Despite the cover of the thick treetops overhead, sunlight still managed to filter through the density, leaving streaks of sunlight parting through the vines and dancing across your dark blue skin. You smiled, waving a four-fingered hand through the light, letting it warm your skin.

Growing up on Pandora, you'd always loved the warmer seasons. Of course it was regularly warm within the rainforests, but there was something about the season that Jake called 'summer' that added a special bit of magic to the days and nights of Pandora.

Closing your eyes, you inhaled deeply, savoring the rich scent of damp soil and fragrant flowers that bloomed in the canopies. Syaksyuk, better known as blue spider monkeys, twisted and leapt through the trees, picking at the ripe fruit above your head as they went. As usual, you paid them no mind. Below you, animals trekked across the forest floor, either hunting for their prey hidden skillfully in the thick forest or nipping at their siblings in play.

Yet, in the midst of all of this peace, there was something unnerving about spending your whole day sitting there and being expected to do little more than watch. Restlessness roiled in your gut- the day was hot with opportunity that begged to be taken advantage of. And had this been about a decade ago on Pandora, you would have, without a second thought.

But now, with the sighting of the RDA's ships returning to Pandoran soil less than two months ago, everything had taken a turn for the worse. A familiar sense of panic and distress filled the air, sweeping from village to village, overtaking the na'vi with fear of what was to come.

But for you, things were different. This wasn't about fearing what was to come from the humans. It was about knowing.

Wisps of memory floated through your mind, taking advantage of your closed eyes to bring you further into darkness. Into memories of burned huts and land completely void of the trees you'd grown up seeing. A scowl pulled at your lips as the phantom voices returned to your mind, screaming as Hometree collapsed all around them, the whistle of missiles flying over your head, the sound of ikran and their riders falling to their deaths.

Heart settling into its familiar hollow ache, you sucked in another sharp breath, deeper this time to stop your mind from going any further. You couldn't bear to think about them again. Not now.

Opening your eyes, you glanced over your responsibilities for the day.

Tuk ran back and forth from edge to edge of her woven home, feet padding against the soft netting as she flew her toy ikran through the air. Kiri leaned over the edge, wide eyes staring as she watched the behaviors of the animals both big and small below her. A small flicker to your far right brought your attention to Neteyam, who sat off to the side in an upright position working diligently on smoothing his bow's handle. Lo'ak laid on his back, hands folded over his belly. Judging by the sweat trickling down his face, you'd say that was because it was too hot to move.

He might have the right idea. You wiped a bead of sweat from your own forehead and flicked it away, leaning back and closing your eyes again. The minutes passed by slowly as they always seemed to on days like this. This was when sitting still could drive a person mad.

"Hey!"

Brows furrowing, you sat up and looked around.

Your startled as Lo'ak appeared beside you, taking a seat as if nothing out of the ordinary had taken a place. When did he even move?

You cut him a glare for scaring you but he didn't seem to notice, too preoccupied with fiddling with something in his hands. Noting the barely contained bit of excitement in his eyes, you readjusted yourself to face him and sighed.

Well, there goes your peace and quiet. Though stuff like that was always in short supply around the Sully's.

"Yes, Lo'ak? What is it?" You asked, glancing at the hunting knife he held in his hands.

"I was wondering..." He glanced back at his siblings, mainly Neteyam and he lowered his voice when he turned back to you. "What was it like to be in the Great Hunt? They say you brought down five sturmbeest with your bow alone!"

A thoughtful look crossed your face as you considered his question. The Great Hunt was an incredible hunt typically where Omatikaya hunters would gather to hunt the great migrating sturmbeest. And while you've only managed to participate in this hunt once in your life, it was an incredible honor, and there was nothing quite like the bonding that came afterwards between your hunting brethren. The festival afterwards was truly the best part, though you suspected Lo'ak wasn't asking about that.

Pausing, you took a moment to recall your feat and the moments afterwards which sealed your bond with many Omatikaya hunters for years to come.

A small smile graced your face. "It was like nothing you've ever seen before, though I suspect you'll understand what I mean in time."

Lo'ak grinned, shuffling closer to you. "Then... can you teach me how? How you shoot, I mean. Dad says sturmbeests are huge!"

You chuckled at his eager expression, nodding your head in agreement as you thought about it. Deep down, you were flattered he'd asked you. Considering that Neytriri was already a legend in your clan for her archery skills, it meant a lot that he asked you for a lesson.

Trying to subdue your own enthusiasm, you gestured to the floor. "Grab my bow."

As Lo'ak stood to retrieve your bow, off to the side of the mat, Neteyam scoffed. "You can't even shoot it."

Lo'ak rolled his eyes at his brother. "I know how to shoot a bow, skxawng."

But despite his insistence, Neteyam snickered. "Yeah, sure. That's why dad won't let you hunt alone?"

Irritated, Lo'ak's grip tightened on your bow handle, his tail flicking behind him. "I can hunt alone if I want to."

Neteyam gave Lo'ak a look then shook his head and chuckled to himself, setting aside his bow.

He stood, easily towering over his younger brother. "Then let's see what you've got."

Lo'ak's ears flattened against his head, grip on your boy tightening so hard you feared it would crack.

"Lo'ak, Neteyam! Stop it." You hissed, giving them both a look.

Two pairs of widened huge yellow eyes darted to you, attention effectively grabbed.

Even Kiri turned her head at your sharp tone, her observation of the forest floor below briefly abandoned to watch the spectacle. Tuk, however, continued to run and shout, playing as though none of you had spoken. Sometimes you missed those days.

"Great," Scoffed Neteyam, gesturing at you. "Now you've pissed off Y/n."

Lo'ak whipped his head around to Neteyam, "I did not! You're the one who needs to keep his mouth shut. Nobody was talking to you anyway, she's teaching me how to shoot."

Again, Neteyam scoffed. "Yeah, somebody should. Maybe you'll actually listen and learn something for once."

Rolling your eyes, you clapped your hands once at the boys went quiet. Early on in babysitting your adopted siblings, you'd learned that screaming and shouting only added fuel to the fire. Unless it was Jake of course, in which case, all went silent for fear of having their tail tied in a knot (or worse). Thank Eywa clapping worked well enough for you.

"That's enough, guys." You snapped, coming between them. "The only thing pissing me off is this stupid heat. Let's not get into fights over nothing."

"Forget it." Lo'ak muttered, tossing your bow aside.

"Careful with that, skxawng!" Neteyam snapped, shooting his brother a dirty look. He picked up your bow and handed it to you.

You gave him a grateful nod, taking the bow from his hands and strapping it across your back. Part of you knew Lo'ak wasn't to blame for his carelessness with your bow. After all, he didn't know where it came from. Neteyam, however, was old enough to know the stories of the Sky People and the plight they caused.

The tension in the air seemed thicker now, ready to snap at a moment's notice. Heat and humidity clung to your slick skin as you chewed your lip, reviewing the children's tense posture. This wasn't how kids were supposed to live. They should be out right now making a mess and causing trouble that would shape stories they could reminisce about for years to come.

A rustle in the trees above you reminded you that your ikran, Telisi wasn't too far off. Your fingertips twitched, itching to hold onto your saddle as you soared on her back through the skies. True freedom, you liked to call it. Flying high above the world and it's problems. Glancing at the kids, you were sure they could use a dose of that too.

At first, you hesitated, unsure. Given the fact that Jake and Neytiri were currently flying a reconnaissance mission over the RDA's new base, it was assumed that they would likely be out late and encounter trouble along the way. In fact, it was a strong possibility that they could end up involved in active combat. They weren't sure what they were going to find out there, which is why they left you with the kids. You knew they wouldn't appreciate you disobeying their direct orders.

But you knew they really needed this. Besides, Jake and Neytiri might not mind as much as you thought.

Another sharp clap resounded in the air as you turned to the kids, getting their attention once more. "Okay, people, slight change of plans. We're going out today."

Neteyam lifted his head with a frown. "But Mom and Dad told us to stay put."

"They didn't say where." You shrugged your shoulders, feigning nonchalance.

Lo'ak glanced over his shoulder to look at you. Despite his closed off posture, you did notice the spark of sudden interest in his bright eyes. "You sure you want to test that theory with Dad?"

"Ha!" You laughed. "Trust me, it's not your dad I worry about. And I'm confident that Neytiri will understand. Come on!"

A grin overtook Lo'ak's face as if he'd been waiting for this moment all day. He needed no further discussion as he quickly snatched his things and summoned his ikran. In moments, he had already saddled his ikran and was waiting in it for the rest of his siblings.

Kiri moved a bit more hesitantly, giving you a small side eye as she threw her travel pack over her ikran. "Are you sure about this, Y/n? You know how Dad feels about his 'orders'."

"You let me worry about your dad, okay? I've known Jake a long time, I'm sure he'll be lenient." You said.

That much was true. Jake had known you since you were Tuk's age, having arrived at Hometree for the first time fourteen years ago. He had always had a soft spot for you- ruffling your hair whenever he saw you, unknowingly teaching you new human swear words whenever he fumbled with the Na'vi language or weapons. Your parents were wary of him then, like all of the village parents were back then.

You shook your head, smiling to yourself as you summoned Telisi. If only they knew.

"This is a bad idea, Y/n." Neteyam warned from below, forcing you to tilt your ikran's head to the side so you could look at him.

He was the only one of the children still standing hesitantly on the mat, his arms folded as he looked up at you defiantly.

"If you get on, I'll race you." You smirked, knowing how badly he'd been wanting a rematch since your last improv race during a patrol.

Clenching his jaw, Neteyam gave you a look and leapt into his ikran's saddle.

"Don't be a wuss, skxawng!" Lo'ak called from his ikran, laughing at his brother's hesitation.

Neteyam shot his brother a glare before he looked at you. His eyes conveyed his concern and the questions he wanted to ask all too well. After all, it was a burden you both shared as the older siblings of the Sully household. Taking care of the others, especially in times of danger was your responsibility. And should anything go wrong, it would be your asses.

Subtly, you nodded your head in acknowledgement of all of Neteyam's concerns, mouthing 'I've got you.'

The tension in his shoulders eased a bit at your reassuring gaze. He returned your nod.

Winding your arms around your ikran's reins, you tilted your head back and called out, urging Telisi to spread her wings and take flight. As always, Telisi responded to your commands instantaneously and in no time you had broken through the trees and flying straight into the sun.

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"WOO-HOO!" Lo'ak cheered as he soared even higher, arcing over your heads.

You smiled, shaking your head at his theatrics. Lo'ak flew circles over everyone else's heads, his arms spread wide as if he himself were the ikran. Tuk cheered loudly for her brother, though her cheers quickly became squeaks of surprise as Kiri maneuvered their ikran into a series of spiral turns.

Pride rose in your chest at the sight- you'd taught her those not even a year ago. Seeing how confidently she executed the trick now made your smile widen.

Huge swaths of dark green rainforest stretched over the land beneath you, wind from your small group rustling the leaves as you passed overhead. From here it was hard to tell that the rainforest had felt thick with suffocating tension and heat only moments ago. Here, fears of the RDA and the destruction they brought were a mere nightmare far behind you.

Closing your eyes, you took a deep breath in, drinking in the relief and freedom coursing through your veins. You leaned back as far as your body would let you on your ikran as she cleaved through the air at your command. Warm sunlight heated your skin, cool air washed over your skin and rushed its fingers through your hair, sending your braids flying behind you in the wind. Now this was freedom. This was what every na'vi should be doing on a day like today.

"Come on, Y/n!" Kiri shouted over the wind at you, shaking you out of your reverie.

Opening your eyes, you sat up and gripped your reins in one fluid motion, glancing over at the girl in question. She rode a few feet in front of you, one arm wrapped around Tuk while the other held onto her ikran. She grinned as she nodded at the approaching falls ahead of you, marking your destination.

"Hey!" Shouted Neteyam on your left. "I believe I was promised a rematch?"

You grinned, tightening your grip on your reins. "You sure about that, bro? I whupped your ass last time!"

Neteyam scoffed and waved a dismissive hand at your jest. "Doesn't count! Dad interrupted us."

Smirking, you spread your arms wide, gesturing to the open skies all around you. "Well he's not here now, little bro! No one can save you."

"Come on, then! What, are you scared?" Neteyam challenged, raising a brow at you.

You scoffed and looked at Lo'ak, Tuk and Kiri. The three Sully's in question smiled and all adjusted their grips, an understanding passing between the three of you. Oh, Neteyam was going down.

"I'll make you wish you'd never been born, brother!" Kiri threatened and with a click of her mouth, her ikran raced off towards the falls. Tuk's joyful scream hung in the air behind her.

"Later, suckers!" Lo'ak called out over his shoulder as his ikran tucked its wings and dipped low into the trees.

Laughing, you signaled your own ikran at the same time as Neteyam and both of you bolted off in the same direction. At first, it seemed that you were matching each other's speed, with Neteyam balancing on a steady wind current and you riding the same one with intense focus. The forest rippled beneath you as gusts of wind from your ikran's carved an intricate path through the leaves, parting the rainforest with sunlight.

Neck and neck, Neteyam grew overconfident, turning his head to grin widely at you. When would he learn?

Shaking your head, you flicked down your visor and re-adjusted your grip. Suddenly, with a single thought from you, Telisi shot off into the sky like a bullet, easily overtaking Neteyam and his ikran. Shifting over to the right in your saddle, you tucked your body closer to hers, squinting your eyes against the rush of the wind as Telisi began her graceful chase.

In no time, your much older and stronger ikran easily overtook Kiri and Tuk's, much to their annoyance. Both girls yelled after you as Telisi raced ahead, straight through the clouds and seemingly into the sun.

"Go, Telisi, go, girl!" You shouted your praise and encouragement.

Telisi squealed and gave a celebratory twirl, turning the enchanted world around you into heartwarming spirals of blue and green. Spinning faster and faster, you pressed your body close to hers as Telisi tucked her wings and dove straight down through the clouds and towards the falls. Mist sprinkled her wings, dampening your face and hands, turning your grip slick as you went.

A sudden whoop from behind made you glance over your shoulder, only to find Neteyam gaining on you with determined speed. But Lo'ak's ikran was not to be doubted, much like the young man himself. He raced past you on your right, breaking through the tree line of the cliff, soaring into his trademark arc above your heads.

He whooped, throwing a fist into the air as he passed.

Laughing, you tucked yourself down again, laying your body flat across Telisi's body. "C'mon, girl, let's show them how it's done."

Telisi clicked in reply as you leaned your weight forward. Her wings extended, catching the wind to slow her descent into the nearby trees across the river. Once again your ikran easily surpassed Lo'ak's and Neteyam's, zooming past Kiri at breakneck speed.

The Sully's shouted from behind as you stuck your tongue out at them, righting yourself in the saddle as you passed. Try as they might, none among them could defeat your ikran's size nor her speed. As for older and more experienced riders than you like Neytiri, that was a different story.

You laughed in triumph as Telisi landed in a clearing in a great gust of wind, the others' ikrans landing only seconds after yours did. As you dismounted, you reached into your travel pack and pulled out a bit of dried meat for your darling ikran. Telisi bowed her head, pressing against your forehead as you praised her endlessly, scratching gently under her chin.

"That was cheating!" Lo'ak complained as he slid off of his ikran, approaching you with a wide grin on his face.

"Agreed, I want another rematch." Neteyam shouted, running after his brother.

Chuckling, you separated from your ikran and tossed her her well deserved treat, turning to face the indignant group.

"No more rematches, 'Teyam. I'm simply a better rider than you! Admit it." You said, nudging his shoulder.

Neteyam rolled his eyes and nudged you back instead. "Can you believe her, Kiri?"

"Oh, I believe it. We just saw it with our own two eyes, brother. You should've bet your chores!" Kiri grinned as she helped Tuk down from their ikran, coming to join the others.

"Exactly! Let that be a lesson to you that an older and more experienced rider can always get the better of you." You advised, clapping a hand on each of the Sully brothers' shoulders. "Trust your ikran."

Immediately, their protests raised again, complaints echoing in the air around you. Laughing, you raised your hands again.

"But, I'm more than willing to teach you anything you want to know about it- after lunch, I'm starving!" You exclaimed and rubbed your belly for emphasis. Tuk laughed, miming how you rubbed your belly exaggeratedly to Lo'ak, who immediately began to do the same.

Rolling your eyes, you threw your pack over your shoulder and settled down into the grass. Kiri, Neteyam, Lo'ak and Tuk naturally gathered in a circle around you as you always did whenever you ate together. And after you passed out the lunch you packed, everyone ate in contented silence, listening to the vibrant yet peaceful world around them.

Inhaling peacefully as you chewed, you leaned back on your elbows, allowing the sun to shine directly on your skin.

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Neteyam shook his head, rattling the beads in his braids as he waved a finger at you. "I almost had you back there."

You matched his grin, folding your arms over your chest. "Right. You almost did. Don't ever forget that, little brother."

Neteyam groaned at the nickname, struggling to get out of your grip as you dug your knuckles into his scalp. The five of you lie stretched out in the soft, green Pandoran grass, digesting your lunch and watching the clouds pass by overhead. Kiri rested on her stomach, playing with the blades of grass wafting all around her as if they knew the shape of her form and the sound of her heart. Tuk rested beside Lo'ak, who was letting her play in his braids for some odd reason. Finally, you and Neteyam rested peacefully listening to the ambience of your home.

Or at least you had been, before he'd started wrestling with you. A choice he now deeply regretted as your knuckles raked over his scalp.

When he finally fought out of your grip, Neteyam shoved you, knowing you'd barely move as a result of being bigger than him. You laughed at his attempt, playfully tugging at his tail. He scoffed and waved you off, but there was a smile on his face the likes of which you hadn't seen in a long while.

And that was all you'd wanted.

Casting a warm look over the group of siblings tousling before you, your heart warmed again. Here, no one was arguing. No one was snapping at the other, or yelling about foolish things like hunting ability and whether or not their parents cared about such things. Peace washed over you all, as if the meadow itself were shaped as Eywa's heart encouraging you to rest and be safe inside her.

Content, you leaned back on the plush grass once more and closed your eyes. "I haven't forgotten, by the way. I will teach you to shoot today, Lo'ak."

You could hear the rattle of beads in his hair as the younger boy in question sat up suddenly, excitement coating his voice. "Really? You will?"

"Mhm." You hummed. "Bring me my bow, let me show you something."

Rustling echoed around the small meadow as Lo'ak jumped over his siblings and raced over to your ikran, who had decided that she too would like to take a nap, likely exhausted from the race you had earlier. Telisi stirred but didn't move as Lo'ak came close to her and gently removed the bow from it's carrier, slinging it over his back as he carried it back to you.

Hearing this, you reluctantly pulled yourself from the warmth of the comforting grass and sat up to meet him.

Grinning widely, Lo'ak handed the bow over to you.

As you looked over the light brown wood of the bow, something pinched in your chest. In the Omatikaya clan, it was believed that a job done correctly would never need to be done again. And so the process of making your very own bow, axe or spear was considered a crucial process for growth. While you had built your own bow before as part of this process, that was long ago, and you had not seen that bow in ages. Not since you received this one.

A soft smile warmed your melancholy expression as you ran your fingers down the decorative strap you'd woven for it long ago. Small beads were woven along the top and the bottom of the strap, so as to not interfere with your shooting.

"This was my mother's bow." You said softly, still smiling even as Lo'ak's grin dropped. The air around you stilled with the weight of your words, as if the forest held its breath and waited for you to continue. Though none of the others moved an inch, you knew they were listening.

"She made this when wasn't much older than you are now, crafted it from the wood of Hometree and honed it for several days and nights until it was the masterpiece you see before you." Tightening your grip on the thick wood, you looked up to meet Lo'ak's gaze. "And it's all I have left of her."

He waited with baited breath at first until curiosity got the better of him and he couldn't help but ask. "What happened to her?"

"Lo'ak." Came Neteyam's warning, afraid that you might be offended by the question.

It was no secret between the Sully family how you came to be their oldest sister, but only Neytiri and Jake knew the tale. What little they'd told Neteyam made him hesitant to want to bring it up and potentially sour your mood.

You waved him off. "It's fine, Neteyam. He should hear this."

Then you turned to back to Lo'ak, focusing your gaze on him. "My mother was a warrior and a hunter for the clan. She'd been able to hunt since she was Tuk's age, gaining a reputation for her accuracy and ferocity on the battlefield. But her respect for Eywa and for nature was also unparalleled. Soon, when she came of age for a mate, she chose my father. He was a hunter in the clan who had always admired her from afar and loved her before she ever knew him."

Quietly, Tuk sat up and looked at you. "Your mom chose him?"

"It was no different with your own." You said, and Tuk made a disgusted face as she laid back down in the grass.

Kiri rolled her eyes at her sister's immaturity, scooting closer to you so she could hear the story. "What happened next?"

"Well they were mated, of course. And a couple of years later they had me. The first seven years of my life were perfect, completely untouched by humans. But shortly afterwards, Jake arrived in the clan. And after becoming one of us, he warned us of the Sky People's plans." Throat growing thick with grief, you swallowed back tears. "But it wasn't enough. When they attacked, my father was one of the many warriors who fell. Some say he was crushed by Hometree, others say that his ikran was struck down by the RDA. Either way, he was lost."

Silence covered the clearing as you paused then went on.

"My mom always said he was protecting us that day so we could escape, and later in the Battle of the Hallelujah Mountains she tried to avenge him." Tilting your head back, you blinked away the tears gathering in your eyes. "I was told that she was fierce as always, and that she fought bravely, taking down at least a hundred men before she died. Jake says it was an RDA gunship that did it. She managed to bring it down with her when she died, but she was dead all the same. And I was alone."

You let the words hang in the air for a moment and settle, watching them register on the kids' faces. Neteyam turned his head away, likely not wanting to upset you with his own tears. But Kiri, Tuk and Lo'ak gaped openly at you, never having known that you'd endured so much pain so young. Apologies were written all over their faces but you looked away, finishing your story as quickly as you could.

"Anyway," You sighed, wiping away the tears that had escaped. "That's the end of it. Jake and Neytiri found me among many other children suddenly orphaned by the war, and for some reason they took me in. I always thought that it was because Jake and I had been something like friends when we first arrived but who knows? Perhaps my mother asked him to look out for me. It sounds like something she'd do."

Shrugging with as much nonchalance as you could muster, you maintained eye contact with a nearby fern rather than the kids as you waited for the clench in your chest to ease.

It was Kiri who reached out first, breaking the dim quiet in the meadow as she touched her hand to yours. "I am so sorry, sister."

The break in her voice summoned more tears in your eyes and you struggled to hold back a small sob as you felt her arms wrap gently around you, pulling you into a soft hug.

Patting her arms in gratitude, you bowed your head and allowed yourself to cry a bit more. It was a silent, hurtful sort of cry. Not loud and tortured like it first had sounded when the great Toruk Makto knelt before you and informed you of your mother's death. Time heals some wounds.

"Y/n?" Came Tuk's small voice as she tugged at your arm. "Will that happen to mom and dad?"

Shaking your head, you gathered enough strength in your voice to reassure the girl. "No, Tuk. Your parents are strong but they are also wise. They won't take any unnecessary risks with their lives or yours."

Tuk stretched out her arms to you, big yellow eyes pleading with you once more to pick her up. Smiling faintly, you obliged and pulled her into your lap, allowing her small arms to wrap around your neck.

When Kiri and Tuk pulled away, Lo'ak awkwardly looked from you to the bow.

"Are you sure you want me to shoot with this bow? I have my own back home." He said, staring at the bow as if it would come to life with your pain.

Again, you shook your head and handed the bow to him. He reluctantly took it, looking up at you with furrowed brows. "No, you need to learn how to use it. One day it might save your life. This is why Jake is so hard on you, Lo'ak. It may not seem like it now, but one day, your skills with even the most simple weapons could mean the difference between life and death."

Lo'ak bristled, jaw clenching as he glanced down at the bow again, this time with fear. "You mean the RDA. Now that they're back-"

"I don't want you to think about that right now, Lo'ak. I said it might save your life, I didn't say you should be relying on it." Patting the knife at your side and the wood of the bow in his hands, you leaned forward, looking each of the Sully siblings in their eyes. "I want you all to hear me, and listen closely: I will not let a single human soldier lay a finger on you. You will always be safe with me, so long as I draw breath. Understand? And that goes for your mom and dad too."

All four of the Sully siblings nodded their heads slowly, each glancing at the other as they did so. They had never seen you so serious before, nor did you usually speak with so much passion. But when it came to the subject of the humans laying waste to the Omatikaya once more and coming for your family, you couldn't contain your determination. Even if Jake and Neytiri fell in battle, you would never give up on these kids. They were your family, and you loved them dearly with all you had left in you.

"You too." Said Neteyam suddenly, causing you to glance at him. "I've got your back."

"Me too." Lo'ak said, gripping your bow in his hands with respect.

Kiri nodded, reaching her hand out to touch your knee. "We swear it. Oel ngati kameie, sister."

Tears began to fill your eyes again as you choked back a sob, wiping them away. Before you could register what was happening, four heavy blue bodies tackled you to the ground in a bundle of warmth, squeezing their arms around you as if to seal their promise.

Their words were clear, but their actions even clearer. You would always be a Sully and their eldest sister, no matter your origins and no matter your ability to protect them. They loved you every bit as much as you loved them. Breathing in their scents, you held them closely to you with a smile.

"Thank you." You murmured.

Minutes passed as you stayed this way, pinned by the tangle of long blue limbs attached to your body. And had it not been such a hot day, you wouldn't have minded as much, but as the sweat began to trickle down your spine and the sweat from their bodies began to gross you out, you clapped your hands and gently pushed them off of you one by one. Tuk was the last to go, clinging to your neck like a syaksyuk. With a smile, Kiri gently pried her off of you, giving you space to breathe and feel the cool breeze as it washed over your skin.

You stood as you wiped the last of your tears away, turning your head towards the sound of rushing water. "Sounds like the river nearby runs strong, and I need something to clean all of this sweat off of me."

Tuk grinned sheepishly, "Sorry, Y/n."

"Don't worry about it, Tuk. It's nothing a cool swim won't fix. You guys coming?" You asked, addressing the others.

Neteyam, Lo'ak and Kiri nodded enthusiastically, cheering at the thought of getting to take a nice dip and wash off the sweat and grime of the day. Waving them along, you plucked up your bow and your quiver and began the short walk to the edge of the river. It was a simple walk but you didn't want to take any chances leaving your weapons behind.

The second the water was in view, the air cooled. A thick, dark canopy of trees rose high above the rushing water, providing you with ample shade and relief from the harsh sunlight.

Immediately, Lo'ak set his hunting knife aside and jumped right in. Kiri followed, diving gracefully beneath the water. When she resurfaced she called out for the rest of you to join, claiming the water was so cool you'd forget about how hot you were standing on the shore.

Smiling at the girl's enthusiasm, you quickly set aside your bow and knife by the river's edge. At the same time, Neteyam secured Tuk on his shoulders. As soon as you were ready, you and Neteyam raced ahead, leaping straight into the water.

It closed over your head as you let yourself sink into the clear yet dark depths, running your hands along the smooth stones lining the bottom of the river. When you were young, trips to the river with your mother and father were full of memories of games and attempting to scan the bottom for the most interesting rocks. Though you didn't find any interesting rocks today, there was something more interesting waiting for you when you resurfaced.

The moment you broke through the water, you found that the Sully siblings were doing what they did best- fighting. Kiri and Tuk squealed as they crouched behind a small boulder which was between them and their brothers who were splashing them with an endless barrage of water attacks. By the looks of it, the girls had definitely started it judging by the pleased expressions on their faces.

You shook your head at their antics, laughing as Tuk was nearly knocked over from the force of one particular splash from Lo'ak.

When she saw you, she called out to you for help in a whiny tone. "Y/n! Lo'ak tried to drown me! Help us!"

Knowing they'd started it, you were about to shake your head and tell them to fight their own battles. That was until a rogue wave of either Neteyam or Lo'ak's came splashing you right in your open eyes and mouth. Clenching your jaw, you did your best to wipe the water from your blurry vision, fixing your glare on them as soon as it cleared.

The whole group paused in fear, wondering who you'd take your anger out on first.

You turned on Neteyam and Lo'ak, your much larger na'vi hands splashing them with powerful waves before they knew what hit them. Lo'ak tumbled into the river's shallow end first but Neteyam took cover in the water. Seconds later, familiar hands pulled your legs right out from under you and you'd let them, beaming as you went under.

Beautiful, imperfect laughter echoed all around you when you finally stood up again, soaking wet. And though your braids hung sopping wet in your eyes and your clothes were soaked through, your heart softened at the sound of it. This was all you'd wanted for them. For your new family to flourish no matter the circumstances and most importantly, to find joy amidst the dawn of war.

So, for now you bore the jests and let your family laugh at your silly mishaps. The smiles on their faces were worth it. Something deep down inside of you wished that this moment could last forever. But even you knew you'd have to go home and face the wrath of Jake and Neytiri sooner or later. The thought almost made you want to laugh, picturing the looks on their faces when all five of you would show up damp but content.