KIRI'S JOURNEY - AVATAR 3

Chapter One

"Kiri!" Tuktirey shakes me awake.

"What is it now, Tuk?" I mumble as I roll over, trying to get back to him even if it's for a little while longer. Ever since Dad forbidden me to connect to Eywa since my seizure this is the only way I can see my older brother. In my dreams.

"Mom and dad are fighting again" she whines. "I'm scared.."

I start to stir and try to muster up the courage to face the disappointment head on. I'm disappointed that we aren't home or back in my favorite place in the hallelujah mountains. I can't ignore the crushing disappointment that Neteyam is gone, it's too much to bare.
We are with the Metkayina clan now, we live with the reef people. For Tuk's benefit I sit up but even then I groan as my eyes are still heavy from sleep. Abruptly Tuk opens my eye lids with her fingers. Whether I like it or not we are now staring at each other.

"It's about spider.." she whispers as she leans in closer like it's a secret.

Normally I would've got upset that she invaded my personal space and woke me up like this but the thought of my best friend hurt brings me to all my senses, suddenly alert.
They took him again a dark voice inside my head says. The very thought has me buzzing with energy like I'm charged with electricity.

"What about Spider?!" I practically knock her over as I hold onto her for support. Scared I'm gonna pass out from the head rush of adrenaline.

She avoids my eyes as she regains her balance. "He's fine."  but I sense there's something she's not telling me so I press. I hope my face matches the condescending tone in my voice when I chide her. "Tuk.."

"But he can't-" she stops herself short as she looks behind me. I turn around to follow her gaze.

"Dad." I let out breathlessly.

Before I know it I'm wrapped in his arms. He holds me tightly and firm. With Dad I always feel safe. I haven't seen him in awhile, almost a whole week? Is it possible to be so lost that I lost track of the days that pass? I know he's been busy and I'm not stupid, I notice his nightly conversations with Tonowari, The chief of the Reef people. His arguments with Mom are becoming more frequent lately. Ever since Neteyam we found different ways to cope I suppose. I've been exploring past the reef a little more and more each time. Lo'ak spends most of his time with his Tsireya and his Tulkun. Mom has been overprotective and overbearing on all of us especially Tuk. Dad's been somewhat MIA during it all.

We can adapt. I remember him saying when we first got here. Adapt we did and I hate it. I let go of him, despite how much I've missed him he doesn't get to avoid this.

"Where's Spider?" I ask nonchalantly.

I see frown wrinkles form on his forehead as he gets this sour look on his face. Mom once told me this look always makes her wary, calling it her reminder to pray to Eywa as if she doesn't already constantly pray. Growing up she spent so much time keeping her eyes on him and obviously not enough on me to realize I was sneaking away. Sometimes I'd go to my favorite place but most of the time to just hang out with Spider in the bio lab and we'd watch old videos.

He reports calmly. "He's fine, Baby girl."

"Yeah Tuk already told me but what are you not telling me?" I throw back. I hate how everyone treats me like I'm a child who can't handle the truth. Like I'm too fragile.

Silence. I return his uncomfortable look with an icy cold glare of my own and for what feels like an eternity he finally does decide to speak.

"I know you wanted him here with us, especially after Neteyam.." he trails off then quickly changes his approach. "Your mother just felt it's best and safest for him to-"