The why of Fang

Aleyx was standing on a floating mountain in Pandora, The Hallelujah Floating Mountains were a marvel to behold. Suspended in the air and interconnected by a network of large vines, they seemed to defy the laws of physics as they floated in the skies of Pandora.

Each floating mountain was covered in foliage, with large waterfalls cascading from sheer cliffs that enveloped the air with a light mist. The air was alive with the sound of fluttering and the sight of towering creatures that made up this wonderful and unique ecosystem.

The mountains were a place of great beauty and mystery, a place where the spirits of Pandora were said to dwell. It was not something that could be expressed in words, but experienced. The strange tingling sensation on the skin, or the feeling of being watched by the trees themselves.

Whatever the reason, the Navi were sure of one thing: Eywa's presence was stronger here than in any other sacred place.

However, the floating mountains were also a place of great danger, where hordes of Ikran-like creatures made their nests, protected from human technology by a strong vortex of flux. The Navi made pilgrimages to the Hallelujah Mountains to complete their hunter's trail, something Aleyx knew would be in their near future, where they had to scale the great peaks. Using the vines that connected between the rock islands, to find the Ikran nests to tame one. A single mistake, a single slip could, and had, sent the candidates to their deaths far below.

Aleyx knew the science behind the mystery, the unobtanium achieving the magnetic resonance that suspended the huge boulders permanently in the sky, but it still amazed him. The waterfalls replenished themselves in a cycle of condensation that transported water vapor from mountain to mountain, renewing the process in the epitome of the great balance. They were a testament to the power and majesty of Eywa, and would always be a source of awe and inspiration.

But to the humans of the RDA corporation, the floating mountains were nothing more than an obstacle to be overcome. They saw them as an obstacle to their mining operations, and were it not for finding more accessible unobtanium deposits, they would have demolished the mountains regardless of the impact.

Beneath the mountains, the jungle was thick and lush, filled with a variety of plant and animal life. 

Looking from a distance, Aleyx could still see his home, the place where the Subaiya tribe was situated, with the great sepiti tree looking majestic from a distance, its massive trunk rising into the sky, its branches reaching out like arms to embrace the world, it was a symbol of strength and resilience, a beacon of hope and inspiration for the Navi people.

After eleven days in the tribe, and still having the memories of this body, Aleyx was always amazed by the view, the Subaiya tribe had a particular position, since the great tree, although it was located in the jungle of Pandora, was surrounded by a chain of high steep mountains, which formed an almost perfect circle surrounding the tree, this gave greater protection to the tribe, since in order to enter it had to pass through two passages, which were the only natural openings that the mountain range had.

This gave the tribe strong protection from both dangerous animals and other tribes, as unlike in the movies, fighting between tribes was commonplace in Pandora.

Looking further south of the tribe, you could see the coastline about 500 meters away, and with this mountain range Hallelujah, made his tribe one of the best in terms of geography.

Hearing a purring sound to his right, Aleyx looked at the Thanator that burst into the village a week ago in such a fierce and aggressive manner and compared it now to the one that was acting so submissive and affectionate, almost resembling a house cat if not for its large size and fearsome teeth and claws.

Aleyx had spent all last week investigating what had happened to cause the Thanator to act the way he did, even to the point of coming to the tribe with the purpose of searching for him, like a dog that has lost its owner and enters every locale trying to find him.

And it wasn't until after he had Tsaheylu with Fang, as he had named him, that he had some clarity on the subject, it turns out that Fang constantly perceived a feeling of obeying him at every moment, as if he had a programming, only that it didn't bother him, in fact, it made him happy.

Aleyx didn't know what that was about, he just remembered that first encounter, when the last thing he told Fang before he fell unconscious was to obey him.

Somehow his shout that day had the desired effect, making Fang obey him from then on, which led to more questions; how could he do that? Could he replicate it? Was it only useful if he was in mortal danger? Many questions ran through his mind, and each one offered no solution, only more exasperation on the subject.

"Come on, boy," said Aleyx, then Tsaheylu with Fang and head in the direction of the village.

_____

_____

Aleyx rode on Fang with his fellow Na'vi, his eyes fixed on the herd of Angtsík ahead. They were huge, majestic creatures, with thick, armored hides and curved horns that could crush rocks. Aleyx knew it would be a challenge to take them down, but he was determined to succeed.

With all the training with his clan members, as well as improving his hunting skills, Aleyx was tasked to join a group hunt which took place several times a year, where the Navi could combine forces to bring down larger prey.

And if Aleyx succeeded, it would be a great help to convince his father and others in his tribe that he was ready to bond with an Ikran.

Joining Aleyx on the hunt were several of the younger Navi who, like him, were training to be hunters.

Aleyx signalled to his companions, and they spread out, forming a wide circle around the pack. He charged Fang to steady himself and raised his bow, taking careful aim. He could feel the Angtsik's presence around him, its movements and intentions. Furthermore, he knew he had only one chance, and he could not afford to miss.

The Na'vi moved with precision and efficiency, taking down one Angtsik after another. They worked together seamlessly, each knowing their role and working to bring down the prey as quickly and humanely as possible.

Feeling the blows through Fang as the large animals fell to the ground, tripping his companions who were also in rapid retreat. Aleyx passed several suitable targets, however, he did not shoot, choosing instead to ride higher up in the herd.

He was an aspiring Olo'eyktan. He could not simply hunt like the others, more was expected of him.

The Alpha Bull. He was the dominant member of the tribe who led all the others. While Angtsík already reached more than twice the size of a land elephant, Alpha was even bigger.

Seeing the challenge in Aleyx's eyes, the Alpha Bull turned his giant armored head towards the rider. Without a moment's thought, Fang swung further. A tree that had been nearby was reduced to splinters by the animal's attack.

Trying to keep his aim on the moving target as he rode, he let the arrow fly, watching it soar through the air.

Thud!

He had hit the beast in its chest. Letting out a cry of pain and stumbling, his legs collapsed beneath him. A great cloud of dust and dirt shot skyward as the giant skidded to a stop.

Seeing their Alpha fall, the rest of the herd panicked, breaking formation and fleeing in all directions. The Navi, who had not yet found their prey, chased the scattered animals with arrows and hunting cries.

Aleyx slowed his mount and returned to his prey. Taking his spear, Aleyx approached the animal cautiously, even wounded, as a creature could kill, and with a single blow to the animal's vulnerable underside, Aleyx finished off the wounded Angtsík that ended its life. Feeling the rough skin under his hide, Aleyx whispered his prayer of thanks to the animal for its sacrifice.

After that, he walked away from the animal, with a big smile on his face, knowing that he would soon have his father's approval to obtain his own Ikran.