Lilac

My oc Le'ila every time: Tukari provokes her, aonung annoys Lo'ak, sees Lyle and his group.

Vs

⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ Layla/Le’ila a girl on the moon

⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ꩜

Neteyam x fem!na'vi!oc

slowburn, angst, friends to lovers, fluff, mystery, yearning, emotional intimacy, found family, trauma/healing, reincarnation.

Part 3 | Part 4

⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠂⠄⠄⠂⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁

Synopsis: Layla finally gets to spend time with Neteyam, training and learning many new things. Neytiri also starts to warm up to her. ⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠂⠄⠄⠂⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁

a/n: I can’t stand the heat in my city… by the time I get home, all I want to do is sleep. Anyway, I’ve been thinking about giving my Wattpad story a makeover to make it look more aesthetic, but idk.

btw, I think this chapter is a little boring, but I was really inspired when I wrote it, and I looked up a lot of things to try to make it as accurate as possible lol. I hope you enjoy it! 🩵

as usual:

TikTok: neteyamsyulang

Wattpad: neteyamsyulang

Playlist: Asevin ean

I woke up, and the first thing I saw in front of me was him. Neteyam was watching me intently from a branch. He motioned with his head for me to follow him.

“Wait,” I said, getting to my feet.

I followed him, still a little dazed since I was half asleep. As I walked, rubbing my eyes, I stepped wrong on a branch and nearly fell. Neteyam quickly grabbed my arm, helping me steady myself. He gave me a teasing smile.

“Let me wake up properly,” I asked, blinking several times as I tried to focus. I stretched a little before nodding, letting him know I was ready to continue.

He led me outside the tree. It was a clearing a few meters from the entrance. There were animals there, some of them very similar to horses. I smiled immediately, glancing at Neteyam.

“Pa'li,” he explained with a smile.

“It's beautiful.”

He held out his hand, inviting me to come closer. I took it and stepped forward, staring at them in amazement. Neteyam guided me toward a specific one, one without a saddle. I understood what he was about to do, teach me how to ride.

“Oh... wait... I'm not ready.” I raised my arms, signaling no.

He sighed and stepped away from me, approaching the large leaves of a plant. He carefully tore off three of them before returning. He lifted my arms and began tying small pieces around them. Then he crouched slightly and did the same around my knees and calves.

“To protect you,” he explained, then nodded toward the pa'li. “You must bond with it,” he continued, taking hold of his long braid and pointing at the animal's antenna.

With his help, I climbed on and took my braid, bringing it forward. Holding it by the end, I revealed what Norm had explained to me were “neural fibers.” Slowly, I moved them toward the animal's. I was terrified to do it. I glanced quickly at Neteyam, and my doubts vanished. His eyes were fixed on me, with no sign of malice, doubt, or concern. As if he already knew I could do this.

I made the bond, and the animal shifted from the sudden connection. I could feel it: its breathing, its legs, the beating of its heart, everything. I slowly stroked the pa'li's neck from top to bottom. Even though we had already bonded, I wanted it to understand that it could trust me.

“Mawey, boy. We can do this together.” I smiled after saying one of the words Lo'ak had taught me. “How do I make him move forward?” I asked, glancing at Neteyam.

I raised my arm and held my hand upright, extending it so my fingers pointed forward. I moved it from bottom to top, trying to show that I wanted to go straight ahead.

“Say it,” he said, touching his forehead with three fingers.

Tell him with my mind... that made sense, we were connected. I spoke in my mind, telling him to walk slowly, and he did.

“Yes! Good boy!” I exclaimed happily.

Then I thought about going in another direction. The pa'li followed my commands and galloped as we rode in circles. I grabbed onto whatever I could and told him to run a little faster.

I held on tightly, careful not to hurt him. Mentally, I asked him to run around the area and smiled as I felt the wind hit my face and my hair move freely. After a few minutes, I asked him to stop near Neteyam and climbed off the pa'li, ending the bond.

“That was amazing!” I exclaimed with a huge smile as I looked at Neteyam and stroked the pa'li's skin. “Good job, boy, we did great,” I said to the animal, giving him gentle pats.

A few seconds later, he wandered off and began feeding on the nectar of the flowers. I looked at Neteyam. He was staring at me with a small smile on his face. He walked over and removed the leaves from my arms and legs. I gave him a small “thank you” in Na'vi, and he nodded, signaling for me to follow him again.

We returned to the entrance of the tree, and he led me to his kelku. Almost everyone was there, helping Neytiri prepare breakfast. Tuk was the first to approach, running toward me and wrapping me in a hug.

“Le'ila!” she greeted happily, and although it was my name coming from her mouth, for some reason it sounded different.

“Tuk!... hi, little one,” I greeted back, stroking her head.

“Where were you? Where are you coming from?” Neytiri asked, first in my language and then in Na'vi while finishing wrapping meat in a leaf.

“Neteyam took me to ride a pa'li,” I explained, a huge smile spreading across my face.

“You should have seen her, ma sa’nok. She did it on the first try, she wasn't rough with the animal at all, and they understood each other very well through tsaheylu,” Neteyam said this time.

I could hear an excited tone in his voice.

Neytiri looked at me and gave me a warm smile before saying, “Well done, sit down and eat.”

I nodded quickly and sat beside Tuk. Neteyam sat next to me, and a few seconds later Lo'ak arrived at the kelku and sighed when he saw us.

“I've been looking for you,” he admitted, his eyes fixed on me.

He sat across from me, and a minute later Jake appeared. He said something to Neteyam and then walked over to Neytiri to help her with the food.

When we finished eating, Neteyam quickly got to his feet and grabbed his bow. He walked over to me and took me by the arm, helping me stand before practically dragging me out of the kelku. I tried to wave goodbye quickly and matched Neteyam's pace so I wouldn't trip.

“Neteyam,” I said, and he turned to look at me.

“Training,” he replied and kept walking.

We left the great tree once again, and he led me a short distance away from the entrance. He held out the bow, and I took it, looking at it uncertainly while waiting for him to show me how to hold it. I knew how to use a bow, but I also knew the Na'vi held theirs differently.

Neteyam stepped closer, and his hands guided mine into the correct position. He showed me where to place my fingers on the string and how to position the arrow.

I drew the string back and looked at him, waiting for him to adjust my stance. His hands touched me again, correcting the position of my arms. Then he placed a hand against my abdomen and gently pushed it, fixing my posture.

His touch was soft and slow.

“There.” He pointed toward a wooden animal-shaped target.

I released my fingers, letting the string snap forward immediately. I felt the arrow brush against the finger I had been using to aim and watched as it embedded itself in the figure in front of me. It wasn't exactly where the marked target was, but at least I hadn't hit a tree or fired into empty space.

I looked at Neteyam and saw a smile on his face. I smiled too, feeling a little useful. I grabbed another arrow and drew the string back again. Neteyam corrected my posture once more, and I fired again.

After several attempts, Neteyam stopped me and brought his hand to his mouth, making a gesture that seemed to mean we should go eat something. At least, that's what I thought.

He started leading me through the forest instead of back to the kelutral. I watched him tracking, using his nose and searching for footprints on the ground. He glanced at me and motioned for me to come closer and look at what he was seeing. He pointed to his nose and then to me, so I started sniffing the air like a dog.

I was surprised to realize my sense of smell was much sharper, but I still had no idea what I was supposed to be looking for. Neteyam pointed at some footprints on the ground. I crouched down and smelled them. A scent different from the plants flooded my nose, and I stood up, beginning to search the air for more traces.

We started walking. Neteyam showed me how to move through the undergrowth and where to step to avoid making noise. I watched his feet carefully, noticing how he placed the front of his foot down before fully lowering his heel. Then I looked at the rest of him. He moved between the trees and bushes with the agility of a cat stalking a pigeon, glancing in every direction while following the sounds his ears picked up.

After a few seconds, Neteyam raised his arm, stopping me from moving forward. I froze and looked at him. His eyes were fixed on something.

I turned my head, following his gaze, and a few meters away stood the same species of animal I had seen on my first day here.

Neteyam took one of his arrows and nocked it, drawing the string back as he prepared to shoot. His breathing was calm, and his eyes remained locked on his target. His ears shifted toward the animal, trying to catch any sound around it.

He released the arrow, and I watched it sink into the creature's torso. Neteyam ran toward the body. I followed quickly, and he knelt beside the wounded animal.

He pulled the knife from his hip and began speaking a few words before finally ending its life.

Neteyam looked at me, and something in my expression must have alerted him because his ears lowered and he approached me, uncertainty written across his face. I hadn't planned on seeing him kill such a beautiful animal, but I understood it was necessary to survive.

“Are you... okay?” he asked, setting the knife on the ground and reaching a hand toward my shoulder.

I nodded, touching his hand. I gave him a small smile and began to speak.

“What were you saying.” I pointed at the knife and the animal, then at my mouth and finally at him.

“Thank... Eywa,” he answered, and I nodded even though I hadn't completely understood.

Neteyam stood, taking the animal by its legs. He offered me his free hand to help me up. On the way back to the tree, I managed to relax a little and found myself admiring the forest's flora.

I stopped when I noticed some beautiful flowers and moved closer to touch them.

Neteyam Sully

The absence of her footsteps caught my attention. I turned around quickly and found her a few steps behind me, crouched down and staring at some seze. I looked at her posture, and it reminded me of my father.

I walked over and crouched beside her. She turned toward me with a smile. She pointed at herself and then at the flowers. I nodded once I understood that she wanted to touch them. She did, then leaned closer to smell them. A second later, her eyes widened in surprise and her ears perked up. Another smile appeared on her face, and her tail began swaying from side to side.

I laughed quietly at her reaction, and she turned to look at me.

“Good?” I asked in her language, and she nodded, still smiling.

She reached out and stroked the flower for a few more seconds before looking back at me. I noticed her gaze drop to my posture, and then she copied it, abandoning the way her people usually crouched.

“It's more comfortable.” I only understood the last word and nodded.

I motioned with my head that we needed to leave, and she nodded, standing up at the same time as me and following my lead. I stayed alert the entire way back, glancing over my shoulder to watch her. I could see her copying my movements, and a small smile appeared on my face.

When we arrived at the clan, I took her to my kelku. No one was there, which made it easier to teach her how to prepare the animal. I led her to the txeptseng and crouched down to begin cutting into the yerik and removing the hide from the meat. She watched carefully, and from time to time I encouraged her to try it herself, until I saw her struggling a little and took over again.

I wanted to explain what every part was used for, to tell her that it wasn't only the meat that mattered, but I didn't know how.

My mother's voice caught our attention. I turned, and there she was a few steps away, watching what we were doing before shifting her gaze to her. She approached and finally looked at me.

''I will explain her, ma 'itan,'' she said, placing a hand on my shoulder and giving me a small smile.

I nodded and stepped aside. I watched the entire interaction between my mother and Layla. While my mother explained all the different uses we could get from the animal, Layla's tail swayed from side to side, her attention shifting between my mother and the yerik. There was a small expression on her face, difficult to notice, one that only appeared when she looked at my mother.

She glanced in my direction, and I tilted my head slightly, telling her to pay attention again. I wanted this to be over quickly. My plan was to spend the whole day with her, teaching her as much as I could, but it seemed the Great Mother did not agree with my plans.

It wasn't only Eywa who was against my plans, even though she was the one who had placed Layla in my path. Everyone was against them, constantly stealing her attention.

Pulling her away from me and from my task of training her.

As soon as my mother finished teaching her the things language kept me from explaining, I would take her away and not bring her back until dinner. I swear it by Eywa.

Despite my frustration, I liked seeing her so focused. Her tail moved slowly, in a steady rhythm... as if it were dancing.

I smiled slightly, but erased it immediately. She didn't need to realize I was watching her tail dance whenever she concentrated.

This time, I focused on her eyes. And for the first time, I found myself thinking about how much they stood out.

Everyone in the clan had yellow eyes. Different shades, but nearly identical. Hers were unique here, among the Omatikaya. Besides, they shine beautifully whenever something excited her, and they had a lovely shape... a little more elongated.

I shook my head slightly from side to side.

I was thinking too much.

She was getting inside my head, and the Great Mother was allowing it.

Layla

I listened carefully to Neytiri. I really liked her accent when she spoke to me in my language, and I also liked it when she used Na'vi words and then translated them for me afterward. Sometimes I would stop paying attention to what she was doing just to watch her.

I knew I was beginning to feel a strong admiration for her.

It was a feeling I had experienced a long time ago, when I was a child and watched my parents before... everything became complicated.

I looked at Neteyam, and with a single gesture, he told me to pay attention to his mother.

Neytiri explained that meat wasn't the only thing we could use from an animal. The fat, hide, and bones could all serve different purposes as well.

“Here.” Neytiri held out a bone to me. “You need to sharpen it, and then you will be able to make a knife from it. Normally, we use nantang claws for a proper knife, but this will work for now.”

I took the bone, and finally Neteyam spoke, he was speaking to his mother. Neytiri looked back at me after he finished.

“Another day I will teach you how to prepare the meat. Go with my son.”

I replied with a simple “Okay,” and Neteyam quickly grabbed my arm, leading me out of his home.

We left the tree once more and headed toward a nearby river. I didn't understand what we were doing there. My first thought was that he was going to teach me how to fishing or something similar, but instead, he began scanning the river, searching for something.

He crouched down and picked up a stone, then motioned for me to come closer. Sitting near the shore, he invited me to do the same, taking my hand to help me sit down. He took the bone between my hands and began rubbing it against the stone. Then, just like he had done earlier with the animal, he handed it back to me so I could continue.

This time, he didn't take it away whenever I struggled.

Instead, his hands guided mine until I found the right rhythm. Whenever the stone dried out, he stopped me and indicated that I needed to wet it before continuing.

A long time later, I finally managed to sharpen it and give it a proper shape.

Once the bone had fully taken the form of a knife, Neteyam stood and told me, “Wait,”before walking away.

I sighed when I found myself alone and set the knife on the ground.

I moved closer to the river, dipping only my feet into the water so I could feel the cold current against them.

I began to sink into my thoughts. It had been a long time since I had done that. Normally, even in this life, I had too many things to do to let my mind torment me, but now I was alone... with the sounds of the forest as my only company.

Questions began appearing in my mind, one after another without stopping. Did I really die? Is this real? Will I wake up one day and find out it was all a dream? Is he okay? Did she come back? Did he get angry with me too? Who is taking care of him now?

I didn't have the answers to any of those questions, and I didn't want them. But the mind is a treacherous thing, and it answered every single one of them with cruelty.

One final question appeared in my head.

"Am I enjoying this?"

And as quickly as it appeared, I answered it.

Of course I was.

I loved this place, even though I wasn't truly a part of it yet. I wasn't sure if I ever would be.

A touch on my shoulder pulled me from my thoughts. It was Neteyam, who had finally returned. I smiled at him, and he showed me what he was carrying.

In one arm, he held two "bottles" that seemed to be made from some kind of fruit or vegetable, similar to dried gourd bottles. Though they clearly weren't gourds, just something similar. In his other arm, he carried a large flat stone. He set everything down beside us and sat.

“What's this?” I asked, gesturing toward the items as I sat beside him.

He didn't answer. Instead, he started looking for the knife that should have been in my hands.

My tail twitched as I remembered I had left it on the ground. I searched for it and found it a few inches away. Stretching forward, I grabbed it and showed it to Neteyam.

He took it and set it on his lap. Then he picked up one of the bottles and opened it, pouring the contents onto the flat stone.

It was sand, or something very similar to sand.

“Water.” He pointed toward the river.

I turned toward the water and cupped my hands together. After dipping them into the river, I turned back and poured some water over the sand.

Neteyam began mixing it, creating a muddy paste. Then he showed me how to polish my new weapon. He made circular and straight movements while applying pressure. After a while, he finished and flipped the stone over. Taking the second bottle, he poured out its contents.

This sand was much finer.

This time, he instructed me to do it.

I took the knife and began copying the movements he had shown me. Neteyam brought his hands over mine to help me apply the necessary pressure and guide the motion.

Neteyam's hands were a little rough, probably because of the work he did.

Even so, his touch was warm.

Polishing was tiring, but it brought me a strange sense of happiness and pride. I was learning how to make something for myself.

After a while, I finally finished and looked up at the sky. It wasn't sunset yet, but I could swear it would be soon.

Neteyam stood up and gathered the things he had brought. Then he looked at me. I immediately understood that it was time to return to the kelutral.

The walk back to the tree was silent... obviously.

Although Neteyam could understand some words from my language, and I could understand some of his, we couldn't hold a real conversation.

That still irritated me.

But every now and then, whenever a plant smacked me in the face or I spotted an insect that I wasn't sure was venomous, making me yelp or pull a ridiculous expression, he would laugh and look at me in a way that made me understand that my company wasn't a burden to him.

That only made me want to give him that little gift even more.

Tomorrow, no matter what, I was going to see Rey'ka early.

When we reached the tree, Neteyam and I returned to his kelku. He set down the things he had gone to retrieve earlier and led me over to where his mother had left the yerik hide.

“Ready,” he said while picking up a piece of it before pointing at my knife.

I handed it to him, and he began preparing the handle.

It was a very elaborate process, or at least it seemed to have a lot of steps.

First, he took a piece of tendon with no meat left on it, which his mother had left nearby, and placed it on a stone slab. He picked up a small stone and started striking it until the fibers separated slightly. Then he moistened it with his saliva.

I didn't really understand why he was doing it, but I couldn't look away.

After that, he placed it over the handle in a "U" shape, leaving a small amount of excess tendon thread extending past the knife blade.

He wrapped the strip of yerik leather around the handle, burying the tendon beneath it.

With each turn, he pulled tightly.

When he finished, he fed the end of the leather through the U-shaped loop at the base of the handle. Then he grabbed the two tendon threads and gave them a sharp pull, causing the loop to drag the end of the leather underneath the wrapping.

He drew his knife and cut off the excess tendon ends. The pressure of the leather wrapped over them would keep everything securely in place.

I was amazed by the process. And I felt a little foolish for not knowing it.

Neteyam held the knife out to me, and I took it happily. I was so excited to finally have a knife of my own. I threw myself at him, wrapping my arms around him in a hug to show how grateful I was.

“Irayo, ma Neteyam!”

I kissed his cheek, and the moment I realized what I had done, I pulled away quickly.

“Sorry,” I apologized in my language because I couldn't remember the Na'vi word.

I looked back at the knife, and the smile returned to my face.

Neteyam, who had finally emerged from his brief trance, placed a hand on my shoulder and looked directly into my eyes.

“Well done, ma sevin.”

I smiled at the first words. I didn't understand the last one, but I doubted it was anything bad if it came from Neteyam.

He stepped away from me.

I watched him walk over to where the snonivi were and stop beside one. He picked up a basket resting nearby, opened it, took something out, and returned to me.

It was a sheath for the knife.

He stepped closer and tied it to my loincloth, in the same place where he carried his own.

He looked at me, then at my knife, and finally at the sheath now attached to my clothing.

I smiled and slid the knife inside.

Neteyam smiled and gave me a thumbs-up. I laughed and copied him, raising my own thumb. Then he grabbed my wrist and dragged me out of his kelku.

The confusion was obvious on my face. It was already getting close to nightfall. I had no idea where he wanted to take me now.

“Wait! It's late... dinner.”

Neteyam turned to look at me and simply said, “Mawey, early,” before continuing to drag me along.

a/n: The POV labels will slowly fade out over the next few chapters and will only appear when necessary, so don’t worry!

I’ve been obsessed with this song this few days and it’s given me so much inspiration.

they have also been long n tiring days… the world cup stops minds.

Neteyam x fem!na'vi!oc

slowburn, angst, friends to lovers, fluff, mystery, yearning, emotional intimacy, found family, trauma/healing, reincarnation.

Part 2 | Part 3

Synopsis: Busy adjusting to her new life, Layla unknowingly drifts away from Neteyam. While Rey’ka becomes her closest companion and the Sully kids and Spider teach her the language, Neteyam begins to wrestle with feelings he doesn’t quite understand

a/n: Hi again! Turns out university really did kill me. 😭

Here’s the new chapter, hehe.

I still have 13 chapters written in Spanish waiting to be uploaded to Wattpad, and I need to translate them so I can keep posting the English version here and ofc wattpad. It’s a lot of work, but hopefully it’ll help more people find and enjoy the story. 🩵

TikTok: neteyamsyulang

Wattpad: neteyamsyulang

The next day, I didn't wake up quite as early, but I managed to see the sun's rays just beginning to filter through some gaps in the wood. I carefully moved through the tree until I climbed out through the same opening Neteyam had taken me through the day before. I jumped from branch to branch carefully until I reached Rey'ka's kelku. When she saw me, she invited me in with a gesture.

She pulled out two outfits from the same basket as last time and handed them to me. I thanked her again and asked her to teach me how to make them. I only used gestures until a smile formed on her lips.

Apparently she understood me because she took several things from another basket and began explaining how to make them. Well, she was actually doing it herself while making sure I paid attention.

"Forest," she said while handing me the material she was braiding.

I nodded when I understood what she meant. Everything came from the forest. Then she pointed at the belt of my loincloth and said, "Hunt." She stood up and gestured for me to follow her.

She led me through the forest, pointing out flowers, fibers, leaves, and asking, "Like?" every time her finger pointed at something. I nodded or shook my head, and she collected the things I liked, saying something quietly before carefully picking them. When we returned to her kelku, she offered me something to eat and I accepted. It was nice being with her, she was very attentive. After we finished eating, she started helping me "weave" my new outfits.

I was having fun, even though there wasn't much communication. Rey'ka was very patient, and I could tell she enjoyed doing this. I spent almost the entire morning with her, and sometimes Rey'ka laughed at how clumsy I was while braiding, but it didn't bother me at all. I thought it was funny too.

I said goodbye to her when I finished making the top part of my "clothes." It barely covered anything, and one sudden movement would probably expose everything, but people here seemed very comfortable with their bodies and didn't see them in a sexual way. I'll have to get used to it and calm my human thoughts. At least I'll only be seeing boobs and not dicks.

I started walking and climbing toward Neytiri's home. I wanted to show her what I'd made. Maybe that way she'll accept me a little more.

When I arrived, I saw everyone gathered there. They all looked serious, and Jake was rubbing the bridge of his nose with his eyes closed. The first one to notice me and approach was Neteyam. He quickly grabbed my shoulders and started checking me from head to toe. I got nervous and stepped back a little. I'm not used to receiving that much concern, especially from a boy.

"What's wrong?" I asked nervously.

Neytiri walked toward me with firm steps.

"Where were you? We were worried about you. Neteyam went looking for you and couldn't find you," she said, sounding very concerned.

"Ooh, hehe," I let out while scratching the back of my neck with my free hand. "I was with Rey'ka. She took me into the forest to gather materials and taught me how to 'weave.' Look!"

I showed them my new clothes, and Neteyam sighed along with everyone else. Lo'ak approached laughing.

"My brother almost had a heart attack," he teased.

"Sorry, I forgot he's 'responsible' for me," I said, looking at Neteyam.

I muttered a "Sorry" in Na'vi, just like Lo'ak had taught me.

Neytiri took the top I had made and examined it.

"It's pretty," she admitted, making me smile.

"Thank you," my voice sounded shyer than usual.

It had been a long time since I'd received praise from a mother, since... since that happened. My grandmother was very good to me, but it wasn't the same.

Neytiri handed the piece back to me and gave me a small smile.

"Go with Kiri and Tuk, take a bath and get changed."

She turned to speak with Kiri, and I looked back at Neteyam. He was talking to Lo'ak, and it was obvious Lo'ak was making fun of him. Neteyam's face remained serious as he shook his head.

I felt a touch on my shoulder. It was Kiri, gently tugging at it and motioning with her head for me to follow her.

She led me to a lake near the tree, and I walked toward the shore. I dipped my feet in first, then kept walking until I was completely submerged. I scrubbed my body with my palms and massaged my scalp with my fingertips. I didn't have soap, but I could get the dirt off this way. Smelling good would be asking too much. I undid the braids Neytiri had made for me and left the accessories on the shore so I wouldn't lose them. I needed to clean my hair properly.

Kiri approached me and gestured with her hand for me to follow her.

She led me to some strange flowers growing near the shore. She picked one up and gently squeezed it. A thick fluid came out, and she rubbed it into her hair. I copied her and brought my hand to my nose. The liquid smelled really nice. Smelling good wasn't asking too much after all.

She took a little more and spread it over her body. I did the same, and when I finished, I climbed out of the lake.

I put on one of the outfits Rey'ka had made for me. Kiri and Tuk had already finished, and they guided me back to the kelku. Kiri motioned for me to sit on the floor and began styling my hair alongside Tuk. They seemed to enjoy it.

They started having a conversation between themselves. I could hear them mentioning Neteyam's and Lo'ak's names while letting out little giggles.

"Done," Kiri announced.

Tuk walked up to me with a bowl of water. I wasn't thirsty, but alright. I brought the bowl toward my mouth, and Kiri quickly stopped me. I looked at them in confusion as they both shook their heads and waved their hands in a clear "No!"

"Then what?" I asked while raising an eyebrow.

"Look," Tuk said.

I looked at my reflection and, to be honest, I couldn't see shit. I walked toward the edge of the kelku, trying to get a little more light. Unfortunately, because I was too focused on my reflection, I didn't see Lo'ak coming toward me and crashed right into him, spilling all the water and landing on my butt in the process.

"Lo'ak!" Tuk and Kiri shouted.

"Shit! I'm sorry, Layla!" he exclaimed as he helped me back to my feet.

I started laughing as I told him, "It's okay, Lo'ak." Once I was standing, I looked at the bowl and picked it up.

"Well, I guess I'll have to find out how my hairstyle turned out another time," I murmured, ending with a small smile.

"Follow me, I'll take you to Norm and the others. They probably have a mirror."

He took my hand and started walking, practically dragging me along. I turned slightly and waved goodbye to the girls.

⸻

Layla and Lo'ak were walking toward the exit of the kelutral. The girl was enthusiastically talking about everything she had done that day, and the boy listened attentively with a smile.

"I've never bathed in a lake or a river before," Layla commented. "And the liquid from that flower was strange, but it smelled really good," she continued, and Lo'ak nodded in agreement.

"I like what they did with your hair... it looks nice on you." Lo'ak finally spoke.

"Thanks, I really want to see it already. I'm so curious." She smiled at him, showing her teeth.

The boy smiled back and took her hand, quickening his pace so they could reach his human friends sooner.

A few minutes later, they were standing in front of the labs. Lo'ak knocked on the large metal door, and seconds later it opened to reveal Norm.

"Hey, Norm!" the boy greeted him, slapping hands with him.

"Hey, Lo'ak and Layla! What brings you two here?" he asked with a smile.

"Hi, Norm. Do you have a mirror? Kiri and Tuk made me a new hairstyle and I'd like to see it," the girl asked. "Someone spilled the bowl of water I was going to use to see my reflection," Layla finished, narrowing her eyes slightly as she looked at Lo'ak.

Norm let them in with a smile, and Spider, seeing them enter, quickly approached.

"Guys!" he exclaimed, his face lighting up with happiness. "Layla, you look really pretty. That hairstyle suits you."

He praised her while giving her two thumbs up.

"Thanks, Spider. Kiri and Tuk did it... I haven't seen it yet, but I trust your word and Lo'ak's."

Layla's smile looked like something that would be very difficult to erase from her face.

Norm returned with two mirrors in his hands. Layla took one when he held it out to her. Norm stood behind her, holding the other mirror at the level of her head.

She examined herself carefully in the mirror she held. This time she could see herself clearly. She noticed the way her blue markings spread across her skin and the bioluminescent freckles decorating her face. She could also see the turquoise shade of her eyes in greater detail, as well as her slightly curved, long eyelashes. The shape of her lips and their lilac color, which slowly blended into the blue of her skin.

She knew nothing about Na'vi beauty standards, but she didn't dislike her face.

Finally, she focused on the reflection in the mirror behind her and looked at the hairstyle Kiri and little Tuktirey had made. Most of her hair was loose, with small thin braids decorating its waves. The true artistry was in the arrangement at the back. From her ears backward, two sections of hair had been pulled together, forming a knot at the center that connected to her large braid. Halfway down those sections, smaller braids emerged, tied together with a piece of leather to form an upside-down triangle. Those braids were decorated with leaves resembling feathers and beads in pink, green, blue, and purple.

The front part of her hair remained loose, with small braids adorned with the same beads and two purple feathers woven into a braid on the left side, hidden behind her ear.

She liked it very much. They had chosen beautiful colors, the same ones as the piece she had woven with Rey'ka that morning.

"It's beautiful," she finally admitted, unable to take her eyes off the mirror.

The three males smiled. Layla handed the mirror back to Norm, and he stepped away to put them back where they belonged. The three teenagers began talking. Seconds later, Norm returned and handed them the oxygen mask.

The conversation between Spider, Lo'ak, and Layla was entertaining. At least it seemed that way judging by the laughter that kept escaping the girl. Both boys were very playful, and Layla, well, she was the kind of girl with a loud laugh that came out at the smallest thing she found funny.

Neteyam Sully

I returned to my family's kelku after helping my father with a task, and by helping, I mean watching how it was done. I expected to find her there. I wanted to show her more of the kelutral or some parts of the forest before the eclipse arrived, but she wasn't there. I'm starting to get tired of never being able to find her when I need to.

"Where is she?" I asked Kiri, who was examining some herbs she had collected a few days ago.

"Who? Le'ila?" she asked with a smile, and I nodded. "She's with Lo'ak," she said simply before returning her attention to the herbs.

I left the kelku. Knowing Lo'ak, he'd probably taken her somewhere quiet where he could teach her the language. I searched the highest branches, secluded corners, and even the areas surrounding the tree, but there was no sign of them.

The eclipse arrived, and with it, dinner. I approached my father, who had just entered the communal area.

"Sir, I can't find Lo'ak and Layla," I said, trying not to sound worried. I didn't want to concern him.

Even so, I noticed his expression change as he quickly looked toward the entrance of the communal area. His gaze softened again, and he let out an, "There they are."

I looked toward the entrance, and sure enough, they were there.

That strange feeling began to return. My eyes were fixed on her. I looked at how the top she had made fit her and at the loincloth Rey'ka had given her. My attention shifted to her hairstyle and how good she looked with it. A small smile started forming on my lips, only to disappear the moment I heard her laugh.

A laugh directed at Lo'ak.

They seemed to get along very well. After all, they could actually understand each other. An uncomfortable feeling settled in my chest, and I didn't understand why.

Lo'ak made talking to her look so easy. And I could do nothing but use gestures to try to communicate.

It made me feel... strange.

Suddenly, she looked in my direction and said goodbye to Lo'ak. She walked toward us with a bright smile, and I straightened my posture, preparing myself for when she reached me.

Until I watched her walk right past me and my father, giving us a brief wave and continuing on her way.

My father and I turned, curious about where she was going. She stopped in front of Rey'ka and greeted her with a huge smile, receiving the same in return.

And in that moment, I knew I was upset.

I haven't been able to teach her anything. If it's not Lo'ak and Spider, then it's Kiri and Tuk, and now it's Rey'ka too.

I walked away from my father and headed toward the cooks in search of a plate. I didn't want to keep looking at her.

I didn't like not understanding what she made me feel.

...

"Ma Neteyam..." my mother spoke.

"Stop staring at her, ma 'itan," my father continued.

I had spent the entire meal watching Layla, watching as she and Rey'ka tried to hold a conversation and laughed foolishly whenever they managed to understand each other.

"I'm sorry, ma sa'nok, ma sempul. It's just that... what if she does something that could offend Rey'ka or the clan?" I asked, knowing that wasn't the real reason I kept looking at her.

"She needs time to adapt, and Rey'ka seems to enjoy her company," my mother replied, not giving it much importance.

I sighed and continued eating.

I truly didn't know what was bothering me.

I need to calm down. I am Neteyam te Suli Tsyeyk'itan, and I always have everything under control.

Her pretty face and her lack of attention can't hurt me.

Layla

When I arrived at the clan, I said goodbye to Lo'ak after spotting Rey'ka in the distance. It was time to ask her if she could help me. I had practiced what I was going to say with Lo'ak and Spider in the labs. I had also practiced on the way back to the kelutral. Lo'ak laughed at me every time I forgot something, but before we arrived, I finally said it perfectly, and I couldn't wait any longer or I would forget it.

As I headed in her direction, I noticed Jake and Neteyam, so I quickly waved at them, giving them a brief smile as I continued on my way.

I managed to say it, and although Rey'ka laughed a little, I understood that she accepted. Lo'ak wasn't such a bad teacher after all. She motioned for me to follow her and led me to an open space. She wanted to have dinner with me.

I ate with her, communicating as best as I could. She watched me attentively and smiled whenever she managed to understand me. I couldn't wait until I could communicate with her properly.

After dinner, I said goodbye to her and returned to my snonivi.

Tomorrow will be another day.

a/n: The POV labels will slowly fade out over the next few chapters and will only appear when necessary, so don’t worry!

Neteyam x fem!na'vi!oc

slowburn, angst, friends to lovers, fluff, mystery, yearning, emotional intimacy, found family, trauma/healing, reincarnation.

Part 1 | Part 2

Synopsis: Layla is taken to the scientists to make sure everything is alright. Meanwhile, Lo’ak can’t stop stealing her attention.

Lilac’s notes: School is going to kill me. My exams are about to start but I'm determined to continue with this fanfic. My mind doesn't stop working. Anyway... follow me on tiktok and wattpad. 🩵

TikTok: neteyamsyulang

Wattpad: neteyamsyulang

Oh, btw… I also made a Spotify playlist: Asevin ean. And a Pinterest board for my OC: Le’ila core, because I’m obsessed and need inspiration whenever I work on something

I woke up very early. I know that because the ones sleeping in the other hammocks were still deeply asleep, and there was barely any noise echoing through the tree.

I carefully climbed down from the hammock and made my way through the branches until I reached one of the openings in the tree trunk. I wasn't on the highest branches of the tree, but at least I could already see the sky. I searched for a comfortable branch far from the hollow. I wanted to sit down and have some time alone; just me and my thoughts. I had a horrible dream about my final moments alive, before waking up in this strange reality where I'm blue, with three fingers and a tail. My thoughts revolved around one thing... or rather, one person. My little brother, the one I gave my life for before waking up here. Is he okay? Did my sacrifice mean anything at all?

I sighed in resignation, wanting to think the best and believe that I truly saved him, and that my reward was waking up in this place. Or maybe I'm just in a coma and all of this is some crazy dream my brain created. I looked at the scenery from the large branch I had chosen, it was a good branch. I looked up at the sky and realized that I really wasn't on a planet, it was a moon, and the eclipse was slowly coming to an end, letting the sunlight illuminate everything in its path.

The planet in front of the moon was a beautiful shade of blue, and I could notice other small circles in the sky, maybe other moons. I would ask Jake about it later.

I stayed sitting there for a long time, until the hurried footsteps of someone caught my attention. I turned my head back and saw Neteyam, his breathing uneven and his face twisted into an annoyed expression.

I quickly stood up and approached him, noticing how his expression slowly relaxed with every step he took.

"Everything okay?" I asked and he sighed before taking my hand.

He started walking, dragging me along with him. I didn't resist at all. I trusted him completely, even if we couldn't really hold a decent conversation.

We entered the trunk once again, climbing down the inner branches until we reached an opening that led to the smaller trees of the forest. We started jumping across them, receiving his help a few times along the way. That's when I realized he was taking me to his home.

Once we arrived, he motioned with his head for me to go inside and I could see everyone there: his parents, Lo'ak, a girl and a little child. Neytiri immediately approached me the second she saw me and grabbed my hand.

"Sit down, we're having breakfast," she said, dragging me inside the kelku.

She was a little kinder than the day before. Maybe she was beginning to accept my presence.

I nodded at her request and sat down close to Lo'ak. The little girl approached me, taking one of my braids while smiling at me.

"You're really pretty. Are you Neteyam's girlfriend?" she asked, but I only understood Neteyam's name.

"She doesn't understand you, Tuk, she speaks the language of the sky people," Lo'ak interrupted and the little girl made a surprised face before looking at me curiously.

"Hello, friends?" she asked in my language and I nodded, gently patting her head.

I let her play with my hair while Neytiri finished preparing the food. Lo'ak started talking to me and introduced me to his sister, Kiri.

She didn't speak my language either, well only a few words.

I looked at Neteyam, who was observing everything attentively without any sign of wanting to contribute something. He looked back at me and all I could do was smile at him. It frustrated me that I couldn't speak to him, and I knew it would be very difficult for him to teach me how to live like his people with such a huge limitation between us.

Breakfast was pleasant. Jake and Neytiri asked my age and how I had slept. I answered that I was sixteen years old and that I had slept well, even if it was a lie. Jake mentioned that he would take me to see the scientists, humans who would make sure there was nothing wrong with me.

I didn't fully understand the purpose, but I trusted his decisions. He wasn't the clan leader for nothing.

After that, Lo'ak completely stole my attention.

"You're gonna like him a lot, he used to be human too." Lo'ak was talking about Spider, his human friend. "Well, he's never left Pandora, but I guess you two will get along."

I patted his head while giving him a smile. Him and the other two girls awakened my "big sister" instincts, if such a thing even existed. I remembered my little brother and how he always seemed excited over every little thing he told me and, for a second, I thought I saw him in Lo'ak. I blinked several times before finally speaking.

"Thank you, Lo'ak. I'm sure I'll like him a lot," I said.

"By the way, what's Earth like?" he asked and I smiled.

"It's very similar to this place, although there are things here you could never see there; like floating mountains. But Earth also has beautiful landscapes and really cute animals," I answered quickly. "My favorites are tigers."

I paused, thinking about what else I could tell him.

"Even if some humans aren't very nice, there's still music, dance, cinema, art and lots of natural spaces you can enjoy," I concluded.

Lo'ak looked at me attentively, a smile resting on his face. Jake, who had also been listening to me, looked confused.

"What year were you born in?" he asked.

"2010... and I died in 2026," I answered, as if he had simply asked me for the time.

"That explains it. You never got to see Earth's decline," he said, making my expression twist into pure confusion.

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"Earth isn't like you remember anymore. It's dying, none of the things you mentioned are really there anymore. At least not appreciated the same way they once were," he replied seriously.

I sighed after hearing his words.

It wasn't that surprising to me. War had started again in several countries across Asia and Europe. It was only a matter of time before the United States started moving its pieces and joined in too. Technology had also taken over the minds of many people, pushing critical thinking aside and making us care less about protecting our natural resources. I just hope that, even if Earth's conditions got worse, my brother managed to live a good life.

But who am I kidding. He'll probably stay traumatized for the rest of his life.

"That doesn't surprise me," I finally murmured.

Jake stood up and let out a simple, "Let's go." It was time to visit those scientists. Neteyam stood up too, ready to come with us, but Jake stopped him and gave him a few instructions. He nodded, giving me one quick glance before walking away.

I followed Jake and Lo'ak through the branches of the trees. The younger boy helped me whenever he noticed I was struggling and laughed at me a few times too. It didn't take long before we reached the place where the human scientists lived.

My tail lashed sharply behind me. I had been startled by the contrast between the forest and the gray structures in front of me. Nature had clearly done its work, decorating some of the buildings with moss and vines. I walked beside Lo'ak toward a large metallic door from one of the buildings and Jake pressed the small panel glowing with green lights.

The door opened seconds later, revealing a person. My eyes widened when I noticed the huge height difference between Jake and the human.

He was several heads shorter. Even Lo'ak and I were taller than the man. I wonder what kind of predators exist here. They're probably big enough to rip my head off with a single bite.

A shiver crawled down my spine and, squeezing my eyes shut, I shook my body.

Jake started speaking with the man and I noticed a boy peeking through the doorway, stepping outside completely once he noticed Lo'ak.

Lo'ak dragged me toward him. He had blond dreadlocks and wore a loincloth just like us. His whole body was decorated with blue stripes, probably painted on.

"This is Spider. Spider, this is Layla," Lo'ak introduced us.

Spider brought two fingers to his forehead, making the same gesture Rey'ka had done before.

"She only speaks sky people's language, she's not Na'vi. Well, she will be, but she's not an uniltìrantokx either... agh it's complicated, but she knows nothing. For now she's a tawtute in the process of becoming Na'vi."

Lo'ak explained and it amused me a little how he mixed both languages together.

"Nice to meet you, Spider," I said with a smile. "Lo'ak and you are in charge of teaching me the language."

"I'm a very strict teacher, hope you can keep up with me," he joked and I nodded while laughing.

Jake's voice interrupted the moment, asking us to come with him. He introduced me to Norm, who asked me to enter the lab. There they gave us small masks and told me that whenever I felt short of breath, I should place it over my mouth and nose to breathe.

He led me to the other scientists, who introduced themselves and listened while Jake explained my situation. They ran tests on me, placing strange devices on my head that, according to them, would help them see my "brain activity." They also took blood samples for some analysis and, after what felt like an eternity, they finally let me go.

According to them, everything seemed normal and there wasn't a single trace of human DNA in my body. But it still made no sense for this body to hold my human memories.

"The universe works in strange ways, Jake. We don't have the answer to everything. What matters is that she's healthy and willing to adapt to Pandora."

Norm spoke to Jake in Na'vi. The language of Pandora's people.

Another scientist started whispering something to Jake. His name was Max and he kept glancing at me while explaining something to him.

I felt excluded and uncomfortable, so I left the place. I walked over to Lo'ak and Spider and, the moment they saw me, they immediately started my Na'vi lessons. They made fun of me every chance they got.

I spent the rest of the day with them, learning the basics. The pronunciation was strange, but not impossible. I made it my goal to learn the language as quickly as I could.

The eclipse arrived and it was time to return to the kelutral, like Lo'ak told me his people called it. I was a little tired, I wasn't used to doing "that much" physical activity. But I needed to adapt, everyone here spent all their time jumping across tree branches.

Once we reached the giant tree, Jake split away from us. Lo'ak and I started climbing toward the center of the trunk, where everyone gathered to eat. He was telling me about how he failed his iknimaya, explaining that I would need to train a lot if I ever wanted to get one. He said he hoped we could go together to the floating mountains to find mine. He also explained that ikran only bonded once and never accepted another rider afterward. I thought that was beautiful.

I sat beside Lo'ak, a few steps away from his family. I was starving, I had only eaten breakfast and the only thing I had as a snack were some fruits Lo'ak found near the laboratories.

"Wait here, I'll bring you something," he said and I nodded, watching him walk away.

I started feeling uncomfortable. I shifted in my seat even though I was sitting perfectly fine. I grabbed one of my braids and started playing with it, focusing all my attention on the beads so I wouldn't do something stupid. I felt judged, like they saw me as an intruder. I didn't want to look up to find out if it was only my imagination.

A few seconds later, Lo'ak returned and handed me a leaf plate filled with food and, just like the previous night, I ate without asking what it was.

Lo'ak's company was comforting. Somehow he made me feel like I belonged, he didn't make me feel like an intruder and he spoke to me so naturally that it brought a warm feeling to my heart.

Someone sat beside me. It was Neteyam, carrying a piece of what I assumed was meat. He held it out to me and I took it.

"Eat well," he said and I nodded, starting to eat.

Lo'ak and Neteyam started talking. Lo'ak had a teasing smile while saying something to Neteyam. Obviously I didn't understand anything, but Neteyam's serious expression was strangely hypnotizing.

"Here, open your mouth. Try this," Lo'ak offered, bringing a piece of fruit close to my lips.

I opened my mouth, letting him place the fruit inside. It was something I used to do often with my little brother whenever he wanted to share whatever he was eating with me. I remembered when he was younger and always offered me his slobbery fruit slices and I had to eat them so he wouldn't cry. I smiled at the memory with my mouth still full. I started chewing and felt my tail swaying from side to side. Neteyam, who had been watching everything closely, suddenly stood up and walked away with quick steps. I stared after him in confusion while swallowing the fruit Lo'ak had given me.

"Did something happen?" I asked Lo'ak and he shook his head, that teasing smile appearing once again.

"I think my mother called him," he answered casually before continuing to eat.

I didn't ask anything else and continued eating the meat Neteyam had brought me. It was really good and tender, I smiled at how easy it was to eat.

I needed to see Rey'ka soon, I wanted her to help me make a bracelet for Neteyam to thank him for all his kindness toward me.

Neteyam x fem!na'vi!oc

slowburn, angst, friends to lovers, fluff, mystery, yearning, emotional intimacy, found family, trauma/healing, reincarnation.

Part I

Synopsis: Layla is welcomed into the Omatikaya clan and begins learning their ways under Neteyam’s watch.

Lilac's notes: The two chapters in English are now available on wattpad and soon I will upload the others.

I also created a tik tok account to upload content, follow me 🩵

Wattpad: neteyamsyulang

Tik tok: neteyamsyulang

Neteyam Sully

Am I doing the right thing? I asked myself mentally for the third time, but seeing her enjoy; the scenery, the wind, and the sunlight on her face. The doubt began to fade. I constantly reminded myself that this was the will of the great mother, I saw it. The atokirina' would not approach her if she were a dangerous girl.

I landed in front of the entrance to the kelutral and helped her down from my ikran. I took her hand so we could walk together and the people immediately turned their attention toward us, I didn't expect to go unnoticed. I am the son of the Olo'eyktan and I am bringing a stranger into our home.

My father, who was standing near the entrance, saw me arrive and quickly walked toward me. He gave me a brief look before his eyes settled on her, looking her up and down. His gaze lingered for a few seconds on her clothes, realizing she was a sky person.

"Can you explain this to me, ma Neteyam?" he asked, with that authoritative tone that always came out whenever we stood before the clan.

"Yes, sir," I said using the tawtute word from his language that I always used, the only one I could never replace in Na'vi.

"I found her in the forest. I was going to kill her because of her clothes, I thought she was an avatar that did not belong to us, but she doesn't seem to have human DNA. Even so, she speaks the language of the sky people and... and I saw a sign from Eywa."

I felt a squeeze on my hand, it was her, asking me to stop gripping hers so tightly. I hadn't realized I was doing it. I loosened my hold and looked back at my father.

"Who are you?" my father asked, using the language of the sky people and as always when he did, it felt strange to me.

I looked at the girl, her face lit up once again.

"You speak my language, what a relief," she said excitedly. "I'm Layla and I don't know how I got to this place. If I'm being honest, all of this feels like a dream."

I understood none of what she was saying and it frustrated me.

I never thought I would use the sky language, since I normally do not interact with the scientists and humans who stayed here. Nothing about them interests me, my only concern is my clan and its needs. I never thought I would find a girl with beautiful ean eyes, who only spoke the language of which I knew only a few words.

My father and the girl began having a conversation and little by little my father's posture relaxed and a small smile appeared on his face. Until my mother and grandmother appeared.

"Ma Jake... who is she?" my mother asked.

Dad began explaining the girl's situation and how I had seen a sign from the great mother. At the mention of Eywa, my grandmother stepped forward and pulled out her knife. I felt another squeeze on my hand and turned to look at her, her eyes were fixed on my grandmother's knife and clear fear was written across her face.

"Relax." My father spoke before I could say anything and she calmed down.

My grandmother approached her and took her free hand, since she seemed unwilling to let go of mine. She made a small cut and tasted her blood.

"She must stay, learn our ways," Mo'at said.

"Neteyam will take care of that. He brought her here," my father ordered.

I nodded quickly and let out another "Yes, sir." I turned to look at her and motioned with my head for her to walk. She never let go of my hand and for some reason, I didn't want to be the first to let go either.

My mother's voice stopped me, I turned toward her as she slowly approached us and spoke.

"She needs clothes, leave her to me," she said. "Go find her a place to sleep."

I nodded and looked at her again, she was staring at me with a confused expression on her face. I slowly released her hand and walked away.

A few steps later I looked back. She was talking to my mother, with that smile that seemed impossible to erase from her face.

Layla

"Follow me, we need to get you some clothes." The woman spoke.

"Yes, emm... what is your name?" I asked with a smile.

"Neytiri," she said and I nodded.

"I'm Layla," I introduced myself.

"Come on Layla, there's to much you need to learn," she replied.

Neytiri led me to what looked like a camping tent, it reminded me of the hanging tents mountain climbers use to spend the night high above the ground. It was made of plant fibers and inside the structure there was a girl sitting down, her eyes fixed on what I assumed was an outfit.

Neytiri started talking to her, the girl looked me up and down before approaching me with a cord in her hands. She began taking my measurements and I felt a little uncomfortable when Neytiri asked me to remove my shorts and shirt.

A few seconds later the girl stepped away and crouched in front of a basket, woven from a material I couldn't identify. From inside she pulled out a set of "clothes", if I could even call it that, and handed it to me. She pointed to where I could change and I did exactly that.

I took off my underwear and started putting on the outfit. I didn't know how to wear the bottom part, so I called for Neytiri, who quickly approached and showed me how to adjust it. I felt super exposed and Neytiri frowned when she saw me trying to cover my chest and butt.

"Stop doing that," she scolded and I pulled my hands away from my body.

"I'm not used to being like this," I admitted embarrassed.

"Get used to it," she said and I quickly understood that Neytiri was a bit difficult to deal with.

"Alright," I muttered, letting out a resigned sigh.

"Rey'ka will make you two more outfits, but it would be better if you learned how to make them yourself. She offered to teach you," Neytiri spoke again.

"How do I say thank you?" I asked, unable to hide the smile forming on my face.

"Irayo," she answered.

It wasn't that hard to say, or at least it didn't seem hard to me.

"Irayo," I said, looking at Rey'ka and offering her a smile.

She made a gesture with her fingers, from her forehead outward and instinctively I copied it without really knowing what I was doing. Neytiri, who had been watching everything carefully, formed a small smile on her face before saying it was time to leave, saying goodbye to the girl and making the same gesture.

I wanted to ask what it meant, but I was afraid to do it. Maybe I could ask Neteyam later, I think that was his name, or maybe I'd ask his father instead. Communication with Neteyam was limited.

Neytiri guided me toward another place similar to the one we had just visited. She said this was her kelku, where she slept with her family.

She motioned for me to sit and I did, crossing my legs to get comfortable. She sat behind me and began brushing my hair.

"You must learn to be one of us. Learn to walk like us; hunt, eat, speak, and dress like us," she explained and I nodded softly in response.

After what felt like an eternity, one where I almost fell asleep, Neytiri finished braiding my hair. I touched it, realizing it had been braided.

"I used some accessories I no longer wear, later you'll be able to use your own. Once you know how to make them," she explained and I nodded.

"It's very pretty, thank you Neytiri," I thanked her, giving her a smile that she returned.

The sound of someone entering the kelku made me turn around, it was Neteyam. I smiled when I saw him and waved at him.

"Come," he called and I walked toward him.

He took my arm and looked at his mother. He said something to her and she simply nodded. Neteyam started walking with his hand on my arm, dragging me along toward the exit of the kelku. He helped me walk along the branches of the giant tree.

"Neteyam." He stopped and turned to face me while saying his name and pointing at himself.

"Layla," I replied, pointing at myself too.

At last he had formally introduced himself.

He nodded and kept walking, but the voice of someone else stopped us again. We both turned toward the direction the sound came from. It was a boy slightly shorter than Neteyam, maybe around my height.

He approached with a grin, saying something to Neteyam in a tone I instantly knew was teasing. He has to be his brother, the resemblance is undeniable. Neteyam started saying something back and the boy's expression changed immediately.

"So you speak the human language," he said and I nodded quickly.

"You speak it too! I'm Layla, nice to meet you," I introduced myself, happy to finally have someone else I could talk to.

"I'm Lo'ak, Neteyam's brother. Dad taught me the language. So... are you staying here now?" I nodded quickly at his question.

"Yes, I have a lot to learn, but it's better than being out in the forest. The good thing is your brother found me," I mentioned.

I started talking with Lo'ak, forgetting for a moment that Neteyam could barely understand us.

"Good to see you two already met." Jake's voice interrupted the conversation.

"Hi dad," Lo'ak greeted.

"Lo'ak, I'll need your help teaching Layla the language. You can do it together with Spider." Lo'ak nodded with a smile and glanced at me.

Jake turned to Neteyam, who had remained silent.

"Son, your brother will help Layla with the language. Your only duty is to teach her our ways," Jake said in his language and Neteyam nodded.

Jake said goodbye and seconds later Lo'ak did too. He told me he would let this "Spider" know about the task they now had and that he would see me later.

I looked back at Neteyam and smiled at him. He simply motioned with his head for me to follow him again.

We arrived at what looked like hammocks, he led me to one specifically and began speaking.

"Sleep here. For now." I nodded and looked around, trying to memorize exactly where it was so I wouldn't accidentally climb into the wrong one.

I looked back at Neteyam and once again he motioned for me to follow him.

"Time to eat," he said and I followed him.

We climbed through the branches of the tree, it amazed me how there were paths and rooms inside the tree trunk. At the center there was a large open space where everyone had gathered and were searching for places to sit. Apparently they all ate together like one big family.

He pointed to where I should sit and walked away. I felt a little uncomfortable and glanced around everywhere. My eyes met those of a child who stared at me curiously, so I smiled at him and he smiled back. Seconds later Neteyam returned carrying two large leaves in his hands and on them what I assumed was our food.

He handed one to me and gestured for me to eat. I looked at the food, I had no idea what it was and honestly I didn't want to ask. I reminded myself that I was no longer home and that if I wanted to survive I had to adapt. I glanced around, watching how everyone else ate. I copied them and to my surprise it tasted really good. I smiled for what had to be the hundredth time that day and looked at Neteyam, who was staring at me. I gave him a thumbs up, trying to let him know I liked it.

Later, when everyone had finished eating. I watched as people gathered into small circles to talk. Neteyam stood up for a moment, leaving me alone again. A few seconds later someone sat beside me.

It was Lo'ak, I smiled at him and we started talking.

"I like your hairstyle," he admitted and I laughed softly, running my fingers through the braids.

"Your mother did it, I'm really grateful to her," I confessed and Lo'ak nodded.

"By the way," I murmured. "How can I show someone that I'm grateful? You know, in your people's way," I asked and Lo'ak looked upward, pressing a finger against his lip.

"You can give them a gift. Like a bracelet or mmm, I don't think you're ready to go hunting something yet. But a bracelet or something like that would be nice," he replied and I nodded.

"The girl who gave me the clothes, Rey'ka. Do you think she knows how to make those things too?"

He made a sound with his mouth, nodding at my question.

Neteyam's voice cut through the conversation. I lifted my head and looked at him. His eyes were fixed on Lo'ak, staring at him in a way I couldn't quite identify.

Lo'ak said goodbye to me and returned to his family. Neteyam sat back down beside me and I looked at him, giving him another smile, one that he finally returned. Later, after dinner ended, Neteyam took me back to the place where I would sleep and once he saw I was comfortable, he told me "Goodnight" and left.

I spent a while thinking about my conversation with Lo'ak. I need to learn the language quickly and ask Rey'ka to help me. I also kept thinking about how quickly they welcomed me into this place and I hoped I wouldn't run into problems in the future. I also hoped I wouldn't wake up from this dream only to realize I'm some useless vegetable.

After a few more seconds of thinking, I fell asleep and started dreaming about my latest memories.

More lilac’s notes: I think the first chapters are a little weak, but I'm a little proud of the others I wrote. I hope you enjoy them one day.

Neteyam x fem!na'vi!oc

slowburn, angst, friends to lovers, fluff, misterio, yearning, intimidad emocional, found family, trauma/healing, reencarnación.

Sinopsis: El bosque de Pandora oculta muchos peligros. Neteyam lo sabe bien, aunque aquella na'vi con actitudes humanas no parecía ser uno de esos.

Notas de lilac:

¡¡Hola!! ♡ esta es la primera vez que publico un fanfic, así que estoy un poco nerviosa 😭 Originalmente lo escribí en español, pero también quería publicarlo en inglés. Entonces, la versión en inglés + español se publicará en tumblr, ¡y la versión en español también estará disponible en wattpad pronto! Y si no soy demasiado floja, tal vez la versión en inglés también.

Wattpad: @neteyamsyulang

El eclipse había finalizado hace unas cuantas horas. Cada na'vi se encontraba haciendo sus tareas y la tarea de Neteyam en estos momentos era cazar un buen animal para cenar.

Se movía sigilosamente entre la maleza del bosque, no por nada es el mejor cazador en el clan Omaticaya. Ser el hijo de, no sólo el líder, sino también de Toruk Makto, le pone un peso inmenso a sus hombros. Expectativas que no importa qué obstáculos vengan, estaba dispuesto a alcanzarlas.

Encontró su objetivo rápidamente, un yerik bebiendo agua en un pequeño río. Colocó la flecha en su arco y tensó la cuerda, apuntando al animal. Estaba a punto de soltar la cuerda, hasta que una mano cruzó su campo de visión, una mano que acariciaba con delicadeza al yerik. Bajó el arco rápidamente y sin hacer ruido, subió a uno de los árboles para ampliar su visión.

Frente al animal, se encontraba una na'vi. Neteyam se mentiría a sí mismo si dijera que no le pareció la na'vi más linda que jamás haya visto. Su mirada pasó de su rostro a la ropa que vestía y puso atención a la lengua que hablaba la chica.

Era la misma lengua que su padre y la gente del cielo hablaba. Concluyó rápidamente que no era una na'vi, esas dos cosas la delataban. Aun así, sus facciones no mostraban ninguna pizca de ADN humano e incluso sus manos contenían 4 dedos. La duda surgió en la mente de Neteyam, dejando que su ceño lo mostrara, frunciéndose en confusión.

¿Matarla o indagar sobre ella?

Era la pregunta que surgió en su cabeza. Sus manos estaban listas en su arco, esperando a que su mente le dé una respuesta, la indicación que resolvería todo. Sin embargo, una atokirina' descendió de un árbol y se posó en la mano de aquella "na'vi", quien la miraba con gran asombro. Sus ojos llenos de emoción, con la pupila dilatada como si tuviera un tesoro frente a ella.

—Que hermosa —la escuchó decir.

Más atokirina' descendieron y se posaron en su cuerpo, dejándola inmóvil y con una gran sonrisa en su rostro.

Neteyam logró interpretar los deseos de Eywa y lentamente bajó del árbol, acercándose a ella.

Layla

Abrí los ojos lentamente, notando mucho verde a mi alrededor. Tenía la vista un poco borrosa, lentamente comencé a ver con claridad y noté que estaba en un bosque. Me senté rápidamente al no identificar el lugar y los recuerdos invadieron mi mente. Me levanté del pasto e instintivamente miré mi cuerpo, mis ojos se abrieron en grande y perdí el equilibrio, cayendo sobre mi trasero. El color de mi piel había cambiado por completo.

Azul

Un tono de azul hermoso con manchas azules más oscuras, muy parecidas a el patrón del pelaje de un tigre. Mi respiración comenzó a acelerarse y el terror junto a la confusión se adueñaron de mi mente. Miré bien mis manos y noté que me faltaban los dedos meñiques y dirigí mi vista a mis pies, notando que efectivamente, carecían de ese dedo.

Empecé a regular mi respiración, inhalando profundamente y exhalando de la misma forma. Cerré mis ojos y comencé a echarme aire con las manos. A los minutos me relajé y comencé a pensar con claridad, debía moverme de aquí.

Volví a levantarme y empecé a caminar, en busca de vida o algo que me sirviera de ayuda. Encontré un río y me acerqué lentamente, mirando a los lados para asegurarme de que no hubiera algún peligro. El agua estaba cristalina, permitiéndome ver algunos peces, rocas y pequeñas plantas. Me agaché para tomar un poco de agua en mis manos y beberla. Me detuve al ver mi reflejo y volví a tener otro susto, mi rostro no era mi rostro.

Tenía la nariz ancha con la punta igual a la de un gato. Los ojos me habían cambiado a un color turquesa muy lindo y tenían una forma alargada, como la de cualquier felino. Mis iris turquesas, abarcaban gran cantidad de mi esclerótica. Mi mirada ahora pasó a mis orejas, que eran lo más gracioso, ya que me daban mas la apariencia de un gatito. Sonreí ante la comparación y logré ver mis dientes, tenía unos colmillos muy marcados.

—No puede ser, me convertí en furro —dije para mí misma.

El sonido de pisadas sobre la hierba me hizo girar rápidamente, y al hacerlo, sentí algo rozar mi brazo. Bajé mi vista y vi una cola, larga y con pelo en la punta, igual a la de un león. Suspiré al comprobar que efectivamente me había convertido en alguna clase de felino humanoide azul.

Volví a escuchar las pisadas y levanté la vista rápidamente, un animal que jamás había visto en mi vida se estaba acercando. Retrocedí lentamente, al no saber si era peligroso. Noté que tenía dos patas extras y pensé: "Él tiene dos patas de más y a mi me faltan dedos, genial". Se acercó lentamente, pasando de mí y acercándose al lago para beber agua.

Lo miré maravillada, era extrañamente hermoso. Al terminar de beber, se alejó del río unos centímetros y comenzó a comer pasto.

—Así que eres herbívoro —. Me acerqué, intentando no asustarlo.

Me miraba fijamente y entonces levanté la mano para tocarlo. Sonreí al ver que no se alejaba, me dejó acariciarlo y noté que no tenía pelaje, pero su piel era suave.

—Que preciosa eres o precioso—le dije.

Dejé de tocarlo al ver algo bajando lentamente frente a mi, parecía una medusa. Levanté la mano para que se posara en ella, como si se tratara de una mariposa o una hoja. Ignorando el hecho de que no sabía si era venenosa.

—Que hermosa —hablé nuevamente para mí misma.

Pronto empezaron a bajar más y a posarse en todo mi cuerpo. Quedé embobada con estas pequeñas medusas, no me importaba si en cualquier momento me causaban alguna reacción o la muerte.

Mi pequeño momento de felicidad fue interrumpido por una persona saliendo de entre los arbustos.

Las pequeñas medusas se retiraron de la misma forma en que aparecieron, pero ahora dirigiendo su camino hacia arriba. Retrocedí rápidamente al ver que aquella persona con las mismas características a mí, se acercaba con pasos firmes a mi dirección.

—¡Alto! —dije, elevando un poco la voz mientras levantaba mis manos, indicándole que se detuviera.

Y sorprendentemente lo hizo, así que me levanté y me permití verlo bien. Es un chico, uno muy atractivo con una belleza muy hipnotizante. No llevaba nada de ropa, solo lo necesario para cubrirse. Mi vista viajo a sus manos y noté finalmente que sostenía un arco. Sentí cosquillas por toda mi columna.

—¿Quién eres? —. Noté el tono de pregunta en su voz, pero no entendí nada de lo que dijo. Su voz también es atractiva.

—No te entiendo —respondí, haciendo señas con las manos.

Y finalmente comencé a formularme preguntas.

¿En qué lugar de la tierra me encuentro?

¿Seguiré siquiera en la tierra?

¿O es qué acaso mi alma viajo entre el universo y aterrizó aquí para vivir una nueva vida?

El chico se acercó a mi y con una mala estructura, dijo:

—Tú venir conmigo, Árbol casa, seguro —. No pude evitar reírme y se que eso es una falta de respeto grandísima, pero Dios mío, es como si estuviera escuchando a un Yoda alto y azul o algo por el estilo.

—Lo siento, de verdad, pero no te conozco. No iré a ningún lado contigo —dije otra vez, tratando de hacer señas con las manos para que me entienda.

Frunció el ceño y me di cuenta que no tenía cejas o bueno no tenía vello, pues las rayas en su rostro simulaban una especie de cejas.

—Señal. Eywa. Venir conmigo —finalizó y soltó un gruñido.

Parecía frustrado de no poder comunicarse.

Suspiré, no parecía una mala persona. Aparte dijo que sería seguro y tal vez sea mi última oportunidad de sobrevivir en este extraño lugar. Total ya morí una vez, dos veces no pasa nada, ¿no?

—Esta bien, iré contigo —. Volví a hacer señas.

El comenzó a caminar y yo lo seguí con cuidado. Comenzó a escalar entre los árboles y aunque traté de seguirle el ritmo, me resbalaba muy fácilmente.

Se detuvo al ver que no podía moverme con la misma facilidad que él y abrió la boca, de esta salió un sonido muy extraño, como el de una ave.

—¿Qué pasa? —pregunté y él levantó la mano, indicándome que esperara.

Un animal con alas aterrizó cerca de nosotros, haciendo que retrocediera. Era grande y hermoso, tenía dos ojos a cada lado de su cabeza. Sus alas parecían a las de un pterosaurio, sin plumas y se posaban en el suelo de la misma forma que ellos. Tenía un hermoso patrón de colores turquesa y negro.

—Wow... ¿qué es eso? —. Señalé al animal y él solo sonrió.

Extendió su mano, invitándome a acercarme. La tomé y di unos pasos hacia su dirección. Solté su mano al estar más cerca y él la dirigió atrás de su cabeza, tomando su gran trenza y llevándola hacia enfrente. Logré ver que tenía una especie de tentáculos en la punta de esta y los acercó al animal, conectándolos con los que salían de una de las antenas o lo que sea que fuera esa parte de la cabeza del animal.

Estaba muy confundida y volteé a verlo al notar que él me miraba fijamente. Con un movimiento de cabeza me indicó que subiera. Di un paso al frente y giré mi cabeza para decirle algo, pero antes de poder comentarle que no sabía como subirme, sentí sus manos en mi cadera y como mis pies dejaban de tocar el suelo. Me cargó y me sentó en la montura para después él subirse y sentarse detrás mío. Tomó mi mano y me indicó que me sostuviera de lo que según yo eran las antenas del animal.

El animal extendió sus alas y emprendió vuelo, elevándonos rápidamente por el cielo. Me agarré firmemente sin ejercer tanta fuerza, no quería lastimarlo. Volteé a ver al chico, dándole una mirada de advertencia, no quería caerme.

El solo se rió y volví a girar mi cabeza para mirar el paisaje, era bellísimo. Una gran sonrisa adornó mi rostro y después de unos segundos de admirar el nuevo lugar en el que me encontraba, cerré mis ojos. Me sentía libre acá arriba.

Dejé que el viento golpeara mi cara e inhalé profundamente. Solté una risa, estaba disfrutando esto.

Volví a girar mi cabeza para verlo, no sabía ni su nombre, pero quería hacerle saber que estaba disfrutando este momento.

—Gracias —dije y volví a girar mi cabeza, disfrutando una vez más la vista.

Otra nota de lilac:

Neteyam x fem!na'vi!oc

slowburn, angst, friends to lovers, fluff, mystery, yearning, emotional intimacy, found family, trauma/healing, reincarnation.

Synopsis: The forest of pandora hold many dangers. Neteyam Sully knows that well. Still, the na'vi girl with strangely human habits never seemed to be one of them.

Lilac’s notes:

Hii!! ♡ this is my first time publishing a fanfic so I’m kinda nervous 😭 I originally wrote it in Spanish but I wanted to publish it English as well. So, English + Spanish version will be posted her on tumblr, and the Spanish version will also be available on wattpad soon! And if I’m not to lazy, maybe English version too.

And I’m not good writing in English so I used a translator, sorry.

Wattpad: @neteyamsyulang

The eclipse had ended a few hours ago. Every na'vi in the Omatikaya clan was busy with their own task, and Neteyam's task at that moment was hunting a good animal for dinner.

He moved silently through the forest undergrowth. He was the best hunter in the Omatikaya clan for a reason. Being the son of not only the leader of the clan, but also Turuk Makto himself, placed an immense weight on his shoulders. Expectations that, no matter what obstacles came his way, he was determined to achieve.

He found his target quickly, a yerik drinking water from a small river. He place an arrow against his bow and pulled the string back, aiming carefully at the animal. He was about to release it when a hand crossed his vision.

A hand gently petting the yerik.

Neteyam lowered his bow immediately and climbed one of the nearby trees without making a sound, trying to get a better view.

Standing in front of the animal was a na'vi girl. Neteyam would be lying to himself if he said she wasn’t the prettiest na'vi he had ever seen. His gaze traveled from her face to the clothes she wore before focusing on the language she was speaking.

It was the same language his father and the sky people spoke. He quickly conclude that she wasn’t truly na'vi. Those two things gave her away. Even so, her features showed no trace of human dna and even her hands had four fingers. Confusion crossed Neteyam’s face, his brows frowned slightly.

Kill her or learn more about her?

That was the question running through his mind. His hands reminded ready on the bow, waiting for his thoughts to give him an answer, the choice that would resolve everything. However, an atokirina' floated down from the trees and landed softly on the girl’s hand. She stared at it in complete wonder, her pupils widening as if she had just been handed a treasure.

“How beautiful,” he heard her say.

More atokirina’ descended and settled over her body, leaving her completely still with a bright smile on her face.

Neteyam understood Eywa’s will immediately and slowly climbed down from the tree, approaching her.

Layla

I slowly opened my eyes, immediately noticing how much green surrounded me. My vision was blurry at first, but slowly it cleared and I realized I was in a forest.

I sat up quickly when I didn’t recognize the place and memories flooded my mind. I pushed myself off the grass and instinctively looked down at my body. My eyes widened and I lost my balance, falling onto my ass.

My skin color had completely changed.

Blue.

A beautiful shade of blue covered in darker stripes, very similar to the pattern of a tiger’s fur. My breathing started speeding up as terror and confusion took over my mind. I looked carefully at my hands and noticed my pinky fingers were missing. Then my gaze dropped to my feet, confirming that they were missing the same toe too.

I started regulating my breathing, inhaling deeply and exhaling slowly. I closed my eyes and fanned air toward my face with my hands. After a few minutes, I finally calmed down enough to think clearly again.

I needed to move.

I stood up once more and started walking, searching for life or anything that could help me. Eventually, I found a river and approached it carefully, glancing around to make sure there wasn’t any danger nearby.

The water was crystal clear, enough for me to see fish, rocks, and small plants beneath the surface. I crouched down to scoop water into my hands, only to freeze when I caught sight of my reflection.

That wasn’t my face.

My nose was wider now, with a tip shaped almost like a cat’s. My eyes had turned a beautiful turquoise color and were elongated like a feline’s. My irises seemed much big now, taking up most of my eyes. My attention shifted toward my ears, which were honestly the funniest part because they made me look even more like some kind of kitten.

I smiled at the comparison and caught sight of my teeth, noticing the sharp fangs.

“No way… I turned into a furry,” I muttered to myself.

The sound of footsteps against the grass made me turn quickly, and as I did, I felt something brush against my arm. I lowered my gaze and spotted a tail behind me, long and tufted at the end like a lion’s.

I sighed after confirming that I had actually become some kind of blue humanoid feline.

I heard the footsteps again and quickly looked up. Some kind of animal I had never seen before was approaching me. I slowly stepped back, unsure whether it was dangerous or not.

It had two extra legs.

Great. It had extra legs while I was missing fingers. Amazing.

The creature walked past me and approached the river to drink water.

I stared at it in awe. It was strangely beautiful. After drinking, it stepped away from the river and started eating grass.

“So you’re a herbivore,” I murmured as I slowly approached it, trying not to scare it.

The animal watched me carefully while I lifted my hand toward it. It didn’t move away.

A smile spread across my face as I gently stroked its skin, noticing it didn’t have fur at all, though its skin was surprisingly soft.

“You’re beautiful… or handsome,” I told it softly.

I stopped touching it when I noticed something slowly floating down in front of me. It looked almost like a jellyfish.

I lifted my hand so it could land on it, as if it were a butterfly or a falling leaf. Completely ignoring the fact that I had no idea whether it was poisonous or not.

“How beautiful,” I whispered to myself again.

Soon more of them started floating down from the trees, settling all over my body. I was completely mesmerized by the tiny floating creatures. Honestly, I didn’t even care if they killed me at that point.

My small moment of happiness was interrupted by something stepping out from the bushes.

The floating creatures drifted away just as quickly as they had appeared, disappearing back into the sky. I stepped back immediately when I saw someone with the same features as me walking toward me with firm steps.

“Stop!” I said, raising my voice slightly while lifting my hands to signal for him to stop.

And surprisingly, he actually did. So I finally allowed myself to really look at him.

He was a boy. A very attractive one with an almost hypnotizing kind of beauty. He wore barely any clothing, only enough to cover himself. My gaze drifted toward his hands and that’s when I finally noticed the bow he was holding.

A nervous shiver ran down my spine.

“Who are you?” he asked.

I could hear the question in his tone even if I didn’t understand a single word he said. His voice was attractive too.

“I don’t understand you,” I replied, awkwardly gesturing with my hands.

And finally, questions started flooding my mind.

Where on Earth am I?

Am I even still on Earth?

Or did my soul somehow travel across the universe and end up here to live a new life?

The boy stepped closer to me and, with a strange sentence structure, said:

“You come with me. Tree house, safe.”

I couldn’t help laughing. I knew it was probably incredibly disrespectful, but oh my God, he sounded exactly like a tall blue Yoda.

“I’m sorry, seriously, but I don’t know you. I’m not going anywhere with you,” I said again, trying to gesture with my hands so he would somehow understand me.

He frowned slightly and I realized he didn’t really have eyebrows. Or hair at all, actually. The markings on his face simply created the illusion of them.

“Sign. Eywa. Come with me,” he finished with a frustrated growl.

He seemed annoyed by the fact that we couldn’t communicate.

I sighed. He didn’t seem dangerous. Besides, he said it would be safe and maybe this was my last chance at surviving in whatever insane place this was.

I already died once anyway. Dying twice can’t be that bad, right?

“Okay. I’ll go with you.” I gestured once more.

He immediately started walking and I carefully followed after him. Soon, he began climbing through the trees with ridiculous ease. I tried keeping up with him, but I kept slipping far too easily.

He stopped after noticing my struggle and let out a strange sound, almost like a bird call.

“What happen?” I asked, and he raised his hand, signaling for me to wait.

A winged creature suddenly landed nearby, making me step back. It was huge and beautiful, with two eyes on each side of its head. Its wings resembled those of a pterosaur, leathery and featherless. Its body was covered in beautiful turquoise and black patterns.

“Wow… what is that?” I asked, pointing toward the creature.

The boy only smiled.

He extended his hand toward me, silently inviting me closer. I hesitated for a second before taking it and stepping toward him.

Once I got closer, he let go of my hand and reached behind his head, pulling his long braid over his shoulder. I noticed strange tendrils at the end of it and watched as he connected them to similar tendrils attached to the creature.

I was completely confused and looked back at him, only to realize he was already staring directly at me. With a small tilt of his head, he motioned for me to climb on.

I took a hesitant step forward, about to explain that I had absolutely no idea how to get onto that thing, when suddenly I felt his hands on my waist. A second later, my feet left the ground.

He lifted me effortlessly and sat me down on the saddle before climbing on behind me. Then he gently guided my hand towards what I assumed were the creature’s antennae, silently telling me to hold on.

The creature spread its wings and launched into the sky, lifting us rapidly into the air. I held on carefully without gripping too hard, not wanting to hurt it. Then I turned slightly to glare at the boy behind me. I really didn’t want to fall.

He only laughed.

I turned back toward the horizon and immediately forgot everything else. The view was breathtaking.

A huge smile spread across my face and after a few moments of admiring the world around me, I closed my eyes. Up here, I felt free. The wind brushed against my face as I inhaled deeply. A laugh escaped my lips before I could stop it.

I was actually enjoying this.

I turned my head slightly to look at him again. I didn’t even know his name, but somehow I still wanted him to know that this moment mattered to me.

“Thank you,” I said softly before turning back toward the sky once more.

More lilac’s notes: