Ma Tsawke

Chapter six

Emerging from the link, Jake's human body shows the toll of neglect, its form growing thinner with each passing day. Yet, he pays no heed, not when someone was waiting for him on the other side of the link. Someone who makes his heart race and his mind wander in both bodies.

Still in a daze from Tanhì, he recalls her facing him with a small smile, a soft look in her eyes as she slept towards him for the first time, the vulnerability of the moment etched in his memory. The desire to reach out and hold her lingers, an unspoken yearning woven into the fabric of his emotions. Would she fit perfectly into him like he imagined?

He pushes up the pod cover to find Trudy and Norm caught in the act on Norm's bunk. Norm blushes and Trudy waves, pulling the blanket over their heads. Jake's eyes widen when he processes what he just saw.

Norm's attitude has improved lately.

Norm and Jake sit together at the small table in the shack's kitchen, their collaborative effort at crafting an apology, unspoken sentiments and the shared desire for reconciliation.

"Thank you?" They engage in the practice of Na'vi, a hopeful endeavor for Jake to improve his communication skills.

"Ireiyo." Norm comically exaggerates the pronunciation, emphasizing the need for Jake to roll the 'R'.

"Irrrreiyo. Irrrreiyo. You've gotta roll the R, r-r-r-oll it." Norm insists, making Jake repeat the word. Frustration builds as Jake deliberately says it wrong, a mischievous grin playing on his lips, turning the language lesson into a playful exchange between friends.

It's good he's back on board but he thinks I'm an idiot too.

Jake's eyes follow the path of his feet as he swiftly navigates over rocks, leaping with grace onto a thick root. His steps continue, dancing across the rugged bark in the heart of the forest, each movement resonating with a raw and untamed energy.

My feet are getting tougher. I can run further every day.

Tanhì guides him along a colossal root and before long, they are sprinting at least fifty meters above the ground. He matches her pace through the trees, attempting to keep up. She ascends and leaps with a fluid grace, an elegant spectacle of agility that leaves him in awe as they navigate the forest's heights together.

I have to trust my body to know what to do. With Tanhì its keep up or not at all. She's pushing all my boundaries, pushing me out my comfort zone but honestly it's exhilarating. I love it.

She turns to him, a broad smile lighting up her face, a mischievous glint dancing in her eyes. With playful daring, she leaps off into space, falling backward until she executes a mid-air flip. Her nimble form catches an enormous palm leaf, gripping it to slow her descent. Releasing it, she plummets and deftly catches another until she lands expertly on the ground.

Intrigued and challenged by her actions, Jake shakes his head in disbelief. With unwavering trust, he follows suit, securing his bow around his chest. A silent commitment echoes in his leap, a readiness to follow her anywhere.

Descending from leaf to leaf with less grace, practically falling through the plants, Jake lands next to her, finding himself slamming into a large mushroom, flat on his face. Her laughter rings in the air and he springs up, wiping mud from his fall, offering a woozy smile in response. The shared adventure leaves an indelible mark of light-hearted moments between them.

Exhilaration courses through him, a surge of renewed purpose flooding his senses. It's as if he has found meaning in life again, a sense of vitality that he thought was lost. Tanhì, recognizing his achievement, reaches out to touch his shoulder, her nod of approval a silent acknowledgment of his progress. In response, Jake's tail sways from side to side, a physical manifestation of the elation he feels at her praise.