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torukmaktoskxawng · 10 months

Text

our paths crossing

Pairing: Tsu’tey x Avatar!Reader + Adopted!Spider

Summary: Tsu’tey is given a second chance at life, but not even Eywa could convince him to accept it.

Word Count: 9k+

Warnings: single mom power, generational trauma, parental manipulation (tsu’tey’s parents suck), fluff

Na'vi words used: pa'li - direhorse, nivi - hammock, olo'eyktan - clan leader, ikran - mountain banshee, Iknimaya - Rite of Passage, marui - home, oel ngati kameie - I See you, taronyutsyìp - little hunter, teylupil prrnen - teylu face baby, niktsyey - food/leaf wrap, tsaheylu - bond, sa'nok - mother, Uniltaron - Dream Hunt, irayo - thank you, tawtute - human, tswin - queue braid, maitan - my son, sa'sem - parents, taronyu - hunter, tsahik - spiritual leader, tsakarem - tsahik in training, meresh'ti cau'pla - banshee catcher

A/N: This was heavily inspired by other Tsu’tey works written by @simps256 @byunpum @shu-box-puns and @little-box-of-autism on Tumblr, and @ AlexiHollis on Ao3

~~~~~~~~~

PANDORA, 2154+

Everything is connected, one way or another. From the tiny stem of a plant, to the pa'li that steps on it, and to the ginormous tree looming over it. Pandora is made up of various different sizes of networks, from microscopic to gigantic. Some are easier to see than others. The network of tree branches and roots is clearly visible, but there are small ones, not physically distinct, and Eywa can see it all as clear as day.

The same goes for two souls. When two Na'vi-- when two souls mate, they are mated for life. It won't matter if they met when they were children or if their paths meet when they are old and wrinkled. Two souls are still two souls, meant for each other no matter how or when they meet.

Tsu'tey, like all Na'vi, believed this to be true. Sylwanin was the soul meant for him, ever since they were children. However, Eywa had other plans in mind for the young couple and destiny tragically separated them, forever shattering their former entwined paths. Later in life, Tsu'tey finally accepted that all things happen for a reason, and perhaps in another life, Sylwanin would have been his mate. But in this life, Eywa protects the balance of it all and in order for Jake Sully to one day arrive and save this beautiful world, beautiful souls like Sylwanin would have to be sacrificed. Tsu'tey came to terms with this one day, weeks after the battle against the Sky People.

He had plenty of time to think about many things, lying in his nivi and resting from his injuries. As Toruk Makto, Jake happily took temporary command of the Omatikaya clan whilst their olo'eyktan healed from his wounds. It would be a long journey for Tsu'tey, but those who respect him and call him 'brother' were just happy he survived that fall and all those gunshots. At first, he was not as happy or even relieved. Why would Eywa deny him the chance to see Sylwanin again? As he took time to heal, he eventually mourned properly for the first time in years and was able to heal mentally as well as physically. Tsu'tey had finally managed to let his young love go, may she rest in peace.

In return for his loyalty and devotion, Eywa rewarded her olo'eyktan with a gift fit for a good man. However, it would be years before he graciously accepted it.

Tsu'tey was always aware of the other sky demons possessing Na'vi bodies. He had seen many over the years, especially when he was just a student in Grace Augustine's school. He had always found them strange and ugly and didn't hesitate to let Jake know how he felt about his appearance. Jake never took it to heart and eventually learned to laugh at such comments. Tsu'tey grimaced, almost hating the fact that Jake was getting used to him. The other dreamwalkers --"Avatars, brother, they're called avatars,"-- never really got used to him but they greatly respected him, especially after Tsu'tey allowed them to live among the Omatikaya once the rest of the Sky People were sent off-world. He had accepted these 'scientists' and 'avatars' into his village, much to Toruk Makto's influence, and so therefore, over time, Tsu'tey began to treat them all as part of the People-- his people.

As he accepted the sky demons, he also began to learn their names. One of which he was always aware of but had never bothered to learn her name.

Y/n was an avatar driver and a scientist. Even though she hadn't been on Pandora for long, she had been allowed to visit Hometree several times before its destruction, always tagging along when either Grace or Norm Spellman visited. She was part of the young group of scientists who had received an avatar before the battle against the Sky People that actively cut off the scientists' funding to make more, therefore she would be one of the last of them, as would Norm and Jake. In many ways, it was like watching the end of a species that would cease to exist once the avatars all died out. That is until children like Kiri and Lo'ak were born.

By the time Neytiri bore Jake their first son and had adopted Grace's daughter born of mysterious circumstances, Tsu'tey had begun to notice that Y/n was not just a random avatar who opted to stay on Pandora. She had also opted into becoming a mother.

It was safe to say Tsu'tey didn't know of Spider's existence firmly because the baby wasn't old enough to wear a mask and exo-pack yet, therefore he had never visited the village. It wasn't until the fierce olo'eyktan followed Jake to the functional biolab of Hell's Gate one day did he finally meet the next generation of Sky People. At first, Spider was strange to him. With a full head of yellow curls, pink skin, and a gummy smile, Tsu'tey gained enough willpower not to verbally comment about how the sky demons' offspring were even uglier than the avatars. Jake had asked him to be civil prior to this meeting, so he indulged his brother out of respect for Toruk Makto.

If Y/n had seen how put-off Tsu'tey was by her son, she didn't mention it. In fact, she barely acknowledged the clan leader, instead devoting her time to making sure her adventurous toddler didn't get into any trouble. Much to all the scientists' dismay, the child had learned to run before he could walk, therefore the attempts to baby-proof the whole place had been frantic and half-assed at best. But wherever Spider ran, Y/n was not too far behind him, always making a game of the chase and making the toddler laugh until his sides hurt.

From what Tsu'tey had learned, Spider is not Y/n's child by blood. The baby had been left behind when the Sky People left, too young for space travel. Everyone was positive that his biological mother was killed during the Battle of the Hallelujah Mountains, and as for his father... from vague descriptions, Tsu'tey had gathered who the man was and decided not to ask any further. Now, in replace of Spider's biological parents came Y/n. Even though the scientists were all more than happy to help raise the kid together as a village, Y/n had become his sole guardian, claiming that Spider should always have that one person to rely on before all others. She had gone on record stating that the boy needs a mother before a village and he shouldn't be treated as an object or a pet the Sky People pass around. No one questioned her, especially when shown how everything she does she does it for the boy and not for her own selfish needs. The scientists all proudly took the roles of aunts and uncles to the boy, but by all rights except blood, Y/n was Spider's mother. She fed and bathed the baby, clothed him, nurtured him, and sang songs to get him to sleep. Sure, she would let the other scientists help with Spider if she needed to take her avatar out for a drive, but she was determined to be Spider's family when no one had formally stepped up.

Even though he didn't realize it back then, Tsu'tey had come to greatly admire Y/n for her sacrifice and determination to raise a child all on her own. She didn't expect anyone to help and she took motherhood in stride. She acted as if she was always meant to be a mother and she had been waiting for this moment her whole life. After first meeting Spider, Tsu'tey wouldn't visit Hell's Gate for some time and didn't often think about the human child or his mother. It would be years before Tsu'tey is reacquainted with them, their paths crossing once more, and only because Spider was finally old enough to wear a mask.

PANDORA, 2163

Spider was nine years old when he first donned a breathing mask and ventured out into the vast world of Pandora, leaving the square walls of the biolab behind him. The scientists had made it into a whole celebration like it was his birthday, providing gifts of Na'vi-make and even a cake before he got too antsy and was ready to go outside. His mother was equally excited for him. Dawning her avatar, Y/n brought Spider outside after triple-checking that his mask was firmly in place. She first let the boy wander into the treeline a little bit to get the feeling of grass beneath his feet and let him try to climb the trees like the little spider monkey he was named after. He had struggled to climb the first couple of tries but managed to get the hang of it before Y/n took him on a ride aboard her ikran that she had tamed only a few years prior.

While Norm was able to gain a banshee not long after the war, Y/n had decided to wait out her training to become a Na'vi warrior due to raising a human child who couldn't go everywhere with her. Once Spider was old enough not to need his mother every minute of the day, she finally felt comfortable with occasionally leaving Hell's Gate and learning the ways of the Omatikaya. The start of her Iknimaya went smoothly due to the number of teachers she had, and eventually, she came home flying her very own ikran. Spider squealed and laughed from his bedroom window at the sight of the creature, already in love as if his mother had just brought a stray cat home. Y/n immediately sat her son down to gently let him know that an ikran is not a pet and demands respect and space. However, the ikran appeared more than happy to act like the family pet, curiously watching Spider from behind the window and resting right underneath said window whenever the creature wasn't out flying.

And when Spider was finally allowed to go outside, the boy and ikran finally got to officially meet. It was like watching a rescued animal find its forever home. Immediately cozying up and trusting the nine-year-old, the ikran allowed Spider to hug its whole face in his arms while jumping up and down happily. With excitement, Spider begged his mother to take him on a ride and finally, he got to learn what it was like to fly.

Y/n immediately flew Spider to the village so he can lay eyes on all the Na'vi for the first time. The People were happy to greet the child after hearing so many stories from his mother. The Omatikaya had grown to love Y/n and the other scientists as part of the People once they had begun to learn the Na'vi way and tame their own banshees, so when the Na'vi were finally introduced to Spider, it was like meeting the first grandbaby of the family! Everyone wanted to hold Spider due to the fascination of the fact he was still so small at his age, and the kid happily ate up all the attention. Through his excitement, he kept jumping between languages when speaking, but most of the Omatikaya were able to grasp the boy's words with ease and would respond in kind. Eventually, Y/n managed to bring her kid to the Sully marui without too many people resisting, and so Spider got to meet his best friends for the first time.

Jake and Neytiri excitedly welcomed Spider, hugging him and dragging him inside like he was a nephew who had been far away from home for far too long. Y/n followed them into the home, smiling fondly as Spider was introduced to Neteyam, Kiri, and Lo'ak. All three Sully kids were very bug-eyed and curious about this new friend. And for the first time since arriving in the village, Spider was suddenly shy with all the attention he was getting. He ran back to Y/n and hid behind her legs, nervously holding her tail while peeking at the kids behind his mask. The adults all laughed while the Sully kids continued to ask Spider questions until finally, he got comfortable enough to come out of hiding. Y/n and Spider stayed for dinner that evening after the kids begged their parents to let them stay so Spider could play. Once they got over poking and prodding Spider with interest, the two Na'vi boys and girl kept dragging him everywhere, frantically wanting to show him all their toys and favorite hiding spots, acting like he was leaving forever the moment he and Y/n would eventually step out of their home. The adults calmly remind the children that now that Spider is big enough to wear a mask, both he and Y/n would be coming back to the village as many times as they want, but that didn't convince the kids to slow down.

Tsu'tey was invited to dinner as well, but due to his responsibilities, he arrived late and could only stay for a little while. Y/n happily greeted him like an old friend -they had only met a few times over the years-, pressing her fingers to her forehead and lowering them in his direction, "Olo'eyktan. Oel ngati kameie."

Tsu'tey gestured in response out of respect but otherwise said nothing. Had he still been younger and just a warrior, Tsu'tey would've been able to help mentor Y/n during her Iknimaya trials. But due to being olo'eyktan now, he had to hand down those responsibilities to someone who had the time to do so, therefore his meetings with Y/n were far, and few in-between. As she was training, there were communal dinners where both parties were cordial to one another, entertaining small talk but otherwise keeping their respective distance. Y/n had become closer to Jake, Neytiri, and their growing family, therefore she and Tsu'tey saw each other more than usual but still in passing, like two ships in the night. Tsu'tey was like a teacher and an uncle to the Sully children, while Y/n was becoming to be a friend of the family. Now that Spider was in the picture, Tsu'tey had a feeling he had not seen the last of the mother and son.

If everyone thought Spider was shy meeting the Sully kids, they had not seen Spider meeting Tsu'tey. The boy immediately straightened his back and froze like a deer in headlights. Despite being shy and refusing to say a word, the human child looked at Tsu'tey in awe of him, recognizing his station as the clan leader of the Omatikaya. Y/n laughed and gathered her son up in her arms when he couldn't move, facing Tsu'tey so both Na'vi man and human child could get a better look at each other, "Spider, this is Tsu'tey te Rongloa Ateyo'itan. You've met before, but you were too little to remember. He is olo'eyktan. Do you remember what we say when greeting someone new?"

Under Tsu'tey's stare, Spider's hand shook as he brought his tiny fingers to the top brim of his breathing mask before lowering it in the Na'vi man's direction, speaking just above a whisper, "O-- Oel ngati kameie..."

The marui is silent and the boy waits with bated breath. To Spider's credit and everyone's amazement, Tsu'tey thinly smiled and made the same hand movement back to the child, "You speak very good, taronyutsyìp. Your mother and other caretakers have taught you well."

Spider's frozen shock had broken in exchange for a large, beaming wide smile, staring at Tsu'tey as if the man had just handed him the world. Y/n smiled at her adorable son's reaction and gratefully nodded to Tsu'tey before the moment was broken by none other than Jake's teasing, "How come you weren't complimenting me when I was learning, brother?"

"Because you were a teylupil prrnen who had to hold Neytiri's hand every step of the way," Tsu'tey was quick to respond but made sure to only speak in a hushed voice which only the adults could hear.

Neytiri playfully scolded Tsu'tey for his language and shoved a small niktsyey into his hands before he could leave, all the children confused as to why both Jake and Y/n were laughing to the point they had missed Tsu'tey sneaking out of the pod.

~~~~~~~~~

That was indeed, not the last time Tsu'tey would see Y/n and Spider. The next time they visited the village was a week later, and Tsu'tey wasn't even aware of their presence until his evening tasks were disrupted by a small force running into his legs and hugging them tightly. Startled into looking down, Tsu'tey found Little Spider, not even standing up to the height of the chief's knees, clinging to his strong blue legs for dear life while beaming up at him through his mask. Spider laughed due to Tsu'tey's reaction and paid no mind to his mother when she finally arrived. Tsu'tey didn't even notice Y/n until she stood in front of him, looking guilty and apologetic.

"Forgive me, ma olo'eyktan. He didn't want to go home until he got to see you."

Her ears pinned back against her head, tail drooping as she stared anxiously at the usually fierce and stone-faced clan leader. She looked tired, likely from a long day of following her child everywhere while he went on these new, exciting adventures around the village and surrounding forest. Y/n had volunteered to take Spider and the Sully kids to the nearby river so they could play and let off some steam. Jake and Neytiri had gratefully accepted the offer, ready to have some time away from their children for the first time in years. One look at the female avatar and Tsu'tey could tell just how drained she had been from watching all four children who barely grasp the idea of being 'careful.'

Years later, Tsu'tey will not be able to recall what came over him, but in a split-second decision, he bent down and scooped the little human boy into his arms, much to Spider's delight who squealed and laughed happily. To no one's surprise, the pink-skinned child was lighter than a basket of banana fruit and didn't struggle when Tsu'tey lifted him up over his head until the boy was sitting on his strong, broad shoulders. Spider dutifully grabbed onto Tsu'tey's braids to stay upright, eyes widening in joy and wonderment as he looked around, seeing the world from a new height that Spider could only dream of.

Tsu'tey made no sound to acknowledge his decision, despite already clocking a few bystanders who had stopped to stare at their olo'eyktan in shock before he turned to Y/n, speaking as blunt and firm as always, "He has seen me. Now let's get him to your ikran."

Initially surprised, Y/n could only nod and obediently led the Na'vi man in the direction of the claimed ikran rookery. They walked in silence apart from Spider's ramblings, beaming and waving down at all the Na'vi they passed by. Tsu'tey stubbornly ignores the stares, keeping his head held high and his gaze ahead of him, still exuding the confident, proud walk of a chief without ever acknowledging the sky demon child sitting up on his shoulders. Spider wasn't bothered by his silence, still babbling about all the things he did today and excitedly exclaiming how he couldn't wait until next time. They finally walk up to Y/n's ikran and without a word, she formed tsaheylu and expertly hopped up into her saddle, bending down to accept Spider from Tsu'tey once the man plucked the kid from his shoulders. Taking this time to admire the handiwork Y/n put into making her ikran's saddle as she secured her son in front of her, Tsu'tey nearly made a fool of himself by staring and immediately shook out of his thoughts.

"Now, boy," Tus'tey spoke carefully, lowering his voice so as not to startle the child as he stepped away from the banshee, eyeing Spider with a stern expression, "Be good for your sa'nok the rest of the night. Do not give her trouble and do as your told."

"Yes, sir!" Spider puffed out his chest and dutifully nodded, excited to follow an order straight from the Omatikaya's olo'eyktan.

Y/n huffed in amusement before flashing Tsu'tey a small smile of gratitude, "Thank you, Tsu'tey."

"Get some rest, my friend," Tsu'tey firmly nods back, "That's an order."

To his internal surprise, Y/n laughs, and even though he was confused, Spider laughed with her. Tsu'tey didn't react to their laughter, every muscle in his face coming together to keep as firm and as serious as he could manage. He wasn't sure when was the last time a woman laughed at something he said. Normally, no one laughed at Tsu'tey, believing he was too serious and he was taken as seriously as one could manage. It wasn't as though he was trying to be funny, but it was like Y/n could see something behind his eyes that told her that at this very moment, she didn't have to treat him as the clan leader. Perhaps it was the way he called her 'friend' that made her realize that she didn't have to be so formal around him. Either way, he didn't plan on correcting her manners.

Tsu'tey couldn't remember when they eventually flew away, back to Hell's Gate. He could only remember standing there like an idiot even after the mother and son were out of sight, their gentle, sweet laughter still echoing in his ears.

~~~~~~~~~

It became a sort of tradition. After a long day of being in the village, Spider would always escape his mother and run to Tsu'tey every time she told her son it was time to go home. After the first three times he did this, both Tsu'tey and Y/n just silently agreed to go along with it and indulge the child in his little tradition. Every evening Y/n and Spider were visiting the clan, the olo'eyktan could count on the young boy to find him like clockwork, then Tsu'tey will, again, lift Spider up onto his shoulders and follow Y/n back to her ikran.

Tsu'tey noticed that the mother and child were visiting the village more and more and he chalked it up to be because Neytiri had just announced that she was pregnant again. Everyone was ecstatic, especially the children. Knowing that a new baby was on the way, Spider could be spotted around the Sully marui almost every single day. The kid was in awe at the idea of meeting someone who was finally going to be smaller than him, at least for a little while. He also fully ramped the other Sully kids up, getting them to be excited for another little sibling, especially Lo'ak, who was ready to finally be a big brother instead of the youngest.

As tradition goes, the People would gift the expecting parents food and necessities in preparation for the unborn child. It was a good way to help Jake and Neytiri focus on their growing family and pay more attention to their three children instead of worrying about getting much-needed supplies ready for the baby. After Y/n explained this tradition to her son, Spider was determined to also present a gift to Jake and Neytiri, and who else could possibly help him with that but none other than Tsu'tey?

The olo'eyktan helps the boy, despite the nagging voice in the back of his head, and tries his best to help when he has the time. If Tsu'tey is not making his usual errands, he can be found with the human boy who practically drags him through the forest, looking for appropriate items to gift the Sullys. Y/n usually goes with them, never too far from her son, therefore she finds herself in Tsu'tey's company more than she ever has in all the years she's known him. And he doesn't appear bothered by it. In fact, he inwardly looks forward to these small adventures, feeling like a young warrior again who could freely leave the village without too many responsibilities weighing down his shoulders. Either Spider blindly takes the two adults through the trees without any idea of where he was heading, or he lets Tsu'tey take the lead, always excited for where the chief will take them now. The three of them do this for an entire week until Spider presents Neytiri with a beautiful bracelet with six, various different colors of beads to represent how many people will soon be in her family. Neytiri's smile was like starlight, so wide and emotional as she pulls the small boy into her arms, kissing the glass of his mask as tears stream down her cheeks. After Spider asks her why she was crying, she was quick to reassure him that they were happy tears and tells him how much she loved his gift, all the while Tsu'tey and Y/n are standing off to the side, fondly watching this scene take place.

It was an eye-opening moment for the usually fierce, stone-faced olo'eyktan. He had been standing so close to Y/n, closer than he had ever allowed himself to be with anyone, while they both watched Spider beam up at Neytiri and happily ramble about his adventures while finding the perfect beads for his bracelet. As the child explained that Tsu'tey and Y/n always went with him, even Neytiri looked surprised, glancing up at the two other adults with her ears flicking with interest. Tsu'tey swallowed and stood firm, trying not to appear nervous under the Na'vi woman's gaze.

Neither Spider nor Y/n noticed this brief interaction as the boy finally turns back to his mother and the olo'eyktan, remembering their presence and running toward them, cheering, "She liked it! She liked it!"

"I can see that," Y/n smiled, giggling as she bent down to receive Spider, picking him up in her arms without a sweat. Normally, it's a struggle in her human body to lift him up as he continues to grow, but as an avatar, it's like holding a three-year-old again. Oh, how she missed those days.

Still in Y/n's arms, Spider reaches for Tsu'tey, making grabby hands at the man who stood close enough for the boy to touch him. Tsu'tey nearly froze under the boy's attention, his own tongue betraying him when he couldn't find anything to say. It was too domestic, watching the way Spider looked for approval from both Y/n and Tsu'tey. Watching as both Spider's and Y/n's eyes land on him nearly takes his breath away, as if seeing the pair of them through rose-tinted glasses for the first time. And while standing so close, Tsu'tey can almost pretend, just for a moment, that Spider was not just any child, but his, the child wanting to share the events of his day as he had run to both Tsu'tey and his mother like they came as a pair, not just one or the other.

This was the first time Tsu'tey ever realized the gift Eywa was offering to him, but at the time was too cowardly to accept it. Taking one last look at the way Spider leaned his soft pink head on Y/n's blue shoulder, Tsu'tey looked away, purposely engraving the sight of those two small brown and gold pairs of eyes staring questionably up at him.

Even though there was no need to go out into the forest anymore, Tsu'tey still insisted on taking the mother and son out on adventures under the guise that it was time Spider learned how to gather and forage. Tsu'tey firmly stated that the boy needed to recognize certain plants before he could ever learn to become a hunter. Spider perked up at this idea, cheering and running to Neteyam, Kiri, and Lo'ak to brag about his upcoming lessons. Y/n appeared hesitant at first -call it a mother's concern- but eventually accepted the idea, happily tagging along so she could witness her son's first lesson.

One lesson became two, then three, then four, five, and six. Eventually, Tsu'tey had lost count of the number of days he had squeezed in time to teach Spider the ways of the Na'vi. It had been weeks, easily, and he had no intention of stopping. He was exhausted between his usual duties and his newly acquired student, but Tsu'tey would only have to look as far as Spider and Y/n's smiles to think it was all worth it.

Before he knew it, Y/n had fully completed her Iknimaya. After surviving the Uniltaron, she was painted and born a second time as one of the People. The whole clan was happy for her, and even Tsu'tey bore a small but genuine smile as he stood before her as her olo'eyktan and welcomed her into the Omatikaya clan, placing his arms on her shoulders as everyone else followed suit, creating an overflowing circle of Na'vi all around her.

With Y/n being recognized as a member of the clan, Tsu'tey feels a small barrier break between them. Something unspoken had come to light and before he could argue with himself, Tsu'tey had done something he hadn't done in a while.

His carving skills needed improvement after so many years of nonuse, but it was still a talent he possessed. The next time he spotted Y/n and Spider in the village, he boldly approached them without a second thought. Spider saw him first and excitedly ran to Tsu'tey, hugging his legs until the olo'eyktan crouched down to his height. Y/n walked up to them just as Tsu'tey held out his hand to the boy, "For you, Spider."

Spider greedily held out both of his hands with wide, bewildered eyes just as Tsu'tey handed him a simple but perfectly carved wooden pa'li toy. Spider initially stood there, shocked, staring down at the toy while Tsu'tey began to shuffle uncomfortably on his heels, "I understand if you think you are too big for toys--"

His backtracking was quickly interrupted by Spider lunging at him, throwing his little arms around the man's neck before practically squeezing the air out of him. Tsu'tey let out a gust of wind at the impact, unaware that the kid had that much strength in such a small body. It took a moment, but eventually, Tsu'tey began to awkwardly pat the boy on the back while Spider continued to hug fiercely.

Y/n was biting the inside of her cheek to keep from smiling and was failing miserably, the smile stretching far enough to make her facial muscles hurt. Tsu'tey bravely peered up at her and offered his best, closed-mouth smirk, despite still awkwardly holding the child in his arms. Y/n took a deep breath and was able to rein in the smile until it was small and gentle, clearing her throat to get her son's attention, "What do you say, Spider?"

"Thank you. Irayo, " Spider whispered into Tsu'tey's ear before finally pulling away, clutching the pa'li toy in one hand while his mother took the other. Slowly, they both walk away but would occasionally look back at Tsu'tey with those sweet, dazzling smiles that make Tsu'tey feel as though he had just lifted a mountain that was in the mother and son's path. After they disappeared into the crowd, he finally stood back up, stubbornly ignoring all the stares the scene no doubt caused before going about his day as normally as he could.

Once almost every week, Tsu'tey would have something new to offer Spider. It could be a toy, small bracelets, armbands, or even Na'vi child-sized clothes, Tsu'tey would make them all for the small human child. Spider's personal favorite was the small bow, already strung up and carved to his tiny size with equally small, harmless arrows. Over time, Spider was becoming more accustomed to Na'vi culture and started to wear his hair in beads and braids and continuously wore a loincloth. The Sully kids were eager to help Spider form his new style but it wasn't hard to get the supplies, seeing as though Tsu'tey had already provided Spider with everything he needed to complete the look. Each gift was more thoughtful and appreciative than the last, and each time, seeing the look on both mother and child's faces made Tsu'tey feel a thousand times lighter.

He thought he was being subtle, but that was far from the truth. Nearly everyone could see it apart from himself. He knew he had been a fool to believe otherwise when he was abruptly visited by his parents, cornering him in his own marui.

"What is this about you courting a demon?" His mother, Artsut, sternly asked.

"I am not courting anyone." He easily answered without hesitation.

"That is not what we heard. The People say their olo'eyktan has taken a liking to the dreamwalker they call Y/n and her demon child."

"Is that truly what the People say, Mother? Or is it just you?" Tsu'tey accused, eyes narrowed on her, "From what I have seen, the People love Y/n and Spider."

"Spider?" His father, Ateyo, repeated the name on his tongue and screwed up his nose, "What a strange name."

"This is not acceptable," Artsut shook her head, "You should have taken Saeyla as your mate when you had the chance. At least she is one of the People and she would have accepted you."

Tsu'tey nodded in agreement, but kept his face impassive, "Yes. She would have. But I will not have her and she will not have me. She is mated with Ka'ani now."

"You should have chosen her the moment Neytiri ran off to mate with a tawtute."

His eyes darken a shade of color and his parents are quickly reminded that they spoke to the olo'eyktan, one of said tawtute's strongest allies who was quick to defend Jake Sully after years of friendship, "You will not address Toruk Makto in such a way. And I do not want you to ever speak of Y/n as if she is not Omatikaya. She has learned our ways and had successfully completed her Iknimaya. In time, her son will follow her footsteps."

The sneer on his mother's face was potent as ever, "Do you actually believe that a sky demon can complete the task of becoming a warrior when he doesn't even have a tswin? Even if he were to be accepted as one of the People, he will struggle all his life and suffer without the means of bonding with the Forest, the animals, or even other Na'vi! You are olo'eyktan and your duty to the People also involves having heirs to succeed you! Raising this human child alongside this dreamwalker will end your line!"

Her voice had only ever risen higher until his father gently placed a withered hand on her shoulder. Artsut immediately silences herself while Ateyo turns to Tsu'tey, "Maitan. Tell us the truth. Are you courting this woman?"

Tsu'tey grits his teeth, staring both of them down, "I am not."

The words are bitter on his tongue, distasteful. What he would give to say otherwise and make his parents flinch as if in pain. His mother shook her head, her tone quieter but still accusatory, "Others have seen you gift the child many things. Do you think we are blind and deaf? We hear whispers, Tsu'tey. We hear that to win Y/n's heart is to dote on her son. You may not be courting the woman with gifts for her, but you are courting her with gifts for her son."

The marui grew in unpalpable silence. Tsu'tey remained quiet, unable to deny it, but kept his gaze sharp and locked onto Ateyo and Artsut. Ever since he became Eytukan's heir as olo'eyktan, he had learned to stop listening to his parents constantly whispering in his ears. He had quickly realized how poisonous they were, hungry for power, believing they know the will of Eywa better than anyone, even Mo'at. He had thought he had fed their thirst for power after becoming olo'eyktan, but that still wasn't good enough for them. For years now, they have shaped Tsu'tey's younger brother, Arvok, into their preferred image now that their golden son had chosen his own path without their consent. Tsu'tey wished his brother had learned to stop leading by their influence and start forming his own future, but has been unable to advise Arvok to do so, given how busy he is as the clan leader. On top of growing up in Tsu'tey's shadow until recent years, Arvok has no part of himself that their parents didn't twist and manipulate. Arvok was no longer his own person and it broke Tsu'tey's heart to watch from a distance, unable to save his brother from himself.

A wave of guilt washes over Tsu'tey but he strongly holds firm, blatantly refusing to let his emotions show, let alone in front of his sa'sem. He regrets not taking Arvok under his wing. He regrets taking time to be with Y/n and Spider and none to be with his own flesh and blood. Perhaps a small part of himself believed he could help his brother if he could help someone as hopeless as Spider, someone who couldn't truly become one of the People, just like his parents said--

'No. That is not you talking. Already they are trying to spin their words to make it sound like your own. Do not let them poison you.'

His own thoughts drown out all the doubt and regret and so Tsu'tey shakes his head to be rid of them with a deep, dark snarl, baring his fangs at his mother and father, "You forget yourselves. You forget your place. You are right about one thing. I am olo'eyktan, and I don't take orders from you. I will never listen to you or agree with you because every word that falls from your mouth is like a sharp blade in my ears. Your ways are of the past when I, your chief, aim toward the future. By the laws of our people, Y/n is taronyu, and Spider is her son. That is enough for me, and I order you to keep whatever you have to say about that woman and her child to yourselves from now on."

~~~~~~~~~

Despite holding firm against Ateyo and Artsut, Tsu'tey couldn't help but feel sour for the rest of the week about what was said in the confinements of that room. Their lecture plus Eytukan's teachings continued to ring in his ears, unable to let him rest. They were right that as olo'eyktan, it was his duty to find a proper heir to take his place and guide the People after he is gone. He could sire an heir or choose one from the clan, but he must choose wisely, nevertheless.

For years, Tsu'tey never worried about heirs. He was openly adamant in wishing Jake Sully to take his place should something untimely happen to him. Toruk Makto had sons and a daughter with possibly another on the way. At the very least, Jake's line of succession was secure if he was olo'eyktan.

But Tsu'tey was alone.

It didn't help that as olo'eyktan, he was still in need of a mate who would one day become tsahik. Mo'at has made it very clear to him, "I am not getting any younger. I will need at least three seasons to train a woman before she can become tsahik."

Neytiri was no longer tsakarem due to choosing Jake as her mate, and while Kiri was a good option for Mo'at to take under her wing, the young girl was still too young to worry about such responsibility. Tsu'tey was positive that Mo'at would rather have her granddaughter become tsahik over whoever he chose as a mate, but he was positive it was due to favoritism. Mo'at would rather teach family over a stranger, and Tsu'tey couldn't blame her for that. Her own legacy was shattered due to losing her first daughter and becoming estranged from the other, neither of who was capable of becoming tsahik like their mother one day.

The harsh reminder of Sylwanin made Tsu'tey's stomach clench with guilt and despair. He had moved past her death years ago, but at the idea of him finally moving on, the phantom pain returned to make him feel regret all over again.

She was meant to be his mate for life, and this all felt as though he was betraying her.

Tsu'tey let his feet take them to a destination, and they end up leading him to the Sully marui. Inside, Neytiri was alone since Jake decided to take the kids fishing with Spider and Y/n, her baby bump becoming more visible by the day. Looking up and recognizing Tsu'tey, she only held his gaze with a smug, all-knowing expression.

He scowled while walking further into the home, sitting across from her, "I assume you heard the rumors."

She shrugged, smirking, "I think everyone has heard or seen something or other. The question is whether or not it's true."

The man hesitates, unable to form the proper words he wanted to say. Here sat his young love's sister, someone who would know better than anyone how he feels because she suffers the same pain and loss every day. And yet... like Sylwanin, he felt as though he was betraying Neytiri as well, "I... I don't know."

Her gaze narrows at him, surprised and under scrutiny, "You don't know?"

"I thought I did," Tsu'tey confessed, his eyes only gazing at the small fire between them, "I was ready to take and bring both of them into my care."

"Then what's stopping you?" She carefully watches him as they sat in silence, letting it linger and simmer like the meat she had just hung over the fire. When Tsu'tey had yet to look up, Neytiri had discovered the answer on her own, "Sylwanin?"

Solemnly, he nods, "We were promised to each other. It is a promise meant forever."

Her posture relaxes, relenting whatever tease she planned on dishing him out in exchange for pity. Her words were gentle as she spoke, forlorn and sympathetic, "You were not mated yet, Tsu'tey, and it was many, many years ago. You are allowed to grieve, mourn, and miss my sister. But I think she would understand if you had fallen for someone else."

Leaning forward to the best of her ability in her condition, she reaches and grabs tightly onto Tsu'tey's hand. Finally, once his eyes met hers, Neytiri whispered, "She wouldn't want you to be alone forever."

She lets him think about what she said, turning back to the food she was preparing in silence. Neytiri lets Tsu'tey hide away in her home, stewing with his thoughts as the village moves on about their day around them. Before eclipse could even make an appearance, Jake and Y/n return with the children from their fishing trip. Looking up, both Neytiri and Tsu'tey take note of how exhausted all the kids look, especially Spider, who was passed out cold in Jake's arms alongside Kiri.

Jake smiles at his wife before turning to Tsu'tey to properly greet him, "Brother. I'd offer you my arm, but I kinda got my hands full."

"So I see," Tsu'tey huffed, slightly amused at the sight before his gaze flicks over to the woman standing beside Jake, "And how are you, Y/n?"

She appeared startled at the question being directed at her, but quickly covered it up with a soft smile, nodding down to Tsu'tey, "I'm alright, ma olo'eyktan. Thank you."

Neytiri smirked, sparing one glance up at her husband before pretending to absentmindedly hum in thought, "Perhaps if you leave us Spider's spare mask, Y/n, you could leave him here for tonight and have at least a few hours to yourself?"

Both Neteyam and Lo'ak are suddenly wide awake, ears perking up at the mother's intention. Y/n paused, about to open her mouth when Jake beat her to it, "That's not a bad idea. He's already asleep and there isn't a reason to wake him," the female avatar turned to the male one, who's quick to reassure her, "I promise he'll be in good hands. And the kids would love to wake up in the morning to find Spider still here."

Again, the concern Y/n displayed on her face was about to voice her answer before Neteyam spoke up, keeping his voice sweet and soft, "Please, Aunt Y/n? Can Spider stay here tonight?"

Lo'ak chimed in, too, albiet a bit louder, "Can we have a sleepover? Pleeeaase?"

All the adults present quickly shushed the young boy when Kiri and Spider squirmed in their sleep but everyone relaxed when the sleeping children eventually settled back down. Jake moves further into the marui to gently place them down on the mats while Y/n turned around only to be met with two round pairs of pleading gold eyes staring up at her, both Neteyam and Lo'ak poking their bottom lips out for added measure.

Y/n snorts, playfully rolling her eyes, "Well, who could say 'no' to those charming little faces?"

Both the boys silently cheer and run in the direction of the other two sleeping children, anxious to join the growing cuddle pile. Y/n watches them go with amusement before she hands Neytiri the spare mask she always kept hooked around the belt of her cargo shorts, "I'll be back for him early in the morning."

"No need to rush," Neytiri smiled with assurance, "Just stop by for breakfast and you can take him home after."

Jake then proceeds to hand the single mother a throat mic and earpiece, "Just in case we need to contact you or you just wanna talk to him."

Y/n visibly relaxed a little at the lengths both Jake and Neytiri were going just to make her feel comfortable leaving her son with them. She dutifully nods and clips on the throat mic as Tsu'tey stands to meet her, the olo'eyktan tilting his head to the marui exit, "Let's get you to your ikran."

If she found his offer unexpected, she didn't show it and followed Tsu'tey out of the marui, unaware of the knowing look Neytiri was watching them leave with. Once they disappeared, Jake turned to his mate with a confused expression, "What was that about?"

Neytiri's eyes shine with a mischievous gleam behind those golden orbs, "With any luck, by the end of the night, Spider will officially have a father and we will have our future tsahik."

~~~~~~~~~

Tsu'tey and Y/n mostly walked in silence back to her ikran, the beauty of the night slowly making itself known as eclipse finally arrives. Over the years, Y/n was used to how intense and silent Tsu'tey could be and no longer found these quiet interactions awkward. If anything, the silence was actually comforting.

They approach her ikran and Y/n busies herself by tending to the banshee, comforting the creature when it squawks indignant and trying to look occupied to calm her own nerves. It was possible her ikran could sense said nerves and continued to act belligerent. Eventually, Y/n turned back to the olo'eyktan and nods in gratitude, "Thank you, Tsu'tey. I'll be back again in the morning."

He only nods and so Y/n took it as a sign to take her leave as the silence lingers. Double-checking the straps of her ikran's harness, she swung her leg over the creature and grabbed her queue braid--

"Y/n..."

She looked up, "Yes?"

Concern clouded her mind as Tsu'tey's eyes briefly look away, unable to meet her gaze. His ears flick at the same speed as his eyes, betraying him of his nerves as he spoke, "Do you wish to be courted?"

Befuddled, her eyes narrow cautiously, tilting her head with curiosity. Perhaps she heard him wrong, "What?"

He took a deep breath to steady himself, straightening up to be the taller more regal olo'eyktan she had come to know him. His voice is suddenly more confident and formal as he finally looks up at her, "It would be a great honor, Y/n of the Sky People and of the Omatikaya, if you would allow me to officially court you."

Y/n could initially do nothing but sit there on the back of her ikran, frozen and dumbfounded. The silence that was once so normal and comfortable between them was now intense and tightly wound like a meresh'ti cau'pla. As the avatar woman replayed his words back in her head, she couldn't depict anything else from the proposal other than one singular word, "'Officially?'"

Tsu'tey nods while further explaining, "It was not my intention to let you believe I was only tending to your boy in the hopes of courting you, nor do I wish for you to believe that I expect something from you in exchange for training your son. Spider is a spirited child and he is lucky to have a wonderful woman for his mother. You and your son have shown me what it would look like to be a part of your family and now that I have a taste of it, I want to know more. I wish to court you not just in the hopes of being your mate, but one day-- if you and the boy will have me, I want Spider to one day look up to me as his father."

The confession was something Y/n wouldn't have expected in a million years. It wasn't as though she believed Tsu'tey to be too proud, but as the clan leader he had a reputation to uphold and a responsibility regarding the wellbeing of his people. Immediately her thoughts turned to what other Na'vi might think about their olo'eyktan taking a sky demon as his mate, someone who can walk in two bodies instead of one, an alien whose species would do unspeakable things to cheat death and go against everything Eywa stood for. She never took herself to be an insecure person, but Y/n couldn't help the fear she felt when thinking about what the Na'vi people might think about her son if she decides to allow Tsu'tey to adopt him. Sure, the Omatikaya act as though they love Spider now, but what about when they learn that their olo'eyktan's legacy depends on a boy born from the Sky People?

Despite her fears, she couldn't help but think about how much happier Spider has been around Tsu'tey and the village. Y/n thought about how the boy would suddenly become sad upon returning to the biolab and leaving his friends behind, or how when he adamantly talked, it was only about the Na'vi and the Sully kids and of course whatever Tsu'tey had taught him that day. Though Y/n and the other scientists have tried to teach Spider the ways of the Sky People with the proper education and history of their culture, the kid doesn't want anything to do with Earth and tends to stick with whatever he had learned from the Omatikaya. Over time, Y/n had told the other scientists to give it up, coming to terms that Spider didn't want to learn about where he came from, only about the home he had now and the friends he had gained. Y/n couldn't blame him. Tsu'tey was a better teacher than even Max or Norm when it came to the topics Spider wanted to actually learn about. Tsu'tey was patient but firm. Informative but vigor. On one hand, he would make sure Spider listened and held onto every word he said, but on the other, he was a good listener and would praise Spider for every achievement made in his lessons. Y/n remembered watching them with fondness, amused and delighted by their interactions. As often as she sees her son and the olo'eyktan together, the more she, too wished to see what would happen if she allowed herself to feel something for that man. The man who opened his arms out to selected Sky People, allowing them into his village. The man who took Spider under his wing despite the fact the boy was human and treated him with kindness and respect even though he didn't have to. Tsu'tey has every reason to hate the Sky People and the face Spider wears, but he doesn't, and what Y/n initially thought she felt was admiration for Tsu'tey was actually a growing love for him and his character.

But she had stamped down her feelings because she was afraid of getting Spider's hopes up. She couldn't afford to disappoint her son when he already adores Tsu'tey to no end. When Y/n opened her mouth, she whispered her own confession to the olo'eyktan anxiously waiting for an answer, "... He already does."

She watches as his eyes widen before she made the decision to hop back down from her banshee, closing in the gap between them as she took the necessary steps to stand right before Tsu'tey. She watched his eyes for a moment, looking for something, likely making sure he wasn't joking despite knowing he was the last person on this planet who would. She hadn't realized they were standing so close until she felt the warm air of his breath softly fanning her face, causing her to blink rapidly and clear her throat when her skin began to prickle into a soft blush. Ignoring her brief fluster, she allowed herself to slowly, cautiously lean forward and felt relief when Tsu'tey did as well. Their foreheads faintly touch until their movements became bolder, pressing closer until they were sharing the same tight space and combating the tense air between them. Leaning into him further, Y/n closed her eyes and basked in his embrace, "You really want this?"

His shaky exhale hits her face, her eyelashes briefly twitching but otherwise remaining closed as if afraid to open and see his expression. Tsu'tey's voice was less confident now and more breathless, unable to take in a full gulp of air in this woman's presence. He closed his eyes and enjoyed the closeness, even if only for tonight, he didn't care if it was selfish. He gently gripped her arm as he whispered, wanting to pull her even closer to him than possible, "Yes. By Eywa, yes."

Her lips twitched into a smile at the same time her heart lept in joy, "I accept your proposal."

Faintly patting his chest, she then pulled away, both of them opening their eyes and smiling shyly at one another. Y/n blindly backs away to reach her ikran, unwilling to look away until the last second, "I'll see you in the morning."

~~~~~~~~~

Also heavily inspired by illustrations called ‘our paths crossing’ by kening zhu

Lemme know if you would like a Part 2! I was hoping to write more for this but it was starting to get long, so you decide if it should continue! Also leave a request in my inbox but be sure to check up on the rules first. Thank you!

#tsu'tey x reader #tsu'tey imagine #avatar tsu'tey #tsu'tey #tsutey #tsutey imagine #tsutey x reader #tsu'tey fic #tsu'tey fanfiction #tsutey fic #tsutey fanfiction #avatar #avatar 2009 #avatar imagine #atwow imagine #atwow #avatar 2 imagine #avatar 2 #avatar the way of water

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gunnerina · 2 years

Note

NABILE GET WELL SOON BESTIE! 🤧💖

😭😭😭 THANK YOU NIVI

#luh u #that’s Nivi she’s my friend

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kirimoochi · 8 months

Text

STRDOM.

₊˚ ᗢ synopsis; after the disbandment of your k-pop group OZEAN, you establish STR alongside your friends with the help of former musician ACER. with him as your producer, your curiosity about him leads to a change in your work-relationship.

⤷genres/warnings; smau, band/idol au, slow burn, secret identities, pining, fluff, angst, somewhat dirty humor (from childe), social media drama, scandals, harrassment, sfw, fem!reader.

₊˚ ✧ notes; first official smau for kazuha! inspired by DPR. some characters might be ooc and the humor might not always land. there will be slow and inconsistent updates. photos are not meant to represent the reader accurately and should serve as placeholders/imagines.

⤷status; ongoing [8/24/23]

₊˚ ᗢ openers:

STRs (name) — STAGE CREW (kazuha)

tweets (1) || tweets (2)

moodswings in this order

01. mito || 02. so beautiful

03. dope lovers || 04. no blueberries

05. nerves || 06. scaredy cat

07. welcome to the show (+ 0.5) || 08. no silhouette

my insecurities, not yours

09. because i don't wanna know || 10. she likes spring, i prefer winter

11. my insecurities not yours || 12. twenty four hours

moodswings in to order

13. seraph || 14. 1 shot

15. mood || 16. miss understood

17. avalon || 18. merry go

19. ribbon || 20. winterfall

21. calico || 22. mr insanity

23. ballroom extravaganza || 24. sometimes i'm

bittersweet

25. still friends, not lovers || 26. harbor

27. bellflower || 28. changes || 29. undo

peanut butter & tears

30. TBA

blood lotus diary

XX. TBA

str archives

I. eyes of luna || II. eyes of trix

III. eyes of lenta || IV. eyes of nivis

⤷taglist (19/25); @https-furina @soleillunne @whipped-for-fictionals @maehemthemisfit @blue-b3rries @rook-kisser @k1an4a @yuminako @mommymilkers-main @ixromzi @meigalaxy @lovely028 @deannaistired @kazeniya @mechanicalbeat1 @luvik4zuhaxx @dazaisboner @scarletttcroww @d4y-dr3am3r

#₊˚ ᗢ STRDOM #₊˚ ᗢ kirimoochi #genshin impact x reader #genshin x reader #genshin impact #genshin #kazuha x reader #kazuha kaedehara x reader #kazuha #kazuha kaedehara #kazuha smau #kaedehara kazuha x reader #kaedehara kazuha #kaedehara kazuha smau #kazuha kaedehara smau #genshin smau #genshin impact smau #genshin modern au

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lovemyavatar · 1 year

Text

STAR GIRL

| Lo’ak x F!Avatar Reader |

summary: you’re lost, caught between worlds. what could possibly go wrong when a lonely forest boy offers some distraction?

warnings: mentions of grief and death, Neteyam is a lil bitch, pure Lo’ak fluff

dialogue in italics is Na’vi translated to English

chapter one chapter three

Chapter Two

Something pokes the bed you’re laying in, the entire structure swaying beneath you. Your face scrunches against the pain of sore muscles tensing.

Rustling overhead pulls you closer to the surface of consciousness. Your eyes are unusually heavy as you try and fail to pry them open. Your brow pinches with uncertainty. Typically, waking up in your human form isn’t difficult. The moment your Avatar falls asleep, you’re back.

A loud squawk and the deafening sound of large wings beating against the wind startles you. Your eyes pop open, a rough gasp leaving dry lips.

You blink once, twice, three times. Your gaze darts from side to side, pure confusion settling in. The cold metal of the link pod isn’t in front of you. Your arms wiggle at your sides, something rough scratching against your skin.

“You’re finally awake!” A small voice shouts beside you.

You lurch upright and instantly regret the action when the hammock beneath you rocks violently to the side. Your fingers clutch the edge with a vice grip. Your head jerks toward the voice, coming face to face with a child.

“I thought you’d never wake up!” A huge grin splits her face.

Your stomach rolls when the hammock shifts again at your aggressive movement. Instinctively, you look down, but quickly close your eyes at the sight of nothing but branches and vines below.

Slowly, your gaze returns to the girl perched on a nearby branch. You immediately recognize her as the same girl who visited you the night before in the Tsahik tent. She’d hidden behind her brother the whole time, so you hadn’t gotten a good look, but the intricately woven necklace she wears is a dead giveaway.

Dread tightens your chest. Something is wrong. You never came to in your human body. Somehow, you slept through the night in this hammock, and woke up still in your Avatar.

It shouldn’t be possible.

“Come on, there’s so much I want to show—”

“Tuk!” A strong voice scolds, the twisted vines supporting your weight vibrating with the force of his feet landing behind the girl.

Her ears flatten as he grips her shoulder gently, guiding her behind his legs. You blink up at him, eyes wide with alarm. Your heart slams in your chest, breath quickening with each passing moment.

Something is very, very wrong.

“Go back to your chores.” The man who brought you here the night before speaks lowly in Na’vi, eyes never leaving you.

A tremble wracks your entire body. You’re hyperventilating, but there’s no stopping it. Panic swells within you, filling you whole.

“But—”

“Now, Tuk. Unless you want dad to find out you were with the demon.”

The little girl pouts, lips pulling into a frown. She crosses her arms and sticks her tongue out in opposition before casting you one last glance and jumping down to a lower branch.

Neteyam turns back to you once he’s sure Tuk has made it onto solid ground. His stiff shoulders relax slightly at the sight of you doubled over, hand to your chest. You’re breathing quickly, and for a moment he wonders if you’ve somehow gotten into something toxic.

He regards you curiously, head tilting to the side and dipping to see your face. It’s contorted in pain or sorrow, he can’t tell. For a moment you’re stable, until you gasp out and flail your arms. The nivi (hammock) sways to the side.

He has no choice but to lunge forward, hand clasping around your forearm. He curses under his breath, not wanting to touch you but knowing his mother will kill him if you somehow fall to your death on his watch.

He yanks hard, your body frantically clambering onto the branch beside him. He instantly releases his hold and you crumble into a heap on the rough surface.

“Come, I will take you home.” He says, hoping it will break whatever spell has come over you.

Your eyes flick up to meet his, wide with unease. As you try to catch your breath, the pool of dread in your stomach whispers that you may not have a home to go back to.

A week has passed, and you still aren’t used to the new normal. Not even close.

You grunt with frustration and reach onto the tips of your toes, arm outstretched above you. For the last hour, you’ve been collecting as much yovo fruit for the lab as possible. Now that you’re able to roam Pandora freely, it’s become your job to sustain the food source.

At least, you’ve made it your job.

The last seven days have been extremely difficult. Transitioning into your new body, your new life, is the most challenging endeavor you’ve ever been forced into.

Admittedly, part of you had always wanted to be Na’vi. You wanted the freedom to explore the beauty of Pandora without restriction. Breathing the air, laying beneath the stars, all without returning to the cold, lifeless confines of the lab. It was always a dream. Something you fantasized about.

But abandoning your human body forever? The thought never crossed your mind.

A seizure. That’s what Meg said.

When you were caught in the storm, laying in a broken pile in the forest floor, something unexplainable happened. Your human body should’ve been safe in the link pod. The moment your Avatar fell unconscious, you should’ve woken up unharmed. But you didn’t.

You died.

Simple as it was, it still didn’t feel real. You’d seen it. Confirmed it for yourself as you hugged your own lifeless body with tears streaming down your face. One version of you was gone, buried six feet below the Pandoran earth just steps from the lab.

And yet, here you are. Reborn as something else. Someone else.

In a sense, you’ve been grieving. Though part of you now has exactly what it always wanted, it arrived at the expense of your human connections. Your human life.

It wasn’t much of a life from the outside. You lived and worked in a metal box, only witnessing the amazing world around you when there was time to boot up the link pods. But it was your life. And you loved it.

You just want to feel useful. That’s why you’ve been out here, collecting food for your colleagues. Or, former colleagues now. You can’t sleep for more than a few hours anyway, not unless you camp out outside the lab.

You’re too aware of everything that could be just beyond the trees to comfortably sleep outdoors. So, you’ve been staying in the lab for as long as your Avatar’s lungs can handle the oxygen rich air.

Your fingers finally manage to grab a piece of fruit. You jump down, a victorious grin pulling at your lips.

Something snaps from behind and you spin around quickly, fear licking up your throat. Instantly, your heartbeat doubles. Your eyes roam the nearby tree line, but see nothing out of the ordinary.

A hand presses against your chest, willing your heart to slow down. Just as you’re about to turn around and continue your efforts, a pair of large, yellow eyes come into view. Breath catches in your throat. Any progress you’ve made on your heartbeat is out the window as it slams against your ribs.

The Na’vi steps forward tentatively, now aware that you’ve see them. A glint against the light confirms they’re holding a bow, aimed directly at you. In a flash your hands come up beside your head in a show of surrender. You can only hope they know what the gesture means.

They emerge from the thick forest, eyes narrowed threateningly beside the taunt string of their bow. Your lips part, ready to speak Na’vi with a native for the first time to ensure they won’t shoot you.

Instead, they surprise you by quickly lowering the weapon. A lopsided grin takes over their face, demeanor instantly relaxing. Through the panic a surge of realization passes through you.

“What’s up, Star Girl?” The boy you recognize as Lo’ak greets you in perfect English.

Despite the way your heart still pounds uncomfortably, your lips can’t help but pull into a relieved smile. He seems friendly. “Pointing another arrow at me already?”

He chuckles lowly and lifts one arm through the bow. His eyes unabashedly rake down your form from head to toe, long fingers curling against the weapon now slung across his chest. Heat prickles at your skin under his pointed gaze. You take a moment to remind yourself that he isn’t checking you out, but most likely judging your clothing.

“What are you doing out here?” He takes a few slow steps toward you, as if to gauge your reaction.

You gesture to the basket of fruit that now lays overturned on the ground beside your feet. It was balanced on your hip as you collected fruit, before you were startled by his presence.

His eyes meet yours, instantly captivating. Your breath slows. Just like in the Tsahik tent several nights before, there’s something burning beneath his gaze. Some kind of intensity that demands your attention. Holds it captive until he’s ready to let you go.

He hums low in his throat, and your stomach flips. Without looking away, he slowly crouches down in front of you. Oh, Eywa. You tear your eyes away, finding something interesting in the sky as he starts collecting your discarded food.

Lo’ak stands to his full height, several inches above yours, and offers you the now full basket. You accept it gratefully, a thank you on the tip of your tongue when he surprises you by taking a piece of fruit from the top.

“Hey!” You can’t help the reaction, though part of you instantly regrets it.

No matter how drawn to him you feel, you don’t know him. He’s a stranger, and you’re an outsider. That makes you the enemy. He’s already pointed an arrow at you twice, simply because of who you are. You know you shouldn’t be scolding him, but the protest just spilled out.

“I’m sorry, did you need this?” He holds up the small purple fruit and inspects it for a moment before large yellow eyes flick back to yours.

“Kinda, yeah.” You deadpan, unsure what he’s doing.

He holds it out toward you. Your fingers reach for it, only for him to yank it back against his chest at the last second. You gape at him, mouth falling open in shock. He merely sends you a heart-stopping grin in return.

Slowly, he takes a few steps backward. Toward the dense forest. Your eyes widen, fingers tightening against the basket at your side. His eyes glitter with mischief as he gestures to the price of fruit.

“Come on, Star Girl. Let’s see if you can keep up.”

In a flash, he’s gone. You’re left standing there, frozen with wonder. Did he really just…?

Without giving it much more thought, you take off after him. Leaves and vines brush against your limbs as you break through the tree line. Your eyes land on his broad shoulders a few yards ahead and you tear into a sprint.

It takes some effort to keep your footing through the dense forest. Roots and diverse flora litter the ground, scraping against bare feet every so often. Your eyes track his graceful form as you race through the trees.

He veers off to the side, taking a quick turn to the right. His eyes, bright against the muted browns and greens of the forest, shine as they meet yours over his shoulder. You barely manage to catch the smirk pulling at the corner of his lips as he pushes forward and out of view.

A grin splits your face when you turn the corner and see that he isn’t too far away. Though you’re sure he’s going easy on you, catching him would still ignite a sense of pride within you.

There’s a small clearing just past the trees. He heads straight for it, and you don’t hesitate to follow. Smaller bush-like plants inhabit the space. He weaves through them easily. You aren’t nearly as coordinated and end up ramming into one of them.

Soft leaves scratch at your side, but that isn’t what captivates your attention. You instantly stagger to a halt at the sight of a lizard floating past your face. Wings, splayed out on its back like propellers, lift it into the air. Brilliant yellows and reds glow against the quickly eclipsing sun.

A few feet away, Lo’ak watches you curiously. The yovo fruit rests lightly in his palm, forgotten at the sight of your childlike wonder. Your chest heaves from the effort of the chase he’d just given, but you pay it no mind. Your full attention is on the small animal flying in circles in front of you.

Your eyes are wide, mouth agape as you track its every movement. Something churns in his stomach, but he quickly squashes the feeling. It’s intriguing to him, how you look at something he sees as normal with such regard.

“You’ve never seen a kenten (fan lizard) before?” He speaks lowly, as to not startle you.

Your gaze never wavers from the animal, voice light with admiration. “Not in person.”

Without warning, he rushes forward into the field. You gasp out in surprise and finally turn your gaze to him, just in time to see why he’s made the sudden movement. A dozen or more kenten emerge from the plants all at once.

A hand moves up to cover your lips as a joy-filled laugh bubbles in your chest. It’s almost hard to believe that the sight is real. You turn around a few times, completely surrounded by the amazing creatures.

Bioluminescence glitters against the darkened sky, illuminating their path as they fly up toward nearby trees. You’re transfixed, utterly entranced by the sight before you.

Off to the side, a proud grin pulls at Lo’ak’s lips.

“Can I show you something?” He breaks the silence only after the last kenten has disappeared from view.

His voice trembles slightly, nervousness tightening his stomach. He doesn’t want to push you too far, and end up losing your attention. You let your eyes fall from the tops of the trees, now dark as the lizards burrow into their leaves.

You meet his gaze, breath hitching. There’s something so intense about the way he looks at you. You fidget under the scrutiny, chewing on your bottom lip in thought.

You should go home. It’s late, sun barely peaking out past the shadow of eclipse. By the time you get back, it’ll be completely dark, and you still don’t trust yourself to stay safe all alone in the elements of Pandora.

But…you have to admit that you’re having fun with Lo’ak. More fun than you’ve had in years. In just this short time, he’s brought out a side of you long forgotten beneath the weight of your scientific duties. His whimsical nature has allowed you to be carefree.

He’s helped you—if only for a brief moment—forget about the troubles plaguing your everyday life. A wonder has been reignited within you, the lens with which you see the incredible beauty of the moon you call home.

Tentatively, you nod in agreement, ignoring the small voice in the back of your mind saying this might not be a good idea. He smiles triumphantly and takes a few steps to close the distance between you. He drops the piece of fruit he’d stolen into the basket you’re still holding and gestures for you to follow.

You go further into the forest than you’ve ever been before. Anxiety pulls at your chest. In all your years on Pandora, you’ve never set foot on Omatikaya land intentionally. Aside from the night you got lost in the storm about a week ago, you’d stayed far away.

It’s practically law. The rules are understood by all humans. Step onto their land, and you will die.

Your head is on a constant swivel as you hike through the trees. Lo’ak maintains a slow pace to make sure you can keep up, looking back occasionally to check that you’re still there. By the time you arrive at your destination, eclipse is in full effect. The world around you has come to life.

It’s more breathtaking than you could’ve ever imagined. Warm moisture collects in your eyes, but you’re quick to whisk it away. You never thought you’d have a chance to see any of this in person. Despite having an Avatar, you were never fully here. Not like this.

Lo’ak stops at the edge of a massive pond, turning watch your face as you take it all in. It’s roughly circular in shape, and teaming with life. Two trees stand tall in the center, curved branches twisting their way toward the edges. A wall of stones shelters the back side, a small waterfall cascading down the smooth surface. Vines and plant life entwine high above the clear water, almost blanketing the entire area.

Through the surface of the water, fish and other animals swim happily in their habitat. They’re glowing, just as the earth itself glows. Gorgeous colors across the spectrum pulse and glitter all around. It’s like nothing you’ve ever seen before. Topping this sight is a challenge that doesn’t seem possible within your lifetime.

Suddenly, your dumbfounded stupor is interrupted by a loud splash. Cold water splatters across your face and torso. You take a step back, free arm coming up to shield yourself from the impact.

“Lo’ak!” You chastise his laughing form as it emerges from the water.

“Come on, Star Girl.” He beckons you closer with a wave of his hand, water rippling at the surface with a gentle shimmer. He curses his own heart silently as it skips a beat at the sound of his name on your lips.

You instantly shake your head in opposition. There is no way you’re getting your clothes wet before having to walk all the way home. It’s already dark, and you’ll be freezing for the entire journey.

“What? Can’t swim?” His teasing grin only widens at your hesitation.

With a sigh, you glance over your shoulder. Toward the direction of the lab. Despite how amazing this has been, you know it can’t last forever. Duty begins to weigh you down once again.

“I really should be getting back.” Your voice lowers regretfully.

His smile falters for a split second before he pulls it taunt again. He swims to the edge of the pond and extends a hand toward you.

“Okay, that’s fine. I’ll walk you home. Can you just help me out?” His large eyes glitter against the moonlight as you step closer.

The second your hand slips into his, he yanks you down into the water. A surprised yelp is swallowed below the surface as you tumble into the pond. You’re submerged for only a few seconds before you break free with a gasp. The chilled water prickles at your skin, sending a shiver up your spine.

“Hey!” You splash water against his face. “Not cool!”

He laughs loudly, head twisting to the side to avoid your attack as much as possible. Through the annoyance at being wet, you can’t help but return his smile.

He treads water only a foot away. This close, you’re able to fully take him in for the first time. The freckles that dot his skin have come to life, glowing against the glistening droplets of water that trail down his face. His shoulders, broad and strong, poke out of the water every couple seconds as he keeps himself afloat.

The beads tied into his braids click together as he whisks water from his forehead. Your gaze dances across the area, noting how the blue lines running over his skin almost form a symmetrical pattern. His lips, top one fuller than the bottom, twitch into a smirk.

Slowly, he allows himself to slip into the water. You watch curiously as his expression gradually disappears until all you can see are his eyes. They burn a hole through you for a searing moment before they’re gone too.

You peer down into the crystal clear water, but lose sight of him as he swims away quickly. Not more than a second later, something brushes against your ankle.

A surprised yelp escapes before you can stop it. A hand comes up to cover your lips, embarrassment heating your cheeks. Almost a minute goes by without event. You’re about to give up, swim back to the edge and get out, when a gentle grip circles your calf.

There’s barely enough time to take a breath before you’re beneath the water. Your eyes don’t bother closing as you twist around, coming face to face with a grinning Lo’ak. Glowing fish swim around you both, paying no mind to your playing in their home.

He’s so close. Only inches away. His eyes freely roam your face, almost like he’s searching for something. You shove against his chest, a tiny smile breaking through your annoyed facade.

A gasp of air fills your lungs as you break through the surface. He’s not far behind. A few minutes later you’re perched at the edge of the water, knees pulled tightly to your chest. One of your arms wraps around them protectively, while the other leads a delicious yovo fruit toward your lips.

“So, Star Girl?” You break the comfortable silence that’s blanketed the two of you for several minutes.

“You’re from a star, aren’t you? The same one as my dad.” Lo’ak takes a bite of fruit beside you. He quickly wipes away a stream of juice as it glides down the side of his chin. Your eyes track the movement.

“I’ve never been to Earth.” Your voice drops with a tinge of sadness, gaze tearing away, instead flicking up toward the sky wistfully. “And I do have a real name.”

His head tilts curiously, large yellow eyes boring into your profile for a long moment. He decides against pushing the subject and chuckles lowly, reaching into your basket for another piece of fruit.

“You don’t have to remind me. The clan hasn’t stopped talking about you.” He leans back onto his free hand, exposing his toned chest and stomach.

You have to force your eyes away again. “Well, that’s comforting.”

Another comfortable silence fills the small space between you. Warm evening wind rustles the wet material of your clothing, but you don’t mind. The shiver you expected after being submerged never comes. It’s as if the air blankets you, protects you from feeling cold.

“What’s it like?” Lo’ak suddenly speaks up, adjusting his body so one of his legs is bent at the knee, while the other dangles into the waters edge. He’s facing you completely now, every bit of attention directed your way.

You know exactly what he’s asking. He wants to know what it’s like to be an Avatar. To be part human, but also part Na’vi. It’s probably an insane concept for him. The only reason he’s somewhat familiar with the idea is because his dad used to be one.

A heavy sigh weighs you down, eyes flicking up to meet his. You shift so that your position mirrors his, though your legs cross together.

“It’s like I exist between two worlds.” The statement couldn’t be any truer due to your current predicament. One he knows nothing about. “And I don’t really belong in either.”

Something tugs against his heart. He relates to that struggle in ways you’ll never know. He’s always been an outcast. Different than his siblings in every way. They’re perfect. Perfect children. Perfect soldiers. They do everything that’s expected of them.

But Lo’ak? All he does is screw things up.

“My whole clan thinks I’m a freak.” He lifts his right hand, showing you his fingers. “Demon blood. That’s all they see.”

Your gaze shifts from his hand to glowing yellow eyes. They pour into you with sincerity. He’s showing you a side of himself, a vulnerability that no one else gets to see. Your bottom lip finds a home between sharp teeth.

Without thinking, you take his hand in yours. His breath hitches. He almost pulls it back in surprise, but your hold tightens a fraction. He watches you curiously as your hand slides down to clutch his wrist. His eyes fall closed for a moment. Your fingers don’t even meet around the appendage.

Your other hand moves up to rest against his, palm ghosting against rough skin with every movement the two of you make. Your heart soars in your chest and you desperately try to keep your breathing steady. Tentatively, small fingers intertwine with his much larger digits.

His eyes flutter open, meeting an intensity he never imagined could reflect back toward him.

“Doesn’t look too bad to me.” Your voice is barely above a whisper, heated gaze matching his.

Before he even knows what’s happening, he’s leaning toward you, heavy lidded eyes flicking down to glossy lips.

“There you are, baby bro!”

He rips his hand from yours, the force of it knocking you forward. A breath later, Neteyam bounces around the corner, an easy smile on his face. It instantly falls as his eyes scan the area, posture stiffening at the sight of you.

“What is this? Disobeying dads orders already?” His tone has lost all playfulness, all familiarity when he realizes what’s going on.

Lo’ak’s head drops, ears flattening. His eyes pinch tightly with the effort of containing his anger. Leave it to perfect Neteyam to ruin another moment in his life.

His gaze flicks up to his older brother, narrowed in warning. “Just go and pretend you didn’t see us.”

“And let dad find out I knew you were with the vrrtep (demon)?” He finishes the insult with a scoff, and you seethe silently.

You aren’t supposed to know what he’s saying. Even still, it’s obvious he’s been mocking you at every possible opportunity. Under normal circumstances, you would never let it slide, but he is the oldest son of the Olo’eyktan. You have no choice but to take it in stride.

Lo’ak straightens beside you, jaw clenching. His lips part in protest, but Neteyam is quick to speak over him.

“Oh, no. No way. Come.” His judgmental gaze flicks harshly to you. “Both of you”

“Speak.”

Neytiri’s lethal glare pins you both in place as it jumps between you. You’re situated on the floor of the Sully family tent, the same spot you were none-too-gently dragged by Neteyam moments ago.

“I was hunting and ran into her. That’s it.” Lo’ak’s voice is cold, devoid of any of the emotions he showed you just minutes before.

“Neteyam?” The weight of his mother’s wrath is momentarily lifted as she looks to her oldest son.

Lo’ak’s teeth grind. Of course, she wouldn’t believe his word. Why would she when her favorite child is standing right there to confirm or deny? His gaze burns through his brother until their eyes lock. He silently demands, pleads, that he back him up for once.

His lips purse, chin lifting in deep thought. Hands clasp behind his back, shoulders rounding. “They were talking. Nothing more.”

Neytiri lets out a quick sigh, of relief or anger you aren’t sure. Her attention returns to Lo’ak and you straighten, fear licking up your spine. You know she would never hurt her own child. But you’re nothing to her. She despises you, actually, and you’re sure she thinks this whole thing is your fault.

“You are late. Neteyam has to leave his duties to get you. How does this look for son of Olo’eyktan? Hmm?” Her head tilts to the side, wide eyes boring into him scrutinizingly.

“I’m sorry.” The words are hallow, rehearsed. Insincere as if he’s said them thousands of times.

“And you. Trespassing on our land again.” Her glare penetrates you, a thick swallow scratching down your throat.

Panic grips your chest. Words jumble in your brain until you’re saying the worst combination possible. “Technically, the first time I was unconscious.”

Lo’ak’s head jerks toward you, a surprised breath fanning your profile. He can’t believe you’ve just spoken to his mom that way. He doesn’t know if you’re brave or stupid, but either way it’s something he would never dare. Even Neteyam covers his mouth in shock across the room.

Neytiri hisses, face contorting in pure rage. She advances on you, but before she makes it more than two steps the entrance of the tent flaps open with a new arrival.

“Whoa, whoa, hey.” Jake practically sprints to her side, cradling her shoulders gently to guide her away from you. He positions her to face him and peers down into her pinched expression.

“What’s going on here?” His voice is tender, soothing his mate instantly.

A fraction of tension releases.

She takes a deep breath, eyes closing for a long moment. When they open, they don’t burn nearly as bright. “Neteyam found them. Alone.”

His attention shifts to the two of you and he deflates, disappointment evident in the way his ears twitch. “What did we tell you, boy?”

A frown mares your face, stomach twisting with the knowledge that they’ve forbade him from seeing you. Your gaze falls to the floor, feeling smaller than ever before.

Lo’ak watches you crumble, heart clenching painfully. He doesn’t know why he cares so much. He just does. From the first moment he saw you, he’s been drawn to you. Something deeper ignited below the surface that day. Something darker. A sense of protectiveness so strong, it actually scares him.

A seed of hatred, of self-loathing, has been growing roots within him for years. Being the family disappointment will do that. But right now, in this moment, he’s never hated himself more.

He hates that he’s dragged you into this mess. Into his world of constant berating and lecturing. He’s used to it after withstanding the pressure almost daily for years. But you’re innocent. Inquisitive. You still look at the world with wonder.

He would never forgive himself if your light was dimmed because of his inability to do anything right.

“This demon is nothing but trouble.” Neytiri pushes out of Jake’s hold, stalking to the back of the tent with crossed arms.

“Honey, he got into plenty of trouble before she came around.” Jake throws his hands up as if to say what can we do?

Lo’ak’s fists clench in his lap.

“You will stay away from our son.” Neytiri turns suddenly, a long delicate finger pointed in your direction. She grunts with disgust, head twisting to regard her oldest child. “Neteyam, take her from here.”

He instantly nods in agreement, as if standing at the ready to follow any order given. His long legs put him at your side within seconds. Four fingers wrap around your bicep, hoisting you up harshly. A wince scrunches your face, feet stumbling to catch on the floor.

Lo’ak lurches to his feet, unable to stop himself at the sight of Neteyam’s tight grip.

“Bro, don’t touch her like that!” He slaps his brothers hand away from you. It releases instantly and you fall back a step, hand coming up to rub at the throbbing area.

“Hey!” Jake yells out, voice deep with authority.

Neteyam is quick to shove against Lo’ak’s shoulder, lips twisting into a frown. “Defending the vrrtep (demon) already?”

“Don’t call her that!” Both of Lo’ak’s hands smack against Neteyam’s chest, hard, sending him back a few steps.

He wastes no time in stalking forward, fist raised as if to punch his younger brother. Jake forces his way between them, a hand on each of their heaving chests.

“That’s enough!” His voice booms within the tent, putting an end to the foolishness immediately.

Neytiri looks on, eyes wide with horror, hands covering her open mouth. It’s as if she’s never seen her sons fight. As if they’ve never laid a hand on each other before this moment. A certain devestation wells behind her bright gaze.

It turns to you, narrowing into a deadly glare. “You will go away from this place! And never come back!”

Several long beats of stunned silence fall over the room. Your heart races, ramming against your ribs uncomfortably. Nothing but ragged breathing fills the space. You’re still trying to process what the hell just happened when the entrance of the tent flaps open again.

“What is the meaning of this shouting and yelling? They say my family has gone crazy!” Mo’at enters quickly, eyes wide and lips pulled into a firm line of displeasure.

She scans the area, grunting in aggravation when her attention passes over Neytiri. She bows her head respectfully to her mother, ears flattening.

“You.” Your back stiffens, eyes flicking toward the powerful woman hesitantly.

Arms wrap around your waist protectively, sure you’re about to be cast out or worse. Mo’at regards you carefully, head tilting from one side to the other. She approaches you slowly, fluid movements bringing her to your side in only a few strides.

Her chin tips upward as she unsheathes the dagger always dangling from her neck. She swiftly pokes the sharpened bone into your shoulder. You wince against the twinge of pain, but it’s gone as quickly as it came.

Her eyes fall closed as she swipes fresh blood across a waiting tongue. After a moment of deliberation, they pop open, pupils blown wide.

“Eywa is strong within you.” She regards you with a controlled curiosity, now walking in circles around your deflated form.

Tension is steadily rising. It’s palpable against your skin as heavy stares bore into your very being. Several minutes go by. No one dares move a muscle as she performs a small ceremony around you, murmuring to herself and gesturing her hands smoothly.

She straightens suddenly, shoulders squared with decisiveness. “She will stay, and learn our ways.”

“Mother!” Neytiri is quick to protest, pained voice hiding none of her displeasure.

“Tsahik has been given a sign. It is done.” Mo’at shushes her with a dismissive wave.

Jake curls Neytiri into his arms, brow pinching with uncertainty. She glares at you defiantly, and you’re quick to glance away. Neteyam doesn’t look much happier, though he seems more concerned with his mother than anything else. Lo’ak simply peers up at you through dense lashes, a small smile curling the edge of his lips.

“Come, child.”

Before you can even form a coherent thought, Mo’at grips your elbow gently and guides you from the tent. At once, you’ve been invited into the clan as a guest. The Tsahik has given her blessing, something no Na’vi will take lightly. And yet, you haven’t been accepted. Not even close.

You have no idea where you’re going but, strangely, feel safe with Mo’at. You cast a fleeting glance over your shoulder as the woven flaps flutter closed. Tense voices roar to life the moment your presence is gone. Your ears twitch at the sound, trying but failing to pick out any words.

With a sigh, you’re resigned to following this new journey blindly, hoping you haven’t just walked into some kind of trap. The last week has been nothing short of a whirlwind, and you have a feeling it won’t be slowing down anytime soon.

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twsted-princess · 5 months

Note

A lover out of this world

LucilleFlynn or HenryRegina

Reverse

CamillaMel

Pick what you wanna do

I am late.......again but I hope this makes up for it

Henry sighed, his knuckles pressed to his chin as he stared out into the night. Snow fell from the heavens painting the world below and he was stuck inside. Doing paperwork. Normally he loved winter, being able to be with family and dear friends to celebrate the coming new year but with his father being the way he is and his brothers having their own business it seems like he'll be celebrating the winter festival with a glass of wine and some music from his record player if he wasn't planning to attend another noble party. He rubbed his temple before getting up from his seat. A stack of papers wanting to be read and signed could wait as he looked outside. The land was covered in a thick layer of snow with the manor's light aglow as he stared into the abyss. Alone again......he should be used to the feeling but it's something he cannot shake. Another heave from his chest but before he could turn back to his work he noticed someone, a figure. Cloaked in a dark blue robe and wandering out in the cold. At this hour they'd be likely to freeze, something compelled him. He had to do something. Turning to the phone on his desk he rang out the head butler. "There's someone outside the front gate, invite them in. Yes I know but- trust me." Soon he was in the living room, making sure the fire was going strong as he heard two maids behind him. "Lord Lakeside? Your guest." He turned to the figure and smiled. They were still dressed in their cloak as they curtsied. "Thank you.......good sir." Their voice was feminine, soft but firm. "The pleasure is all mine. If you'd like I can take your coat but you must be freezing." She takes a seat by the fire as she removes the hood. Henry must admit, she was rather fetching.

Blue eyes that shined like sapphires framed by black hair with smooth skin and lips that almost shimmered in the firelight. "I am fine with my cloak Mr. Lakeside." He nodded, no use in trying to coax her as he moves to a small table. "Would you like a drink? I have plenty of wine or perhaps you would enjoy something warmer?" The woman thinks to herself before speaking. "Tea would suffice." He nods before ringing a maid in for the request of two cups, he could use one himself. The woman then noticing a little bowl on the table and leaned forward to peer. Inside were perfectly wrapped squares of chocolates, morsels of rich bitterly sweet delight. Henry watched her reach to take one, only to pull away. "Take as much as you'd like." he said with a smile. She looked to him for a moment before taking a small handful, unwrapping one and placing it in her mouth. A chuckle rose from his lips as her face bloomed in child-like joy. Soon the tea arrived and he sat next to her on a similar chair, pouring the amber liquid in before handing her the cup. "Thank you..." They sat there, tea in hand listening to the fireplace roar until she asked. "You seem quite lonely." Henry paused. "How do you know?" She gazed at him, hair flowing from her shoulders. "Your eyes. They're lost and missing light." He sighs. "I.......can't say you're wrong. The winter nights grow long and yet I'm alone." She smiled, watching the fire glow before sipping her drink. "You don't seem to be the praying type, but perhaps the goddess may help you." The goddess? Ah yes. Around this time it was common to set up shrines for the Regina Nivis, goddess of winter. He shook his head. "Your offer is kind but I don't think she'll answer to my wishes." She looked to the fire. "Perhaps. But you've shown generosity to me, a stranger who could have robbed you blind but you did not." He pondered as she sipped her tea before he noticed. Her hands. They were frostbitten. "Excuse me Miss, let me tend to something." He tend gets up to leave, only to return for a warm towel. Taking her hands into his, he wraps them with the towel allowing the warmth to spread through her arms. "My apologies but......." She looked at him with wide eyes before smiling. "Thank you...." Henry then felt something come over him. He yawned, the urge to rest filling his bones. Was he really that sleep depraved? She watched him fight it, try to stay up, apologizing for his yawns but she whispers something. "Rest your eyes....." Then......silence. She watches him sleep, his head on her lap as her black hair turns white and a tiara of snowflakes rest on her head. She should leave, least the room be turned to ice but she runs a hand through his hair. Perhaps some peace is needed.

#my work #twst oc's #twisted wonderland

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theultracharmingladynoire · 1 year

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Stammi Vicino, Non Te Ne Andare.

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trash-monkey · 4 months

Text

Tasheylu (remake)

(v) a bond, a neutral connection

Chapter 2

The first ray of the day shins through the leaves and onto my peaceful sleeping key (face) which blink open a few moments later and stretch out a little before getting out of my nivi (sleeping hammock) and down the utral (tree) that I now call kelku (home), years ago I have found this large utral (tree) with it's roots standing high which leaves a big enough space under it for storage and if I need to stay under it no matter my size which I call it my mo’ara (gathering place). I give a sigh with a smile as my feet reconnect to the dirt floor and take in the na'rìung (forest) before stepping in my mo’ara (gathering place) to get my Olo'eyktan tsko (clan leader, bow) along with a mauti (fruit) or two.

"Good morning, O'ziteh." I smiled as I greeted my Prolemuris friend when he jumped onto my back when I step out, I give him a few pats and give him a mauti (fruit). While looking for a new kelku (home, house) I had found him injured as he was just a 'eveng (child) like me so I helped him zoslu (heal, become well, get fixed) and we've been friends ever since.

"Za’u (come) on, we have to gather more mauti (fruit) today." After making sure that O'ziteh won't zup (fall) off easily I take off running in a random direction, leaves brush my skin as I speed through the na'rìung (forest) barely leaving footprint behind with how fast I can go. Soon a cliff appears in the distance of my sight and without slowing down I jump off it's edge with a excited shout, my front lands on a giant leaf which I slide off of onto another one untill my feet reconnect with the ground which I close my menari (eyes) as I take in air for a few moments before walking.

"Shit" A curse falls from the lips of a twenty-five year old male with short shaggy dark brown hair, pale skin, and lime green eyes as the ship he's piloting jerks as it's hit from a blast by the others ships that are chasing it for a while now, his hand reaches out to the console and press one of the many buttons.

"General this is Valerian, the mission was a set up...." But before he could give his location there's a sudden boom causing the call to end and make the ship jerk again but this time much harder, Valerian yelps as he's thrown forward but luckily the seat belt holds him to the seat.

"Sir one of the boosters are gone while the other is failing, I can't take anymore hits." A female rings out from the ships AI named Alex making Valerian to look over his shoulder to see wires hanging from the ceiling where panels had fallen off, with quick thinking he decided something that might kill or save him but he knows that if he doesn't do it he's still a dead man.

"Alex lock on the nearest planet and warp there." Valerian let his hand slip off of the control stick as he leans back into his seat with closed eyes, accepting any fate that waits him.

"But sir!" Although Alex is just the ships AI she still sound worried for her pilot.

"Alex, I know but still do it." Memories of a woman with long dirty blond hair although her eyebrows are a brown color, pale, hazel eye color appears behind his eye lids.

"Of course." Alex's voice fades as deafness fills he ears as he ignores the sounds of the blasting.

"Valerian?" He hears from the co-pilot seat which he slowly opens his eyes to look over to see the same woman sitting there but she's transparent as she smiles.

"What are you doing?" She asked as she frown with worry covering her words.

"Laureline, I'm sorry for everything." He whispered with sadness as he closes his eyes again knowing she isn't there, the ship jerks and began vibrating as the ship warps but only to fall out of it mid way. He looks out the windshield to see that a moon of a large planet is pull the ship into it's orbit which causes the ship to jerk allover the place, he shuts his eyes tightly as he grips the seat belt with everything he has.

CCOONN BBOOMM

My re’o (head) snaps up from my task of collecting utumauti (banana fruit) at the sound of a kxangangang (boom) as the ground below me shakes from it before it does with the hurrying feet of animals running from the source of it which I heard before seeing them flee pass me and farther into the na'rìung (forest), O'ziteh is screeching while bouncing around the trees in fright.

"Take these kelku (home, house) quickly." I urge O'ziteh to take what I have collected so far in my basket back to my Kelutral (Hometree), making sure he does before picking up my Olo'eyktan tako (clan leader bow) from the na'rìung (forest), floor and swiftly jog to the source of the kxangangang (boom). Soon I'm peering around the utral (tree) I'm hiding behind to see a odd circular object sticking out of the ground which I can see that it had fallen form the taw (sky) by the destruction it had left behind through the na'rìung (forest) has it had fallen, I watch closely with an swizaw (arrow) notched in caution as it's side pops open and comes out a small creature stumbling out.

"Tawtute (sky person)" I hissed to myself in anger and pulled the swizaw (arrow) back tightly when finally seeing the creature's features all intent in killing the small ioang (animal, beast) but before I could release the swizaw (arrow) a atokirina (woodsprite) floated down from the air and sits on the tip of the swizaw (arrow) settling my boiling anger at seeing the sign from Eywa, I reluctantly lower my tako (bow) when the atokirina (woodsprite) float away right as a palulutkan stock out of the utral (tree) line with the taw (sky) ioang (animal, beast) unaware of it as it inspect at the metal thing it come out of. The taw (sky) ioang (animal, beast) jumps back a little and pulled out a strang object from its pouch when the palulutkan stroll around the circular thing, it hissed at the sky person ready to pounce. With a hiss, scowl, and a eye roll I leap from my hiding spot to zung (crouch) in front the taw (sky) ioang (animal, beast) to protect it from the palulutkan with my knife out and my kxetse (tail) swaying behind me.

"Go find something else to eat." I hissed loudly at the palulutkan causing it to roared back at me before strolling off into the utral (tree) line, at seeing I won't back down and it's too lazy today to fight. My guard lowers at seeing the ioang (animal, beast) disappeared through the utral (tree) line which I slip my knife back into its sheath on my woven tewng (loincloth) before turning to the taw (sky) ioang (animal, beast) with narrow eyes and a scowl.

"Hurt?" I asked relectantly as Eway had stopped me from killing the taw (sky) ioang (animal, beast) earlier which I guess she has plans for him, the taw (sky) ioang (animal, beast) is shocked that I can speck his language although broken since I only know a few words that I was taught by my parents.

"Fine, I'm fine and thanks for the save, what's your name?" I can see some type of clear thing over his face to help him breathe air and I almost missed it if it wasn't for the certain streak of light didn't reflect off of it.

"You don't deserve my name, taw (sky) ioang (animal, beast)!" I hissed at him before jogging off which he quickly ran after me.

"Hey! Wait!"

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#fanfic #male y/n #male reader #anime #avatar #na'vi oc #valerian and the city of the thousand planets au #valerian

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xponentialdesign · 1 year

Text

ⓧ Winter themed loops

May the season bring endurance, luck and joy to traders who are making them available on 2ⁿᵈ market 🫶

↖️ ❄️ Nivis Lanula ❄️ ↗️ Ostendens Stalagmitæ ↙️ Abstract Boiling Snow Landscape ↘️ December Spirit Garland

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1-800-c0sm1c · 2 years

Text

꒰cryo masterlist !꒱

APHROS DELOS - EULA

┊i.

SINAE UNICORNIS - GANYU

┊i.

SPINEA CORONA - ROSARIA

┊i.

CRISTA DOLORIS - SHENHE

┊i. crossteaming pt.2 !

GRUS NIVIS - KAMISATO AYAKA

┊i.

PAVO OCELLUS - KAEYA

┊i. crossteaming !

LUSCINIA - LAYLA

┊i.

NUBIS CAESOR - CHONGYUN

┊i.

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delilahsbard · 4 months

Note

Happy new year nivi!! 🎊💫

happy new year em <33

#em my tumblr bestie!#asks💌

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torukmaktoskxawng · 1 year

Text

'anla - part two

Series Masterlist

Summary: Life on the reef has started to change the Sully kids for the better, while a storm looms overhead. Certain teenagers are in denial of each other.

Pairing: Ao'nung/Fem!Na'vi!Sully Reader

Warnings: Mature language, teenagers acting their age, time skips, strict parents, puppy love, canon compliance, slow burn, etc.

Word Count: 5k+

Tag: #'anla ao'nung fic

Na'vi Words: nivi - hammocks, marui - homes, ilu - dolphin like creatures, tulkun - whale like creatures, tsurak - skimwings, Sänrr Rong - the Glow Tunnel, spä - jump, olo'eyktan - clan leader, sa'sem - parents, Iknimaya - Rite of Passage, tsahik - spiritual leader, tsakarem - tsahik in training, tsmukan - brother, Utraya Moktri - Metkayina Spirit Tree, kuru - braid neural queue, fpxafaw - medusa

Taglist (red indicates "could not tag"): @timotheechalametishot @ghost-lantern @shadowmoonlight0604 @melsunshine @ocd-onut @purennn @themostegotisticalgirl124 @notsochillnerd @athenachu @yhern05 @amortencjja

A/N: I tagged everyone from the comment section of the first chapter who was excited or asking for part two. I couldn't respond to them in the comment section because this is a secondary account, so if you do or don't want to be on the taglist, please let me know via ask box or dm, thank you!

read it here on ao3

(I do not consent to my works being reposted or copied)

Kiri had woken shortly after, crying, but was otherwise unharmed and showing no signs what happened had affected her. They gave her a day to recover in their home while the rest of the Sullys went about their day normally, sending Norm and Max away with heartfelt goodbyes and returning to the sea life they had started to grow accustomed to.

Lo'ak and Y/n were put in charge of plucking barnacles off the bottom of canoes for the afternoon, and the young boy takes the time to avoid silence and boredom, "So what are you doing with Ao'nung?"

Y/n doesn't react or even bother looking up from her handiwork, "What do you mean?"

"I mean when did you guys become friends?"

She looked up then, puzzled as she stared at her younger brother, "I'm confused. Weren't we trying to all be friends?"

Lo'ak paused from working for a moment, shrugging, "Well, we were trying to just earn their respect and get along, but yeah, I guess we did come out as friends."

"I guess we're full of surprises."

"But the other night, you guys were being... weird."

Y/n huffed with mirth, "Look who's talking."

"Shut up." He snarled, "Have you guys been hanging out a lot?"

"Not really. Just a few times lately."

"Is that where you were the other night? This... Arch?"

"Yeah. Ao'nung said he had something to show me."

Lo'ak's expression goes blank, "Y/n. Dad taught us to literally never follow someone just because they said they have something to show you. He called it 'stranger danger' or something like that."

She tossed a barnacle at him, "Is this coming from the boy who willingly followed Ao'nung and his friends beyond the reef?"

"... Okay. Fine. You win."

"Besides, Ao'nung didn't phrase it like that. It was a lot less creepy."

"So why didn't he invite the rest of us to the Arch?"

"You guys had already gone for the day so he just took me." Y/n then reached over to mess with Lo'ak's hair, earning an annoyed hiss and she smiles, "Don't look too closely at it, alright? We're friends now."

~~~~~~~~~

A peaceful morning where the Sullys find themselves rolling up their nivi after a night's rest is interrupted by a horn, followed by whoops and hollers of celebration coming from outside. Confused and on edge, Jake and the kids emerge from the marui, looking around as the Metkayina jump around and dive into the water, making the newcomers curious as to what was going on.

Their answer came in the form of Tsireya, astride an ilu as she waves down her people from the water below their homes, "The tulkun have returned! Everybody! Our brothers and sisters have returned!"

Y/n looked up toward the atoll walls protecting the village from less docile nature. Emerging from the tunnels and pathways were rolling waves indicating something large underneath the water. Spurts of seaspray spring out like geysers from beneath the ocean's surface. It was a large pod of whale-like creatures, massive and slow. Their descent onto the village was graceful and one that brought much joy to the Metkayina as they couldn't get in the water fast enough.

The Sully kids couldn't wait either, jumping from the walkway around their home and into the water below. They scatter, exploring the new creatures one way or another. Tsireya had grabbed Lo'ak when she spotted him and pulled him onto her ilu, swimming away to introduce him to her Spirit Sister. Jake summoned his tsurak and both he and Neytiri take off to observe the sacred animals themselves. Rotxo had come around and pulled Kiri and Tuk away too, leaving the twins to their own devices. Ao'nung was not far behind his friend, inviting Neteyam and Y/n to come along with him to find his own Spirit Brother. All three teenagers grab an ilu and take off, making a game of chase with Ao'nung in the lead.

They weave through and around the large bodies of tulkun, dodging other ilu and Na'vi while keeping close to Ao'nung the entire time. He leads them through the chaos expertly, the three teenagers swimming quickly around a particular tulkun. Kiri, Tuk, and Rotxo were hanging onto the bull's fin and gliding peacefully through the water, the tulkun likely the reef boy's Spirit Brother. Neteyam and Y/n are only able to catch a glimpse of this as they swim by, keeping close to Ao'nung's tail until he slows down in front of a particular bull. This tulkun didn't have tattoos yet, much like Ao'nung as he signed to the twins, "My Spirit Brother."

Neteyam drifts close to the creature's eye, signing, "Greetings, mighty tulkun."

"I See you, Forest Brother." The tulkun sang as his form of speaking, and luckily, having had enough lessons, Neteyam and Y/n were able to grasp the old language.

Y/n ditched her ilu and swam up next, signing effortlessly, "I See you, Great Spirit Brother of Ao'nung."

"Hello, Forest Sister. I See you."

Ao'nung's hand gestures were too fast, and the twins were unable to read them but they had no need. The signing was not for them as Ao'nung was trying to relay a season's worth of events to his Spirit Brother, more excited than either Omatikaya have ever seen him. Ao'nung was smiling softly, and brightly as he tried to tell a story only to stumble over his own way of telling it. The tulkun in front of him chimed in as his way of laughing, urging the Na'vi boy to slow down. Y/n managed to pick up some of the gestures after Ao'nung slowed, not missing the words 'Sky People', 'Forest People', and 'new friends'.

Neteyam took a break to swim up and get some air, but Y/n managed to stay underwater a little longer. She didn't want to miss a second of this adorable interaction, and somehow found herself roped in it when the tulkun turned its eye to her.

"Ao'nung tells me that you are a mighty warrior, Y/n te Suli Neytiri'ite."

"He's being nice in your presence," Y/n signed back with a grin, "I have seen war but not been a part of it. I am too young. I am a hunter at best."

Neteyam, still treading water at the surface, takes a deep breath and simply dunks his face underwater, looking back down to locate Y/n and Ao'nung. He found them below, right where he had left them with the bull tulkun. Y/n was signing to the creature, keeping herself swimming next to his eye while Ao'nung floated off to the side, watching them. Neteyam didn't miss the way Ao'nung was staring at her, yet again, when she was not looking. The reef boy's face was calm, his lips relaxing into a soft, carefree smile, never taking his eyes off the Na'vi girl.

That evening was full of celebration, music and dancing a central part of it. Bonfires lined up the beach where the village people could still be close to their ocean brothers and sisters. Late night dives through bioluminescent waves, sending scattered stars up to the sky whenever a splash was made or a tulkun jumped through the air, cascading back down into the water.

Ao'nung kept Neteyam and Y/n with him most of the evening, adamantly talking about his Spirit Brother and the stories exchanged between them. At one point, the three of them were sitting on the edge of a rock fixture, their toes in the water below as they watched the tulkun dancing around in the distance. Neteyam rolled his eyes lightheartedly at a certain part of Ao'nung's story where his mischief had got the best of him. The Omatikaya boy took a moment to glance at his sister, then looked away-- only to double-check when he saw something that intrigued him.

Y/n was watching Ao'nung with a tender expression, her smile sweet and fond as her eyes locked onto every hand gesture and every laugh Ao'nung made, who was clearly unaware of her stares throughout his story-telling. She laughed and nodded whenever she was supposed to in between tales, urging the boy on when he knew he had an avid listening audience. Neteyam smiled, too, though he was sure it wasn't for the same reasons his sister was smiling.

~~~~~~~~~

After that fateful day, Ao'nung invited Neteyam and Y/n to everything. They spent whole afternoons together, sometimes sitting around on the rocks, soaking up the sun while they exchanged stories. After hearing all of Ao'nung's tales between him and his Spirit Brother, either one or both twins would tell him stories from the forest growing up. They told him everything, from their childhood to recent events before they had left their home. Ao'nung was actually a good listener if one sat him down to do so. He nodded in acknowledgment and asked questions between appropriate breaks in the stories. Neteyam could tell how much Y/n appreciated this side of Ao'nung, the girl perking up and gladly answering whatever questions he had. At the end of the day, Neteyam couldn't recall if he ever answered any of Ao'nung's questions himself, but he didn't have the heart to care.

The three were also fond of hunting together and sometimes brought Rotxo and Lo'ak along, this time within the reef and with higher spirits. Some days they would mess around too much and wouldn't catch anything, other times they used their newfound friendship and teamwork to coordinate and bring home enough fish to feed all their families combined.

Ao'nung and Y/n decide to bring all the kids to Sänrr Rong. Tuk was the more ecstatic out of all of them, but everyone was delighted by this new place they could use as a hideout away from their parents. This time, they got a chance to cliff dive from the very top of the arch. The reef kids showed them the path up but were shocked to watch the Sully kids effortlessly climb up the rock as if they were born to do so. Even Tuk showed zero signs of exhaustion as she took a stable vine hand and scurried up it like a monkey. The Omatikaya children were clearly faster and more agile climbers than the Metkayina and therefore made it to the top before the locals even had a chance.

"We'll throw you down a vine so you can catch up," Y/n jeers as she pointedly climbed over Ao'nung.

The reef boy hissed, though it appeared to be playful as he makes a point to tug her tail as she passed him. Y/n hissed back and made sure to gently shove his big forehead with her toes as she climbed before leaping out of reach. They all eventually make it to the top of the cliff, hair whipping wildly in the unforgivable winds, then the reef kids stood over the edge, looking down at the ocean water below.

"Okay! Everyone ready?" Tsireya beamed with excitement.

"For what?" Lo'ak questioned.

"SPÄ!" Rotxo hoots to the clouds as he jumps off the ledge, straightening his legs and stiffening his posture as he falls-- falls-- falls--

SPLASH.

"Who's next?" Ao'nung grinned.

Lo'ak was closest to the edge, peering over and even squinting when he couldn't spot Rotxo all the way down there, wadding in the sea, "Has anyone died doing this?"

The reef boy laughed, "If you wanna be the first, then don't stiffen your form as Rotxo did. Flail about like a screaming baby."

"Me next!" Tuk squealed.

"NO!" All four of her siblings, including Tsireya, shout in different ranges of emotion, such as fear, amusement, and seriousness.

The little girl stomps her foot, pouting as she crossed her arms, "Then why am I even here?"

"To keep me company," Y/n cut in, tugging her baby sister's arm until the shorter girl is pressed into her side. Y/n holds her tight while carefully watching the cliff, being sure to stay close to the middle and away from all edges.

"Aw, Forest Girl, you are scared," Ao'nung laughs, clapping his hands together once in amusement, "I thought you liked to fly?"

She glares at him, sticking her nose up in the direction of the cliff's edge, "That's not flying. It's falling."

Needless to say, Y/n and Tuk didn't do any cliff diving and left that to their other siblings. Kiri went first after Tsireya offered to go with her. Holding hands, the girls jump, screaming and laughing with both delight and horror. Neteyam paced along the edge of the cliff until he watched Kiri's head rise from the water, then relaxed. Once Ao'nung dared the Sully boys to race to the bottom, they were suddenly all for it, jumping off at the same time. Ao'nung took his time and teetered over the edge, grinning when he watched how nervous Y/n shuffled, keeping Tuk close to her side. The future olo'eyktan pretended to lose his balance, earning a laugh from Little Tuk and a scowl from Y/n before Ao'nung also jumped, hitting the water with practiced ease and a laugh still bubbling in his throat.

They climbed up and jumped back down several times, each time trying to persuade Y/n to jump. She put her foot down every time, even when her twin Neteyam offered to either go with her or stay with Tuk. Still, Y/n would not give into the peer pressure and Tuk was miserable by the time they returned home, squawking to her parents while stating that no one would let her cliff dive. Jake and Neytiri exchanged looks and appeared grateful when they nod to their older children with approval.

~~~~~~~~~

The Sully kids' lessons continue as usual, the older ones now granted permission to hunt in groups outside the reef if they pleased. Once they were fluent in signing, they learned to strengthen their knowledge in communicating with the tulkun for the next time. Their knowledge was tested when Tsireya, Ao'nung, and Rotxo refused to talk to them unless they used and perfected the language through signing. When Jake and Neytiri call their children home every night, they often find them sitting silently among each other, only using hand motions to communicate.

Many times, the group of friends return to the Glow Tunnel, to have fun or to enjoy the silence. Each time they all gathered at the center of the village, ready to go back to the Arch, everyone was so eager. All except one particular day, when Lo'ak was nowhere to be found once it was time to go. His absence did not go unnoticed. While Kiri decided to bring Tuk home, the others volunteered to go look for him, and hopefully, he wasn't in trouble like last time. With their newfound hunting party privileges, they go swimming beyond the reef in search of the Omatikaya boy.

They stumble upon Lo'ak by chance, and he wasn't alone. Swimming around him was an impressive tulkun, the left side of the bull scarred and missing a fin. Payakan. Neteyam and Y/n look at each other, worried, while the reef children watch curiously. Payakan and Lo'ak swam around each other like dancers, graceful and practiced. Then, the tulkun turned, fully facing Lo'ak, and opened his mouth, jaw unhinging to reveal the dark cave within. Lo'ak willingly swam in, and Payakan closed his mouth behind him. The twins went to scurry out of hiding as they watched this happen, but both Tsireya and Ao'nung stop them while Rotxo looked on, amazed.

Tsireya went on to further explain that Payakan had chosen Lo'ak to form tsaheylu, and while she appeared proud and excited at the idea, Ao'nung and Rotxo exchanged uncertain glances. Y/n had noticed this exchange, reaching out and grabbing Ao'nung's shoulder, forcing him to look back at her. When the reef boy met her curious gaze, she made movements in the water with her hands, "What is wrong?"

Ao'nung shakes his head and signs back, "Sa'sem will not be pleased."

They definitely were not. Once Lo'ak returned home with the other teenagers, word spread fast and reached Tonowari's ears. Together, he and Ronal round up the teens and brought them to their marui to have a stern lecture, berating the Metkayina children for allowing Lo'ak to bond with the tulkun outcast. It didn't go well as Lo'ak was adamant about Payakan being misunderstood and how he wasn't a killer, even by the Tulkun Way. Jake Sully refused to let his son explain and took him away to straighten him out, but the damage had already been done. Neytiri gathered the twins and followed the father and troubled son home.

They hadn't gone to the communal meal that night, instead, they ate together at home, as a family. Jake was certain that the Metkayina would only receive Lo'ak coldly should they turn up there now, so he suggested that they wait until things cooled down before returning to the village dinners. The Sullys' absence was missed that night, mostly by the children who had slowly become their friends.

Y/n was distressed when her family stayed close to their home the next morning, her father ordering the children to stay near and don't go further beyond the walkways of the village. It felt like a prison sentence to be stuck in one place when it was such a beautiful day out. Neytiri promised her children that they can move on with their lives tomorrow once Jake had calmed down and she spoke to him, but for now, "Listen to your father."

"I see that if one sibling gets punished, we all get punished now," Y/n snarled to Neteyam when she found a moment alone with her twin. Neytiri took Jake hunting with her so that they may talk, while the twins were ordered to look after their younger siblings for the night. Lo'ak and the girls went to sleep not long after their parents had gone, but the oldest son and daughter remained wide awake, talking quietly to one another just outside the marui.

Neteyam exhaled air through his nose, squinting at the dark ink of water in the distance, absently swinging one leg off the side of the walkway, "You don't mean that."

"No?"

"You're just saying that because you've been stuck here with all of us today, unable to go anywhere."

He turned and clocked the snarl on her nearly identical face, her eyebrow hairs furrowing together while she looked away, rocking herself by her heels, "I hate it."

Neteyam smiled fondly, "I know you do. You always hated small spaces. I can see why you like this place better than home."

A pregnant pause hangs in the air over the twins, the only sounds around them being the water and the village, still stirring with life as things begin to settle down. Y/n doesn't look back at Neteyam, sitting on his words for a moment until she slowly turns back, expression blank and immovable, "I don't like this place better than home. I miss home."

"Of course you do. Doesn't change the fact that you're far more free here than you were back there. You've adjusted well here, even if Dad doesn't see it," Neteyam leans over and pats his sister's knee, "He doesn't see how fast you caught onto the Metkayina ways, he just sees all the times we screwed up."

Her ears flatten as she glares at him through her eyelids, unimpressed, "You mean how Lo'ak screwed up."

"We, Y/n. We."

She rolls her sharp, yellow eyes, "If anything, Dad should be proud of him. Bonding with a tulkun is a young Metkayina's first step to their Iknimaya."

"And only you would know that because you've gotten so accustomed here."

She winced, batting his hand from her knee, "You can't talk like this when one day we're just gonna be heading home again. Stop it now. Talk less about how much we like this place and it might hurt less when we eventually leave."

"Do you want to leave?" He cocks his head, eyes scanning her face for an answer.

"... I want to see the forest again."

"That's not what I asked."

"... Do you?"

"Yes."

Y/n's eyes squint, confused, "Why?"

"I have nothing here."

"You have us. You have our friends."

"Yes, but that's all," Neteyam looks around and Y/n follows his gaze, "You have the ocean, the plant life, the sea life. The ilu, the Sänrr Rong-- everything. You love everything about this place. I only love the people. Don't get me wrong. It's a beautiful paradise and I loved experiencing every part of it... but I want to go home. I felt more at peace there."

"At peace?" The twin girl scowled, "We were at war, 'Teyam."

"Yes." She doesn't miss the way his eyes darken a shade, expression hardening into stone as he glares back out to the sea, "But war is what I was trained for."

The silence is chilling this time, Y/n's heart dropping to her stomach as guilt runs through her veins. Even as twins, Neteyam was still the older brother. He and Y/n might have been conceived during a war, but Neteyam had been bred for it, whether or not their parents realized this. Before Kiri was in the picture and before either she or Y/n had their own voices, Y/n was the one expected to be the next tsahik. With Little Y/n learning the Will of Eywa from her grandmother, Neteyam was learning to be the next olo'eyktan. He had to learn to be strong quick, to hunt quick, to think quick. Even when Y/n finally put her foot down and passed the torch of tsakarem to Kiri, she couldn't catch up to all Neteyam had already learned. She wasn't able to share that burden with her twin, and that guilt hung heavy in her heart.

"... That's not a good thing, tsmukan." She spoke gently, even her whisper sounding like a drum in the silence, "There's more to life than fighting."

"I know," Neteyam's posture shrinks, defeated, his smile not quite reaching his eyes when he glances back to Y/n, "But I haven't found what that 'more' is yet. Not for me at least... You did."

"I did?" She tilts her head curiously.

A glint sparkles in Neteyam's eye, like he knew a secret that not even his twin knew. His tail swings behind him with interest, teasing when he nudged her leg with his shoulder, "Ao'nung is good for you. And you're good for him."

He caught the flash in her eye. The flash of understanding behind the meaning of his words. The flash is there one moment and then gone the next. Y/n shifts uncomfortably in her sitting posture and nods, "He's a good friend."

"He is." Neteyam chuckles, "For me. For Lo'ak, and Kiri, and Tuk. But not for you. For you, he's 'more.'"

Quiet surrounds them once again, Y/n glaring down at her feet as if she had been caught stealing treats from Norm. She looked ashamed and belittled, likely wishing her own brother didn't know everything about her even before she knew those things herself. She swallows down whatever emotion came to mind before she looked up, stubbornly staring Neteyam down,

"I don't need 'more'. I just need this. This family is all I need."

~~~~~~~~~

The Sully family had been tense ever since Lo'ak bonded with Payakan, speaking few and far in between words to one another if found in the same space. It wasn't much significance to them whether or not Lo'ak had bonded with the outcast, but to Jake, it was all about principle. Whether or not the family was proud or disappointed in Lo'ak's accomplishment had not been said, but something heavy was floating in the air, like the calm before the storm. The idea of war was still fresh at the very back of their minds, ever looming like a vulture, waiting to strike. Something had changed the other night, shifting into place, deciding the Sullys' fates. Although, no one knew what kind of fate, and that unsettled them.

Unlike the rest of her family, however, Y/n wanted to do something about it. She started by finding the one person she knew would help her, "Take me to the Cove of the Ancestors."

Ao'nung looked up from sharpening his spear, ears immediately rising to the sound of her voice. He tilts his head and forms a closed-mouth smile, though his eyes squint in confusion, trying to solve whatever puzzle he found on Y/n's face, "Why?"

"Because you said you would take me there," Y/n quipped back, taking the spear out of his hands and backing away, "I'm cashing in the offer."

"What is 'cashing?'" He stood up, following her with his arm out, only half-heartedly trying to take the spear back from the Omatikaya girl.

When she purposely kept the weapon out of his reach, Ao'nung smirked, taking a huge step forward so he could stare smugly down at her with their subtle height difference. They were close, close enough to share the same air, and despite Neteyam's words playing back in her head, despite the shame and guilt in her gut, Y/n stomped it down and stood strong.

"It means I want you to stand behind your word." She matches his grin with one of her own, ignoring the heat threatening to rise up to her face as she purposely kept eye contact, "You promised to take me to the Cove. I want you to keep your promise."

She stepped away then, never taking her eyes off him until she fully turned back in the direction she came, walking away with the spear still in hand. She could feel his eyes on her, a thrill running up her spine at the mental image of it. An even bigger thrill, the one led by a horn of victory in her head, went through her whole body when she heard Ao'nung dutifully following her without complaint and without question.

They summoned nearby ilu and fled without another word. They dive down deep into the water and only resurfaced when they had left the sea wall and village behind. Once Y/n inhaled the crisp air, she tosses the spear back to Ao'nung, who effortlessly caught it with a grin of excitement and promise, "Follow me."

~~~~~~~~~

A feeling of familiarity took hold of Y/n when she emerged from the water and looked up to find floating islands all around her. An instant smile graces her face, looking around at all the floating rocks, surrounding a wide circle of water at the center of spectacularly arched rocks easily identifying this sacred place. It wasn't entirely like the Hallelujah Mountains. These floating islands were smaller and floated horizontally, like large stepping stones leading up to the heavens above.

Ao'nung emerged and looked around, unimpressed, "This is it."

"It's beautiful."

He shrugged, "It's not much."

"To you, maybe," she grinned while pointing up at the floating rocks, "To me, I see the potential of kicking your ass climbing up those islands."

He laughed, "Careful what you wish for, Forest Girl."

"Is the Tree on one of those islands?"

"Nope." He smiles slyly, "I'll give you another guess though."

She flashed an odd look before looking around, finally staring down below, into the water. Ao'nung dismounted from his ilu and drifted over to Y/n, "Remember, I'm just acting as your diving partner today. We always have to pair up here. One has to watch over and monitor the other while they connect to our ancestors. Got it?" She nods. "Let's go."

The Na'vi girl sinks into the water with him and they submerge after she takes a deep breath. They swim down, side by side, as they approach the large, underwater Spirit Tree. Instead of limbs hanging down like Y/n was used to, this tree's arms reached up, flowing in the water like an overlarge, glowing anemone. Y/n reaches out and gently touches one of the luminous, graceful fronds, smiling to herself when it tickled her palm to greet her.

Ao'nung chirps low in his throat, like a baby crocodile, to grab Y/n's attention. When she turned her head in his direction, he moves his hands about, "The Tree is called Utraya Mokri. It gives breath when the kuru is connected."

Y/n nods in understanding, reaching behind and taking her braid in hand. She gently offers the tendrils to reach out and curl into the ones belonging to the Tree and closed her eyes.

Ao'nung dutifully keeps watch while Y/n connects with his ancestors. The Tree glows and looms beautifully over him, but he's not paying attention. He's seen the Tree hundreds of times and while it is beautiful, it's nothing new. Y/n, on the other hand, is new, and his attention would rather fixate on her than the Tree he's grown bored of over his young life. Her braided hair floats around her like fpxafaw, and her tail, usually dormant, twitches occasionally in response to the bond. Her fingers, all five of them, still delicately hold her braid to the Tree's fronds. Her hands weren't as strange as Ao'nung initially thought. In many ways, he reasoned the extra finger was good for some things-- like the punch Lo'ak fooled him into taking. If nothing else, an extra finger just means more to hold.

Y/n's body jolts and Ao'nung is torn from his traitorous thoughts. He swims forward and wraps his whole hand around her arm and then her kuru lets go of the Tree. Y/n's eyes flutter, still closed, a little dazed and overwhelmed from the whole experience as expected. With Ao'nung's support, she's brought back up to the surface and she slowly remembers to breathe again, now that she didn't have the Spirit Tree to aid her. The two young Na'vi stay there, treading water as Y/n catches her breath, and once her head is no longer foggy, her eyes appeared saddened, an expression that irritated Ao'nung for some reason.

"Not what you were expecting?" He asked light-heartedly.

"It's just..." she shook her head, bottom lip pouting with her eyes lowered, the water reaching up to kiss her chin, "I was hoping for answers."

He didn't ask, but maybe he should have. It's something that would continue to gnaw at him as the rain clouds float overhead. It would gnaw at him as he expressed on returning home before the storm, it would gnaw at him as their swim back resulted in silence and pouring rain. It would continue to gnaw at him as they approached the village, his ears rising to attention when the horn sounds, his blood cooling in fear and worry.

"Find your family."

"Why?" Y/n asked as her ears lowered in concern, loose hairs plastered to her forehead, "What's wrong?"

"It's a war cry. My father has called for a war meeting."

A/N: Not sure when 'part three' will be out, but it'll likely be longer than normal. Thank you so much for all the support and love I have seen from my very first Avatar work! It motivates me to continue doing what I love!

part three

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