Neteyam x scientist!male reader
Summary: You've been studying your entire life to work at this program. You thought it was just for research but not everything is as it seems
A/N: Neteyam is aged up to 24 years old and this takes place in an AU where Jake died instead of Neteyam,leaving him as oldest child to take over the role of chief as they return to their old clan in the forest to bide time while trying to think of a plan.
Trigger warning!: mentions of blood,daggers
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You still remember the day your mom took you to the planetarium. Every planet was complex and uniquely interesting in its own way but something you've always been the most excited about was how other lifeforms lived on their own planets.
You studied hard to be part of this program having passed the entrance exams with flying colours and graduating early at the ripe age of 21.
It took 6 years to get here. Your mind felt in a haze and your limbs didn't quite work like they used to for the first two weeks you were awake but you were too excited to wait any longer.
"Don't even think about it" Dr. Owens warned you,her stern gaze seeing right through your nonchalant facade.
You raised an eyebrow in response. "I didn't say anything"
"Your face says everything" the older woman grumbled,wishing shed have been given a more cooperative lab assistant. "Your body is weak,still recovering from the travel. Going out there would be suicide"
"I know ma'am. I wouldn't dream of it I promise" you spoke earnestly with utmost respect.
"Good" the woman seemed more relieved upon your reassurance and she tied up strands of gray and brown to keep it out of the way during yet another repetitive experiment.
You personally didn't understand the point in travelling to a whole different solar system just to be cooped up inside,leaving an entire planet and it's mysteries unexplored but went against arguing. It would do no good
"It's not fair" you complained to your mountain of paperwork. You stared longingly to the avatars who went out to explore the world beyond there cold steel walls. You couldn't help but envy them. It certainly sounds more interesting than admin work.
Work's been especially piling up as of late since Dr. Owens has fallen ill. The long travel took a serious toll on her meek creaking body.
You looked at one of the files with a sigh but the gears in your mind churned when you turned the page. This document held information about the soldiers trips.
Soldiers? Why are they sending out soldiers? You thought the Na'vi were peaceful.
Your heart dropped when you realised that this trip,all the resources that went into coming here. None of it was in the name of science. How foolish you had been.
The trees outside shook in the relentless terror of the strong winds. You secured the oxygen mask over your face.
You had refused to work further on this project any longer and the colonel wasn't happy. You couldn't just return home. You knew too much.
The sun has yet to rise at this hour and the fresh rays of dawn played off of your features your mind only capable of focusing on your journey ahead despite the stinging pain in your chest. You should count yourself lucky that it missed your heart.
You hunched by the river,grunting as you stuck two fingers in the gushing wound in attempts to fish out the bullet.
The forest was so incredibly beautiful and terrifying all at once. Branches tugged at your uniform,it's large roots in the ground causing you to make a habit of stumbling.
You were scared of the night to come but your awe for the new possibilities overshadowed any doubt that formed in your stomach.
You've been travelling for two days and although you have managed to hide from the Thanator in the safety of the trees your body was shivering from the damp icy nights. The light illuminating from the woodsprites serving as your only comfort.
Your sleep has been wavering yet you preservered and continued documenting your foundings of the animals,the climate,the plants and the red berries you ate last night that served as an unfortunate laxative. You wrote warnings about your company's intentions.
If you were going to die on this planet you might as well leave something for the next generation.
Your furious scribbling in your worn leather book came to a stop when you heard a rustle and a foreign language that you could somewhat understand. Dr. Owens ensured that all her assistants learnt the Na'vi language but you've been forgotten most of it already.
You watched from your save haven of the woven trees. There was two men and a girl,all with skin as enchantingly blue as the night sky. You leaned forward as you attempted to focus further on their conversation but your body was weak and desperate for a good night's rest.
You heard something about a hunt. That would explain the spears. You've never seen a real Na'vi in person before. How fascinating. You'd love to take more notes if you weren't starving. The smell coming from the girl's bag was familiar to that of fresh bread.
Your mouth watered and your stomach complained with a grumble. Maybe it's because you hadn't had a proper meal in two days but that bread was the only thing you could think about. So you made your move.
"I almost had it!" Lo'ak complained as he carried the basket of fish that was caught entirely by his siblings.
"Relax little bro. You're improving" Neteyam laughed when his little brother tried to get out of his grip as he messed up the man's beaded locks. "Hey! Let go asshole"
Kiri joined in on the laughter,covering her mouth as if she was afraid that her smile might offend her brothers. "You're both acting like idiots. Mom said we should be back before dawn" she reminded but her moment of light-hearted giggles came to a halt as she felt a sudden tug and then a weight was lifted.
She took a second to understand that her bag was taken and no longer slung over her shoulder.
Neteyam, unlike his frozen sister and brother,sprung into action. "Hey! That's ours!" He took off after the thief.
He leapt over each tree's roots with ease,making it easy to catch up with your increasingly slow moving form. It took his adrenaline filled mind a moment to even realised that you were one of the sky people.
"Stop!" your running came to a halt eventually when he caught up enough to tackle your figure to the ground,sending you both rolling down the steep hill with grunts.
You barely had time to think of an explanation when a knife was held against your throat. "Did Quaritch send you? What are you doing here?"
You stood frozen but your eyes lit up with admiration and wonder. His eyes were like the first glimpse of sunshine.
Neteyam was confused by your reaction. Did you concussion yourself? He wasn't one prone to violence but he has to protect his siblings at all costs. As the new chief it's his duty to take care of his family and people.
"Why are you here?" His knife dug into your skin,leaving a light scratch.
"Well that's a funny story actually. You see it all started when I-" You winced at the light cut dealt by the weapon. You met his gaze,eyes hungry and filled with sorrow. You couldn't help but wonder why this man was so angry.
Neteyam's grip on the hunting knife loosened when he caught sight of your chest that was wrapped in makeshift,bloody bandages. "Are you running from someone?"
You gave a slight nod, hesitant about your movements. You'd prefer keeping your head intact.
His eyes trailed to the bag. "And you're hungry?"
"Don't kill him" The girl spoke up which made the taller man pause. He can't just leave you to run off. What if you tell Quaritch where their location is?
"Can you walk?" You nodded at his question. At that he got off you,keeping a watchful eye and an iron grip on your arm so you won't run.
"We'll discuss this with mom once we're back"
Neteyam's tone was stern but he never raised his voice.
Your body has endured a lot over the past two days. Bullet wound aside you have lost a lot of nutrients due to the starvation and loss of nutrients from the berry incident.
Your movements were too slow for Neteyam's liking and perhaps he felt a slight bit of pity for your weak form.
His movements came to a stop and he grabbed your trembling hand. Not out of fear but hunger. It made him frown. You must be starving.
He's never seen a sky person so vulnerable before. He was used to their merciless anger,leaving destruction in their wake.
You hesitated but you were wise enough to know that you wouldn't be able to walk much farther. "Uh sure. Thanks"
"Why am I always carrying everything?" Lo'ak complained to which his brother merely shook his head as an amused smile stretched across his face.
You kept yourself quiet as the man carried you on his back.
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