Reborn - Pandora's Box (Book 2)

-.-Reunion Pt.1-.-

"So who is he then?"

"Hmm?"

"You said you're okay  not knowing who your father is so you can make him up. So, who is he?" Nix prompted. 

Gracie smiled. "He was one of Dr. Augustine's scientists, a huge nerd. He wasn't an Avatar driver though, but he loved everything Na'vi, like you. So, what'dya think? Am I close? Does he sound like someone you'd fall in love with?"

Did he ever. Nix cracked a smile.  "Sure, maite."

Not even close. But Gracie didn't have to know that. 

The next morning, Nix awoke early, and this time it wasn't because of the sunrise.

It was that time again - not that time of the month, just that time. She had started something, years ago now, and now every once in a while it would return to her.

She felt that longing, that pull, one that had become familiar over the stretch of years, already too strong to ignore or avoid. 

The scientists kept samples of Na'vi and Avatar DNA on hand. A plunge into depression had caused her to access them and make a choice, and since then, she was now forever changed.

Once everyone else woke, Spider and Gracie raced off to meet up with the Sully kids while Nix had work to do.  Norm had given her an extensive list of samples to collect out in the forest and to then bring back to the lab for testing. They were at war now, but life still had to go on in some capacity. 

"Nix? Nix?" Jake's voice scratching over her comms system blasted into her thoughts. 

"Go for Nix."

"What's your location?"

"West of camp, why?"

"We just received an update from Lo'ak: he, Spider, Gracie, Kiri and Tuk have come across some Avatars."

Shit. "Where abouts?"

"By the old shack."

Doubt shit. She hadn't been back there since she had left mid-battle fifteen years ago, and for good reason. 

"I'll head that way, I'm on foot."

"Heading to meet you."

"Copy that."

She hurried as fast as her small limbs would carry her. Thankfully she always carried a rifle with her nowadays whenever she went out to collect samples.

The kids knew they were not supposed to go that way under any circumstances ever. This had been the rule their whole lives, and especially within the last year with the RDA's return. What were they even doing over there anyway? She had a feeling Jake and Neytiri would do the same, but her kids were certainly getting a stern talking to once all this was over. 

The old shack was overgrown and infested, the world around it taking it back. This gave it an eerie, post-apocalyptic quality, but then again, it kind of was. 

And just in front of the shack itself: the AMP suit. It wasn't like they had buried him, no just left him to rot, as he so deserved. The sight of the suit - and the knowledge of who and what was inside - turned her stomach. 

There was no sign of the kids - yet. She didn't know whether this was a good or bad thing. 

Unbeknownst to her, Quaritch's Recom unit had just touched down and entered the area, also on foot and armed.

"Sir, movement up ahead," updated Z-Dog. 

Quartich stepped forward to investigate. A human woman, armed with a rifle and wearing a breathing mask.  Her red hair gave it away. "Phoenix Vallencourt... We'll I'll be damned..."