KIRI'S JOURNEY - AVATAR 3

Chapter Two

Rotxo doesn't let go of me until I see an distressed ilu emerge to the surface of the water. I look back and forth at him then at the water creature, I shrug my shoulders in confusion.

"She needs your help." He sighs as he reaches out towards her, giving her a reassuring pat on the head.

"What makes you think I can help her?" I ask.

"I know you're special, Kiri." He turns to look at me with such an earnest expression.

My heart beats a bit faster hearing him say my name out loud. "How?"

"I saw it. You can do things other Na'vi can't." 

Hoping to settle my nerves I try to joke."I don't see how a 'simple forest girl' can help, there's not a single tree in sight for-"

"Please.." He cuts me off.

I exhale loudly like I haven't already made up my mind. I knew before I even said anything that I'd at least try to do what I can.

"I'll try."

He gives me what probably was supposed to be an encouraging smile before he dives in but if I'm being honest it looked more like a grimace. 

"Guide me, Great Mother." I mutter still somewhat unsure yet I take a deep breath and follow right after him.

I hear the cry before I can see where it's coming from. The cries are faint but get louder the more I swim closer. I try to keep up with Rotxo but every now and then he has to wait for me to catch up. The cries suddenly are so loud it's almost deafening I discover the ilu is only a concerned mother hurting for her baby. Nearing the wreckage I can see that the smaller ilu is caught under a huge piece of metal which could only belong to and be the work of sky people. When? How long has this ilu been stuck crying for help? Empathy fills me like I'm a cup that overflows that I start to feel a little overwhelmed. I immediately attempt to lift the huge piece of metal that has the ilu pinned but when I look to Rotxo for help, he only shakes his head no.

Clearly he already tried that and wouldn't have asked for my help if it was that simple. Quickly scanning my surroundings I look to see if there's anything I can use and my eyes settle on a large green fluorescent coral plant a few yards away. Creating the bond I try to channel my energy in moving the plant but it doesn't. The baby ilu's cries are so loud it's clouding my mind.

Think fast before you run out of air I remind myself. How did I do it last time? I know for starters that if I don't block out the sound of the baby's cry it will only disrupt my focus. I'm losing my train of thought. I try to focus my thoughts on the strength I need to move it. When I think of strength I think of Dad. How he constantly has to be strong in order to protect our family. I think of Mom and how she protected her people, protects us just like Dad but in her own way. Like Ma how she protected Pandora and it cost her, her life. Now I must protect Eywa's creatures. Using that exact strength I use the underwater plant to my will and it miraculously wraps around the metal like giant glowing fingers picking it up and throw it into the bottom of the ocean floor like trash. 

I look to Rotxo and see when he raises a fist over his head in a victory pose, bubbles coming out his mouth in an underwater shout. I laugh both at him and in relief but instantly regret it as the combination of everything takes so much energy out of me. When we finally reach the surface I'm gasping for air, almost passing out from the lack of oxygen.

Feeling like a fish out of water I gasp between breaths."I. Did. It."

Better at holding his breath than me he shouts with so much energy over the loud waves crashing between us."YES KIRI, YOU DID IT!" His smile is ear to ear.