poe 🐋

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[articstxrkey]

in which, moe’anu, the eldest daughter of tonowari, stands up for the sully once they reach awa’atlu.

words count: 1.5k+

requested!

Moe’anu’s life is shaped by her tsakarem’s training. As the eldest daughter, the role was hers since birth. Moe’anu listens, learns, understands Eywa. She feels her in the waves, in the wind, under her feet when she walks on the beach, at the circle of ancestors when she links. She feels her everywhere.

Moe’anu believes in her tradition—in the Na’vi ways. She knows about the Sky people trying to assert their laws on them but she knows which one is the right way. Eywa’s.

So when she sees Toruk Makto and his children, she knows Eywa has sent them here for a reason and she is determined to make them feel at home.

But, her mother isn’t so keen on letting strangers into their home. Her father is doubtful, but respects Jake Sully and his achievements.

Ao’nung mocks and Moe’anu is glad to see that Tsireya intervenes. Instead of speaking, Moe’anu stands tall and quiet next to her father. Her eyes linger on the family and land on the smallest child. She seems tired and Moe’anu knows the flight from the forest is a long one.

Tsireya is too happy to show them their ways and Moe’anu returns to the cave where her mother and she were collecting herbs.

“You shouldn’t have been so harsh,” the words leave Moe’anu’s mouth before she can stop them. They are not mean, but quiet.

Ronal looks at you. “Eywa has turned her back on them.”

“I don’t think hiding from danger means Eywa has abandoned her children,” Moe’anu says. “He’s trying to protect his family. Try not to be so harsh on them, mother.”

At the end of the day, Moe’anu helps herself and takes food for the Sully. No one really asked her to help but still, she feels the need to help--to reach.

“Hello,” Moe’anu speaks softly, standing at the entrance of the marui. “I’m Moe’anu. Tonowari’s eldest daughter.”

“Nice to meet you, Moe’anu,” Jake Sully says. “These are my children. Lo’ak, Neteyam, Kiri and Tuk.”

Moe’anu smiles. “Nice to meet you. I came bearing gifts—well, food.”

Kiri smiles and reaches to Moe’anu first. Their fingers touch as she hands her the bowl, and Moe’anu knows right away that Kiri is special somehow.

“Thank you, it’s very kind of you,” Jake replies.

Moe’anu nods. “Of course. Try to get some rest, Sully family.”

🐋

The Sully settle just fine. Ao’nung complains about their lack of breathing underwater but Moe’anu always bites back.

“They’re learning.”

“They’re forest people.”

“Be more respectful.”

Tsireya seems to like Lo’ak a lot. Moe’anu doesn’t see how it is a bad thing. Her mother whispers about him and calls him a demon for having four fingers and Sky People traits—Moe’anu doesn’t think it should matters. It doesn’t to her.

She appreciates every single one of them. Though she doesn’t spend time with them a lot, she sometimes attends the training with Tsireya. She likes Lo’ak for his eagerness to learn. She likes Neteyam for his fierce personality. She likes Kiri for her curiousness and Tuk for her cuteness.

Despite everything they have gone through, they are still kind hearted which is a very hard thing to be. They grew up around war and chaos. When things like that happen; people tend to turn to hatred but they turn to love and family.

Family is their strength.

She enjoys showing them things about how the sea speaks, the shells move or the wind whispers.

“You need to breathe through here,” she lays a hand on Neteyam’s stomach. “And then you slow it down.”

Neteyam groans. “Lo’ak managed it! How can’t I?”

And Moe’anu chuckles. The sound reverberates around the pair—soft and quiet. Neteyam blushes, his eyes looking down at her hands on his stomach and he sucks in a breath.

“Okay,” he nods. “I’ll try again.”

That is enough to make Moe’anu happy.

The next time she spots the Sully is when she is walking through the village, coming back from a healing session with a hunter that got attacked by an aluka.

Children are pointing and laughing as they pass. Kiri rolls her eyes, Lo’ak looks ashamed while Tuk looks clueless.

The parents are nowhere around and it is Moe’anu who steps in. “Have you not be taught respect?” She hisses.

The children’s ears and tails fall back in shame. “Sorry, tsakarem,” one says.

Moe’anu shakes her head. “Don’t apologise to me but to the Sully. They are part of our people now. Respect them.”

“Yes.”

Moe’anu follows them as they wobble to the Sully. One of them tugs at Lo’ak fingers. They turn around and seem surprised that someone has grabbed his additional finger.

“We wanted to apologise for laughing,” a little girl says and Moe’anu clears her throat.

Another one adds. “And pointing fingers.”

“Uh, it’s alright,” Kiri replies. “We are a little different—nothing to be ashamed of.”

The kids nod their heads and wait for Moe’anu to allow them to leave. When she does, they thank her loudly and run to the beach.

“Thank you for this,” Lo’ak says.

Moe’anu waves a careless hand. “Do not say thank you. You are one of the people.”

The words of Ao’nung and Lo’ak’s fight reaches Ronal and Moe'anu a little before sunset. They were gathering algaes when someone said Ao'nung had fought with Neteyam and Lo'ak.

"Daughter, you must see--" Ronal starts but Moe'anu ignores her. Ronal can't do anything about it but sighs, she has herself to blame mostly for her temper. "Ao'nung is young."

"Ao'nung is the next Olo'eyktan, he knows better," Moe'anu says angrily, putting her woven basket down.

The walk around the village doesn't take long and she finds them in their own marui. They're all here. Jake tries to speak to Lo'ak but Moe'anu sees red. She is her mother's daughter after all.

It is Ao'nung who sees her first and his eyes widen. "You are ignorant like a child!" She shouts in his face and hisses. Moe'anu doesn't care if their parents are here, if Jake and Neytiri are behind her. "Why are you acting this way? Because they have four fingers? What did you call them this time, uh?"

"Four-fingered freaks," Ao'nung admits lowly, almost ashamed.

Good, he should be, thinks Moe'anu.

She paces before him, hisses when he looks up at her. "They are Toruk Makto's children, you owe them respect. And mostly, they are children of Eywa!" She argues and she can see him fidgeting with his fingers just like when he was a child. "Difference does not matter. It shouldn't matter. They are our brothers and sisters."

"But--"

"No! You are to be Olo'eyktan. Behave like one," she mutters and glances at him angrily. "You shamed us. But you shamed me, Ao'nung."

Ao'nung's shoulders slouch at her words and he can't bring himself to meet anyone's eyes. He is ashamed to have disappointed his older sister because he looks up to her, sometimes more than his own parents.

Jake looks at Moe'anu with a certain shock and almost like a déjà-vu. It reminds him of the first time he met Neytiri in the forest and she had refused to teach him their ways, stating he was an ignorant child and that Sky People did not see.

"Listen, Moe'anu," he clears his throat and takes a step closer. Moe'anu turns to meet him and cocks her head to the side, waiting for him to go on. "My sons should not have fight. They'll apologise."

Moe'anu raises a hand in his face with a low hiss, stopping him from talking. "No, Jake Sully. Your sons have defended their sister. They did what was right. They should not be punished for it," she tells him quietly. "You are no guest here. You are one of us, Jake Sully. Just like your children."

Tonowari watches his daughter proudly. He has been silent ever since she stepped in the marui. "My daughter is right, Jake Sully. Your family is one of us. You are Metkayina now," he presses quietly, tone flat but his head holds high. He lays a hand on Moe'anu's shoulder and gives it a squeeze. "If my son starts something again, he'll be punished."

"No, no, it's fine. We--" Jake argues but is cut off.

"No, Ao'nung will apologise," Moe'anu says, gripping Ao'nung's arms and moving him in front of Lo'ak and Neteyam. "Then he'll apologise to Kiri."

Ao'nung apologises, his voice small like a child afraid to speak up. And when he is finished, Moe'anu brings him to Kiri and forces him to apologise.

They don't return to the marui right away, instead they sit by the dock together. Ao'nung is quiet, his shoulder agaisnt hers. Moe'anu knows he wants to speak but Ao'nung always has been too proud.

So Moe'anu speaks instead.

"I don't want you to be mean toward the Sully anymore. Am I clear, Ao'nung?"

"Yes, sister," he nos his head. "Are you still mad at me?"

Moe'anu hums, feelings the water around her ankles. "Very...But you are my brother and I forgive you. Just try to behave, yes?"

Ao'nung nods eagerly and Moe'anu chuckles softly. She kisses the top of his head gently and heads to sleep. Ao'nung follows shortly after. Moe'anu is happy to see Ao'nung with the Sully the days that follow.

[articstxrkey]

in which, daisy grows up on pandora after her parents died in the battle of ayram alusìng. she grows around scientists and her love for nature develops naturally. one day, she flees and reaches high camp with the help of norm and meets the sully.

pairing, lo’ak sully x fem!human/omatikaya oc!

tags, fluff, non-explicit sex, fall in love ?? idk what else to put

words count, 6.2k

by the way, this is not proof-read. a hoe can't bother...

Daisy knows this place is special the first time she goes outside. Despite watching it from behind her mask, it still looks magnificent. She spends hours reading the notes famous Grace Augustine and Norm Spellman left.

By the time, she gets her avatar, she is old enough to wander outside—but RDA won’t let her. Daisy is considered too valuable. With a lot of negotiations, she manages to leave her department and get her own cabin in the middle of the forest.

Daisy can manage herself alone, she’s been doing it for years. Besides, people at the RDA don’t think it is needed to have scientists on the field anymore so she’s on her own with a small team.

One day as she walks in the forest with her notebook, drawing every new ones she sees, voices erupt from the trees.

“Bro!” One shouts. “Wait for me!”

“You’re too slow! Sorry, baby bro,” the second one replies.

Daisy doesn’t know if she should move or not. She is in her human form. Won’t they shout her if they see her? She doesn’t want to die like that.

And as she looks up, trying to spot the two Na’vi she just heard. She exhales because she can’t see properly—the sun is blinding her through the leaves and yet she can hear ruffles all around her.

“Okay, Daisy. Slow,” she whispers to herself and backs slowly to her cabin. A branch cracks under her foot and she curses quietly. “Fuck!”

Lo’ak is in the tree right above Daisy and his ears perk up at the familiar curse word. It is one he heard his father say a million times. Quietly, he crouches and looks down.

A human!

It is not one he knows. He grabs his bow and begins to aim but Neteyam trails back to his brother, making him lower his weapon.

“What are you trying to shoot, baby bro?” Neteyam chuckles.

“Bro, shut up,” Lo’ak whispers and points at the hums beneath them.

She is blonde and wears an exo-pack. Just like the ones Spider used to have before Kiri saved him.

“Uh,” Neteyam says softly. “I don’t know her.”

“Me neither, bro,” Lo’ak replies. “Should we go and see?”

Neteyam rolls his eyes. “I think you should call dad. He’ll know what to do,” he says. “We can follow her. Maybe there are others.”

Lo’ak nods and presses the button to his comm. “Dad, it’s me. Eagle Eye.”

“What is it?” Jake’s voice echoes, static but clear enough.

“Neteyam and I have eyes on a human. What should we do?”

“Does he look dangerous?”

Lo’ak peeks at her and doesn’t seen any guns. Neteyam confirms by nodding. “No, she—she, uh, has a notebook in her hands. It looks like she was drawing.”

“Try to be careful and bring her back to high camp.”

Neteyam and Lo’ak share a knowing look and part ways. They follow her through the trees, eyes never leaving her frame. And when they reach her cabin, she hurries inside.

“There is no one but her,” Neteyam says with a frown.

Lo’ak frowns too. Usually, they are at least three. “Come.”

They jump out the trees and land swiftly on top of the cabin. From outside, they can hear her little scream and they chuckle together at how jumpy humans can be.

“Should we knock?” Lo’ak asks.

“Bro, what is this question?”

Neteyam knocks on the door. There is a beat of silence then a voice echoes. “I’d like for you to know that I am armed!”

“Can you come out?” Lo’ak asks. “Our dad says we have to bring you back to High Camp. My brother and I don’t want to use force.”

“High camp?” Daisy queries.

“Where we live,” Neteyam adds, though his english is awful.

Daisy grabs the small kitchen knife she has and holds it in her hand firmly, just in case she has to swing at a Na’vi. It is a dumb idea but she doesn’t know what to do either.

Unsure, she opens the door to the cabin and is meet by two Na’vi. “Is this a knife?” One asks.

“I-I thought that—”

He laughs at her. Actually laughs at her. “This is a tiny knife. Baby knife. Lo’ak, look at this!”

But Lo’ak is speechless. His eyes are on Daisy’s face and suddenly, he doesn’t know to say anymore. His mouth go dry and he stutters.

“Well, this is all I had,” Daisy finally speaks, gulping down.

The one who laughed at her nods at the knife. “Can I see?”

“Sure,” she replies and hands it to her. “I’m Daisy.”

“Neteyam and this is Lo’ak, my baby brother.”

“Hi,” Daisy smiles.

Finally, Lo’ak clears his throat and greets her. “We need to bring you to high-camp. Come.”

Daisy complies and follows them outside. They both make sounds and suddenly, she hears wings flapping from the sky.

Ikrans!

Daisy can’t believe it. She’s seeing Ikrans from her own eyes. She approaches the one in front of her with curiousness and it screeches loudly, making her wince. But still, it is beautiful.

“Come,” Lo’ak motions for her to sit in front of him on the Ikran. “I hope you are not afraid of heights.”

“No,” she lies.

But as soon as they take off, her eyes shut tightly and she can’t see anything for the whole ride. She hears Neteyam and Lo’ak speak Na’vi but she doesn’t fully understand it, she feels the wind in her hair. It is only when they land that she opens her eyes again.

“Oh, careful,” Lo’ak says as he helps her down the ikran and she loses her balance. “Are you alright?”

“I’m afraid of heights.”

Neteyam snorts. “Humans are fascinating. You fear everything we love.”

Daisy takes a few minutes to sink everything. She is standing in the middle of a Na’vi clan—it is their base. She smells plants, fire—but mostly earth. The two brothers lead her to a cabin, similar to hers and she wonders which humans live there amongst Na’vi.

Everyone looks at her with curiosity and she returns it.

“Norm, look at that!” Lo’ak shouts as he enters the cabin. He takes a mask and takes Daisy’s one off. “You can breathe here.”

Norm appears and Daisy’s mouth gapes. “You’re Dr. Spellman!”

Norm looks surprised and smiles. “That’s right. I am.”

Daisy looks around in awe. Her eyes find the papers on the walls and she turns around with a squeal. “Oh this is what heavens look like then!”

“Who are you?” Norm asks with curious eyes.

“Daisy. Daisy Torres,” she says, her fingers tracing a drawing. “My parents died in the battle. I’ve been raised by scientists at the RDA.”

Norm glances Neteyam and Lo’ak, a sign that they should fetch their father. “Can I get you anything to drink?”

“Yes, please,” Daisy smiles.

“Aren’t you afraid of being here?” He queries, handing her a mug.

Daisy brings it to her lips without thinking and ends up spitting everything. “Sorry!” She exclaims, bringing a hand to her mouth and wipes it with the back of her hand. “It’s just—it tastes…”

“Earthy. I know,” Norm chuckles. “It took me a few years to get used to it.”

“It’s fine. It’s fine. I, uh, why would I be scared?” Daisy asks after cleaning the table. “Should I be scared?”

Norm shrugs. “Well, two Na’vi did bring you here.”

“It’s not as scary as being by myself at night,” she admits. “Sometimes I hear viper wolves around my cabin. It gets scary.”

Norm is about to ask why is she alone but the cabin burst open again. This time, there is the two brothers and one taller—broader. Daisy could recognise this face between millions. Jake Sully.

“You’re Jake Sully!” She exclaims.

Jake glances at Norm. “Yeah, this is pretty normal of her. She’s a scientist for the RDA.”

“Was,” Daisy corrects. “They think me dead.”

“How?” Norm asks.

“My team died quickly—I’ve been by myself for a few months now,” Daisy tells him. “RDA never checked on me. They think the cabin is inhabited but I just hacked the system so I’d be under radar.”

Jake watches her with curious eyes—everyone does. Lo’ak can’t help but think she is the prettiest woman he has ever seen. Na’vi and humans together. His eyes are on her sandy blonde hair and the small spots behind her ear.

Daisy seems okay. She is more than okay. She is surrounded by everything she loves.

“Daisy, right?”

“Daisy Torres. Nice to meet you, Jake,” she extends her hand and Jake shakes it.

“Yeah, nice to meet you,” he nods. “You’re a scientist, uh?”

“Mainly,” Daisy nods. “Well, I’m passionate about it. But I used to be a recon.”

A small laugh escapes Jake’s lips. “You? A recon?”

Daisy frowns and looks hurt. “I had to fight to be a scientist. After the stunt, you pulled with Augustine and Spellman. They were wary of scientists,” she explains. “I had to be the only thing they’d allow me to be at first—a recon soldier. I know how to fight—I just don’t like it.”

“Right, I’m sorry,” Jake says with a grimace. “Get some sleep—we will see you tomorrow.”

“We? Who’s we?” Daisy asks.

Lo’ak meets her eyes. “The clan.”

When night finally falls and Daisy has somehow settled in the cabin, she goes outside. Norm has told her to stay close to the cabin just for protection and she doesn’t feel like defying her odds tonight, so she sits on the stairs and watches the camp.

She doesn’t know if she is bound to stay or get killed. One thing is sure is she won’t go back to her cabin anytime soon.

“Why are you doing outside?” Lo’ak asks.

And Daisy’s eyes trail all over his body before reaching his face. “I’m admiring—I might die tomorrow so might as well see it before.”

“It is not sure,” Lo’ak says softly.

“How is it decided then?”

Lo’ak puffs air and crouches to be at her height. “The Olo’eyktan decides—the Tsahik helps.”

“So my fate is in your father’s hands?”

He nods. “Basically. The tsahik, my grandmother, is kinder. Perhaps she will see something that my dad doesn’t see.”

“Fingers crossed.”

“Who’s fingers crossed?”

Daisy chuckles. “It is no one. It is a way to say good luck.”

“Oh,” he blushes softly.

It is the first time Lo’ak and Daisy talks.

Daisy is uncomfortable as she feels prying eyes on her. The whole clan stares and stands near her. It’s like being an animal in the zoo. They reach and touch—it feels wrong but she can’t just slap their curious hands away.

Her eyes wander through the crowds and they land on Lo’ak. He’s standing next to his brother, who is standing next to Jake. They’re tall and confident, though she notices Lo’ak’s slight slouch.

He is already looking at her. He nods at her, a reassuring gesture and she smiles shyly.

“Mawey! Mawey!” Jake says loudly and everyone turns silent around her.

It is Neytiri who approaches her first. She is reluctant to approach and she looks at Daisy with disgust.

“And what is your name, demon?” Neytiri hisses.

Daisy should be hurt to be called demon but she knows her place as a sky people, as an intruder.

“Daisy,” she utters.

Jake lays a had on his mate’s shoulder. A simple warning. “Majake,” Neytiri whispers, meeting his eyes.

Jake meets hers. There is tenderness in them. “Baby…I was in her place once. Your mother saw. She knows the trees—she could learn.”

The thought of someone else, someone new—a human could learn their ways terrifies Neytiri. She doesn’t trust easily, especially when it comes to Sky People. But her eyes soften as she looks at her.

It hits her—Daisy is a young adult without family.

She gives Jake a small nod and waits for her mother to come. When she arrives, people part like sea and lets her reach the human.

“This is Mo’at. My mother. She is Tsahik.”

Daisy knows very little of Tsahiks, except that they’re a sort of spiritual guide for their people. She bows her head as a sort of greeting and Mo’at smiles softly. She takes Daisy’s face in her hands, cradle it and look at her right in the eyes.

“You see,” she whispers with a sort of amazement. “You see our ways already. You understand nature.”

“I—” Daisy goes to say something but Mo’at ignores and turns her head towards Jake.

“It is decided. You will learn our ways.”

Daisy feels lighter. The people around her leave, some stay but most don’t bother. Jake approaches her as she tries to sink in all of it.

Daisy is to learn their ways.

Her!

“Norm and I went to grab your things at the cabin.”

Daisy looks up. “Oh, thanks. You didn’t have to.”

He gives her a small shrug. “It’s nothing really. Your avatar is there as well.”

The mention of her avatar brings a smile to her face. She hasn’t been able to link with her avatar for weeks due to her team dying—she can’t do it by herself. Hurrying to the biolab, she pushes the door and takes off her mask right away.

“Hey, can I link to my avatar?” She asks Norm who is scribbling a few notes on a piece of paper.

He barely glances at her but hums. “Sure. I don’t see why not.”

Daisy slides into the familiar gel mattress and closes her eyes. It has been so long since she felt the earth beneath her feet—though she doesn’t have any na’vi training, she is eager to try.

The link is automatic—Daisy feels in the connection deep within her. She is one with her avatar.

“Careful!” Norm says as she begins to sit and rises out of habit. Her head hits the ceiling and she winces. “I told you to be careful.”

“Yeah, I forgot,” she mutters, rubbing the top of her head before flexing her hands to see if everything is in order. “God, it feels weird.”

Norm nods. “Well, it’s been a while so I presume it’ll feel weird at first. But how do you feel? Inside, I mean.”

Daisy grins at him. “Fucking fantastic. Can I go out?”

“Yeah, just be careful. And—ask around for clothes. Maybe Jake will have some.”

Daisy looks down at herself and frowns. She is wearing cameo shorts and a bulletproof vest. “What is wrong with my clothes?”

“Daisy, you’ll have to blend in,” he explains softly. “You’ve been granted the right to learn. It is not everyday that the people accept your—our kind, okay? They don’t want to see to see the human version of yourself in their camp. They want to see the Na’vi that you can be inside.”

Daisy hums, a frown still very present on her face. “Those are profound words, Norm,” she tells him and he flicks her off. “Fine, I’ll ask around.”

For the first time in weeks, Daisy breathes the air—the real air. Her senses are heightened while she is in this body. She smells the meat being cooked on the other side of the camp, she feels the wind in her hair and she feels the damp ground of the cave beneath her feet.

Daisy feels alive.

She wanders through the camp—now a bit more blended in. People still spot her differences but it doesn’t matter—not to her.

Quietly, she tries to peek into each marui hoping to find the Sully somewhere. When she does, it is Neteyam she sees first, then Lo’ak. They are with two other girls—sisters or mates. Daisy can’t tell.

“Daisy?” Lo’ak asks, noticing her at the entrance. “Y-you have an avatar?”

Daisy blushes and hopes the flickering fire in the middle of the marui will be enough to hide the shade of crimson on her blue cheeks.

“Yeah,” she gulps softly. “I’m sorry for bothering you but Norm told me to blend in and ask for clothes.”

Neteyam slaps one of the women on the arm. “Kiri. Don’t you have some?”

Kiri nods. “I should have some I don’t wear anymore. I can go check.”

“Thank you,” Daisy whispers.

While Kiri is gone, she meets Tuktirey. Their little sister. She is a bit shy but Daisy must be the same so she doesn’t push it. Neteyam asks her about the baby knife she was holding and Lo’ak simply stares.

“I’ve got some,” Kiri says, entering the marui as it flaps closed. “Come with me. Away from prying eyes and disgusting pervs.”

Neteyam and Lo’ak roll their eyes and Kiri sticks her tongue out before taking Daisy to a more private place. Kiri explains every material her clothes are made of; Daisy thinks it’s nice knowing where it comes from and what they use to weave their clothes.

“I feel a bit naked,” she tells Kiri once she has put on everything.

Well, everything is a huge word. The top has barely enough leaves and feathers to cover her breasts and the loincloth is not hiding her behind at all—barely the front too.

Kiri smiles and puts two hands on Daisy’s shoulders. “I think you are very beautiful like that, Daisy.”

“Thank you.”

“Dad says you know the plants and the trees. Is it true?” Kiri asks as they walk back to the marui.

Daisy nods and licks her lips. Where to begin?

“I know some things. I draw the plants I find and then try later to determinate what they are used for,” she explains.

“Fascinating! Are your drawings gone?”

Daisy shakes her head. “No, they’re—they’re at the biolab. I can show you later.”

“Please, I’d like that.”

Neteyam knows his brother enough to know what he is thinking. He has noticed how his eyes linger on Daisy’s frame, how he becomes shy when she meets his eyes or speaks.

Lo’ak is too curious. Always have been.

“Bro, you need to stop.”

“Stop what?” Lo’ak asks.

Neteyam groans and puts a hand on the back of Lo’ak’s neck but Lo’ak hisses. “I know you. I know what you’re thinking about with Daisy. It’s a bad idea.”

Lo’ak rolls his eyes. “You sound like mom and dad.”

“No,” he shakes his head. “I sound like your older brother who is telling you that you shouldn’t pursue whatever it is you are thinking.”

Lo’ak scoffs and turns his head towards the footsteps. It is Kiri and Daisy. He knows it because he recognises the ankler Kiri wears. When they enter the marui, Daisy looks shy and she hides herself.

Lo’ak thinks she shouldn’t hide herself—he thinks she is beautiful. It is better than being all covered up with her gear. He takes the time to look properly. How her blue and purple feathers cover her breasts but he still can see the shape under. Her soft hips are perfect—they look perfect enough for him to lay his hands there. But for now, he keeps them to himself.

Daisy sits next to him and he is unable to think or act. He barely speaks at all and instead it is Neteyam, Tuk and Kiri. Neteyam is right, Lo’ak shouldn’t think like that. He has enough problems as it is. What if he tries to go after the human they found in the forest? Dad will skin him.

“Do you want to come, Daisy?” Kiri asks as they prepare to go down into the forest to grab river water.

Daisy shakes her head with a smile. “I think I’ll stay here for today—I’m trying to get used to the body again.”

“Of course,” Kiri smiles. “I’ll pass by the biolab later. See the drawings!”

Daisy nods eagerly and watches as the siblings are being called for their duties. Only Lo’ak remains.

“You don’t have to hide yourself,” Lo’ak begins.

Daisy snorts softly. “I feel naked.”

“Well, it is different from your human clothes but you’ll see. It’s better,” he says. “You can move better.”

Daisy hums, looking down at herself. “Well, I certainly hope so.”

Lo’ak looks at her and when she meets his glance, she is surprised. “I think you are beautiful.”

Daisy learns the ways easily—she is eager to. As the weeks pass, she learns to hold a bow and to hunt with Neteyam and Lo’ak and she learns Eywa with Kiri. With Neytiri and Tuk, she learns how to cook properly and everything doesn’t feel so earthy now.

Daisy gets along better with Kiri but it’s because they understand each other. They understand the plants and the trees. Kiri spends loads of time with Daisy in the bio lab, talking about her mother and scientist stuff.

As night falls, Tuk helps her weave her first clothes and Daisy parades happily through the camp after. It represents her ikran—the one she bounded with a few days ago. Tuk has said that her first pieces of clothes were supposed to be meaningful and Daisy couldn’t think about anything else but her ikran.

“There you are,” Lo’ak says, entering the marui reserved for avatars only. He strolls to her and smiles. “Tuk said you weaved your first top. I had to come and see by myself.”

Daisy chuckles and rolls her eyes. “It might be a bit—ugly? But I’ve tried!”

“Nothing ugly about it,” he mutters and Daisy breathes in sharply. “Were you going to bed?”

“Yeah. I have a big day tomorrow with Kiri.”

He tilts his head to the side and looks at her before licking his lips. Daisy noticed how different everything is with Lo’ak. From the way he talks to the way he moves when she is around.

But Daisy knows better—she knows that Neytiri would never accept Daisy approaching Lo’ak like that. Still, the need to reach and to graze burns at her fingers.

He is always there. Somewhere near her. His hands wander on her skin when he helps her to aim, he pushes her hair out of her face when the wind isn’t being cooperative. He does it all.

“Don’t go to bed yet. Come with me,” he says softly, eyes searching for her answer.

She chews on her lips, pondering it. “Lo’ak…” she begins, trying to find the right words but nothing comes. “I can’t.”

He frowns, kneeling so he is at the same height as her. Again, he searches for her eyes. “I’m sure you don’t need that much sleep for a day with Kiri.”

Daisy gulps. “I have things to do for Norm,” she lies.

Lo’ak sighs. “Fine then I’ll come to the lab with you, then,” he replies. “See you in a minute.”

Daisy knows it is a lost cause trying to push him away. He’s too stubborn and will never back down, no matter the reason, so she nods and closes her eyes.

When Daisy opens her eyes again and leaves the bed, she sighs to herself and rapidly reaches for new clothes. Being a Na’vi all day left very little time for her to actually take care of herself.

Lo’ak enters the biolab merely minutes again. When he finds her, she is walking out to the main room where he stands. Surely, their clothing are flattering but seeing her in human clothes, a shirt too big for her and some shorts left him speechless.

“Lo’ak, you are staring,” Daisy says, heating a plate of whatever Norm had left.

“I, uh, sorry,” he answers, strolling to her. “So…what did you have to work on?”

Daisy clears her throat. “Norm is gathering notes for future scientists that may be pro-Pandora in the future. He’s asked for mine.”

“Oh, I see. Fun.”

Daisy snorts at his pout. “We will go out tomorrow night. I promise.”

That seems to bring him a smile on his face and he watches her work happily. He asks questions from time to time, and Daisy replies happily. She always likes to talk about her work.

Later that night, Daisy’s eyes are becoming heavy and the need to sleep spread in her entire body. Lo’ak is silent. He’s watching her scribble a few things on paper. It always amazes him how she gets carried away in her work.

“Hey, Daisy,” he whispers and his hand reaches to shake her lightly.

Daisy groans. "Fuck, I fell asleep. Sorry, Lo'ak. You should have leave," she mumbles.

"Are you okay?" Lo'ak asks as she steps into the light. He notices the bags under her eyes and how thinner she looks. It looks like she has been neglected herself and he isn't sure he likes the idea of it. "Daisy," he says again a bit louder and she turns around to meet him.

"I'm fine," she utters quietly and goes to get a cup of coffee. "Just tired."

"Get some sleep," he urges but she shakes her head. "Norm won't get mad. He can't get mad."

Daisy snorts into her mug. "He can and he will. He's asked me to do this for weeks. I just--I didn't have any time to do it. The training is exhausting," she admits. "I barely have any time to take care of myself."

"Then sleep. I'll tell Norm I kept you away."

"It's nice of you but you don't have to take the blame everytime," she whispers.

The next thing he does is unplanned. He doesn't know why he reacts this way to her neglecting herself--her human form. Her avatar self is thriving with them but now, she looks overworked and ready to crumble at any moment. His big hands cup her face and she freezes.

"You can't let yourself go to waste like this," Lo'ak whispers as he looks at her. His hands are so big that her whole face fits perfectly between them. "You won't survive long off coffees and naps."

Daisy nods and bites her lip. "I know. I'll try harder, I promise."

Lo'ak nods and steps back. "That's more like it. I'll see you tomorrow."

"I'm with Kiri tomorrow," she argues.

Lo'ak smirks as he reaches the door and peeks at her once more. "Yeah, and? I'll come with you two."

As soon as he walks out, Daisy's hands find her own face and she touches where his hands were. The warmth is still there and he left a scent of nature on her cheeks. Her heart is beating, too fast but she can't help it.

Lo'ak walks into the family marui and crumbles down on his mat. He can still feel her skin under his touch. The way her cheeks turned a soft pink and warm at his gesture. Lo'ak knows that his longing is becoming harder to hide and he isn't sure he'll be capable of keeping away for long.

The next day, Daisy and Kiri are in the forest. Kiri is showing healing plants to Daisy and how to gather them.

"These are Dapophet," Kiri begins and flips through Daisy's notebook. Her finger lands on a page and shows it to Daisy happily. "Look! You did draw it before."

Daisy smiles widely but she can't focus on anything other than Lo'ak's hands on her face. It is a lost cause to feel like this for him. No one will accept it.

She is disappointed when Lo'ak doesn't show up all day. But she has fun with Kiri. They laugh and gossip with their back against the moss. Kiri begs her to feel Eywa's heartbeat and Daisy can swear she hears it.

The disappointment seeps deeper when she reaches High Camp and he's nowhere to be seen. Her eyes search for him at dinner but she can't see him and without noticing, she begins to sulk.

"Sorry," Daisy begins as she reaches Neteyam. He is surrounded by warriors. Half of them are not even familiar to her and she feels out of place immediately.

"Yes?" He asks and his tone is genuine, curious. It always is. Neteyam has always been good to her.

"Have you seen Lo'ak today?"

Neteyam shakes his head. "Sorry, I haven't. He's been out the whole day," he admits. "I can go and look for him. If you want."

Daisy shakes her head. "God, no. It's fine. He'll come around."

"Okay," Neteyam smiles and dives right back into his conversation with his friends.

Daisy walks to the biolab and heads to the link room. She watches herself on the screen and sighs. Not feeling like leaving her avatar body yet, she prepares everything she'll need when she goes back. The heated cup of coffee, the notebook on the table and the few snacks she'll need throughout the night.

A voice startles her. It is Lo'ak and he is looking for her. He walks through the biolab and stops when he sees her.

"Hey," he whispers as if he'll disturb her human self in the bed. Daisy doesn't reply and he reaches for her forearm, turning her around. "I'm sorry. I had to spend the day by myself."

"It's fine," she mumbles. "We were busy with Kiri."

"I know it's not fine. Neteyam told me you were looking for me."

Daisy shrugs and turns again to watch herself on the screen. "You said you'd come and I was just wondering if everything was alright with us."

Lo'ak frowns and takes a step closer. "What do you mean?"

"You cupped my face an--"

"Daisy," he whispers. "I don't--I just needed time to think."

"Think about what?"

"What I feel," he admits and takes another step closer. Daisy can feel the heat that radiates from his body. Daisy leans into him almost immediately when she feels his body against hers. "I feel a lot, too much, when it comes to you."

"You shouldn't," Daisy whispers, her head against his shoulder and she feels his hands on her waist. "No one would approve of us."

"They approved of my father before," he reminds her. "And look at Norm, he has a wife and children. You could be happy here. We could be happy here."

It is enough to make her turn around and her hands rest against his chest. Lo'ak inhales sharply at the contact. "You don't know what you're saying, Lo'ak. This body--it isn't me. This," she points at the screen. "This is me."

"I know and I see you, Daisy," he whispers softly. "We're the same," he adds, taking his hands in hers.

Their pinky touch and Lo'ak smiles softly. For the first time, he doesn't feel like an outsider. Then quietly, he moves one of his hands and graze her eyebrows. Familiar and warm.

What he hates on himself, he loves on her.

Daisy doesn't think she has felt that seen before and the feeling is warm, it seeps through her body easily. Lo'ak rests his forehead against hers and for a moment, they're just breathing in sync, their hands still linked.

"Come with me," he murmurs.

And like hypnotised, Daisy can't say no. She nods her head quietly and lets him pull her out of the biolab. Everyone looks at your intertwined hands but Lo'ak never lets go, even as they pass their parents.

Daisy follows clumsily through the trees, giggles escape her as Lo'ak hurries her. She feels her heart stop when they reach the tree of souls. The sight is so breathtaking that she stares at it with wide eyes and then glances at Lo'ak.

"I thought I could be the first to show you," he whispers.

"Thank you," Daisy matches his tone of voice, ushered and secretive.

Lo'ak stills behind her and exhales a shaky breath. "I've always liked you," the words leave his mouth, hurry and awkward. "I've liked you the moment I spotted you from the trees."

"This isn't right, you know it," Daisy says softly.

Lo'ak shakes his head with a soft laugh. "Tell me you don't see me and I'll leave you alone. Say it."

"You know, I can't," she replies quietly.

"My dad has no authority over you or your feelings!"

Daisy groans. "I'm not--I'm not one of your people, Lo'ak. What will people say if they learn of us? I'll be banished for fooling around with one the chief's sons. I can't jeopardize their welcome."

"And you won't," Lo'ak presses, taking her hands in his. "I promise you won't."

Daisy sighs. "Of course I see you, Lo'ak," she begins. "But pursuing me will bring you nothing good."

"I think you are wrong," he tells her. "And I don't just like your avatar self. I like the human too. The clumsy and foolish human that threatened me and my brother with a baby knife."

"Hey! It is not a baby knife!"

"Looks a lot like it."

"My point is--I love you for who you are. All of you."

Daisy closes her eyes, soaking in his words. Love. All of you. His hands wander while she has her eyes closed. His fingers graze her arms to her shoulders. Then he moves them to her collarbones and Daisy gasps.

The pad of his thumbs find their way underneath her breasts and Daisy inhales sharply. His big hands rest on each side of her frame and she doesn't know what to do with herself anymore.

That is when she feels it—his lips on her skin. He kisses her cheeks, her nose, the crease between her eyebrows, her eyebrows. It is delicate. Intimate.

Daisy feels loved.

For the first time since she’s been a toddler on a RDA base, she feels loved. She doesn’t feel like a burden, like a casualty of some sort.

Slowly, she leans into him. He grounds her. And before she knows it, her hands are moving across his body and she feels him react to her touch. Lo’ak kisses her first—or maybe it’s her, she doesn’t know. The kiss is gentle at first but it escalates quickly into a messier, hungrier kiss.

“Do you—” Lo’ak pauses, feeling her lips on his jaw and neck. He swallows hard. “Do you want this? Are you sure?”

Daisy looks up at him, dazed and a pink blush painted across her cheeks. “I want you.”

“Good, good,” he whispers, kissing her again.

He lays her down on the moss and his lips travel across her body. Then she feels it, the soft tugging in her tendrils as they beg to connect. Lo’ak feels it too because he searches for her eyes as if he’s wondering if she is okay with it, Daisy just nods—unable to speak.

Their tendrils intertwine themselves and the connection is instant. Daisy gasps and opens her eyes to see him and his pupils are dilated. She feels everything—the love, the desire, the need.

They are one.

Later, when they lay in the soft moss, Lo’ak pushes aside a few wild hair and smiles to himself. Though, consumed by sleepiness, Daisy smiles as well and reaches for his hand before bringing his pinky to her lips and kissing it softly.

“I love this about you.”

“My pinky?”

Daisy nods. “Makes you special. Makes you like me.”

Lo’ak flutters and kisses her head. Daisy appreciates it. She appreciates being around him but she doesn’t know the outcome of this. What awaits her when they return to High Camp.

“I won’t let them say a word about you,” Lo’ak promises, kissing her shoulder. His lips linger and Daisy hums unsure. “I promise, yawntu.”

“What does happen to us, now?”

“Nothing. We are mated before Eywa. There is nothing that can happen to us.”

And Daisy believes him.

As they approach the camp, Daisy feels dread. She is scared of what they’ll say—what they’ll do. Still, sure of himself, Lo’ak holds her hand as he walks through the family marui. Everyone is busy inside and they barely notice them—her.

“Lo’ak,” Jake says, looking up. “Where were you, son?” He asks then his eyes dart to their intertwined hands and his eyebrows shot up.

“Mom, Dad,” Lo’ak starts and clears his throat. Jake slowly lets go off his arrows and Neytiri puts down her knife. “Daisy and I are together. We mated before Eywa.”

“Son…” Jake begins. His tone is flat but his ears are clipped back as if he’s pondering his next words.

Surprisingly, it is Neytiri who speaks up next. “Then it is done,” she tells Jake. “Come, Daisy. Help us prepare food.”

Lo’ak’s eyes widen in surprise. “Are you not going to say anything?”

Jake’s lips form a thin line and Neytiri shakes her head. “I—We’ve been here before, Lo’ak. If she makes you happy, then so be it. She has proven herself. Let’s not talk about it anymore.”

“What your mom said, son.”

Kiri is the happiest. When she enters the marui and hears Lo’ak tell Neteyam that Daisy is his mate and they’re now family, she jumps around and starts telling everyone how happy she is to have a sister that understands nature as she does.

Neteyam clasps a hand on her shoulder and smiles. “Welcome to the family, Daisy.”

Daisy is overwhelmed by their comments and find it hard to eat later. Too consumed by happiness. When she goes back to her own body, the memories are vivid and she knows it wasn’t a dream. Lo’ak is there, waiting behind the door when she gets out of the room. He smiles.

“Hey, pretty syulang.”

Daisy snorts. “Are you going to call me syulang from now on?”

“Maybe,” he offers a sheepish shrug. “I just wanted to say goodnight. I wish you could sleep with me tonight.”

Though smaller, her hand still pats his blue chest. It is amazing to see the shivers go through his body as she does.

“We’ll figure it out later,” Daisy promises and he leans down to kiss her head. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“I love you,” Lo’ak says.

i hope it was good, i loved writing lo'ak!!!!!!!

[jakesullymakto]

me me me

[articstxrkey]

Tethered To You - Part Two

in which, jake learns his ex-wife died on pandora and goes there because he is convinced that she is still very much alive. (multiple parts)

🐋

"You know this demon?" Neytiri's father asks in Na'vi and Jake looks at Dahlia. He seems clueless but somehow relieved to see her. "Dahlia," he orders for her to speak.

Dahlia's ears fall back. "He was my husband when I was on another star," she whispers and gasps are heard in the crowd.

After dying, Mo'at, invoked Eywa and for some reasons Dahlia ignored, she had been seen by the Great Mother as one of her children. When Dahlia opened her eyes once more, her human body had been buried under the tree of ancestors and she stood as a Na'vi.

"You are one of us now, child," Mo'at had said.

And Dahlia had been one of theirs for years now. She spoke only Na'vi except when Neytiri asked her to speak English, claiming she wanted to hear her speak her mother's tongue. Mo'at and Eytukan had treated her as their own daughter.

Jake brings her back by talking again. "I thought you dead."

And it pains her to answer. "I am."

It's true. She is not the same as she was before--when they were married. Dahlia had grown stronger, harsher.

Mo'at doesn't leave room for people to speak. "Jake Sully," she uses the bone around her collar to poke at him and licks the blood. "Why did you come to us?"

Jake clears his throat. "I came to learn."

"We have tried to teach other Sky People. It is hard to fill a cup which is already full," she says.

"Well, my cup is empty, trust me. Just ask Dr. Augustine. I'm no scientist," he says it with a small smile.

Her eyes are narrow as she stares at him. "What are you?"

"I was a Marine. A warrior of the Jarhead clan."

Tsu'tey scoffs. "A warrior? I could kill him easily!" He exclaims.

It is Dahlia who steps closer, a hand on his chest. "Calm, Tsu'tey," she whispers as Eytukan speaks.

Mo'at moves again to step closer to Jake but keeps her eyes on the pair. "My daughter and Dahlia will teach him our ways. To speak and walk as we do."

"Why me? That's not fair," Neytiri argues and growls when her mother stops her.

"It is decided," she tells Jake. "Dahlia and my daughter will teach you our ways. Learn well, Jake Sully. Then we will see if your insanity can be cured."

Jake nods gratefully and everyone disperses as fast as they regrouped. Neytiri mutters something to Dahlia before walking away and it is awfully awkard to be left together. They haven't seen each other in years.

"Neytiri has gone to find you clothes," Dahlia says quietly, refusing to look at him.

Jake takes a step closer, reaching for her but stops before she can push him away. "Hey, D."

"Hello, Jake," she replies. "So you took Tom's avatar."

"He's dead," Jake replies and she hums.

"I know. Grace told me," she whispers to him. "Why are you here?"

Jake clears his throat because there are so many reasons why he's standing in front of her today but he decides to tell one of them. "They told me you were dead--I didn't believe them."

"But I am," she finally looks at him. It's shocking how familiar he looks. "I am dead. I am not the same Dahlia that you knew before. I am not a child anymore."

Jake nods. "I figured."

"Adapting here won't be easy," she mumbles.

"I'm willing to learn," he whispers. "You did it, I'm sure I can too."

She meets his eyes again, her ears fall back once more. "I've always been thicker than you, Jake. Don't ever forget that," she tells him and he gulps with a nod. "Neytiri will be here soon then you'll meet us for food."

Jake feels the need to go after her but he knows it won't be easy talking to her again because they've been broken off for so long and he was awful to her after losing his legs.

Jake and Dahlia got to know each other young, they fell in love young and married young. Then war happened and Jake lost his legs. But by losing his legs, he lost a part of himself and despite his best efforts, he couldn't get out of the hole he had digged for himself. Instead, he drowned in alchohol and despair while Dahlia tried to fix it all.

He never let her.

And one night, Jake came home drunk but he could see her with her packed bags clear as day.

Throwback to 2142

He is late. Jake knows Dahlia will be, once again, angry at him but it's the only thing he's feeling as of late. Anger. He can't walk and he feels trapped. All he does is wheel around--going from bars to bars. Sometimes, Dahlia comes and finds him. Sometimes, she waits in bed.

But tonight, she waits for him at the kitchen table. He is drunk but he can see the bags behind her, clear as day. Suddenly, he feels anxious.

"D?" He asks.

"You're late," she says, her tone flat. He wants her to be angry but she isn't. "I was waiting for you."

"I'm sorry I'm late, I lost myself," he replies.

She hums as though she doesn't believe him and he can't blame her. He wouldn't believe himself either. "I'm leaving."

"Where?" The question slips and he snorts because where would she go? Her parents are dead, her sister is sick.

She clears her throat. "Pandora."

He swears he feels his heart stop. "Wha--How? I thought you were still in the program like Tom?"

Dahlia shrugs. "They're short staffed. My avatar is ready so I got called earlier and said yes."

Jake is hurt. He frowns and gets closer to her. He knows she has cried because her mascara is all smudged underneath her eyes and she has snots on her upper lip.

"Baby, what about us? We-I can fix this. I can work on myself and--"

She scoffs loudly in his face. "There hasn't been any us since you came back paralysed, Jake. All you do is get drunk and I just exist. I wander and hope that your old self will come back...But you never do."

"Come on, baby," he pleads, his hand finds hers and she lets him touch her despite him reeking of booze and whiskey.

"Jake, it's done. I'm leaving in a few hours," she whispers.

He is angry; he knows he doesn't have any rights to be angry at her. If anything, she should be the one feeling that way but she's not. It doesn't look like she feels anything. They sit in silence and when the clock ticks six, she rises, kisses his lips once more and leaves.

End of the flashback

Jake didn't hear about her until those man approached him in the back alley where he had been thrown after trying to defend a woman, who apparently didn't need any defending.

Neytiri comes back with Na'vi clothes and all it has is a sort of weaved loincloth. Jake feels naked but he now fits a bit better. He follows Neytiri to the common room where they all sit around the fire to talk, eat and sing. It is friendly.

All eyes are on him as he kneels and his eyes immediately finds Dahlia. She is eating near the Tsahik with Tsu'tey.

"What's the deal with these two?" Jake asks Neytiri.

"They're like soaiä. Family," she replies. "Eat. You need strenght."

Jake eats but can't help and keeps his eyes on Dahlia. When it's time to sleep, Dahlia motions for him to follow as they walk to the hammock. He watches as she jumps into hers with ease.

"This is where we sleep?" He asks.

"Afraid you'll fall?" Dahlia asks, already getting cosy in hers.

Jake shakes his head and grips the branch tightly before falling to his. It is a bit disturbing to sleep so high but he enjoys the peace it brings him. He goes to say goodnight but when he turns his head, he's facing her back so he keeps it to himself and drifts to sleep.

Dahlia tries hard to do the same thing but she just can't. Her ex-husband is laying in the hammock next to her as an Avatar, and he somehow made his way to the Hometree because of a sign. Eywa's sign.

"You mated with this demon?" Neytiri whispers. It is soft but clear.

Dahlia sighs. "We don't mate on my star. We marry each other but that engagement can be broken easily," she explains and by the silence, she knows Neytiri is listening carefully. "Jake and I loved each other."

"Then why did you leave him?" There is no judgement in her voice, only curiosity.

"Jake got hurt while he was part of his clan," she whispers. No one knows this but then, no one asked. "And he lost himself. I couldn't pull him out of his ways so I left."

Neytiri hums then looks at Dahlia. "He has a lot to learn. He has a strong heart, Dahlia but he's like a child."

Dahlia sighs. "I know. That's Jake."

The next morning, they rise early and Neytiri decides to treat Jake as a small child that is learning their ways. Today, he gets to ride a direhorse first to make his first bond. He seems excited at the idea but doesn't say it.

"This is what we call Tsaheylu," Neytiri explains and Jake nods. "She is girl."

"It's like riding a horse," Dahlia adds and Jake nods again.

His first attempt is a disaster and he falls almost instantly in the mud. His face is covered with it and Dhalia supresses a laugh, Neytiri does not.

Jake isn't so bad when it comes to training. He wants to learn. He tries his best to. Most of the time, Neytiri trains him but when it's Dahlia, everything is different. He is completely thrown off guard by the person she became. She embodies grace and he feels his heart flutter every time she takes the time to teach him what she knows.

Today, they are learning the language and despite starting with Neytiri, he's quite bad at it. Dhalia doesn't seem to be wanting to speak English at all.

"Jake, kanfpìl," she groans, hitting his arm. He knows it means focus.

"I am trying to!" He argues and she groans again, hitting his forehead with the palm of her hand. "Ow! What was that for?"

"Nì'eveng," she says. "Don't you want to learn, Jake?"

Jake sighs. "I do. I do!"

"I told you it would be hard," she mumbles, running a hand through her braids and the small beads click together.

Jake hums. "What is hard for you?"

Dahlia shrugs. "I knew some things," she replies. "But it was hard, yeah. I didn't know how to hold a bow properly--Neytiri and Sylwanin were distraught about it. I forgot to thank Eywa most of the time I killed an animal. It was awful."

"Thicker, eh?" he queries with a small laugh.

He's happy to see a smile on her face. Surprisingly, she has the same wrinkles around her eyes than when she was a human.

"I am thicker," she then says, clearing her throat. "I know how to speak Na'vi."

Jake rolls his eyes. "Well, believe it or not, I haven't read Dr Augustine's book before coming here."

"Oh, I believe it!" She exclaims with a smirk. "Okay, the eyes?"

"Navi."

"Nari," she corrects, trying to roll the letter as much as possbile.

"Right, Nari," he repeats and Dahlia nods her head.

They go on and on for almost the whole day. When eclipse starts, they're barely starting to walk back to the hometree. Jake follows quietly--he knows better than to speak to Dhalia. If she wants to speak, she'll iniate it.

And she does.

"What's your favourite thing so far? Here, on Pandora?"

He wants to say her but he can't. It's too soon.

Jake shrugs. "The bioluminescence," he admits. “What’s yours?”

“Flying,” her voice is soft. Almost dreamy. “I want to show you something.”

“Okay.”

They climb and jump throughout mountains. Jake should be scared but he has gotten used to it—or at least he thinks so. Dahlia moves faster than him and he tells himself that perhaps she has always belonged here—amongst Na’vi.

It would make sense. Here, they worship nature. They believe not everything has to die, that they only need to kill or harvest when needed. Not like they did on Earth.

“Look there,” she stops on top of a mountains. They’re above the clouds and the moon is huge from up here. “It’s where the Ikrans are. The rootery.”

Jake vaguely remembers what’s an Ikran—Neytiri has said a few words about it.

“How does it work? How do you get one?”

“It’s called Iknimaya. It’s rite of passage. If you manage to tame one then it shows that you’re worthy of being a warrior,” she explains. “It’s an amazing sensation. You fly around and nothing else matters.”

Jake nods. “Did you get one quickly?”

“I did at my first try. I jumped there first—eager to show them that I was more than a scientist. A sky people.”

“And do you go on hunts now?”

Dahlia chuckles and shakes her head. “No, I help the healers. I’m good with plants. But I know how to fight and I’ll go to war if needed.”

Jake wants to tell her that it's coming quicker than they think but he doesn't find the strenght to do so. She looks so amazed by all of it and he doesn't want to break it to her--not yet. Instead, he lets her be happy. It's been a while since they've been happy togehter and Jake welcomes the feeling with open arms and an open heart.

That night, she wishes Jake a goodnight for the first time.

🐋

[articstxrkey]

The Red Means I Love You

in which varang saves neytiri after the attack. they grow closer and come to an agreement.

tw: blood kink lowk?

🔥

Neytiri falls from Sa'ata. The fall feels endless. It is endless. Somehow the forest, her home, makes the impact less harsh. And when she reaches the ground, the vines embrace her safely.

Neytiri's last thoughts are her children and that she's back home. Finally.

She is so weak, she knows that if no one finds her, she'll die here but she made her peace with it the moment she fell of Sa'ata. As she grows weaker, heavier, she hears ruffles.

Someone is near.

"Take this one," she can't make out the voice. It's not familiar.

Neytiri only sees black.

Varang doesn't know why she saved her. Pity, perhaps? Varang tends to her wound every day--she cares for her. It takes her a few days to wake up again but the plants seem to have worked and when she opens her eyes, she looks less worn out.

Neytiri gasps. "Mangkwan. Oh Great Mother," she murmurs to herself with a groan.

"Don't move," Varang groans, pushing her back down. "You need to rest."

"I can't. My children!" Neytiri argues and sits down once more.

Varang rolls her eyes. So whiny. Varang reaches for Neytiri's cheek and Neytiri doesn't move. Almost like paralysed.

"Children are safe. We lost them in the forest with their father," she whispers. "You're bleeding," she adds, moving a finger to smudge the blood on her wound and brings her finger to her mouth to taste.

"You're evil," Neytiri whispers. "Stripped away from Eywa."

"Your Great-Mother has no dominion here," she snarls. "Do you know what your Grand-Mother did when the fire came from the mountain? It let us die."

A hiss escapes Neytiri and Varang smirks. Good, she likes them feisty.

"What is your name?" Varang questions.

There is something so hypnotic about Varang and Neytiri can't quite put her finger on it. The tsahik crushes something fibrous in the bowl, her movements forceful, almost impatient. The scent rises — earthy, bitter, laced with something metallic. Neytiri tries to shift, tries to sit, but her body refuses.

"Neytiri," she whimpers.

"Ney-ti-ri," she repeats and hums. "You're weak and noisy about it."

"Let me go," Neytiri says.

Varang snorts and turns around, approaching her like a hunter that would approach a prey. "Go where? You can't breathe without whimpering."

She holds her bowl in her hands, close and Neytiri can smell the hallucinogen. It is similar to what they eat when they begin the Dream Hunt.

"I am not your prisoner," she rasps.

Varang meets her eyes, "No you are not. If you were, you'd be tied up," she reaches for Neytiri's shoulder and gives it a squeeze. "Relax."

"What is it?" Neytiri panicks.

"A way to see the truth. Drink."

Neytiri can't do anything else as she is too weak. The edge of the bowl is being pressed to her lips and she doesn't have any strenght to resist. It takes a minute for the effect to follow. Neytiri feels warm, her vision blurs at the edges and then the colours sharpens.

Neytiri's hand comes to rest at the base of her neck, swallowing hard. "What have you done?"

"It will show me the truth. And perhaps the truth that your Great-Mother hides from you."

Neytiri shakes her head. "You...you twist words."

"Do I?" Varang questions, fingertips tracing Neytiri's jaw. Grazing her scars. The palm of her hand close to Neytiri's face, she stares at her as if awaiting answers. "Was Eywa here too when you've lost your son? Your first-born?"

The mention of Neteyam rips Neytiri from the inside. She bleeds at the image of her son's cold body, on the rocks. Her vision blurs once again and she chokes on a sob.

But faith is all she has left--it was the Great Mother's path.

And yet, it feels like a pathetic lie. Still, she says it. "It was Eywa's plan."

"Was it? Do you think she was here when my people died?" Varang whispers. It is gentle and Neytiri is taken back by her tone. "I did it all for them. If I had to do it again, I would. We were starving. My father was useless—no fire in his heart."

Neytiri wants to say something to defend the Great-Mother but no words come. She is staring wordlessly at Varang and can't make up an excuse for Eywa's will. Her faith is wavering and she doesn't know where to stand anymore. Which side to choose.

"You have fire in your heart," Varang continues. "You want to kill a man. Avenge your son. I can help," she murmurs, leaning closer until the tip of their noses were touching. "Will you let me help you?"

The offer sounds appealing. Jake never listens. Jake doesn't want to kill the men that are responsible for their son's death while Neytiri dreams of it. She wants to avenge Neteyam that is now resting in the circle of the ancestors of the Metkayina, far from his home. Their home.

The scene replays in her mind and it feels like claws digging in her flesh.

"Okay," Neytiri whispers.

Neytiri gets better with Varang's help. She applies a cream each night on Neytiri's wound, it heals faster. Each time her fingers linger, Neytiri draws in a breath. There is a sort of electricity and she tries to ignore it.

It is a few days later when Varang appears in the tent. She holds a bow in her hand, Neytiri recognises it. "My people took it when we brought you here. It is time you have it. Train with it."

Feeling her bow in her hands feel like a breath of fresh air. She closes her eyes and brings it close to her heart.

"Come," Varang says and walks outside. "Let's go hunt."

Neytiri nods her head and follows Varang to her mount. Neytiri climbs and watches as they begin to fly to a close forest. It is not her home but it musn't be far. She feels the familiar call but she has to stay. Varang will help.

When they land on a branch, Varang grabs Neytiri's hand and brings her deeper in the green forest. "Look."

Neytiri sees a pack of viper wolves and begins to aim out of familiarity. A hand nestles near her diaphragm and she breathes in at the contact, and then she feels Varang's breathy chuckle on her neck.

"You tremble too much," she whispers as she peeks at the pack. Her other hand comes to move Neytiri's arm higher. "Breathe."

And Neytiri does it. A clean shot, another and another. Neytiri jumps to them and scans the preys. They are dead. She feels the need to thank Eywa but Varang reminds her by laying a hand on her shoulder.

"We do not thank Eywa for this. Thank yourself, Neytiri. You were the hunter—not her."

Neytiri nods and inhales. This is disturbing and different but Varang's shadow is comforting. They return to the camp and Varang begins to cook. Neytiri watches—or admires, she can't tell.

"Tsahik, tsahik!" One of them call out for her from outside. Varang exits the tent gracefully and Neytiri can hear them whispering.

When Varang walks in again, she smiles and crouches down in front of Neytiri. Her fingers rest under her chin, the pad of her thumb caressing Neytiri's skin.

"You will be happy to hear this. Spotters have seen avatars coming here. They'll be here tomorrow," Varang whispers. "Let's eat and then I'll paint you."

They eat in silence but Neytiri is happy. She knows Quaritch and his men's time is close, and she will be the one getting revenge. It feels good. Once they're done eating, Varang returns with bowls, only two colours—bold red and black. In another one, grey and white ashes.

Varang dips her hand in the ashes first but Neytiri shakes her head and grabs her wrist. "No ash. I want them to see my colour as I kill them."

Varang nods. "Bold red and black, then?"

Neytiri nods and closes her eyes. She sits still and waits patiently. The warmth of the paint sweeps over her brow first, slow, deliberate. Varang’s touch is deft, practiced—each line meaning something, though she never explains.

Her fingers travel to her throat, between her breasts, underneath it. Neytiri feels something bloom within—her heartbeast fastens. Neytiri opens her eyes just enough to see Varang’s face—focused, but softened by something else. Respect, perhaps. Or understanding. She has known loss too.

"You carry fury well," she admits, tracing her cheekbones. "It fits you," she adds, painting Neytiri's lips.

"Revenge," she reminds her.

Varang's fingers pause at the corner of her mouth, lingering just a moment longer than necessary.

"Revenge," Varang echoes softly, her voice barely above a whisper. "It is a difficult thing to achieve."

Neytiri shakes her head softly but not enough to disturb Varang in her painting. "I need him to die for what he's done. What he has caused to my family."

Varang nods slowly. "Then I'll make sure you are beautiful when you do."

Varang leans in, but she doesn't kiss her—not yet. Instead, she presses her lips to the corner of Neytiri's mouth, where the red paint meets her skin. Her tongue flicks out, tasting. The paint is slightly bitter, earthy. Varang makes a soft sound of appreciation.

Slowly, she takes Neytiri's bottom lip between her teeth and bites until she feels the metallic taste of blood in her mouth.

It mixes with the paint—red on red. Neytiri inhales sharply through her nose, but she doesn't pull away. If anything, she presses closer.

Varang releases her lip slowly, dragging her teeth across the swollen skin before sooting it with her tongue. A single drop escapes to trail down Neytiri's chin. Varang catches it with her thumb, stares at the dark smear against her skin, then brings it to her own mouth.

Seeing that Neytiri isn't pulling away, Varang cups her face and takes Neytiri's lower lip between her own, sucking gently, drawing more blood to the surface. Her tongue traces the hurt, tasting her, learning her. Then she kisses her deeply, and Neytiri tastes herself on Varang's mouth.

Neytiri doesn't know what to think of it when she pulls away. Truly, she doesn't think at all. Varang goes back to painting her with black this time. Neytiri is quiet but doesn't—never—pulls away.

The next day, Quaritch shows up at the camp. It is a sight she loathes but she stays hidden where Varang told her to stay. The paint on her body now dry. As she watches the scene, a man drops dead and it's enough to know where his man is hiding.

Up high on a mountain.

Neytiri is careful and quiet when she goes. The climb takes longer than expected but when she finds him, he doesn't expect her to be there. He has a long weapon in his arms and he's looking through the scope. He seems focused—so focused that he doesn't hear her take her knife.

In one second, she is upon him. Her left hand clamps over his mouth, her fingers digging into the coarse skin of his face, muffling the startled cry that never had time to form. At the same moment, her right hand, gripping the knife, sweeps around his body with brutal precision.

28 times. For each day since Neteyam has died.

Neytiri has been counting.

Her face is plastered with blood but she doesn't care. She leaves him to rot and walks back to the tent, thinking she'd see Quaritch alive but all she sees is Varang hovering his limp body.

"I killed him," she says. "I am sorry you could not get revenge for that one."

Neytiri sighs and drops to her knees. Varang joins her, cupping her face. The touch is now familiar and comforting—almost loving.

"I See You," Varang whispers as she comes closer to kiss each drops of blood on her face. "I see you, Neytiri.”

🔥

dc: lua 🎈

(she requested for me to write this)

[articstxrkey]

Tethered To You - Part One

in which, jake learns his ex-wife died on pandora and goes there because he is convinced that she is still very much alive. (multiple parts)

🐋

i still can’t bring myself to write y/n things so… my oc will have a name. it was supposed to be a fan fiction but im too lazy to write it for now so i’ll just do 5 parts of it LMAO

also first time posting on tumblr, scary omg !!

🐋

Jake thinks he is dreaming as the man in a nice tailored black suit speaks to him. He articulates the words very slowly as if Jake can’t properly understand english. Even drunk, he understands all of it.

Dahlia Sully is dead.

Tom’s body was found two days ago. Jake has nightmares about it—he was found dead in the streets because of a simple piece of paper in his wallet. And now, so is Dahlia.

They had parted on somewhat bad terms. Him being a drunk hadn’t helped much. Dahlia wanted to see Pandora. She was like Tom. Actually, he had met her through his twin brother.

“About the proposition you made for Tom’s avatar,” Jake swallows and rubs his face tiredly. “I’ll sign it. I’ll go.”

It takes almost six years for Jake to reach Pandora. He slept throughout the whole thing so it’s a win-win situation really. When he jumps off the cargo, he’s surprised to see so much men deployed.

His first impression of Pandora is that it looks big. Bigger than Earth.

Though he has a hard time following the group, he still attends the meeting with Colonel Quaritch who seems very savvy to kill if resistance is shown by the people here.

Dr Augustine is described as a fine lady--Jake begs to differ because he barely spoke to her earlier and she managed to insult his dead brother. Then Norm shows him his avatar--well, Tom's avatar, and it feels wrong to be in his place. That was all Tom wanted and he had been stripped away from his dream.

Jake finds Max, a scientist who has been here longer than them and asks. "Do you have any information on Dahlia?"

"Dalhia Sully?" Max repeats and then gapes at Jake. "Oh, you're the husband."

"Ex-husband," he corrects.

Max grimaces. "It is unknown how Dahlia died, but I have some of her logs, if you'd like."

"What is that?"

"It's something we do, as scientists. We catalogue everything by taking videos at the end of the day."

Jake nods. "So it's like a diary?"

"Yeah!" Max says and then reaches a secluded part of the lab where Jake won't likely be disturbed. He taps the keyboard frantically and then she appears on the holograph.

Her traits have become more mature, less childish than when they first met, and less angry and sad than when they ended things.

Jake watches her for hours. He is mesmerised by everything that she says. How her smile widens when she speaks of Eywa, their Great-Mother or when she talks about riding her first direhorse.

Jake doesn't know shit about all of that wildlife and Eywa but he knows that it makes her happy for as long as she was alive.

When he tries to find Max, he sees Augustine instead. She is smoking a cigarette and signing off her own log for the day. He waits patiently behind, hoping to get the answers he's looking for.

"Is there a body?" He asks quietly, his hands folded back in his lap.

Grace turns to look at him. He can sense the disdain as she blows smoke on his face. "She talked very highly of you, you know."

"Well, D was humble and forgiving," Jake mutters. She is about to speak again and he cuts her off. "Is there a body? Was there?"

She clears her throat. "They took it back."

"Who?"

"The Na'vi, Jake. The people living here on Pandora."

"Why? How?"

Grace sighs. "It's--complicated. If you had at least read the book that I wrote, you'd know things but right now, you're as clueless as a child that just got out of his mother's womb."

"Listen, I just want to know. It might sound crazy but she's not dead. I'm sure of it."

"I saw them take her body!" Grace argues.

"And I was married to her. I know her. We're like this," he shows his two hands clasped together. "I know she's still here. I can feel it in my heart," a beat and he asks again. "What happened?"

Grace sits down on the bed and breathes in, trying to remember all of it. "Dahlia always was the best of us. She was easy-going, kind, eager to learn and to see. She was with me at the school and the kids loved her."

"Sounds a lot like Dahlia."

"Yeah, well the people here were eager to learn too. She'd teach English and in return, they'd teach her Na'vi," she explains softly. "Not long after that, there was an attack on the school and the clan refused to see me. Only Dahlia. She learnt their ways, became one of them--she even passed the adulthood trial. I heard it was pretty amazing to see."

"Where did it all go wrong?" Jake whispers.

Grace brings a hand to her throat and massages the tissue softly. "There was an attack near their home tree because of our men. Dahlia went to defend them but she didn't have time to link with her avatar before leaving...RDA killed her, Jake."

"The people you work with killed her?"

But she brushes it off and continues. "Mo'at, the Tsahik, appeared at the scene not long after and took Dahlia's body. She said that if Eywa thought her worthy, she'd save her. We haven't seen her since. I can't barely approach the hometree without getting threatened."

Jake goes to bed and fails to find sleep. He knows she is out there somewhere and the thought of seeing Dahlia again is exciting. Then he thinks of his avatar--Tom's avatar. He'll be able to walk again, and he wonders how weird it will feel to stand tall and feel the ground under his feet?

The first time he links himself with his avatar, he's like a child. He is overwhelmed and even kicks a few people in the room. He can't help it because he's walking again. He runs everywhere and when he goes to bed, he feels a bit lighter.

The next time, he's in his avatar form, he's fully dressed and armed. Colonel Quaritch asked him to become one of his men and Jake can't help but say "yes, sir.". He's eager to belong again. And he thinks this will help him get closer to Dahlia.

"We're just here for some data," Grace had said.

Jake remembers the long debrief in the helicopter--do not touch anything and do not kill anything. Except that now, Jake has to run for his life because an enormous dog-or Tenathor like Grace calls it, is after him, in the middle of the forest.

His legs carry him faster than he intends to be, but he appreciates the speed nonetheless. It is eclipse when he is finally by himself, everything is so dark around him and he knows he's being watched. Worse, hunted.

Grace has told him that Na'vis are like felines. They are quiet through the forest--so quiet that it can be deadly. They see in the dark and hunt like predators.

He can hear the leaves ruffle around him and his heartbeat quickens. God, he's going to die in a forest as an avatar. How ridiculous. And then a sound similar to a pack of hyenas surrounds him. It's everywhere--in front of him, on the right, behind, on the left. He is surrounded.

He hurries to light up a torch. Surely fire will keep them at arm-length. Then he sees it, green dots in the dark and hears groans. Before he knows it, he runs and tries to push them back with his torch, but they are everywhere and he can't escape anymore.

He is shouting at them; maybe it will trigger a response somehow.

"Come on! Come on!"

And soon enough, one lurches at him with his teeth out and Jake easily hits him with the stick. More jump at him and he tries so hard to fight back but he trips and falls face first in the grass.

He goes for his knife but all of a sudden, an arrow pierces through one of the dogs and a woman jumps off to fight them. She does it way more graciously than Jake. That's for sure. She hits, uses her knife, hisses and they whimper before running away.

Jake follows her through the forest. He is amazed by the bioluminescence and how everything glows. He focuses back on her and kneels closer to the ground. She is speaking Na'vi and sadly, like Grace said, he hasn't read the book or cared to learn a few words so he doesn't quite understand why she is touching the beast and speaking to it.

"I know you probably don't understand but, uh, thank you."

But he gets no reply. Perhaps she didn't go to Grace's school. She glances at him with disgust and rises to walk the other way. Jake goes after her because what else is he supposed to do?

He tries to grab her arm but the moment he does, she turns around and hits him with her bow.

"Don't thank," she mumbles. "You don't thank for this. This is sad. Very sad only."

"Okay, okay. I'm sorry," Jake says. "Whatever I did, I'm sorry."

She groans, her tail flickers angrily. "All of this is your fault. They did not need to die."

His fault? This is ridiculous!

"My fault? They attacked me. How am I the bad guy?" He exclaims.

"Your fault!" She argues. "You're like a baby. Making noise, don't know what to do."

And that he can agree with. At least, Grace would be happy to know that one of them agrees with her. She leaves again and he follows.

"Look, if I'm like a baby. Maybe you should teach me?"

She doesn't turn around when she replies. "Sky people cannot learn. You do not See."

But he is stubborn and refuses to go back to an open space where Trudy would see him. So he runs after her and begs for her to teach him. Still, she refuses.

And as she clenches through her teeth the next words: Go back. Jake looks up to the sky and sees small seeds flying coming his way. He goes to slap at them like you'd slap away a mosquito, but she grabs his arms and mutters things in Na'vi.

He supposes he's being told not to move, so he doesn't move anymore. They rest on him, embrace him as one of their own. He is perplexed. She tells him that they are seeds of the sacred tree and that they are very pure spirits.

All of a sudden, she is very eager to bring him back wherever she was heading and he complies happily. Moments later, they reach a huge tree. Jake concludes that it's the Hometree Grace was talking about.

Everyone seems surprised and curious to see Jake standing in the middle of the hometree. A man, older, stands tall before Jake and surveys him. Jake nods politely but it goes unnoticed. He speaks in Na'vi and it annoys Jake not to understand.

"What's he saying?"

She turns her head to glance at him briefly. "My father is deciding whether to kill you."

"Your father?" Jake surges foward and holds out his hand but he's rapidly taken back by warriors.

"Step back!" Another woman shouts as she descends the log. "I will look at this alien."

Jake notices the other woman who slips quietly next to the woman who brought him here but she is quiet and observes instead.

"That is Mother. She is Tsahik. The one who interprets the will of Eywa."

Jake clears his throat. All he knows is that Eywa is their Great-Mother. "Who's Eywa?"

The tsahik examines him rapidly before facing him again. "What are you called?"

"Jake Sully."

Then a gasp is heard from the woman who Jake noticed a few minutes ago. The tsahik turns around to look at her with a questioning look and Jake arches an eyebrow.

"Jake?" She whispers.

The voice is oddly familiar then it clicks. Dahlia. It's Dahlia.

"Dahlia?" He asks in disbelief.

🐋

part two should be up soon!!!

Post by @articstxrkey · 1 image

💬 1  🔁 2  ❤️ 20 · Tethered To You - Part Two in which, jake learns his ex-wife died on pandora and goes there because he is convinced that

[buddie-romance]

thank you ao3 for being an archive and not an algorithm. thank you for letting me like things without consequences, thank you for being free with no ads, thank you for having lawyers to defend our freedom of speech. thank you tag wranglers. thank you to all authors and thank you ao3

[that-lie-will-haunt-me-forever]

Me when a new bad guy is introduced:

[passiveaggressivelurker]

Klaus talking about Camille in 5x13 (x)

[madisonebeers]

MADISON BEER Photograped by Eric Ray Davidson for Elite Daily