say would just go in one ear and out the other. She didn’t know how to help him.

They were just waiting now. But Tamtey’s mind still reeled with Priya’s words yesterday. The Dhampyr had pretty much ran like her fluffy tail was on fire out and yapped off very quickly which they hadn’t quite understood until they got her to calm down and speak as a normal speed.

They were also dealing with a considerable time zone differences, where Priya calculated that the East group were in Omatikaya territory, with how cautious the humans were with being so close to the RDA. So that set the Western Frontier about six-hours behind Australis, where the Omatikaya lived with many clans around it. So the Eastern group were set to open at three in the afternoon, so it was coming up nine in the morning here.

Tamtey’s tail rose, wrapping a little around her arm before she exhaled out as she tried to think or what to expect. Honestly, she had no idea. There were more of their people. They weren’t alone. They had people that could show them the way and what it meant to be Sarentu. They lost a lot, but they had the potential to restore so much more now. They had a future ahead and it all started with this call.

So they were all here, waiting.

Priya had left them alone and had a bigger portion of people go to the Aranahe to learn which meant less people walking through. She knew Alma was upstairs with Alex and Hajir, finding ways to help get her walking again now she could move her limbs and tail. Their teacher was far from being able to walk independently given how unstable she was on her feet but Tamtey had seen Alma walk with a frame for a few minutes before she had to sit. It would take time for her legs to rebuild the muscle.

They almost all jumped when the radio beeped.

Tamtey moved first, snatching up the radio and opening the line immediately. “Hello!”

‘Gah, fuck…’ the voice on the other side sounded very startled but the line remained open and a chew chuckles seemed to echo. ‘Err… hey, guys. My name’s Jake and I’m here with Rasi and Kenam of the Sarentu and their close friend and Ally, Anita Lee.’ There was a… slight tone in his voice at the last name, as if he wasn’t fond of the woman but Tamtey didn’t give that another thought.

Rasi. Kenam. Two of the five Sarentu.

“<Is it true, there are five of you?>” Tamtey switched to Na’vi this time, “<What are the other’s names? Is everyone alright?>”

There was a brief pause and she could hear two voices talking more quietly before a woman’s voice echoed; a Na’vi woman’s voice by the accent.

‘<We are well. I am Rasi, Nan’atí is not here but she’s working to secure a home for us the next few months with the clan we’re staying with.>’ the voice continued, ‘<There is Tsu’zu, my adopted son and Kenam’s son, Txusim is assisting with our camps move from the Hometree to the Third Sister.>’

Tamtey licked her lips, shifting in her seat but she gave their names out to the other side as well, so they had something to remember. But Teylan was the next person to ask a question.

“<And you live with humans?>”

‘<Yes. We live with many humans. We’ve come across many that were left to die by the sky people and took them in.>’

“<Why keep them?>” Nor asked, scowling a little. “<Why bother with the humans?>”

‘<Because it was the right thing to do.>” this was another voice, a Male Na’vi who Tamtey assumed was Kenam. ‘<It was also a kindness despite all the horror we endured at the hands of their kind. Some people do not represent a whole species.>”

Tamtey could feel Nor’s scowl deepen but she was surprised at the man’s words. That he would defend humans like that.

“<Do you know what happened?” Ri’nela asked. “<We were told that we were left and abandoned by our people… but we have since concluded we were stolen by the sky people.>’

There was a sharp intake of breath and a few muffled murmurs.

‘<Some of this story… I think is best spoken face to face. Its truth is a heavy burden.’ Rasi spoke with a weight to her tone. ‘<We cannot come to you with the babies born and due. We come and go as one, we cannot leave them>’

Tamtey said nothing but it made her mind churn a little. The other Sarentu were clearly reliant on these humans, possibly their numbers aiding their journey or… there was a level of comfort found in their presence. How both sides here ended up with humans… it was a little mind-boggling but it was too early to tell on why.

“Then we come to you. We have a ship and a pilot we can use.>” Ri’nela said, more thoughtfully. “<It’ll be a long ten hour flight but I’m willing to make that effort.>”

“<I don’t.>” Telisi said nervously. “<As much as I want to meet more of our people, I can’t—I don’t want to go into a Samson or leave the Aranahe. I’m finally comfortable. I can’t leave that.>”

“<Me too, but I’m happy to speak over the radio about It.>” Okni declined softly as well, as did Yuayt and Yefti.  Teylan seemed to want to come. Her, Teylan, Ri’nela and Nor; a group of four would make it easier.

“<I want to know what happened.>” Nor said impatiently. “<The RDA lied to us. Alma lied to us too, don’t forget, she was our teacher. Maybe she knows something as well>”

“<Her memory hasn’t been the best, Nor. It comes and goes.>” Teylan pointed out quietly. Which wasn’t incorrect. Most time, Alma seemed herself but she had moments where she was…different. Like when she had first woken up and spoke in that southern accent and with eyes that did not see them as familiar. Tamtey tried not to think about it.

'<Alma?>' Kenam’s voice echoed. '<That name… is familiar.>'

Tamtey’s eyes turned back from Nor to the radio in the heartbeat. “<What?>”

There was a brief pause, looked of the other kids being thrown about cautiously.

'<There was a Dreamwalker that came with them that night. I saw her face and heard her name but I did not linger with my son to know this strange woman.>' Kenam said tightly.

Nor leant right forwards, his yellow eyes glowering down. “<Did she have a braided bun at the top of her head?>”

“Nor…” Tamtey said warningly. Her heart picked up at the insinuation but… it wasn’t wrong per say but she disliked how his… attitude suddenly shifted, or how close his hand was to his new blade. Her mind spun at the thought; that Alma had anything to do with TAP in how they were stolen. She was their teacher… just their teacher. She looked after them. She was the kindest person there… and got them out.

“<… Yes.>”

“That bitch led them to us!” Nor jumped to his feet, twirling in an instant and charged from the room.

“NOR!” Tamtey ran after him, barely keeping up as he jumped up the steps with his blade at the ready. “Nor, don’t hurt her!”

She saw Alma’s bruised back, holding onto two waist-high walking bar with Nalin and Alex watching her progress, Jax off to the side repairing her walking frame but Nor didn’t even seemed to notice them as he went straight for the avatar, raising his blade as he swiftly cut the distance between and—

The next thing Tamtey saw was Nor was flat on his back and Jax was crouched in front of Alma who yelped and dropped onto the bar floor in surprise to this sudden commotion. Jax’s eyes had turned a black, long claws replaced flat blunt and his teeth were four elongated fangs, a humming growl echoed in the air that went straight up her spine and made her want to back off from his protective crouch in front of the avatar.

Tamtey was used to Dhampyrs being more playful and she knew Priya and Anqa wouldn’t hurt her but she had never been on the end on such an intimating display. He was small, but he was growing but there was no doubt in her mind that he was considerably stronger then the Na’vi. Jax was dangerous.

Nor, winded still rolled up and caught his breath, hissing at Jax and the Dhampyr did not hesitate to return the hiss. She heard some of the others catch up behind her, gasping quietly. Ri’nela’s hand at her elbow in concern.

Tamtey’s eyes looked past him, Watching as the startled, confused expression on Alma’s bruised face turn complexly blank, the tanhì flickered and faded before returning with a new pattern, her eyes turning sharp and calculated as she pushed herself to sit cross-legged, unafraid of Nor. Like someone else was sitting in that skin.

“What the hell is goin’ on?” her voice rang out with a southern drawl.

Jax didn’t move.

“You sold us out to Mercer! You were there when our people died. You were there when we were stolen!” Nor thundered, pointing a finger at her. “You did this to us!”

“Nor,” Ri’nela moved kicking away the blade Nor lent towards that had flown through his hand. “Do not use that weapon. Do not become what you hate!”

“You don’t understand, Ri’nela!” Nor hissed towards.

“I was stolen too, Nor.” Ri’nela hissed, “We all were but you’re the only one wanting to resort to violence without hearing the whole story. You're making assumptions. We don't know that! She’s unarmed. It’s not the Na’vi way to kill in cold blood.”

Tamtey moved as well, reluctantly turning her back to Jax to step between Nor and him. “Killing her will do nothing. By all accounts, She’s already dead. She killed Mercer and got two bullets in the back for it.”

“She doesn’t deserve that skin she wears! It needs to die.” Nor growled.

“I can’t allow that.” Jax said, eyes glaring and firm with a confidence to clearly back it up. “I will break your legs if I have to. You cannot touch this avatar.”

Nor hissed.

Alma hissed back with bared teeth.

Tamtey reached for Nor. “Back off, Nor. Let’s finish our talk with our people. Think on how this sounds to them. If you attack her, they may not wish you to come to them if they think you’re too dangerous. We need to reconnect with our roots. Our people. Would you compromise that for us just to sate your rage?” Her hands set onto his shoulder, stepping into his line of sight. “<Please, Nor.>” she finished in Na’vi, hoping he’d listen.

Nor glared but his jaw remained tight as he straightened up with a hiss and stalked back down the stairs. Tamtey waiting until he disappeared from sight to exhaled heavily. Ri’nela stared at Alma for the longest of moments, then vanished down after Nor. The others clearing away as well.

There were a few quiet clicks before Jax straightened up, nails resuming their pre-sharp state and colour return to his irises and teeth blunted.

“Hajir, I need you to find Anqa and Priya. We need to set up a protection detail with the avatar until further notice. We can’t leave her unattended.” Jax said swiftly. “Also need to re-secure Alma’s human body, that’s already hidden but Nor may already know where she rests.”

Tamtey looked past him back to Alma who then looked at her with those sharp, unfamiliar eyes but the avatar said nothing before her eyes fluttered shut and she slumped an little onto her elbow with a groan, the tanhì returned back before her eyes opened and… the familiar teacher was back with them, confused and startled, looking around the room with a quizzical expression.

“What happened?” Alma asked quietly, her voice and accent back to normal. “Why is Nor angry?”

Hajir looked down at his tablet, uneasy but opted to move her wheelchair close and nodded her towards it. Tamtey still said nothing, watching her clamber into her chair, frowning a little at the tense looks being thrown at her. What was wrong with her? Her legs pushed her away, not wanting to linger and stay confused, the room with the radio was near empty, aside from Ri’nela quickly talking with their people.

“<…e’ll try and make way towards you tomorrow with Nor so he doesn’t do anything stupid… to anyone>” Tamtey met her eyes, seeing how worried she was, not just on what Nor might do but what it meant now.

-

Elena exhaled heavily, alone in the shack as she finished her sketches that decorated the floor around her. A decision made final. A plan in motion. A new face that was oh so unfamiliar.

A name now too, not just her face.

Tabitha Rambeau.

A woman stared up from her paper, a black woman with braided brown hair that reached just above her shoulders and glittering eyes. She had many drawn now, but this one was different, her face was subtly different and she had drawn colour into where it mattered. The woman’s expression was grinning, revealing the dual fang set up at her top jaw and the two tips of her lower jaw were also fanged as well. Red eyes that stood out easily. This face was younger than the human face before it. A mirage set in place.

20th October, Elena had scribbled in the margin.

There was no changing her fate.

Her eyes roamed the image, setting it down and pulled the sheets into a pile of her recent flickers and visions that… were giving her a headache to contain.

Drawings of two figures, big and small in a pool, linked by the tree between, eyes white over with a pearlescent tint.

Another of Rasi, falling side-first towards the low-burning embers from a push of a Na’vi hand; no face seen but the hands.

A funeral around a Tarsyu, the figures all but shadow. Elena couldn’t see who they were burying.

More pictures of that woman too, some showed her restrained in a pod. One she was lying freely… blood pooling and staining the white dress she was wearing. Clouded figures around her.

Then lastly, a Na’vi face and a wide smirk and with a tablet in her hands with images of a brain scan. A name. Theophania  

Her eyes lingered on that name. Properly reading it now since she had wrote it, not always fully processing what she put on the page until after the drawing frenzy had started. Theophania was a well-known telepathic Dhampyr, first generation and a respected elder who had been near the end of her life span.

They had accomplished updating the avatars it seemed, not only to resemble Na’vi but to allow for Dhampyrs to have alternative forms. In this case, Theophania gets to extend her life near eight-centuries again. If her gifts transferred body as well… there was no battling against her. No way to get that woman out if they tried.

Brute force was one thing, but with Telepaths, against an unguarded or unprotected mind, she was far deadlier than anything. A gun only works then the person with it can control themselves. Otherwise they’d become a puppet. Or maybe be as simple as making someone not want to rescue her or want to come close. Desire was easy to control and Theophania was an expert.

The fact she was here at all, this was serious business and not one Elena wanted Anita or their camps to get involved in. Leave those Dhampyrs to their business and hope they remain uninterested. There was too much to do on this side of the world that mattered more than a human captive in dhampyr control.

Elena shoved the paperwork into the folder. She could show Anita tomorrow once they were done talking with those Sarentu kids. Had to let her know of what were in their shadows.

Then, there was her dear brother. Who had struck Jakesully for his silence on the matter of Graceaugustine and tried to get her location from him. While it pained her to deny her brother what he so needed, she knew part of it was the uncertainty of what that might bring to the Omatikaya, which is what Eytukan feared. An Unknown. Selfishly, she… did not wish for him to have a Vampiric life if he mated with her. If it were possible for Na’vi to turn like humans, then what would his existence be like? Would he become disconnected by Eywa if his heart goes still? Would Grace push him to turn so they would spent time away together? Mo’at wanted to think the best in terms of Grace and that she wouldn’t push for that sort of life for him. But… she was equally worried N’deh might insist. To ensure his survival to Grace for long-term. He was impulsive enough for it. He desired Grace enough for that. What would change in him?

Lastly, the situation of the Sirens now in their close lake. Now closed off from the clan until they were removed. She was expected back today to inform the four aliens of the clan’s choices of the matter. If they were to aid them to the oceans, or if they’d deny and let the group leave. Of course, there was another option. The humans still has their metal ships, they could take them to the coast of the Valley of Mo’ara and let these four go out to the wilds as so desperately wanted. Wisdom spoke against that course of action, knowing about the life under the surface was very different to experience and these four had none. Death would be certain of they left without aid of… anyone.

‘Great mother, please guide my hand into a clan accepting of this new alien species who need your ocean water.’ She prayed softly, hoping her voice would be heard.

In her experiences, Eywa’s presence was subtle in times like this, slow to answer if there was something to give. Often left interpretation. Mo’at remained quiet, mostly waiting but she focused her mind to still and to stop the churning thoughts of Hometree and her brother. It could have been minutes, could have been much longer.

The scent of salt seemed to saturate the air around her. Salt water, with a humid touch of warmth against her skin. The sounds of the forest seemed to quiet as the sound of water echoed, massive bodies of water, and a distant horn echoing as if some way distant behind her. Finally, the last sounds were foreign echoes that sung faintly, high-pitched and elongated squeaks. Tulkun.

It took a second before it vanished into nothing, the smell of the forest around seeping back to her senses in each breath. Mo’at’s eyes opened, a sacred seed bobbing away from its hover in front of her.

Eywa has decided. A reef clan would take the Sirens.

-

“<I told Quaritch I’d make my way towards the mountains.>” Grace said as she licked her fingers clean of the sauce, deeply enjoying the efforts her new husband put into breakfast. “<He’s planning to make the trip himself to try and meet me. I think he’s paranoid I did a runner or something.>”

Looking about the cave they were set up in. He had done a lot since she unlinked last night. The meat from her kill was all but prepped. He had left briefly, since she linked back up in the night, to clearly collect items for marinades or salt for preservation and even proper smoking racks that were still going, since they had so much of it and so much left. What had been done already through the night was now ash then leaf-wrapped and in a basket hung up off the ground. What couldn’t be used, were buried at the roots of a tree. The treated hide was wrapped and set off to the side. She was sure N’deh had plans for that.

She kept the smoke going as he cooked and presented her with a sauce dip, a large chunk of meat that was tender and fell apart on her tongue, with a small sides of foraged, edible roots. God, she loved her avatar’s ability to eat and enjoy actual food.

“<Where does he plan to meet you?>” N’deh asked, genuinely confused. “<It is not like he can pin-point your location, nor do you have GPS coordinate to give.>”

“<No, but he plans to go to my last known coordinates, the marsh and do a sweep. Norm’s report told them I ran west.>”

“<We’re about eight and a half miles out from the marsh. I could lead you there.>” N’deh said, though he looked a little put-down at the idea. “<But… I want you to stay with me for the next few hours. A few more hours together.>” He moved closer, slipping an arm around her waist, his other hand coming to her inner thigh. “<Let your people worry for a little longer. They’ll never find us here.>”

Grace smiled, putting her empty leaf into the fire and lent into his warmth. “<I suppose I can, but I need to get on the move by this afternoon. I told Quaritch, Norm and Trudy that I was with a non-binary Vagabond, so showing up quickly wouldn’t be so suspicious. But, I don’t think they should see you, just in case they make assumptions. Good portion of humans don’t understand the depths of how Na’vi courting go and just will assume that I traded sexual services to get back to ‘Civilisation’.>”

“<What is… vagabond?>”

Grace winced. “<It’s… a term for Wanderer, or Trader. There are however a lot of more negative names assigned to that word but in context of Pandora, it better fits to a wanderer with no connections to the clan.>” She was very well aware, but she had to make it sound innocent. “<If I mentioned you were an Omatikaya warrior, then I suspect Selfridge will try and get me to impose myself onto the clan with this ‘opportunity’>” her tone tighten with disgust.

“<Ah, yes.>” N’deh seemed to share that. “<Does that have to do with the metal beasts coming to Hometree?>”

Grace looked to him sharply, breath catching for a second in surprise but it faded off in the following moment.“<I take it the Omatikaya are the ones delaying them?>”

“<Jakesully gave warning about them and warned us to not show our hand in breaking them. The Animal attacks, the breaking wires, the water in the engines… we were taught how to disable them without being caught by metal walkers and the recording eyes.>” N’deh said, looking very satisfied.

Grace stared, her lip curling up in amusement. “<That is good fucking news. I had a hunch Na’vi were doing it. Selfridge thinks the Na’vi people are too… ignorant to know how our technology works.>” well, that was one day to put it. But she was glad, but she didn’t press for information on the matter. She’d never tell the weasel about it. If she was human, she probably would have worried about being caught lying but… as a vampire it was easy as walking.

N’deh nodded, though she noticed the dent in his brow, a sign of unease. “<We can only delay them so long, my love. We’re… there’s no defined plan after we stop them from entering the Tree of voices.>” He said, “<At least, none that I was allowed to listen to. Eytukan might still have a plan but—“

“<Tree of voices? Why the fuck are the dozers going through that?>” Grace said, confounded. “<Tree of Voices are five miles away from Hometree, but that’s not in the direct path to Hometree….>” But, it quickly made a horrid realisation. Selfridge had planned for it. He, despite his idiotic disbelief, knew it was important to the Na’vi. He had access to that information. He didn’t know or care how, he just knew it was a trigger for conflict.

Did Quaritch know the risks? Any poor bastard, ignorant or nor was gonna get their chest shot in with an arrow if they so much damaged a blade of grass. The RDA could pass it as a cultural misunderstanding despite it being purposely provoked, but still have the support and authorisation to go directly to the Hometree. That fucker.

She had to talk to Quaritch, make him understand the consequences. If he knew… then maybe they had to use their gifts. Make him do as they needed; to not start a war. It would be war if those tree were touched. Tit for tat.

Selfridge would kill hundreds of human and Na’vi like in war for a profit. Sick, bastard.

Confronting the weasel himself? No, that was a quick ticket for him to attempt to send her home. She’d sooner escape but then what happened to her department if she fled? Her avatars? The Avatar and SciOps Programs? Too many variables without a contingency plan.

She was sure there were a ton of scientists, especially those with avatars, who’d fight tooth and nail to stay here. Everyone else was fucked if the entire SciOps was shut down. Selfridge didn’t see SecOps needed SciOps, Just as much as MineOps needed SecOps. It was a working system, but the bastard wouldn’t see that, would he? Or he could simply cut the Avatar program, which wasn’t the worst-case scenario for SciOps but it meant a lot of people were displaced. Link-room techs, monitors, and the likes would be either fired or put into other areas, or lastly, no doubt would steal what shit they could and bolt. With Like-minded SecOp Pilots not wanting to get killed in war, they’d get away easily.

Grace had to think up a plan of action. Talk to Max and discuss options.

“<I’ll think of something. I’ll talk to Maze, Hale and Curfman about getting the mechanics feeling off or something. Dozers can’t be fixed if there’s no mechanics to fix It.>” Not all at once, just enough to increase the workload and give some of them burn-out that’ll slow their motivation down. Missing supplies as well would not go amiss. Shen liked to fuck shit up so maybe a virus in the software? Lots of opportunities.

“<Just make sure you do not get caught or let the leaders know that we know. There is much in the air for us in knowing of how to stop the sky people coming.>”

Grace took his hands. “<I know. I won’t risk the Omatikaya.>” She had enough time with the delays. “<With people leaving, that’ll reduce the Sky people’s manpower. When the numbers get too low… that’ll be difficult for the RDA to be able to continue, let along pick a fight.”

“<I wish I could but I cannot tell you of what’s happened with who has already left. Those are not my secret to tell.>”

Grace hummed. “<That’s fine. Less I know, the better.>” Honestly, she didn’t see the point of knowing that, but she had to assume he possibly lived with a handful for some time, perhaps still did, assuming Mo’at lied and the humans were dotted about Omatikaya territory and hadn’t fled entirely.

Something she could consider later. But for now, that did bring her back to their situation.

“<What should we do? Our living arrangement?>” Grace asked. “<Right now, I’m living at Site 26. I’ll be spending the week at Hells’ Gate. I can… try and leave my avatar behind.”

“<I will leave my camp, I cannot join you so soon at the Mountains. My sister will come to you once she realised I have left. She’ll think I’ll move to your side immediately if she believes I know you are in reach.>” N’deh squeezed her hands. “<I’ll find a suitable location.>”

“<We have a site you can use.>” Grace offered.

“<No, the Na’vi know where it is. I heard Tsu’tey found it months ago.”

“Fuck.” Which meant it had to be moved. They didn’t want visitors in a sensitive spot, even if they were squatting on someone else’s land. “I’ll get someone to move it then.”

“I can scout the border west of Omatikaya territory for a more long-term place that won’t interfere with other clans, but I’ll get a set up somewhere close to the Tree of Souls for myself until then.”

Grace nodded slowly. “<A place you’re not allowed in?>”

N’deh nodded once. “<There’s a small spot that I found years ago. I may not be allowed on the roots or too close, but it’s a place I can hide for a little while and still be close enough to you. With this meat, I’ll be set for a while so I will not need to hunt and be spotted by scouts.”

Grace smiled, glad to see him putting a plan into the mill. He had a week to do it too, undisturbed if the Omatikaya follow their traditional of clan bonding.

“<You’ll eventually need to leave.>” N’deh pointed out.

“<I know.>” Just…’when’ was the question mark here. Maybe once she had the SciOps and Avatar program figured out. She had a hunch she had until the Dozers stopped, when the conflict possibility was at an all-time high between SciOps and SecOps.  “<So, what can you fill me in on since we’ve been a part? Did you travel before coming back?>” They had so much more to catch up on, after all.

-

“…He burned his clothes?”

Morgan didn’t look up as he continued sewing. “You’re surprised?”

Jake sighed deeply, using the stick to prod out the remains of N’deh’s clothing from the camp fire. “A bit dramatic.”

“No, not really.” Morgan said, “You betrayed his trust, undermined his feelings and you’re lied by omitted fact about the love of his life.” He looked up, giving the avatar a look. The bruise looked far worse now today than it did yesterday. A definite strike mark along his shaved temple, the bowstring cut looked very sharp still despite being treated. N’deh had a very good swing. “You earned that strike.”

Jake glowered, his hand coming to his head. “You’re on his side about it?”

“Of course I am! I’ve lived with the man for far longer than you. He saved me. I owe him my life. He taught me how to survive out here. To connect with Pandora. Don’t you dare undermine N’deh and the pain he’s been in just cause you don’t like his partner, a torn bond is a serious affliction to the spirit!” Morgan huffed, shaking his head. “Na’vi mate for life, Jake. You know this. They bind their spirits together through tsaheylu. Psychic connections that form bonds between two people, if torn in the process of binding can lead to chronic mental pain. He didn’t deserve that.”

Morgan shifted on his log, turning his back to get back to work. Thankfully, Jake took the hint, huffing off with a mutter about ‘lights’. The mask he had made for N’deh, it hadn’t escaped his notice that it hadn’t been tossed to the mercy of the flames, relieving him to know that he valued his work in this gift, but now… Morgan had to make it better suit N’deh now. If he was ridding himself of Unilstä'nìtu touches, he needed to redesign the mask. Not in the style of Omatikaya, not with his banished status.

So, something new.

He changed out the Unilstä'nìtu colour threads and leather straps, but he had few colours in mind; Blue, Black and red. He had some spare feathers he could add and he wanted to add faux braids using black fibres to the mask, make it a headdress. He could add beads to it, make it beautiful.

Morgan stripped the colour away once the thread was gone, some residue lingering in the tiny carvings but nothing he needed to worry about as he repainted the black about the eyes, running red down it’s main snout and blue accents beneath that. He repainted the hunting sigils in black and while he left it to try, he pulled together some fibres to start the braid work.

It was probably an hour or so before Morgan heard the familiar mechanics before Nadine joined him, looking stiff before she detached her leg and scratched at the stump.

“You can cut Jake some slack, ya know.”

“I will when he stops being a jerk.”

“Morgan.” Nadine said, her voice turning sharp. “Augustine is a fucking Tick. Don’t you think N’deh deserves better? He can find another mate.”

Morgan took a steadying breath, trying to stifle the spike of annoyance and anger. “Look, I may not like vampires and while I do feel violated about being a happy meal, can you please not call them names?”

“I’m not wrong.”

“No, you’re being a hypocrite.” Morgan finished up the last braid, even as Nadine’s face flushed with anger. “Same with Jake, pronouncing all the encouragement towards humanity and making the Na’vi see us as people, while all the time demonising vampires as monsters.”

Nadine’s face tinged a little pink. “They fed from us. From you. They got into your brain. Need I remind you that you kicked up a whole fuss about it after we told everyone?”

“I can still hate that. My feelings are not black and white. I hate what was done to me and hate being a victim but… I’ve healed enough to understand why. They are a predator species with no alternatives. Will I be comfortable around a vampire, fuck no. But I can still be a decent person and accept that N’deh’s mate is a vampire. I’ll not offend him by disrespecting her.”

“They’re not human.”

“Neither are Na’vi, but you still consider them people.” Morgan finished. “And, getting back to N’deh here, no. He can’t pick another mate. It’s not how it works. He is bound to her. Only her. If she makes him happy, who am I to get in the way of that>” It was none of this fucking business, if anything. It wasn’t like N’deh was just gonna come back one day to camp, hand-in-hand with her.

Nadine was scowling at him. “I have every reason to hate vampires. As does Jake.”

“Every vampire in existence?” Morgan pressed, “Need I remind you that humans killed Sylwanin and kids at the school and Omatikaya don’t hate us for it.”

“I don’t have to tolerate vampire bullshit. They bit me, fed from me and warped my mind to forget that violation. I can’t forgive that.”

“Then don’t. We’re entitled to our opinions nor do they have to be shared.”

“Fine. But don’t expect to crawl into my bed later.”

Morgan’s hand paused on the braid, looking up at Nadine in surprise. “You’re breaking up with me?”

Nadine nodded swiftly. “<Pro-vampirism is a deal breaker. I’ll get my stuff.” She yanked on her leg again, then a cover over her prosthetic foot and headed up to his shack.

Morgan stared, feeling a genuine welt of hurt that thickened his throat. She was breaking up with him? Over a difference of opinion? He wasn’t even pro-vampire, neutral at best… how fucking immature. They hadn’t even advertised they had been hooking up for the last two months because it had been more fun, not because it was a secret or going behind their backs out of shame but because it was hotter. The risk behind being ‘caught’ even if Jake would have given them both a fist bump about it.

Fine.

Morgan set the fake braids down, grabbing the basket and shoved what he had into it and waited until Nadine had come down, only really with her clothes and spare chargers under her arm before she headed straight to the ground shack and so, he went straight up to his basket in tow and passively aggressively, changed the codes to this airlock to continue in peace.

-

“<How did these ‘sirens’ take the news?>” Neytiri asked as Mo’at returned back, slipping into the familiarity of her den.

“<Unhappy about the prospect of my wisdom of leaving them in a clan’s hands, but we’ve seen how the humans attitude and experience with us has shaped them. They’ll use this week of darkness to decide on that wisdom. >” Mo’at replied, “<Do not go there unattended. I’ve told Tsu’tey these water people hunt from the shore with their vocal lures at dusk, so we’re to avoid going there at such times. They’d also warned us about interfering with their meals, they’re apparently very territorial over their prey.”

“<As Predators, it’s understandable.>” Neytiri allowed, “<but until they leave, are they expected to come as the humans do?>”

“<I have yet to ask your father on that matter. I’d caution against having humans and these Sirens here at the same time to avoid conflict if we do.>”

“<You think they should remain where they are?>” Neytiri guessed, “<Should they not get the same experiences? Connecting with Na’vi could make it easier for them to stay with a reef clan?>”

“<One of them, Kassandra had to return to her human-like appearance to give her a speaking voice. The… transformation looks painful. I do not know their bodies but I do suspect that legs are very uncomfortable as a result. I do not know how traumatic these transformations would be repetitively on their bodies.>” She was cautious on the matter, even if these four would benefit, their way were not of the waters. The people of the reef had better means to integrate their cultures. With the Sarentu and these potential Dhampyrs, the Omatikaya already had a lot to deal with already on top of their collection of humans and that was already excluding the Sky people’s attempts to destroy not only their home, but their sacred trees. It was reasonable to delegate these water people to the water clans, as Eywa demands.

Mo’at knew vaguely that Metkayina were the biggest of the reef clans, their Tsahìk was still Tan who had not handed down her position to her daughter Ronal. Tonowari had taken up position as clan leader due to the recent death of the Olo’eyktan but she knew little of cause, only the shift in power when news reached them from passing wanderers and messenger scouts.

“<When it is time for the Sirens to leave, they will need you, a daughter of our clan leader to negotiate their presence and Uturu to the Reef people. You can pick an accompany party of people to join you on this trip. No less than four.>”

Neytiri nodded once, “<When are we expected to go?>”

“<Not soon. We will send a warrior to check in on the Sirens every two-three days for their wellbeing. Maybe a week or two after the week of darkness.>” A little less than a month. It seemed reasonable to gather their bearings on the matter and the lake was so far suitable for their needs. “<Take this time to think who would be best suited to not only make the trip but to not open conflict with the Sirens.>”

Her mind touched on Jakesully. His… reaction to these people gave her some insights to the man’s distaste. It concerned her, but she hoped that soon, the man would be humbled respectfully to grow and see beyond his perceived demons. He would not make a good companion on this trip if he saw Sirens as monsters as he did with Vampires. Right now, that was not her job or priority to fix. Her people needed her to see them through this new change and she looked forwards to the Week of Darkness, there was still a lot that needed to happen before the darkness arose tomorrow’s noon. The opening festivities needed her hand. It was a spiritual time for the clan.

-

“Dr Gavin,” Ridley called, knocking on the door of the man’s quarters, the scientist having to have his lunch in his quarters than at the mess with everyone else. It took a moment before the familiar doctor opened his door, looking a little pink-faced and annoyed.

“What? I’m a little busy right now.”

“I know.” She said, “Your work just not sticking?”

Ian’s annoyed face smoothened out in surprise, she took that chance to step in and shut the door after her, leaning back against the door to not impose.

“Doctor Gavin, I know you’re here for the love of discovery and finding new things to look at and learn and I know you love the Tulkuns.”

“You’re interfering with my research?” Ian said, his pale skin becoming pinker as his thoughts no doubt with into overdrive. “I could get you—“

“Fired? With my Mother as Head of SciOps?” She felt no shame in using that card here. Her mother would not let her go easily and she’d use that. “Doctor Gavin, I will tell you exactly why so take a breath and let me talk. Okay?”

“It better be a damn good reason.” Ian nearly hissed, running a hand through his hair. “I spent weeks with you in your avatar and Nathan studying Tulkun. If I don’t produce research, I don’t get the funding to do more. I get sent back home.”

Ridley hummed, slipping from her sleeve a coin-sizes disk and pressed it into the door behind her, a small beep signifying it was active. A short-range sound dampener; it’ll knock out any potential bugs in the area. “When Nathan and I first came here, my mother pulled me aside and warned us that the RDA may try and use avatar drivers as spies for bad RDA purposes, as they attempted to do so with the notorious Jake Sully. They plan to topple the occupied Hometree for the metal under the roots. So we both know what the RDA are willing to get what they want. Mother believes that the RDA will misuse our science. Tell me, Doctor Gavin, what do you think the RDA will do to these wonderful and beautiful Tulkun if they believe they can provide something beneficial to the company, regardless of how it’ll be perceived by the Na’vi.”

Ridley watched as her words struck with the Doctor, the crumple anger seemed to fizzle out and his face began to lose colour before his leg wavered and he sat heavily onto his desk chair.

“They… they couldn’t possibly….”

“Respectfully, the RDA doesn’t give a fuck if it gives them profit. Since I’ve been here, I’ve seen how they’re using the scientists like tools here, we discover shit that they can use and our warnings fall on deaf ears. This… substance, Amrita, you found, we need to alter the results to show it is harmful to human life.” Ridley pulled her arms around from behind her. “I’ve already got the reports forged, You just need to submit it under your profile and name.”

“But… the sample I have is in the lab.” Ian said, hands shaking.

“I’m certain I can get a hold of that for you.” If not her, Nathan should. Biological samples were often held in a different storage fridge than flora samples after all.

“Now you know the risks that come with discovery, I do want you to be mindful of what we put onto RDA systems.” In her hands, she held out a thumb drive and a clear storage drive. “May I?”

Ian nodded slowly, moving off his chair and gestured her to his monitor. She breezes easily through his profile, uploading the false Amrita report onto the RDA system, and with her clear storage, moved the true, Amrita data from his tablet and storage. Very cut and dry. Nathans ‘friend’ knew enough to remove any slack and identity the false report as something to keep.

“This is a quarantined memory drive. You can stick shit on, but without my approval, you can’t remove it. Doesn’t even flag up in RDA systems. I want you to use this to put anything you’re not sure could be used against Pandora. There’s a fine line between what good knowledge is and what’s exploitable. We are scientists, don’t become ignorant or deluded yourself to the notion that they won’t do bad things. Assume the worst of the RDA.” Ridley said, standing back up, removing her thumb drive but handed him the secondary drive. “They are not your friends, doc.”

Ian stared at it for the longest of moments, taking a breath. “I can’t stop research on them, Dr Augustine.”

“I’m not saying stop, I’m saying be careful. There’s a lot to discover about the Tulkun and we are still free to do so, just not in a way that’ll get the RDA into whaling them into extinction. We can talk more later or more privately once we’re back at the reef. Try and get Nathan’s avatar to come with us. His avatar should be healed up enough by then.” Her Avatar had been brought back with them since they couldn’t risk leaving the expensive body behind for a week alone, with eight hours a night without her linked up, every day without any form of protection or oversight.

Hopefully, with Nathan’s avatar back and hopefully at the reef, she could finally update them without the RDA’s Eye on them.