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nokiatelava · 10 months ago

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✿✿My People✿✿

Author’s Note - Hi again! I don’t have much to say I think!! I think this one is gonna be a bit long.. Longgggg.. But I hope you all enjoy the story!

Summary - Today is the day you absolutely dreaded. You’re moving away, and your father is stepping down from Olo’eyktan. Now Awpxey’s parents had made their decision, and you’re all ears waiting for him to tell you.

Warnings - crying, mentions of a knife, mentions of a cut, kissing, actually moving, flashback from getting kidnapped, anxiety, throwing up, small fainting spells, girl having a crush on a girl, comfort

That morning, you woke up feeling heavy. Incredibly heavy.

You sighed as you continued to fake sleep, hoping to catch more of a desired slumber.

“Y/n.” You hear a voice. “Y/n, wake up.” Soon after you feel a hand come down onto your shoulder, shaking you gently.

Scrunching your face you open your eyes, your vision is blurry at first and it scares you.

It reminds you of that night all those weeks ago.

Your breath picks up more as you still could barely see.

You shot up to sit up straight, your arms coming out in front of you to feel around your surroundings.

Your body is slowly becoming more frantic and you’re panicking.

“Hey, hey. I’m right here, it’s okay, it’s okay.” Your arms are pushed down before your head is placed onto someone’s shoulder.

“D-dad?” Your voice is weak as your chest rises and fell quickly.

“I’m right here, it’s me babygirl. It’s okay.”

You closed your eyes as you reveled silently in your father’s arms. His warm hand rubbing your back up and down worked to calm you down.

“Sorry dad.. I just got scared because I couldn’t see..” You whispered embarrassingly.

“Don’t apologize for it Y/n. I know what happened that night was really, really scary.” You nodded against Jake’s shoulder, closing your eyes and taking a deep breath.

After a minute of silence you couldn’t hold it back anymore.

“I don’t wanna leave.” You let out a sob, tears falling onto the crook of your dad’s shoulder.

“I know babygirl, I know. I don’t want to leave either.” Jake’s voice became a bit shaky as he really thought about the situation.

Of course your going to be sad you have to leave. You were born here, raised here, had all of your good and bad moments here.

Because of the Sky People, you are being ripped away from your home, family, and life.

The future you had planned for yourself now is completely ruined.

Those bastards have ruined everything for you.

What they did to you that night has left you traumatized and full of scars.

A scarred state of mind and a scarred body.

You can’t go to bed peacefully at the thought of the terrors that haunt you. You can’t even wake up without a skipping heart from a simple tap on the shoulder.

“What they did to me that night wasn’t right dad.” You shook your head as the tears only fell more.

Jake only nodded, rocking you in his arms as the tears in his eyes started to spill over.

“You’re here now, and I got you. I’m not going anywhere Y/n.” You let out a small smile at your father’s reassuring words.

“I’m gonna be here to protect you always.”

“Thank you dad.” You pulled away from the hug, still smiling. “I love you.”

“I love you more Y/n.”

Jake caught sight of the remaining tears left on your sleeked cheeks, so he brought his hands to cup your face, and gently swiped his fingers under your eyes.

“He’s cleaning your tears for you just like he had done when you were a baby.” Another voice is heard from behind you, you look to see it’s your mom, a small smile on her face as she looked at the scene in front of her.

“You were always falling, scraping your knees.” Neytiri kneeled down next to you, brushing loose strands of your hair behind your ear.

“You always tried to be a little tough guy. Holding your tears and not looking any of us in the face.” Jake laughed as he recounted the many memories.

“I was just embarrassed!” You defended yourself.

“You never complain when you’re in pain Y/n, and that scares us.” You looked at your mother.

“It scares you guys?” You asked quizzically, and Jake nodded quickly. “A lot.”

You huffed as you thought about it. There has been a lot, a lot, of times where you’ve been in pain and have never said anything.

“Sorry guys..” Your ears fold down as you feel a sense of disappointment in yourself, but your parents smile as they hug you.

“Stop apologizing Y/n.” They said in sync.

Next thing you know, other hands and bodies are felt toppling onto your hug.

“Yeah sis, you should cut that out.”

“Lo’ak, I’m gonna be nice to you this once.” You sigh in warning, rolling your eyes.

After making sure you, and everyone else had their stuff.

It was now the time to do the most difficult thing in your life.

The ceremony of your father stepping down from Olo’eyktan was soon, and you couldn’t stomach it.

Your body only felt the need to churn itself more as the sight of Awpxey came into view.

Your shoulders sagged as he got closer to you.

“If you came to tell me bad news, just don’t say anything.” All Awpxey did was hug you.

And you had obviously interpreted that wrong, thinking without asking.

You wiped your eyes as your lip quivered intensely, sniffling like a wild animal.

“I’m gonna miss you so much.” Your voice was faded and broken as you shook in his hug.

“No, no, no, no, no! Y/n, Y/n I’m so sorry I didn’t mean for it to come off like that.” Awpxey moved back and held your face in his hands.

“I’m going with you.”

It was like a heaven in your ears, as if an angel was actively talking to you.

“Really? Y-you are?” You grabbed onto his forearms to keep your balance as what he said made you dizzy.

“Yes Y/n I am, I swear!” You cupped his face, bringing him into a passionate kiss.

You weren’t really thinking much about where you were while you were freely kissing your boyfriend.

You pulled away from the kiss. “Awpxey where are your parents? I-I have to say thank you to them. I have to because they’re letting you come with me and we’re going so far.”

You scratched your head as you moved away, trying to peer into the huge crowd of people who were awaiting the ceremony to start. Trying to spot Itxä and Puo.

“We’ll find them later, okay?” He pulled your hand gently from your head, holding them in both of his hands.

You looked into his eyes, smiling giddily.

“I’m excited..” You whisper, pulling your hand to cover your smile.

“I am too.” Awpxey’s ears twitched as your laugh registered in his head.

“I’m really thankful for your parents you know… For letting you actually come with me.” You swallowed as you looked down.

“You’ve gotten me to open up. A lot. And with something like this, all I need is support.” You started to nervously chew your lip as you thought carefully for your words.

“I don’t have a lot left to give Awpxey..” Your throat started to hurt as it felt like it was closing in on itself.

“If I had to be there by myself, I don’t think I would have talked ever again.” Your voice broke. “I love you a lot Awpxey. And you have done so, so much for me. And I can’t thank you enough.”

Awpxey smiled at your words, reaching his hands up and wiping your tears away. “Don’t cry for me Y/n.. I’m happy I’m going with you. I’m going to be here to support you forever.” You laughed through your tears, nodding while you wiped you eye.

“I’ve cried a lot today already.” You laugh embarrassed. Awpxey laughed, “have you?”

You nodded, “oh yeah. Started right after I woke up.” You shook your head as you wiped your hands on your loincloth.

“Today is a stressful day Y/n, it is not your fault.” You fiddled with your hands awkwardly.

“Can I have a hug Awpxey?” You physically felt like leering the other way because of the question.

Awpxey only grinned. Without a word he wrapped his arms around you, squeezing you close to him.

You returned the gesture back, letting a deep breath go as you tried to mentally prepare yourself for what was to come.

Your father looked on from afar, watching how you and Awpxey interacted.

He doesn’t know exactly how to feel.

He’s happy, happy his first babygirl has found the love from somebody she wants.

He’s angry, angry as he feels like your being taken away from him, angry as he feels like his love wasn’t enough.

He’s sad, sad as he realizes you have finally grown up, you are no longer a baby. No longer crawling around, no longer sucking your thumb, he’s no longer rocking you to sleep.

His fingers twitch as he remembers what it was like picking you up. You were the chubbiest baby out of all your siblings. Lo’ak not to far behind.

In the end, all Jake did was let out a soft, small smile.

He is happy.

Your fingers shook as you had them held tightly to your sides. Watching closely as your father stood in front of the young warrior he was passing his title over to, Tarsem.

Your heart pounded hardly in your chest, the harmonic beat loud in your ears.

You watched as Mo’at spoke, her words going in one ear and out the other.

You couldn’t stand the moment of silence, the moment of silence right before the knife Tarsem held came down to your father’s chest.

The scream Tarsem let out rattled through you. You were so jumpy, too antsy. Your eyes wide open as you looked on in a somewhat fearful way.

Awpxey’s hand came around and fell lightly onto your lower back. “It’s okay Y/n, just breathe tìyawn, breathe.” You let out a breath you had no idea you were holding.

Your father is no longer Olo’eyktan.

Your mother’s head fell as she began to cry. You were quick to wrap yourself around her, holding her head to your shoulder.

Your heart continued to pump harshly in your chest, and Awpxey stood right behind you, his hand rubbing your shoulder warmly.

You tried your hardest to hold your tears, but it was impossible.

When your father stood back up straight, wails were audible from the crowd.

The people were almost just as sad as you. The Olo’eyktan they’ve had for almost two decades now has to step down early.

Their Toruk Makto is leaving. The man who had led them to victory against the Sky People 17 years ago.

When your family approached the crowd, the people split just like the sea. Allowing your family to walk through the middle.

People turned their heads to hide their crying faces, children watched on in sadness as they had to see you leave.

Many cried.

Not only did you babysit, but you also taught a group of children.

They loved you like you were family, and you the same. So to hear their cries for you only broke your heart more.

You had to force yourself to walk forward.

Soon, you were approaching where you all were supposed to meet your ikran.

That was until you seen Itxä and Puo.

Your knees started to feel weak and you didn’t know what to do. When you finally got close enough, you were able to see their happy but saddened faces.

“Thank you so much for letting Awpxey come with us.” You look between the both of them, your hands coming to rest over your heart. “I am forever grateful.”

Itxä smiled at you, pulling you into a hug. “I know our son loves you very much. He wouldn’t have taken no for an answer regardless of what we could have said.” You both laughed, rocking in the hug.

When you separated, you turned to Puo, the small smile you had still on your face.

“Take care of yourself Y/n. Remember to take time for yourself.” You nodded at Puo’s kind words, pulling him into a hug also.

You left to give Awpxey time with his parents. So you walked towards your grandmother, who was busying herself with petting Azraa’s head.

“Grandma.” You called, playing nervously with your shawl. Mo’at turned to look at you quickly, a bitter smile on her face.

“We are leaving soon, I wanted to say goodbye one last time.” Your grandmother only nodded, her throat too dry to force words out.

“Protect yourself over there Y/n. If you need to, always separate yourself if you need time to heal.”

“Here,” she pointed to your chest, insinuating your heart. “And here.” Placing her finger directly in the middle of your forehead.

You wrapped your arms around her, hugging her tightly.

“I’m gonna miss you grandma..” You whisper, biting back the new wave of tears.

“I will miss you too Y/n.” The two of you talked for a little bit before the rest of your family finally re-grouped and Awpxey came along.

You noticed his face was red, and you knew immediately he had to have been crying. But you didn’t say anything out loud, not wanting to put him on the spot.

Though, you did brush a finger over one of his knuckles as you stood together.

Your hands intertwined when your father started speaking.

“The journey to the clan we’re moving to is a long one.” Your dad looked through all of you. “About 5 days.” Your dad sighed.

Tuk let out an exaggerated groan, “why does it have to take so long?” Jake smiled as he responded. “So we can be safe Tuk, we need to be far away from here.” His hand came down to her head, softly running his hand through her braids.

“So we won’t make it there by tomorrow?” Her childish innocence make your heart slow a bit. She still doesn’t even know what is completely going on.

“No, we won’t make it by tomorrow Tuk.” Neytiri laughed as she reached under Tuk’s armpits, picking her up.

“You want to ride with Mama?” She spoke to Tuk kindly as she walked towards her ikran, Tuk’s nods being visible from far away.

“Let’s head out now..” Your dad merely whispered, walking with his head down as he approached his ikran, Bob.

You looked at Awpxey, nodding before exchanging a quick kiss — though it was more peck like.

You all mounted your respective ikran, flying towards the edge of the forest.

When you all were far enough, you turned to see the view.

And oh my Eywa was it beautiful.

You wished you could have enjoyed the beauty under best circumstances. This will probably be the first and last time you ever get to see a beautiful, full view of your home.

You try not to acknowledge that information as you turn around on your Ikran, facing forward ready to try and embrace this change.

The journey was tough.

Some days were hard as your family had to travel through storms. You had never seen the ocean before,and you were shocked to how angry it could get. The waves would hit high, the strikes of sounds that violently percussed off the rocks when the waves hit them punched a sense of fear in your stomach.

At one point while you were flying over a rock, a very, very strong wave reached up, going past Azraa’s stomach — her whole body — which had gotten you both drenched in saltwater, and had also pulled you down towards the relentless, unforgiving sea below.

After that, you had made sure to stay clear of being too close.

On the last day of your flight, you sighed in exhaustion as your butt felt so sore, your head feeling dizzy while your stomach turned.

At least it was sunny outside.

It was early in the day, which was great because it would give the clan you’re coming to a whole day to warm up to you. You gained the knowledge that the clan’s species was Metkayina, and the village you will be asking to live in is called, Awa’atlu.

When the island had finally came into sight, all you could do was smile. The feeling of going up and down and the swaying of flying made you feel sick, although you loved to fly, it was an action that wasn’t meant to be used long.

When you had flown over the tide pools and pass some living spaces, a loud conch was blown.

Multiple times.

It felt like the vibrations were traveling throughout your whole body, your stomach dropping as a nauseous feeling crawled up your throat.

When landing, the feeling of not being in the air felt foreign, and your body leaned forward, slumping as you blacked out for 3 seconds max. Coming to, you got off your Ikran, disconnecting from the overdue Tsaheylu, making your kuru feel sore.

People gathered quickly, spears held up towards the Sun, making the dangerous weapons glint with a deceiving shine.

Your legs shook like jello as you walked, and you held onto the gear around Azraa to keep you steady. That was until a hand wrapped around your bicep, pulling you in.

Without looking you immediately laid your head against that person’s shoulder, already knowing who it was.

“Awpxey..” You licked your dry lips as you shook your head. “I feel sick. I don’t feel good at all.”

Awpxey only rubbed your back, noticing the way your skin felt clammy as he tried thinking of something to say that won’t make you feel worse.

“We won’t be here for long Y/n, we only need to be granted the permission of sanctuary, and then you can sleep.” He whispered quietly into your ear, deciding on that as he knew how tired you must feel.

You sighed, thinking negatively and wondering what would happen if you weren't granted Uturu.

What do you do then? Are you supposed to just hold through and fly for Eywa knows how long until you finally fall upon a village that will take you in?

Your thoughts were interrupted when a creature flew over the heads of your family. You didn't put effort in ducking. Your knees were too weak and you knew that the person commanding the animal was not going to hit your family on purpose.

A man had climbed of the loud screeching creature. And by the outfit and accessories he had on, he had to be the Olo’eyktan.

And he obviously was because as soon as he was close enough, your father had greeted him with his hand coming to his forehead and down with a small bow. Looking behind himself to make sure the rest of you were following him in front of the watchful eyes of the clan.

“Olo’eyktan Tonowari, Oel Ngati Kameie.”

The Olo’eyktan was kind, he looks kind, and he was quick to greet your father, and all of you back the same way.

“Jake Sully, Oel Ngati Kameie.”

As your father and Tonowari got to talking, you closed your eyes. Trying to level your breathing and calm the waves of nausea that flipped your stomach.

Your attention was taken as you heard the shuffling of sand, and an increase of the murmurs from the clan that was gathered around you.

You reluctantly peeled your eyes open, they burned from the duration of time they were forced to be held open.

You noticed the crowd parting, making way for a figure that hasn’t yet meet your sight. Though you gained an idea as you heard the melodic rattle of what seemed to have been seashells.

Your theory was proven right when a woman had exited the crowd, her pace was slow and she walked cautiously, watching every single one of you.

You could barely focus on the conversation that was happening between your parents and the clan leaders. The only thing you could do was try to ignore the way the Sun beat your back, the usual warm, sunny feeling felt dreadful as it spread an uncomfortable heat throughout your body. This only made the feeling in your stomach worsen, your face tightened, your eyebrows stiff together.

Awpxey felt it against his shoulder, and he turned to you, concerned. “Y/n?” He seen your expression, and quickly wiped a hand against your forehead, a cold sweat was the outcome against his fingertips.

“Shit.” He mumbled, “hold on for me tìyawn, please.” Awpxey adjusted your body, holding you in a way that was comfortable for both of you as he felt your body start to slack.

“Awpxey.. ‘M s-so tired.” Your teeth chattered as your eyes began to close. “Hey, hey Y/n, can you stay awake for me?” Your eyes barely moved, but Awpxey had seen that Amber yellow and was satisfied,

He ran a hand through your sweaty hair, wanting to find a place to kiss you that wouldn’t bother you.

Before he even could, the Tsahìk was standing in front of you both, she looked at you closely.

Eywa has said something to her in her heart about you, she took a liking to you. But looking at the state you were in, it tugged her heartstrings.

It… Shifted something within her.

But before any actions were made, you couldn’t hold back the bile that emitted from your stomach.

It fell right into the sand.

Right in front of the Tsahìk’s feet.

Soon after, your legs gave out, knees buckling as you fell into the sand, Awpxey falling with you while holding you close.

“I-I’m so sorry.” You chattered out.

How embarrassing…

Though after, your heart drooping to your ass as you realized this whole little thing could jeopardize your family staying here.

The Tsahìk was quick though.

“You,” she pointed to Awpxey. “Follow my healers to one of the healing maruis, I will continue here.”

You were pulled up slowly by Awpxey, as he followed two women who stepped from the crowd.

Your father looked as he seen you walk away, your legs barely strong enough to hold you up.

It made him ridicule himself.

How had he not noticed? How had he not seen you become like this when you hopped off Azraa?

His own questions floated, floated in what seems like a pit of too many things to remember and too many things to be doing.

It’s like if his brain is running out of storage, his head working up too much.

The bouncy sensations of the walkways that allowed the Metkayina to walk around their village did little, but a lot to help you.

As you walked, the bouncing gave you a bit of a cooling sensation from the warm sweat you felt breaking out on your body, but it sure as hell didn’t help that twisting feeling in your stomach.

You still felt sick.

By the time you had finally made it to the healing tents, and by the time the women had placed a good sized bowl in front of you… You had thrown up again into it, filling it up almost halfway. The healers looked shocked, but tried their best to just continue setting up whatever they needed to make a salve for you.

Awpxey held and guided your body to a free mat in the corner, trying to shade you from the Sun peeking harshly into the marui.

One of the young healers looked on at you two in a curious bewilderment. Watching the way Awpxey sweetly spoke to you and comforted you.

Is this what love looks like?

A gentle snap in front of her face was what she got as her answer.

“Aiya!” Another young healer whispered yelled the girl’s name, calling her attention and giggling at how she looked at the both of you.

“Instead of gawking, finish grinding the powder so we can add it to the medicine!” The young girl’s cheeks darkened at the word gawking.

What gawking? She wasn’t gawking was she?

“R-Right sorry! I wasn’t gawking though!” With a reluctant breath Aiya grounded the powder until it was thinner than it was before, slowly pouring and mixing it in with the medicine they were to give you.

“How about you go take it to her Eiya? Since you, you know, enjoyed staring at them earlier.” One girl joked, and even though it was supposed to be a joke. All the other girls quickly agreed, handing the medicine to Aiya before nudging her forward, and just leaving.

And leaving. Leaving. They just left, just like that. What friends they are. They know how hard it is for her to talk to strangers.

She walked hastily, trying her best to bring you the medicine to make you feel better without spilling it.

When she reached Awpxey’s back, she poked him.

“Mh.. Give this to her, have her drink it.” She held out the small bowl, and Awpxey took it gently, explaining what you needed to do before softly placing the bowl in front of your mouth.

Aiya wanted him to work quicker. She wanted to see you get better. She had this foreign, impatient urge to… Talk to you.

When you finally finished drinking the medicine, Awpxey making sure you had every last drop, you had taken a deep breath.

The twist in your stomach started to disappear, your skin started to feel less moist and finally cooled down, feeling how it usually did any day in the Sun.

“Wow..” You whispered astonished. “I feel so much better already!” You looked between Aiya and Awpxey.

“Thank you so much for that medicine, it’s really working!” You smiled at Aiya, slowly scanning your eyes around her face.

She’s really pretty.

It wasn’t said out loud, but you and Aiya had thought it at the same time as each other. But only looking into each others eyes, you both knew exactly what the other thought.

Awpxey noticed how the both of you seemed to have clicked, though he didn’t say anything, just let it play out as he noticed you and Aiya begin to smile shyly at each other.

The scene was interrupted when the Tsahìk came walking in, it was only now that you noticed her round belly. How did you not notice it earlier?

The Tsahìk’s eyes lock onto yours, and she stepped close to you. “Come, Y/n.” You were shocked at the fact she somehow even knew your name.

But you quickly didn’t care anymore, as you remembered that you were not there when the Olo’eyktan and the Tsahìk were deciding to either let your family stay, or leave.

When you finally get up, you stand next to her, impatient.

“I come to know your name now, but I forget his.” She nudges her chin towards Awpxey. “What is his name?”

Is she playing games with you? Knowing that you want to know whether you were granted Uturu or not. Yet instead she’s asking for your boyfriend’s name.

“Awpxey. His name is Awpxey.” You rush out.

She nodded, humming a quiet “hm” before she ushered him up with her hand.

“Come, let’s go.” Now you were really nervous.

Though you all paused when she turned around and faced the girl that was in the tent.

“Aiya, you come too.” You noticed how the girl’s face was at first shocked, then lit up. Her ears perked and listening as her tail swished lowly behind her.

Now it had to have been fine if she was coming too right?

You tried not to dwell on it too much as you followed the Tsahìk on the walkways, noticing you were walking deeper into the village and through the many maruis that were built over the mangrove roots.

She was leading you to a tent, right? This definitely isn’t the way you came. There’s no way she’s leading you out.

Awpxey noticed the furrow in your brow and had reached to hold your hand, holding it in that way you both found comfortable for the uneven amount of fingers you both had.

Aiya walked behind, her stomach warm as she watched the both of you hold hands.

She wants to hold your hand…

Her eyes widened as she rubbed her forehead, trying to wipe away those thoughts.

It had to be the stress and lack of sleep she has from becoming a healer. Right? Yeah, that’s it.

Suddenly, she stopped right in front of a tent not to far from the edge of the walkways.

The ocean was not too far, and the view looked so beautiful from where you stood.

When you had looked into the tent, before your foot even hit the floor of the inside, your father was rushing towards you.

“Y/n,” his hands came to your cheeks, holding your face and examining you lightly. “You feeling okay?” His tone only held worry as his eyes stayed focus on you.

You nodded with a small smile. “I’m okay dad, swear.”

His eyebrows dropped in relief, a breath exiting his mouth. “I’m sorry for not noticing babygirl, I’m sorry.” You shook your head, grabbing onto one of his hands on your face.

“It’s okay dad, it really is. You’re stressed, I know you are. And this really came out of no where, the sickness. Either way, I feel so much better now, promise.”

With a small smile, you held out your pinky, joining it with your dad. A happy little tradition your father taught you and the rest of your siblings.

Neytiri watched on behind your father with a smile. Watching how you and your father slowly started to get closer emotionally and bond more.

It made her happy, knowing that you want to be with the family more often.

Eywa knows how broken Jake was when you had separated yourself from everyone and everything at the ripe age of 12.

When you walked deeper into the marui, you thought it was beautiful. It was definitely different, something you were not used to.

But you knew that life comes with change. And with change comes adaptions and arranging.

You took a deep breath, looking around smiling at everybody. It was really pretty in here, and the floor felt good against your feet.

Neteyam huffed a small laugh as he walked past you. “I guess Y/n likes it.” You laughed as you bumped his shoulder as he walked by.

When you turned back to the entrance, the Tsahìk and Aiya were gone.

About an hour later, when you all were almost done with placing your belongings down and putting your stuff down to sleep, your dad called a ‘Sully Family Meeting’.

Lo’ak must have known because he was a hair away from successfully leaving the tent before Neteyam chased him out, and pulling him back in.

Kiri had an attitude as Neytiri called her, responding with a moody, “what”. As she sat down.

Tuk kneeled over a covered crate next to Jake, playing with her fingers as she took deep breaths.

After a moment of silence your dad had gotten serious. “I need you kids on your best behavior, I mean it.” He looked through all of you.

“Learn fast, pull your weight.” He looked straight into Lo’ak’s eyes as he said. “Don’t cause trouble, got it.”

Lo’ak responded with a ‘yes sir’ as he knew the demand was targeted towards him.

Neteyam chuckled before he reached over, squeezing the base of Lo’ak’s neck, pulling his hand back when Lo’ak hissed to him.

Lo’ak receiving a side-eye in return.

Though you didn’t pay much attention to that as Tuk spoke up, tears in her eyes as she stated she wanted to go home.

“Aw Tuk.” Your mother looked at her with sorrow, the same sorrow she felt in her heart.

Jake took her hand, holding one of her fingers. “Tuk.. This is our home now.” He paused before a spoke again.

“Now, we’re gonna get through this.” He nodded surely, Neytiri following along also.

“We’re gonna get through this if we have each others backs, alright?” Your mother cut in, adding a quiet, “what does your father always say?”

Hesitantly looking around, waiting for someone else to speak, you all said. “Sully’s stick together.”

Though it was all out of sync..

Your dad nodded, “yeah that’s right Sully’s stick together.” He looked at Neytiri before turning back to look at all of you.

“Now this time with some feeling, yeah?” Within a few seconds you all were repeating the quote, “Sully’s stick together”, a bit louder.

Although it was still out of sync, the effort from the rest of you was present.

Kiri was doing her own thing while she said it though. You could tell that she was feeling really dejected by moving away from the forest. Hell you were too, but you tried to tune your mind to accepting that there was no changing this.

Like your dad said, this is our home now.

As the rest of the day passed, you wondered what nightfall looked like around the village. You stayed around the exit of the marui, watching the sky as it darkened little by little.

Eclipse looked the same as it did from the forest — and that made you smile — though the environment was obviously different.

You wondered if sleeping here would feel more relaxing, since you’ve always heard people fall asleep to the sounds of the ocean. You decided on just not thinking about so you’ll be more patient. You couldn’t wait to see for yourself.

Falling asleep was not easy.

Though the sounds of the ocean moving directly under your new home was nice, it was.. So different.

You weren’t entirely used too it, at all.

You know it’s going to take a while to adapt.

The next morning after a quiet breakfast, the Olo’eyktan and Tsahìk’s son and daughter, Ao’nung and Tsireya came to retrieve you and your siblings to begin training they had a friend with them, you heard his name to be Rotxo.

And you had noticed the pretty healer was with them to, Aiya was her name right?

When you approached the waters edge, the four of them dived in, you and Awpxey looking quickly at each other before diving in next.

When you had opened your eyes under water, you were shocked, entranced at the beauty that was fulfilled in the ocean.

It was beautiful. So beautiful.

You could get used to this, you smiled. Oh definitely.

Awpxey and Aiya quietly stared, looking at you and how your beauty and essence seemed to mix in with the Sea of Pandora.

Looking over at Awpxey, you smiled, a few bubbles coming out your mouth as you reached your hand out to him. He took it happily, and you pulled him down towards the sea floor, deciding on wanting to look closely at the small animals that swam about.

Tsireya watched Aiya look at you and Awpxey attentively before she made a small clicking noise with her mouth, making Aiya turn to her.

Tsireya signed a worried ‘are you okay’ to her, waiting for an answer.

Aiya nodded quickly, signing back ‘I’m okay! Just looking at them, they are so cute together!’ Her face turning to a light shade of purple, though Tsireya only seen it as the waters reflection.

One thing about Aiya, she was good at playing certain things off.

Tsireya nodded happily in agreement before turning around and swimming off to catch up to the other siblings.

Aiya turned to the direction you and Awpxey were before, though she was only met with the sight of coral, a slight frown forming on her face.

That was before she had gotten a plan.

You were ecstatic, the little specimens that passed you and Awpxey every second made you kick your feet harder to swim with them, being careful touching certain things as you don’t know what’s good or what’s bad yet.

Your head turned quickly when you seen a certainly big figure move in your peripheral. You looked closely to see it was hair flowing as someone swam around.

From the outfit you could see it was Aiya, you swam towards her, going to her front to wave happily at her. Awpxey catching up a few minutes later as he was playing with a snail.

Aiya waved to the both of you, a smile on her face as she started moving her hands in a foreign motion.

Was it sign language? This looks a bit different though… You had learned the basics of sign language when you were younger and would visit Hell’s Gate with your father, but that was American Sign Language.

Was she signing in Na’vi? Your eyebrows furrowed in confusion as you tried to decipher what she was saying.

She seemed to notice your confusion and pointed up to the surface of the water, and made a ‘come’ motion.

You nodded, kicking up to the surface and taking a deep breath as you reached the top.

She popped up next, then Awpxey. Keeping yourself afloat you had asked her, “is that sign language? What you had used while we were under?”

She nodded, “it was! Sorry for just thinking you understand right away.” You shook your head, smiling. “It’s okay, when I was younger I was taught sign language but never in Na’vi, I only know the basic stuff in English.” You giggled.

She laughed too, “I should teach you! Well, if you want me to? It might be useful.” She looked at you, waiting for you to say what you think.

“No, yeah definitely! That would be great!” You agreed immediately. Aiya looked a bit shy as she brought her hand slightly out of the water, pointing lightly behind you to Awpxey. “And him? Does he want to learn too?”

Looking behind yourself, you seen Awpxey staring up at the sky his eyes scrunched from the Sun as you can tell he was looking at the clouds.

You turned back towards her, laughing. “He’s a bit dumb, but I think he’ll like learning.” She smiled, nodding. “Let’s go to those group of rocks over there, there is a few more things you need to learn, like breathing.”

Following her, you had to turn around to bring Awpxey as he stayed looking at the sky, messing with him you pulled his hair, making him gasp as he attempted to chase you.

As Aiya stood on the rocks, she was able to see how quickly you were able to evade Awpxey in the water.

Laughing and out of breath you climbed onto the rock she was standing on, you paused as you seen her hand outstretched, but you grabbed it just in time because when she pulled you up Awpxey appeared right where you were.

Your heart was pumping amd you held your hand over it as you realized where he was. “He almost grabbed me Aiya, you saved me.” She was smiling amd nodding, but her heart felt like it was about to fall through her rib cage.

You were still holding her hand.

The cool water that was dripping from her hair to her body did nothing to cool down her skin that was beginning to grow hot.

When Awpxey was now trying to climb up the rock, she held out her hand again, acting without thinking. She was close to letting out a squeak as Awpxey clapped his hand against hers, the both of them pulling at each other to get him on the rock.

You knew.

You knew you were still holding her hand, and you swung her hand back and forth in yours, letting her know you were fully aware.

“Hey Aiya?” She turned to you, her neck stiff as tried to ignore her hand swinging together with yours. “Yeah Y/n?”

“Can we all swim a bit more? I really like how it looks underwater.” You smile shyly.

“Of course!” She nodded, you don’t have to ask me, let’s go.” You skipped excitedly to the end of the rock, making sure there wasn’t any other ones you looked at the two of them.

“Let’s jump at the same time!” Awpxey nodded quickly, tightening his hold on Aiya’s hand before lining all of you up.

Aiya’s heart was going through an overdrive. What is even happening?

After a quick countdown she was now submerged, which put her back into reality quick. Swimming through the water she found you in front of her, swimming towards the ground again.

She noticed you liked playing with the coral, running your hands over the bumpy edges and following the small fish that swam by.

After swimming around and playing for a bit, there was a clicking noise heard underwater. From what you could decipher it sounded like an animal, so you looked around curiously, expectantly.

The clicking didn’t raise anything for alarms, the clicking sounded sweet, almost as if it were only calling out. Trying to track where it was coming from, you spotted something move underwater,

You squinted your eyes quickly trying to focus, it went behind a big section of coral that wasn’t too far from in front of you, so you swam toward it.

Several seconds passed, and then a creature, almost as resembling as an ikran came from around the corner.

Your eyes widened in excitement as a smile pulled onto your face.

The animal swam towards you, gliding through the water gracefully as it approached you, placing its face close to yours, making you “cheek”-cheek with the still clicking animal.

In this moment you were beyond ecstatic, seeing a sea creature this beautiful approach you so calmly and swim around you as it nuzzled itself into your cheek.

You noticed the animals Tsaheylu pocket and gripped it gently, grabbing your queue from behind your head before you connected them softly.

Tsaheylu underwater was no joke, you almost swallowed gallons of water trying to get used to the familiar though unfamiliar sensation that was passing through your nerves system.

Testing, you gave the soft direction to swim up to the surface, and up you went, put not blazing fast. The animal pulled you at a soft but firm pace, bringing you to the oceans top like you had asked.

As you surfaced, you gasped for air before letting out an excited squeak. Looking around for any signs of Awpxey and Aiya also resurfacing. When they popped out of the water next, they both had huge thrilled smiles.

“Y/n!” They called out at the same time before swimming to you, racing somewhat.

“Guys! Guys! Look it! Look what I got!” The creature you still did not know the name of spun you on its back, letting out its own excited trills of sounds.

“Good job Y/n! The way it approached you so easily, she sensed you!” Aiya subconsciously reached for your hand. “She sensed your kind energy and strong heart.” Aiya rambled with a smile. Awpxey swam up next to the both of you, placing his hand on your knee. “Good job Tìyawn, see? You always claim you are not that special, but here we are!”

You thanked him, looking down at the creature with a shy smile, a blush accompanying your face. “What are they called?” You looked up to Aiya, softly petting the creature’s rough skin.

“They are called Ilu. A common sea animal used by many of the Metkayina for hunting, traveling and such.” You nodded, listening intently.

“They are so beautiful..” You whispered, silently admiring the eye of your Ilu, that was before she squeaked, showing her excitement.

Mid-day was approaching, and swimming for hours on end left you starved. So for lunch you and your family returned to your maruì.

For Aiya though, she thought it as unfortunate that you and Awpxey had to part ways with her.

Was it selfish? Somewhat, right?

She shook the thoughts in her head away as she was telling herself you both had to leave. Obviously to eat and nourish yourself so she can see you.

After you completely inhaled your lunch as you bragged and raved about how you tamed an Ilu, you happily stepped out your new living space.

Squinting your eyes against the Sun, you all walked to the area you agreed to meet Ao’nung and Tsireya at, you didn’t fail to see the way Lo’ak’s slouched shoulders straightened quickly once she came into view.

Hm. You tried to hold in a smile as you looked at the back of his head.

Looks like Lo’ak’s got a crush.

The rest of the day was spent learning how to properly hold your breath, learning more facts about the Ilu you are learning to ride, and information and traditions of the Metkayina.

As eclipse started to approach everyone headed home.

Everyone but you, Aiya, and Awpxey.

All the way until the stars infiltrated the sky, the three of you sat and talked about any and everything.

Maybe adapting won’t be so hard.

Hi everyone! Thank you so much for reading all this!! I did say it was going to be a long one, but I hoped you enjoyed it! Sorry for taking so long to update!! Two months? I’m actually sorry because during those 2 months I have gained many followers and I feel like I’m not doing much! So this is me back in commission!! Also, how do you guys feel about Aiya? How should I continue with her? But anyway! Thank you for reading 🤍!!

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