A cold wind bursts forward towards the tables of the grand hall. Banners hanging move abrubtly as the cause of the commotion stride forward.
Conversation dies instantly, followed by the anticipation and low murmurs of the expectators.
You step forward with the rest of Beauxbatons leading the graceful march.
Blue silk, pale light, and the perfect practiced posture drilled into you as you hold your head high and proud.
Madame Maxime leads in front of you, towering and regal and as the attention is pinned at the centers of attention,
The Veela charm stirs.
Not unleashed, just present enough that the attention does not falter.
You don't smile yet, saving the best for last.
Girls whisper. Boys straighten up on their posts. Somewhere, a thud is heard.
And the choreography begins.
Beauxbaton bows. Elegant, poised, just as rehearsed.
You lift your head at the same time the others do. That's when it hits.
The charm doesn’t surge all at once, it lingers. Like sparks finding dry air. Eyes lock onto you, drawn by something softer than beauty but stronger than curiosity.
You feel it pass through the room.
Most people lean forward.
One person freezes.
At the Gryffindor table, Harry Potter forgets how to breathe.
He’s not staring like the others, not openly, not boldly. His gaze flicks up, catches you mid-motion, and he looks away so fast he nearly headbutts Ron’s shoulder.
“What-” Ron starts, already half-standing.
Harry grabs his sleeve and yanks him back down. “Don’t.”
“Why not?” Ron demands, eyes glued forward.
Harry doesn’t have an answer. He just knows his chest feels tight and warm and wrong somehow, and that looking at you feels like stepping too close to the edge of something.
Hermione, notably, does not react at all. Arms crossed, eyes sharp, observant. Ron’s attention snaps back to her the moment she mutters something irritated under her breath, whatever pull the charm might have had sliding right off him.
You notice that too.
Interesting.
The performance ends. Applause erupts. Beauxbatons straightens, flawless and composed.
This time, you smile.
Not wide. Not dramatic.
Just enough.
The effect is immediate.
A few boys sigh like they didn’t realize they were holding their breath. Someone drops a goblet. A Ravenclaw knocks over an entire stack of parchment.
Harry Potter grips the edge of the table.
His ears burn. His heart stumbles. He feels it, the brush of enchantment, but it doesn’t take. It tangles instead, caught on nerves and self-doubt and the overwhelming awareness of being seen.
You don’t look at him again as you’re led to your seats.
But he watches you anyway.
Later, long after the noise returns, after plates refill and conversations rise, you feel someone hovering near your table.
You look up.
Harry Potter stands there like he’s walked into the wrong scene of his own life.
“Oh, hi,” he says, then winces. “Sorry. Hi.”
You tilt your head, studying him. Up close, he’s nothing like the whispers. No arrogance. No confidence. Just honest awkwardness and eyes that look like they’ve seen too much.
“Hello,” you reply.
He swallows. “Your entrance was, um, really impressive.”
“Rehearsed,” you say lightly.
“Oh.” He nods. Then, without thinking, adds, “It didn’t feel fake.”
The charm stirs again, gentle this time, curious.
You smile, and watch him fight the instinct to look away.
“Well,” you say, rising from the bench, “I’m glad someone noticed.”
As you pass him, close enough that your sleeve brushes his hand, you feel it shift.
Not infatuation.
Recognition.
Behind you, Harry Potter stands frozen in the aftermath of the charm as you walk away, smiling softly at the boy.
-----
Or, or, hear me out, after a while he reacts without you even using your veela charm ¬‿¬
-----
You are seated near the windows in the courtyard, parchment spread out, quill hovering as you pretend to work. The charm is dormant, fully and intentionally. You learned early how to tuck it away, how to quiet the hum beneath your skin until it is barely a whisper.
And yet.
Harry Potter still trips over his own feet when he sees you.
Not literally. But he does stop mid step, his gaze catching on you like he did not expect to find you there. He does not stare. He hesitates, as though his body pauses to check in with his mind before moving again.
That is not how enchantment works.
You glance up just as he realizes you have noticed him noticing.
“Oh. Hi,” he says too quickly.
“Hello again,” you reply, setting your quill down. “You look surprised.”
“I am. No. I mean. Just morning.”
He winces. “Sorry.”
You smile gently this time, carefully.
Nothing flares. Nothing reaches.
Still, his ears turn pink.
You tilt your head, studying him openly now. No charm. No magic threaded through your expression. Just curiosity.
“Does this happen often?” you ask.
“What?” he says.
“You forgetting how words work.”
He lets out a breath that is half laugh, half sigh. “Only when I am nervous.”
“And are you nervous often?” you ask.
He thinks about it. Really thinks about it. Then he shrugs, sheepish.
“Lately.”
That is when it settles into place.
Not dramatic. Not sudden.
Just a quiet certainty.
You have seen enchantment before and felt it echo back at you, easy and predictable. Desire amplified. Interest sharpened. This is not that.
Harry is not leaning closer. He is not glassy eyed or drawn toward you like gravity.
He is simply aware.
You fold your hands together. “I am not using the charm,” you say casually.
His brow furrows. “The charm. Oh. Right. I did not think you were.”
You blink. “You did not?”
He shakes his head. “No. I felt it last night when you smiled during the entrance.” He gestures vaguely and then stops. “But this is just me being awkward.”
You laugh softly, genuinely.
“That is not how most people describe themselves around a Veela.”
“Well,” he says, adjusting his glasses, “most people are not me.”
There it is.
Not immunity. Not resistance.
Choice.
You lean back slightly, warmth blooming in your chest that has nothing to do with magic.
“Harry,” you say, and his attention sharpens at his name. “Do you know why the charm works?”
He shrugs. “Because magic.”
“Because people want it to,” you reply. “They reach for the idea of being enchanted.”
He looks at you then. Really looks.
“And you think I am not.” His expression stills, not startled this time but thoughtful.
“Oh,” he says.
You flash a smile and gather your things. As you pass him there is no brush of sleeves and no spark of magic.
Still, his heart stumbles.
You pause just long enough to say, “That is rarer than charm.”
------
like c'monnnnnn I am in desperate need of some Harry x Veela reader fics like pleaseeeee. Anyways, hope you enjoyed!!!
A young Metkayina with no recollection of her past is taken in by the forest as she washes ashore. With no memories left, she uncovers a new life, following the Sullys as they take her in with them through their journey.
vocab review!:
Ay' ram Alusing ( The Hallelujah Mountains)
syaksyuk (The prolemuris)
Word Count: 7.9 k
At this time, you had once again been dragged by the younger Sullys into one of their infamous adventures. Yet, with no sign of the eldest, you were not as exited, though that did not matter as much as no matter what, the group of teenagers with the inclusion of the eight year old Tuk always proved fun to spend time with.
However,
In this exact moment, you absolutely were not enjoying your time with them.
Now, you were precariously fighting for your life, or so it felt, as the sounds of yelps and laughter echoed ahead. They were already far ahead of you, moving with the grace of creatures who had known this forest since birth. You, on the other hand, clung to survival with every step.
A long vine connected the Ay'ram Alusing to one another, its thickness barely enough to keep you upright. Your arms extended wide for balance, and your feet inching forward as you desperately tried not to look down.
The others moved across the vine with the ease of breath, already nearing the other side. You couldn’t help but feel a twinge of jealousy as you remained stuck in the middle, your progress agonizingly slow compared to their light-footed sprints.
“Hurry, Y/N!” Kiri’s voice rang out from the other side. She stood on solid ground, waving you forward while the rest of the Sully children turned to watch, their faces alight with amusement.
Lo’ak, of course, couldn’t help himself. “You’re slower than an old syaksyuk!” he jeered, his laughter echoing through the floating mountains.
You shot him a withering glare, but the wobbly footing made it less effective than you’d hoped. “I’d like to see you do better if you didn’t grow up swinging on vines like a bunch of monkeys!”
Lo’ak’s smirk widened. “Face it, you’re just bad at this.”
Ki'ri smacked him on the arm. “Lo’ak, stop!” she chided, though her tone held more amusement than reprimand.
“I’m trying!” you yelled back, frustration coloring your voice. Then, against your better judgment, you glanced down.
Mistake.
Your stomach churned at the sight of the dizzying drop beneath you. The floating mountains stretched out in every direction, suspended in a sea of mist. The vines you clung to swayed faintly in the breeze, a reminder of just how precarious your position was.
You froze for a moment, swallowing hard. “If you guys had told me beforehand that we were climbing this way, I wouldn’t have come in the first place!”
Their laughter only grew louder. Even Spider, who was usually the first to commiserate with you, was doubled over.
“It’s okay!” Ki'ri called, stepping closer to the edge of the mountain. Her voice was softer now, less teasing. “Here, I’ll come help you!”
Relief washed over you, your lips curving into a grateful smile. “Thank you, Ki'ri. At least someone here has some sense!”
Lo’ak made a mock offended noise, but Kiri ignored him, starting back onto the vine to reach you. You shifted slightly to make room for her, your legs wobbling beneath you.
“You’ve got this,” she said as she approached, her tone calm and encouraging. “Just don’t look down again, okay?”
“Noted,” you muttered. “I think I’ve had enough vertigo for one lifetime.”
Kiri grinned as she reached you, taking your hand in hers to steady you. “C’mon, Y/N. It’s not so bad once you get the hang of it.”
“Easy for you to say. You’re practically part banshee,” you shot back, though your voice was lighter now, less tense.
With her guiding you, the vine felt marginally less treacherous. You focused on her steps, mimicking the way she moved with her knees bent slightly and her weight evenly distributed. Slowly but surely, the gap between you and the safety of the mountain began to shrink.
“Almost there!” Tuk cheered from the other side, clapping her hands in encouragement.
When your feet finally touched solid ground, you let out a shaky breath, dropping to your knees for good measure. “Eywa help me, I’m never doing that again.”
“Sure you won’t,” Lo’ak teased, ruffling your hair as he passed by. “Until tomorrow.”
You swatted at him, but there was no real malice in the gesture. Despite your exhaustion, a smile tugged at your lips. As much as you complained, being with the Sully children was never boring.
“Well done,” Kiri said warmly, giving your shoulder a squeeze before moving to join the others.
Spider crouched beside you, offering a hand to help you up. “You’re still alive. That’s what counts, right?”
“Barely,” you muttered, taking his hand. “But thanks.”
As you stood, your gaze wandered back to the vine, now swaying gently in the breeze. You shook your head, muttering under your breath. “Next time, I’m staying home.”
The others laughed, and despite yourself, you couldn’t help but join in.
-
You had now transitioned to solid ground, the dense forest canopy enveloping you in its vibrant hues and ambient sounds. Tuk had lingered slightly behind the group, crouching beside a peculiar plant. She giggled softly as the tendrils curled around her fingers, fascinated by the flora.
Pausing, you turned to her with a gentle smile, nudging her shoulder lightly. “C’mon, Tuk. We can’t stay behind,” you said, your voice soft but encouraging.
“But look at this! It’s like it’s alive!” she exclaimed, wide-eyed as she wiggled her fingers to make the tendrils react.
A fond chuckle escaped your lips. “It’s beautiful, Tuk, but if we don’t catch up, your brothers are going to lose their minds thinking we got eaten by a palulukan.”
Just as you were about to help her up, Lo’ak’s impatient voice echoed through the trees. “Tuk! Keep up!” he called, clearly frustrated.
“Okay, okay!” Tuk yelled back, rolling her eyes dramatically before grabbing your hand. “Let’s go before he starts whining again,” she muttered, dragging you along with surprising strength for someone her size.
You followed, keeping pace with her as she sprinted ahead. When you reached the group, you overheard Spider grumbling, “Bro, why’d you bring her anyway?”
“She’s such a crybaby,” Lo’ak groaned, throwing his hands up as if lamenting a great injustice.
“Oh yeah?” Tuk retorted, sticking her tongue out at him with an exaggerated glare.
Lo’ak smirked, unbothered, and decided to mimic her voice. “‘You’re not supposed to go to the battlefield. I’ll tell Mom if you don’t let me come!’” he mocked, pitching his voice high and nasally.
Tuk huffed, crossing her arms. “At least I don’t get grounded every week!” she shot back, her tone triumphant.
You couldn’t help but laugh at the exchange, shaking your head. “Alright, you two, enough. Lo’ak, if you keep teasing her, I’ll tell Neytiri myself that you dragged all of us out here.”
The mention of his mother was enough to wipe the smirk off his face. “Alright, alright,” he muttered, clearly not willing to risk it.
Ki’ri, ever the peacekeeper, added her two cents. “Don’t pick on her, Lo’ak. You’re just mad because she’s braver than you half the time.”
Lo’ak rolled his eyes, muttering something under his breath as he turned away.
The group pressed on, climbing over twisted roots and up the side of a massive tree trunk. Soon, you all stumbled upon what looked like an old ship tangled in the forest’s vines. Its metallic surface was rusted and dull, nature having claimed it long ago. Lo’ak and Spider were the first to scramble up its side, their voices echoing with excitement as they explored.
You hung back, your eyes scanning the area warily. You’d heard about this place before—Mo’at and Neytiri had spoken of it in reverent tones. This was where the Omatikaya had made their stand during the first war against the sky people. It was where they had almost lost their home.
While Lo’ak and Spider clambered over the ship’s structure, Ki’ri wandered off, her movements graceful and light as she danced among the forest's vibrant flora. Tuk had stayed close to you, her small hand occasionally brushing against yours as she examined every leaf and bug she could find.
“Y/N, look!” Tuk exclaimed, pointing to a tiny glowing insect that had landed on her arm. She giggled as it crawled up her skin, its soft luminescence reflecting in her wide eyes.
You smiled at her wonder, crouching down to get a better look. “It’s beautiful, isn’t it? They’re called atokirina—seeds of the sacred tree. They’re good luck,” you explained, brushing a hand lightly over her hair.
Tuk gasped softly. “Good luck? Do you think Eywa is watching us?”
“Eywa is always watching,” you replied, your voice soothing. “Especially you, Tuk. I think she’s got a soft spot for you.”
Your moment with Tuk was interrupted by Spider’s voice calling from the distance. “Hey, guys! I found Ki’ri!”
You turned to see him pulling Ki’ri back toward the group, her expression dreamy as if she had just finished a conversation with the forest itself.
“Tuk, let’s go!” you said, taking her hand as the two of you jogged to rejoin the others.
When you reached the group, Tuk tugged at Ki’ri’s arm. “We have to go back now. Lo’ak said we’d be home before dark.”
Ki’ri rolled her eyes but nodded. “Alright, alright. Let’s head back before someone tattles,” she said, casting a teasing glance at Lo’ak, who pretended not to notice.
As everyone started moving again, you took one last look at the ship, its hulking frame a silent reminder of the battles fought here. Something about it sent a shiver down your spine, but you shook it off, focusing instead on keeping Tuk close and making sure everyone stayed together.
-
Lo’ak knelt near a cluster of ferns, his fingers brushing lightly over the ground. His sharp eyes narrowed as he observed faint impressions in the dirt, the weight of his focus evident in the furrow of his brow.
“What is it?” Kiri whispered, leaning closer, her voice a mix of curiosity and unease.
Behind you, Tuk tugged at your arm, her small fingers clutching tightly as she glanced nervously around. “We’re supposed to be home by eclipse,” she whispered, her voice trembling.
You crouched beside her, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “I know, Tuk,” you murmured softly. “Stay close to me. We’ll head back soon.” The words felt hollow; you knew Lo’ak’s curiosity wasn’t going to let this go easily.
Lo’ak gestured for everyone to come closer, his expression grim. “It’s way too big for a human,” he muttered, running his hand over the tracks again.
“Avatars?” Kiri guessed, leaning over his shoulder, her voice low but tense.
“Maybe, but they’re definitely not ours,” Lo’ak replied, his tone darkening.
The unease in his voice made your stomach twist. You stepped closer, scanning the area for any signs of movement. The forest, usually vibrant and alive, seemed to hold its breath. “What are you doing?” you asked, your voice sharp enough to draw his attention.
“Shh,” Lo’ak hissed, raising a hand for silence. “I’m tracking.”
The group crept forward, the air thick with tension. You could feel Tuk’s small hand squeezing yours tighter, her fear mirrored in Kiri’s worried glances. The sound of distant footsteps echoed faintly, accompanied by muffled voices you couldn’t make out.
As you crouched down near a bush, Tuk pressed herself close to your side, while Kiri cast a wary glance toward Lo’ak. “We’re not supposed to be here,” Kiri hissed, her tone sharp.
“Dad is going to ground you,” she added, shooting Lo’ak a pointed look.
“Shh. Can you stop?” Lo’ak snapped, his frustration bubbling to the surface.
“For life,” Kiri continued, her arms crossed, lips pressed into a disapproving frown.
Lo’ak rolled his eyes. “Bro, we’ve got to check this out,” he said, his voice dripping with defiance.
You glanced between them, your pulse quickening. “Lo’ak, this isn’t funny,” you whispered harshly, but your words seemed to bounce off him. Spider, ever loyal, trailed behind him without a second thought, despite your attempt to grab his arm.
Moving back toward Kiri and Tuk, you felt a pang of guilt for leaving the boys to their reckless curiosity. Tuk’s wide eyes darted between you, Kiri, and her brothers. “When can we go home?” she whispered, her voice trembling. “It’s late, and Dad’s going to be mad.”
You sighed, running a hand over her arm to calm her. “We’ll go home soon, Tuk. I promise. Just stay patient,” you said, even though you weren’t sure you believed it yourself.
Moments later, the boys returned, their expressions grim. The bushes swayed quietly as they pushed through them, Lo’ak whispering something to Spider that you couldn’t catch.
“I gotta call this in,” Lo’ak announced, his voice steadier now, though Spider’s face immediately twisted into disapproval.
You pulled Spider down beside you, your voice a low hiss. “What’s going on in there? Do you know who they are?” you demanded.
Spider’s eyes darted nervously toward the others. “Humans. From the RDA, most likely,” he murmured. “They’re armed, and they look dangerous.” His voice dropped further. “Lo’ak is reporting to Jake.”
Your stomach sank. The gravity of the situation hit you hard, the fear of what it meant knotting in your chest. “Great,” you muttered under your breath, earning a sheepish look from Spider. You knew what this meant: Lo’ak was serious, and Jake—and probably Neytiri—would find out exactly what had happened here. Trouble was inevitable.
“Devil Dog, Devil Dog, this is Eagle Eye, over,” Lo’ak said into the comms. The tension around you became palpable, everyone leaning in to catch Jake’s response.
“Eagle Eye. Send your traffic,” Jake’s voice crackled through the comms, calm but commanding. Kiri slipped her earpiece on, her face set with determination.
Lo’ak’s voice faltered slightly as he replied, “I have eyes on some guys. They look like avatars… but not ours. They’re armed.” At your nudge, he added, “There are six of them. Over.”
“What’s your POS? Over,” Jake returned, his tone sharp.
Lo’ak hesitated before answering, “We’re by the old shack.”
Spider let out a heavy sigh, shaking his head. You watched him closely, but your attention snapped back to the comm as Neytiri’s voice cut through. “Who is ‘we,’ Lo’ak?”
“Me, Spider, Kiri, Y/N… and Tuk,” he admitted reluctantly.
At the sound of her name, Tuk shrank into your arms, her small frame trembling against you. You tightened your hold on her, trying to mask your own growing fear.
“Son, listen to me very carefully,” Jake’s voice was firm, every word weighted with authority. “You pull back. Don’t make a sound, and get the hell out of there. Copy?”
“Yes, sir,” Lo’ak muttered, his bravado suddenly muted. He motioned for everyone to start retreating.
The group moved in tense silence, every crackle of leaves beneath your feet feeling like thunder in the stillness. Tuk clung to you as you led her back, your heart hammering in your chest. The danger you’d stumbled upon felt far too real now, and you couldn’t shake the feeling that this was far from over.
-
You were making your way back to Hometree, trailing behind Tuk as she darted ahead, her small frame weaving effortlessly through the dense forest. Her laughter rang out, soft and innocent, a rare moment of joy after the day’s tense discoveries.
Behind you, Lo’ak and Kiri bickered, their voices rising and falling like the calls of ikran overhead. You glanced back, catching Lo’ak rolling his eyes at something Kiri said.
“Could you two keep it down?” you muttered, quickening your pace to keep up with Tuk. No matter how hard you trained alongside them, keeping up with the Sully siblings in the dense, sprawling Omatikayan forest was still a challenge.
The forest hummed with life, the soft glow of bioluminescent plants beginning to awaken as the sun dipped lower. But something felt off. The usual cacophony of sounds—the distant calls of animals, the rustle of leaves—seemed muted. You slowed instinctively, scanning the greenery around you.
“Tuk, wait!” you called, your voice tight with unease.
Before she could stop, the foliage exploded around you. A massive figure leaped from the trees, landing directly in front of Tuk. She froze, her wide eyes staring up at the towering avatar that now loomed over her.
“Run!” Kiri shouted, but it was too late.
More figures emerged from the surrounding forest, each clad in advanced tactical gear. They moved like predators, swift and efficient, encircling your group in a suffocating ring. Weapons glinted in the dim light—sleek, metallic, and unmistakably deadly. You barely had time to reach for your bow before a gruff voice barked, “Get down!”
“Put it down! Put it down!” Lo’ak ordered in Na’vi, his voice firm but trembling at the edges. Reluctantly, you lowered your weapon alongside the others, the sharp sting of helplessness biting at your chest.
The avatars surged forward, seizing each of you with ruthless efficiency. Tuk’s terrified cries pierced the air as a soldier grabbed her queue, wrenching her small form away from you. “Tuk!” you shouted, struggling against the grip of another soldier, only to be shoved roughly to the ground.
Kiri tried to console Tuk through her tears, her voice soft and desperate. “It’s okay, Tuk. Stay calm,” she whispered, even as her own fear shone in her wide, golden eyes.
“What have we here?” a gruff voice drawled. One of the soldiers, his stance lazy but menacing, stepped into the circle, surveying your group like a hunter examining his prey. “Hey, Colonel! Check it out—four fingers,” another soldier sneered, grabbing Kiri’s hand and holding it up for inspection. “We got a half-breed.”
The so-called Colonel strode into view, his presence radiating authority. His sharp gaze landed on Kiri, lingering with an unsettling intensity. “Hmm,” he murmured, studying her face as if searching for something—or someone.
Then his eyes shifted to Lo’ak. “Your turn, kid. Hands up.”
Lo’ak hesitated but couldn’t resist a defiant smirk. He raised one hand—middle finger extended.
The Colonel let out a low chuckle, unbothered by the gesture. “You’re his, aren’t you?” he remarked, grabbing Lo’ak by the back of his head and yanking him upward. “Yeah, you’re his alright,” he said with a smirk, his tone laced with certainty.
A hiss escaped your lips, anger bubbling in your chest as you watched Lo’ak struggle. Spider, beside you, yelled, “Stop!” His voice cracked with urgency, but the soldiers didn’t falter.
The Colonel’s gaze sharpened. “Where is he?” he demanded. Lo’ak responded in Na’vi, feigning ignorance. You doubted the Colonel believed him, especially when he responded in fluent Na’vi, his accent rough but intelligible. “Where is your father?” he pressed, tightening his grip on Lo’ak’s braid until the boy snarled in pain.
Tuk’s cries grew louder, her small body trembling as she clung to Kiri, who tried her best to shield her. Spider, unable to stand it any longer, surged forward, shouting in English, “Leave him alone!” His boldness momentarily startled the Colonel, who turned to face the human boy.
“And you are?” the Colonel asked, his voice deceptively calm.
Spider hesitated, his jaw clenching before he muttered, “Spider. Socorro.”
The name hung in the air like a physical blow. The Colonel’s expression shifted, a flicker of something unguarded crossing his face. He stepped closer, his towering frame leaning down to meet Spider’s gaze.
“Miles?” he said softly, the word laden with disbelief. “Miles Socorro?”
“Nobody calls me that,” Spider spat, his voice cold and venomous.
“Well, I’ll be damned,” the Colonel muttered, straightening. He regarded Spider with a strange mix of recognition and regret. “Figured they’d have sent you back to Earth.”
Spider’s jaw tightened. “Yeah, well, you can’t put babies in cryo, dipshit,” he snapped.
The Colonel’s composure faltered, but only briefly. “Take him,” he ordered one of his soldiers. Spider struggled as they restrained him, his fury burning brighter than his fear.
You couldn’t look away as the Colonel continued issuing commands, his voice low but firm. A holographic screen flickered to life nearby, and your stomach dropped. On the screen was Neytiri, younger but unmistakably fierce, her face painted with war markings. Beside her stood Jake, his expression deadly serious, their images pulled from another time.
The Colonel’s voice, almost reverent, cut through the silence. “You’re his,” he repeated, more to himself than anyone else, as he stared at the screen.
The weight of the situation settled heavily on your chest. This wasn’t just about you or even Lo’ak. It was about something much bigger—a history of violence and vengeance you were only beginning to understand.
-
The hours bled into the night, the oppressive weight of captivity making every minute feel like an eternity. Rain had begun to fall, drenching your skin and soaking the ground beneath you, turning it into a slick, treacherous mess. The soldiers' grip on you had weakened, their vigilance dulled by fatigue and the downpour. Most of them now focused on keeping watch over the surrounding forest as shadows danced ominously in the dim light.
Through the hum of the rain and the occasional barked orders of the Colonel, you caught it—a sound so faint it could have been mistaken for the wind. But you knew better. It was unmistakable. Neytiri's calls.
Your heart leaped, and you quickly glanced at the others. Lo'ak's ears twitched, Ki'ri froze, and Tuk, despite her tears, perked up. Relief began to seep into your bones, chasing away the cold fear. You exchanged silent looks, a flicker of hope shared in a single nod.
The sound came again, closer now, a yipping war cry that sent chills up your spine.
Then it happened.
An arrow flew through the air with a deadly hiss, striking true into the skull of the soldier holding Ki'ri. He collapsed without a sound, the sheer suddenness of it turning the camp into chaos.
The world erupted into noise.
Shouts and screams filled the air as the soldiers scrambled to make sense of the ambush. The Colonel barked commands, his deep voice cutting through the cacophony like a whip. You could barely make out his words, but the panic in his tone was unmistakable.
Amid the confusion, adrenaline surged through you, giving you the strength you didn't know you had. You pulled at the ropes binding your wrists, the sharp fibers biting into your skin until they finally gave way, leaving red, raw marks.
Ignoring the sting, you surged to your feet, dirt and scratches covering every inch of your body. Tuk was your first thought. You spotted her struggling a few paces away, her small frame trembling as tears streamed down her face. Without hesitation, you darted toward her, only to be intercepted by a soldier lunging at you with a knife.
Time seemed to slow as you ducked under his swing, instincts taking over. Grabbing his arm, you twisted with all your strength, forcing him off balance. He fell with a grunt, landing awkwardly at your feet. Before he could recover, Lo'ak appeared out of nowhere, delivering a swift blow that rendered the man unconscious.
"Run!" Lo'ak shouted, grabbing Tuk's hand and shoving her toward you.
You didn't need to be told twice. Hoisting Tuk onto your back, you bolted, your legs pumping with all the strength you could muster. Despite the mud and uneven terrain, you moved with a speed born of desperation. Tuk clung to you tightly, her small hands clutching your shoulders as if her life depended on it.
Chaos reigned around you. The sharp crack of gunfire mingled with the thrum of arrows slicing through the air. The forest was alive with movement—Na'vi warriors blending seamlessly with the shadows as they struck from every angle. Soldiers fell one by one, their shouts of pain drowned out by the roar of the storm.
You glanced back to see Ki'ri and Spider running close behind, their faces etched with determination despite the terror in their eyes. Neytiri's voice rang out in the distance, a fierce, commanding cry that filled you with renewed courage.
Suddenly, Spider stumbled, tripping over a fallen tree. He hit the ground hard, his breath knocked out of him. Ki'ri skidded to a halt, her scream piercing through the chaos.
"Spider!"
You stopped abruptly at the edge of a steep drop, your heart racing as you turned to see him struggling to get up. Tuk whimpered against your back, her fear palpable.
Before you could act, a shadow dropped down beside you. You whirled, bow drawn, only to lower it in relief as Neytiri's piercing gaze met yours.
She took in the scene with a single glance, her expression hardening as she motioned for Ki'ri to keep moving. "Come! We must go!"
Reluctantly, you obeyed, running alongside Ki'ri as Neytiri covered your retreat. Spider's absence weighed heavily on you, but there was no time to process it. Not yet.
The forest opened into a clearing, and two figures emerged from the shadows. Jake and Neteyam. Relief flooded you at the sight of them, their weapons ready as they ran to meet you.
Tuk scrambled off your back, flinging herself into Jake's arms with a sob. You collapsed to your knees, exhaustion catching up to you as Neteyam knelt beside you, his hands gently inspecting your injuries. His worried eyes met yours, silently asking if you were okay.
"I’m fine," you managed to croak, though the trembling in your hands betrayed your words.
The brief moment of reprieve was shattered by Lo'ak's voice, sharp and anguished. "Where's Spider?"
All eyes turned to Ki'ri, who broke down in sobs. "They took him," she choked out, the words heavy with despair.
Jake pulled her into his arms, whispering soothing words you couldn't hear. Neytiri wrapped you and Tuk in a protective embrace, her body trembling as she whispered a prayer to Eywa.
The weight of everything—the chaos, the fear, the loss—crashed down on you. Tears spilled from your eyes as you clung to Neytiri, your sobs muffled against her shoulder.
In the distance, the storm raged on, a reflection of the turmoil within you. Spider was gone, you had lost one of your own.
-
The rain had tapered off into a light drizzle by the time the chaos subsided. Neytiri, with Tuk clinging tightly to her side, began issuing quiet commands to the group, her sharp eyes scanning the surroundings for any further threats. Jake stood nearby, speaking quickly in low tones to Lo'ak and Kiri, his face a mixture of determination and worry. You lingered a few steps away, clutching your arms as the adrenaline began to wane, leaving behind the aches and bruises from the earlier skirmish. Neteyam moved past you, his presence steadying as he checked on his siblings.
The group moved swiftly towards the ikrans, Neytiri leading the way. The air was thick with tension and exhaustion, but you all knew the importance of getting out of the area quickly. As you approached the rocky outcrop where the ikrans waited, Neytiri turned to assign pairs.
“Tuk rides with me,” she said firmly, her protective instincts still sharp. Tuk nodded, too shaken to protest.
“Kiri, with me,” Jake added, placing a hand on her shoulder. She hesitated for a moment but followed him without a word.
Lo'ak whistled for his own ikran, which arrived with a sharp screech, the bond between them evident in the way it landed and immediately lowered itself for him. That left you and Neteyam standing together, the stormy skies overhead mirroring the unspoken tension between you two.
Neteyam’s ikran, Tar’ek, swooped down gracefully, its wings flaring as it landed beside him. He glanced at you, his golden eyes unreadable. “You’re with me,” he said, his voice calm but firm.
You hesitated for a moment, the weight of the day’s events pressing heavily on your chest. But you nodded, stepping forward as he mounted the ikran and extended a hand to help you up. His touch was steady and warm against your rain-chilled skin as he pulled you up behind him. Your arms instinctively wrapped around his waist as Tar’ek took off, the wind whipping past your face as you left the ground far below.
The flight was silent at first, save for the occasional calls of the ikrans and the sound of the wind rushing past. You could feel the tension in Neteyam’s body as he guided Tar’ek higher, the muscles in his back taut under your hands. You wanted to ask where you were going but bit your tongue, sensing he had a purpose in mind as you had obviously strayed away from the other Sullys.
As the forest below gave way to the misty peaks of the Hallelujah Mountains, Neteyam finally slowed Tar’ek’s pace. He guided the ikran to a smaller, secluded plateau, surrounded by floating rock formations and glowing flora. The area was breathtaking, a peaceful haven suspended in the sky. Tar’ek landed smoothly, and Neteyam dismounted first, turning to help you down. His hands lingered on your waist a moment longer than necessary as he steadied you, his gaze searching yours.
“Come,” he said softly, leading you to a flat rock overlooking the endless expanse of the floating mountains. The air was cool and crisp, carrying the faint hum of distant wildlife.
You sat beside him, your legs dangling over the edge as you tried to gather your thoughts. The silence stretched between you, heavy with unspoken words. Finally, Neteyam broke it.
“Are you alright?” he asked, his voice low but filled with concern. “You… you took some hits back there.”
You glanced down at your hands, the bruises and cuts on your wrists stark against your skin. “I’m fine,” you said quickly, though the tightness in your voice betrayed you.
Neteyam frowned, shifting to face you more fully. “Don’t do that,” he said gently but firmly. “Don’t pretend everything is fine when it’s not.”
You sighed, leaning back on your hands as you looked out at the horizon. “What do you want me to say, Neteyam? That I’m scared? That I don’t know if I’m strong enough for any of this? Your voice cracked, and you quickly looked away, embarrassed by your vulnerability.
Neteyam reached out, his hand brushing against yours before taking it fully. His touch was careful, almost hesitant, as if he was afraid you might pull away. “You are strong,” he said softly. “Stronger than you realize. I’ve seen it every day since you first came to us. Even today, you put yourself in danger to protect Tuk. That’s strength.”
His words warmed something deep inside you, but the weight of the day still hung heavy. You shook your head slightly, a rueful smile tugging at your lips. “Sometimes I think you see more in me than there really is.”
Neteyam’s grip on your hand tightened slightly, his golden eyes locking onto yours with an intensity that made your breath catch. “No,” he said firmly. “I see you. The real you. And I…” He trailed off, his gaze dropping for a moment as if searching for the right words.
Your heart raced as the air between you seemed to grow thicker, charged with something unspoken but undeniable. “Neteyam…” you began, unsure of what you were going to say but feeling the need to break the tension.
He looked back at you, his expression softer now but no less earnest. “I care about you,” he said quietly. “More than I probably should. And I… I don’t want to lose you. Not to them, not to anything.”
His words sent a shiver down your spine, equal parts fear and exhilaration. You swallowed hard, your thoughts a whirlwind of emotions. “Neteyam, I…” You hesitated, your voice barely above a whisper. “This isn’t the time. Everything is so… complicated right now.”
He nodded slowly, his thumb brushing gently over the back of your hand. “I know. I just needed you to know.”
The weight of his confession hung between you, fragile but full of meaning. You looked at him, the vulnerability in his eyes mirroring your own. Without thinking, you leaned forward, your forehead pressing gently against his in a gesture of comfort and connection. His hands came up to rest lightly on your arms, his touch grounding you as the world seemed to fade away.
For a moment, nothing else mattered. Not the danger, not the chaos, not the uncertainty of what lay ahead. Just the quiet understanding that had formed between you.
You pulled back slightly, your gaze meeting his as your fingers brushed against his cheek, tracing the faint lines of dirt and sweat that marked his skin. “Thank you,” you said softly, though you weren’t entirely sure what you were thanking him for. His honesty, his steadiness, his presence—all of it.
Neteyam smiled faintly, his hand coming up to cover yours where it rested against his cheek. “For you, always.”
The moment lingered, stretching into something timeless. And then, as if drawn by a force neither of you could resist, your lips met in a kiss that was both hesitant and full of promise. His hand slid to the back of your neck, his touch gentle but firm as he deepened the kiss. Your own hands found their way to his shoulders, anchoring yourself in the warmth and safety of his embrace.
When you finally pulled back, breathless and slightly dazed, he rested his forehead against yours once more. “I’ll wait,” he said simply, his voice steady despite the storm of emotions in his eyes. “As long as it takes.”
You nodded, your heart full despite the uncertainty that still loomed ahead. For the first time in what felt like forever, you felt a glimmer of hope—a sense that, no matter what came next, you wouldn’t face it alone.
The quiet moment was interrupted by the sound of Tar’ek shifting behind you, his wings rustling as if to remind you both of the world waiting beyond this secluded haven. Neteyam stood first, offering you his hand to help you up. The connection between you felt stronger now, unspoken but deeply understood.
As you mounted Tar’ek together, the wind picking up around you, Neteyam turned to look at you over his shoulder. “Ready?” he asked, a faint smile playing at his lips.
You nodded, your grip tightening around his waist. “Ready.”
And with that, Tar’ek took off, soaring into the endless sky as the Hallelujah Mountains faded into the distance and you returned to the Hometree to call this long day to an end
-
As the glowing tapestry of Pandora’s bioluminescent night spread across the forest, you and Neteyam returned to the Home Tree. The flight back had been mostly quiet, a sense of understanding lingering between you both. The warmth of his presence still tingled against your skin, a stark reminder of the moment you’d just shared. But now, the hum of the tree’s life and the rustling movements of its inhabitants brought you back to the present.
Landing gracefully on a large branch, Neteyam extended a hand to help you dismount. His touch lingered for a moment longer than necessary, and you couldn’t help but glance at him. There was something reassuring about his calm demeanor, though the weight of the earlier events still clouded his eyes.
“They’re inside,” he said quietly, nodding toward the central gathering space nestled within the Home Tree.
You both made your way toward the softly glowing heart of the Omatikaya home, the distant murmurs of Jake and Neytiri’s voices growing louder with each step. As you approached, a shadow darted past you. It was Lo’ak, motioning urgently for you both to follow him. You frowned but obeyed, slipping into the cover of a nearby alcove where Tuk and Kiri were already crouched, their expressions tense.
“What’s going on?” you whispered, kneeling beside them.
“Mom and Dad are fighting,” Tuk whispered back, her wide eyes glistening with unease.
Kiri rolled her eyes, though the concern in her face betrayed her attempt at nonchalance. “It’s not just a fight. They’re talking about leaving the clan.”
The weight of her words hit you like a blow. “Leaving?” you echoed, your voice barely audible.
Neteyam crouched behind you, his hand brushing your shoulder as he leaned in. “Stay quiet,” he murmured, his voice low and steady.
From your hidden vantage point, you could just make out Jake and Neytiri in the central space. Jake’s tone was calm but firm, while Neytiri’s voice rose and fell, laced with anger and desperation.
“We cannot stay here, Neytiri. The humans know too much. They’ve taken Spider, and it’s only a matter of time before they come for us again,” Jake said, pacing in tight circles.
“This is our home!” Neytiri shot back, her voice cracking with emotion. “The Omatikaya have stood against the Sky People before. We can do it again.”
Jake stopped in his tracks, running a hand through his braids. “Not at this cost. Look at our children, Neytiri! They were taken. They could have been killed. I can’t risk that again.”
Neytiri’s hands clenched into fists at her sides. “You think running will save them? Running will make us weak. It will make us prey.”
“It will give us time,” Jake countered, his tone softening. “Time to regroup. To protect them.”
You felt a pang in your chest as you watched Neytiri’s shoulders sag, the weight of her anguish visible in every line of her body. Her gaze turned toward the tree’s central tendrils, glowing faintly with the life force of Eywa.
“What about Eywa?” she said, her voice trembling. “What about the balance we have fought to protect? If we leave, what will happen to our people? To our home?”
Jake stepped closer to her, placing a hand gently on her shoulder. “Neytiri,” he said softly, “our home is with our family. Wherever we go, as long as we’re together, that is home.”
You shifted uncomfortably, the words settling heavily in your mind. The thought of leaving the Omatikaya, the forest that had become your sanctuary, was almost too much to bear. But the raw fear in Jake’s voice was undeniable.
Beside you, Lo’ak exhaled sharply, his fists clenched in frustration. “He’s giving up,” he muttered under his breath.
“Shh,” Kiri hissed, shooting him a warning glance.
The argument continued, ebbing and flowing like a storm, but you could sense that Jake’s resolve was unyielding. Neytiri, though fierce and proud, seemed to waver, the weight of her family’s safety pulling her in two directions. Finally, Jake’s voice rang out, firm and final.
“We leave at dawn.”
The words hung in the air like a death knell. Tuk let out a soft gasp, and Kiri’s lips pressed into a thin line. Lo’ak shook his head, muttering curses under his breath. You glanced at Neteyam, whose jaw was set, his eyes fixed on the ground.
“What do we do now?” Tuk whispered, her voice trembling.
Neteyam straightened, his hand brushing yours briefly as he stood. “We follow orders,” he said quietly, though there was a hint of hesitation in his voice.
Lo’ak scoffed. “Of course you’d say that. Perfect little soldier.”
Neteyam’s eyes flashed with frustration, but he held his tongue. Instead, he turned to you. “Are you okay?” he asked softly, his gaze searching yours.
You nodded, though the tightness in your chest belied your calm expression. “I will be,” you said, your voice steadier than you felt.
As the siblings began to disperse, each retreating to their own thoughts and fears, Neteyam lingered beside you. He seemed to sense your unease, his hand hovering near yours as if offering silent support.
“Come on,” he said finally, his voice gentle. “We should rest. Tomorrow will be... difficult.”
You followed him toward the sleeping quarters, the echoes of Jake and Neytiri’s argument still ringing in your ears.
Later that night the family's tent was warm and filled with the faint glow of bioluminescent tendrils weaving through its structure. Everyone was settling down for the night, though the weight of the earlier argument still lingered. Tuk was already nestled in her corner, playing with a small glowing toy crafted from the forest’s treasures. Kiri sat cross-legged beside her, meticulously weaving a delicate bracelet from colorful strands. Lo’ak lounged on his mat, tossing a polished stone into the air and catching it with practiced ease. Neteyam, usually standing at a distance, now sat closer than usual against a wall, the sharp sound of his dagger scraping against the stone punctuating the otherwise quiet air. His posture was relaxed, but his eyes flickered to you occasionally, as though checking to see if you were alright.
You found yourself sitting near the entrance, but not as far as you might’ve usually sat. There was something about Neteyam’s proximity tonight, a subtle shift that hadn’t gone unnoticed by the others. You didn’t mind the closeness, but you couldn’t help feeling the weight of everyone’s glances, especially when Neteyam’s shoulder brushed yours as he shifted.
Jake entered first, his presence commanding the room even in its silence. He dropped down next to Neytiri, who gave him a sidelong glance but said nothing. After a moment of quiet, Tuk broke the silence.
“Dad, why do you always sit like that? You look like a tree stump.”
The entire tent erupted in laughter at Tuk’s innocent yet pointed observation. Jake raised an eyebrow, feigning offense. “A tree stump? I’ll have you know, Tuk, this is the proper warrior’s resting posture.”
“Yeah, for warriors with no backs,” Lo’ak teased, grinning. “You’re slouching.”
Jake shook his head, a reluctant smile spreading across his face. “Watch it, boy. Keep talking, and you’ll be on ikran-cleaning duty for a week.”
Lo’ak rolled his eyes. “What else is new?”
Neytiri chuckled softly, her earlier tension easing as she turned to Tuk. “Your father always says he is resting like a warrior, but he really just doesn’t want to admit he’s getting old.”
“Old?” Jake protested, his eyes wide. “I’m not old! I’m just... experienced.”
“That’s what old people say,” Kiri quipped without looking up from her bracelet, her voice dripping with mischief.
Even Neteyam, who often played the role of the mature older brother, couldn’t suppress a smirk. “Don’t worry, Dad. You’re still young at heart. Sort of.”
Jake threw his hands up in mock surrender. “I can see I’m outnumbered here. Neytiri, back me up?”
Neytiri smirked but didn’t come to his rescue. Instead, she turned to you, her eyes sparkling with humor. “What do you think? Is he old?”
Caught off guard, you laughed nervously, glancing at Jake before your gaze shifted back to Neteyam, who was sitting uncharacteristically close. He didn’t say anything, but his quiet presence seemed to have a calming effect on you. “I mean... you’re definitely more experienced than most, Jake.”
The tent burst into laughter again, and Jake shook his head, though he couldn’t hide his grin. “You’re all traitors. Every last one of you.”
Tuk climbed into Neytiri’s lap, giggling. “You still love us, though!”
Jake reached over to ruffle her hair. “Yeah, yeah. You’re lucky I do.”
The conversation shifted after a while, moving from teasing to sharing stories about the day. Tuk enthusiastically recounted her attempts to climb one of the smaller trees near the Home Tree, complete with dramatic reenactments of her near falls. Kiri shared her latest observations about the forest’s wildlife, her fascination shining through every word. Lo’ak chimed in with an exaggerated tale of a sparring match he’d won against one of the other young hunters, which Neteyam quickly and humorously corrected.
“And then he tripped over his own tail,” Neteyam added, his tone deadpan.
Lo’ak groaned. “You just can’t let me have one moment, can you?”
“Nope,” Neteyam replied with a grin, earning more laughter from the group.
As the evening wore on, the family’s energy softened, and the tent grew quieter. Neytiri began humming a soft, familiar tune, one that seemed to soothe everyone. Jake leaned back, his arm resting lightly around her shoulders, and for the first time that evening, the tension melted away entirely.
-
You had settled into your mat near the entrance, feeling the warmth of the fire dimming as the family slowly drifted to sleep.
As sleep began to take hold, your mind wandered, drifting from one fragmented thought to another.
It started as a whisper—an image in the distance. Faces, blurry at first, then sharper, clearer. Your mother, Ronal, with her strong, serene gaze, her warm smile that had always been a source of comfort. And Tonowari, your father, a figure of strength, his expression softening whenever he spoke to you or Tsireya. The memory of their voices was fleeting, like the echo of a song you could never quite remember the lyrics to. But you could almost hear them, calling your name, a soft murmur in the waves, as if they were trying to reach you from somewhere far beyond.
Then the dream shifted.
You were no longer in the tent, but outside, by the water. The cool breeze kissed your skin as you dove into the waves, the ocean’s familiar pull tugging at you. Your siblings were with you—Tsireya, her laughter bright and carefree, Ao’nung playfully teasing you. You could hear it all so clearly. Ao’nung’s teasing remarks, always sharp but never cruel. Tsireya’s soft giggles, her voice always gentle and full of love. You and Ao’nung were in the middle of an argument, as usual, but it was playful, a back-and-forth you’d had a thousand times before.
The warmth of the moment was overwhelming, and for a fleeting second, everything felt right. It was so real. Your family, your home, your life before.
But then the waves changed.
A sudden, unrelenting current surged beneath you, yanking you away from your siblings. The water churned around you, and panic flooded your chest as you struggled to stay afloat. The world blurred into a wild, chaotic rush of water and light. For a brief moment, you glimpsed something beneath the surface—a flash of a spirit tree, glowing faintly beneath the depths, like a beacon in the storm. The light pulsed around you as you were dragged deeper, your body fighting against the current that pulled you farther and farther from safety. The water twisted around you like a tightening grip, and everything became a blur of colors and sounds, a feeling of desperation and fear.
And then—darkness.
You gasped awake, the images from the dream still vivid in your mind, lingering like shadows against the darkness of the tent. Your heart raced, your body tense. The nightmare—or whatever it was—still clung to you, the images of these people you did not know, the waves, the pull of the current. You quickly scanned the room, making sure no one had noticed your restless movements.
It took a few moments for the rapid beat of your heart to slow down, for your breathing to steady. The tent was quiet again, everyone settled into their places. The soft sounds of the forest outside seemed to mock the pounding in your chest, and you cursed under your breath for waking up so abruptly.
It was just a dream. But it felt so real. Too real.
With a deep breath, you pulled the covers tighter around you, forcing your eyes to close again, though sleep seemed farther away now.
My goodness! Finally was able to finish this chapter! Honestly took me so long to find the motivation to write that action scene lol but I made it. I was originally going to drag it out further but I realized it was already getting too long and decided to stop it here!
A young Metkayina with no memory of her past is taken in by the forest as she washes ashore. With no recollection of her identity she uncovers a new life, following the Sullys as they take her in with them through their journey.
Word Count: 6...k
Chapter 4: The Beginning of it all
The High Camp was filled with the quiet sounds of life; tools being sharpened, Na'vi laughing softly together, and of course, Tuk running around with a ikran figurine yelling "Attack, Attack' over and over as passing Na'vi rush out of her way as she charges their way.
Jake, Neytiri, Lo'ak ,and Neteyam, as well as the war party had gone out for confrontation against the sky people. It had been two days since their return to Eywa'eveng, and ever since then, Jake and Neytiri have been non-stop planning and charting moves in retaliation. Today is when they finally headed out, Neteyam and Lo'ak doing sky patrolling with some other fellow Na'vi warriors as the rest covered ground.
You were sickly worried for them, afraid anything bad would happen, but as of now, you sat close by Kiri and Spider who you had just met a few days ago. Aparently you hadn't met him before due to him having some human illness called a 'cold'.
"I'm definitely faster when I'm blue" Spider says with a laugh, smearing some dark blue paint onto his arm from your hands as you held the bowl of war paint for him.
"Skxawng" you teased, a brief of humor trying to push away your anxiety.
"No seriously" he insists
"And the animals respect me more, they don't think of me as human" he adds on, still looking down at his body as him and Ki'ri add more paint to his body.
"Wait" Kiri exclaims as she jumps away from you, "You're human?" she exclaims teasingly
Spider blinked "Ha-Ha" without warning, he scoopes up some paint and throws it at her face. The paint splattered across her cheek, some streaking onto yours as well.
"Hey!" you yelped, a mix of surprise and irritation crossing your face.
Kiri wiped the paint from her cheek and burst into laughter, the sound contagious. Spider followed suit, his previous cocky grin making a triumphant return.
"Come on, let's show him he can't just do that!" you challenged, picking up some paint yourself. With a quick movement, you hurled it at spider, hitting him squarely on his shoulder.
"Oh, it's war now!" Spider yelled, grabbing more paint, but before he could lunge it at you a change in the air stopped him in his tracks.
A powerful gust of air stirred the fabric of the tents sorrounding you and above you, and the unmistakable sound of ikran wings beating through the sky cut through the camp.
The conch blew, a sharp sound that sent waves of warriors rushing into the camp, their yips and ululations announcing their arrival with fierce pride. Tuk's voice broke through the growing atmosphere of anticipation. "They're coming!" she shouted as she sprinted toward you, her small ikran figurine still clutched in her tiny hand.
"Ki'ri, Spider, Y/n!" she calls, breathless but urgent. "The War Party's coming back! Come on, come on"
Instinctively, you leapt to your feet alongside Ki'ri and Spider, a mix of adrenaline and worry settling in your chest once again.
"Let's go, come on" Kiri urged, her voice of determined.
Spider fumbled, trying to dip his hand back in the bowl of war paint. His clumsy effort failed, the paint spilling back into his fingers, but he just rolled his eyes in frustration. You couldn't help but smirk at his failed attempt of revenge. The small interaction was a quick distraction from the more pressing worries weighing youe heart.
Together, you sprint to the cliff, where two ikrans landed gracefully in front of you. Your gaze immediatly landed on Neteyam.
He sat in front of Jake, slumped but still upright, exhaustion etched across his face. His body was battered and bruised, fresh scratches cutting through his dirt-smeared skin.
His face with fresh wounds, his arms smeared with blood you just hoped was not his, and his abdomen and thighs holding bruises and scratches.
Jake carefully helped Neteyam dismount, but the concern barely had time to settle before another ikran landed. Lo'ak appeared, his condition much better than the other boy.
Said boy made eye contact with you as you urged him to approach. without thinking, you closed the gap between you, grabbing his arm and running your fingers gently around the fresh wounds on his abdomen; next you saw his face, first his fresh scratches, then the dirt, and then his eyes. He looked directly at you, expression undescribable as his cheeks flushed.
Suddently, awareness struck you. Your cheeks flushed, heat rising to your face as the reality of the situation became painfully clear. You jumped back, creating space between the two of you.
before you could say anything, Jake's voice cut through the moment like a blade, " Fall in" he barked, the authority in his tone silencing everything else. The demand was directed at his sons.
Neteyam’s ears drooped as he averted his gaze, the brief moment of vulnerability disappearing behind a mask of responsibility. He refocused on his father, every inch of his posture stiffening with the pressure he carried as the older son.
“You’re supposed to be spotters!” Jake continued, his voice a mixture of fury and disappointment. “You spot bogeys, and you call ‘em in! From a distance! Does any of this sound familiar?”
"Get here!" he directs his eyes to Lo'ak, who had been quietly backing away from the interaction, glancing at his father but obeying his command.
You see Kiri approach Neteyam, who held his head down and his sister held his arm in support. Jake had this habit you noticed, he expected more of Neteyam, he expected him to be responsible, the perfect child, and you knew more than anything the kind of effect this had on him.
"Jesus. I let you two geniuses fly a mission and you disobey direct orders" he adds on.
"Ki'ri, Y/n, can you go help your grandmother with the wounded, please?" this time he directs his eyes to Ki'ri and you in desperation, clearly not wanting you two to witness him this way.
"My brother is wounded." Kiri stepped forward, her voice a mix of worry and defiance as Neteyam whispered low reassurances.
"Baby girl, please" Jake insists, "Tuk, go with them. Go"
"Dad- Sir, I take full responsiblity" “Sir, I take full responsibility,” Neteyam spoke up, his voice steady even as his eyes shimmered with the weight of his father’s expectations.
“Yeah, you do,” Jake replied, his gaze meeting Neteyam’s with a grim sense of resolution. “Because you’re the older brother. You gotta act like it.”
A groan escaped from Tuk, her frustration bubbling up as she joined Kiri and you, the small group beginning to walk away. The interaction had left a bitter taste in your mouth, but there was no time to dwell on it.
“MaJake,” Tuk’s voice whispered the last thing you heard as you entered the infirmary tent flaps.
-
Inside, the air was filled with the scent of healing herbs and the quiet groans of wounded warriors. The infirmary was a place of both vulnerability and resilience. You spotted familiar faces—Na'vi warriors lying on makeshift cots, their injuries evidence of the constant battles. Spider and Kiri set to work helping bandage wounds, their hands steady despite the chaos outside.
You moved through the infirmary with focused determination, your eyes scanning the wounded for anyone who needed immediate attention. The dim, flickering light inside the tent cast long shadows on the worn, dirt-streaked walls. The atmosphere was heavy, a palpable tension hanging in the air alongside the scent of medicinal plants that clung to everything.
A warrior groaned softly as you passed, a deep cut across his arm soaked through a frayed bandage. You knelt down to his side, quickly assessing his condition. You tore a piece of cloth from a nearby roll and gently pressed it onto his wound, your movements precise but empathetic.
“You’ll be okay,” you murmured softly, your voice steady even as your own hands shook slightly. It wasn’t just about healing—they needed hope, a flicker of belief that they would rise again, stronger.
“Thank you,” the warrior whispered, his eyes meeting yours briefly before exhaustion took over his gaze.
Nearby, Spider was trying to stabilize a younger warrior who had a fractured leg. Sweat beaded on his brow as he carefully aligned the limb, using sticks and cloth to create a makeshift splint. Kiri worked alongside him, handing tools and bandages without hesitation, her expression a mix of professionalism and care.
Suddently you felt a new presece enter the room, it was Neteyam and Lo'ak. You supposed Jake had sent them here to get patched up so after you got done with the fellow warrior under your attention, you walked up to them.
"Come on, let's get uou both patched up," you said, a no-nonsense tone settling into your voice.
Neteyam followed suit, seating down heavily on a cot infront of his grandmother as Lo'ak sat in of him as you began working on some small scratches on his back.
"Ow, ow!" you looked up stratled, Neteyam's yelp earing everyone's attention as Mo'at simply resumed her work disregarding her grandson's dramatic flare.
"Aw, want a kiss on the boo-boo?" Spider teases, earning a scowl from Neteyam in return.
"Give him this" You whisper to Tuk who sat in front of Ki'ri who was healing another warrior in the process.
"here drink" you hear Tuk say to neteyam who smiles at her.
-
Shortly after finishing in the infirmary, the group had gone its separate ways. Neteyam was pulled aside by his father, who, after cooling off, apologized for his harshness and took him with as they went to go on a fly. You however, found yourself being dragged off to Eywa-knows-where by the rest of the Sully siblings- minus Tuk, who stayed behind with Neytiri.
Before you knew it, you were stepping into a large tent unlike any you’d seen before. Lo'ak and Ki'ri walked closely on either side of you, their excitement practically buzzing through the air.
The interior of the tent was a curious blend of human and Na'vi influences. Holographic screens flickered softly, illuminating piles of cables, monitors, and other bits of human technology that looked oddly out of place among the woven mats and earthy tones of the space. The hum of machinery mixed with the faint rustle of leaves outside, creating a strange contrast.
A handful of avatars—Na’vi bodies inhabited by humans—moved about, some checking equipment while others were in the middle of changing. As the group of you entered, a few heads turned, their curiosity evident.
One of the avatars, tall and broad-shouldered, broke into a grin as his gaze landed on Spider. He pulled his shirt off and flicked it playfully at Spider's legs, making the boy jump in surprise.
"Hey, Spider!" the man greeted, the words slightly muffled by the small wooden stick in his mouth. You watched with curiosity, wondering what the stick was for but decided against asking.
Spider, recovering quickly, pointed an accusatory finger at the man. "Your ass is mine!" he shot back with a grin, his tone filled with mock indignation.
The man raised his hands in mock surrender, laughing before turning his attention to the rest of the group. His gaze lingered on you, his expression shifting from recognition to something akin to surprise. Clearly, news of your arrival had traveled fast.
"And who’s this you’ve brought along?" he asked, directing his question toward the Sully kids, though his curious eyes remained fixed on you.
Kiri smirked and nudged your arm lightly. "This is Y/n," she said casually, "our newest recruit."
"Newest recruit, huh?" the man repeated, his tone teasing. He gave a slight nod, a hint of approval in his expression. "Well, welcome to the High Camp, I take it your not from here?"
You offered a polite nod in return, unsure how to respond. Its not like you could tell him exactly where you were from, although it did seem obvious in a way.
Despite the Ometicayan attire you wore now, you could not bring yourself to change your hair, which in return layed down, unbraided for the most part with seashells adorning the two braids that hung in each side of your face. A clear hint of your upbringing and origin.
“Uh, no. Not really,” you said softly, your voice carrying a vague uncertainty that matched the blank spaces in your memory. “I guess I’m still figuring that out.”
The man’s eyes lingered for a moment longer, curiosity evident in his gaze, but he didn’t press further. Instead, he gave a casual shrug, letting the subject drop as he turned to Lo’ak. “So, what brings you all here? Didn’t think Jake was letting you off the leash anytime soon.”
Lo’ak smirked, crossing his arms as he leaned against the nearest counter cluttered with human tools and gadgets. “Just needed to stretch our legs, you know? Besides, Ki'ri wanted to check something.”
At this, Ki'ri stepped forward, her expression serious. “Norm, I have to ask you something. It’s important.”
Norm’s teasing demeanor shifted into something more attentive. “What’s on your mind, kiddo?”
Before Ki'ri could respond, Spider interjected with a cheeky grin. “She’s been acting weird. Zoning out, staring at plants, all that Eywa stuff. Maybe she’s turning into one.”
“Spider!” Ki'ri snapped, shooting him a glare, though there wasn’t any real heat in her tone.
Norm’s expression shifted as he processed her words. “Alright,” he said carefully. “It could be nothing, but it’s worth looking into. When was the last time we ran a scan on you?”
Ki'ri shrugged, avoiding his gaze. “It’s been a while. I haven’t had time.”
Norm crossed his arms, giving her a look that was half-professional and half-parental. “Ki'ri, you know the rules. If anything feels off, we need to check it out. It could be neurological—or something else entirely. You’re different, and we can’t afford to take risks.”
Spider, ever the joker, piped up. “She’s just turning into Eywa. Nothing to scan there.”
“Spider!” Kiri snapped, glaring at him, you felt bad for her, having to deal with her two morons of brothers must really tire her out.
Norm ignored the banter, his tone firm. “Come back to the lab tomorrow. I’ll schedule a full workup—scans, blood tests, the whole deal. Just to be safe.”
Ki'ri sighed but nodded reluctantly. “Fine. Tomorrow.”
“Good,” Norm said, softening slightly. “It’s probably nothing, but I don’t want to take chances with you.”
You bid goodbyes as you headed to a pod of some sort now. At this point you were just following behind the siblings as you had no clue on where you were going. As you head up the stairs, you quip in with Lo'ak who was currently picking on Spider, as always.
"Yeah, those blue stripes don't make you any bigger bro" lo'ak teases, earning a chuckle from you,
"Well, I think they're not bad, they say that camouflage helps a lot in the wilderness y'know" you quipped, a playful smirk on your lips.
Lo'ak groaned dramatically, rolling his eyes"Thanks for taking his side. Some friend you are"
Spider grinned smugly, puffing out his chest. "Finally, someone with taste."
"Don't let it get to your head, monkey boy," you shot back, smirking.
"Yeah, well, I can still kick your ass," Spider retorted, shoving Lo'ak's shoulder lightly before grinning at you.
"As if," you laughed. "You couldn't even take Lo'ak in a real fight"
"Try me," Spider shot back, puffing up again as Lo'ak laughed.
Ki'ri, ever the calm one, trailed behind quietly, rolling her eyes at the ongoing banter.
Spider opened the door to the pod, holding it open for the rest of you. saying "thanks" as you passed by him, Ki'ri doing the same with a nod.
The inside of the pod was bathed in a faint blue light. To your left stood some storage bins and cluttered tables scattered with tools. On the right was a tall glass wall with four smaller pods, which now hissed open to reveal humans—likely from the avatars you had seen earlier.
"Ha-ha, real hysterical, guys," Spider’s voice cut through your thoughts as the Sully siblings erupted in laughter. Whatever Lo'ak had said clearly struck a nerve.
"You know what really sucks, though?" Spider said as Lo'ak grabbed a mask from the wall. Ki'ri turned to you and handed you one as well, explaining that Na'vi couldn't breathe the air inside the pod very well. She helped you adjust the straps before putting on her own.
"What sucks?" you asked curiously, slipping the mask over your face.
"That you guys can breathe Earth air for hours, but I can only breathe your air for, like, ten seconds," he whined, dramatically waving his arms.
"Yeah, monkey boy, that must really suck," Ki'ri teased, her tone dripping with sarcasm as she approached him. "For you!" She poked him in the side with her fingers, grinning mischievously.
Spider flinched and grabbed her tail in retaliation.
"Hey!" Ki'ri hissed, playfully baring her teeth before bolting after him.
"Get back here, tail-puller!" she yelled, her voice full of mock fury.
You leaned against one of the tables, watching the chaos unfold with an amused expression.
“Is this what you guys do for fun? Chase each other around like kids?” you joked, glancing at Lo'ak, who was busy tightening his mask.
"Pretty much," Lo'ak said with a shrug. "You should try it sometime. It’s good cardio."
Spider dashed past you with Ki'ri hot on his heels, her tail flicking in irritation. “Cardio?” you echoed. “That’s rich coming from the guy who hates climbing trees.”
Lo'ak scoffed. “Climbing is different! Running's easy.”
“Uh-huh, sure," you said with a laugh, crossing your arms. "Bet Spider could outrun you any day."
"Don’t bet on that," Spider interjected as he ducked behind a table for cover. “I’ve got stamina, but Lo'ak here can’t keep up with me.”
“I’d win, no question,” Lo'ak shot back, clearly annoyed.
“Is that a challenge I hear?” you teased, raising an eyebrow.
Before Lo'ak could respond, Spider threw a stray towel in his direction and bolted again, with Ki'ri still chasing after him.
“Yeah, yeah, keep running!” Lo'ak shouted after Spider, laughing as he shook his head. The playful banter of the group filled the air, the chaos and laughter lightening the mood around you.
You couldn’t help but join in, your laughter blending with theirs.
As you all moved toward the smaller pods, Kiri spotted a human scientist nearby. You recognized him as Max, and Kiri greeted him with a bright smile.
"Hi, Max!"
"Hey, kids," he replied, his voice warm and familiar.
Spider strolled up next, fist-bumping Max with his usual laid-back attitude. “What’s up, Max? And hey, Norm!”
You gave a small nod to Max as you walked away, curiosity piqued by everything around you. Your attention shifted as you approached a row of blue liquid-filled pods containing Na'vi inside.
Ki'ri trailed close behind, her steps slowing as her eyes lockeed onto one of the pods ahead. Without hesitation, she leapt gracefully onto it, her movements light and fluid. Her gaze softened as she looked at the woman inside, a mix of longing and sadness flickering across her face.
"Hi, Ma" she whispered, her voice longing.
The moment felt deeply personal, and you instinctively began to step back, not wanting to intrude. But Ki'ri turned her head toward you and and called out softly, "Wait, come here"
You, hesitated, unsure if you should, but stepped closer nonetheless. Coming to a stop beside the pod as she still layed atop of it. You felt the smooth, cool surface of the pod beneath your fingers as you reached to touch it. Inside, the woman lay still, her eyes closed, her face serene yet distant. You wondered, was she sick, or simply...dead?
"Is she sick?" you asked softly, afraid that if worded differently it would throw Ki'ri off.
But instead Ki'ri stared down, then at you, her eyes lost in thought before returning to reality. "No, she's... gone, "
You hesitated even more now, your gaze flickering between her and the woman in the pod. "Gone?" you repeated gently, "What do you mean by that?"
"She died" Ki'ri said, her tone clipped, but the sharpness wasn't directed at you. She took a deep breath, as if steadying herself, before continuing. "She died a long time ago. Before I was even born"
Your brow furrowed, and you tilted your head slightly. "Is she not your mom?"
"She is," Ki'ri replied, her voice wavering now. "It's complicated." She placed a hand on the pod, her eyes softening as they lingered on the woman's face. "Her name is Grace, Dr. Grace Augustine. She was a human, a scientist, came here to learn, to study Eywa'eveng, but...she became so much more than that. She's one of us"
You stayed silent, watching as she stared off into nothingness, as if recalling some kind of prophecy before she continued.
"She helped our family- our people- fight against the humans," her voice grew quieter, almost reverent. "She gave everything for this world. For us. But...she didn't make it."
Your heart ached at the weight of her words. "I'm sorry Ki'ri. I didn't know"
She shrugged lightly, though the motion seemed forced. "It's okay. I mean... it's not okay, but I have heard the stories my whole life. She was incredible. Everyone says that. She was brave, strong, and more than anything in this world, she loved this place" her voice broke slightly, and she looked away, blinking rapidly, "But that is all I know my mother by- stories. I never got to know her"
You shifted closer, your voice soft. “But she’s here, isn’t she? In a way. In you.”
Ki’ri smiled faintly, but it didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Yeah. That’s what everyone says.” She tapped the glass of the pod lightly. “They say I’m her daughter because… well, I don’t know exactly how it happened. I’m Na’vi, but I came from her. Somehow.”
You frowned, the pieces of the story not quite fitting together. “Came from her? Like… they made you?”
Ki’ri nodded slowly. “I think so. They say Eywa must have had a hand in it, that it was something bigger than science. I don’t know. I don’t remember her. I don’t remember anything about her.” She swallowed hard, her voice thick with emotion. “And that’s the part that hurts the most. She’s my mom, but… I don’t feel it.”
Your chest tightened at the pain in her words. “I think… I think maybe it doesn’t matter if you remember her,” you said carefully. “Because she’s still a part of you, Ki’ri. Whether you feel it or not. You wouldn’t be here without her, and that’s something.”
Ki’ri glanced at you, her lips curving into a small, bittersweet smile. “You’re way too good at saying stuff like that, you know?”
You smiled back, nudging her lightly. “Hey, someone’s got to balance out Lo’ak’s nonsense.”
Ki’ri chuckled softly, the sound breaking through the heaviness in the air. “You’ve got a point there.”
For a moment, the two of you sat in silence, gazing at the pod. Then Ki'ri spoke again, her voice low, "I just wish... I could speak to her. Just once. I wish I could hear her voice and ask her if I'm doing this right. If she'd be proud."
You reached out, resting a hand gently on her arm. "She would be.
I don’t even know her, but I can tell you that much. She’d be so proud of you, Ki’ri. And I bet she’d tell you that you’re stronger than you think.”
Ki’ri’s eyes shimmered with unshed tears as she looked at you. “Thanks,” she murmured. Then, with a shaky laugh, she added, “I needed that.”
“Anytime,” you said softly, giving her arm a reassuring squeeze.
Before either of you could say more, Spider’s voice rang out from across the room. “Hey! You guys need to see this!”
Ki’ri exhaled, wiping at her eyes before hopping down from the pod. “Come on,” she said, her voice steadier now. “Let’s see what dumb thing Spider’s found this time.”
As you followed her, you couldn’t help but glance back at the pod. Dr. Grace’s peaceful expression lingered in your mind, and you found yourself silently hoping that, somehow, she could see Ki’ri now. If she could, you were sure she’d be proud too.
You followed Ki’ri over to where the others were gathered around a console, the glow of the screen illuminating their faces. Spider was grinning, clearly excited to show the video.
Dr. Grace appeared on the screen, vibrant and alive, her voice filled with enthusiasm as she spoke about her research. It was surreal to see her like this, knowing what Ki’ri had just shared.
“She’s amazing,” you said quietly, glancing at Ki’ri, who nodded, her expression softening.
Lo’ak, however, couldn’t resist breaking the moment with his usual brand of humor. “So, who do you think knocked her up?” he asked, grinning.
Ki’ri groaned audibly, rolling her eyes. “Lo’ak, you’re impossible.”
“Pretty sure it was Norm,” Spider chimed in, earning a laugh from Lo’ak.
“Totally Norm,” Lo’ak agreed, his grin widening.
“You do not deserve to live,” Ki’ri snapped, though her scowl didn’t quite hide her amusement.
You couldn’t help but chuckle at their antics, watching the siblings banter. “Do you guys ever let up?” you teased.
“No, no, no, think about it,” Lo’ak said, gesturing animatedly. “He’s the teacher’s pet. He’s out at the lab with her all the time—”
Spider doubled over laughing, while Ki’ri groaned again, her hands covering her face. “I would drink acid,” she muttered.
“Bro, he’s totally giving her looks,” Spider added, pointing at the screen.
“Hey!” Ki’ri shouted, cutting them off. “Enough!”
But Lo’ak wasn’t done. “I’m just saying, their two avatars, out alone in the woods—”
“Gross!” Ki’ri shoved him, her cheeks flushing. “You’re so disgusting!”
Amid the laughter, you found yourself caught up in their lighthearted chaos, a stark contrast to the earlier somber moment. But just as quickly as the mood had lightened, Spider’s voice brought it back down.
“Guys,” he said quietly, “sometimes it’s better not to know who your father is.”
The laughter faded instantly. The room fell silent, the weight of Spider’s words settling over everyone. You glanced at him, noting the tension in his expression.
“I don’t even remember him,” Spider added with a shrug, trying to dismiss the heaviness of his statement.
“Spider…” you said softly, your voice filled with empathy.
Ki’ri stepped closer, her hand resting on his shoulder. “You’re not him,” she said firmly, her tone leaving no room for doubt.
Lo’ak nodded, his usual cockiness replaced with quiet sincerity. “Yeah, bro. You’re one of us.”
You watched as Spider gave a small, reluctant smile, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly.
-
The group began to trek back to the Sully tent, the light of the day faded into the soft glow of the night. Lo'ak and Spider were ahead, joking and pushing each other as Ki'ri walked beside you, her arms crossed and her gaze distant.
"Hey, Ki'ri," you began, glancing at her, the fire of the dim lit flames around you illuminating your aquamarine skin, "Can I ask you something?"
She looked at you, curiosity flickering in her golden eyes. “What’s up?”
You hesitated, unsure how to phrase your question delicately. “Earlier, Spider said… well, he mentioned something about not knowing his father. Do you know who it is?”
Ki’ri sighed, her expression darkening as she looked away. “Yeah, I know.”
You waited for her to continue, sensing that she needed a moment. When she finally spoke, her voice was quiet but firm.
“It’s Quaritch. Colonel Miles Quaritch,” she said, spitting the name like it tasted bitter.
Your eyes widened. “Quaritch? As in… the RDA leader? The one who—”
“Yeah,” Ki’ri interrupted, her voice sharp. “The same one who tried to destroy the Omaticaya, who killed my mom.”
The revelation left you stunned. You glanced toward Spider, who was still laughing with Lo’ak up ahead, his carefree demeanor masking the heavy truth Ki’ri had just shared.
“That’s… a lot,” you admitted, your tone gentle. “How does Spider handle that?”
Ki’ri shrugged, her expression softening slightly. “Better than I would, I guess. He’s strong. But I know it eats at him. It’s why we try to remind him that he’s not his father.” She looked at you then, her gaze serious. “And he’s not. Spider’s one of us, no matter where he came from.”
You nodded, understanding the weight of her words. “Thanks for telling me,” you said softly.
She offered a small smile, and the two of you walked the rest of the way in companionable silence.
-
By the time you reached the tent, the Sully family was alive inside with soft chatter and the warm glow of firelight. Tuk was chattering excitedly to Moat while Neytiri listened with a small smile. Jake was leaning back, talking to Spider, and Lo'ak was already sprawled on a mat, head laying on Ki'ri's lap as she gently braided his hair, the action making it look like he might fall asleep any second.
Neteyam stood near the entrance, his arms crossed as he watched the scene inside. His golden eyes lighting up slighlty at the sight of you who had already been looking his direction.
“Hey,” you said softly. “Can we talk?”
He raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. “Should I be worried?”
You rolled your eyes but couldn’t help smiling. “Just come here.”
You motioned for Neteyam to follow you toward a quieter corner of the Sully tent, away from the bustle of the family. He trailed behind, curious but smirking as if you’d planned something mischievous.
“Alright,” he said, crossing his arms as he sat down beside you. “What’s so important that you had to steal me away from my perfectly comfortable spot near the door?”
You rolled your eyes. “First of all, that ‘perfectly comfortable spot’ looked more like you were brooding. Second, I just wanted to check on you. You’ve been…” You hesitated, searching for the right words. “A little tense, I guess.”
“Tense?” he echoed, raising an eyebrow.
“Yes. Tense. Like, ‘I’m carrying the weight of the world on my shoulders’ kind of tense,” you said, poking his arm lightly for emphasis. “Which, I’m pretty sure, is not a requirement for eldest sibling duties.”
Neteyam chuckled, shaking his head. “You’re observant. Too observant.”
“It’s a gift,” you said, grinning. “Now spill. What’s going on in that big, handsome head of yours?”
He blinked at you, momentarily caught off guard. “Did you just call me handsome?”
You scoffed. “Don’t get cocky. You’re fishing for compliments now.”
“Fishing? No, I think I caught one already,” he teased, leaning closer.
You pushed his shoulder lightly, laughing. “Stop avoiding the question!”
He shook his head, his expression softening. “I’m fine. Really.”
“Neteyam,” you said, leaning closer and fixing him with a look. “That’s not an answer.”
He sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. “It’s nothing. Just… a lot on my plate, you know? I have to keep the family safe, set an example for Lo’ak and Tuk, help my father—”
“And carry the weight of Pandora on your shoulders,” you interjected, finishing his sentence with a knowing look.
He laughed softly, the sound warm but tinged with exhaustion. “Something like that.”
“You know, you’re allowed to be human—well, Na’vi—and not perfect all the time,” you said gently. “You’re allowed to lean on the people who care about you.”
“Lean on you, you mean?” he teased, his grin returning as he bumped his shoulder against yours.
“Yes, lean on me,” you replied, grinning back. “I’m tougher than I look.”
Neteyam studied you for a moment, his golden eyes reflecting the dim light of the tent. “You are,” he admitted softly. “Tougher, braver… probably too good for someone like me.”
You blinked, surprised by his candor. “Neteyam, don’t say that. You’re… you’re incredible. You just need to believe it yourself.”
He chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck again—a habit you’d noticed when he felt vulnerable. “You’re good at this, you know. Saying just the right thing to make me feel better.”
“It’s a talent,” you replied with a wink.
“Seriously,” he said, his tone more earnest now. “Thank you. For noticing. For caring. It means a lot.”
“Anytime,” you said, nudging him lightly.
A moment of silence passed between you, comfortable and charged at the same time. Your knees brushed again, and this time, neither of you moved away.
“You’re really something,” Neteyam murmured, his voice so low it was almost a whisper.
“Back at you,” you replied, a soft smile tugging at your lips.
“Am I interrupting something?” Lo’ak’s voice cut through the moment, startling you both.
Neteyam groaned, throwing his head back dramatically. “Lo’ak, what do you want?”
“Just checking to see if you’re finally confessing your undying love or if I need to keep waiting,” Lo’ak said with a cheeky grin.
You threw a piece of woven cloth at him. “Get lost, Lo’ak!”
“Alright, alright!” Lo’ak laughed, retreating back to the group but not before muttering, “You two are so obvious.”
Neteyam sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Brothers…”
“You love him,” you said with a grin.
“Do I, though?” he replied, shaking his head, though his smile betrayed his affection for his sibling.
As the two of you settled back into your corner, the noise of the family bustling around the tent faded into the background once more.
...
From across the tent, Mo’at observed you and Neteyam closely, her sharp, knowing eyes picking up every detail—the way his body angled slightly toward yours, the gentle laughter that escaped him, the quiet energy between you that spoke volumes without words. Her gaze lingered on the way your knees pressed together, neither of you pulling away, as if the world around you had ceased to exist.
Mo’at nudged Neytiri, her expression serene yet purposeful. “Look,” she murmured, nodding toward the two of you.
Neytiri’s eyes followed her mother’s gesture, settling on the pair of you tucked into the corner of the tent. Neteyam was smiling—a real, unguarded smile that Neytiri hadn’t seen on her son’s face in what felt like years. It softened her own features, her sharp cheekbones relaxing as warmth bloomed in her chest.
“They are close,” she said quietly.
Mo’at’s voice was calm but certain. “It is more than that. Eywa has shown me. They are bound together—stronger than the wind, deeper than the sea. I have seen them, Neytiri. Older, wiser, together. Happy.”
Neytiri blinked, her thoughts momentarily drifting to the many times she had observed you fitting seamlessly into their family. How you helped Tuk weave new hair beads, patiently indulging her every story. How you laughed at Lo’ak’s antics but didn’t let him get away with too much. How you respected Jake’s guidance and even dared to challenge Neytiri’s sharp edges with a quiet strength of your own.
“She is good for him,” Mo’at added, her tone steady, filled with quiet conviction. “Strong of heart, kind of spirit. A worthy match for your eldest.”
Neytiri’s lips curved into a small, knowing smile. “Yes,” she murmured. “She is.”
Across the tent, Jake noticed the two women whispering and leaned closer. “What are you two scheming about now?” he asked with a teasing grin, his voice low enough not to disturb the others.
“Mo’at believes Neteyam has found his mate,” Neytiri replied simply, her voice warm.
Jake raised a brow, following her gaze. His eyes landed on Neteyam and you, seated so closely together that your heads were nearly touching as you exchanged quiet laughs. He watched as you leaned in slightly, whispering something that made Neteyam chuckle—a sound Jake realized he hadn’t heard often enough lately.
“Well, I’ll be damned,” Jake muttered, a slow grin spreading across his face. “Look at that.”
“They bring each other peace,” Neytiri added softly, her gaze lingering on her son’s relaxed posture, the easy way he smiled.
Jake nodded, wrapping an arm around Neytiri’s shoulders. “That’s all we could hope for, right?”
Neytiri leaned into him slightly, her smile growing. “Yes.”
here it is! We are finally leading up to the big scene in the beginning of avatar the way of water and I cannot wait to start writing it!
A young Metkayina with no memory of her past is taken in by the forest as she washes ashore. With no recollection of her identity or her past, she uncovers a new life, following the Sullys as they take her in with them through their journey.
Word Count: 4.4K
Chapter 3: Flashes and Endurance
The morning brought flashes again. At first, they were faint—like brief gusts of wind slipping through cracks in the memory. Warm laughter echoing over waves, a vast expanse of blue, and voices that danced just on the edge of recognition.
You sat near the stream with Kiri, struggling to weave a basket from a bundle of flexible vines she’d handed you. Her hands moved with practiced ease, looping and twisting in a rhythm that seemed innate. Yours fumbled clumsily, the ends slipping through your fingers as your focus splintered under the weight of another memory flash.
This one was sharper—too vivid to ignore. You gasped softly, clutching the half-formed basket as a familiar yet unplaceable ache rolled over you.
Kiri paused her weaving, glancing up from her work with perceptive eyes. “What did you see this time?”
You hesitated, not wanting to sound strange or weak. “It’s nothing,” you deflected, your voice tight. “Just a... feeling, I guess.”
Her fingers stilled completely, her gaze sharpening. “It’s never ‘nothing,’” she said quietly. “Tell me. Eywa might be trying to show you something.”
Her words settled over you like a warm blanket, equal parts comforting and unsettling. You bit your lip, gathering the courage to speak. “I... I think I heard laughter. The sound of the ocean. It felt... familiar, but I don’t know why.”
Kiri nodded, her expression serene yet thoughtful. “The ocean. That’s interesting.” She tapped her chin before adding, “You’re hearing memories.”
“Memories?” The idea made your heart skip.
Kiri tilted her head, her braids falling softly over her shoulder. “Sometimes Eywa whispers to us through what we remember—what we’ve lost. It’s like she’s guiding us back to ourselves. But it’s never forced. It’s when you’re ready.”
You stared into the rushing stream, her words tumbling through your mind. Could Eywa be calling you? Guiding you? The thought stirred something within—a quiet hope tangled with fear of the unknown.
“I don’t know if I’ll ever understand it,” you admitted softly.
Kiri smiled, her voice warm and steady. “You will. Give it time. These things don’t happen all at once.”
Her confidence was infectious. The memory flashes still felt overwhelming, but her reassurance planted a seed of calm in the chaos.
-
The next afternoon, Lo’ak had decided it was time to test your abilities in the forest. "Come on," he called from the clearing, tossing a small bow into your hands with a grin. "You’ve been hanging around the village for days now. You need to get in the action!"
You stared down at the weapon. It felt unfamiliar, cold in your grip, but you weren’t about to back down. "What do you expect me to do with this?" you asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Just aim and shoot," Lo’ak replied nonchalantly. "You’ve got to start somewhere."
Before you could protest, Neteyam’s voice rang out from behind you, more serious than Lo’ak’s usual teasing tone. “You can’t just throw her into this, Lo’ak. She doesn’t know how to hunt yet.”
Lo’ak waved off his older brother’s concern with a dismissive gesture. “She’ll figure it out. Everyone has to start somewhere.”
You shifted your weight, a little uncertain. You wanted to prove yourself, but the thought of taking down something with that bow felt overwhelming.
Tuk appeared by your side, her eyes wide and watchful. “You’ll be great! You’ve got this!” she said, practically bouncing with excitement.
You tried to force a smile, but it felt too stiff. “Thanks, Tuk,” you said quietly, attempting to steady your breath.
Neteyam watched you closely, his gaze sharp as always, though there was something softer in it now, something that made you feel less like a stranger. He glanced at you for a moment before offering a small, encouraging nod. “You’re not alone,” he said, his voice calm. “Don’t rush it. Take your time.”
You nodded, gripping the bow with more confidence, though your heart rate had picked up in nervous anticipation.
The forest around you was alive with movement—leaves rustling, branches creaking under the weight of creatures moving in the trees above. You followed the group deeper into the woods, the trees thickening as they veiled the sun.
Lo’ak led the way, his movements swift and confident. “Stay quiet. We don’t want to scare anything off,” he whispered. You tried your best to stay in line, your feet stumbling on the uneven terrain.
The further you walked, the harder it became to keep up. You watched the way Neteyam moved through the forest—graceful, calculated, like the trees and earth were extensions of him. It was a rhythm you didn’t have yet.
After what felt like an eternity, Lo’ak stopped abruptly, raising his hand. “There,” he whispered, pointing to a small herd of creatures in the distance.
They looked like deer, but their bodies were covered in short fur, and their large ears twitched at every sound. Lo’ak turned to you. “You know what to do.”
You hesitated. Your bow felt heavy in your hands, and every movement felt wrong. The quiet weight of everyone’s eyes on you made your heart pound faster.
You stepped forward, trying to align yourself with the target. But the string of the bow slipped in your hands, and you fumbled for a moment, your focus broken by a branch snapping underfoot. The creatures scattered, and you swore under your breath.
“I told you she wasn’t ready,” Lo’ak muttered, shaking his head.
Before you could respond, Neteyam was there. He moved behind you, his presence steadying as his hands hovered over yours, guiding you into place. His touch was gentle, his voice soft but commanding. “Don’t think too much. Focus on your breath. Breathe in... and out.”
His words had an unexpected calming effect. You did as he instructed, feeling the bow settle into your grip. Neteyam’s presence at your back grounded you, and slowly, you began to feel more in control.
“Feel the pull of the string,” he murmured, adjusting your stance slightly. “Release it when you’re ready.”
You took another deep breath, focusing on the rhythm of your body, the tension of the bowstring. Then, with a steady exhale, you released the arrow. It flew through the air with a sharp whistle, hitting the target dead on. The creatures scattered, but it didn’t matter—the shot was perfect.
You froze for a moment, surprised by your own success. The forest was eerily quiet as you turned to face the group, your heart still racing.
Lo’ak raised an eyebrow. “Well, I’ll be damned. She actually did it.”
Kiri smirked, nudging Lo’ak with her elbow. “Looks like she just needed the right... guidance,” she teased, her eyes flicking to Neteyam.
The tension between you and Neteyam lingered, the air thick with something unspoken. You could feel the heat rise to your cheeks as you caught his gaze. He smiled, a small but knowing smile that made your heart skip a beat.
Lo’ak seemed to notice the shift in the atmosphere. He leaned over to Kiri with a grin, his voice loud enough for you both to hear. “Looks like somebody’s got a bit of a thing for our girl here, huh, Neteyam?”
You felt your face flush as you turned away, trying to hide the warmth in your cheeks. Neteyam, on the other hand, didn’t hide his reaction as well. His ears twitched, and he looked away, a faint pink tint appearing on his own cheeks.
“Lo’ak, stop,” he muttered, though his tone had softened, no longer the teasing one it usually held.
Kiri chuckled softly, raising an eyebrow. “I mean, it’s kind of obvious,” she teased.
You glanced at Neteyam, trying to keep your composure, but his soft smile made it harder to hide the fluttering in your chest.
Tuk, always perceptive, bounced up to you with excitement. “That was amazing! You did it!” she exclaimed, her energy infectious. “And you two make a really good team!”
Your heart skipped again at her words, but you didn’t know how to respond. The moment felt too charged, like a breath held too long.
Neteyam looked at you once more, his gaze soft and steady, his usual confidence giving way to something more vulnerable. “You did great,” he said, his voice low but sincere.
You nodded, feeling the warmth from his praise wrap around you. “Thanks. I couldn’t have done it without you.”
His eyes flickered down to your hand, still holding the bow, and for a second, you both just stood there, caught in the moment. The others had wandered off, giving the two of you space, but the silence between you and Neteyam was comforting.
“Maybe... we could practice together again sometime,” you suggested, your voice barely above a whisper.
Neteyam’s smile returned, warmer this time. “I’d like that,” he replied, his voice full of something you couldn’t quite place.
The rest of the afternoon was filled with more quiet moments, as you followed the group through the forest, absorbing everything they showed you. Neteyam remained close by, occasionally helping you with small adjustments, whether it was your posture while holding the bow or how you moved through the underbrush.
As the group neared the edge of a large clearing, Lo’ak shot you a look. “Time for a break. You’ve earned it.” He dropped to the ground, motioning for everyone to join him.
You sat down with them, but something tugged at you, something beyond just the physical exhaustion of the hunt. “This place…” you began, looking around the open space. “It’s beautiful.”
Neteyam nodded, his gaze drifting across the clearing. “We come here when we need to clear our minds. The forest gives us space to think, to reflect.”
Lo’ak leaned back against a large rock, half-laughing. “It’s also where we do all the best bonding—just ask Kiri.”
Kiri rolled her eyes but couldn’t hide the smile that tugged at the corner of her lips. “You’re such a dork, Lo’ak.” must be an inside joke, you thought.
You found yourself drawn to the water and coolness wrapped your body as you submerged yourself, your body naturally adjusting to the flow. The familiar weightlessness wrapped around you like an old friend, and for a moment, you forgot about everything else—your thoughts, your nerves, the pressure to fit in. You just moved, the current guiding you as you swam effortlessly beneath the surface.
Behind you, you could hear the others—Tuk especially, shouting with excitement, her voice shrill with enthusiasm. “Look at her go! She’s amazing!”
You glanced up, catching sight of Lo’ak and Kiri standing at the shore. Lo’ak was looking unimpressed probably thinking that is what he looked like while swimming, arms crossed, while Kiri looked more intrigued, her head tilted slightly as she watched you with interest. Neteyam, as usual, was a little further back, though his golden eyes were fixed on you, his gaze unreadable.
You didn’t pay them too much attention as you swam a little further, feeling the water move with you. But when you surfaced again, pushing your hair back from your face as you waded towards the others, you noticed that the group had gathered.
Kiri stepped forward, her expression casual but thoughtful. “You make it look so easy,” she said. There was a certain ease to her tone, and you could tell she wasn’t trying to praise you. She was simply curious. “You know, I think we could learn a thing or two from you.”
Tuk clapped her hands together, practically jumping in excitement. “Teach us! Teach us!” she squealed, her eyes wide. There was no hiding her enthusiasm, and honestly, it was kind of infectious.
Neteyam stepped up then, his expression less casual than the others. “You sure you can teach us?” His voice held a hint of doubt, but you could tell he was just as interested as the others.
You hesitated, a little unsure of how to approach this. You didn’t have a specific technique to explain—everything just came naturally to you in the water. “Uh, I can show you what I do,” you said. “But I don’t really know how to explain it. It’s not like something I learned... It came naturally as I went into the water.”
Lo’ak raised an eyebrow. “So, you’re telling me you’re a natural?”
You nodded, though you didn’t really feel like showing off. “Well, If I really am from a water tribe then I would suppose so.” You answered a bit sassily, even surprising yourself. To some depth, the banter gave you nostalgia, as if you always had intections like these, but you shrugged it off. Focusing on Lo'ak who stood in beside you with no words as he thought of a come back.
Kiri, sensing your hesitation, flashed a quick smile.
Kiri walked ahead, clearly already in her element as she waded deeper into the water.
Tuk, however, was still bouncing on her heels, eager to jump in. “When do we start?” Her voice was full of anticipation.
You sighed, trying to calm your nerves. “Okay, okay, let’s start with the basics. First thing’s first, try to not fight the water. It’s not your enemy. You’ve got to breathe with it...not against it.”
The group watched you carefully, but Tuk was the first to dive in, eager to get started. She splashed around a little, trying to mimic your movements but quickly losing her footing.
You chuckled softly at her, wading closer. “Slow down, Tuk. You don’t have to rush. Just keep your movements smooth.”
She stopped, looking up at you with wide eyes. “Like this?” she asked, trying to slow her movements and keep her head above the water.
You nodded, giving her a thumbs up. “Exactly.”
Neteyam, who had been quiet until now, swam up to you, his expression slightly more serious than usual. “So, you’re just... teaching us by showing us what to do?”
You looked at him, catching a flicker of something in his eyes, but you couldn’t quite place it. “I guess so. It’s not really something I can explain easily. Just watch how I move, and try to feel it.”
He seemed to accept that answer for the moment, but you couldn’t shake the feeling he was still sizing you up. His next words were more playful. “So, how long do you think it’ll take before I’m as good as you?”
You laughed, raising an eyebrow. “Let’s just say you’ve got a long way to go.” You joked back.
-
A few weeks had passed since you first entered the Sully family’s world, and though the days often blurred together in the rhythm of life in the forest, each one felt less foreign than the last. The forest had a way of pulling you in—its scents, sounds, and secrets becoming more familiar, like a song you were learning to hum by heart.
Your bond with the family had grown in ways you hadn’t expected. Jake’s gruff but caring guidance, Neytiri’s quiet strength, the siblings’ unique personalities—all of it became a web that you were starting to feel part of. Some mornings, you would catch Tuk waiting outside your tent with a bright smile, eager for whatever the day would bring. Other times, you’d find yourself caught in Lo'ak’s schemes, his playful smirk warning you that chaos was just around the corner.
And then there was Neteyam.
He had taken on the role of your unofficial guide, with equal parts patience and teasing. Whether it was teaching you how to climb the towering trees of the forest or pointing out which fruits wouldn’t make you sick, he had a knack for making the challenges feel surmountable. His encouragement came in little gestures: a hand held out when you stumbled, a grin when you succeeded, or a softly murmured “you’re getting there.”
But if the forest still felt like a challenge, the water was where you felt most at home.
The Sullys had noticed it too. They no longer marveled when you glided through the streams with ease; instead, they seemed to accept it as part of who you were. Tuk had quickly taken to calling you her “swimming teacher,” darting after you with an eagerness that made you laugh. Even Lo'ak, who had once rolled his eyes at your comfort in the water, now grudgingly asked for pointers, though not without a cheeky, “Don’t expect me to call you ‘ma’am’ or anything.”
Kiri, ever observant, seemed to understand your connection to the water without needing words. Sometimes, you’d catch her watching you, her head tilted in that curious way she had, before slipping into the current beside you. The two of you would move through the water in companionable silence, as if the forest and ocean had found a way to meet.
But today was different.
The Sullys had gathered for a serious outing, one that felt more significant than the usual hunts or lessons. Jake and Neytiri were here too, their presence a quiet reminder of the family’s trust in you. Tuk raced ahead, her laughter echoing through the trees, while Lo'ak tried to keep pace, muttering something about her being “too fast for her own good.”
You smiled as you followed the group. The sun filtered through the canopy, dappling the ground with shifting patches of light.
“Ready for another hunt?” Jake’s voice cut through your thoughts, steady and calm as he glanced back at you.
You nodded, gripping your bow a little tighter. “As ready as I’ll ever be.”
Neteyam, walking a few steps ahead, turned with a smirk. “That’s what you said last time.”
“And I did fine,” you shot back, narrowing your eyes at him.
“Fine is generous,” Lo'ak interjected from the side, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. “You almost tripped over your own feet.”
Tuk giggled, running circles around the group. “She’s still better than you, Lo'ak. You’re always falling over!”
“Hey!” Lo'ak protested, feigning offense. “That’s because I’m busy making sure you don’t get lost, squirt.”
“Enough,” Neytiri said with a glance over her shoulder, her tone firm but affectionate. “Focus.”
As the group moved into a clearing, Jake stopped, motioning for everyone to gather. “Alright, listen up. This isn’t just practice anymore. We’re here as a family, and that means we look out for each other. No one gets left behind.” His gaze lingered on you for a moment, a subtle nod of approval that made your chest tighten with pride.
Neteyam leaned closer, his voice low enough that only you could hear. “He means you.”
You elbowed him, earning a quiet laugh.
The hunt began with Jake and Neytiri leading the way, their movements deliberate and sure. You stayed close to Neteyam, mirroring his steps as he navigated the forest with practiced ease. The others spread out, Tuk darting between the trees while Kiri and Lo'ak flanked their parents.
The air was alive with the hum of the forest, every rustle and chirp sharpening your focus. When Jake signaled for the group to stop, you froze, your heart pounding in anticipation.
“You’ve got this,” Neteyam whispered, his voice steady beside you.
You nodded, raising your bow. The target—a creature moving through the underbrush—was within range. You took a deep breath, steadying your aim.
The arrow flew true, striking with clean precision. The creature fell, and the forest seemed to exhale with you.
“Nice shot,” Jake said, his tone approving but understated.
Tuk was the first to reach you, her face lit up with excitement. “You did it!” she squealed, throwing her arms around you.
“Not bad,” Lo'ak admitted grudgingly, though his smirk told you he was more impressed than he let on.
Kiri’s soft smile met yours as she approached. “That was good,” she said simply, but her tone carried weight.
Neteyam, standing beside you, gave a small nod. “Told you.”
As the group continued the hunt, the banter and competition between the siblings lightened the mood. Jake and Neytiri kept a watchful eye, occasionally stepping in to offer advice or remind Lo'ak not to stray too far. You found yourself drawn into the dynamic—laughing at Tuk’s antics, rolling your eyes at Lo'ak’s quips, and feeling a quiet kinship with Kiri’s thoughtful presence.
By the time the sun began to dip behind the treetops, the hunt was over. The group made their way back to the village, the air filled with easy conversation. Jake walked beside you for a while, his tone soft as he asked how you were adjusting. Neytiri joined in, her words more measured but no less genuine. It was clear they were trying to make space for you—not just in the family but in their world.
Later, as the others drifted off, you found yourself by the campfire with Neteyam. The flames cast dancing shadows across his face as he leaned back, his posture relaxed.
“So,” he said, a teasing grin playing on his lips, “feeling like a full-fledged hunter yet?”
You rolled your eyes, but your smile gave you away. “I think I’ll leave the hunting expertise to you.”
“Wise choice,” he quipped, his grin widening.
The banter gave way to a quieter moment, the two of you watching the fire in companionable silence. When Neteyam spoke again, his tone was softer. “You’re doing better, you know. I see it.”
You glanced at him, surprised by the sincerity in his voice. “Thanks,” you said quietly. “It means a lot.”
“Don’t let it go to your head,” he added with a smirk, though the warmth in his eyes didn’t waver.
You laughed, feeling a lightness you hadn’t realized you needed.
And as the night deepened, the forest around you humming with life, you felt something else too—a sense of belonging that hadn’t been there before.
You weren’t just surviving in this world anymore. You were becoming part of it.
-
As the fire’s glow dimmed, you noticed Jake approaching, his steps deliberate but casual. He carried an air of authority that was impossible to ignore, yet there was a softness in the way he interacted with his family—especially now, as he glanced between you and Neteyam.
“You two bonding?” Jake asked, lowering himself onto a log near the fire. His tone was teasing, but his eyes were sharp, always assessing.
Neteyam straightened slightly, though his grin didn’t falter. “We’re getting there,” he replied with an easy shrug.
Jake turned to you, his expression softening. “How’s it feeling? Being part of all this?”
For a moment, you weren’t sure how to answer. The forest was still a maze of towering trees and tangled roots, and the Omatikaya’s ways—while becoming more familiar—still sometimes felt like a dance where you didn’t quite know the steps. But there was something undeniable about the way they had welcomed you, the way they had made space for you in their lives.
“It feels...good,” you said finally, meeting his gaze. “Like I’m starting to belong.”
Jake nodded, a small smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. “That’s what matters. It takes time, but you’re doing alright.”
“Alright?” Neteyam echoed with mock offense. “She hit the target today. That’s better than alright.”
Jake chuckled, shaking his head. “Alright, alright—better than alright.” His eyes gleamed with amusement as he leaned back, the tension in his posture easing. “But don’t let it go to your head.”
Neteyam smirked, leaning closer to whisper, “See? It runs in the family.”
You bit back a laugh, glancing at Jake, who seemed oblivious—or perhaps just amused—by Neteyam’s comment.
Neytiri appeared moments later, carrying a bowl of fruit and dried meat. She placed it near the fire before settling beside Jake. Her presence was quieter, but no less commanding. She looked at you, her golden eyes warm.
“You have a good heart,” she said softly, her voice carrying a weight that made you sit up a little straighter. “The forest sees it. We see it.”
Her words settled over you like a blanket, warm and reassuring. You hadn’t realized how much you needed that affirmation until it was given.
“Thank you,” you murmured, your throat tightening slightly.
Lo'ak and Tuk joined the circle soon after, their chatter filling the space with lighthearted energy. Tuk immediately plopped down next to you, leaning against your arm with an affectionate familiarity that made your heart swell.
“Did you see how fast I was today?” she asked, her wide eyes shining with pride.
“I did,” you replied with a grin. “You were amazing out there.”
“Way better than Lo'ak,” she added with a sly smile, glancing at her brother.
“Hey!” Lo'ak protested, throwing a piece of fruit in her direction. Tuk squealed, dodging it with ease and sticking her tongue out at him.
“Don’t start,” Neytiri warned, though there was a hint of amusement in her voice.
Lo'ak grinned, leaning back with a shrug. “I’m just saying, someone’s gotta keep her humble.”
“She’s already humbler than you,” Neteyam shot back, earning a round of laughter from the group.
The banter continued, flowing easily between the siblings and pulling you into their orbit. Tuk’s giggles, Lo'ak’s exaggerated indignation, Kiri’s occasional sharp-witted comments—it was a dynamic that felt chaotic and comforting all at once.
By the time the younger siblings began to yawn, Neytiri was ushering them off to their sleeping mats. Tuk gave you a sleepy hug before shuffling away, her small frame disappearing into the tent she shared with Kiri. Lo'ak followed, though not without tossing a final quip over his shoulder.
“Don’t stay up too late, lovebirds,” he teased, earning a sharp look from Neteyam and a surprised laugh from you.
“Go to bed, Lo'ak,” Neteyam called after him, his tone exasperated but affectionate.
As the camp quieted, only you, Neteyam, and his parents remained by the fire. Jake and Neytiri exchanged a look before rising, their movements unspoken but synchronized.
“Get some rest,” Jake said, clapping Neteyam on the shoulder as he passed. His gaze lingered on you for a moment, and he gave a small nod before following Neytiri toward their tent.
The silence that followed wasn’t uncomfortable—it was the kind of quiet that felt earned, a pause after a long and satisfying day.
Neteyam stretched, his arms reaching toward the sky before he leaned back on his hands, looking at you with a crooked smile. “You’re handling all this pretty well, you know.”
“Pretty well?” you teased, echoing his earlier tone. “I thought I was better than alright.”
He laughed, the sound warm and genuine. “Alright, fine—better than alright. Happy?”
“Very,” you replied, grinning.
The conversation drifted into easier topics—memories from the day, stories about his siblings, tales of the forest and its wonders. Neteyam’s voice was steady and soothing, his words painting vivid pictures of the world he called home.
And as the stars above shimmered brighter against the dark sky, you felt a deep sense of peace settle over you.
For the first time since arriving in this new place, you weren’t just surviving.
A young Metkayina with no memory of her past is taken in by the forest as she washes ashore. With no recollection of her identity or her past, she uncovers a new life, following the Sullys as they take her in with them through their journey.
word count: 3.6k
Chapter 2: First Threads
The morning arrived softly, sunlight filtering through the dense canopy of the Hometree. The warm glow painted intricate patterns across the woven walkways and platforms, spilling through gaps in the branches. The hum of the wind mingled with rustling leaves, creating a serene melody that resonated through the space.
You had woken earlier than most. The woven hammock beneath you was surprisingly comfortable—firm yet supportive. Its gentle cradle should have lulled you back into sleep, but your restless mind had other plans. Fragments of blurred faces and echoing voices teased your thoughts, denying you the peaceful slumber you craved.
-
When Neteyam went to collect you for the day, his quiet approach startled you out of your thoughts. His steps were so light you had not noticed his presence at all. His golden eyes reflected the soft moring light as they met yours, their gaze pulling you from your haze.
"You should eat something before we start" he said, his voice low. He handed you a plate filled with colorful fruits, their hues making great contrast with each other. "We have a bunch to do today"
"What's...'a bunch'?" you asked confused, hesitating before picking up one of the fruits. Its skin smooth and cool under your grasp. When you bit into it, its sweetness and rich flavor exploding across your tongue, a flavor so vivid it momentarily distracted you from your question.
"You'll see," he replied, his lip twitching into what might have been a hint of a smile. His tone light, almost teasing, but he offered you no further explanation, leaving you still confused and a tad bit worried this time.
The village was already stirring as you followed him through the winding paths of the Great Hometree. The platforms seemed to blend seamlessly with the tree itself, as though they had grown right out of its center and sprouted upward in a spiral motion. Villagers went about their day as well, their chatter mingling with the natural sounds of the world around them.
Some threw occassional glances in your direction, analyzing you from head to toe, noting the difference in your tails, color hue, eye color, and even down to the hair and attire. They had obviously heard of your arrival and had no shame in showing their interest, whether it be negative or the ladder.
Either way- it was not long before another figure appearing approaching the two of you. It was a young girl, smaller than Neteyam and radiating pure boundless energy. She bounded towards you with an infectious grin, her braided hair swinging widly as she ran.
"Hi, are you the new friend? I'm Tuktirey, but I like you, so I allow you to call me Tuk!" she declared proudly, her eyes sparkling with exitement as she looked up at you. Without waiting for a response, she grabbed your hand, tugging you forward.
"Where did you come from? Do you like it here? Do you like us?" she asked, her questions tumbling out so quickly that you could barely process them.
"I am not really sure, what do you think? where am I from?" you asked her playfully. In truth, her words hurt you a little bit, but you knew better, she was just a kid, she didn't have bad intentions.
"I think...an ocean paradise!" she exclaimed rather loudly, going on about how there were flying sea creatures and houses floating above the ocean. Her enthusiasm made you laugh,really laugh,for the first time since arriving. The sound surprised you, breaking through the weight of unease that had settled over you.
You would be lying if your said your guard was down, but it was atleast high enough for you to be comfortable and relaxed around these new strangers in your life.
"See? She likes us!" Tuk declared triumphantly, spinning around on her heel and running ahead of you now. Her laughter still heard as she rushed toward another figure approaching from the opposite direction, you recognized him almost immediately, it was the other guy from yesterday, Lo'ak.
You watched him approach as he rolled his eyes at his little sister with a smirk, the girl jumping around him now.
"She's a lot, huh?" Lo'ak asked, leaning casually against a nearby branch. His eyes flickering between you and Tuk, careful for his sister to not get hurt.
"Yeah", you replied, unable to suppress a small laugh. "But, she's too adorable for that to matter at all don't you think?"
Tuk puffed up with pride at your comment, her laughter ringing out as she circled Lo’ak. “Lo’ak, show her the forest!” she demanded, tugging at his arm.
Tuk's chatter filled the air as she later introduced you to the others who had joined you shortly after. A girl around Lo'ak's age appearing next, her presence quieter than the rest of the siblings.
"Lo'ak give her some space," Kiri said, though her voice lacked any real seriousness. She smiled at you then, "I'm Kiri", she added, her tone calmer, "I'm also these idiot's sister", at this she gained a roll of the eyes from the oldest while Lo'ak's smirk just intensified.
Her demeanor put you at ease, she studied you for a moment, then adding, "if you need anything, just ask. Tuk's already decided your part of the family, so the rest of us don't have much of a choice" Kiri said with a faint smile, though her voice carried a sincerity that made her words feel less like a joke and more like an invitation.
"Part of the family?" you echoed, surprised.
"Eywa works in strange ways" Kiri simply replied, her expression shifting to something softer before she turned her attention to Tuk, who was busy tugging at Lo’ak’s arm to get him to show you something.
"Fine, Tuk, Fine!" Lo'ak said with a sigh, relenting as he let his sister drag him ahead. He glanced back at you over his shoulder, his usual smirk still tugging at his lips. "You better keep up forest newbie. Tuk's already got plans for you"
You exchanged a glance with Neteyam, who raised an eyebrow as if to say, Better get used to it.
"Are they always like this?" you asked him, watching as Tuk bossed Lo'ak around like he was the younger one.
"Always" Neteyam said with a chuckle. "You'll get used to it. Or you won't, and they'll just keep dragging you along anyway" he added with soft smile tugging as his lips, looking down at you directly into your eyes.
The morning passed in a whirlwind of activity. Tuk insisted on giving you a full tour of the village, pointing out every detail with the enthusiasm of someone seeing it all for the first time themselves. From the woven platforms that hung high in the trees to the small nooks where children played, she made sure you didn’t miss a thing.
Kiri occasionally chimed in, providing more practical details about the village and its people. Lo’ak, on the other hand, seemed content to poke fun at your reactions, offering exaggerated tales about the Omatikaya way of life that Tuk eagerly backed up, no matter how ridiculous they sounded.
“Don’t believe a word he says,” Kiri warned as Lo’ak tried to convince you that the direhorses could outrun a banshee if properly trained.
“It’s true!” Lo’ak protested, but the mischievous glint in his eyes gave him away.
Through it all, Neteyam stayed close, his presence quiet but reassuring. He seemed content to let his siblings take the lead, only stepping in when Tuk’s boundless energy threatened to overwhelm you.
At one point, as the group paused near a small clearing to rest, you found yourself beside him while the others chatted a few paces away.
"They're fun" you admitted, watching as Tuk braided Kiri's hair with beautiful colorful flowers.
"They can be, when they're not getting themselves into trouble" Neteyam agreed, and you nodded, a small smile at your lips as you watched the siblings interact. Despite the chaos, there was a warmth to their dynamic that you couldn’t help but admire.
“Do you always play the peacekeeper?” you asked, glancing at him.
Neteyam’s expression shifted slightly, a flicker of something you couldn’t quite place crossing his face before he shrugged. “Someone has to.”
There was a weight to his words, a quiet responsibility that seemed to sit heavy on his shoulders. You wondered how long he had carried it and if anyone ever stopped to lighten the load for him.
Before you could say anything more, Tuk bounded over, her small hands grabbing yours as she pulled you to your feet.
“Come on! There’s more to see!” she declared, her energy seemingly endless as she dragged you forward.
Neteyam followed closely behind, his gaze lingering on you for a moment before he fell into step beside you.
The day continued with a mix of chaos and camaraderie. By the time evening fell, you found yourself seated around a fire with the Sully siblings, the warmth of the flames and their laughter wrapping around you like a comforting blanket.
Tuk was curled up beside you, her small form nestled against your side as she fought to stay awake. Kiri was plaiting her own hair, her fingers moving deftly as she teased Lo’ak about one of his failed hunting attempts.
Neteyam sat across from you, his golden eyes reflecting the firelight as he listened to the banter with a quiet smile. Every so often, his gaze would flicker to you, as if checking to make sure you were still okay.
“You’re one of us now,” Tuk mumbled sleepily, her words slurred with exhaustion as her head drooped against your arm.
Her words settled over you like a soft breeze, warm and unexpected.
The fire crackled softly, its embers dancing upward toward the night sky. Tuk’s weight against your side grew heavier as her breathing evened out, signaling that sleep had finally claimed her. You looked down at her small, peaceful face and felt a pang of something you couldn’t quite name. She barely knew you, yet here she was, trusting you completely, as though you had always been part of her life.
Kiri chuckled softly as she finished her braid, shaking her head at something Lo’ak had said. “You’re just mad because you fell out of the tree in front of everyone,” she teased, her tone playful but sharp enough to make Lo’ak bristle.
“I didn’t fall,” Lo’ak shot back, though his grin betrayed him. “I jumped. On purpose.”
“Sure you did,” Kiri replied, rolling her eyes but clearly amused. She glanced at you then, her expression softening. “You’ll learn that Lo’ak’s stories usually have... embellishments.”
Lo’ak smirked, leaning back on his hands. “And you’ll learn that Kiri has no sense of fun.”
“Right,” she said dryly, before turning her attention back to you. “How was your first full day here? Overwhelming?”
You hesitated, unsure of how to put the swirling mix of emotions into words. “It’s... a lot to take in,” you admitted finally. “But... it’s not as scary as I thought it would be.”
Kiri’s smile widened slightly. “Good. That’s a start.”
Neteyam, who had been mostly silent, leaned forward, resting his forearms on his knees. “You did well today,” he said, his voice steady and sincere. “Better than most would in your situation.”
The unexpected praise caught you off guard, and you glanced down, feeling a warmth creep into your cheeks. “Thanks,” you murmured, unsure how to respond.
Lo’ak snorted. “Careful, bro. Don’t scare her off with all that positivity.”
Neteyam shot him a look, but there was no real annoyance behind it. “I’m just being honest.”
The banter between the siblings continued, filling the space with a comfortable rhythm that made you feel more at ease. You found yourself smiling more easily, even laughing at some of Lo’ak’s exaggerated tales and Kiri’s sharp retorts.
As the fire began to die down, Kiri stood and stretched. “I’m going to get Tuk to bed,” she said, scooping the little girl up effortlessly. Tuk stirred briefly, mumbling something unintelligible before snuggling into Kiri’s shoulder.
“Good night,” Kiri said, her gaze lingering on you for a moment. “Sleep well.”
Lo’ak followed not long after, claiming he had “better things to do” than sit around a dying fire. He shot you a quick grin before disappearing into the shadows, leaving you alone with Neteyam.
The quiet that settled between you was not uncomfortable, but it was different. The absence of Tuk’s chatter and the others’ teasing left a stillness that made you more aware of Neteyam’s presence. He sat across from you, his posture relaxed, yet there was an intensity to the way he watched you that made you feel like he could see more than you wanted to show.
“Did today help?” he asked after a moment, his voice low but gentle.
You hesitated. “Help with what?”
“With feeling... less alone,” he said, his gaze steady but not prying.
The question caught you off guard, and you looked away, focusing on the fading embers. “I don’t know,” you admitted finally. “I think it’s too soon to say.”
Neteyam nodded, accepting your answer without pressing further. “It’ll take time,” he said simply. “But you’re not alone here. Not anymore.”
The sincerity in his voice made you meet his gaze again. There was something about him, something steady and unwavering, that made you want to believe him.
“Thank you,” you said softly, the words feeling inadequate but genuine.
He offered a small smile, one that reached his eyes and warmed something deep inside you. “Get some rest. Tomorrow will be another long day.”
You nodded, standing slowly and brushing off the woven mat you had been sitting on. As you turned to leave, you paused, glancing back at him. “Neteyam?”
“Yeah?”
“I think Tuk’s right,” you said, a small smile tugging at your lips. “About being one of you.”
For a moment, his expression was unreadable, but then his smile widened, soft and genuine. “Good night,” he said, his voice carrying a warmth that lingered even as you made your way back to the hammock they had prepared for you.
As you climbed into the hammock and let its gentle sway lull you, the events of the day played back in your mind.
-
The cool air of dawn carried the faint scent of damp moss and flowers, a fragrance that was quickly becoming familiar. You stirred awake, the gentle sway of the hammock lulling you for a moment before you opened your eyes fully.
The voices of the Omatikaya villagers drifted up from below, mingling with the calls of forest creatures.
You had just started to stretch when Tuk’s voice rang out, followed by the sound of light, rapid footsteps. Before you could sit up, she appeared on the platform, her braided hair bouncing as she grinned at you.
“Good morning!” she said brightly, her excitement practically vibrating through her small frame. “Neteyam said to let you sleep, but I told him you’re probably awake by now. And look! I was right!”
“Tuk,” came Neteyam’s voice from below, his tone exasperated but tinged with amusement. He emerged a moment later, his steps as silent as ever as he climbed up to join the two of you. “I told you to wait.”
“She’s up,” Tuk said matter-of-factly, crossing her arms like she’d won a grand argument.
Neteyam sighed but didn’t argue further. Instead, his gaze shifted to you. “Ready for another full day?” he asked, his tone light but with a knowing edge, as if he understood how overwhelming everything still felt.
You nodded, your muscles still sluggish from sleep. “I think so.”
“Good,” he said, offering a faint smile. “Eat something first. Tuk, can you—?”
“I’m already on it!” Tuk said, darting off toward a nearby stack of fruit.
Neteyam settled nearby, his gaze steady as he observed you. “You did well yesterday,” he said, his voice low enough that Tuk couldn’t overhear. “It’s not easy to be thrown into all of this, but you’re handling it.”
His words warmed something inside you. “Thanks,” you said softly. “It helps having... people like you around.”
The corner of his mouth lifted in the smallest of smiles before Tuk returned, balancing a plate of fruit that seemed far too large for her hands.
“Here!” she said, setting it down in front of you with a flourish. “Now eat up, because we have a lot to do today, you'll see!"
-
The day began quickly. After breakfast, Tuk had declared it her mission to show you “the real forest.” The others seemed equally eager to include you in their activities—or at least, Tuk’s enthusiasm had a way of pulling everyone into her plans.
"Today, you're learning how to climb trees," Tuk announced with a bounce in her step, dragging you toward a massive, ancient trunk covered in thick vines.
"Climb trees?" you asked, already feeling your stomach twist at the thought of how high some of the platforms were.
“Don’t look so worried,” Lo’ak said with a smirk as he followed. “It’s not that hard. Even Tuk can do it.”
“Hey!” Tuk shot back, planting her hands on her hips.
“Lo’ak’s right, though,” Neteyam cut in, his voice calm but firm. “It’s about balance and using the vines to help you. Watch.”
He moved effortlessly toward the tree, his body flowing as he climbed, wrapping the vines around his hands with practiced ease. Within moments, he perched on a sturdy branch a few feet above, looking down at you with a reassuring smile.
“Your turn,” he said.
You stared up at him, skeptical but unwilling to back down. “Okay... what do I do again?”
“Here, I’ll help!” Tuk chimed in, grabbing a vine and offering it to you. “Just hold on tight, and don’t let go. Even if you feel like you’re falling, you’re not.”
“Not really comforting, Tuk,” Kiri muttered as she leaned against a nearby tree, watching the scene unfold.
With everyone watching, you grabbed the vine and started to climb. The texture was rough but sturdy beneath your hands, and the muscles in your arms burned almost immediately.
“You’re pulling too much with your arms,” Kiri pointed out, stepping closer. “Use your legs to push, not just your hands to pull.”
“You could’ve told me that earlier,” you grunted, pausing halfway up.
Lo’ak laughed from below. “We like to watch people struggle first. Builds character.”
Ignoring him, you adjusted your grip and tried again, this time focusing on your legs. It was easier, though not by much. By the time you reached the branch where Neteyam stood, you were out of breath but feeling triumphant.
“Not bad,” Neteyam said, offering you a hand to help you balance as you stepped onto the branch. “You’ll get faster with practice.”
“Do I have to?” you joked, wiping your sweaty hands on your thighs.
“Only if you don’t want to fall on your face every time you’re in the forest,” Lo’ak called up from below, already starting to climb after you.
Once everyone was up in the trees, the lessons shifted to swinging. Tuk demonstrated first, her small body moving easily from one vine to the next as she let out a squeal of delight.
“See? Easy!” she said, landing gracefully on the next tree.
You hesitated as Neteyam handed you a vine. “Just hold on, swing your weight forward, and let go when you feel the momentum,” he explained.
“Let go?” you echoed, suddenly questioning everything about this plan.
“Only when you’re close to the next vine,” Kiri said from a nearby branch. “Or, you know, not at all. Your choice.”
Lo’ak laughed. “Don’t listen to her. Just go for it. It’s more fun if you don’t overthink it.”
Taking a deep breath, you gripped the vine tightly and stepped off the branch. The initial drop made your stomach lurch, but as you swung forward, the rush of air and the sensation of weightlessness were exhilarating. You let go just as Neteyam had said, reaching for the next vine and grabbing it with both hands.
“You did it!” Tuk cheered from ahead, clapping her hands.
“Not bad,” Lo’ak said as he swung past you, his movements far more reckless. “You’re almost starting to look like one of us.”
The rest of the day was a blur of activity. The siblings showed you how to balance on narrow branches, introduced you to small forest creatures that darted through the canopy, and even taught you how to listen for the subtle changes in the forest’s sounds.
“See that one?” Kiri said, pointing to a colorful bird perched on a nearby branch. “It can mimic anything. Even you, if you’re loud enough.”
“Go ahead,” Lo’ak teased. “Say something embarrassing so it can repeat it later.”
“Or maybe it can repeat how bad you are at hunting,” you shot back, earning a laugh from Tuk and a grin from Neteyam.
As the sun began to set, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple, you found yourself sitting with them on a wide platform high in the trees. Tuk leaned against your side, half-asleep but still chattering softly. Lo’ak and Kiri were arguing over something trivial, their bickering laced with laughter.
Neteyam sat quietly beside you, his golden eyes reflecting the fading light. “You did well today,” he said after a moment.
“Thanks,” you replied, surprised by how genuine you felt. “It was... fun, actually.”
“Good,” he said, his lips curving into a soft smile. “Because tomorrow will be even harder.”
You groaned, but the laughter of the Sully siblings and the steady presence of Neteyam made the exhaustion worth it.
A young Metkayina with no memory of her past is taken in by the forest as she whases ashore. With no recollection of her identity she uncovers a new life, following the Sullys as they take her in with them through their journey.
Word Count: 2.2k
Chapter One: Found in the Wild
The forest was alive with sounds that seemed to whisper secrets, each leaf rustling with easy at the wind's soft hum. You stumbled forward, the grass and leaves on the ground crunching beneath each step you took. You felt unsteady, legs trembling in fear, even if your stoic-serious face said otherwise. Clutched at your hand stood the small knife you had been holding since you had regained conciousness, its tilt grounding you to a world that made no sense at all.
Trees stretched high above you, their branches tangling together in protective arms. A faint, sweet scent of unfamiliar flowers mingled with the earthy smell of damp grass.
You could not remember a single thing. Not your name, not your purpose, not even how you somehow ended up here. An emptiness right where memories should have been left you disoriented, but instinct told you to keep moving.
As you navigated the wilderness, something sharp cracked from behind you. Your body reacted before your mind could even process it. Dropping into a crouch, knife raised clumsily in your hands. Your eyes darted through the trees, scanning and scanning, not letting a single movement get away from your attention.
-
"Lo'ak, keep your voice down!" Neteyam whispered harshly, his eyes narrowing as he scanned the forest ahead.
"What? I didn't even do anything!" Lo'ak snapped back, though his voice dropped a notch. He shifted the grip on his bow, frustration flickering across his face.
Neteyam exhaled through his nose, the sound loud. The brothers had been tasked with a routine surveillance mission. Patrolling the outskirts of the clan's territory to ensure no threats lingered near their home. It was supposed to be uneventful, but their bickering often brought an unexpected energy to even the simplest of tasks.
"Do you feel that?" Neteyam asked, tilting his head slightly, his voice growing quiet.
Lo’ak frowned, his carefree demeanor slipping. “Feel what?”
Neteyam hesitated before answering. “The air. It’s... heavy.”
The two of them fell into silence, listening intently. And then they saw it. A figure moving through the trees, cautious but unsteady. Together, they melted seamlessly into the shadows of the trees, their lithe movements blending with their surroundings.
-
You knew you weren't alone.
The senstaion crept through your brain and into your skin, sending a tingling feeling of awareness through adrenaline.
"Who's there?" you called, your accent thick and voice somewhat trying to remain steady. Silence answered you however, but it wasn't empty.
From the corner of your eye, you watched a silhouette emerged. Then another. Their deep blue skim shimmered faintly in the dappled light, intricate bioluminescent patterns glowing softly along their bodies. One had his bow raised, while the other held his hands up in a gesture of peace.
"Whoa, hey" the taller one said, his voice calm but firm, "We're not here to hurt you"
But you didn't lower your knife, instead held it higher, your instincts still in overdrive. "Then why are you sneaking around?" you asked, your tone sharp and guarded.
The younger of the two smirked, his amber eyes glinting mischievously. "Sneaking? You're the one wandering around like a lost ranting"
"Lo'ak," the taller one hissed, his expression tight with dissaproval. He turned his attention back to you. "We saw you and though you may need help. My name is Neteyam, and this is my brother, Lo'ak."
You didn't respond immediately, your grip on the knife tightening. They weren't human- that much was more than obvious- although, you found it quite ironic, you did not remember anything other than your name or apparently, what a human is.
"I don't need your help," you said firmly, though your words were hollow. Eywa, you didn't even know who you were. But the idea of admitting vurnerability to mere strangers was unbearable.
Lo'ak raised an eyebrow, his smirk widening now. "Really? because you look like you just fell out of the sky"
Neteyam, yet again, shot him another glare before turning back to you. "We're not enemies. But you... you're not from here, are you?"
silence followed, and you hesitated for a second but in the end, chose to give in.
"I don't know where I'm from" you admitted, the words tasting bitter on your own tongue. "I don't remember anything."
The brothers exchanged a glance, their expressions shifting to concern. Before they could press further however, something unexpected seemed to take place.
You were caught off guard as a soft glow caught everyone's attention. The forest seemed to hold its breath as tiny, luminous beings drifted down from the heavens. Atokirina- the seeds of the great tree. This you recognized immidiately, almost as if it was whispered to you last second.
They floated toward you, and your breath hitched as they began to circle you. One by one, they settled on your shoulders, your arms, and even the top of your head. A soft, radiant light sorrounded you, casting you in a sacred embrace.
Neteyam and Lo'ak stared, their expressions in a mix of awe and disbelief.
"Atokirina...a sign of Eywa" Neteyam murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.
Lo'ak nodded, his unserious demeanor replaced by the rare opposite.
You stoof frozen, unsure of how to even address the situation, afraid to move in fear of hurting them by any slight movement.
The Atokirina lingered for a moment longer before gently taking their leave, disappearing into the forest as silently as they had come.
Neteyam stepped forward, his expression determined. "You're coming with us. Our parents need to see this"
-
The walk to their respective home was surreal, something truly worth being called beautiful. The brothers moved with ease through the forest, something you simply could not relate to as you seemed to stumble on your own feet every five minutes.
The soft crunch of their footsteps resonated through each leaf, blending in with the faint whisper and occasionnal calls of unseen animals. You followed them closely behind, hyper aware of your sorrounding even more now.
You felt inclined to ask questions, the curiosity heavy on your mind. But the borthers' silence made it clear to you that this wasn't the proper time for them. They would briefly glance over their shoulders at your direction, checking that you were still with them and hadn't gotten lost. This was the only reassurance they offered. You clung to it like a lifeline, each step you took sending nervous shivers up your body.
Then, the trees parted,
the sight before you taking your breath away. The Ometicaya village, its home sat at a colossal hometree that towered any other in the forest. Its rooted intertwined like fingers of a giant, hand cradling the earth, each one big enough to house an entire family under its embrace.
Villagers paused their work to watch their arrival. Some carried woven baskets overflowing with brightly colored fruits, others knelt at the base of the roots, weaving nets or tending to small fires. Their gazes were curious, their eyes sometimes narrowing as they took in your unusual appearance. You could hear their whispers, wondering where you were from, what business you had here, and to that you wished more than anything you actually had answers to.
Neteyam and Lo'ak guided you up a winding path that led to a large platform built into the Hometree's base. As you climbed, the towering structure seemed to grow even larger, its sheer size a testament to its age and resilience. On the platform, two figures stood waiting, their presence commanding in a way that made you freeze in your steps, only to continue moving as neteyam glanced over his shoulder at you and you both made eye contact, him sending you a comforting glance.
You assumed the adults were his parents, and judging from the way they carried themselves and the attire they wore, you had it in you to asume they were the clan leaders much to your luck. The man held an unmistakable mark, a human mark, this made you wary of him, you did not know him, but humans were not to be trusted, either way, you drew the conclusion that if the other na'vi trusted him enough to have him lead them, then you were to as well. In the end, this man might end up being the only reason you are still alive as of now.
As you approached, the woman's gaze narrowed, her sharp eyes sharp and addressing of you. Her posture remained clam, but the tension in her shoulders suggested she was already calculating what to make of you. The man's expression, while also calculating, they were somewhat softer, his eyes studied you closely as well. Both of their gazes lingered for a brief moment on the pattern of your skin, the marine features that set you apart from anyone they had ever seen before.
"Who is this?" the man asked, his voice held steady.
Neteyam stepped forward, his tone measured but earnest. "We found her during our patrol. She was alone. Atokirina gathered around her father. They landed on her shoulders and arms as if... as if Eywa had chosen her. She doesn't remember anything about herself, not even her name"
The man's brow furrowed as he exchanged a long, meaningful look with the tall woman at his side. Unspoken thoughts between them, their bond evident in the way they seemed to communicate without the need of words.
"Marine features" the woman said softly, more to herself than anyone else. Her gaze stopped now, shamelessly looking at the faint sheen of your skin, the subtle patterns that mimicked the ocean's waves, and the pearlescent hues in your loose hair. "She is not of the forest, that much is clear... but Eywa's hand is clear in her path"
The man shifted, nodding slowly, his expression softening but still guarded. "Are you sure she doesn't remember anything?" he asked, though his tone suggested he already believed Neteyam's account.
"Nothing", The boy reassured,
The woman now stepped closer, her movements slow and deliberate, as if not to startle you. Her presence was commanding, but there was a gentleness in her eyes that stood proudly now. She crouched slightly to meet your gaze, scanning your greenish bigger eyes, and you fought to urge to look away, feeling exposed under her gaze.
"Do you know what this means?" she asked softly, turning away her body from you now, posture straightening as she faces her mate.
He sighed, rubbing the back of his neck in deep thought. "It means Eywa is involved. Again", he muttered, his voice a mix of reverence and exasperation.
The woman's lips pressed into a thin line, and she nodded once, resolutely. Her gaze softened as she now spoke directly to you, "You may not remember who you are, but Eywa has brought you here. That is no mistake. She does not make mistakes".
Her words, though reassuring , felt impossibly heavy. You had no idea why Eywa had chosen you, out of everyone, or even for what purpose she had picked you, and this scared you. You wanted to speak, to as the flood of questions overfilling nonstop in your mind, but the weight of the moment kept you silence.
The man stepped forward now, his demeanor relaxed. "Look," he said, his voice kind, "we do not know why you are here yet, and im guessing you clearly don't know either. But, if Eywa brought you here to us, there is reason for it. We will figure it out, in meantime, you are safe here"
Safe.
The word sank into you like life belt. Irayo. you hadn't realized how much you'd needed to hear it until now.
The woman nodded in agreement. "We will provide for you, as Eywa wills it. And until you remember who you are or why you have come, you will stay here, with us. We will learn together what path Eywa has set for you."
You swallowed hard, nodding slowly. Their acceptance was more than you had hoped for.
You could still feel the eyes of the other villagers on you, their whispers carried faintly by the breeze. But standing here, under the gaze of these two powerful figures, you felt a flicker of hope amid the chaos in your mind.
"Thank you," you said softly, your voice barely above a whisper. It was all you could manage, but the sincerity in it was clear.
The man gave you a small, reassuring nod. "Neteyam, Lo’ak," he said, turning to the brothers. "Take her to a place she can rest. We’ll talk more later."
Neteyam nodded immediately, stepping back to your side. Lo’ak hesitated for a moment, still looking at you with a mixture of curiosity and uncertainty, before following his brother’s lead.
As they led you away, the woman’s voice stopped you. "One more thing," she called out, her tone carrying an authority that made you turn instinctively. "Do not worry about proving yourself to us. Your path will reveal itself in time. Trust in that."
You met her gaze, and for the first time since waking in the forest, you realized that you could finally let your guard down, not completely, but still, enough for you to be able to breathe through the heavy air that sat aimlessly in your lungs.
You only hoped that this would not last forever, as the one thing you wanted it more than anything was to remember,
A young metkayina with no memory of her past is taken in by the forest as she washes ashore. With no recollection of her identity she uncovers a new life, following the Sullys as they take her in with them through their journey.
word count: 1.7k
Prologe: Lost to the Tides
Morning came fast, as the sun rose high through the horizon and Eywa's children came to greet the day through the ocean surface. The gentle swish of the water against the Marui pods filled the air, mixing with the soft hum of conversation and the occasional laugh from the Metkayina village. You stretched lazily, your body half hidden under a woven blanket of seaweed and fabric, the golden rays of the sun warming your face.
"Up already, sister?" Tsireya's gentle voice broke through the stillness.
"Barely," you mumbled, rolling onto your side. But the cheeky grin spreading across your face said otherwise. You never slept in. Not really. The mornings were your favorite time of the day, you liked to call it the calm before the storm, the storm being the hustle of the day.
Rising, you crossed the pod to glance out at the village, and the ocean which stood around and under you. the sun making the waters shimmer like liquid crystals. You braided your hair in silence, creating a mix of loose hair stands and some of thin flow braids.
"Tsireya, c'mon!" you called as you made your way out the pod, hair already done. "Ao'nung! don't tell me you're still sleeping! You're going to let all the good fish escape!"
The challenge always worked like a charm, Ao'nung's groggy voice bellowed back from his side of the pod. "who says I need to wake up early to catch more than you?"
"Considering I beat you every time? You should start waking up earlier" you taunted, jumping from the pod's edge into the shallows bellow. The cool water splashing around and making contact all through your body, causing a delighted sigh to escape you at the cooling sensation.
Tsireya appeared moments later, stepping gracefully out the family pod. "Leave him be," she said, laughing softly. "You know he hates losing to you"
"Which is why I never let him win," you replied, winking. "Someone has to keep his ego in check"
Before Tsireya could respond, Ao'nung finally emerged, already scowling. He slung a net over his shoulder as he approached, his broad frame casting a long shadow.
"Fine, let's see if you're so confident after today" he said, his tone more annoyed than truly angry.
You smirked, patting his arm as he jumps into the water next to you. "Oh, Ao'nung, I don't need confidence, I have skill. Let's go"
"No, no, you two are forgetting something don't you think?" Tsireya calls out to the two of you, her right hand finding home at her hip as she raises her eyebrows.
Ao'nung and you shared a look of realization, knowing well you had almost forgotten your mother's mandatory breakfast reunion.
"Shit, we completely forgot." Ao'nung exclaims as he jumps out of the water and into the weaved flooring connecting Maruis together, you following close behind.
-
Breakfast came quickly after your morning banter, the family gathering inside the Marui pod. Ronal, your mother and the clan's Tsahik, watched them with her usual sharp observation. Despite her stern exterior, you all knew better, there was an undeniable softness in her gaze when it landed on her children, her hand resting on her growing bump. She had just started showing, it was barely there yet but you could still see it. Your heart warming at the thought of a new sibling running around.
"You are all too playful today" Ronal said, directing her words to her second daughter and son, but with a glance at all three of them. "The sea is no place for games. Respect it"
"I always do," you replied, giving your mother a small bow of your head, in acknowledgement. "But would you rather me be sour faced like Ao'nung in the mornings?" you said casually, a small smirk adorning your lips.
"What" Ao'nung protested, his mouth full of food.
the pod erupted with laughter. Even Ronal's lips twitched into someting resembling a smile before she schooled her features again. "Enough, eat quickly. I want you all to be prepared for today's lessons before the tides shift"
"Do you ever take a day off from bossing us around sa'nu" you teased, your voice light enough to be affectionate but sharp enough to earn a warning glance from your mother.
Tonowari, your father, chuckled from the corner. "It's good to see you all so lively" he said, his deep voice resonating like the waves. "But listen to your mother. She knows the sea better than anyone"
"I know, I know" you replied, finishing your meal in quick bites. "But listen, if I don't get out of here soon, the day will pass without any exitement"
"Exitement or trouble?" Ao'nung muttered.
"Depends on how fast you are," you shot back, darting out of the pod before he could respond.
-
The ocean was like your own personal haven, every time your feet left the soft sands of the shoreline and you dove beneath the waves, you felt weightless, free. The world above, with all its noise and heavy burdens of responsiblities melting away as the cool water embraced you like an old friend.
Your siblings joined you after a few minutes passed. Both around you now as you called over your own ilus. Once they had came and greeted you, you found yourself racing through the shallows, your ilu weaving expertly through the coral formations and schools of brightly colored fish on the ocean floor.
Tsireya was at your side, as graceful as always, while Ao'nung trailed behind, clear unsatisfaction adorining his face at the clear fact that you always got a head start.
"Are you even trying back there?" you signed at him as you looked over your shoulder at him. Tsireya rolling her eyes at the action.
"You're insufferable!" Ao'nung signed back, determination to get aheaf of you now making a smile form in his face.
You relished these moments, the thrill of your races along with both your siblings. The adrenaline, the salty tang of the sea.
As you and your siblings played and trained in the open waters, each collecting your days contributions along the way- with tsireya filling her bag with sea shells, corals, and pieces of seaweed, much like you, and Ao'nung finding fish and usable rocks capable of turning into good weapons and fishing equipment- until something in the distance caught your eye.
A faint glow near the horizon.
"Tsireya" you signed at your sister as you tapped her arm to gain her attention. Pointing now at the surface, Ao'nung who witnessed the interaction following behind as you swam to the surface in your ilu.
"Did you see that?"
Tsireya followed her gaze to the underneath of the surface, nodding slowly. "The Spirit Tree. It looks... brighter than usual."
"Then we should go, see what it is," you said, already steering your ilu downward, earning an eye roll from your brother who reached out to your arm, disabling you from diving into the waters once again.
"It's not the right time, something is wrong" Tsireya cautioned, "The currents will likely be unpredictable"
"Yes, but when are they not?" you replied, flashing your sister a grin, "c'mon, don't worry. I can handle it"
Before Tsireya could argue further, you were already diving beneath the surface, Ao'nung who had released you unable to stop you once again.
The Spirit Tree was more magnificent than you remembered. Its bioluminescent tendrils swaying gently in the water, their glow illuminating the darkness sorrounding it. You reached out tentatively, your fingers brushing against the nearest strand as you dismissed your ilu and disconnected from the bond to connect to Eywa, it had been some time since you spoke with her.
The connection was almost instant
A rush of warmth and light filled your mind, followed by flashes of memories you couldn't place- waves crashing against jagged rocks, laughter echoing through the reef, only for this all to be replaced with a new landscape. All of a sudden your mind filled itself with images of a forest, winged creatures soaring the skies, floating mountains above the solid ground, tall trees adorning the land and another spirit tree, you did not know if it was truly Eywa but you could feel it, you knew it was her.
And then, the current came
It was sudden, violent.
It pulled you away from the tree, breaking the bond forcefully before you could react. You kicked against it, your strong legs propelling you forward, but the water was relentless.
'Eywa, no,' you thought, whispered in your mind in desperation, panic clawing at your chest. You did not want to go, not yet, not like this.
You fought harder, twisting and turning to break free, but the current only grew stronger, as if it was fighting back. Your lungs burned as you struggled for air, the world around you blurring into a chaotic swirl of blue and green.
The last thing you saw before darkness claimed you was the Sprit Tree's light fading into the distance, and a soft hue covering your body, to the realization that you could suddently breath. But it came too late, you couldnt react, so let your eyes close.
-
You awoke, gasping for air, hands clawing at your throat, cough after cough, eager to let all water out of your lungs.
Once you calmed down you took time to glance around you, coming to a scary realization.
Everything was different,
unknown.
The forest canopy before you was thick and green, the sunlight barely piercing through the leaves and dense branches. The air was warm and heavy, carrying the unfamiliar scents of earth and leaves. You sat up slowly, your head spinning, and looking around in confusion.
Where were you? How had you even gotten here?
Your hand instinctively reached to your side, only to find a small knife hidden in one of the pouches hanging off your waist. You had no idea how you knew it was there, but you did not question it, you had bigger concerns as of now.
Your heart raced as you stumbled to your feet, legs shaky but slightly determined. You had already come to terms with it.
- summary: Rockie Jk and his band are on tour! The band is called The Bangtan Boys. Turns out this singer/ guitarrist needs a break, what better way to do this than to go to a bar and drink his life away. But things dont go as planned as he encounters a pretty girl, you.
disclamer: guys english isn't my first language so go easy lol, this is the second fic i've wrote and its not a continuation to my previous one but i think they do kind of match so you can think of it as one. enjoy!
summary: Rockie Jk and his band are on tour! The band is called The Bangtan Boys. Turns out this singer/ guitarrist needs a break, what better way to do this than to go to a bar and drink his life away. But things dont go as planned as he encounters a pretty girl, you.
word count: 2,452
The final notes of the encore vibrated off the walls of the stadium, as the musical notes and sweet melodious voices came to an end. The group exited the scenario, Jungkook amidst the sweat and adrenaline decorating his body, waved to the sea of fans before dissapearing backstage where he would the find the rest of his members.
The roar of the audience still roared in this ears as he reaches for a towel, tapping his forehead with his left hand as his other reaches to grab a bottle of water.
"Great Show Tonight!" Taehyung slapped him on the back, his grin wide as he walks past him to grab a bottle of water as well.
"Yeah, it was amazing" He responds. He smiled, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. Don't get him wrong, he loved performing, but sometimes there was a part of him that missed the way things used to be. He craved for something more grounded, calm, something more real.
He loved life as a star, the family he gained, the fans he adored. His life felt like a dream, something he did not expect to achieve but somehow did, and he could could never be more greatful. But again, it would be a lie to say his mind didn't sometimes wander off to what his life would be if this great opportunity of his hadn't happened. Wether he would be married, or maybe even a farmer in a quiet town where the population consisted of maximum 50 people, a small circle of friends and maybe even a dog to be his life companion.
This is what drove him to have a night to himself after the concert. The city in which they performed was not the usual place where he and his band would get recognized, their fans having flown out just to see them so he could be assured of having a nice night where he didn't need to wear a mask and that cap he swears lowers the quality of his hair.
The boys were packing their things, some were going to karaoke together, while others shared his same thought and planned to relax for the night, their performance catching up to them.
"Bye guys, let me know if anything goes wrong" Jungkook says as he grabs his car keys, hearing a couple salutes and ok's from his friends.
With that he heads outside, making his way to the underground parking lot where his sleek, matte black mercedes-amg gt sat in all its glory, that was his baby, he even gave her a name, Onyx. He got her when his career reached its peak, and ever since its been his one and only baby.
"Where to?" he mutters to himself as he adjusts himslef in the car seat. Then proceding to start the engine. Without a clear destination in mind, he pulled out of the parking lot and let the city's landscape guide him throuh the city streets.
After driving aimlessly for a good 10 minutes he found himself outside a small, unassuming bar with neon lights casting a soft glow on the pavement below it.
"Why not" he said to himself, parking the car and stepping out and inside the calm bar.
You're at the local bar, you had been going there since you first became of age. This time it was to celebrate your first job promotion. The atmosphere is warm and lively, a perfect contrast to the city sitting outside the bar walls. Laughter and clinking glasses fill the air as your friends raise their drinks in a toast to you.
"To Y/n! The newly promoted star of the law world" one of your friends cheers, and you laugh, feeling a mix of both pride and slight embarassment as a couple of bystanders look your way briefly.
You take a sip of your drink, eyes wandering around the room. Thats when you notice him. A tall, hooded figure steps into the bar, looking slightly out of place but undeniably intruiging. As he approaches the bar, the neon lights illuminating his face, making you realize he is in fact incredibly handsome.
He orders a drink and you notice his eyes wandering around the room. Your eyes meet for a brief second before you rapidly look away, you feel your hear skip a beat as the heat creeps up your cheeks.
"What are you blushing about?" one of your friends questions, her left eyebrow lifted in a teasing nature as she nodges you playfully.
"Nothing, just...enjoying the night" you respond, trying your best to sound as nonchalant as possible.
Moments later, you hear a voice behind you. "Mind if I join you?"
You turn to see the handsome stranger from before standing there, a gentle smile adorning his face. Up close, you take into your attention how he is even more attractive, he looked striking. With dark eyes that seem to see right through you.
"Sure ,why not?" You reply, trying to keep your cool as you keep your eyes trained in the in-between of his eyebrows as you avoided looking straight into his eyes, too afraid to make eye contact once again.
Your friends exchange curious glances but nonetheless still make space for him at the table. He introduces himself simply as Justin, and you can't help but think the name suits him.
As the night progresses, you find yourself drawn to him and his easygoing charm as well as his genuine interest in your conversations. He asks about your work, congratulates you on your promotion as soon as he find out the reason for the celebration of the day. You chat about your interests, he tells you how he likes photography and singing, how they help him blow off steam and how they are both his life's greatest passions.
"You must be really talented" You say, his eyes meeting yours and you notice the pride behind his eyes, you could tell he was passionate about it. "Thank you, Y/n" He says, his eyes and tone soft when he talks to you. At this point it was only the two of you, your friends already gone as you all had work the day after. But you stayed, you wanted to talk to him.
"Seriously, I'd love to see your work sometime" You say, looking down a bit shy at your attempt at flirting. To this he laughs softly nudging you to come closer as to tell you a secret.
He leans in, closer than your average stranger you note, his lips grazing your ear as you turn your head slightly to his direction as you feel his breath softly tickling your neck. "Maybe I could show you some of my projects sometimes" He says gently.
He then takes notice of his proximity and the red haze in your face, which causes him to lean back away from you in a playful manner.
"Only if you want, of course" He adds in a soft voice as you look up to him facing him now, still a blushing mess but slightly more confident at his obvious flirting. You smile, and for a moment your lost in his gaze once again. There's just something you cant pin point, its as if you have seen him before, he felt so familiar, yet you can't quite place it.
You agree to his proposal and as the night goes on, you find yourselves talking about everything and anything- music, dreams, the little ironies of life. He tells you how he dreams to be an impactful person in the world, about his travels, all the different cities he's seen. Sharing funny anecdotes about each visit that make you life.
The bar begins to quiet down, it is now 2 am. The soft hum of conversations and clinking glasses has turned into a gentle murmur. You glance at your phone to check the time and realize how late its already gotten. Your friends having left a while ago sending you texts asking if you had ended up getting kidnapped by the greek god that joined the celebration.
"I should probably head home, its already pretty late" you say, though your body says otherwise as you don't move an inch, your desire to keep talking to him stronger.
'Justin' nods, looking slightly dissapointed but still understanding. "Do you have a ride home" He asks.
"Actually, I took a cab here with the girls, I was planning to call another cab to get back"
He immediatly offers, not wanting to lose the opportunity, "Let me give you a lift, its late, and I'd feel better knowing you got home safely".
You consider it for a moment before giving in, giving a nod his way, "Okay, Thank you" you say, stading by the booth you were both sitting in smiling softly at him as he smiles back still sitting down as he begins to scoot off the seat and next to you.
The two of you walk out the bar together. The cool night air feeling refreshing against your skin after the warmth of the bar. 'Justin' leads you to his car, the sports car sitting happily a short distance away.
"Nice car", you comment, admiring the smooth lines and curvature of the beauty in front of you.
He chuckles, "Thanks, this is my baby, meet Onyx", He says looking your way as your smile widens and you look at him teasingly.
"You gave your car a name?" You smirk in an innocent teasing tone.
"Yeah, you don't? This is my baby y'know, she's the love of my life what can i say" He goes along with the jokes, eyes not leaving your figure as you cover you lips, giggles escaping your voice as your eyes meet his and you notice his smile.
He looked hypnotized and you realize... it is because of you, he is in a trance called Y/n. Your laugh quiets down as you both stare at each other.
This catches him off guard as he looks away quickly, tips of his ears becoming a light shade of pink as he unlocks the car and softly holds the passenger door open for you. "Thank you", you say quietly still a bit flustered by the recent interaction. "My pleasure", he answers with the same tone, his voice sounding like a whisper almost, a beautiful serenading melody to your ears.
With that he gets into the drivers seat, and soon your gliding through the quiet night life of the city. You giving him instructions as to get to your appartment. The city lights cast a gentle glow through the dark windows of the car, and the radio set a low volume as you hear his soft voice humming along to the music. This all creating a serene atmosphere inside the car with short conversations here and there.
There is just an easy, natural rythim to your conversation, and you feel even more connected with him than ever.
Eventually, you arrive at your appartment. Jungkook parks and turns to you, a sweet smile on his face. "I had a great time with you tonight, Y/n"
"Me too", You whisper, you knew he heard you from his ever glowing smile growing wider. " Thank you for the ride, Justin".
He laughs, "Anytime", this time he hesitates, "I'd love to see you again"
You smile, feeling a warmth spread through your chest. "I'd like that too".
There is moment of silence and then he gently leans in, as to give you enough time to back out of this if you wanted. But you didn't so you lean in too and then in a moment of silence in which you swear you can hear both of your heartbeats sinc, your lips meet and dance to a soft and endearing tune that you feel lasts forever.
He breaks the kiss, faces still close to each other. "Goodnight Y/n".
"Goodnight" you whisper, embracing the electricity between you both. You swear, if soulmates and love at first glance existed, this would be it. It would be him.
You step out of the car, giving him a smile before heading to the front door of your apartment and going in, but of course, not before waving goodbye to him one last time even if you couldn't see him because of the dark tint of his car.
As you walk up to your kitchen to drop the house keys and grab a glass of water you hear your phone ring.
You grab your phone and see a new message from 'Cute bar guy'
"I'm glad i got to meet you, lets do this again?"
Your fingers hover over the keyboard as you type back, "Absolutely, Looking forward to it".
Almost immediately, another message pops up: "By the way, I'm sorry for not telling you this earlier, but Justin is not my name. My name is Jeon Jungkook, Justin is just my nick name. Hope that doesn't change anything"
You blink in surprise, rereading the message. Jeon Jungkook, the name sounds familiar, but you can't quite place it. You respond, "It doesn't change a thing. I'm still looking forward to seeing you again", You accompany this with a smile face emoji to which he replies with one as well making you smile as you see his response.
Curiousity however, gets the best of you, you turn on the TV and flip through the channels, hoping to find some worthy entertainment for the night. As fate would have it, you land on a news channel just as the entertainment segment begins.
The announcer's voice fills the room, "Tonight, the famed singer Jeon Jungkook, also known as JK and his band, The Bangtan Boys, shook the world with their amazing performance at the Stark Stadium. Fans are raving about the electrifying show and the band's incredible energy".
Your jaw drops as you watch the footage of the concert, the camera panning over the massive crowd and then zooming in on Jungkook- Your Jungkook- singing his heart out with the same melodious voice you had just heard humming along a song on the radio less than 10 minutes ago.
You sink into the couch, stunned. "Jeon Jungkook", you whisper, now realizing why he had looked so familiar all night. He is not just any musician; he is one of the biggest stars in the world, He is the Jeon Jungkook.
Your phone buzzes again, and you glance at it to see another message from him: "Goodnight, Y/n. Sweet dreams".
You smile to yourself, a mix of disbelief and exitement sitting at the pit of your stomach. "Goodnight Mr. JK", you reply, your heart racing with the knowledge that tonight was just the beginning of an interesting 'for the plot' original life event.
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