Wildflower

15

┊ ┊ ┊ ┊ ┊ ┊
┊ ┊ ┊ ┊ ˚★⋆｡˚ ⋆
┊ ┊ ┊ ⋆
┊ ┊ ★⋆
┊ ◦
★⋆ ┊ . ˚
˚★

"We are here to celebrate the life and nobility of those who sacrificed themselves for our safety."

Hundreds of Na'vi gathered around the Tree of Souls, all on their knees, arms and torsos waving in synchronization as they pointed their bodies toward their Tsahik and her speech. Liza and her remaining family sat at the front, the only ones still, as they watched the four figures laying at the base of the tree begin their retreat to Eywa. Roots took them over one by one, three Na'vi and one human, glowing leaves and flowers concealing devastating gunshot wounds all over their bodies. It was all Liza could do not to scream again as she watched, the only thing grounding her being Vezo's fingers squeezing hers.

"René Harper, who placed himself directly in harm's way to save our people. Although his body was human, his soul was like ours. From the first time we met to his new beginning, he has shown nothing but kindness and respect for us. To that, we will be forever indebted." Mo'at dipped her first two fingers into a bowl, then smeared a bright green paste on his forehead. Tears spilled down Liza's cheeks relentlessly as she watched this man, who had been a better father to her than she could have ever asked for, become a part of Eywa.

"Anuk, who has been a friend and brother to my daughters for most of their lives. He was a mischievous child, but he has brought us more joy and laughter than anyone. There will be a hole in his place, but we wish him well on his journey back to his roots." Anuk's face, which had always been twisted in a suggestive smirk, looked so young as he became part of the earth. Liza could not bear to look as his skin became soil, hair became grass.

"Neytep. Unafraid, unselfconscious, and bold. His prowess with a spear was admirable, but not more so than his ability to stand up for himself and his family. His bravery was worth singing songs of, and we hope he hears them from the earth." More wood, more leaves. More tears.

Liza couldn't even look at Neytiri as the last name was called. "Sylwanin." Although Mo'at's normally-powerful voice had trembled with the last three names, this one wavered so horribly that it felt as if the very planet was shaking. "My beautiful, strong daughter. I love you beyond words, and I cannot imagine life without you. We will do our best to go forth, as I'm sure you would have told us to, but we will carry with you in our hearts forever. Please, Eywa, take care of her." Sylwanin, looking for once at peace, was slowly usurped into the roots of the tree. With all four victims finally at rest, Mo'at raised her arms for a song, Eytukan joining her. Their strong voices belted out a ballad of mourning, everyone joining in. Neytiri's voice rang clear despite her tears, and Liza couldn't help but feel admiration for her best friend, who was even stronger than she'd ever realized. The world had shifted for them all now, and as the music swelled in the air, Liza could feel it. The change in her voice, in the tether she shared with Grace, Neytiri, Tsu'tey, and especially Vezo. This was the beginning of a much longer fight. And she knew which side she was going to fight on.

And who she was going to fight beside.

After the ceremony, they filed out. Liza turned to Vezo, whose face was just as tear-streaked as hers. "I have to do something, Vezo," she said, and she could tell by his expression that he understood what it was. He nodded, but grabbed her fingers once again.

"You know where to meet me," he said breathlessly. "I love you." He left, not needing to hear her reply to know it was true. With his support, Liza felt more confident as she rushed to catch up with Grace, who'd been the first to leave.

"Grace!" She called out, slowing down as they met. Grace paused, looking at Liza. Her eyes were broken, shattered, but Liza could make out a hint of determined flame in them. She was not giving up. This would not be the end for her.