#avatar frontiers of pandora mokasa

[torukmaktoskxawng]

Mokasa and Anufi

Spoilers for AFoP below:

So he's just her advisor and not olo'eyktan, but he's still someone Anufi trusted wholeheartedly, and not only did he betray her, but he blamed her for something he secretly caused.

I can't wrap my head around such betrayal. I have no idea if they're mates, but Anufi formed tsaheylu with Mokasa to discover the truth about the fate of the Sarentu clan.

(Which only makes me wonder: can you form tsaheylu with other Na'vi and not be mated for life? Like, obviously, the Na'vi babies bond with their mother, but that's about the extent of my knowledge. I thought you could only bond with one other Na'vi your whole life, which made me assume that Mokasa and Anufi were mated. And the way he fell to his knees in front of her when she exiled him. Wow.)

To betray his tsahik and his clan like that, letting their friends, the Sarentu, die. Did he have any friends or family among the Sarentu? How many of them were there that he betrayed to TAP?

Anyway. I was telling my friend as we were watching this scene that the game should allow us to find Mokasa out in the wild after his exile.

Taglist: @mooniequeen @avatar-lover

[savanathema]

Grief

[skxawngonearth]

Frontiers Memes without context

(cut for Spoiler protection)

PS. I don't know how to meme

[bluealienobsesser]

Spoilers for skybreaker dlc

💙

I 100% think they were mates but their relationship went downhill after what happened to the sarentu.

[miramis248]

My take on how Spider and Anufi's relationship would start/be, Spider is such a sweet boy, she would love him very much!

I also know that for Spider, the minute Mokasa's deception is revealed, it's on sight!

Fanart inspired by "Hi, Spider! Welcome to the Resistance!" By CheeseSnack

Gift 🎁 for @anxiousdreamcore

[sutxdreamwalker]

Anufi and Mokasa possibly after the Sarentu vanished

And Okul was conceived right after-

[dilfsyndrome]

Second TikTok post:

⚠️avatar frontiers spoiler?⚠️

Did anyone cry?

I did 😭

[pandoraescape]

Summary: "My Heart is Shaped by My Home." | Medicine/Sickness: Anufi's Story before the death of the Sarentu Clan and what she gained after.

The Clouded Forest began to shine as the morning sun gradually ascended from the night.

Beams of light filtered through the towering Cloud Pine Trees. The forest floor is bathed in a soothing, golden warmth from the light. Provoking Eywa'eveng's creatures to awake from their sleep, their mighty calls echo as they begin their journey across the woodland. It's quiet.

Until the sounds of tapping of wood rang across the woods.

Perched high on the massive branches stood a Na'vi woman. Alone, she continues to use her knife to pierce the bark. She's dressed to match her surroundings, wearing a soft wooden top carved with graceful designs and a fawn loincloth adorned with intricate beads and shimmering stones. Her hair was skillfully braided with many tiny beads, intricately woven to form a striking and elaborate long braid. It swayed to the mild winds as she finally finished her task. She carefully placed her knife at her hip's sheath before reaching into her leather pouch to retrieve a wooden spout. She positioned it securely in the opening. Soon, a thin stream of orange sap began to flow, and the Na'vi quickly attached a woven container to the end of the tube, allowing the tree's sap to drip slowly into it.

"Tsahik Anufi."

The sudden call of her name caught Anufi's attention, prompting her to look down from her spot. Below stood a young Na'vi boy, Siul. He was dressed similarly to Anufi, wearing a loincloth and beads that signified his passage from boyhood to manhood. In his arms, he holds a basket full of Eyethorn seeds. Stepping away from her task, she leaps from the branch and gracefully lands next to the young herbalist. While observing her student, she scrutinized his collected seeds, examining each for quality. She took note of the color, size, and firmness of each seed, all of which appeared to be in excellent condition and at their peak.

"You've collected well, Siul," she said, "These seeds are in good condition for the mixtures for the Sarentu."

Siul's face smiled warmly as he gazed at his teacher. His eyes then shifted upward to the sturdy branch of the punching bag. "How long must we wait to gather the sap from the tree for the healing remedy?" he inquired with genuine curiosity.

"We return at nightfall. By then, we can collect Banquet mushrooms at their prime."

The banquet mushrooms, commonly utilized in culinary dishes, are known for their versatile application in cooking. However, it's worth noting that the stems of these mushrooms possess a wide array of healing properties that can be beneficial for various ailments. These are commonly used mainly as blams and creams for cuts. This is why gathering them in the dark is essential, as they are at their prime by then. Siul nodded, making his way to his Ikran to return home. Anufi stood at the edge of the clearing, her eyes following her student as the young man gracefully took flight and soared towards home. With pride and satisfaction, Anufi made her way through the serene surroundings, reaching the tranquil lakeside. She settled onto a fallen log, relishing a brief moment of respite before she would eventually return to her community. Looking at the water, she smiled at the clear, calm surface and the wild animals drinking. While she was enjoying the view, she heard a noise behind her. Without turning around, she responded happily.

"Ma Love, if that's the best you can to hide yourself, then I'm afraid you'll be in serious trouble. Even Syils would run at your steps."

The stillness of the forest is broken by a sudden rustle of the leaves; Mokasa emerges from the foliage and strides over to join his mate," My steps may be heavy, but my hunting skills are still as sharp as ever for my prey," he remark, his face showing false hurt as he joins her. Anufi chuckled, continuing to stare at the landscapes. A brief silence passed between the two until she spoke, "Why is the Kame'tire's chief advisor here following me rather than with the people?" Mokasa didn't reply at first, gazing at the landscapes. However, the sudden frown on his lips told a different story, one of worry. "The Mokasa I know would never abandon his duties, even when he was young, and follow his father's tail like a shadow," she said, remembering their more youthful years. He was a shy yet contented child who approached his chores with dedication, always eager to assist his parents.

"Can't he not be worried for his Tsahìk?"

"He can. But I sense it is not the only thing on his mind."

The two became silent, allowing the sounds of the forest to fill the air.

"Our hunters saw them near one of the campsites in the north."

Anufi gazes at Mokasa with no emotion, but the flicks of her ears reveal surprise. Since their return, seeing humans in the forest is not new, but they have never ventured close to the other Na'vi cities," Did they do anything?" she asks. Mokasa shook his head, "No, they were simply scouting, most likely to find a new area to build their strange buildings," he explained. Anufi let out a soft, relieved hum, grateful that no one had been harmed during the scouting expedition.

"Are you concerned that they might come to the Hollows?" she questions. It wouldn't be the first time they entered the hallows. A team of five soldiers and two leaders, Alma, a young woman, and a man named John, came to the Hollows to teach the young ones about their world and further connect with each other. After careful consideration, both she and Mokasa sensed that something was amiss. Consequently, despite months of contemplation, they ultimately decided to reject the offer.

"They wanted our children," Mockasa suddenly said, his voice lowered as he growled under his breath. Anufi reached out and took his hand, trying to comfort him as he stared at her, angry and scared.

"They wanted to poison their minds with their destructive ways. Their "Civilized culture," Anufi chose not to offer a response, recognizing Mokase's point of view. However, despite their unconventional behavior, Anufi observed that some humans were not as unkind as Mokase suggested. For instance, Alma always radiated warmth and positivity whenever they interacted. "We've already declined their offer. We are safe, and as long we continue to leave them be, we are safe," she claims. Mokasa still didn't reply, but Anufi sensed hesitation in his eyes. She wanted to ask, but he leaned in to touch his forehead to hers. Allowing their presence to calm each other. Mokasa then lets go of her hand and stands.

"I have matters to return to before returning home. But I'll be quick, and you should return as well."

"I will."

Anufi stands at the edge of the wilderness, watching him fade into the distance, swallowed by the lush greenery. She turns her gaze back to the tranquil water, then lifts her eyes to the expansive sky above. Inhaling deeply, she savors the serene atmosphere that surrounds her.

"Anufi! Nefika!"

Anufi's eyes flutter open, and she is transported from her familiar home to the heart of the plains. She stands atop a hill, gazing out at the breathtaking expanse of the Zewa, where vibrant, clear lands stretch as far as the eye can see. Nefika, Aranahe's greatest weaver and friend, stands next to her as they greet their young Sarentu, who runs towards them with a smile.

"Ma'yawntu! I should have known you would be eager to compete," Nefika said, smiling at the young girl. "Planning to fling yourself from these cliffs?"

" I will, if you will."

Nefika's laughter echoed heartily as she looked at the girl, while Anufi's face lit up with a warm smile as she watched the interaction between them. "Child! The Great Games are best as a spectator sport, if you ask me. And you should sit here, with us. Share the zangka."

" I think our Sarentu friend is after something a little more exciting than our old stories," Anufi rebutted.

The Sarentu gives her a smile," Actually, we were hoping you'd help us with the mural. The one to celebrate the Games?"

"They have started that already, have they? Come, then! Let us see what we can salvage," Nefika begins her descent back to the Games, leaving the Sarentu and Anufi alone. Anufi gazes at the girl intently as she speaks.

" I competed myself in the last Games. So long ago, yet the memories are fresh," Anufi fondly recalls the vivid memories of her time in the games, reflecting on her youthful exuberance as she smiles and immerses herself in the joy of spending time with her fellow Na'vi. She cherishes the moments spent playing with the Zakru, feeling the softness of the grass beneath them as they indulge in carefree activities. "I feel now as though I am that girl again. Full of energy and hope." As she continues, a sudden wave of sadness washes over her, enveloping her in a heavy, melancholic embrace. "She did not know darkness. We will make new memories now."

The Sarentu tenderly rests a comforting hand on her shoulder, offering the healer a warm smile before embracing her gently, "I know we will. And it will be better than the last," She said, her voice filled with sadness and a sense of happiness for a better future. The Sarentu slowly pulls away, its engine rumbling softly as it retreats, leaving Anufi alone on the hill's edge. Anufi gazes wistfully back at the vibrant, sprawling lands of the Heartlands, her eyes lingering on the distant horizon. As a gentle breeze ruffles her hair, she inhales deeply, feeling the crisp air fill her lungs, and then exhales slowly, gathering her resolve. With a determined expression, Anufi begins to make her way down the hill to rejoin the others, her footsteps steady and purposeful.

Na'vi Words Used:

Meer Deer-Syil

Archive of our own Version

[pandorafallz]

Ashes in her wake | C2

Alma sipped slowly from her cool cup of herbal tea, her head still feeling foggy and tired but far better than she had been in the last couple of days since waking up after her transfer. Her body was healing well, according to Okul who had been tending to her more often and had the singular daily visit from Anufi to verify all was on track. Her visits were often very short.

Her burns were still bad and had another week to heal with dressing before she’d have to let it breathe and heal for a few days without, and her broken rib was still healing. It was estimated to be about two weeks before she’d be able to be more physically adventurous. A human bone, or rib, would take over a month to heal but Na’vi and Dreamwalker bodies were more resilient and coupled with efficient Na’vi medical treatments, the time was far shorter. The bruises looked bad but healing around the edges now. Most of the stitches from the debris had been removed this morning so she was feeling a little drained from that experience.

She had been left to rest in a quiet area of the Hollows, away from the people and she was thankful for the privacy when possible. She had been resting mostly when children would try and sneak in before their parents quickly pulled them away. Alma knew why; they had never seen a Dreamwalker before. Innocent souls with vast curious minds but she often remained posed as asleep so as to not make it awkward.

Still, the privacy had its… odd lonely tendencies when Okul wasn’t around so she kept herself occupied when not asleep with a few simple tasks, like spinning flax which was the easiest thing to do in her current state. Before Raj had joined the resistance on the second visit, Alma had to make or alter her own clothes for her avatar, a skill she had picked up after her first meeting with the Aranahe but she was no expert. She had learned it mostly to talk to the weavers and to get to know the clan better but it didn’t last. Spinning she could do, sorting fibres and combing it was another so it filled the hours without being too adventurous.

At least the tea was good. It helped bring down the swellings since. Her threadwork was set aside for now as she rested.

“<Dreamwalker,>” Okul appeared around the entryway quite cheerfully with a new set of bowls. “<I have brought food. Anufi is back. I believe she’ll join us soon so, while we wait, you should eat. A full belly is a happy one.>” They set the bowls down, simple meat and mushroom stew and took one to eat themselves to sip.

“<Thank you.>” She set her tea down, shifting the blanket from her legs and slowly reached forward and pulled it towards her, inhaling the savoury scent that drifted up.

“<How did you sleep? Resting well?>”

Alma took a hearty sip, chewing down slowly on a large piece of white mushroom with a stilled expression. “<Not really. Small dozing is dreamless.>” Fragments of memory always seemed to resurface at night although it was mostly Nor’s stabbing of her that replayed often, leaving her waking up at odd times shivering with phantom sensation down her right side. Resting during the day gave her some reprieve but… it hadn’t helped clear her head. She was fine. She could handle it.

It took years to stop seeing the Moot in her nightmares. Life had been easier once that had stopped. Something else now just took its place. She was sure Okul might have something to induce a dreamless sleep but that was a question for later.

“<Ah,I suppose that is still expected.>” Okul didn’t sound surprised, “<It has only been six days since…>” They trailed off but they both knew their implication.

“<I am aware.>” Her hand came to her side, not touching over the dressing too hard. “<how is the clan? It’s been very quiet. Only one child seemed to wander in earlier.>”

“<Very busy with the resistance. I don’t know too much myself but it seems very big and the Zeswa are very unhappy since the sky people brought down the celebration arches—>”

Alma almost choked on her stew, her eyes widening in alarm as she stiffened up. “<The RDA brought down the arches?!>”

Okul blinked in surprise at her outburst. “< A terrible event but the site was shut down by our Sarentu friend, they were there and saw it happen. The Upper Plains should not be attacked again with such horrible machines.>”

“<Is.. is she okay?>”

“<Of course, the Sarentu is a very good warrior. I do not know what has happened since but do not worry.>” Okul said, very firm in their belief and assurance.

Alma’s heart hammered before she forced herself to take a steady breath. Because… like it or not, she knew Kìoetey was a good warrior and no doubt had it handled and she didn’t doubt her skills but… she worried. Perhaps it was the maternal side of her that never had much of a chance to bloom due to Mercer’s interpersonal restrictions between her and the kids (and other personal reasons). Kìoetey was fine, they said.

Still. The Arches collapse was no small event either; the Zeswa were probably foaming at the mouth for revenge. At least The Resistance had all the tools to help warn and aid the Zeswa in achieving it without it turning into a one-sided slaughter against the Na’vi. Maybe she could help once she was cleared by Anufi somehow?

“<Relax. You’ll hurt yourself.>” Okul’s hand touched her wrist, reminding her of her bowl before she sat back with a huff.

“<I... I should be allowed to return to the Resistance now. I can probably be more helpful there than here.>” She could actually talk to So’lek and her people again. Socialise, even. It’d be pleasant to talk to them and she was sure a shared task would make it easier. She didn’t doubt the spread of gossip but it was probably worth the trip.

“<You’re not healed. You’d hinder them more than help in your current state, Alma.>” Okul said

“<I… I have to do something. I am part of the resistance.>”

“<You are doing something. Resting.>” Okul stated, “<You cannot fight and you have the concentration of a child and the sleeping pattern of a baby. I don’t believe you’ve fully realised the extent of what truly happened to you. It’s not quite there.>” They tapped their temple.

Alma shot them an annoyed look. “<My head is getting better.>”

“<Better does not mean healed. You’ve endured a significant trauma to not only this body but to your spirit; your spirit must rest to heal from being severed from your sky-people body and replanted into this. A few more days at the least before we can consider allowing you to roam free as a Meer deer. A sick or separating spirit can lead to never waking up. Are you willing to risk such a possibility?>”

“Ugh.” Alma groaned into the bowl, taking a less heartfelt glug but there was clearly no way to convince the Tsakarem here to allow her out. Their heart and mind was clearly set. At least the food was nice.

Okul sighed deeply. “<I know you are anxious to return but you must think of yourself as well. Once you’re done eating, I can show you where to put the threads you’re spinning to use.>”

Alma threw a glance at her basket but begrudgingly nodded. “<Okay.>”

She supposed it would be useful to know more things if she was going to be like this for another few days. She had no idea where her clothes were so she was given a spare waistcloth and top for the meantime which took some getting used to but she looked forward to returning for her old clothes. Maybe Raj could help her get something together as well? Increase her wardrobe. She’ll see, she supposed.

Alma eyed Okul’s clothing for a moment, on what inspiration she could draw from them, however, her curiosity piqued as she noticed the strap around their chest. She had seen them before, but… they did look good; very well crafted.

“<Those bottles you have on you, did you make those bottles yourself?>” She hadn’t seen many Na’vi wear them so… maybe that was more worth learning about as well.

Okul looked down to their chest, where the string lay crossed to their left side. They hummed curiously and pulled out forward. “<This interests you?>”

“<Yes, our bottles are made of glass or metal. I’d love to learn more of this… if you’d show me>”

Okul hummed far more cheerfully, their eyes lighting up excitedly. “<I’ll get the supplies. This will be fun>”

-

Okul was a good teacher, and it burned through time as they let her craft with them but she had only made one successful bottle, made from Meer Deer horn, twine and various plant saps that were heated at a few different temperatures to achieve different goals, such as waterproofing, glue and means of sealing the bottle of leaks. All fascinating.

She was quite proud of her bottle, just smaller than her palm but she let Okul fill it with some painkilling medicine so she painted a cross on its front in green paint with her little finger since it was the only colour on hand.

“<What is that symbol?>” Okul asked as she set it to dry.

“<It’s a Cross symbol. Sometimes religious in a human context but a red cross is a human symbol of healing, impartial humanitarian care and neutrality. Earth has a group devoted to care and this symbol is used to signify It.>” Alma explained, “<The group does not exist on Pandora so a cross, regardless of colour is more generic and often found on our medical packs to simply signify medical aid.>”

“<Fascinating.>”

“<If you’re curious, Kìoetey might show you where they are in abandoned sky people camps. I noticed she carries the gel packs from the kits for and from her missions.>”

“<Perhaps. I did not realise symbols like this carried weight.>”

“<Humans have had a written language for thousands of years, the symbols we have on boxes are often text to describe the group who owns them, the weight and size, the content and potential hazards>” Alma explained, “<I should probably draw out the symbols if you continually poke at sky people stuff… so you don’t hurt yourself.>”

“<I doubt that will be necessary but I appreciate your suggestion.>” Okul declined but finished up with the thread and took the bottle from her hands and showed her how to wrap the bottle and secure it. Hot wax was used to hold it into place before it was returned.

“<Thank you.>”

Alma slowly helped clear up with Okul, wincing a few times as she did so and Okul carried the tray away before she was left alone. Her fingers playing with her bottle, debating on if it was worth taking another nap because she was feeling tired now. The craft session had been fun but now… she was drained.

She sighed deeply, moving back into the blankets on the floor and lay back…

…

…

“<Alma. It is time for you to wake up. >”

The noise was abrupt, pulling her mind from the blissful dark within a couple of moments, her resting heart picking up quickly and her eyes snapped open to the hazy few of someone leaning over her. She groaned, blinking rapidly and rubbed her eyes before she realised it was Anufi.

Anufi was looking tenser than she had seen her before but clearly ready for something. She handed over a vial. “<Drink, this will provide you more energy.>”

Alma blearily held it, taking note of the tear-shaped bottle and tasselled stopper before she pulled the top off and down it. The taste was bitter and salty, but she felt the immediate surge of energy; her sleepy mind sharpened and her heart seemed to pick up fast within her chest. “Woah…”

Anufi’s head tilted, her hand coming to her chest first to feel her heart then pulled her hand up to the slight shake the new energy was giving her. Not quite like an adrenaline shot but it certainly felt like it. “<I should have allowed only half, I didn’t realise you’d absorb it so quickly. My apologies.>”

“<I’m a rapid metaboliser… the effect may wear off sooner than usual>” She had that as a human too but it was only ever prominent when drinking coffee… or back when she had an epidural for the C-section. She was surprised Anufi hadn’t clocked on sooner but… she supposed the daily visits weren’t enough to see. Okul knew given how many times they upped her medicinal tea strength the last week.

“<Then take a moment. The Sarentu are here and I feel your spirit is settled within this form enough to share your memories with them.>”

“<What? Today?!>” Alma couldn’t shake the alarm in her voice. “<I thought I had more time…>” She suddenly felt under prepared. Surely there was a few more days or hours for her to get mentally geared for this.

“<There is much happening that you do not know of and the Sarentu have waited long enough.>” Anufi said, not uncaring but stern in her words. “<I am not asking you, either. I did not tell you earlier so as not to get you too riled with anxiety or attempt to escape.>”

Alma swallowed thickly, her gaze dropping. “<I wouldn’t have run>” Not just on the basis of having a broken rib that was still healing but she couldn’t do that to the kids. The truth was coming out and she accepted that… just not suddenly and then and there. It was suddenly very overwhelming.

“<I can’t know that. You kept them in the dark for sixteen years and asleep for fifteen more. You have not been honest.>”

Alma sighed deeply and slowly scrambled out of her blankets, pulling her waistcloth straight as well as her top, her side aching uncomfortably so she kept her hand pressed softly to the dressing. Her tail didn’t settle and swished continually as she nodded for Anufi to lead the way; best to get this over with, right?

The stares were lingering, burning as she passed the people and some, she was glad did not notice her as they were too busy with their own work. She was led down and out of the main left-side structure and down past Heykinak who was crafting a new bow.

“<… is Anufi really letting a Dreamwalker into the Circle of Ancestors?>” A Kame’tire whispered of soft disapproval to her friend. “<It’s not right.>”

Alma stamped down her feelings in regards to that and instead focused ahead to see both Kìoetey and Ri’nela waiting close to the whispering Greatcaps.

Both looked a little mentally preoccupied but Kìoetey was crouched and content. Ri’nela was pacing a little, not so at peace but both turned their way at their entry into the circle. A few woodsprites bouncing close.

Kìoetey spared a look at her then away, then sharply back as if suddenly recognising her. “Alma?” She asked, her eyes dropping down to take her in fully. “You’re wearing Na’vi clothes?”

Alma’s arms came and wrapped around her chest, feeling a little self-conscious at the attention. “I didn’t have my clothes coming here. It was this or my underwear.” She felt the heat flood her ears and cheeks. At least her hair was the same.

“Ah,” Kìoetey nodded, “I forgot about that. Sorry, I should have asked So’lek or someone to bring some down.”

“That doesn’t matter right now,” Ri’nela spoke, drawing their attention. “<Now is the time for answers.>”

“<Indeed. Connect with Eywa, all who wish to see. I will stand by should you need me>” Anufi said, offering a space near the mushroom.

Alma’s stomach churned with dread and anxiety as she knelt by the strand of the Greatcaps, cool to touch with her fingers as she pulled it towards her, her other hand finding her kuru slowly but she found herself staring.

A hand touched her shoulder, almost burning but there was a soft squeeze. “<No more stalling.>”

“<I know…>” but she was scared. She knew she must tell this truth but… what would come of it.. she had no idea. Of course, she knew it’d only be worse if she kept finding reasons not to do this; the Sarentu wanted their answers. She couldn’t hide it forever.

Alma took a final breath before she let the end of her kuru curl around before she felt the familiar wash of white….

Then the next she found herself standing in the middle of a forest tunnel. Familiar in terms of a path once walked; the tunnels of the moot site. Eywa’s construct to house her memories in this visits to transverse rather than jumping to memory after memory. Allowing an ease of observation. Her memory was hazy but clearing the longer she stood there. Distant memories she had tried to suppress seemed to bubble and settle in the conceptual forest around her and waiting for her steps.

Them. Their steps

She wasn’t alone but she could feel Ri’nela and Kìoetey behind her close.

“Why is it dark?” Ri’nela asked. Her voice rang in her ears.

“I suppressed a lot of my memory,” Alma admitted. “I... I wanted to lock it away. From myself. From you.”

“To make it easier for you?”

“Guilt and shame will do that. It was my coping method. Now it all lies ahead of me.” She stared down the tunnel but found the strength to move and take the first few steps. “I know I have to show you the truth.”

The tunnel seemed so long and yet, she soon found herself at the first scene she had seen of the clan, the people so happy dancing around the fire and she felt… surge of memory resurface from the dark, the blue haze lightening with colour that made the two behind her gasp as she saw their people move and dance, the echoing drums.

“I’m starting to remember… back then, I was so thrilled at the idea of meeting the Sarentu. What that could have meant for us… me. I told myself we were doing a good thing but… that’s not how it ended.”

Ri’nela stepped forward before their vision was swamped with a new vision, flooding with the scene from the ship above. Watching from the outside, she saw the ship of soldiers; herself clinging on with uncertainty.

“This is where Mokasa told me to find the Sarentu but—”

“Hey,” Mercer’s tone was sharp, cutting her hesitant statement short. “No time for cold feet, now.”

“We’re just talking to them.” Her memory counterpart echoed, her tail lashing softly, “Do we need this many soldiers.”

“This is our last chance. They’re too primitive to understand what we can do for their children.”

Memory Alma looked more swayed at the latter of that statement, “It’s for the children…” her tone far softer.

“Exactly!” Mercer jumped onto that, “ Just think about what we can achieve. Finally.”

Airily, Memory Alma nodded, “We’re helping them. They’ll see it. In time…” Trying to sound hopeful.

The scene returned back to the clearing of dancing and celebrating Sarentu, but she couldn’t look at them as she led the way through. “It used to be beautiful here.” Alma said, “Then we came.”

Kìoetey tapered off a little to look at the group of children… then to paintings on the rocky wall. “That mural… I’ve seen it before. The colours are so vivid…”

Alma didn’t linger but her eyes came to the foggy shapes of humans, armed and the distant sound of their echoing, breaths that rasped through their mask filters.

The two Sarentu needed no context as to why they were there so they walked silently through these stilled moments. Dread settling in her stomach at what was next, the dark was heavy but she had little choice but to move on towards the clearing. Then they were lurched into a horrific scene.

“No! What are you doing?!” Memory Alma screamed out, amongst the soldiers who fired on the Sarentu. Bodies fall every few seconds from the flickers of metal. “Let me talk to them!”

“Don’t let them run!” Harding’s voice echoed the loudest. “We can’t find them in the forest”

“<Please, stop running! Don’t fight them!>” Memory Alma spoke in Na’vi as if that would stop the shooting. Two more Sarentu fell behind, fires no longer in control and spilling out…

“Harding. No one gets out.” Mercer called.

Memory Alma continued to look out at the scene in horror, helpless.

Then they were back… but the dancing scene they had started off was now a scene of death. Bodies laid as they fell.

Her mouth felt dry, a temporary numbness settling in which allowed her to speak. “I... I always said I didn’t know. But I did.” She admitted, leading on over the bodies because they could not stay here. “I hungered for glory… recognition at any cost. But our dream started with a massacre.”

She walked past the barrels of toxic chemicals, used to cover up and dissolve the bodies. Hide the evidence from the outside world. But the next and last clearing had her falter a little… little Aha’ri in her Sarentu clothing, crouching down in front of Colonel Harding… terrified and traumatised to have witnessed her clan’s demise. Her own mother’s death.

“No, Aha’ri…” Alma whispered with regret. She took a heavy breath to carry on, the guilt and the grief of her actions felt so tight around her ribs and threatened to choke her. “I had to focus on you. The children. Protect you… but now I know we’re the ones you needed protection from. We… We wanted our school. Our program. So we stole you. Your clan tried to stop us… so we killed them.” There was no denying her part in it. “My human death is no absolution to the crimes we committed here. I understand that…”

Memory Alma was kneeling now, almost defeated amongst the horror of the unexpected death and destruction. “The Na’vi will never forgive us. Never.”

“The Na’vi will never know,” Mercer said, cold as ever.

Memory Alma’s head bowed in shame, her shoulders sinking down.

“Here, take this.” Harding’s voice was bored.

 Memory Alma turned to see and her attitude changed to something soft as she rose carefully to Aha’ri who was more or less pushed her way. “Don’t worry, little one.” She pulled the girl close as if to shield the six-year-old’s view of the burning and death around. “I’ll protect you.” The loudest sound was the little doll Aha’ri dropped onto the grass…

She found herself back out of the memory, lingering for a moment before she felt Ri’nela and Kìoetey disappear from the memory… the clearing. Leaving her alone without a word. She swallowed thickly before she felt the grass under her real body return and the other hand touch hers…pulling her hand and kuru away.

The scene around was replaced by the Circle of Ancestors… Anufi stepped back to allow her space.

Alma’s head turned but she had no words to speak as the two Sarentu looked at each other, tears in their eyes but there was more to it. No words needed to be spoken as Kìoetey rose to her feet, jaw tensing and loosening. Ri’nela was quick to follow but first to leave with clenched fists and nothing said.

“K-Kìoetey…” Alma tried, her voice cracking.

“No.” Kìoetey shut her down instantly, not even looking at her before she more or less stormed from the circle…

Alma stared before she ducked her head, regret once again filling her stomach.

“Come, back to rest in quiet; they need time to comprehend what they have seen.” Anufi was stern, pulling her up to her feet but she had no strength to fight her on it; to try and chase after and explain but… her head felt funny. The energy she had had was fading fast and she felt the new dregs of tiredness behind her eyes.

“<Are-Are you gonna see too?>” She asked, allowing herself to follow.

“<Not today. I have seen enough pain and death. Hear me when I say this, do not mistake the care we provide as anything less than duty. As you’re part of the resistance, you’re an ally of Kame’tire and privileged, despite the blood on your hands.>”

Which as Alma understood, was the only reason she was still not shoved out into the cold like Mokasa. They held the same crime but Anufi knew the connections were thin between the human side of the Resistance and the clan; she was treading carefully to not snap those bonds when they needed them. A political move, so to speak. Mokasa on the other hand had no ties to protect him.

“<When can I go? Return to the resistance?”

“<Tomorrow>”

Alma nodded. “<Okay.>” She had time to plan her next course of action. She hoped Anqa would pick her up otherwise it was going to be a very long walk.

[thetombedspirit]

Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora - Sky Breaker: WARNING: SPOILERS!!!

1. Getting to run alongside the Zakru on Pa'li was the bomb. My GOD! THEY ARE MASSIVE!!

2. My son has made friends 💙 he's even hanging with Nopsi (a zakru!!!)

Nopsi loves him!!

3. My favourite old ladies are back!! (Love Nafiki calling Anufi darling!): side note, I ship it!

4. Ri'nela really coming into the Storyteller part of being Sarentu!

5. Mokasa's back. And he still has the balls to play victim here. Tried coming at Alma and throwing my mother's name in my face as if he wasn't the reason Alma even knew about them in the first place. Ugh! This bitch!

6. Oh don't mind me, just admiring my giant babies as I make them feel pretty💙

7. It's offical guys. Teylan is our little Anti-Gremlin 💙

(Dammit, no more photos!!)

8. The Games were so fun!! My favorite's the horseback archery challenge! And how does Eetu get to places so quickly!?!🤣

9. Teylan rode a pa'li. The both of them were terrified 😂 don't worry buddy, you'll get there!

10. The RDA are back, they seem to be taking special interest in Anufi and Alma. Guess they're not happy she's back in the driver seat as the Kame'tire's leader.

11. Was not expecting us to be knocked out for several days. Thankfully, it seems the core cast is okay. Mokasa is shooketh over Alma pulling him out of the rubble. Still a dick though.

12. They literally made a Valkyrie crash just to take out as many Na'vi as possible. Assholes.

The poor Zakru were either killed in the blast or fled in the chaos, Nesim is furious (rightfully so) and Harding's back.

13. Anufi and Alma have been kidnapped and Teylan confirmed that the brainscap machine could give someone brain damage and kill em, basically meaning that Spider could have literally died hadn't Quaritch pulled him out.

14. Was freaking out so bad during the NeroSect bit that I only got Alma out by 20 secs. And Harding was drowning Anufi in oxygen!?! WTF!!!

Also, Mokasa came in clutch, saving us at the last minute! But he got shot. Yikes.

15. Okay, maybe I get why people felt Harding's death was lackluster, but it certainly wasn't easy, so I don't know what people were talking about there.

But maybe just a cutscene of her crawling toward us with a pistol to give us that final farewell would be notch.

16. Mokasa finally takes responsibility for his actions toward the Sarentu and the Kame'tire and even has a moment of understanding with Alma. He rests with Eywa now.

17. It's over now. All those that remained of TAP are gone, so all that's left is the Secret of the Spires, DLC. And it makes me wonder who that have planned for the big bad. Surely Nor is gonna make a return, but I doubt he is gonna be the bad guy.

Pros; loved everything.

The new legendary tier weapons and gear, the development of the characters (my baby boy Teylan has grown so much) the colours of the Heartlands animals was stunning (pa'li could have been better) and the upgrade skills bonus was a clever way to spend the points you keep racking up (though that stops when you spend a final 5 points every skill bubble)

Cons; Glitches

There were a lot more glitches this time around. First, one of the Contributions Baskets isn't working and it's ironically the main camp one. I've given it like 20 seeds already and still nothing.

And then there was a tremor machine that was freaking out one of the runaway Zakru, but when I went to hack it to turn it off, nothing happened? Only when I blew it up with a grenade arrow did it work. Or maybe that was just me being a stup 😋

Either way, I loved everything about this DLC, glitches aside and it was a good addition to the Sarentu story and I can't wait to see what happens next.

And I'm almost finished with my Sarentu OC, so stay tuned for that. Buh-bye!!

[frogletscribe]

A:FoP Sky Breaker DLC Thoughts...

Alright so i finished the main story of the DLC and have let my thoughts cook for a minute. This is just some of my thoughts/opinions overall. I will have to do a separate post for my more intense thoughts because I managed to actually hit the character limit and I wasn't even halfway through everything (i didn't even know tumblr had one of those and I've been on here for over a decade)

Spoilers for Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora Sky Breaker DLC under the cut.

The opening? Gorgeous. Amazing. Fantastic. Obsessed with the little cut scene of our Sarentu on their Ikran. I am in love. I was really pleasantly surprised to see Kin right off the bat too! Thats my grandpa, i love him! And then walking with the Zakru and getting to hear other NPCs talking was really nice. I loved the banter about So'lek.

Getting into the main games camp was visually very pretty but confusing. I got lost immediately (distracted by the wandering Zakru) and accidently came in from the back? and then proceeded to not be able to find anything or anyone. I kept getting turned around and winding up back with Etuwa and Ka'nat. I did eventually find everyone else but it was a struggle.

Was Eetu only there at the very start??? He was hanging out with So'lek and having a very cute banter and then as everything progress he completely disappeared. Sosul too for that matter. It made me a little worried when he wasn't there after a while bc it felt like almost all the other key npcs got at least a small cameo in other quests but not Eetu? I got paranoid he died but also i think hes an important enough NPC that someone else would have said something if that was the case. I guess i just wanted more of him in general. (Im biased/delusional and ship him with my Sarentu, i will take literally anything)

Theres also a smaller moment, walking around where Teylan calls and starts talking about Nor, about how he would have loved the games, that really got me. For a second i actually thought Nor might come back later in the story, but given how things went it makes sense that he wouldnt. I do really hope that Nor shows up in the next DLC because I really need closure for him. He deserves to see and be a part of what his fellow Sarentu are building and to heal from all the hurt he has been through.

Can the Zeswa PLEASE catch a break? 😭 First the arches are collapsed, then Pasuk, now this?? I need this to be the last big bad thing that happens to them for a while.

More So'lek all the time please! I love him. I loved his role in the over all story and how he helps us throughout the final mission. He is the reason i am desperate for a romance in this game, but i can't have that so i'll just have to write it myself fhdjskghfs

I will be making a separate post about my thoughts on everything with Alma and Mokasa.

With the last of TAP (more or less) gone now, I'm really curious about the next DLC and the general future of Frontiers. Secrets of the Spires comes out in Fall, which is rapidly approaching, but i doubt we will hear anything until like September at the earliest. I think I remember hearing about a new clan in the new area for that one?? (Could be wrong though) Im really curious what the plot for that one is gonna be now that Mercer and Harding are gone.

Hopefully we will see Nor again. I'm kinda also hoping for a movie cameo? like Norm or Max showing up? We got an audio cameo of Ardmore, i think it'd be cool to see some friendly faces or at least audio for one of those guys. I don't think we will get a Jake cameo but i would lose my mind if we did lol.

Im also really hoping that theres more content coming in the future? More DLC or comics or something cause AFoP is the only thing keeping me sane when it comes to Avatar Brainrot rn.

[nattikay]

ok, so here’s the Avatar addendum @arcadia-trash

So, I can understand why on a very surface level some people think Avatar falls into the “humans are bad” camp: after all, the main antagonists, the RDA, are a human faction. But I disagree. Avatar is absolutely saying that greed and apathetic overconsumption are harmful, and yes the group that representing those ideas happens to be a group of humans, but I don’t think it’s saying that all humans are inherently Like That, and it certainly isn’t advocating for human extinction. Yes, they force the RDA to leave, but emphasis on RDA, not humanity as a whole. The humans who were willing to respect Pandora were allowed to stay.

Speaking of which, if you actually look at all the named human characters, at least half of them…are actually part of the good guys. Jake, Grace, Norm, Max, Trudy, Spider…all humans who disagree with the RDA’s actions (sometimes right off the bat, sometimes after a character arc) and fight back against it. Frontiers of Pandora even gives us a semi-organized human Resistance of RDA defectors who have become disillusioned with the corporate propaganda and are fighting back.

Even among the actual bad guys there’s some variation. Selfridge, for example, certainly doesn’t respect the Na'vi, but also doesn’t seem to want to actively harm them…buuuuut ultimately prioritizes profit above all else. Quaritch, on the other hand…he’s actively itching for a fight, he sees the Na'vi not merely as an obstacle to the operation like Selfridge does, but as The Enemy. Both are bad, don’t get me wrong, but Quaritch’s villainy is more actively malicious, whereas Selfridge’s is more just…apathetic.

Then there’s kinda gray characters like Ian Garvin, the marine biologist. He does go along with the tulkun hunts (because doing so is the only way the RDA allows him to conduct his research), but he absolutely abhors the practice and turns to alcohol to cope with the guilt.

Avatar isn’t saying “humans are bad”, it’s saying “greed/overconsumption is bad” and use a corrupt faceless megacorporation as the vessel to represent those ideas. Not every human is aligned with the RDA, several of them actively hate the RDA and what it stands for.

I think the reason it sometimes feels like “humans bad, Na'vi good” is that while the human characters are a pretty mixed bag of good guys vs. bad guys, so far we’ve only really met good Na'vi (in the films at least), so there’s an imbalance there.

I do think this is something that will change in the future: we know that movie 3 is supposed to introduce us to a darker side of the Na'vi, and some of the non-film canon has shown us more questionable characters already: the comics give us Ateyo and Artsut, who attempt to assassinate Jake and frame their innocent son for it, and FoP gives us Mokasa, who sold out the Sarentu to the RDA, enabling their genocide.

There’s also the factor of that deleted scene from the first movie where Grace talks about how the Na'vi don’t have a word for “lie” and that they had to learn about the concept from us. Personally I’m very glad this scene was deleted because yeah that would definitely push into the boundaries of “humans bad, Na'vi good”…but, again, deleted scene, so it looks like they changed their minds there. plus while it’s true that the Na'vi language has no single noun or verb that directly translates to “lie” the concept is still extremely easy to express, plus they DO have words for steal, kill, betray, etc

and also the idea that the Na'vi would be incapable of even understanding the concept of deceit until the humans came in is lowkey insulting to their intelligence so um yeah deleted scene is deleted moving on

BUT yeah. Just because we haven’t seen much of the Na'vi being bad (in the movies) yet does not necessarily imply that they’re incapable of it or that they’re Just Better Than Humans the way Sweet Tooth treats the hybrids; in the case of Avatar it’s less a difference between species and more a difference between culture. Na'vi culture (at least, the ones we’ve seen thus far) values balance and honor, whereas RDA culture (which, again, not every human agrees with) values only power and money. There’s no special genetic factor that makes the Na'vi especially virtuous, they simply live in that sort of culture with those sort of beliefs—beliefs that any sapient species is capable of adopting.

Lastly, speaking of Na'vi vs humans, you might say, “but several of the Na'vi hate the ‘sky people’ and want them to go away!! Doesn’t that fall under ‘humans bad’?”

Well, not really. Yes, several of the Na'vi do detest the sky people, but can you really blame them given all the crap the RDA has done?

Like, let’s imagine the situation in reverse. Say a hyperadvanced alien civilization, let’s call them the Glorks, came down to Earth one day because they discovered we had a rare resource that they wanted. The main Glork Hypership shows absolutely no respect for this primitive species—I mean, they haven’t even discovered quantum string hyperflux amirite!—and when they discover a particularly rich deposit of their coveted resource under New York City, they bomb the whole place to the ground.

……yeah, I don’t think anyone would blame humans for hating the Glorks and wanting them to get the crap off our planet and go back to their own!!

Does that mean Glorks as a species are inherently evil? No. Maybe there are good Glorks who were horrified by the Hypership’s actions. But it’s still understandable that most humans want the Glorks to buzz the heck off.

…yeah that’s how the Na'vi generally view the “sky people”, and understandably so.

buuuuuut that doesn’t make this a “humans bad” story because just because many of the Na'vi dislike humans doesn’t mean the narrative presents them as universally uniquely evil. We the audience still see both the good and bad side of the humans and root for the good guys, just like in any other story.

of course, there’s still three more movies on the horizon, so it is certainly possible that Avatar might end up pulling a Sweet Tooth and get more nihilistic with the fate of humanity by the end of the saga. And if it does that, I will again be very disappointed.

But so far at least, I don’t think that’s been the message. A human faction happens to be the villains, but the story is not claiming that greed etc. is unique to nor inherent to humans as a species.

I just finished the last season of Sweet Tooth on Netflix, I gotta vent a little, warning that this post probably won't be everyone's cup of tea but I gotta say it somewhere. [there be spoilers for anyone who may care about that]

so I've been pretty invested in this show since the first season; yeah, some of the acting is pretty corny and some of the effects look a tad clunky (hello awkward Bobby puppet), but I still enjoyed the characters well enough and wanted them to succeed and also, hey, I'm a simple woman, show me cute animal-people and I'm hooked.

But....I've gotta admit that I really didn't care for the ending. Within the last three episodes of the show they pivot from "we've gotta find a cure for this virus to save humanity" to "actually on second thought humans are the REAL disease and their extinction is the cure" which........ewwwwwwww, no dude, keep your cringe nihilism to yourself k thx

And yeah, in the end they do stop the virus so the remaining humans can survive for a while longer, but all babies are still born as hybrids meaning "humanity" is going to die off within the next 80 years or so anyways.

and they try to dress this up as a great mercy, and they say oh, yeah humans have some good in them but it always comes with Bad, unlike the hybrids who got all the Good in humanity but also they're Better because they're part animal so all the Bad will die off with the humans and hybrids will live in peace forever and I'm sorry but I call bullcrap

Animals are not these great bastions of altruism and morality. Animals rape. Animals steal. Animals kill. Animals cannibalize. Animals eat prey alive.

Even the "oh but humans are greedy and want to take everything and upset the balance of nature" spiel. Buddy, contrary to what some environmentalist stories want to tell you, animals do not actually have a concept of "the balance of nature". That's why invasive species are such a big problem. Introduce an invasive predator into a region and several native prey species go extinct. Those predators don't have a concept of "conserving resources", they'll just keep hunting as long as they're hungry.

And it's not a problem unique to predators either. Remember when wolves were hunted to extinction is parts of the US and then the deer populations exploded and ate all the grass and the whole ecosystem kinda fell apart until wolves were re-introduced to the region? The deer didn't give a crap that they were eating all the grass. They weren't even consciously aware of it. They're not capable of conceptualizing abstract ideas like that.

Natural ecosystems have a balance to them because they're intricately designed systems, not because the animals that live in them are actively making Morally Right Choices to preserve them.

One major thing that separates humans from animals is that we have the capacity for morality. We have the ability to comprehend abstract concepts like freedom and conservation and honor and sacrifice etc., and with it the ability to make moral choices. We are capable of great good, and great evil. You cannot have the capacity for one without having the capacity for the other, because good and evil rest on your choices. Even if you go through your whole life doing only "nice" things, if you did those things because you had no other option, no say in the matter, are you really "good"? Good people choose to be so. I love animals and they're super cool and all, and yes some of them are very smart, but they are not really capable of making that choice (no, I don't care how much of an "angel" your dog is). They are amoral, neither morally good nor bad.

And the hybrids? It's clearly shown that they have the same capacity for choice as humans....which in turn means that yes, whether the narrative wants to admit it or not, the hybrids still have the capacity for evil just like the humans did. Giving them some animal ears or special powers doesn't change that.

Not to mention that all but one of the hybrids we've met are children. They haven't even hit puberty yet!! Of course a bunch of innocent kids are gonna look like sweet little angels compared to hardened desperate adults trying to survive an apocalypse holy flip! And just because Gus happens to be a particularly good person who strives to see the best in others does not mean that all other hybrids for the rest of time are gonna be the same! He's not good because he's part deer, he's good because he's Gus! Because he believes in good things and acts on it!

The one adult hybrid we briefly meet isn't a sweet little kid who sees the best in others, he's a grouchy old man who wants human genocide. And while I can totally understand why he as a character feels that way....that's not good dude!!!! That's not any better than the humans who want to kill the hybrids!

You didn't "remove worst of humanity and preserve the best of it" by replacing humans with hybrids. You just gave them a makeover.

Human/animal hybrids as a character concept are totally up my ally, I think they're very cool, but pretending that being part animal makes them inherently morally better than regular humans is just ridiculous imo.

tl;dr I just really hate the nihilistic "humans are uniquely evil, deserve to go extinct as a Punishment, and literally any other sapient species would be better" trope and I'm very disappointed that this show pivoted to that at the last minute.

[pandorafallz]

Alma didn't know what could have transpired after Anufi revealed her part in the Sarentu's disappearance to the kids. Couldn't have known that Nor would have taken his blade to her gut before she could explain. Before she could really tell them why, before she could defend herself If only she had been in her Avatar when he did so...

Chapter 2 snippet

<Relax. You’ll hurt yourself.>” Okul’s hand touched her wrist, reminding her of her bowl before she sat back with a huff.

“<I... I should be allowed to return to the Resistance now. I can probably be more helpful there than here.>” She could actually talk to So’lek and her people again. Socialise, even. It’d be pleasant to talk to them and she was sure a shared task would make it easier. She didn’t doubt the spread of gossip but it was probably worth the trip.

“<You’re not healed. You’d hinder them more than help in your current state, Alma.>” Okul said

“<I… I have to do something. I am part of the resistance.>”

“<You are doing something. Resting.>” Okul stated, “<You cannot fight and you have the concentration of a child and the sleeping pattern of a baby. I don’t believe you’ve fully realised the extent of what truly happened to you. It’s not quite there.>” They tapped their temple.

Alma shot them an annoyed look. “<My head is getting better.>”

“<Better does not mean healed. You’ve endured a significant trauma to not only this body but to your spirit; your spirit must rest to heal from being severed from your sky-people body and replanted into this. A few more days at the least before we can consider allowing you to roam free as a Meer deer. A sick or separating spirit can lead to never waking up. Are you willing to risk such a possibility?>”

[pandorafallz]

Lest We Rest Upon Our Grace | Sneak Peek for B2

The darkness of night had its sounds. Low chirps, high calls and rarely anything that was too loud lest they risk pulling the attention of the night hunters. But a new sound had started now.

The clouded forest was lit by the plants and the glow carried more from the thick fog that descended down but still, the bright plant life’s glow carried. From the littlest bugs to the largest of a leaf. And more importantly, the woodsprites that floated and spun, but with purpose as the lone Na’vi followed them.

A cracked hillside, barely seen but it became obvious to the Na’vi that this was a new occurrence and rare to see the birth of a new Site of Eywa.

Purple hues seemed to glow from the hillside; the surface cracked and a few large boulders seemed to have been released to float and allowing enough space for the sound to echo.

A pained wailing, new and lonely and… unattended. An infant’s cry that did not belong so distant from the Kame’tire or even a nearby camp. The woodsprites led him to find it. He was no fool to ignore it either.

The entryway was hard to slip into with his attire, the wood of his collar almost bent but he shifted it carefully and descended down with more ease, his heart pounding as the cry was so loud and desperate… but he didn’t have to go too far until he found the source.

At the foot of a new spirit tree, an open Tsalnu pod had a Na’vi infant wiggling across the roots and tucked into the… preserved remains of a dead sky person; as if the bark had grown over it and solidified the body. The infant’s cord from its belly to the pod was detached but looked sore in the child’s attempts to seek comfort from a dead creature. Impressive that they had managed to crawl from the pod. Eywa’s strength and care.

“<Come here, little one>”  He gave the body a distasteful look but his hands picked up the baby carefully from her side, a newborn girl… with five little fingers and toes. Interesting. A Dreamwalker’s child. That Dreamwalker’s child.

The child’s cry hushed in contact, her little yellow tear-filled eyes opening wide and her little form curling into the warmth of his body; seeking comfort in his touch. Her hand slipped into her toothless mouth, a signal of hunger. Still… a baby in need of his care.

A child that may see him return to his clan. How fitting…

Mokasa hummed softly, retrieving the teal neck cloth left by the dead demon for a blanket and wrapping the little one in it as he made his way out without looking back.

Masterlist

[pandorafallz]

Alma didn't know what could have transpired after Anufi revealed her part in the Sarentu's disappearance to the kids. Couldn't have known that Nor would have taken his blade to her gut before she could explain. Before she could really tell them why, before she could defend herself If only she had been in her Avatar when he did so…

Chapter 4 snippet

“Me and the others in the resistance were talking and… we don’t think Cortez should come back.”

“Jason…” Alex set his tablet down.

“Please hear me out,” Jason asked, his hands coming together. “I know it… a bold thing to do and to ask but… I think we should cut her loose. Like what the Kame’tire clan did with Mokasa. It’s the same crime, Alex. Why not give her the same punishment? What Nor did to her is irrelevant to the crime; he basically gave her the body she wanted for good. She can survive in the blue body than her human one. That makes all the difference in our request. As a human, she’d have to rely on us to survive and our food. But now…”

“We’re not banishing her. She’s still our ally and we need as many of those as possible.” Alex rose to his feet uneasily. He didn’t like this. “How many people want her out?”

“Think I’d come up here with a few people wanting her out?”

[frogletscribe]

A:FoP Sky Breaker DLC Thoughts P.2

Here's the other half of my thoughts on the Sky Breaker DLC, more focused on a specific aspect of the story and getting into the wider storytelling of the world of Pandora. A lot of this is me being very critical of Alma, so if you don't want to read about that, feel free to skip!

I'm also very open to other peoples opinions if someone disagrees!

Major Spoilers for Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora Sky Breaker DLC under the cut.

SO. The real meat and potatoes of the DLC (at least in terms of story) comes with the bits surrounding Mokasa and Alma.

Frankly, I was not thrilled that Alma was there. Ever since her Avatar was killed she has kind of become a walking pity party, and very few of her actions since have done her any favors.

In my own personal opinion, what she did/allowed to happen to the Sarentu is unforgivable. Full stop, I do not think she should have been invited to the Games. The rest of the humans? Cool, great, love them. Not her. I know that's harsh, but if Mokasa is (rightfully) being shunned by his clan, I think Alma should have gotten the same(obvi to a lesser extent, she would die immediately outside the safety of the resistance). But the general theme of the story, at least when it comes to Mokasa and Alma, is redemption.

I think that Mokasa gets as close as he can, dying to protect the Sarentu and Anufi. If someone had to die as a plot device, it makes sense that it was him. It doesn't make up for what he did, but it's something. 

I generally think killing off characters 'for redemption' is cheap and a little lazy, and this is no exception, but Mokasa's death I think tries to also serve as telling Alma that she needs to earn forgiveness.

Alma has an audio log you can find in the main camp talking about everything after the fact that I think does help her character a little, but I continue to not be thrilled with how she talks about the Sarentu. It's like she's clinging to them, trying to get them to accept her back, when as she says in her audio log afterwards, she is a chapter in their lives they would rather leave closed. Still, even as she says it, it doesn't feel like she accepts that, which on a personal level I get, no one wants to be rejected, but in this case, she just feels like she's still trying to take up space that no longer belongs to her, even though she knows she shouldn’t. 

Again, I'm being harsh with her character. I know that. I take issue with the fact that no matter what happens, she just doesn't seem to get that the fact that the Sarentu giving her anything but contempt for what she did, is already more than she deserves. They still talk to her, she still got to come to the games and have a relationship with the other Na'vi clans. She is in the Games tent among the Na'vi where all the other humans are sequestered away from the clans. That's more than what the Kame'tire gave Mokasa for doing the exact same thing as Alma did. Do I think she should have died? No. I don't think that serves anything, least of all her character. If 'redemption' is the goal, I think the simplest answer to Alma's story is to not give it to her. She can work as hard and as long as she wants, but she can never really be forgiven for what she did, and I think she needs to live with that.

I also think Alma could have easily been swapped out for Priya, Anqa or Alexander and I would have had 100% more emotional investment into saving one of them over her. But that's just me.

We also learned that the NeuroSect machine can and will kill the people they are used on. They're torture devices. A few people have pointed out how this changes things when it comes to Spider and Quaritch's story, but I also think this says something about how naive Jake still is when it comes to the RDA.

When Spider is taken, Jake keeps saying "he's human, they won't hurt him". But then Ardmore immediately puts Spider in a NeuroSect, a torture machine that is not intended to leave survivors, fully intending for Spider to die once she gets the info out of him that she needs. Jake probably thought that the RDA would see this teenage boy and just lock him up until further notice, because the idea of torturing a child is so insane, who would ever do that? Ardmore would. The RDA would. For the same reasons the RDA would slaughter an entire clan, steal its children, and raise them to be soldiers, or destroy known Spiritual and Cultural sites of the Na'vi, or blow up the Omatikayan Hometree. Despite being made up of humans, the RDA does not have humanity. The Na'vi and anyone/everyone associated with them, are not people to the RDA. Just enemies to be destroyed.

I do think it's also important/interesting to note that Alma was unable to resist the NeuroSect at all, basically giving Harding everything she wanted, while Spider is able to completely resist and gives Ardmore nothing.

The other thing we hear is that Alma has a way to contact Jake and Norm. I've seen a few people speculating whether or not that means Alma is actively in contact with Jake or not, but I don't think that's the case, at least as of right now. I don't think there is any official timeline for AFoP out there, and time jumps pretty sporadically? We hear that Alma and Anufi have been taken and then as soon as you get to the facility, RDA NPCs are talking about ‘the blue they grabbed last week’ even if you sprinted to that mission as fast as possible. So guessing a timeline is????? 

The most we get is early into the main game, there is banter between npcs at the resistance about the Train raid seen at the start of Atwow and later that Jake has effectively gone dark, so we know at that point he has taken his family to Awa'atlu. And we don't hear anything else about the Sully's or Norm until Harding questions Alma about them in the DLC. I think if Alma is actively in contact with anyone then it's probably Norm, but I don't think she is in contact with Jake at all.

We also already know that Alma hid the existence of TAP from Jake, so I doubt she has come clean about TAP and the Sarentu to anyone outside the immediate resistance. I think if she had then there would be evidence of it, either in logs or mentioned, bc i do not think Jake or Norm would take kindly to those revelations at all, and it feels important enough that it should come up if it does happen. I think there's a log somewhere in the main game where Alma basically admits that if Jake had known about TAP, then there was no way he would ever have let her stay on Pandora.

Overall I really liked the DLC, I like that the Sarentu are finally free (largely) of TAP, and that we got to see basically all the important NPCs that we met over the course of the main game (some more than others). I’m hoping that this will also largely be the end of the story revolving around Alma’s guilt, unless we get Norm/Jake/Max calling her out on hiding TAP from them, I'm just tired of her. If she needs to be a key player going forward, at least let her woe-is-me shit be finished and have her actually own up. If Nor comes back it will likely be a needed conversation.