Grace never ceased to amaze me. I don't know what pushed her to keep going, to pick herself up every time she fell from the Pa'li, or what motivated her to continue learning the Subaiya way. But whatever it was, she remained decided, stable, and firm.
She accepted every teaching with an open mind, leaving behind everything she knew about Pandora as a scientist to learn and live as a Na'vi. Perhaps that was why she progressed so quickly, even surpassing many of the youths in their own training. Or maybe my past life as a university professor helped. Regardless, the important thing was that Grace was ready. In a few days, she would head to the Ayram Alusìng (the Hallelujah Mountains) to complete her rite of passage. Once done, she could choose her own path—though I suspected she had already made up her mind.
So, when I approached her to give the final advice for the journey to the floating mountains, the last thing I expected was for her to come at me with something completely different.
"I want to go to the Omaticaya clan," she told me. And she clearly meant it, because she only gets those "tapioca eyes" when she's exhausted and wants to end the day's training, or when she wants something she knows only I can grant her. Like those visits to the Tree of Voices.
"I haven't been there in months, and neither have you. I'm a teacher to some of the children in the Omaticaya clan. I came here without telling them anything; they must be so worried." I hadn't known that. I understood she was a scientist for the humans and knew much about Pandora because of it, but I didn't realize she was close enough to a clan to be trusted with their children.
But as much as I knew now, I couldn't grant the favor. "Even if I wanted to let you go to the Omaticaya, I can't." Her eyes dimmed, and her expression fell instantly. "You are training in the Subaiya way now. The law that stands above all else is that we have no contact with other clans. If you try to go—especially now, before finishing your rite of passage—you will be considered an enemy of the clan. Every warrior and hunter will come for your head."
I had made that clear from the start, and she had accepted it... well, she didn't have much of a choice. It was that or being killed on sight for trespassing. The point was, she knew the stakes.
Still, I was the son of the clan leaders. Maybe I could pull some strings. What was a little nepotism among family? Anyway. "I'll see what I can do." Seeing hope bloom in her eyes, I cut her off immediately. "I'm not promising anything. Don't expect a 'yes'."
Now, I found myself pacing in front of my parents' great tent. It would be an understatement to say I was hesitant. I could easily be rejected, or worse, scolded just for suggesting we break our oldest and most sacred law.
"Are you coming in or not?!" My father's shout from inside the tent made me jump. Deciding not to stall any longer, I entered.
The cozy interior greeted me. The back wall was lined with weapons—spears, bows, and swords made from Talioang horns. To the right of the weapon rack was a workbench where herbs, shells, and roots were neatly organized. It didn't take a genius to figure out which parent owned what. Me'ra was sprawled over a large wooden structure; the sight made me chuckle, as it looked just like a cat scratching post from my old life.
As for my parents, they were sitting across from each other, working on what I assumed was a ceremonial mantle. "Parents," I greeted them. I approached with confidence and stood behind my father, resting my hands on his shoulders and my chin on his head. This was the old Aleyx's way of being affectionate with Sukai in private, and the habit had stuck since I occupied this body.
"Son," my father said gruffly, not looking up from his weaving. "You almost didn't come in. Even Me'ra was tired of hearing your footsteps at the entrance."
"Well... I was thinking, that's all," I said evasively. I approached my mother and gave her a chaste kiss on the crown of her head. "Leave the boy alone, Sukai," my mother interjected. I thanked her with a wink.
Mao'ra smiled and moved aside, making room for me to sit. "Tell me, how is the Dreamwalker doing? The Gulkan Car'lako mentioned she has made quite a bit of progress."
The mention of Grace made me look up instantly. "She's doing well. She's learned a lot—it's as if she were born for this. It's reached the point where even one of the Angtsìk (Hammerhead Titanotheres) has grown comfortable in her presence."
That revelation made my father raise an eyebrow. Angtsìk were incredibly territorial beasts. Even Palulukan, the fiercest land predators on Pandora, found it difficult to hunt a member of a herd. Knowing that these massive beasts—who only accepted me and, grudgingly, their handlers—let a Na'vi who was a stranger just months ago get close was astounding.
"That is new. She is full of surprises," my father commented, looking pensive. "Yes, she is. And... well, I also had something to tell you." My father narrowed his eyes. "Say it quickly. It's certain that whatever you're asking isn't for yourself; otherwise, you would have said it by now."
"It's about Grace... she wants to go to the Omaticaya clan. she's a teacher to some children there; she has a school. She wants—"
"No."
"But—"
"I said no," my father repeated. Wisely, I shut my mouth. "Go outside, Aleyx. I will speak with your father," my mother said. Without a word, I left the tent and began to pace again.
It wasn't until ten minutes later—or maybe more—that my mother stepped out. "She can go," she said, making me smile. But the smile faded with her next words. "But only after her rite of passage is complete. Furthermore, you will go with her. You will be her eyes and her ears. If she says, shows, or points out anything regarding this clan... eliminate her. I am not playing games with this, Aleyx. You will be the next Olo'eyktan. It is your duty to guard and protect the clan. Your feelings must occupy a much lower level than that. I expect no news indicating otherwise."