What if, in the AU where Spider is Norm’s adopted son, Tonowari and Ronal adopted Spider?
Norm should feel relieved that Quaritch’s son is no longer his responsibility. He should be happy that someone else is responsible for him. But when he sees the smile on Spider’s face whenever he’s with Tonowari, Norm doesn’t like the idea of Tonowari being Spider’s father nearly as much anymore.
Spider just can't win, can he?
First he needs to deal with Norm being neglectful and seeing him as a burden. Then, when he gets kidnapped and abandoned to his fate by his own (in this world) ADOPTIVE FATHER, he has to deal with Quaritch. As soon as he got a little bit attached to the dude and thinks he may be able to change him, Mr.Genocider decides he needs to be a bad guy now and burns down a village. After which Spider is stuck both having to deal with his own feelings over all of that now ontop of needing to stop his bio Dad from doing even worse things. Next thing he knows he's on the sea dragon and his friends are kindapped. He crashes it and manages to escape but Neteyam died, Neytiri used him for leverage and he saved his bio dad because fuck-- he just can't let him die like that.
And as soon as he's in Awa'atlu and has finally found himself a new family that actually, genuinley loves him and who aren't just straight up war criminals...said neglectful adoptive father is throwing a temper tantrum over him being happy???? Like whut?? Seriously Spider is so confused on wtf Norm's problem is. You openly abandoned me. I HEARD you complain about how time consuming caring for me was. You yourself happily agreed to pass me off, but now that I'm happy it's suddenly an issue???
So you just want me to suffer then, is that it?
Norm of course would try to deny and try to give a reasonable explenation that doesn't really exist. But Spider stopped listening. He's been through so much bs already-- frankly said he couldn't care less what Norm thinks anymore. Stop trying to be my father when you've never wanted to be my dad before.
Tonowari and Ronal on the other hand will 100% intimidate and scare Norm to hell and back so he leaves THEIR son alone.
Spider get to leave early before the RDA arrive and blessed early
Spider was blessed early by the goddess, however, his blood preventing him from having a family he wish from a far. He was raised around the scientist and his foster parent, but he wasn’t treated like an average kid because each day his day met with experiment regularly, monitoring his internal organs. Each time any adult come up to Spider, they greet him with suggestions of laboratory, coldness, or hatred. People who ever treated him normally was the Sully Kids, but the clan’s kids wasn’t allowed to hang out with him because of his hybrid body could bring a curse upon them.
Once he reached the age of receiving a Ikran, he decided to end the burden and mistreatment by leaving the clans without any doubt. However, his presence bring significant impact to the Sully Family without the parent realize - such as Spider remind Neteyam being a kids, someone who L’oak could come talk to, someone who understands the unnatural gift of Kiri, being a perfect buddy size to Tuk.
He announce to everyone that he will be leaving and become independent because all of these adult see him as experiment, only focus on lab, and not a kid who’s hunger for love and attention, including food. The Sully’s kid was upset, not to mention the one who broke down the most was Kiri and Tuk. Nevertheless he doesn’t like to see his sibling being devastated, so he give them time to hang out with him last time like 1 weeks.
Wait till the parent see the kids become more desperate to spend more time with Spider. Once the time is up, Spider left without any doubt or any adult concern or showing any care.
I’ll join you in your Barbie dream house with another delusional idea. Spider is Ewya-blessed much earlier before Way of Water and he gets the idea of moving out of Hell’s Gate to travel the world and maybe settle down somewhere. He’ll still visit his siblings, but he’s tired of being treated like an invasive species and maybe this way…Neytiri will finally have some peace. He’s already got his ikran and only has a few days to pack before he’s gone. During those few days, Neytiri is watching him pack his things. She should be happy and maybe she is but that happiness quickly gives way to a feeling of deep dread because she overheard him saying that he’s never coming back. Hearing that angers her for some reason. She’s so angry and the anger coupled with dread feels even worse. Confronting him is a mess with her telling him that he has everything he could ever want HERE not out THERE.
She might even start angrily unpacking his bags causing Spider to get a little annoyed. “Hey… Hey! Stop that!” He tries taking back his satchel, but Neytiri shoots him a glare that makes him freeze. “You know what? Fine. Keep it. It’s not like we’ll ever see each other again.” Cue him storming out, but Neytiri pulls him back towards her. I dunno just Neytiri coming to terms with how much she loves this boy during the process of him moving out and tries (and succeeds) in stopping him.
she was SO hoping to finally be at peace... only to actually be going slightly mad, because what do you mean the fragile, tiny, weak little human (she does not see his blessing. in both an insolent way, and the way a mother never truly stops seeing her babies as babies) is leaving her nest so soon? she never wanted him there to begin with, but it has woven around him, he is part of its structure now. who will make Kiri smile and keep her tethered to the ground? who will Lo'ak go to when his father is too strict, and she and Neteyam are too Na'vi, and Kiri is too lost in her mind, and Tuk is too young to help? who will force Neteyam to be the child when she forgets to tell him, and Jake forgets at all? who will watch Tuk when she is too small to follow the others? how will she take up all the places he fills in her family?
how will she know he is safe? sure, she never liked him much. but he had been so small the first few years he played amongst her children. tiny. fragile. and 15 years of peace is a long time. eventually, part of her, untouched by war, who was simply a mother, a caregiver, saw how small he was, and worried. his cry alerted her ears just as quickly as her own children's, before she realizes who's throat it came from. the sight of a bloodied knee had her reaching for a salve before she could even say a word, and soon she kept one that wouldn't burn his skin right by the entrance of the mauri, next to the one for her children, and she knew the difference by feel alone (she tells herself it's so he will stop crying quicker and she does not have to hear it. that's it's just easier. not actual care). she worried about that mask breaking, or slipping off his face, or failing all together. she had counted his head with the rest of her childrens. and ensured there was fruit cut that he could eat (she didn't want to hear any whining, she told herself. from him or her children. mainly her children. why fight it when she could just save herself time?)
sure, when the war returned, her shell hardened and her claws sharpened and she wanted him far far away.
but 15 years and 2 are vastly different. one is scared instinct, while the other, the former, that is muscle memory.
she hates that he is near. but she'll never stop worrying about him, deep somewhere in her being.
so the idea of him being gone? out in the world? alone? no. no she will not have it. just like she would not allow the same of any of her children.
fear turns to anger. how could he leave? leave her children? leave her to worry over him? he's selfish for that. surely. or... or... bold. over confident. foolish. something, anything that justifies the ache in her chest that isn't her own guilt and worry sticking to her heart like tar.
and Spider is so mad when she tries to stop him, cause he knows he'd be weak to even the slightest touch of motherly affection. he knows that if he does not draw her anger, and she softens even an inch, he will falter. this is all he's ever longed for. more then freedom. more then Eywa's blessing. more then to see the world.
he always wanted a mother.
and she's tugging at his stuff. tugging him away from his ikran, trying to shoo him away, hissing when the creature shrieks at her.
"you will stay, because I say so. because you... you are not allowed"
"why? didn't you want to get rid of me all this time?!"
and she thinks, and thinks, and thinks. because... yes. yes she had. until she had to think of what that really meant.
"you... you are foolish to leave. you will destroy everything. destroy my children. going yourself into danger for no reason. I will not let your insanity kill you." the grip she has on his arm is not kind. it's bruising. but maybe her thumb flutters once or twice in a way that's nearly comforting.
"... that's not fair" and his voice is cracking, he won't look at her, "you can't... hate me. and make me want to run away, for you, my whole life... and then tell me I can't leave."
"yes I can. I have."
she's still holding his items. a bow she never taught him to use, and yet, she knows he shoots like her. a shawl made of materials that were beneath her, when she knew he could make beautiful works if he felt like he was allowed. his spare blade is tied to the top of his pack, it looks strikingly like her own. it's a child's pack. he wasn't prepared to fly.
"you will stay." and she pushes him back toward the mauri. "you will stay in my sight until I deliver you to Norm myself."
"... fine." he swallows, "but I'm leaving. eventually."
"maybe."
things don't really change. outside of maybe... maybe she lets him stay for dinner every now and then.
In a Hypothetical situation, as soon neytiri turn her back around or at a night where she thinks she manage to convince him not leave.
Well Spider, for the sake of him, agitate every single moment except from his siblings because or being a burden to any adult or guardian. He never asked for this, why would in sake of Eywa he would ask for this. Eventually he leave with stuff ready and his ikran (after the bond, fully understood the situation and ready to leave when he said the sentence) “Let go”, he left with a note to each of his siblings that he couldn’t bare the burden or being a punching bag.
What if, in the AU where Spider is Norm’s adopted son, Tonowari and Ronal adopted Spider?
Norm should feel relieved that Quaritch’s son is no longer his responsibility. He should be happy that someone else is responsible for him. But when he sees the smile on Spider’s face whenever he’s with Tonowari, Norm doesn’t like the idea of Tonowari being Spider’s father nearly as much anymore.
Spider just can't win, can he?
First he needs to deal with Norm being neglectful and seeing him as a burden. Then, when he gets kidnapped and abandoned to his fate by his own (in this world) ADOPTIVE FATHER, he has to deal with Quaritch. As soon as he got a little bit attached to the dude and thinks he may be able to change him, Mr.Genocider decides he needs to be a bad guy now and burns down a village. After which Spider is stuck both having to deal with his own feelings over all of that now ontop of needing to stop his bio Dad from doing even worse things. Next thing he knows he's on the sea dragon and his friends are kindapped. He crashes it and manages to escape but Neteyam died, Neytiri used him for leverage and he saved his bio dad because fuck-- he just can't let him die like that.
And as soon as he's in Awa'atlu and has finally found himself a new family that actually, genuinley loves him and who aren't just straight up war criminals...said neglectful adoptive father is throwing a temper tantrum over him being happy???? Like whut?? Seriously Spider is so confused on wtf Norm's problem is. You openly abandoned me. I HEARD you complain about how time consuming caring for me was. You yourself happily agreed to pass me off, but now that I'm happy it's suddenly an issue???
So you just want me to suffer then, is that it?
Norm of course would try to deny and try to give a reasonable explenation that doesn't really exist. But Spider stopped listening. He's been through so much bs already-- frankly said he couldn't care less what Norm thinks anymore. Stop trying to be my father when you've never wanted to be my dad before.
Tonowari and Ronal on the other hand will 100% intimidate and scare Norm to hell and back so he leaves THEIR son alone.
There was a moment where Spider thought he couldn't belong anywhere except a small group of his friends; he cursed his species for harboring greed rather than generosity and kindness. Spider educates himself with historical and literary works from Norm and other adults because some of the adults don't take it upon themselves to teach Spider. Luckily, Norm taught Spider how to read, and Spider learned to read Navi from his friends and also from Norm. Spider was fascinated by how humans could be monstrous and capable of love at the same time. Of course, he sided with the kindness side and dedicated himself to ensuring he showed his belief.
He usually tries to hide from the tree to hear the elder's story, as it consists of adventure, philosophy, and comfort to himself. He knew the elder and other kids avoided him due to something he couldn't possibly control.
One moment, sometimes he questions whether he could be one of the Goddess children despite his oddity; he questions himself and looks up at the night sky, where all the animals and N'avi are well-rested. Over the last 16 years, he has continued the routine as he continues to grow.
Of course, over the last 16 years, he has continued to be friends with Sully's kids and secretly viewed as the closest thing to a family that he read about in all those children's books, but he has distanced himself from the schedule because of Neytiri's reasonable hatred.
In Avatar 3, Spider is afraid, even though he was accepted and seen in his soul. However, the guilt that he couldn't bear when he almost killed his best friend, no, a brother. He decided to go with the Wind Clan to return to the High Camp, telling them that it was unnecessary to go with him because they needed to watch over Neteyam.
I feel like once Spider had recieve his power, he would’ve grown buffer than before and taller than his ideals height. He soon to realized there no one he could realize on except the sully kids and the metayakin kids.
I know Spider who had blood over his body, not from him. Hovering and shocked about his strength of being less human than he ever was and less Na’vi included. His viltrumate instinct take over him once the soldier of the RDA start to shoot him, but it not working. He look at every solider, even the Sully was scared at their position. He killed people like he never before - slicing, crushing, twisting, or in while put his hand in their internal bodies and playing with their organ.
Everyone in the RDA died, he think to himself how exceptional that bastard finally get the punishment they deserve.
He look over to see Kiri, and the Sully look at him like he wasn’t the same Spider before, his eyes was cold like the night right now.
Context: He was adopted by Jake and Neytiri from the start of his life. He got rescue and no one died.
Tuk won't lie, but she definitely doesn't have a favorite sibling; however, in the part of the siblings pack, she would've picked Spider in all decisions. Spider would be the older brother who would cherish her all the way through and be the best by crafting her art and toys, styling her hair better than anyone knows, and being a storyteller. Every time she had a nightmare, she would search for Spider's warmth despite sleeping next to him, hogging him all to herself(of course, the siblings are jealous about it, except Spider).
Every time she gathered her friends to play with her, she would bring Spider with her whenever possible, and her friends, including herself, would beg him with puppy eyes to tell them stories, craft, and style their hair.
He would've absolutely shared fruit and snacks with the children in the village by gathering the most luxurious fruit in the forest for all the children (their reactions were always shocked and stunned by the flavor and refreshing taste). Sometimes the parents were hoping that the children had some spare, so they could try out the food.
His craftsmanship is astonishing because all of the toys and clothing are made with intricate detail that adults. Children would wear them with the same pride as a queen would bestow an honor title on her knight. Tuk's favorite toy was how Spider would pay attention, and with the patience of a turtle, he would create toys that were mobile and detailed, similar to the creature around the island
Every time Spider walks around, it is a hilarious view away that it looks like he is the leader leading all the ducklings wherever he goes. Occasionally, some of the kids argue with each other about whether to be carried by Spider, usually his sister, Tuk, would win because of the privilege of being his siblings. Soon, he felt guilty about the amusement between kids, and made a promise to a different day that he would pick up and give a piggyback ride
The village would've expected him to bring chaos, but as time went on, they came to realize that he's one of the best babysitters that the goddess herself could offer to the village. The children return home with a smile that brightens their home every day, except when Spider wasn't available to babysit them, they would return home with not so much joy as with Spider. Even the Tshaik would trust her baby with him, and the baby was always pleased to hang out with her favorite babysitter("brother. ")
Okay I have being seeing this around so much and I freaking Love it.
Neteyam the role model the perfect golden child the kid that your parents tell you to be like, becoming an absolute bratty menace of a younger brother the second Spider is around.
The Metkayina thought the Sully siblings were menaces' before but now, they are whole other level of chaos. The chaos was contained before because the oldest was not here, now that he is they are allowed to be free and they feel safer now that he is around.
The bickering rises to whole other levels now that Neteyam is also actively partaking in said bickering.
“Spider!! Lo'ak is being mean!!!“
“Spider!!!Neteyam being annoying!!“
“LO'AK STOP BITING ME!!SPIDER GET HIM OFF!!!“
“Spider!!!Tuk is bullying me!!!!“
These are some of the thing now currently heard around the village.
And the amount of times one of if not all the Sully siblings being dragged to Tsahiks mauri by the oldest was starting to become ridiculous .
All the Sully siblings clung to Spider the first few weeks he was back afraid that he would disappear. So Spider would basically have all of them trailing him like little fledglings.
Oh and the day he found out about all the shenanigans his siblings had gotten upto while he was away, the village thought that it would be the last time they see of the Sully siblings. The wrath of an older sibling is not something to be messed with. And if Ao'nung had to eat sand and walked away with a few too many bruises the next time they spared, he brought it upon himself. Jake and Neytiri were the ones that snitched.
Little scenarios
Spider weaving a net with the other weavers talking and gossiping when Neteyam just walk in and plops down behind Spider and just buries his face into the crook of his neck while hold him like a teddy bear. And Spider is just like give me five minutes I'm almost done Teyam. The Weavers just gawk at the scene and are amazed when Spider standing at 6 feet picks up Neteyam who stands at 8 feet 2 inches and walks off (Spider has natural older sibling buff)
Everyone worrying on where Kiri had gone off too while Spider just walks through all the chaos dives into the water and comes out with Kiri in tow. Kiri was whining about being take away from the glowing fish and reef fish, Spider having none of it just gave her one pointed glare that stopped her whining in their tracks. The reef teens were stunned Lo'ak was the lose cannon but Kiri had a sharp tongue known to be able to destroy a persons' ego with a few sharp words. Yet here she was silenced with one look her tail and ears dropping. The teens minus the Sully kids were all left wondering if Eywa herself was playing a trick on them.
Lo'ak getting chased around the village by Spider holding the na'vi equivalent of a broom because he decided to do something stupid and nearly died, again. Lo'ak was screaming and begging for mercy but Spider was not having any of it. If the Metkayina saw Lo'ak trailing behind Spider, who refuse to even acknowledge him for a week straight they simply accepted it as it was. Anything that got Lo'ak to stop doing anything reckless was good in their books.
Sweet little Tuk begging to be carried around every where by Spider because she has six months of catching up with her older brother to do. Spider will actively be surrounded by multiple of Tuks friends as they all drag him around to play. The days he does go out with the village children none of them ever return with scrapes, bruises or an injury of any sort. For this the Tsahik and the parents will forever be great full to him.
Ronal looking at Spider who is making Ao'nung sweat and squirm every chance he gets and seeing alot of Neytiri's own behavior mirrored in the boy. Tonowari seeing Spider drag Lo'ak by the ear while holding a conversation with Tsireya and being able to see Jake donig something like that.
More often than not everyone would catch Spider looking up as if begging Eywa for strength and patience before looking at his siblings with such fondness that makes the looker think maybe the chaos is worth it.
Anyways I NEED more older brother Spider who is the oldest yet shortest and the Sully siblings becoming mences after he returns because that is how it should be people.
Sakura should’ve trained the same level as the boy
Here the thing, I feel like Sakura has so much potential because she was born without any benefit as a powerful god or clans. She trained herself as medic student and trained by the hokkage and kakashi as well(similar to how he trained the boys). I want her fight more and defense herself instead of “oh no I can’t save myself I hope the boy who I am neutral about save me. ” another thing that she should’ve a story for young girls to focus on themselves instead of others. Another thing is that she should’ve her own weapon because despite knowing she couldn’t match physically and skill as Naruto and Sasuke, she trained in combat with her fist, axes, and poison. Additionally, my headcanon that Sakura is bisexual because here the thing, the formula for fall in love with sasuke is pretty basic and lame. Instead of falling in love with him or Naruto, she focus on herself and helping other people. I want people who was helped by her, had a crush on her and send love letter to her.
Lack of Sleep Spider (AU where he still adopted by Ronal and Tonowari)
I want a fanfic where Spider is addicted to coffee because he’s trying help people and supplies as much as possible. So he start drinking coffee since he discover coffee when Norm accidentally left some coffee bean when Norm was trying to do regular Norm stuff. When he try a drink of coffee. He thought being productive without rest is one of the best thing he ever done. So he drink coffee relentlessly, some might seen as an addiction behavior. He drink coffee so much that he only have 1.30 hours of sleep. As soon as people see he developed eye bag, a start of convention.
Ronal: Spider sweetie, you need to cut down these “coffee” as the sky people called it.
Spider(sleep deprive as shit): Why mom, I literally become more productive than ever like people don’t need to do much work as much as they require anymore!
Tsireya: Spider…Have you seen what you look like because you look like a walking dead
Aounung: Oh yeah…You know you look like you are staring like a 100 kilometer away
Tonowari: Son you don’t need to do all these work, you already do above expectation. So please go get some sleep
Kiri: If you don’t sleep right now, we will tie you down in a comfortable place, so you can sleep
L’oak and Tuk: *nod*
Spider: Come on guys, you are exaggerating this. I’m Fine like I swear to Eywa. Even though I could hear imaginative creature waving at me so realistically. Like I promise —
Ronal: I swear to Eywa if you continue, I will ensure to tied you up so you can sleep *with a strict face* I will have no hesitation
Spider: Yes Mom—*he dashes out of his home*
Everybody chases him down until he was caught and tied down on a comfortable mat. Even though it take 4 hours to chases him shockingly.
Ronal: *Sigh* thank Eywa he actually sleeping because I was about to switch his ”coffee” with sleeping medicine
Tsireya: Oh Eywa…he was difficult to catch down because goddess he need some sleep
Summary of my AU: This fanfiction is inspired by The Boy; basically, it’s a Spider-Center fic, an orphan being seen by both families from different clans. Both want to adopt him and show him unconditional love, which he didn’t have in his childhood, and they could withstand a life without him in their daily life.
Oh boy, he had a difficult time picking which family should’ve a custody of him.
Once Spider was healed from his sunburn, he felt more rested than he had been for the past few days. He still remembers Norm's conversation with him about how Ronal wanted to adopt him. He came to realize that Ronal had welcomed the Marui and their children plenty of times, and allowed him to have a wonderful meal with her family. He always wished to have a parental figure who would give him eyes of unconditional love, like how either Neytiri or Jake would give him those eyes, but never received until the threat through 16 years of his life. He sees every gesture toward him as a reasonable reaction because he couldn’t control what every child couldn’t – a parent. He would’ve imagined a scenario where he belonged with the Sully - a part of a family who show support and affection – a silly image he would’ve told himself until 16.
The set of thoughts was disrupted once Elder Uma(Tonowari’s mother) came into the elder’s pavilion. However, she brought another person with her, a Navi. Elder Uma introduces him to Spider.
“Spider, this is Vael. He is here to solve the problem between the two families who wanted to adopt you. But how are you, young Spider?”
Spider said, ”I am fine, Elder Uma, but before I can come to a conclusion on who could adopt me. May I come outside for some fresh air and the feeling of the ocean around my body?”
Elder Uma is always pleased to know that this boy is always respectful to everybody, no matter the age; he treats each person with dignity and is eager to help. She was willing to convince the boy to be a part of her family, and the amount of joy when she was able to call him her grandson, and teach him similarly to how she taught Anoung and Tsireya. Unluckily, she couldn’t influence the boy's choice because she wanted the boy to make his choice to pick which family was suitable for him.
“Of course, Young Spider, but you shouldn’t be putting too much pressure on yourself since your recent recovery.”
“Yes, Elder Uma, I will not put myself into many situations.”
Elder Uma had a lot of trust in him, but she was worried about how he could scare, and painick would let him undergo another cruel healing process again.
“But I advise you not to communicate with any of the family, which is why I will go with you to ensure your safety.”
Spider was shocked by the answer, but he couldn’t complain about her answer because it was an opportunity to come outside since he was in a strict place to heal his unfortunate wound. At least, he could view far away and wave to his friends like L’oak, Kiri, Tuk, Tsireya, and Anoung. Importantly, his favorite is Prier.
“Thank you so much, Elder Uma —”
“Before we could come outside, your human healer advised you to put on sunscreen to avoid injury and ensure some water at your side at all times.”
“Yes, Elder Uma.”
Just like that, Spider went off to put on his sunscreen and garment(This isn’t the one Jake made for him, but instead Elder Uma made it for him while healing) to make sure he isn’t expose to the sun; he had his water bottle, which is an organic skin water bottle, to make sure he had accessible all times. He didn’t want to experience those agitated moments ever again. He is excited to see Ronal and thanks her for the supplies.
“Alright, I’m ready to go.” He walks up to Elder Uma with a cheerful smile. Elder Uma smiled back at him and raised her hand to stop him for a sec.
“We need to inform people outside not to bother you in any situation, including both of the families
As one of the messengers from the elder’s Pavilion comes out, they seem to have a message to announce to either the family or the village. Either way, all of the people become quiet, and both families stand outside the Pavilion waiting patiently for the message about their boy. It’s already 3 days, so their boy could recover from his injuries. They couldn’t wait to open their arm out, just for the boy to run toward them and hug them, and just say these magical words, “Mom, Dad ”. Plan pop up as a way to spend time with him, and fulfill his childhood absence, a parental figure.
“I would like to announce that the Boy had recover from his fatal injuries. However, no one could bother both the boy and elder Uma. They must distance themselves from the boy 10ft due to his recent recovery.”
10 ft! Away from Spider, their boy. The idea of hugging him and asking him about his recovery was set aside. The thought of being able to see him was already joyful to them, but not showing physical affection just left them a little bit of emptiness. Both Ronal and Tonowari lower their ear when they hear they are unable to communicate. Neytiri and Jake grasp each other hand looking down.
Both of the families know they couldn’t do much as their opinion couldn’t influence the elder's mind for a second of hugging Spider and repeating the word on how they could be glad to see him as a part of the family, reminding him that he brings enormous joy – how it is meaningless to see that specific happiness to be vanished out of their life.
The children from both families were so grateful that Spider had recovered from his aggravated injuries. But they weren’t fond of how they couldn’t drag their brother to many activities they wanted him to join with them, such as riding a ilu until sunset, cooking the family meal, crafting something to symbolize their bond, and making him a songcord that he should’ve received as a child.
Among and Tsireya were upset that they couldn’t do those activities with Spider, and they expressed to the situation. Hearing those sentences from the messenger hurt, but they couldn’t convince any elder, including their grandmother, to let them have the chance to laugh with him or run up to him and hug him.
As Spider walked out of the entrance, his vision was welcomed by the beautiful ocean. He couldn’t describe how mesmerize is by the Ocean here. He walked out first with Elder Uma behind him to watch him with careful eyes. He looked back with a wide, cheerful smile that Elder Uma returned. Something captured his vision, something else blue, but a different shade.
One family was lighter blue, and he was eager to wave enthusiastically at them with a warm smile, but he knew he should follow the elder's demand that the distance between the two families should be 10 feet. He recalls the warming gesture they showed him. The children waved him back, but the messenger's message had cemented their legs. Both parents saw him with teary eyes. How they miss his personality and actions to make their home feel warmer.
Spider looks to the other side. It was the Sully; they reminded him of the forest he was raised in. The leaf always offers him protection from the sun. The animals were always a proud symbol of the warrior, of how Eywa could create majestic, but powerful creatures that protect the balance. Recently, they had tried making up since… but he would wave enthusiastically at the family, similar to how he waved to the previous family.
He heard a whine and cry from his right side. It’s Prier who is trying to reach him by raising both of her hands. He couldn’t withstand her tears as he tried to hold up every inch of his body not to walk up to Prier and calm her down.
He looks behind to make eye contact with Elder Uma.
“Elder Uma, may I calm down, Prier? I understand she couldn’t, but I couldn’t withstand her despair from being unable to reach me previously.”
Elder Uma wasn’t surprised by Spider's question and urge to comfort her granddaughter. She recognizes Spider as the baby's favorite person. She knew both families weren’t able to contact him, but it was tolerable for the youngling to come and visit him. She comes toward Tonowari, who was yearning to welcome the boy to the family as much as possible, but she needs to stand on her ground.
“Tonowari, son, could I have Prier come with Spider and me since the baby was missing the warmth of the child?”
“Of course, mother, ” as Ronal handed over the baby to Elder Uma as she walked closer to Spider, she continued trying to extend her hand to reach for him as Spider opened both his arms to welcome her. Once Prier reached her destination, suddenly her crying seemed to stop as she wailed a happy laugh and a smile as she hugged him like he was gone for centuries. Spider heard a similar voice from the distant left, Tuk. He missed her dearly. As she cried tearfully, standing and looking down at the sand. He looks up at Elder Uma with pleasing eyes and is about to ask her.
“I know, young Spide,r that you wanted to come visit these younglings, seems like you left an imprint on them.”
Spider had a little blush across his cheek and said, “Well, I'm always glad to be there no matter the circumstance.”
Elder Uma walks up to the Sully family and kneels to Tuk. She could see the hope in the girl's eyes to see her sibling figure.
“Would you like to see him as well?”
Tuk nodded vigorously, almost as if she could have lost a neck. The Elder Uma stood and held out her hand for Tuk to hold, saying, “Let go, young one, let's see some of the activities he wants to do with you guys.” Tuk took her hand without any thought, but with a goal(to see her brother).
Tuk ran up to him as he held the baby with one arm, she hugged him tightly as if he was disappearing throughout her life. Spider look both of the girls' eyes, said, “How about we swim in the ocean? I kind of miss the feeling of the wave.”
Tuk essentially said, “Yes! Of course, we should, and I have plenty of stories to tell you about while you are practicing Prier.” He giggles at the energetic behavior, how he missed so much.
As Tuk holds Spider’s hand as they are walking to the beach, Elder Uma smiles at the scene where he leads both joy to the girls.
Not gonna bother; the families are kinda jealous of their youngest one, who was with him. But they’re glad that their young one get to play with him without any conflict in mind. Both families see this moment as a reminder — for the last 3 days, the boy was recovering, their meals don’t feel as delicious with his zealous personality and storytelling to their children — the moment the family had in him in their life, they feel like Eywa gifted light as a person.
Both could have bothered to walk away, but slowly sat down to reminisce about their past and present with or without him. Elder Uma stood at the shore watching these rascals playing until their hearts' content.
Neytiri wanted to run up to Spider and scoop him up, and went to her mom to officiate his adoption as a part of Sully. Ronal was in a similar situation to Neytiri, picking Spider up and making the adoption official by either the elder or her. Importantly, Ronal particularly wants him to be hugged during the nighttime, like how an otter mother would hug their children to keep them safe from danger and drifting away because she can’t stop remembering the human technology of showing how small Spider was when he was a baby. If Eywa had the power of time traveling, she would’ve begged to see how the baby could be held in a hand.
She was quite frustrated that Neytiri was able to have an opportunity to be a mother figure to him, but instead showed him the same hatred as any of the RDA.
As much as Spider enjoys his time with his playmate, his stomach starts to rumble. He was hoping no one would hear the rumbling noise. Both families had heard his stomach rumble as a sign of hunger. They couldn’t let their boy be in a hungry state for a second, so their thought was to step aside and start to go back to Marui to make him a meal he would like.
Elder Uma held up her hand and said, “Boy, are you hungry right now?”
Spider blushed at the statement and said, “Yeah, I’m kind of hungry. But I could make myself some of the meals that the human makes for me during my recovery.”
Elder Uma remembers his tears and sounds during his recovery as a recall from the human doctor that it’s normal for humans to experience this because his body is trying to recover the damage as much as possible. Displeased about the boy's experience, but she felt agitated when she saw the human feeding him food that was lack of culture, such as color. She raised a hand.
“No, you should eat a meal that celebrates your recovery, not a repetitive reminder of the progress you experience.”
Anyway, that's how far I got. If you enjoy, I could continue further.
Summary of my AU: This fanfiction is inspired by The Boy; basically, it’s a Spider-Center fic, an orphan being seen by both families from different clans. Both want to adopt him and show him unconditional love, which he didn’t have in his childhood, and they couldn’t withstand a life without him in their daily life.
Oh boy, he had a difficult time picking which family should’ve a custody of him.
Once Spider was healed from his sunburn, he felt more rested than he had been for the past few days. He still remembers Norm's conversation with him about how Ronal wanted to adopt him. He came to realize that Ronal had welcomed the Marui and their children plenty of times, and allowed him to have a wonderful meal with her family. He always wished to have a parental figure who would give him eyes of unconditional love, like how either Neytiri or Jake would give him those eyes, but never received until the threat through 16 years of his life. He sees every gesture toward him as a reasonable reaction because he couldn’t control what every child couldn’t – a parent. He would’ve imagined a scenario where he belonged with the Sully - a part of a family who show support and affection – a silly image he would’ve told himself until 16.
The set of thoughts was disrupted once Elder Uma(Tonowari’s mother) came into the elder’s pavilion. However, she brought another person with her, a Navi. Elder Uma introduces him to Spider.
“Spider, this is Vael. He is here to solve the problem between the two families who wanted to adopt you. But how are you, young Spider?”
Spider said, ”I am fine, Elder Uma, but before I can come to a conclusion on who could adopt me. May I come outside for some fresh air and the feeling of the ocean around my body?”
Elder Uma is always pleased to know that this boy is always respectful to everybody, no matter the age; he treats each person with dignity and is eager to help. She was willing to convince the boy to be a part of her family, and the amount of joy when she was able to call him her grandson, and teach him similarly to how she taught Anoung and Tsireya. Unluckily, she couldn’t influence the boy's choice because she wanted the boy to make his choice to pick which family was suitable for him.
“Of course, Young Spider, but you shouldn’t be putting too much pressure on yourself since your recent recovery.”
“Yes, Elder Uma, I will not put myself into many situations.”
Elder Uma had a lot of trust in him, but she was worried about how he could scare, and painick would let him undergo another cruel healing process again.
“But I advise you not to communicate with any of the family, which is why I will go with you to ensure your safety.”
Spider was shocked by the answer, but he couldn’t complain about her answer because it was an opportunity to come outside since he was in a strict place to heal his unfortunate wound. At least, he could view far away and wave to his friends like L’oak, Kiri, Tuk, Tsireya, and Anoung. Importantly, his favorite is Prier.
“Thank you so much, Elder Uma —”
“Before we could come outside, your human healer advised you to put on sunscreen to avoid injury and ensure some water at your side at all times.”
“Yes, Elder Uma.”
Just like that, Spider went off to put on his sunscreen and garment(This isn’t the one Jake made for him, but instead Elder Uma made it for him while healing) to make sure he isn’t expose to the sun; he had his water bottle, which is an organic skin water bottle, to make sure he had accessible all times. He didn’t want to experience those agitated moments ever again. He is excited to see Ronal and thanks her for the supplies.
“Alright, I’m ready to go.” He walks up to Elder Uma with a cheerful smile. Elder Uma smiled back at him and raised her hand to stop him for a sec.
“We need to inform people outside not to bother you in any situation, including both of the families
As one of the messengers from the elder’s Pavilion comes out, they seem to have a message to announce to either the family or the village. Either way, all of the people become quiet, and both families stand outside the Pavilion waiting patiently for the message about their boy. It’s already 3 days, so their boy could recover from his injuries. They couldn’t wait to open their arm out, just for the boy to run toward them and hug them, and just say these magical words, “Mom, Dad ”. Plan pop up as a way to spend time with him, and fulfill his childhood absence, a parental figure.
“I would like to announce that the Boy had recover from his fatal injuries. However, no one could bother both the boy and elder Uma. They must distance themselves from the boy 10ft due to his recent recovery.”
10 ft! Away from Spider, their boy. The idea of hugging him and asking him about his recovery was set aside. The thought of being able to see him was already joyful to them, but not showing physical affection just left them a little bit of emptiness. Both Ronal and Tonowari lower their ear when they hear they are unable to communicate. Neytiri and Jake grasp each other hand looking down.
Both of the families know they couldn’t do much as their opinion couldn’t influence the elder's mind for a second of hugging Spider and repeating the word on how they could be glad to see him as a part of the family, reminding him that he brings enormous joy – how it is meaningless to see that specific happiness to be vanished out of their life.
The children from both families were so grateful that Spider had recovered from his aggravated injuries. But they weren’t fond of how they couldn’t drag their brother to many activities they wanted him to join with them, such as riding a ilu until sunset, cooking the family meal, crafting something to symbolize their bond, and making him a songcord that he should’ve received as a child.
Among and Tsireya were upset that they couldn’t do those activities with Spider, and they expressed to the situation. Hearing those sentences from the messenger hurt, but they couldn’t convince any elder, including their grandmother, to let them have the chance to laugh with him or run up to him and hug him.
As Spider walked out of the entrance, his vision was welcomed by the beautiful ocean. He couldn’t describe how mesmerize is by the Ocean here. He walked out first with Elder Uma behind him to watch him with careful eyes. He looked back with a wide, cheerful smile that Elder Uma returned. Something captured his vision, something else blue, but a different shade.
One family was lighter blue, and he was eager to wave enthusiastically at them with a warm smile, but he knew he should follow the elder's demand that the distance between the two families should be 10 feet. He recalls the warming gesture they showed him. The children waved him back, but the messenger's message had cemented their legs. Both parents saw him with teary eyes. How they miss his personality and actions to make their home feel warmer.
Spider looks to the other side. It was the Sully; they reminded him of the forest he was raised in. The leaf always offers him protection from the sun. The animals were always a proud symbol of the warrior, of how Eywa could create majestic, but powerful creatures that protect the balance. Recently, they had tried making up since… but he would wave enthusiastically at the family, similar to how he waved to the previous family.
He heard a whine and cry from his right side. It’s Prier who is trying to reach him by raising both of her hands. He couldn’t withstand her tears as he tried to hold up every inch of his body not to walk up to Prier and calm her down.
He looks behind to make eye contact with Elder Uma.
“Elder Uma, may I calm down, Prier? I understand she couldn’t, but I couldn’t withstand her despair from being unable to reach me previously.”
Elder Uma wasn’t surprised by Spider's question and urge to comfort her granddaughter. She recognizes Spider as the baby's favorite person. She knew both families weren’t able to contact him, but it was tolerable for the youngling to come and visit him. She comes toward Tonowari, who was yearning to welcome the boy to the family as much as possible, but she needs to stand on her ground.
“Tonowari, son, could I have Prier come with Spider and me since the baby was missing the warmth of the child?”
“Of course, mother, ” as Ronal handed over the baby to Elder Uma as she walked closer to Spider, she continued trying to extend her hand to reach for him as Spider opened both his arms to welcome her. Once Prier reached her destination, suddenly her crying seemed to stop as she wailed a happy laugh and a smile as she hugged him like he was gone for centuries. Spider heard a similar voice from the distant left, Tuk. He missed her dearly. As she cried tearfully, standing and looking down at the sand. He looks up at Elder Uma with pleasing eyes and is about to ask her.
“I know, young Spide,r that you wanted to come visit these younglings, seems like you left an imprint on them.”
Spider had a little blush across his cheek and said, “Well, I'm always glad to be there no matter the circumstance.”
Elder Uma walks up to the Sully family and kneels to Tuk. She could see the hope in the girl's eyes to see her sibling figure.
“Would you like to see him as well?”
Tuk nodded vigorously, almost as if she could have lost a neck. The Elder Uma stood and held out her hand for Tuk to hold, saying, “Let go, young one, let's see some of the activities he wants to do with you guys.” Tuk took her hand without any thought, but with a goal(to see her brother).
Tuk ran up to him as he held the baby with one arm, she hugged him tightly as if he was disappearing throughout her life. Spider look both of the girls' eyes, said, “How about we swim in the ocean? I kind of miss the feeling of the wave.”
Tuk essentially said, “Yes! Of course, we should, and I have plenty of stories to tell you about while you are practicing Prier.” He giggles at the energetic behavior, how he missed so much.
As Tuk holds Spider’s hand as they are walking to the beach, Elder Uma smiles at the scene where he leads both joy to the girls.
Not gonna bother; the families are kinda jealous of their youngest one, who was with him. But they’re glad that their young one get to play with him without any conflict in mind. Both families see this moment as a reminder — for the last 3 days, the boy was recovering, their meals don’t feel as delicious with his zealous personality and storytelling to their children — the moment the family had in him in their life, they feel like Eywa gifted light as a person.
Both could have bothered to walk away, but slowly sat down to reminisce about their past and present with or without him. Elder Uma stood at the shore watching these rascals playing until their hearts' content.
Neytiri wanted to run up to Spider and scoop him up, and went to her mom to officiate his adoption as a part of Sully. Ronal was in a similar situation to Neytiri, picking Spider up and making the adoption official by either the elder or her. Importantly, Ronal particularly wants him to be hugged during the nighttime, like how an otter mother would hug their children to keep them safe from danger and drifting away because she can’t stop remembering the human technology of showing how small Spider was when he was a baby. If Eywa had the power of time traveling, she would’ve begged to see how the baby could be held in a hand.
She was quite frustrated that Neytiri was able to have an opportunity to be a mother figure to him, but instead showed him the same hatred as any of the RDA.
As much as Spider enjoys his time with his playmate, his stomach starts to rumble. He was hoping no one would hear the rumbling noise. Both families had heard his stomach rumble as a sign of hunger. They couldn’t let their boy be in a hungry state for a second, so their thought was to step aside and start to go back to Marui to make him a meal he would like.
Elder Uma held up her hand and said, “Boy, are you hungry right now?”
Spider blushed at the statement and said, “Yeah, I’m kind of hungry. But I could make myself some of the meals that the human makes for me during my recovery.”
Elder Uma remembers his tears and sounds during his recovery as a recall from the human doctor that it’s normal for humans to experience this because his body is trying to recover the damage as much as possible. Displeased about the boy's experience, but she felt agitated when she saw the human feeding him food that was lack of culture, such as color. She raised a hand.
“No, you should eat a meal that celebrates your recovery, not a repetitive reminder of the progress you experience.”
Anyway, that's how far I got. If you enjoy, I could continue further.
No warnings as far as I'm aware. Let me know if it needs any!
I am My Mother's Son
Neytiri had heard of the small human child found by Norm, heard them speak of the boy's curly blonde hair and blue eyes. She had yet to meet the boy; having a child and another on the way made her life busy.
Then she learned who his father was, and anger boiled in her veins. She had demanded that the boy be sent back to earth. When Norm told her that it wasn't possible, she then, in her anger-clouded state, suggested the boy be put to death. She watched as Norm pulled the toddler into his arms, trying to shield him. Heard the boy cry in confusion and fear as the tension built.
The anger snapped away as cold dread filled her. She could feel Jake place a gentle hand on her arm.
Why had she said that? This was a child, one too weak to defend themself and she demanded their death? Her ears shifted low, she went to say something, anything to loosen the guarded look on her small human friend's face. She felt a hand on her shoulder, turning back to see her mother. “Enough, you have already said too much, leave.” The anger in her mother's voice would hurt if she didn't deserve it.
She flew back home with Jake. He tried to talk to her. He wanted to help her. She could hear him make placating excuses, claiming her anger was justified, but not to show it in front of the scientists. She agreed that her anger wasn't a horrible thing to feel, but she had passed from simple anger to hate. Something no Navi should allow themselves to fall into. Especially towards a child.
She had to make this right.
She waited a week, not wanting to head back too early and cause the humans concern. Norm seemed to know she was coming. She saw him standing in his dreamwalker body, arms crossed, face tight with distrust. She knew she deserved it. She landed with Saata on the sky people's metal ground. She patted her recently bonded Ikran on the head. Taking a breath to slow her heart, she walked towards Norm. She didn't bring her weapons, no knife or bow. She was unarmed, she walked with arms down, palms pointed outward so Norm could see they were empty.
Norm stood before her, like a Navi warrior standing with a spear raised, ready to fight and protect. Though he had no spear, his glare was a weapon to Neytiri’s heart. She stopped a few feet in front of him. His stance shifted, body ready to protect the boy she had scorned. “What are you doing here?” his usual kind, nervous voice was replaced with a low protective edge.
She looked at him for a moment, then bowed; she could see him flinch as she lowered. She placed a hand over her heart. “I am here to apologize for my wrongdoing,” she heard Norm gasp. The man seemed to catch himself, shifting back to his protective stance. “I’m not the one you should be apologizing to.” Norm's sharp tone lashed across her heart. She lifted herself to look at him, “I know, if you would allow me, I would like to apologize to the boy.” Norm looked conflicted, she could see he wanted to say no.
Several thoughts seemed to pass through his mind as his facial expression changed. He wiped a hand down his face and welcomed her inside.
They walked through the metal building, several humans watching as they passed. She could tell by the expressions on their faces that they had learned of her comments. She would take their ire, a punishment for her words and thoughts.
Norm led her to a room filled with blankets and pillows. Children's toys were scattered about, and in the middle was the boy. Blonde curls sticking out in every direction. She was about to walk over when the boy looked up at them. She expected fear, but all she saw was a wide smile. She thought the boy was looking at Norm; he had to be. She was caught off guard as the boy ran to her, grabbing for her hand. When she gave it to him, he pulled her over to his toys. The boy handed her a small stuffed toy, which looked like a pa’li. She looks over at the boy, watching him grab a toy that looks like a Navi. In fact, it looks a lot like her. Neytiri looks over at Norm, who nods, confirming her thoughts. The boy also confirms, “It you!” he points from the doll to her, smiling and giggling.
All these moments had made her forget her purpose in coming. She placed the pa’li toy down, holding the child's hands with her own. “I wish to apologize to you. What I said a week ago was harmful. I should never have spoken about you in such a horrible way.” Neytiri poured out her heart to the boy. She knew it wouldn't change how she had treated him.
“It otey” this makes her look at the boy, his blue eyes shining with kindness. “I forgor any who.” She hears Norm let out a surprised laugh. All she could do was look in the boy's eyes. He forgot? Forgot those harmful words? She wants to say more, but the boy interrupts her. “Play now?” The innocence of children is truly strange. She smiles, picks the boy up, and walks over to a pile of blankets. She lies down, listening to the boy talk about his toys. The child falls asleep on her chest.
Norm tells her that the boy demanded a Navi toy that looked like her after he was shown a picture of her and Jake.
Over the next few months, Neytiri would come and visit the boy. She brings him Navi-made toys, clothes, and food safe for humans. She introduces him to Neteyam and lets him touch her pregnant belly.
Then the question of who will care for the boy arises.
She's sitting on the floor, cross-legged, playing with Spider, a nickname the boy was given. She listens as they discuss letting the boy stay with a human family, and something in her breaks.
She gathers the child in her arms, she hears Spider ask if she's okay, but she can't answer. It isn't until Jake comes over and places a hand on her back that she realizes she's crying. She looks into his eyes and sees confusion and worry. She breaks completely, “I can't allow it, they will not have him.” “Baby, he needs a fami-” “He is mine!” She holds the boy tightly, weeping, looking into her mate's wide eyes. She hears murmuring around them. “He is mine! You cannot ask me to give him away!” She curls around Spider, tears stream down her face. He is hers, her itan. Her beautiful golden child.
She feels Jake place his hands on her shoulders. “Ours,” her eyes shoot up to his, searching for a lie she doesn't find. Jake kneels in front of her now, one hand on her cheek, the other on their new eldest son’s back. “Our son, together,” and he is theirs.
He’s theirs when Neytiri gives birth to Lo'ak, and they adopt Kiri. He’s theirs when Tuk is born, who attaches herself to her brother. He’s theirs when Eywa allows him to breathe her air at ten. He's theirs when a kuru grows from his head, allowing him to connect to the spirit tree. He’s theirs, always theirs, but most importantly.
He's his mother's son.
………………………….
Spider sits cross-legged in his grandmother's Kelku. He's mixing pastes under her watchful eyes. He is tsakarem, the next in line for tsahik after his grandmother passes. This would normally go to the woman's daughter, his own mother, Neytiri. His mother was not one for sitting around healing others. She was a warrior, a hunter. She spent her time in the forest, as did he. However, Spider had the patience and desire to help that made him the right person to learn. Things are peaceful in High-camp, much more peaceful without his father and brothers here to be loud.
Neteyam was the quieter one out of the group, but still had his moments. Spider had noticed his father, Jake, placing too much pressure on the boy. Spider had put his foot down, immediately calling his father out for treating them all like a military group.
Jake rarely fought against Spider when the boy stood up to him. Spider wasn't unreasonable, and he was small. Jake was always worried he might accidentally harm the boy someday. He never has, but that doesn't stop him from worrying. So he almost always concedes to him, watching as the boy huffs and glares at him. He's so much like Neytiri that he knows he'd mistake the boy for her if he were Navi. His little hisses the way his eyebrows furrow, words sure, eyes never wavering.
Spider would be terrifying if he weren't his son. However, he could be quite scary. He’d watched Spider’s siblings silently sit before the boy, pacing back and forth as he hissed at them. Smacking whoever had done wrong over the head. Not tuk though, never tuk. She got a stern talking to. Jake would watch as his three teenage troublemakers would shake in fear when Spider’s angry call reached their ears.
Much like now, a raid on an RDA base went awry, leaving Neteyam injured. Spider was there, hissing at his brothers before Jake could get a word in. He called them morons, pointing to the healing pod. Jake goes to stop the boys, feeling the need to scold them, but feels Spider grab his arm. “Stop, you are angry now. All you will do is yell and cause issues. Leave, I will heal them. Come back when you can control yourself.” Jake wants to argue, but Spider doesn't let him. “You are being useless! Leave now!” he points towards Bob, telling Jake to fly until he is calm.
Spider walks into the healing pod. After a thorough scolding, he puts healing pastes and bandages on his brothers. They ask about their father, and Spider clicks his tongue. “He is out, he will not speak with you til he has properly calmed down. I will not allow it.” When Jake comes back, he is calmer, telling the boys he was worried. That he thought they had died. A light scolding and some hugs, and all is well. “You know you don't have to play goaly, right?” Spider turns towards Kiri. “I know, I also know I'm the only one he’ll actually listen to on these matters.” “That’s cause your like mom, and he's afraid of her.” “I know that too, and I use it to my advantage.” This causes them to snicker. Things are peaceful again, though sometimes loud with his family back.
Things stay peaceful till a call comes from Lo’ak. He, Kiri, and Tuk had gone out to the old Hallielujah mountain base—the same one they weren't allowed to see alone. Spider is already heading in that direction as he hears Loak talk about strange Avatars. He gets to them before Jake and Neytiri. He's positioned in a tree above his siblings and the avatars. Bow and arrows ready, laced with a paralytic venom. His small size had always been a concern. He carried a small pouch with him that held a paralyzing liquid that could take down a palulukan in seconds. It was meant only for emergencies; he considered this moment one.
He heard his mother give her call, and he gave one back. He notched the arrow on his bow and pulled back, waiting for his mother's signal. It came as he watched a female avatar fall forward, an arrow striking her in the head. He let his loose towards a male who hit the ground, stiffening under the effect of the paralytic. A second to the head killed the man. Spider heard the leader speak to his mother as she killed another. Spider surprised the man by killing a fourth from a different direction. His father killed a fifth. They all managed to get back to High Camp.
Spider listened as his parents argued. They would all have to leave for the ‘safety’ of high camp. Spider disagreed with his father, but this was the one moment Spider would not insert himself in the conversation.
The trip to Awa’atlu had been uneventful. Spider sat on Topaz—a blue Ikran with orange and black stripes. The ikran had been smaller than most. Norm told Spider she had dwarfism. He’d named her after his birth mother. She was strong and sassy. Spider loved her.
Meeting the Metkayina was its own ordeal. Spider had mostly tuned the conversation out. He tuned back in when Ronal called his brother a demon. He had no issue being called a demon himself; his family loved him, and that is all that mattered. No one got to hurt his siblings. He positioned himself protectively in front of Lo’ak. “I was unaware a tsahik was allowed to belittle children? Where in Eywas teaching does it say you can act this way?” Ronal’s mouth pulls back in a snarl. “How dare you speak to me in such a way, Demon?!” The woman's anger does not faze him. He hisses with just as much fury. “How dare you treat children with such disrespect?! In all my time training as tsakarem with grandmother Moat, I have never been told to act as you do now!” his father moves in front of him, showing his five fingers, and Spider holds his siblings protectively. Uturu is granted. Spider's parents don't scold him for protecting his siblings.
The Metkayina’s distrust of Spider vanishes when he demonstrates his abilities. He can hold his breath for long periods, from his time wearing masks to breathe. He picked up weaving techniques quickly, learned how to fish and ride ilus. Spider had always had a way of learning everything he was taught. His siblings, however, had struggled. This, along with their features, led to bullying.
Spider had been walking across the sandy beaches. Today was his day off. He had no goal in mind and just wished to take a calm stroll. That was until he saw his two brothers fighting with some Metkayina boys. One quick yell of their names had the two scrambling over to Kiri, placing themselves behind her. Spider hissed and pointed at them while he paced. He pointed towards their murai. Turning, the reef boys' ring leader spoke up. “Yeah, that's right! Go back to your mom!” Spider eyed the boys as they laughed, “That’s funny coming from a boy who hides behind his position as future leader. I suggest you all head home before I decide to tell everyone how the leader's son harmed those granted uturu. Or I could tell my mother.” At the mention of Neytiri, most of them had the common sense to look scared. One scoffed, quickly shutting up when Spider glared at him.
Things became quiet for a moment, then Lo’ak came back late one night. They had gone past the reef something tonowari had scolded his son for, opinions changed as Lo’ak admitted to asking to go there. Spider could tell he was lying. He was trying to cover for Aonung. Something easy to see if you paid attention, it would seem his father didn't. Spider watched Jake go to grab Lo’ak, and Spider moved in front of him. He wouldn’t allow their father to scold his brother in anger, even if the boy may deserve it at times. One of Spider's signature glares stopped his father's rage. “How many times must I remind you not to scold them while angry? You always say things you regret later.” Spider gave his usual line of ‘leave until you calm down,’ then turned to Lo’ak. He avoided eye contact with Spider.
Spider crossed his arms, looking straight into Lo’ak’s eyes. “You’re lying.” Lo’ak turns to him. “I-.” “Sit.” Spider points to the ground, Lo’ak looks like he wants to argue, but one glare and he's sitting. He points to Aonung, then to the spot beside Lo’ak, and the taller boy joins Spider's brother, sitting in the sand. “I understand you want to lessen the scolding he gets, but taking the blame does not fix the issue. It only changes the target of punishment. Loak, you didn't ask to go out; Aonung brought you out. He brought you out there because he wanted to scare you. I don't believe he wished to cause you harm.” One look at Aonung's guilty expression confirms it.
“Even still, he knew the risk and did it anyway. I will not let you take the blame for the actions of another.” Lo’ak looks down with a small smile on his face. He knows Spider loves him. Spider turns to Aonung and watches the boy flinch. “You have done something wrong, something that could have killed my brother. Thank Eywa it did not, or I would kill you myself.” Everyone around knows that's a promise, not a threat. “Now, this does not mean you can't do better. And while the action you did is your own, the thoughts that led you there came from those meant to teach you kindness.”
He turns to Ronal, “You are at fault for the thoughts that led this boy to harm another. Your actions upon our first arrival here prove that. If you punish him, then you must punish yourself for teaching him that this anger was okay.” Spider leaves, grabbing Lo’ak’s hand and walking back to the murai. Later, when Jake asked how Spider knew his sibling was lying. Spider simply said that he paid attention to his family. Was it a jab? Yes, one he believed his father deserved.
Until he realized he had done the one thing he got angry at Jake for, speaking out of anger. Spider found his father sitting on the pathway outside their door. He sat beside his dad and hugged him, apologizing for being a hypocrite. “I understand why you get angry in those moments. I know you wouldn't hurt us on purpose, but I can't let you fall into hate, as mom did all those years ago.” There it was, the thing Spider fears most: losing his family to hatred. The same hatred that led his mother to demand his death as a toddler. They'd talked about it when he got older, after he revealed he never actually forgot what happened that day. Jake and Neytiri had spent every day since, reminding him he was loved. Jake lightly strokes Spider's hair, telling the boy he would never hate any of them. He tells all his children the same thing that night.
Life continued, with the added presence of Tsireya, Aonung and Rotxo. All of which had been showing up in the Sully Murai. Spider grew used to the murai being full. He gave food to his siblings and their three new friends.
Neteyam watched Aonung blush as Spider passed him a bowl. The boy's blush grows more when he realizes Neteyam saw him. The forest boy simply smirks. The whole family was protective of Spider. The human may be the oldest sibling, but he will be the smallest once Tuk grows. Neteyam remembers when Spider had completed his iknimaya. The number of courting gifts and offers was staggering, making Spider's obliviousness even funnier. Spider had always acted like an older sibling to the Omaticaya children, even to those a few years his senior. So he never saw any as potential partners, or rather, he never seemed to think of having a mate at all.
It wasn't surprising to Neteyam that Spider thought the necklace Aonung gave him was just a gift. The human boy had the same reaction to the knife, the seashell-covered top, and the anklet he received.
Though all of these gifts had led Spider to a conclusion, the wrong one, he thought Aonung wanted to court one of his siblings, and was giving Spider these items to lower his defences! Spider wouldn't let that happen! Not on his watch!
A quick talk with his siblings tells him how wrong he is. They laugh at him for quite a while before explaining Aonung's intentions. He's almost more confused. Him? After he had belittled the guy. Spider thought about his dad and mom and realized it might be more common than he thought. He’d found aonung the next day, asking him if aonung was trying to court him. He confirmed, which caused Spider to sigh and sit down. “Do you not want me to court you?” Spider looked up into Aonung's hopeful but accepting eyes. A small blush appeared on Spider's face. “I’m okay with it,” so it continued. Aonung sat before Jake and Neytiri, asking for permission to properly court Spider. After asking Spider for his opinion, they said the boy could.
With the first gifts already accepted, Aonung moved on to the second step, getting Spider's favourite food. Flat Skate Fish and Shelter Fruit from leopard palms in the nearby forest. It takes him a full day just to catch three fish, and ten minutes to get the fruit. He brings them to Spider and watches the boy light up at the food. Just one more step. One that has to wait until he passes Iknimaya. Until then, Spider and Aonung hang out, going on dates, that's what Jake called them. Aonung's mother admired Spider’s quick wit and his willingness to stand up for what he believed in. Tonowari admired Spider's ability and desire to learn.
Things were going well until Kiri seized at the cove of ancestors. Jake calls Norm and Max, something Spider and Neytiri both internally scoff at. Spider doesn’t hate the scientists. In fact, he is deeply grateful for their care when he was a baby. Even so, he knows the scientists won't consider Eywa and her influence in their search to help Kiri. Their immediate conclusion of ‘epilepsy’ confirms Spider's thoughts. Then Ronal brought his sister back from her coma. He may not have liked the woman at the start, but now he's grateful for her presence. Norm telling Kiri she can't connect to Eywa nearly leads Spider to scratch the man's eyes out. Then the scentists leave, and it's as close to peaceful as it can be.
Then the Tu’anui Clan survivors come. They speak of Navi demons attacking and killing the clan members. Their tsahik is dead. Most who arrive are injured. Spider spends all his time in the healing murai. He doesn't sleep for two days and wakes up in his murai after collapsing. Ronal tells him never to do it again. That he must survive long enough to become her son-in-law. Things are no longer peaceful.
Then Ronal's spirit sister is killed, war breaks out, and his siblings set off to help a lone young bull, Payakan, whom Lo’ak had bonded with. Much like the moment in the forest, Spider is already on his siblings' tails, flying above the water on Topaz. He learns that they and Tsireya have been captured aboard a demon ship. Spider sits on Topaz flying beside his mother, waiting for his father's signal.
It comes as Payakan launches himself up out of the water and onto the boat. Spider and his mother shoot at the demons on the ship, both the Navi and human ones. Some of their own die as well. Spider promises to mourn them when the fighting ends—chaos, fighting, and fire.
He's on the ship now, arrow trained on the Navi demon leader’s head. He hides behind metal, watching as the man holds a knife to Kiri’s neck. He has to be precise; if he isn't, the paralyzing venom on his arrows will cause the man's seizing movements to hurt his sister. The moment arrives as his mother comes out from behind a wall, arrow notched, pointed at the man. The man pauses for only a second, knife moving just far enough away from Kiri’s neck. Spider's arrow hits the back of the man's head as his mother hits the front. He is dead.
The Sullies arrive back at the village, triumphant and tired. They sleep for a whole day. The next week is spent mourning all those who died. Then things are peaceful again. Peaceful as children run through the village. Peaceful as Tsireya courts Lo’ak. Peaceful as Roxto shows interest in Neteyam. Peaceful, as Kiri spends her time amongst the sea life. Peaceful as Spider and Aonung discuss the future. It may not always be peaceful, but it is right now, and that's all that matters.
