Pairings: Neteyam x fem!reader, Lo’ak x fem!reader
Summary: You and Lo’ak are the first awake and decide to go for a walk in the forest. You both sit there for a little bit watching the sunset. Both of you start to talk about everything. You guys eventually get up and go back before anyone else wakes up, but something in your relationship changed.
Warnings: Swearing, Adult Themes, Suggestive Language
a/n: hey guys. i had no motivation or ideas for this fic at all. i ended up singing for most of the beginning of the writing process. and then i ended up writing this in 2 days. sorry that this is shorter than usual. i love u all and hope everyone had and continues to have a great week!<33
wc:791
THE BIRDS SOFTLY CHIRP as your eyes start to open. You look out a window to see that the sun hasn’t rose yet.
“It's fine, I’ll just do something outside maybe” you think to yourself as you walk out of your shared room. You look up to see someone else already in the kitchen. Lo’ak. He’s looking at the leaves outside the kelku, eating a Spartan fruit.
“Hey.” you say softly trying not to frighten him, although you’re pretty sure that he heard the beaded curtain open when you walked out. You slowly walk over to where he is with your arms over your chest, one over the other holding your elbow.
He turns to look at you. He puts his tongue to his cheek with a cocky smirk on his face.
“Hey Little Lady, what’re you doing up at this early hour?” he asks.
“Oh, I woke up and…I don’t know, just decided to go for a walk.” you say, shrugging.
“I’ll go with you.” he says taking one final bite from his fruit, tossing the rest into the soil. You both watch as it quickly seeps into the ground, becoming soil itself. “Alright, let’s go.” he says reaching a hand out for you to grab.
You grab his hand with a soft smile on your face.
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BOTH OF YOU WALK QUIETLY, looking at the scene in front of you. As you walked, you passed by many of the sleeping ioang. You saw a lonely ikran sleeping by itself. The marvelous creature had beautiful light pink scales that faded into a deeper red.
“Tiyawn.” you murmured to yourself in adoration. Tiyawn was your favorite ikran. She’d been named because of the color of her scales. You’d been able to name her because you both were very similar. Since your favorite nickname had been Love Bug or Lady Love, you named her the Na’vi word for love. Although none of the ikran like your kind, she had always been fond of you. You could never have a connection with her though, because of your lack of a kuru. You’d tried to ride Tiyawn once, it had been fun but extremely dangerous. You always dreamt of being able to have a connection with her but there was no possible way.
You and Lo’ak had finally reached the area all of you would always hang out at. You sat down on a rock and let two or three glow worms inch up your legs onto your arms.
“Wow, you really have a connection with all types of ioang.” Lo’ak said, admiring your beauty. “Y’know, the glow from the worms make you look so majestic. Like a human reincarnation of Eywa.”
You slightly blushed at the compliment. “Thank you. I love all the animals and wildlife here.”
“It seems they like you even more”
He sits next to you, leaning back on the tree. You and Lo’ak had always taken late night and early morning walks together. Although, you both hadn’t after the game of truth or dare.
“Hey..um, we haven’t done this in a while. Y’know, our walks.” you say, suddenly seeming very interested in the worm in your hand. “Eywa, did I make it awkward. I probably made it awkward. I shouldn’t have said anything. I’m such a skxawng. He’s probably so uncomf-.” He speaks, cutting off your overthinking mind.
“Yea, last time we had a walk was the morning of that truth or dare game.” He said looking at you. He suddenly turns to face you “Promise that nothing will change between us, that we can stay like how we were before.”
“Oh, of course. I’d thought the game had made everything so awkward between us.” you say, letting out a short, shaky laugh.
You both continue to talk as the sun rises. You watch in awe. It’s always been so beautiful at this time of day. That’s why you both had always taken these walks. The sleeping animals, the scenery, the silence.
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AFTER A WHILE, you both start to head back. He seems less tense now, more relaxed. Maybe he’d thought your friendship had gone downhill after the game. “It could never go downhill” you thought to yourself. You both had been the same distance as you had when you had headed to the area, but you both had gotten closer. Emotionally. Mentally. You were so glad that nothing would change between you and Lo’ak.
“Hey Lady,” he says, before disappearing into her room. “If anything changes between us, you’re free to punch me in the face. Unless it’s your fault, then you can punch yourself.”
You laugh slightly at his comment “You’re so stupid. I’m gonna start on breakfast. See you in a bit.”
“See you in a bit.”
Link for fruit is the same as the first chapter but i will still add it in - https://james-camerons-avatar.fandom.com/wiki/Na'vi_Diet
Summary:
After the return of the Sky-People, the Omatikaya are forced from their ancestral lands and pushed towards the borders of the powerful Tipani clan.
To secure peace and ensure both clans survival, a political marriage is arranged between the heir of the Omatikaya and son of Toruk Makto, Neteyam Sully, and the Tipani Prince, the strongest warrior and future leader of his people.
Neither are given a choice yet neither resent the arrangement.
That becomes the problem.
A/n: Hope you guys enjoy this one, any theories are welcome in the comments. Oh and the story will be posted slowly across the remaining month in this year because I'm continuing my studies. Please like and comment if you like it 🥰
Words: 2.6k
Here's The Link To My Other Series + Oneshots!
Chp0 - Chp1 - Chp2
CHAPTER 1
THE FIERCE SHADOW
NETEYAM SULLY
“Your hands. Show them.”
The air dropped instantly. Even the slight brush of an insect's wings can be heard throughout the collective silence. No one moved. No one wanted to. Even swallowing the dry lump inside his throat seemed so loud. Breathing the thick air could only suffocate his lungs more, feeling it being crushed with every inhale.
His ears pinned down while his vision rapidly switched between watching Dad and you, anticipating. Why would you need to see their hands? Even so, that's dangerous. It wasn't just him who felt that way, glancing towards the people around him. Shaky and breathless, everyone felt it. The oppressing aura of another clan. “What...” Dad muttered. You knew the weight of those words. You knew that the difference between the pink skin bred Na'vi and the real Na'vi were so little yet prominent. These Na'vi were called the Dreamwalkers. Dad was one. But most had sided with Eywa. Why do you want to know? The thought scared him.
“Your hands. Show them,”
The second time was more flat, peremptory, and entirely stripped of warmth. You weren't asking. “I will not ask a third time." You add, uncompromising. The moment lingered in the air like the atmosphere after a heavy rain. Dark and cold. It lingered. Neteyam watched as Dad's ears flattened against his head before slowly, but surely raising his hand. There the truth you were looking for was revealed.
As a loud audible gasp erupted through the forest. The Tipani warriors had a disgusted reaction towards them. Towards him. Towards Dad. Following after was a barrage of insults shot out like arrows, insulting him and his family of their hybrid lineage. “Demons!”, “Aliens!”, and "Outcast!" Many statements were hurled towards them, but the most hurtful ones were the one that struck his family to the core. The warriors had called them "Fake Na'vi." Things really aren’t going well. Everyone is taken aback by this. He crouched down in terror with his ear pinned straight down to his head, taking a step back. “No-no we’re not! I’m Na’vi, we’re Na’vi! I’ve changed. We’re not with the humans." Dad desperately tried to explain, trying to ease the oozing panic from the people. He could only watch as Dad took a strong step forward trying to shield everyone from you.
Even in another clan, he wasn't accepted. A single hand was raised, and suddenly all the uproar stopped. As if the earlier clamoring were just a figment of his imagination clouding his judgment of the situation at hand. The silent tension in the clearing was louder than it sounded. Neteyam couldn’t help feeling powerless just by bejng in your presence. Commanding a group of elite warriors against him. He didn't know even in this moment of crisis he could still feel admiration for some Na'vi. Did he hit his head? The movement was slow, catching everyone's attention. He held his breath as he stared at your hands slowly rising before landing towards his direction. Not his. Dad's direction. Glancing towards Dad as your intimidating voice bounced off the trees with the wind carrying it. It was loud and clear to all the Na'vi present. Creating an eerily echo as it seemed to make your voice sounded more guttural. The words stung him. “You’re not even a true Na'vi." It was almost clinical and detached with the way your gaze set upon Dad. It was a mistake coming here. They might not make it out, he would think while your eyes still laid upon them. Neteyam didn't like this. But it didn't end there. The last sentence he heard made his heart stop.
“You’re not welcome.” A low snarl escaped your lips as you locked eyes with him. Neteyam felt exposed with his tail thrashing rapidly behind him. The burning fire inside your eyes was almost maddening. He saw it, it was quick. The pupils quivered watching him. The slow figure moving at the edges of his vision were hesitant and careful, stepping back. He couldn't pry away his gaze, didn't want to. It was for a split second but he saw it. Their way your eyes softened it almost made him think that he was dreaming seeing it. As it quickly disappeared seconds later. Hiding underneath a menacing exterior.
Immediately, your hand dropped down. It was instant. The warriors surround him, creeping closer, moving inch by inch. With their spears held out against them and bows drawn. You weren't going to let them in.
Neteyam didn't notice the moving warriors till they were in front of him. Dropping down his knife as it pointed towards the ground. Holding it near his face as he hiss in protest. In the background were dozens of his people screaming. With the last of their warriors tried their best to protect the children's. Another searing scream pulled his attention. Tuk yelling in fear as Mom hides his little sister behind her bigger figure, using it as a wall between them and Tuk. Snarling as everyone backed away into each other. The circle became smaller and smaller till there was no space left.
BadumpBadumpBadump.
The blaring beating of his racing heart ringing inside his ears, slicing out the cries and wails of his people. His body grew heavy as his lungs started to collapse within itself. Making it harder to breathe with each step he took. It was slow and quick at the same time. Watching the people around him stood in terror against you while he couldn't do anything about it. His family, scared, inching closer together. Protecting each other. "Sully stick together-" The noises surrounding him abruptly became dead silent. "...sully never quits." He murmured to himself. He was always regarded as responsible, competent and a loyal warrior in his clan. The Golden Prince. But right now, this second. He felt all the opposite of who he was.
In a flash, an unknown force started to bubble inside of him, rising from the pits of his stomach. Like a rising Palulukan. His body was heavy yet his heart felt the opposite. Suddenly even the leaves floating in front of him seemed to stop, drifting down softly landing carefully on the ground. The world looked bleak in those few moments and something finally clicked inside his mind as his eyes widened. Every breath he took became more strenuous than the last. "Do what's right..." He murmured, glancing forward. Towards you. The barrier between him and you consists of only a few warriors. It wasn't going to be easy, but he had to try. Instead of taking another step back.
He took a leap forward.
Neteyam couldn't take it. Slowly, the wails, the screaming and the yelling of his family and people ring inside his ears. Taking a leap of faith he thrust himself forward. Driving his heels into the ground pushing himself to pass through the giant wall. As if he was flying through. There was another reason why he's called The Golden Prince. Striking the nearest warriors, not killing. Knocking them down as he breached through. Making a small gap, just enough for him. For his words to get to you. “Wait! Listen! ” He yelled, punching a warrior straight to the face. Falling backwards. And at the right moment when your eyes met his. "See!" He yelled again, standing still right before you. His chest heaving with shaky breath, struggling to compose himself with the growing frown on his face. The world halted with him. Just him locking eyes with you with his hand held up high. The growing frown had unconsciously turned into a small tug at the corner of his lips. You were finally listening. He thought before being tackled down by several Na’vi. Groaning, "Arrgh-" Pinning him down with their weight. Binding his hands behind his back. As he hurled growl and hiss at the warriors while his head was pushed into the ground. Twisting and pulling his hands around but to no avail. The bind only cut through his skin the more he brute forced it.
"Damn." He whispered. Clicking his tongue. Unexpectedly, he felt the warriors paused. The air around him froze as the noisy uproar behind him became muted. His gut was clawing at him, wanting to break free. Suddenly in front of him, stood the soles of your feet. Slowly moving his gaze upwards, seeing as you had crouched down to his level. He froze. The beads braided into your hair clacked together whenever you moved, tilting your head to the side. He felt paralyzed, the crushing weight of your gaze were barely on him yet it already made him lose the ability to breathe. The tense silence was deafening. “Speak.” You commanded, monotone. Your downcasted eyes locked onto him.
Just that command alone felt like a permission to move, to exist right in front of you. He’s going to throw up. Even maintaining eye contact was grueling. He couldn't even fathom himself bearing the full weight of your gaze. It was something Neteyam was completely unfamiliar with. He'd never seen someone so stoic. Like nothing scares you. It felt like he’s up against a mighty beast, instead of a revered warrior. He knew he had to tread carefully in order to not turn this into a blood bath. “We’re the Omatikaya clan." He stopped, wetting his lips before continuing. "We came seeking Uturu in your land.” He breathed, “We might serve you valuable information…,” Neteyam added, praying his hardest that this was going to work as he persisted, “regarding...the sky-people.”
The forest was quiet. Neteyam didn't recognize the subtle thumping echoing around him. Was it his? Focusing on the conversation at hand and that's when he paused. You were quiet. For him, quietness was a sense of comfort. It was shared amongst his people. But you...It might not be. “You.” A light mocking chuckle left your lips. His eyes furrowed. Feeling his blood boiling with every passing second your chuckled lasted. Watching your lips as the next sentence made his heart sunk into the ground. “Whose Olo’eyktan carried the hands of the sky people, yet you dared seekinh refuged in our home?” You rebuke slowly enunciating each and every word. Your voice gets deeper the more you speak. It didn't take a Skxawng to recognize the anger seeping out from your tone. As he yelped in sudden pain, jolting throughout his body. Being forcibly kneeling in front of you. Peering through his lashes watching as you leaned in closer. And closer. Till you stopped just a breath away. Staring into his eyes as if you were trying to read him. To see him. Nobody did anything as they watched in silence and horror.
Slowly turning your head, making way past his face with your lips gently blowing air into his ears. “You ask for Uturu so boldly." You whispered, "Should I mistake desperation for courage?”
The hostility present in your voice even reached the far end of the forest. Chills ran down his spine. The people were so quiet that Neteyam feared that his breathing would be the very thing that could end the lives of those he cared about. That part was crystal clear. Yet, he couldn’t help pushing further. Swallowing the dry lump inside his throat, he continued. “I’m the Prince of the Omatikaya. If you don’t trust the Olo’eyktan…" He muttered, watching your every reaction. The way your lips quiver as he spoke, the way your face held a suppressed emotion and the way your eyes held no warmth in it. He needs this to work. Dragging the seconds as he finally declared to you. And to every warrior around him. "You can trust me.”
This seemed to induce laughter around him, it wasn’t loud. It was small, almost silent, judging him even when no words were spoken. Even he admitted it was stupid. But there was no other choice. Long had he wanted to be of use to his people. More than just a Prince doing his daily routine of maintaining the balance of the court or a Prince whose being were physically and mentally capable of all the skills he learned just to fit in a mold that was set before his birth. He needed to be more. The laughter ended with just a slight raise of your hand. Silencing the forest itself. Neteyam closed his eyes as dark thoughts drifted into his mind. Trying to calm down his stricken nerves. He's their Prince, he needs to bear their burden. Slowly peering his eyes open. His eyes laid on you. Praying for a sliver of hope, that you would yield. Accepting his offer.
Your eyes furrowed, watching him carefully. “What are you insinuating?” You muttered, tilting your head. He saw the way your tail swayed slowly behind you. You were curious, that much is obvious. His heart jumped with relief. There was a chance he could turn this around for the better. There was one thing he thought of. Something he had learned during his Numeyu years. The price to pay for something so valuable and sacred. And it’s something that could help and bite back at him later. A quick inhale through his nose. This would be the perfect chance for him to give upupTo be just another Prince in another clan. No. Not when he's already knees deep with you. His voice cracked while his lips quivered, uttering the word most people wouldn't dare to speak off. Even Dad. “An alliance.”
The aggravating echo of the noises within the forest eat up the slow hushed breath lingering from his chest. Time seemed to prolong longer and longer than he would like. Was it wrong? Did he say it at the wrong moment? The staggering tension seemed to be at a standstill. When suddenly you stood up. The blatant stare that was both emotionless and surprised drilled into the side of his face. Backing away from you. Sensing the worst he tried, twisting his wrist in the opposite direction. Hoping to loosen the bind behind him. It was uncomfortable, your eyes were. It felt like sharp knives craving through his skin trying to skin him away to see what's hidden inside of him. Hidden from you.
Neteyam's body dropped down to the ground. It was sudden as his almost fall before catching himself at the very last second. Twisting his body as his shoulder thudded against the dirt. “You. Stay.” You order. Walking towards another warrior, discussing something he couldn't comprehend. That warriors nodded and swiftly hollered out the order. It was spontaneous. Quickly, half of your warriors moved away, blending with the shadows. While the several warriors left behind began to escort his clan away from him. His family struggled to break free trying to get to him, but were blocked by your warriors. It was quick and simple. Decisive and intimidating. The way you handle this was as if you had read his thoughts all along.
Minutes later, he was the only one left. He did it. Almost. The only reason why he would be left behind was that he made it through. His words got to you. And you're choosing to listen. He couldn’t celebrate yet, not when he hadn't secured the alliance. Ensuring the safety of his people, his family and him. Shaking his head, he tried standing up. “Don’t think about running.” You popped out of nowhere whispering right by his ears as you walked away just mere moments later. Your voice raspy, it didn't stop the small but noticeable tingling sensation sent throughout his body. Clearing his throat.
Taking a deep breath. He closed his eyes, letting his mind go blank. Before a slow exhale left his nostrils. Nodding to himself. “Okay...." He muttered. "Let’s go.” Turning his heels around following you. This was it. He has to convince you.
Lots of Love for Ms. Socorro
Chapter 2: Someone’s Gonna Get Hurt
Pairings: Neteyam x fem!reader, Lo’ak x fem!reader
Summary: The war party leaves to go handle something down in the mountains. Lo’ak says goodbye to Lady, but Neteyam doesn’t. Lady assumes that he had already gotten on his ikran. Lady starts to worry for the boys as she helps Mo’at make mixtures to heal all the wounded. Kiri reassures her everything will be fine, but she doesn’t believe it whatsoever. She does relax eventually but the war party returns and Lady sees that Neteyam is hurt. She tries to help him and make him laugh, but he seems…distant
Warnings: Swearing, Adult Themes, Wounds, Suggestive Language, Mentions of Guns/Other Weapons, War Mentions, Hurt Comfort
a/n: hi my lovelies and good morning, happy friday. i hope everyone’s week was good. i apologize if this fic isn’t that good i had a bit of a writers block because i didn’t think of what i was gonna write before writing it. i also started writing this tuesday so it was slightly rushed. so sorry that i am posting this so late i forgot what day it was. have a good weekend, love yall<333
wc: 2.1k
AFTER FORAGING UNTIL NOON, you and Kiri return to the kelku, with all of your fruits, nuts, and other foods you collected in your little baskets you both decorated. You walk into the kitchen to see Jake grabbing the extra ammo he had stored away in one of the makeshift cabinets.
“What happened? Where are you going?” you ask, setting your basket down. You walk over to where Jake is, grab another pack of ammo in one of the lower cabinets, and hand it to him.
“Hey, Little Lady.” He says turning, not expecting you there but happy to see you before he left nonetheless. “There’s something going on near the mountains. Me and the war party are gonna go and fix it. We should be back on time for dinner.” He says giving her a hug with a slight squeeze. “Make sure everyone stays safe. See you later, babygirl.”
“Bye, Jake.” you say hugging him back. You turn to pick up your basket when you feel a large, warm hand on your waist. You turn around to see Lo’ak.
“Just wanted to say bye before I left.” he says with a soft grin.
“You don’t have to explain yourself. I’d give you a hug even if you weren’t leaving.” you say smiling. You hug him and give him two fruits, one for him and one for his older brother.
Speaking of his older brother, you wonder where he was. He hadn’t spoken to you since breakfast. Maybe he was already on his ikran. “I’ll talk to him when he gets back” you think to yourself.
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YOU, TUK, KIRI, AND SPIDER all watch the war party leave as you yell, wishing them luck. Mo’at walks in and greets you all.
“Kaltxì, 'eveng. Come, help me prepare the mixtures for healing the wounded.” she says as she grabs Tuk’s hand and walks with her. The rest of you follow the two.
“Awh, what happened, Stinker. You ‘fraid only one of your little boyfriends will come back safe.” Spider says, spotting the slight furrow in your brows, a clear telltale sign that your nervous or worried.
“Shut up.” you say firmly, shoving him into a nearby bush. Your face flushing a slight pink from both embarrassment and anger. Kiri laughs at him, pulling you into a hug.
“It’s ok, Lovey.” Kiri says, turning to you. “They’ll come back. Alive and safe. Plus, dad doesn’t even let them do anything but spot.” You give her a slight smile.
All throughout helping Mo’at with the mixtures, your brain was working overtime. You kept overthinking it. “What if Kiri’s wrong”, “what if the get hurt”, “what if one of them dies” you start to think. You start to make a mixture that isn’t really for healing wounds, but for healing the warriors’ trauma. The scent starts filling your nose, calming you. They’ll be fine..right?
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TUK RUNS AROUND, pretending to be part of the war party. You sit there calmly, finishing your last mixture. Kiri is helping Spider paint blue stripes, replicating the stripes along the Na’vi’s bodies. You look down at your arms, you touch yours up every night. Tuk runs to Kiri and pokes her with the stick she’s holding.
“Got ya!” she laughs while Kiri gives her an annoyed look.
“C’mon, Tuk!” Kiri half-shouts at her little sister, who’s running around giggling. You start to giggle too as you stand up and pinch Kiri’s sides as you walk away to give the last mixture to Mo’at.
“Thank you, dear.” she says grabbing the bowl from your hands.
“No, seriously. And the animals respect me more. They don't think of me as human.” Spider says looking at Kiri. You have no idea what they’re talking about, probably his stupid stripes.
“Wait. You’re human?” Kiri says, trying not to laugh.
“Haha.” Spider sarcastically replies. You were about to says something to him just as sarcastically, when you get interrupted by an ikran screeching and the sound of a conch shell being blown.
“They’re coming! They're coming! Guys! The war party's coming back! Come on, come on.” Tuk yells excitedly, running out the kelku.
“Guys, let’s go, come on.” Kiri gets up running out, you and Spider following.
“Mom!” Tuk yells as she runs to go hug her mother.
You, Spider and Kiri all run to the boys. You immediately jump to hug Lo’ak, He grabs your waist to make sure you don’t fall, then hugs you back.
“Thank Eywa you’re safe. I don’t know what I would do with myself if anything had happened. I think I’d-“
“Hey,” Lo’ak interrupts “It’s fine. We’re fine. We’re not dead, we can still function.” he assures you.
You walk over to Neteyam and give him a hug and grip onto him. You were about to ask him if you both could talk, just wanting to ask him about how he hadn’t said goodbye earlier when Jake yells out for them.
“Fall in.” Jake says to both the boys, looking pretty pissed off. “You're supposed to be spotters. You spot bogeys, and you call 'em in. From a distance! Does any of this sound familiar? Get here!” Jake yells at both boy for them to get closer. Jesus. I let you two geniuses fly a mission, and you disobey direct orders.” He turns to his eldest daughter “Kiri, can you go help your grandmother with the wounded? Please?” he asks.
“My brother is wounded.” Kiri responds to her father.
“It’s fine.” Neteyam says, putting a hand up to his sister.
You had noticed the wound on his back shoulder when he had moved up, but from the angle you were standing at it had looked like an old one, not an open one.
“Baby girl, please. Tuk, Lady, go with her. Go.” he said to you three girls. The other two leave as you walk over to Neteyam and examine his wound.
“Sir, I take full responsibility.” Neteyam says, trying to avoid eye contact with his father.
“Yeah, you do. That's rig- Lady, babygirl, please go help with the other wounded soldiers.” Jake says to you, eyes slightly softening.
“I am though. Jake, he has an open wound and it looks horrible. This needs to be tended to right no-“ your eyes shift from his face to his wife’s slightly behind him. She gives you a slight look that says go I’ll handle it.
“Bu-“ you try to argue when Neytiri interrupts.
“Ladybug. Now.” she says firm.
You roll your eyes and start to walk away, your hand dragging along Neteyam until he’s out of reach. “Straight bullshit is what this is.” you mumble under your breathe as you walk back into the kelku. You can hear Jake still yelling until Neytiri interrupts him.
“MaJake. Your son is actually bleeding.” she says, making direct eye contact.
“Mother, it's fine. I-“ Neteyam tries to argue.
“Just go and get patched up. Go on, dismissed.” Jake says with a slight hand gesture to the kelku. He keeps Lo’ak to give him a further punishment.
You’re just finishing up with one of the less impacted soldiers, cleaning blood from a small cut, when Neteyam walks in.
“Ah. Come, come. Sit here.” his grandmother says, gesturing in front of her. He sits and looks at you as you finish up with the solider you were with.
“Lady,” Mo’at says “go make that same mixture for his wound.”
“Ok.” you say getting up and going to the one of the cabinets.
“Ow. Ow!” Neteyam winces as his grandmother adds a different, more liquid-like mixture to the wound.
“Aw, want a kiss on the boo-boo?” Spider mocks.
“Oh, I’d gladly give you a little kiss.” You says smiling, walking over with the new mixture.
Spider rolls his eyes as he pretends to gag.
“Give him this.” Mo’at says, handing Kiri a small bowl full of a different liquid.
“Okay.” Kiri says, bringing the bowl to her brothers mouth. “I would use yalna bark. Here, drink.”
“Oh, you would? And who is Tsahik?” Mo’at asks, looking at her granddaughter as if she’d offended the whole bloodline.
“You are, Grand... Move!” Kiri says to Lo’ak, who’d just walked in to the kelku. “You are, Grandmother. But yalna bark is better.”
“Kiri’s right,” you say “although that mixture helps it heal quickly, yalna bark is less painful and speeds the process even more. It also creates a thin layer over the wound to prevent infection.”
“Ow, ow! Ow. It stings less.” Neteyam states.
“Mighty Warrior.” Lo’ak says, mocking his brother
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LATER THAT DAY, the house is silent, except for the sound of soft snores. Everyone had gone to sleep, everyone except you and Neteyam. You both had decided to sit outside to admire the night sky.
“Hey,” you say breaking the silence “how come you didn’t say goodbye before you left earlier?”
“Oh, well…you were having your little moment with Lo’ak. Wouldn’t wanna ruin that now would I.” Neteyam says bitterly, visibly upset.
“What do you even mean?” you ask slightly upset at how he was acting.
“Do you like him more than me.” he asks, abruptly turning to you.
“Wha-“ you start to say but he cuts you off.
“Oh don’t act dumb. You’ve been attached to his side for a long while now. I’m not even asking if you would rather be with him. I’m asking if I’m being replaced. You both have been so close and it really pisses me off. I’m happy you both got to know each other, but I’m not very happy with the fact that my little brother is stealing both my best friend and the love of my life.” Neteyam says, staring at the ground.
You look at him, lips slightly parted. Now that you think about it, ever since you and Lo’ak actually got close, you’ve been hanging out with him more. You look at Neteyam, who’s avoiding your gaze. You take hold of his hand as he turns to look at you.
“You could never be replaced. Trust me. I’ve liked you since I was 5, and the fact that it’s been 11 years makes me think that won’t ever change. I started hanging out with him more because I felt that if you found out about the crush it’d weird you out. But i ended up liking him too. That doesn’t change the fact that I love you.” you say, your eyebrows furrowed as you look at him, waiting for him to say something
Instead, he kisses you. You kiss him back. Not the same as your kiss yesterday, though. This one was sweet. This one was a mixture of emotions shared between you both. You felt as if you could feel his pain and his love through this kiss.
You both separate, still holding hands. He gets up and hugs you. As you hug him back, he lifts you up and carries you to the family room. You both lay on the floor laughing for a mother hour until you both fall asleep in each others arms.
You love this moment, his warmth radiating off his body and onto yours, him holding you in his arms as he sleeps. You wish you both could stay like this forever, until you eventually drift off into a deep sleep.
Summary:
After the return of the Sky-People, the Omatikaya are forced from their ancestral lands and pushed towards the borders of the powerful Tipani clan.
To secure peace and ensure both clans survival, a political marriage is arranged between the heir of the Omatikaya and son of Toruk Makto, Neteyam Sully, and the Tipani Prince, the strongest warrior and future leader of his people.
Neither are given a choice yet neither resent the arrangement.
That becomes the problem.
A/n: sooo...the story is actually closer to 50k after a bunch of readable edits. I hope you guys enjoy this because I did.
Words: 1.7k
Here's The Link To My Other Series + Oneshots!
Prologue - Chp0
PROLOGUE
HOME
NETEYAM SULLY
The forest had gotten loud, not from the inhabitants, but from war. A war against the sky-people and his.
The clan had been in a dispute for many days on end. The cause was of the war against the sky-people, it was getting harder to win with every encounter. The numbers of the surviving warriors had dwindled while the list of fallen Na’vi only grew bigger with each passing day. Things were hard. Especially on the Olo’eyktan, Jake Sully. Dad. Trying his hardest to keep the clan safe while protecting it from the outsiders. Neteyam couldn’t do much to help, only carrying out his duty as the First Prince. Following orders and carrying them out on the battlefield. The bustling uproar of voices echoed from the inside of the small room, ringing inside his ear. “Maybe we should migrate west,” One of The Elders exclaimed, “where the Sarentu clan is.” The discussion happening inside the meeting room was crucial. No interruption should happen. That's why he was stationed at the entrance, blocking out anyone else from entering. It was important enough to send waves of unease through the people as they listened to the arguments inside.
“No, the Tipani clan is better.” Another Elders refuted, “We need the manpower.” The meeting was getting heated. Even the passing warriors couldn’t help steer clear from here. He stood up straight, trying his hardest to listen in on the discussion. It was pointless. He couldn’t join because Dad didn’t want him to. Absolving his responsibilities as the Prince. Only acting out as a warrior. He had argued to let him learn, it was his duty. But it was fruitless, here he was. Standing guard outside of where he should be. Dad was perplexed about moving, everyone was yet nobody said anything. He had lost count of how many times this same topic was brought up into war and strategies meetings. And every time it wasn’t solved. Only making the inevitable worse than it already was.
The situation was becoming catastrophic. The morning war party came back with less than half the numbers before they left. The sky-people were getting bolder with their attacks and stronger as their technology grew with these passing years. His people were struggling to hold their ground. Neteyam would never stop thanking The Great Mother everyday for allowing him to come back home safely. To return to his family and his people. He was lucky. While others weren’t. Even after all these years he couldn’t get used to seeing the sight of family breaking down after receiving the news of their loved ones disappearing within the war. “Sully stick together...,” He muttered, feeling dejected, saying it over and over. It was his family mantra, supposed to give him strength to go through any tribulation and protect the people he loved. As the meeting went on, the day was almost over. The night sky shining bright with twinkling stars painted across it. He could barely hear them, feeling his mind wandered. “Sully never quits...never.”
The days that came after were nothing short of hectic. It turned out last night's meeting had a huge impact on most of The Elders. The lack of choice from Dad had led to the fallout of the people, splitting it into three factions. Those who wanted to make the alliance with the Sarentu in the west, others who wanted the military power of the silent clan the Tipani, and the rest who didn't want to leave the forest. The people were starting to doubt Dad’s ability to make a decision.
Dad thought it would be foolish to leave the ancestral land because he couldn’t protect it. But staying here might mean the end of the Omatikaya. Dad was torn. Neteyam couldn't watch the distraught of both of his parents. It weakened his heart. Neither side was wrong. Dad or The Elders. Everyone only wanted the best for the clan. That’s why he couldn’t be mad. “Listen Neteyam.” Dad muttered, standing beside him one morning. “Whatever happens…this family is our fortress.” He declared, grabbing his shoulders and hugging him close. “Do what’s right, son.” Dad would end the conversation before riding his ikran, taking off with the war party. Neteyam couldn’t do anything as he could only watch. Day and night. Dad went out settling meetings, disputes, fights and war. It was never ending.
The clan was eerily quiet that morning. He couldn't stop the jittery feeling he had, his guts sank beneath him. Thinking of the worst. As he watched dozens of warriors hurriedly making their way towards the meeting hall. And he was right. Something went wrong that morning and it would haunt him in his dream. An emergency meeting was called.
People wanted answers.
“We can’t keep this unresolved forever, Jake.” An old warrior spoke. “We need answers. They’re getting restless because of your indecisiveness.” An elder quipped in, their worries evident. Most of the Na’vi in the room nodded. Only making Dad more restless. Neteyam had sneaked in, hiding behind the towering warriors. He couldn't help the dread feeling of the foreboding issues hanging by a thread that was on the brink of being untethered. It was maddening. “I know.” Dad exclaimed, rubbing his temples. “Just…we can’t make rash decisions. We're talking about leaving our home left by our ancestors here to someplace new. The only things our kids know.” Dad finally answered, his tone aspirated. The room went silent. Dad wasn't wrong, it was a valid reason. The children never knew of anything else other than their forest. The constant danger looming above their heads and the unstable peace throughout his years. Nothing was right. The Elder sighed, “...but Jake.” They murmured, walking towards Dad. “This is about the future of the clan. Of our kids. Do you want them to grow up with danger always just inches away from them?” The same Elder from earlier exasperated, their tone was tired. Everyone was.
Both were desperate. He saw the slight tremble of Dad’s hands.The decision was one step closer to the end. This time Neteyam couldn’t bear to listen, walking out of the meeting room.
Crouching just near feet away from the front opening, where he still heard the arguing continuing inside. Making him sighed, rubbing the nape of his neck. “Moving…,” Neteyam rolled the word on his tongue. It tasted bitter and empty. Leaving? Millions of thoughts running rampant inside his head crowding his mind. Feeling himself drifting faraway from reality as his breathing became more rapid, his chest tightened. When suddenly a small voice gently pulled him out of it, “What are you doing ‘teyam?” A soft sweet tone muttering right by his ear. Quickly his dark thoughts dispersed from his mind, turning his head as a small curve etched on his lips. There, her tiny hands on her knees is Tuk, ma Tsawkeatantsyip (My little sunshine).
“Tuk. What are you doing here?”
“I wanted to see you.” She smiled.
“What about Dad?” Neteyam tilted his head to the side.
“Mom’s there, but I'm here to entertain you.”
“Also, can you get more of those sweet fruits you got yesterday?” She pouted, crossing her small arms in front of her chest. “Lo’ak ate everything.” She heaved a dry sigh, annoyed by her brother. “Please.” She plead. Her eyelashes fluttered with her hands clasped together. Mustering her best Hona (Cute) attack on him. This made a low chuckle escape his throat, shaking his head with an affectionate smile gracing his lips. “Sure thing Tuktuk.” Ruffling her braids as she giggled. This left a bitter aftertaste inside his mouth. The interaction with his sweet little sister seemed to make his heart weighed heavy, his eyes lowered glancing towards the ground. All he prays is that The Great Mother would protect his family. As those unruly thoughts infiltrated his mind again. “What’s wrong ‘teyam?” Tilting her head down, she leaned in closer towards him. Trying to look at his face clearly.
Neteyam being the older brother. Quickly pulled her in, snuggling her inside his arm as he tickled her side with her joyous laughter echoing through the open space rooting itself into his heart. “Stopstop!” Tuk yelped out as her arms tried fending off his attack. Slowly, he halted, sighing as his eyes smile at the small Na’vi snuggling closer in his arms. Resting his chin on top of her head. His body swayed back and forth. “Tuktuk?” He called, his voice sounding restrained. Contrasting her small and quick voice, answering him.“ Yeah?” Her hand playing with the beads braided into his hair, small and imperfect. “Where would you call home?” He uttered. Hearing the mild grumbling underneath him. A few seconds had passed and finally, she had the answer as her face lit up. “Home is where we are.” She giggled, smiling at him. It blinded him for a moment as she continued to lay comfortably inside his arms, happy. It was so simple yet, so complicated.
That’s right, that would be the answer.
The next morning, the news hit. “We’re moving to the Tipani clan.”
Neteyam x forest Na’vi reader (childhood friend and mates)
Reader dying in the WOW and Neteyam having survivors guilt. Oh and Neteyam and reader were secret mates and they all find out when reader is on the rock. Neteyam going through the grieving process and how his family helps him navigate through life without reader. And Neteyam having a problem with connection with Eywa all the time to the point it’s starting to get unhealthy because that’s ALL he does is visit the reader that his family is getting concerned for his wellbeing. But she comes back in Ash and Fire and saves Neteyam from getting shot and he realizes that she is one with Eywa like she got some powers or whatever but her connection with Eywa it much stronger than Kiri’s connection with Her.
✦ BOUND BY THE ROOTS
“Neteyam and Y/n are childhood best friends and became mate, though nobody knew that part until a tragic accident arrived, taking your life away.”
─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───
𓍢ִ໋🌹͙֒ Neteyam x Reader ┊ angst/comfort, death, grief, attack and kind of war, fluff ┊ 3.3k words
The rain fell heavy over the ocean, cold and sharp against skin accustomed to the gentle warmth of the rainforest canopy. The steady rhythm of waves crashing against the rocks matched the frantic beat in Neteyam’s chest as he pulled you onto the flat stone.
You were breathing too shallowly, your golden eyes hazy as you looked up at him. All your lives, you had been inseparable. From running through the high branches of the Omatikaya forest to learning how to ride ikran side by side, you had been his anchor. Before his family fled their home, before the sky people tore everything apart, the two of you had stood before Eywa in absolute secret. You had entwined your queues and bound your spirits together as mates, promising that no war or distance would ever sever the bond. It was a truth you kept hidden to protect each other from the burden of leadership and political expectations, a private sanctuary in a world that was rapidly burning down around you.
Now, that secret was unspooling on the wet stone beneath the gray skies of the Metkayina reef.
Neteyam pressed his hands firmly against your wound, trying to stop the dark blood from slipping through his fingers. His heart pounded with a terror he had never felt in battle. "Stay with me," he whispered, his voice cracking beneath the weight of his panic. "Look at me. Keep your eyes on me."
Jake and Neytiri dropped to their knees beside him, their hands reaching out to assess the damage. Lo'ak stood just behind them, paralyzed by the sight.
When Neytiri reached to move Neteyam's hands so she could heal you, he flinched, pulling you closer to his chest instead. His body instinctively shielded yours, an ancient and visceral protective reflex that went far beyond mere friendship.
"Neteyam, let me see," Neytiri urged gently, her own tears blurring her vision.
"No," Neteyam choked out, looking up at his parents with a raw, desperate truth in his eyes. "You do not understand. I cannot lose her. She is my mate."
The word hung in the air, heavy and sudden amidst the howling wind. Neytiri froze, her eyes widening as she looked from her eldest son to your pale face. Jake placed a heavy hand on Neteyam’s trembling shoulder, the reality of the confession hitting them all at once. The silent promises, the stolen glances, the unspoken grief you both carried when leaving the forest—it all made sense in an instant.
You reached up with a weak hand, your fingers trembling as they touched Neteyam’s cheek, drawing his frantic gaze back to yours. "Neteyam," you whispered softly, your breath coming in small hitches.
"I am right here," he sobbed, leaning down so his forehead pressed against yours. "I am sorry. I should have protected you better. I should have taken the hit. It was supposed to be me."
"It was never meant to be you," you whispered, your thumb gently brushing away a stray tear on his cheek. "Live for us both. Promise me."
Before he could speak the words to deny it, your hand went limp in his grip, falling back to the cold rock. The light in your eyes faded like embers extinguishing in the rain.
A agonizing sound broke from Neteyam’s chest as he pulled your body tight against him, burying his face into your neck. The world around him blurred into quiet static. Neytiri wept loudly, pulling Lo'ak into her arms, while Jake bowed his head, resting a supportive hand on his son’s back. But Neteyam felt entirely alone, stranded on an island of his own failure.
In the days that followed your sea burial, the guilt hollowed him out completely. Every time he looked at the ocean, he saw your final breath. Every time he closed his eyes, he heard the quiet whisper of your promise. He was the eldest son, the warrior who was supposed to shield everyone from harm, yet the person who held his entire soul was gone while he still drew breath. Standing at the edge of the reef as the sun sank below the horizon, Neteyam held the small woven token you had given him back in the forest, carrying the unbearable weight of living in a world without you.
Days bled together in a blurred haze of salt water and endless gray sky. For Neteyam, the world had lost its vibrant color the moment your chest stopped rising. The golden lights of the rainforest, the soft rustle of the leaves beneath your feet, and the secret promises whispered high in the canopy were all trapped in a past he could no longer touch.
Instead, he sought the only place where you still existed.
Every afternoon, while the rest of the Metkayina village went about their lives, Neteyam would dive deep into the glowing blue depths toward the Cove of Ancestors. Beneath the surface, bathed in the violet light of the Spirit Tree, he would connect his queue to the tendrils.
There, in the realm of memories preserved by Eywa, he could see you.
He could hear your laugh floating through the trees of your old home. He could feel the soft warmth of your hand in his and see the bright spark in your golden eyes. For hours on end, he stayed submerged in those memories, clinging to your spirit like a drowning man. He would push past the physical exhaustion, ignoring the ache in his lungs and the numbness creeping into his limbs just to spend a few more precious moments in a world where you were still alive.
It became an obsession. He stopped eating full meals. He barely spoke during family gatherings. When he wasn't carrying out his duties as a son, he was underwater, desperate to lose himself in the memory of his mate.
One evening, as the sun began to dip below the horizon, Neteyam finally surfaced from the sacred cove, trembling from the chill of the water and the sheer emotional toll of the connection. As he pulled himself up onto the wooden walkways of the village, he found Jake waiting for him.
His father did not yell or command him to move. He simply stood there with a look of heavy, quiet understanding, watching his eldest son struggle to stand.
"Neteyam," Jake said softly, stepping forward to catch him by the shoulders when his knees buckled slightly. "You cannot stay down there."
"She is there," Neteyam choked out, his voice raw from disuse and tears he refused to let fall in front of the tribe. "Father, she is right there. I can see her. I can talk to her."
"I know," Jake replied, his voice thick with empathy as he guided Neteyam back toward their home. "I know how much it hurts. But Eywa gives us memories to remember our loved ones, not to replace the life we still have to live."
When they reached the family pod, Neytiri was waiting. The moment Neteyam walked through the entrance, she wrapped her arms around him, pulling him tight against her. She knew the weight of loss all too well, and she held her son as his composure finally fractured.
Lo'ak sat nearby, looking down at his hands with a quiet, persistent guilt of his own. He slowly moved closer, placing a hand on Neteyam's shoulder. "I am sorry," Lo'ak whispered, his voice cracking. "I am so sorry, brother."
For the first time since the battle on the rocks, Neteyam let himself break down completely in the circle of his family. He let out the anguish he had been bottling up, the crippling weight of the guilt that convinced him he should have taken your place.
Neytiri stroked his hair, her voice a steady anchor in the storm of his grief. "Your mate loved you with all of her heart, Neteyam. Her spirit is with the Great Mother now, and she is at peace. But you are still here. She would not want you to fade away in the shadows of the past."
"I do not know how to live without her," Neteyam admitted, his breath hitching as he leaned into his mother's touch. "Every breath feels like I am leaving her behind."
"You are not leaving her behind," Jake said gently, sitting beside them and placing a strong hand over Neteyam's. "You carry her with you. In every breath, in every flight, in every battle. That is how we honor the ones we love."
Healing did not happen overnight. The void left in Neteyam's heart remained vast and deep, but with the quiet support of his family, he slowly began to return to the living world. He still visited the Spirit Tree, but no longer out of a desperate attempt to escape reality. Instead, he went to feel your presence, to draw strength from the love you shared, and to promise you that he would live fully, just as you had asked him to do.
The quiet morning routine at the reef slowly became Neteyam's refuge. He began taking small steps back toward the present, helping Lo'ak groom the skimwings or teaching Tuk how to dive deeper into the clear waters. The ache in his chest never truly vanished, but the guidance of his family gave him a way to carry it without collapsing under the weight.
When word reached the Metkayina village that a convoy of Tlalim wind traders was passing nearby on their trek toward the high forests, Jake decided it was time. The Tlalim traveled aboard giant airborne beasts, carrying goods, news, and travelers across the massive distances of Pandora. Returning home to the Omatikaya with them offered a rare, protected route through the skies.
For Neteyam, the prospect of returning to the rainforest brought a strange mix of comfort and sorrow. The forest was where you had grown up together, where you had learned to hunt, and where you had secretly bound your spirits under the canopy. Leaving the sea behind felt like leaving your resting place, but returning to the forest felt like walking back into your memories.
The journey back toward the rainforest carried a quiet weight. As the massive Tlalim wind beasts glided steadily through the upper atmosphere, Neteyam spent long hours near the edge of the woven harness, watching the ocean slowly yield to the vast green ocean of the forest below. The shift in the air was subtle at first, salt water fading into the rich scent of damp soil and blooming flora. It brought back a flood of memories of running through the high branches with you, every shadow and patch of sunlight feeling like a quiet ghost of your shared past.
The Tlalim traders moved with their usual slow, peaceful rhythm, caring for their gentle leviathans of the sky. No one on board expected trouble. The traders carried supplies, textiles, and information between clans, neutral ground in a world increasingly torn apart by conflict. Jake, Neytiri, and the children kept a low profile, blending in among the passengers and keeping their true identity quiet to avoid drawing unwanted eyes.
As the convoy drifted over the desolate gray stretches bordering the volcano regions, the clear sky began to smudge with lingering ash.
High above the tree line, far from any major clan territory, the air suddenly turned cold and bitter. Below, the Mangkwan clan, desperate for resources, food, and the massive yield that a herd of Tlalim beasts could provide, lay in wait among the rocky crags. They had no interest in forest politics or old alliances. They were scavengers driven by fire and scarcity, watching the sky for an easy prize.
Without warning, heavy iron-tipped harpoons and fiery projectiles tore through the clouds, striking the flanks of the lead wind beast. The giant creature let out a low, reverberating cry that shook the air, veering wildly as panic spread through the convoy.
chaos erupted instantly across the tethered platforms. Mangkwan raiders swung up from hooks anchored to the lower harnesses, their faces painted in gray soot and red clay.
Neteyam moved on instinct, drawing his bow and taking cover behind a heavy crate of trader goods. Alongside Jake and Neytiri, he fought to push the invaders back, the wood of the platform slick with rain and ash. It was only when Jake stepped into the center of the main deck, his iconic war cry cutting through the roar of the wind, that the Mangkwan warriors froze in shock. The sight of Toruk Makto himself standing on a trading vessel shattered their initial plan, turning a simple raid into a desperate, chaotic frenzy.
In the middle of the clash, a heavy blast caught the edge of the platform where Neteyam stood, splintering the thick wood beneath his feet.
As he tumbled toward the edge, a Mangkwan archer on an upper rope drew a heavy bowstring, aiming a jagged, ash-coated arrow directly at Neteyam's chest while he was pinned against the broken railng. With no leverage to dodge and his own bow knocked from his grip, Neteyam could only brace himself, the ghost of his final moments on the Metkayina rocks flashing through his mind.
Then, the ambient air went dead silent.
A sharp, brilliant pulse of bioluminescent light rippled through the air, turning the surrounding smoke into a glowing sea of deep violet and cyan. The arrow, loosed from the string, froze mid-air, its metal tip dissolving into harmless dust before it could even touch Neteyam's skin.
The pressure in the air spiked so hard that the surrounding raiders stumbled backward, their weapons slipping from their hands as the pulse resonated directly in their chests.
Through the veil of shimmering light, a figure stepped forward onto the splintered wood.
It was you.
You looked physically present, standing firmly on the platform, yet your skin burned with intricate, flowing patterns of light that throbbed in sync with the heartbeat of Pandora itself. The energy radiating off you was overwhelming, not a subtle whisper of the forest, but a direct, raw force flowing straight from Eywa's core, far surpassing any simple instinct or quiet harmony.
Neteyam stared, his hands trembling as he clung to the railing, his breath completely catching in his throat as your golden eyes turned to meet his.
The silence that settled over the platform was deafening, broken only by the wind rushing through the Tlalim beast’s heavy wings.
Neteyam could not move. His hands remained frozen against the splintered wood of the railing, his knuckles white. His heart hammered wildly in his chest, not from the terror of the arrow that had almost pierced him, but from the impossible sight standing just steps away.
You looked solid. You were breathing, your shoulders rising and falling, yet you seemed to exist in two worlds at once. The deep bioluminescent patterns beneath your skin burned with an intensity Neteyam had never seen in any Na'vi, glowing through the smoke like liquid starlight. The air around you hummed, vibrating so strongly that the dust and ash floating near you hovered in place, completely weightless.
The Mangkwan warriors who had survived the blast scrambled backward in sheer terror, dropping their weapons as they stared at you. To them, you were not just a warrior; you were an avatar of the Mother’s wrath.
"What is this?" Lo'ak gasped from the upper deck, dropping to his knees to look over the ledge. Jake and Neytiri stood frozen nearby, their bows lowered, eyes wide as they took in the energy rolling off you.
You did not look at the Ash raiders, nor did you acknowledge the quiet murmurs of the crowd. Your focus was entirely on Neteyam.
Slowly, the blinding glow beneath your skin began to soften, settling into a calm, steady pulse. You took a single step toward him, your bare feet making no sound against the rough, ruined wood.
"Neteyam," you spoken softly.
Your voice hit him not just through his ears, but like a warm wave washing directly over his soul. It was the same voice that had whispered secrets beneath the home tree, the same voice that had faded away on the cold rocks of the reef.
"You..." Neteyam choked out, his voice breaking as he finally found his breath. He scrambled to his feet, trembling so violently he had to lean against the frame of the platform for support. "How are you... I held you. I felt your spirit leave..."
"Eywa took my breath," you said gently, extending a hand toward him. The bioluminescent tendrils on your skin shimmered softly as you reached out. "But she did not break our bond. When your grief reached the roots of the world, she answered. I am here because you held onto me."
Neteyam looked down at your extended hand, tears finally spilling over his eyelashes and cutting clean tracks through the gray soot on his cheeks. He reached out with a shaky hand, hesitant, terrified that his fingers would pass right through you like smoke.
When his skin touched yours, a sudden shockwave of warmth rushed up his arm. You were solid. You were real. He could feel the pulse of your blood, echoing in perfect rhythm with the deep hum of the planet beneath you.
He didn't care about the war, the Ash clan, or his family watching from above. Neteyam pulled you into his arms, burying his face into the crook of your neck as a ragged, violent sob tore from his chest. He held you with everything he had, as if letting go for even a second would cause the universe to pull you back into the dark.
You wrapped your arms tight around his back, pressing your forehead against his shoulder. The intense power radiating from you dissolved into a soft, comforting warmth, shielding him from the cold wind and the ash-filled sky.
Above them, Jake slowly walked to the edge of the upper platform, looking down at the two of you with profound awe, while Neytiri pressed a hand over her mouth, a single tear slipping down her face as she realized that the Great Mother had granted her eldest son a miracle.
Neteyam clung to you, his fingers digging into your shoulders as if trying to anchor you to the physical world. For months, his heart had been a hollow chamber filled only with cold sea water and quiet guilt. Now, filled with the impossible warmth of your presence, he finally breathed for what felt like the first time since that terrible day on the reef.
"I am never letting you go again," he whispered into your hair, his voice raw, fierce, and entirely unbroken for the first time in a year. "Never."
You smiled against his neck, the soft bioluminescent light of your skin pulsing in a steady, calming rhythm that slowly spread outward. The quiet magic of your deep bond with Eywa washed over the entire Tlalim beast, soothing the wounded traders, calming the panicked flight of the giant airborne creature, and scattering the remaining Ash clan raiders into the clouds like leaves in a gale.
Jake slowly descended the wooden ladder, placing a heavy, grounding hand on Neteyam’s shoulder, while Neytiri knelt beside the two of you, her eyes soft with reverence and relief. There were a thousand questions hanging in the air, about how you had returned, the vast power hummed beneath your skin, and what this meant for the war ahead.
But as the Tlalim beast broke through the thick gray smoke into the golden light of the upper sky, none of those questions mattered.
The forest lay ahead of them, vast and green, waiting to welcome them home. Neteyam pulled back just enough to look into your golden eyes, seeing not just his mate, but his future restored. He intertwined his fingers with yours, holding tight as the wind carried you both toward a new beginning.
