#navi reader

You’d pressed a gentle kiss to the top of Spider’s mask where his forehead was before jumping onto the back of Amay to fly. She was antsy as she flew, you could feel her irritation at feeling crowded in although you weren’t sure if it was your own feelings mirrored back to you through the bond. You kept your eyes locked on Quaritch and Spider, they were talking an awful lot.

That pang of hurt clutched at your chest once again. Your gaze hardened as you looked ahead, the vast area of land stretching out in front of you. The thick collar around your neck vibrated against your skin. Another condition. You’d been coerced into wearing a comms device so the team, mainly Quaritch, would be able to keep in contact with you.

Your hand came up to click the buttons as instructed to hear what came through. “Boss, long range patrol picked up a radar hit. A rogue gunship.” Wainfleet’s voice echoed through the device.

“Where?” Quaritch’s voice now joined in through the speaker.

“Eastern sea. Four hundred clicks north.” Your brow furrowed as you mapped out the area in your head. Confusion came over you, that was the metkayina clans. They had zero contact with the sky people. What was going on?

“Uh huh. Hang on.” You glanced ahead to see Wainfleet and Quaritch diving to the left and you followed suit. You realised after roughly ten minutes of flying that you were headed back towards the RDA base. Your teeth gritted at the thought of being locked up in that white room again. Everything was too small, too crowded, too human.

Eventually you reached the base, landing much more gracefully than the others. You hopped off Amay, placing a comforting hand against her thick neck and whispering for her to stay close. The hairs on the back of your neck stood up, a feeling of dread settling into the pit of your stomach as you walked towards Spider. Your son met you halfway, grabbing on to your outstretched hand. “It’s okay, he agreed not to let us be separated.”

You only nodded, letting Spider take the lead and increased your speed to walk up front. You found yourself between Wainfleet and Quaritch as they strode with purpose, faces hard and jaws clenched. Your eyes darted around the surroundings, seeing lots of sky people in uniforms staring at you, murmuring to each other. There was a lot of noise around you but you managed to pick up a few words, ‘practically naked’, ‘barefoot’, ‘dirty loincloth’, ‘savage’.

Savage. You’d heard that word before used to describe your species. It was ironic coming from the people who did nothing but destroy your planet. They heartlessly tore apart the homes of thousands of Omaticaya, hunted your sacred animals, polluted the air and waters, brought destruction and death with every move and yet because you did not conform to their idea of how someone should dress, you were the savage.

Your hand tightened around Spider’s momentarily as you were brought through to a large area, one tall enough you weren’t straining your back crouching over in thankfully. Wainfleet held his arm out in front of you effectively making you halt as Quaritch continued forward himself to stand in front of a blonde female human and a few others by her side.

Your ears strained as you heard them exchange greetings. A few beeps and a large holographic map of Pandora appeared, Quaritch navigating through to circle an area further past the oceans. He stepped into the projection, “The signal was intermittent and they lost it over open water, but… if you project the track, it hits this island group.”

The blonde general placed her hands on her hips as she argued back, “That’s hundreds of islands. That’s a big search box with lots of villages.”

“This is our guy. You give me ships and aircraft, I’ll bring you back his scalp.” Your brow furrowed in confusion, you knew he was talking about Jake Sully. What was he doing all the way out there amongst the Metkayina clans? Who had taken over as Olo’eyktan? What had happened in your time apart? It had only been a week.

The general sighed, “Alright, there‘s a ship heading that way, departing in about 45 minutes. Captain’s name is Scoresby, he’ll be your guide.” She turned to look at you and Spider over her shoulder. You tilted your head up slightly as you frowned at her, inching closer to Spider.

“You can take the kid, but it’s time to send the hostile back.” Your eyes widened at the thought of being separated from your son. Spider moved to stand in front of you, crossing his arms over his chest. Quaritch cleared his throat as he took a step closer to the woman. “Unfortunately General, they’ve made it clear they come as a package deal. I need the kid and he won’t cooperate without her.”

The general’s face hardened as she also took a step closer, your ears twitching as you could just make out her words. “He’s not your son, Colonel. Take them and go before I change my mind.”

Your eyes narrowed as you saw Quaritch’s jaw clench, his lips curling into a frown before standing up straight and walking away from the human woman. Her words clearly bothered him in a way you wouldn’t expect. Did he really see Spider as his son? It was getting harder and harder to form definitive opinions on Quaritch. He waved to his soldiers for them to follow and you hand your bicep grabbed by Wainfleet as he escorted you back outside. You yanked your arm out of his grip, hissing, “I know where I am going.”

You were herded back to ikrans, a thought niggling in the back of your mind. If Quaritch was every bit the heartless mission-driven soldier he claimed to be, he could have complied with the general’s orders. Spider, as much as you didn’t want to picture him like this, would not be strong enough to hold up against the recom soldiers should he disobey orders. You would not have been able to take them all down before most likely being shot with a tranquilliser dart. He could have sent you away, you held no extra leverage. That left two answers. One, he was trying to gain favour with Spider in allowing him to have his mom stay by his side. Two, Quaritch wanted/needed you around for some reason. The ridiculousness of the notion had you shaking your head. It was clear to you now, in the worst way you’d seen, Quaritch cared for Spider. He himself may not realise it but you did. You still didn’t like him but you couldn’t hate him for that.

The ride to the ship didn’t take long, Quaritch signalling all riders to land with a simple raise of his fist. You hopped off your Ikran and headed to Spider who waited at the edge of the roof for you. You jumped down onto the deck, turning back to offer a helping hand to your son but he was already dangling off the side, letting go to land the three feet distance only to jump straight onto the metal railing. You scoffed at his triumphant grin, shrugging his shoulders in a typical Spider way that said, ‘See? I can do anything you guys can’, you’d seen it too many times to count.

You playfully went to pinch at his shoulder but he successfully batted your arm away making you laugh softly. You saw Quaritch turn to look at you from the corner of your eye but when you raised your head he turned away, facing the skyperson who had his arms crossed.

“You Scoresby?”

“I am. Are you the arsehole that’s commandeering my ship?” Scoresby’s bluntness made you snicker, facing your head down so it wasn’t as obvious. Your laughing set off spider who turned his face against your stomach to hide it, though his shaking shoulders gave it away.

He glanced back at the two of you before turning back to face Scoresby, his hand resting on his belt. You expected him to get angry, make a harsh comment to the man. He only quirked his lip and replied, “That would be me.”

Spider came over to you as you sat on the railing, placing an arm around your shoulders to whisper against your ear, “Well at least he’s self aware.” You snickered again but was quick to compose yourself, masking your amusement with a blank expression as you once again found yourself under Quaritch’s intense stare.

Quaritch trailed Scoresby inside the ship while the rest of the recom troop stayed outside on the deck. Spider jumped off the railing, grabbing your hand and pulling you to follow them inside, “Come on.” You had to duck quite low to not hit your head on the ceiling. As the men gathered around the projection screen in the middle of the control room, you crouched down at the side behind the other skyperson you assumed was in charge. He looked to be a very anxious man.

Crouching was no good, you moved to kneel, your head still above all the sky people in the room but at least you wouldn’t have to worry about knocking yourself out by standing up too much. Spider left your side to peek at the projections.

“The targets pretty much this whole island group.”

“Never been up there. You know those waters doc, what kind of indigenous we got?” Scoresby nodded to the other man across the map.

“Uh Metkayina mostly. Some Ta’unui. Maybe fifty villages.” He seemed like a very anxious man, it was quite unsettling to be around.

“And you are who?”

“Oh. Uh Ian Garvin. Marine biologist.” Garvin lifted his hand for Quaritch to shake but he ignored him, waving away as he spoke. Garvin slowly lowered his hand down, probably embarrassed.

“Fifty villages. A hundred villages. I don’t care we’ll search ‘em all.”

“I hunt tulkun. It’s what I’m rigged for, it’s all my guys do. I’ve got quotas to meet.” Your face twisted into a scowl at the notion of these demons hurting more sacred creatures. Why couldn’t they just leave everything alone?

“I’ll be nice once. Then I won’t.”

“Well if you can’t get out of it, get into it. All teams to stations!” And with that, Quaritch had taken control over the ship. He turned to look at you, a triumphant smirk on his face but you just rolled your eyes. You weren’t impressed that he vaguely threatened some sky people into doing his bidding, just look at the size of him compared to them, of course they would listen.

Garvin seemed to realise your presence behind him and cleared his throat stretching out his hand after looking you up and down. “Uh, Ian Garvin. Marine biologist?”

You raised a hairless brow as you slowly wrapped your hand around his, “You do not seem so sure.” His hand was too small to embrace the width of yours so it felt awkward in comparison to the way Quaritch’s hand felt against yours.

“Sorry, I’m just nervous. I’ve never met an indigenous before. Are you from the Olangi tribe?” You gave him an amused half smile, slightly caught off guard by his interest in you.

“I am Omaticaya.” Garvin’s face lit up with awe, “Ah I should have guessed, the fibres of your top is made from rain thistle right?” You glanced down at your top and it was indeed mostly rain thistle. You scoffed in surprise, “Yes, that is correct. You know much for a human.” Garvin shrugged, “It’s all part of my job, ma’am.”

Ma’am. You’d heard Quaritch use it to speak to that blonde woman. Did it have any significance or was it just a formal term for women for these people? Either way you weren’t sure you liked it. A turn of your head and you caught Quaritch staring at the two of you, having watched your entire interaction. His face was blank but the way his knuckles were turning pale blue from clenching the railing so hard told a different story. You got up and walked out of the room starting to feel the need for fresh air and since you didn’t have a mask like Quaritch and Lyle did, you had to head out.

…

Two weeks. It had been just two weeks and you were ready to pull your hair out from stress, boredom, madness. Any of them could fit your situation. It brought your mind back to a phrase you’d heard Spider mention after a trip to the outpost to visit the scientists. Cabin fever. Your memory was vague but you were sure it had something to do with feeling caged in.

You were sat on the deck with your legs dangling over the side of the ship as your arms rested on the railing that came up to your lower chest height. You had the sudden urge to bang your head against the metal just to do something. You weren’t allowed to sit in with meetings; apparently your constant hissing and snarling at Scoresby for bragging about killing Tulkun was ‘scaring the others’. Good. They should be scared, if you had your way they would all be hung for their crimes against Eywa.

Quaritch was confusing you again. He was always staring at you even when you scowled at him, hissed at him, baring your teeth did nothing anymore. It just seemed to amuse him, stupidly grinning back at you like it was all some kind of inside joke he’d forgotten to tell you about. Even flicking your tail at him didn’t seem to have the same effect. In fact, you had to stop doing that.

A couple days ago you’d been walking around the far-too-short deck to try and stretch your legs when Quaritch strode over to you, Spider in tow. “I don’t like these people either, but you keep causing problems and we’ll have to throw you overboard, cupcake.” You’d hissed at him and brought your tail up to whip at his thigh when you walked past. Seconds later you’d felt a sharp sting against your hip as his tail smacked against your skin. You’d gasped and spun around, only to meet his smug smirk, “Tit for tat, princess.” You’d had no words, too stunned to speak and resorted to storming off to the other side of the ship. Spider had been conflicted, it wasn’t often he’d seen anyone who riled up his mom so much, he wasn’t really sure if this was a good or bad thing anymore.

So yes, you had decided to refrain from using your tail against him, not wanting him to think you wanted to play along with his silly game. But then, you thought, would you be giving control to him by not doing it? You placed your head in your hands, letting out a deep sigh.

Spider stood next to you, leaning his elbows on the railing backwards. “You okay mom?”

“I don’t know if I can take much more of this torment. It is horrible being stuck on this tiny ship! There is no space! The people are dreadful and Quaritch. Ugh, that man drives me to the brink of insanity!”

Spider chewed on the inside of his cheek before crouching down by your side. “What if I told you we could sneak out tonight?” You raised your head, eager but wary to hear out your son. He continued, “I’ve been spying on their rotations and I think I’ve figured out everyone’s schedules. Between 1 and 3 in the morning there aren’t any recoms keeping watch, just humans. If we can knock them out then we can escape!”

You brought your hands up to either side of Spider’s mask to pull his head forward as you pressed multiple kisses against his mask. “Oh my genius son. You are incredible! Let’s do it.” Spider grinned up at you and you grinned right back, feelings of hope and joy blooming inside you at the prospect of finally going home.

Spider sat by you for a little while longer before curiosity got the better of him and he walked over to one of the sky people using the guns to ask him lots of questions. You shook your head, typical Spider, always so curious, he was full of questions all the time. Even when he first learned to speak all he wanted to do was mostly point at different things and ask “what is that, mama?” It was adorable and you still thought so.

You’d not been able to sleep, well not even without the potential jail break. You’d been given a weird puffy rectangle to lie on in a very small room. It was uncomfortable and you woke up with a new crick in your neck every morning. You were very glad to be leaving.

It was now one in the morning, you could tell from the clock that was inside the room. Spider had pointed it out to you and told you that when the two lines pointed in certain directions that that meant it was time to go. You quietly got up, opening your door and closing it behind you. You had to crouch down very low in these corridors, even the tallest humans would feel claustrophobic in these halls. You took a breath from the mask around your neck that Spider had demanded you to be given when he found out you were to sleep inside the ship with the oxygen rich air.

You crept along the hallways, there was no one walking around but you heard some rustling inside the rooms to your left and right. You’d made it to the top deck and out onto the roof without any interruptions. Your dark blue skin blended in nicely with the night sky against the dark grey metal. Your yellow eyes were trained on the oblivious human guard walking up the opposite set of stairs to get onto the top deck. You crouched down low, shushing Amay so she didn’t alert anyone to your position. You watched Spider come up the same stairs behind him.

He was quiet but not quiet enough. You winced as the guard spun around, “Hey, Kid! You’re not authorised to be here at this time. Get back inside!” Spider smirked, lazily raising his hands in the air in surrender as he watched you silently step off the roof to creep up behind the guard. Spider tilted to the side, making it very obvious that the guard should look behind him. When he did, you slowly raised to your full height as you snarled at him, exposing your sharp fangs. The man stumbled back, arms flailing to reach for the gun at his hip but you grabbed him by his safety vest, yanking him off his feet.

“Make no sound and I will let you go.” Too scared, or too stupid, the man ignored your words and began to scream. You grunted in frustration, fingers going to unhook his mask leaving him struggling to breathe. “I said be quiet!” You shouted in a hushed tone. This man was proving to be incredibly useless and weak. He choked and wriggled to get his mask on. You hissed, placing his mask back on, only giving him enough time to regain consciousness before throwing him out overboard. Spider laughed behind his fist, “Damn mom, not quite the distraction I meant but I’ll take it.”

You shrugged your shoulders in a similar fashion to your son’s. You reached down to lift spider up onto the roof and watched as he walked over to Amay. Your ikran nudged him with her head, recognising him as your son through your bond. Spider smiled and petted her neck as you lifted yourself up to climb on top. Just as you brought your legs up, a strong hand wrapped around your ankle and yanked you back. You fell down onto the floor, groaning as your head hit the side of the wall.

“Oh fuck,” you cursed under your breath as you looked up at Quaritch from your position on the floor. He had his hands on his hips and his face told you that he was no less than outraged at the situation he’d caught you in. Spider rushed over to the edge, crying out as he saw you, “Mom! Are you okay?”

“Just what in the fuck do you two think you’re doing?” Quaritch’s voice had you gritting your teeth as you moved to stand back up. Before you could get in his face, he pushed a hand flat against your collarbone, slamming you against the wall to pin you there. “C’mon I ain’t got all night, cupcake.”

Spider quickly jumped down to push at Quaritch’s stomach to try and ease him off you. “Hey! Stop it, it..it was my idea alright?! We were getting restless being cooped up on this fucking ship so I asked my mom to take me for a little night ride. We were gonna be back in like an hour.”

“You expect me to believe that crock of shit? I expect better from you boy.”

“It is true! What’s the point in leaving, you’d just track me down anyway remember?” He tapped against his mask hoping that Quaritch wouldn’t remember he’d changed his mask when he got on the ship so it was no longer traceable. Quaritch kept his eyes on you as he questioned Spider but you remained silent. Just glaring, your hands twitching by your sides wishing you had your knife to dig into his ribs.

“And the overboard crew member? Explain that.”

“He was being an ass to me. Threatening me. He deserved it.” Quaritch’s jaw clenched as the corner of your mouth twitched upwards into a smirk. His lips pursed into a scowl before letting you go, taking a step back. He looked at you then down to Spider. He placed his hands on his hips and nodded once, “Alright then. I could use some breathing space myself. You want some freedom, then I’m coming wit’cha. Need to keep my eyes on you. No funny business.”

His eyes burned into your own, waiting for some kind of defiance, but you gave him nothing. You merely forced a smile, “Fine.” Quaritch let go of you, gesturing for Spider to climb back up onto the roof. Spider turned and gave you a worried glance before climbing up, you following and pulling your kuru over your shoulder as you walked to Amay.

“We’re taking mine. Any arguments with that and you can go back down into that closet for the night.” You gritted your teeth as you let your kuru fall from your hands, turning to look at Quaritch’s ikran. It screeched under the attention although you refrained from looking in his eyes. Quaritch reached back to grab his kuru, making tsahaelu. He jerked his head in the direction of his Ikran, Spider making the first move over. He jumped up to sit high up, near the base of the Ikran’s neck. You froze in place, trying to figure out if this was going to be worth it. Spider waved you over and your feet moved instinctively. You batted away Quaritch’s offered hand, placing one hand on the Ikran’s back to jump over. It had been a long time since you last flew on an Ikran other than Amay.

Finally, Quaritch threw his leg over to sit behind you and the ikran jerked forward to push all three of you closer to together. One arm wrapped around Spider’s waist while the other held on to the harness he’d tied around the ikran’s body. “Hiyah!” Quaritch cried out and the ikran shot off with another screech. You held your breath as the movement shot you back against Quaritch’s chest. No words came from his mouth though on instinct he moved to place a strong arm around your own stomach, between you and Spider.

The anxiousness of being in such close contact with Quaritch faded as you felt the wind through your hair and blowing against your skin. He brought his ikran higher and higher in the sky until you could barely make out the ship below. Spider cheered, holding his hands up in the air knowing he was safe with your hold on him. Your son started to yip and you couldn’t resist from joining in, shouting out into the air as the Ikran swooped down and around in a large circle motion before returning to its original height.

You’d almost forgotten Quaritch was there, having fun with your son had you reminiscing about all the times you’d taking him flying previously. “Man, this is so cool! Do a loop!”

Quaritch’s chuckle in your ear brought you back to reality as his grip tightened around your waist, “Hold on tight,” he spoke in your ear before you felt the Ikran turning straight up. Your arms locked around Spider as you were turning upside down before the world around you straightened out. Spider whooped, throwing his fists in the air. You were silent, your mind only focusing on the way his hand was splayed against your stomach, keeping you close to him. His palm was warm but to you it was as though it was burning into your skin to leave a permanent branding.

You could feel your heart race as you were overcome with nerves, but what for? You pressed your lips together to remain quiet but then his fingers started to move. It was slow and barely noticeable at first but you could feel his thumb brushing back and forth over your skin. You swallowed, gripping his hand to tear it off you.

You might have pushed his arm a little too hard, he wobbled as he tried to regain balance. His ikran felt his slight distress and shook as he tried to look back at his rider. You cried out as you were pulled to the side by gravity, hand slipping off the hardness. Suddenly the ikran quickly turned the opposite way to bounce you back up before levelling out. Quaritch’s hand was back, on your hip now, his ring and pinky finger laid against your thigh. He felt you tense under his touch. A cocky grin stretched over his lips as he pressed up against you. You weren’t hiding how much you hated this at all, so of course he had to try and push your buttons further.

“Relax cupcake, I’ve got you.” His voice was low, whispered directly into your ear, spider was unlikely to hear with no doubt the wind causing lots of noise against his mask. You recalled many times he hadn’t even heard you shouting at him to get his attention while riding in wind,

You turned your head, straining your neck to glare at him, channeling all your rage through your eyes. He only grinned at you. It made you all the more infuriated.

“You do not have me. You will never have me.” Quaritch still stayed smiling as if he was hearing something other than your actual words. It caused a hiss of frustration to slither out your mouth.

“I’ve got Spider. That means I’ve got you too. We’re still playing happy families right?”

Quaritch released his hold on you to reach ahead and hold Spider’s arm up higher, “That’s it son!”

Son.

It hit you hard. Especially as Spider looked back his face full of awe and joy as he whooped back to Quaritch, his father.

You frowned as the tears came rushing to your eyes. You blinked them away before the wind could force them out. You opted to stay silent. Soon after, the wind died down and the flight was peaceful. So peaceful that Spider had begun to slump in your arms. You peaked around his shoulder to see that he had fallen asleep. You scoffed in amusement, moving him into a more comfortable position.

Quaritch took that as a sign to turn back, you couldn’t recall how long you’d been out there perhaps maybe a couple hours, maybe longer maybe shorter, you had struggling to keep a focused mind while sadness consumed you. After landing, Quaritch made it clear to you that he had noticed. Quaritch got off the ikran then carefully took Spider from your arms so you could dismount as well. When you moved to grab your son back, he stepped back to gain your attention.

You hissed softly as your head turned up to glare at him, “I do not have patience for your games.”

“You wanna tell me what the hell that was about?”

You bared your teeth, “I do not know what you speak of. Give me my son.”

Quaritch chuckled, “Ah there we go. You’re jealous Spider’s warming up to me. You didn’t think he would want to know his own father.”

Your hurt reached its boiling point. “You are not his father! You have not been any kind of parent to him. He is my son! My.. my child.” Your voice cracked with emotion and you tried to swallow the lump forming in your throat. “I have taken care of him for his whole life and you think you can try to steal him from me. Eywa knows I would gut you inside out before I let that happen.”

Quaritch shifted Spider so he was only in one arm leaning against his chest. He placed his now free hand on his hip. “I ain’t tryna steal him from you. I’ll admit, I didn’t like the idea of a hostile raising my boy…but I’ve seen how he acts around you. He trusts you. Protects you just as much as you protect him. Loves you.”

He took a deep breath while you could feel your body heaving, too many emotions firing off inside you leaving you short of breath. He continued, “Hell, I don’t think he’d want nothing to do with me if I took him away from you.”

You frowned, “I do not understand what you’re saying.” You felt like there was more that wasn’t being said.

Quaritch took a step closer to you and grabbed your chin. His touch was unnaturally gentle given your past experiences. Your eyes widened. Frozen in anticipation, you couldn’t move, didn’t smack away his hand or anything. You just stood there, waiting. He grinned but it seemed softer somehow, gone of any malice behind it.

“He could be our son.” You recoiled, physically and mentally. What?! Your mouth hung open in shock, you hadn’t known what he would say but you would never have been able to guess that. He dropped his hand from your face, his grin dropping to a bemused smile as you stepped back. You acted on impulse, your ears pinning back as you bared your teeth at him, “Never speak such a thing to me again!” Your hands itched to do something. Take Spider, slap him, shake his head to straighten his thoughts, take his hand. Your eyes widened as you remembered the way his hands on you always sparked a warm feeling deep in your stomach. “Gah!” You snapped at him before jumping off the roof, storming down the stairs and practically having to crawl your way through the corridors to get back to your closet room.

As soon as the door shut behind you, you sat down with your knees up to your chest, head hitting back against the wall. Your eyes scrunched close before you covered your head with your hands. The Great Mother was relentless in testing your emotions. Images sparked in your mind from his words, visions of the three of you flying but this time all three of you were happy and laughing, you and Spider back in your hammock but both of you resting on Quaritch’s chest either side, a flash of a scene that began with you and Quaritch kneeling down together at the tree of souls. No. No. It was not to be. Never.

You needed to get away from this place. It was clearly driving you to madness, thinking such outrageous things.

Spider’s twitching went unnoticed in his father’s arms as he was carried inside. He had woken up in the middle of your shouting, hearing that you two had been arguing about him. He’d feigned sleep to hear what was being said, needing to feed into his curiosity. He was shocked by Quaritch’s move on his mom, but what truly surprised him was your response. The mom he knew four weeks ago would have jumped on Quaritch and tried to pluck his brain out through his eyeballs for such a thing. You barely yelled at him and stormed away. Concern filled Spider, things were getting complicated and the lines between pretending and reality, good and bad were getting blurrier.

Taglist:

Jake and Neytiri found you among the remnants of your home, trembling, ears pinned, tail coiled tightly.

They didn’t hesitate. Neytiri knelt beside you, wrapping you in a protective embrace.

“You are safe now,” Neytiri whispered, voice soft and steady, eyes full of fire and care. “We will not let anything happen to you.”

And they kept that promise.

They didn’t just take you in.. They raised you. They guided you, protected you, and gave you a family to rely on.

You learned to walk, to hunt, to listen to Eywa’s whispers, and to trust again.

They didn’t push you to call them “Mom” or “Dad,” but the love was there, unconditional, steady, and unwavering.

They are Your home. Your family. Your heart.

You remember how it felt the first time Jake smiled at you and said, “You are a sully… you are my daughter ” The weight of his words settled in your chest, a warmth that has stayed with you even now, years later.

Neytiri’s guidance shaped your confidence, her steady presence a anchor in the wild of Pandora.

And because of them, you grew strong, capable, and… ready for anything

You and Kiri slip into the mauri, trying not to laugh too loud. “Ma’ey! Pa’ey! Guess what we found!” you call, holding up a messy pile of forest treasures.

Jake raises an eyebrow, smirking. “Hmm… trouble, I assume?”

Neytiri laughs softly, shaking her head. “Still gathering what does not belong to you, I see.”

You grin, tugging Kiri’s hand. “It is not stealing if we found it first!”

You and Kiri had always been inseparable.

From the moment you could walk, you were trailing after her through the forest.. mud on your feet, laughter in your lungs, hands always tangled together as if Eywa herself had tied you side by side.

Neteyam had always been there too.

Not with you… not like Kiri was.. but nearby. Older. Taller.

A presence that blended into the background of your childhood until, one day, it didn’t anymore.

🐾

His siblings saw you as one of them. Another sister. Someone to protect, to tease, to laugh with without thinking twice about it.

But Neteyam never could.

Even when you were younger.. small and bright and always laughing beside Kiri… there had been something about you that pulled at his attention in a way he didn’t understand.

His protectiveness ran deeper than instinct, sharper than duty.

He watched you longer than he should have. Stepped closer without realizing why.

It wasn’t the kind of care you gave a sister.

It never had been.

As the years passed, the distance between you shifted.

You grew into yourself, into someone who made his chest feel tight and his thoughts slow.

He became aware of you in a way that made him restless, careful, quiet.

Neteyam told himself it was wrong to think this way.

That you were family.

That his place was to protect you, nothing more.

But no matter how many times he tried to see you the way his siblings did…

He couldn’t.

And deep down, he knew he never would.

🐾

Kiri noticed neteyam first.

The way his attention shifted without him meaning to.

How his gaze followed you through the clearing even when the conversation had already moved on.

How he positioned himself.. subtly, instinctively between you and anything that felt even remotely like a threat.

How his fingers twitched, as if he wanted to reach out and steady you, and then didn’t, letting you find your balance yourself.

She noticed how he listened when you spoke.

Not politely. Not patiently.

Intently.

And then she noticed you.

The way you went quiet whenever Neteyam stepped into the clearing.

How your fingers fumbled, how your ears twitched just a second too late when his voice joined the conversation.

You, who had grown up fearless, climbing trees faster than the boys, laughing too loud, never shy.. suddenly became all nerves and stolen glances.

Oh, she knew.

You were sitting beside Kiri near the roots of the spirit tree, knees pulled to your chest as she braided a thin cord of fibers.

You were mid-sentence, rambling comfortably, when a familiar shadow fell over you.

“Hey,” Neteyam said casually.

Your brain short-circuited.

“Oh…hi… neteyam.. I mean…” You cleared your throat, heat rushing to your face as you stood too quickly, nearly tripping over your own feet. “I was just… uh”

Kiri bit her lip to keep from smiling.

Neteyam's eyes flicked to you, lingering for half a second longer than necessary.

Something unreadable passed over his face.

like he was cataloging every detail.. the way you avoided his eyes, the flush on your ears, the way your tail betrayed you.

From then on, he made no effort to avoid you.

If anything, he sought you out.. always casually, always with Kiri present.

And every time you stumbled over yourself, he smiled.

Not openly. Not teasingly.

Just a small curve of his mouth. Like he found something quietly satisfying.

Each interaction was small. Innocent.

And every single one left you flustered.

🐾

Neteyam's teasing was quiet. Subtle. Designed just for you.

He started greeting you differently.

Not just a nod. Not just your name.

A hand briefly resting on your shoulder when he passed.

A light squeeze at your elbow when guiding you through a crowd.

Once. just once, he leaned down and murmured a joke meant only for you, his voice low enough to make your ears warm.

You laughed too loudly.

Neteyam's eyes lit up.

He liked that.

And then he started doing things.

Small things at first.

Like sitting closer than necessary during evening meals, his knee brushing yours beneath the woven mats.

Like handing you things directly instead of setting them down.. letting his fingers linger for half a heartbeat too long when you took them.

Like standing behind you while you listened to someone speak, close enough that you could feel his presence without ever seeing it.

At first, you thought it was accidental.

Neteyam had always been kind, steady, calm, attentive in the way the eldest often was. He spoke when needed, listened more than he talked, moved through the forest like it bent itself to him.

So when he lingered near you longer than necessary, or chose to walk beside you instead of ahead, you told yourself it meant nothing.

But then it kept happening.

Every time you were around him, your body reacted before your thoughts could catch up.

Your ears flicked back when he spoke too close.

Your tail curled when his shoulder brushed yours.

Your voice stumbled when he looked at you directly for too long.

And at first, you were too busy being embarrassed to notice him.

Until one evening, the three of you sat beneath a tree as the forest settled into night.

Kiri leaned back against the roots, calm and comfortable.

You sat across from her, knees tucked in.

Neteyam dropped down beside you... closer than he needed to be.

He stretched his legs out and rested his arm behind you, palm flat against the moss.

Not touching you. Just there.

You could feel the heat of him.

Kiri glanced between you both. Said nothing.

The silence stretched.

Your heart pounded so loud you were convinced Neteyam could hear it.

Kiri leaned forward suddenly, resting her chin in her hands, eyes darting between the two of you. "You know," she said innocently, "she gets really nervous around you."

You nearly choked. "Kiri!"

His eyes flicked.. not to your face, but lower. To your tail. To the way it had curled tight around your leg.

Then back to your eyes.

And there it was. That quiet, satisfied look.

Your chest tightened. Wait.....

Neteyam hummed softly, pretending to consider this. His hand playing with the moss behind you. "Does she?"

Your ears burned. You heart thudded. You tail flicking uncontrollably behind you.

His gaze flicked down again brief, deliberate, then back to kiri. And this time, he didn't hide the smile.

Small. Warm. Absolutely unfair.

That was the moment it became clear.

He wasn't teasing by accident.

He wasn't unaware.

You glanced at him and saw it.

The way his eyes softened. The way the corner of his mouth twitched like he was holding something back.

The thought hit you so suddenly you almost gasped.

He likes this.

he enjoyed watching you unravel a little at a time.

Not in a cruel way. Not mocking.

But... entertained. Amused. Patient.

From then on, you started paying attention.

And you realized he knows exactly what he’s doing.

‘He’s…. Testing me’ you thought.

It became so obvious neteyam was intentionally teasing you.

Not with words. Just proximity. Light touches that could be explained.

Your shoulder brushing his arm, fingers barely grazing, thighs close when navigating narrow paths.

Each time, your tail curled tighter. Your ears flattened. Your heartbeat raced.

He noticed.

And he definitely wasn't going to stop.

🐾

The first time he tested it, it was almost accidental.

The three of you were sitting together near the training grounds.

You and Kiri were sharing fruit, shoulders pressed together, when Neteyam approached and dropped down across from you.

His movements were easy, confident, completely unaware, it seemed, of the way your spine straightened the second he sat.

He leaned back on his hands. Relaxed.

Your fingers stilled mid-motion.

Neteyam's eyes flicked to your hands. Then slowly he smiled.

"You going to eat that?" he asked, nodding toward the bitten fruit in your hand.

Your mouth went dry. "I.. yeah.. I mean-"

Kiri elbowed you lightly. "She was."

Neteyam hummed, amused. "Was."

You shot him a look, flustered.

He met your eyes easily, unbothered and held them just long enough for your heart to start racing.

You hesitated, fingers tightening around the fruit before, without thinking too hard about it, you held it out toward him.

“I.. if you want it,” you said quietly.

Neteyam’s features lifted slightly. Just a flicker of surprise.

Then he leaned forward. He didn’t take the fruit from your hand.

He bit into it.

Right where you had.

Your breath hitched. Your tail stilled completely.

He pulled back slowly, chewing, eyes never leaving your face. There was a pause.. brief, heavy before his lips curved into something small. Satisfied.

“Thanks,” he said, voice low.

Kiri made a soft, knowing sound beside you.

And just like that, it wasn’t accidental anymore.

You stared at the fruit for half a second too long.

He’d bitten it. Right where you had.

“He’s testing me..’ You think again.

The marks were still there.

Your ears burned, heat creeping down your neck as you became painfully aware of Kiri watching you from the corner of her eye.

Neteyam didn’t say anything. Didn’t move. He just leaned back again, relaxed, gaze settled on you like he was waiting.

Testing.

You swallowed.

Then, before you could talk yourself out of it.. you lifted the fruit and took another bite.

From the same place.

Your teeth sank into the softened edge, his bite still there, unmistakable.

The world didn’t end. No one gasped. No one said anything.

But Neteyam’s posture changed. Just slightly.

His eyes darkened, focus sharpening in a way that made your stomach flip. He didn’t smile this time.

Kiri’s eyes widened. Just a little.

‘Two can play that game.’ You think to yourself.

You chewed slowly, forcing yourself to stay calm even as your heart pounded in your chest.

When you looked back at him, your gaze didn’t waver.

Barely.

Neteyam exhaled through his nose. He swallowed. His face a purple hue.

kiri laughed, tail flicking with amusement. "Ohhh, there it is," she teased, grinning. "Look at you, Neteyam! The mighty warrior, flustered!”

His head jerked slightly, eyes narrowing but not in anger. Just... embarrassment.

Warmth spreading across his face and neck, even though he tried to hide it.

"Ohhh, don't think you can hide that! I see it!" kiri adds.

Neteyam's jaw tightened but the faintest curve of a smile betraved him.

you both sit there, flushed and wide-eyed.

Kiri’s little laughs echoing through the forest.

I hope you enjoyed, let me know what you think!

I see you guys asking for a “Not now. Not ever.” part 2 and that is coming soon!!

I’m also in the progress of writing a Tonowari x reader so yay!

After that the days passed in a blur, she spent most of the time hunting to assist the people the best she could.

She never went with her father to the ship yard to gather every weapon possible because she could not trust herself to keep the impassive facade in the place where her brother died.

Besides she was not good with guns nor with any weapons of the sky people for that matter. Lo’ak was one of the few who knew how to handle those, so she thought he was the most suited for the task.

When she got wind of her father and Lo’ak’s return she ran to greet them.

But once she reached them she saw the commotion, the Tsahik harsh glare and her mother’s broken expression alongside her father’s hardened look.

She tried her best to cheer her family but her best was not enough.

Tuk still cried at night, awaken by nightmares that haunted her every dream.

Lo’ak became the shell of what he used to be, forcing smiles, eyes dull replacing that glint of mischief he used to have.

Kiri was drowning with her insecurities and thoughts, she could not even visit Neteyam in the spirit world after her last seizure.

And not to talk about her parents, who were now fragile more than ever, even if they tried to hide their broken pieces she could see them clearly.

Her mother did not leave the family’s Marui anymore, spending her days bathing in grief.

Singing, voice muffled by her sobs, hands trembling as they clutched Neteyam’s clothes.

Her father hid his grief behind duty, always alert, always preparing for another attack from the sky people.

And she had to agree with him, as much as she wanted this war to be finished she knew it wasn’t. She knew the sky people were still sniffing around waiting for the right moment to pounce and attack, like they always did.

So that was why she kept watch during the night alongside her father, who didn’t seem to sleep well these last few months, even with her hovering and always trying to get him to rest.

The only thing she could do was sit by his side, even when he protested she insisted on staying to help him in any way she could.

She noticed how his posture was always so stiff and rigid, completely different from the way he used to be.

She missed seeing her father smile, laugh freely or be playful again.

War truly didn’t spare anyone.

When she entered the Marui, to check if her siblings were asleep she saw her mother still sat there, whispering to not wake up the kids who were fast asleep in their hammocks.

“Sa’nok, you should rest”she spoke softly, crouching down beside her mother. Hands going to her arms gently.

Neytiri’s face paint was all smudged from the tears she shed the whole day, her gaze felt hollow as she directed it to her daughter.

Her chest rose with each heavy breath she took. “I can’t—I need to..”

“Please”

Her ears flattened once she noticed the pleading look her eldest was giving her.

She hesitated before agreeing, making her way to her hammock with the help of her daughter.

“Rest well, Sa’nok”she whispered, pressing a kiss to her forehead.

Neytiri didn’t answer, she just squeezed her hand with a small smile, the first one in a while.

“You should sleep as well”Jake’s voice echoed in her ears, accompanied by the soft sighs of the rest of her siblings sleeping in their own hammocks. Some rustling and whining came from Tuk’s hammock but it was an everyday routine now, she managed to rest peacefully after a few minutes of her sister humming while rocking her.

“I’m well rested”she answered, hands leaving Tuk and dropping to her side.

“Perhaps you are the one who should rest, sempul”she added, sitting beside him.

He was reloading his gun, a certain sharpness in his movements as he handled the weapon with force.

“This is no time for rest, baby girl”he replied, the sweet nickname he reserved for his daughters was a strict contrast to the firmness in his tone.

“Maybe you could teach me how to handle one of these?”she questioned after a beat of silence. Gaze fixated on the gun in his hands.

His movements stopped but his gaze didn’t wander. He shook his head before he finished reloading the weapon with a grunt”I would prefer if you didn’t.”

“Besides your mother would kill me if I taught another one of you how to use these damn things”he added, a small smile appeared on his face. She reciprocated with a small chuckle, but she noticed the way his smile didn’t reach his eyes.

── .✦

Her ears perked at the sound of constant beeping. Her eyes flew open as she heard Kiri shout, her whole family woke up to the sight of spider chocking as his mask’s battery died.

She only watched as they all ran to find his spare one, fingers tightening on the beads that surrounded her neck.

When they finally managed to find and put the mask on, he let out a big breath of air, coughing before his chest rose with each breath he was finally able to take.

Her head dropped back down on her hammock, turning away, fingers mindlessly playing with every bead that formed her necklace.

Her eyes turned to rest on the small glimpse of the sky she was able to catch from her laid position.

The next day she was sharpening her arrow, her hands moving with practiced precision. Until her gaze snapped back at the sound of laughter. She turned to look at her siblings laughing as they all surrounded the human boy, playfully swatting him for scaring them last night.

She didn’t notice when but the wood snapped from the harshness that now carried her movements.

Her eyes raked over his figure, brows furrowing as she watched him.

Her hold on the small knife she was using tightened unconsciously.

She forced herself to look away, jaw tightened as her chest heaved with each breath.

She was about to stand up to head toward the forest side to hunt and distract herself from the ugly sensation that was forming in her chest, until she was called over.

“The winds traders are here!”Lo’ak yelled, urging his older sister to come see.

── .✦

She rode her Ikran, flying around the massive creatures that occupied the sky.

A small smile plastered on her face at the breath taking sight in front of her.

The wind blew against her face as she landed on the ground. Before she could properly mount off her Ikran, Tuk came running to grab her hand, bouncing with happiness.

She let out a breathless chuckle at the little girl’s excitement, planting her feet on the ground and letting her younger sister drag her through the buzzing crowd.

Tuk strutted around happily, hand wrapped tight around her sister’s as she looked around, eyes glistening with curiosity.

The place was filled with many different scents, many foreign things were exposed in front of the traders as they encouraged people to come look.

Tuk stopped in her track, mesmerized by a bunch of gems, all so uniquely beautiful. The sunlight made them shine even brighter.

“Look how pretty they are!”

The youngest girl crouched down to take a closer look, hands caressing one gently.

She let out a small chuckle as Tuk took hold of one of the gems. Bringing it in front of her sister to admire as well.

But her gaze was soon caught by the sight of her father discussing something with, who she assumed to be, the Olo'eyktan of the Tlalim clan.

She tilted her head once she noticed how both of their gazes kept flickering toward the human boy.

However before she could question it further Tuk had already grabbed her hand, dragging her toward another stand.

The place had quieted down once the air traders had settled down for the day.

Her father had called them all over for a family talk.

“On your knees. Tuk, Kiri”Jake commanded once he entered the Marui alongside his mate.

The rest of the kids sat down except for Kiri who looked at her parents with brows furrowed.

“Kiri please”her father pleaded. And from the way he was looking at her it was clear he was tired and in no position to argue.

“Children sit down”Neytiri voice echoed from beside Jake, and Kiri reluctantly went back down beside the human spawn.

The eldest sully girl watched as her father spoke up, tone careful but firm.

“Your mother and I..have come to a decision”her stomach churned at the anxiousness that those words bought her.

He then turned his gaze to the boy in front of him. “Spider you have to go back to high camp.”

Her ears perked up at that, as soon as those words left her father’s mouth relief had washed away the fear off her chest. However her ears flattened against her head, she knew a storm was brewing once she heard her siblings speak.

“What?” Kiri questioned bewildered.

“The wind traders are taking you”Jake continued, gaze locked to the human boy in front of him.

“No!” Kiri raised her voice, hands instinctively flying to the said boy next to her in a protective manner.

“Dad, you can’t” Lo’ak argued, eyes widening at his father’s words.

“You can’t live with a mask day and night”Jake reasoned calmly.

The boy blinked back tears as he looked at the man speak. “I just want to stay here with you..”

“I know but..it’s just too risky”Jake’s voice remained gentle as he tried to reason with the stubborn children he was surrounded with.

She observed without a word, noticing the way her mother hands were raking obsessively over the beads of Neteyam’s songchord, muttering something under her breath.

Her jaw clenched as her gaze set back on the sky demon that was sat next to her younger sister.

“Please..you are the only family I have ever known”his voice broke, hands trembling as he clutched his own knees in an attempt to calm himself.

“This is what’s best for you”her father’s voice rang again, his tone was firmer now and she knew there was no getting around him this time.

“But dad, he is our best friend”Lo’ak tried to plead, half stood up as he begged his father to see reason.

“Can’t we just find another way?” The young boy asked carefully, glassy eyes setting on Jake’s.

“It’s too dangerous”he spoke”you’re one battery away from dying yourself.”

She clenched her fist as she watched her siblings beg for the demon to stay. Kiri’s glassy eyes were very obvious as she begged her father repeatedly, desperately.

“He belongs with his own kind”she spoke breaking their constant pleading, making her siblings turn to her. Her tone was harsh, far harsher than any of them had been used to hearing.

“And what kind is that, sister?”Kiri asked after a beat of silence. Her head tilted as she turned to look at her older sister”aliens? Pig heads?”

The gaze her younger sister was directing her made her sick to the stomach, she had never seen such hatred in Kiri’s eyes. Nonetheless turned to her. ”You hate them so much that’s all you see.”

“Kiri..”she whispered her younger sister’s name in a broken voice. “He does not belong here.”

“It’s Spider” Kiri continued, not backing down.

“Please Jake…I won’t be any problem you know that”Spider spoke again, the tears in his eyes were now obvious.

“Dad, this isn’t right you know that”Lo’ak butted in, desperation dripping from every syllable.

“Spider is part of this family”Kiri added, voice firm as she glanced over at her mother and older sister.

“He will never”Neytiri hissed, standing to attack the young human boy, before Lo’ak and Jake managed to grab her shoulders and sit her back down. ”Be a part of this family” she finished, her gaze hardened as it finally settled on the boy. Kiri took a protective stance infront of him, shielding him from her mother’s rage.

“The caravan is the safest way we can move him, he will leave today.” As soon as those words left Jake’s mouth the Mauri erupted with protests and complains.

Jake clenched his fist raising his voice to shut them all up”this is a family! It’s not a democracy, alright?”

“I hate you!” Kiri shouted standing up, gaze slipping to her elder sister as well”I hate all of you!”

She dropped her gaze to the ground, suddenly feeling sticky and overwhelmed at her sister’s words. She held her hands tightly as she felt an uncomfortable feeling surface her skin. Her chest started to slowly heave with each breath she took.

Her sister hated her.

Her baby sister hated her.

“This is what is best, baby girl”Jake tried to comfort her, the sweet nickname rolling off his tongue easily. However once he went to place his hands on her shoulder, she slapped them away before storming off.

“You understand?” Jake put his hand on spider shoulder but he also dodged his touch. Leaving the Marui with thundering steps.

Lo’ak stood up, gaze locked with his father’s. ”I already lost my brother”his voice broke at the end of the sentence. He paused to hold back the tears that were threatening to spill”I can’t lose anyone else.”

Tuk followed her siblings out of the Marui but not before hissing at her father, teeth barring out in what would have been an adorable manner it it wasn’t for the current situation.

Jake’s shoulders sagged as he crouched down, hands going to massage his temple, letting out a long and tired sigh.

Neytiri was rocking herself lightly, her grip on the beads tightened as she started muttering prayers faster than before.

The eldest daughter stared at the floor. Her hands clenched, fingers digging through her flesh but the pain was nowhere close to the prickly sensation she felt after her siblings looked at her like she was betrayed them.

She sat up quickly, too quickly that she got dizzy from the movement but she did not mind it, she just wanted to get away. As fast as possible and as far as possible. She didn’t know from what or where but she just had to take a walk to clear her mind.

Her feet dragged her out of the Marui before her thoughts could catch. She passed her siblings who all gave her a strange look, once she couldn’t place because she did not stop to question it.

She just kept going but before she could walk further away her father voice rumbled through the multiple thoughts that were poisoning her mind.

He called her back.

She hugged herself closer, nails digging through the flesh to steady herself before reluctantly turning around. Her gaze set on everything but her siblings.

A sense of dread washed over her at her father’s words.

“What about this? We go together to drop him off”he offered, voice uncharacteristically nervous as he spoke fast.

“Kiri…you said you wanted to see your grandmother” Neytiri spoke low but loud enough to be understood, offering her daughter a weak smile.

“It will be an adventure for the whole family”Jake tried to cheer up, turning to his eldest. As if waiting for her to agree like the rest of his children, like she always did.

However this time her words were nowhere near what he was excepting.

“I will not go.”

Jake looked at her with a puzzled look, mouth agap for a couple of minutes before he finally managed to let out a single weak word. “Why?”

She hugged herself tighter”I cannot go. I will stay. I will keep watch here”she insisted, her voice firmer as she finally looked up.

Jake brow furrowed as he listened to his daughter’s words, replaying then in his mind.

“Ma‘ite do not play around”Neytiri finally spoke, stepping closer. “This is a family outing there is no we without all of us” she tried to reason with her daughter, hand reaching for her. But she did not see reason.

“I cannot leave this place”she started again, this time her voice was much more weaker compared to the stone cold stare she had on. “I cannot leave him alone in a foreign land.”

── .✦

She watched as her family rode their perspective Ikrans, ready to leave. Although not before Neytiri could place a kiss on her eldest’s forehead, hugging her tight. Tuk was glued to her side, tiny arms wrapped tightly around her sister’s waist until Jake called her over.

“We will be back soon”her father spoke before they all flew away following the caravan. Tuk still waving at her happily.

She bit her lips as she watched them go. Kiri and Lo’ak did not hug her like usually before parting.

She did not stay to watch the caravan leave like the rest of the village, instead she grabbed her bow and arrow heading toward the forest side of the village. Finding a quiet and far place where she kept shooting at everything that entered her vision. Her shots were not precise like they usually were, they were loose, her mind not focused.

Hands gripping tightly on the wood of the bow, the action was sure to cost her a lot of pain afterwards but she did not care.

That day she came back with a basket full of food, she had caught many preys.

Her anger had unleashed in her movements and the poor creatures around her had suffered it.

She prayed for them before coming back but she refused to eat. Tsireya kept insisting her to, at the very least, sit down beside her in the common meal area. But she turned her down gently, giving her some half baked excuse before disappearing inside her Marui.

the hidden cove on the far side of the island was one of them. you'd found him here once when you were younger, maybe thirteen, and he'd been so annoyed that he'd splashed you until you left. but then the next day he'd shown up and asked if you wanted to go hunting, and that was that. a friendship born from being annoyed with each other and just being around each other and both of you being too stubborn to back down from anything.

he was sitting at the water's edge, his feet in the shallows, his ilu floating nearby with that patient worried look animals sometimes had. the glowing algae cast soft blue light across his skin, showing the tension in his shoulders, the way he was hunched over like he was trying to make himself smaller.

aonung had never tried to make himself smaller in his life.

"hey," you said softly, walking up slowly like you would with a hurt animal.

he didn't turn around. "go away."

"no."

"i'm not in the mood."

"i don't care."

that got a reaction. he turned his head just enough that you could see his face, the hard line of his jaw. "seriously. leave."

"make me." you sat down next to him, close enough that your shoulders almost touched, and put your feet in the water too. it was warm, always warm, but tonight it felt different somehow. heavier.

for a long moment he didn't say anything. his ilu made a small chirping sound and swam closer, pushing its head against your arm until you reached out to pet it. the skin was smooth and cool, kind of comforting.

"she's gone," aonung said finally, his voice rough and low. "my mom is gone."

"i know."

"she just... she had prill and then she was fighting and then she was just gone. like it was nothing. like her life didn't matter."

"it wasn't nothing," you said firmly. "and her life mattered. she died protecting all of us. protecting prill."

"what kind of world did she bring prill into?" his voice cracked on his baby sister's name. "what kind of world where babies are born during battles and mothers die before they even get to hold their kids? the ash people, the sky people, all of it. quaritch jumping into the fire like some dramatic exit, not even letting us know if he's dead. what's the point?"

you didn't have an answer for that. you'd been asking yourself the same things since the battle ended, since you'd watched ronal fall and heard the wave of grief that went through the metkayina warriors.

"your mom was the strongest person i knew," you said instead. "remember when that storm hit two years ago and everyone was freaking out? she just stood there in the rain, totally calm, and told everyone exactly what to do. we didn't lose a single marui because of her."

aonung made a sound that might have been a laugh or might have been a sob. "she once threatened to feed me to an akula because i pranked tsireya."

"you put a dead fish in her sleeping mat. you deserved the akula threat."

"it was funny."

"it was gross."

this time it was definitely a laugh, small and broken but real. his ilu chirped again, happy, and did a little spin in the water.

"show off," aonung muttered, but there was affection in his voice.

you sat in silence for a while, watching the glowing stuff pulse and swirl around your feet. in the distance you could hear the sounds of the village starting to recover, voices calling to each other, the splash of hunters coming back with food. life going on because it had to.

"prill doesn't have a mother," aonung said quietly. "she's going to grow up without knowing her. without hearing her voice or learning her healing songs or any of it."

"she'll have you. and tsireya. and tonowari. and honestly half the clan because everyone loved your mom." you bumped your shoulder against his. "and she'll have me, because someone needs to make sure you don't teach her all your bad habits."

"my habits aren't bad."

"you literally tried to fight someone last month because they 'looked at you weird.'"

"they did look at me weird!"

"they were yawning, aonung.."

he turned to face you fully then, and you could see the redness around his eyes, the tear tracks. aonung, who prided himself on being strong and tough, who'd stepped up during the battle against the ash people and fought like crazy. he looked young suddenly, younger than he was, just a boy who'd lost his mother.

"i don't know how to do this," he admitted, his voice barely a whisper. "i don't know how to be okay with this."

"you don't have to be okay with it." you reached out and took his hand, threading your fingers through his. his hand was warm and rough from years of training and fighting, but it shook slightly in yours. "nobody expects you to be okay right now."

"my father needs me to be strong. the clan needs—"

"the clan needs you to grieve," you cut him off. "you can't be strong if you don't let yourself feel this. trust me, i learned that the hard way."

he looked at you with a question in his eyes, and you sighed.

"when my grandmother died, i tried to just keep going like nothing happened. thought that was what i was supposed to do, you know? keep swimming, keep hunting, keep pretending everything was fine. but it wasn't fine, and i wasn't fine, and eventually i just... broke. had a complete meltdown in the middle of reef training and freaked everyone out." you squeezed his hand. "your mom actually helped me through it. she sat with me for hours, let me cry, told me stories about my grandmother. she said grief was like the ocean - you couldn't fight it, you just had to learn to swim with it."

aonung's breath caught. "that sounds like something she'd say."

"she was wise. and kind. and scary when she needed to be." you smiled despite the tears in your own eyes. "remember when the sully kids first showed up and you were being a complete skxawng to them?"

"i was not—"

"you called lo'ak a freak and made fun of his hands."

"okay, that was bad," he admitted. "but in my defense, i was being protective of the clan."

"you were being a bully."

"same thing."

"not even close." you shook your head. "but your mom shut that down real quick. i've never seen you look so scared as when she called you out in front of everyone. even though she didn’t like them either."

"she had a way of making you feel about two inches tall when you disappointed her." he looked down at your joined hands. "but also like you were the most important person in the world when you made her proud."

"you made her proud," you said firmly. "in the battle, the way you fought, the way you protected tsireya and your father. she saw that. i know she did."

"how do you know?"

"because i saw her face right before... before." you had to swallow hard. "she was looking at you and tsireya, and she was smiling. even in the middle of all that chaos, she was proud of her kids."

aonung's face crumpled, and then he was crying, really crying, the kind of deep sobs that shook his whole body. you pulled him toward you and he came easily, burying his face against your shoulder while you held him. his ilu swam closer, making worried sounds, and you reached out with one hand to calm it while keeping the other wrapped around aonung.

"it's not fair," he gasped out between sobs. "none of this is fair. the ash people turning away from eywa because of some volcano, quaritch and his stupid revenge, the rda and their factory ships. why can't they just leave us alone? why does there always have to be another war?"

"i don't know," you said honestly, your own tears falling into his hair. "i wish i had an answer. i wish i could fix this."

"you can't fix this. nobody can."

"i know. but i can sit here with you. i can remind you that you're not alone." you pressed your cheek against the top of his head. "i can tell you that your mom loved you more than anything, and that love doesn't just disappear. it's still here. it's in you and tsireya and baby prill. it's in every person she healed, every tradition she kept alive, every story she told."

"that's very poetic," he mumbled against your shoulder. "did you prepare that speech?"

"shut up, i'm trying to be comforting."

"it's working." he pulled back a little, wiping at his eyes with the back of his hand. "sorry for getting your shoulder all wet."

"we're literally sitting in the ocean, i think i'll survive a few tears."

he laughed weakly, and eywa, you'd missed that sound. it felt like forever since anyone had laughed.

"have you seen prill yet?" you asked gently.

he shook his head. "i can't. every time i look at her, all i see is... i see my mom, and then i remember she's gone, and—"

"prill needs you," you said softly. "she needs her big brother. and i know it hurts, i know every time you look at her you're going to think about what you lost. but aonung, she's also everything your mom fought for. she's proof that life goes on, that love goes on. even after everything with varang and the ash people, even after quaritch and the rda, life found a way."

"you sound like jake sully."

"i've been spending too much time around the sullys. lo'ak's tulkun bonding stuff is rubbing off on me." you paused. "speaking of which, can you believe lo'ak got the tulkun to join the fight? that boy might be reckless but he's got heart."

"he's still annoying."

"you like him."

"i tolerate him."

"you literally saved his life during the battle."

"that was tactical. needed him alive to keep the tulkun fighting."

"sure it was." you smiled. "admit it, you've gotten soft. the forest boy grew on you."

"like a fungus," aonung grumbled, but there was no real heat in it. he'd actually become friends with lo'ak over the past months, bonding over being the older siblings who were expected to be perfect while their younger sisters got to be special.

well, in tsireya's case she was perfect. but still.

"kiri's powers were crazy though," you said, trying to keep the conversation going, to distract him from the grief. "did you see the way she made the tsyong fight during the battle? it was like eywa herself was fighting with us."

"it was weird," aonung said. "but it worked. that tsyong attack probably saved a ton of lives."

"and spider breathing without his mask now? that's going to change everything. if kiri can do that for others—"

"that's a big if. and knowing spider, he'll find some way to make it complicated." aonung shifted, pulling his feet out of the water. "but yeah, it was pretty incredible. the whole battle was... i've never seen anything like it."

"toruk makto rising again," you said softly. "my grandmother used to tell stories about the last time someone rode the last shadow. never thought i'd see it myself."

"jake sully is either the bravest person on pandora or the most insane."

"probably both."

aonung was quiet for a moment, staring out at the dark water. the moons were rising, throwing silver light across the waves, and somewhere in the distance you could hear some night creature calling.

"do you think she suffered?" he asked suddenly. "my mom. do you think it hurt?"

you wanted to lie, wanted to tell him it was instant and painless. but aonung deserved the truth, and he'd know if you were lying anyway.

"i don't know," you said carefully. "but i know she was fighting until the end. i know she was protecting prill and your father and all of us. whatever she felt, it was worth it to her. you were worth it to her."

he nodded slowly, working through that. his jaw clenched and unclenched, dealing with emotions you couldn't even begin to untangle.

"i should go see prill," he said finally. "you're right. she needs family."

"do you want me to come with you?"

he turned to look at you, really look at you, and something in his face made your heart skip. there was grief there, yeah, but also gratitude and something else, something softer that you weren't quite ready to name.

"yeah," he said quietly. "i'd like that."

you stood together, brushing sand off your legs. aonung's ilu swam up, ready to take him back to the village, but he ignored it for a moment and just looked at you.

"thank you," he said. "for finding me. for... for this."

"always," you said, meaning it with everything in you. "you don't have to go through this alone, aonung. none of us do."

he reached out and pulled you into a hug, sudden and fierce and desperate. you hugged him back just as tight, feeling his heart beating against your chest, his breath warm against your neck.

"i don't know what i'd do without you," he said into your hair.

"lucky for you, you'll never have to find out."

when you finally pulled apart and got on your ilus to head back to the village, something had shifted between you. the grief was still there, raw and painful and too much, but it felt more bearable somehow. shared.

the village was settling in for the night when you got there, families gathering in their maruis, the wounded being helped, the dead being mourned. tonowari's marui glowed with soft light, and you could hear baby prill crying before you even got off your ilu.

aonung hesitated at the entrance, his hand on the woven doorway. you gave him an encouraging nod, and together you stepped inside.

tonowari was sitting on the floor, holding prill against his chest and swaying gently. he looked up when you came in, and the grief in his eyes was overwhelming. but when he saw aonung, something softened.

"my son," he said quietly.

"father." aonung's voice cracked. "i'm sorry. i'm sorry i ran off. i should have been here, i should have—"

"you are here now. that is what matters." tonowari held out one arm, and aonung went to him, kneeling next to his father and baby sister. "would you like to hold her?"

aonung looked terrified, but he nodded. tonowari carefully handed prill to aonung, showing him how to support her head, and for a moment the tiny baby stopped crying. she looked up at her brother with unfocused eyes, one tiny hand reaching up to grab at his face.

"she's so small," aonung breathed.

"you were this small once," tonowari said, a sad smile on his face. "your mother used to say you had the strongest grip she'd ever felt. said you'd be a great warrior one day."

"was she right?"

"see for yourself. you fought bravely. made her proud." tonowari's voice got thick. "made me proud."

tsireya came in then, her eyes red from crying but her face determined. she saw aonung holding prill and her expression crumpled with relief.

"you came back," she said.

"where else would i go?" aonung asked, looking up at his sister. "this is our family. we face this together."

tsireya came and sat next to him, leaning her head on his shoulder and reaching out to stroke prill's soft hair. you stayed near the entrance, feeling like you were intruding on a family moment, but tonowari gestured for you to come closer.

"you are always welcome here," he said warmly. "you brought my son home. that is no small thing."

"he would have come back on his own eventually," you said. "he just needed time."

He gave her a brief nod along with a faint smile, then his focus went right back to his boys.

Neteyam spun his spear and disarmed Lo’ak with a clean strike. Lo’ak stumbled.

“One more move,” Jake said. “Finish it, Neteyam.”

Neteyam stepped forward—

And saw (yn) watching.

Her front braids were loose from healer work, a faint smear of green salve on her cheek. She smiled when their eyes met.

It was that smile, adorable smile that allowed for his focus to shatter. His foot misplaced and his senses diverted for a second.

In that second, Lo’ak recovered and swept Neteyam’s legs, allowing him to hit the ground hard.

Jake sighed deeply, pinching the bridge of his nose.

“Neteyam. You basically had him.”

Lo’ak leapt to his feet, cheering. “YES! Did you see that?! I beat the mighty firstborn!”

(yn) giggled softly at her friend's enthusiasm. Lo'ak made his way over to her, both of them excited over his triumph. But as she looked past Lo'ak, she watched Neteyam groaned into the dirt. She chuckled quietly, making sure she kept her posture.

Lo’ak turned to his brother, spotting his state of embarrassment properly now. His grin turned dangerous.

“Well, well. Since I am clearly the superior warrior today…” He struck a heroic pose. “(yn), do you wish to challenge the champion?”

Neteyam lifted his head slowly.

Gave Lo’ak a look.

A very calm, very murderous look.

Lo’ak swallowed quickly and restated his offer.

“…Or, you could fight the loser.”

(yn) laughed. “I accept.”

Jake raised a brow. “(yn). Are you-"

"Yes, it'll be a good warm up."

Neteyam stood, brushing dirt from his arms. A soft smile curved his mouth, "I will go easy on you.”

She laughed again, bright and sweet.

“Don’t.”

The circle went quiet.

Jake folded his arms, skeptical.

“Begin.”

Neteyam advanced carefully, relaxed and controlled.

(yn) moved.

In a heartbeat, she ducked under his strike, swept his legs, twisted his arm, and used his own momentum to throw him face-first into the sand.

Gasps erupted around the circle.

Before Neteyam could recover, she planted a knee between his shoulder blades and pinned his wrists behind his back.

She was straddling him. She had him pinned, his face in the dirt. And she hadn't even broken a sweat.

Then Lo’ak exploded with laughter, nearly falling over. “OH. MY. EYWA.”

Jake stared.

Long. Hard. Almost embarrassed.

“…Neteyam.”

Neteyam, face burning into the dirt, groaned. (yn) leaned down, smiling sweetly while mocking him, “Were you saying something about going easy on me?”

Lo’ak was wheezing on the sides, as both Kiri and Tuk popped their heads in to see what the commotion was about.

Jake shook his head slowly. “I train you for years and the healer in training takes you down in five seconds.”

(yn) finally released him and stood, offering a hand. Neteyam took it, dazed, half proud, half humiliated.

"You did pretty good."

(yn) gives him this smirk. The type that said 'You mean I did amazing,' the type that made his heart flutter.

Lo’ak clapped him on the shoulder. “Congratulations, brother. You have been beaten twice in a day.”

Neteyam shot him a glare.

(yn) just smiled.

Very pleased with herself.

Neteyam was still staring at the ground like it had personally betrayed him.

Lo’ak slung an arm around his shoulders, barely holding in laughter.

“Hey,” he said, patting his back dramatically. “It is alright, brother. You were not defeated by a warrior. You were defeated by a menace.”

Neteyam groaned. “You are enjoying this too much.”

Lo’ak grinned. “You have spent our entire lives being perfect. Let me have this.”

(yn) stood nearby, trying very hard not to look more smug than she already did.

Jake cleared his throat.

Both boys straightened instantly.

Jake turned his attention to (yn), studying her with new eyes.

“You surprised me today.”

She dipped her head respectfully. “Thank you.”

“You move skillfully. You kept up with my son in combat,” Jake said flatly. “That alone qualifies you to join on our next recon mission."

He glanced at Neteyam.

“He will help train you until then. Teach you the routes, the signals, the air patterns.”

Neteyam straightened immediately. “Yes, sir.”

(yn) looked between them, surprised—but quietly conflicted.

“If I go,” she said carefully, “I go to protect life, and as a support system, not to seek battle in any form unless necessary.”

Jake nodded once. “Good. That is the kind of warrior we need.”

She smiled, looking at Neyetam.

“Then I will join.”

Lo’ak grinned, elbowing his brother. “Great. Now she can save your life after beating you unconscious.”

Neteyam groaned. “You are never letting this go.”

Jake clapped his hands gathering the kids' attention. "Now (yn), Neyetam. Again."

They fought again, repeating their previous dance. But now (yn) is sweeping his feet, allowing him to fall. Hard.

(yn) wipes of her hands and turns to Lo'ak and grins deviously, "Your turn?"

The boy could only chuckle nervously in return, but a groan stopped her in her tracks. Another low, pain-filled groan came from Neyetam.

That had her scrambling to his side, "Hey, are you alright? What hurts."

Kiri sighed knowingly, not surprised that all her training as a healer could not be undone with a single fight. Her caring instincts were still there. Meanwhile, Tuk sqealed and smiles at the sight of the two teens.

Neyetam didn't respond, making (yn) drop her stuff to help him get to the med-clinic. As she supported him weight, she tried to examine him, her palms looking over his body for any bruises or cuts.

As the rest of the family watches, they see Neyetam turn towards them and smirk. It was small and subtle, but there.

Lo'ak looked at his dad, back at his bother, realizing (yn) was getting played right now.

Kiri crosses her arms, "He does realize he's gonna get kicked when she realizes right?"

"Eh, I guess he's just happy to get attention from the girl of his dreams," Lo'ak said, earning a smack from Kiri. Jake just chuckled while shaking his head, muttering to himself, "Was I really like this when I was young?"

___

You were told the truth by your sister, at least as much as she could remember. Aha’ri was your older sister, she was the one who helped ease nightmares and often hummed the song of your people for everyone.

You two weren't the only Sarentu children the RDA had taken. Nor, Ri'nela, Teylan, Yefti, Telisi, and Yuayt were the other children that were taken and shoved into a small room with bunk beds.

Yefti, Telisi, and Yuayt often listened to the humans, not wanting to get in trouble and receive punishments. You and the others were a mixed bag.

Nor and Aha'ri often fought back against the whole idea of The Ambassador Program while Teylan often participated to receive praise. You and Ri'nela stayed quiet but often stood opposed to the idea of TAP and Na'vi working together.

Why would the Na'vi want to work for the same humans that stole some of their children?

Everyday was the same at TAP. Wake up, eat TAP rations for breakfast, learn about Earth, exercise for a while, shower, eat lunch, learn about TAP, eat dinner, then go to bed. Everyday.

You woke up feeling off, like this uneasy feeling in the pit of your stomach, but you just pushed it aside and kept going.

“Good morning. Let's review The Ambassador Program.”

Alma. A human scientist who you only ever saw in her avatar form. She was nice, always trying to protect you all from the others. You liked Alma.

“When the RDA discovered Pandora-”

“You can't discover something that was there all along.” Your sister Aha'ri didn't share the sentiment. She and Nor often spoke out against her and always gave the women the cold shoulder.

“Aha'ri.” Alma looked at the young girl. “When we say discovered, we mean the first time humans came here.”

Aha'ri didn't respond.

“When we arrived we realized that this was an opportunity to create beneficial relationships with the indigenous people.”

A picture of navi popped up on the screen, who looked just like Alma but more free and with colorful clothing and intricate designs.

Your ear flicks softly as you can hear Aha'ri beginning to hum.

“We created avatars, like mine, to help create relationships with the Na'vi.”

You began fidgeting with the song cord on your left hand, according to Aha'ri it belonged to your mother. You looked back up at Alma as she walked down the aisle as Aha'ri continued her humming.

“And when you graduate, it will be your job as Ambassadors to reach out to the Na'vi clans, and to-”

The metal doors to the classroom opened and stepping inside were two armed RDA guards along with the head of the TAP program. They all wore masks to breathe normal air since the rest of you needed Pandora air to survive. As soon as he walked in the room got tense.

“-help us to..help us to create those alliances.” Alma must have been cut off guard by man's sudden appearance.

“Can, um, anyone tell me how that can be done?” Alma stops in front of Aha'ri yet the child continues to hum the song.

“Aha'ri.” You can hear Alma whisper harshly and put her hand up, causing Aha'ri to stop humming.

“The RDA can share their medicines, technologies, and knowledge!” Teylan exclaims as he moves to stand by Mercer, it's clear the young Na'vi is seeking praise.

“That's absolutely correct, Teylan.” The man's praise gets Teylan to bow his head slightly, clearly happy about the praise.

“Director Mercer, we have been going over TAP's mission as you requested.”

You could see how nervous Alma was as she rubbed her hands and held them together. No one liked Mercer.

“Why would Na'vi want to have alliances with you?”

“Aha'ri!”

You winced slightly, while you did agree, you weren't happy about Aha'ri openly challenging Mercer and you knew Alma wasn't happy about it either.

“Alma.”

The woman slowly stepped away from Aha'ri and kept her hands clasped together.

“You have no idea what life is like out there, Aha'ri.” Mercer stood in front of the table she was seated at.

“It's savage.”

Mercer slowly began turning around, locking eyes with each of the children.

“We found you as children. After your clan abandoned you. We have given you a future, a purpose.” Mercer stands between Aha'ri and Nor's desks.

“Our clan would never have abandoned us.”

Aha'ri looks at you.

“Po's a liar!” (He's a liar!)

“Tsmuke ftang!” (Sister stop!) You motioned your left hand, trying to calm your sister when you saw Mercer's glance turned into a glare.

“I allowed you to keep that dirty trinket under the condition-” Mercer slowly began taking steps towards you and immediately your ears flattened.

“-it remained in your bunk, hm?’” Mercer stopped in front of you and held out his palm. “Hand it over.”

You looked at the song cord and before you could do anything you heard Aha'ri grunt as she leaped over her desk and next to Mercer. She took the song cord and pulled Mercer's hand away and up, Aha'ri was angry.

“It was our mother's! It is not a dirty trinket!”

You can see Alma's face now filled with panic, but she stood frozen.

“You don't even know what a song cord is!”

You can see from this distance how Mercer is struggling to get his arm free from Aha'ri.

“Aha'ri, it's just a broken string. I know this is difficult for you but you have to accept that your mother abandoned you.”

“Liar.” Aha'ri stood her ground but released Mercer's hand.

Mercer stares at Aha'ri for what felt like ages before glancing at you and then at all the other children who were all now standing.

“You all know the rules: no physical contact.”

Mercer turns around.

“No dinner for any of you.” He begins to walk away.

“Director Mercer, sir!” Teylan tries to plead but said man slams his fist down on a table. All of you remain silent.

Sleep was already hard but sleep without dinner was harder. You eventually did fall into a slumber but not long later were you awoken by someone's whimpers and Ri'nela's voice.

“Nor? Nor, tìtxen si!” (Nor? Nor, wake up.)

You looked past your shoulder to see Nor leaning on his elbows clearly frightened while Aha'ri and Ri'nela stood on the metal frame of the bunk bed to look at him.

“Ayoe're hu nga. Tsal's okay.” (We're with you. It's okay.)

You turned over and glanced around. It seems you four were awake.

“Oe dreamt tsal nìmun. The txon ayfo took ayoe..” (I dreamt it again. The night they took us..)

Suddenly Teylan kicked the upper bunk that Nor was resting on.

“You're supposed to be speaking English on base!”

Nor hopped off the bunk and growled into Teylan’s face. “When you cry out at night Teylan, you cry out in Na'vi!” Nor then pushed at Teylan's shoulder who returned the push at Nor's shoulder.

When Nor pushes Teylan again, Ri'nela steps in and puts a hand out, stopping the two from going any further.

“Why do you always take Mercer's side?” Aha'ri asks Teylan.

“D-Director Mercer saved us.” Teylan was now in a crouching position.

This angers Nor and causes him to push Teylan again which gets Ri'nela to hiss at him in which Nor hisses back.

Ri'nela always had a soft spot for Teylan.

Teylan hops off the bed and crawls to the darker corner of the room, the three of you follow him.

“Teylan, they took us from our families.” Aha'ri gently places her hand on Teylan's shoulder who leans into it. “We are saplings cut from our roots. We may not remember where we're from, but we can still grow- out there on Pandora.” She gestures to the metal doors.

Nor crouched down next to Aha'ri. “I can’t even remember the words of our clan's songs anymore.”

“We can sing them even without words.” You all form a small circle. With that Aha'ri begins to hum, she is the oldest of you all so she is the only one who knows the tune well, but she has spent time teaching it to you all as well.

Ri'nela puts a hand on Teylan's back before looking up at you, Aha'ri, and Nor.

“We can't let them strip the Na'vi out of us. We have to do something before it's too late.” Ri'nela looks back at Teylan.

You and Aha'ri exchange a glance before Aha'ri speaks up.

“We are stronger than them now! I felt it in the classroom with Mercer.” Aha'ri looks between each of them before landing her gaze on you.

“We can end this tonight.” Aha'ri looks over at the others. “I have a plan.”

. . .

You stand crowded behind Teylan as he attempts to rewire the door to get it open, all four of you buzzing with excitement.

“Ayoe lu going kelku!” (We are going home!” Aha'ri grins.

Seconds later the light turns green and the door opens. Aha'ri pats Teylan on the back proudly.

“Nice job Teylan!”

Aha'ri begins leading you all out of the room where it's dark, which makes sense as everyone should be asleep.

“Now we have to hurry! We only have a few minutes of breathing their air before we're going to need masks.”

As you all begin grinning and looking between each other, the lights cut on.

“We found them!” Four RDA soldiers stop in front of you and point their guns at each of you and standing in the middle is Mercer who shakes his head.

“I’m very disappointed in you.” Mercer stares directly into your eyes.

“We have given you this privileged life and you want to throw it all away.”

Aha'ri takes a step forward. “We don't want your ‘privileged life'! We belong out there!”

You reach your arms out to your sister, trying to calm her down.

“No! We own you.” Mercer takes a step forward and stands in front of Aha'ri.

“You cannot fathom how much we have invested in you? Hm?” Mercer sweeps his gaze across the four of you.

“We saved you, gave you a home, an identity-”

“We already had one, an identity, we are Na'vi!”

“NO! You are what I made you!” Mercer began yelling. You don't think you have ever seen him this mad before as you flinch at his voice.

Aha'ri holds the song cord close to her chest and begins humming the tune again,and Nor steps up beside her and takes her hand.

“We may not remember the words, but we can still sing the songs of our people!”

You take Aha'ri's other hand and begin humming as well, and the two of you locked eyes as Aha'ri smiled at you.

“Stop singing.”

Ri'nela joins on Nor's side and Teylan joins on yours as you all begin humming.

“I said shut up! Stop singing dammit!” Mercer was clearly upset that you all were not listening. He locked eyes with your sister.

“We are going home.” Aha'ri then looked between the rest of you, a big smile on her face. “Ayoe lu going kelku.” (We are going home.)

Aha'ri then shoves past Mercer and begins walking to the bigger door.

“I'm warning you Aha'ri not to take another step.”

You smiled at your sister, you hoped that once you all were free that you could turn into the brave Na'vi that she is! You turned to look at Teylan before holding out a hand. “Za'u sìn, Teylan. Let's kä kelku.” (Come on, Teylan. Let's go home.)

You heard Mercer yell once again.

“STOP RIGHT THERE.”

Yet you didn't think about it as Teylan grabbed your hand. That is when you hard it.

BANG

You whipped your head around and saw Mercer holding a gun and Aha'ri falling to the ground.

“AHA'RI!” You cried out and ran over before kneeling beside your sister, you put your hands over the bullet wound, trying to stop the bleeding. “AHA'RI!” You wailed.

“Whar did you do!?” You heard Nor hiss at Mercer.

That didn't matter as you kept crying out your sister's name, sobbing hard as you could see Aha'ri was not responding or moving.

“No, no, no..Aha'ri tìtxen si..” (Aha'ri wake up..) As you gently cupped her face, her blood soaking your hands now.

You saw movement and looked to see Mercer crouched down beside you all and he slowly took the songcord that Aha'ri dropped.

“Aha'ri no..” You gently touched your head to hers as tears continued running down your face.

You had truly lost everything.

When the Great War against the sky people ended, everyone was joyful as all the humans left the planet and you were able to go back to the life you once knew. Or, most of them at least.

A small handful of humans stayed, only with the Olo'eyktan, JakeSullys, permission. Scientists was the word you were taught for them. Not warriors.

Most of the clan avoided them, the sight of humans causing a deep feeling of disgust, even to the point that seeing the few with avatars made the clan slightly uneasy. You considered it the same for you, except for one man. Normspellman.

He was one of the scientists, a friend of the Olo'eyktan, and you had been asked specifically to teach him the ways of the clan. To help him fit in better. The first shock had been the Neytiri asked you herself.

Neytiri had been a life long friend, the two of you running along the first floor together and learning to hunt together, but she held some of the strongest hatred even for the humans Jakesully had let stay. So to have her asking you to help one feel more comfortable in the clan was a shock.

The second shock was that they asked you.

You didn’t consider yourself the greatest at much in the clan. You could hunt, but not as well as others. You liked to fish, but weren’t the most efficient. You weren’t the strongest warrior or skilled at the sing cord singing. No, most days you found yourself making things with your hands. The slight coverings of Navi, baskets, jewelry, the base of songcords. There were many in the clan that had asked for your help in creating gifts in hopes of mating with their chosen clan member, and you gladly did it. Your hands were one of the few things that truly made you special, but you couldn’t imagine a human finding that interesting. But you were wrong.

Normspellman, or Norm as he had instructed you to call him, was not like Jakesully when he arrived. Jakesully spoke none of the language, and jumped right into fighting and hunting and any physical activity Neytiri threw at him. Norm was much different. He spoke a good amount of Navi already, not perfect but enough to hold a conversation with no difficulty. He also seemed to have little interest in hunting or fighting. He just wanted to explore the world of pandora.

He looked at the plants and animals. He asked endless questions and always seemed excited for the answers. Curious. He was always curious. It was how you came to call him tìnomum.

Today you stood in your normal meeting spot, your hands fidgeting nervously in front of you. In your hands was a beaded necklace. You had made it yourself from string and feathers, and a few special rocks you had collected. It was for norm and your heart felt like it couldn’t decide whether to give it to him with a smile or to throw it as far as possible.

The feelings you had been having were confusing to yourself. You knew Norm was human, and most of the other dreamwalkers made you feel uneasy, but Norm didn’t. You felt… happy with him. Your chest felt calm, you felt happy when you would sit and talk about plants for hours or when you would show him how to connect with the animals. You didn’t understand why you’d prefer to spend your time with him over the rest of the clan, and in the confusion you’d crafted this small necklace you hoped and prayed he’d take.

“Y/n!” The familiar voice called out, causing you to look up. There he was, Norm jogging up with a smile on his face. As always he wore those human clothing that you just couldn’t understand, they were so constricting, heavy and hot, but you’d never forced him to change into something more Navi. It had always been his choice.

“tìnomum,” you greeted with the familiar Navi greeting gesture as he finally reached you.

“I see you,” he rushed out to say with the movement of his hand. “But I told you, you can just say Norm.”

“Right, Norm.” You said slowly with a nod. Your eyes scanning over him.

Norm looked right back before his eyes glanced down at your hands where the necklace hung. “What’s that?”

You practically froze at the question. Now was when you made the choice. Either you gave it to him, admitting how you feel and facing the possibility of him turning the gift down or…

“Nothing.” The word came out rushed when you finally did speak. “Just a silly project I used to show some children a knot.” you lied effortlessly and Norm seemed to accept it immediately. “Are you ready for today?”

Norms face quickly morphed from his usually casual appearance to a look of nervousness. “Right… today. The Ikran.” Today is the day Norm tried to get him Ikran.

“Do not be nervous. You have trained hard, and I would not be taking you if I don’t believe you could do it,” you assured him as you slipped the necklace around your wrist to stay safe. Norma face relaxed a bit, though not for long. “Though still be careful. It will try to kill you if you don’t work quick.”

“Right, yeah. Quick or it will kill me. Nothing to worry about.”

**********

The walk to the top of the mountain was long and by the time you reached the top it wasn’t just Norm who was nervous. For some reason you were also nervous to see him complete such a difficult task. Many younger Navi succeeded at the trial, and it’s important step in becoming a true part of the clan, but the thought of him becoming hurt in anyway made your stomach drop.

“Okay, you will need to work quickly and smart,” you explained from behind the waterfall. “You’ll find one and have to mount it to connect your kuru to make the connection. Once it connects just think fly. Fly! That first flight is crucial.”

Norm nodded along as he took in the information. “Quick. Smart. Fly. Got it.”

“You will be fine.” You stated, and after a moment. “But be careful, tìnomum.”

The two of you finally stepped out, watching all the Ikran turn their attention onto you. You stayed back as Norm stepped forward. One of the Ikran moved forward and Anton’s eyes locked onto it. That was the one he would try.

“Okay Norm… you got this.” You could barely hear him say the words before the Ikran jumped at him. You felt your heart in your throat as you watched him dodge before attempting to jump onto its back. Your eyes flicked between the face of the Ikran and where Norm was on the back before they went tumbling off the side of the mountain.

You surged forward to try and see them, but you only caught sight of them disappearing into the clouds. For a the longest five seconds of your life you don’t breath, you didn’t do anything as you stared downward until a blue blur suddenly flew up past you face and into the sky. Norm’s yells of excitement hit your ears and you finally took a breath of relief. He had done it. He had an Ikran.

********

The evening Norm joined the clan for dinner. He still wore his human clothing but the clan treated him differently. He’d succeeded at a difficult task, he had earned some of their respect.

You were sat near a fire, uneaten food next to you as you played with the necklace you’d made. Your eyes were on Norm as you watched him speak to others. A few women approached to speak, their view of him had obviously changed. He was no longer just a dream walker, he was a possible mate. A friend of the Olo'eyktan. And it made you angry. They had looked down upon him at some point and now he was giving them attention. When you had done everything to support him? It made your blood boil.

“You look as though you wish to end him,” Neytiris’ voice spoke as she lowered herself next to you. In her arms was her first child, Neteyam. He was only a few months old and already a strong child.

“Perhaps I do,” you stated firmly. “These women treated him harshly and now they are all over tìnomum,” you huffed.

“tìnomum?” Neytiri asked with a raised eyebrow, causing you to blush at being caught with the nickname.

“He is curious. Constantly curious. He always wishes to learn about our plants and wildlife. That is why I call him tìnomum.”

Neytiri simply nodded as she bounced her child. “Ma Jake believes you have feelings for the dream walker.”

Your eyes widened at her words being out so bluntly. “I… he what?”

“He believes you have feelings. Is it true?”

You didn’t know how to respond to Neytiris question. You barely understood the feelings you had yourself, and given Neytiris hatred for all humans you worried about her reaction if you said you did. So you answered honestly.

“I do not know.” Neytiri stayed silent so you continued. “He makes me feel happy, and safe, but it feels wrong. He is a dream walker. A sky demon, I should not feel this way about him. And yet I am angered by the other women and… I felt compelled to make him this,” you offered the necklace for her to examine.

Neytiri took the necklace in one hand and looked at it thoughtfully. “It is better than anything you create for other mates.” She stated. “You spent a long time on it.” It wasn’t a question, just a fact.

“Yes, I spent many nights on it. But I do not know why.” Your eyes ran over the different colored rocks until it reached the main rock. It was a deep amber color, the color of Norms eyes.

“Perhaps you should give it to him,” she stated. “It would give you a chance to see his reaction.”

Your eyes were wide at her words. “You want me to give a mating gift to simply ‘see their reaction’? Are you crazy? Has motherhood drove you to madness?” Neytiri just laughed at your over the top reaction.

“Perhaps. But Jake and I see the way you look at him, and Jake tells me Norm also has feelings for you so-“ Neytiri continued to talk but your mind stopped on that one thought.

“Norm… has feelings? For me?” You asked slowly.

Neytiri nodded. “That is what he tells me when he leaves the sky demon base.” Her tail flicked a bit as she gritted out the last words. She hated that place, much like most of the clan. You did right along with her, it was why you avoided the outpost as much as possible, making norm meet you in the forest instead.

“… what should I do?” You asked, looking to your friend for guidance.

“He has one more thing to try to join the clan, he must go to the tree of souls. And you will take him, that is where you will give him your gift,” she stated easily, though you frowned a bit.

“And that will work?”

“I believe so,” Neytiri nodded. “And if he doesn’t reciprocate then he is a skxawng and I shall pluck his eyes from his head,” she stated harshly before looking down to her son to coo slightly when he fussed.

You watched them for a moment. Of course Neytiri had told you the story of her and Jake becoming mates, but it felt like this would be different. Neytiri was… Neytiri. She was the best at everything in the tribe, she and Jakesully were perfect together. But Norm could choose from so many women in the clan, it felt like a long shot. But for a moment, as Neytiri fussed over her son, you imagined what it would be like to be in that position. You and Norm, together. Happy. Eventually with a bundle of your own to carry around. It seemed too good to be true.

**********

Once again, you found yourself standing in the forest as you waited for Norm to join you. This time, however, you were in a new spot, just outside the hometree as you waited for Norm to finish with JakeSully. The sun was beginning to set as you waited, your hands tugging slightly at your coverings to make sure it sat just right. While covers were really just used to cover the bare minimum, it wasn’t uncommon to make slightly more flashy clothing to attract mates, and you had spent most of the day making these ones. You hoped they sat perfectly. You also hoped the same for your hair that you had spent the time cleaning and styling to look as nice as possible.

“Y/n,” Norma voice came from behind, causing you to turn around to meet him. Your eyes widened a bit upon seeing him though. Instead of his normal clothing, he had been dressed in the same thing every other male Na’vi wore. The clothes finally allowing you to see much of the skin that had been kept hidden. It was a bit odd, you were used to the lack of covering upon your clan, you’d never had any sort of reaction to it, but now your tail swished a bit and your eyes trailed all the way down his long torso and the muscles of his legs. For such an awkward moving man he was very much still muscular.

“…does it look okay?” Norms words pulled your attention back up to his face, making you realize that he seemed nervous about his clothing. “Jake told me I really needed to be dressed more properly for the tree of souls. I was worried it looked silly.”

You were quiet for another long moment before nodding. “You look good,” you nodded. “And we must start going before it gets too dark.”

Norm smiled and nodded as you began to lead him. It wasn’t a far walk, and unlike when he first started working with you, Norm was able to keep pace with you fully, his mouth running constantly as he spoke. He always babbled like a child with to much to say, and you never stopped him. Just taking in his words like they were music.

As the two of you walked, and he talked, you let your eyes travel over his body. Curiosity. That’s what you called it. Despite knowing Jakesully had a dreamwalker body, a part of you expected Norm to not look fully Na’vi under those clothing, but he did. His smooth blue skin all over, a deep blue that you felt like you’d never see before on another. And the speckles of glowing light blue looked like starts plucked from the sky just for his form. Maybe they were. Perhaps the sky demons used the stars in the sky to make these bodies.

“We are here,” you finally said as you stopped at the beginning of the tree. “I trust you know much about it?”

Norm nodded. “It’s like, the connection to Eywa. It’s the most pure connection for the Na’vi. You guys use it for connection to memories and ancestors, after a child is born, and other major ceremonies like-“

“Like mating,” you cut him off. For a moment you saw a light blush come over his face before he nodded.

“Right. Like mating.”

“You are a part of the clan now,” you said as you weaved through the tree, norm right behind you like he was scared to lose you in it. “You can now choose a mate if your liking.” Your hand ran over one of the tendrils hanging down from the tree. “You could bring her here and you both would join in front of eywa.”

Norm didn’t respond as he walked around to stand in front of you. “Do you think I should find a mate?” He finally asked. Your eyes rose up to look at him, noticing how intensely he stared down at you with the golden eyes of his.

“I believe there is a Na’vi woman out there that would be over Eywa to be your mate. You make her quite happy.” You said slowly. “What would you like in a mate? Perhaps a singer? Or a strong warrior? We have many in the clan.”

“I know,” he nodded. “I’ve… already chosen someone, but I’m worried she won’t agree,” he admitted shyly. You felt like your heart was going to drop to your feet at those words. Already chosen someone? Was it one of the women last night? Had he been quietly admiring a woman from afar?

“I’m, I’m sure she will feel the same,” you forced out. “I can always help with the mating gifts. I’m quite good at it.” Your eyes had gone downward as you messed with your fingers.

“Actually… Jake already helped me with one.” Before you even had the chance to look up his five fingers appeared in your line of sighed and carefully untangled your hands from each other to leave a necklace in your hands.

The necklace, for a loss of better words, was made badly. The strings were a bit loose, and the beads and rocks looked as though they could slip away in accident. And you loved it. It was so… norm.

“She… she will love it,” you said softly before looking up at him. But you were surprised to see a look of frustration. “What is wrong-“

“Jake said you would get it!” He sighed irritated, but it didn’t seem to be at you directly.

“I would get what?” You asked as he took a steps back to run his hands over his face before coming back to you.

“Okay… okay I’ll have to say it I suppose.” He mumbled to himself. “Okay… the Na’vi I wish to mate with? She’s very skilled, but is often dismissive of it. She also always listens to my questions, answers them honestly, has never made fun of me for not knowing something, has the most beautiful laugh and eyes and-“

“tìnomum,” you stared to get him to stop. “I get it, you’ve found someone wonderful, will you give me the honor of her name?” You asked slightly annoyed at hearing him talk so highly of a woman.

“Shit, Y/n it’s you!” Norm finally just forced himself to say. “Y/n, you are the most skilled weaver I’ve ever met, your laugh makes me want to laugh right along with you, like a beautiful song. You’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever met, and I… I love you. Jake said you felt something for me so he helped me make that necklace and he said if I admitted it here it would work- and I’m so sorry if you don’t feel this way and I’ll totally leave you alone-“

“I have something for you,” you cut him off from his rant.

“You… what?” He sounded shocked as you pulled out your own necklace you had made.

“I made this. A few days ago. At the time I told myself it was to welcome you to the clan, but now I believe it was for more.” You handed the necklace you had made over to him. “Neytiri told me that I should give it to you but I was unsure if you would feel the same way.”

“Feel the same way? Y/n, of course I do. I basically stumble after you day after day, I ramble through my anxiety to the point that I’m sure you get annoyed by my voice-“

“I do not get annoyed with your voice,” you cut them off, and almost offended tone with it as you spoke. How could he suggest you got tired of hearing him speak. “That is ridiculous.”

“Well, you wouldn’t be the first,” He forced out through a laugh.

“I would never!” You insisted again, making a genuine smile come over his face. For a moment you both stood there before Norm spoke up.

“Y/n, I do not know how I’m supposed to do this, so I’ll just say it. I want to be your mate, if you’ll have me.” He reached a hand out to you as though offering you the world, a world you would have together. Very carefully you reach out for his hand, your four fingers intertwining with his five as he pulled you slightly closer to him.

“Of course I will, Tìnomum,” you said quietly. Then, very carefully, like he thought you’d pull away, he pulled you close and connected your lips.

The moment they touched you leaned in closer, you lips moving slowly against his own. Norms hands came up to cradle your face, his fingers brushing against your skin like it was the most delicate thing in the world. Once there was a need for air you pulled back slightly, your hand already reaching for your kuru.

“Hold it up,” you commanded though it was soft and kind. Norm reached for his own and held it up, the small tendrils appearing outside of it as yours did the same. “Do you really wish to have me?” You asked quietly.

“Yes,” He nodded, eyes still gliding over your face. With the confirmation you moved your Kuru to his and they began to wrap around each other. The moment they touched it felt like your body was lit on fire. Every part of you feeling every part of him. Through your half closed eyes you could see his own eyes shut, Norm’s breath heavy as he pushed forward so your chests were touching. Your faces moved to nuzzle one another, faces so close it felt like your breath was shared.

Slowly, Norms arms wrapped around your hips and he lowered the two of you to the ground. He sat back on his knees as you hovered over his lap, your faces moving back to connect your lips again. This time however, the kiss was much rougher. Instead of lips moving softly against each other, it was fast passed, lips being pulled on by sharp teeth.

You lost track of time as you continued to kiss one another. As always, Norm’s mouth was running, but this time it was to say sweet things into your ears. Some you understood, others sounded alien, and you cherished every bit of it. Eventually, you felt your back press to the ground while Norm moved over top of you. Your legs wrapped around his waist while his head dipped down to bite at your neck. His lips felt warm and soft to the touch, and every pass of his teeth or tounge had you shivering.

“Ma Tìnomum,” You panted out. “I want you, please.”

“I know, I know,” He forced out through his heavy breath. “I’m sorry, you’re just so beautiful. I want to see all of it.” His head dipped back down but this time instead of your neck he goes to your breasts, pushing the covering aside to find your nipple. He took the bulb into his mouth, and the genial suck had a loud moan leaving your lips.

“Norm…” You moaned out as he licked and sucked at your breast, sinking his teeth in lightly while his other hand played with your other breast. After a few movements he switched sides, his mouth making sure to give both mounds the proper attention.

Eventually your hand came up to grab his hair, pulling hard enough to get his head up to look at you. “Ma Tìnomum, I need you. Now.” You said seriously and he nodded quickly.

“Right, yes. Of course.” The shift was a bit awkward, not quite as smooth as it could have been, but it didn’t matter. You both stayed pressed as close together until finally, finally Norm pushed into you.

Your face pushed tightly to his neck, your heels digging into him as he sank in fully. For a moment, you were still, your walls fluttering around Norm, causing him to let out a deep breath.

“Are you okay-“

“Move,” You demanded through an airy breath, and with that Norms hips started to rock into you.

The movement was sloppy, lips finding each other again as your own hips moved up to meet his thrusts.

“You look so beautiful, so pretty. You feel amazing- god I love you-“ Norma groaned out in words you didn’t understand. Your legs were shaky, and you could feel his back muscles tightening. “Cum with me— please baby, sum with me!” He groaned something out you still didn’t recognize but you didn’t care as your eyes rolled back into your head as your muscles tightened. You felt the same happening to Norm and then a flush of heat inside you, pushing you fully over the edge.

Everything went white for a few moments, you could feel your lips moving but had no idea what you said. All you knew for a while was pleasure, and then the warmth of Norms body holding you close.

“Y/n..? Y/n?” When your hearing came back you could hear norms whispers. You opened your eyes tool up at him from where you both were now laying on the ground on your sides.

“Hello,” You greeted softly with a smile, making Norm smile back.

“You had me worried for a moment,” He admitted.

“I am okay, Tìnomum” you promised as you nuzzled into him.

“You keep calling me that,” He pointed out. “But I don’t know what it means.”

You tilted your head up to look at him. “Curious. It means you are curios.” You explained. “Because you love to learn, you’re always curious.”

“That… is the sweetest thing I’ve ever heard.” He admitted with a chuckle. “Tìnomam?”

“Tìnomum” you corrected.

“Tìnomum?” You smiled as he said the name.