#avatar jake

You were Varang’s only daughter. Since you were little, you had seen the hatred and rejection your clan had toward Eywa, how this hatred had caused the clan to distance itself from others. How violence and death had consumed their souls, including your mother’s. Sometimes you wondered if she had any… because she was cruel, not just to her clan. But to you… her only daughter. The reason was that you weren’t like the others in the clan, and that was something she hated about you. Something Varang always made sure to let you know at every turn. You didn’t follow her rules; you didn’t have strange piercings in your skin or exaggerated body jewelry. Your mother hated your hair, how you refused to cut it or change it. You had long hair, in braids. The only things adorning your skin were the ashes and the red and black paint you were forced to wear. You had a few decorations on your body, some ornaments, and a necklace your father had made for you. Your life was so miserable that you couldn’t ask for more… you just thanked Eywa for being alive. Simply that… you knew you didn’t deserve anything else. Not after all the things your clan had done. Or what your clan had forced you to be. You didn’t deserve anything.

You get up from the forest floor, picking up your things. You carefully emerge from your hiding place. You look around in all directions, trying to hide what you were doing. If anyone saw you praying to Eywa, you knew your days were counted. Because your mother wouldn’t hesitate to cut off your head and display it as a trophy in her hut. You walk back toward the village, trying to control that feeling you always seemed to have when you spoke with Eywa. You felt guilt and fear. You were entering the village, walking straight toward your hut, when you hear your mother’s call. A peculiar shout she used to communicate with you. “Y/n” Varang calls you; you turn your gaze, now looking at your mother. She was at the entrance to her hut, waiting for you. It seemed as if she knew what you had been doing. “Come here,” she orders, motioning for you to come closer. You approach, watching as your mother takes your arm and leads you inside the hut. You don’t say a word; you just go in and sit down right away.

You watch as your mother walks around the hut, gathering some herbs and ashes to stoke the fire burning in front of her. She looks you in the eyes as she does so. She knew it; she knew you were betraying her… by getting close to her. So, in one swift motion, she pulls your kuru with great force. You cry out in pain, but at the same time hold back. You didn’t want her to see you as a weak person. She pulls harder on your kuru, stretching your neck so it’s exposed to her. “How many times do I have to tell you to stop looking for her… she won’t come to help you,” Varang says in a mocking tone, while continuing to pull on your kuru. Tears were welling up in your eyes as you tried to find your balance with your hands. “I’m sorry…” you moan in pain; that’s all you can say, because you feel the air escaping from your lungs. You were scared. Varang stands up, dragging you with her to another part of the hut, ignoring your moans of pain and complaints. Just to look for a knife, grabbing it and pressing it against your throat. “Tell me why I shouldn’t slit your throat right now and let you die slowly?… That’s what happens to traitors,” Varang says, pressing the knife harder against your neck.

Your breathing was ragged, and you were crying. “Because you’re not brave enough to do it,” you said, almost in a whimper, baring your fangs at your mother. Trying, somehow, to defend yourself against her. Varang remained silent, looking into your eyes for a few seconds—seconds that felt like hours. Just long enough to throw you to the ground as she let go of your kuru. You hit the floor… but it was worth it. You try to catch your breath as you hear your mother approaching you; she was laughing mockingly. Lifting your chin so you’ll look at her. “I need you for the plundering of the Tlalim clan” (Wing Traders clan), says Varang, tightening his grip on your chin. “If you do anything stupid, I swear I’ll kill you… this is your last warning.” Your mother lets go of you, and you turn away, scared. You try to hold back your tears, but it’s useless. You’re so afraid. Varang ignores you and starts performing some of his rituals, while you get up from the floor to get out of her hut as quickly as you can. You had to find a way to get out of this clan, and fast.

(present day)

The flames of the fire kept growing, while the clan members continued dancing and celebrating their supposed victory. They had new weapons—ones that exploded and did more damage. They had also captured the remaining Na’vi from the Tlalim clan’s raid. Your mother couldn’t contain her strange happiness, while you stood to the side, away from the group... watching from afar as the Na’vi lay tied up and sprawled on the ground. There were two girls and five men. You shifted your gaze from time to time; you knew that one of them was holding your gaze. And this was Kiri; she knew there was something different about you. As if someone were telling her that she had to ask you for help. But she didn’t know how to do it; she was bound all over. You, on the other hand, moved closer to the kidnapped group.

You glance sideways at the Na’vi who were watching over them. They say nothing; after all, you were the daughter of the clan leader. “Why don’t you go enjoy the celebration?” you say to one of the guards. “I’ll watch over them,” you smile slightly, looking at the guard a bit menacingly. Without hesitation, he obeys and leaves with the clan. Leaving you alone with the group of kidnapped Na’vi. “Hey… listen, please help us,” says Kiri, speaking as quietly as she can. “I—” you try to speak, but you’re too scared to answer. “Kiri, be quiet,” says Neteyam, who was sitting next to his father on the ground. “No… I know she’s going to help us. I can feel it. Eywa is telling me,” says Kiri, as the ground around her glows. Everyone is stunned—especially you, who had so many doubts at that moment.

Kiri looks at you again, but this time more intently. As if she could read your soul. “Please…” Kiri whispers, watching you take another breath. She glances back to see that everyone is distracted and grabs your knife. She starts cutting everyone’s ropes; Jake breaks free quickly and begins helping the others. The group is freed quickly, not to mention that Varang was already looking for you. She glances where you were initially, noticing you’re not there. Searching for you quickly, she sees you where the kidnapped Na’vi are and you’re… helping them? “Don’t let them escape!!!” Varang shouts, causing everyone to look and start following the group.

You get a little scared, but you feel one of the girls grab your arm and drag you along with her. “Come with us,” says Kiri, noticing how scared you were. She sensed there was something about you. And she wasn’t going to leave you there alone. Without thinking, you agree, and they run as fast as they can into the depths of the jungle. Trying to escape the group that was chasing them. Throwing themselves into the river, not caring if it would hurt. You didn’t care who these people were; you just knew you felt safer with them than with your own family.

After a while, swimming and trying not to drown in the river’s currents. Everyone made it out of the river unharmed, to the nearest bank, still looking for shelter. You were coughing a little, getting up off the ground. When someone grabs you by the forearm. “Careful, come on,” says a boy about your age. Helping you get closer to the group, so you can hide better deep inside the jungle. Neteyam knew you weren’t someone to be trusted.

After Jake made sure the group was safe, he turned his full attention to Quaritch, who was already his biggest problem at that moment. However, your presence didn’t seem familiar to him, as he watched you hide in a corner. Jake glanced quickly at his children and motioned to Neteyam to come closer to you. “Careful,” Jake said in a low voice. Neteyam began to approach cautiously, but Kiri stepped forward, walking as fast as she could to kneel down in front of you. She watched as you opened your eyes wide. “Hello… my name is Kiri,” the girl said, smiling. She moved much closer to you. Tuk runs toward her older sister. “Tuk!!” Jake shouts, trying to stop his daughter from approaching that Mangkwan girl, but it’s no avail, because the girl manages to avoid Neteyam and get close to her sister.

Jake was a little frustrated, because on one side he had Quaritch, and on the other he had a Na’vi who could kill them at any moment, but for some strange reason she had helped them. “I’m Tuk, and you? What’s your name?” Tuk asks excitedly. You remain silent for a moment, noticing that everyone is staring at you. Even Quaritch was intrigued by the situation. “My name is... Y/N,” you say shyly. “Y/N... that’s a beautiful name!!” Tuk gets excited, stepping closer to now look closely at the pieces hanging in your hair. “Why did you decide to help us?” Neteyam asks, stepping closer to her sisters. Taking their hands, to pull them away from you. “I...” you say, looking away to avoid meeting his gaze. “I don’t know,” you say. As you hear one of the men laugh, Quaritch laughs to himself. Sitting on one of the branches, ignoring the group. After all, there wasn’t much he could do now.

“Eywa… she told me this girl is good, she’ll help us,” says Kiri, smiling again. You return her smile. Jake sighs in frustration, turning to look at you seriously. “You have to go back to your clan… it’s not safe for us to have you here,” says Jake. Watching as your face contorted into one of terror. “NO, please,” you get up from the ground, approaching Jake. “If I go back… my mother is going to kill me,” you beg, you needed to stay with them. It was true that none of you knew each other, but it was safer to be with them right now. “No, listen… when morning comes, you’ll go back to your clan. And I ask you, please, not to reveal our location,” Jake says firmly, as he steps away from you to sit right in front of Quaritch.

You lower your head in resignation; you already knew what to expect. It was as if you were accepting your future, a reality you couldn’t change. You walk back to the corner where you were sitting. “Dad… please, she’s not bad. She helped us,” Kiri says, protesting a little. “It’s true,” Lo’ak says in a low voice. Jake looks at them with a serious, fixed gaze. Jake motions for Neteyam to come closer to him. “Keep an eye on that girl,” Jake orders his eldest son. Neteyam nods and understands his father’s orders; he also distrusts that girl.

Night fell quickly, and Jake kept watching over Quaritch. Lo’ak was with Kiri, Tuk, and Spider. Meanwhile, Neteyam was sitting near you. He was sitting sideways so he could keep a perfect view of his sisters and continue watching over you. “I won’t hurt them,” you say in a low voice. You see the boy’s ears perk up quickly, and he glances at you out of the corner of his eye. “I’m not so sure about that… your people are murderers,” Neteyam says, without taking his eyes off his sisters. “You’re absolutely right,” you say so softly it sounds like a whisper. This makes Neteyam look at you. “We are murderers,” you say, pulling your knees up to your chest and hiding your face between them.

For a moment, Neteyam thought those words had another meaning. He could hear so much pain in your voice. He looks at you one last time, then goes back to watching his sisters. Hoping morning would come quickly, he didn’t want to admit it, but he’s scared to death.

Tsu’tey wasn’t oblivious to your nurturing personality.

Usually, you looked expressionless or particularly annoyed. Now, this rare thing appeared on your face.

He didn’t know why he was so intrigued by your expression. Or why he found himself faltering around you these days.

“Is that her?” Tsu’tey asked, eyes never leaving the two of you.

You nodded as you grabbed what looked like a makeshift sling and strapped it across your chest.  “Grace’s avatar went into labor hours ago before the storm hit.” You picked her up and tucked her in the sling.

Tsu’tey’s face instantly softened at the way the infant snuggled into your chest. His heart lurches at how precious this child—his child, appeared.

And it didn’t—but it should’ve—bother him that she was so comfortable with you. But seeing you caress her head absentmindedly as Tsu’tey led you and the infant out of the shack and toward his ikran, Rai’uk.

You slowed as Tsu’tey approached the ikran. You frowned, “What about pa’li?” You felt the little one against your chest, and your stomach twisted uneasily. “She was just born, don’t you think it’s too soon?”

Half of you expected him to hiss back at you as usual, but instead, he frowned, looking from you to the baby with a contemplative expression.

“It is faster.” Tsu’tey insisted as he climbed onto his ikran. In Na’vi, he said, “Still has much to learn. Can’t even carry a baby correctly.”

You frowned, “You try running from a bunch of warriors with a newborn attached to you.”

Tsu’tey’s ears perked in restrained surprise. “You understand me?”

“I have been learning.” You pointed out in okayish Na’vi. “I can listen better than talk.”

He looked at you, appearing unimpressed. “You are still not good.”

“I did just fucking say I was still learning.” You snapped halfheartedly, too tired to fight him.

Thankfully, Tsu’tey didn’t push as he flicked his head, a gesture that meant for you to get closer. “Get on. We need to go back to the village, so she is safe.”

You still hesitated, unconsciously pulling her closer as you studied the ikran just as it studied you.

Tsu’tey noticed this and frowned. “I will not let you fall, dreamwalker. Nor the infant. You are safe with Rai’uk and I.”

You raised your brows despite getting closer. “You sure you haven’t thought about it before?”

 “Many times.” There was a smug look on his face as he offered his hand.

“Ha ha.”

The white crescent smile was foreign on his face, to you at least. It was nice, weirdly enough. A pleasant change from his usual scowl.

So, you carefully got on. Tsu’tey guided you to the front as he sat behind you. After making sure she was tucked safely in your chest, the ikran took off.

It was different than how you rode with Neytiri.

While she had you clutching to her from behind, Tsu’tey had you and the little one seated at the front. And he was right about having a secure hold on you, making sure that you didn’t fall off from the quick turns and the fast speed of the flight. You hugged the little one closer to your chest and squeezed your eyes shut from the wind.

The journey wasn’t long, thankfully. Fortunately, the shack you had hid yourself in wasn’t far from First Base. And it helped that the skies were clear.

Once Tsu’tey landed his ikran in a tree next to Mo’at’s hut, he got off first. Carefully, you attempted to slide off on your own, but Tsu’tey seemed adamant to help you and the child as he placed a hand on the small of your back and the other grabbed your free arm to guide you off.

He was surprisingly gentle, but you supposed that was so as not to disturb the infant who was looking at her surroundings through her squinted eyes.

“She is waiting inside.” Tsu’tey nodded to the hut.

The infant squirmed in your strap to get a better look at Tsu’tey when she heard his voice. He met her curious gaze with a soft smile.

“Hmm,” You hummed lightly. “The clan leader does have a heart after all.”

He responded with a grunt, wiping the smile off his face quickly as you made your way toward the hut. “Do not get used to it, dreamwalker.”

You entered the hut with Tsu’tey close behind you. Mo’at looked up as you entered, appearing both impressed and surprised. “Eywa has truly favored you, dreamwalker.” She gestured for you to come closer. “Let me see her.”

Carefully, you removed the small infant from your makeshift carrier, kneeling beside Mo’at and handing her over. She fussed a bit at this, but you gently comforted her as Mo’at held her. “Ssh, little one. You’re in good hands, okay?”

But the little one did not let go of your thumb. Fussed even more when you tried to get her to let go.

Mo’at shook her head. “Keep it there. She likes your presence.”

Tsu’tey then came over, almost as if hesitant. He knelt in front of Mo’at, that tenderness replacing his hardened features. You watched, unsure of what to do. He was meeting his daughter for the first time. And you just felt like you were intruding.

Gently, he reached forward and brushed the little hairs on her head. “She’s beautiful.”

You nodded in agreement, frowning at how delicately and hesitantly he was acting. “What is it?” Tsu’tey’s ears twitched, but he didn’t respond. Still hesitating to hold her. “Is it because she is half Sky Person?”

That spurred him, causing him to look at you with a defensive scowl. “It is not—”

“Then what are you afraid of?” Gently, you took the infant from Mo’at. The infant herself was more than willing to be in your arms as you gestured for him to open his arms. “Hold your new daughter, Tsu’tey.” With that, you placed her in his arms. “I didn’t get chased by angry warriors just so you would be scared to hold a baby.”

Tsu’tey sent you a small scowl at your bluntness but held her close to his chest, nonetheless. She didn’t fuss, thankfully. Mo’at shifted over to thoroughly check on her.

You watched again, quietly sitting away from them. You watched as Tsu’tey eventually began to smile down at her while she continued watching him curiously and looking at you every time you shifted or moved.

Your smile for her was small and subtle. “That’s your dad, little one. You’re pretty safe with him.”

Tsu’tey met your gaze and nodded to you. You returned his nod just as the flaps at the entrance fluttered, two more bodies entering the hut.

“Tanhi!”

You pushed to your feet as Neytiri rushed over and brought you into a tight hug. “Thank the Great Mother!”

You patted her back, “Yeah, I’m okay. Don’t worry, my luck hasn’t run out yet.”

“Yeah, you’re one lucky skxawng,” Jake commented as he drew closer. He looked relieved, exhausted, and annoyed.

Neytiri pulled away slightly, scanning your no doubt dirtied and bruised face. “Are you sure—”

You nodded quickly, “I’m sure, no need to worry about me. If anything, you should probably go and meet your new daughter.”

At that, Neytiri looked past you and gasped softly before joining Tsu’tey on the floor to get a better look at the infant.

Jake appeared beside you as you both watched Neytiri and Tsu’tey with her. The gentle expression was easy for Jake.

And by then, you knew your job here was done.

You patted Jake’s shoulder. “Take good care of her, she’s all yours now.

Jake looked at you by then, his expression unreadable.

“Where’s your dagger?” He asked, his voice raspy.

“Back at Hell’s Gate.”

“Reeds—”

You held your hands up. “Hey, scold me later. Go meet your daughter, Sully. I didn’t get chased through a forest for nothing.”

Jake’s face hardened. “You were chased—”

“Not important.” You started for the flaps. “I’ll leave you guys with her.”

With that, you stepped out of the hut. Sitting further away on a large branch was Norm, hunched over.

You jumped down onto the branch, and Norm snapped his head up at you in surprise. “Hey! Oh my god, you’re here!” He leaped up and hugged you tightly, surprising you. “Shit, I thought—are you okay?”

You patted his arm awkwardly. “Yes, Norm, I’m fine. The baby’s fine too.”

He sighed in relief and eventually let you go. “How many near deaths is that now? Two? Three?”

“Five, I think.”

“Shit, man.”

You nodded and sat on the branch. Norm mirrored you, ending up beside you. “I’m exhausted, Spellman.”

“I know. I am too.”

For a moment, the two of you just sat there. Staring at nature. The other huts, Children running about. And for the first time in weeks, the sun was out. Making everything beautiful again. But a certain tension remained.

You sighed and massaged your face. “Were you able to unlink yet?”

Norm nodded. “Max and the others were locked in the link room before Jake and Neytiri lured the warriors away to try and establish some sort of truce.” He sighed, already looking lost in his thoughts. “But we lost people on both sides. It’s not going to be easy.”

“No shit.” You chewed the inside of your cheek. “I’m pissed, though. I had a baby with me, and they wouldn’t stop.”

Norm squeezed your shoulder. “You did good, Reeds. She’s safe because of you. That’s what matters.”

You didn’t say anything to that. Instead, you picked at the bark of the tree until your fingers brushed over something cool and small. You picked it up and held it in your hands for a moment before tucking it in your pocket.

“Reeds.”

You and Norm turned to find Jake approaching, his expression unreadable. “We need you back inside.”

With a frown, you got up and followed Jake back inside Mo’at’s hut where you heard an infant’s cry.

Upon entering, you found Neytiri now holding the infant, but she wouldn’t stop crying in the woman’s arms. Her cries were similar to when she first came out of the womb.

“Okay,” Jake said as he went to sit with Neytiri and Tsu’tey. He looked to Mo’at, “She’s here, what now?”

“Come, dreamwalker.” Mo’at gestured for you to come closer. “Neytiri, give the child to her.”

Without hesitating, Neytiri handed the infant over to you.

“Get her to stop.” Mo’at gestured expectantly.

You furrowed your brows but began rocking her in your arms. “Are you all not parents? None of you can get her to stop crying? Seriously?”

“Reeds,” Jake warned.

“I’m just wondering how out of the four of you, you all couldn’t calm a baby down.”

Tsu’tey scowled. “You don’t even hold a baby right, you cannot judge.”

You rolled your eyes while rubbing your thumb between the infant’s brows. “This is how I hold a baby; you’re just petty.”

Tsu’tey glared before turning to Mo’at. “Why did you bring her back, Tsahik?”

This time, it was Mo’at who rolled her eyes. “Look with your eyes, boy. I cannot force you to see.”

Finally, the four of you noticed how quiet the little one had gotten. You looked down to find her staring up at you through droopy eyes.

She was quiet in your arms.

Jake frowned. “How did you do that?”

“What was that you did to her? Just now?” Neytiri asked as she stood and joined your side.

You shrugged. “My mother used to do it to me when I was young. It always calmed me down and I figured I’d try it out when she wouldn’t stop crying in the infirmary. Watch.”

You sat back down on the floor and happened to be sitting next to Jake as you handed her over to him. You gently thumbed a small circle between her brows for Jake to see. “Do that when she starts crying.” You moved to take your thumb back, only she grabbed it back in her small hands. “Though, of course, you still have her clinginess to deal with.”

“She likes you.” Jake chuckled as she squirmed in his arms.

You shook your head despite how your heart fluttered when she didn’t let go of you. “I’ve spent the most time with her. She’ll be attached to you all before you know it.”

“But until then, dreamwalker, I need you here with her. It seems that with you in proximity, or rather in the same room, she is calm. And I need her this way as I take a look at her.” Mo’at looked at Tsu’tey, who was sitting across from you with a frown. “Will that be a problem, Olo’eyktan?”

He didn’t seem happy about it as he stood.

“Tsu’tey,” Neytiri warned, shifting closer to you as he set his eyes upon you.

Jake tensed next to you, but all you did was return the man’s stare expectantly. Waiting.

There was no sound in the hut. Just the two of you in that moment.

Finally, Tsu’tey lifted his chin. “Do what you want. But I want her watched.”

The three of you were obviously surprised by his acceptance. While reluctant, you were half expecting him to fight you on it.

But instead, he grabbed his bow and left the hut.

“Huh,” Jake hummed next to you. “I think he’s warmed up to you, too.”

“She grows on you, huh?”

Tsu’tey looked up from sharpening his spear to find Jake standing in the doorway of their hut with a knowing look on his face. 

With a small huff, Tsu’tey continued his sharpening, “I don’t know what you are talking about.”

His mate gave a short laugh as he soon joined him at his side, pressing a kiss to the side of his face. “She’s good with the little one. There’s no denying that.”

“Hmmph.”

Jake placed his hand on Tsu’tey’s shoulder and squeezed it, “I know you don’t like her here, with everything going on, we might just have to tolerate it for the time being. Besides, having her here isn’t as bad as you thought, is it?”

Instead of responding to that, Tsu’tey placed the spear down. “Have you been training her?”

“Yes, I have.” Jake nodded.

“And how is she?”

Jake hummed, “She’s good with a bow, not The People’s way, but she’s efficient. It’s a wonder she managed to survive Tipani’s warriors twice now.”

“But it is not enough.” Tsu’tey frowned at the spear, his grip tightening. “This fight between clans will not end soon. She is a Sky Person, their target. She must know how to defend herself well. Yes, she did protect Eywa’s blessing, our daughter, but that alone will not guarantee her safety.”

Jake was watching him, considering him, “I thought you didn’t care about what happens to her? What changed your mind?”

Instead of answering that, Tsu’tey stood, “There’s no ignoring Eywa’s favor. Nor the Tsahik’s words. She has saved my brother. She kept our daughter safe. Her soul is complex despite her belonging to the enemy clan. I cannot ignore this. What leader would I be if I did?”

For a moment, Jake watched him with a fond smile, “Then you would be the leader Eytukan always saw in you.”

Hearing that grounded Tsu’tey—his mates always did. His son always did. The people who were with Eywa now did. 

Tsu’tey returned the smile, although his was smaller and more somber, “Then that is good.”

A comfortable silence settled between them. Tsu’tey took his spear and rested it with the rest of his weapons. Jake remained seated on the floor, gaze cast down. He watched his mate quietly, trying to decipher this Jake Sully. Wondering which part of his mate he would be getting this time.

“Do you really think she’s meant to be our fourth?” Jake asked quietly, a look of uncertainty crossing his usual confident and guarded features. “Or do you think there’s more to it?”

Tsu’tey paused before responding, “I do not know how the Great Mother thinks. No one does. If she were to be our fourth, then I would mate with her. I am the Olo’eyktan. I must be the example for my people. But perhaps that is not what Eywa has in store for her.” He frowned thoughtfully. “Perhaps that is why she did not accept my proposal.”

Jake snapped his head up at him, eyes wide, “You proposed?!”

“Yes. When the Tshaik spoke of it, I thought I was performing my duties as a child of the Great Mother. But the dreamwalker refused me. She did not think that she was meant to be our mate—she thought I would be tortured by the idea of mating with her and so rejected my proposal.”

After recovering from his shock at the new piece of information, Jake frowned, clearly put off by this. “I thought that when—if we found a fourth, it would be a decision we’d come to together. What if she accepted it, Tsu’tey? How do you know that Neytiri and I would’ve accepted her?”

“Or if you would’ve accepted her.” Tsu’tey corrected, causing Jake’s frown to deepen. 

He was caught, and he knew it. 

There was no denying Jake and the dreamwalker’s complex relationship. One moment they hated each other, and the next they tolerated each other enough that it would be mistaken that they were friends. 

What a strange interaction between humans. Going back and forth as much as they did. 

Tsu’tey saw it clear as day, Neytiri probably saw it too—it was only Jake who was so oblivious to it. 

“Tell me, yawne.” Tsu’tey approached his mate and knelt down in front of him, cupping his face between his hands. “You know my dislike for her kind. But why is it that you seem to hate her even when you both share the same clan?”

Jake looked startled at the accusation, “I-I don’t hate her. Not after everything she’d done for Arvok and our daughter. I just—Artsut can barely accept me as your mate. What makes you think she won’t go fucking crazy over Reeds being our fourth?”

“If it comes to that, my mother cannot interfere. She knows as well as the rest of us that she can’t deny the Great Mother’s way.”

“And what if we can’t love her?”

Tsu’tey frowned and grabbed his hand. “It is whatever the Great Mother decides.“

“Yeah,” Jake chuckled, squeezing Tsu’tey’s hand, “I was afraid you’d say that.”

Night had come at some point. You hadn’t left Mo’at’s hut nor put the little one down since Jake had given her to you before leaving.

When had you become a glorified babysitter, you didn’t know.

While she slept in your arms, you held a long grass piece with a box of beads next to your leg. Currently, you were trying to choose a bead to start your songcord. You already knew what it would represent; all that was left was finding the bead that matched.

Mo’at sat further away, mixing something in her bowl. You never realized how peaceful it was in her hut. If you could, you would stay here as long as you could.

Neytiri entered the hut with Neteyam strapped to her chest. She smiled at you as she joined you on the floor. “Can I?” she asked, gesturing to the sleeping infant.

You nodded and gently handed her over without disturbing the sleeping infant. Fortunately, she only squirmed a bit before settling comfortably in her arms. Neytiri’s smile grew. “What a blessing you are.”

The three of you continued sitting comfortably in silence.

You continued your search until you stumbled upon a white bead that looked eerily similar to a bone at the end of your mother’s songcord. You added it to the grass string.

“Waytelem.” You looked to find Neytiri staring at your string curiously. “You have started your songcord.”

Blushing, you nodded. “Yeah, figured I’d start at some point.”

Neytiri smiled, resting her free hand on your knee. “And you have chosen your first bead?”

“For my mother.” You frowned at it for a bit while glancing at your mother’s songcord now wrapped around your wrist like a bracelet. “When she went to Eywa. I guess it kind of represents how much my life has changed. From the forest burning down, the RDA bringing me to Pandora, and seeing my mother’s grave. A different me. A different phase of my life.”

Neytiri gently rubbed your knee and squeezed it. “You are learning. That is why you change. I will keep teaching you our ways. Soon, you could be one of us.”

“But you are not one of the People, dreamwalker.”

You and Neytiri look up to find Tsu’tey and Jake entering.

Tsu’tey lifted his chin high. Not unless I say so. I will now see to your training and judge your progress.”

You couldn’t help the exaggerated dread set in.

Jake smiled at Neytiri and the babes as he sat with them, taking Neteyam in his arms. You glared at him. “Tired of me already, that you threw me to the wolves?”

He rolled his eyes and rested Neteyam against his chest. “I’ll still be there. Tsu’tey’s just gonna lead more.”

Now the dread set in. “Oh, it just keeps getting better.”

You found another bead as Jake scoffed. “It’s not like you’re a picnic either.”

“Says the masochist.”

“Aargh!” Neytiri hissed at both of you. “Enough. The babies are asleep. If you are loud, then you leave!”

Jake pulled his lips into a frown, but obliged while you went back to look through the beads.

“What do you think we should name her?” Jake asked after a while. Tsu’tey joined them on the floor, taking the spot next to him. “We can’t keep calling her Grace’s kid or little one for long. What about Cheryl?”

You scoffed. “If you want her to have a hard life, then just say that, Sully.”

Neytiri shook her head and sent her mate a look. “We are not calling her that.”

After sending you a quick glare, Jake sighed, “Fine. Sarah?”

“Why is Sully naming the kid?” You murmured, earning a light smack on your knee from Mo’at, who had been silent.

Jake scowled, “And you can come up with something better?”

“Better than Cheryl or Sarah? Absol—fucking—utely.”

“Not over the children,” Neytiri chided at you both again before looking at the infant in her arms. “Tua. We should call her Tua.”

Jake raised his brows at the name, “Tua? That’s pretty.” But he didn’t look too convinced by it. “Little Tua. I guess you win again with the names.”

Sure as hell better than Cherly or whatever the fuck that name was—was what you wanted to say, but you refrained this time.

Tsu’tey, who had been in the discussion, suddenly spoke. “On the day she was born, I saw the atokirina. Many of them. They led me to a place where the dreamwalker was hiding with the little one. Eywa led me straight to her. The little blessing. A gift from the Great Mother.”

You picked up a bead quietly. An indigo-colored thing that reminded you of poison. This one would represent your death as a human.

Instead of adding it to your songcord, you stared down at it for a long while.

“Kiri,” Tsu’tey said gently. “What about Kiri?”

You didn’t see Jake or Neytiri’s reactions, but their voices made their decision clear.

“Little Kiri.” Neytiri probably smiled.

“Yeah, I like that,” Jake added after a pause.

Kiri soon began to fuss.

That was when you looked up from the bead to find Neytiri attempting to calm her down.

“Do you want me to try?” You asked carefully as you tied your songcord around your right wrist and pocketed the bead.

Neytiri didn’t hesitate to give Kiri to you. You took her in your arms and stood, rocking her.

Her fussing went on for a bit, her fingers grasping bits of your hair. You hummed a quiet tune to her, rubbing her back in small circles.

You did this until she eventually calmed down, putting one of your braids in her mouth.

“I know. I get sad too sometimes.” You say quietly for only her to hear. “I don’t like my next bead, you know. Want to be on my songcord? I like experiencing you better.” A small noise came out of her in response as she nuzzled against your shoulder. “Kiri’s a cooler name for you, anyway, don’t you think?” She just kept sucking on your braid.

In the moment, you had forgotten where you were. Too wrapped up in Kiri that you missed the way Neytiri’s eyes glistened at the sight of you. Or how Jake couldn’t tear his eyes away from you, almost as if you had bewitched him in a trance. And how Tsu’tey just appeared somewhat okay—content with this domestic scene. Finally, at peace and away from the chaos. In the back of his mind, he began to wonder when you had become a part of that peace.

All four of them missed how Mo’at saw them. How she’s seen it all since the beginning.