When a seemingly lifeless boy is saved by a girl.
-
Ma'vona was once a beloved member of the Kame'tire clan, known for their profound understanding of Pandora's flora and unparalleled healing skills. Their expertise was so great that they could heal...
♪ "You don't dream in cryo." by James Horner ♪ ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ Chapter Ten: The Fury Above
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
We moved in perfect unison through the dense, tangled undergrowth of the forest. The once familiar sounds of Pandora's jungle, a comforting backdrop to our every day, now felt different—harsher, more sinister. The rustling of leaves and the distant calls of creatures took on a darker tone, as if the entire forest held its breath, sensing the danger that loomed. A fresh set of oxygen leaves was strapped securely over my face, the delicate veins of the plant expanding and contracting as they filtered the air for me. I could feel the weight of my medical bag hanging from my waist, while my hands gripped my bow tightly. A quiver full of arrows shifted on my back with each calculated step. The darkness seemed thicker here, oppressive, with the towering trees looming like ancient sentinels. Their branches twisted unnaturally, casting long, distorted shadows as if Pandora itself had warped under the weight of the unknown threat.
Every step I took was deliberate, measured, my senses heightened as we navigated the uneven terrain. The forest floor was treacherous, covered in dense foliage that could hide anything—an unseen root waiting to trip us up or a trap laid by unseen enemies. Each breath was controlled, steady, even though my heart beat faster with anticipation. The only sounds were the quiet rustle of leaves and the soft, rhythmic footfalls of the warriors moving silently beside me, their presence a comforting yet fragile shield against the unknown.
Neteyam stayed close, his movements smooth and fluid despite the tension radiating from him. His body was coiled, like a spring ready to release, but his focus never wavered. He held the bow he had received from Txä'vo with practiced ease, the wood still new in his hands. I could see the strain etched into his face, the weight of responsibility pressing heavily on his shoulders. This wasn't just about rescuing Sayura anymore—this was about facing an enemy far more dangerous than we had anticipated, one that lurked not just in the shadows of the jungle but in our fears and doubts.
As we neared the edge of the forest, the dense canopy thinned, revealing the familiar clearing ahead. My eyes traced the contours of the land, recognizing the jagged stone formations that rose like a wall of teeth from the earth, a natural barrier that had once provided some measure of safety. The clearing where Sayura had been injured lay open before us, an expanse of broken stone and twisted vines. My heart clenched painfully at the memory of her, wounded and alone, somewhere out there. Every inch of this space held the weight of what had happened only hours before, and the thought of her suffering gnawed at me.
Txä'vo signaled for the group to halt, his sharp eyes scanning the horizon. "We split into two groups," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper, yet full of command. He gestured to the warriors with quick, decisive movements. "Neteyam and Ma'vona, you take the first group. Find your banshee. I will lead the others and scout for signs of the sky people." His gaze turned stern.
