nana

You had expected So'lek more often at the Aranahe HomeTree during your stay there.

But So'lek hadn't been back to the Aranahe HomeTree for weeks.

You were with Nefika again, your arms outstretched as she made yet another clothing piece for you.

It was as if she had read your mind, your silence speaking volumes as you thought about how long it had been since you had seen him, only being able to hear his voice through your comms when he would check in on you.

He had made excuse after excuse about why he could not come to enjoy Relun's recipes with you or why he could not come to see you weave your own ankle guards with Koranu. It was unlike him to be so distant, and you didn't understand why.

"You seem to be missing something, or rather someone, hmmm?" She hummed from behind you.

"How can you tell?" You asked, in awe by her perceptiveness.

"I just know." She chuckled, "But unfortunately for you Sarentu, So'lek will not be able to come to HomeTree for a while."

You looked at her, bewildered by her sudden utterance, as her gaze remained calm. She didn't elaborate right away, waiting for the sting of your impatience to settle before she continued.

See, the past few weeks without you were driving So'lek crazy.

It wasn't because he didn't want to return, but because of what was at stake if he did.

When he had dragged you away from Itu, and even when he had tried to take you home when you were learning to hunt, his mind was so fixated on you that it had slipped his mind that he wasn't even allowed to be there.

Ka'nat had forbade him from returning to the Aranahe HomeTree ever since his first encounter trying to convince him to join the resistance. To Ka'nat, he was a disgrace, his identity being tethered to the 'dog tag warrior,' the Na'vi who had willingly poisoned his heart.

Of all people, he knew how important it was to gain Ka'nat's favor, to sway his mind so that he may know the extent of the RDA's dangerous grasp on the Western Frontier, to encourage the Aranahe fighting spirit.

It was the whole reason why you ended up going there in the first place.

Only because Nefika kept it a secret that Ka'nat had not found out, and while he was grateful for that, So'lek could not bring himself to disobey him again.

When her silence became unbearable, you pressed on, "Why?"

She reveled in how she was having you hang onto her words, "Ka'nat does not want him here. He does not want him or his...ideas to taint the Aranahe."

Turning around to face her, you furrowed your eyebrows, "Since when? He had no problem coming before when-"

"When you were with Itu?" Her smile was mischievous, eyes widened with satisfaction as you indulged her, "I fear when he did that he was not thinking with his mind, but rather thinking with his..."

She let her voice trail off, and you looked at her blankly waiting for her to finish while you remained innocently curious.

"You know." She finished, chuckling to herself as you hardly understood what she was trying to say, your face still confused.

"Nevermind that Sarentu, please turn around again so I can finish what I am doing and you can continue with your duties for the day."

Taking a breath in, you did as you were told, but your heart remained heavy. You knew him like the back of your hand. He did it out of fear of worrying you, steering you away from the mission. But in truth, knowing he could not come only motivated you more. You wanted nothing more than to have peace, but peace came with diplomatic solutions and the Aranahe were just one part of getting that peace.

Yet knowing this didn't ease the ache.

For both of you.

But more for So'lek.

Your time at HomeTree was taking you away more than he expected, and he was feeling your absence deeply each time he stepped into the resistance base to find you not where you usually were stationed.

He tried his best not to feel the intensity of missing you, trying to stay rational, to put at the forefront his admiration of you for being the one to bring the clans together.

He had to rationalize it because otherwise...he felt selfish for wanting to be around you, to hold your attention without the interruption of anyone else.

You shared a special bond, the feeling of home embedded in your souls as you related to one another in a way that no one else could.

So naturally, missing you meant missing home.

He wanted nothing more than to spend his time with you there than deal with anyone from the resistance base without your presence.

You were the one who kept him sane whenever Teylan would annoy him with his tech talk.

You were the one who calmed him down when Nor wanted to start an argument for the sake of arguing.

You were the one who kept Priya away from him with her, continuous pestering about Sky People things he had no clue about.

Inside of himself, having been alone for most of his journey, being annoyed felt like a privilege. But still without you, he felt lonely.

So'lek carried this by himself, not letting you know how he felt at all, and in the midst of his silence and absence, you had naturally found yourself around the one person who allowed himself to be selfish, to take your attention with no regard for anyone else.

"Nefika! Are you done prodding at her already? The sky is calling us!"

Itu walked over boldly, hand already extended to her with a proper greeting and his usual smirk.

Nefika only lowered her eyes playfully, "Itu! I am certain you wish to prod at our Sarentu too. Is that not why you are here?"

Itu merely shook his head at her, crossing his arms and leaning forward to stare into your eyes, "How you have not died of boredom with Nefika, I do not understand."

Nefika finished her final touches, "There! Now you two may go spend time with one another!"

Itu didn't waste another second, taking your hand into his and leading you up the walkway toward ikran's landing.

You couldn't help but feel excited as you climbed up behind him, admiring Zomey as she happily screeched. As always, Itu gave no warning as he signaled for Zomey to fly. Ahead were the endless blue skies of the Kinglor Forest and the towering trees below.

The wind against your ears felt oddly calming as Itu dipped lower, approaching clusters of rock platforms.

"Where are you taking me now?"

"Zomey and I's favorite spot, of course." Itu calmly said as he dismounted, holding his hand out for you to take, "It could also be yours as well, I suppose."

You rolled your eyes, "You said that the last time that we ventured out into the Forest. At this point, the entire Western Frontier will be our favorite spot, hmm?"

He shrugged, looking out into the open space, the trees and brush in tandem with one another as they seemed to wave at the three of you, "Well, when you are in good company, any spot becomes special."

"Ah, but you complained about me the other day, no?" You chided, crossing your arms as you nudged him with your hip.

Scoffing, Itu played off his words, scratching the back of his neck, "I meant me. I am good company for you...since your favorite people seem to be everyone who lived during the time of the First Songs."

You swatted his arm, "Hey Nefika is not that old."

Itu was not fazed by you, letting out a bellowing chuckle, "It is not just Nefika. That So'lek too."

So'lek.

Hearing his name, you smiled instantly, shaking your head as you let out a light laugh, "He is not as old as he seems."

Itu's eyebrow raised, clearly in disagreement but not wanting to continue on, he grabbed your hand, leading the way down the rock's cliff.

Zomey seemed to hate being left behind, screeching again as she watched you and Itu disappear between the rocks. And down the cliff, you were met with a clearing of various Pandoran plants you were not quite familiar with yet, and again, you were struck with awe.

Assuming this was the spot Itu was talking about, you paused, letting go of his hand and taking in the scenery before you.

"How did you find this?"

Itu took everything in too, but his eyes seemed to linger on you, "How I always find things...by leaving HomeTree when I don't want to be there."

Sighing, you let your fingers paw the leaves of one of the nearby brush, "I now understand why you leave home so much. Ka'nat does not believe that you should be fighting the Sky People. I am trying now to convince him."

This was news to Itu, his mouth suddenly agape when you turned your head to look at him, "Although we believed your clan to be lost, it seems that you remain diplomatic as we have been told."

"We must fight the Sky People. And we must do it together. It is the only way." You were serious, passionate in your tone as your eyes lit up with determination.

"I agree. But good luck trying to convince Ka'nat. It will take—"

Then suddenly, a familiar smell permeated through your nose, gunpowder and metal filling the air along with the sound of bullets.

They were just over the ridge, approaching closer and closer as the smell became stronger by the second. Itu looked to you, the concern on your face worrying him as he placed a hand on your shoulder, "We must go. Zomey is just ahead. I will call her."

As he began his call, you were too late to stop him from doing so. As Zomey flew, it gave away your location and before you knew it, Zomey was in the air dodging bullets from AMP suits.

You and Itu took cover quickly, but Itu was only a skilled hunter with animals, his senses and his mind brought to chaos as he could only think of Zomey. The AMP suits chased after her as she continued past the ridge, leaving you two where you were hiding under the brush.

"We must get Zomey! We must go after her." Itu was desperate, his whole world turned upside down as he ran toward her direction.

There was nothing more that you could do except follow after him, your bow at the ready with each step.

When you approached the sight, it was a wreckage that you hadn't anticipated, the smell of gasoline and fire overwhelming, but even those smells couldn't mask the scent of Zomey's blood as she flew to avoid the constant rain of bullets.

You turned to Itu, expecting for him to be beside you, but he was nowhere to be found. In his panicked state, he was irrational, barreling through to get to Zomey with nothing but his bow. He had gotten far enough toward the helicopter on the outer edge of the site and you watched as he was forced into the inside of it, one of the RDA soldiers locking him in.

Taking advantage of the higher ground, you used So'lek's staff sling, sending grenade after grenade, stunning the AMP suits before you came down with your bow to deal the final blows. Zomey continued to help in her own way, distracting the other helicopters as they attempted to shoot at her.

"Itu! I'm here!" You yelled out from outside of the helicopter, still continuing to fight the remaining soldiers.

When you had cleared out all the RDA, Zomey had landed on top of the helicopter, pain and agony in the way she seemed to call out for you to help Itu. You reassured her, holding your hand out, but in her usual sassy manner, she screeched again, almost telling you to hurry. It saddened you as you saw the blood dripping from her wing, but you did as she asked, hopping down to reverse the locking mechanism in the helicopter.

"Sarentu, I am in here!" You heard Itu's voice faintly within the helicopter.

Once you pried the door open, you were met with Itu's face, relief and terror mixing in his expression. He reached his hand out to take yours, but his eyes widened at a sight behind him. You turned to find another helicopter, guns blazing and aimed right at you.

Pulling you into him, the helicopter door shut again and you landed on his chest as you both avoided the bullets.

"Are you alright?" He asked you, touching your face as he looked over your figure.

Instantly, you were apologetic, tears almost falling down your eyes, "I'm sorry. I was trying to get you out."

Holding you, he shook his head, "There is no need to be sorry. I know. Zomey...where is she?"

Looking up, you replied, "For her sake I hope she flew away, but knowing that you're in here, she is outside."

Itu looked away from you, trying to look strong, but you could tell his heart was breaking, "I could hear them shooting at her, laughing at her anguish. They hunt without need!"

"We're going to get out of here and we're going to get her, okay?" You reassured him, holding his shoulder.

He leaned into your touch, reluctantly nodding but trusting you as you attempted to hack into the locking system again. Still, bullets were continuing to ricochet off the metal of the helicopter's exterior and you hurried with every gunshot.

Suddenly, the metal jaws below opened just long enough for you and Itu to get out, and Itu jumped below into the water. Following him downward, you were submerged, surfacing quickly as Itu was already on shore, his hand out to you.

You took it gratefully and without warning, he pulled you in with one arm, his other hand holding his side, "Thank you."

Rubbing his back, you held him tighter in response, but when he winced, you knew that he was injured and immediately, you let go, "Itu, you're hurt. We need to get you help."

"No! I am fine. I will call Zomey and everything will be okay." And as he smiled at you, it seemed that even he was trying to convince himself that what he was saying wasn't a lie.

Itu knew that Zomey had been injured.

He had watched her take hit after hit even before he was locked into the helicopter.

But in that moment, he wanted to believe that he would be able to fly with Zomey again.

And when you had gone with him to find her, she had already found her resting place with the Tana'ring flowers. She had hoped that laying in the flowers would heal her, but the Great Mother had already opened her arms to her.

Itu had gotten there just in time. Zomey waited for him to come.

And you had elected to leave them both, to give Itu space to say goodbye.

But to your surprise, Itu found comfort in you being there.

So you knelt beside him as he connected his kuru to hers to ease her pain as she returned to the Great Mother.

And when she finally let go, you and Itu stayed until eclipse came.

-

Author's note,

CLAN!

Night had fallen long ago, but still you remained where you were, waiting.

Your hands were drawn up toward your chest as you held them with your arms and you looked out ahead, the glow of the Great Mother's creation consoling you in the unfamiliar loneliness you hadn't expected to feel.

Tarsem had told you to meet him there.

Hours ago.

He was never late.

He was always early.

You weren't sure why you had even waited. In your usual impatience, you would have just went looking for him after the first hour.

Truthfully, you didn't want to admit that you had hoped, felt stupid for expecting something out of him, for the question to be asked that always hung in the air when you were with him, wholly unspoken in the midst of the intimacy that made its home between your souls.

It was the first time that he had told you he had planned something for the both of you, a gesture unlike him given your odd dynamic.

You and Tarsem were the most unlikely of friends.

While he was quiet, obedient and reserved, you were the exact opposite.

As children, you were inseparable, always roping him in with your antics and shenanigans. Even the elders around you could not grasp in their minds how someone could find such kinship with someone as boisterous and mischievous as you.

"Solay, here you are again telling poor Tarsem what to do!"

That was usually what would come out of their mouths when they would find you in your usual stance, dragging him by the hand doing things he otherwise would never do by himself.

Yet still, he followed you everywhere you went, hung on your every word, and honored your every command.

And one day, when he was waiting patiently for you outside of HomeTree, it was Mo'at who had asked him, "Are you too shy to tell Solay no?"

But he merely shook his head at her, smiling, "If I do not go with her, who will make sure she is safe?"

It was then that Mo'at and the other elders understood how he regarded you, how such a gentle, kind soul could be even gentler and even kinder to someone.

You even had to remind him, on many occasions, that you were not as delicate as he treated you to be, that you didn't need to be handled like a baby before her first communion with Eywa.

Yet, that was never how he saw you.

He knew you were strong. If anything, you were stronger than him in many ways.

It was because for Tarsem, you were the most precious thing in the world and although he was that gentle and kind soul, he would sooner burn it all to the ground than let the worst of existence ever touch you.

Everyone in the clan knew that when the day came for him to choose a mate, he had no desire picking any woman who wasn't you. He had wanted nothing more than to enjoy the simplest of happiness with you, to spend the rest of his days being yours, being the one by your side.

When that day had finally come, he had planned your courting gifts, gathering your favorite flowers and even making your favorite dish, he told you to meet him atop the waterfall you frequented not too far from HomeTree.

It was there that you both had made your own camp, crafting a makeshift shelter between two adjoining trees, overlooking the lush green of the Forest.

But those courting gifts never reached your hands and that question Tarsem wanted to ask you, a question you already had an answer for remained unspoken.

It was on that day that Jake had told Tarsem he would have to be the new Olo'eyktan.

It was a duty, an honor that he could not refuse.

He was proud to be a warrior, serving his clan, and helping ensure the safety of the Omaticaya people. It was the reason why Jake did not doubt that the People would be taken care of when he left the Forest.

But suddenly becoming Olo'eyktan had taken him away from fulfilling the duty he wanted for the person he cherished the most.

You.

.

Author's Note:

oel ngati kameie,

Eastern Sea Board, Four Hundred Clicks North

The ship was oddly quiet, the silence suspicious to Quaritch as he slowly got up. When he walked out of his room, pushing the metal door outward, he peeked his head out cautiously, looking for any sign of life. Shouting, he called out for his fellow soldiers one by one as he walked out of the room, shutting the door and observing the hallway. 

Donning a simple white muscle shirt and his usual camo pants, he had no weapon except his knife on him, but his stance was confident as he strode, ready for any attacker. His ears perked up at the tiniest sound, its origin coming from the hallway to his right and stealthily, he rounded the corner, expectant for a charge of violence to come his way. 

But when he jumped out from the side into the hallway, hoping to catch his potential attacker in motion, he stopped instantly. 

Blinking, his mouth hung open, his violence abated as he dropped his hand to his side, his grip on his knife loosened as he uttered in disbelief. 

"Y/n?" 

He saw your back turned, but he could recognize his little girl anywhere. 

It was you. 

But you spared him no glance. 

Stepping closer, his longing a motivation for his quickened pace, he was right behind you, and with the gentlest hand he put it on your shoulder, "Come on y/n. It's me, your father. Your papa." 

Moving to face you, he pivoted, his smile wide as your face came into view. Yet, you were troubled, clearly in pain, tears streaming down your cheeks, but you were silent, trying to hold in how you felt. "What's wrong?" 

He had his hands on both of your shoulders now, concern, worry, and anger mixing within him as he asked, "Who hurt my little girl?" 

You looked him in the eyes, your mouth closed, but your head bobbing forward little by little as you held in a gag, then finally, blood splattered out, bubbling as it escaped and dripping down your chin. 

You managed to only say a few words, your tone pleading and your voice small, "Papa, please. It hurts." 

"You're gonna be okay. Papa's here." Quaritch's voice cracked, aching as he wished it was him who was in pain instead, the agony of seeing you like this unbearable.

He lifted his hands from your shoulders and placed them on your cheek, "You're a Quaritch. You're my little girl. Everything's gonna be just fine." 

You slowly lowered your eyes below and Quaritch followed, the pool of blood from your chin matching another in the middle of your chest, your hand over it. 

Panicked, Quaritch placed his other hand on yours, putting pressure on your wound, and as he did so, he could feel that it was already hopeless, the hole in your chest gaping. He tried to move quickly, but everything began to move slowly so suddenly, his vision dizzied with no way to clear it. 

Looking at your face, his hand still on your cheek, he tried hard to calibrate his sight. Each blink changed your appearance from your human to your Na'vi form, his hand doing the same in front of him. 

Your mouth was moving, words almost sounding slurred, the distortion in his vision also in his ability to hear, reality warping as your voice anchored him downward, your words all he could focus on. 

"How could you kill me again?" 

You stayed in your Na'vi form as you repeated it over and over and each time, he could feel himself get angrier and angrier denying it, "No! No! That was Sully! It wasn't me!" 

Then, looking down at your wound again, he gasped in disbelief, shuddering and shaking his head as he swore his eyes were deceiving him. In his hand was his knife, plunged deep into your chest and letting go of it, he stared at his palms, covered in your blood. 

"I-I" He stuttered, his eyes switching from your dying body to his hands, the shock paralyzing him, "I didn't do this. You're my little girl. You're my own. I didn't kill you. This is Sully! Sully did this." 

But as he pleaded with you, you were already gone. 

Breathless. 

Lifeless. 

Cold. 

And with a blink, you were no longer in your Na'vi form. 

You were seven again, wearing the rags he had found you in, the little knife that you tried to attack him with during your first meeting still in your hand. Crawling to you, Quaritch took hold of your little body, blood spilling from you while your eyes stared ahead, beyond the world of the living. 

Quaritch screamed and screamed with agony, tears uncontrollably falling as he hugged you, as if the warmth from him would somehow transfer to you, that what he was seeing and feeling wasn't real, and that somehow you would hug him back.

And all around him, his ears rang with your last words, amplifying and amplifying, deafening him almost as he couldn't help but put his hands over his ears, closing his eyes, and begging for it to finally stop until— 

"Colonel!" 

Sitting upright, Quaritch was catching his breath, inhaling and exhaling aggressively as he came to.

Wainfleet patted Quaritch on the back, huffing lightly, "You were dug in like a tick, Colonel? You good?" 

"Yeah, yeah I'm good." 

Quaritch rubbed the side of his head with the tips of his fingers, "Are the others awake?" 

"Not yet." Wainfleet replied, quirking an eyebrow as he waited for Quaritch's response. 

"Get 'em up." Quaritch was determined, ascending from where he sat, "Sully's out there, and I'm not wasting another damn minute." 

Since the night in The Forest, Quaritch tried to reach you in his dreams, but he was only ever met with the same nightmare, haunting him with the part of his story he couldn't remember. 

And because he was without that memory, he never believed that this night terror actually held truth. Yet, that didn't mean it had no effect on him. Always, he felt a stir, an uneasy feeling in his heart, so deep and unsettling that every time he woke from it, he felt out of breath, exhausted and consumed by the gut-wrenching emotion that he felt in that short time in his mind. 

Getting over your death was proving to be more difficult than he thought it would be. But, he put at the forefront of his mind the only certainty, the only thing he believed would finally give him his solace. The mission. 

Seek and destroy. 

It was Quaritch's method to his madness, the satiation to the hate that consumed him. 

That was what he came here for. 

-

"What's wrong?" 

The usual blue of the sky was no longer there as a sunken gray washed over, the rain that was once droplets intensified as the wind roared, crying out in sorrowful agony.

"Sky People." Tonowari spat, his fists balled, "They're looking for you Jake Sully. South. They have a human boy who speaks Na'vi." 

"Did they kill anybody?" Jake's voice was low with shame, afraid of the answer.

"Not yet. They threaten." 

Neytiri held her tongue, wanting desperately to speak curses into the air, her fears and worries manifesting as Tonowari continued. 

"But the villagers will not tell them where you are. By my order."

With nothing else to say, Tonowari took his leave. And immediately, Neytiri retreated back into the marui, her heart sunken with an inner rage, the need to fight coursing through her veins as she paced.

Jake knew it too, watching her as she tried to distract her mind, trying to focus on how she would prepare dinner, her hand clutching the knife as she started cutting aggressively, "We must hunt this demon. Trap him. Kill him."

Breathing heavily, Jake slowed his words, anticipating his wife's frustrations already, "We've gotta be smart. If we hit Quaritch, they're gonna know where we are, and they're gonna come here with everything they've got." 

Planting her knife into the cutting board, Neytiri inhaled sharply, "Then what is our plan? Keep hiding here wshile this demon's insanity destroys these villages, these homes? Like he did to Hometree?" 

"I am protecting this family, baby." Jake reassured her, "I promise." 

"We must tell y/n. This is her father. She knows how—" 

"Y/n would agree with me." Jake blurted out, putting his hand up with caution as Neytiri glared at him for interrupting her. 

Neytiri argued back, her hands outstretched, pleading for Jake to listen, "Y/n would want to fight! She is a warrior just like you!"

"I won't kill her again!" Jake's voice broke, blinking back tears as he rested his elbows on his knees.

"Ma Jake, you did not kill her." Neytiri softened her voice, rubbing her husband's arm gently, "When does this end?"

Softer with his tone, he continued, "She knows her father is out for our blood. When she comes back, we'll all talk about this together, okay?"

Neytiri could only surrender her trust again, sighing as she nodded, but Jake saw her hesitation, and he carried the ache in his heart for not having an answer that satisfied her.

His mind wandered to you, concern coating his expression. He wasn't sure if you would forgive him or if you should. You and him had never had a bigger argument than the one you had over Lo'ak, the vicious bite of words he didn't mean still stinging in his mind as he replayed what you both had said. More than anyone, he knew what you had gone through with your father and more than anyone, he knew what it felt like to carry your losses in your heart.

The unthinkable became the inevitable, and more than anything, he wished that you wouldn't have to face your father again, to live through the pain of your old life. You had been right all along and he was eating the consequences.

"Is y/n here? I want to show her a trick I learned with my ilu before it gets too dark! " Tuk's voice echoed through the marui, Neteyam and Kiri behind her.

"They're not with you?" Jake's eyes immediately went to his oldest son, who already stood tall in response.

"No, sir. I have not seen them." Neteyam felt the pressure of the question, although he didn't show it as he responded calmly.

Time continued to pass, and still, you and Lo'ak were not back, your absence challenging Jake's patience with each passing minute, "I'm going to wait for them outside."

Sighing, she placed her hand on his, “Ma Jake.” 

He almost winced at her tone, so gentle yet domineering, her eyes sharp as he responded, “What, baby?” 

“This is their path.” She replied simply, pressing her lips into a thin line. 

He squinted at her, tilting his head with clear annoyance. He knew what she was hinting at, but he avoided it, scoffing, "A-and what path is that? I’m trying to protect this family and they’re not making it any easier. Where could they be?” 

“Ma Jake, you know that is not what I mean." Neytiri couldn't help but chuckle slightly at Jake, "You have seen how our son looks at y/n. How he regards her?"

"I-it's Lo'ak! He's not serious. He's not serious about anything!" Jake was fully deflecting now, his mouth shut again when Neytiri sent him a glare.

Kiri laughed, "Oh, I think the only thing he is serious about is y/n."

Jake inhaled sharply hearing that, his authoritarian resolve fading as he stood with his hands on his hips, everyone watching him, "Look, I'm the father and I know what's best. And we're talking about y/n here. I've known her longer than all of you and it's just—it's impossible."

The rest of the Sullys could only stare at their father, utterly confused by his reaction, the silence too much for him as he repeated, "I'm going to wait for them outside."

"Does Dad not want y/n and Lo'ak to be together, Mama? Lo'ak really loves her and I really love her." Tuk scooted over to her mom's side, watching her turn the roasting fish over.

Neytiri took Tuk's chin with her other hand gently, grinning, "I cannot think of anyone else more fit to be the mate of your brother."

"Then why is Dad so weird about it?" Kiri asked her mother sincerely.

Neteyam and Tuk were also eager to know, leaning forward as Neytiri chuckled, "Ignore your father. It is just his pride."

-

"Where are you taking me now, huh?" You stifled a laugh as Lo'ak held onto your hand, his steps guiding your forward movement past the village again. 

"Somewhere." He replied simply, knowing the answer would irritate you.

You and Lo'ak had many favorite spots around Awa'atlu, some within those deep caves you had explored in throughout your time in the Reef and some between the masses of coral formations just before the entrance into open water. 

"We're going somewhere...thank you for being so specific." You pressed him, poking at his forearm as he continued to guide you.

"Have a little trust in your man, won't you?" Lo'ak teased, peering behind at you. 

You felt giddy by his words, but still took the opportunity to tease him back, "Ah you want to go brag to Neteyam, don't you? That you're finally my man."

He stopped again to turn around, a smirk on his face as he licked his canine, his voice deeper than usual and despite the slight rasp within it, his words dripped out like honey, sultry adoration pouring out, "That can wait. I want you all to myself for now." 

You looked up at him with the same adoration, placing a gentle kiss on his lips in response, "Then lead the way."

As you continued, you knew exactly where he was taking you, the familiar path into the clearing stirring memories in your mind. Of all your favorite spots, the one you both loved the most was the one behind the rest of the village, atop the large trees that towered over the maruis and overlooked the ocean. 

You suddenly remembered the first time you had come. You were looking at the stars when Lo'ak had followed you there. You were reminiscing about your life with the pouch you had. Instinctively, you looked downward, your songcord tied to your loincloth, a couple more mementos added onto it since that night when you thought you lost everything. 

Climbing the trunk of one of the trees, you let go of Lo'ak's hand to move past the thick branches, moving the large foliage aside. Even in all this time, you were never tired of looking at the vastness of the ocean, the tides marking the night's beginning, and the stars above them twinkling, as if they were happy to be invited by the water's call.

Lo'ak was behind you, although he wasn't looking out at the ocean, only at you, his lips etched into a warm smile, the thought of you happy making him wrap his arm around your torso, the feeling of you close to him being his safe place. He nuzzled his nose in your neck, taking in your scent with a fervor. You hugged his arms where he held you and looking at him from the side, your eyes met again.

Again, calm overtook you and as you breathed in and out, the forest seemed to do the same. You turned to face him fully, but you kept hold of his arm as you sat on your knees. Lo'ak did the same, but inched forward so your knees would touch at their base. 

He looked down at your hand, lifting it from his arm and touching his palm to yours. He gulped, suddenly nervous, the suave demeanor he wanted to maintain dissolving while he took his time reveling at you.

You were glowing. 

And it wasn't because of the bioluminescent patterns that were now showing in the wake of eclipse.

It was because you were you.

The one who had saved him, not just from the bullets in your regiment, but from the person he always identified himself as "Ketuwong" — alien. 

It was all they saw.

But you See the truth.

You See Him.

Without words, you knew what he was feeling, what he was thinking, and repeating the words you had said so long ago the first day you met, you leaned forward, eyes becoming crescent moons, "You and I match." 

Lo'ak looked down, shyness taking over as he blushed, the memory of your first night also coming to him. Still with his head slightly down, he lifted his eyes, grabbing his queue from behind him. 

With your other hand, you also grabbed yours, but before you moved forward to make the connection, Lo'ak waiting for you, you held it closely, sighing, "Whatever you see Lo'ak, I—"

"Hey, hey," He began gently, putting his queue down and caressing your cheek, "I See You."

You kissed the inside of his palm, nodding and withdrawing his hand, he picked up his queue again. Extending yours, you both slowly made the connection, your gaze going from your linked queues to one another. 

It was unlike anything you had ever felt, the surge making you widen your eyes, the intensity making you press your forehead onto his. 

And suddenly, Lo'ak was seeing all of your memories. He saw the day that your parents sold you and the horrible things that happened when you lived in that warehouse. He saw the day that Quaritch saved you and he saw the day you killed someone for the first time. He saw the day you came to Pandora and met Grace. He saw the day you met Jake. He saw the day when the Bulldozers came. He saw the fall of Hometree. He saw you alone when you heard Grace passed. He felt your old life in its wholeness, the happiness, the pain, the grief, and the guilt that you buried so deep inside. 

You were deep in Lo'ak's memories too. You saw his childhood in the Forest. You saw the day Tuk was born and the day when Spider first came to the Sullys. You saw him exploring with Kiri and Spider, the other Na'vi kids distant. You saw him flying with Neteyam for the first time and the first time he made a clean kill. You saw the day when the Sky People returned. You saw the People move to High Base Camp from the Forest. You saw the first time Lo'ak killed a human. You saw the endless fights with Jake. You saw Lo'ak alone for most days, flying aimlessly on his ikran. You felt the innocence and the youth that he chased, the old days when expectations did not weigh on him and the image he had of himself were untainted. 

You leaned back, touching his cheek lightly, tears forming but you blinked them away. Yet, he let his fall, taking your face in both of his hands, "You will never be alone again, y/n."

"I am with you now, Lo'ak." You placed a hand on his chest, leaning back to grant him your eyes, "You have a strong heart. And for the days when you feel you don't have one, then I will be it for you." 

You couldn't help yourself from wrapping your arms around him, straddling him as you pulled him into a tight embrace. He wasn't exaggerating when he told you he fell in love with you the minute he met you. Through the bond, you saw yourself in his eyes and suddenly you understood. It was only now that you realized the depth of his feelings, the intense love he had for you, you wondered how he was able to be so patient with you. 

You hadn't realized it, but you fell in love with him right away too, your thoughts catching up with your heart slowly as you let the shell of your past fade to welcome this new, great love. 

Lo'ak chuckled, seeing himself in your eyes making him tease you again, "I knew you liked me when we met."

"Thank you for waiting for me." You tightened your hold on him, your hands gripping on the muscles of his upper back. 

"You're my woman now, y/n." He leaned his mouth to your ear, inhaling your sweet scent again, the huskiness of his voice sending goosebumps down your spine as he whispered in your ear slowly, "I don't think I can be patient anymore."

Loosening your grip on him, you blinked, gulping slightly as the air around you changed, your heart beating even faster than it already was. Placing your hands on his chest, you stabilized yourself on him and again, you were caught in his amour. Lo'ak spoke no more words, but he didn't have to. His eyes were speaking for him, yearning for you in ways that he couldn't put to his lips. And mirroring that desire, his tail wrapped around your thigh too, gentle but possessive.

The way his eyes drank up every inch of you felt beyond worship. It was hard to focus when everything about you was beautiful to him and without thinking, he licked his lips, the tip of his tongue lingering on his right canine before his eyes met yours again.

Already, there was a warmth that arose from your love, but that feeling began to grow into a hungrier fire as he pulled you in closer, his hands resting on your lower hips, his fingers pawing with the string of your loincloth. 

You submitted to that growing hunger, leaning forward to run your finger along his jawline, "I don't think I can be patient anymore either."

You had barely finished letting the words out before Lo'ak connected his lips with yours again. Shifting, he wrapped his arm tighter around your back to lift you slightly, his other hand placed on the surface of the bark as he laid you on your back. 

You felt the cool of the bark, a direct contrast to the heat between you and Lo'ak, his legs between yours now and any space that was once there nonexistent. Still though, your top and loincloth were still on, their presence suddenly bothersome and unnecessary. 

You could feel Lo'ak tugging at the left side of your top and you disconnected your lips from his with a scolding look, "Don't just rip it off. Tsireya made it for me." 

"I'll be gentle with you, but for the things that are between me and you, I won't be." Lo'ak smirked, trailing his fingers along your torso, his hair dangling above you.

You couldn't help but chuckle, reaching out for one of the strands. It wasn't like him to be so needy, but that neediness was endearing to you and it fanned the flames between your affections all the more. 

Helping him, you looked down to undo your top yourself, gently unclasping the netting from the shell button that Tsireya had made for easy wear. You took it off and set it to the side, and just to tease him more, you undid the string of your loincloth too but kept it on with a mischievous grin.

"I know you want to take this off yourself though," You let out nonchalantly, resting your arms above your head. 

He shook his head, "Not yet, there are other parts of you that deserve just as much attention." He lowered his mouth to your breast, leaving a gentle kiss, the touch so light, but the effect lasting, electrifying you as you let out a sigh.

Lo'ak was pleased, your body's reaction to him coaxing him further into a more fervent passion as he peppered kisses from your neck all the way down to your navel and back up again, stopping at one of your breasts to suck on it, the feeling nurtured your inner high more and more and the heat within you bubbling and bubbling just below the surface. Your skin was soft against his calloused hands, and while he sucked, he held onto your other breast, cupping it gently with a slight squeeze. He couldn't get enough of your scent either, your arousal intensifying it further, intoxicating him each time he breathed you in. 

When he felt you arch your back and buck your hips instinctively, his eyes widened, the feel of your core against him threatening his bulge's escape and finally, he gave in, surrendering and moving your loincloth aside. His chest was against your chest now, his vision finding its muse in you, lips parted in ecstasy as he played with your folds first, teasing you with fast motions that would cascade into slower, deeper circled movements around your clit. Then, he pushed his finger in, then a second one, and you couldn't help the moan that escaped your mouth. And if the way he was moving his fingers wasn't enough to unravel you, it was the way he was staring into your eyes, everything he was holding back outpouring in a building ecstasy.

Slowly, you lowered your hands down his arms and tugged at his loincloth, your voice almost breathless, but dominant as you spoke, "Inside now."

Without a second thought, he took it off, connecting his lips to yours with a quick kiss, caressing the head of his cock with his hands first before reaching your folds, aligning with your entrance before slowly pushing in, the pressure allowing another blissful moan to escape out of you.

You both closed your eyes, Lo'ak's forehead against yours again as he thrusted into you, "Does it feel good?" 

Opening your eyes again, you smiled at him, "I-it feels perfect. You're perfect. Keep going." 

He listened well, quickening his pace slightly, the change in speed making you hold onto him tighter, your legs wrapping around his lower back and your nails digging into his skin. The pain only added to the pleasure as he lifted your hips up slightly, his grip tightening around your waist, and each time your moan got louder, Lo'ak knew to keep the same momentum, his own climax reaching closer and closer. He purred in your ear, licking it and nibbling it, distracting himself from reaching his peak, the warmth of being inside you being better than anything he imagined.

Placing your hands on the back of his neck, you stabilized yourself again, putting your legs down and shifting the two of you as you moved to straddle him, Lo'ak's back on the bark. He was in deeper now, the climax he was trying to abate threatening to spill as you rode him up and down. He grabbed hold of your breasts, cupping them, as if that would stop the inevitable. Leaning forward, he couldn't help the awed expression on his face, not wanting to close his eyes again, your entirety too beautiful to miss out on. 

He moved with you, thrusting up as you moved downward, the pace quickening and quickening until he managed to let out, "I'm gonna—" Lo'ak began, but you shushed him with a kiss, moving your hips forward one more time and feeling your own high arise too.

Lifting your lips from his, your hand was placed on his heart, the beating of it practically matching the rhythm of your breath. He did the same, placing his hand over your heart too before pulling you into him, engulfing you in the warmth of his embrace. 

You stayed like that until your heart slowed and your breathing returned to a normal pace and lifting yourself slightly, you laid down next to him, but not before Lo'ak laid his arm out for you to rest your head on.

Turning to the side to face him, you placed a kiss on his bicep, tracing the dots on his skin, the silence between the two of you comforting as the sounds from the rest of the world returned to you, your focus expanding back into the reality of where you were. 

"I don't know what Jake's talking about. You're great at following orders." You joked, already holding in a laugh when you saw Lo'ak's face turn sour.

"Your orders are the only ones I like to obey." He flirted immediately, eyes suggestive as he placed a hand on your waist. 

"Skxawng." You laughed, intending to flick his forehead but he caught your hand, kissing it before interlocking your fingers together. 

Moving closer to Lo'ak, you rested your head in the crook of his neck, enveloping him as you rested your chest against his, your arms across his torso and your legs atop his. Lo'ak gulped, breath hitching as he felt another primal urge come over him. You felt it too, opening your eyes again slowly to look up at him, his sheepish grin prompting another giggle out of your mouth.

"I can't help it, okay? Everything you do turns me on. You're just too pretty." Lo'ak admitted proudly.

You couldn't help another laugh, Lo'ak indulging in the feel of your voice's vibrations against his ear, filling the air even more with all that was you, your scent, your voice, your body on him, it was overwhelming him in an addicting way. He didn't want the moment to end.

And you too held onto the moment like a lifeline, remembering every detail. From the feel of Lo'ak's warm skin against yours to his heartbeat underneath your palm, to the rise and fall of his gentle breath. But there was a gnawing in your heart that kept you from falling deeper into the moment, and lifting your head slowly, your gaze went back on the village. You sighed, not wanting to return, but knowing that you needed to. 

"Do we have to go back now? Why can't we sleep here and come back tomorrow?" Lo'ak whined, your warmth leaving his side making him pout.

"I know they're worried." You were mostly referring to Jake, the ache that lay in your heart from your argument still unresolved. No matter how you wanted to ignore it, that feeling lingered.

He knew it was useless to argue, letting a breath out as he came to kiss your shoulder. Lo'ak got up with you, loosely putting his loincloth back on before helping you adjust your top. You shook your head in disapproval as you put your own loincloth back on, but the grin forming on your face betrayed that notion.

"Come." You replied, pivoting past him as you began to climb down the tree.

Lo'ak left no space between you, right on your tail with a cheeky smirk, "I already did."

"Lo'ak." Lowering your eyes, you flicked him on the forehead, but he was too enamored by you to even give a reaction.

"You're so hot when you're mad." He rubbed his forehead with a smirk, "Now take my hand and lead. I want to enjoy my view from back here."

You were delayed approaching the marui, Lo'ak purposefully derailing your journey back down with his playful antics–a tug at your tail here and there, a cheeky kiss on your neck a few times, and he even boldly stole a kiss on one of the walkways.

Then finally when you reached it, you weren't surprised to see Jake already outside anticipating your return, and when he heard your footsteps, you saw his ears perk up, head turning immediately. He already knew what he wanted to say to you, but he forgot it all as he saw his son's hand intertwined in yours and the kiss that Lo'ak planted on your forehead.

It was undeniable at this point, a fact that Jake couldn't ignore. You knew Jake saw too, and his reaction amused you. It wasn't one out of anger. He was simply caught off guard, squirming like a fish out of water, unsure of what to do. Anything that Jake intended to say dissolved in his surprise as he took note of the change in you.

He watched your lingering gaze on Lo'ak, the perpetual smile you had on, and even how slowly it took for your hands to separate.

He was caught speechless only for a second before clearing his throat, eyeing Lo'ak as he commanded, "Lo'ak. With me."

Lo'ak could already feel a defiant response bubbling inside of him, but when you placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder, he softened, nodding as you headed into the marui.

He waited for Jake to say something, his own mind struggling to find the right words for the moment, too many things said and unsaid to know what to address first. Lo'ak felt nervous in his chest, but he didn't show it, remaining stoic in front of his father.

They were both looking at you from the outside, everyone crowding around you, Tuk in your lap and Neytiri beside you, her hand caressing your hair.

"Do you love her?" And even though Jake already knew the answer, he still kept an icy tone that came out without his control, and Lo'ak could feel impending disapproval.

"Yes sir." Lo'ak replied instantly.

"You See her?" Jake pushed, narrowed eyes and all bearing into Lo'ak.

"I See y/n. I always have." Lo'ak looked away for a second, sighing before granting his focus back to Jake, "Dad, I know what you mean to her. I saw everything through the bond."

Jake blinked at his son, tilting his head as Lo'ak continued, "Please don't make her choose between you or me. She hates when we fight, so I don't want to fight with you. I just want her to be happy."

Jake sucked in a breath, hands on his hips again as he thought about what Lo'ak said, his gaze going back to you. It hadn't dawned on him that this was the happiest he had ever seen you. You were smiling in a way he had never seen, and if it wasn't any more obvious, you turned around and caught them both staring, laughing as you shook your head, surely making another one of your witty remarks, sending everyone else into a fit of laughter.

"Sullys stick together. She's a Sully, isn't she?" Jake cleared his throat, hovering a hand over his son's shoulder before patting it, "Now, go inside. You're dismissed."

Lo'ak had expected an argument or at least more tension to arise from the conversation, but he stood there in awe, a small grin on his face while nodding, "Yes sir."

Jake hung back, leaning against the wood of the marui's entrance, watching again how you lit up when Lo'ak sat beside you, your hand reaching up to caress his cheek. Neytiri regarded you both lovingly, proudly bringing you both into a hug, one that Tuk had no problem hijacking as she shimmied her way into the middle of it. And despite Kiri being in one of her moods, she too was coaxed into joining, taking Neteyam by the arm as he placed an affectionate hand on his brother's neck like he usually did.

Lifting your head, you made eye contact with Jake again, the existing tension from your argument still hanging in the air, although a sudden awkwardness became apparent, rivaling that feeling.

Everyone else noticed too, Neteyam being the one to address it as he patted you on the back for reassurance, "Go speak to him. I feel bad for mom if he goes to bed in a bad mood."

You appreciated the gesture, biting your cheek as you made your way to Jake, his hands somehow already occupied with tying reeds together as he avoided the rest of you.

Sighing, you took the reeds from his hands, matter-of-fact in your tone, "You're doing it wrong."

He held onto his biceps, silent at first before disbelief and shock echoed in his usual deep voice, "Lo'ak doesn't listen to anyone else besides you."

You raised a brow, eyeing him from the side momentarily before returning your focus downward, "You make it hard for him to want to listen, even though disobeying orders is something he got from you."

Jake sucked in a breath, eyes sunken with tormented memory, "You've seen what disobeying orders did, how many people died because of m--"

"No." You put a hand out, stopping his next words, "How can you think of everything you've done as all bad when disobeying orders brought you here, helped you See, gave you this family?"

He held his tongue, your focus not even on him or the reeds anymore. Following your eyeline, your gaze was on Lo'ak, him and Neteyam bickering and Kiri rolling her eyes listening.

Again, he saw your smile brighten and he sighed, changing the subject as the weight of everything you said hung in the air, forcibly embracing the tough exterior he was trying so hard to maintain, "You know, I've never seen you smile like that."

You looked at him from the side, expectant as you raised an eyebrow again. "I'm sure you have old man. Or maybe it's your dementia that won't let you remember." 

If it wasn't obvious that you were happy, then it became so with your usual quip, Jake half-grinning, relief washing over him hearing you call him 'old man,' "No, this is different. You have that look in your eyes." 

"What look?" You dropped your arms to their sides as you lowered your eyes at him.

He pointed at you, almost laughing, "Th-that look! That one right there. You can't hide it from me."

"You know old man, I wanted to blame it on your age, your inability to see, but it seems you're seeing things just fine now." Seriousness coated your joking tone. 

"Hey." He warned, but he couldn't help smiling as he watched you laugh, "I guess technically I'm your dad too now that you and Lo'ak..."

He couldn't even bring himself to say it, as if saying it out loud made it real, the reality of seeing you and his son grow up in front of his eyes. You were his best friend, but you were always the kid, the one who he felt responsible for. But suddenly, he found himself learning from you and still he was getting used to that, his stubbornness always leading his attitude.

"Jake Sully, my father-in-law." You caught onto his hesitation, bellowing in laughter and putting a hand to your stomach, "You'll always be my best friend first, Jake. Just ease up a little or you'll get a high blood pressure. I don't want Neytiri having to adjust your diet. You're high maintenance enough as it is."

Jake felt relieved hearing another one of your jokes, and suddenly he felt himself hugging you, "You do understand I still have to give Lo'ak a hard time about you, right?" 

Neytiri slowly approached you, taking your hand into hers while she took your side, "Like I said Ma Jake, this is their path."

Ears going flat, Jake winced, mouthing something inaudible to Neytiri. You watched their exchange, gasping, "So Neytiri gave you warning and you still chose to act like this? You're even more stubborn than before, old man."

You pinched Jake's ear, making him wince again, "What's so wrong about me having a husband?"

"Look at you kids meal...talking about your husband. I guess you're working your way up to the grown up table, aren't you?" He placed a hand on your head, smiling again. 

You exhaled with ease, comforted by your usual banter, cherishing the solace it gave you as he placed an affectionate hand on your head, pulling you into his chest with a smile.

"Just trying to catch up to you, old man." You replied, the response warming Jake's heart even with the light punch you sent to his chest, but still it didn't lift the heaviness that still laid there like stones.

Leaning back, Jake couldn't hide that feeling from you, sadness still set in his eyes. Asking with concern, you knit your eyebrows together, "There's something else you wanted to tell me before we came. What's wrong?" 

The truth hung in the air like a bad omen, and Neytiri's eyes landed on the ground, her hand squeezing yours in comfort. You were suddenly brought to worry, anticipating the worst.

Jake hid behind a dry laugh, shaking his head, "It's nothing. It's nothing. I’m just still worried about Kiri. Not being able to connect to the Spirit Tree has been really hard for her.”

He gulped, Neytiri shocked as she scolded Jake with her eyes. He knew that hiding the truth from you would bite him in the ass later, but that didn't matter to him. He couldn't taint this moment for you. You had gone through enough already, the reminder of your father unnecessary as he let you bask in the light of a new love. 

You looked over at Kiri, her sullen gaze on her shawl, which she held close to her body. You sighed, accepting Jake’s answer, “I’ll talk to her tomorrow about it. Maybe I can connect again and ask Eytukan for help or even Grace. He came to me the last time when she had her seizure.”

"My father spoke to you?" Neytiri gazed upon you in wonder, "What did he say?"

You recalled, attempting to decipher the message as you spoke, and instinctively, you looked at Neytiri for the answers, hoping she understood this part of her father's message. "He reassured me, told me that I was not the mistakes of my past, that I'm the bearer of a new future, that once the strength of my hands protected you, but now it's the strength of my heart...that is what will fortify us all."

Neytiri put a hand to her mouth, lighthearted with joy and seemingly understanding, "Bearer of a new future?" Her hands went immediately to your stomach, "Perhaps you will be with child soon?"

"Baby, I don't think--" Jake began, putting his hand up in protest, but that didn't stop the rest of the Sullys from including themselves specifically Tuk who had been eavesdropping the entire time from her place beside her siblings, "Yay! Now that Lo'ak and y/n are married, I'll have a baby niece to play with!"

"Tuk, why are you saying you'll have a niece?," Lo'ak piped in, walking over to you with a smirk, "Y/n and I could have a son."

"I think one Lo'ak is enough, Tuk." Kiri joked, sticking her tongue out at Lo'ak when he scowled, "I don't think we could handle a little Lo'ak running around. You were so annoying when we were kids."

"Oh Great Mother help me." You murmured under your breath, crouching down to pick Tuk up, her interest in your hair piquing as she pawed at your braids.

"What do you mean were? He is still annoying." Neteyam added, grabbing hold of Lo'ak's neck like he always did, "You should have heard him fawning over you earlier, y/n. He talks of nothing else!"

Lo'ak hissed at his brother, pushing him off, "Talk to me when you get a mate, bro. But it's going to be pretty hard. I can't see any woman being attracted to you."

"Lo'ak, Neteyam, be quiet." Neytiri scolded, prompting their silence.

You felt lighter as Neytiri quieted everyone down, but to your surprise, she switched her demeanor instantly when she looked at you again, "Do not listen to my youngest son, I believe my first grandchild will be a girl."

Your cheeks were past pink now, both embarrassed and overwhelmed by the affection, “Whatever the Great Mother gives me, I will be fine with, but guys, you're getting ahead of yourselves. I'm not having a baby anytime soon—“

"That's right!" Jake agreed, immediately interjecting with his finger out pointedly, the excitement he felt about your response creating another shroud of awkwardness in the room.

When Jake made eye contact with you again, he regretted reacting so quickly, the mischief in your eye already existent, pouncing at the chance to tease him, "Come on, old man. You're already built like a grandpa, you might as well embrace it."

“J-just go to bed. All of you!” Changing the subject, Jake's voice cracked and he suddenly took Tuk from your arms, muttering to himself loudly, "The only baby in this family right now is Tuk."

"Cause we know damn well it's not you, gramps!" You yelled out as a joke, aiming to annoy Jake just one more time before you all went to sleep.

Jake threw one of the cushions on the floor at you in retaliation, "Close your eyes, kids meal. Don't make me come over there."

You caught the cushion effortlessly, plopping down onto your hammock, smiling as you adjusted yourself, your back flat against the netted material. You dismissed it easily, but Eytukan's words and Neytiri's interpretation stayed in your heart. Without an extra thought, you put a hand on your stomach, wondering if Neytiri was right— if your first child would end up being a girl or if Lo'ak would get his way and you'd have a son.

You chuckled at the thought and you peered over at Lo'ak, almost making you jump out of your skin when you realized his eyes were still open, head rested in his palm with a smile.

You motioned for him to go to sleep, blowing him a kiss before you turned away from him. He pouted but caught your kiss in his hand anyway and holding it to his chest as the two of you drifted asleep.

-

Torched village after torched village, but still no answers. 

"This shit aint working." Quaritch shook his head in disapproval as he turned away from the villagers on their knees, crying out as they watched their maruis burn in front of their eyes.

Quaritch sighed, frowning as he turned toward the sea. With his rigid resolve, he didn’t want the sight of the endless sea to break his determination to find Sully. Looking onward, Quaritch spotted Scoresby’s ship in the distance, the mass of gray metal and the whirring of the motors prompting an idea in his mind. 

He tapped Spider on the shoulder, his son still screaming apologies back at those behind him, the touch like fire to his skin as he screamed, “Don’t touch me!” His anguish splitting in the air, eyes filled with horror as he watched the fires from the flamethrowers engulf the village in mountainous rage.  

To Pandora, that ship meant destruction, but to Quaritch, it became salvation. On his command, the regiment followed him further into the shore, one by one, their ikrans came for their extraction. Landing on the ship, Scoresby met the regiment with a sour expression, and naturally it was not because of the terror that Quaritch had caused, but because of his own selfish, greedy agenda. 

He had no care in the world for revenge the Colonel sought after or even Ardmore’s task of making Pandora the new home for humanity. He was only interested in making money.  

“I'm over it. I have quotas to meet.” He spat, looking up at Quaritch with his arms crossed. 

Quaritch, although irate from Scoresby's tone, nodded and shrugged, “You wanna hunt? Then, let’s hunt.” 

"If we start hunting here, the hostiles will come after us." Scoresby reasoned, but that only made Quaritch's grin more sinister.

"Exactly. One hostile in particular."

Spider looked up from the spot he was staring at in the ocean, mouth agape in horror with sudden realization, guilt bubbling in his stomach and dread flooding his heart.

Quaritch turned around, mounting his ikran, hand outstretched to Spider, who took it, taking his seat in front of his father.

While Spider never stopped thinking about you and the Sullys, missing you all terribly, he carried an inner turmoil, oddly not feeling as out of place with his father and the rest of the soldiers as he thought he would. Because of Quaritch's orders and the respect that he commanded, no one touched Spider and no one questioned his role. Even when he'd act out, he was met with no resistance. He felt as if he was always chasing to prove himself, to prove that he belonged. It was the exact reason why he was so jealous of you when you first met. 

But, as he spent time with his father, that feeling, he acknowledged, never did go away. 

He wasn't Lo'ak or Neteyam, the sons of a great warrior. He wasn't Kiri, the child of the woman who had fought for the protection of The People and paid for it with her life. 

And he sure as hell wasn't you, his sister who had taken the bullet meant for Toruk Makto, the one who made it possible for Jake to have his family now. 

You both were his children, and yet, without warning, he had somehow found comfort being around the man who had caused so much grief and pain.

For Spider, he had no crowning legacy, no important role. He felt needed, important, his skills and knowledge becoming his father's lifeline, along with the other soldiers. Hell, he was practically family. You used to be the kid in the regiment and now it was him. 

There would only be more blood and more pain from his father's decisions, but what could he do?

He was stuck with them, bound to the father he thought would be easier to hate. And that seemed to motivate his acceptance of who he had to become. He felt an aching weight inside, wanting so badly to see you all again, especially Kiri.

Yet, a bigger part of him hoped that day would never come. It was the only way he knew he'd guarantee you all would live, but he was also ashamed of himself, the wreckage that he helped create by teaching his father the ways of The People.

That shame rose and rose more as Scoresby drove them through the open sea, watching from below deck with the marine biologist on board. He gulped, unable to look away as Scoresby separated the mother and her calf from the rest of her pod, and he felt gut wrenched when the harpoon hit her. He was sure her screams would haunt his nightmares, chills running down his spine as her agony reverberated throughout the entire ocean.

Quaritch walked down the steps, calling out to his son proudly, "Come on son, this is something I'm sure you wanna see too, and bring the science puke too."

Spider didn't like the sound of that, looking over at the marine biologist who shook his head, "This is why I drink."

As if killing her wasn't enough, it only stung more when Spider learned how intelligent tulkun were, how deeply emotional they were, and how their life force was all they needed, all reduced into a tiny vial.

He couldn't believe what he was seeing, shock as he looked at Scoresby with disgust, "That's all you take? You're just gonna waste the rest?"

"Drop the bags. Let's sink her!" He replied without remorse.

"No Leave the bags. I want 'em to know it was us." Quaritch defied confidently.

"You really think Jake will take the bait?" Spider asked his father, arms crossed as they both stepped back onto the ship.

"I don't think. I know." Quaritch sneered, "Something's gotta give and when it does, I'll be here waitin' for him."

-

The next day, the sound of voices outside the marui stirred your senses, jolting you awake. Although they were speaking in whispered hushes, you didn't need to hear everything for your heart to drop.

"Come Jake Sully. See for yourself why the tulkun cry their mourning song today." Tonowari's voice was stark, recognizable at any distance.

Without another thought, you were ready to slip off your hammock, stretching until you stopped, hearing a familiar grunt behind you, your back hitting something solid.

When you realized you weren't alone in your hammock, you peered behind you, Lo'ak's chest against your back, his arms tightly wound around your waist and his legs sloppily draped over yours, his one foot hanging off the hammock.

It was difficult peeling Lo'ak off you, his sleep not at all disrupting his need to be close to you as he unconsciously nuzzled into your neck. Taking the cushion that Jake had thrown at you, you placed it between you and him, placing his hands around it and finally off the hammock.

Once your feet landed softly on the ground, you planted a kiss on Lo'ak's lips, whispering that you would be back soon and sneaking out the back way, you called for your tsurak.

Your tsurak was impossibly fast, catching up to them in no time. You paid no mind to Jake, his face twisted in shame, and Neytiri's expression heavy, when you suddenly surfaced beside them.

The tulkun gathered around Ro'a, her body afloat by the orange bags and her calf beside her, dead as well, their eyes rolled backward, white and lifeless. You couldn't control your own tears as Ronal leapt onto her Spirit sister's fin, her hands to the skin below her eyes.

"What is this, Tonowari? What is this?" Terror and pain rang through her cries, the devastation echoing into the ocean, darkness all around encompassing the sky, as if the Great Mother too was mourning this loss.

"First they burn our villages and now this! Agh!" Tonowari spat, the roar of the waves matching the burden in his heart.

Eyes widened with surprised horror, you turned to Jake, and even the rain couldn't wash away his guilt, his ears flattened as your stare bore into him.

Your ears perked up as you noticed a repetitive pinging sound, a familiar noise that prompted you to navigate to the other side of the mother.

Jake followed after you, and then you saw it.

A tracking device.

Using your feet as leverage, you ripped it out of the thick skin, silencing it with a tap on the side and holding it up to Jake, "How long have you known that my father's been here?"

Jake put his hands up, attempting to calm you down, "I was handling it, alright?"

"This is handling it? He's not hunting tulkun. He's hunting you!" You kept your voice down as best as you could, but your disappointment and rage were loud enough.

You placed the tracking device in Jake's hands with a thud, turning around and going back to Tonowari and Ronal. With just one look, you could already tell that their grief was darkening, the need to avenge, the need to attack running rampant in their veins.

You felt that need in your own veins, lips pressed together, your breaths, deep at first, shallowing as that rage that simmered beneath the surface only festered further.

You were already gone before Tonowari called out his war cry, your tsurak snapping its tail like a whip as you swam as fast as you could back home.

"There! There she is!" Tuk's voice was clear even underwater, your head popping up as you surfaced and dismounted your tsurak.

Lifting yourself up, you blocked everything out, your anger fixating every motion and all your senses attuned to one focus. Although everyone greeted you warmly, you ignored them all as you went to Jake's artillery box shoved in the corner. Removing the sheet on top of it, you opened it, taking one of the vests out and putting it on, loading your sides with ammunition packs and taking out one of the assault rifles.

"Y/n, what happened?" Kiri asked you, boldly closing the box, prompting your attention.

She had never seen you act like this. It was a different anger from the kind she saw when Aonung left Lo'ak outside of the Reef. This one was seething, scary to witness, the kind that was silent, but radiated with an intensity that she almost didn't dare to cross.

"My father is here." You inspected the assault rifle, then loaded it, your voice slow.

Then going to your own things, you made a mess looking for something you never thought you'd want to look for again. And finding it at the bottom of one of the baskets you kept your trinkets in, you hooked your finger onto the metal chain, you and your father's dogtags strung on it.

Placing them around your neck, you got up and slung the rifle over your shoulder, ready to run out the back and into the water before Jake barreled in front of your path, "Woah woah woah, y/n. What the hell do you think you're doing?"

"Oh Jake, we are past the point of you acting stupid in front of me. You know what I'm doing."

You shoulder checked him, but he remained resilient, "Y/n, you know better than this. Just tell me what's goin' on—"

You pushed him with the end of the rifle aggressively, sending him backward, "Why? You didn't. You didn't tell me anything!"

Jake put his hands up, surrendering, "I know, I know. I didn't—I just didn't want it to be like when the Bulldozers came, okay? I didn't want to ruin things for you."

Choking back tears, you kept your head up, avoiding his eyes, your grip on the rifle tight, "It's too late Jake. It's happening again. First it's Ro'a, who's next?" Your eyes darkened as you exhaled, saying a silent prayer to the Great Mother for strength, "I'll be back by zero dark."

Jake hurried after you again, blocking you from your path, his palms out to you and his eyes frantically looking around as he stepped closer, shielding your gun from the prying eyes of the villagers, "You don't know what he's capable of, okay? The metkayina are warning the tulkun now. Saving their lives, right? That's all that matters."

"Of course that matters! But what are you going to do when there's no lives to save? He tracked you down here, just like I knew he would. I'm the only one who knows what he's capable of, the only one who can blindside him. I know how he thinks, how he moves, how he breathes. And nothing is over while he's breathing, Jake." You spoke with gritted teeth, pointed with every syllable, hurt, anger, and pain writhing in your voice.

You were even scaring Jake, the usual sternness he had in his voice lost amidst his emotional panic, "What's your plan, huh? A reunion with Daddy dearest then he finds out you're helping us a-and then he—" Jake went silent, hands at the sides of your face, "I'm begging you, y/n. You can't go out there. You're not dying again. I'm not losing my best friend again."

You swallowed hard, your anger clearing and reason slowly returning to you, then feeling eyes on you from behind, you turned, the sight of Lo'ak softening you, the echo of your promise to him anchoring you even more.

Granting Jake your eyes again, you gave a reluctant nod of understanding. Without another word, you walked off toward the beach, ignoring him as he asked for his gear back, his yelling useless after the second shout.

"Don't worry dad. I got this." Lo'ak was swift with confidence, running after you.

Jake only felt more nervous after Lo'ak's remark, watching the two of you in the distance. Neteyam noticed, watching from the inside of the marui and getting up, he offered, "I will look after them, Dad."

When you felt Lo'ak hug you from behind, you broke down in his arms, your tears a stream down your face, "Why couldn't I just have one day? I can't even celebrate us without my father ruining it."

"I really thought my dad would be the one to ruin things. Maybe we should have just slept in the trees last night, hmm?" He buried his face into your neck, your closeness grounding you as you let out a dry laugh.

"You can't make me laugh now, Lo'ak. This is serious." You turned to face him, his hands at your cheeks to wipe your tears as he pressed a gentle kiss on your lips.

"I know it is. Which is why, you and I are going on our secret missions together."

"Our secret missions? And what's your secret mission?" You furrowed your eyebrows.

"Everyone else is warning their spirit brothers and sisters. Payakan is outcast. There's no one else to warn him but me." Lo'ak let out, his tone stressed with worry.

"You should have snuck out earlier without me. Now this looks suspicious." You pinched his ear, the pain lifting his shoulders slightly, his nose scrunched in response.

"How is it suspicious? We're married now. Where you go I go." Lo'ak protested with a smirk.

"That never stopped you before." Hands at his neck, you rubbed your thumb along his jaw.

He paused, realizing what he said, but continued his flirtations, tucking a hair behind your ear, "Ma y/n, even though we are mated before Eywa now, I'm never gonna stop chasing you."

You leaned into his touch, "I'll go with you to Payakan, but after that, you can't be on the ship with me. I have to go alone."

Cupping your face, he faked a frown, "Why? You don't want me to meet your dad? Are you ashamed of me?"

"Lo'ak that's not funny." You were stifling your laugh, trying not to give him the satisfaction, "He could really kill you."

"You and I both know that'll never happen. I'm betting on us, my love." Lo'ak put a hand behind your neck, leaning forward, connecting your lips tenderly, the callouses on his fingers rough against your smooth skin as he nudged you forward a little more, closing the distance while your hand rested on his side.

When you felt him deepen the kiss, you felt the pull of desire deep within you and before you let it overtake you, you separated from him, "We can finish this later. Secret mission is on the line!"

"Sorry, sorry. I can't help it." Lo'ak took your hand, the two of you making your way to the furthest edge of one of the riding docks.

"No way I'm letting you two roll out of here." Neteyam came out from the other side of one of the wooden pillars, exhaling with light frustration.

"I have to warn Payakan about the pingers. He's outcast." Lo'ak reasoned, turning around, "And y/n needs to get on that ship."

"Neteyam, you know we have to do this. Where's that mighty warrior spirit?" You urged, placing your hand on his shoulder.

He patted it with his other hand, a half-grin dawned on his face, "Y/n, you know he has to keep his skxawng ass here with you.'

"Come on baby bro," He placed a hand on his brother's head, "Why do you always have to make things so hard?"

Smacking his hand away, Lo'ak huffed, "No, you mean why can't I be the perfect son like you? The perfect soldier. Well, I'm not you! Okay? He's my brother. I'm going."

"Guys, this isn't—"

Pointing outward, Neteyam licked his canine, biting the rage back, "Oh he's your brother?" Grabbing onto Lo'ak's arm, Neteyam forced him around, "No, I'm your brother."

"Get off me." Pushing him off, Lo'ak took your hand without warning, the two of you jumping into the water, mounting his tsurak with precision.

"Lo'ak this was not the plan! I need my tsurak." Holding onto his waist, you peered behind you, seeing Neteyam with the others following after you.

"This was always the plan. Wherever you go I go. Lo'ak smirked, squeezing your hand that rested above his navel.

The waves crashed against your bodies, the sounds drowning out Tsireya's pleading calls from behind. It only motivated Lo'ak to go faster, his tsurak listening well as you felt that speed cut through the water as if it was nothing. It was necessary in the treacherous waters outside of the Reef, water darkened as you went further out.

As you approached Three Brothers Rock, a scent you were all too familiar with invaded your nose, the usual smell of sea salt no longer permeating the air.

There was no breeze to distract from the smell of fuel, that pungent aroma hanging strongly. The ship was nearby, imminent as Lo'ak continued on.

Breaching the surface, Payakan announced his presence as he exhaled, whining into the air, water shooting up high into the sky. Relieved, Lo'ak called out to him, "Payakan. Brother!"

When he got close enough, Lo'ak dismounted only for Payakan to reveal what he feared. But you had already heard the sound before Payakan turned, the tracking device settled into his back.

"Shit!" Lo'ak swam quickly, lifting himself up before taking your hand and pulling you with him

"Stay calm!" Lo'ak signed, "We got this!"

"Lo'ak!" Neteyam jumped onto Payakan.

Looking all around, he saw his siblings get onto Payakan's back, Tsireya, Aonung, and Rotxo also there, panicky and afraid as he yelled, "Help me get this out. Come on!"

Smelling the air again, the fuel smell strengthened and following the scent, you inhaled sharply at the sight of the ship only two klicks out.

Making your way to the others your voice was the calm between everyone, "The ship is inbound. Pull the pinger down then up and leverage it with your foot. It'll loosen."

You watched Aonung, Tsireya, and Rotxo freeze for a moment, the mention of the ship striking a fear they never knew they had inside. They had never seen a demon ship before, blinking at the distant sight, a horror you wished they never had to face.

Then, there was Tuk, riding along again with your dangerous antics, and seemingly being the only one hanging onto your words as she repeated them, "Did you not listen? Pull down then up!"

You didn't even have your own tsurak to mount, your individual plan falling apart before it even started. Putting a hand on your head, you closed your eyes, putting your fingers to your comms, "Jake. Do you read me?"

Lo'ak looked up at you, hearing you in his comms, his face scrunched in defeat.

"Y/n? What is it? Where are you?" Jake responded immediately.

"We're with a tulkun that's under attack. The ship is two clicks out at Three Brothers Rocks."

"Who's with you?" Jake asked, voice strained.

"I can't protect everyone. It's all of us. Aonung, Tsireya, and Rotxo too." You replied, voice breaking, and you could hear the urgency in Jake's breath.

"Listen y/n. You get to cover and you do not engage. You do not engage. We're comin!"

Looking out into the horizon, the ship was getting closer and closer, and diving into the water, you hid yourself, gauging the scopes' sights.

As the pinger loosened, Neteyam took a rope from the pouch on the side of his tsurak, tying it around the pinger's base, "I'll draw them off when it comes out. You guys dive down through the kelp forest."

"Neteyam wait." You took off your vest, motioning for him to put his arms out as you fitted it onto him.

"You need this more than me, y/n I—"

"It'll only slow me down in the water. Besides it won't be hard for me to get another one when I'm on the ship." Then taking your rifle off your shoulder, Neteyam slung it over his shoulder, "There's a stun grenade in the last pocket. Please be careful."

Leaning down, he kissed your cheek with gratitude, his smile smug, "You forget who you are talking to sister-in-law. Who is the mighty warrior again?"

"Just go!" And with a loud yip, Neteyam's tsurak spread its wings, bursting with speed and yanking the pinger out with one pull.

Turning, you yelled, "Everyone dive!"

Lo'ak grabbed hold of your hand tightly, wrapping your arms around his waist as his tsurak charged under the water, Payakan following suit as he went below the surface again.

Scattering in the water, each of you navigated through the kelp forest, the big leaves providing enough refuge as you all surveyed the activity above, the sight of an ikran circling the water shocking you.

You had no doubt in your mind who that ikran belonged to.

It was your father.

Although, it shouldn't have come as a surprise to you, he had taught you something you never forgot your whole life.

Improvise. Adapt. Overcome.

He had gone Na'vi. Full tilt all the way.

Yet the irreverence only deepened your anger more, to see him take advantage of the Great Mother's gifts to The People for his own bloodlust, for his own selfish needs.

He was merely wearing Na'vi as a skin, clinging onto a dead man's memories, everything in his way collateral damage.

Tapping your leg, Lo'ak pulled you from your revelation, the sight of metal crab-like pods coming out from the ship, disrupting the water as they swam through in swarms.

You accounted for everyone around you, especially Tuk, relieved to see her and Kiri safe before Lo'ak zig zagged through the branches.

Yet, even with all his dizzying maneuvers, Lo'ak still couldn't avoid them all, their strength in numbers making it almost impossible to evade and their long reaching arms hard to slip past without rolling through the water.

You looked behind you, the approaching pod imminent, its claw already extended. You could feel Lo'ak's heartbeat through his back, his airflow slowly dissipating, but the sight of airbells nearby reassured you, the hollow kelp providing an air pocket. Pointing to them, you signed quickly, "I'll meet you there."

Not giving him enough time to react, you leapt off his tsurak, diving straight for the pod, winding your arm back and your knife pointed straight for the glass.

Piercing through it, water flooded into the space and you pulled the driver out without effort. Aonung and Rotxo swam by, barely dodging another pod, their eyes blinking in disbelief as they watched you jump off the empty pod to gain momentum and landing on the pod that was chasing them. Twisting your knife into the glass, you punched through the rest of it, yanking the driver out and letting the sea swallow him whole.

Like you promised, you swam quickly to the airbell ahead, sheathing your knife as you approached.

"Y/n!" Tuk exclaimed. You opened your arms to her, savoring the air as you took a deep breath in and out. She was shaking and you gave her reprieve as you let her rest, her hands around your shoulders.

"It's gonna be okay, Tuk." You caressed her hair, leaning your head to hers.

Surfacing, Lo'ak came up behind you, "You guys alright?"

You let out a sigh of relief, motioning for him to come closer to you, "Ma Lo'ak, yes, we're alright. Are you?"

"You know how I feel when you're around," He pressed a kiss on your forehead, checking your hands, he inspected them for cuts, "Have you always been this good at combat?"

"Yes, sometimes I'd let you and Neteyam win during our sparring matches." You admitted.

"What?" He barely processed what you said before Tsireya popped up from the water.

"It is coming!" She warned, the lights illuminating on the outside of the airbell's porous surface.

"Okay, Tuk, deep breath and stay close to your brother." You instructed.

She nodded furiously but she looked at you worriedly, "What are you doing?"

Unsheathing your knife again, you patted her head, "I'm buying you guys some time. Now go!"

The three of them dove as you waited for the pod, its claw extending right below you. Taking a deep breath in, you dove for it, jabbing in between the metal joints, loosening the notch and plunging it deeper to sever the arm.

Although inaudible to you, the driver yelled into his comms as you broke through the glass again, "Someone come get this Na'vi! She's crazy!"

Eyes searching diligently, you caught sight of Tsireya, Lo'ak, and Tuk ahead. Making your way to them, you were too late as one of the pods released a net into the water, trapping the girls, Lo'ak holding onto the bottom of it desperately.

Catching you off guard, one of the other pods aimed a net at you too and you heard the whoosh of it being propelled at you from behind. Turning, you held your knife out, ready to cut through it. But the clean snap of a tsurak's jaw practically dissolved it and the pod slowly sank with the net, both falling to the sea floor as a hand took hold of your arm. Adjusting yourself on the back of the tsurak, you didn't even need to look to know who it was.

Going to the surface for a moment, you took a breath, a familiar smug voice gloating, "I saw you needed a little bit of help, so I thought I would assist."

"And how many of those crab things have you brought down, hmm?" You gloated back.

"Three, including the one I saved you from just now. You're welcome." Commanding his tsurak behind one of the higher rock beds, you two hid, observing from a distance.

"Then we're three for three, but when this is all over and we do a final count...well I'll just apologize in advance for embarrassing you, mighty warrior."

With a competitive glint in his eye, Neteyam accepted the challenge, "It is I who will embarrass you. Now enough talk. Let's go save that skxawng."

"He's your brother, Neteyam." You laughed.

"Well, he is your husband, y/n." He quipped back.

You held your palm out, "Let me see the rifle real quick."

Neteyam gave it to you, and you looked through its scope, watching as Lyle cuffed them all to the rail.

"Look ahead! Dad and the rest of the warriors." Neteyam pointed west, the whole regiment pushing left and into their positions, weapons at the ready.

Ahead, you saw Jake among them and you knew Neytiri was not far, patrolling high in the sky on her ikran. The water settled as the tsuraks' wings lowered, all of them still, waiting on Tonowari's signal, their spears at the ready.

You watched as your father ripped Lo'ak's comms off his neck, and you snarled at the sight, the sound of his voice invading your ear with quiet force, "Jake, tell your friends to stand down. You want your kids back. You come out alone."

There was a pause, and although your father was frowning, you knew he was reveling in this confrontation, holding the lives of Jake's kids in his hands again as he put his gun to Lo'ak's head, "You know better than to test my resolve."

You inhaled and Neteyam put a hand on your shoulder, listening too as Quaritch continued with a calculated slowness, "I took you under my wing, Jake. You betrayed me. You killed your own, killed my own, my daughter. Good men. Good women." Another pause came, teeth bared as pain coated his growl, "I will not hesitate to execute your kid."

"Just wait one." Jake didn't miss a beat, shocking Tonowari and Ronal who waited for the battle cry to move forward.

"Let's go." You urged Neteyam, slinging the rifle around your shoulder and hiding your comms in one of the pouches that hung on your loincloth, "I have a plan."

"And what is this plan?" Neteyam questioned, although he still yipped for his tsurak, its long reptilian body surfacing the water.

"I'm creating a distraction, duh." Planting yourself behind Neteyam, he made sure you were secure before moving forward, "The field is too open. Dive deep and just get me close enough between the ship and the warriors."

"What is the distraction?" Neteyam pushed, looking behind him, and realizing he sighed heavily, "You, it is you. You are the distraction. I cannot allow you to use yourself as bait! How will I face my brother if something happens to you?"

"Brother, I trust you. Do you trust me?" You put a hand over his chest, sincere in the way you regarded him as a warrior.

He had heard the stories of the Final Battle many times over, but you lived it, breathed through it, and died in it. He saw the scars of battle on you even though they were not carved into your blue skin. He grasped your military-based psyche without ever seeing you donned in full camo.

You and Neteyam always held that deep kinship, a forged bond being raised the military way, carrying burdens you were far too young to carry. Neteyam understood your ways, and more importantly, he distinguished that this was just as much your fight as it was his father's.

"I trust you." His hand over yours before he dove down far below to avoid detection. Swimming fast through the coral, the sand on the bottom of the sea stirring as you swam past.

Balling your fist to signal Neteyam to stop, his tsurak halted, your father in clear view above. "Offer's fixin' to expire. What's it gonna be?" Quaritch baited, pressing the gun deeper into Lo'ak's head.

You signed to Neteyam, "Get me to the railing, then stay below until there's an opening." His tsurak sprang up, decisive urgency in the way that he leaned forward, gaining speed as he aimed ahead.

You gave him one last look of gratitude before bursting through the water's sheen and reaching out to the railing of the deck, you gripped onto it tightly, the soles of your feet planted on the cold metal.

Every gun that was once aimed at Jake was now pointed at you, your old regiment gasping and turning to one another in confused whispers. The frown that your father held faded as his mouth hung in astonishment, blinking and paling as you stared into his eyes, your rifle slung around you and your hands out, your voice sarcastic, "Now come on guys, that's no way to greet your lieutenant."

Quaritch held his fist up, all units holding their fire, but remaining alert as they all watched you cautiously. Lo'ak watched your demeanor change, the carefree parts of you absent and replaced with a reserved command. You stepped over the railing, and even the way you walked was different. You moved with a disciplined precision and a measured authority that revealed itself in your unhurried steps, like a blade being drawn slowly, but purposefully. 

In the water, the Metkayina warriors observed from a distance, baffled and all looking to Jake for answers, "What is she doing, Jake Sully?" Tonowari asked, his fear and confusion entangling in his tone.

Jake shook his head, knowing your game and gritting his teeth, "She's playing soldier."

Quickly, you looked back at Jake, and even from a distance you could feel his uneasiness only being able to wait and watch.

Your father didn't say a word, observing you from head to toe, your presence like a ghost in his midst. It was as if you were a wolf dressed in sheep's clothing. He could only categorize what you were wearing as rags, unkempt compared to the guerrilla wear he had last seen you in. The only thing familiar to him were your dog tags, dangling around your neck, the metal taunting him against the shell of who he knew his little girl to be.

Your father reached for them, reading your names engraved on the tags, and for a moment, he could only stare at them, hardened with disbelief, the emotions he went through mourning you overwhelmingly fading as you stood before him.

When he looked back into your eyes, you didn't expect to see your father teary-eyed, the harsh lines on his face softening as a smile riddled with relief broke through, his own words betraying the truth, "How are you here? You can't be my little girl. Sully killed you."

And suddenly, he was pulling you into him, an embrace that shook you, a warmth you weren't used to, but one that he longed for after every nightmare, "I should have known you were still alive. You're a Quaritch. We don't die easy. Now we can get Sully, like we've always wanted."

And for that one moment, you leaned into the embrace of what you lost— the father you loved. You felt like you did when you were seven, the days when everything was simple, when you had no expectations to uphold, when you could just be his daughter, and nothing more. He didn't even ask Closing your eyes, it felt like you had it again, that pure love you held for the man who rescued you. You used to dream for those days to return, for your father to not see his loyal lieutenant beside him, but to see you as you really were.  

But those were a dead girl's memories.  

Even being with you again, he couldn't relinquish his revenge.  

Hate was all he knew, carved into his psyche and adding to the insanity in his mind. 

He couldn't just be Miles Quaritch.   

He couldn't just be your father. 

He was a Marine.  

The Colonel.  

He would never change, not for you, not for anyone.  

Even while he held you close with one hand, he never loosened his grip on the gun that dug into Lo'ak's skull. 

Like we always wanted?" You gave your father a faint smile, before dropping it, "No, like you always wanted. This crusade of yours? It's pointless, Papa. We've been dead twenty years. Killing Sully, killing his family? It won't bring back those men and women. It won't bring you back. "

And suddenly, Lo'ak saw you again, the real you, your facade that you always kept with your father fading with every word you uttered.

"Am I hearin' this right?" Rage mixed with confusion in his expression, the familiar ache of betrayal settling in the depths of his soul, clouding his judgement as he realized the meaning of your words, his lip upturned in a snarl.

He adjusted his grip on his gun, and for the first time in his life, he saw you flinch, the minuscule second of panic catching his eye immediately, and even further, he was sent into his inner rage, a storm brewing in his mind.

"So..." He paused, grabbing onto Lo'ak's queue and tugging it, "You scored some local tail and forgot where you came from, who you are, who your family is? That it? You tellin' me that traitor's son is worth it?" He let a beat pass, sinister temptation reaching his finger, coaxing him to pull the trigger as he pushed into Lo'ak's skull, the pressure making him groan in pain.

You knew what you had to do, you knew what you were ready to risk. Asking the Great Mother not to guide your hand, but to guide your father's, your trust was unwavering as you extended your hand with a quickness that no one could process.

You grabbed hold of the gun in his hands, forcing the barrel to your chest, the cold metal clinging to your bare skin, your dogtags caught between, the pressure of it imprinting on your chest. Your hands clasped around your father's to keep his grip there, "That traitor's son saved me when Wainfleet left me for dead in the Forest," You shot a sly glare at Lyle, tilting your head back as your voice darkened, "But Sully killed me, right?" 

You leaned forward, hitting every word like a blow to the chest, "You killed me, Papa. You shot me out of the sky twenty years ago and even today...you might as well have held the trigger yourself. So, why don't you go ahead and kill me again? After all, it's what you do best." 

Your father didn't move a muscle, tensed with conflict and eyes shocked into saucers, the nightmare he had at the forefront of his thoughts suddenly in reaction to your defiance.

This was the only time you ever disobeyed him, and man, it hurt like a bitch.

He turned to look at Lyle for a second, the shame he felt obvious as his usual proud stance shrunk, reduced as he hung his head down in guilt. Quaritch didn't know what to say, the entire regiment waiting for his command while you dared him to do something, anything.

"Come on, Colonel." You vexed him further, "I'm a traitor aren't I? So I deserve to die."

Tuk was hysterical, fighting back wailing tears as Tsireya and Lo'ak could only comfort her through their expressions. But even Tsireya was barely holding it together, her mind piecing together the part of you she never understood, and her heart softening with the truth. And Lo'ak who had felt it all, felt your pain, could only allow his trust and love to guide him, your promise hanging in the balance while he fixated on the barrel of the gun.

Every second felt like eons. You didn't look away from your father as he was forced to hold your gaze, but he was silent. Every instinct in his body was telling him, begging him to pull the trigger, to show everyone that he was meant to be feared, that he would do whatever it took to get the job done.

For the first time, his code was on the line. Still, he was hesitating, tortured by emotional pause, scarred by the past few months he thought you were really dead.

Baiting him again, you held your ground, "What's it gonna be, Colonel? I know we Quaritchs' don't stay dead, but third time's a charm, right?"

"Y/n, you—" He wrestled with his choice, a frustrated grunt escaping him, "You are a Quaritch. Always will be. Now you stop this whole mess and you let go. Now."

Then, Lo'ak couldn't hold it in any longer, bold as he spat, "She's a Sully."

Quaritch inhaled, any rationale he had left replaced with pure disdain as he slowly looked down at the reason your heart was swayed, the reason why you were different—the enemy.

And worst of all, he looked just like Jake, a mirror of everything he lost in his old life reawakened again with you, his daughter, hanging in the mix.

He may have hesitated killing you, but his mind was made up killing Lo'ak.

"Lyle." He called out, "Put him down."

"No!" It was all you managed to yell out as Lyle aimed.

But the Great Mother had heard your prayer already, and her answer came through as the sound of the sea below you split in a thunderous breach and the bellow of a familiar friend rang through the air.

"Payakan!" Tuk excitedly yelled amidst the panic of the soldiers.

The gun no longer on your chest, Quaritch fell backward and your back hit the railing with the force of Payakan. His large body landed flat on the deck, the colossal weight granting a punishing thud that violently shook the world around it, every soldier who was not flattened by him being unexpectedly sent on their backs.

Jake took advantage of Payakan's entrance, charging forward with the rest of the warriors behind him, their battle cries fierce as their tsuraks screeched. Scoresby took advantage too though, his boat fixed with the harpoon coming about to meet Payakan on the northern side of the ship.

In his haste, Scoresby miscalculated Payakan's wit, the harpoon bouncing off the top of his crest and causing a series of explosions on the upper metal towers. With Jake closer, Scoresby ordered shots to be fired at the warriors, all of them diving into the water for cover.

"Sully's inbound. I want eyes on." Quaritch ordered, standing up.

Picking you up from where you had fallen, he grabbed a set of cuffs from his pocket, attaching one side to your arm and the other to the railing, "Don't think you're not getting an old school ass-whoopin when get back."

Calling his ikran, he left without another word and you sighed, feeling defeated as you watched the regiment fly into the air. Pulling on the cuff, you hissed in frustration and looking over to the side, you tried to reach the nearby soldier with your other hand.

Struggling, you met everyone else, all of them still stunned by you as you casually asked, "Are you guys alright?"

"Yes, we are alright, but are you? Your father...he—" Tsireya piped in, making you turn your head.

"Yeah, that's him," You sighed with a shameful nod, "But I am okay, I promise."

"You are nothing like him." Tsireya reassured, her gentle voice bringing you comfort as it always does.

Tuk could only smile, just happy that you were alive. But Lo'ak said nothing, just staring, uncharacteristically silent.

But you weren't thinking of anything else except escaping, and you had almost reached the soldier's vest before another explosion ruptured through the ship, the smell of fire burning in the distance filling your nose. The smoke only intensified as it made its way in the rotors, suddenly spinning and sending the entire ship forward. It sped toward the cluster of rocks ahead, their jaggedness causing it to become airborne until it lurched downward and stopped its motion. You stabilized yourself, ignoring your dizziness as you tried to reach the soldier who was even further.

"Hey, baby brother!" A smug voice gloated from behind you, and when you locked eyes with him, he couldn't help but gloat again, "My count is up to twelve now. I don't imagine you'll catch up by the time this battle is over."

He cut your cuffs and you pinched his ear in response, "Oh I'll catch up."

"Tsireya, get Tuk out of here." You spoke as Neteyam freed them, and Tuk ran to hug you before she jumped into the water with her, the two of them disappearing under the surface.

"Hurry up!" Lo'ak complained, but he couldn't hide the small smile seeing his brother.

Purposefully slow to free his brother, Neteyam teased, "Who's the mighty warrior, hmm? Come on, say it."

You snatched the knife from his hands, "My knife, so I'm the mighty warrior."

With a rip, Lo'ak's hands were free and you tucked your knife back into your rifle's strap, and placing your hands on Lo'ak's cheeks you kissed him, and he melted into your touch.

Hugging him tight, you let yourself relax, "Did I scare you?"

"It was an insane move, yes. But I would have done the same for you." Lo'ak admitted, tightening his grip, anything to feel closer to you.

Leaning back, you added Neteyam into the hug, overwhelmed with relief, "I'm glad you're both okay."

"Bro, what I said to you earlier..." Lo'ak meant to apologize, eyes flitting between you and his older brother with understanding that hadn't hit him until he saw how you were with your father.

He had wondered why it had felt familiar, and it was because it reminded him how Neteyam was with Jake, and he suddenly felt the weight of what that role meant for the both of you.

"Don't worry about it, baby bro. I know you didn't mean it." Neteyam smoothly replied, placing his hand on his brother's head, "Now, let's roll out. They need us out there."

"No, no. They've got Spider." Lo'ak leaned down, taking two guns from another of the dead soldiers, "We've gotta get him."

You leaned down, unzipping one of the vests, "Here, put this on."

Taking it, he scoffed, turning you around and forcing it on you, "I'll be fine like this. I have to keep the mother of my future children safe."

There was no more time to argue, even Neteyam agreeing as he latched the velcro in the front for you.

"You know I can't leave you two." Neteyam grunted, jogging to catch up.

Annoyed, Lo'ak pivoted, walking backwards to face him, "Bro, stop hijacking our date."

Neteyam tilted his head, You skxawng. So when you rescue Spider, will you tell him to leave too?"

"Will you guys be quiet?" You whispered, shushing them, "Just shut up and follow me. The sooner we get him, the sooner we get out of here."

Navigating through the inside of the base, you climbed atop the metal pipes, avoiding the crew evacuating below. It wasn't hard to spot Spider, his blue stripes and loincloth unique amongst the other people.

You didn't wait another second to drop down, catching everyone by surprise as you plunged your knife into two of them, Lo'ak and Neteyam taking care of the others behind you.

"Thanks guys." Spider uttered to the two brothers before they landed on you, suddenly feeling awkward, "And you too, sis. Thanks."

You gave him a smile as a response, your sense of urgency high as you looked around, the space too open and quiet for your liking, "Now come on. Let's go!"

You made it to one of the launch bays for the submarines and pods, the sight of the water being your refuge as you pushed them forward. It was an open jump until you saw Wainfleet in the distance, your gaze snapping open as he aimed his rifle in your direction.

"Down! Down!" You yelled, your eye in your scope as your bullets rang through the air.

Wainfleet shot right back and you took cover with the others behind a fusebox. You exhaled, looking over your shoulder, the shrapnel hitting the metal with loud clanks.

It quieted again and you knew he was reloading. You exhaled, looking over your shoulder, yelling loudly, "You better put that shit away Wainfleet! You owe me! Unless you want to explain to your Colonel that you shot both of his kids."

Half a beat passed, all of you waiting as silence settled into the air. You carefully looked ahead to where Wainfleet was positioned, and boldly, you stepped out, your glare terrifying even from a distance.

"I'll give you ten seconds." He grit his teeth, shaking his head at you before putting his rifle up in surrender.

You scoffed your hands around your mouth as you challenged him, "That's too long for your reaction time. You always were slower than me during drills."

"Damn you, y/n!" You heard in your peripheral as you turned, pushing everyone along toward the edge of the opening below.

"Hey! That's lieutenant to you!" You goaded, Lo'ak impatient as he pulled you along with him, gripping your hand tightly before bullets began to spray into the air once more.

All of you diving, your adrenaline pumped, you barely noticed the temperature of the water as you entered the sea again, swimming further down and taking cover in the depths. Wainfleet ran over, hanging over the edge as he looked for you all in the water.

Lo'ak waited for you in the water, eyes brightening and swimming beside you as Neteyam motioned for you all to follow him. Outside of the ships wings, you all surfaced, savoring the air.

"You're not shot, are you?" You kept yourself afloat, your hands exploring all over Lo'ak, unease lingering within you.

"Your husband is safe. No dying, remember?" Lo'ak's smile teeming with pride as he caressed your cheek.

"And you two?" You turned your attention to Neteyam and Spider, who both nodded.

"Thank you for the vest." Neteyam added, pointing to a large snagged tear on the upper part of it, "I'd be dead without you, mighty warrior."

"Took you long enough to realize it," You reached into one of the pockets, taking hold of your comms and placing it back on your neck and hooking in the ear piece with a smug smile.

"Jake, do you read me? I'm with Lo'ak and Neteyam. We're off the ship and we got Spider." You called, waiting for an answer back as Lo'ak and Spider talked.

"I'm gone for a little bit and you get married without me?" Spider joked in fake offense, splashing Lo'ak, "And to my sister too?"

Playfully, he splashed Spider back, "Sorry bro. It was love at first sight."

Hearing that, you placed an affection hand on the back of Lo'ak's neck, smiling as you rubbed it with your thumb, Lo'ak practically melting at your touch as he leaned into you.

"Y/n, I read you. Where's Kiri and Tuk?" Jake replied with labored breaths.

"They're with Tsireya..." You began, your voice dimming as you caught sight of her in front of you, her arms frantically waving to get your attention.

"Lo'ak, Neteyam, y/n!" You all looked up to see her in a panic, her arms waving to get your attention from where she was.

"Uh—," She was at a loss for words, stuttering at first, "Kiri and Tuk are tied up on the ship with your father!"

As day turned over, natural light snuffed by the dawn of eclipse, the flames on the ship only emblazoned against the bioluminescence of the ocean, a wreckage amidst the Great Mother's creation. The fires had grown and grown and if your father didn't get to Kiri and Tuk first, there was no escaping the death trap that the ship had become.

Tsireya met you halfway on her ilu, your hands at your comms as you clarified, "Nevermind, they're on the ship with my father. I'm inbound."

"Y/n do not engage. Neytiri and I will go. You guys get to safety." His voice coarse, but worry seeping through the roughness.

"Copy. Lima Charlie." You lied, dropping your hands to the side.

"You guys get Spider to safety somewhere. I'll go with Tsireya." You motioned for the boys to leave, hopping on the back of Tsireya's ilu without a second thought.

"No, I'm coming with you," Lo'ak protested, grabbing your hand from the side.

You retracted your hand, your voice serious, "My father knows I love you. And he will kill you if he sees you. I'm going alone."

Tapping Tsireya, she dove into the water, swimming through the underbelly of the ship, you skirted around the protrusions of metal until you found yourselves right underneath the moon pool, Kiri and Tuk above you. Not too far was another opening into that part of the base, the rocks causing the metal grates to open one of the ventilation shafts.

You gave a sign of gratitude to Tsireya before telling her to find her family and she nodded, wishing you good luck. Entering into the shaft, you crouched, holding your breath until you no longer needed to, the water shallowing as you furthered deeper.

You remained watchful, peeking your head above. Your father had every man spread out and stationed on the various platforms, but he remained close to the pool in the center, Kiri and Tuk close to one another on the forward railing. Your father was guarding them, eyes cautious and anticipating ambush.

Ears perked up, you heard steps from one of the upper wings and in the small crevice, you caught sight of Jake, ducking behind one of the missile launchers.

"Get down!"

It was all you heard before a massive explosion tore the air, surging pressure ripping everything in its path and rattling every soldier. The smoke gave perfect cover as you hopped onto the platform, gutting the soldier that was nearby with precision before maneuvering past one of the burning AMP suits.

Jake took care of the upper deck, indistinct shouts coming from above, while you saw Neytiri fly in on her ikran. Clearing the middle deck, you worked your way toward the outer perimeter, keeping their positions in mind as you opted for melee attacks to avoid detection.

But when you spotted Wainfleet ahead, reloading his gun with his sights on Neytiri, you burst through with a quickness, slashing at him with your knife, a move he barely managed to dodge as he fell backward.

"Y/n!" She yelled, her voice breaking with threatened panic.

Jake jumped down, tomahawk in hand as he pushed you behind him, taking over combat with Wainfleet, "I told you to get to safety!"

Turning around, you felt eyes on you, shooting your rifle at a lurking soldier, "And let you have all the fun, old man? No way."

"You're such a pain in my ass, you know that?" Jake grunted as he flipped Wainfleet over the edge of the railing.

You rolled your eyes, "I'll clear the rest of the soldiers for you. Go get your daughters."

For once, Jake had no retort, ducking through the littered bodies and the flames toward the moon pool. You watched his back, shooting at the remaining soldiers until there were none left.

Making your way through the rest of the soldiers, you came face to face with your own regiment, a fight twenty years in the making, each of them never having to be against you. They had spent their stint with Quaritch respecting you, and it was earned on your part.

You had ran out of bullets, your fist up and your knife in hand, "You shoot how you piss, you know. You really thought I died from your bullet?"

You threw a punch and he dodged, taking a chance at a swing but you leaned backward too, grunting he replied, "Never could catch a break from you."

Catching him off guard, you sliced at his arm, making him wince and taking hold of your rifle again, you thrusted the end of it aggressively at his chin. When he faltered, you used all your power to throw him overboard.

Looking over the edge, you watched Wainfleet fall into the water, looking behind you with your knife still up, anticipating another attack. But it never came as you walked backwards, your foot landing on something solid making you stop.

Lifting your foot, your eyes to the ground, you crouched, Eytukan's bow on the ground, and looking around for Neytiri, you were frantic. She would never leave her bow unless she was injured.

When you approached closer to the moon pool, you walked cautiously with the bow in hand, strategic as you avoided the fires that had erupted all around.

"A son for a son." Neytiri's familiar voice roughened by the grief and anger she felt inside.

To your horror, it wasn't Kiri or Tuk underneath your father's knife as you expected.

It was Lo'ak.

You didn't know what to think as you watched the scene unfold before you. Neytiri was holding Spider by his hair, her knife at his neck while she stared at your father. Jake was behind him, pleading with both of them with his hands out, one cuff on his wrist. Neteyam, Kiri, and Tuk behind him.

Exhaling, you closed your eyes, ushering another prayer as you drew back the bow, revealing yourself, "What kind of family are we supposed to be if you let my brother die for your revenge?"

Hearing your voice, Quaritch turned, Lo'ak hissing as the pivot of the knife drew more blood, "He's not mine. We not even the same species."

"What does that make me?" You walked closer, Jake's urgency coated with worry, but silenced by what was at stake.

"You're my daughter, y/n. Whether you like it or not, you're a Quaritch. Always will be. I raised you. I made you into the soldier you are today."

You scoffed, "You say daughter and soldier in the same sentence as if it's the same thing. You talk about what you lost? You know what I lost? I lost you."

You advanced with steady assurance, putting the bow down as you reached out boldly to him, placing your hand on your father's wrist, "Because you put being the Colonel first, I died. You killed me. And if you kill Lo'ak, you're killing me again."

Quaritch didn't move, standing there, caught between two versions of himself as he stared at you. He knew clung to the part of himself that had come for blood, but as he looked into your eyes, the part of him that had already lost too much couldn't pretend that it wouldn’t cost him again. Even as you stood in front of him wearing all your Na'vi clothes, he still saw his little girl, the one he saved from that hell hole all those years ago. His grip wavered, not enough to lower his weapon, but enough to betray the fracture running through him.

He had mourned you once already, felt that absence hollow him out, turn everything cold and final.

Then, he looked over at Spider, his life hanging in the balance.

Across from you, Neytiri held her ground, her fear sharpened into something dangerous, "Release or I cut."

Her hand tightened—not wild, but deliberate—as she made her bargain clear: a life for a life. If her son fell, so would his. Deepening her words, she slashed at him

His silence stretched, not with indecision, but recognition.

Whatever he chose next wouldn’t just take one life.

He would lose both of you.

His face gave nothing cleanly away, only a tightening around the eyes, a strain in the set of his mouth, his fingers slackening little by little, tightening again.

His deliberation made you nervous, and your eyes went to Neytiri, her impatience making her bloodthirsty. She ached to make him feel loss just as she did, for her Forest, for her father. She raised the knife, screaming as the blade pointed into Spider's chest.

"No!" Quaritch's hand finally let up, his other hand on Lo'ak loosened as he pushed him forward.

Not waiting for another moment, you pulled Lo'ak into you, dropping the bow and throwing your arms around him as he cautiously backed you away as far as possible from your father, "Why don't you ever listen to me when I tell you not to do things."

"Are you okay?" You were almost in tears seeing the blood that still seeped from his neck.

He nodded calmly, smiling like he always smiled at you, "I told you. I'll chase you for the rest of my life."

Again, you wrapped your arms around him, unable to contain a light chuckle.

Jake and Neteyam stood on guard, moving toward Neytiri as she threw Spider to the ground with a huff. Kiri helped Spider get up as Tuk took hold of her mom, scared.

"Get 'em out of here." Jake ordered, ushering Neteyam and Spider forward. He was speaking to you too, your arm around Lo'ak while you backed away toward the open sea.

"I owe you a death." He pointed his knife at her, but she only hissed.

Tuk pulled at her mother's hand, Neytiri's motherly instinct grounding her, "Mama, mama let's go."

He took care of his own, valued loyalty above all else. It's what he always said. But what did he have now?

Quaritch had nothing.

He didn't have his regiment.

He didn't have Spider.

He didn't have you.

Everything that stood by him was gone.

He let you go—and for a moment, there was nothing left in his hands.

It hit him then, sharp and hollow. His jaw tightened. The hesitation drained out of him as quickly as it had come.

If nothing else remained loyal to him, then the mission would be.

When he looked up again, whatever softness had touched him was gone.

He let them live, and in doing so, felt the last fragile thing tethering him to them snap.

Love had made him hesitate.

Loss corrected it.

What remained was simpler. Cleaner.

Purpose didn’t betray.

When he turned back, it was with the steadiness of a man who had nothing left to lose—and only one thing left to be.

He turned, this time with purpose, and fixed his gaze on Jake with a sneer, "You're not leaving now, are you Jake?" He threatened, "Knowing I'm out there? Knowing that I'll never stop? I'm coming for you and when I do, I'll kill your whole family."

You stopped in your tracks, gulping while you slowly turned toward Jake.

"Jake—"

But he wasn't listening.

You recognized that look in his eyes, his head tilted and those words that you had spoken to him so long ago as you lay dying, echoed in his head.

A father protects it's what gives him meaning

"Then let's get it done."

You pushed the spare parts container below toward Jake's foot and he grabbed it, lunging at Quaritch and throwing it at him.

Neytiri, fully in the water, called out to Jake, but the two were in a full blown knife fight now. The ship was teetering, oil from the dripping canisters causing an explosion and sending a ring of fire into the water, trapping you all. Everyone swam back toward the ship and you waited for them at the edge, your hand out for Kiri and Spider to take.

"Stay close. I'll be back." You told everyone, caressing Lo'ak's cheek before separating from them all to look for Eytukan's bow, wanting to help Jake as they continued into combat.

You spotted it in the distance, but the boat was sinking, turning over slowly and the edge of it going downward and allowing water to flood through the opened hatch beside you.

Suddenly, Tuk was swept into it, her grip on Neytiri's hand slipping until she finally plunged in. Neytiri dove after her and Neteyam followed too, slipping into the abyss.

Kiri called out for her mother, wanting to go too, but Spider stopped her, the ship continuing to turn upside down, "We have to go!"

They moved up, scaling the metal walls. Lo'ak took your hand again, the two of you following after them. It was a race against the ship, every movement you made seemingly quickening your damnation into the sea.

As Jake and your father continued their fight, plunging into the water as the hull of the ship was finally topside, you walked along the keel as the ship rocked, your movements wobbly with the motion. The weight of the ship could no longer be held above the surface, plunging you all further down as the sea floor called to it.

Lo'ak tightened his grip around your waist, "Stay close to me."

You hugged him once the ship was finally submerged, you both held your breaths. Opening your eyes in the water, you watched as the entire ship crashed down, the water disrupted by its presence.

Still holding one another, you swam to the surface, looking around for Kiri and Spider, who thankfully surfaced with you.

"They're down there, Kiri." You turned to her, taking hold of her hand, "You have to do something."

Lo'ak and Spider looked at one another, confused as Kiri nodded.

"Call your tsurak." You told Lo'ak, and he did right away, the beast still nearby waiting.

When it came, Lo'ak mounted it, helping you up while Kiri and Spider held onto the harness. Down, down, down, you swam reaching the wreckage, the emergency lights still on, but barely giving light.

The creatures of the sea hung around it, seemingly curious by such an oddity in their home. But also, it seemed that the Great Mother understood what was needed as you and Kiri both spotted the gill mantles that swam near the opening of the ship.

Kiri dismounted and you waved at her, showing her your trust as she connected to one of the gill mantles. She would help find her mother, Neteyam, and Tuk while you swam with Lo'ak and Spider to find Jake.

The inside of the ship had become a maze of metal as you dismounted, the sand from the bottom of the sea making the water even more murky. Using the metal structures to help push you forward, you searched everywhere for any sign of him, you and Lo'ak looking together while Spider took to the other side.

You were anxious, the vastness of the ship making your search feel futile. You were deep into the ship, easily accessed air feeling like a pipe dream. But still, you looked keenly until Lo'ak tapped you, pointing ahead at Jake, his body convulsing, desperate for air as his body lay on a metal rod.

Quickly, you and Lo'k took hold of him, guiding his body to find a pocket of air somewhere, anywhere.

Light peeking from above gave way to an opening and you swam upward, that pocket saving you all. Slowly, Jake came to, reaching out to the bar in front of him for stability.

"Just breathe, old man." You let out, taking in a couple breaths yourself.

He looked at you, blinking, piecing his words together as air filled his lungs, his head clearing, "It's over."

You knew what that meant, tears falling as you put a hand on Jake's shoulder, "It's over."

Lo'ak looked behind him, "We're losing the air pocket. We gotta move."

Jake's breath was staggering, blood dripping from his forehead as he adjusted his grip, "You know you're way out?"

"It's gonna be a long breath hold." You admitted, "But yes."

"I can't make it."

Your face fell and you shook your head, "What do you mean you can't make it? We're going, old man. Hurry up before we—"

"You can," His eyes were closed, defeated, "You can."

"No, dad." Lo'ak refused.

"No, I'm not going without you." You echoed Lo'ak's refusal.

Sterner, Jake spoke again, "You gotta go right now!"

"I can't lose you too, Jake!" You yelled at him, pausing as you winced, "Eywa didn't bring me back to life just for you to give up on yours now. We just became family again. Please."

The metal rumbled, rattling in tandem with your shaky voice, your heartbeat no longer stable, rapid as you felt it quicken. The water was slowly rose and Lo'ak placed a hand on your chest, calming you with his touch.

"You just have to slow your heart down, Dad." He instructed, Jake listening as Lo'ak continued, switching places with you as he put a hand on his stomach, "Breathe from here."

Lo'ak's voice didn’t rise to meet the panic—it cut through it as he spoke the words that Tsireya had first taught you during your first lessons.

He recited the way of water with a measured cadence, each one deliberate, grounded, but his voice carried a collected control, commanding the world to slow itself down, your hearts and bodies listening, breathing in rhythm with Lo'ak.

You barely noticed the water rising until Lo'ak said, "Last breath," His voice encouraging as you were finally submerged.

Never letting go of your hand, Lo'ak led the way for all of you, Jake close as he navigated toward the opening of the ship. While you were swimming, finding your way out, so too was Kiri with the rest of the Sullys, using the gifts the Great Mother had given her to save them.

You had reached open water, the surface still so far and distant as you began your ascent upward. You could see Jake struggling, clawing for breath, eager to reach the surface, his air practically spent already.

Then, like a miracle, you heard a familiar click as Payakan swam beside you, offering his fin. The three of you taking hold, he swam to the surface, breaching and blowing water out of his blowhole.

Jake took in the air, panicked as Lo'ak reassured him. You patted Payakan, the touch making him trill as you let out, "Thank you."

"I see you, son." You heard Jake say and you turned, not sure if you had heard him correctly.

Jake was holding Lo'ak, clearly proud as he continued to catch his breath, holding onto Payakan with his other hand for dear life.

You realized that this was the first time Jake actually listened to Lo'ak, felt the weight of his words without protest.

But Lo'ak didn't do it for his father's approval.

He did it for you.

Despite everything that your father had done, all the pain he caused you, Lo'ak had seen those small moments where you really did love him, felt the affection and the deep comfort he had given you as a child. You had lost your father not once, but twice now.

He learned who his father was through your eyes, saw how he had cared for you when you had no one else. And suddenly, the resentment he held for Jake didn't seem to matter. Still, he couldn't help but feel that recognition within him, unsure what to say.

You couldn't help but smile, kneeling back down as you hugged Lo'ak from behind, pressing your cheek against his, "Took you long enough, you goddamn cripple."

Jake didn't even have a jab to say back, simply shaking his head as he put an affectionate hand on your head.

"Ma Jake!" Neytiri screamed in the distance.

Jake's eyes lit up, all of you reuniting on Payakan's fin. Reaching out for Tuk, you held her hand as Lo'ak took the other, "I got you, Tuk."

"You good, baby bro?" Neteyam asked.

Lo'ak shrugged cockily, "This was light work, but you look out of breath."

"Twenty-seven, just so you know," You looked over at Neteyam, sticking a tongue out.

Narrowing his eyes at you, he gave you a half-grin, "You may have bested me this time, but you have your whole life with us now to lose to me."

"No way, bro." Lo'ak said, kissing your cheek, "It's the other way around."

You all held one another, the rise of day breaking as the last moments of eclipse gave way to a new day.

Sullys stick together.

It was your greatest weakness.

And your great strength.

But there was another saying that was just as true.

Quaritchs don't die easy.

The war was far from over.

From darkness to light, the Great Mother brought you back to life, returned you to the family you were always meant to have.

But light can come in many forms.

Your father would return, not by the light of dawn, but by the fury of fire.

-

Author's Note,

rollercoaster from beginning to end!!!!

to everyone who had waited for this part, please please please tell me your thoughts in the comments!

I am so happy to be writing again for you all on this tumblr account!

ever since I started posting on tiktok and seeing so much love in our clan!! thank you again to everyone for making this space so special.

stay tuned for in love with the enemy: into fire and ash!!! :)

love,

nana <3

aka

tsahik helene

"You forget that I have to get there on foot." You replied, standing up to face him.

"If it is too far, perhaps it would be better if you came along with me today." He attempted to convince you, even though you were already headed out the bases' doors.

"You know I'll never hear the end of it if I don't see Nefika today like I told her I would." Already waving goodbye as you turned around.

Huffing, So'lek pouted, muttering to himself as he could only watch you leave, "Oh Nefika, she can be so insufferable sometimes."

You remembered a faster way, although it still took a long time to get there, the sun no longer in its position it was at dawn.

Entering from the front entrance, most of the Aranahe were already awake, and it didn't take long to find Nefika, who eagerly awaited your arrival near the Weaver's den as she looked over her endless spools of silks and fabrics.

The familiar smell of the bark filled your nose and the distinct light aroma of the silk was carried through the air. As if sensing you were behind her, Nefika didn't even turn around and gave no greeting as she hastily stated, "Hurry Sarentu! Let me take a look at you!"

Already holding a large purple cloth, she held it up next to you, her eyes squinting as she analyzed the color against your eyes. You couldn't help but chuckle as you put a hand up to slow her down, "Your excitement makes me excited, but I just got here! Breathe! You have plenty of time to dress me up today."

She dropped the purple cloth, picking up another with a different shade, "Yes! But the crafting process is long. This is the easy part and yet I am still having such a difficult time. If only there was someone to help me!" She sighed, feigning helplessness as she threw the other cloth to the side.

"How can I help?" You insisted, giving her a friendly smile.

But instantly, Nefika refused, "No, no! You are the model. You must stay put. The other weavers are finishing their projects, so they cannot help." She looked up for a moment before letting out a gasp as an idea came to her mind, "You know what? I just saw Itu land before you got here. Why don't you get him so he can help. I know he has nothing else planned."

Your eyes lit up, "Itu is here! Sure, I can get him now."

Satisfied, Nefika smiled to herself watching you run upward toward the ikrans' landing, the plan she had been working on all week finally coming together.

Once you walked out into the sunlight, you heard Zomey before you saw her, the sounds she made now familiar to you. When they both came into view, Itu was feeding her before he caught sight of you.

"And what are you doing here?" He asked, although he knew the answer.

For the first time in his life, he couldn't wait to return to HomeTree today, especially knowing that you would be there. He was so excited in fact, that he had forgotten what day you were coming and had come yesterday.

Nefika was the one who had received him, stunned to find the wayward boy back at home with no clear answer as to why. He couldn't admit to her that he was there for you at first, until she forced it out of him. She held the real day you were coming for ransom until he finally said he was waiting for you.

Extending your hand out, you motioned for him to follow you, "Come on! I need your help."

Talking amongst yourselves as you made your way down, Itu was curious, noting the time of day, "You are here very early. Did you walk here again?"

You nodded, and he instantly scowled, "We must get you your own ikran! Now that you have officially been trained as real hunter, it is time!"

Reaching the base of the walkway, you entered back into the weavers' den pointing to Nefika, "Well, after I'm finished getting new clothes, that will be our next adventure. I wouldn't want to scare the ikran with my ugly clothes, right?"

Your joke made Itu laugh aloud, and Nefika of course was watching, intently entertained, "Oh it is so lucky that you are here Itu. Hold the fabrics up while I measure!"

-

Meanwhile, So'lek remained at the Resistance Base pacing back and forth in the main area, silently brooding as everyone else watched with concern.

Teylan, crouching and tinkering with one of the RDA gadgets, finally looked up for his task, "So'lek, did you know that pacing is a way that we cope with stress when we are thinking. So maybe if you stop thinking about what you're thinking about, you won't be as stressed."

"I am not stressed." So'lek's eyes darkened as he finally halted, fists balled.

But Teylan merely shrugged his shoulders at him with an innocent grin, "I was just trying to help."

"I do not need help, what I need is for Tam—" He sighed, shaking his head, "Nevermind. I suppose it is my own fault that I let her go by herself, so I must go now."

"Who?" Teylan, still confused as he looked over at Ri'nela for help, her own handiwork being interrupted as she looked up at him calmly.

"He is going to see Tamtey in the Aranahe HomeTree."

"Oh." He replied, still confused, "He was stressed about that?"

-

So'lek flew fast on Iley, making his way to HomeTree quickly. In truth, he didn't even know why he was going in the first place. He couldn't shake this new feeling that had found a home inside of him, an unshakeable unnamed feeling that twisted his gut and suddenly made him do things he would never do.

Arriving at ikrans' landing, Iley perched herself on one of the edges, but not before greeting the ikran already there.

Displeased, So'lek dismounted, already recognizing who that ikran belonged to. Without even saying anything to anyone, a young hunter already approached him, "Are you looking for the Sarentu girl?"

So'lek raised an eyebrow, nodding slowly, "I am, yes."

"Nefika told me I should probably expect you." He admitted, shocking So'lek as he led him down past The Commons and all the way down.

Just as you did, he heard Nefika before he saw her, and even more to his dismay, he heard another voice.

"Come closer to me so I can secure the beads tighter."

So'lek scrunched his face when you all came into view, Itu in front of you, one of your hands on his shoulder, a wholly unnecessary gesture if anyone bothered to ask him.

Without even thinking, So'lek found himself between you and him, taking your hand away from Itu's shoulder as he grunted, "I fear you are not needed here, Itu."

Nefika put a hand to her mouth, hiding her huge grin as you and Itu looked up at So'lek, his scowl only softening when your gentle voice piped in, "So'lek, what are you doing here?"

He blinked at you, realizing what he was doing, his gaze falling to your intertwined hands, "I..." He paused, feeling the intensity of your stare along with the stares of Nefika and Itu as he tried to find the words to explain himself.

He noticed the absence of your comms on your neck, a necklace in its place, and thinking quickly on his feet, he cleared his throat, talking slow and careful, "You were not answering, so I came because I need you...there is RDA activity nearby."

"Then we have to go!" You replied with no hesitation, your expression apologetic toward Nefika, "I'm sorry that I have to leave before we finished."

“And why can’t you go by yourself? Clearly she is busy with me.” Itu let out boldly, “Or perhaps you require her assistance now that I have taught her my ways with a bow?”

“I never did thank you for giving me the bow, Itu. It has become very helpful and will be helpful today too.” You added before looking at Nefika again.

She was about to speak, but So’lek beat her to it, irritation already visible as a vein seemed to pop out of his forehead, “It is a basic heavy bow, Tamtey. Nothing special. With the spare parts you got recently, I can make you a better one.”

He gave Nefika an apologetic look for cutting her off, but Nefika was not phased by the interruption at all, completely entertained as she observed Itu, his eyes not leaving your hand still in Sol'ek's.

“Everyone knows that it is not the instrument in which a hunter uses that makes him skilled, but the way they navigate their hunting tools.” Itu smugly pointed out, smiling, “Even with my basic bow, Tamtey managed well.”

“I thought I was not as good a hunter as you?” You jabbed, pressing a finger into his chest.

“The more we spend time with one another, the better you will be.” He stated proudly.

“You waste time.” So’lek grunted, “Forgive me, Nefika for interrupting.”

“No need!” Nefika exclaimed, “You know you are always welcome at HomeTree, our Sarentu! Come back anytime so we may finish your new clothing. But even though your clothes are quite the eyesore, your pretty face makes up for it. Don't you agree, Itu?"

Breaking his stare, he looked up as you let out one of your laughs, and suddenly he found himself noticing everything about you, the way your cheeks lifted, how your eyes became crescent moons, and the curve of your lips. Catching So'lek's glare, he smirked, nodding happily to Nefika's question, "Just pretty? You insult her, Nefika. She is more than that."

So'lek fought every urge to roll his eyes, taken aback by the sudden boldness of this man who knew nothing about you. "One day with Tamtey and he feels he already knows her?" He thought to himself.

-

You and So'lek were out of HomeTree rather quickly, your sense of urgency motivating you as you asked So'lek questions about the RDA activity he spoke about. But So'lek could hardly think about anything else as you held onto his waist from behind, your chest on his back as you spoke questions into his ear.

You had ridden with him on Iley planty of times, but never did he notice the way your arms felt around him or how he liked the way you would poke your head on the right side of him to prompt his attention. It was only now that his thoughts were disrupted by those little things.

“You will be spending more time with this Itu?” He yelled over the wind, gulping as he anticipated your answer, feeling suddenly childish for even asking.

“He is becoming a great friend. Next time, he is taking me to the ikran rookery to finally get my bonded.” Explaining to him, you leaned forward.

So’lek listened, only being able to nod as he felt a twist in his heart. In response as he focused on what was ahead of him, and changing the subject, “We are not too far from the site, but we must be alert.”

You flew around for a while, So'lek stalling you as he continued to feign a lead toward an RDA site that he had not yet confirmed. His answers to your questions about it were vague as he rode lower within the treetops, scanning the forest floor below to spot any sign to give plausibility to his lie.

Lucky for him, there would always be RDA activity to some degree, the spray of bullets and metal clunking in the distance making his ears twitch and Iley caw loudly in disdain too.

Once Iley landed, you and So'lek dismounting quietly and observing from afar within the protection of the nearby brush, there were no words between the two of you.

There didn’t need to be.

You were perfectly in sync with one another’s movements just from the looks you gave one another before charging in.

As So’lek took care of the AMP suits, ejecting them with his knife, you immediately ran to sabotage the wiring system, your bow drawn as you took out the remaining soldiers.

So’lek watched you between each move, his eyes always scanning to make sure you were safe as you dismantled the rest of the site. As each of the machines failed one by one, you called out to So’lek, running as far away as possible while the imminence of an explosion was nearing and nearing.

Hearing your voice, he was quick, meeting you where you were and putting you behind him instinctively. The two of you watched as the entire site burst, the metal destroyed as flames erupted. Placing a hand on his shoulder, you were still catching your breath, “How long do you think it will take for the land to recover?”

So’lek looked at you from the side, dirt caked on your cheek from the flying debris. He pivoted his body to face you, reaching up, his thumb swiping across it as he removed the dirt gently, “The Great Mother works in Her own time, but I know with Her power, it will not be long.”

You put a hand on his wrist and he kept his hand where it was, pausing his movements to hold your cheek, the feel of your skin warm against his calloused fingers, “You are becoming better with your bow.”

“That’s usually what happens when you have a good teacher.” You leaned into his touch with gratefulness, reaching forward with your other hand to put a hand on his heart, “Thank you So’lek.”

“That is true.” He began, his heart beat quickening unexpectedly, “But you fight with your whole heart. I did not teach you that. That was already inside of you.”

Sighing, you looked down, “You really think so? Sarentu were storytellers. We were never warriors. Sometimes I feel lost.” Then, back at the site, your tone reflective, you continued. “Trying to find home as the RDA destroy Pandora, a place I feel like I know nothing about.”

He understood your pain, grief overcoming him. Softened by you, he let a small smile fall on his lips as he placed a reassuring hand over yours, “Home does not always have to be a place. It can be a person. You may not know where you fit in a world that has believed you were lost, but you will always belong where I reside.”

His voice was guided by a need to reassure you, as he always did, but this time was different, a raised affection that even he didn’t expect to utter in that moment.

If there was a name to what you were feeling, you could not find it. His words struck you speechless as you blinked at him, not knowing if tears were threatening to fall from your eyes as you felt the weight of his words deep within you, your soul so moved that your heart seemed to skip a beat. You didn’t know what to say, staring into his eyes as he held your gaze. But finally words found you somehow, your voice calm, “You have home with me too, So’lek.”

Comfortable silence passed you two until the Forest awakened your senses to your surroundings again, the breeze of the afternoon whirring you both out of the moment.

“We should go!” You let your hand fall from his chest and wrist, turning abruptly toward the direction of where Iley was waiting, “We can go back to the base and tell Priya about this processing site. I’m sure she’d love to put it in her pollution stats.”

When you let go, there was a part of So’lek that longed for that moment to linger, the absence of your comforting touch making him frown. Yet, he pushed that desire aside, replying, “I do not know what that means, but yes. We should head back.”

-

The minute you left HomeTree, Itu did not linger for long, only managing to speak to a couple of his friends before going back to the ikrans’ landing. Itu, who had no interest explaining himself again, tried hard to run away from Nefika, but her persistence was unmatched as she followed him all the way up.

“That So’lek…” She began, her hands behind her, “I can tell you are vexed by him. Why is that? He seems to be close with our Sarentu.”

“Vexed? Me? By him?” Itu scoffed, “I am only acting in this way because it amuses me! I know you agree that making him angry is entertaining.”

Nefika chuckled, nodding,”Ah! So you anger So’lek for your own amusement. Are you certain there is no other reason?” She was fishing again, excited as her eyes brightened waiting for his answer.

“If you think I am doing this because of Tamtey, you are wrong.” Itu denied, “It is merely fun to mess with the man.”

“If you say so,” Nefika said, backing away slowly as Itu finally mounted Zomey, “I will see you soon!”

-

Author’s Note

Oooooo it’s gonna get juicy very very sooooooon!!!!

If you liked this chapter, pleaseeee comment and tell me your favorite part!!

Part three sooon my wonderful clan :)

You showed up in his reality without warning, your presence sudden and unexpected when you came to him in the Kinglor Forest, claiming that he was teaching you how to hunt. He even laughed in your face about it, bellowing loudly that even his ikran Zomey echoed in a similar sound.

He didn't have to think twice to know that it was Nefika who had put you up to it, so accustomed to her usual antics. She would do anything to irritate him, knowing full well she couldn't do it in the comforts of Hometree, the place he avoided the most.

All he wanted to do was soar the skies alone with Zomey. He had absolutely no interest teaching you anything, the whole concept of it so intensely boring and not at all what he wished to spend his time doing.

Still, he found himself giving in to you anyway, unwilling to admit that there was something positive in the intrigue he held about you. Itu simply convinced himself that the mystery of your identity and your lack of awareness merely gave him more of a chance to make fun of you for your rookie mistakes.

Suddenly you had Itu's heavy bow in your hands, drawing the string back and aiming at the target ahead. You looked over at him before you let the arrow fly, slightly nervous under his judgmental gaze. Despite your own jitters, you hit the target with surprising precision, moon eyed while a satisfied smile took over your lips.

"You can hit a static target at least." He chided as he stood beside you, catching the happy glint in your eyes that remained even with his sarcastic remark.

You didn't find him rude or off-putting even though he found amusement in teasing you, laughing along as you replied, "So what do I have to do to hit a moving target? Not everyone can be as skilled as you Itu, but I'll take it as a challenge to try."

Itu raised his eyebrows at you, begrudgingly drawn to the quick contrast in you, your gentle voice speaking words that exposed a fierce spirit he didn't expect, "You are right about one thing. It will be a challenge. Come, you have a lot to learn."

Eclipse was nearly approaching, the regular shade of blue that cascaded the sky slowly darkening and the transition of the plants' bioluminescence almost upon you. You had lost track of time exploring deep within the trees and brush of the Kinglor Forest, learning to track with your senses and discerning the signs of the sturmbeests who were just nearby.

Itu knew where the sturmbeests would be of course, purposefully straying you away to test the sharpness of your senses. You had caught onto his tricks rather quickly though, but you went along with his lessons anyway, eager to learn as much as you could.

When you had successfully tracked the sturmbeest herd, four of them at the shore of a river drinking water, you let a breath out, trying your best to expel your nerves as you drew your bow back from a distance.

"Now is not the time for hesitation." Itu spoke in your ear, deliberately trying to distract you.

"Be quiet. Your annoying voice might scare them away." You glared at him before letting go of the taut string.

Itu said nothing, his focus on the release of your arrow and his mouth agape as he hoped you would miss, the inherent need he felt to gloat so desperately wanting to be fulfilled.

But to his dismay, you managed to hit your target, the sturmbeest falling into the water with a large splash as its companions scattered back into the forest.

You ran toward the animal quickly and approaching it, you knelt down, placing a delicate hand on its neck, "Thank you for these gifts." You spoke with your eyes closed, feeling its life fade and return to the Great Mother.

When you opened your eyes, Itu was right beside you, his hands against the stomach of the sturmbeest and his eyes still closed, whispers of prayers coming out of his mouth and into the open air.

You let him finish his prayer before you took out the arrow, wiping the blood off with the edge of your shorts. Itu watched you, shaking his head in disgust, "I meant to ask earlier, but what are you wearing? I have never seen armor as ugly as yours."

You were wearing military-grade clothing, bland guerrilla gear that was clearly out of place, "This is the best I could do right now," You sighed, remembering Nefika say the same thing, the sight of you ghastly amidst her ornately decorated silken accessories and colorful garb.

Chuckling, he began carving out the meat from the sturmbeest, "Your best can be better."

"I'll make sure to tell Nefika you agree with her then." You beamed with satisfaction, smiling at him as he met your eyes.

Surrendering immediately, he refused, "No, please do not tell Nefika one thing. I do my best to avoid her as much as possible, even through the mention of my name."

Placing a hand on his shoulder, you let out another laugh, your eyes crinkling in the corners at the change in his attitude, "Relax, Itu. I'm only kidding. But try as you might, I feel Nefika will always have her ears open, even when she's not here."

He paused, finding himself amused again by you, disarmed by your laughter as his own erupted, "That is true. Nefika does have quite the hunger for gossip. But I would rather live my life in practice, rather than speak of things true or untrue for fun."

Shrugging, you disagreed, "All of us find joy in different things. You have a love for adventure and Nefika loves her clothes and gossip."

Itu put his knife down, turning his body toward you with a tilted head, his tone curious, "And what about you, Sarentu? What gives you joy?"

"What gives me joy?"

You thought for a moment, the spirit of the Forest seemingly livening with every breath as the bioluminescent glow awakened around you. Eclipse had finally come, beckoning the colors of each plant, the shore ebbing and flowing with receding shades of pink and green. You looked down at the arrow you still held in your hand and the heavy bow clasped around the other, then shifting your eyes to Itu, you couldn't help but smile seeing the dots on his face and body glow just as yours did—he was another one of The People teaching you the Na'vi ways, something that was no longer lost to you.

"Being here with you," The words left you rather carelessly as you looked all around in awe at the Forest's beauty.

Itu stilled, your words coming out like they were nothing as something in his chest stirred before he could stop it. It was an unwelcomed warmth that erupted so suddenly that he turned his face away from yours and back to the sturmbeest below him, chuckling as he brushed the feeling away, "Consider yourself lucky then that you've found company with me and not some of the boring folk who only want to stay at HomeTree."

"Well speaking of the boring folk of HomeTree, I have to go back now that we've finished our hunting lesson." You got up, wiping the dirt from your knees.

Itu stood up with you, his next words escaping without a second thought, "You don't need to go back to HomeTree right now. It is eclipse. Stay at my camp and you can go in the morning. Besides, don't you want to eat the sturmbeest you hunted?"

"Well, I have someone waiting for me to return after I come back from HomeTree, so I..." You began, but you stopped, noticing a slight pout on Itu's face.

But his pout faded away as quickly as you noticed it, a laugh replacing it, "Surely this someone who is waiting for you can wait one more day. I would not want to make you return in the night, no matter how capable you have proven to be."

You were caught off guard, crossing your arms with a raised eyebrow, "You give compliments with such attitude. You know Itu, if you simply enjoy being around me, you can just say that too."

Itu felt that unwelcomed feeling arise again inside of him, but he pushed it down deep as he scoffed, shrugging, "Do not be mistaken. I would rather be alone with Zomey. I am merely taking pity on you by saving you from a boring night with boring company."

You could sense that there was more to what he was saying, realizing that his relentless teasing was only a front. So, you simply surrendered to his request, going along with him with another chuckle, “Well then, thank you for saving me.”

Itu led the way as the two of you went back into the Forest. His camp was not too far from the water, the site nestled between two large trees and his resting spot being a small cave. Zomey was perched above the cave, waiting patiently for Itu to return before she felt comfortable to lay down atop the grass on the rock.

You stepped inside after Itu, his belongings placed around a firepit in the middle, "This is home for the week before I move on to another spot, somewhere near more Fortune's fruit most likely."

“Ah, that makes sense since it's her favorite, right?." You replied, watching as Itu began to prepare the fire, placing the kindling within the firepit then igniting it.

He had only mentioned that once to you, an instant smile forming on his face because you remembered, "That is right. The fruit is fitting for her personality."

"For both of you." The light jab making Itu laugh as he arranged a bed of rocks for the meat to be roasted on.

"For you as well." He paused, granting you his eyes as he looked over your figure in front of him, "There is more to you than meets the eye."

Leaning back, curiosity hung in the way he stared at you, his eyes lingering on you more than he meant to as he uttered a question you didn't hear at all as you heard a familiar voice in your comms, low and gruff.

"Tamtey? Can you hear me?"

Your eyes widened, your grin turning into a flat line as you placed a hand around the strange choker you had around your neck, "So'lek? Is everything alright?"

Itu was utterly confused, watching as you seemingly spoke into the air with no subject to catch them, commenting rather loudly with a smug grin, "I hope you are not so hungry from our hunting lesson you have begun hallucinating! The meat is almost ready."

"Who is speaking?" So'lek emphasized every letter, concern and confusion fusing into one hearing Itu's unfamiliar voice.

"It's Itu." Your hands were on your comms as you bellowed in laughter replying to Itu, "I am hungry, but not hallucinating. I am speaking to someone through this...device in my ears. It is hard to explain, but—"

"Who is Itu?" So'lek interrupted, his tone coming off slightly insulted as he heard your laughter in his ear, "It is eclipse. I will come get you. I am with Iley now." You heard Iley's caw amidst So'lek's voice, his inflections of concern obvious in how fast he talked.

"He has been teaching me how to hunt all day. I am staying at his camp for the night since it is so late." Explaining the situation with ease, you thought that So’lek would respond right away, but there was a beat between his next words.

“So’lek? Are you still there?”

“Teaching you how to hunt? Had I known this was what Nefika had planned for you, I would have just taught you myself.” His voice, still low, came out more aggravated than usual, a tone of voice you hadn’t heard before.

Reassuring him, your voice remained calm and gentle as it usually did, chuckling lightly, “I am about to eat the sturmbeest I hunted now. And when I return tomorrow morning, you can teach me how to hunt your way."

"So you are not returning to HomeTree tonight?" So'lek prodded further.

"I'm at Itu's camp." You repeated, your response too nonchalant for So'lek's liking as he let another beat pass, his surprise taking away his ability to speak for a moment.

The silence made the air feel awkward, despite So'lek not being there and you made eye contact with Itu from across the fire, grinning nervously, "So'lek?" You repeated.

But Itu cut the silence, joking loudly, “Let me guess, this is the someone waiting for you to return? Tell him to relax. A woman with a brave heart like yours will be fine out here. And besides you are under my watch. No harm can come to you when I am by your side."

Like an electric shock to his ears, So'lek felt irritated hearing Itu's voice instead of yours, forced to listen to that noise rather than you. He had missed hearing it all day, the gentleness that always seemed to calm the turmoil in his heart.

"I am alright, So'lek. I will see you tomorrow." You reassured him again, and you could hear Iley caw again, her wings flapping amidst So'lek's voice.

He felt relief knowing that you were well and safe, the sound of your voice calming him like it always did, despite him wanting to see you in person. But it did not stop him from still showing his agitation, "If you would rather spend your time with Itu, I will not get in your way. But rest assured, tomorrow I do not intend to share my time with you. Good night Tamtey.”

So'lek was never a man of many words, his reaction wholly uncharacteristic as you said one more good night to him. He merely grunted in response, saying nothing more as you heard Iley's caw once more and the flap of her wings.

"He is angry you are not coming home?" Itu jested, smirking as he portioned off a piece of the cooked meat for you.

"So'lek is used to our usual routine. I realize now that I had forgotten about it when we were out in the Forest." You sighed, taking the meat from Itu as he handed it to you.

"Ah, so this So'lek is forgettable?" Itu kept his lighthearted tone, unable to contain another fit of laughter.

"That's not what I mean." Taking a bite of the meat, the spices filling your nose with their hearty aroma, you shook your head, "Most of the time we are fighting Sky People. It has been a while since I have been out in the Forest enjoying the Great Mother's gifts."

Itu let his gaze linger on you again, warmth filling his chest as he watched you happily eat the sturmbeest roast. Still, he felt denial within him, misguided in his thoughts as he attributed that warmth to the pride he felt teaching you.

"Well, should you ever want to break routine again, you know who to go to," He began, inching forward to sit closer to you, "Although you are not as good a hunter as me, I see...great potential in you."

This time, Itu's voice did not hold a cavalier tone, soft instead as he slowed his words. And you received his message with a grateful nod, smiling widely at him while your voice matched the gentleness he suddenly procured, "Just you wait and see, I am ready for your challenges any time. One of these days, you will be surprised by me."

-

When you returned to HomeTree the next day, Itu came with you, offering you a ride on Zomey to make your trip back quicker.

Touching down on the ikrans' landing, Nefika was already there with the other weavers that were seated. She was waiting there all morning for you to return, standing with other weavers who were completing their work outside in the morning light.

She was speaking to them, but the sound of Zomey from the distance made her ears twitch and looking in the direction of her familiar caws, she stopped talking mid-sentence, staring intently with her mouth hung open as she watched Itu help you dismount, taking your hand into his with a smile she had never quite seen before.

Not wasting any time, Nefika abandoned her previous conversation to greet you both, her mischievous tone escaping her as she said aloud, "I am surprised you still know the way home, Itu! Or perhaps you let our Sarentu lead the way?"

You touched your forehead with your fingers, extending your proper greeting as she did the same, "It is good to see you again, Nefika."

Observing you up and down, she crossed her arms, her facial expression satisfied, but expectant as she raised her eyebrows, "If I recall, I sent you out into the Forest early morning, Sarentu. Surely, you are not so bad at hunting that you both stayed up all night." She paused, feigning a casual curiosity, "What else did you do?"

"Besides have my clothes mocked by Itu?" You glared at him playfully, but he only returned an innocent smile back at you.

Nefika watched Itu's reactions, sensing the energy between the two of you, and taking your hand into hers, she tilted her head, prying again once more, "Oh our Sarentu! You worry me for staying out so late! And I was not the only one looking for you. Your dear So'lek came to HomeTree last night."

She was baiting Itu on purpose, watching for a slight twitch in the lip, any hint of being affected when she mentioned So'lek while she listened to you speak.

"So'lek came all the way here?" Recalling your conversation in your comms, you didn't know that So'lek had already stopped by HomeTree when he called you, your heart sinking at the realization, "I didn't know that."

Right to sense that Itu would be affected, Nefika caught the quickest shift as Itu clenched his jaw for a moment. Satisfied, she added, "But I reassured him that Itu is a fine hunter and a fine man as well! You would not be in harms way. So, he returned back home."

Looking out at the horizon, you sighed, "Thank you both for everything, but I should return home as well."

"I will take you to where home is for you. It will be faster on Zomey." Itu insisted, already looking behind at her.

"It's okay Itu! You already took me here and you didn't have to. I know you want to go explore and fly on your own. I can go alone from here." You refused, walking toward the back entrance before Itu took hold of your hand.

"Where is it? You cannot refuse if I am already on the way there anyway." He coaxed.

Pointing northwest, you explained "It's above a waterfall in the Dyers' bowl."

"Then our journeys cross. I must pass Dyers Bowl to get to Waterway Valley." Itu boldly stated, confident as he waited for your approval.

There was a faster way to Waterway Valley that did not go through Dyers Bowl at all, but Nefika maintained her position, highly amused as she watched Itu unabashedly lie to you. In her mind, she was praising herself for what was unfolding before her. Never did she think she would ever catch Itu in such a state, but she fully intended to take advantage of this newfound project of hers, taking you two both by the shoulder with affectionate fervor.

"Please Sarentu! Go with Itu! Besides, you would not want to make So'lek wait too long."

"You're right. Thank you again." Again, you spoke from your heart, oblivious to her true intentions.

"But you must come back soon. I've already begun to design your new clothes!" Nefika called out as you and Itu both walked toward Zomey.

"Of course. I will come back a week from today then!" You were already behind Itu, mounted on Zomey who was waiting for Itu to tell her what to do, her eyes already on the sky.

You figured you would surprise So'lek, not telling him that you were coming. You waved goodbye to Nefika one last time before Zomey took off, flapping her wings as she gained altitude, higher and higher until she was above the tops of the Kinglor Forest trees.

As you rode together, Itu was determined to make the flight memorable, switching between speeds and guiding your trajectory. Then when you approached closer, you instructed him past the trees and up the waterfall until you saw the familiar flag that hung on the edge of the base.

Landing Zomey near the shallow part of the water, Itu observed the base, the stories he heard of Sky People metal no longer stories as it became tangible in front of his eyes, "This is home?"

"This is—"

"Tamtey!"

Turning around, you already knew who it was, your grin widening, "Sorry I'm late."

Walking over, So'lek started out smiling, but it faltered when he noticed that you had not come alone, Itu close beside you with one hand on his ikran's head, "And you decided to bring the reason you are late here?"

Acknowledging him, Itu greeted So'lek properly, but maintained a smug smirk, "And you must be So'lek? Forgive me. I heard you were concerned for her safety, so I figured I would ease your mind."

"So you are Itu." So'lek clenched his jaw, reluctantly polite as he replied gruffly, placing an affectionate hand on your shoulder, holding your gaze with fondness, "Thank you for bringing her back to me."

"For now." Itu let out, amused as he watched his comment harden So'lek's soft gaze on you immediately, the smile he once had thinning into a frown, his agitation brewing as he glared.

And as Itu mounted Zomey again, his eyes lingering on you again, he thought about what you had told him in the cave. In truth, it only took one day and you were already surprising him.

Because suddenly, Itu found himself ready to break routine for you.

-

Author's Note:

Oel ngati kameie,

Nefika is sooooooooo funny. She really is such a gossip queen.

If you're here from my TikTok, hi! This is just part 1! If you liked this first part, tell me what you think in the comments!! :)

"I wish I had been there. The ocean blessed you with a gift, brother."

Kiri was in awe as Lo'ak retold the story that he had told you last night, the two of you never ending up going to Tsireya's as you lost track of time, too engrossed and intrigued by what had happened at Three Brother's Rock.

It was past breakfast time, the morning sun casting upon you all as you sat on the rocks, Neteyam leaning against the tree with Aonung as the rest of you sat on the ground, listening to Lo'ak's story. And while Lo'ak didn't need to convince you or Kiri of that truth—that this unknown tulkun had saved him—the others were bewildered and skeptical.

When Tsireya had first told you about the tulkun, you were more than eager to learn about them, urging her to teach you everything there was to know. They were intelligent, spiritual, and emotional creatures that have existed since the time of the First Songs.

The tulkun had the ability to communicate with Na'vi through their eyes and sounds and learned to understand the Reef People's sign language. Because of this gate of communication, of union, they had become just as important to the Reef People as their own family members; the tulkun were their spirit brothers and sisters, each clan member chosen by one tulkun in their whole lifetime. And within the pods of the tulkun were close-knit bonds and communities all united by a deep culture within themselves.

"The tulkun have not returned yet, and anyway no tulkun is ever alone." Aonung spoke out doubtfully, leaning forward, his hand rested on his knee.

You glared at Aonung, your remaining anger from last night seething as you let out a breathy chuckle, "Why are you speaking like you weren't the one who left him alone out there?"

Aonung hung his head down immediately, silenced by the guilt that arose in him. Neteyam crouched down beside you, placing his hand on your head, his look speaking volumes as a warning for you to calm down.

Lo'ak put a hand on your thigh in acknowledgement, smiling lightly as he shook his head to respond to Aonung "Well, this one was. And he had a missing fin, like a stump on the left side."

Tsireya breathed shakily, her expression full of fear as she shuddered, "Payakan. It is Payakan."

Rotxo and Aonung gasped, eyes widening, but you and the Sullys were merely confused, Kiri saying aloud what you were all thinking, "Who's Payakan?"

"A young bull who went rogue. He is outcast. Alone." Rotxo explained.

Aonung stepped forward, agreeing, "He has killed Na'vi and other tulkun. Far to the south."

"They say he is a killer." There was a mixture of relief and concern in Tsireya's expression, her eyes pleading as Lo'ak shook his head, "You are lucky to be alive, Lo'ak."

"No, no! He's not a killer. I'm telling you guys. He saved my life. He's my friend." Lo'ak was unmoving in his stance, resolute in his serious tone.

"Come on guys, if Payakan was really a killer of Na'vi, why would he save Lo'ak? What's the thinking?" You reasoned, and Tsireya looked at you, her head downcast as she processed your words, unsure of what to say but knowing deep down that you were right.

"My baby bro! The mighty warrior who faced the killer tulkun and lived to tell about it, huh?" Neteyam joked, placing a hand on Lo'ak's shoulders.

Lo'ak grunted, shrugging his hands off aggressively as he got up, "Why did I even bother to tell you guys? You're not listening."

Walking off, his fists balled in frustration, Lo'ak left. Tuk called after him, "Lo'ak I'm listening!" But, he paid no mind to her as he continued.

Sighing, you got up too, your hands on your hips as you glared at Neteyam, "Why do you have to joke at a time like this?"

"What? I—"

You hit him upside the head hard, Neteyam's head moving forward with a smack as he yelped, "Ow!"

"Don't wait up." And with a wave, you followed after Lo'ak.

When you finally caught up to Lo'ak, you could have sworn the ground was charring with each aggressive step he took, his anger fiery as you watched his shoulders move up and down from his breathing.

"Lo'ak." Your voice made him stop, his hands relaxing as he turned his head to face you, the anger that he had dying down as he softened his expression.

Carefully, you stepped forward, fingertips resting on his chest as you asked, "Where are you going?"

Lo'ak himself was unsure, his movements mindless, "I don't know."

Venting, he let his body turn toward you fully, "Why don't they just get it?," He put his hand over yours, heart beating crazily, "Like you do?"

Feeling the warmth of his touch, you sighed, "Lo'ak, give it time. And what are you trying to prove to them anyway?"

"That I'm right!" His outburst laced with his frustration, his focus on you as he leaned in, "That we're from two different worlds and somehow we had this connection right away."

Softening again, his eyes bore into you, realizing that although he meant his words for his new tulkun friend, they mirrored how he felt about you too, that instant connection he never really shared with anyone else until now.

"And how do you know? That you had this connection right away?" The intention shifted, no longer talking about Payakan as you hinted, your eyes dripping with implication as you asked with a feathery voice.

"It's not something you can teach," He looked down at your hands, lifting yours from his chest and intertwining it with his, "You just know."

A glimmer of light shined behind your eyes as you caught onto what he was saying, lips pressed together. Per usual, you were caught speechless for a moment, moved by Lo'ak's words, teetering on your heels.

Lo'ak knew it too, shifting the conversation back to Payakan, "I just wish I knew what he was saying."

"Right. It's a little hard to learn but Tsireya taught me a little bit of their language when I—"

He put a hand to your mouth, blinking at you in disbelief, "You know their language?"

You nodded, moving his hand aside, "Yeah, but—"

You choked on your words, taken aback as Lo'ak tightened his grip on your hand and began to run quickly toward the riding pavilion, dodging passing clan members as he went with you. Finally stopping by the ilu saddles, many beside one another on three-tiered racks, he called for his ilu.

"Where are you going?" Picking one out, you handed one to him.

Lo'ak looked past the docks, the calm of the water and the shimmer of its surface beckoning him, "We are going to Three Brothers Rock."

Lo'ak's ilu trilled, breaching the surface and bowing its head as Lo'ak put the saddle over him. Pivoting, his ilu moved so Lo'ak could get on easily and reaching his hand out to you, he urged, "Come on!'

You were about to get on your own ilu, but Lo'ak groaned, leading you onto his ilu first, "Just ride with me."

Stepping in front of you, he wrapped your arm around him, securing your leg as you sat behind him and looking for confirmation, he turned around, "Hold on tight."

You pinched his rib and he winced, making you chuckle, "Just go."

Diving under the water, Lo'ak rode his ilu toward the barriers, weaving through the coral and the sea animals that were passing by. Going toward the far end of the reef, the crowding of the animals and coral became scattered as more rock pillars that stood tall came into sight. You looked up to see the rock pillars above, and when you looked ahead again, Lo'ak was headed toward a small opening in the barrier opening into a tunnel, the wounding bark and rock shaped into an ellipse.

Ducking forward, Lo'ak signaled for you to do the same and you did, the two of you darting through the tunnel and suddenly, you felt the shift of the water, the once calm of the sea becoming noticeably more tumultuous. Rocking, you felt the resistance and diving up, Lo'ak jumped up into the air, above the crashing waves. He made sure that you were secure with every jump, his other hand instinctively on your thigh as you rode.

You laughed as he enthusiastically whooped and diving back, he kept on jumping in and out of the water, the feel of the air against the rush of the water thrilling you. There was nothing but open water for miles, the pale blue sky against the dark blue of the sea.

Then, you saw it.

Three rocks that stood beside one another, once small in sight, but enlarging as you headed toward it. They were colossal, the very tops of them reaching the high clouds, white and mist-like as they hung in the air.

The water became more still as you made your way to the middle of the rocks, but it didn't resemble the calm of the water at the village. Positioning his ilu in an upright position, Lo'ak began to yell out, "Payakan! Payakan!"

You looked around, expectant, the air around you quiet, the light breeze offering a light whistle in the air as Lo'ak's voice seemed to echo into nothingness.

Then, stillness stirred, a huge mass emerging from the water with grace. First, you saw the peek of a large, vibrant head crest, followed by the eruption of water from above as Payakan exhaled, his dark grey and blue skin glistening in the sunlight. Then, you saw his orange irises, two of them, one smaller than the other, and immediately you saw Payakan's gentle kindness as he rumbled, the sound he made showing his relief to see Lo'ak.

You got off Lo'ak's ilu first, then Lo'ak swam beside you, disconnecting his queue from his ilu and instructing him to return home. You were speechless for a moment, your jaw open as you took in the great size of the tulkun. There were many moments in The Forest when you had encountered the wildlife, angry thanators, territorial titanotheres, and the like. But you had never encountered a creature like this.

Already anticipating your approach, Payakan lifted his fin up for you and Lo'ak to sit on, Lo'ak taking you by the hand as you took your place beside him, your shock and awe still fresh as your eyes were glued to him. Rubbing his fin, you noticed how tough his skin was, the feel of it, although smooth, like armor.

"It's good to see you." Lo'ak greeted him, placing a hand above his eye, then signing while saying, "This is y/n."

Hearing your name, you finally closed your mouth smiling. You greeted Payakan, signing and saying, "It's nice to meet you." You peered over at Lo'ak for a moment before continuing, "Thank you for saving Lo'ak."

Payakan trilled enthusiastically, his sounds forming the words, "You are welcome. We have become friends."

Translating, you told Lo'ak, "He said you guys are friends."

Lo'ak was happy to hear that, smiling at Payakan as he signed, "I trust you. You can trust me."

Although it felt heavy in his heart to ask, he wanted to know the truth, the conversation with Aonung and Tsireya still bothering him, "Please tell me. Why are you outcast? What happened?"

There was a pause as Payakan's eyes changed, and you saw so clearly in his eyes something you were all too familiar with—loss. But behind them too, you caught a glint of something even deeper—guilt and regret.

Downward, you noticed the hole that was left by the harpoon end, an eternal mark from the Sky People, a scar that would forever remind him of the pain he felt and the weight of the day he had gotten it.

You felt his sadness in your own heart and to add to the ache, his sounds strained, formed the words, "It's too painful."

Looking to you, Lo'ak blinked, eager to know what he said. You took Lo'ak's hand, shaking your head, "He's not ready yet. It's too painful."

Lo'ak nodded, squeezing your hand to show that he understood. He patted the skin above Payakan's eye, affectionate before he signed, "You can tell me when you're ready."

You couldn't pull your eyes from the hole in his fin, gulping as you felt a pit form in your stomach. You had your suspicions about what had happened.

In The Forest, the Sky People wanted unobtainium, and it didn't matter that HomeTree was right above it.

Here, you didn't know what it was that they wanted to take, but that scar proved the tulkun were being hunted for it, another life force for for humanity's greed to waste.

And that look in Payakan's eyes, filled with sorrow and guilt, revealed a part of his story that mirrored your own. It was the look of a warrior who was paying for his sins, for blood that was spent, for innocent lives that were taken.

Payakan was no killer. He only did what he had to for the sake of the ones he loved, what he felt was right.

But now, here he was.

No family.

No home.

"What's wrong?" Lo'ak asked you, noticing your troubled expression, the forlorn cast on your face worrying him.

You said nothing to Lo'ak, determined as you lifted your head up, "Why did you save him?" You signed to Payakan, not asking the question aloud for Lo'ak to hear, although you felt you already knew the answer.

"Because he was alone."

And it was also then that you realized why the calm of the water had felt so strange before, so contrary to the Reef.

It was the reason why Aonung had taken Lo'ak there.

It embodied a deep loneliness, and its eerie silence made it feel as if the place was marked for death.

And that was why Payakan was there too.

Outcast.

He felt he deserved to be alone, even dead, for whatever he had done, but that didn't mean he wanted to be or that he wanted anyone else to suffer in that same fate.

Switching your gaze between the two of them, you were moved, seeing fully in front of you that connection Lo'ak was talking about.

You felt no loneliness with them, a warmth emanating where you were against the cool of the water and the chill of the breeze.

Clicking again, Payakan's tone changed into a higher pitch, his clicks showing his happier mood, "Seeing you, I am glad to know he never really was."

Nodding, you signed, “Yes, we’re friends.”

Payakan exhaled again, trilling lightly as if he was laughing, then sounded, “For now, it seems.”

His eyes went to Lo’ak, astute as he clearly discerned Lo'ak's loving eyes, his usual adoring stare, although shrouded with confusion, still vividly affectionate, “I can see that he loves you very much."

You inhaled, eyes going heavenward as shyness took over you, but you tried your best to look contemplative, pretending that you didn't know what Payakan had told you.

"Y/n, what's he saying? Are you okay?" Lo'ak was still concerned, since you didn't answer him the first time.

You explained your conversation, but left out the last part, just thinking of it sending your nerves to oblivion, your heart pounding in your chest, and your butterflies in a frenzy.

"No, what else did he say? You're blushing." He joked, brushing a hair behind your ear. "He's being a good wingman for me isn't he?"

"I have no idea what you're talking about." You were grinning wide as you played it off, but Lo'ak wasn't convinced.

Payakan merely watched as you denied it, Lo'ak urging you on as he teased. It had been a long time since he had talked to someone, so he was grateful to you and Lo'ak for coming, and gazing upon you both, his heart was also touched seeing your connection with Lo'ak.

The more you spent time with Lo'ak, you could feel your heart open up, your usual dismissiveness fading. It was usually your blush that gave you away, and he loved seeing it, always enjoying when that red tint would appear on your cheeks, the sight endearing to him.

Exhaling again, the water on the surface of his back shooting high into the air, Payakan gained you and Lo'ak's attention, happy as he suggested, "Let's swim together."

Turning to hear your translation, Lo'ak moved closer to you, still in his flirty mischievous behavior, "What's he saying?"

"Hold your breath." It was all you said as you nodded to Payakan, telling him to go fast.

Catching Lo'ak off guard, Payakan dove into the water, the two of you hanging onto his fin tightly as he swam. In the water, Lo'ak squinted at you, knowing you did it on purpose. But you only shrugged, happily enjoying your ride as Payakan glided swiftly through the water, his movements graceful as he commanded the sea with every powerful stride.

Gaining momentum, he plummeted downward then up again, breaching the surface with a twirl, you and Lo'ak whooping as you two flipped with him. When you two plunged back into the water, the adrenaline rush so fresh, you asked Payakan to do it again, you and Lo'ak trying new flips this time.

Then, Payakan toured you around the area, maneuvering through the coral and underwater plants. Some of the aquatic life you had never seen before, in awe as you observed them all one by one. At one point, Payakan took you through what looked like a sea forest made of kelp, the long strands of the plant creating a maze of green amidst the blue of the sea, its large pods and leaves swaying in the undercurrent.

Out of curiosity, you let go of his fin, swimming downward to the sea floor when you saw something shiny below. Lo'ak swam after you, both concerned and curious as he watched you swim, your long hair cascading behind you being his view. Payakan stayed close nearby, keeping watch as you both swam together.

When you finally got to the sand, you brushed away the sand where the shimmer was and underneath revealed a crystal of some kind, slightly jagged but pearlescent and iridescent as you turned it, the sun from above the surface showing its different shades of purple, blue, and green.

Placing it in your palm, you showed it to Lo'ak and signing, you said, "I'm going to give it to Tuk."

His heart swelled hearing that. Lo'ak couldn't help it. Tuk was so much younger than all of you, and while he always said she was annoying, deep down he had a soft spot for her. So, every time you would do something like this for his little sister, it only made his feelings for you grow more.

You swam all the way back up to the surface, savoring the air as you took a breath. Pawing it between your fingers, you admired the crystal, "Pretty, huh?"

"Yeah," He agreed, barely giving it a glance as he merely kept his attention on you, "The crystal is pretty too, I guess."

You avoided his eyes, smiling to yourself as you kept your focus on the crystal. Surfacing, Payakan's eyes landed on the crystal too and seeing how much you were admiring it, he outstretched his fin again to you, eager to show you another place with more of them.

Carefully placing it in the pocket of your loincloth, you both swam with him again, past the kelp forest and into the open water again. Diving a little deeper, there was a shift in the elevation of the water as you noticed the water darken slightly, and below were structures of towering coral, intricate as they wounded upward in spiral formations. Yet as you approached closer, the darkness of the water was contrasted by the shimmering sea bed littered with what looked like millions of crystals. They resembled the night sky, scattered like stars, each unique in size and shape.

You chose more of the crystals as you meticulously inspected the ones that caught your eye. Lo'ak helped you pick, handing you ones that he thought you'd like or helping you choose between the ones you couldn't decide on.

When you finally had grabbed a handful, Lo'ak took them for you, safely placing them in his loincloth pocket. Finished, you both took Payakan's fin again and he led you back to the regular elevation. Remaining outside the Reef for quite some time, you were in your own little world, another dream that you didn't want to wake up from.

The joy of being with Lo'ak and the tulkun that had saved his life fueling a surge of life within you. All three of you forgot your worries together, enjoying the peace of each other's company and the carefree happiness that came with it.

When you started to notice the sun waning, flecks of orange becoming visible underneath the usual blue of high afternoon, you knew it was time to head back. Payakan knew too, worried what your absence would mean to the village. He got you there quickly, slowing down his pace as he got to the edge of the Reef.

"We will see you again, friend." Lo'ak reassured him.

Nodding, you agreed, smiling. "Thank you, friend."

Payakan gave you guys one last glance, trilling happily as he said his goodbye to the two of you. Lo'ak called for his ilu, both of you paddling your feet toward the tunnel. It didn't take long for his ilu to dart through it, greeting Lo'ak as he bowed its head to him.

Getting on, you both watched as Payakan swam off into the distance and you looked back, watching him become smaller and smaller as he distanced himself, until you saw nothing else but the sea.

You rested your head against Lo'ak's back, feeling his breath under you, "Thanks for taking me to see him."

He acknowledged your gratitude as he rubbed the back of your leg, still holding onto it since you first got on his ilu, "Are you ever going to tell me what he actually said? Or are you going to keep me guessing?"

"He told me..." Your voice trailed off as you contemplated for a moment before continuing, the pit in your stomach returning.

Nearing the village, Lo'ak slowed down enough so he could look at you, the change in your voice enough to make him worry, his tone changing, "What is it?"

You were already at the riding pavilion, lifting yourself up onto the dock, Lo'ak behind you as he took the saddle off his ilu.

Putting the saddle on the rack, he repeated himself, putting a hand on your chin so you would look him in the eye, "Come on, what did he say?"

Meeting Payakan reminded you of the two promises you intended to keep.

You had woken up ready to die again, to give your life so willingly with no hesitation, to fulfill that promise you made to yourself to protect Jake and his family, no matter the cost.

But you had just promised Lo'ak that you weren't going anywhere, that there was no dying between you two.

For the first time, you saw a life ahead of you and you saw that life reflect right back at you in Lo'ak's eyes.

You put a hand over his heart, your breath getting caught in your chest as you slowly let out the truth in a breathy tone, "Nothing I don't already know."

Lo'ak was trying to find the answer in your face, but you weren't looking at him, your affection seeping through as you couldn't help but stare at his heart.

You closed your eyes, bracing yourself as you fought your worries inside, but feigned a smile, "Come on, let's go home before your dad skins you."

He tilted your head upward again to meet his eyes, unwavering devotion and affection so apparent in the warmth of his gaze, "He could try, but I know you wouldn't let that happen."

He was trying to make you feel better, your unusual standoffishness pricking at his heart, unsettling as he still wondered why you seemed so troubled. Inside you knew and the look he gave only deepened that inner knowing.

As you walked with Lo'ak side by side, he said nothing to you but his eyes didn't leave your face. You were looking down at your feet contemplative and avoidant, yet it didn't last long as he took your hand in his, reassuring you, "Whatever it is that you're thinking about, you're not in it alone. I'm here with you in everything."

You managed a small smile, walking ahead of him as you murmured to yourself, "That's what I'm afraid of."

"You guys were gone for so long." A voice questioned from in front of you.

Kiri, with her arms crossed at first, stepped forward, stopping both of you in your tracks, "Where have you two been?"

"Around." Lo'ak replied vaguely, already irritated by her prodding.

When you said nothing in response, Kiri uncrossed her arms, analyzing the melancholy in your eyes immediately. "Well, you've had y/n to yourself all day, so I'll take her for the rest of the evening. Thank you."

Before she whisked you away, you reminded Lo'ak, "Can you give Tuk her rock when you see her?"

Kiri linked your arm with hers, ignoring Lo'aks's protests as she led you further away from him, whispering, "You're troubled about something. What is it? And don't deny it. I know you too well."

You looked around, seeing villagers come and go, your heart hurting at the thought of their lives rupturing at the hands of the Sky People, "I can't tell you. Not here, at least."

"I know where we can go." She smiled, whistling to call her ilu who promptly stuck her head out of the water.

You got on Kiri's ilu, seated behind her comfortably as the feel of the water and the sea carried you, cradled you dearly as you let yourself flow through blue stillness, you were still unsure where you were going, but you enjoyed the bliss of movement.

You closed your eyes, trusting in Kiri's command completely. When you felt a sudden change in the water, the energy ignited a warmth inside as you opened them to see the floating mountains and floating coral as you swam through the entrance of a cove.

Above, the rock that sheltered the rest of the cove was vast, its exterior appearing porous-like as its shape resembled honeycombs. Small branches with moss hanging from them intricately covered the rock and as you swam forward, you saw that there were more of these rock structures, but small in comparison to the arching structure that concentrated the flux of the area, much like the one at the Tree of Souls.

The blues and purples of the night's auroras mirrored the illumination of the Spirit Tree, its blues and purples granting illumination in the water and its flowing feather-like leaves swaying in the water gracefully. You were led to the Cove of the Ancestors and you were immediately drawn downward toward the Tree.

Kiri swam after you, eyes lit up as she spoke, "Even if you didn't want to tell me what's troubling you, you could at least speak to my mother here."

"Thank you Kiri," You nodded, looking down at the leaves below swaying, trying to get the words out to her.

Silence filled the air as you gathered yourself, your emotions bubbling as you felt scattered by your own inner conflict, "I want to live. I have lived the fullest life with you all here, more than I did in my old life."

She swam closer to you, reaching down to grab your hand under the water. Tears escaped you as you continued, "My father is coming. I know it. I can feel it. And when he comes, no matter how much I want to live, it won't outweigh the love that I have for all of you."

"Y/n, Sully's stick together." Kiri shook her head, taking your face in her hands.

"And I'll make sure that you guys do." You smiled, patting the back of her hand.

"You're a Sully too. You've always been. We stick together. Please, y/n, where is this coming from?"

Again, you were filled with silence, biting down the emotions that were clouding your judgement, "Let's dive down. I have a lot to talk about with your mother."

Kiri could only nod as you let go of her hand without another word, following you down as you submerged yourself in the water.

Going past the Tree's roots, glowing a bright cyan color, you swam right into the middle of it, lightly touching each of the leaves and its smaller branches with green sheer bulbs. You spun around between them, mesmerized as you felt the deep spiritual nature all throughout your surroundings.

Reaching out to one of the leaves, touching one of its purple tendrils, you grabbed your queue from behind you as you connected at the same time.

Closing your eyes, you felt that connection deep within you, the world of water that you were in no longer as you opened your eyes to find yourself back in the Forest.

Behind you, you heard the rustling of footsteps, although quiet and light, you were confident you heard someone approaching. Turning, you kept a careful eye for movement, the stillness of the plants being your guide.

"Grace?" You called out, but there was no answer.

Again, you called, "Trudy?"

Again, you heard nothing, no answer. You had no one else to call out to, bewildered by the silence, yet comforted by the surroundings of home.

Then, you heard the rustling again, this time louder, and finally you knew where it was coming from. Your eyes darting toward the brush behind one of the trees.

Stepping into the water confidently, its height at your calves, you outstretched your arms to your sides as you said, "Grace, Trudy, I know it's either one of you! You can come out now. Come on, I miss you guys. I have a lot to tell you."

There was a pause before you saw a foot step out of the brush, And looking down, you blinked, not believing what you were seeing as you tilted your head up to meet the eyes of your visitor.

"After all this time, I finally get to meet the woman who has done well to protect Our People." Oddly, in English, the voice that was speaking to you was authoritative, yet soft still, a commanding warmth to it.

Your eyes widened, goosebumps going down your spine as you instantly recognized who was in front of you, "Oel ngati kameie, Eytukan, sempul ne Neytiri ulte Sylwanin, muntxatan ne Mo'at." You put your fingers to your forehead, bowing slightly as you looked back up again, defaulting to Na'vi as a form of respect.

(I See You, Eytukan, father to Neytiri and Sylwanin, husband to Mo'at)

Your usage of formalities made him chuckle, smiling as you dared not look into his eyes. Lifting you from your bowed position, he put his hands on your arms gently, allowing you to stand tall.

"And also grandfather to Neteyam, Lo'ak, Kiri, and Tuktirey...your companions in this new life." He spoke in Na'vi this time, and finally, you looked at him, comforted by the gentle smile that he kept on his face. Agreeing, you nodded, unsure of what to say to him, still overcome with shock.

Then, inhaling, you found your words, humbled by his presence and asking your most eager question, "Why have you come to me, Eytukan? I am nothing to you. I am nothing. I am not Toruk Makto or anyone important."

He looked insulted as you said it, regarding you with a high chin as he took in your appearance, proud as he spoke, his voice commanding his confidence, "Are you not, child?"

You relaxed your shoulders, not realizing how tense they were, and you let yourself be engulfed as Eytukan embraced you, his hand at the top of your back as you let your words flow out, "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. For the bulldozers, for HomeTree, for everything. Forgive me. I promise, I will make sure that your family lives."

Patting your back, he said softly, "You are born of Sky People, whose nature is to take. But you, y/n, are not one of them. You give and you have given so much, even your life. But I assure you child, this apology, it is not yours to give and it never was. So be calm."

He placed a hand on your cheek, the other on your shoulder, "You tell me you are nothing but, are you not the one who has helped protect this family before your second birth and even after it? You, who is one of the reasons why Neytiri has a husband, a family. You, who has even kept the memory of my eldest alive in your stories to my granchildren."

He leaned in closer, wiping away a tear you didn't know was falling down your cheek, "You are not the mistakes of the past, you are the bearer of a new future. The strength of your hands has protected them, but it is the strength of your heart, the love that grows within it, that will fortify you all."

He placed a hand on your head, the gesture speaking a quiet warmth and showing tender care, "I See You, y/n. This family needs you. And one day, when your heart is open to the love you have inside, you will understand more of this life that the Great Mother has granted you."

There was a radiance of comfort that you felt as he smiled at you. It was a conversation you never expected to have, but one you had deeply longed for. He walked back toward the trees where he had emerged and you could have sworn in the distance you saw a head peek out to look at you, your eyes widening at the sight of Sylwanin, waiting for her father.

You were pulled out from that vision suddenly once you blinked, detaching your queue from the leaf. When you looked over to your side, your eyes widened as you saw Kiri's body convulse in the water. Instantly you swam to her and to your surprise, Neteyam was swimming over too, grabbing one of Kiri's arms as you held onto the other, the two of you reaching the surface.

You breathed in the cold air, Lo'ak suddenly beside you two, but you paid him no mind as your heart dropped holding Kiri and calling out to her, her spirit feeling so distant from you.

Neteyam had called it in to Jake and Neytiri as he rode off with her unconscious body in front of him. Since you had rode with Kiri, Lo'ak offered his hand for you to ride with him, and grabbing it, you sat behind him, yelling for him to hurry.

When you all finally got to the shore, Jake and Neytiri were already there with a group of warriors. Jake met you halfway in the water, the other warriors following him with a stretcher made of fishnets. Helping, you all put Kiri on the stretcher and they took her to the infirmary, the same place that Tsireya had shown you the seaweed bandages.

You had taken Tuk into your arms, holding her as she cried out for her sister. Neteyam and Lo'ak, although they remained serious on the outside, they were stricken with worry on the inside. Jake was comforting Neytiri, the two of them walking side by side as Neytiri cried out in agony, "Kiri, Kiri, my sweet child!"

When you all arrived at the marui, Tsireya and Ronal were kneeling beside another clan member, bandaging his torso. There were others in there as well, already waiting to be taken care of, their eyes, once elsewhere, settling on all of you as you knelt beside Kiri.

Tsireya immediately got up seeing you guys, holding back her tears as she saw Kiri unconscious and heard Tuk's wails. She looked to her mother, the same urgency in her eyes that all of you had as she silently pleaded for her mother to rise too.

Jake kept his voice still as he begged for Ronal's help, "Please Ronal. My daughter. She needs the help of a tsahik."

Ronal turned toward Kiri's body, her expression unreadable and every move of hers precise. She said nothing in her observation, eyes narrowed as she made her decision. Her words, although seemingly cold and unfeeling were ones motivated by duty, not cruelty as she said sharply, "This is an ailment of the spirit, the separation of mind and body. It will take time." Her eyes went to the others already in the marui, the rest of them also awaiting her decision, "And I have others I must take care of."

Neytiri, consumed by despair and agony, her mind fraying at the potential of another loss, hissed, "You are tsahik!"

Jake held her back, apologetic as he hung his head down.

Ronal, disciplined and controlled, held no warmth in her gaze and no softness in her voice, "Yes, and as tsahik, I cannot abandon the ones who have already come for the urgency of another. I will come, but for now, take her back to your home."

Your faces fell and you all stood silent. Blinking, you couldn't believe what you were hearing and you held your tongue as your anger threatened to seep through your silence.

Jake inhaled, feeling his own rage inside of him, but he kept it at bay as he remained calm, "Thank you Ronal." Turning to his sons, he instructed, "Help carry your sister."

The three of them did so, and you helped Neytiri stand as she kept a hand at her mouth, her eyes glued to Kiri as you led her out of the marui, Tuk's hand in yours.

You all walked in silence back quickly and when you arrived, Jake, Neteyam, and Lo'ak laid Kiri down in the middle of the smaller room of your home.

Neytiri was frantic, walking around the room, trying to find something comfortable to lay Kiri's body on. When you found a soft mat made of sponge, you showed her. Taking it from your hands, she knelt beside her daughter, and moving her onto her side, Neytiri slid the mat underneath her. Tuk took her sister's hand into hers, holding it to her cheek as her tears fell.

"Do not worry for Kiri. The Great Mother is with her, always. She will come back in time. I know it." You reassured the two of them, but your words sounded more like a prayer than fact, your wishes wisping into the thick air.

Though, it seemed to help as Neytiri gave you a small smile, her hand in Kiri's as she rubbed her daughter's palm soothingly.

Neteyam and Lo'ak were standing next to each other by the hallway that led to the bigger room, and getting up, you approached them, whispering, "When did you guys get to the Spirit Tree?"

"Just right before she started seizing in the water."

You looked over at Lo'ak, who put a hand at the back of his neck in guilt, "I know I know. I wasn't supposed to follow you."

But you only placed your hand on his shoulder, thanking him with a small smile as you did the same to Neteyam before pulling them both in for a hug, "Thanks for being there."

The three of you were silent, sinking into each other's embraces as you pondered how this could have happened again, wondering what it could mean, the events too similar between the two of you to be a mere coincidence.

Worry and concern didn't press you as you thought about what Kiri had told you before, about hearing the Great Mother's breath, feeling Her.

It was impossible to think that the Great Mother would forsake Kiri now, after she had just barely grazed the surface of the gifts she had discovered. You had experienced the power of the Great Mother yourself, her grace and her understanding shown once she granted you your deepest redemption when Eytukan had come to you. And She had regarded you all this time as one of Her children, despite your own inner turmoil.

There was nowhere else you were going to put your belief in.

Yet, Jake couldn't bank on mere belief to save Kiri. He was desperate, pacing outside with his hands on his hips, thinking of what to do but nowhere to turn.

With an exhale, he walked back into the marui catching your attention. He took the straw covering off one of his artillery boxes, and as he opened it, his eyes panicked as he searched, you already knew what he was looking for.

You let go of Neteyam and Lo'ak, "Jake, you can't." Your voice came out like a warning and you ran over, shutting the box with a clang and you watched Jake as his jaw clenched and his shoulders tightened.

"So, what do you want me to do, huh?" His lips were pressed into a thin line, fingers curled into a fist as he rested his elbow on his knee, "You want me to do nothing while my daughter lays unconscious?"

You knelt down next to him, whispering, "Long range patrol is going to pick up their radar the second they hit the Eastern Sea." Jake avoided your eyes, knowing you were right, and you persisted, "If you call for help from the base, you're putting that target right back on us."

He let out a frustrated sigh, looking heavenward, "Ronal isn't going to help." Jake felt his reason slipping, logic becoming silent as his need to protect took over, "And I won't wait for her to. I can't."

You both said nothing, but you could tell that Jake was beyond negotiation. And looking back at Kiri, her mother and her little sister still with her, crying, you exhaled slow, although it didn't help relieve the heaviness you felt within you. The choice was final and you left your reluctant approval unsaid as you opened the box back up, walking out of the marui with your head down.

That next morning, you were greeting Norm and Max as you helped Jake unload equipment off their helicopter, the rotors still whirring loudly.

The clan members stood nearby, but not too close to the helicopter, lending their curious eyes from a safe distance as they ogled it, having never seen anything like it before.

When you all unloaded everything, you helped Norm set everything up, and as you did, you asked them, "What are you looking for exactly?"

Neytiri was hovering over them, carefully watching. If you weren't there along with them helping with their machines, she would have been less tolerant and more frantic. Still though, she was pacing, desperate for a solution.

Max took the liberty of answering, showing Kiri's brain scan to you on his tablet, "Bleeds in the brain, hyper activity in the frontal and parietal, fluctuations that could show us what condition she's suffering from."

"But she's not suffering any condition." You spoke with confidence, grabbing the tablet from Max's hands, "She had a seizure, yes. That's obvious with the interictal activity in the prefrontal, but there's nothing wrong with her. I know it."

"Yes, but we need to rule out all possibilities, y/n." Jake said in response.

"You're not listening, okay? What I'm trying to say is—"

From behind you, you heard a grunt, Ronal's voice sharp as she spat, "I see that I am not needed here."

You didn't need to turn around to know that she had revulsion on her face, her eyes narrowed at the sight of these otherwordly machines insulting her as she held onto her basket of materials she had prepared to heal Kiri with.

But, Neytiri stopped her from leaving, yelling at Norm and Max to go and to take everything with them. You carefully took out Kiri's IV, helping them clean it all back up as you hurried outside. Ronal began her ritual with Kiri, Tuk helping her as Neytiri stayed in the tent, praying to the Great Mother.

You continued your conversation with Norm, Max, and Jake, pleading with them as you said, "She said that she could feel Eywa, okay? Hear her heartbeat, and she—"

"Y/n, that sounds like classic frontal lobe epilepsy." Norm described and you could see Jake shake his head, not wanting to believe it.

"You see visions, you get states of religious ecstasy like the kind she's describing." Norm continued, his gaze switching between you and Jake, "Plugging into the Spirit Tree is some kind of trigger. You can't let her do that again."

You could hear Jake's heart break, his voice breaking, "What? Like ever?"

"If she seizes under water one more time, it could kill her." Max added, hanging his head in shame as he spoke.

"No, no you guys are wrong! This isn't just some vision that she's having! Eywa isn't just some religion, made up by humans and manipulated. She's real and she moves through Kiri." You were angry, frustrated, but mindful as you lowered your voice, "I've seen it with my own two eyes."

Jake blinked at you, lost as he tilted his head, "Seen what?"

You looked out into the sea, your hands gesturing as you described what Kiri had shown you, "The animals, the plants, they listen to her, respond to her. She can connect to anything underwater and tell it what to do, and it does." You continued on, the three of them speechless, "When we swim down to the bottom of the Reef, I'll plant my feet down and there's no response, but the minute her hand just grazes it, the whole things glows, whether it's nighttime or not."

Norm was having a hard time understanding what you were trying to say, his brain only capable of being scientific. Still, he tried his best to meet you where you were at as he responded slowly, choosing his words carefully, afraid to face your wrath again, "So, you're saying that Kiri is like...Jesus?"

Your expression went flat and you smacked Norm on the head, "Are you serious right now? Would you just forget the religion thing and forget this— You took the tablet out of his hands, pointing at the scan, "Forget the science shit for one second and just listen!"

They all were taken aback, your old friends exchanging looks with one another.

"Wow." Max said, trying to be serious but a chuckle escaped him, "You used to threaten to shoot me if I looked at samples without you. I never thought I'd hear those words come out of your mouth."

Norm concurred, muttering, "Oh yeah, me too."

The corner of Jake's mouth tugged upward slightly, showing his own wonderment, but he kept his voice steady as he asked, "What are you trying to say y/n?"

Giving Norm's tablet back to him, you sighed, "A spiritual problem can only be solved by a spiritual solution," You looked at Jake, lowering your eyes at him, "When I went unconscious at the Spirit Tree, Mo'at healed me and said that I went unconscious because the Great Mother willed it, so that I would be reborn."

You got up, postulating as you looked past them. You saw Ronal working, turning Kiri on her side as Tuk held something for her, "This was Kiri's first time connecting to the Spirit Tree here, and maybe for her it was a way of being reborn too."

Jake sighed, turning his head back toward the marui. He wanted so desperately to believe you, but he hung his head down toward the ground, closing his eyes, "I don't want to hear anything more about this, not until she wakes up."

"But Jake—" You tried to protest, but he looked up at you with a glare, silencing you.

You eyed Norm and Max who could only maintain their silence too, worry etched on their faces with their gaze fixed on Kiri in the marui, Ronal still working diligently to wake her.

Ronal's ritual lasted the whole day, and while everyone else's faith seemed to wane, at the dawn of eclipse, Kiri finally began moving, her eyes opening as she burst into tears. Tuk and Neytiri held her close, relief and sadness mixing in the air as they began to sob again as well.

-

Barely a day had passed after Kiri had woken up and you were already knelt down in the Chief's home with Lo'ak—in trouble again. Neytiri and Jake came barreling down the walkway when they heard you were all gathered together, anger, frustration, and disappointment coating the air as Jake knelt down beside Lo'ak.

The village had carried on as if nothing had happened, as if what happened to Kiri held no weight to the village's practices and routines, as if her state didn't signal anything bigger.

Their concerns were instead focused once again on Lo'ak's mistakes, on his disobedience, on his disrespect of the way things have always been.

"You let him bond with the outcast?"

Ronal spat that at Tsireya, her mother's tone of voice making her hang her head in shame.

You exchanged a glance with Lo'ak, the two of you maintaining calm resolves as Tonowari began to explain the Tulkun way.

No killing.

It was the one rule that the tulkun lived by, and Payakan had broken it when he defended his family against the Sky People.

"I know what I know."

It was all Lo'ak could say even after he tried to explain the truth, but they were willingly ignorant, and Jake didn't help as he grabbed onto Lo'ak's neck and apologized for his son's behavior, taking him out of the marui with a huff.

And suddenly, with no hesitation, you were up too, chasing after Jake in an unholy rage.

Jake hadn't even begun lecturing Lo'ak when you pushed yourself between them and shoved Jake, prompting his attention instantly, a surprised glare meeting you as you balled your fists.

Even Lo'ak was shocked, mouth hung open slightly as he blinked at you, your hand gripped on his forearm and your other extended to keep Jake at a distance.

"Y/n, this has nothing to do with you. This is between a father and a son." Jake warned, stepping forward.

You stepped back, defiant as you shook your head, "Between a father and a son? This is how a father should be? Instead of understanding the truth, you're worried about how he looks to the Chief? To the village? One wrong move and that reflects on you, on how you raised your children? Who even are you Jake?"

"I'm a soldier alright y/n? This is how I run my family—“

“And I’m not? Do you not hear yourself? Ever since we've been here, Lo'ak has tried to do everything to please you and nothing is ever enough! This isn’t how a family should be, this isn’t what I imagined you’d be like as a father. I—“

Agitated beyond thinking, Jake shouted back at you impulsively, "I'm their father. I get to decide the standard. And what do you know about how a father should be? Hell of an example yours set that we ended up here!"

You breathed in, sighing, his words stinging more than you wanted them to. Jake instantly regretted them the minute he spat them out, but it was too late.

"I didn't—you know I—" He sputtered, but when your eyes rose he stopped, noticing your disgusted expression.

"I know what you meant. I See You Jake. Toruk Makto. The perfect soldier obeying orders, staying in line and raising kids meant for that destiny too." You paused, leaning forward, eyeing him with a deadly gaze, your voice calm, "Standing in front of you now, you've never resembled my father more."

Jake said nothing, every ounce of resolve he had dissipating, plummeting him into silence.

He had dealt with the worst blows in life, the Marines had prepared him for that much.

But hearing those words from you?

It was worse than anything he had gone through. Worse than being shot. Worse than his spinal injury. At least with those, he had recovered. He gained everything from surviving so much. Yet, he didn't realize how his fear of losing it all made him lose himself, his code to protect unconsciously teetering toward the path of the man that had killed you and killed the People.

All Jake could do was stand there, his gaze going to Lo'ak, who paid no mind to his own father, but instead at you.

Lo'ak was ready to take the heat again, so numb to all the lectures. He had long accepted that he would never be the glorified child.

He couldn't be the perfect son, the perfect soldier.

But he cared about how you felt, the weight of maintaining that perfection your whole life so obvious in the way you kept your voice calm. You were hurting inside and you didn't want to show it. But you said what you said with conviction, and what melted him even more was the fact that you did it to defend him.

He took your hand, knowing you were about to walk away and began to lead you out toward the beach. Whatever consequence would follow after he intertwined his hands with yours, Lo'ak didn't really care.

Whatever they all thought of him— village thought of him, the Chief, even his own father, it didn't matter when he had you.

He didn't say anything to you, allowing the thickness of the air to dissipate and your heart to calm. So wrapped in your emotions, you didn't feel Lo'ak beside you, despite his hand so affectionately clasped with yours.

All the hardship and pressure you endured growing up suddenly came flooding back, the days when you felt you had to earn the love you were just supposed to be given as a daughter.

You were Quaritch's little girl. He said he loved you. But, why did it ever feel like you couldn't have that love without doing everything he wanted?

A father protects. It's what gives him meaning.

You knew deep down Jake was nothing like your father. You regretted saying it the second it came out.

Jake was your best friend. Everything he did, you knew he did it out of love. You saw that clearly.

He stopped taking risks because he took a risk with you. And that risk got you killed. That was the guilt he carried and that guilt fueled his standard for his children. unhealthy or not.

Just like you, Jake knew what it was like to lose the things you love. So, why not protect it with everything? Even if it means you can't be the way you know you should be.

That's what happens when you love something too much.

You'd do anything for the ones you love.

At least the ones you love would be alive.

Then you realized your own hypocritical thinking.

You had woken up with that same notion, ready to sacrifice everything for Jake and his family. You were ready to compromise this new life, leave the gift the Great Mother gave you for the sake of their survival.

But that's not life.

Mo'at had reminded you.

But, Eytukan reinforced it.

You felt as if you finally understood what they had been trying to tell you all along.

You spoke out suddenly, your voice making Lo'ak's ears perk up.

"Back at the Spirit Tree, I spoke to your grandfather." You let out with a sigh, and Lo'ak tilted his head at you, amazed.

"My grandfather?" He repeated, "What did he tell you?"

"He gave me a reminder.” You replied simply.

"And what was it?” Lo’ak teased, leaning his forehead against yours.

You turned toward him, chuckling lightheartedly, “That I’m not the enemy.”

"I could have told you that. That was one of the first things you ever said to me." He joked suddenly, making you laugh.

You put a hand out to smack his shoulder playfully but he caught it, wrapping both of his hands around yours with such tenderness you almost melted right in front of him.

Then, clasping your hands together, he met your eyes affectionately, every piercing second that he stared breaking your walls down one by one as he gently spoke, "You didn't know who I was, and you still wanted to save me. I think my grandpa came to you to remind you who you are and why you were worth saving too."

And again, there Lo'ak was, doing what he always did to you.

He Sees you. Without fail, without hesitation.

Blinking up at him, you didn't realize tears were already falling down your face, the realization hitting your heart so deeply.

There was no hiding it now.

"Lo'ak." You paused as you put your hand up to his, your fingers perfectly matching, "I...I've been afraid since I woke up."

"Afraid?" He repeated curiously, taking a step closer, nearly closing the gap between the two of you.

"I've been afraid. Not to die, but to live. I thought that I needed to die to save you all." You watched his face drop, his expression disheartened and eyebrows furrowed.

You continued on though quickly after seeing his face change, "But that's how I used to think. I thought I had to give everything up to be Seen."

"And how do you think now?" Lo'ak asked gently, although he didn't really need to ask.

He knew just by how your hands were touching, how you were staring into his eyes, how close you two were, that everything was changing between the two of you.

"I think I'm done with the past. I choose now. I choose to See a future." You admitted, placing a hand on his heart.

And as if the Great Mother heard it as well, your acceptance shrouding the air, tranquility suddenly washed over you, Her wisdom echoing in your mind and sending chills down your whole body. You and Lo'ak were past the sand on the shore, your calves in the shallows of the water that reflected the sky once blue now purple, the planets above seemingly sparkling to you as the cascade of colors and the nearing of eclipse brightened everything around you.

"And what do you See in this future of yours?" The glint in Lo'ak's eyes gave way to his usual mischievous smirk, his tone teasing you as he raised a suggestive eyebrow.

Again, he was baiting you, dragging the moment out for as long as he could and waiting patiently for you to finally admit what you felt.

Once you caught that look in his eye, you couldn't help it as you slid your hands up to his cheeks, "I See You."

The cavalier look he had immediately disappeared and once you smiled back at him, he matched you, the smile that he never gave anyone else except for you revealing itself. He felt weightless, heart practically beating out of his chest. He couldn't stop smiling and not knowing what else to do, he let out a laugh in disbelief, too happy to even utter any words.

Pulling you into him, he hugged you tightly, his hands around your back and you couldn't help but laugh too, your own heart suddenly unburdened.

Then, he pulled away slightly to look at you, eyes beaming and as always, affection overflowing from every part of him as he held you, he teased you again, "So, we're not just friends now, right?"

You rolled your eyes, stepping back from him with a laugh as you teased him back playfully, "If you want to be just friends then—"

"Oh nooo, it's too late now. I'm not letting you go." He brought you back into him and once your hearts were touching, he leaned forward, connecting your lips gently at first, the world around you falling away as you fell into that kiss. Wrapping your arms around his neck, he deepened the kiss, snaking his hands up to your hair and he pulled you closer, as if there was any space left to fill between you.

Breathless, Lo'ak smiled, pecking you again as he let out a sigh, "I never thought my grandpa would end up being my best wingman."

You couldn't help another laugh, but he continued, the seriousness in his voice amusing, "I wish my grandma was here. But knowing her, she probably knew this was going to happen. If anything, she set this whole thing up. So, she's been your wingwoman this whole time."

"Well, she told me to pick between you and Neteyam, so I don't think she was rooting for you." You joked, poking at his chest.

He scoffed, shaking his head, "I fell in love with you the second that we met. Neteyam had no chance."

He kissed your cheek, then peppered your face with them, not letting you get a word in, but you were happy to let him talk, listening to the natural husk of his voice making your heart skip a beat, "I waited my whole life for you, and now I have the rest of it with you. This is literally the best day of my life."

Hugging you again, you buried your face in his chest, the whole world becoming you and him.

The moment felt like forever.

You were safe. You were home. You were happy. You were in love.

Just as quickly as you fell in love with the Forests of Pandora, you fell in love with Lo'ak.

That love was strong and powerful, but that was part of the danger of loving something too much.

As strong as love can be, so can hate.

Love was a weakness that could be exploited to the ones who have nothing more to lose, who have nothing but the hate left in their hearts.

No matter what future you Saw, your father was coming.

And although it left your mind, your heart too occupied, that thought was still in the pit of your stomach.

You were in love with the son of the man he believed killed you.

You were in love with the enemy.

How far would your father be willing to go for his vengeance?

-

Author’s Note:

after a long awaited period of time, we have FINALLY stopped denying our feelings and accepting LOVE!!!

also i had to add eytukan in the mix too cause he just is so important to everyone's story

also yes someone had to put jake in his place, and you know it was our reader cause like DAMN lo'ak can't do ANYTHING right.

please tell me what you thought of this chapter! finale is coming soon!!!!! i am so so so excited!

thank you again as always for your patience with me. i know that many of you have waited so long. I MISS YOU ALL, PLEASEEE comment and tell me your thoughts. I love reading them.

I'll add you to the taglist if you'd like! just comment down below! :)

love,

nana <3

-

taglist: @thebearchives @the-crustation-sensation @emilymikado @the-unhinged-raccoon @inkpot-winters @mashiromochi @frvv @jacy1q @angelita-uchiha @karma-reader