𝑫 𝑬 𝑽 𝑰 𝑳 𝑶 𝑵 𝑾 𝑰 𝑵 𝑮 𝑺 | 𝟎𝟑
⊱ 𝒏𝒆𝒕𝒆𝒚𝒂𝒎 𝒙 𝒏𝒂’𝒗𝒊!𝒔𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒖!𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒆𝒓! ⊰
𝔫𝔢𝔱𝔢𝔶𝔞𝔪 𝔠𝔬𝔩𝔩𝔢𝔠𝔱𝔦𝔬𝔫 | 𝔪.𝔩𝔦𝔰𝔱 | ✧ 𝔫𝔵𝔱. 𝔠𝔥𝔞𝔭𝔱𝔢𝔯
𝑭𝑬𝑨𝑻𝑼𝑹𝑰𝑵𝑮 | neteyam te suli tsyeyk'itan
𝑺𝒀𝑵𝑶𝑷𝑺𝑰𝑺 | in which the sully kids find uturu amongst the sarentu.
𝑪𝑶𝑵𝑻𝑬𝑵𝑻 | explicit language, So’lek being a grumpy old man, reader being down bad for neteyam, mentions of past character deaths.
𝑾𝑶𝑹𝑫 𝑪𝑶𝑼𝑵𝑻 | 3.4k
𝑵𝑶𝑻𝑬𝑺 | Just some things to note! As I have NOT finished the game ( i bought it last month and literally only just unlocked the clouded forest because ive been having so much fun exploring and doing side missions) I will be basing the timeline of AFOP before the famed party that Mercer crashes. I’m unsure what that timeline comes into play with the avatar movies, espeically with the new So’lek DLC…but it’s fine. We run off vibes and the ability to change the timeline.
Anyway i hope you’ve been enjoying this series so far!! I certainly have. Again not proofread, will get around to that later so apologies for any mistakes 🖤 tyty for all love and support. Im hoping to get my new ao3 account soon (not bc i got banned or anything, i just wanted a seperate account for all things avatar centric) so soon i will post everything on that website, just for anyone who likes that format better <3
Neteyam had never felt more fear than when he heard the shouts of his family, dropping the meat he had hunted for and rushing towards the river. Everything that could’ve gone wrong had.
All he could think was that it was Quaritch, that somehow he had caught up and found them. That once again his family would be held under his knife, that he would witness them die before him.
Neteyam had been so focused on getting back that he did not see the man hiding amongst the shadows, not until arms had wrapped around him, pinning him to the ground as he struggled against them. Using all his strength to try and escape.
I can’t leave them, I can’t leave them, I can’t leave them. Save them, save them. SAVE THEM
“Mawey child. I am not your enemy” Neteyam froze at sound of his mother tongue, finally stopping his struggle as he was slowly turned around, forced to face an older man who stood above him.
So’lek was his name. A Na’vi who wielded guns like it was second nature, not afraid of holding the weapons of humans in his hands. No fear in his withered eyes, nothing except a deep bone tiredness and unending rage.
“Come, watch and wait. Your family will be safe” So’lek had pushed him up a tree, hissing at him to hurry and stay silent. Threatening to tie his tail to the branch if he tried to run off towards them.
“I can’t just leave them! I need to help them”
So’lek had all but grunted, looking through the scoped assault rifle with immense concentration.
“Stop talking or I will stuff your mouth with moss boy”
Neteyam bit back the growl building in his throat, ears pinned back as he looked towards the scene of his family captured. Eyes narrowing at the humans, before letting little relief leave him.
None of them were Quaritch.
Still, his body was coiled, ready to fight and kill when they closed in on them. Barely holding back the growl as they hit Spider and grabbed Kiri by her kuru. He could no longer hold back the anger in him as Tuk cried into Lo’aks’ neck.
He turned to the useless old man, ears pinned back as he reached for his bow. “Stay here and do nothing. I’m not just going to sit back and watch them die”
So’lek sighed loudly, grumbling below his breath at the boys impatient insistence to get himself killed.
He could only thank Eywa that you were not nearly as bad. Most of the time.
So’lek easily disarmed the young boy, throwing his bow into the forest ground and ignoring his rage of outcry.
“Keep quiet or I may accidentally aim at the wrong person”
Neteyam growled at the hag of an elder before. His eyes darting between the Na’vi and back to his family, the hiss finally leaving his mouth at the sight of Spider being hit.
Before he could move the sound of an arrow flying through the air interrupts his thoughts, watching with rapid attention as it embeds its way into the mans body.
A second of silence goes by, Neteyam watching as the group of soldiers erupted into chaos, shouting orders at each other as they looked around with wild eyes. Unable to find where the attack came from.
He turned to So’lek who watched with a content expression, humming as bodies continued to drop.
“Who? Is this your doing” Neteyam felt his own body thrum with the adrenaline to fight alongside whoever was behind this.
“Someone who likes to show off” So’lek hissed at your flair for dramatics, knowing that everyone here would’ve already been dead by now had you not wanted to impress the group.
As you jumped from your ikran, the sweet creature flew its way to him, sitting itself at the bottom of the tree where he was situated.
So’lek spared a glance down at Nimun who let out a trill. He nodded at her before looking back through the scope, watching as you stalked your way around the last two humans.
Neteyam watched with awe, the confidence in your walk, how skilled you were with a bow and arrow. The power behind your shots to be able to take down the AMPS with one shot only.
Powerful. A warrior.
“Dramatic, dramatic. Let’s end this”
So’lek lets off two shots in succession, ears flicking with satisfaction as the humans drop to the ground.
Neteyam flinches back at the sound of the gunshots, looking over at the man who packs away the gun before he looks back to the solider. Eyes focused on watching them choke on their last breath before stilling.
He lets out a sigh of relief, head dropping against his hands as he takes a slow breath. The tension, the fear and anger that had coiled itself around him slowly dissipating.
“Come. I’m sure your family will be glad to see you”
“You drool Sarentu”
You wipe at your mouth hurriedly, only to stop when you see nothing their, whipping your head to So’lek and hissing at the small grin on his face.
You roll your eyes at your mentor, muttering obscure obscenities before looking back to the subject who had caught your eye.
Neteyam was standing over his family, watching as Kiri carefully cleaned up the human, whose name you now knew as Spider, and the wound on his chin.
You were in awe for many things. The most surprising and curious one of them all was seeing Spider breathe your air without need for an exo pack.
And whilst you were sure such thing was momentous for Spider and his friends. He knew that this human boy would bring more danger wherever he went.
You and So’lek shared a look, promise to discuss more about the situation in depth.
The second most significant thing was that you now knew that these children were not just any lost ones. They were the children of the great Toruk Makto, also known as Jake Sully.
If it wasn’t for seeing Lo’ak and Kiri’s alien hands. Then it was hearing Tuk’s small voice saying “sullys stick together”
But you found it almost hard to believe that death would greet both Toruk Makto and Palulukan Makto, two of the strongest Na’vi’s you had heard of. Even So’lek had spoken of seeing their prowess in the Battle of Ayram Alusing.
Still, you would wait. You would give this family the uturu they so desperately seek. A place for them to rest without fear of whatever they were running from coming after them.
The last thing you were in awe of. Well it wasn’t anything your friends needed to know, nothing that needed to be reported about. You had no problem keeping this thing to yourself.
Neteyam.
The more you stared at the boy, the more you felt your cheeks flush and heart race. He was undoubtedly the most beautiful person you had seen.
You who had travelled the plains of pandora, who had made peace with the Aranahe and Zeswa clans. None of whose beauty could compare to his.
From his soft yet sculpted features, those blazing golden eyes, the freckles that were speckled along his cheeks and nose. Even his tanhì, were just as beautiful as the rest of him.
His body was strong and thick. Bigger than most Na’vi men you knew, wondering if that was the genes of his human father that made him seem so big.
But it wasn’t just his features and body that had you awestruck. It was the way he spoke, his words soft and careful as he took care of his siblings.
No care for himself as he made sure his family was safe first. Taking no mind to his own scratched up hands as he made sure Spider was looked after first.
His soul was beautiful.
And you were so screwed.
“It’s getting late. I’m sure you all must be hungry, you can eat and rest at our headquarters”
The Sully’s let out soft murmurs as they talk amongst themselves, your ears flicking as you tried to not listen on their conversation.
“Are we sure we can trust them?…she was using a gun dude”
“Dad uses a gun idiot. So did our clan before we left”
“I’m hungry!”
You grinned to yourself at Tuk’s whine which seemed to be the deciding factor in following you to HQ.
Again, you really could not blame them for not trusting you. To be honest you’d be much more wary if they were to follow you so willingly.
It was Neteyam who stepped forward, shoulders pushed back as he spoke with an air of authority.
“We would be grateful for your offer”
Your tail moves without your permission, ears pinning back as you smile at him. Glad that they are willingly to accept your help. You ignore the fact you’re also glad to be talking to him.
You call out to Nimun, watching with a sigh of relief as she bursts through the treeline, no visible injuries on her and curiously enough with another ikran right behind her.
You watch as she comes to a stop before you, letting out a trill of noise, her head tilting.
Just as you approach to pet her and feed her for such bravery during your fight. You watch in delight and amusement as she growls, turning around to snap at the ikran who had followed her closely.
You watch the way the strange ikran nips at Nimun, squawking in almost laughter as the creature successfully teases your girl.
You feel bad for laughing, quickly looking away when she growls at you.
“Telisi! Stop it” Neteyams voice interrupts the fighting ikran, striding over to his as he scolds her being a tease.
You strifle your laughter as you walk over towards him, reaching your hand out to Nimun. Scratching under her mouth despite how she seems to huff at your presence.
“Your ikran. She’s full of mischief”
Neteyam huffs at your words, turning around to face you as he speaks. Golden eyes shining with quiet amusement.
“A troublemaker. It was hard to believe I was able to bond with her on my first try”
Beautiful and powerful…
“Nimun was a fighter, she had me working for our bond. Of course learning to fly together was easier when you’ve been pushed from the mountains”
You were yet to get Itu back for that stunt.
Neteyam let out a huff, scratching under Telisi chin once more before turning around to look at his siblings who were mounting atop their own ikrans.
Spider riding with Kiri this time as Lo’ak sat Tuk in front of him, the two squabbling already.
“Come, I haven’t known Tuk for long but something says she’s scarier than a palulukan when hungry”
You pull yourself onto Nimun and grin when Neteyam laughs, the sound deep and melodic, throwing his head back as he also mounts Telisi.
“That is all you need to know about her. And that she is as cuddly as an ilu”
Does she take after her brother in that aspect…
A gaggle of laughter makes you look over to the Sully’s confusion on your face before a loud cough from So’lek has you looking over, the man looking at you with such disappointment.
“What? I didn’t do anything”
He but sighed shaking his head. “I would not think I needed to teach you lessons on thinking before speaking. But you prove me wrong everyday”
You stare at your mentor in confusion and it’s not until his ears pin back and he throws his hand to the side do you follow his direction.
A lilac blush and wide golden eyes stare you, Neteyams hands twitching around his tight hold on the reins of his ikran, ears dropped and tail flicking around.
No. No I didn’t say that out loud…no, no, no.
You do what all great warriors do when faced with a perilous challenge.
You fly away, yipping for Nimun to fly as fast as possible away from one of the most embarrassing moments in your life.
She lets out a high trill as though she was laughing at your pain. You hiss back at her, before groaning and falling into her neck.
You could never show your face again.
“She so wants you bro” Lo’aks annoying voice crackles through the comms, forcing him to look over at his brother who stares at him with a shit-eating grin.
The group had fallen into a silence when you ran away, cheeks as flushed as his own. Leaving him to stare at where you were moments go.
It’s not until So’lek let out a mournful sigh before commanding them to follow him does Neteyam snap from his daze.
Vehemently ignoring the way his family giggle and point at him.
It wasn’t like he was unfamiliar with the idea of being romantically sort after. He had been offered quite a few back with his clan, having to apologise and turn them down through stuttered words. Always offering to be friends instead.
As the next in line to be the next Oloeyktan, romantic interests had started young for him. The clan wanting to see him ready to mate by the time the leadership would be passed onto him.
At least he was supposed to be. Neteyam let a frown sit on his face as he thought about what was supposed to be his, not in a sense of arrogance.
But he felt. Lost. All his life, his training and the expectations had fallen on him to be the next leader. To take over the great Toruk Makto and be the one to lead the clan.
It’s all he had been training for. All he knew until his life was taken from him the moment the sky-people returned, the moment Quaritch came back for his father’s blood.
Who was he supposed to be now if not the Oloeyktan for his clan.
Shaking his thought from his depressive haze, Neteyam focuses back on his brother who still is grinning at him like he had witnessed the most hilarious thing in his life.
Skxawng.
“It was nothing, she didn’t even mean it the way you think”
His words cause Lo’ak to scoff, bringing his ikran close to try and swat at his brother, failing and only causing to upset Tuk who hisses and threatens to bite him. Lo’ak ignores her.
“She was staring you down like you were the juiciest piece of nantang, that was not nothing”
Neteyam does what all older brothers do when they’ve had enough of their siblings.
He flies away, ignoring the cackling from Lo’ak which is quick to turn to a screeched yelp. He spares only a single glance to see Tuk who has her mouth around his forearm.
He grins and promises to fill up her plate with extra meat for being the best little sister.
As Telisi holds his weight, gliding through the sky in peace. Neteyam takes this time to look around, only now really taking note of this temporary home.
It looked so much like the Na'rìng forests that the feeling of homesickness settled along his chest. His heart, his soul and entire being yearned for the home of his clan. The home of his people…the home of his family.
It was beautiful, the densely packed forests and towering trees that swayed in the wind. The world a sea of lush beautiful green, seemingly to be untouched by human hands.
If this was to be their temporary home. Their uturu. Neteyam couldn’t have asked for anything more perfect. At least here they would not need to adapt so harshly, the trees would be like greeting an old friend.
The sight of the resistance base comes into view, your place of home.
You see your clan first, Ri’nela, Teylan and surprisingly Nor standing outside the front of the homes. Their tails whipping around excitedly as they see you and your new guests.
“Sister!” You greet Ri’nela once you have landed, wrapping your arms around the girl. She’s greets just as enthusiastic, her eyes looking over your shoulder at the new people.
“You found them?” You spare a glance behind and see Neteyam picking up a whiney Tuk, letting her rest against his chest as he holds her tight.
You whip back to your sister before your eyes connect.
“The RDA had them captured, I was scouting with So’lek when we came across them. They seek uturu sister”
She hums in understanding, letting you go as you greet both your brothers. An arm wrapping around Teylans neck as you scuff up his hair, grinning as he whines and tries to break free.
You had not been home in a few days, having spent your time dismantling the human outposts and helping the Aranahe.
You had missed Teylans ramblings, his presence was a comfort.
You only let go of him before turning to Nor whose face is unreadable as he studies the newcomers.
You pull on his tail, grinning as he growls at you, hissing with pinned back ears and twirling out of his reach was he tries to do the same back.
“Mawey brother, you stare any harder at the poor children they’ll burst into flames”
Nor lets out an exasperated sound, turning back to looking at the approaching Sully children who follow behind So’lek.
“They have demon hands. What are they”
You shake your head at Nor’s words. Knowing that out of everyone, he would not take well to the new guests.
“They are lost children. They have no home, no mother or father. Only each other and all they want is a safe place”
You’re unable to continue when you hear Teylan gasp, looking to where he’s pointing at Spider with wide eyes.
“H-He breathes our air? How is he alive”
Nor is quick to hiss, tail whipping as he turns to you, eyes blazed with anger. But beneath that you can see the underlying fear.
“You bring a breathing demon to our home? How can you trust that he won’t burn us in our sleep!”
You thank Eywa that Ri’nela steps forward, ever the peacemaker amongst you as she holds Nor by the shoulder, her touch gentle and her words calming.
“Peace brother. You think so little of _____ and So’lek. You know they would never do anything that would risk us”
Kiri who had been listening steps forward, her walk just as authoritative as her brother, face hardened with nothing but protectiveness over Spider who stands behind her uncertain.
“It was the will of Eywa. She granted me the power, the help that I needed to save my friend”
Nor snarls, pushing past both yourself and Ri’nela. Only stopping when both Neteyam and So’lek step forward, a wall between the two.
“You do not get to speak, you are as much as a demon as that human. _____ should’ve never have brought you here. She should’ve let you die”
Nor storms off, disappearing from your sight and leaving an air of tension behind.
You sigh, shoulders dropping before looking to your sister who can only hum, patting your shoulder before turning to the Sully’s
“I apologise for Nor. He…it is difficult for him to adjust to humans, but please don’t think he speaks for us. We welcome you, all of you, with open arms”
Teylan shifts quietly behind the both of you but also nods his head in agreement. You smile at him before turning to Neteyam who has a complex expression on his face.
“Come, I promised you safety and food. I would not go back on my word”
You stretch out your hand, waiting for Neteyam to take it. Asking him to trust you. To know that you bring no ill will to him. And especially to his family.
Neteyam looks down at the hand offered to him. It should be so simple to reach out and hold. Nothing should be holding him back.
But for some reason the lingering fear curls at the back of his mind. What if Nor was right, what if they brought more destruction and chaos.
It seemed to cling to their names, the blood that died for them. The people that protected them.
He couldn’t let that happen. Not again. And certainly not to someone like you.
“If you don’t take my hand, I will cry. And then my status of a might warrior will be tarnished”
He laughs, looking from your hand and to your face. Breathless as he traces your features, falls deep into your mesmerising eyes.
Can I trust this? Trust you?
Neteyam lifts his hand and places it in yours, feeling the callous lined along your skin. How small it feels in his own.
Your smile is blinding when he holds you, playfully shaking his. An unspoken agreement amongst the two of you.
Yes. You can trust me.
𝑬𝑵𝑫 𝑵𝑶𝑻𝑬𝑺 | take a shot every time reader calls neteyam beautiful 😭 i love reading fics where its reader whose like horrendously down bad. So im creating the same type of energy here. Anyway! I hope you enjoyed this chapter. I will be going away on holiday for a few days, so updates will be a little slow <3 much love and again tyty for love and support for this series. Twas a little shorter than i wanted…only cause like a dumb fuck i lost some of my work 💔 whatever girl…anyway new chapter sometime soon!!
p.s if any are wondering why the romance seems so fast paced, that is only because this isn’t a long series. Like i said i wanted to do a mini-series first, about 6-7 chapters long so yeah !
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