where the mangroves tie together ✧
part one.
ao'nung tsika'u x fem!ta'unui!reader
warnings/notes: 3.6k words, character death, mentions of death, lowercase in intended, characters are speaking na'vi unless stated otherwise, gif is mine, border creds to shifterium.
na'vi words used (with translations) - ta'unui - na'vi clan toruk makto - toruk rider olo'eyktan - clan leader tsahìk - spiritual leader uturu - sanctuary metkayina - na'vi clan marui - a woven canopy made for living in ilu - pandoran sea creature spartan fruit - pandoran fruit speargun - crossbow for fishing glider fin fish - pandoran fish
part two >
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the people of the ta'unui clan had centuries worth of memories. memories rooted in their culture. stories, traditions, and celebrations that carried on for generations.
and all of it was gone.
the home their ancestors built with their bare hands had been set ablaze before their very eyes. all that they owned were reduced to nothing but a pile of ashes, mixing with the grainy sand beneath their feet.
when the fire finally died, the smell of smoke lingered in the air. it clung to the warm skin of the na'vi mourning the loss of their home. a dull shade of gray stretched across everything. the sky, the sand, and even the ocean seemed dull in this moment. it hadn't been a particular sunny day to begin with, but it was now gloomy, and a heavy feeling came with it.
the ta'unui moved slowly, everyone trying to come to terms with what just happened. some cried, others began to move inland, gathering the wounded and helping one another.
y/n on the other hand, did not move.
you sat on the sand, legs tucked underneath you as your eyes were locked on the body lying in front of you.
the attack didn't last long. the sky people came with their machines that caused nothing but destruction. they forced the people from their homes, binding their hands and pushing them to their knees. the soldiers shouted at them to stay down and used their weapons to shock them.
they demanded to know the location of a man who had never even set foot on ta'unui land. you knew of jake sully, all na'vi people did. everyone knows the story of toruk makto.
but you did not know him. and neither did your people. and for that, you were being punished.
you could still feel the stinging sensation of being shocked. that part of your skin bruised and becoming sensitive to touch.
your grandfather had tried to protect you. he used his body as a shield, shouting for them not to touch you. for this, they shocked him more times than you can count. his body jerked with each surge of pain, old bones too fragile to bear the cruelty being forced upon them.
you had cried out. cried for them to stop, cried for the eywa to do something, anything. instead, they shocked you next. the pain tore through your body as you screamed out. the jolts of pain knocked you off your balance and caused you to fall face first into the sand.
now, the tears fell from your eyes silently as you watched his body lay limp against the sand. he was still breathing but it was clear that he wouldn't be for much longer. his eyes fluttered open as he silently took your hand into his.
"my 'evi..." he whispered, "do not let them break you."
even in this moment, his voice was still kind, even through the pain. you pressed your hand over his. but when his fingers no longer moved, you stayed there long after his breathing stopped.
soon, others approached you. their hands rested gently on your shoulders, their touch being offered as comfort as they also mourned the death of a beloved elder.
that night, the clan gathered what little they could to hold a funeral. you watched as his body was laid to rest with the ancestors. your throat felt tight and your heart heavy with grief. you watched the sea engulf him until there was nothing left.
the next morning, you moved with no real purpose. all you could feel was the weight of your heavy heart that still felt broken.
you barely even felt the words of your leaders. they spoke of what had to be done. now that their home was no longer, they had to leave. everyone had to leave. seeking refuge while the olo'eyktan, tsahìk, and the other elders decided what to do about their home was the best option.
since the ta'unui was a large clan, it would be impossible for everyone to seek uturu in one place. it would be too great of an ask. the leaders explained that they divided everyone into smaller groups and would integrate among the other sea clans. when the names were called and the destinations were announced, yours was among those chosen to travel to the metkayina.
your closest friends were chosen to go elsewhere. you didn't have many friends, but the ones you did have meant everything to you. it hurt to know that you would now be separated. for a moment, you wanted to argue, to beg the elders to let you go with your friends. but you knew there was no use, the decision had already been made.
when the time came to leave, you and your friends embraced one another one last time. promises to come back together, but you all knew they were just empty promises.
you stood on the shore for a while by your lonesome. it was time to leave, time to leave the only home you've ever known. you sighed as you pulled a woven band from your wrist and pulled your hair back, twisting it into a tight, low bun.
the journey to the metkayina didn't take long. you stayed near the back, quiet. before you knew it, the woven homes of the metkayina came into view, blocking out the light from the beaming sun.
the sun hung over the reef, the warmth bringing a warm and bright energy to the day. a very lively clan. everyone was out and about, attending to their daily duties. something the ta'unui used to be.
the day was going as usual before the call of a conch shell echoed through the village. heads turned and people began to gather around or peeked from the woven walkways near their homes.
it didn't take long to be approached by the olo'eyktan and tsahìk of the metkayina, tonowari and ronal. their presence was both commanding and calm. you greeted them respectively when they stood in front of your group. the two exchanged a brief look before stepping forward.
whispers of the tragedy had reached their ears but they did not know the details. one of the elders explained what happened to your people. after a conversation that felt like forever to you, the leaders granted your people uturu. it was then that you were welcomed into what would be your new home.
ao'nung stood off to the side, watching his parents welcome new na'vi into their home. a quiet uneasy feeling settled in his chest. he wasn't the only one who felt it. he could tell. around him, people whispered about the newcomers.
the sight of refugees seeking sanctuary after fleeing from the destruction caused by the sky people had him feeling tense. his parents already opened their arms to the sully family and the memory of the recent battle was still an open wound.
it had only been mere days since his friend died. the pain of the funeral is still fresh.
the ta'unui were reef people, they were like him. he should be more accepting. but the mere thought of taking in people who were running from the same devil that took his friend made him feel uneasy.
ao'nung and tsireya stood near their parents like they usually did in these moments. ao'nung's arms were crossed over his chest as he looked over the new arrivals, examining as well as judging them. most of them looked exhausted and dazed from their travels. then his eyes landed on her.
it was a girl. and if ao'nung had to guess, she had to be around his age if not the same age as him. there was something about her that didn't match the rest. she stood slightly apart from the others. her posture was firm despite the fatigue she was most likely experiencing. her hair was tied back tightly, not a single strand out of place. this left her face open but ao'nung was unable to read the expression she wore.
she didn't look at him.. or anyone, really. and for reasons ao'nung couldn't explain, that made it harder for him look away. it was obvious that she stayed in the back so she wouldn't draw any attention to herself. and yet, ao'nung found himself watching her anyway.
ao'nung forced his gaze away before clearing his throat and straightening his posture as he stood beside his father. it didn't matter who she was. the ta'unui were guests, nothing more.
once introductions were finished, the ta'unui were divided by families into the available marui's that the metkayina had. since you had no family, you were placed with one of the families that you had arrived with. two parents and a baby. you knew of them but you weren't very talkative with everyone back home.
the family made space for you without hesitation. they were very friendly people and were also fond of your grandfather. you nodded your head in an attempt to thank them but did not verbally speak. your movements were polite but still distant.
inside, the marui resembled the marui of the ta'unui but had a few slight differences. it wouldn't take long for your people to become familiar with it.
it didn't take long to get settled. there was nothing to unpack, everything you own had been charred beyond recognition. you sat by the entrance of the marui, facing the water. you felt like the view should've given you a sense of peace but it did not. if anything, you still felt empty.
that evening, the metkayina held a small celebration to welcome the ta'unui into their home. when the sun set and night took over, the festivities began. bodies populated the beach as music filled the air. the ta'unui and metkayina gathered together to celebrate unity.
except to you, it didn't feel like unity.
you stood off to the side, simply watching. you had thought about staying in the marui by yourself, but somehow that sounded even more boring than standing around at the party.
the metkayina were friendly in your opinion. many passed you by, giving acknowledgement with a traditional na'vi greeting. wanting to be rather respectful in this new space, you returned each gesture. but for you, it was nothing more than simple politeness.
as your eyes were scanning the crowd, you heard your name being called in an excited tone.
“y/n!”
you turned to see tsireya approaching you with a bright smile on her face. a smile you assumed was normal for her and she wore it proudly. she was the daughter of the olo'eyktan and tsahìk, and the one who had shown you to your marui earlier that day. names had been exchanged then. and while she seems very kind, you weren't necessarily in the friend-making mood.
the young metkayina girl weaved through the crowd gracefully, two boys trailing behind her. the taller one followed reluctantly, arms crossed. there was a shorter one beside him, he seemed less annoyed but it was still very clear that they were being dragged along. you didn't know their names but you recognized the taller one from earlier. he had stood next to the olo'eyktan when uturu was being granted to your people. names could have been said, but you weren't paying much attention during that part. but now being dragged by tsireya, you assumed he is also a child of the leaders, most likely the oldest.
“you should come dance with us," tsireya exclaimed, her voice lively and sincere, "it is a celebration after all!"
you shook your head, “i’m fine here.”
tsireya frowned lightly, probably not used to hearing now, "are you sure? maybe just for a little while?”
“she already said no, tsireya.” a voice spoke from behind her.
your gaze lifted to the boy behind her. the taller one more specifically. the irritated face on his face was obvious, probably from being pulled along by his sister. the two of you made eye contact before you looked away.
a quiet pause followed before tsireya sighed, "alright. but if you change your mind, come find me."
you forced a small, polite smile and nodded, mostly to get them to leave faster. tsireya's bright smile returned before she finally turned away. the shorter boy also sent a small, awkward smile your way before following after her.
the taller one, however, didn't move.
your eyes flicked back to him. you weren't particularly short but he still had a few inches on you. his arms were still crossed, and his posture was solid. you tilted your head slightly as he looked at you. no speaking, just staring. the irritation was still there but you weren't sure if it was directed towards you or not.
you opened your mouth to ask what his problem was, but his voice beat you to it.
"you're with my group tomorrow. do not be late." he spoke sternly.
you blinked, momentarily confused. until you remembered what tsireya had told you earlier. she said you had been placed in ao'nung's group to learn the way of metkayina life. so this must be ao'nung.
even though both the ta'unui and metkayina were both reef clans, each clan operated differently. slightly different traditions, techniques, and even culture. so since you were new, you had to learn to live among the metkayina people.
you stared at him in silence, unsure what to say. or if you should say anything at all. after a moment, ao'nung broke eye contact first. he cleared his throat, muttering something you didn't catch before finally turning away and disappearing back into the crowd.
once he was finally gone, you exhaled slowly, your shoulders relaxing. you could feel the music around you growing louder, as well as the conversations and laughter that flooded the air.
maybe going back to your marui wouldn't be so bad after all.
the light from the morning sun spilled through the gaps of the marui. you could hear the soft chatter or the people passing by and the chirps of ilu’s. it was a sound that you grew to love. but it was a sound that made you feel at home.. and you were no longer home.
you sat on the woven floor of the marui, pulling your hair back into a tight bun that wouldn’t unravel while you were in the water.
“y/n, you should eat before heading out. the day will be long.” nari spoke, sliding a few pieces of sliced spartan fruit in your direction.
nari and omatu were very kind. they were friends with your grandfather and they had taken you in with no hesitation when you reached the metkayina. they had a small son, koa. he was still a baby, being that he hadn’t even reached his first trip around the sun yet.
you were grateful for the couple. but they still weren’t your family. and you weren’t going to pretend that they were.
you hummed in acknowledgment while staring at the slices of fruit placed in front of you. you weren’t hungry, and truthfully, you didn’t care much for the day ahead.
“not hungry..” you mumbled as you got ready to leave.
by the time you finally stood, most of the other newcomers had already left to meet their assigned groups. you knew you were late. ao'nung would definitely notice. but that didn’t stop you from taking your time.
once you stepped out of the marui, you made your way to the beach where your group was supposed to be meeting. by the time you reached the shore, the group was already gathered. around a dozen ta’unui and metkayina youths stood in a loose circle near the shore. most were checking their fishing nets and spearguns, making sure they were secure.
you spotted him immediately. aonung stood near the front, arms crossed. you noticed the shorter boy beside him but tsireya was nowhere to be seen. you assumed that she must be teaching a different group.
rotxo noticed you first. he tapped ao'nung before pointing at you. aonung’s eyes flickered towards you. you were approaching the group slowly before settling in the back.
“you’re late.” he spoke loudly, causing others to turn towards you.
you blinked, feigning confusion, “am i?”
ao'nung fought the urge to roll his eyes at your words, “you were supposed to be here at sunrise.”
“doesn’t look like i missed anything.” you said as you looked around. if they had been out here since then, they hadn’t done much.
“we taught them to tie nets the metkayina way.” the shorter one spoke. you looked at him, you should really learn his name. you couldn’t keep calling him the 'shorter one'.
your eyes narrowed as you picked up one of the fishing nets on the ground. your fingers ran over the weaving pattern. the metkayina’s knots were different from the ta’unui. stronger, but a bit messier.
“do i have to tie mine like this?” you asked, looking up at ao'nung.
“yes-”
“no.” the shorter one responded, “that’s just how we tie ours, but if you wanna do it differently, go ahead.”
you nodded, “thanks..”
“rotxo.” he smiled.
“rotxo..” you repeated before picking up an untied fishing net and settling in the back to start tying it.
“why’d you tell her that?” ao'nung asked, turning to his friend with an annoyed expression.
rotxo waved him off, “it’s fine. it’s only the first day.”
ao'nung rolled his eyes before walking over to different groups, checking their nets to make sure they met his standards.
after a while, it was finally time to begin the actual fishing process. your net was tied the way you liked and knew since you were young. you were also given a speargun. the spearguns were identical to the ta’unui so you had no issues with that.
what you did have an issue with however, was how aonung wanted the group to move forward. instead of doing this individually, he wanted everyone to be in small groups. you frowned. fishing had always been something you did alone. this was not a time for a group activity.
when ao'nung finished explaining the formation, everyone began walking towards the water in small groups. you didn’t move at first. then, without a word, you picked up your net and walked in the opposite direction of the group.
“where are you going?” ao'nung called out after you. you were already thigh-deep in the water, away from everyone else.
“fishing.” you called back simply, glancing over your shoulder before diving into the cool water.
you moved through the water like you always had. steady and deliberate. the sea was the one thing that still made sense to you. it may be the only thing that was your constant. always there when you needed it to be.
fishing never took you long. the small glider fin fish were easy to catch. they didn’t move very fast and they traveled in large groups. and since your fishing and netting skills were efficient, it was easy to catch many of them at once.
when you finally returned to shore, the others were hauling in half empty nets. you, on the other hand, dropped yours on the sand. an impressive amount of fish spilling across it.
ao'nung walked over, arms crossed as usual. you started to believe this was his natural resting stance.
“you didn’t listen.” he said, stopping in front of you.
you met his stare, “you wanted us to fish, so that’s what i did.”
“you ignored my direction.”
“because i know how to fish. i do not need to teach me what i already know.”
ao'nung stared at you for a moment, looking you up and down before letting out a low grunt in frustration.
“just.. try following directions next time.”
you let a small smirk touch your lips before turning to walk away.
that evening, as the clan gathered for a communal dinner, you didn’t join them. instead, you walked away from the area until the sound of talking and laughter faded into the distance. you stopped where the trees tangled together and stretched over the water, creating the mangroves that the homes were built upon.
without thinking, your hands found familiar grooves in the bark. you pressed your feet onto the thick roots as you pulled yourself upward with practiced ease. the climb was like a second nature.
back in the ta’unui village, you used to climb the mangroves all the time. it started around the time that your insomnia got bad. you were ten and your parents and grandmother had just died from an illness that had mysteriously struck the village. your parents were a part of the unlucky few that didn’t recover, and even the tsahìk’s help hadn’t been enough.
after that, you couldn’t sleep. you spent long nights looking for ways to make the time pass. climbing the mangroves became one of them. over time, it became something else. it was a small escape for you.
you bit into a ripe fruit you picked earlier. the sweetness being the first edible thing you’ve tasted all day.
from up here, the village looked peaceful. you could still see the warm orange glow from the communal fire down below. a gathering you couldn’t bring yourself to join.
and for the first time since arriving, you let yourself feel it. the quiet ache of being surrounded by people and still feeling completely alone.
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