Our Downfall | Jake Sully x Metkayina!reader
(This fic was inspired the comment left by @heewonxm: "jake x metkayina reader! she could be tonowari’s daughter or something")
Word count: 4.4k
Pairing: Jake Sully x Tonowari's daughter!reader (in her late 20's)
Content Warnings: Reader is cleaning fish for part of the story, some violence off page, arguing, Talk of deaths in characters' pasts, reader is referred to as she/her. Literally 90% of Jake fics have smut and I’m not about that, so this stays clean.
Description: Jake and you are growing closer since his arrival to the Metkayina village, but not everyone is happy about it.
Author's note: I got a little creative and based some things off of what I could gather online, so not 100% cannon.
Also I leaned into the idea of Ronal and Tonowari being protective parents so that's basically the second half of this.
I went in a totally different direction with Jake being a single dad. In this AU, Neytiri and Jake never mated so Neteyam, Lo’ak and Tuk simply do not exist. Kiri was still adopted by Jake.
Na'vi Words/Terms used:
Tawtute = humans/Skypeople ‘Eylans = friends Tsahik’ite = Tsahik’s daughter Kelfpomron = mentally unhealthy/crazy Wiya = Damn/expression of frustration Vrrtep = demon Oel ngati kameie = I see you Ma'ite = daughter Sempul/Sempu = Father
You scraped the scales off of today’s catch with practiced precision as your people completed the end of day chores around you. Your sister Tsireya and several young women sat at your side, slicing the fish into appropriate portions before dropping the meat into a woven basket to be cooked later. The group worked in harmony together and the job went quick.
You observed the Metkayina that gathered around the fire, your father listening intently as an old man reanimated the story of how he narrowly escaped the bite of an Akula many years ago. The men gathered around the man as he spoke and laughed loudly when he finished.
On the opposite side of the fire sat Kiri, a girl who had recently arrived in Awa’atlu a few weeks ago with her father. She was not like you. She was Omatikaya, forest Navi. Despite her thin arms and flimsy tail, she was beginning to fit in here. She could hold her breath for long periods, was picking up your sign language and was interested in life on the reef. Her transition seemed fairly smooth, at least for someone who has been ripped from her home and was being hunted by sky people.
Her father on the other hand, did not seem to mesh so completely with life here. Jake Sully has become a friend to you in these past few weeks. You had felt pity for him and taught him the smaller things that Tonowari and the others wouldn’t have time for.
You had taught him to hold his breath and where the best spots were to find oysters and crabs. You had shown both Jake and Kiri to weave tight baskets the Metkayina way so that water did not drip through. Jake had improved greatly in integrating into the clan, and each day he became more comfortable in the water.
Although he was getting better, he had earned a title among the Metkayina hunters “Pìsaw”, meaning clumsy. He was a better warrior in the sky than in the ocean. You would see him and Kiri circling over the village sometimes on their Ikrans. They would go loops and race each other, waving down below when they spotted you. He had promised you a ride one day soon.
A boy Kiri’s age, Rotxo, sat next to her and they both worked to create bead bracelets and armbands. They laughed together and it brought a lightness to your heart to see the teenagers have a moment of happiness.
Kiri looked up to meet your gaze and she waved a hand in greeting. You smiled wider and lifted a hand in return.
“Look,” yelped one of the girls sitting across from you. “They are finally back from the hunt,” she giggled. Nearly everyone in the group turned to look as the last wave of hunters arrived back from a long day of fishing. Six young men waltzed up to your group with their catches in one hand and their weapons slung over their shoulders.
You stood up to receive the onslaught of fish, there looked to be 11 more to clean and gut.
You greeted the head of the group who handed you his share. “I see that the ocean was favorable today, Na’ran,” you said.
“I am sorry we arrived late, but we kept finding more fish.” He grinned in pride as the others handed you their catches and you handed them off to the girls to start on.
“No matter,” you nodded.
Even as the others dispersed into the crowd, Na’ran stood to the side as you finished giving the fish to the women. You ignored him and went to sit back down but Na’ran stopped you by placing a hand on your elbow. He pulled you a step away as if he did not want anyone hearing what he had to say.
“Why didn’t you tell me you have been helping JakeSuli? I would have instructed him if I knew he was bothering you.” Na’ran chided. The other girls sat back down to continue their job and the last of the men dissolved into the crowd to find friends and food.
“I did not tell you because he is not bothering me. He is my friend,” you corrected, your brow lowering at his odd question. Na’ran had been intent on you since you got your first tattoo. He did not understand that you were not interested, despite the many times you denied him.
He laughed and your lips curled into a frown. “Surely you do not want a man who is clueless like a child. He is a skxawng,” he mocked.
“He is not a skxawng, you are. Who else would dare insult Toruk Makto? You were merely a child when he gathered the clans against the sky people. He is learning a completely new way after leaving his life behind, of course it is hard for him. I am helping him, he is not after me as you say,” you snarled. You wouldn't dare get your hopes up over his words.
“You too were a child yet his eye is surely cast upon you. Do you choose not to see the signs?” he asked.
“You forget, I am older than you. If it is as you say, then perhaps I would prefer a man who does not still cling to his mothers leg,” you hissed.
“Do not let JakeSuli be your downfall, Tsahik’ite,” he warned. His eyes were narrowed and calculating. “He will pull us all down with him.”
Over Na’ran’s shoulder you saw Jake’s figure emerge from the tree line after arriving back from a hunt. Your smile started to reform on your face as he spotted you. His eyes danced when he grinned like a boy and held up his catch. He extended four large fish strung together on a thick line.
“Well our downfall has caught more fish than you.” You prodded.
Na’ran’s mouth formed a tight grimace before he said, “he got lucky.”
“Eywa has smiled on Jake, he is Metkayina now. Do not speak of it again,” you established, turning away from him as Jake walked over to you. Na’ran left in a huff and Jake observed him storm off with his strange, hair covered brow low on his forehead.
Jake turned back to you and smiled, “Hey sweetheart, where should I put these?” His voice was deep with an odd accent that was so uniquely Jake.
“They go in the baskets,” you replied with a smile, “did you catch all these?” You asked, impressed.
Jake’s ears raised and he bobbed his head once, “yeah, I did.”
You could tell from the way he carried himself that he was proud tonight. His pride was completely different from Na’ran’s. Jake was proud because he proved himself a little more to the clan and was carving out a home for himself and his daughter. Na’ran was proud because he had an unwarranted swagger and confidence that did not always befit his actions. He felt he was entitled to things because he was strong in stature, but his inner strength was brutish and inconsistent. He was not fit to be a leader, even you could see it.
Jake dropped his fish in the basket that you had pointed to. “You are earning a place here. We are glad for you… I am glad for you,” you clarified. Tsireya inconspicuously lifted her eyes to watch the interaction.
Jake lowered himself to sit on his haunches and you followed him down to sit with your legs crossed as you were before. “A few fish are all it takes to earn a place?” He asked, possibly teasing.
“No, but feeding the people helps. For my father, the worst offense is being useless. A dead limb will be cut off.” You explained, picking up a fish to start cleaning it.
“Then why don’t you give me a job to do? Let me help,” he said, looking down at your hands to watch you use your knife.
“Toruk Makto has gotten back from a long day of hunting, you should eat and rest.” You pointed out.
“Toruk Makto isn’t here, I am. Let me help you.” He repeated, gesturing to your hands.
You sighed and looked at Tsireya, but she just shrugged. “Fine,” you muttered, “do you have a knife?” He cheekily reached up to his chest and patted the black knife with a woven fiber covering the handle. You should have known better than to ask.
“Good, sit.” You ordered, reaching into a basket beside you and pulling out another fish. You ran him through the process and he caught on quickly. He had clearly done this before, but you said nothing about it as he let you teach him.
You grinned when you looked up to see a silver scale clinging to his cheek near the corner of his mouth. “You have a… I will get it.” You said, gently peeling it off of his face and flicking into the sand. He froze in place, eyes locked on you before he swallowed thickly.
“A scale,” you explained, eyes darting away from his. You busied your hands with your work and out of the corner of your eye you saw him do the same. The night air was filled with laughter from around the fire and the songs of the village. The breeze brought in a coolness that staved off the balmy heat.
Tsireya cleared her throat obnoxiously and caught your attention. She nodded her head in your fathers direction and you looked up to see him staring at Jake’s back with a quizzical expression.
It was not completely uncommon to see a warrior of Jake's status sitting on the ground gutting fish, but not normal. Considering he had worked hard all day and put his life in some danger, for him to come home and sit here with you was odd. You turned back to the task in your hands, glad Tonowari did not catch you looking at him. He was undoubtedly still watching and wondering why he was helping you do such a mundane, mindless task.
“Can I ask you a question Jake?” You said boldly, having been too afraid to ask up until now.
“Yeah sweetheart,” He said, glancing up to look at you with those eyes that felt so magnetic.
“I have not wanted to upset you by asking before, but I am curious. What happened to Kiri’s mother? Why is your mate not with you?” You asked softly, not wanting to sadden him if there was a tragic story.
His lips lifted up at the corners and your feelings of hesitancy turned to embarrassment. You sounded as if you were fishing for information so you could move in for the kill. You pursed your lips and tried to stop your face from portraying your embarrassment.
Jake just shook his head slightly and said, “ I adopted Kiri, I have no mate. Her mother was a good friend of mine, but she died. The father isn’t… he… well I don’t know about the father.” Jake explained, choosing his words carefully.
“You chose her to be your daughter.” You said out loud, verbally processing the news you were receiving. “That is honorable.” You liked that he would be a good enough person to take in an infant girl.
“I am the closest thing to a family she had.” He replied as if that simply explained his generosity.
“Ronal adopted me in a way. She was not Tonowari’s first mate. My mother died when I was a child, although I had just completed my first trial with my spirit sister then. Ronal stepped up as Tsahik when the mourning period was over and a union was made. She has helped raise me since. I owe her much. Likewise, Kiri will not forget your kindness.” You said, picking up the last fish from the basket and making quick work of it.
Jake hands his fish to Tsireya who is smirking quietly to herself. “I didn’t know that about you.” He angled his head to the right and fixed his attention on you. “So you’re way older than your siblings, huh?”
“Yes, I am nearly double Tsireya’s age.” You smile “while we are far in years, we are close in spirit.” You said, handing the fish off to be gutted. Tsireya beamed shyly at your words and you grinned back.
He nodded in thought, watching you carefully as you interacted with your sister.
“Come, let us find Kiri so you can tell us of your hunt.” You encouraged, grabbing his hand that wasn’t holding his knife and pulling him to his feet. He stumbled after you, laughing as you walked on bouncing feet to Kiri and Roxto.
“Hello ‘eylans.” you grinned, sitting down beside Kiri and pulling Jake to sit with you. He plopped down and grunted at the action. “Careful old man,” you teased. Kiri giggled and Rotxo shook his head with a smile.
“I’m not even 40,” Jake grumbled, but reached over to gently tug his daughter's tail.
“Hey!” Kiri exclaimed, taking her tail in her grasp as if to protect it.
“My bad, baby girl. How was your day?” he asked.
Kiri relaxed and started to tell you about what she had been getting up to with Rotxo and Tsireya. You all talked until the horn blew to signal that the evening meal was ready.
You parted ways to eat with your family and headed to the beach after dinner to watch the sun set. On your way out, you passed by Jake on the way to the sandy beach and said “Goodnight Jake. You were not useless tonight.”.
He turned from the man he was talking to to reply “Good night.” You felt his gaze on you as you walked away from them. You felt like you could hardly think straight with him around.
You made your way down to the ocean, towards your favorite cove that was tucked away from the rest of the world.
You sat on a smooth rock and dipped your feet in the briny water. The ocean washed all things clean, it cleared your thoughts and took the pressure off of your lungs. Tonight you perched under Pandora’s moons and tried not to think of Jake.
A few days later you sat in your family's marui working on beadwork. You were crafting a green arm cuff for Kiri thinking she might like the design that was so similar to Tsireya's and many of the other young girls in Awa'atlu. You tied up a row when you heard a commotion outside like people faintly yelling. You paused and waited to see if you heard anything again. You were about to turn back to your work thinking it was in your head, when Aonung ran through the opening.
“Sister come, you will want to see this,” he panted before turning and dashing out again.
“Eywa help me,” you muttered, dropping everything to the floor before following after him.
Outside, a group of people were gathered on the beach looking towards where Tonowari and Ronal stood looking slightly down in front of them. You weaved through the masses, gently excusing yourself and sliding past people to make it to the front.
The Olo'eyktan and Tashik stood with their feet in the water. Kneeling before them were Jake and Na’ran, each on one knee in the sand. Both men were bleeding, Jake had scratches across his chest and one down his cheek while the left side of Na’ran’s face and the right side of his stomach were red and swollen. His lip was bleeding and it dribbled down his neck.
Kiri stood behind her father with her arms wound tightly around herself. You came up beside her and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. She placed her hand over top of yours and looked at you with worry riddled eyes.
“What is the meaning of this?” You demanded, looking to Tonowari expectantly. Jake’s head swiveled around at your voice and winced when he saw you. You tried to catch his gaze, but he quickly turned back to the water.
“Na’ran has charged Toruk Makto with attacking him beyond the reef.” The Olo'eyktan stated, stabbing his staff into the sand. Jake hung his head back and glared at the sky.
Attacking Na’ran? That did not sound like Jake. He had been trying to keep a low profile here, at least for Kiri’s sake. He did not want to cause waves during their time in Awa’atlu.
“Stand, both of you,” Tonowari ordered and both men immediately got up with sand dusting their legs. “Did anyone witness this action?” Ronal called out to the people.
A man named Relok stepped forward. He was a well respected warrior and on your fathers council. Whatever he said would be true. “I did, Tsahik,” he called.
“Speak and be heard.” Tonowari instructed.
“JakeSuli did not attack without cause. Na’ran brought offense to the Olo'eyktan’s oldest daughter,” He explained. Your stomach sank at the indication that this was about you. Kiri's hand tightened around yours at the news.
“In what manner?” Tonowari demanded.
The man hesitated, “he spoke of things I will not repeat to a woman’s father. JakeSuli did attack him, but it was in defense of her.” Tonowari nodded grimly and Ronal scowled down at Na’ran. He simply looked annoyed at being caught.
“Daughter! Come forward,” your father beckoned you to come stand beside him.
You hesitantly slipped away from Kiri, hating to leave her alone. You walked around Jake to reach your parents.
“Father,” you greeted quietly.
“Did you know of this exchange?” He asked.
“No, I did not know,” you admitted truthfully.
Ronal circled the two men before turning to the crowd that had gathered. “Leave us!” she demanded to the group of onlookers. The people scattered like ants.
“Dad?” Kiri asked hesitantly.
“It's alright, babygirl. Go find your friends.” Jake said, offering her an encouraging smile. “You know I can get into trouble sometimes, it will be okay.” he nodded.
Kiri looked at you then and it took you a second to realize she was waiting on your approval as well. She was afraid to leave her dad. “I got him, Kiri. It's okay.” You reiterated. She nodded hesitantly before slinking off after the others. She cast one last look over her shoulder before disappearing into the village.
It was now just your parents, the two men being interrogated, and Relok who stood on the beach now.
“Na’ran, explain yourself.” Tonowari instructed. Your father was clearly trying to see all sides of the story, but your stomach twisted at the thought of Jake getting in trouble on your account. You could not bear the thought of him and Kiri leaving just when you were getting to know them.
“I was having a private conversation with a fellow hunter when JakeSuli confronted me. He told me to stop talking and called me many skypeople words. When I laughed at his strange language, he grew angrier and hit me. I only defended myself,” Na’ran explained to the chief.
You looked to Jake, only to see him already looking at you. His gaze was steady and apologetic. His unbound locs hung down around his shoulders, dripping water still from being out at sea.
“Tell me plainly, what was said about my daughter?” Tonowari demanded, placing a hand on your shoulder.
“I was joking, Olo’eyktan. It was not truthful,” the hunter pleaded.
“Tell us!” Ronal snapped, stepping closer to where Na’ran stood. He flinched at the sharp bite in her voice.
“I said that she must be kelfpomron to lower herself so greatly by befriending a demon. A tawtute will never be one of the people, no matter the skin they wear.” He spat, his eyes narrowing in Jake’s direction. “It makes one question how close the two are. She acts as if she wants him to mate with her.” Na’ran turned his burning, hateful eyes to glare at you.
Jake hissed at him.
Ronal’s eyes snapped to you, nearly looking disgusted. Your face and neck felt as if they were on fire. Your arms wrapped around your middle.
“Is this true? Is that what was said?” Tonowari asked Relok who nodded in confirmation.
“JakeSuli, what is your defense?” Tonowari asked, his grip tight on your shoulder.
“I shouldn’t have let my anger run away from me, but he slighted your daughter who has been kind to Kiri and I since we arrived. I couldn't let her be insulted.” He explained calmly, but you saw the worry behind his eyes.
“I see,” Tonowari thought through his words before he spoke. “And you care for my daughter?” He added.
Jake's head reared back slightly in surprise, as did yours. “Sempul!” you gasped and turned to fully face Tonowari. Ronal narrowed her eyes at your reaction.
Tonowar raised a hand as if to pause you from continuing. “Let him answer,” he demanded, watching Jake like a Ikran stalking prey. Your mother circled around the men again, looking at their varying facial expressions just as closely.
You lifted a hand to your face and nervously covered your neck in anticipation of his answer. Jake met your gaze and clenched his jaw at your expression. You felt as if he was pouring every thought and feeling into you. His anger at Na’ran, his fear of being cast out, his regret for feeling that he was embarrassing you, but also his soft heart when it came to the Olo’ektan’s daughter.
Jake tore his gaze from you and his eyes moved back to Tonowari. He nodded once as he said “Yes, I do.” His voice was firm.
Tonowari’s grip on you loosened as your eyes widened. You involuntarily felt the corners of your mouth want to tilt up into a smile but stamped down the urge. Tonowari turned to face the ocean, his back now facing you. You could hear the deep, steadying breath he took as his fists clenched and unclenched.
Ronal rounded on Jake, but he did not back down from her gaze. “Skypeople are hunting you, and now you wish to court our daughter. You bring danger at every turn, Jakesuli. Eywa help us,” she cried. Jake finally lowered his head as if the weight of her words pressed down on him.
Na’ran was fighting a smirk at the Tsahik agreeing with him and it angered you. You would not let them speak ill of Jake, especially after he defended you so thoroughly.
You moved away from your father to stand beside Jake. As you approached, you reached out a hand for him and he reached back. You gripped his hand tightly in yours and faced off with your mother. His extra finger felt strange in your grip, but it served as a reminder of the very real stakes at play.
“The tawtute are the danger, not Jake. He is Na’vi just as you and I, yet your fear blinds you. He defeated them once, and he will do what is necessary to keep us safe again. I stand by him,” you objected. You felt his hand squeeze yours.
Tonowari finally turned back to you all. His face was stoney, but his jaw clenched at the sight of your interlocked hands.
“Toruk Makto, my daughter is right. Fear clouds my eyes. Fear for my people, fear for my family, fear for my children…” he ground out. Your heart sank at his vulnerability. He was a good father and a good leader. He did not deserve to lead in such a tenuous time, but you could think of no one better to do it. Sensing your distress, Jake’s thumb swiped a line back and forth on your hand.
Tonowari was not done, “But you are a good man, Toruk Makto. You led the clans to victory. You will protect my daughter, I know that in my heart,” he relented. Your fathers eyes softened as his gaze caught yours.
Na’ran hissed at the Olo’eyktan’s words and stalked up to you and Jake. “Wiya! You turn the people against me! I told you he would be your downfall and you mock me! Why do you not heed my warnings?” he was now standing directly in front of you.
“Because they are not true!” you insisted. Na’rans nostrils flared as he attempted to step even closer. Jake dropped your hand and cut him off by stepping in his path so that he could not get to you.
“Stay away from her,” Jake growled, now chest to chest with Na’ran.
“Enough!” Tonowari thundered. All eyes turned to him as he looked at each of you. His lips pursed before he turned to Na’ran.
“You have a choice, Na’ran te Panung Kw’lin’itan,” Na’ran’s shoulders tensed and he finally stepped back from Jake. “You have hunted these waters since you were born and I would not tear you from them without just cause, but you stir trouble in the hearts of the young people. You provoke and you insult my daughter and JakeSuli. You will apologize and make peace, or you will leave your home to never return.”
“I will not stay where I am doomed to die for a vrrtep!” Na’ran spat.
Tonowari nodded, “Relok, please escort Na’ran to gather his things and bring him back here,” Tonowari instructed.
Relok nodded and grabbed Na’ran’s arm to drag him to clean out his Marui. Na’ran sent you one last nasty glare before leaving the beach.
Tonowari stepped forward and came to stand in front of Jake. Tonowari’s height was imposing over his stature, but he did not balk. Tonowari seized him up once again before turning to you. “I think I know the answer, daughter, but I will ask. Do you care for JakeSuli?” Your father asked, turning to you.
You sucked in a breath and turned to Jake who was already looking to you for your reaction. The skin between his brows was wrinkled in concern for your answer, but you smiled and it eased. You placed a hand around Jake’s bicep before you said, “With all of my heart,” you replied.
Tonowari nodded once in confirmation before looking to his Tsahik. Ronal did not look happy. “You would not be my choice for my daughter, JakeSuli,” she admitted.
“I know,” Jake acknowledged softly.
“But my husband says you are a good man. I see Eywa’s hand in this, but I do not have to like it.” she grumbled, nodding to Tonowari.
“Oel ngati kameie,” Tonowari said, bringing his fingers to his forehead in the gesture used to accompany the words.
Jake’s shoulder sagged in relief as he returned the gesture. “Oel ngati kameie, Tonowari,” Jake responded.
Tonowari turned to you, “Oel ngati kameie, Ma'ite.”
A smile lit up your face, “Oel ngati kameie, Sempu,” you answered.
You can continue the story with Part 2!
Yay! My first Jake Sully fic is complete! I would love to write more for Jake and maybe more for this story because they're so cute! Let me know if you would like that! Requests are open too.
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