Avatar: {Hybrid and Alien]

{68}

The rest of the 'proposal training' was nothing short of very specific.

Asim was taught by Mikhail how to approach the main target, Layontsin, with various methods. The first being the introductory speech of greeting and expressing one's inner thoughts, which Asim still struggled comprehending it with just a slight idea, and then presenting the gift or offering. Mikhail thought that the flowers option which Asim selected would be best for the day. And if it wasn't enough, the slice of meat that was the best for Layontsin. Shaka also contributed later on, suggesting that the flowers were to be placed in a cup and not ripped from its stem. The interesting part was the initializing posture, which was kneeling down and offering the gift while showing out the other hand. In all honesty Asim thought it wasn't a good strategy due to him being in such vulnerable position. Yet Mikhail assured him time and time again that he was going to be alright. So, taking his friend's words, he continued to practice and practice until Asim felt that he got the hang of it.

During the time the group was back home, one time each thought it would be a great idea for them to suddenly go through the rites of passage that the na'vi did with creatures of their choosing. Of course, this brought high levels of concern from both Kentaro and Asim. They discussed that already having the approval from the clan leader was just about enough for them to be part of the clan. Yet, Shaka and Mikhail were bent on going through the rites of passage the same way Asim did so they could experience the exact thing. "Look, I don't know what idea got into your heads all of a sudden, but we are not taking this lightly." Asim said one time to them. "We have to do this. Otherwise we will only be depending on ourselves and not the nature that surrounds us and we call home now. Furthermore, we can't rely on the chopper always as the fuel will eventually be spent, and we are definitely not mining for more materials like the RDA has done." Shaka said as a response. "Yeah. And, I'm pretty excited to have a unique mount like your banshee. Or, even better, a great beast." Mikhail agreed, cracking his fingers. "No. We are definitely not doing that. It's very risky. I only did it because I was desperate for answers and saw the rite of passage as a way to get some of them. It doesn't mean that because I did, so will you guys and come out unscathed." Asim said to them in a stern manner. "I'm up to it. So that I can experience something new instead of just lying here like you guys while working." Emeralda spoke up from the group. "Come on. It's just so that we can try. If it doesn't work, we will leave it at that. Please." Shaka said, placing his palms together in a pleading manner. Seeing that his team would keep pressuring him, and that not letting them at least have one decision for themselves would damage their morale, Asim yielded. "Fine. If it's going to be that way, alright. I, team leader Asim Angus, give you permission to participate in the na'vi rites of passage." Asim sighed, making the group cheer in excitement when they heard the order. Kentaro sighed in defeat as well, seeing that he and Asim were vastly outnumbered and had no choice but to go along. So everyone went to prepare themselves for the trip and for the challenge. Lily also wanted to come along and watch, even to the point of wanting to tame one. Asim allowed her, as he felt that only watching will do her some good so she could learn.

In no time they were ready, and started to head out to the forest.

***

What happened next would be described as miracles happening. Even if Asim knew the reason, he still couldn't believe the immense luck that everyone had.

The first thing that happened when they flew to the place was Shaka and Emeralda going through iknimaya, as Asim showed them, in order to climb up the floating stairway to the banshees' nesting grounds. As expected, both of them had trouble getting a hold on their personal banshees as it took time to find the right ones. And that wasn't the only part that worried Asim. The most dangerous phase was taming them without using a vine to secure the mouth. It made Asim be on edge the entire time one of them started to hold on to the wild banshee to the point of nearly interfering. Yet he did his best to control his nerves and let it play out. As if it happened the same with Asim, surprisingly the banshees calmed down after a moment of struggling to get the pesky humans off from their backs....and let both tame them. The rest couldn't believe what has happened to them when they saw that Shaka and Emeralda managed to tame the flying beasts with their bare hands, and they rejoiced and celebrated when they made sure that their banshees have truly been tamed.